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AIETEUR

Guyana tells UN:

Ceasefire in Gaza cannot wait another day

February 02, 2024 - Vol. 26 No. 05

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

Friday Edition Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 46,557

Insurance in place for construction of Prime Minister tells Parliament:

Gas-to-Energy project Hero’s welcome

(see story on back page)

Woman arrested for allegedly setting fire to Norton St. house Govt. notes Venezuela's violation of agreement to host free and fair elections ...mum for now on wider implications for Guyana

Govt. to strengthen laws to better 53

Windies Test fast bowler, Shamar Joseph arrived in Guyana to a hero’s welcome last evening

supervise oil sector

Judge to rule in two weeks on whether court can direct EPA to release Exxon US$2 billion guarantee for oil spills

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Friday February 02, 2024

Kaieteur News

Judge to rule in two weeks on whether court can direct EPA to release Exxon US$2 billion guarantee for oil spills A

ppeal Court Judge, Rishi Persaud is expected to hand down a ruling within the next two weeks on whether the Court can direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to release ExxonMobil's US$2 billion parent company guarantee to the public.

Senior Counsel, Seenauth Jairam who appeared for the litigants, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte told the Court on Thursday that it has inherent jurisdiction whether it is a single judge sitting in that Court.

Jairam stated “What we ask for is intertwined with your order, a conditional stay that the guarantee be lodged within 10 days thereof failing with which and the stay is dismissed.

Your honour, there can't be any obstacle, any obstacle why this guarantee is not produced.

Your honour is entitled to ask under this inherent jurisdiction, you would be entitled to ask where the guarantee is.”

Jairam's submission was in direct response to

see the US$2B parent company guarantee ExxonMobil was ordered to lodge with the EPA had been filed by Jairam in association with Ms. Melinda Janki and Mrs. Abiola Wong-Innis.

contentions raised by Attorney- at-law for the EPA, Sanjeev Datadin.

Datadin's has argued that the Court of Appeal lacks the jurisdiction to direct the EPA to release the document.

Following yesterday's oral submission, Justice Persaud announced that he will send out notices to hand down his decision within the next two weeks.

In the interim Datadin was instructed by Justice Persaud to file reply within the week. The summons to

The lawyers for the litigants had filed a case back in September 2022 asking the court to order EPA to secure from Exxon Guyana, unlimited liability coverage for oil spills.

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

On May 3, 2023, High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kisson ruled in favour of the

Appeal Court Justice Rishi Persaud litigants and ordered the EPA to secure an unlimited parent and/or affiliate company guarantee for oil spills.

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

Pending the final outcome of the appeal, Justice Persaud ordered

Exxon to lodge a US$2 Billion parent and/or affiliate company guarantee.

Since that order was issued on June 8, 2023, the litigants said their lawyers have been unable to secure a copy of the said guarantee for perusal.

A summons was subsequently filed on November 1, 2023 for orders directing the EPA and Exxon to produce a copy of the

US$2 billion guarantee.

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

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

This is despite the fact that Exxon tried tirelessly to convince the court that Guyana was in receipt of a credible insurance package from ANCON UK Ltd., an ExxonMobil subsidiary.

The Energy Package Policy covers the Liza Phase One and Phase Two Projects.

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

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Insurance in place for construction of Gas-to-Energy project Insurance for the construction phase of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project is currently in place, according to Prime Minister, Brigadier Retired Mark Phillips.

The Prime Minister (PM) who holds responsibility for power generation in Guyana provided this assurance to the N atio n al A s s emb ly o n We d n e s d a y, d u r i n g consideration of estimates for the 2024 Budget. The GTE project is divided into two parts, with the first- a 225 kilometers pipeline from the Liza fields offshore to the Wales development site on the West Bank of Demerarabeing financed by the Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil. This is expected to cost about US$1 billion.

The other aspect of the project entails a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) facility and a 300-megawatt power plant to be financed by the Government of Guyana (GoG) through a loan from the United States Export Import (US EXIM) Bank.

The two plants are pegged at US$759 million.

The Prime Minister explained that the construction phases of the projects are insured and related documents can be provided to the House. He was responding to Opposition Parliamentarian, David Patterson on whether insurance is in place for the current works to support the gas plants and whether the government can lay those in Parliament. The PM said, “The EPC (engineering, Procuring and Construction) contract has its own insurance policy.” When reminded about the latter part of the question, he said, “Certainly Mr. Speaker.”

Similarly, on the issue of Exxon's pipeline, the PM noted, “I am advised again Mr. Speaker that Exxon has insurance coverage with the contractor, so that is catered for...we will lay it over.”

He also committed to providing the total sum expended on the project to date, including costs for the transmission and distribution

- Prime Minister tells Parliament of electricity, consultancy and substations, among other costs, as well as the agreements signed for the project.

A local insurer in an interview with Kaieteur News back in 2022 highlighted the importance of insurance during the construction aspect of the project. It was explained, “Everywhere in the world once a project is engaged, what happens is that you have insurance that literally covers the project while it is in the form of being carried out.”

According to the insurance company, this coverage is called 'Construction All Risk' and is taken out by the contractor that has been hired to complete the job. The credible source explained, “Technically it's in your care, custody and control until you hand it to me as a finished product. You have problems and your problems are the construction while you are

working, that material is worth money so if that material is destroyed while it is in your care, custody and control, you have a problem and your problem is to reimburse me, the owner (if something goes wrong). So how would you do that unless you have coverage for it?”

It is for this reason that the insurance firm stressed the need for coverage at all points during the construction phase to ensure all of the assets are secured.

In addition to covering the materials, it was also noted that it is more important to institute a policy that caters to workers on the site. “You have workers on site so consequently if one of them is injured, you need to make sure there is coverage that looks after them so that's called 'Employers Liability'.

Once you have that work site as well, anybody who goes on that work site, because it's under your care, custody and control it means that liability

Prime Minister, Brigadier Retired Mark Phillips could arise against you so that's insured by something called public liability,” the source explained.

The insurer's comments came on the heels of Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo's position that insurance for the project would be in place after the structures are completed. Jagdeo during an August 2022 press conference was asked about insurance for the pipeline component of the project by this newspaper when he said, “It's reasonable.

It's common sense. You can't not know the cost of the total pipeline as yet and seek to insure it. You understand.

If you have a house and you build a house for $20 million, you don't know the house,

you start the foundation and you go to the insurance company, they'd say what are we insuring?”

He stammered, “How we gonna do, it's like how you gonna start the insurance, first of all, the people are gonna say, the insurers, where is this pipeline?

Have you built this pipeline, no. We are now procuring material. We are procuring the material to start laying of it. We are now mapping the route; we are still mapping the route. We are completing the environmental studies and we have to put in place, they'd say well when you have done that, when you know the final cost then we can talk about insurance.”

Kaieteur News

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Friday February 02, 2024

Kaieteur News The combination of bad financial management 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

Budget 2024-dark plagues on the people This year’s budget proves the trickiness and callousness of the PPPC Government smart men. They give a few crumbs with one hand to weighed down Guyanese and, with the next hand, they pile tough burdens on the same people.

Much fanfare introduced the $3,000 pittance of a monthly increase for the elderly and those with some qualifying disability. Much more has been trumpeted about the increase in assistance given to parents of schoolchildren to help them manage. Further, considerable mileage has been made of the $15,000 increase in the income tax threshold that frees 13,000 Guyanese workers from any tax obligation. Ordinarily, these and other provisions already in place would have some resonance, when taken together. There is a dark side, though, that the pundits and propagandists of the government conveniently choose to bypass.

The cost of living is so high that it is crippling the poor of this very rich country. By any measure, $3,000 to those living on single incomes, where the prices of basics are constantly going up, is a disgrace, a palpable shame on leaders, who are in charge of the money. Local circumstances make clear that $3,000 more for the needy does very little for them, does not help to manage the spiraling expenses of a regular month. This is even when no new items are added, and only the essentials for survival are purchased. How much purchasing power does $3,000 more permit? When the schoolchildren’s increase and the 13,000 workers now exempted from income taxes are aggregated, they still fall woefully short of making a meaningful difference in the lives of Guyanese. They lose their fight to come to grips with a punishing cost-of-living environment.

Those Guyanese working for $100,000 or less monthly are the best witnesses, the best jurors, to relay the pain of trying to handle their bills and needs with that miserable level of income. Yet, there was nothing said about a potential increase to the minimum wage already devastatingly low. What is clear is that the PPPC Government is held hostage by, and terrified of, the private sector, the richest presence in its support base. The budget can allocate hundreds of billions for areas where the private sector overflows with feastings. Because of that the government can only spare a few measly thousands in an over-a-trillion-dollar budget for more than 100,000 Guyanese tottering under the pressure of the times.

But there are more elements to the dark side of the budget. In the strange economic wisdom of the PPPC Government, 40% of the budget has to be financed by borrowing $458 billion. It is the Guyanese people, be they low wage earners, anxious pensioners, or neglected public servants, who are now yoked to a soaring debt overhang. The debt has to be repaid, and the poor in Guyana are going to feel that pressure, forced to cope with the juggling that features when loans have to be serviced. When the reckless spendthrifts in the PPPC Government binge on debt, the load of repayment on the people’s head bend them double. The never-less-than-cunning operators in the government have lined up increasing the debt ceiling in parliament to give a sheen of legitimacy to the upcoming borrowing splurge.

Another dark and worrying component of the 2024 budget is that US$1 billion has to be withdrawn from the Natural Resources Fund to support the wild and irresponsible spending. The money that should be held in reserve for hard times and wiser use is being pulled out and squandered today, so that the PPPC Government cabal can enjoy the best of good times daily. Many Guyanese overlook the fact that it is the presence of billions of barrels of oil that generate so many willing lenders to Guyana: the nation’s oil wealth is the collateral for more and more loans.

The precious New York-housed Oil Fund is being drained, and the oil itself is being tied up by debt. Citizens should have no difficulty in figuring out why lenders are ecstatic to lend to Guyana. Anyhow that this budget is examined, it has what is very good for the PPPC Government, and what is very skimpy, very ugly, and very unfriendly for ordinary citizens.

and moral turpitude is a recipe for our decline as human history has shown DEAR EDITOR It is necessary for us to be imbued with good sense to learn from the useful lessons history offers everywhere.

The great Empires, Ottoman, Greek, Roman and others collapsed, carrying with it the dismemberment of the civilisation. In every case the cause was the work of a single dictator or and a compliant oligarchy. A characteristic was greed, where the wealth was shared with and among a selective few.

In modern times, we see a possible mangling and tearing the fabric of our society by a disrespect and marginalisation of groups based on ethnicity or race, caste, tribe or gender. In today’s Guyana there is evidence of forms of marginalisation and a destruction of our cherished values. This letter seeks to address one component, that is gender and related destruction of our cherished values. For this and indeed any society to flourish and reach the height of its potential it must at all times show due regard and respect to the females in our society.

Our Guyana as part of

earlier European culture tended to relegate our women folk to the making of children, household duties and work in the field and factories, where men were neither available or not interested. Thanks to the crusade to the exploits of Joan of Arc, Rosa Parks who ignited the Civil Rights Movement, Susan B. Anthony, who devoted herself to the cause of the American Anti-Slavery Association, Indira Gandhi of India, Nana Asantewa who led the forces to defeat the British and retain the Golden Stool and Emmeline Pankhurst, whose famous words “I am here as a s o l d i e r, ” d e l i v e r e d a powerful statement that women should neither be disregarded nor considered weaklings.

Today our women folks earned the right to equal treatment and not to be spat upon in any form.

In colonial Guyana the female slaves were the unsound heroines of every slave uprising and in the post-emancipation era, our women particularly of East Indian descent carried the blunt of the burden in the canefields and logies, so

when in 1953, the BurnhamJagan People’s Progressive Party won the elections, after the 1953 General Elections. I was a proud bystander when for the first time in our history, the three Js, flanked with six Ministers, marched majestically and took their seats in our Parliament. The first females in our history to sit in our Parliament, Janet Jagan, Jane-Phillips-Gay and Jessie Burnham. This was a historic and glorious moment for all of our people.

A moment that vindicated the struggle of our women who were always in the vanguard opposing slavery, imperialism and colonialism. It was therefore a moment of sadness that from the PPP side in our Parliament, we have members of Parliament showing such disrespect to female Parliamentarians.

The three Js must be turning in their graves and for those of us who are alive as I did, wept when Parliamentarians can talk about ‘dildos’, and other members of the PPP. in Parliament use banalities describing female Parliamentarians who occupy the hollow chambers of our Parliament.

What is worrisome, what is distressing Editor, and what is almost unbelievable the Speaker seems to have an attack of deafness and I hope for two things, first, that the Honourable Minister of Health with the abundance of money available provides the speaker with up-to-date audio enhancing equipment so he can hear and act when MPs openly show such disrespect to female members of our Parliament.

Second, if there is a modicum of decency, if there is a tincture of respect for our females, the three offending PPP Parliamentarians should either offer a full public apology or President Ali should ask for their resignation.

Dear Editor, the above is to save our country from a slide into the suck-sand of oblivion. When they ignore what may seem to some to be small acts of indecency we create conditions like a malignant ulcer that can take over the entire body politic, if not removed with dispatch.

What worries me more is that on the Government side I’ve grown to have a high (Continued on page 05)

Tribute to Rev Seopaul Singh of Guyana DEAR EDITOR It is with sorrow I learn of the passing (on Sunday) of Rev Seopaul Singh. He was one of Guyanese’s finest sons, has 25 years of service to Ministries of Works, Mines, Housing, and Energy from 1966 thru 1991. His death prompted a flood of tributes from friends and peers who praised his contributions to the Guyanese community in Queens and his participation at several diaspora events.

From a most humble beginning born in a rural village, Seopaul built a public service career. He also served in other diverse fields, from social work to religion to journalism at one time serving as Asst Editor of Guyana Journal.

Seopaul or Rev, as we called him, was a teacher, intellectual, activist, trainer of staff, preacher, and commentator who published on several issues relating to Guyana including on race relations, and what he called the genocide in WismarMackenzie.

He remembers well the racial violence of the 1960s

that impacted his life. He was a victim of the racial violence in Mahaicony where he was born and where he and his parents lived before squatting and settling down in Better Hope.

Friends told me that Seopaul was an outstanding civil servant and administrator. He served Guyana’s government with dignity and distinction. He was also commended for his service in New York working for Morgan and Stanley, the Wall Street investment firm.

A converted Christian from a Hindu family, and a trained pastor in NY, he attended events of all religious communities. He was approachable and caring and put everyone at ease in his engagements. He won the respect and affection of the Indian diaspora from Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica, and India and of other countries as well as of other races with who he interacted in NY. He impressed with his knowledge of Guyanese and of world affairs. He was a repository of information on Guyana. He was not afraid to

speak his mind about the violence unleashed on Indian Guyanese.

Seopaul was known to be a strong Indian rights activist. He worked closely with groups and activists in N e w Yo r k o n I n d i a n Guyanese diaspora affairs.

He addressed and or attended seminars I organized in NY on the community and Guyanese affairs. He also attended several Indian diaspora conferences including in Trinidad and Guyana that I co-organized. And he helped found the Indian Caribbean Writers Organization. He was an outstanding writer including of a book on race relations in Guyana that spoke of his personal experience as well.

Although he did not contribute to the media or publicly joined the movement for free and fair elections while in authoritarian Guyana for obvious reasons, he was very supportive of the struggle.

He praised those of us like R a v i D e v, B a y t o r a m Ramharack, myself and others for our courage in

penning articles in Guyana media and abroad condemning human rights violations in the homeland.

He also commended those of us including Chuck Mohan, Mel Carpen, Arjune Karshan, Roop Persaud, Mike Persaud, Vassan Ramracha, Ravi, Baytoram, Gary Girdhari, among others for our contributions to the struggle that led to free and fair elections in Guyana in 1992. Just last year, Seopaul interacted with Ravi Dev in person in Queens reminiscing about life in Guyana during the difficult period of the dictatorship.

We also spoke on the phone.

As extracted from an article on his biography penned by Dr. Dhanpaul Narine and published in West Indian News, “Seopaul w a s b o r n a t S u p p l y, Mahaicony on the East Coast. Seopaul’s father was Mooni Singh and his mom Boach Singh. Mooni was popularly known as Uncle Rattan. Seopaul is the seventh of eleven children.

He attended Zeskenderen Government School and (Continued on page 05)

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

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Do Henry Jeffrey and Vincent Alexander think that President Ali’s Indian ethnicity disqualifies him for the African Global Leadership award?

Dear Editor The exploitation of racial and ethnic differences in electoral politics is neither a recent, nor an anomalous campaign strategy. In persistent search for relevance, and sights focused on ascending into the office of governance and political power, desperate politicians seldom hesitate from invoking racial and ethnic distinctions in efforts to galvanize public support.

Such political chicanery is not new to Guyana’s national politics.

In 1957, Burnham effectively appealed to racial differences in his break from the PPP, and his formation of the PNC. Today, PNC leaders and their surrogates regularly accuse the PPP/C government of racism while they themselves utilize race to instigate and promote indifferences and distrust.

Today, accusations of racism against the PPP/C reflect themselves in artful and crafty forms as if to guise the real racist intent of the individual accuser. Let’s

take Dr. Henry Jeffrey’s letter entitled, “Our president’s African Award and government attitude towards UG” (KN 1/30/24).

No sooner Jeffrey completed his first sentence, he proceeded headlong into a verbal rant against the African Prosperity Network, the sponsors of the African Global Leadership Award to be bestowed on President Irfaan Ali. After some meandering explanations, and incoherent verbiage to discredit the sponsorship organization, Jeffrey’s own words began to reveal his real racist motivation when he said, “… given the history and current behaviour of the PPP towards Africans…” To this statement Jeffrey failed to provide any “historical” or “current behavioral” e v i d e n c e o f P P P ’s discriminatory behaviour towards Afro-Guyanese.

Had Jeffrey searched for evidence, he would have found that, President Ali regularly reaches out to, and engages Afro-Guyanese on, local projects and

community/individual needs. Turning attention to UG, Jeffrey rambled on saying, “It is … indicative of the kind of company the PPP needs to sustain in its attempt to hoodwink the world that it has substantial support in Guyana as it continues upon its autocratic pathway towards ethnic dominance…

What is taking place at the University of Guyana is a sufficient reminder of the PPP’s ethnic agenda… In 2003, just after the PPP drive for ethnic dominance began…” Jeffrey quoted statements, and multiple use of the word “ethnic” clearly disclose his racialization of the issues, whether it relates to the African Global Leadership award, governance of the country, or the University of Guyana.

Prior to Jeffrey, Vincent Alexander showed his distaste for awarding the African Global Leadership to President Ali. Alexander wrote, “The Burnham Foundation is compelled, at this juncture, to call upon the African Prosperity Network to rescind the decision to

bestow President Irfaan Ali” (KN 1/26/24).

In seeking to discredit the President, Alexander went on to state, “The Ali regime has openly articulated that Guyanese of African descent, as a subset of the population, do not need equitable treatment, as redress for post emancipation economic and social deprivation… the disrespect for the people of African descent …”

A l e x a n d e r ’s r a c i s t s appeal became increasingly evident in the final paragraph of his letter which he ended by saying, “The brethren from Ghana would be best advised to, themselves, embrace equity and probity and not repeat the ills of some of our ancestors, from that land, who sold our fore parents into slavery.

“Except for its racial content, the intent of this sentence is somewhat baffling. Both Jeffrey and Alexander ’s letters are

indications of racial absurdities to discredit President Ali. Ali has demonstrated time and again, both through national policies and personal actions his commitment to building a unified and just Guyana, a nation in which all racial and ethnic groups can harmoniously coexist. For this, being bestowed with the African Leadership Award is simply an acknowledgement of his efforts and commitment to a humane Guyanese identity and society. However, if Jeffries and Alexander’s intent is that he be denied the award because he is not of African descent, then this not only suggests deep seated racism, but also indicates some level of political chicanery.

If someone’s ethnicity disqualifies him/her for political leadership acknowledgement, then Dr. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and to some degree Kwame Nkrumah, would not have credited Mahatma

Ghandi – a non-African - for impacting their lives and influencing their political philosophies. Indeed, Irfaan Ali is not of the stature of Ghandi, but he is of Indian ancestry who is working assiduously amid racists’ appeals to unify his multiracial, multi-ethnic nation, and for this an African organization would like to honor him for his leadership efforts.

Would Jeffries, and Alexander, prefer that the African Prosperity Network not bestow the leadership award upon the Guyanese President because of the non-African ancestry?

If we could summon up the Spiritual Souls of Martin Luther King, Mandela, Nkrumah, and even Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s, what would they say?

Would they agree with Jeffries and Alexander?

What do you think?

Regards Narayan Persaud, PhD. Professor Emeritus

The combination of bad financial...

a well-oiled propaganda behaviour was in the From page 04 regard for Minister Vindhya machine. If we allow this presence of students makes Tribute to Rev Seopaul Singh... Persaud, whose father and type of behaviour seen in the above call one that ought

From page 04 later went to Ashram High School, founded by Indian missionary Pandit Ushar Bhode Arya. The school was located at Mortice, Mahaicony.

Pandit Ushar Bhode and Shruti Kant, Principal of Guyana Oriental College in Georgetown, opened its doors in 1960 with around 250 students”.

Seopaul was a brilliant student. According to Dhanpaul, Seopaul prepared for London GCE O’ Levels exam in earnest but because of racial disturbances during the 1960s, his studies was interrupted.

His family was forced to move to Lillendaal and then to Better Hope where they squatted on public lands and built a house. Seopaul passed his O’ Levels and began teaching at Annandale

Primary School from 1964 to 1966. Seopaul joined Public Service in November 1966, posted to Supply Division in the Ministry of Works and Housing where he worked for twenty-two years. He was then transferred to Ministry of Mines and Energy. Seopaul migrated to America in 1991, first to Florida and thence to New York. He was e m p l o y e d b y M o rg a n Stanley for 18 years.

Seopaul recounted to Dr. Dhanpaul one of his most unforgettable memories. In 1982, in Delhi, India, he was outside the BOAC office. He began thinking of Pandit Ushar Bode, the founder of the school he attended.

He had not seen or heard from Ushar ji for twenty years. “I really wanted to meet with him. As I came out of the BOAC office … there

was Ushar Bode”. They exchanged pleasantries.

That was indeed a remarkable thought that was instantly realised. Rev. Seopaul will be remembered for his contributions to Guyana and the diaspora in the greater Richmond Hill area.

Condolences to his family!

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

members of her family rank among the best Guyanese I know. She and others must break their silence or else they would be damned and held responsible for this dissent and the rending of the already torn fabric of our society. The urgency for a sort of moral renaissance is patent as our country is experiencing the rape of our natural resources and the spending spree supported by

Parliament to be swept under the carpet, all of those who remain silent will be guilty of presiding over our descent into dark dungeons of despair, degradation and decay. The fact that this display of uncouth

not to be postponed. The combination of bad financial management and moral turpitude is a recipe for our decline as human history has shown.

Hamilton Green Elder

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Friday February 02, 2024

GCAA ready for international safety oversight audit-Edghill

Govt awaiting result from …says $287M allocated for expenses related to ICAO assessment feasibility study before permission is granted to build law school - AG

In 2020 when the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) conducted a safety oversight audit of Guyana civil aviation system, the country scored a commendable 76.9% score, a 12% improvement from the previous assessment in 2016.

This year, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is preparing for another audit and Ministry of Public Works, Juan Edghill told the National Assembly during the consideration of the estimates of the 2024 national budget that the aviation umbrella body is in a state of “readiness” in preparation for the audit.

In this year’s budget, a sum of $287M has been allocated to the GCAA to ensure it is prepared for the audit, Edghill said. “... it is for us to take care of expenditure as it relates to the audit that is expected later this year, to ensure that we have the necessary expertise in the county working with our people and all the rest of it,” he said. “So this money is largely to do with us ensuring that we do well at the ICAO audit, that we have the necessary compliance, that Guyana is on the map, that Guyana is doing well,” he said. He mentioned that the monies allocated to the

A

GCAA for the audit is to ensure that wherever there are deficiencies “we have the framework, because you are assessed on your own law.” He stated there is an existing situation where much work is needed to be completed by the GCAA. Edghill explained that in preparation for the audit, the GCAA has been receiving technical support and assistance from its partners within the South American region. The ICAO audit which was conducted in 2020 focused on several areas of the country’s civil aviation sector.

Those areas included primary aviation legislation and Civil Aviation Regulations (LEG); Civil Aviation Organization (ORG); Personnel Licensing and Training (PEL); Aircraft Operations (OPS); Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG); Air Navigation Services (ANS); and Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA).

The 76.9% attained by Guyana in 2020 was well above the global average of 65%. If the rating improves f o l l o w i n g t h i s y e a r ’s assessment, the country will be on track to attain the coveted Category One rating of the US-Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).

Over the past 17 years, Guyana has been lagging below the FAA Category Two rating but in 2020, GCAA Director General, Lt Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field said the country was in good seating to attain the rating.

However, he cautioned at a press briefing that FAA Category One rating has a requirement for the establishment of an airline, headquartered here. “You must have an airline in your country to use category one,” he said. The GCAA is charged with ensuring the skies in Guyana are safe and that it inspects and certifies operators.

ttorney General (AG) and Minster of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall SC on Tuesday told the National Assembly that Government is awaiting the result of a feasibility study before it is granted permission to go ahead with its plans to construct a local law school here.

He was at the time responding to queries about the budgetary allocation from his opposition counterpart, Roysdale Forde SC. Nandlall explained: “A principal sum was budgeted for the law school but that is an ongoing process so we would not have been able to spend the type of money that we would have anticipated. That process is at a stage where a feasibility study is now being concluded for submission to the Council of Legal Education [CLE] and then we will have to await permission for the CLE to proceed to the next step.

That will inform the council in terms of the type of decision it will make.”

The CLE of the West Indies is the lawful authority for the administering of legal professional education in the Caribbean Region.

The Council does so through its law schools, the Hugh Wooding Law School, St. Augustine in Trinidad a n d To b a g o , N o r m a n Manley Law School, Kingston, Jamaica, and Eugene Dupuch Law

Attorney General Anil Nandlall Sc School, Nassau, Bahamas.

For nearly three decades Guyana has been trying to establish a law school within its jurisdiction.

Nandlall noted nonetheless that Government has already identified and surveyed the land that is intended for the law school.

We have a provisional lease from the University of Guyana because the law school is likely to be located on the grounds of the University Campus. Last October, Nandlall said although the CLE of the West Indies is yet to give its final approval, permission was granted by the Council for a feasibility study and other ground work to be done.

The feasibility study is nearing completion and about five acres of land is already identified at Turkeyen, next to the University of Guyana, for the construction of the regionally accredited law school under the auspices of the Council of Legal

Education. The Government of Guyana had set up a committee to deal specifically with the establishment of this school.

That committee is chaired by Nandlall and during a recent engagement in Jamaica, Nandlall said he updated the Council on the progress Guyana is making towards ensuring the approval is granted.

“We have been engaging the University of Guyana and all law schools in the region that do the Bachelor of Law degree and those statistics are being compiled for the purpose of a feasibility study.

“The intent is to get the number of persons who are studying law LLB but are unable to get into any of the regional law schools,” Nandlall explained.

Discussions on a local law school began under the previous APNU+AFC government and were spearheaded by former AG, Basil Williams, SC. When the government changed in 2020 and with a gap identified in a previous feasibility study, the PPP/C government proposed a new, more favourable model for the long-awaited establishment of a law school here.

Through this model, the government will provide the land and building resources to construct the facility while the Council of Legal Education would manage the institution and its students.

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B T LUNT. UNT...B BL Friday February 02, 2024

Kaieteur News

Yesterday a certain minister was answering questions in the National Assembly on the Local Government Ministry during the consideration of the estimates for that agency.

At one point we were confused as to whether it was a retard heading that ministry based on the answers provided and the posture of the person or rather someone who actually has some sense to be entrusted with such a noble portfolio as minister.

The minister appeaed very unprofessional, crude and rude and took delight in stonewalling basic questions on the allocations of tax dollars to the ministry she heads.

Also she seems to have been at ease detaining the House with her dotish, political responses to simple questions.

No wonder this country is in such mess, because when you have the likes of that minister running things what else can be expected.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8 10

Friday Monday February May 02,02, 2022 2024

Mahipaul exposes sloth in construction of 10 pump stations B

etween 20202023 the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) drew down billions to construct 10 pump stations across the country, but up until now none of these projects has been completed and the agency has received a whopping $10B more in this year estimates to do similar works.

These details were revealed this week when the budget for the Ministry of Agriculture came under scrutiny in the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly.

There are six pump stations still to be completed which were approved from 2020 to 2023. Additionally government gave the go ahead for four more pump stations in the latter part of 2023 however the start dates for these had to be pushed back to 2024, due to delays.

Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul, asked the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar

Mustapha for updates on the projects during the examination of the estimates on Wednesday. The projects in question are: Cottage West Coast Berbice, Andrews Essequibo Coast, Charity Essequibo Coast, Letter Kenny Corentyne, A-Line West Bank and Canal No.1 Bank Demerara.

Mahipaul asked: “Would the honourable minister be kind enough to provide us with an update for the pump station at Cottage West Coast Berbice which was awarded to the tune of $903,371, 020 on the first of December 2021 which was the start date that I have here and based on the September 2023 PSIP Report it was just 44% completed?”

The minister responded, “Mr. Chair yes this pump station is about 80% complete, the new completion date is March 30th.”

The Opposition MP then asked about the $528M pump station at Andrews on the Essequibo Coast which was scheduled to start on 27th September 2021. Minister

Mustapha replied that the pump station should be “completed by end of February 2024” as the pump was onsite and installation works are currently ongoing.

On the account of the $544M Charity Essequibo Coast pump station which had a start date of July 8th, 2022, the minister said that they faced a lot of challenges in removing squatters from the area.

However the project is 25% complete and the contractors are continuously driving piles.

However, no completion date was provided. Mahipaul said that the Letter Kenny Blooms Field Outfall Channel Pump Station was awarded for 759M with a start date of June 20th, 2023 and asked for an update on this as well.

The Agriculture Minister informed the house that “Works are in progress Mr. Chair, and the contractor is in the process of procuring sheet piles and the pumps.”

Lastly in relation to the

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

A-Line West Bank and Canal No.1 Bank Demerara pump stations it was revealed that, there were issues in removing squatters, negotiating with residents and also the rebuilding of a community center, which took approximately six and nine months respectively.

Minister Mustapha informed the house however that the projects are expected to be finished on March 29th and April 30th, 2024 respectively.

There were four other pump stations mentioned, those being Meter-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara and Jimbo Grove East Bank

Demerara which were to commence on September 4th, 2 0 2 3 . B e l l e Vu e a n d Pouderoyen West Bank Demerara which were to commence on June 27th, 2023. Due to delays the projects will now commence on January 30th and February 5th, 2024.

The minister also noted that currently piles are being driven at Jimbo Grove and all of these projects have an 18 months duration which will run them into 2025.

Recently MP Mahipaul had written a letter to this publication highlighting incomplete and delayed

Opposition MP, Ganesh Mahipau

projects by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) due to significant mismanagement.

However his claims were refuted by the agency.

Tags: pump stations, delay, Mahipaul, NDIA, Govt.

Lead: There are six pump stations still needing completion which were approved from 2020 to 2023.

Additionally government gave the go ahead for four more pump stations, in the latter part of 2023 however their start dates had to be pushed back to 2024, due to delays.

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

I

PAGE 09

A hero’s welcome!

t was so pleasing to see the grand welcome that was put on for the West Indies latest fast bowling find, Shamar Joseph. The young cricketer is creating waves on and off the field.

It is hard to imagine a local cricketer being given such a rousing welcome upon his return to Guyana.

The only memory that springs to mind was when We s t I n d i e s w o n t h e inaugural Cricket World Cup in 1975. What was even more amazing about the hero’s welcome was that he has only just completed his second Test Match. And in his first Test series as rookie he was named Man of the Series against a very formidable Australian team.

Now, that alone deserves a hero’s welcome. But you can add to that, that Shamar holds the fourth best figures in a Test innings by a Guyanese. His 7 for 68 has only been bested by Colin Croft’s 8-29 (also in his second Test) in 1977; Lance Gibbs’s 8-38 in 1962; and Gudakesh Motie’s 7-37, one year ago. Motie was not given that sort of hero’s welcome but that may have to do more with the manner in which Shamar took those wickets – bowling at top-gun speed. Shamar’s speed has certainly created excitement throughout the West Indies more so because top class Australian batsmen were

genuinely beaten for pace.

He was responsible for West Indies team crafting a remarkable comeback victory to level the Test series. It was also the first time the West Indies had won in Australia in 27 years.

Shamar’s performance is even more sensational considering his inexperience. Not only has he only played 2 Test matches, but prior to that only had limited first class experience. To have been picked for the West Indies A team’s tour to South Africa late last year suggests strongly that his someone in t h e We s t I n d i e s s a w something that the selectors in Guyana may not have seen.

Whatever was seen was good enough for him to be picked for the West Indies A team to South Africa. In that series he was the leading West Indian wicket taker with 12 wickets which was second overall for both teams. His performance on that tour would have helped to push him into the West Indies squad to tour Australia.

He did not play in the first unofficial Test but picked in the second he grabbed his chance and took four wickets. In the third and final unofficial Test he snared an amazing 8 wicket.

He is now a bowler on demand. It is likely that he is going to earn a great deal of

money in franchise cricket.

But his cricket days are still early and he needs to be carefully handled.

He should no longer have any worries about making the Guyana team. He is now an automatic choice for the local team.

It has already been highlighted that he could not have even made the first cut in the Guyana team for last year’s Super 50 Cup. He was belatedly added as a reserve substitute following an injury to Ronsford Beaton.

He seems to have a lucky streak because he was added to the Guyana’s CPL squad after being used as a bowler in the nets.

Someone again saw the promise.

Officials for the Guyana Cricket Board officials were on hand to welcome him and to say how proud they were of his performance. But they have questions to answer about his initial omission from the local squad.

One former West Indies player has said that the first time he saw Shamara Joseph bowl was in the nets alongside another Berbician fast bowler, Sylus Tyndall.

The former West Indian player was wondering also how Tyndall is not yet in the Guyana team.

We can only wish the best for this young professional. He should be supported throughout his career. There will come a

DEM BOYS SEH

Is nah fog is dust!

I

f yuh been feeling like you’re living in the middle of a sandstorm while chilling in Guyana, don’t worry, you ain’t alone. This Sahara dust situation got everybody coughing up a storm and squinting like they just stumbled into a dusty old library.

Now, some folks out here are acting like this dust cloud is the newest fashion trend, calling it “Sahara Chic” and strutting around in goggles like they’re about to hit the runway. But let’s be real, nobody asked for this dusty makeover.

People are pointing fingers at climate change

l i k e i t ’s t h e n e w e s t scapegoat in town, but let’s not forget, this ain’t de first time we’ve had Sahara sand raining down on us like confetti at a party. It’s like that one friend who shows up uninvited, overstays their welcome, and leaves a mess behind.

The E Pee A is trying to calm everybody down, saying this dust cloud is gonna pack its bags and leave in a week. Yeah, right, just like the flu disappears after seven days, they say.

We’ll believe it when we see it. But we also hearing it might come back for a few more times in the year, just like de flu.

It causing people to be stocking up on cough drops and face masks like they’re preparing for de return of COVID. Breathing in Guyana has turned into a high-stakes game of “can you survive the dust?” But hey, at least it’s given us something to talk about other than politics for a change.

So here we are, living in a dusty haze, wondering when this Sahara surprise is gonna finally pack its bags and hit the dusty trail. Until then, we’ll just keep coughing, squinting, and hoping for clearer skies ahead.

Talk half. Leff half

time when instead of 7-68 he will bag 0 for 68 and this is when he will need the most support from his many fans.

We should not only support our players when the going is good but also when they go bad – as they are bound to do

at some time or the other.

(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

Friday Monday February May 02, 02, 2022 2024

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Bharrat Jagdeo a study in the ludicrous and mischievous I admit to interest in the self-reincarnation of Guyana's oil general, Bharrat Jagdeo. The title of Vice President fits him well, as he locks himself in a vise, when his management of this oil is studied. If his oversight is the best that Guyana has to offer on better oil and contract management, then my position is that that management is largely a vice that jaded Guyanese can do without.

No Guyanese can persuade me that the Vice President does not have the

sharpness to know that the games he is playing with the people's oil patrimony is as transparent as the day is long.

It is not the type of transparency that he wishes to be remembered for, but the kind that attracts the knowing grimaces of Guyanese. They wonder why it is necessary for him to degrade in the ways that he does, to the levels he reaches. Brother Jagdeo knows that most Guyanese see through his capers and es capades , interpret his wranglings and brawling, over how he has

become, and does with this oil. He is so helpless that he is now beyond caring about the spectacle he makes of himself. Abuses.

Curses.

Revilements.

Fabrications. Obscenities.

For some strange reason, the VP believes that his people cling to his every word, that most still believe him. The diehards and beneficiaries, of course; but not those who think that something is rotten with oil, something is not alright with him. The more that brother Barry shakes and bakes, the more laughable he

is. If and when simple, honest questions and comments about oil can only bring forth the worst in him, then it is better that Guyanese return to the era of paddy and pigs.

Even from the distance of the US in the labyrinth that is Wall Street (waste some more resources digging), I detected strength and some measure of sagacity in the former president. Also on display was the foxy craftiness, and it was a thing of rare beauty. When the oil came on the horizon, Jagdeo's strength and sagacity fled. But the foxy craftiness remained. It just did not remain, it knew no boundaries, as he put it to work. In opposition, he was a terror on oil, and the repugnant Exxon contract.

But there was something cunning and clever about how he went about his denunciations of a contract worth every damnation that can be heaped on its snakelike head. The streetsmart side, the political smartness, in Jagdeo made him so careful that he never once made the mistake of saying one bad word, one word out of place, about Exxon. In fact, I doubt that Exxon ever entered his unsparing vocabulary. Now that is foxy and crafty, the essence of what is tricky.

Fast forward to the return o f t h e P P P, a n d t h e Magnificent Seven.

The

latter is the one-man exhibition that is Vice President Jagdeo.

He dictates and pontificates, the president notates. The Vice President of Oil has gone from a tower of power to a Tower of Babble.

Try making sense of what he stands for with this oil, and he has progressed from the sublime to the utterly ridiculous. Exxon greases its numbers, so that it has something vibrant to present to its shareholders during the highly watched quarterly earnings roll call.

In contrast, Jagdeo is telling the people who own the oil that they have to look to the future for their money. He has gone from policymaker to oil predictor, from national sage to national used car salesman.

Exxon must please its people every quarter.

Jagdeo pleases Guyanese with the bait of plenty later. Nobody knows if his prosperous oil future is a quarter century away, or only a quarter of the new and slippery story that Jagdeo delivers to them.

I rub my eyes. Am I actually awake? This is not the big, bad Jagdeo that all Guyana knows? Just cannot be. On each occasion that Guyanese set their feet and focus their attention that their time has arrived, Jagdeo bowls a bouncer. He shifts the wicket, he changes the runup, and to distract

watchers, he engages in a dustup or two. All of this happens in the middle of the game. Except that this is no game, but a matter of the difference between poverty and prosperity for the poor in Guyana. I have said this before, and it is worth repeating: Bharrat Jagdeo is not a fool. Far from it. The mystery, according to my thinking, is why does he work so tirelessly and unashamedly to be that kind of jester for Exxon and Alistair Routledge.

The budget and Venezuela gave Mr. Routledge some space, some cover, some respite.

Sorry sir, I am determined to prick that bubble of company tranquility. It is why I drag and dump Exxon (and Grandmaster Routledge) into the middle of the fray. I am aware that Exxon also has its battalion of goons. Que sera, que sera…

What I discern is how the slick Jagdeo has deliberately dissipated his strengths, willingly let go of his wisdom. My only questions are why brother, why? What bargains, what ambitions, could mean more than the wellbeing of the people we love and cherish? I have said enough.

(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.)

New modern police academy to be completed Friday Senior and junior police officers will now be housed in a modern educational facility, as infrastructural works on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Academy are scheduled to be completed today.

This is ahead of the senior and junior officers' courses scheduled to commence on Monday, February 5. Commissioner of Police (Acting), Clifton Hicken along with Deputy Commissioner 'Administration,' Calvin Brutus and Force Training Officer, Superintendent Sonia Herbert, among other members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) recently inspected the ongoing works. According to a statement from the force's Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Commissioner Hicken noted his satisfaction with the work done, as he witnessed the fruition of a collective vision that is now in an advanced stage of completion.

“The barrack rooms were meticulously refurbished to provide a comfortable and

conducive environment for the officers' training. The rooms are adorned with crisp linens and modern amenities that will ensure ranks find solace in their 'home away from home,” the press release said.

In addition to the modern barracks, the academy now features a newly built swimming pool, a gym, and a technologically-fitted classroom, which will equip officers with the necessary tools needed for the ranks to excel in their profession, as well as foster adaptability which is essential for navigating the complexities of modern policing.

Following his inspection, Commissioner Hicken expressed his anticipation of welcoming the new generation of leaders.

“The upcoming senior and junior officers' courses will not only impart invaluable knowledge and skills but also foster a sense of unity and purpose among the participants,” he stated. He emphasised that the police academy will not just be a training ground but a catalyst for ranks' professional growth and personal development. (DPI)

Friday February 02, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

$100.5B approved for water, housing sectors The National Assembly approved a budget of $100.5 billion for advancing the water and housing sector following deliberations by the Committee of Supply on the Budget 2024 estimates and expenditures on Wednesday evening.

A sum of $76.517 billion was specifically earmarked for housing development, with $69.317 billion allocated for highways, including projects such as Eccles to Diamond, Great Diamond, Meer – Zorgen to Schoonord, Schoonord to

Crane, and Great Diamond to Craig.

The allocation also covers infrastructural works, such as the construction of roads, bridges, water distribution, electrical networks, and land preparation in both new and existing housing areas.

Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson inquired about provisions in this year's budget for the continuation of the Eccles Landfill Road. Minister Croal confirmed that provisions were indeed made

for that project.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, $ 3 0 4 million has been allocated for the completion of the new Housing Ministry office in Houston, East Bank Demerara. MP Ferguson questioned the progress of the construction from the previous year. In response, Minister Croal clarified that the building is a four-story structure, and significant work, including pile-driving, has already been undertaken.

The additional funds will be utilised to conclude the project.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Permanent Secretary Mr. Bishram Kuppen at other support staff during the consideration of the estimates Under the category of water service expansion and management, $20.57 billion was approved for several projects to be executed in 2024.

These initiatives include the construction of Water Treatment Plants in various areas, such as Walton Hall to Charity, Leguan, Wakenaam, Bush Lot, and Tain to No. 50 Village, amounting to $3.520 billion.

The allocated funds also

cover provisions for water treatment plant conveyance from Hope Canal, transmission mains, the nonrevenue water action plan, smart wells, and institutional strengthening.

A sum of $1.5 billion will be dedicated to the hinterland water supply program, which includes provisions for well drilling materials, solar photovoltaic systems, electromechanical equipment, pipes, fittings,

spares, and accessories for water supply systems.

Additionally, funds will be utilised for the construction of new wells and water supply systems.

Regarding coastal water supply, $14 billion will be allocated for water supply system intake and the completion of the well at Lima, along with water treatment plants in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six. (DPI)

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

PAGE 13

Govt. to strengthen laws to Jagdeo frets over impending strike better supervise oil sector by teachers The Government of Guyana (GoG) is working on strengthening laws to better supervise the burgeoning oil and gas sector.

This was revealed by Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton.

During the recent Committee of Supply session for budget consideration for the Ministry of Labour, Minister Hamilton was questioned by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Tabitha Sarabo-Halley on the government's efforts to regulate the oil and gas sector.

Minister Hamilton responded with a comprehensive overview of the strides made and future plans for supervising the vital industry. He contextualized the challenges faced when his ministry started in 2020, highlighting the lack of training and staffing for critical roles related to the oil and gas sector.

The minister revealed that only two individuals were initially trained to inspect the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block. “The previous administration never saw it fit to do many of the things we now have to do,” Minister Hamilton said. He outlined the progress made, including increasing the Occupational Safety Health (OSH) staff compliment from nine to 32.

M o r e o v e r, M i n i s t e r H a m i l t o n acknowledged the gap in legislation, stating that existing laws did not cater to adequately address the oil and gas sector. To bridge this, he said his ministry is collaborating with the Attorney General's Chambers to revise and enhance legislation, not only for OSH but

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton across the spectrum of labour laws. He also disclosed the commitment from the International Labour Organization (ILO) to provide technical support for developing legislation specific to the oil and gas sector.

“So while we have engagement with the oil and gas sector, we have to build capacity to be able to supervise the sector,” he said.

Moreover, he explained that the government also has to amend laws in order to be able to supervise employment agencies in the oil and gas sector. These are agencies that recruit individuals to work for the oil and gas companies. “We now have to have the CRMA (Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency) and refine the laws to allow them to supervise those establishments here in Guyana…That's a new thing,” Minister (Continued on page 19)

Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo has deemed next week's planned industrial action by the Guyana Teacher's Union (GTU) as politically motivated.

The GTU has called on teachers to support the strike action which it says will run from February 5 to 16, 2024.

While addressing the issue at his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo expressed the view that the GTU has been unduly influenced by its G e n e r a l S e c r e t a r y, Opposition Member of Parliament Coretta McDonald.

The VP was critical of Mc Donald, saying that she is essentially trying to mislead teachers in pursuit of her own political agenda.

According to Jagdeo, GTU had benefitted significantly under the governance of the People Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

“The same Coretta Mc Donald had complained to me that APNU was taking away the benefits we gave them through the multi-

- Jagdeo

million agreement for teachers… there was $200million housing fund that they got since 2012 that has accumulated over a number of years since they haven't decided how to use it as yet, plus a 100 duty free vehicles a year that hadn't anything to do with the agreement.”

In addition, the VP claimed that the GTU has been making what he deemed as an obscene proposal to the ministry recently. “Something about the executive of the GTU

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo

must all benefit from duty free concessions…,” Jagdeo added, noting that Mc Donald has her own agenda.

As such, Jagdeo said that in his estimation, the alleged grievances raised by the union's representative should be taken with a grain of salt.

Jagdeo's claim comes hours after Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain in the open letter to all headteachers and teachers, called on the educators to reject the strike (Continued on page 21)

82 claims for land formerly operated by Troy Resources given to small miners The Ministry of Natural Resources has allocated 82 claims to small-scale miners on the former Troy Resources mining concession at Karouni, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The announcement was made by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, during the budget estimates consideration for his ministry on Wednesday afternoon.

The Committee of Supply approved $400 million for the phase one of the mineral mapping project to be undertaken by the natural resources ministry in the various mining areas in Guyana.

The Australiaheadquartered Troy Resources had left owing Guyana more than $2.6 billion in royalties. Given that the land is now back in the possession of the Government of Guyana (GoG), Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Shurwayne Holder, specifically inquired whether the ministry's mineral mapping will cover lands

previously mined by Troy Resources and others.

Addressing the perennial demand for more land by miners, Minister Bharrat stated, “That is one where we are seeking to address the cry for land by small miners especially, not medium scale but small miners. To access their own land to work…”

The ministry's approach to the former Troy Resources property in Puruni involves evaluating claims showing mineralization potential.

However, Minister Bharrat noted limitations in conducting surveys due to a lack of equipment and technology at the ministry.

As a result, he disclosed that the ministry has incorporated a provision that allows miners to relinquish a claim if dissatisfied, with another claim being issued in return.

The Natural Resources Ministry has capped the allocation at 100 claims, each covering 27 acres. Presently, 82 claims have been awarded to small miners, irrespective of whether they are existing players in the sector or

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat newcomers. Additionally, plans are underway to distribute 18 more claims through a lottery system, where miners will randomly select claim numbers.

Mineral Mapping M o r e o v e r, M i n i s t e r Bharrat explained to the Committee of Supply that the mineral mapping of the mining areas in Guyana is badly needed, since the current data is over 40 years.

He added that the project will assist his ministry in making informed allocation of claims and mining blocks. The

minister said too that it will also reduce the cost of prospecting and exploration, particularly for small and medium scale miners.

MP Holder asked the specific areas the $400 million will cover for the mineral mapping and what other minerals besides gold and diamond will the ministry be surveying for.

Minister Bharrat explained that in light of other critical elements being sought after around the world to produce batteries and solar panels, the government will be

surveying for other critical elements. “We know that lithium is in big, big demand across the world…so it is a much sought after element around the world and we know that they are a few countries in South America producing lithium so we believe that they maybe a possibility that we do have that in the critical mineral here too… that's why we are not only focused on gold and diamond,” Minister Bharrat said.

He explained that the team will be focusing on a few of the main mining districts in phase one which is Mazaruni, Puruni and North West District.

Land Reclamation and Reforestation Moreover, the sum of $300 million was approved for land reclamation and reforestation. Minister Bharrat said, “The project had advance significantly in Region Ten, it was an area of almost 60 acres identified for reclamation and reforestation…”

He explained that the

allocation is for a continuation of the project which started in 2023 but will be done in other regions this year.

This year's project will target Region Eight and Region One, particularly the mined-out areas near the M a h d i a To w n s h i p a n d Matthews Ridge, r e s p e c t i v e l y. B h a r r a t disclosed that the allocation will also cater for the establishment of a plant nursery at Bartica, Region Seven. He said there are currently plant nurseries at Wismar, Region Ten and Yarrowkabra, on the LindenSoesdyke Highway.

“That is part of the cost and we are not using some of the fast-growing species because of the evasive nature of it, so we will use the traditional species it may take longer to grow but it will be worth more in the long run,” the minister added.

He said too that $10 million will go towards advertisement and developing mining policies at the ministry.

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Friday February 02, 2024

Ceasefire in Gaza cannot wait another day - Guyana tells UN

By Shervin Belgrave

G

u y a n a o n T h u r s d a y assumed the Presidency for the United Nations (UN) Security Council and continued its call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Gaza.

“We believe that we should not wait another day for that,” Guyana's Permanent Representative to the United Nations A m b a s s a d o r, C a r o l y n Rodrigues-Birkett said.

Rodrigues- Birkett was at the time responding to questions from journalists at a press briefing.

One of them asked if there is any chance of getting a much needed ceasefire in Gaza under Guyana's presidency of the UN Security Council for the m o n t h F e b r u a r y. T h e ambassador acknowledged that a resolution drafted by Algeria for yet another ceasefire is currently being discussed by the council and related that Guyana will be taking a constructive approach.

She said too that the UN is quite concerned that a

recent drone attack on a Small United States Base in Jordan that left three American soldiers dead could further escalate the war in the Middle East after US President Joe Biden threatened to respond.

Nevertheless, RodriguesBirkett made it clear during the press briefing that Guyana has called for a ceasefire and will continue to do so.

On Wednesday it was reported widely that Algeria, a nonpermanent member of the U.N. Security Council, has requested a council meeting to enforce an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling regarding Israel and hinted that it will call for ceasefire in a draft Resolution. The ICJ did not order a ceasefire but ruled that Israel must take must steps to prevent genocidal acts. Other measures include punishing incitement to Genocide and immediately enabling humanitarian relief in the Gaza Strip.

The council meeting was convened later that day and Roddrigues-Birkett during a statement urged swift

resolution of the situation to benefit those in need of assistance and emphasised that a ceasefire should be the first important step.

She also stressed the importance of complying with the recent ICJ measures and implementing all provisions conducive to achieving a two-state solution. “Following developments in the war and listening to the briefings by UN agencies…one may be moved to wonder whether a bounty exists on the head of every Palestinian child, man or woman”, RodriguesBirkett said while adding that although some Palestinians managed bombs and bullets, they still “face the dire prospect of death from starvation or disease”.

“Can the Council keep silent in these circumstances? Of course not!

The international community, and this Council in particular, must spare no effort to end this cycle of bloodshed”, she continued.

M e a n w h i l e , Vi c e President, Bharrat Jagdeo at his weekly party pressconference on Thursday said that his Government is

Ruble left behind following an Israeli Bomb attack on Gaza

pleased with the ICJ's ruling on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and hopes that Israel would comply with measures ordered by the court.

A genocide case against Israel was brought before the ICJ on December 29, 2023

by South Africa. The ICJ gave its ruling on the case almost a month later on January 26, 2023. The court did not grant South Africa's key request for a ceasefire in the region but rejected Israel's request to throw out the genocide case. It found that there is a plausible “imminent risk” that Palestinians require protection and concluded that Gaza's population was

Guyana's Ambassador to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett “extremely vulnerable. The court reportedly acknowledged too that some of the emergency measures sought by South Africa were essential to preserving Palestinian rights. Since the beginning of the war on

October 7, it has reportedly displaced about 1.9 million people of Gaza's 2.3 million population. More than 25,700 people have also been killed in the Israeli assault, mostly women and children.

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

PAGE 17

Govt. notes Venezuela's violation of agreement to host free and fair elections ...mum for now on wider implications for Guyana

T

he Guyana Government says it has taken note of Venezuela's violation of a key agreement signed in Bridgetown, Barbados last year for opposition members to challenge President, Nicholas Maduro in that nation's 2024 elections.

S p e c i f i c a l l y, Vi c e President, Bharrat Jagdeo told journalists on Thursday that he is not surprised by Venezuela's actions but stopped short of sharing his perspective of what the wider implications might mean for Guyana which has a separate agreement with Maduro.

Readers would recall that it was in October last year that the United States had temporarily repealed a handful of sanctions imposed against Venezuela.

This came after its government and opposition leaders signed an agreement on conditions for free and fair presidential elections to be held in the second half of 2024.

After the Barbados agreement, the United States gave the green light to oil

giant Chevron to do business with Venezuela and even arranged a prisoner swap with Maduro who freed several Americans. The US also granted key licenses so that Trinidad and Tobago could move ahead with a major gas production deal with Venezuela. That deal, critical to the CARICOM state's declining gas sector, would allow it to produce about 300 million cubic feet of gas per day from the Dragon field located in Ve n e z u e l a ' s m a r i t i m e borders.

However, Venezuela's Supreme Court, loyal to Maduro, on Friday last upheld a 15-year ban on the president's main opponent in elections due this year, Maria Corina Machado.

The court also confirmed the ineligibility of a possible opposition stand-in, twotime presidential candidate Henrique Capriles.

In response, the Joe Biden administration reimposed sanctions on Venezuela, targeting its oil and gas sector. Specifically, State Department

spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that the United States will not renew a relief to Venezuela's oil and gas sector beyond its expiration date of April 18.

Additionally, the United States is revoking General License 43, which authorizes transactions between U.S. persons and Minerven, the Venezuelan state-owned gold mining company.

G i v e n Ve n e z u e l a ' s wounding of the Barbados agreement, Kaieteur News asked Vice President Jagdeo if government is concerned about what this posture by Maduro could mean for the Argyle Agreement signed in S t . Vi n c e n t a n d t h e Grenadines last year December.

That agreement was signed in an effort to keep the peace between Guyana and Venezuela which had been in an aggressive pursuit for the Essequibo region.

Venezuela's tactics reached concerning levels even though there is an ongoing case on the border controversy before the International Court of Justice

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (ICJ).

Jagdeo said, “You are dragging me into a minefield.”

Dealing first with the US response to Venezuela, Jagdeo said the western superpower has indicated that the exemptions that were given to Venezuela would be allowed to expire in April if Venezuela does not correct the situation as conceived by the Barbados agreement, and that is to allow opposition leaders to run the upcoming elections.

As a result of Venezuela's actions, he said companies

which were contemplating investing in the Spanish speaking country will now be constrained.

With respect to implications for Trinidad and Tobago, Jagdeo said he saw statements from the CARICOM nation, to the effect that their Dragon gas deal is still in the clear, with an extension granted for continued negotiations with Venezuela up to 2025.

“So I don't want to at this stage say what I truly think but I urge Trinidad and Tobago to be very cautious in those negotiations. Let me

don't get into a minefield because I have been following closely what has been happening. I don't want to seem as advising Trinidad because they are doing what is good for their country and we have to respect that…,” he said.

Be that as it may, the Vice President said Guyana's history shows that Venezuela does not respect agreements.

As a clear case in point, he said Venezuela continues to reject the 1899 Arbitral Award which emphatically states that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana.

“And if they could repudiate that agreement issued by an independent tribunal then it (Venezuela) cannot, in my view, be a trustworthy partner in negotiations until it demonstrates otherwise,” the Vice President said.

With respect to the Argyle Agreement, Jagdeo said it is aimed at implementing confidence building measures.

He said however that the government will remain on high alert regarding Venezuela's extremism.

Chinese-company ready to protect its interest in Stabroek Block Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CNOOC, Zhou Xinhuai

…in light of threats from Venezuela

I

n response to Venezuela's claim to Guyana's mineralrich Essequibo Region, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of China's offshore giant CNOOC, Zhou Xinhuai during a recent press conference disclosed that the company is ready to protect its interest in the Stabroek Block.

The block is located approximately 200 kilometres offshore Guyana, covering 6.6 million acres and is estimated to hold some 11 billion barrels of oil.

American oil giantExxonMobil Guyana is the operator of the Stabroek Block, owning 45 percent; Hess Corporation with 30

percent interest and CNOOC holds a 25 percent working interest.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had called on Exxon and others to exit the Essequibo Region.

Maduro had issued a threemonth ultimatum after he held a sham referendum on December 3, 2023.

CNOOC's CEO was asked during the press conference that in light of the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela if this has had any impact on the company's local production and operations.

CEO Xinhuai responded, “The first question is well raised. Indeed, the Guyana block is very important to us

and is one of our highestquality overseas assets.”

He clarified that CNOOC's operations in the Kanuku Development is not located in the area that Venezuela claims.

He continued, “That's the first point.

The second point is that we will actively collaborate with our partners and engage with relevant governments to plan a proactive response.

In fact, looking at it now, the situation quickly settled down within a few tense days.”

CNOOC boss said the company still believes that, in accordance with relevant international standards, they will effectively safeguard

their interests in the Guyana project.

“Thank you for your concern,” he concluded.

Recently, the United States threatened to reinstate sanctions on Venezuela oil sector. On December 14, 2023, following peace talks

which were held between President Irfaan Ali and Venezuela's President in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, both countries have agreed to deescalate tensions in the region.

The talks culminated with the signing of the Joint

Declaration of Argyle.

Notably, Guyana's leaders have affirmed their commitment to resolving the longstanding border controversy with Ve n e z u e l a b e f o r e t h e International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Friday February 02, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Saharan dust still in the air T

he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday said the air quality in some areas is still above t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization's (WHO's) standard for 'Good' quality, as the Saharan Dust continues to impact coastal areas in the country.

In an update yesterday, the agency reported that while the level of particulate matter (dust particles) in the atmosphere has decreased, resulting in slightly improved air quality and visibility compared to Wednesday, the air quality is still affected by the Saharan Dust.

EPA noted, “While there is a slight improvement in air quality and visibility, the EPA's Air Quality Sensors located at Whim (East Berbice-Corentyne), Eccles (East Bank Demerara), Central Georgetown, Vilvoorden (PomeroonSupenaam ) and Linden show that particulate matter

levels are still significantly above the WHO standard for 'Good' air quality.”

The regulator advised that caution be taken on the road ways and that the elderly, children and persons with respiratory and skin conditions take necessary precautions.

During this time, persons are encouraged to limit time spent outdoors and to wear dust masks as practicable.

It explained that data collected by the EPA on the Saharan Dust Plume within the last two years indicate that peak concentrations may occur in January, March, April, August and S e p t e m b e r.

Any changes to this forecast will be reported to the EPA. Saharan Dust causes itchy eyes, runny noses, and sore throats; this colossal dust transport becomes a vital contributor to the

Map showing areas with high concentration of Saharan Dust (Source: EPA)

Amazon Basin, as it is rich in phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for plant growth.

As rain in the Amazon washes away up to 90% of the soil's phosphorus to the

sea, the significance of this external mineral supply becomes evident. During this unique natural phenomenon, the Saharan dust travels from across the

Atlantic to South America and the Caribbean, creating colossal dust clouds visible from space.

For a near real-time update on the Air Quality

Index near you, visit the E PA ' s w e b s i t e : https://epaguyana.org/ and s e l e c t t h e ' Yo u r Environment' tab and then click 'Air quality Data'.

Woman arrested for allegedly setting fire to Norton St. house

P

olice have arrested a woman who allegedly set fire to a Norton Street, Wo r t m a n v i l l e , G e o rg e t o w n building by throwing a flammable material through a window.

The woman was seen on a Close Circuit Television (CCTV) with a flammable material at the Lot 20

firefighters, were dispatched to the scene.

The affected areas of the building, owned by the late Carlton Holder, and occupied by Tinesa Lewis and 14 others, sustained significant damage.

“Fortunately, there were no reported homeless individuals,” the

she suspected the fire was maliciously set, citing it as the third occurrence. However, neighbours and other residents denied witnessing malicious acts.

The Fire Service confirmed that the fire was maliciously set, and the matter was handed over to the Guyana Police Force (GPF)

A screen grab from the CCTV footage which showed the suspect starting the fire at the Norton Street, Wortmanville building.

Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown house on Monday.

Vi d e o r e t r i e v e d b y l a w enforcement officials showed the woman placing the item through the window after which she closed the window and ran up a step at the side of the building near the said window.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), firefighters responded to the call at about 06:40hrs Monday. Water tenders #85 and #105, a water bowser and land rover #7, along with 15

GFS reported.

The fire resulted in severe damage to a double bed frame, mattress, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ceiling, glass cabinet, and a glass door.

Neighbors reportedly took swift action, utilizing buckets of water to suppress the flames before the arrival of the firefighters.

Meanwhile, Lewis reported that neighbours spotted smoke on the eastern side of the ground floor and promptly formed a bucket brigade extinguishing the fire. Lewis said

resulting in the arrest of the main suspect.

The GPS in a statement emphasised the importance of community vigilance in preventing fires and commended the residents and other public-spirited citizens who assisted in extinguishing the fire.

“The fire service remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens and continues its efforts to educate the public on fire prevention measures,” GFS said.

Damaged articles in the building

Safety Measures The Fire Service urged citizens to protect their loved one's property from the threat of arson by following the following guidelines: 1. Report suspicious activity near houses or other buildings to the Guyana Fire Service or Guyana Police Force.

2. Keep matches and lighters out of reach and out of sight of children.

3. If you know or suspect that an arson crime has been committed, contact the Guyana Fire Service or Guyana Police Force immediately.

4. Keep garbage, litter, and other combustibles away from buildings.

5. Install outdoor lighting or cameras on your property.

6. Never leave burning garbage or grass unattended.

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

PAGE 19

Jamaica: Holness in hot seat Opposition demands PM state what he knew about controversial NDA in NHT settlement with private developer after failed multibillion-dollar contract Jamaica Gleaner - The parliamentary opposition is demanding that Prime Minister Andrew Holness disclose whether he was aware of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in a settlement between the National Housing Trust (NHT) and a private developer which followed a failed multibillion-dollar contract.

Holness is the portfolio minister for housing under which the NHT falls.

The Opposition yesterday turned the spotlight on Holness, arguing that the “botched” arrangement between the NHT and Dexim Holdings amounted to 200 NHT contributors being denied the opportunity to own their homes under his watch.

“And so the Government has a responsibility to say to us, to inform the public, what is it that the prime minister knew about the settlement, the terms and conditions.

When is it that the prime minister knew about the terms and conditions of the settlement,” attorney-at-law Zuleika Jess said.

“Let us make no mistake about it, the prime minister is the minister with

responsibility for the National Housing Trust.

NHT reports directly to the prime minister, who has put the operations of the NHT squarely within the Office of the Prime Minister.”

J e s s , t h e P e o p l e ’s National Party’s prospective candidate for St Elizabeth North Eastern, argued that ignorance in Holness’ case cannot be accepted as a defence. “He does not have the luxury because the buck stops with the p r i m e m i n i s t e r, ” s h e said while speaking during a press conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in St Andrew.

At the same time, Dr F l o y d M o r r i s , opposition spokesman on housing and sustainable living, c a l l e d f o r t h e r e s i g n a t i o n of Martin M i l l e r, t h e m a n a g i n g director of NHT. M i l l e r w a s a signatory of the NDA with Dexim Holdings, which was to deliver 200 houses under a $2.5-billion contract.

The NDA has become the subject of contention.

Morris called for Miller

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness

to step down, citing his direct oversight of the “botched” arrangement.

“We believe that what has taken place in this sweetheart deal constitutes a breach of transparency, accountability, and good governance,” Morris said.

He said the agreement between the two parties and what followed amounted to a “plundering” of the NHT funds and should not go

unpunished.

The NHT sued Dexim Holdings in September 2022 for alleged failure to deliver the 200 houses for which it advanced $650 million.

The two signed the advance to Dexim under a two-year guaranteed purchase agreement in August 2019. The deadline was extended to August 2022.

In the settlement

agreement dated November 29, 2023, the parties agreed to surrender the 2019 deal, meaning that the NHT would no longer buy Dexim’s houses.

In return, the NHT would reclaim the $650 million that was secured by a bond with a loca l b a n k .

The Sunday Gleaner brought the issue to light in a series of stories from January 14.

Morris questioned why the NHT departed from its stated policy under the guaranteed purch a s e programme, whether d u e d i l i g e n c e was done on the inspection of the property earmarked for the development and the existence of an NDA in NHT’s settlement with Dexim Holdings as a public body managing public funds.

Additionally, he questioned whether the NHT board was made aware of the settlement and w h e t h e r Holness was aware of the NDA. “We are calling for the managing director of the NHT, who is one of the signatories to the NDA, to resign for this botched arrangement with Dexim Holdings,” said Morris.

He, too, wants, among other things, the details of the settlement to be released for public scrutiny, for Holness to disclose whether he was aware of the settlement and the nondisclosure, the NHT to ensure that due diligence is done for all future guaranteed purchase programmes, and for the NHT to disclose whether it has similar issues with any other developer.

The NHT has maintained that the non-disclosure is consistent with the process of mediation and is a requirement of the rules of court.

H o w e v e r, J e s s h a s argued that the mediation took place in June 2023 and the settlement agreement signed in November 2023.

“So it cannot be a defence to try and invoke the strictures of a mediation to use that as a guise under which the NHT claims that it cannot disclose.

We’re not asking for disclosure of what took place at mediation. We’re asking about disclosure as it relates to the settlement agreement that was entered into on November 29, 2023,” she said.

Jagdeo frets over impending strike... Govt. to strengthen laws to better supervise...

From page 13 action, saying it is an illegal move.

The CEO pointed out that the Labour Ministry, as well as experts have advised that conditions for strike action have not been met; hence any such industrial action would be wholly illegal and unlawful.

According to Hussain, the call for strike action is “quite unexplainable and incongruous,” considering the relationship between the Education Ministry and the GTU, who only met Wednesday morning in a pre-arranged engagement to address a number of issues.

These include the payment of teachers who have completed the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programmes; the implementation of Circular 7 of 2023, which allows for an additional deputy head teacher; senior master/ mistress, and reduction in

the workload of teachers; in addition to other issues which revolved around teachers’ condition of work.

Hussain noted that such engagements illustrate the E d u c a t i o n M i n i s t r y ’s commitment towards improving the lives of teachers.

Previously, the GTU had proposed 41 areas identified for better working conditions for teachers. Over the past three years, the Education Ministry has fulfilled 25 of those requests, and of the 16 proposals remaining, two are specifically for the benefit only of GTU and its Executive Members, and two others are contrary to the Laws of Guyana.

The areas in which the Education Ministry and the Union have not reached an agreement include: salary increases for some scales (MOE has gone above GTU’s request for some scales), allowances, rehired teachers

paid at the scale that they retired at, housing fund (which the Union has repeatedly failed to give a way forward for although the fund has a few hundred million dollars put there by the Government), and salary scales for different Heads of Departments and Sixth Form Deputy Heads, payment for the marking of School Based Assessments (SBAs), and house lots for teachers in each new housing scheme.

Moreover, 12 unresolved issues are currently being examined for their practical implementation and sustainability. Only two weeks ago, Education Minister Priya Manickchand tasked the Ministry’s Exams Division to consider the proposals and return with options in order for a stipend to be paid to teachers who manage SBAs. “It is for these reasons that the threat of a strike is incomprehensible,” the Chief Education Officer has argued.

From page 13 Hamilton said. “So all of these things are work in progress, legislation, amendment and new legislation from the labour side, bringing all of the labour laws together and building capacity of officers and to have them specialise,” he added.

Notably, the minister also disclosed that the ministry had faced some challenges where OSH officers were trained overseas but later left the public sector to work with the oil and gas companies.

MP Sarabo-Halley asked whether or not the government will consider improving the remuneration package to ensure the officers stay in the public sector – to which the minister responded by stating that despite the officers leaving, efforts are underway to address the shortage of trained personnel by continuing recruitment and training

programs. Additionally, Minister Hamilton expressed confidence in significant advancements within a year, envisioning a robust regulatory framework.

It should be noted that while Guyana is now building its capacity, the Government has been encouraging ExxonMobil Guyana and its partners in the Stabroek Block to ramp up production. Presently, Guyana hosts three active projects in the Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil, with Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Prosperity Floating Production, Storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, contributing to the nation’s oil production.

While the third vessel came on stream in November 2023 and is almost at its full capacity of 220,000 barrel per day (bpd), Exxon is already started work on the seventh project in the Stabroek Block.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

Friday February 02, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Friday February 02, 2024

Kaieteur News

Govt. spent $9B to revive Rose Hall factory- Mustapha - says ongoing repairs at estate will finish by end of February

G

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overnment has spent a whopping $9B thus far to revive the Rose Hall sugar factory, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said on Wednesday.

Mustapha made the disclosure on Wednesday during the Consideration of Estimates of the 2024 budget in the National Assembly.

During questioning from the Opposition, he said that repairs at the factory are ongoing, and they are scheduled to be completed by the time grinding season starts at February month’s end.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Vinceroy Jordan asked several questions regarding the operation of the factory including whether all the boilers are operable at the factory. He also questioned the total cost for the rehabilitative works that were undertaken through a previous budgetary allocation of $549. Said Mustapha- “$9B they {the Opposition} cost the people of this country, they cost taxpayers $9B to be spent to rehabilitate and bring back Rose Hall Estate into production.” He expressed alarm at the questions from the Opposition, noting that it was the Coalition government which was responsible for the closure of the estate in 2017.

MP Jordan informed the House that he observed in this year’s budget that a sum of $2B budgeted for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuco) under capital expenditure. He reminded the House that in 2023, a sum of $3.5B was budgeted for the sector.

The Agriculture Minister that, “about $549M for Rose Hall factory to complete the works in the factory. The rehabilitation of the main crane gang three component, crane carrier, boiler component, bagasse carrier, centrifugal baskets and crystallizers, rehabilitation of scales, vacuum pans, wharf and general factory equipment.”

The Minister had also informed the house in 2023 that an additional $50M was set aside to address buildings,

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Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha

Opposition Member of Parliament Vinceroy Jordan.

Grinding of Sugar at Rose Hall last year.

roads, and works around the area. “Now those parts that the Honorable Member mentioned things like boiler you will repair the boiler, but during the course of boiling you might find a leakage, you have to repair it and that will be a continuous process. Those baskets that he talked about are repaired and Rose Hall Estate is scheduled to commence grinding at the end of February.”

Mustapha noted that all the components mentioned

by Jordan are part of the ongoing rehabilitation works at the factory and will be completed shortly, to facilitate the start of the grinding season on time and the targets set for GuySuco this year. He also informed the House that he will layover the targets for 2024 since those figures are

currently being revised per factory. Last October it was reported that the Rose Hall Sugar Estate had recommenced the grinding of sugarcane after being closed in 2017 in a move that was termed as “right-sizing the sugar industry” by the Coalition government.

Mustapha had expressed optimism that the factory will continue to grind and crush sugar cane despite some mechanical concerns at the time.

Meanwhile, the management of the Rose Hall Estate has refuted to claims that parts from machines are being substituted to fix newer machines at the factory.

The estate’s management noted that funds expended at the estate is being undertaken in the “most economical and cost-effective manner.”

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

PAGE 23

says making strides $6B to widen and enhance between CANU in combatting drug trade Massyand Greenfield roads, EBD

T

he Central Housing and P l a n n i n g Authority (CHPA) which falls under the Ministry of Housing and Water will be expending approximately $6 billion to widen and expand between Massy

Road, Windsor Estate and Greenfield Road on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

This is according to the recent opening of bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office.

At the reading of bids it was revealed that the existing roadway will be widened into a four lane road.

The works have been divided into seven lots. The estimated sums for these lots are as follow: Lot 1 -

$925,674,173, Lot2 $923,054,475, Lot3 $ 1 , 0 1 0 , 11 0 , 9 2 0 , L o t 4 $1,040,686,028, Lot5 $686,132,843, Lot6 $841,918,035, and Lot7 $756,418,740. A total of 10 contractors have bid to execute the project.

Below are the companies and their bids: Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Road Widening and Enhancement Works on Massey Road, Windsor Estate and Greenfield Road to Four Lane High Way, East Bank Demerara Region Four, Lots 1-7.

The Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU) is making significant strides in combating illegal narcotics.

According to CANU’s Head, James Singh these efforts have resulted in denting the drug trade both locally and internationally. Singh made this revelation during the Ministry of Home Affairs’ agency review and 2024 projection held on Thursday at the ministry’s Brickdam office, Georgetown.

During the 2023 period, the unit recorded five international seizures, a testament to the strategic measures being implemented at the various ports of entry countrywide. These, according to Singh, are making it more difficult for narcotics to be transported. “What we’re doing here in Guyana is making an impact in the drug trade…The fact that we have seized a lot more drugs destined for overseas, be it marijuana and cocaine in different regions of the country, is an indication that the systems we have in place are working, especially the partnerships that we have with local law enforcement agencies here in Guyana is making a difference,” Singh disclosed.

Furthermore, CANU assisted in overseas operations leading to the confiscation of narcotics that were transported from the Guyanese region.

“This is a demonstration that our role in the narcotics fight, not just here in Guyana but internationally is making a significant impact,” he emphasised. The CANU head attributed the unit’s success to the support provided by the ministry, and by extension the government as well as partnerships with local and international law enforcement agencies.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s engagements have also proven fruitful

with training opportunities being created for CANU’s ranks. “I would say that the relationship is a lot stronger than before, not just based on what we’re doing but all the commitment of the Government of Guyana in fighting the narcotics trade,” he further stated.

Meanwhile, Minister Robeson Benn noted that while the unit is functioning remarkably, there is more room for improvement. “We have to grow and make bigger and larger efforts at CANU. They are also involved in the question of firearm seizures…On the whole, we are pleased with what the unit is doing,” the minister posited. Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally added that with the success recorded, the ministry sees it fit to invest heavily in the unit. To this end, the sum of $827.4 million is earmarked in budget 2024.

This sum will advance the construction of a new headquarters on Homestretch Avenue as well as acquire additional vehicles, tactical gear, and modern technology to detect narcotics at the various ports of entry. In 2023, the unit cleared approximately 1363.28 kilograms of narcotics consisting of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and hashish totalling $461.5 million. Cannabis was the most confiscated drug, accounting for 94 per cent of the total narcotics seized for the year, with approximately 73 separate seizures amounting to 1,287.88 kilograms. There were 18 seizures of cocaine amounting to 75.17 kilograms, three seizures of ecstasy totalling 0.124 kilograms, and One seizure of hashish to the amount of 0.102 kilograms. The seized cannabis was valued at $386.3 million while the cocaine’s value came up to $475.1 million. (DPI)

Rose Hall Estate management refutes workers claims of substituting parts to fix machines

M

anager of the Rose Hall sugar estate Vijay Ghobardan, has refuted claims from its workers that machine parts are being substituted to fix others at the estate.

In a response to a Kaieteur News article published on Monday titled “Rose Hall Estate workers complain of substituting old parts to fix machines,” the Estate Manager said, “As Estate Manager, I take this opportunity to first set the record straight regarding the operability of our current fleet of tractors.

The Rose Hall Estate procured six 6190 John Deere tractors in 2023, of which one is currently down.

Therefore the statements, ‘Four new state of the art tractors are down’ and ‘Three of the four tractors not working right now’ are incorrect.”

He further explained that on the subject of maintenance of tractors, “only one required fuel pump repairs, and this vehicle is now back in operation.”

He said the tractor that is currently down is undergoing maintenance for

a worn four wheel drive clutch discs, of which eight are needed.

“The supplier had advised that only five of the discs are currently in stock and the additional stock will be available in another three weeks.

GENEQUIP is the OEM agent for John Deere tractors in Guyana.”

On the subject of the e s t a t e ’s e x c a v a t o r, Ghobardan noted that the Rose Hall Estate has one Long Boom Excavator (2110LC) which is fully operational and at no time was the machine

“cannibalized or has a fuel pump defect.”

He said due the volume of work in the fields being extensive, another excavator was transferred from the Skeldon Estate to Rose Hall, and it was immediately serviced and is being utilized.

Ghobardan assured the public that, “funds expending on the Rose Hall Estate project is done in the most economical and costeffective manner.

Our aim is to ensure the Estate is fully functional and contributes positively to Guyana’s economy.”

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Friday February 02, 2024

Friday February 02, 2024

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Friday February 02, 2024

Volodímir Zelenski

Friday February 02, 2024

DCB SVC Senior Inter-Associations T20 Tournament finals…

High-octane finals set for tomorrow at Bourda Ground

The final of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) SVC Inter-Association T20 culminates tomorrow, Saturday, as teams put all their chips on the table, with semifinal action set for the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda.

East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) Eagles will play East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) Canje Pheasants in that encounter.

Opening tomorrow’s double-header will be the Eagles looking to prey on the Pheasants in the 9:00h game.

Eagles have been playing well to date, having reached the

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Kaieteur News

final stages thanks to their collection of all-round pieces.

Veteran Ricky Sargeant will be a key piece for East Bank in both departments, especially with the bat. Another key player for the Eagles will be Leon Swamy who has been exceptional with the ball, alongside Budan Bakash, who had 4 wickets against the mighty Georgetown.

On the side, former Test batsman and the captain Rajendra Chandrika will be keen on utilizing all his experience as the Canje Pheasants seek to finish the competition

on a high note. Chandrika, along with Nicholas Shiopersaud, Robin Williams, Sachin Singh, Nizam Khan and others, will prove more than enough for the Eagles.

West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) Jaguars take on Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Panthers in the other game.

Arguably the best team of the tournament to date, GCA Panthers will be seeking to maintain their dominance when they face the Jaguars of West Demerara, in a battle of the big cats. With Shemroy Barrington, Raymon Perez,

Friday February 02, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

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

You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Johnathan Van Lange, Chris Barnwell all in impeccable batting throughout the stretch of the competition, more could be expected from Georgetown’s core during this final assignment.

GCA will also rely on their in-form seam bowlers with speedsters Dwain Dick, Ronaldo Alimohamed and Barnwell, likely to continue their wicket-taking form. Spinners Devon Lord and Steven Sankar are also key figures and have been among the best spinners in the tournament. West Demerara have been playing good cricket and should Skipper Akshaya Persaud continue his cracking batting form, the Jaguars should put up a strong fight against the star-studded Jaguars.

Persaud, Richie Looknauth, opener Ushardeva Balgobin and Sheldon Alexander will need to continue their form with the bat, while Mahendra Dhanpaul and Kishaun Tracy have been solid wicket-takers for the Jaguars.

Game 2 bowls off at 13:00h.

World Aquatics...

From page 31 swimmers,” said Douglass, who won the 200-meter individual medley last summer.

“It’ll be fun to kind of be a leader in that group, be one of the older ones. I think that will be a good experience for me.”

DIVING China, this sport’s longtime superpower, has entered many of the same athletes who hoarded 12 of 13 golds and 19 medals overall in Fukuoka. Reigning individual world champions Wang Zongyuan, Chen Yiwen and Chen Yuxi were all scheduled to dive in Doha. Australia’s Cassiel Rousseau, who prevented a Chinese sweep last summer with a stunning upset on the men’s 10-meter platform, decided not to defend his individual title. He’ll focus on the synchronized event.

WATER POLO Hungary is the defending men’s champion, while the Netherlands will look to capture another women’s title.

ARTISTIC SWIMMING Russia, a one-time powerhouse in the sport formerly known as synchronized swimming, hasn’t competed at worlds since taking nine of 10 gold medals at the 2019 championships.

Everest to honour Shamar Joseph

After spending less than seven days on the cricket field in his debut Test series, Shamar Joseph has become an instant superstar. It all seems to be happening as fast as his almost 150kmph deliveries but the 24-year-old Berbician is living his dream of being an international cricketer.

This comes after playing just a handful of First-Class games and bagging two five wicket hauls.

His accomplishments are there for the world to see and celebrate, including his cricket club in Georgetown, the Everest Cricket Club.

During his Regional FirstClass debut season in 2023 where he was also impressive as a fast bowler for the Guyana Harpy Eagles, Joseph was offered a place at Everest Cricket Club, and he humbly accepted. After hearing that Joseph was living in Georgetown and was not attached to any cricket club in the city, Public Relations Officer of Everest Cricket Club, John Ramsingh who was doing commentary of the Regional tournament, immediately made the pitch to Jo-

seph.

The Baracara Village resident and his brother, Floyd have since settled in and are proud members of Everest CC. They have also represented the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) in inter-association matches.

President of Everest Manzoor Nadir, other executives and members of the historic club offer congratulations to Shamar on his accomplishments and wish him a long and successful career on the field.

In his first Test at the Adelaide Oval, the right arm speedster picked up his maiden five-wicket haul then followed it up at the Gabba with a magical spell of 11.5-068-7 to bowl out Australia and gave West Indies a slim 8-run victory to level the 2-match series 1-1. Joseph was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series to cap a dream debut series.

Upon his return to Guyana, Everest will confer Joseph as their newest Life Member an honour that comes after a member plays international cricket.

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Friday February 02, 2024

BCQS 2024 Masters off to an exciting start - Antczak, Van Dijk, Rahamans among winners The 2024 BCQS Masters tournament kicked off with a bang on We d n e s d a y a t t h e Georgetown Squash Club on Camp Street. From January 31 to February 3, the squash court will witness intense battles in the Men’s 30-44, 45-54, 55-64, and Wo m e n ’s O v e r 3 5 categories.

Lydia Fraser, Javid Rahaman, Ryan Rahaman, Robert Cameron, Jonathan Antczak, Jason van Dijk, Deje Dias, along with Barbadians Dean Straker and Peter Harris dominated the opening day with stellar performances, setting the stage for the next three days of thrilling squash action. In the Men’s 304 4 c a t e g o r y, J a v i d Rahaman and Javed Alli set the pace. Alli fought hard to secure a 7-11 win in the first game, but Rahaman rallied back, claiming the next three games with convincing scores of 11-8, 11-9, and 11-9. Robert Cameron maintained a tight grip on the match against Lee Fung-A-Fat, securing a flawless victory with a 30 scoreline (11-3, 11-1, 11-3).

The Women’s Over35

clash began with Lydia Fraser facing off against Canadian Anna Perreira.

Fraser, seizing the opportunity against a rusty Perreira, dominated the match with a 3-0 finish.

Deje Dias, Jason van Dijk, and Jonathan Antczak all secured opening wins in the Men’s 30-44 division.

Dias defeated Dane Pereira with a clean sweep, Van Dijk outplayed Reagan Rodrigues with an 11-2, 115, 11-5 victory, and Antczak showcased his skills against Bajan Patrick Downie, securing an impressive 11-2, 11-3, 11-7 win.

The Bajans took control of the Men’s 55-64 category, with Peter Harris defeating Lloyd Fung-A-Fat in a thrilling 3-game clash (11-7, 11-2, 11-2). In an all-Bajan clash, Dean Straker faced Brian Amin, and after a back-and-forth battle, Straker emerged victorious with a 4-1 scoreline.

Brian Yong and Ryan Rahaman faced off in the Men’s 45-54 category, with Rahaman securing a classy 11-5, 11-6, 11-3 victory against a resilient Yong.

The tournament continued at the same venue with an exciting lineup of matches in the Men’s and Women’s divisions last evening.

Mayor and Town Council of New Amsterdam extends congratulations to Shamar Joseph

A

real dream come through for Joseph the Deliverer’ said Ian Bishop.

H i s Wo r s h i p M a y o r Wainwright McIntosh, along with the Councilors and Staff of the New Amsterdam Town Council is extending congratulations to Mr Shamar Joseph, for his sterling performance in his Te s t s e r i e s d e b u t i n Australia.

The fast bowling sensation claimed the remarkable figures of 7-68 in just his second Test to steer the West Indies to a gripping eight-run victory over Australia, the world’s number-one test team.

That performance followed up his debut 5-94

in his first test. He ended with 13 wickets in the two test series and collected the Man of the match in the second test and man of the series award.

Just over a year ago, Shamar Joseph worked as a Security Guard, in and around the town of New A m s t e r d a m . H e subsequently left that job to follow his dreams as a professional cricketer. His discipline and passion catapulted him overnight, to become a global sensation.

Joseph hails from the riverain community of Baracara, a village that was first occupied by Maroons, located some 65 miles up the Canje River.

(Samuel Whyte)

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

PAGE 29

Magnum Mash Cup... Champs Back Circle

open defence against Team Family D

e f e n d i n g champion Back Circle will open the defence of their title against Team Family in this year’s one-night Magnum Mash Cup which is scheduled to be played on February 18, at the National Park.

According to Organiser Edison Jefford, sixteen teams have been invited to participate in the competition which has prize monies totaling more than $1million along with trophies.

Among the other top teams that received invitations are Sparta Boss, Gold is Money, Bent Street, Agricola Stabroek Ballers, California Square, Festival City Team Cruel, Team Extreme and North East La Penitence.

The experienced Organiser in an invited comment promised fans another tournament that they can expect end to end action, adding the defending champs will have to be at their best to stave off the anticipated challenges of the

other teams.

“I am going out on a limb here to guarantee fans one night of fireworks and adrenaline-charged action.

The teams have been engaged in other tournaments leading up to this big night, so they are ready and excited to put on a good exhibition of streetstyle football,” Jefford disclosed.

He added that apart from the lucrative prizes on offer, teams are known also to take bragging rights seriously so the eventual winner will no doubt feel proud to walk around the Capital City with the title of the best on their shoulders for one year.

The winning team will take home $500,000, while second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $250,000, $150,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Questioned on whether one-day was sufficient to conclude such a highly anticipated event, he said the punctuality and discipline of teams will be crucial, so he is depending on all the teams to exhibit the necessary

requirements to make the tournament a success.

“Preferably, I would have liked to play eight of the best teams, but because of the demand by other teams to be included I was left with no choice but to increase the number of participants to sixteen.

It was a difficult call;

these were teams who supported all my tournaments in the past and I felt obligated to include them with strict emphasis on punctuality,” Jefford mentioned.

“I am going to create an atmosphere similar to that of Mashramani which is traditionally littered

w i t h c o l o r, p o m p a n d ceremony so fans will be getting an early glimpse of the annual celebration and at the same time having the opportunity to get in the mood for the festivities.

He extended profound thanks to all members of the corporate community

who have pledged support for the event, while Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken was also commended for his usual support to augment safety and security for patrons.

The date for the launch of the tournament will be announced shortly.

East Coast Annual Mash Cup KO Windies Test hero Shamar Joseph on Royal Challengers football tourney kicks off today Bangalore’s radar for IPL 2024 SportsMax - West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph, recently signed by Pakistan Super League franchise Peshawar Zalmi, finds himself in the spotlight as a potential replacement for the injured Tom Curran in the upcoming IPL 2024 season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are reportedly eyeing Joseph to fill the void left by Curran, who is nursing a severe knee injury.

Tom Curran’s misfortune began during his stint with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, where a knee injury forced him out of the season.

The English all-rounder has been absent from Desert V i p e r s ’ I LT 2 0 2 0 2 4 campaign, and now, he has withdrawn from the Pakistan Super League due to the severity of the injury. RCB, having secured Curran, are

West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph. (RCB)

actively seeking a replacement for the upcoming IPL season.

Shamar Joseph, the new Test sensation who recently signed with Peshawar Zalmi for the 2024 PSL season, has emerged as a potential candidate.

Joseph’s toe injury, sustained during the second Test against Australia, has unfortunately ruled him out of the ILT20.

Shamar Joseph’s recent

stellar performance at the Gabba, where he claimed seven wickets to secure a historic eight-run victory for West Indies over Australia, has only heightened the interest in his potential IPL debut.

With 13 wickets in the series at an impressive average of 17.31, Joseph has showcased his pace and ability to generate bounce, making him a valuable asset in any cricketing format.

The highly anticipated second annual Knockout Football tournament, the Mash Cup, is set to kick off today at the Golden Grove Community Centre ground on the East Coast. This three-week tourney promises to be thrilling, culminating in a grand finale on February 17.

Featuring more than 16 teams from football associations across Berbice, East Coast, Georgetown, and West D e m e r a r a , t h i s y e a r ’s competition will witness the participation of some of the local football scene’s biggest names. Notably, East Coast, and Guyana football sensation Omari Glasgow and his team are expected to showcase their skills during the tournament.

Scheduled match days are February 2, 4, 9, 15, and 17 at the Golden Grove Ground on the East Coast Demerara, starting daily at 18:00 hrs. Additionally,

matches on February 3 and 10 will take place at the #5 Ground on the West Coast Berbice, also commencing at 18:00 hrs.

Today’s lineup features a clash between Buxton Stars and Pouderoyen, followed by Ann’s Grove taking on Mahaica football team.

Meanwhile, the East Coast Mash Cup aims to create opportunities for young men in the community who often face limited prospects to showcase their talents, leading to frustration and sometimes involvement in illegal activities for recognition.

Organized by founder Sean London and Secretary Kevin Morgan, the tournament seeks to utilize the universal language of football to engage young men in Guyana, providing them with a platform for personal growth, discipline, t e a m w o r k , a n d sportsmanship. Beyond

showcasing football skills and passion, the event promotes sportsmanship, u n i t y, a n d h e a l t h y competition among participants and spectators.

The coveted first-place winner of the tournament will receive an attractive prize of $500,000 along with a championship t r o p h y. A d d i t i o n a l l y, second, third, and fourth place finishers will be awarded $250,000, $150,000, and $100,000, respectively.

The success of the tournament is made possible through contributions from prominent entities such as R a i n f o r e s t Wa t e r s , Guinness, GT Beer, Ryda Hard Wine, MVP Sports, Star Party Rentals, Recount Party Rental, GuyWill Shipping, Woodpecker Products, Hype Laundromat, Anchor Cement, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, among others.

Kaieteur News

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Friday February 02, 2024

GCB secures sponsorship for Guyana under15 team The Guyana Cricket Board has secured the corporate support of OES Guyana Inc. to outfit the national male team to compete in the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 50-over championship, slated for Antigua in March.

L a s t S u n d a y, t h e partnership was sealed when representatives of the Cricket Board and the Oil and Gas Company made a public announcement during the lunch break of the Intercounty Under-15 match between Berbice and Essequibo at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground on Thomas Lands.

OES Guyana Inc is honoured to support and partner with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) through a sponsorship deal.

OES is the preferred choice for Asset Integrity Management, providing services that safeguard clients’ assets through their full life-cycle. The company is a global market leader in Inspection, Repair and

GCB’s Anthony D’Andrade receives sponsorship for Guy U15 team from OES Marketing Coordinator Trevannie Dennis.

Maintenance services.

Operating for 4 years in Guyana, and over 25 years globally in 14 locations, they have become our clients’ first choice partner.

Giving some insight into t h e c o m p a n y ’s g o a l s , Marketing Coordinator Trevannie Dennis, outlined, “OES understands the importance of giving back

and local community d e v e l o p m e n t . We a r e delighted to contribute to the future Guyanese cricket talent with a donation to the GCB towards the U15 team’s

uniform and preparation ahead of the Regional U15 Championship hosted in Antigua.” The GCB U15 team has been an integral part of Guyana’s cricket

foundation, having produced countless players who currently represent or in the past played at the highest levels for Guyana and the West Indies.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’...

Teams scrambling to make final 16 qualifiers

U

ndoubtedly the most famous of the street football tournaments in the c o u n t r y, t e a m s a r e scrambling to fill up entry forms to participate in the qualifiers to make this year’s Georgetown Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ tournament set to kick off on March 15, at the National Park.

With sixteen teams already automatically qualified, the race is on to see who will join them in this year ’s eagerly anticipated competition, which is returning after an unavoidable hiatus.

Thirty-two of the top teams from Georgetown will vie for bragging rights and the right to be crowned champion over e i g h t d a y s o f competition along with lucrative prize monies and trophies, while an automatic berth in the national final is assured.

Guinness Brand executive Lee Baptiste speaking recently said because of the tournament’s absence for a prolonged period, they are just as excited and anxious as the

Action promises to be at his usual intensity.

teams and fans to see the unrivalled tournament make its return to the sports calendar.

“We are hoping that the tournament enjoys a triumphant return, and it is played with the same discipline and creates a similar kind of excitement that was witnessed in

previous years,” Baptiste said.

He revealed that to this end they have been planning meticulously to ensure that teams, management staff and fans who come out to the event have a great time, a feature that is usually associated with the tournament.

The other playing days are March 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 and 30 with the final set for the 31st.

He added that this year’s zone opener will enjoy unprecedented media exposure, informing that all platforms will be utilized to promote the

event.

Defending champions Gold is Money will be aiming to secure their third consecutive title an honor if they are successful will make them the first team to do so.

However, teams such as Sparta Boss, Bent Street,

Back Circle, Stabroek Ballers, Sophia, Team Cruel and Alexander Village among others will be aiming to dismantle them from their throne.

Judging from recent competitions, this year’s tournament could be one of the most evenly contested and exciting in recent memory with a cadre of young upcoming teams eager to stamp their name in the annals of the tournament.

There is sufficient proof to suggest a new champion will be crowned, but not many pundits are daring to write off the more established teams yet.

This year will also witness a more vibrant community interaction all aimed at bringing communities together to create social cohesion among its residents and to identify talent within the participating communities.

What is guaranteed are exciting matches and giveaways for fans.

Details of the t o u r n a m e n t ’s o f f i c i a l Launch will be released shortly.

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

PAGE 31

World Aquatics Championships begin in Doha, but many top swimmers are staying home AP - With all eyes on the Paris Olympics, the World Aquatics Championships feel more like a nuisance than the second-most important event on the swimming calendar.

Given the unusual timing — a lingering fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic — many of the biggest names have decided to skip the meet in Doha, Qatar.

“I don’t really care, to be honest,” American breaststroke star Lilly King said. “It’s not that big a deal for me.”

The biennial world championships — which also feature diving, water polo, artistic swimming, open water and high diving — are usually held in oddnumbered years to avoid conflicting with the Olympics. But the pandemic threw the schedule all of whack, beginning with the Tokyo Olympics being postponed until 2021.

T h a t f o r c e d Wo r l d Aquatics, the international governing body, to push back its championships

scheduled for Fukuoka from ‘21 to ’22.

With efforts to combat COVID-19 still a top priority, Japanese officials weren’t willing to hold the meet a year later, either. A replacement was hastily scheduled in Budapest, while the Fukuoka championships were delayed again to 2023 — the slot that was supposed to go to Qatar, the first Middle East nation to host the worlds.

So, the Doha meet was squeezed into the schedule less than six months ahead of the Paris Games, the first time the championships — which began in 1973 — are being held in the same calendar year as the Olympics.

The 17-day competition begins today, Friday with a pair of diving events.

The swimming days are set for the back half of the meet, but most of the world’s top nations are sending what amounts to their B-teams.

For the powerhouse Americans, that means no Katie Ledecky, no Caeleb

Katie Ledecky

Dressel, no Ryan Murphy.

Australia, which won a leading 13 swimming gold medals last summer in Fukuoka, won’t have Kaylee McKeown, Ariarne Titmus or Mollie O’Callaghan.

French star Léon Marchand, who has drawn comparisons to Michael Phelps, is sitting this one out, too. Ditto for Canadian prodigy Summer McIntosh, along with Chinese stalwarts Qin Haiyang and Zhang Yufei.

Of the 22 individual swimming gold medalists at l a s t s u m m e r ’s w o r l d championships, only seven

are entered for Doha.

King, a five-time Olympic medalist who captured 11 golds and two silvers at the last three world championships, never seriously considered trying to add to her haul.

She is focused solely on being at her best for the U.S. Olympic trials in June and, of course, the biggest meet of all in Paris.

“I don’t want to find out that three eight-day meets in six months is too many on Day 5 of the Olympics,” King said. “But for everyone going, I hope they have fun.”

J a c k A l e x y, w h o

emerged in Fukuoka as one of America’s rising sprint stars, decided to concentrate o n t h e N C A A championships in March.

Next to a successful Olympics, his biggest goal this year is helping Cal win its third straight men’s national championship.

“I think bypassing the 2024 worlds and focusing on NCAAs and this summer will help put me and my team in the best position,” Alexy said, adding that the worlds is “just too much racing in six months.”

While the U.S. and Australia are sending scaledback teams, the meet in Doha will feature some compelling storylines.

The British team, for example, picked a squad that included nine medalists from Fukuoka, as well as worldrecord holder Adam Peaty.

“This is a great racing opportunity on the world stage and will be a serious test of our swimmers’ preparations and work over the winter months as they will still be in heavy training

throughout the meet,” said Chris Spice, performance director for British Swimming.

After an extended break to deal with mental health issues, Peaty is eager to regain his status as the sport’s most dominant breaststroker.

American Nic Fink, who grabbed a pair of individual silver medals in Fukuoka, looks forward to racing the British star. In fact, all three Olympic medalists from the 100-meter butterfly in Tokyo are set to compete in Doha.

“Not everyone’s going to be there, but it will be pretty competitive,” Fink said.

“That’s kind of why I agreed to go. I had a feeling there was still going to be some awesome racing.”

Kate Douglass is the only American individual gold medalist from Fukuoka who will be defending her title.

With so many big names sitting out, the 22-year-old has a chance to lead a youthful U.S. team. “It’ll be a good group of young (Continued on page 27)

CWI has upgraded Joseph’s franchise contract to an ‘He’s created a good headache’ - Sammy international retainer contract puts Joseph in T20 World Cup frame ESPNcricinfo - West Indies Test hero Shamar Joseph could force his way into the T20 World Cup calculations this year despite not playing in the two limited-overs series against Australia, with coach Daren Sammy admitting he has created a selection headache.

Joseph sent shockwaves around the cricket world last Sunday when he took 7 for 68 to inspire West Indies to a historic Test victory over Australia at the Gabba.

That came on the back of a five-wicket haul in his debut Test in Adelaide, which included dismissing Steven Smith with his first ball in Test cricket.

Joseph has only played two T20 matches in his short career, for Guyana Amazon Warriors in last year’s CPL, and is yet to take a wicket in the format.

He has also played just two List A games for Guyana in the Super50 Cup. But Sammy, West Indies’ white-ball coach, was

adamant Joseph would be an all-format star for his country and could well be vaulted into T20 World Cup calculations.

“He will definitely be an all-format player,” Sammy said. “I can’t wait to get my hands on him in this squad.

But look, everything has a process to it.

That’s the way myself and the chairman of selectors operate. What he’s done is he’s created a really good headache for me with the World Cup coming up, building forward in the ODI team.

“We got other guys like Jayden Seales, who’s injured at the moment. So we’re developing a core in all formats that enables us to pick from good positions, guys that are performing and that’s what you want as a cricketing nation.”

Joseph was not initially selected in the white-ball squads for the three-match ODI series that starts at the MCG today and the three-

match T20I series that starts next Friday in Hobart.

He was instead set to play in the ILT20 before having to withdraw due to the toe injury he suffered during the Gabba Test.

Sammy revealed that there had been conversations about keeping him in Australia and adding him to the limited-overs squads but he was keen to allow him to go home to recover and celebrate with his family.

“We ride the wave that’s happening there, but we won’t go crazy,” Sammy said. “If the guy’s injured, let him go home and rest.

That’s probably the first time he’s been away from home for so long.

He’s got a young family.

So we understand.

Whatever we do is wellplanned and well-thoughtout.

“I think going home to his family, enjoying this moment is important.

Because victories like that don’t come around all the

time. It’s important that you enjoy these moments.

Savour it so that it keeps you motivated to have more moments like that.”

Joseph will instead head to the PSL in just over a fortnight after he was signed as a replacement player by Peshawar Zalmi, where Sammy is also head coach.

Sammy was hopeful that Joseph’s performance would inspire his inexperienced ODI squad in the threematch series against Australia.

“When somebody performs like that the team rises, and it was so good to watch. You see the smile on my face every time you go back to that and I just hope my men - whenever challenges come you can just remember that if you push through, there’s always gold at the end of the rainbow.”

CWI gives Joseph international retainer contract Meanwhile, Cricket West Indies has upgraded

Joseph’s franchise contract to an international retainer contract. After the Gabba Test, Joseph had said: “There will be times when T20 might come around and Test cricket will be there. But I will always be available to play for West Indies no matter how much money comes towards me.”

Chemar Holder, another fast bowler, has been offered a franchise contract as West Indies “double-down on securing the best fastbowling talent available”.

Holder, who has played one Test and one ODI for West Indies, is making a comeback from shoulder surgery. In the recent Super50 Cup, he picked up four wickets in four games.

“As exhilarated as we are, it is also dutiful to elevate Shamar Joseph to a CWI international retainer contract,” Enoch Lewis, CWI director and chair of the cricket development and performance committee, said.

“His extraordinary talent and steadfast dedication serve as the cornerstone of our team’s recent triumph at the Gabba, and such promise merits its due recognition.

Shamar has not just been rewarded with a retained contract, he has earned it.”

Miles Bascombe, the director of cricket, said: “Shamar’s elevation to a CWI International retainer contract reflects his potential and the bright future ahead for West Indies cricket.

We have also offered Chemar Holder a franchise contract as we double-down on securing the best fastbowling talent available.”

W I ’s i n t e r n a t i o n a l retainers for 2023-24: Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Friday February 02, 2024

Hamilton set for shock switch to Ferrari in 2025 – reports LONDON, (Reuters) Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is set for a shock switch from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025 as replacement for Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, according to multiple media reports yesterday.

Mercedes and Ferrari declined to comment on speculation that would be by far the most sensational driver move of the so-called ‘silly season’.

Sky Sports television said it understood Mercedes principal Toto Wolff would brief the team before a formal announcement later yesterday.

Hamilton, 39, has been with Mercedes since 2013 and won his first title with McLaren in 2008. His current contract is due to expire at the end of next year and a move to Ferrari would surely extend that into the sport’s new engine era in 2026.

The Briton has been linked with Maranello repeatedly during his career, particularly when his contract has been up for renewal, but he signed a new two year deal with Mercedes last August. Despite his

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during practice.

(REUTERS/Rula Rouhana/File Photo) loyalty to Mercedes, Hamilton has remained close to Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur after winning Formula Three and GP2 (now Formula Two) championships with the Frenchman’s ART team as a junior in 2005 and 2006.

Vasseur said last August that he talked to Hamilton at every race weekend.

In 2019, Wolff said Hamilton and Mercedes had discussed the possibility of the driver one day racing for Ferrari and such a move would be no drama.

“You have to simply acknowledge that probably it’s in every driver’s head to drive at Ferrari one day,” the Austrian said then.

“It’s the most iconic, historic Formula One brand out there and I totally respect if a driver has the desire to drive at Ferrari.

“Even within the team we have discussed it and with Lewis we have discussed it and we have agreed on the topic.”

The most successful Formula One driver of all

time, with a record 103 wins and 104 pole positions in a career that started in 2007, Hamilton has not won a race since December 2021 as Mercedes struggled to match Red Bull and Max Verstappen. Verstappen has won the last three titles and starts 2024 as favourite for a fourth. The Dutch 26-yearold has a contract to the end of 2028. Hamilton would join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, with the Italian team announcing a week ago that the Monegasque had signed

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton arrives ahead of practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (REUTERS/ Hamad I Mohammed/File Photo) on for several more seasons.

McLaren also ensured Lando Norris , who had been seen by some as a possible future replacement for Hamilton, was off the market by announcing a new deal on Friday.

A move to Ferrari would l i k e l y b e H a m i l t o n ’s

Formula One swansong and a calculated risk, with the 2026 rule changes leaving everyone entering new territory.

The possibility of a record eighth title, if not with Mercedes this season, with a third team would also be a sensational step.

Botafogo sign Henrique from Da Silva to lead T&T Red Force Betis for Brazilian record fee in West Indies Championship (Reuters) - Botafogo have signed Brazilian winger Luiz Henrique from Spanish side Real Betis for a Brazilian record fee, the club said yesterday.

Financial details were not disclosed, but Spanish media said the Brazilian Serie A club had paid Betis a fee of about 20 million euros ($21.69 million) for the 23year-old.

Botafogo said that the deal represented the highest transfer fee ever paid by a Brazilian club. The player has signed until the end of 2028.Brazilian media reported the forward could leave Botafogo at the end of the season or in 2025 on loan to Olympique Lyonnais, with both clubs being owned

by American businessman John Textor.

Henrique made 64 appearances for Betis, scoring four goals and providing 10 assists, after joining from Fluminense in 2022. ($1 = 0.9223 euros)

Real Betis’ Luiz Henrique during the warm-up before the match.

(REUTERS/David W Cerny/File Photo)

SportsMax - West Indies wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva has taken the reins from Darren Bravo and will captain the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force for the upcoming West Indies Championship.

Having led the West Indies ‘A’ team on their tour to South Africa late last year, Da Silva isn’t new to the captaincy. However, he will have to also step up with the bat in the absence of Bravo, who was the leading batter for the Red Force last year.

Meanwhile, Bryan Charles was named vice-captain of the squad which includes fitagain pacers Jayden Seales and Terrance Hinds as well as veterans Imran Khan and Jason Mohammed.

T&T will open their campaign against defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles at Conaree Cricket Ground in St Kitts from February 7-10 before facing the West Indies Academy at the same venue from February 14-17.

T&T will complete their St Kitts leg of the tournament on February 21-24 against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Warner Park before returning to Trinidad for two matches in March at Queen’s Park Oval.

On March 13-16, T&T will face the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Oval before facing Barbados Pride at the same venue later that month.

The Red Force will then travel to Jamaica to face CCC from April 10-13 at Chedwin

West Indies wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva

Park before ending their campaign against hosts Jamaica Scorpions from April 17-20 at Sabina Park.

The Red Force will leave for St Kitts on Sunday where they will play three matches starting next Wednesday.

RED FORCE SQUAD: Joshua Da Silva (captain), Bryan Charles (vice-captain), Amir Jangoo, Imran Khan, Terrance Hinds, Jason Mohammed, Jyd Goolie, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, Vikash Mohan, Cephas Cooper, Tion Webster and Khary Pierre.

Sebastien Edwards (manager), David Furlonge (coach), Rayad Emrit (assistant coach), Ruel Rigsby (physio), Shane Burnett (S&C coach).

Kaieteur News

Friday February 02, 2024

PAGE 33

West Indies star Joseph, receives massive Hero’s welcome upon return home to Guyana A

rguably the most talked about player in all of international cricket following his record debut Test, Guyana and West Indies fast-bowler Shamar Joseph returned home yesterday to one of the biggest heroic welcomes in recent times.

The young speedster returned home on Thursday afternoon, to a packed CJIA lounge where he was welcomed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The party included Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) president Bissoondyal Singh, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr. Member of Parliament Sanjeev Datadin Guyana Harpy Eagles Assistant Coach Garvin Nedd, Operations Manager Anthony D’Andrade, other executives, members of the Harpy Eagles 4-Day team and the Media.

Apart from members of the cricket fraternity, t e a m m a t e s a n d stakeholders, Joseph received an otherworldly reception from the large number of family members and close friends; who were in attendance at the CJIA Arrival Lounge.

Residents of Baracarra made the welcoming even more touching, as they sang, danced and cheered for their champion as he made his way from the British

An overly excited to be home Shamar Joseph, during his brief remarks yesterday.

Airways craft and entered Gate 6 to a ruckus homecoming.

GCB president Bis s oondyal S ingh told the s tory of Joseph’s brief conversation with him prior to his record Test match.

He congratulated J os eph on his s ucces s , dubbing him as the latest international star.

P roud to be from the Caribbean, he s houted out, saying it wasn’t easy with an injured toe.

T h a n k s t o s upporters , happy to be back home.

Delivering the feature

Shamar Joseph along with his son, family members and Minister Charles Ramson Jr

address, Ramson opened up by saying, “Welcome home champ”, dubbing his story as God’s work. Ramson said Joseph is an inspiration to the world.

The Minister added that he was up late and managed to see Joseph’s match.

He spoke on meeting the pacer’s mother and his fellow villagers for the first time upon his visit to the community.

He added that the development of Joseph is development for all and as such it is important to protect, pray and support

the 23 year-old.

“On behalf of myself, the president, we will continue to be there for him.”

“On behalf of Guyanese I want to say how proud we are of you, the pride we express as a nation is a pride we want to be for evermore,” said Ramson who added that this is the beginning of the road, urging Joseph to be obsessed with greatness and winning.

The Minister pointed out that no distraction should take him away from his goals, despite distractions possibly lining themselves up at the moment.

Nevertheless, Minister Ramson said, fans, supporters, the GCB, and the Government of Guyana, will continue to support the pacer while he continues to grow from strength-to-strength.

Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jr. during his feature address following the return of Shamar Joseph to local soil.

rts Spo

Shamar Joseph return - GCB president Bissoondyal Singh, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr. Shamar Joseph and his son, alongside Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle.

West Indies star Joseph, receives massive Hero’s welcome upon return home to Guyana

BCQS 2024 Masters off to an exciting start - Antczak, Van Dijk, Rahamans among winners Ryan Rahaman skillfully returns a short ball during his match against Brian Wong.

Lydia Fraser (left) starts well against Anna Perreira in the Women’s Over-35.

CWI has upgraded Joseph’s Hamilton set for shock franchise contract to an international retainer contract switch to Ferrari in ‘He’s created a good headache’ - Sammy puts Joseph in T20 World Cup frame

2025 – reports

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