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AIETEUR ExxonMobil to take Sunday Edition NEWS Liza oil production offline to hook up pipeline for Wales gas project February 04, 2024

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With Guyana’s premium oil, other global assets no other - Exxon company can match us CEO ...boasts of being record setter with this country’s operations

2 hacked to death on the Corentyne as triangular …suspect love affair goes awry detained

Man killed after boat

p. 56

crashes in Berbice River Opposition says: Future Govts. will be left with the option of servicing debt or the people Teachers to protest nationwide over Govt’s refusal to engage in collective bargaining - GTU

Jagdeo defends clearing out Guyana's 2023 oil earnings

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

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Future Govts. will be left with the option of servicing debt or the people - Opposition says Future governments in this country will be faced with the grim reality of choosing between servicing its debt or servicing the needs of its people.

This is according to the Shadow Minister of Finance, Juretha Fernandes. She was at the time speaking at a joint press conference hosted by the A Partnership National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) on Saturday morning, where the Opposition registered its concerns over the new debt ceiling and withdrawal rules of the oil account.

On Friday evening, the government passed the Fiscal Enactments Amendment Bill No. 2 of 2024 that authorizes an increase in the country’s borrowing capacity as well as the amount that can be withdrawn from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF).

The Opposition boycotted the debates in the National Assembly, citing a security breach in the Opposition lounge.

Fernandes told journalists yesterday that the increase in withdrawals from the NRF means that there will not be resources left for the future. “It seems to me as though they intend to drain

Shadow Minister of Finance, Juretha Fernandes the NRF of every cent...its hard for us to comprehend the arguments that are coming out from the Finance Minister when he is saying that oh, sometime way in the future we gonna have some money left to save when they are consistently showing us every year they are also increasing the debt ceiling.”

Fernandes pointed out, “When you consistently increase the debt ceiling you are left with a choice in the future; future governments will be left with the choice as against do you service debt or do you service the people and these are the concerns we have.”

The Shadow Minister of

Finance highlighted that servicing debt has taken precedence in many oil rich countries that fell prey to borrowing against oil revenues. She pointed out the danger in this principle, noting that oil revenues will not flow forever, and can be cut off by various factors, such as a spill.

Fernandes explained that Guyana will then be left to rely on its poorly performing non-oil sectors to fund development in the country.

In fact, the Shadow Finance Minister said these resources may very well have to be directed to service this country’s ballooning debt rather than fund the needs of

citizens.

During yesterday’s press briefing, Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton as well as Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan and Members of Parliament (MPs) Shurwayne Holder, Roysdale Forde SC and Ganesh Mahipaul shared their views on the increasing debt burden to citizens and the shortening of saving from the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) or the NRF .

For his part, the Opposition Leader said the decision to overturn the NRF withdrawal rules have essentially abolished the fund altogether.

“If nearly every last cent that goes into a savings account can be withdrawn, it is as if there is no savings account at all. This is what the PPP is doing with a fund intended to insulate our economy from many of the ills faced by oil-rich countries,” Norton said.

He added that once in office, the APNU would reverse this practice of “plundering the fund” and replace this strategy with a “well-planned, flexible framework” that balances the nation’s development needs with its financial risks.

Norton was keen to note that oil is a highly volatile

commodity which warrants strict consideration of the utilization of these resources. The Leader cautioned, “If there are minimal savings in our Natural Resource Fund and the price of oil falls, various development projects may have to be delayed, cut or otherwise reworked. This will not only result in financial losses, it will generate a climate of extreme instability in the local economy. Guyana’s economy will be in a constant state of flux, booming when the oil price is high and in a downturn Continued on page 49

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

US$2B guarantee circus When we consider the pieces that are known so far, the US$2B parent company guarantee should there be a calamitous oil spill at ExxonMobil’s offshore operations, has long gone past the ingredients of a clown show. Even to call it a comedy special, compliments of the PPPC Government, would be an insult to honest, hardworking comedians.

The ups and downs, smoke and shadows surrounding this US$2B ExxonMobil (USA) guarantee now qualify to be a raucous circus. The donkeys are braying, the sheep bleating, and it is an out-of-control Animal Farm that Guyanese are witnessing. We will never think of, or compare, members of the PPPC Government to animals. In truth, the temptation is never far from overtaking, and has to be fought constantly.

It must be a concern for all Guyanese that what should be the simplest of undertakings has become so convoluted, made to be so unbelievably complicated. What the government is doing to Guyanese is the equivalent of one of those ancient doctors telling an anxious patient that he or she cannot see their test results, or the sum of their medical records. Is this not what has happened with the production of the proof of the US$2B parent guarantee, in that it cannot be seen by citizens?

As Guyanese get to know more about what a massive oil spill could potentially represent for them and their children, their livelihoods and way of life, they need the comfort of that document that proves ExxonMobil has done everything to obtain the guarantee, as negligible as it is.

That is, if in fact ExxonMobil decision makers in Texas have made such a decision, made concrete moves to have the coverage signed and sealed, with only delivery to local people missing.

Given the resourceful and adaptable positions of the attorney for Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the silence and disappearance of the EPA itself on this parent guarantee issue, Guyanese are in a bind. They stand naked in the wind, just don’t tell that to any PPPC Government operative.

One opposition Member of Parliament called on the attorney to apologize. We beg to differ, as we think that the better development would be for him to migrate, as this would spare the nation the spectacle of crocodile tears. Guyanese are better off without a learned citizen who has faltered in the basic duty of doing right by the people, one who is responsible for where the government is. Under his lead this guarantee has turned out to be nothing but a fiasco, with a farce now confirmed.

There is a slightly tougher sentiment in the case of the EPA: the EPA, in all that it incorporates as a vital and pivotal national institution, should be wrapped in a tarpaulin shroud, secured in chains, and gently eased overboard in the deepest water. It causes us some uneasiness to assert such, but the EPA has long lost any credibility that it is an agency always standing tall and firm for the Guyanese people.

Our position is closer to that of another opposition member: the guarantee is either not in place or fails to meet any eye test or smell test. ExxonMobil is the company that the Government of Guyana likes to call a partner. We ask the Guyanese people, the ones to feel any injury if an oil spill occurs: when ExxonMobil engages in these dodges, gets the Guyana Government to play these tricky games on its behalf, is it still realistic (and honest) to view it as a partner? Or, as is coming to light with developments like the US$2B guarantee, is ExxonMobil nothing but a ravenous, largescale predator? Proof of the guarantee (binding policy), when it is not forthcoming from ExxonMobil, exposes Guyanese to potentially untold dangers, unimaginable liabilities.

Yet the PPPC Government, with President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo in the forefront, continues to insist, and to hold, ExxonMobil as the best friend that Guyanese could possibly have. If ExxonMobil is the only friend (partner) that Guyanese can have, our preference is to take our chances with the devil. The air is cleaner, the lines are straighter, in dealing with the wicked one. It is not so with ExxonMobil.

Sunday February 04, 2024

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

Oil and the Auditor General DEAR EDITOR, Equity ownership in a business implies that an investor becomes a shareholder; and therefore, has access to complete information; has decisionmaking authority that is based on the relative size of the funds invested; and receives a share of the total profits, calculated on the shareholder’s ownership of the total invested funds.

In the case of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), there are three shareholders: ExxonMobil Guyana 45 Percent; Hess/ Chevron 30

percent; and CNOOC 25 percent. The important distinction here is that even though Guyana owns the non-renewable oil resource, the ownership of EMGL excludes Guyana as a shareholder.

Interestingly, If the 11 billion barrels of oil were discovered on private property owned by any Guyanese, that person would have been a shareholder in EMGL; would have had an equitable ownership share in EMGL; earn a proportionate share of the profits; and would have paid taxes, as would be the case in many

countries. Recognizing that the Government of Guyana is not a shareholder in EMGL, several limitations have been imposed on Guyana at the expense of the Guyanese people. In p a r t i c u l a r, G u y a n a i s disparagingly identified in the production sharing agreement (PSA) as the Non-Owner Associate (NOA); has no access to complete and timely information; has no decision-making authority; and all disputes have to be settled by arbitration in the USA at Guyana’s expense.

An important objective

in a privately owned firm would be to minimize the total cost of the oil extraction operation and maximize profits and returns to the shareholders.

What this entails is that if the firm invests US$50.0 Billion dollars, then the objective is to recoup the US$50.0 Billion dollars and ‘much more’ in the shortest possible time; and close shop before the contracted end date arrives.

The reason for this early departure is that there is no profitable incentive for them to stay when the remaining (Continued on page 06)

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Guyana’s decision to provide financial assistance to humanitarian relief efforts to Gaza is commendable DEAR EDITOR, The decision taken by the Guyana Government to provide financial assistance to the humanitarian relief efforts to the people of Gaza is commendable.

Guyana as a member of the United Nations Security Council has demonstrated that it is taking positions compatible with the thinking of progressive humanity which is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to allow for a return to normalcy to the Palestinian people.

At a much more fundamental level, as noted

by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Guyana has

always stood on the side of justice, especially when it comes to the fundamental and unalienable right of the Palestine people to have a country of their own.

It is now nearly three months since the killings and kidnapping of hundreds of Israelis by Hamas.

While there can be no justification for the actions taken by Hamas, the response by the Israeli military has been brutal, disproportionate, and indiscriminate resulting in the deaths of over twenty thousand people including women and children.

The tide of public opinion is increasingly

shifting away from Israel due to the harsh and barbaric actions taken against the Palestinian people. The initial solidarity shown by some countries towards Israeli following the Hamas attack is now dissipating.

Israel is coming under pressure from several western allies including the United States to avoid civilian casualties and for a ceasefire.

The only solution to the crisis in Palestine is for a two-state solution.

It is time to bring about a peaceful and lasting resolution to the decadeslong conflict in Palestine.

Hydar Ally

Beware Maduro’s machinations DEAR EDITOR, In the wake of the Argyll Declaration, we emphasised that Venezuela’s Maduro government cannot be trusted since it consistently ignores international law and norms and behave as a rogue state towards us.

U s u a l l y, g o v e r n m e n t s reflect rationally on future outcomes when they make decisions in the present, taking cognisance of international institutions that uphold what one expert called the ‘Three Rs’ thesis on states acting in the international order – reputation, reciprocity, and retaliation. But from our experience, we can see that based on Maduro’s cavalier effective dismissal of the Geneva Agreement with its procedural operations leading to their border controversy being settled judicially, he cynically regards multilateral institutions as toothless poodles.

If we needed further proof of Maduro’s mala fides, we can look at the fate of the “Barbados Agreement” which his government signed last October with Venezuela’s

Opposition parties’ Unitary Platform. They agreed to “recognize and respect the right of each political actor to select its candidate for the presidential elections in a free manner.” María Corina Machado had garnered over 90% of the opposition votes in primary elections held in the same month. The US government, committed to ensuring democratic governance in the western hemisphere via free and fair elections, lifted the sanctions they had imposed on Venezuela after Maduro had massively rigged the 2018 presidential elections.

US oil giant Chevron was granted a six-month license to resume operations in association with the Venezuelan oil company

PDVSA. But within days of Machado winning the opposition primary, Maduro used a frequently deployed ploy against opposition candidates by banning her from participating in any elections because on “antinational” activities. She had supported the US post-2018 measures that sanctioned his rigging. Machado appealed to the Venezuelan Supreme Court of Justice but last week, it upheld the ban without allowing her the right to defend herself. This, of course, violates her rights to due process and defence by international human rights standards. The InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IAHCR) (Continued on page 57)

GPSCCU Management Committee not inclined to hold Special General Meeting DEAR EDITOR, As much as it pains me to be enmeshed in the acrimonious environment attending the petition of the members of the GPSCCU for a Special General Meeting, I consider it my duty to address the false narrative perpetuated by Ms. Karen VanSluytman-Corbin on Friday February 2, 2024, on Channel 101.1.

I, therefore, refer to my notes of the statutory meeting of the Committee of Management (COM) on December 20, 2023, for as near an accurate version of what transpired when I attempted to have a discussion on arrangements to hold the SGM on February 5, 2024, as ordered by High Court Judge, the Honourable Mr. Justice Navindra Singh.

Under the heading of “Any Other Business” I asked and received the permission of the Chair, Ms.

VanSluytman-Corbin, to read a correspondence dated December 19, 2023, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), related to certain prerequisites for the SGM. One member, Ms O. Saskia Eastman-Onwuzirike stated that the COM needs the Court Order to be guided and that the CEO is not authorized to carry out any instructions outlined in the correspondence in the absence of a Court Order. Mr Jermain Hermanstyne was adamant that he did not accept the letter which I read and insisted that any correspondence should be addressed to the COM for consideration. Mr. Arthur Gibbs advised that I use the correct channel to bring information to the board.

The Chairperson stated that what I had read would not be recorded because the letter was not addressed or sent to

the COM. The COM using its built-in majority decided that there will be no discussion on the SGM until the court order was received.

At 09:30 hours on December 22, 2024, I delivered a letter to the CEO, addressed to the Chairperson, in which I repeated all of the operational preconditions in preparation of the SGM, and enclosed therein a copy of the court order. Conscious of the time constraints, I requested on behalf of the three court-appointed committee members, a response from the Chairperson. None was forthcoming! All of the foregoing sets out to prove that at all material times I sought to engage the COM on the matter of the SGM. Editor, this has been the attitude of the COM for going on two years, and the (Continued on page 57)

Kaieteur News

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Sunday February 04, 2024

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox GTUC stands in solidarity with GTU to protect and defend its membership’s right to collective bargaining DEAR EDITOR, T h e G u y a n a Tr a d e Union Congress stands in solidarity with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) in its struggle for equal treatment for teachers under the Constitution and Laws of Guyana and taking industrial action come Monday, 5th February 2024. GTUC holds the People’s Progressive Party government accountable for creating a bad industrial relations climate by its discriminatory management that sees the continuous violation of laws and transgressing of the rights of some workers.

Workers’ rights and employer’s duty under the law Article 147 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic Guyana not only protects workers’ right to join a trade union of choice and engage in collective bargaining with the employer but also the right to strike. These rights are enshrined in

International Labour Conventions, and it is important to note, the right to strike is particularly exercised when workers grievances are ignored by the employer.

The Irfaan Ali administration had more than three years to engage the GTU that submitted a Proposal on Wage/Salaries and Working Conditions in August 2020. Whilst the Aliregime ignores the GTU as recently as this week officials of the government made public their plan to engage unions in the sugar belt to address issues of wages/salaries and working conditions. This disparity in treatment is part of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime’s contempt for sections of the work force which the GTUC will not countenance.

Repeated efforts by the GTU to have its proposal addressed has not only been rebuffed but teachers have

had to face various insults, threats, intimidation, and socalled entreaties by the government. These actions violate Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act which expressly states: “Where a trade union obtains a certificate of recognition for workers comprised in a bargaining unit in accordance with this Part, the employer shall recognize the union, and the union and the employer shall bargain in good faith and enter into negotiations with each other for the purpose of collective bargaining.”

GTUC calls on the teachers to support their union’s struggle for in unity there is strength. GTUC also supports the GTU taking all necessary actions to safeguard and defend teachers’ rights which are protected by international conventions and local laws.

Disparity in treatment The Constitution and Labour Laws are applicable to all unionised workers, not some. These laws never stipulated some are more equal than some, which is

what the regime has been communicating to the nation. This issue is not about how much the regime claimed to have paid some teachers or any other excuse but about respecting teachers’ right to collective bargaining.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s efforts to dissuade the nation’s public-school teachers by referencing what he considers efforts by the regime to remunerate teachers better is an insult to persons’ intelligence and open contempt for the rights of some Guyanese. If the government does not want the teachers to take industrial action, then they must move with alacrity to resolve the three-plus-yearold grievances.

Attempts to sow division and dissuade workers from taking action protected by the constitution by making the GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald a scapegoat is condemned by the GTUC in the strongest possible terms. Sis Mc Donald like Bro. Seepaul Narine are Members of

Parliament. And whereas McDonald is serving this country on the Opposition side, Narine serves on the Government. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) of which Narine is the president and a union that represents sugar workers is to meet with the government shortly to address the welfare of sugar workers, consistent with the right to c o l l e c t i v e b a rg a i n i n g .

GAWU is not superior to the GTU. To meet with GAWU and refuse to meet with the GTU represents another flagrant violation of the law and transgression of the rights of some workers.

This nation can afford to treat its teachers better and must do so by first respecting the right of our publicschool teachers to collective bargaining. They demand and deserve no less a treatment and respect as citizens of this land.

Ministers Hamilton and Manickhand abrogated their responsibilities Rather than Labour Minister Joe Hamilton threatening the

workers not to strike he should have activated his responsibility as a conciliator under the Labour Laws and brought the parties to the table the past three plus years.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand rather than asking teachers not to take industrial action should have used her cabinet portfolio to insist the government meet with the GTU or assert her role as the responsible ministry and come to the bargaining table with the teachers. Article 147 of the Constitution of Guyana and Section 23(1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act must be activated for the teachers, public sector workers and all unionised workers of Guyana equally as these instruments are activated for sugar workers.

This nation has had e n o u g h o f t h e P P P ’s discriminatory practices towards some sections of the Guyanese community and workforce.

Enough is Enough!

Guyana Trades Union Congress

Oil and the Auditor General...

From page 04 quantity of the oil resource in the reservoir is uneconomical for extraction.

Recently, Hess sold its stake in the project to Chevron for more than US$50.0 Billion dollars; and Hess has been reporting how profitable their project in Guyana has been. I would contend that EMGL is on track to achieving an outcome that is no different than Hess; and therefore, the government cannot be making excuses about deferring their returns to some future date, when the oil will be depleted. A fair return is required now, as a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow, once we acknowledge that current interest rates are not zero.

Additionally, it is hard to believe that given the cost of capital, and the no less than the US$50.0 Billion-dollar investment in EMGL, it is hard to believe that a profit share of 12.5 percent to be proportionately divided between the three owners is really an attractive return on the investment. This is not credible.

Recently, Guyanese were informed of the inability of the Auditors employed by the GoG to gain access to production data. Likewise, Guyanese were thwarted from seeing the paper work in support of $2 Billion guarantee deposit

by EMGL/ Exxon for oil s p i l l d i s a s t e r s (https://www.kaieteurnewso

nline.com/2024/01/29/datad in-must-follow-ownadvice-to-not-speak-onfull-liability-coverage-ifhe-knows-nothing-aboutit/).

Because of these restriction and limitations, it would appear that Guyana’s sovereignty has been compromised by a private foreign company that operates an extraction operation that pays no taxes; that excludes ring-fencing on each project; and captures from every dollar 85.5 cents, while leaving only a meager 14.5 cents for Guyana, an amount that is insufficient for a non-renewable resource. Furthermore, if there is an oil spill, and there is no optimal liability coverage for an everincreasing number of FPSO vessels, such a disaster will damage many countries in the Caribbean, and bankrupt Guyana.

What is also contentious is the idea that the GOG is paying the taxes of EMGL out of its meager 14.5 cents, yielding a net of only 11 cents out of every dollar after the transfer of the taxes.

More disturbing is the fact

that Guyana is required to issue a fake tax receipt to EMGL that is taken elsewhere for a tax credit. No Government should be involved in this unwholesome arrangement; for this is fraud and the Auditor General of Guyana has work to do on this troubling issue.

More specifically, the involvement of the Auditor General is required because according to the Audit Act 2004, Functions 4.1, Page 4: ‘The Auditor General shall be the external auditor of the public accounts of Guyana and, in the discharge of his functions, shall have complete discretion in examining and reporting on the receipt, disbursement, and control of public moneys a n d o n t h e e c o n o m y, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of such moneys.’ (https://www.audit.org.gy/si te/images/Legislation/Audit %20Act%202004.pdf).

Dereliction of duty? I hope not!

Sincerely, Dr. C. Kenrick Hunte Professor and Former Ambassador

sKaieteur weN ruetNews eiaK

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Sunday Monday February May 02, 04,2022 2024

Guyana's oil is a high priority ...it is one of the greatest giants to be found in a for Exxon long time and there may never be another -Expert I

nternational Energy Advisor David L Goldwyn recently described the 11 billion barrels unlocked in the Stabroek Block as one of the “giants” of the industry, adding that it is for this reason the country is a “high priority” for American oil giant ExxonMobil.

During a recent interview with CNBC, the world's leading network for business and financial news, Goldwyn said, “For all of the international oil and gas companies, they look for big finds and Guyana is the biggest that anyone has found in a very long time and there may not be other giants as they are called in the business that are left so it is extremely important.”

The analyst added, “And I

think that is why you see Exxon place such a high priority not only on the development of the asset but on the development of the country because for international companies these are 30-year projects, and they are going to be there for a very long time. So, if the country does not succeed, neither do they.”

While Guyana may be a high priority for Exxon, Goldwyn said it is critical that authorities put systems in place to avoid the dreaded resource curse.

He said that while a Natural Resource Fund (NRF) is a good place to start to avoid this curse, the analyst said it should not be perceived as a “silver bullet” or panacea.

The industry expert said,

“In order for Guyana to avoid the curse they need to get to the next level. First, they have a NRF, but they need independent management of that fund as Norway has.”

He said too that Guyanese authorities need to have a long-term view on investments and avoid wasting that money.

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

He noted for example that Guyana needs to strengthen its abilities to manage very large procurements such as billions that would be allocated for roads and other critical infrastructure that the country needs. Goldwyn said governments are not always

inclined to go that route as it is not politically popular.

He said nonetheless that “without that government c a p a c i t y, ( p r o p e r ) accounting, and budget supervision, they are going to have a hard time managing that money well.”

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

Overall, Goldwyn said the foregoing would be crucial to helping Guyana keep the resource curse at bay. For readers unfamiliar with the term, the resource curse describes the circumstance where a country does worse off with the discovery of a resource in

significant quantities. In simple terms, the people are not better off with its discovery.

While Goldwyn and others have expressed concerns about the country's ability to avoid the resource curse, local authorities have insisted that the work is being done to avoid this pitfall.

Vice President and Chief Policymaker for the oil sector, Bharrat Jagdeo has

said the government is determined not to become overly dependent on oil revenues, adding that a portion of the wealth is being used to ensure the country has a diversified economy.

He said this is being done with key investments channeled to health care, education, infrastructure, a g r i c u l t u r e , manufacturing, and energy transformation.

Georgetown Magistrates' Court round-up

By Christal Yong Below are court cases, which were heard at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court between January 29, 2024 and January 31, 2024.

MondayTwenty-twoyear-old Nathaniel Martin appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse on Monday, where he

charged with larceny. He is accused of the alleged theft of a bangle valued $150,000 from a woman at the Stabroek Market on January 22, 2024. He is scheduled to appear before the court on February 27, 2024.

Wednesday On Wednesday, 23-yearold Rollex George was remanded to prison after it was disclosed before Acting

The Georgetown Magistrates' Court

was charged with larceny.

He is accused of robbing Richard Balchand of a Samsung phone valued $35,000 and $5000 in cash on Brickdam, Georgetown on January 26, 2024. Martin was remanded to prison until February 17, 2024.

On Monday 34-year-old Kelvin Thomas, a father of four, appeared at the city court before Magistrate Clive Nurse, where he was

Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrate's Court that he allegedly chopped a man with a cutlass, causing the victim to suffer a fractured skull.

George was charged with the offence of inflicting grievous body harm with intent to murder. He is scheduled to appear before the court on February 19, 2024, for reports.

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

PAGE 09

The PPP/C is its own worst enemy

T

he APNU+AFC destroyed whatever chances it had of ever being returned to office. It affected its own fortunes by seeking to benefit from the attempt to rig the 2020 general and regional elections.

Had it simply conceded, accepted its defeat and took action to remove the underperformers who were responsible for its electoral loss in the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections, it may have been able to return to government in 2025. It cannot now do so because of what it attempted to do with the elections results. The PPP/C took a different approach. It lost the 2015 elections and went into Opposition. It spent the next five years organising its base, then expanding its support, winning two local government elections and then humiliating the APNU+AFC by the successful passage of a nonconfidence motion.

The four years elapsed quickly and the PPP/C returned to the saddle of political power. The PPP/C is riding into a long tenure in office because of the silly shenanigans of the A P N U + A F C .

The APNU+AFC did not have the patience of the PPP/C. Some of its leaders

were unprepared to go back into Opposition and therefore there was an attempt to steal the elections, which backfired.

If only the APNU+AFC had conceded gracefully and waited out its five years, the PPP/C would have been booted out in 2025. But that is not going to happen because a critical segment of the electorate will never again trust the APNU+AFC with political office.

It was democracy, which had delivered a razor slim majority – but a majority nonetheless – to the APNU+AFC in 2015. And, instead of the Coalition accepting that, its best chance of regaining power was through the ballot, it tried to rig and bully its way back into office.

The APNU+AFC should have routed those within its leadership who spread the narrative of an ‘installed’ government. So long as that narrative persists, APNU+AFC will remain in the Opposition because those who spew such a narrative will not enjoy any credibility.

Instead of turning against those who were pouting the narrative of an ‘installed’ government, forces within the APNU turned against David Granger, the one hope which the APNU+AFC had

of ever returning to government. If the APNU+AFC had accepted its defeat, the Irfaan Ali administration would have been a one-term government. Ali is a young man and he will learn on the job but he cannot bring about the economic transformation which he is promising. He is in my estimation out of his depth as President.

The government is on a spending spree. But the economy does not have the capacity to absorb that level of spending at the rate at which the PPPC is proceeding. To compound the problems for the young President, the usual suspects are around and are doing the same nonsense which cost the PPP/C its majority in 2011 and the presidency in 2 0 1 5 .

It should be clear to all by now that so long as the usual suspects are in his order, so long as he is pursuing the big projects which his administration is incapable of executing, so long as these projects serve the interests of a small oligarchic class which has re-emerged, Ali cannot deliver the transformation he promises.

The Opposition need not worry about Ali’s wish list of projects, including two new drainage canals for Regions 5 and Regions 6 for which

DEM BOYS SEH

Wedding house is not for children!

We k n o w a b o u t wedding crashers. But we forget about wedding invasion: the invasion of children at weddings.

Why is it that when so many mommy and daddy are invited to a wedding, they have to tug along the kids. Wedding house is not for children! Who really get invite, the mother and father or the entire household? So forget about wedding crashers; we’re talking about wedding dashers, pint-sized party animals crashing the scene faster than you can say “I do.” Now, don’t get me wrong. Children are bundles of joy, the cherubic cherubs of innocence. But when it comes to weddings, they seem to have a knack for turning fairytales into nightmares faster than you can say “happily ever

after.” Gone are the days when weddings were a sanctuary of sophistication and refinement. Nowadays, they’re more like a chaotic carnival, complete with mini clowns and circus acts.

Forget about exchanging vows; the real spectacle is trying to keep little ones from running all over the reception and making noises. Some of dem even want to pull down the balloons.

And let’s not even mention the budget-busting implications. With every child comes a mountain of expenses – from extra chairs and meals to the inevitable collateral damage caused by having to clean up the mess made in their wake. It’s enough to cause you to break into a cold sweat.

But there is a solution to

this matrimonial mayhem: a little thing called babysitters. Yes, that’s right – those elusive creatures skilled in the art of wrangling wildlings and keeping them entertained far, far away from the main e v e n t . I t ’s t i m e f o r Guyanese to embrace this revolutionary concept and leave the little ones at home where they belong – preferably under the watchful eye of a trusted babysitter.

So, the next time you receive a wedding invitation, remember this sage advice: leave the children at home, save your sanity, and let the bride and groom enjoy their special day in peace. After all, weddings are meant to be a celebration of love, not a daycare center.

Talk half. Leff half

the nation has not heard about any study which justifies either. They need not worry about the gas-toshore project. That will not be completed in time for 2025. The Opposition need not worry about the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project.

No one is going to invest in that when the government holds a one-seat majority in the National Assembly.

The PPP/C is its own worst enemy. The Opposition does

not have to do anything to undermine the PPP/C. The usual suspects will take the economy and the PPP/C down the drain as they did to D o n a l d R a m o t a r. T h e Opposition does not need to do anything; just leave the PPP/C to its ways and it will self-destruct.

But the PPP/C has a ticket to power until 2030.

And it was the APNU+AFC, which handed it that ticket.

(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

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UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

L

LAL

Sunday Monday February May 02, 04,2022 2024

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Pending Teachers' Strike T

eachers across Guyana are getting ready for some sort of strike action tomorrow. What form the strike will take, and how comprehensive it will be, is an event still unfolding, and which will be visible soon enough. Pay and working conditions are at the top of the concerns of local teachers.

At the risk of understatement, I think that a problem is brewing. It is one that could gather some e n e r g y, p e r h a p s l e a d somewhere. Or, something fizzles out for lack of muscle and traction. We shall see.

The PPP Government has twisted the heads of all Guyanese, so that they can see all that it has done for the teaching profession in

Guyana's public schools.

New schools.

New conditions.

New considerations.

New provisions.

And all that is new about so much more. So, what the hell is the problem with teachers? Specifically, what is the problem with the Guyana Teachers' Union GTU)? Why this drastic strike action contemplated by the GTU, especially when it could have such far-reaching impacts? Young minds left unattended. Adult parents left to cope with their anxieties. Possibly schools and classrooms left abandoned and bare, a barren wilderness where there is usually the sweet hum of engaged minds going through the gears.

I think that the

Government of Guyana has been everything in its power to incite a reaction of this nature. If there has to be a showdown, then bring it on.

Better to have it now, and deal with it, than let it fester and ooze into and taint the environment, rupture the social fabric. I am weighing the circumstances: will the teachers be in school, but operating with a delayed mindset?

In the complex, but not doing any teaching, chaperoning, or overseeing in the class.

If the attitude and intent of the GTU and their constituency are to get the maximum value out of the proposed strike action, then they have to go all the way.

To the streets, is where any strike belongs.

The teachers will have to decide how loud they will be to draw attention to their circumstances (pay and working conditions, among others).

Teachers and their representatives will have to decide how long the battle for better will be fought. My position is that the more spirited it is, and the more enduring that the strike action, the more it could grab hold of Guyanese interest and imagination. If teachers have made the first move to take control of their destiny, then other Guyanese could be prompted to consider their own paltry circumstances, and matters progress from a teachers protest movement to a mass movement.

There is sure to be at least one common factor linking

non-teachers to teachers: it is pay.

When people are not paid properly, then they can only purchase so much that is drop-dead necessary. The rest is a waiting game. For pigs to develop wings, perhaps. The rest that is missing (proper pay etc.) is what makes people reach their point of no return and say: something has to be done, something has to give. Strike action seems to be all that is left.

In its first reaction, Minister of Labor, Mr. Joe Hamilton, said that any such action would be considered “illegal.”

I think I sense a parallel to the PNC calling this incumbent government 'illegal', as evidenced in the skullduggeries in the last elections.

In the government's case, I record this point: to call workers genuinely concerned about their conditions and the welfare of their loves ones as diving into the realm of what is “illegal” is tantamount to making criminals out of law-abiding citizens.

I would contend that what this PPP Government has inflicted upon public servants and others rises to what could be deemed criminal.

The likes of Jagdeo and others may prefer to forget that Guyanese workers forced to fight for their rights were at one time in this country branded as 'communists.'

Communists were hunted down in the United States during the 'Red Scare' and steel workers were savaged in the steel industry in the Pennsylvania labor wars.

I am pondering whether this is a case of history repeating itself. The

differ ence is that instead of the communist label, teachers and others of like mind are drafted into the ranks of criminals.

We can quibble and squabble over Collective Bargaining, unilateralism, imposition, and such, but at the end of all conversations, one red flag stands firmly planted in the ground. It is representative of the suppression of hard-earned workers' rights, the oppression of the working class, who seek a living wage in a land of plenty.

The PPP Government has trampled upon those who say: some more, please.

What is fair and should be.

Illegal is the first salvo, with waiting to determine what the next ones are.

Looking at the terrain, the PPP Government has everything going for it. It has the strong arm of the law, and the strongmen within it, at its command.

There is public media already so skewed that most of it cannot straighten up.

The government has money, but not for some people. I s a y t h i n k s u g a r, s i r.

Guyanese have to decide. A strong strike action, one that acts as a magnet for other underpaid and overwhelmed workers.

Or a nation of bystanders and docile ducks encouraging abuse, exploitation, disrespect, and pauperization.

(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.)

Sunday February 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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WEEK-IN-REVIEW SUNDAY Govt. revising oil account law to withdraw 98% of 2023 deposits to support trillion-dollar budget The government is laying the groundwork to spend a substantial portion, 98% of the oil revenues received in 2023. The stage is being set for this through the proposed revision to the First Schedule of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, which dictates the formula for calculating the ceiling on annual withdrawals from the fund. The government tabled the proposal in the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Bill 2024 last Friday.

In 2023, Guyana’s NRF received US$1.617 billion. Under the current NRF formula, the maximum allowable withdrawal amount was calculated to be approximately US$1.154 billion.

However, with the proposed new formula, this withdrawal ceiling rises significantly to US$1.586 billion. This adjustment allows the government to utilize 98% of the 2023 oil revenues. US$31 million would be left for savings, representing only 2% of the revenues from 2023.

The government’s proposed revision seeks to increase the withdrawal limits significantly.

The new formula stipulates 100% withdrawal of the first US$1 billion received last year, 95% of the second US$1 billion, 90% of the third US$1 billion, 85% of the fourth US$1 billion, 50% of the fifth US$1 billion, and 10% of amounts over US$5 billion. This revision is a clear indication of the government’s intent to swell its withdrawals from Guyana’s NRF, leaving little for savings.

The existing first schedule of the NRF Act also has a withdrawal framework governed by tiers. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo defended the decision to change it recently, saying that it is too conservative. For any fiscal year, it

allows 100% withdrawal of the first US$500 million received in the preceding year, 75% of the second US$500 million, 50% of the third US$500 million, 25% of the fourth US$500 million, 5% of the fifth US$500 million, and 3% of amounts exceeding US$2.5 billion.

This formula, while designed to balance spending with savings, has been deemed insufficient by the government.

Looking ahead, projections from the Ministry of Finance indicate that the NRF will receive US$2.46 billion in 2024, US$2.51 billion in 2025, US$2.99 billion in 2026, and US$3.31 billion in 2027.

Using the new proposed formula, the maximum allowable withdrawals and the resultant savings for each year were calculated, showing a consistent trend of increased spending capacity. From 2023 to 2027, the total maximum allowable withdrawals amount to US$12.31 billion, with total savings being less than US$600 million.

The 2024 National Budget of Guyana stands at GY$1.146 trillion. In addition to revising the NRF withdrawal ceiling, the government has approached the National Assembly for an increase in the domestic and external debt ceilings. It plans to take on additional debt to meet 40% of budget needs, according to Jagdeo.

Exxon’s US$2B oil spill guarantee is not in place or fails to meet the threshold - Patterson ...as EPA continues to hide document The continued reluctance by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide proof of the US$2 billion oil spill guarantee reportedly submitted by American oil major, ExxonMobil continues to spark concern among stakeholders.

Former Minister of Public Infrastructure and the Alliance For Change’s (AFC’s) point-man on the oil and gas sector, David Patterson said this unwillingness of

Sunday February 04, 2024

Alliance For Change’s (AFC’s) point-man on the oil and gas sector, David Patterson the agency should concern all citizens, especially since the guarantee was ordered to be in place by the Court.

He said, “This can only mean one of two things, either it is not in place or the conditions included in the bond do not meet the required threshold.” Patterson continued, “By the required threshold, I mean that it may not cover all perils that the people would expect it to. It may have some clauses which can cause outrage that may state “only acceptable accidents” as reported

by Exxon Head.”

The former Minister said it is bizarre that the EPA’s Lawyer, Sanjeev Datadin one day insisted that the guarantee is available and can be viewed by the public at the agency’s office, but the very next day, he advises that the document be kept under lock and key until a decision is made by the Court.

Patterson reasoned, “What exactly do they have to hide? A bond is a simple document; however, maybe the conditions contained in this bond may be vague and unenforceable.”

He said, “It is unfortunate that the government is supporting Exxon and the other operators to leave Guyana exposed and in peril should there be an oil spill.”

The former Minister said the AFC will continue to press for full

liability coverage to protect the nation from the financial burdens of oil spills.

On Friday, the EPA via a public statement, said the guarantee lodged by Exxon will not be publicized until the Court makes a ruling. It said, “…the matter in question is subjudice, meaning that it is currently under judicial consideration. Therefore, until a judgment is given by the court, the EPA will not make the said document public.”

It added that the agency continues to be guided by the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05 as to what information it is mandated to make available to the public.

The statement came following a visit by Kaieteur News on Thursday to the EPA’s Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown office to view the document, following the assurance

by Datadin that any citizen can view the document at the agency.

He was at the time responding to the Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Shurwayne Holder who told the House on Tu e s d a y t h a t n o p a t r i o t i c government would refuse to make Exxon’s financial package for oil spills public so that citizens can feel a sense of security.

“They (the EPA) are required to keep a register, a ledger of all those documents submitted and it is available for anyone, including the H o n o u r a b l e M e m b e r M r.

Shurwayne Holder to go to their office between normal business hours and he will be allowed to see it,” said Datadin.

Despite this assurance, Kaieteur News was denied access to the document and was instead urged to send a formal request to the agency. MP Holder had also issued a request to the EPA on Friday morning in a bid to view the guarantee.

This is the latest dead-end citizens have met in their efforts to ensure the Court’s order was complied with, by the operator of the Stabroek Block.

Two citizens, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte, had filed a

summons in December to see the US$2B guarantee following failed attempts to view a copy of the guarantee.

The litigants had filed a case back in September 2022 so that the EPA can be ordered to secure from Exxon Guyana, unlimited liability coverage for oil spills. In so doing, Guyana would be fully protected from any hidden costs associated with an unmitigated spill from one or more projects in the Stabroek Block.

On May 3, 2023, High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kisson ruled in favour of the litigants and ordered the EPA to secure an unlimited parent and/or affiliate company guarantee for oil spills. To circumvent compliance with that order, Exxon and the EPA through their lawyers, appealed and were successful in staying Justice Kissoon’s decision.

Pending the final outcome of the appeal, Justice Persaud ordered Exxon to lodge a US$2 Billion parent and/ or affiliate company guarantee. Since that order was issued on June 8, 2023, the litigants said their lawyers have been unable to secure a copy of the said guarantee for perusal.

MONDAY Every man, woman and child will be shackled to $1.8 million debt by end of 2024 As Guyana continues to develop rapidly, an alarming financial burden looms over its citizens. By the end of 2024, every individual in Guyana is projected to be shackled to approximately GY$1.8 million of the nation’s escalating debt. This staggering figure emerges from an analysis of the country’s financial trajectory and population statistics.

In 2023, Guyana witnessed a 23% deepening in debt, with the country owing US$4.5 billion. Dr. Ashni Singh, the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, disclosed this while presenting the 2024 Budget to the National Assembly. The end of 2023 saw Guyana’s total Public and Publicly Guaranteed (PPG) debt escalate to US$4,508.8 million, a substantial increase from US$3,654.9 million at the end of 2022. The country’s external debt stood at US$1,775.5 million at the end of 2023, marking a 13% rise f r o m t h e p r e v i o u s y e a r.

Simultaneously, domestic debt reached US$2,733.4 million, primarily attributed to the Government’s issuance of new Treasury Bills. Adding to this, the 2024 national budget, amounting to GY$1.146 trillion, is expected to be supported by debt to the tune of 40% - approximately GY$458 billion (US$2.2 billion).

(Continued on page 13)

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

From page 12 Calculations based on an exchange rate of GY$208.5 to US$1 reveal that this additional debt will substantially inflate the country’s total debt to approximately US$6.7 billion.

With Guyana’s mid-year population in 2023 recorded at approximately 778,400, the per capita share of this debt is a daunting GY$1,794,257.45 ( a p p r o x i m a t e l y US$8,605.55). This figure represents each citizen’s average share of the national debt by the end of 2024.

Notably, these calculations do not take into account the debt servicing planned by the government for 2024. Debt servicing, a significant factor in national budgets, includes repayments of both principal and interest on existing debts. In 2023, Guyana allocated US$177.3 million for debt service, a considerable increase from US$150.2 million in 2022.

This increase was driven by payments for both domestic and external debts. However, such a debt service only amounted to wiping about US$227 of each citizen’s debt.

While Dr. Singh boasts of Guyana’s low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to debt ratio and prudent debt management, the per capita debt figure presents a stark contrast. Guyana continues to take on more debt annually than the rate at which it is servicing. The

Shadow Minister of Natural Resources, Shurwayne Holder

PAGE 13

Member of Parliament (MP), Sanjeev Datadin to apologise to the nation over what he believes is an act of deception.

Datadin in the National Assembly last week encouraged Holder and citizens of Guyana to “walk into” the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to view a copy of the US$2 billion oil spill guarantee reportedly lodged by the operator of the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil.

He said, “They (the EPA) are required to keep a register, a ledger of all those documents submitted and it

“As I understand it, the US$2B guarantee is not the substantive matter in the courts. The provision of a full parent company guarantee is what is being decided upon. So, the issue of it being subjudice is a false narrative now being generated by the government…surely as their attorney, Datadin would have known whether or not making the document public would have legal implications.” – MP Shurwayne Holder Minister said the government is committed to strong debt sustainability, focusing on policies and practices that prioritize development financing at the lowest cost within prudent risk parameters. He also highlighted Guyana’s total PPG debt-to-GDP ratio of 27% at the end of 2023, lauding it as one of the lowest in the Caribbean Region.

However, the burden of

debt per individual paints a challenging picture for citizens. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said that Guyana will have so much money coming from oil in the next few years that it would be able to clear its entire debt completely with just one year of revenues.

Subjudice excuse by the EPA to hide Exxon’s US$2B oil spill guarantee a false narrative - Shadow Natural Resources Minister …says Datadin should apologise for misleading nation Shadow Minister of Natural Resources, Shurwayne Holder is calling on Attorney-at-Law and

is available for anyone, including the Honourable Member Mr. Shurwayne Holder to go to their office between normal business hours and he will be allowed to see it.”

H o w e v e r, w h e n a journalist attached to this newspaper visited the agency’s Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown office, on Thursday, it was explained that a formal request would first be required. The EPA, the following day, informed via a public statement, that the document would not be made public until the Court makes a decision.

It said, “…the matter in question is subjudice, meaning that it is currently under judicial consideration.

Therefore, until a judgment

is given by the court, the EPA will not make the said document public.”

Holder in an invited comment told this newspaper that the EPA’s response is not only highly alarming but very disappointing.

The Member of Parliament(MP) argued that the government has demonstrated yet again that it will continue to put the interest of the oil companies first and against the interest of Guyana. He noted, “Any patriotic government would be transparent with regards to any measure that is meant to safeguard the people of Guyana…the government is being very deceptive on this issue, which make me very anxious with regards to whether or not the US$2B (guarantee) has actually been lodged.”

Holder said this development makes it even more urgent for the EPA to release the document.

He zeroed in on the response of the agency, arguing that it is a false narrative. The Shadow Natural Resources Minister reasoned, “As I understand it, the US$2B guarantee is not the substantive matter in the courts. The provision of a full parent company guarantee is what is being decided upon. So, the issue of it being subjudice is a false narrative now being generated by the government.”

Holder went on to point out, “The EPA’s own lawyer in the matter, Sanjeev Datadin stood in the Parliament during the budget debate and told the Parliament, and the people of Guyana, that any citizen can walk into the Environmental Protection Agency and view the document.

You can’t have your lawyer say that any citizen can see it but when citizens

The Liza Destiny FPSO

follow up and make the formal request, you have the agency say no they can’t because it is subjudice.

Surely as their attorney, Datadin would have known whether or not making the document public would have legal implications.”

The MP said that arguing the matter is subjudice is “rotten and duplicitous.”

He told Kaieteur News that this confirmed what he said in his budget presentation that while Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and the President Irfaan Aliled government make claims of believing in transparency and accountability, at every turn what is demonstrated is their “real loyalty is to secrecy and the oil companies.”

To this end, Holder insisted, “For his part, Sanjeev Datadin should apologise to the house and nation for misleading all of us.”

TUESDAY Exxon surpasses major production milestones for Liza 1 & 2 –Ministry Recent updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources reveal that ExxonMobil’s offshore oil projects are producing significantly more oil than their stated capacities. This observation in the Liza 1 and Liza 2 projects indicates that ExxonMobil may very well continue this trend moving forward.

The Liza 1 project, utilizing the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, was initially designed for production of 120,000 barrels per day (bpd), later optimized to 150,000 bpd. However, data from December indicates that the project consistently (Continued on page 14)

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

PAGE 15

Exxon to take Liza oil production offline to hook up pipeline for Wales gas project

E

xxonMobil is preparing to temporarily halt oil production at its Liza field in the second half of 2024, according to Chief Financial Officer Kathy Mikells. This move is meant to facilitate the installation of the Gas-to-energy pipeline.

During the company’s 2023 Q4 earnings call, Mikells stated “At some point in the second half, we are working on the Gas-to-Energy project and laying the pipeline down to bring that gas from Liza 1 and Liza 2 onshore, to kind of plug it into the power plant that ultimately will drive down costs for consumers in Guyana.”

The Liza field, which is currently operated by two floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels, has a combined oil production capacity of 400,000 barrels per day (bpd). The Payara project, which lies outside the Liza field, contributes an additional oil output of 220,000 bpd. Exxon is tasked with the installation of the pipeline that will transport natural gas from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block to onshore facilities, a project that is currently in progress.

The construction of a 300megawatt (MW) power plant is expected later this year as part of

Liza Destiny FPSO

the integrated facility at Wales.

This facility, to be constructed by the US-based group CH4Lindsayca for US$759 million, is a focal point of the Gas-to-Energy project. CH4-Lindsayca is currently undertaking hiring activities in anticipation of the project’s construction phase, set to commence in the second quarter of 2024.

The Gas-to-Energy project is aimed at facilitating the transportation of natural gas from the offshore Liza oilfield to Wales.

It promises to deliver gas at an

initial rate of 50 million cubic feet per day for power generation. With the government planning to slash electricity costs by 50% by transitioning from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to the cleaner-burning natural gas, the project is expected to impact consumer electricity costs.

Supporting the Gas-to-Energy project, Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL) was awarded a contract worth approximately US$159 million to establish transmission lines and substations. This is crucial for

integrating the power plant and is targeted for completion in 2024.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is confident that a US$660 million loan from the United States Export-Import Bank will be approved to help fund the project.

Despite environmentalists’ efforts to discourage the U.S. government from funding gas projects abroad, Jagdeo remains determined to deliver the project. “We govern, we are elected by the people of this country, and we promised them, and they asked basically to get cheaper, reliable electricity. We

have to fulfill the promises to the people of this country,” he said during a press conference last Thursday.

The Vice President also mentioned discussions about a contingent line of credit to potentially replace the EXIM Bank loan if necessary. The project has so far been financed from Guyana’s consolidated fund. He said, “The project shall be completed, and it will make a huge difference in the lives of people here, the ordinary people, as well as our business community.”

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Sunday February 04, 2024

With Guyana’s premium oil, other global assets no other company can match us – Exxon CEO ...boasts of being record setter with this country’s operations

By Kiana Wilburg

W

ith Guyana’s premium oil assets, and other notable projects in its portfolio, ExxonMobil C o r p o r a t i o n ’s C h i e f Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman, Darren Woods recently boasted that “no other company can match the depth and breadth of development opportunities” his company offers.

The CEO made this comment, among others, last Friday during Exxon’s 2023 fourth quarter earnings call.

During that engagement with shareholders, Woods boasted that the company finished the quarter with US$7.6Billion in profits.

Overall, he said the company made an

ExxonMobil’s CEO, Darren Woods (Photographer: Aaron M. Sprecher/Bloomberg astounding US$36B for 2023. On that premise he said, “The results are clear.

By any measure, 2023 was an outstanding year. We delivered strong cash flows, and a 15% return on capital

employed. Today, we’re convinced that no other company can match the depth and breadth of development opportunities that ExxonMobil offers.”

In Exxon’s Upstream

business, he boasted once again that his company is a record setter with both Guyana and the Permian growing combined volumes by more than 18% in 2023.

He told shareholders that Guyana’s third oil project, Payara, which uses the Prosperity floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel reached nameplate capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per day in mid-January. He said this is well ahead of the schedule that was initially planned and a testament to the company’s “excellence in execution.”

Wo o d s s a i d , “ O u r strategy, introduced in 2018, coupled with consistently strong execution, is delivering results that lead industry across a range of metrics, including earnings

and cash flow growth, total shareholder distributions, and total shareholder returns since 2019, the baseline year of our plans.”

On a constant-price basis, Woods said Exxon more than doubled earnings in 2023 versus 2019, demonstrating the improved earnings power of the company. He noted as well that the growth in profitability reflects significant progress in highgrading its portfolio of assets through advantaged projects, divestment of less strategic operations, and significant cost reductions.

Another key highlight for Woods was that Exxon was able to ensure US$9.7 billion of structural cost savings. He said this exceeds the company’s 2023 plan and gave it a jump start on plans

to capture US$15 billion in savings by 2027.

Additionally, Woods said Exxon’s strong financial performance is creating exceptional value for shareholders. “We raised the dividend by 4.4% in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking our 41st consecutive year of annual dividend increases. In total, last year we returned more than US$32 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, leading peers,” said Woods.

The CEO said these distributions helped deliver a 15% annualized total shareholder return since 2019, once again leading peers and outperforming the broader market. “Our plan for 2024 builds on this success,” he concluded.

Teachers to protest nationwide over Govt’s refusal to engage in collective bargaining – GTU Teachers nationwide will on Monday morning commence nationwide protest action over the government’s refusal to engage in the process of collective bargaining with the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU).

General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald, told Kaieteur News on Saturday, that teachers will hit the streets in their numbers to protest. This is in addition to engaging the planned industrial actions at schools across the country.

McDonald said, “The GTU will join teachers assembled outside the Minister of Education’s Office on Brickdam , teachers all across Guyana will assemble outside the Regional Education Offices, and where they can’t go to those offices, they will stand

outside the schools, and call on the Government to engage in the collective bargaining process.”

The GTU General Secretary said that the industrial action and protest will go hand-in-hand.

“We are planning that the protest and strike should last two weeks but it depends on the response we get from the government. Teachers are frustrated and must see change towards achieving proper wages and working conditions,” McDonald added.

She explained that the GTU has been left with no choice but to consider strike action due to the failure of the Ministry of Education to honour its obligations under the existing Collective Labour Agreement (CLA).

“The GTU has diligently pursued all available

avenues to address this issue, including seeking conciliation and arbitration through the Ministry of Labour. However, all efforts have been in vain, leaving the GTU with no alternative but to exercise its legal right to strike.”

Meanwhile in a statement, the Union noted that it is the only recognized trade union in Guyana to bargain for the rights of teachers.

According to the Union, the right to strike is a fundamental aspect of labour rights and is enshrined in the constitution of Guyana.

Article 147 of the Constitution of Guyana explicitly recognizes the right of workers to strike as a means of protecting their interests.

“For the avoidance of doubt Article 147 states Except with his or her own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of assembly, association and freedom to demonstrate peacefully, that is to say, his or her right to assemble freely, to demonstrate peacefully and to associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to political parties, trade unions or other associations for the protection of his or

GTU General Secretary, Coretta Mc Donald her interests,” the statement added.

Added to this, the GTU noted that the Constitution provides that except with his or her own consent no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom to strike.

The Union noted that, “Neither an employer nor a trade union shall be deprived of the right to enter into collective. Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this article to the extent that the law in question makes provision that is reasonably required in the interests of defence, public safety, public order,

public morality or public health; that is reasonably required for the purpose of protecting the rights or freedoms of other persons; that imposes restrictions upon public officers; or that imposes an obligation on workers to become contributors to any industrial scheme or workers organisation intended to operate or provide for the benefit or welfare of such workers or of their fellow workers or any relative and any of them.”

As such, the GTU firmly believes that the decision to strike is not only legal but also necessary in order to compel the Ministry of Education to fulfill its obligations and engage in

meaningful negotiations.

“It is regrettable that despite the GTU’s efforts to resolve this matter through established channels, the Ministry of Education has chosen to dismiss the legitimacy of the union’s actions.

The GTU emphasizes that strike action is a last resort and is being pursued with utmost consideration for the welfare and rights of teachers. The failure of the Ministry of Education to adhere to the terms of the CLA has had detrimental effects on teachers’ working conditions and overall wellbeing, making it imperative for decisive action to be taken.”

The GTU therefore called on all stakeholders, including parents, students, and the wider community, to understand the gravity of this situation and support the union’s decision to strike.

“It is essential for the Ministry of Education to recognize and respect the rights of teachers as well as fulfill its obligations under the CLA. The GTU remains open to constructive dialogue and hopes that a swift resolution can be reached to avert any disruption in educational services,” the statement added.

Kaieteur News

Jelina Da Silva

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Sunday February 04, 2024

“In a world tainted by hate and negativity, stand out, shine bright, and always be proud of who you are” is a famous quote by Ben Bruce and a favourite of vibrant Guyanese beauty, Jelina Da Silva. Jelina hails from the Village of Karrau Creek in the Lower Mazaruni River. This belle often approaches life with enthusiasm and an unwavering desire to make a positive impact. She is currently pursuing a career in dentistry at the Cheddi Jagan Dental School. Besides her academic pursuits, Jelina finds happiness in volunteering as she serves as a Youth Ambassador for Empower Guyana, a member of the US-Embassy Youth Action Network and the Performing Arts Coordinator for the NINE Nations Indigenous Group of Peoples.

Her favourite pastime includes playing hockey and volleyball along with showering, singing, and dancing whenever she gets the chance.

Sunday February 04, 2024

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Low Fodmap Diet: It may be the solution to your indigestion issues

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist For the past couple of weeks, I have been focusing on abdominal discomfort caused by diet and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). One of the main triggers for IBS is foods high in FODMAP which may also cause bloating, gas, and discomfort in the non-IBS population.

There are many that suffer from FODMAP intolerance and are not aware of it. It’s a phenomenon that’s still relatively new in the world of science and data on its prevalence is still scarce.

A study from Australia estimated that about 15% of the population there has this condition.

It is very difficult to diagnose as most people do not realize that their constant battle with gas and

indigestion may be from their food and either try to cope with it, or use over the counter gas remedies. Today, I will shed some light on this silent, but discomforting condition.

What is FODMAP? FODMAP is actually an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, D i s a c c h a r i d e s , Monosaccharides And Polyols (FODMAP). These are short chain carbohydrates (sugars) that are poorly absorbed by the small intestines causing discomfort in those that are affected.

Because they are poorly absorbed, they then move to an area of your intestine where the bacteria in your gut are present. Your gut bacteria then use these carbohydrates for fuel, producing hydrogen gas and causing digestive symptoms

in sensitive individuals.

FODMAP foods also draw liquid into your intestine, which may cause diarrhea.

These foods are not necessarily unhealthy; it’s just that some persons are sensitive to them What are symptoms of FODMAP intolerance?

Persons with FODMAP intolerance cannot digest high FODMAP foods well and tend to have IBS like symptoms when they eat such foods. The following are possible symptoms of FODMAP intolerance: % Bloating % Excess Belching % Excess flatus % Diarrhea % Constipation % Abdominal pains Those with FODMAP intolerance start to have one or more of these symptoms about an hour after eating a high FODMAP food.

What are high FODMAP foods?

There are numerous foods that are high in FODMAP that will be too exhausting to list. However, the following categories are the most common of them: % Fructose: a simple sugar found in many fruits and vegetables (apples, melons, onion, cabbage etc) that also make up the structure of table sugar and most added sugars. % L a c t o s e : a carbohydrate found in dairy products like milk and milk derived products

% Fructans: found in many foods, including grains like wheat, spelt, rye and barley % Galactans: found in large amounts in legumes such as peas, beans and corn. % Polyols: sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol, and mannitol.

They are found in some fruits and vegetables and often used as sweeteners in canned foods and beverages.

Is there a cure?

There is no cure for FODMAP intolerance. Not everyone has the same

degree of sensitivity to a high- FODMAP food. Some may tolerate one while others cannot and vice versa.

Elimination; low FODMAP Diet over time is the best treatment option.

However, there is a dietary supplement called BEANO which can be used before having a high FODMAP meal and prevents you from having the symptoms of FODMAP intolerance.

It should be used for occasions when you cannot avoid a FODMAP meal or (Continued on page 42)

Kaieteur News

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Sunday February 04, 2024

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

SUNDAY – JANUARY 28, 2024 Ashni Singh has joined the 'cuss out' crew The Budget Debates for this year's trillion – dollar financial plan winded don on Friday in the National Assembly.

Drawing the curtains on the debates was the Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh who government protects through this shameful title that will be addressed at a later date.

Today we focus on this Minister who wasted his time responding to the Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs).

He failed to say anything of substance to the Guyanese people on the Budget and instead cursed the Opposition for elections fraud and their lawless acts carried out during their tenure.

The Minister has wasted the perfect opportunity to d r i v e h o m e t h e 'transformation' Guyanese can expect this year.

He is the newest addition to the PPP's 'cuss out' crew.

MONDAY – January 29, 2024 Worst colonisers The worst colonisers in this world today are your own leaders.

Ring-fence the oil projects, put meters at the pumps, cap the interest rates on Exxon investments.

Do proper review on project costs, audit the expenses thoroughly.

And please, secure full protection and compensation form an oil spill for this region and its people.

TUESDAY – JANUARY 30, 2024 False narrative “As I understand it, the US$2B guarantee is not the substantive matter in the courts. The provision of a full parent company guarantee is what is being decided upon.

So, the issue of it being subjudice is a false narrative now being generated by the government…surely as their attorney, Datadin would have known whether or not making the document public would have legal implications.” – MP Shurwayne Holder WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 31, 2024 Procurement Commission and value for money

It was revealed on Tuesday in the National Assembly, that the muchvaunted Public Procurement Commission has produced only two reports after 18 months of work.

If this is not scandalous, then what is?

What is also shocking is that during this 18-month period, the fat cats at the agency drew down over $150M in salary and other benefits.

Surely, this has to be one of the mostly expensive constitutional agencies in this country – yet on the surface, it seems to be the least productive.

We at this newspaper join Member of Parliament, David Patterson in questioning whether Guyanese are getting value for money from this particular constitutional body and whether it is not time for some serious examination of the work of the agency.

THURSDAY – FEBUARY 01, 2024 Teachers strike Teachers across the country should support the Guyana Teachers' Union in the planned strike action scheduled for Monday.

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

We r e p o r t e d o n Wednesday that teachers at the Peter's Hall Primary School have to go over to a nearby mall to use the washroom facilities because the school does not have a proper functioning one.

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

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

FRIDAY – FEBUARY 02, 2024 Parag or pagaley?

On Thursday 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 appeared 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.

SATURDAY – FEBUARY 03, 2024

Is the US$2 billion oil spill guarantee really in place?

The games being played by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by extension the Government of Guyana (GoG) has set a dangerous precedent for the foreign oil companies in Guyana.

As though the country is not already in a calamitous position is now playing games with protecting this

country from an oil spill.

It is not only spending Guyanese tax dollars to fight against full protection from such a catastrophic activity, but is now hiding a limited US$2 billion guarantee that has been ordered by the Court to protect this nation.

This begs the questions as to whether this guarantee is really in place.

Sunday February 04, 2024

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Country Profile

EGYPT

Egypt (Arabic: ãÕÑ Micr [mesÁr], Egyptian Arabic pronunciation: [mQsär]), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and the Sinai Peninsula in the southwest corner of Asia. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza Strip of Palestine and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west. The Gulf of Aqaba in the northeast separates Egypt from Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, while Alexandria, the second-largest city, is an important industrial and tourist hub at the Mediterranean coast. At approximately 100 million inhabitants, Egypt is the 14th-most populated country in the world, and the thirdmost populated in Africa, behind Nigeria and Ethiopia.

History Egypt has one of the longest histories of any country, tracing its heritage along the Nile Delta back to the 6th–4th millennia BCE. Considered a cradle of civilisation, Ancient Egypt saw some of the earliest developments of writing, agriculture, urbanisation, organised religion and central government. Egypt’s long and rich cultural heritage is an integral part of its national identity, which reflects its unique transcontinental location being simultaneously The Shinx of Giza

The Flag of Egypt

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North African.

Egypt was an early and important centre of Christianity, but was largely Islamised in the seventh century.

There is evidence of rock carvings along the Nile terraces and in desert oases.

In the 10th millennium BCE,

a culture of hunter-gatherers and fishers was replaced by a grain-grinding culture.

Climate changes or overgrazing around 8000 BCE began to desiccate the pastoral lands of Egypt, forming the Sahara. Early tribal peoples migrated to the Nile River where they developed a settled

agricultural economy and more centralised society.[ By about 6000 BCE, a Neolithic culture took root in the Nile Valley. During the Neolithic era, several predynastic cultures developed independently in Upper and Lower Egypt. The Badarian culture and the successor Naqada series are generally regarded as precursors to dynastic Egypt.

The earliest known Lower Egyptian site, Merimda, predates the Badarian by about seven hundred years.

Contemporaneous Lower Egyptian communities coexisted with their southern counterparts for more than two thousand years, remaining culturally distinct, but maintaining frequent contact through trade. The earliest known

Ancient Egyptian writing.

Egypt’s National Animal the Steppe Eagle.

evidence of Egyptian hieroglyphic inscriptions appeared during the predynastic period on Naqada III pottery vessels, dated to about 3200 BCE. A unified kingdom was founded c. 3150 BCE by King Menes, leading to a series of dynasties that ruled Egypt for the next three millennia. Egyptian culture flourished during this long period and remained distinctively Egyptian in its religion, arts, language and customs. The first two ruling dynasties of a unified Egypt set the stage for the Old Kingdom period, c.

2700–2200 BCE, which constructed many pyramids, most notably the Third Dynasty pyramid of Djoser and the Fourth Dynasty Giza pyramids.

The First Intermediate Period ushered in a time of political upheaval for about 150 years. Stronger Nile floods and stabilisation of g o v e r n m e n t , h o w e v e r, brought back renewed prosperity for the country in the Middle Kingdom c. 2040 BCE, reaching a peak during the reign of Pharaoh Amenemhat III. A second period of disunity heralded the arrival of the first foreign ruling dynasty in Egypt, that of the Semitic Hyksos. The Hyksos invaders took over much of Lower Egypt around 1650 BCE and founded a new capital at Avaris. They were driven out by an Upper Egyptian force led by Ahmose I, who founded the Eighteenth Dynasty and relocated the capital from Memphis to Thebes.

The New Kingdom c.

1550–1070 BCE began with the Eighteenth Dynasty, marking the rise of Egypt as an international power that expanded during its greatest extension to an empire as far south as Tombos in Nubia, and included parts of the Levant in the east. This period is noted for some of the most well known Pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti, Tutankhamun and Ramesses II. In 525 BCE, the Achaemenid Empire, led by Cambyses II, began their conquest of Egypt, eventually capturing the (Continued on page 29)

The Pyramids of Giza

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

Reggae/ Dancehall Star, Christopher Martin

Christopher Martin Reflects On Bob Marley’s Legacy And His Own Path At ‘One Love’ Premiere Reggae/Dancehall star, Christopher Martin has offered a thoughtful perspective on Bob Marley‘s enduring influence and his own artistic journey.

“I stay true to myself and stay true to the topics that I do ‘cause at the end of the day that kind of music is going to stand the test of time. Bob Marley unfortunately passed away at a very young age, but his music still resonates,” Martin told DancehallMag at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love at the Carib 5 Cinema in Kingston on Tuesday. “It’s his music that is responsible for all of us being here today.”

For Martin, staying true to his own voice and message is paramount.

“It all depends on how you view yourself, how you view your art, and what you want from it,” he explained. “You can be frivolous and want something that will maybe last a month… people will love it, but it will be forgotten very quickly or you want something that will last?”

This question has reverberated throughout Martin’s career ever since his 2005 victory in the Digicel Rising Stars competition catapulted him to national fame at the age of 18.

Since then, he has become a household name, delivering hits like ‘Big Deal’, ‘Cheaters Prayer’, ‘Paper Loving’, ‘Mama’, ‘Mi Friend Dem’, and more recently, ‘Guaranteed’, which featured a remix with Busy Signal and Bounty Killer.

Martin is pleased that a film to capture a fraction of Marley’s life was commissioned.

“It means a lot to me. It’s a very important time, a very important day… the man! The King of Reggae. He gets his time on the big screen not just for Jamaica, not just for the diaspora but for the entire world to see. I’m expecting great things. I’m happy to be a part of the chosen few that gets to see it before the world gets to see it,” he said.

The singer also revealed that his third album is brewing, slated for release through VP Records later this year. “The album will have like 14 tracks. We’re dabbling between three names so I won’t say which one we’re leaning towards,” he said.

When describing the forthcoming project, Martin said, “It’s mostly what I call ‘Sugar Reggae’… it’s that sweet Reggae music… a my ting!”

Reggae legend, Bob Marley

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Sunday February 04, 2024

Sunday February 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

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How to Get Glowing Skin: 6 Lifestyle Changes for Glowing Skin Written by MasterClass Website: https://www.masterclass.co m/articles/how-to-getglowing-skin How to Get Glowing Skin Glowing skin is a sign of healthy skin. Consider these skincare tips to help your skin glow.

1. Wash your face regularly with a gentle facial cleanser. Washing your face is the first step to getting a glowing complexion.

Washing twice a day with a gentle cleanser will help remove impurities and free radicals from the skin, helping dull skin look vibrant.

2. Exfoliate a couple of times a week at most. A face scrub will help remove dead skin cells and residue buildup that can clog the skin’s pores. Likewise, a chemical exfoliator containing glycolic acid strips away dead cells and can give your skin a lively glow. Use a face scrub two to three times weekly at most.

Use a chemical exfoliator, such as a face peel, no more than once a week. Keep in mind that over-exfoliating reduces your natural skin barrier, so avoid exfoliating if your skin feels particularly dry or irritated.

3. Apply a facial toner. A toner hydrates your skin, allowing moisturizers and serums to penetrate deeper

into your pores.

4. Use a vitamin C serum for brighter skin. As skin ages, collagen production dwindles, causing the skin to lose its elasticity. Vitamin C topicals help brighten your skin tone and a combination of topical and oral Vitamin C can help boost collagen production, potentially helping minimize wrinkles and fine lines. People with especially dry skin can benefit from layering a serum with a moisturizer.

5. Lather on a moisturizer. An oil-free moisturizer can help create a supple, dewy skin texture.

Lather on moisturizer in a circular motion morning and night to replenish skin and give it a healthy glow.

6. Try a hydrating face mask. Make face masks part of your regular skincare routine. They’re great products for improving skin texture and can deliver a hefty dose of hydration.

7. Protect your skin with a daily sunscreen. UV rays can cause sun damage, leading to blemishes such as dark spots. Apply a daily, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. If you do experience sunburn, soothe and hydrate your skin with aloe vera.

8. Look for brightening skincare products.

Shimmery lotions containing hyaluronic acid

can give your skin a vibrant glow, mimicking the effects of a highlighter.

6 Lifestyle Changes for Glowing Skin If you want to see a change in the condition of your skin, consider making these adjustments to your lifestyle.

1. Drink plenty of w a t e r .

Yo u r organs—including your skin—absorb moisture when you drink water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding excessive consumption of diuretics like coffee and alcohol can help reduce skin dryness.

2. Make sure you get enough sleep. A good night’s rest is the most costeffective anti-aging remedy for getting glowy skin.

Collagen production increases when you sleep, reducing dark circles under the eyes and giving skin a supple feel.

3. Eat foods high in antioxidants. A healthy diet is key to reducing acne breakouts and keeping your skin healthy. Healthy foods that are high in antioxidants and fatty acids—such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts—promote skin wellness so that you can look and feel your best.

4 . Ta k e v i t a m i n supplements. Vitamin E protects the skin against free

radicals and inflammation.

Vitamin C and A can help brighten your skin tone and i n c r e a s e y o u r s k i n ’s production of collagen and elastin.

5. Avoid smoking.

Smoking shrinks the blood vessels on the outer layer of the skin, which in turn reduces blood flow to the skin. Blood circulation is vital for the production of collagen. Without it, your skin can look dull and pale.

6. Get a dermatology

screening. Dermatologists can help patients with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, and help patients achieve healthy skin with a radiant glow.

Everyone, regardless of their

skin type, can benefit from a dermatology screening because dermatologists look for signs of skin cancer and can help prescribe products to help you achieve blemishfree, clear skin.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

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Farm, Mahaicony: A small village with a blinding future

FOCUS Where the village begins Anthony hard at work on a small hymac.

By Anasa Williams Heading from Berbice, the second community just as you hit the new road is a small village called Farm, in the district of Mahaicony.

Just a little over 20 years ago the area was mostly bush, with homes here and there.

Now it sports quite a number of essential services, and is way more populated than up to eight years ago.

One who is not from the area may see the village as almost ghostly at first, but

what you see here depends on the time of day you visit and the day of the week. The Wa t e r f a l l s M a g a z i n e decided to take the trip from the capital city to this quiet countryside community.

Luckily for us one of our own lives here, and was able to take us on an informative and interesting journey through this mostly roadside community. To get there it’s easy since the Mahaicony New Road runs through the village making it every

accessible.

Walking through the village on a Saturday morning most persons were either asleep after a Friday night at the Guinness bar, located a village away or one of the corner shops that catered for those who preferred a more toned down crowd. Others, who had work or open their business, were up and about.

The community has establishments to cater to almost all of the residents needs including a supermarket, at least two functioning wash bays, a welding shop, about four small grocery shops, an organic produce stall and a supermarket. Recreational and health needs are catered for by the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital and the Community Center both a village away.

The magazine able to speak with a few people who gave insight on what it’s like to live there and watch the community grow. Anthony, the owner of a wash bay was engrossed in a quite messy task of washing a small hymac. He took a few minutes off to talk to us.

“I opened this wash by because there was a need for one in the area. People normally had to go till to central or up the road (other villages) to get a wash. Now they can come right here,” he told us.

The thing that makes his spot popular for drivers is that his mom operates a

small shop that caters for all their snacking and drinking needs while they wait for him to finish up. The father of one says that business is good and he is constantly looking for way to perfect his craft.

Just two houses away was another wash bay and the two owners are actually friends.

“Rastaman” (only name given) was camera shy and after a little coaxing decided to talk to us as he was finishing up with his friends car. The one over there don’t affect me because it’s a lot of vehicles,” he said. Everyone has their own people and then they in turn bring others so there is an endless supply of vehicles to wash.

Located a short distance away the K&K supermarket, the owner [Mr. Halley] was behind the counter when we (Continued on page 56)

Mr. Halley serving customers.

Jermaine’s Organic Greens Stand

The K&K supermarket that services the area.

“Rastaman” as he was preparing to hand his friend his cleaned vehicle

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Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

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Country Profile

EGYPT

From page 21 pharaoh Psamtik III at the battle of Pelusium.

Cambyses II then assumed the formal title of pharaoh, but ruled Egypt from his home of Susa in Persia (modern Iran), leaving Egypt under the control of a satrapy.

The entire TwentySeventh Dynasty of Egypt, from 525 to 402 BCE, save for Petubastis III, was an entirely Achaemenid-ruled period, with the Achaemenid emperors all being granted the title of pharaoh. A few temporarily successful revolts against the Achaemenids marked the fifth century BCE, but Egypt was never able to permanently overthrow the Achaemenids.

The Thirtieth Dynasty was the last native ruling dynasty during the Pharaonic epoch. It fell to the Achaemenids again in 343 BCE after the last native Pharaoh, King Nectanebo II, was defeated in battle. This Thirty-first Dynasty of Egypt, however, did not last

long, as the Achaemenids were toppled several decades later by Alexander the Great.

The Macedonian Greek General of Alexander, Ptolemy I Soter, founded the P t o l e m a i c d y n a s t y.

Economy E g y p t ’s e c o n o m y depends mainly on agriculture, media, petroleum exports, natural gas, and tourism. There are also more than three million Egyptians working abroad, mainly in Libya, Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf and Europe.

The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1970 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the timehonoured place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population, limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress the economy.

In 2022, the Egyptian economy entered an ongoing crisis, the Egyptian pound was one of the worst performing currencies,

Montaza Palace is a palace, museum and extensive gardens in the Montaza district of Alexandria, Egypt.

inflation reached 32.6% and core inflation reached nearly 40% on March.

Egypt’s economy mainly relies on these sources of income: tourism, remittances from Egyptians working abroad and revenues from the Suez Canal.Tourism Tourism is one of the most important sectors in Egypt’s economy. More than 12.8 million tourists visited Egypt in 2008, providing revenues of nearly $11

Egyptian Coat of Arms The Cairo Tower inspired by lotus flowers, made up of 8 million mosaic lozenges, with a revolving restaurant.

billion. The tourism sector employs about 12% of Egypt’s workforce. Tourism Minister Hisham Zaazou told industry professionals and reporters that tourism generated some $9.4 billion in 2012, a slight increase over the $9 billion seen in 2011.

The Giza Necropolis is one of Egypt’s best-known tourist attractions; it is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.

Egypt’s beaches on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, which extend to over 3,000 kilometres (1,900 miles), are also popular tourist destinations; the Gulf of Aqaba beaches, Safaga, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor, Dahab, Ras Sidr and Marsa Alam are popular sites.Culture Egypt is a recognised cultural trendsetter of the Arabic-speaking world.

Contemporary Arabic and Middle-Eastern culture is heavily influenced by Egyptian literature, music, film and television. Egypt gained a regional leadership role during the 1950s and 1960s, giving a further

enduring boost to the standing of Egyptian culture in the Arabic-speaking world.

Al-Azhar Park is listed as one of the world’s sixty great public spaces by the Project for Public Spaces.

Egyptian identity evolved in the span of a long period of occupation to accommodate Islam, Christianity and Judaism; and a new language, Arabic, and its spoken descendant, Egyptian Arabic which is also based on many Ancient Egyptian words.

The work of early 19th century scholar Rifa’a alTahtawi renewed interest in Egyptian antiquity and exposed Egyptian society to Enlightenment principles.

Tahtawi co-founded with

education reformer Ali Mubarak a native Egyptology school that looked for inspiration to medieval Egyptian scholars, such as Suyuti and Maqrizi, who themselves studied the h i s t o r y, l a n g u a g e a n d antiquities of Egypt.

Egypt’s renaissance peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the work of people like Muhammad Abduh, Ahmed Lutfi el-Sayed, Muhammad Loutfi Goumah, Tawfiq elHakim, Louis Awad, Qasim Amin, Salama Moussa, Taha Hussein and Mahmoud Mokhtar. They forged a liberal path for Egypt expressed as a commitment to personal freedom, secularism and faith in science to bring progress.

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Kaieteur News

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g tin s... s e e er tur t In rea C

F

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The most dangerous bird in the world

Cassowary

ound in the wet tropics northern Queensland, Australia, the Cassowary is second largest bird on the planet but the most dangerous in the world. Cassowaries could be friendly with humans and other animals but they demand respect and if provoked are capable of inflicting serious or even fatal injuries to both dogs and people.

These large flightless birds are related to emus and (more distantly) to ostriches, rheas, and kiwis. Today there are three species. Two are confined to the

rain forests of New Guinea and nearby island but the third and largest is native to the Wet Tropics of northern Queensland, Australia.

Some may live deep in the rainforest, such while others thrive on the forest edge and may wander through people’s backyards.

A National Georgraphic article published in reported that although may venture out in backyards they are not your garden bird. According to National Geographic “if an adult male stretches up to his full height, he can look down on someone five feet five—i.e., me—and he may

weigh more than 110 pounds. Adult females are even taller, and can weigh more than 160 pounds”.

Cassowaries have glossy black feathers and their legs are scaly with three toes on their feet. They have tiny wings and long necks that bare thee lightest coating of short, hairlike feathers. The skin on its neck is coloured with amazing hues of reds and oranges, purples and blues. At the base of the neck in the front, a couple of long folds of colorful skin, known as wattles, hang down. Cassowaries also have large brown eyes and a long, curved

beak. On their heads they wear a tall, hornlike casque.

National Geographic reported that if cassowaries come to associate humans with food handouts, they can become aggressive and demanding. “If you get close to a male with young

chicks, he may charge you in an attempt to protect them. If you try to catch or kill a cassowary, it may fight back—and could well get the better of you”.

Source of information: (https://www.nationalgeographic.c om/magazine/article/cassowaries)

Kaieteur News

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MENTORED BY HIS UNCLE, YOUNG GUYANESE ARTIST,

Dillon Craig

EXPLOITS HIS CREATIVE SKILLS

W

hen Guyana-born Black Panther movie star, Letitia Wright received Dillon Craig’s painting last year from President Irfaan Ali during her visit to Guyana, the young artist sat in the audience brimming with happiness.

It was one of his most memorable moments and a crowning feat for the artist even as he continues to master his skills which he has been honing from as far back as his days in nursery school.

Product of Caria Caria Dillon hails from the Essequibo River community of Caria Caria, a riverine village located downriver from Buck Hall. He attended nursery and primary school there and he told the Wa t e r f a l l s Magazine that it was w h i l e growing up at

Caria Caria, that he nurtured his love for art. In his biography, he said that he was encouraged to explore art by the natural environment within which he dwelled at the village, as well as by his family and peers.

To this end, he recalled being that student who was always drawing and making sketches in his school books. After sitting the National Grade Six Examination, Dillon moved across to the East Bank of Essequibo where he attended the Vergenoegen Secondary School. He continued drawing and after completing his secondary education journey, he decided to pursue his passion at the ER Burrowes School of Art. He was a standout at the institution and at the 2019 graduation ceremony, he was adjusted the Best Graduating Student.

Mentored by famous uncle The young artist is the nephew of famous Guyanese artist, Winslow Craig. In fact, the 26-year-old told the Waterfalls Magazine that his uncle is his mentor and the two would spend much time together exploring their artistic skills and sharing ideas.

“My uncle has been a pillar of support to me in various areas. He’s one of my biggest inspiration/ motivation. He always advises me to keep going and never give up on my dream. He would say to me from time to time, never do something without Continued on page 56

Dillon Craig shares a moment with Black Panther star, Letitia Wright. The artist’s painting was given to the actress by President Irfaan Ali as a token of appreciation.

Sunday February 04, 2024 Young Artist, Dillon Craig

Sunday February 04, 2024

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Sunday February 04, 2024

Scenes at the beautiful Wallaba Resort

Wallaba Den:

A hidden gem perfect for campers, outdoor lovers “...take nothing but pictures leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.”

By Davina Bagot

N

estled in the woods which borders the Linden Highway and surrounded by serene nature, Wallaba Den is a hidden gem that creates the perfect atmosphere for campers and outdoor lovers.

The secluded resort which opened in October, 2022 offers the perfect getaway for nature lovers.

From its breathtaking sceneries to a calming creek, cozy benabs and comfortable hammocks; amenities such as grills for a tasty family BarBe-Que, paddle boats and bonfires, the resort prides itself in offering a space that guarantees you the best memories.

Wallaba Den is located 15 minutes away from the Soesdyke Junction, in the village KuruKururu. It is accessible by cars, pickups, buses and bikes, just a few minutes away from 'Second Creek'.

The resort is situated close

to the government's new housing development, Silica City.

The Waterfalls spoke with G e n e r a l M a n a g e r, J u q u e t t a Fredericks who always dreamed of creating such a beautiful space one day.

The 18-year-old manages the facility for her grandparents, the original owners, Angela and

Totoram Pertab.

“Out of the many things I desired, to open a resort was indeed one of those things. My grandparents are the owners of the property who then gave me the opportunity to bring my ideas about (Continued on page 35)

Manager of Wallaba Den, Juquetta Fredericks shares a moment at the resort with her mom and siblings

Sunday February 04, 2024

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Wallaba Den:

a hidden gem perfect for campers, outdoor lovers From page 34 for families to relax and enjoy the breathtaking outdoors.

Access to Wallaba Den is available to groups of 10 and under at a cost of $20,000 while a fee of $2,000 is attached to each extra person. Children 12 and under can enter free, following a $10,000 down payment that can be paid via MMG. The resort also offers a special exclusive package at a cost of $100,000 that allows an unlimited number of persons to access the venue for a cozy wedding or private birthday bash.

The Wallaba Den sits on approximately 32 acres of land, once laden with vegetation.

Fredericks said it was slowly developed as the family began with planting fruit trees before clearing out the creek. Presently the

resort does not cater or sell food. Guests are also required to bring along their camping gears. Visitors are encouraged not to hunt or fish as the Wallaba Den supports the protection of wildlife.

Its only rules according to the Manager are, “take nothing but pictures leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.”

With an already beautiful fun-packed list of things to do at the resort, Fredericks said the family is currently working to add more activities for guests. For instance, dirt bike tracks around the resort are being added to the fun. They are also working to expand the creek and benab to offer more space for guests. Plans include as part of the development at Wallaba Den, includes archery cabins to accommodate overnight guests and complimentary breakfast.

Scenes at the beautiful Wallaba Resort

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Tanya Stephens Plans World Tour For TikTok pulls 20th Anniversary Of ‘Gangsta Blues’ Album Taylor Swift and the Weeknd’s music TikTok has removed music by stars including Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and Olivia Rodrigo from videos after a row with their record label, Universal Music Group (UMG).

A licensing agreement between TikTok and the label expired on Wednesday, and a new deal could not be reached. UMG said TikTok wanted to pay a “fraction” of the rate other social media sites do for access to its songs.

TikTok accused UMG of presenting a “false narrative and rhetoric”.

All videos which have UMG music on them will be muted and new videos will not be able to be made with those tracks.

Some artists such as Ariana Grande and Katy Perry have had most of their music disappear from their official pages, except a few songs which are on other labels.

Billie Eilish, another UMG artist, has had all but one of her songs taken down.

Her song ‘What Was I Made For?’ was featured in the Barbie movie - whose soundtrack was published by Warner Music Group.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Murder on the Dancefloor, which became a viral hit after appearing in the film Saltburn, is also unavailable.

Unofficial, sped-up and slowed-down versions of tracks are still available to use.

Carl Weathers, Beloved ‘Rocky’ & ‘Happy Gilmore’ Actor, Dead at 76

Carl Weathers

C a r l We a t h e r s , t h e former NFL star known for his roles as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise and Derick “Chubbs” Peterson in Happy Gilmore, died on Thursday (Feb. 1). He was 76-years-old.

Weathers died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his manager, Matt Luber, announcing the news. “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” he said. “ T h r o u g h h i s contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and

across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”

During his time as a football player, Weathers p l a y e d f o r t h e N F L’s Oakland Raiders from 1970 to 71 and for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League from 1971 to 73.

Soon after, he landed the role of Apollo Creed — inspired

by Muhammad Ali — in Rocky (1976), and continued to play him throughout the franchise.

He also had roles in Predator and The Mandalorian, in addition to portraying golfer Derick “Chubbs” Peterson in Happy Gilmore.

This year marks 20 years since the release of Tanya S t e p h e n ’s c r i t i c a l l y acclaimed fifth studio album, Gangsta Blues, and she’s doing it big with an anniversary tour.

The singer is currently accepting bookings for the Caribbean, North America and Asia through Starburst Music Agency, Almighty One Promotions and Ujama Designs. “It’s been 20 YEARS!!!!” Stephens exclaimed in a promotional post before engaging comments about the timeless body of the work. “Will there be physical copies on sale at the tour?” stylist Bootleg Rocstar asked. “Doing the unplugged live specially for tour sales,” she responded.

One user revealed, “As a guy,

I know every song on this album word to word my sisters played this non stop!!!”

A male fan replied, “I can sing them all word for word==-. Forever a Tanya fan!”

Stephens joined the thread, “Good! Then you should both be good men!=.”

There were some comments that imbued Stephens’ laughter, like the fan who “Scratch up my mother CD and had to run go buy another before she found out, memories.” Figurative flowers also pervaded the tour announcement. “@iamtanyastephens an original and still the best to do what you do! Any Tanya show, the ladies are out in full force and know EVERY

lyric!!”

“The Best and Most Heartfelt and REAL Album Ever… I STAN You for this album. You spoke to ALL Women & Men on this One.” The sexually and socially political album debuted in March 2004, three years after the release of Stephens’ softpop, reggae album Sintoxicated (which was released by Warner Music while she resided in Sweden). Released by VP Records and Tarantula Studios, Gangsta Blues hosted 17 tracks curated by a host of producers and musicians including Andrew Henton, Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, Barry O’Hare and Robert ‘Bobby Digital’ Dixon. The unvarnished singer represented the lover

navigating the ebbs and flows of romantic relationships, as well as the political advocate scrutinising a broken society and bigoted system.

Stephens unapologetically exudes her sexuality on tracks like Boom Wuk and Good Ride, is the villain in the ‘jacket’ case of Little White Lie, has side-chick buyer’s remorse in Tek Him Back, and switches roles as the devout wife in What’s Your Story?. There were also anthems for the marginalised like The Other Cheek, the Doctor’s Darling riddim hit, It’s A Pity, and even some spoken word Commenting on its 15th anniversary in 2019, Stephens told BUZZ that she doesn’t absorb the “classic” label of the album.

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Kaieteur News

...premiere creates major buzz in Jamaica

Sunday February 04, 2024

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CONSUMER CONCERNS

MODELS OF EMPLOYING OIL REVENUES

By Pat Dial In the past, this column had considered the issue of how the Oil Revenues should be spent. The issue was one of the themes of the recent Budget Debate in Parliament and this fact together with the issue still being regarded as undecided by a body of local opinion, have constrained us to revisit it. If there is full national consensus on the issue, programmes of national development would be more focused.

There are two main models of utilizing the Oil Revenues which have been presented to the population by the intellectual community and the politicians: The first is rather simplistic and populist and advocates that the levels of social and economic budgetary spending remain as they were in 2018 or 2019 but with a slight increase in social spending. The main thrust would however be to distribute the Oil Revenue funds to every family, each being given one million dollars per month. It is envisaged that people would be able to buy whatever goods and services they wish and that the standard of living of the population would instantaneously be raised to almost First World standards.

This model, though attractive to many people, is fraught with dangers: In the first place, the revenues would not be able to cover even the first year’s expenditure and it would be several years away that such expenditure could be possible. Even if it were possible, it would result in steep inflation with goods and services becoming more expensive and imports vastly expanding. With the regular large grants of money, the work force would be disinclined to work and the present industries of the country would eventually collapse, leaving the population dependent solely on Oil Revenues. When oil reserves become exhausted as they inevitably will be, or the world prices of oil fall or a country is unable to export oil, the population would fall into severe poverty and want as has happened to Venezuela, once one of the richest countries in the world.

The other model is to deploy the revenues into three areas: The first is to accumulate part of the revenue funds as a reserve for use of future generations;

the second to spend money on social services; and the third is to spend on Economic Development other than oil. Since the Government of Guyana has already decided to employ the second model, it would be academic to discuss the second model in the abstract.

Accordingly, we shall briefly attempt to describe and analyse how this second model is operating: Every payment of oil revenue received is deposited in the main Reserve Bank in the United States with an interest rate of approximately 5%. All deposits are placed in a National Revenue Fund (NRF) and are publicized and made known to Parliament and all withdrawals and their use are subject to Parliamentary approval and must be publicised.

Part of the deposit is always accumulated in the National Revenue Fund (NRF) for the benefit of future generations. The establishment of the NRF had been inspired by the example of Norway and guards against the misuse of funds and corruption.

The part of the oil revenues to be deployed on social services is mainly on the health services where new hospitals would be built, doctors and nurses trained, hospital equipment modernized and all drugs and even the most expensive procedures be available free to patients. Health Centres would be upgraded and spread more widely over the country. More funds would be deployed to the educational services including upgrading of schools with better equipment and training of teachers and building of new schools in districts where they were long needed.

Education at the University of Guyana would be free and thousands of online scholarships at foreign universities in a variety of disciplines supplement the University of G u y a n a ’s o f f e r i n g s .

Pensions and Public Service salaries and wages are being increased annually at levels which would ensure sustainability and grants are given to various categories such as school feeding, school uniforms, Caribbean examination fees, fishermen, social organizations, sports and on institutions such as museums and archives. And finally, house lots and houses

are made available to the population at prices far below the market.

The third area on which the oil revenues are being deployed is on Economic Development.

For two centuries, Guyana remained comparatively backward, since though it was blessed with abundant resources of many kinds, nothing could be done to convert these resources into valuable assets to uplift the quality and standard of life of the population simply because there was no capital to invest in so doing. With the oil revenues, the possibility of radical economic development is now possible and four or five Ministers of State have formed themselves into a vanguard of achieving this.

The country’s infrastructure is being revolutionized - new roads are being built to connect the Coast with the Interior, farm to market roads are being constructed wherever needed and the village and city roads are being renewed. This new connectivity is giving the country a tighter unity and an immeasurable push to quicker economic development.

Creation of really big industries is not possible because of the lack of sufficient power and the high cost of electricity.

Sustained efforts are however made to stimulate small industries by training entrepreneurs, giving of loans and grants and exhibitions and fairs. The massive Gas-to-Shore and Hydropower projects will provide cheap and abundant electricity and allow for an industrial take-off within two years.

Agriculture has been the mainstay of the country’s economy until the Oil discoveries. The traditional sugar, rice, coconuts, ground provisions, vegetables, fish, dairy and chicken and meat animal farming are being upgraded by several inputs such as new agricultural machines and improved species of plants and animals. New crops such as corn, soya, millet and tropical wheat have shown promising results. There is a ready CARICOM market of over US$5 billion to absorb Guyana’s entire agricultural surplus. Guyana will avoid the ‘Dutch Disease’ or ‘Resource Curse’ and the policies it has been pursuing have been praised by informed opinion

worldwide.

In Guyana, however, there is a notable body of opinion which is advocating

increases in the quantum of the grants and the revision of the Inflation figure which is claimed to be an

underestimate and the State and policy makers should seriously analyse these complaints.

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Sunday February 04, 2024

GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS CALIBRATION SERVICES CONTINUE TO BOOST PERFORMANCES ACROSS SECTORS I

n the dynamic landscape of industries, the quest for precision and reliability is an upending journey.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has emerged as a steadfast ally for the local sectors, providing indispensable calibration services that contribute significantly to measurement reliability and excellence of diverse industries.

Calibration, the process of fine-tuning measuring instruments to adhere to recognized standards, is paramount for ensuring the accuracy of measurements.

The GNBS has been at the forefront, offering meticulous calibration services to its clients including medical and testing laboratories, manufacturing companies and regulators.

For over 15 years, the GNBS has been calibrating instruments used to measure

temperature, pressure, dimensions, mass, volume, electricity and torque.

Standards used in calibration by our Industrial Metrology a n d Te s t i n g ( I M T ) Department are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), PTB Germany and other highly recognized National Measurement Institutes (NMIs) in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The range of GNBS calibration services spans various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, technology and oil and gas.

From precision instruments in laboratories to machinery on production floors, GNBS ensures that every measuring instrument meets or exceeds established standard requirements, fostering confidence in results delivered. These instruments include thermometers, micro pipettes, balances, pressure

gauges and calipers.

Using uncalibrated instruments can have negative consequences.

These instruments are likely to deliver inconsistent data which can adversely affect operational efficiency and product and service quality.

Consequently, these setbacks can impact revenue, deadlines, safety and customer satisfaction.

Clearly, using calibrated measuring instruments is the better option, which reduces errors and delivers results that are beneficial to any company.

As the GNBS builds its capacity, those utilizing its calibration services continue to reap substantial benefits including the consistent production of quality goods and services needed for market competitiveness.

Today, the GNBS has a team of highly skilled professionals equipped with the expertise to calibrate a diverse array of instruments

and its commitment to providing reliable calibration services is an ongoing endeavor.

Meanwhile, regular updates to equipment and methodologies ensure that the GNBS remains aligned with standards, offering local industries access to the latest advancements in calibration technology.

Our laboratories are independently assessed and are accredited to ISO 17025, producing internationally recognized test results. Our focus on commitment to excellence has made us the leading calibration service provider in Guyana.

The success of local sectors is connected to the reliability of their measurements.

The GNBS recognizes the collaborative nature of this relationship, working closely with industries to understand their unique calibration needs.

This partnership strengthens the overall

quality infrastructure of the country, positioning Guyana as a hub for reliable and precise measurement services.

The GNBS encourages every company and every laboratory to take advantage of its traceable, reliable and a ff o r d a b l e c a l i b r a t i o n services.

Service requests can be made by visiting https://gnbsgy.org/metrolog y/industrial-metrology/.

Upon completion of the calibration process, a certificate or report is issued by the GNBS to show that the instrument was calibrated.

F o r f u r t h e r information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp 692-4627. You can also visit our website:www.gnbsgy.org and our Facebook page: gnbsgy.

Low Fodmap Diet: It may be...

From page 19 when your craving for a FODMAP food is getting the better of you.

The best way to know what foods may be high or low FODMAP is to do an internet search of the food name and FODMAP together.

For example, if you were to type “watermelon FODMAP”, results will show up saying watermelon

is high in FODMAP. However, it’s best to work with a nutritionist or doctor before eliminating foods from your diet to ensure you are still getting a diet with the proper nutrients.

Nevertheless, you do not have to suffer all your life if you have FODMAP intolerance; once you eat smartly, you can still lead a normal life.

Sunday February 04, 2024

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Wendy Williams’s documentary set to air in February Wendy Williams is returning to screens this month in a Lifetime documentary chronicling the last two years, for which she has largely been out of the spotlight. “ W h e r e I s We n d y Williams?” is slated for a two-night debut on Feb. 24 and 25 at 8 pm. PT. In the trailer released Friday, Williams is shown inebriated, struggling to stand, tearful and seemingly suffering memory loss — all while insisting to friends and family she is of sound mind.

“Did you see a neurologist?,” an off-camera individual asks Williams in the trailer.

“To find out if I’m crazy?” Williams replies.

Another off-camera voice narrates, “Anybody could look at her and tell this is not just alcohol — there’s something more going on.”

Williams is one of the executive producers of the upcoming documentary. She served the same role for “Wendy Williams: The Movie,” which Lifetime will air on Feb. 23 along with her 2021 documentary, “Wendy Williams: What a Mess.”

The new film is billed as a “raw and compelling documentary” and follows Williams’ life after “The Wendy Williams Show” was canceled in February 2022 as her physical and mental health worsened.

“Opening the doors to her private life like never before, cameras chronicled her comeback journey to reclaim her life and legacy despite facing health issues and personal turbulence,” Lifetime said in a press release. “With unparalleled access granted by Wendy to film with her and her family for nearly two years, what was captured was not what anyone expected.”

Williams first announced in July 2021 that she would take a short hiatus from her talk show, but it was

extended because of myriad health issues from COVID19 to Graves’ disease and lymphedema.

Then a September, 2021 Zoom meeting with the producers and staff of the show revealed Williams’ fragile state.

“It was obvious to anyone watching that she was not going to be back really soon,” media company DebmarMercury’s executive vice president of programming, Lonnie Burstein, told The Hollywood Reporter in 2022.

In the end, DebmarMercury replaced the program with a new talk series headlined by “The Sex Lives of College Girls” actor Sherri Shepherd.

Shortly afterward, Williams entered a wellness facility, promising a “major comeback” soon.

In November 2022, she attended the WBLS 107.5 Circle of Sisters event in New York City, her first public appearance in months, The Times previously reported.

At the event, Williams said her talk show had become a “burden” after 14 years and that she was “ready for something new.”

After that, she went quiet — until now.

“Nobody truly knew the depths of Wendy’s reality so we hope that what our cameras captured can help shine a light on what she is facing now,” Elaine Frontain Bryant, executive vice president and head of programming, A&E, Lifetime and LMN, said in the press release for the documentary.

Williams’ son Kevin Hunter Jr. is featured prominently in the trailer, at one point expressing concern for his mother’s continued desire to return to television.

“My mom has done a great job making it seem like

everything is OK always, but in reality, there’s something wrong going on,” Hunter says. “My mom, she always talks about how she wants to work. I feel as though she’s worked enough.”

“All I know is how to be famous,” Williams says.

“From 6 years old, all I wanted was to be famous.”

The trailer also f o r e g r o u n d s Wi l l i a m s ’ experience under financial guardianship, a system called into question by both herself and her older sister, Wanda W. Finnie — who previously appeared in “Wendy Williams: What a Mess!”

“I think that the guardianship system is broken. We are her family, and you tell me that I am not capable of taking care of my

A clip of Wendy Williams during her interview for the lifetime documentary sister,” Finnie says in the trailer, her voice breaking.

“What would you do?

What should I do?”

Throughout the airing of the program and on

Lifetime’s social media platforms, Lifetime will direct viewers to a website with a range of resources including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Services Administration, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and information and resources for Graves’ disease and lymphedema, the press release said.

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We All Fit Together Ms Ryder has her class create a great big artwork that respects their differences... and their togetherness!

The kids in Ms.Ryder's art group all gathered round.

“Our school Welcome sign is looking old and faded.” Ms. Ryder pointed up at the old wall painting.

“It's our turn to do something new and bright.”

The children sat around Ms. Ryder in a circle. They all looked up at the Welcome picture, now dull and not looking welcoming at all.

“Let's collect some ideas.” Ms. Ryder stood up, the children started to think.

“Let's just do a new Welcome sign in bright colours.” Ella beamed.

Ms. Ryder smiled. “Nice idea, but I was thinking that we could paint a big picture about all you children, something a bit more special.”

“A giant heart with all our names in it.” Sara smiled.

“Why a heart? Why not a giant dragon with all our faces.” Ali joined in.

“All our hands in lots of colours, they've got that my sister's nursery school.”

Carlos grinned.

“A unicorn in rainbow colours, I've seen that, too.”

Mia nodded.

“Sport.” Tiger joined in.

“We do lots of sport, let's have an enormous picture with all kinds of sports.”

“Your ideas are all so good.” Ms. Ryder nodded.

“We'll have to write them all down to pick the best.”

“The Earth, with people all over it.” Mattie was thoughtful.

“Fair play, no bullying or nasty things. A great big rainbow and we can all write things on it.” Nik spoke carefully.

But then Eliza joined in.

“It's a puzzle, how can we all join in and paint a picture.

We've all got different ideas.”

“Yes.” Arnie agreed.

“We don't all fit together with our ideas. We've all got ideas, but how can they fit together?”

Ms. Ryder smiled and raised her hand for them all to listen. “That's it! We all have different ideas, but we all fit together and want to paint a big picture. Like Eliza says, it's just like a giant puzzle.”

The next day, Ms. Ryder showed the group an idea.

“Let's paint a giant puzzle in

the brightest colours. We all fit together, but we are all a bit different.”

And that's what they did.

But first they had to wash off the old Welcome – that was real hard work.

Then, they spread out old papers, got aprons, even made newspaper hats for splashes, and there were plenty.

They set to work, getting the big wall ready for action.

They were ready to paint the giant jigsaw puzzle. The 'Puzzle' was very big with lots of pieces, all the puzzle fitted together, but there was a space all around.

“For our names?” Carlos asked.

“What a good idea Carlos, for ALL our names,

CREATIVITY

DOUBLE PUZZLE Unscramble the shuffled words to meaningful words and reveal the message!

and, for all the children in our school.” Ms. Ryder was having fun.

The paints got mixed, a few got spilled.

“We want so many colours.” Eliza smiled. “We are so many different kids, so, we all want to be in our puzzle. Red and blue and green, that's not enough for all of us.”

Ms. Ryder agreed and the children learned to mix as many colours as there were kids at school! They had a long line of old glass jars, and good thick paint brushes. Red, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, brown. They learnt new colours, too – Indigo, Scarlett, Apple Green, (Continued on page 46)

Sunday February 04, 2024

Junior page

You Will Need: Heart shaped wreath form – cut from recycled cereal box or chipboard Lots and LOTS of red and pink tissue paper squares White glue Paint brush Pencil with eraser Ribbon or string for hanging Embellishments – pom poms, sequins, etc. (optional) Instructions: Use the paintbrush to spread a small amount of white glue on to a section of the wreath (work on about 1/6 of the wreath at a time).

Place the eraser side of the pencil into the center of a tissue paper square and use

the eraser to help place your squares on to the wreath form. Continue to work section by section until the entire wreath form is full and covered.

Depending on the patience level of your children, you may have to take a break or two and come back to your project later.

This heart wreath took about a full 40 minutes to cover, so we broke it up into two different crafting sessions.

Another alternative is to decorate the small heart (cut from the center of your wreath form) instead. It doesn't take nearly as long to complete, so it's perfect for younger or less patient crafters.

FUN WITH POETRY Share your feelings

By Uncle Roy There are often times in our lives When some things don't feel so good, Because either we did not do what's right, Or others did not act as they should.

At these times when we become sad, And life does not seem right, We must see that the thing to do Is to share what we feel inside.

The people who can help with your feelings Are your parents first of all; Then, too, your priest and your teacher Should be able to answer your call.

So try not to keep things inside, Be open to those you can trust; Making them understand how you feel Will keep your life happy and precious.

Sunday February 04, 2024

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TEEN TIME Make a sincere effort to improve yourself Build A Box of Friendship Chuck PoolInto a box of friendship, and those you connect with by these means ByTo ensure that it is strong, Do things that work to make your time benefit you. Getting rid of distractions like watching less television will allow you time to really get connected to your family and friends, and do the things necessary to make you successful.

Read something worthwhile every day – a good book, passages from the scripture of your religion. Some people develop a wonderful practice of writing down their thoughts about what is happening to them every day, and this can be good reading in the future, and help you to see things more clearly. Take the time to develop the relationships with those who mean much

First a layer of respect On the bottom does belong.

Then to the sides attach, In the corners where they meet, Several anchors full of trust, Devoid of all deceit.

The height of friendship can be measured By the sides of four, So make them all a larger cut, And the box will hold much more.

Now fill it up with courtesy, Honour and esteem, Understanding, empathy, And passion for a dream. to you. Spending time alone with a brother or sister, a father or mother, and really exploring your thoughts and feelings with

them, can lead to great benefit to both of you, and give you a clear insight in how to live a better life.

Take the time to celebrate with them anything they have been successful in, and they will surely do the same for you.

Work to build your relationships by courtesy to all.

One of the main reasons why some people fail in their relationships with others, whether it is with parents, teachers, bosses or others with whom they associate, is because they do not pay enough attention to being polite to these persons.

The result is that they fail to impress them, even though they may be

otherwise good enough in other areas of their behaviour or have the abilities to succeed. This is always surprising when we know that courtesy costs nothing, and does not take much energy and time to maintain in any situation.

On the other hand, people who are mannerly will more often be successful in their interpersonal endeavours, although they may not measure up in other aspects. Be kindhearted and attentive enough to others and make a point of being extraordinarily polite, and you will find that doors will open to you that were closed from lack of this courtesy.

Add to that your honesty, Emotions joy and love, And since they are so important, Place them up above.

But leave the box wide open So all can see inside, To learn what makes a friendship work From the box you built with pride.

The effort to build relationships will benefit you, many times when you need the help of others in your daily endeavours.

Solutions to last week’s Diagonal Troix

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

TURMERIC SOAP FOR DARK SPOTS Red Rose Naturals Turmeric Soap for Dark Spots: A Natural Skincare Alternative Many people are bothered by dark spots, commonly known as hyperpigmentation. They can form on many regions of the body, including as the face, hands, and neck, and are frequently caused by sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and acne scars.

While numerous products claim to diminish the appearance of black spots on the skin, not all of them are efficient or safe.

Fortunately, turmeric soap is a natural skincare product that can help hydrate dark spots without the use of harsh chemicals or negative side effects. In this blog, we'll look at the benefits of turmeric soap for dark spots and how Red Rose Naturals can assist with natural skincare.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for ages for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It contains curcumin, a chemical that has been demonstrated to have several health advantages such as lowering inflammation, boosting cognitive function, and even fighting cancer. When used topically, turmeric can help enhance the appearance of the skin, notably in the reduction of black spots.

Does Turmeric Soap lighten dark spots?

Turmeric soap is an easy way to add turmeric into your beauty routine. It can be used on a daily basis as a face or body soap to help minimize the appearance of black spots. Turmeric soap works by suppressing the synthesis of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of our skin. Turmeric soap is great for lightening the appearance of dark spots and leveling out skin tone by lowering melanin synthesis.

Organic and Natural Skincare However, not all turmeric soaps are the same. Many commercial soaps include harsh chemicals that can deplete the skin's natural oils and irritate it. This is where Red Rose Naturals can help. Red Rose Naturals is a firm that focuses on developing natural and organic skincare products that are gentle on the skin while still getting the desired effects.

Turmeric Soap at Red Rose Naturals Turmeric soap from Red Rose Naturals is manufactured with all-natural components such as turmeric, coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter. These ingredients combine to deliver a nourishing and moisturizing cleansing while also assisting in the reduction of the appearance of black spots. The coconut and olive oils moisturize the skin, while shea butter soothes and heals any irritation or inflammation. And, of course, turmeric is the star of the show, with its potent antiinflammatory and skin-brightening properties.

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Surrealism is like a type of art and imagination that is really, really wild and surprising. It's when artists make pictures or stories that don't look like things you see every day. They mix up normal things in weird and amazing ways, like putting a clock melting on a tree or making animals talk like people.

We All Fit Together From page 44 Sapphire Blue, Canary Yellow, Crimson Red, Fern Green, Electric Blue and Amber Orange.

“How can there be so many different colours?” Jackson asked.

“Like there are so many different children, with different looks, ideas, languages, talents and personalities.”

Ms. Ryder explained.

Ali spilled his crimson paint jar.

“Look what've done.” Eliza pointed at the blob of red paint on the floor and splashes of her yellow paint dropped onto the blob. Ali mixed the two colours before he cleaned it up.

“Wow, that's cool, it's a bright cool orange.”

The children looked down.

“Ali's Orange, a cool new colour.”

They all whooped, and Ali's Orange was a new puzzle fit.

Eliza's 'Pink Puff' got mixed.

Pablo's 'Pizza Red' got mixed. Arnie's 'Yellow Hot Mustard' got mixed. Mia's 'Ghostly Green' got mixed. And day by day the puzzle wall got better.

The children wanted as many

colours as possible in their new picture. They all mixed and invented new colours.

“They aren't all bright, but they all fit together, just like us.”

The children stood back and were very pleased and proud with the new picture.

“Apple pie green is my very new favourite.” Eliza smiled.

“But it isn't quite finished yet.” Ms. Ryder told them and put up a ladder.

“This is for the brave ones.”

At the top, she sketched, 'We All Fit Together' in curly letters. “Who will start?”

She held up the red paint pot.

“We'll all hold the ladder, who wants to be first?”

It wasn't so easy, it was high up, but the brave ones each did a letter. It was a bit like a word rainbow with red, yellow, blue, green and purple.

The amazing Puzzle Picture needed a few days to dry out. All the school pupils stopped to take a look.

“Cool.”

“Fantastic”

“Wow, look at that.”

But, then came the day that Ms. Ryder and all the other teachers told them.

“We are all different, but, we all fit together. Our Big Picture is waiting for each of you to write your names all around the edge. Neat and nice. Can you all do that?”

A mighty whooping cheer went through the school. Over the next days, each class were so 'neat and nice' writing their names – Carlos, Emma, Jake, Ali, Jackson, Fatima, Deniz, Manuela, Pablo, Lucia, Grace- the list was long, each in turn, and, oh so very neat! Ms. Ryder told her art group, “Wouldn't you just know it. We've got another job to do.

The long dark corridor near the sports hall needs a Big Picture.”

“I knew it.” Tiger whooped out mighty loud, his fist in the air. “We get to do sports paintings at last! Kids running, jumping, kicking balls…”

Ms. Ryder shook her head and laughed. “Clever idea Tiger, it fits, it really does!”

Sunday February 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

Ms. Akeeta Kingston and her mentor, Mrs. Abiola Wong-Inniss

Newly-minted Guyanese Lawyer among most decorated 2023 Hugh Wooding graduates W

hen newly-minted Attorney-at-Law, Akeeta Kingston got accepted to the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad and Tobago to obtain her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) in 2021, all she wanted to do was to successfully complete the programme.

She had no clue that she would not only complete her LEC, but she would make the HWLS 2023’s merit list, having secured 10 of 11 A’s and cop seven of the Regional Law School’s coveted prizes.

Akeeta Kingston is the holder of Chief Justice Ian N. Chang, SC, C.C.H. Memorial Prize – Best performance in Civil Procedure and Practice, the Fitzwilliam Stone, Furness-Smith and Morgan Prize – Best performance in Civil Procedure and Practice II, The Poonai and Poonai Prize – Best Performance in Roman-Dutch Conveyancing, The Cameron and Shepherd Prize – Best Performance in Civil Procedure and Practice I & II by a Guyanese Student; the Book Specialists Prize – First Outstanding Year II Student, the Council of Legal Education Prize – Most Outstanding Year II Student and the Council of Legal Education Chairman’s Prize – Evidence and Forensic Medicine, Law of Remedies, Civil Procedure and Practice.

But if you ever meet the young lawyer, her humble and simple disposition makes it difficult for one to discern that she holds such accolades.

Kingston told the Waterfalls that she is only gracious she was given the opportunity to pursue her dream career.

“I come from a low-income household consisting of six children. We understood from a tender age that education was our roadmap out of poverty.

We are not rich or even well-off, but we are in a better position now than before and I attribute this to being excellently raised, well educated, graceful, and able to access the necessary opportunities through the

provisions of the Almighty God,” Kingston said.

Like most lawyers, Kingston who is now an Associate of the law firm, Abiola Wong-Inniss and Associates, shared that her journey was marked by its fair share of challenges.

She recalled that when she was admitted to law school in 2021, it was at the height of COVID-19 pandemic and this part of the western hemisphere was now grasping how to handle the new normal.

Attorney-at-Law, Akeeta Kingston She recalled, “So I was not able to attend in person classes. I spent the first year of Law School in Guyana attending classes virtually. Though the exams were supposed to be “robust and comprehensive” as the exams were online, I did not find them that challenging. Of course, I did not get perfect grades, but I

obtained the Book Specialist Prize for the Second Outstanding Year One Student. “ However, she said her biggest challenges with the Hugh Wooding Law School came in Year Two when she was required to be present in Trinidad for classes.

“The preparation for Year Two, particularly the few months leading up to when I was scheduled to depart Guyana for Trinidad was a very difficult one. There were so many factors that I had to consider as going to law school in Trinidad meant that I had to resign from my job which meant that I would not have any income but had to pay in excess of GY$3,000,000 in tuition f e e s f o r Ye a r Tw o , a l m o s t GY$500,000 for accommodation and still had to consider food and airfare. I vividly recall crying two months prior to leaving for Trinidad when the reality hit that I did not have the money to finish what I started thinking that I probably should not have applied to law school….I was not meant to be an Attorney-atLaw,” the young attorney said.

She noted that ray of hope came in July, 2022, when someone, who prefers to be anonymous, gave her $1,000,000 and told me, “I do not want you to worry that at some point you have to pay me back. I am happy to contribute to you fulfilling your goal of becoming a lawyer.”

The money, she said, made a huge impact because now I was too close to turn back.

“I felt as though everything was falling into place. Then a friend of mine told me that she will cover my airfare to Trinidad. Eventually, I was able to eventually pay off all of my fees and lived comfortably in Trinidad.”

As an introvert, Kingston said she dreaded the in-person experience.

However, she noted it turned out Continued on page 57

PAGE 47

Kaieteur News

PAGE 48

Sunday February 04, 2024

Triple S Creations

A Sweet Symphony of Passion and Perseverance

By Renay Sambach

I

n the bustling world of confectionery, Triple S Creations stands out as a testament to one woman’s journey fueled by passion and unwavering determination.

Twenty-year-old, Shania Sampson, the creative force behind the business, shared her inspiring story and the sweet journey of entrepreneurship.

During an interview with The Waterfalls, Shania shared that her business was founded on December 31, 2022.

Triple S Creations not only tantalizes taste buds but also exemplifies the sweet rewards of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in one’s dreams. Located in Kwakwani, Region Ten, Triple S Creations caters to various occasions, specializing in birthday parties.

Shania said that her business emerged from a teenage fascination with cake decorating.

“At the age of 14, I found myself at a friend’s house, watching her mom whip up a birthday cake for my upcoming party. Little did I know, that moment would spark a passion within me for baking and cake decorating,” she shared.

Despite initial skepticism about the profitability of her passion, Shania’s resolve led her to cake decorating classes, laying the foundation for her business.

“Even though friends encouraged me to start a business, I hesitated, often procrastinating, and convincing myself I wasn’t ready. It was a sense of divine purpose pushing me forward.

“An opportunity arose to work as an apprentice cake decorator at a company.

Sometimes, we are placed in challenging situations to steer us toward our goals,” Shania

said.

Shania’s entrepreneurial voyage taught her invaluable lessons. The blend of ambition, discipline, and dedication, especially as a sole trader, became paramount. Embracing risk and recognizing that not everyone would share in her success were crucial lessons she gleaned.

“I’ve met amazing people, like supportive customers, friends, and even relatives, all contributing to bringing my vision to fruition. It’s been a rewarding journey connecting with others.”

The young business owner said, “Running a business demands not only ambition, but a disciplined, determined, and dedicated approach.”

Starting with borrowed tools and a makeshift setup, Shania’s perseverance paid off. The journey, though challenging, saw community support, turning the venture profitable.

“As the business gradually turned a profit, I was able to invest in my own tools. It was also fortunate when people reached out to offer assistance, whether by buying items or customers willingly paying extra.”

Looking ahead, Shania envisions elevating her modest dream into something extraordinary.

Triple S Creations aims to become a nationwide sensation, offering a rich assortment of cakes that leave a lasting impression.

She said, “My grand vision is to elevate my modest dream into something extraordinary.”

“Currently, we offer two cake flavors, with plans to expand our selection to include a variety of flavors and fillings. Additionally, we’ll introduce an array of treats as we progress.”

“Our most popular items on the menu are

mini cakes and cartoon characters cakes,” Shania said.

Shania Sampson’s story extends beyond the kitchen. She had moved to the beautiful British Virgin Islands, marking a significant part of her life’s journey.

Her journey includes triumphs at Kwakwani Secondary School, navigating challenges of teenage employment, and serving as a youth leader at a local church.

“This journey has taught me that setbacks don’t define my purpose, and my commitment to cake decorating is an expression of the creative gifts that I was blessed with. With faith as my anchor, I move forward, trusting in God’s plan and embracing the art that brings me joy and fulfillment.”

Shania is also on a quest for higher education, aspiring to attain a bachelor’s degree in business management.

The business owner said, “I navigate life’s journey with purpose and resilience.” To connect with Triple S Creations, Contact: 6 4 9 - 5 0 5 6 , Facebook: Triple S Creations, Instagram: triple.s.creations 31.

Owner of Triple S Creations, Shania Sampson

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

PAGE 49

Govt. gets free pass to hike debt ceiling, amend NRF withdrawal as Opposition boycotts debates T h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party (PPP) government had no difficulty in hiking the country’s debt ceiling and amending the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act to increase withdrawals in the National Assembly on Friday, as the Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) boycotted the debates over security concerns in the Opposition lounge.

Following the passage of Budget 2024 at approximately 22:00 hrs (10:00 pm), the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh took the floor to read the Fiscal Enactments Amendment Bill No. 2 of 2024 a second time, following its presentation to the House on January 26, 2024.

The Bill to increase the debt ceiling and the amount to be withdrawn from the oil account was approved in just about 20 minutes due to the empty Opposition benches, just around 10:35 pm.

Dr. Singh was reminded

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh o f t h e O p p o s i t i o n ’s disruption to the National Assembly in December 2021 when the NRF Act was passed. He said it should come as no surprise that the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (AFC) chose to leave the House given their history of ‘frustrating and derailing progress’.

Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones in an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News justified the decision to boycott the

debates. He had informed the Assembly of security breaches to the O p p o s i t i o n ’s l o u n g e , considering the Opposition Leader’s voice being heard over Parliament’s live stream.

He told this publication, “We had listed seven Speakers for this evening’s session. The members were prepared for that so they too were in the lounge making their preparations on how they will respond, getting up their information and so by

Future Govts. will be left with...

From page 3 whenever it is low. Businesses cannot plan in this environment, workers cannot be assured that they will be regularly employed and overall economic growth will suffer.”

Norton noted that International Financial Expert, Tom Sanzillo recently criticized Guyana’s NRF for lacking enough safeguards to prevent it from becoming a slush fund for the ruling party.

The Opposition Leader said, “This negative reputation may manifest as higher interest rates the country must face for new

debt, or alternatively a reluctance to lend, or lend as much, to Guyana.”

Turning his attention to the new debt ceiling, he reasoned that the PPP has failed to spend within its limits from the NRF which raises questions on its ability to manage the increasing national debt.

He said, “Because there is no focus on governance reform, Guyana is expected to waste nearly as much as it borrows. This is the definition of chaos, and it is clear with each passing day we grow closer and closer to a natural resource curse.”

virtue when they learnt that this thing was going out, literally everything that they were discussing tonight was exposed and I could only allege that that information is with the PPP because that is the only thing that would make sense, they would want to know what we are planning to come with and so forth.”

Consequently, he said, “We feel violated, so all the Speakers refused to speak, and the other colleagues refused to stay.”

DEBT CEILING The Fiscal Enactment Bill passed in the National Assembly has empowered government to increase the ceilings on both domestic and external debt.

In a statement, the Finance Ministry noted that the updated debt ceilings will take immediate effect

and will provide government with the flexibility needed to adapt the financing mix, depending on the evolving global and domestic economic situation, particularly given global uncertainties regarding interest rates.

The domestic public debt ceiling has been increased to $1.5 trillion, up from $750 billion from its last revision.

Meanwhile, a new external borrowing ceiling of $1.5 trillion has been approved, after its last increase to $900 billion.

Government boasted that its effective debt management practices have contributed to a large decline in the country’s debt ratios over a sustained period.

The Ministry pointed out, “Guyana’s debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio declined from over 600 percent in 1991 to 27 percent in 2023.

Additionally, in 1992 about 90 cents of every dollar of revenue earned was used to make debt service payments and today this has been significantly reduced to about 6 cents of every dollar.”

Guyana’s production of oil has drastically improved its GDP since 2019, however even with concerns from sections of society regarding the volatility of oil prices, government remains confident in its ability to service its growing debt with revenues to come from the sector.

NRF AMENDMENTS In justifying the need for amendments to the NRF withdrawal rules, the Finance Minister said, “We (in) this PPP/C are in a hurry to improve the lives of every single Guyanese family and every single Guyanese individual.”

In a press statement, the Ministry of Finance said the NRF rule, while allowing for greater financial resources to be available to support intensified public investment and accelerated delivery of social services, the amended rule, as with the existing, will ensure that as production and revenue r a m p u p f u r t h e r, a n increasing share of the inflows into the NRF will be saved relative to the share transferred to the Consolidated Fund to finance these national development priorities.

The revised rule will take effect from this fiscal year and will replace the conservative rule that currently exists in the act.

Under the revised proposals, a sliding scale is proposed for withdrawals from the first US$5 billion of deposits paid into the Fund in the immediately preceding fiscal year.

Beyond the first US$5 billion, 90 percent of deposits in the immediately preceding fiscal year will be saved- a move that will benefit generations of Guyanese for years to come according to government.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 50

Sunday February 04, 2024

US to assist Guyana in advancing its air defence capabilities

GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan and US Southern Air Force Commander, Major General Evan Pettus briefing the media on Friday.

United States (US) Southern Air Force Commander, Major General Evan Pettus on Friday said that advancing Guyana’s air defence capability was among the

discussions during his three day visit to the country which began on February 1.

This was noted by the US Embassy here which thanked the Chief of Staff of the

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Omar Khan, for facilitating the discussion with the American Major General.

“During the discussion, Major General Pettus said regional security is good for Guyana and the United States’ and Brigadier Khan emphasized that ‘partnership is the foundation for collective security across the region,” the embassy stated.

Major General Pettus together with Brigadier Omar Khan met with Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia, to discuss several areas of mutual interest building on the security partnership between the two countries.

These areas include countering transnational criminal organizations,

maritime security, disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and human rights.

The Major General’s visit comes after it was recently revealed by Guyana’s VicePresident, Bharrat Jagdeo that part of the billions set aside in the country’s trillion dollar budget will be used to boost GDF’s Air Corps. He said that some of the money will be used to purchase several smaller Bell helicopters for the force.

The recent military collaboration between Guyana and the US has notably ramped up since last year’s escalation of the border controversy between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela.

The Guyanese Government, however maintained, that US-Guyana security partnership has been ongoing for years.

A photograph taken after Major General Pettus met with Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips and National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia.

10 contractors seek pre-qualification to build New Christianburg Multilateral School Ten contractors, local and overseas, have expressed an interest in being pre-qualified to construct the New Christiansburg Multilateral School in Region 10.

The government, through the Ministry of Education, in an advertisement sought to prequalify contractors for the construction of the New Christianburg Multilateral School in Linden.

In response, 10 contractors submitted their documents to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for the project.

They are: Power China Jiangxi Electric Power Construction Co Limited (China), VG Group (Guyana) Inc., Kares Engineering Inc. (Guyana), Shandong Hi Speed Dejian Group Inc. (China), BM Property Investments Inc. (Guyana), R Bassoo & Son Construction Company

The Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School in Region 10.

(Guyana), China Jaingsu International Co-op. (T&T) Limited, Zhenjiang No. 02 Construction Engineering Co Limited (China), China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu No. 01, and Sheriff Construction Inc. (Guyana).

In its document, the Education Ministry stated that Guyana has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the ‘Guyana Strengthening Human Capital through

Education Project.’

The agency intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for the ‘Prequalification for the Construction of the New Christianburg Multilateral School.’

It was noted by the ministry also that following the pre-qualification aspect, the request for bids (RFB) for the school project will be made this month.

This publication had reported that the plans to build a new school for the Christianburg students were made last October when Minister of Education Priya Manickchand made the announcement during an outreach exercise in Linden.

The minister revealed the plans after a parent raised concerns about the current structure housing the secondary school. This newspaper learnt that the

current structure – the C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r Secondary School will be reconstructed and named the New Christianburg Multilateral.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News had reported that in August last year, the government had signed a US$44 million loan agreement with the World Bank.

The project focuses on the expansion of access to

quality education at the secondary level and improving technical and vocational training (TVET).

The project will also support the piloting and national rollout of a new curriculum for Grades Seven to Nine and finance textbooks for Grades Seven to Eleven.

It will also see the development of a new TVET sector policy for 2022-2030 and improve the delivery of TVET at secondary and post-secondary institutions.

Two other secondary schools have been built through funding by the World Bank.

Those schools are the Good Hope Secondary School and the Westminster Secondary School.

Just recently too, this publication reported that under the World Bank project, the Education Ministry will be utilizing part of the loan to construct a new secondary school at Prospect, East Bank Demerara.

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

PAGE 51

Two hacked to death Health Ministry using AI technology as first line of screening for chest X-rays on the Corentyne …suspect detained A peacemaker who went to part a fight amid a squabble and a jaded man were brutally chopped to death at Alness on the Corentyne on Friday.

Dead are Floyd Moore called 'Kinga,' 51, and Quacy LaRose called 'Bloodie Eye,'34, both of Alness, Corentyne.

Reports are that Moore went to the home of an Ulverston, Corentyne cane harvester. His visit to the cane harvester's home resulted in a confrontation over a female.

The female was reportedly in a relationship with both men.

Relatives of the deceased related that sometime around 23:00hrs on Friday, Moore entered the assailant's home and confronted the latter over the woman who was also present at the scene. A squabble ensued and Moore reportedly chased after the assailant, who ran out of the house.

According to a resident, LaRose, who lived close by, attempted to pacify the situation by trying to “talk” Moore out of the fight. At the same time, the cane harvester returned to the scene with a cutlass and dealt Moore

Quacy LaRose called 'Bloodie Eye' several chops to his upper body including his head and his neck. In photographs seen by this publication, Moore appeared to have been decapitated.

LaRose's cousin said the assailant confronted him [LaRose] and dealt him a stab to his body. The man also sustained a severe chop wound to one of his legs.

The assailant later turned himself in and was immediately placed in police custody.

Police are investigating the matter.

In a ground-breaking revelation during the Consideration of Estimates on Friday, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony unveiled the Ministry's deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

The disclosure followed questions posed by former Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence, seeking clarification on the allocation of $228 million earmarked for medical equipment for Regional and Clinical Services. Addressing Lawrence's question, Dr. Anthony detailed a diverse range of equipment designated for various health centers across the region.

Among the notable allocations were $54 million for a telemedicine initiative that would benefit multiple health centers, including Whitewater, Parika, Suddie, Port Kaituma, Kumaka, Mabaruma, Jawala, Wa r a m a d o n g , K a i k a n , Kamarang, Kato, Kopinang and Monkey Mountain among others.

Minister Anthony then disclosed the integration of AI in healthcare services. Dr. Anthony highlighted the use of AI for the initial screening of chest x-rays. This innovative approach aims to enhance efficiency in the diagnostic process, allowing for swift identification of potential issues. Explaining the AI integration further, Dr. Floyd Moore called 'Kinga' Anthony highlighted that the

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony technology would be employed for the first screening, providing an initial assessment of chest xr a y s . S u b s e q u e n t l y, i f deemed necessary, a second opinion would be sought through traditional diagnostic methods.

“And maybe it might be of interest to some members that we're using AI so that we can do first screening for chest x-rays…if we need to do a second opinion, then we go to that,” the minister said.

The integration of AI in healthcare services signifies a significant leap forward in modernizing diagnostic processes. By leveraging technology to conduct preliminary screenings, healthcare professionals can streamline their workflow, leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses.

“And then we have two laparoscopic tower. One would be going to Suddie, one would be going to

Lethem,” he said.

Dr Anthony continued, “We have a number of ophthalmoscopes. Those would be going to various r e g i o n s . We h a v e examination beds to different regions as well. We have bought, under this heading, the PAK radiology system.

This is to allow for the portable, the digital x-rays that we have, that we can move the images seamlessly.”

Minister Anthony talked about the implementation of digital x-ray machines across the country and noted Suddie, Diamond, Linden, New Amsterdam, Port Morant West Demerara Hospital, Fort Wellington, Mabaruma and Bartica.

“So there are 24 PAK systems,” Minister Anthony said. He said that there is a mid-year target to have all designated locations equipped with digital x-ray machines and connected to Georgetown Hospital. The aim is to create a seamlessly integrated healthcare network and is expected to enhance collaboration among healthcare professionals across the regions.

“We've already started installing a set of them. But these machines now would be connected so that we can send the images to Georgetown Hospital where the radiologists can look at it,” the minister added.

$278M allocated for payment of rates and taxes by the GPF used on "other exigencies" - Min. Benn Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn on Friday was called upon to answer questions related to the spending of some $278million allocated in the 2023 budget for rates and taxes to be paid by the Guyana Police Force.

Benn was questioned during the Consideration of Estimates and Expenditure by former Minister of Public Security Robeson Benn.

The approved $278 million designated for this purpose last year remains unpaid to the Georgetown City Council.

Ramjattan questioned Minister Benn about the delay in payment, pointing out the budgeted amount for both last year and the current year.

“I think this payment is still pending,” Minister Benn

responded.

He then cited "other exigencies" as the reason for the delay.

“We did not get along to the position, given the other exigencies that we were faced with,” the minister said. Ramjattan retorted: “What were the exigencies?”

When pressed on the nature of these exigencies, the Minister referred to the challenges faced in restoring the security architecture.

“The exigencies of having to make up cash flow and expenditure for the challenges of restoring the security architecture to what it should be,” Minister Benn said. His response prompted Ramjattan to seek clarification on whether the allocated sum was redirected elsewhere.

“I said no such thing,”

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn Minister Benn remarked while emphasizing the urgent matters his ministry had to address for the Force.

Additionally, in response to questions posed by Ramjattan, the Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Benn provided a breakdown of another allocation, detailing amounts used for

various purposes such as operational expenses, intelligence, trafficking in persons for Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) totaling $78.3 million, the sum of $123 million for Community Policing, $4.3 million to the Juvenile Holding Centre, and $90 million for the Forensic

Laboratory.

Further inquiry was made about a $10 million subsidy to the National Road Safety Council, considering the reported 78% increase in road accidents last year, reflecting 175 road deaths.

Minister Benn acknowledged the challenges, attributing the rise to the post-COVID increase in vehicles on the roads.

He said, “It is indeed true that we are facing difficult circumstances in relation to road accidents… The number of the vehicles which are on the roads nowadays are double what it was during the former Minister of Public Security's time.”

While admitting the need for continued monitoring, Minister Benn highlighted ongoing support from the

private sector and international agencies.

He said too, “And in the ministry itself, we are making efforts in terms of supporting the overall work of the Guyana National Road Safety Council. But yes, it is a valid concern that we have to keep a strong eye on this problem and our interventions.”

The Committee of Supply has approved $44.8 billion for the Ministry of Home Affairs. The breakdown of the allocations is as follows: Policy Development and Administration $2.5 billion; Guyana Police Force $30 billion; Guyana Prison Service $6.4 billion; Guyana Fire Service $4.3 billion, General Register Office, $317 million and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit $827 million.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 52

From page 14 the State of New York and I have managed both investments fund and the fiscal side of government and this is not how you manage this amount of money unless all you want to do with it is put it into the budget to meet the political needs of the party in power.”

During the period 2003 to 2007, Sanzillo served as the first deputy comptroller for the State of New York.

Among his responsibilities was the management of a US$150 billion globally invested public pension fund. That fund was so well managed that it was cited by Standard and Poor’s as one of the best managed funds in the nation. Due to an early resignation of the elected State Comptroller, Sanzillo, as first deputy comptroller, served for a short period as t h e N e w Yo r k S t a t e comptroller. During that time, he also managed audit plans of the state of New York including 400 annual audits of state and local governments.

Sanzillo, who has been c r i t i c a l o f G u y a n a ’s Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with an ExxonMobil-led group, reiterated those distressing sentiments. “It’s a one-sided deal,” he said to CNBC, adding, “Because Exxon pays no taxes, Exxon didn’t put up the insurance they are responsible for putting up, and Exxon has a special arrangement with a maximized profit where they get their profits first and Guyana gets theirs later.”

While the Guyana Government has acknowledged that the deal with Exxon is grossly in favour of the company, it has refused to demand a renegotiation. The government’s position is that asking for a revision of the lopsided terms will hamper investor confidence and sully the nation’s reputation on the global stage. The administration insists that Guyana must make do with what it has.

The administration has also maintained that its NRF and overarching law are not only a massive improvement over what it inherited from the APNU+AFC regime but has also received the imprimatur of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). That financial institution in its latest report on Guyana’s economic wellbeing commended the

International Financial Expert, Tom Sanzillo government on the structure of the fund, stating that it will allow for substantial savings to accumulate in the medium-term. It said too that annual transfers from the NRF to the budget will finance most of the increases in public capital spending to meet developmental plans.

The IMF said these plans include investing in a gas-toenergy project, building new schools and 13 new hospitals to develop human capital.

Guyana making no progress in fight against corruption —Int’l body urges greater transparency in oil sector, emphasis on democratic governance The fight against corruption has stagnated in Guyana in recent years after the country had dug itself out of the morass during the years of the previous government, Transparency International observed in its latest Corruption Perceptions Index.

When the PPP/C demitted office back in 2015, the country was scoring below 30 points, however during the years of the APNU+AFC that score steadily improved reaching 41. Three full years since the ruling PPP/C returned to government, the ranking has stagnated at 40 - ranking it at 87 out of 180 countries, the global coalition against corruption said.

In its latest report r e l e a s e d o n Tu e s d a y transparency International said: “Guyana (40) has significantly risen in the CPI over the last 12 years, however recently the country has stagnated. The oil-rich nation must still place stronger emphasis on building a well-functioning democratic system and implement greater levels of

transparency and oversight, especially in the extractive industry.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Transparency International, corruption in this sector implies the loss of billions of dollars, which could be used to improve public services and development in one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere.

M e a n w h i l e , Transparency International said the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that corruption is thriving across the world. It noted that the CPI ranks 180 countries and territories around the globe by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, scoring on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Over two-thirds of countries score below 50 out of 100, which strongly indicates that they have serious corruption problems./ The global average is stuck at only 43,

Sunday February 04, 2024

International Energy Expert, David Goldwyn while the vast majority of countries have made no progress or declined in the last decade. What is more, 23 countries fell to their lowest scores to date this year.

Injustice and trouble at the top According to TI, the global trend of weakening justice systems is reducing accountability for public officials, which allows corruption to thrive. “Both authoritarian and democratic leaders are undermining justice. This is increasing impunity for corruption, and even encouraging it by eliminating consequences for criminals. Corrupt acts like bribery and abuse of power are also infiltrating many courts and other justice institutions across the globe. Where corruption is the norm, vulnerable people have restricted access to justice while the rich and powerful capture whole justice systems, at the

expense of the common good.”

The body said too that countries ranking high on the CPI have an impunity problem of their own, even if this isn’t reflected in their scores. It noted that many cross-border corruption cases have involved companies from top-scoring countries that resort to bribery when doing business abroad. Others have implicated professionals who sell secrecy or otherwise enable foreign corrupt officials. And yet, top-scoring countries often fail to go after perpetrators of transnational corruption and their enablers.

Americas With respect to the Americas, the report noted that weak and unaccountable public institutions in Latin America have created fertile g r o u n d f o r o rg a n i s e d criminal networks to flourish, fueling violence

and insecurity. “These are among the main concerns for Latin Americans, along with corruption and the economy.

In many countries, law enforcement and corrupt officials collaborate with criminal gangs or accept bribes in exchange for turning a blind eye to their illicit activities. In Honduras (23), Guatemala (24) and Peru (36), evidence suggests that organised criminals wield a strong influence over candidates and politicians, financing electoral campaigns or even running for public office themselves,” the report states.

A c c o r d i n g t o Transparency International, the impacts of these intertwined criminal and political interests are felt particularly by the most marginalised groups in society, and witnessed in the destruction of natural resources. Across the region, women, girls and migrants are victims of human trafficking and sextortion, which usually involves public officials demanding sexual acts in exchange for services like awarding passports or granting passage through border controls.

Corrupt networks also fuel wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, illicit gold mining, and slash-and-burn land clearance.

In the Amazon, the report states that the drug trade has brought violence to the ancestral territories of (Continued on page 53)

Sunday February 04, 2024

From page 52 indigenous and Afrodescendent peoples, which coincide with critical areas o f h i g h b i o d i v e r s i t y.

Moreover, in 2021, Latin American countries recorded the highest number of killings of human rights defenders. Colombia (39) had the highest numbers of killings of human rights defenders with 138, followed by 42 in Mexico (31) and 27 in Brazil (38).

Too often, murders of environmental and anticorruption defenders go unpunished due to corrupt and criminal networks’ infiltration of local governments and the justice system.

Meanwhile, to tackle organised crime and gang violence some governments have taken extreme measures that concentrate power in the executive branch, reducing transparency and accountability, and posing serious threats to human rights and basic freedoms.

For instance, the declaration of states of exception during 2022 in countries like El Salvador (33), Ecuador (36) and Honduras (23) – whilst constitutional and officially temporary – granted extraordinary powers to the executive branch to suspend constitutional guarantees.

They impacted people’s rights to assembly, access to information, transit and basic procedures during an arrest.

In the name of security, these governments closed down civic space, shrinking its oversight capabilities and considerably increasing democratic backsliding and risks of corruption.

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

This perspective was proffered by International Energy Expert, David Goldwyn. He was one of the key stakeholders recently interviewed by CNBC, the world’s leading network for

financial and business news.

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

The industry expert said, “in order for Guyana to avoid the curse they need to get to the next level.

First, they have a NRF but they need independent management of that fund as Norway has.” He said too that Guyanese authorities need to have a long term view on investments and avoid wasting that money.

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

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

Goldwyn said governments are not always inclined to go that route as it is not politically popular.

He said nonetheless that “without that government c a p a c i t y, ( p r o p e r ) accounting, and budget supervision, they are going to have a hard time managing that money well.” The energy expert also underscored the need for Guyanese authorities to channel some of the oil capital to the people who need it.

Overall, Goldwyn said the foregoing would be crucial to helping Guyana keep the resource curse at bay. For readers unfamiliar with the term, the resource curse describes the c ir cu m s tan c e w h e r e a country does worse off with the discovery of a resource in significant quantities. In simple terms, the people are not better off with its discovery. While Goldwyn and others have expressed concerns about the country’s ability to avoid the resource curse, local authorities have insisted that the work is being done to avoid this pitfall.

Vice President and Chief Policymaker for the oil sector, Bharrat Jagdeo has said government is determined not to become overly dependent on oil

Kaieteur News

revenues, adding that a portion of the wealth is being used to ensure the country has a diversified economy.

He said this is being done with key investments channeled to health care, education, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and energy transformation.

Hess praises Guyana for helping it close 2023 with US$413M profits - says country’s oil resources also boosted its asset base American oil producer, Hess Corporation continues to sing Guyana’s praises as the country’s booming oil production has helped it close 2023 with US$413M in profits.

The company made this disclosure via a statement to the market yesterday.

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

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

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

The oil producer said in N o v e m b e r, p r o d u c t i o n commenced from the Prosperity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel at

PAGE 53

the Payara Project which contributed 14,000 net bopd in the fourth quarter of 2023.

As for the fourth development on the block, Yellowtail, Hess said this was sanctioned in April 2022 with a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross bopd and first production expected in 2025.

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

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

Approval is expected this quarter.

Hess was also keen to note that Guyana played an important role in boosting its proven reserve base. The term “proven reserve base” in the oil sector refers to the quantity of oil reserves that are confidently known to exist and are recoverable under current economic conditions and existing technological capabilities.

Hess said its proven

reserves at December 31, 2023, which are subject to final review, were 1.37 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) compared with 1.26 billion boe at December 31, 2022.

“Proven reserve additions and net revisions in 2023 totaled 261 million boe, primarily from Guyana, which included sanctioning of the Uaru development, and from the Bakken,” Hess said.

With respect to its exploration and production capital expenditures, Hess said this stood at US$1.5B in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$818 million in the prior-year quarter, reflecting the purchase of the Liza Unity FPSO in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Hess said its share for the FPSO was approximately US$380 million. It said too that the US$1.5B catered for higher development activities in Guyana, and an increase in drilling activity in the Bakken, USA. Due to the pending m e rg e r w i t h C h e v r o n Corporation (Chevron), Hess said it will not host a conference call to review its fourth quarter 2023 results.

The statement it issued will (Continued on page 54)

West Indies Test fast bowler, Shamar Joseph arrived in Guyana to a hero’s welcome

Kaieteur News

PAGE 54

From page 53 therefore have to suffice for the market.

FRIDAY Insurance in place for construction of Gas-toEnergy project- Prime Minister tells Parliament Insurance for the construction phase of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project is currently in place, according to Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips.

The Prime Minister (PM) who holds responsibility for power generation in Guyana provided this assurance to the National Assembly on 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 Demerara- being 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 s a i d , “ C e r t a i n l y M r.

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 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

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 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, “ I t ’s r e a s o n a b l e . I t ’s

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

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

Appeal Court Justice Rishi Persaud

Sunday February 04, 2024

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.

Prime Minister, Brigadier Retired Mark Phillips 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.”

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

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 litigants and ordered the EPA to secure an unlimited parent and/or affiliate company guarantee for oil spills. To circumvent compliance with that order, Exxon and the EPA through their lawyers, appealed and were successful in staying Justice Kissoon’s decision.

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

Since that order was issued on June 8, 2023, the litigants said their lawyers have been unable to secure a copy of the said guarantee for perusal. A summons was subsequently filed on November 1, 2023 for orders directing the EPA and Exxon to produce a copy of the US$2 billion guarantee.

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 was also addressed by Justice Kissoon when he had issued his landmark ruling back in May. In fact, Justice Kissoon found that the

SATURDAY Guyana helps ExxonMobil close 2023 fourth quarter with US$7.6 Billion profits American oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation announced on Friday that it made a jaw dropping US$7.6 billion in profits for the fourth quarter of 2023, backed by accelerated production offshore Guyana.

ExxonMobil currently leads a consortium in the Stabroek Block where it is producing over 580,000 barrels of oil per day via three platforms.

The company’s US$7.6B profits reflect a decrease when compared with the fourth-quarter 2022 earnings of US$12.8B. Be that as it may, the company’s top brass deemed its 2023 fourth quarter performance to be a strong finish to that year.

Expounding on its financial health, the company disclosed that its fourth-quarter results included a loss of US$2.3 billion. A huge portion of this related to impairment as a result of regulatory obstacles in California that prevented its production and distribution assets from coming back online. It said impairments were partly offset by favourable tax and other divestment-related items.

With respect to its upstream business, for the fourth-quarter, Exxon said its earnings were US$4.1 billion. Exxon said this reflects a decrease of US$2.0 billion from the third quarter mainly from the impairment of oil and gas assets in California.

That aside, Exxon said there were higher volumes mainly from its Guyana and Permian Basin assets in the USA. It noted that net production in the fourth quarter was 3.8 million oilequivalent barrels per day, an increase of 136,000 oil (Continued on page 55)

Sunday February 04, 2024

From page 54 equivalent barrels per day.

Where Guyana is concerned, Exxon told shareholders that Payara, the third Guyana development in the Stabroek Block, started up in November ahead of schedule with production reaching nameplate capacity of 220,000 barrels per day in mid-January.

During his remarks, Exxon’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods said the foregoing performance is a testament to the company’s execution excellence across the business. For the full year 2023, he said the company earned US$36.0 billion, or US$8.89 per share assuming dilution, a performance he finds to be “top tier.”

“These results demonstrate the fundamental improvements we’ve made to our business, reflecting our progress in high-grading our portfolio through investments in advantaged projects and

select divestments, while, at the same time, driving a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness throughout the business,” the CEO said.

With three projects running successfully in Guyana, and well ahead of their designed production capacity, Woods expressed excitement about the prospects of a fourth project.

That development called Yellowtail is set to come on stream next year and produce 250,000 barrels of oil per day. Overall, Exxon and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, are targeting an output of 1.3 million barrels of oil per day by 2027.

Guyana’s 3rd oil project producing at full capacity with 220,000 barrels a day since midJanuary - Exxon says it drilled more wells to extract oil faster ExxonMobil’s third oil vessel called Prosperity

Kaieteur News

which operates in the Payara field of the Stabroek Block, achieved its full production capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per since mid-January.

This was revealed by the oil giant’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman, Darren Woods.

During the company’s 2023 fourth quarter earnings call on Friday, Woods said, “…what we’ve done with Guyana, you’re seeing today in Payara where we brought that online in mid-January, well ahead of our plans…”

Woods explained to shareholders that this was possible due to strategic optimization works for drilling and “making sure that we had what we needed to bring that up quickly.”

The CEO also said that the company is utilizing world class technology to make sure that it is learning all that it can from the data on Guyana and adjusting to ensure increased value for shareholders.

“I would tell you, the organization understands it

PAGE 55

ExxonMobil CEO, Darren Woods has an obligation to drive value and to find the value opportunities and to make sure that when we decide to spend money, that we know that spend is going to be productive spend, and that we’re going to be efficient in executing that spend,” the CEO said.

He added, “…and if we see an opportunity to advance the development

and bring it forward and bring net present value with that, we’ll take that.”

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for ExxonMobil Corporation, Kathy Mikells also shared sentiments expressed by her boss. In fact, it was she who revealed that more wells were drilled to support Payara’s recordbreaking production feat.

“We’ve got Prosperity,

Prosperity FPSO Prosperity FPSO

the third boat which is in the Payara development already up to nameplate capacity as we stand here today. And that’s because we made the decision to drill more wells to ensure that we could get that boat up to capacity as quickly as possible and our organization absolutely delivered on that. So those were the right economic decisions that drove value for our shareholders,” the CFO stated.

The foregoing revelation led shareholders to ask when production for the Payara project would be ramped up beyond 220,000 barrels of oil per day. Woods said it is difficult to predict at this time but assured that the company’s first priority is safety of operations.

He said the organization still has to monitor closely, how the ship performs, noting that ramp up will be contingent on any challenges that may follow and how quickly those are handled.

PAGE 56

Sunday February 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

Man killed after boat crashes in Berbice River WANTED

VACANCY

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Drivers, Porters and Salesman needed, experience will be an asset, Attractive salary offered. Call: 673-7373.

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Kaieteur News has confirmed that a search party on Saturday recovered the body of a carpenter from the Berbice River who went under following a boat accident.

He was identified as Rashleigh Gladstone, 47. The man was the victim of a boat crash that reportedly took place in the river on Friday afternoon. According to information received by this media house, Gladstone hails from the village of Friendship which is located in the Region 10 district of the Berbice River.

Reports are that he was returning home when he crashed into another boat around 19:00hrs.

Gladstone reportedly

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pitched of his boat and fell overboard. Rescuers combed the river for him that evening

but they did not find.

His body was pulled from the river on Saturday.

Mentored by his uncle, young...

From page 32 giving it my all. And I’ll always cherish those words,” the young man noted.

He said that he appreciates art, “because art it is everything that exists, so because of that I appreciate everything in my environment.”

Dillon noted too that art can heal the soul with only one glance. Dillon described art as being very subjective. “I love the ecstatic beauty of art, I love the colors and form and I also love the fact that a creative person can use anything to create a beautiful piece of art.”

He said art brings things to life. “I love the fact that a powerful piece of art can evoke a conversation. It can also bring life to a broken wall; it can always brighten a dark wall.” How it’s done Dillon said his style of work is “very instinctive.” He said to create paintings, one will firstly have to get an idea.

“Then I’ll have to prepare my material. Then I’ll have to do a sketch of the idea that was birthed. I’ll have to then transfer the sketch of the idea onto my prepared canvas,” he

said.

Following this, he said he will then mix his paints into his palette. Following this step, he gets down to business, following his imaginative processes as he brings creativity to life. “Then I’ll apply myself and get intimate with my canvas. I will call it a one-on-one contact with full focus on the painting, with no distraction.” Positive feedback “It is a very encouraging and awesome feeling to know that that thus far, I haven’t had an encounter with any client who isn’t satisfied with anything I did for them, “he said, adding that “most times I’m above their expectation, I had experiences with clients giving me extra compassion for my work and that is because they appreciate the quality and standards of my work.”

Dillon said the feedback he has been receiving about his work has been very encouraging. “I will get words like -your work is unique, it is well done,” he said. The artist said the uniqueness in his work is tied to the fact that he has his “own style.”

Farm, Mahaicony: A small village...

From page 27 enter the cool air conditioned atmosphere and it took a bit of cooling before the interview began.

In 2019 the supermarket was established because he wanted to bring a quality of service and also establish a business where residents can feel safe and comfortable when shopping. “It was a number of different thing, I wanted everyone to be able to shop and feel comfortable not with employees hovering over then 24/7. As it is with every business there are ups and downs but I am happy to be providing the service.”

The KK supermarket also houses a Bill Express and Western Union service and on any given day there are two employees maximum.

Walking around to test it for ourselves, one can safely say there was no one else within the store to hover or walk behind you. Customers are allowed to walk around freely, pick up their goods and then proceed to cash.

A short stroll way is a stall that had a colourful array of vegetables and ground provision. Owner, Jermaine Jones cheerfully informed us that he was out since 06:00hrs and he was more than halfway sold out already. The stall which was conveniently located at

the roadside has been in operation for about two years and it was birthed from his own farm.

“I used to plant and grow wholesale greens and sometimes it was hard to get customers and thing would leave back and spoil on me. So, I tell myself just put out a lil stand and see how it does. I knock up this stand hay and two years later business is good,” he informed this magazine. He advised that the key to a successful business is staying focused, managed your budget well and have competitive prices.

The community of farm has a largely youthful population. This publication was informed by residents that even though they face the challenge at times with draining but changes are happening every day. As more persons are moving to the area and more homes are being built, it is projected that the community will be very “bright” in the next few days.

So, the next time you want to get out of the city congestion and just enjoy cleans fresh country air, organic produce and a supermarket with no hovering, hop in a vehicle and take a trip to the serene countryside village of farm Mahaicony. See you next week!!!

Sunday February 04, 2024

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Jagdeo defends clearing out Guyana’s 2023 oil earnings V

ice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo defended the government’s decision to significantly increase the withdrawal limit from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to allow spending of 98% of the oil revenues received in 2023.

The new rule, tabled in the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Bill 2024, allows the use of US$1.586 billion out of the US$1.617 billion received in 2023.

This adjustment leaves only US$31 million, or 2% of the revenues, for savings.

During his Thursday press conference at Freedom House, Jagdeo explained the rationale behind the

revision. He said spending the revenues now “gives us a greater return than saving at this point in time for intergenerational equity, which will come later.”

Jagdeo justified the formula change by talking a b o u t t h e c o u n t r y ’s development needs and the potential for higher returns through investment in the short term. “So, we believe that when you look at the sums given the size of the budget, it’s not unreasonable now to utilise a bit more from the NRF,” he said.

The decision to revise the withdrawal limits comes as part of the government’s broader fiscal strategy, which also includes an

increase in domestic and external debt ceilings to finance 40% of the 2024 National Budget. The budget, standing at GY$1.146 trillion, includes a series of major infrastructural projects, including the Gas-to-Energy project. Asked to respond to concerns about savings, the Vice President said that the new rule would ensure significant savings once revenues reach a certain level. “So, it’s not a timebound thing. It is a quantumbound issue,” he said.

The new formula stipulates 100% withdrawal of the first US$1 billion received last year, 95% of the second US$1 billion, 90% of

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo the third US$1 billion, 85% of the fourth US$1 billion, 50% of the fifth US$1 billion, and 10% of amounts over US$5 billion.

This approach has sparked stakeholder concerns about the balance between spending for current development and saving for future generations. According to

Jagdeo, with anticipated increases in oil production and the amortization of oil projects through cost recovery, Guyana getting more than US$5 billion annually from oil may not be so far off. He reasoned therefore that the country could soon be able to save over 90% of its annual revenues in the NRF. With

the Stabroek Block companies recovering the equivalent of the development expenses for the first three offshore projects already, they are expected to recover an additional US$12.6 billion in 2024. This would effectively repay the cost of the Yellowtail development, leaving Uaru and Exxon’s exploration drilling as outstanding recoverable items.

Considering this, it is likely Exxon will recover most of its expenses early in the second half of this decade, allowing for a higher share of profit oil revenues for Guyana.

However, the company continues to add new projects and it is unclear what the limit will be. Exxon officials have said that there is potential to place up to 10 floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels offshore Guyana.

Dr. Richard Van West-Charles accredited as Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela

A

mbassador of t h e C o operative Republic of Guyana to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, His Excellency Dr. Rich a r d Va n We s t Charles, presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Yv a n G i l , M i n ister for People’s Power for Foreign

Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on Friday, 2nd February 2024.

Minister Gil and Ambassador, Van WestCharles engaged in cordial discussions.

Ambassador Van WestCharles affirmed the imperative of peace and cooperation as guiding principles for the relatio n s

between Guyana and Ve n e z u e l a , t h e Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on S a t u r d a y.

The newly accredited Ambassador to Venezuela committed to working during his tenure to pursue Guyana’s interests in exploring the potential for collaboration in areas

that would provide an opportunity for the neighbouring countries to develop a programme of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both peoples.

Ambassador Van WestCharles will present his credentials to His Excellency Nicolas Maduro at a later date.

Ambassador of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, His Excellency Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Yvan Gil, Minister for People’s Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on Friday. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

GPSCCU Management Committee... Beware Maduro’s machinations...

From page 05 will of the general membership is being trampled on. In this regard, a few things are worthy of note: 1) the COM by a majority of nine, remains inflexible in its stance that no SGM will be held regardless of two court orders to that effect; 2) the respondents (COM) through their attorneys, sought to have a date way beyond the February 5, 2024 date set by

Hon. Mr. Justice Singh, but give no plausible reason for so doing; 3) all parties responded in the affirmative to the judge’s question as to whether his orders were clear 4) the CEO who is in charge of the operations of the GPSCCU, was very present in court when the Hon. Mr. Justice Singh made his ruling, as were two of the three respondents in the persons of Ruth Howard, and Gillian Pollard, as well

as a battery of five attorneys, including Ms. Leslyn Noble who is also a committee member; 5) bereft of vision the Committee of M a n a g e m e n t ’s o n l y recourse is character assassination and a flagrant disregard for facts. It is way past time for the members’ refrain to be shouted “Enough is enough.”

Faithfully!

Patrick E. Mentore Vice-Chair, GPSCCU

Newly-minted Guyanese Lawyer among most...

From page 47 pretty well – it was truly an inspiring experience.

“I made new friends and acquaintances that certainly made the journey a less challenging experience.”

Kingston was admitted to the Bar in Guyana on the 29th September, 2023. Her petition to be admitted to Bar was made by her mentor and Attorney-at-Law, Mrs. Abiola Wong-Inniss before Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall.

She noted, “it really took a village to bring me to where I am, and for that, I am eternally grateful, especially to Victoria Village.”

“I have always stood on their support and sacrifices and cannot forego an opportunity to allocate gratitude. This fortified the village's already existing culture of striving for excellence in all endeavours, especially among my age demographic.”

Kingston continued, “I

am grateful for the tremendous support received throughout this journey from my mother, stepfather, grandmothers Mabel Kingston and Norma Craigwell, siblings and other relatives such as June Craigwell and Faye Collins, close friends, mentors, the late Justice Nandram Kissoon, former Chairman of the Tribunal, co-workers and villagers. It is my hope that I will continue to make them proud.”

From page 05 emphasised that candidates could only be disqualified by conviction by a judge, within the framework of a criminal process.

Consistent with its position on democracy in the region, the US immediately announced the reinstatement of sanctions on Venezuelan gold exports and that the same would apply to oil and gas sector once the licenses expire on April 18.

But Maduro’s reaction to the US’ statement confirms his outlaw outlook that should serve as a cautionary tale to our policy makers as we react to his manoeuvres to annex our Essequibo. Last We d n e s d a y, h e bombastically declared that “a new world has already been born” which no longer accepts “imperial tutelage” from the United States and asserted that many allied nations “want to come and invest in Venezuela…We do not depend on the Yankees to invest, prosper and grow.”

Significantly, he made these statements at the 2024 opening judicial ceremony of the Supreme Court in Caracas.

Maduro also resorted to populism as he had done with his December referendum to “authorize” his annexation of Essequibo when he announced his government would “go to the people” to set a date for elections. This contravenes the Barbados Agreement which states elections would be held in the second half of this year.

In light of Maduro’s recalcitrance in observing international law and agreements, we must intensify our efforts to tighten our security. There is the folk wisdom in the observation: “When blind man seh he will pelt you; he already has brick in his hand.” To warn Maduro not to cross Brazilian territory in any invasion of southern Essequibo, President Lula – no enemy of Maduro but obviously a realist – moved troops once again into

Roraima State next to our border. In the meantime, following the visits of US SouthCom Commander Laura Richardson last July and August, the US Army 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) arrived in September to conduct joint exercises with the GDF and to improve our cyber capabilities.

At that time, we proposed that to counter the hybrid war being waged by Venezuela in the grey zone, we establish a military base in Essequibo to which the US forces would have access. While some have claimed this would be “provocative”, what do they say about the US$30Billion worth of advanced weapons Venezuela acquired from Russia and their tutelage by Cuban military personnel?

We welcome the GDF acquiring drones and aircraft to augment our air domain awareness and the visit of the U.S. Air Force Major General.

Ravi Dev

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Sunday February 04, 2024

US, Britain strike Yemen’s Houthis in a new wave, retaliating for attacks by Iran-backed militants WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Britain struck 36 Houthi t a r g e t s i n Ye m e n o n Saturday in a second wave of assaults meant to further disable Iran-backed groups that have relentlessly attacked American and international interests in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. But Washington once more did not directly target Iran as it tries to find a balance between a forceful response and intensifying the conflict.

The latest strikes against the Houthis were launched

by U.S. warships and American and British fighter jets. The strikes follow an air assault in Iraq and Syria on Friday that targeted other Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in retaliation to the drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan last weekend.

The Houthi targets were in 13 different locations and were struck by U.S. F/A-18 fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, by British Typhoon FGR4 fighter aircraft and by the Navy destroyers USS Gravely and the USS Carney firing Tomahawk missiles from the Red Sea, according to U.S. officials and the U.K.

Defense Ministry. The U.S. officials were not authorized to publicly discuss the military operation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The U.S. warned that its response after the soldiers’ deaths at the Tower 22 base in Jordan last Sunday would not be limited to one night, one target or one group.

While there has been no suggestion the Houthis were directly responsible, they have been one of the prime U.S. adversaries since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. The Health Ministry in Hamasruled Gaza said that more than 26,000 people have been killed and more than 64,400 wounded in the Israeli military operation since the war began.

The Houthis have been conducting almost daily missile or drone attacks against commercial and military ships transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and they have made clear that they have no intention of scaling back their campaign despite pressure from the American and British campaign.

Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi official, said “military operations against Israel will continue until the

crimes of genocide in Gaza are stopped and the siege on its residents is lifted, no matter the sacrifices it costs us.” He wrote online that the “American-British aggression against Yemen will not go unanswered, and we will meet escalation with escalation.”

T h e B i d e n administration has indicated that this is likely not the last of its strikes.

The U.S. has blamed the Jordan attack on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iranian-backed militias. Iran has tried to distance itself from the drone strike, saying the militias act independently of its direction.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the military action, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, “sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will continue to bear further consequences if they do not end their illegal attacks on international shipping and naval vessels.”

He added: “We will not hesitate to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways.”

The Defense Department said the strikes targeted sites

associated with the Houthis’ deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, radars and helicopters. The British military said it struck a ground control station west of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, that has been used to control Houthi drones that have launched against vessels in the Red Sea. President Joe Biden was briefed on the strikes before he left Delaware on Saturday for a West Coast campaign trip, according to an administration official.

The latest strikes marked the third time the U.S. and Britain had conducted a large joint operation to strike Houthi weapon launchers, radar sites and drones. The strikes in Yemen are meant to underscore the broader message to Iran that Washington holds Tehran responsible for arming, funding and training the array of militias — from Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen — who are behind attacks across the Mideast against U.S. and international interests.

Video shared online by people in Sanaa included the sound of explosions and at least one blast was seen

lighting up the night sky.

Residents described the blasts as happening around buildings associated with the Ye m e n i p r e s i d e n t i a l compound. The Houthicontrolled state-run news agency, SABA, reported strikes in al-Bayda, Dhamar, Hajjah, Hodeida, Taiz and Sanaa provinces.

Hours before the latest joint operation, the U.S. took another self-defense strike o n a s i t e i n Ye m e n , destroying six anti-ship cruise missiles, as it has repeatedly when it had detected a missile or drone ready to launch.

The day before the strikes the U.S. destroyer Laboon and F/A-18s from the Eisenhower shot down seven drones fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea and the destroyer Carney shot down a drone fired in the Gulf of Aden and U.S. forces took out four more drones that were prepared to launch.

The Houthis’ attacks have led shipping companies to reroute their vessels from the Red Sea, sending them around Africa through the Cape of Good Hope — a much longer, costlier and less efficient passage.

The threats also have led the U.S. and its allies to set up a joint mission where

warships from participating nations provide a protective umbrella of air defense for ships as they travel the critical waterway that runs from the Suez Canal down to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

During normal operations about 400 commercial vessels transit the southern Red Sea at any given time.

In the wake of the strikes Friday in Iraq and Syria, Hussein al-Mosawi, spokesperson for Harakat alNujaba, one of the main Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, said Washington “must understand that every action elicits a reaction.” But in an AP interview in Baghdad, he also struck a more conciliatory tone. “We do not wish to escalate or widen regional tensions,” he said.

Iraqi officials have attempted to rein in the militias, while also condemning U.S. retaliatory strikes as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and calling for an exit of the 2,500 U.S. troops who are in the country as part of an international coalition to fight the Islamic State group.

Last month, Iraqi and U.S. military officials launched formal talks to wind down the coalition’s presence, a process that will likely take years.

Prisoner relapse at lowest in 2023-Director Last year the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) recorded its lowest relapse rate at an astonishing 18%, which is an indication that there were hardly convicted criminal recommitting offences.

This is according to Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot who said in a statement on the Guyana Prison Service Facebook page on Tuesday that training programmes and other social interventions are key to the relapse figures being at minimum.

The Prison Head said that, “the technical and vocational skills training programmes coupled with the behavioral modification programmes provided to prisoners within the prison and the social services programmes provided within the communities Ministry of Human Services along with the social crime prevention approach adapted by the Guyana Police Force plays a significant role in the r e d u c t i o n f r o m approximately 33%-18%

over the period of 2015 to 2023.”

Stressing that recidivism or in simpler terms ‘inmate relapse’ is something the Prison fraternity has been hard at work to reduce in Guyana, it is a clear indication that the rehabilitative programmes are “meeting their intended purpose of preparing prisoners with life skills that will allow them to better reintegrate into society.”

Last year the Prison Service revised and adapted the international best practices formula for measuring recidivism in an effort to “improve data gathering, analysis and focus on evidence-based decisions.” In the end they logged an impressive 18% at the end of 2023.

In comparison to Australia’s average of 45%, the United States of America’s average of 43%, and the Caribbean’s rate of 41% and Latin America 33% as reported by the InterAmerican Development Bank, Guyana’s rate of reimprisoned law offenders is remarkable, Elliot boasted.

Some of the produce planted by the inmates last year.

He acknowledged the impact “of interventions being made nationally and of course the impact of the s e r v i c e ’s s t r a t e g i c developments” for these successes.

Elliot further explained that the general focus of the Prison Service is holistically addressing rehabilitative efforts at the prison and then to promote the reintegration aspect externally. This is so because the GPS realise that stigmatisation as well as discrimination can have dire effects on these reintegrated inmates. Hence, the Prison Service is looking to work

with “community partners, private sector, inmates’ family support bases, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Human Services, and the Guyana Police Force to ensure that when these prisoners receive interventions while in prison their new skills and coping mechanisms should prevent them from committing crimes.”

Head of Strategic Management Department, Head of Strategic Management Department Rae-Dawn CorbinCameron, said that, “with the support from the Home

Affairs Ministry, the Guyana Prison Service is dedicated to upskilling prisoners, with a focus of reducing the chances of them returning to a life of crime postincarceration. During 2023, 1,520 inmates were exposed to training opportunities by internal and external trainers. Similarly, 435 of the Service’s 498 employees were exposed to training to increase their capacity and ability to manage inmates within a reformative and correctional setting.”

Last December this publication reported that as a result of the rehabilitative measures and programs available the Prison Service saved a whopping $26.8M since as its agriculture programme has proven to be a sustainable and cost-saving venture where inmates produced meat and vegetables.

Currently all of the prison locations, except Camp Street, are engaged in agricultural production. The Prison Service said it is putting strategies in place to increase the quantity of

output from farming activities, and management continues to collaborate with specialist agencies to improve farming operations and yields.

The Prison Service noted that for 2023, a total of 1520 inmates across the country have completed training in a number of technical and vocational skills, in keeping with the entity’s aim of promoting a smooth reintegration into society.

In the 2024 national budget a sum of $140.2 million has been set aside to be expended on the rehabilitative training of 1600 inmates in the prison system in Guyana, in preparation for their reintegration into society.

Last year $111.9M was expended to facilitate the training of 1,520 inmates and 348 officers in the areas of agriculture, block making, carpentry and joinery, culinary arts, information technology and prison management among others in an effort to support rehabilitation and social transformation upon exit from the prison system.

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Kaieteur News

Over 1 million ticket applications received in first 48 hours of ICC Men’s T20 WC 2024 public ballot (CWI) - Excitement for the historic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 being held in the West Indies and USA from 129 June is building with 1.2 million ticket applications received in the first 48 hours of the public ballot.

Applications have come from 126 countries, showing the global appeal of the event, but it is locals in the Americas where demand has been strongest, with over 900,000 ticket applications from fans residing within the USA and West Indies.

The ballot is not a firstcome first-served system and fans applying before the

seven-day window closes at 23h59 Antigua Standard Time on 7 February 2024 will still have an equal chance of obtaining tickets.

Entering the ballot at tickets.t20worldcup.com.will give fans the best chance to get tickets to all the matches they want and be part of the biggest cricket carnival ever.

Remaining tickets not reserved in the ballot will go on general sale after the ballot period is closed and these will be sold on a first come, first served basis at tickets.t20worldcup.com on 22 February.

Tickets to all 55 matches

are accessibly priced to entice both cricket enthusiasts and new fans to the sport.

Prices start at just US$6 and over 260,000 tickets will be on sale across the group stage, Super Eight and semi-finals for US$25 and under.

ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley said: “The initial applications for tickets indicate strong demand for tickets to the first ICC event co-hosted

by West Indies and USA. T20 cricket is a growth vehicle to bring new fans to the sport and it is reassuring to see a large majority of applications coming from the Americas, reflecting the excitement of

Sunday February 04, 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.

fans in the region to see world class cricket.

“We urge any fan interested in attending to not miss out on entering the ballot before the window closes to ensure you get the best chance of securing your seats.”

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Tournament Director Fawwaz Baksh: “Given the global appeal of T20 cricket, we anticipated a high number of applications during the early stages of the public ticket ballot, but to surpass one million applications in the

WI earned the right to receive...

From page 66 prompted by criticism directed at his board and Cricket South Africa for fielding inexperienced Test squads in recent tours to Australia and New Zealand, respectively.

“The revenue-share model is completely broken,” Grave said. “If we want to operate as a cricketing community we are only as strong as the weakest team, and we’ve got to change the mindset of bilateral cricket.”

“CWI has spent over two million dollars sending teams to Australia in the last four months and whilst Cricket Australia has received all the economic benefits from those series, we’ve seen zero dollars back.”

Jockey Appadu eyeing pole...

From page 63 extended gratitude to the fans who continue to show support to him.

Eight races are carded for the Mashramni horse meet, and close to G$10 million will be up for grabs.

The feature event will be open to all imported and locally bred horses, running at a distance of 1,600m.

The top horse of the feature event will bag G$2 million.

Additionally, the provisional programme includes the West Indian-bred fouryear-old and West Indianbred three-year-old horses running at 1,600m, and the three-year-old Guyana-bred non-winners of two races running at 1,400m.

All the top horses and jockeys are expected to ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club at the Mashramani event.

first 48 hours is nothing short of phenomenal and is testament to the hard work, dedication, and collective efforts of every member of the tournament project team.

“With the ballot remaining open until 23h59 Antigua Standard Time on 7 February 2024, I again encourage all fans and in particular Caribbean fans, to take advantage of this opportunity to apply for tickets as it is the best

chance to see all the games they want. The cricketing world is looking forward to you coming out in your numbers and showcasing our Caribbean energy, passion, and camaraderie in a global World Cup festival where cultures will converge, and history will be made.”

To start the application process and for further ticketing information, visit tickets.t20worldcup.com

Santos, Fruta Conquerors...

From page 67 came from Gilbert Frank and the consistent Dane Vancooten. Swan and Friendship collide in the third-place match.

The league commenced on November 15, 2023, and it is now down to the final where players and teams are eager to cash in on the prizes on offer. The winner will be rewarded with a trophy and 12 replicas, the same will be for the first runner-up. The second and third runner-up will

each receive 12 medals.

Individual prizes of a plaque each will go to the Most Valuable Player (Plaque), Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goal Scorer, Most Promising Player, and Most Disciplined Player. The Best Coach will also receive a Plaque.

Each team, before the kickoff of the League was presented with branded playing shirts and two footballs each.

The respective Coaches received polo shirts.

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Sunday February 04, 2024

DCB SVC Senior Inter-Associations T20 finals…

Barnwell 155*, Perez 76* pilot GCA Panthers to crushing win over West Demerara Jaguars Christopher Barnwell put on an unforgettable show on his home ground, by mauling the opposition bowlers to help the GCA Panthers hoist the DCB/SVC Senior Inter-Associations T20 Championship title, following yesterday’s 84run win over the West

Demerara Panthers.

GCA Panthers piled on an imposing 240-1 from their allotted 120 balls, losing opener Shemroy B a r r i n g t o n c h e a p l y.

However, Barnwell and Raymon Perez punched the air out of West Demerara, courtesy of their record

double-ton partnership.

Perez played second fiddle to his partner, despite stroking an aggressive 74 not out off 46, with four fours and five sixes, which helped his much senior and way more aggressive partner; to focus solely on batting the Jaguars out of the game.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles newbie Perez added 232 off just 105 balls for the 2nd wicket, alongside Barnwell, who was in berserker mode for the entirety of the innings.

The ex-West Indies T20 all-rounder blew the Jaguars out of his home turf, as he clobbered a record 13 sixes along with 11 fours in his power-hitting exhibition.

Barnwell raced to his highest T20 score of 155 from just 65 deliveries faced while the Panthers 200 came up in the 19th over, with a six which landed on the roof of exGuyana /West Indies player Roger Harper. He smashed five sixes in a single over at one point, before rocketing his way to the competition’s highest individual score and a personal best, as he and Perez would inevitably win the match for Georgetown.

Christopher Barnwell We s t D e m e r a r a ’s chase was foiled by sloppy batting created by the enormous total, coupled with the spinner’s show led by Devon Lord (2-32), Dwain Dick (2-20), H a r py Eagles newbie Steven Sankar (2-32); while pacers Ronaldo Alimohamed and Carlos Larose each returned a wicket.

Ushadeva

Balgobin (39) and late innings counter-batting f r o m M a h e n d r a Dhanpaul, who clobbered 47 not out off 39, h e a d l i n e d t h e We s t Demerara innings which ended on 156-9 in 20 overs.

West Demerara captain Richie Looknauth (14) and opener Navindra Persaud (18) were the only other batters who managed to come out of the blocks.

Fireside hands over Championship Trophy for Mash Street Football Showdown Fireside Grill and Chill under its Fireside Suites brand yesterday handed over the Championship Trophy for the upcoming and muchanticipated Mashramani Street Football Championship slated for Sunday February 18th at the National Park.

Ashanti Robinson presented the trophy on behalf of the Garnett Street outlet.

Brand Ambassador for the event, Terryann Caesar thanked Fireside for their continued support, indicating that the business have been a supporter of the event from its inception and that’s always a good sign of growth.

“We want to thank Fireside for their contributions to this event and it’s always good to have reputable brands like Fireside associated with your events because it’s an indicator that they see value in what you are doing” Caesar said, adding that it’s a worthwhile investment our youth.

The event this year was crunched into what the sports management organisation, which is the body behind the organising and promotion of the event, calls “one big night”. The

Ashanti Robinson (left) presents the C/ship Trophy to Brand Ambassador for the Mash Street Football Championship, Terryann Caesar yesterday st Garnett Street oulet. event will feature 16 of the best teams facing off in an ultimate showdown and right to be called “the best of the best”.

Caesar said that a prize is guaranteed once they get to the Final Four and getting their only require teams to win two games.

She indicated that a total of $1 million will be split among the top four teams of the competition, which makes it a historic giveaway

in one night.

The Mashramani Football Championship is one of the biggest and most highly anticipated events on the Calendar for the format of the sport.

It was last held in 2022 and easily became one of the biggest street football events the country has ever seen.

The showdown promises to be no different on Sunday February 18th at the National Park.

Sunday February 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

Jockey Appadu eyeing pole position at Jumbo Jet’s Mashramani race

C

hampion Jockey for the New Year’s Day race, Jockey Ronaldo Appadu, is aiming to extend his form at the upcoming Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Mashramani horse race meet.

This event is set for Sunday, February 25 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice, a venue that is familiar to Jockey Appadu. In the last outing for Appadu at Rising Sun, he recorded two wins and four second-spots.

According to Appadu, he

is aiming to have a fruitful 2024. Appadu also spoke about the preparations for the Mashramni race meet.

“This year started very well with me. I would like to go through better than last year.

Last year was not too bad. I had couple wins last year. This year I would like to do better this year.”

“The horses are 50% as it relates to preparation. We have been working them every morning to get them to 100%. We have good weather. Sometimes we have a bit of rain, but the rain

does good for the track, to get the horses on the good cushion on the track. The weather has been good to us,” Appadu said.

The energized jockey, Appadu also noted that the turns at Rising Sun are sharper than others, and he is cautious of that.

“Rising Sun is a smaller track than Port Mourant.

When you are out there you have to be in a good position when going around the turn.

The first turn is a very sharp turn,” Appadu explained.

Jockey Appadu also (Continued on page 63)

Jockey Ronaldo Appadu

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 66

Sunday February 04, 2024

WI earned the right to receive more benefits - Sir Clive Lloyd

By Rawle Toney Cricketing legend, Sir Clive Lloyd has called on cricket’s leading nations to provide the West Indies team with more opportunities to compete, thereby aiding Cricket West Indies (CWI) in generating much-needed revenue, which can be used to develop the sport in the region.

“It’s time for us to be looked after,” declared Lloyd during an appearance on Tuesday’s Mason and Guest Cricket Show on the Voice of Barbados.

Lloyd, regarded as one of the greatest captains of all time, made the comments while reflecting on the West Indies’ recent historic Test victory against Australia, led by emerging talent Shamar Joseph. The legendary batsman said when the contributions of past West

Indies teams to cricket were taken into consideration, they merited more than just two Test matches per tour.

“We should either be playing three Test matches or five. We’re not Afghanistan or Bangladesh. We’ve been in the ICC setup for nearly 90 years, so we are a frontline team,” Sir Clive said“When India and all these teams were not doing well, I didn’t see them sort of playing two Test matches. We travelled 12,000 miles for two Test matches.”

Reflecting on West Indies’ golden era, Sir Clive recalled their back-to-back World Cup titles in 1975 and 1979, and their 1983 runnerup finish.

Australia (6), India (2), and the West Indies (2), are the only nations to win the ICC Men’s World Cup multiple times.

Daren Sammy currently coaches the West Indies white ball teams. (Getty Images) Nicknamed the ‘Super Cat’, the Guyanese also r e c a l l e d h i s t e a m ’s remarkable unbeaten streak o f 2 6 Te s t s a n d 1 1 consecutive victories, marking his milestone as the first West Indian to reach 100 Test caps. “If you were 17-

years old, you would have not seen the West Indies lose.

We have so much to be proud of. I don’t like how they’re treating us. When we were in the ascendancy, I didn’t see anybody saying that West Indies should get more money. We were giving other

c o u n t r i e s m o n e y, ” h e contended. He reminisced about a time when top teams like India, England, and Australia, eagerly sought matches against the West Indies, as he doubled down on the need for reciprocated support. Earlier this month,

CWI’s chief executive officer, Johnny Grave urged the boards of India, England, and Australia to collaborate closely with the ICC and take decisive action to reform the economics of Test cricket.

Grave’s remarks were (Continued on page 63)

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 04, 2024

BCQS 2024 Masters Championship…

‘Jo Jo’ Mekdeci, Simpson and Harris to highlight final day

I

n a penultimate night f i l l e d w i t h spectacular upsets, the BCQS Squash Masters Championship 2024 set the stage for an epic final day of action on Friday. The tournament, featuring topclass squash players from around the Caribbean, delivered intense matches that left fans on the edge of their seats.

BCQS Squash Masters 2024 is a unique tournament feature in the Guyana Squash Association Tournament Schedule. This tournament acts as a Psuedo Southern Regional Veterans Championship and is made possible through the efforts of ‘Squash Enthusiast’ Sanjay Amin; Director of BCQS. Sanjay has been the driving force of BCQS Veterans Championships across the Caribbean region.

This has cultivated a level of competition throughout the veteran’s squash community which

can be directly linked to the Caribbean’s success at the World Masters Games held in Warsaw Poland last year where Caribbean players achieved outstanding success, including a World Champion from Guyana’s very own Nicolette Fernandes.

This year’s competition features players from Barbados, Trinidad, and Guyana. They are competing in 4 categories which saw some competitive matches alongside predicted wins on the third night of play at the Georgetown Squash Club.

Meanwhile, Barbadian P e t e r H a r r i s e m e rg e d victorious in a fierce battle against his compatriot Orson Simpson, securing his place in the Men’s 55-64 finals. On the same front, Joseph Mekdeci displayed dominance by crushing Dean Straker of Barbados, earning a well-deserved spot in the final. The Women’s Over 35 category continued

in good fate, as Canadian player Anna Perreira faced a tough challenge against Tian Edwards. Perreira showcased a stellar performance, defeating Edwards with a scoreline of 10-12, 11-4, 11-4, and 11-4.

T h e M e n ’s 3 0 - 4 4 category also witnessed a few intense clashes, with Shawn Simpson from Barbados prevailing over Regan Pollard in a explosive 3-1 victory. New Zealander, Robert Cameron registered his third win of the tournament against Peter De Groot, securing his place in the final with an 11-9, 11-7, and 11-7 triumph.

Guyanese Khalil Alli is set to face off against Don Benn from Barbados in the Men’s 45-54 division final.

Both players secured their places with landslide victories, with Alli defeating Ryan Rahaman in a classy battle (12-14, 11-2, 11-4, 116), and Benn storming through Medi Ramhani (11-

NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League…

Santos, Fruta Conquerors to clash in the finale after semi-final wins City sides Santos Football Club and Fruta Conquerors FC will clash in the final of the NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green Under-11 League following respective semi-final victories over East Bank opponents yesterday at the Agricola Playfield.

Both Friendship AllStars and Swan Football Club put up sterling resistance but were unable to deny the Georgetown teams from advancing to the final on a date to be decided by the organisers.

Santos was pushed to the end by the Linden Soesdykebased Swan FC in what was an exciting clash from start to finish in the second semi which had to be decided via kicks from the penalty mark following their 2-2 regulation time draw.

Swan it was which took the lead through a Kevon Charles goal but the lads from Santos kept the focus and were able to draw level through a Daniel Chesney goal, they then took the lead

Santos FC goal scorers, Daniel Chesney and Devon Wright.

when Devon Wright rocked the nets.

It seemed, however, as the game approached fulltime that Santos would have eased to the win in regulation time but a well-timedpass to Elon James in the 29th saw him heading the ball over the Santos goalkeeper and into an open goal even as the Santos player tried their utmost to cover for the missing goalie.

However, Swan was no match for Santos from the penalty mark and lost 0-2, which created a safe passage to the final for Santos in the championship game against Conquerors which had earlier eased to a 2-0 win over Friendship All-Stars.

The Friendship enjoyed some good moments in the game but was not able to find any goals. Conquerors’ goals (Continued on page 63)

2, 11-3, 11-3) to cement their spots in the title match.

Reagan Rodrigues, Javed Ali, Javid Rahaman, and Deje Dias also celebrated victories in the Men’s 30-44 category, adding to the tournament’s excitement. As the BCQS Squash Masters Championship reached its f i n a l d a y, t h e l i n e u p promised 12 intense matchups. The highlight of the fourth and final day included a Masters clash between Barbadian Peter Harris and Joseph ‘Jo Jo’ Mekdeci, followed by the much-anticipated Men’s 3044 showdown featuring Shawn Simpson and Robert Cameron.

T h e M e n ’s 4 5 - 5 4 division final featured an exciting face-off between Khalil Alli and Don Benn, both representing Barbados.

PAGE 67

Barbadian Shawn Simpson (left) is scheduled to tackle the Kiwi, Robert Cameron, in Men’s 30-44 final draw.

S

s port

Action in the first semi-final between Fruta Conquerors and Friendship All-Stars.

WI earned the right to receive more benefits - Sir Clive Lloyd Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd poses with the Cricket World Cup Trophy. (Getty Images)

NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League…

Santos, Fruta Conquerors to clash in the finale after semi-final wins

Jockey Appadu eyeing pole position at Jumbo Jet’s Mashramani race

Jockey Appadu (right) recorded two wins and four second spots on New Year’s Day

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