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Monday Edition UN estimates AIETEUR NEWS 17,000 Gaza children

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

February 05, 2024 - Vol. 17 No. 06

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Jagdeo blames volatile oil prices for not increasing public servants’ wages by 50% but disregards concept while racking up debt ‘Dreddy’ dies following South Ruimveldt shooting

Joseph Wilkinson

Kuru Kuru UWI School of man found Medicine to be with teargas established in canister- Police Guyana - Pres. Ali After two years under construction…

Controversial $346M Bamia Primary School to be completed in April

No decision made yet to head to arbitration over US$214M audit dispute with Exxon – Min. Bharrat

PAGE 02

Monday February 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

Jagdeo blames volatile oil prices for not increasing public servants' wages by 50% but disregards concept while racking up debt Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has blamed the volatile oil prices for government's decision not to increase the wages and salaries of public servants by 50 percent; however, this concept seems distant from government's thoughts as the country's debt continue to climb.

This year, public debt is set to increase by another US$2.2B, up from US$4.5B at the end of 2023. This means that by year-end, the country will be saddled with a debt of about US$6.7B. It was Jagdeo at a press conference earlier this year that told reporter's some 40% of this year's $1.146 trillion Budget will be backed by loans.

The politician had defended the loans being taken by government, given the revenues to come in from the sector, ignoring the volatility of oil prices.

At his press engagement

on Thursday however, the VP presented a case against increasing public servants' wages by 50 percent, arguing that the Opposition's call for workers to be paid more was merely a political gimmick.

The former Head-ofState pointed out that such a move could even bankrupt the economy. He said, “…they did in the past and they want to do it again by making these outrageous claims hoping that people would hear 50% under APNU, I will vote for them.

Because its political season I'll vote for them and when they get into office you get nothing or they just will bankrupt the economy.”

Jagdeo underscored the need to be careful in the fiscal planning process, as he noted, “You can't speak about and lament the economy is getting more and more concentrated around oil revenue and that the future of oil revenue can be

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo uncertain right because oil prices could collapse like they did in 2015 to under $30 a barrel.”

He continued, “Suddenly it collapsed from $120 to $30 a barrel and then (you) built out a recurrent expenditure that you cannot cut in such a situation because you are stuck with it and you build it out on this perception that you'd always have this money in the future. So and

you can't borrow for that purpose, for the purpose of paying wages and salaries because if you borrow for that after a time you will go back to what we had in the past.”

The Vice President argued that expanding recurrent expenditure cannot be done without considering the volatility of oil prices.

The Opposition has been clamouring for workers to be

paid more due to the increase in revenue flows to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), but Jagdeo believes the political group should inform the nation how this can be sustained. The VP said increases to the capital budget can easily manage such shocks, since a project can be slowed, stopped and even completed overtime, pointing out that this cannot be the same for recurrent expenses. He was also keen to note that public servants are now benefitting from $30B more than they did in 2020.

While the VP has factored in the likelihood of a fall in oil prices to avoid paying more to the public servants in this country, government has seemingly turned a blind eye to the impacts such shocks can have on the economy as it continues to increase public debt.

Last year, government's

borrowing plunged the country 23% deeper into debt. Jagdeo at his January 18 press engagement this year at the Office of the President, while responding to a Kaieteur News article on the increasing debt pointed to the revenues expected to come in from the oil sector.

He reasoned, “Our future revenue, if we forecast based on oil production, even for the approved projects, and Whiptail which will be approved, if we only factor in production at those levels, at say current oil prices at the volumes that we expect to produce from those projects, the revenue for the state in the outer years- that is by maybe 2028/ 2030 we could be (receiving) US$5.7 to US$6B.” Jagdeo also pointed out that revenues for 2025 from the sector is forecast to be about US$2.6B, above the existing external debt of US$1.8B.

MODEC celebrates startup of construction th of Exxon's 5 FPSO J

apanese ship builder, MODEC, which was c o n t r a c t e d b y ExxonMobil construct Guyana's fifth Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) recently held a reception at the Guyana Marriott to celebrate the commencement of construction activities.

The fifth FPSO, Errea Wittu is MODEC's first project in Guyana that represents a significant addition to the company's portfolio.

It is one of the largest in the world by production capacity, destined for first oil in 2026.

Designed to process approximately 250,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), it also has the capacity for gas treatment (540 million cubic feet per day), water injection (350,000 barrels per day), and handling produced water (300,000 barrels per day).

In a statement to the media, following the reception on Friday, MODEC said, “The vessel will have the company's experience in construction and operation and will bring the most modern features in offshore production.”

The company added, “It will be one of the most sustainable FPSOs in the world, using an energy

production system with a combined cycle turbine on board.

MODEC reinforces its leading role by using this technology offshore.

It recovers exhaust heat to produce steam, which is used to drive a steam turbine for supplementary power generation, increasing the overall efficiency of the energy cycle and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). The impact of the FPSO extends beyond mere resource extraction; it embodies the company's commitment to local content, prioritizing skills transfer and Guyanese participation.”

Errea Wittu means 'abundance' i n t h e Wa r r a u l a n g u a g e .

Construction of the vessel officially commenced in November 2023, with the first steel cutting ceremony for the vessel's topside modules in Singapore, followed by a similar milestone in China.

MODEC has contracted three Guyanese companies – Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services (GOGSS), Asequith Guyana, and ZECO Group of Services – to provide fabrication services for the vessel, with the prospect of further local collaboration, partnership, and multiple spin-off benefits.

The contract encompasses the

MODEC's Chief Operating Officer, Katsuyuki Imaizumi

Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) of the FPSO. MODEC will also provide the operation and maintenance services for this unit at least 10 years from its first oil production.

The FPSO will be deployed approximately 200 kilometers offshore Guyana, at a water depth of 1690 meters and it will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil.

MODEC group company, Offshore Frontier Solutions Pte. Ltd. (OFS), will be responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the FPSO based on MODEC's M350TM new-build hull.

In addition, the platform will use a

Spread Mooring System provided

by SOFEC, another MODEC group company.

MODEC's Chief Operating Officer, Katsuyuki Imaizumi said, “The Uaru project stands as a testament to our dedication and ambition. It is not only one of our most significant endeavors but also a showcase of advanced technology and initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This project serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a future where sustainability and progress go hand in hand.”

Meanwhile, Guyana's Foreign S e c r e t a r y, R o b e r t P e r s a u d commended the activity which he said recognises collaboration.

Persaud remarked that MODEC's collaboration with the local companies is in keeping with the Government's thrust to ensure that the development, progress and activities of the oil and gas sector directly benefit Guyanese and Guyanese businesses.

He encouraged the private sector to see MODEC's entrance into Guyana as a window to work closely with their Japanese counterpart and maximise opportunities.

Vice Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Rafeek Khan noted that the collaboration with ExxonMobil and MODEC sets the stage from the top for other companies to follow suit.

Kaieteur News

Monday February 05, 2024

PAGE 03

No decision made yet to head to arbitration over US$214M audit dispute with Exxon – Min. Bharrat N

o decision made yet to head to arbitration over US$214M audit dispute with Exxon – Min. Bharrat Three months after Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo suggested that the Government of Guyana (GoG) is preparing to head to arbitration in the US$214 million audit dispute with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), following questionable costs flagged by British auditor, IHSMarkit, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat last week disclosed that the government is yet to decide on whether to pursue arbitration.

During the Committee of Supply session last Wednesday, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) David Patterson questioned Minister Bharrat about budgetary allocations for arbitration in this year's budget.

Minister Bharrat responded, “A decision has not been made as yet with regards to whether it will go through, go to arbitration or not,” he added, “regardless, the allocation will not come through the Ministry of Natural Resources.”

Guyana's first oil audit was conducted by IHS-Markit. The contract was awarded by the Coalition government in

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat September 2019 for the company to review some US$1.6 billion in costs incurred by Exxon during the period 1999 to 2017. The British auditor flagged US$214 million in Exxon expenses. The first report was leaked rather than officially shared through government channels.

Following the leaked audit report, it was reported that the Ministry of Natural Resources engaged in an “unauthorized process” that saw the reduction of the questionable sum from US$214 million to US$11 million and then to US$3 million.

The Ministry was forced to conduct an investigation which found that one of its officials, Senior Petroleum Coordinator, Gopnauth Bobby Gossai, engaged Exxon in reducing the disputed sum. Government has since indicated that it will be adhering to the technical advice from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) regarding the audit.

The process of arbitration is required under the terms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with the Exxon consortium. Annex 'C' of the PSA at Section 1.5 (b) states “…In the

event that an audit claim by the Minister is not settled to the Minister's satisfaction by the Contractor's reply as provided for above, the Contractor shall be entitled to recover any disputed amounts pending final resolution of the claim…”

responsible for the audits. That is, we made it clear in a statement before that and said that corrective actions are going to be taken with regards to what happened. And one of those corrective actions is to have the right body, which is the Guyana Revenue Authority, to deal

The agreement also states that Exxon can provide reasons justifying the costs, but government would have to head to international arbitration to reclaim these sums. Upon the resolution of the issue, Guyana would be repaid with interest, if the country is successful in its challenge.

However, all the legal fees incurred for both parties would be borne by the state.

Make Audit Report Public Moreover, MP Patterson also asked Minister Bharrat why the second audit report has not been released publicly.

The minister stated, “We made it clear in a statement that the Guyana Revenue Authority is the sole authority or the agency

with all audits. We are just the facilitator.”

M o r e o v e r, t h e m i n i s t e r underscored that according to the 2016 PSA, GRA is responsible for the monitoring the audits of expenses.

The second audit contract was awarded by the current administration in May 2022 for a local consortium, VHE supported by an overseas company, to undertake a US$7.3 billion review of the oil company's expenses racked up between 2018 and 2020.

There has been public outcry since both audit reports, though handed over to government have not been shared publicly. The second report remains hidden from the public to date.

$250M approved to pay oil tanker waiting fee I

n a recent Committee of Supply session, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, disclosed that a substantial allocation of $250 million has been earmarked for d e m u r r a g e f e e s t h i s y e a r.

Demurrage refers to the cost payable to the owner of a chartered ship on failure to load or discharge the ship within the time agreed.

Minister Bharrat previously explained that the demurrage expenses relate to the waiting time for tankers that are receiving or that are coming to Guyana to uplift crude from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

He said if for any reason there is a delay in the transfer of crude from the FPSO to that tanker, then Exxon incurs a demurrage expense which is in the crude lifting agreements

The Liza Destiny

signed by the previous administration. The agreement is to share that expense with Exxon.

On Wednesday, Minister Bharrat said, “In 2020, we catered

for 27 lifts.

However, there was demurrage on 19 lifts. In 2021, we catered for 42 lifts; there was demurrage on 17 lifts. In 2022, we catered for 101

lifts there was demurrage on 45 lifts.”

Bharrat then provided insights into the 2023 situation, citing maintenance on FPSOs and issues

with the Liza Destiny FPSO main compressor as contributing factors.

The minister said, “In 2023 was a year when both FPSOs (Liza Destiny and Liza Unity) underwent maintenance, normal maintenance, and then we had an issue with the leaser destiny FPSO, where the main compressor went down, reducing significantly the production.

So, production was ongoing, but it was reduced by almost half, below 100,000 barrels per day, so thereby contributing to a higher increase in lifts that incurred demurrage costs.”

For this year, Minister Bharrat revealed the increase in lifts, projecting 205 lifts with an anticipated demurrage on 80 lifts.

“Hence, the request for allocation of $250 million for 2024,” Minister Bharrat added.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

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

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

EDITORIAL

Guyana’s call for ceasefire We are pleased that last week our government spoke with some gumption that the time is now ripe for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Gaza.

Speaking to reporters on assuming the presidency of the United Nations Security Council Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said: “We believe that we should not wait another day for that.”

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

“Can the Council keep silent in these circumstances? Of course not! The international community, and this Council in particular, must spare no effort to end this cycle of bloodshed,” she continued.

We have said before how amazed we are at the outpouring of concern, interest, and outrage at what is going in Gaza, which sees the Israelis and Hamas locked in lethal battle. We are proud to note that so many Guyanese have stopped what they are doing, come out publicly, and take stands against wrongdoing, injustice, and violence.

Protesting the loss of innocent civilian lives on both sides, and what is a most uneven conflict pitting the equivalent of David against Goliath. The media spaces have been alight with comments made and postures taken, and they all have their relevance, their place. There has even been a protest, which is the icing on the cake, a statement on the spirit of Guyanese, when the occasion is right.

It is just as amazing to appreciate how Guyanese bury their heads in the sand, and how energized they can become over what is vitally sensitive in another man’s house, while their own house is in a deplorable state. It is our position at this publication that working diligently and wisely to put our own house in order first empowers every citizen to then take authoritative stances on the troubling issues that plague other places and people. But of that Guyanese will not hear, do not wish to be near to, and give quick, impatient dismissal. On the testing and possibly bankrupting issues in this country, the majority of Guyanese are filled with indifference, grounded in malaise. But on the disturbances of others, especially in foreign places, there is energetic outcry, and fierce passion.

In the first place, it is safe to rage against atrocities in the Gaza. No toes are stepped on in the local arena, no political leadership corns mashed. In the second, top ruling political figures welcome the anxieties over foreign affairs, are delighted by Guyanese distracted by what is going on elsewhere. Any conflict or development anywhere (outside of Guyana) that arouses the wrath of citizens is a positive for local politicians because it gives them breathing space, gives them a pass, for the time being. When Guyanese occupy themselves with serious matters in other countries, they lose sight of the crucial issues that call for non-stop and concentrated attention and energy here.

This country’s natural resources gifts stand at the pinnacle of the pile of burning issues calling for intense focus. Are those entrusted with the serious responsibility of managing those gifts prudently and skillfully for the best benefits for the Guyanese people? Is their stewardship sound and encouraging, or has it been of what is riddled with inconsistencies at best, and apparent malfeasances, at worst? Have political leaders on both sides of the divide put differences aside to deliver what fulfills the hopes and aspirations of Guyanese? Have those leading the way been competent and dependable, or have they been about what is cunning and lacking in straightforwardness? Have they moved to address weak areas and close known loopholes, or have they continued with what accrues to the benefit of

Monday February 05, 2024

When a trade union takes strike action, which is a last resort, is a result of breakdown in negotiation and collective bargaining DEAR EDITOR, Plans by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to begin industrial action Monday has its genesis in two factors. Firstly, the reluctance of the employer (i.e., Ministry of Education) to respect workers’ constitutional right to collective bargaining, and secondly, a misguided thinking by those in the corridors of power that an organised workforce poses a threat to society.

The GTU way back in August 2020 submitted a multi-year proposal to the Jagdeo/Ali regime and beyond the regime saying it will look at the proposal, nothing has been done to commence negotiations. So here we are in February 2024, with a workforce that is justly dissatisfied, whose rights continue to be trampled on but are still being asked, rather expected, to mould the minds of our nation’s children whilst their welfare is being ignored.

Lest it be forgotten, the trade union movement was the first mass-based organisation in this country (indeed, in the Caribbean).

Its role has not only seen

attendance to bread-andbutter issues, such as wages/salaries and working conditions. This was the organisation that first confronted the colonial establishment from the early 1900s-1905 to be exact – and engaged in activism for the holistic welfare of the working class – past, present and potential.

It was the trade union community that began raising mass awareness that workers’ welfare is much more than during working hours. It intricately linked welfare to issues such as universal education and healthcare, Landlord/Tenant relations, housing, universal adult suffrage, internal selfgovernment, Caribbean integration, to name a few.

Trade unionism believes workers’ productivity increases and they reap the just rewards for their labour where they are enabled to play a meaningful role in shaping their destiny – today referred to and recognised in our Constitution as involvement in the management and decisionmaking processes of the State that impact their wellbeing. These could be

specifically referenced in Articles 38, 147 and 149C. The aforesaid foundational principles were put in place by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow national hero and Father of Trade Unionism in the British Commonwealth, at a Caribbean Labour Conference in 1926, held in our Parliament building.

The history of the working class has always been one of fighting for respect, to be considered equal and participating m e m b e r s o f s o c i e t y, deserving of the benefits and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and just laws. The pursuit of these and the relationship with the political class (all of whom have working class roots) have not been absent of conflict.

Conflict is inevitable in any situation where two or more persons exist, given competing interests and foci.

Maturity acknowledges this fact and the importance of engagement in a civil manner to ensure peace and harmony, be it the family, w o r k p l a c e , government/workers relations, as with any

institution.

What the political forces also fail to acknowledge is that whereas they can vacillate, trade unions, guided by universally acceptable tenets, must remain constant. It is also not lost on me that sections of society have always felt the trade union has been used by the politicians to pursue their self-serving agenda. The perception, principles and reality the trade union has always had to confront, in an environment of growing intolerance by the political class and its uncritical pursuit of a neo-liberal economic agenda, is being targeted as foe not friend, and convenient vessels.

The trade union is not the enemy of society. Rather it is an institution that represents a working-class movement to ensure that workers are fairly treated, enjoy safe working conditions and appropriate benefits and remuneration commensurate with their jobs and qualifying conditions.

Wo r k e r s ’ b e n e f i t s include, leave with pay, living wage, safe working environment, pension, (Continued on page 06)

Workers’ rights must be upheld DEAR EDITOR, CRG supports the Guyana Teachers’ Union‘s right to collective bargaining and encourages our fellow Guyanese to embrace the rights provided to all citizens as stated in the Constitution.

The following sections of our Constitution have been provided to ensure clarity on the issues before us.

According to the Constitution of Guyana: 21. Role of labour The source of the growth of social wealth and of the well-being of the people, and of each individual, is the labour of the people.

This section highlights the importance of all workers in our society.

22. The right and the duty

foreign investors, to the detriment of locals?

When the answer is in the affirmative to any of those questions, the parts that are positive for Guyana, then Guyanese politicians in government and Opposition have done well for Guyanese. There would be the record and results to support any such claim. With that to boost their spirits and confidence, Guyanese are then in the best position to speak to truth for others and their harrowing situations.

True enough that Palestinians are oppressed and forced to exist in a state of borderline impoverishment, and not just as a consequence of the horrors of the last week. But half of the Guyanese population scrap around to make ends meet, with an oppressive oil contract, and a government seeking to silence them for objecting to its provisions and conditions.

Guyanese must be immersed in these things.

Charity and empathy begin at home, and when citizens get the most out of what they have been given, they are then in a stronger position to lend a helping hand and a strong voice to what is going on anywhere, anytime. Unfairness breeds resentments which spawn violence.

Dealing justly and partnering honestly are usually what guarantees peace and progress.

to work (1) Every citizen has the right to be rewarded according to the nature, quality and quantity of his or her work, to equal pay for equal work or work of equal value, and to just conditions of work. This section supports the call for “equal pay for equal work”. No government has the right to change what is guaranteed in the Constitution without Parliament approving an amendment to the constitution.

27. Right to education (1) Every citizen has the right to free education from nursery to university as well as at non-formal places where opportunities are provided for education and training.This section ensures that all citizens have a right to free education “from nursery to university.” This means that the University of Guyana must be free of charge and no government has the right to charge our citizens for education without Parliament approving an amendment to the constitution.

147.

Protection of freedom of

assembly, association and demonstration (1) 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 her interests.

This section speaks to the legality of a union’s right to demonstrate peacefully “for the protection of his or her interests” or in this case, for the interests of the union’s members. This makes it legal for the GTU to demonstrate.

149C. Right to participate in decisionmaking processes of the State No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of participating through cooperatives, trade unions, civic or socio-economic organisations of a national (Continued on page 16)

Monday February 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 05

Super Pendulous Freddie Kissoon Dr Lakshmi Persaud shared her work DEAR EDITOR, The amusing Freddie Kissoon, on January 15, 2024, penned the barren piece, “When a newspaper becomes an opposition party.” At best, it was an exercise in otiosity, and the only nice comment on it is that it found its home, the Guyana Chronicle. Freddie is making full use of his PR status there.

Editor, here is a man (not a scholar nor analyst, as he wants to be recognized), who characterizes the writer of that Stabroek News editorial as being “vicious, vituperative, and ‘venal spewing’ of hatred for the Government of Guyana … and whose emotional overdrive and irrational hatred should never find its way in an editorial of a newspaper.” He adds that “SN has literally become an opposition platform.”

Well, well! I mean, on a quick parsing of Freddie’s shallow piece, I want to know how come ‘venalspewing’ fits in? And who was the ‘one-man opposition’ to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic for ‘donkey years?’

Amusement indeed surfaces, as frivolous Freddie always saw the PPP/C Government leaders as most unsuited to be leaders of Guyana, deeming them as very immoral. In fact, he boasts about the number of columns and length of time he has spent as a ‘writer’ and in my quick count, over 80 percent of his

pieces spew unjustified hatred for the PPP/C overall.

Personally, I feel that Freddie Kissoon still sees (but cannot say anything) and hates the PPP/C, but he has been rendered helpless.

Let me revisit mid July 2015, when a very small Kissoon-led group of anti PPP/C activists were not pleased with the news that Former President Bharrat Jagdeo will be heading to Parliament as the Leader of the People’s Progressive Party Opposition.

The ‘Freddie Chant’ was that Jagdeo must be recalled by the PPP from being Opposition Leader. And that Attorney General Anil Nandlall must be disqualified from entering parliament.

He did ask then “How can the Opposition Leader in Guyana perform his national duty when he is perceived not only to be a racist, but to be someone who has made the worst sociological statements against African Guyanese?”

Before that, in October 2014, Freddie, immersed in “vicious, vituperative, and venal- spewing hatred’ for the PPP/C screamed that the “GUYANA GOVT PPP/C STINKS: In any other country, the government would have fallen.”

At that time, he “… strongly urge(d) all Guyanese to keep in front of their eyes, the big picture in relation to the Anil Nandlall tape... (as)… It is the story of a cabal inside the

Government of Guyana that came to a decision on what to do with Glenn Lall and the Kaieteur Newspaper itself.”

He surmised that the Nandlal ‘evil’ was symptomatic and “the big picture will be lost if we keep Nandlall in the frame as the main culprit. He is not. The chief conspirator in this drama is the cabal. Nandlall is just one of the players who mouthed off to a journalist he knows well.”

I recall Freddie asking “Why did the Government (PPP/C) in less than 24 hours, issue a statement supporting Nandlall?

Because the statement was in support of the PPP/C Government itself.

The hatred spewing Freddie went into rehearsal mode, rehashing that “The Anil Nandlall tape, enunciated that there will be a planned violent attack on Lall and his staff,” and that was the story of an entrapped government. This is not about an entrapped Minister.

I repeat; the context of this thing must be seen as a confrontation with Lall and the leadership of the cabal.

He detailed that “Nandlall, in those twenty minutes, spoke in the plural.

You have to be completely deaf not to hear him say that the continuous criticism has reached a stage where certain people (note the plural) have now become sensitive.

The tape is punctuated with anger by Nandlall (Continued on page 06)

with Guyanese literary enthusiasts DEAR EDITOR, It is with a heavy heart I read of the passing in England of celebrated writer Lakshmi Persaud (nee Seetaram) who taught for a period of time at Queens College when she lived in Guyana with her Berbician husband, Prof Bishnodat Persaud who pre-deceased (2016 at age 82) her. She also taught in Trinidad and Jamaica and spent time in Barbados where her son is a prominent economic advisor. She was admired for her writing skills and her articulation of views and positions on issues. Lakshmi had a large following of Guyanese and Caribbean literary enthusiasts in UK, Canada, USA, Guyana, and the Caribbean.

Those she taught at Queens said she was an outstanding teacher. She and her husband loved interacting with Guyanese and other West Indians wherever they traveled.

I n N e w Yo r k , t h e diaspora honors the memory of Dr. Lakshmi Persaud and her important contribution to the field of literature and specifically of Caribbean women’s writing.

Whenever she (and or her husband) visited USA, they were hosted by Guyanese writers for lectures. It was an honor for me to meet her and Bishnodat in London, New York, and Trinidad on multiple occasions and their

sharing personal experiences. What a lovely couple! They were very good to Guyanese and other groups at home and in the diaspora sharing their books and experiences and hosting several of us at different locations.

Lakshmi was born in Trinidad and studied in Trinidad and at Queens University, Belfast where she earned her doctorate.

There she met Canje born Bishnodat (called Vishnu) who was doing a doctorate in Economics, and they later got married.

Bishnodat was an eminent economist who headed the Economics Department of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. He led the group that prepared the ERP of 1988 in Guyana and several other missions on economic reforms in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. He was a private shy person who did not like to share economic views publicly unlike wife Lakshmi. They held me in confidence and related several private incidents, anecdotes, and engagements they had with Guyanese politicians including Sir Shridath Ramphal, Desmond Hoyte, Clive Thomas, Cheddi Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Hamilton Green, JE Green (when he was lecturing at MONA). Dr Bishnodat worked closely with Ramphal to reform several state-centric

Commonwealth economies.

He was at one time the leader of a research group that comprised Manmohan Singh, who went on to become Finance Minister and Prime Minister of India; he advised the Indian government to pursue market reforms. He also worked with the eminent economist Prof Clive Thomas.

Bishnodat and Lakshmi hosted several visiting Guyanese at their home in Jamaica. He also hosted me at a private posh exclusive club in London where we reviewed economic policy of Guyanese rulers. Bishnodat had a special bonding with me and trusted me with revelations of life of prominent Caribbean individuals including Guyanese politicians. We also made many conversations on the phone, and he clarified several economic concepts that I thought I understood. He spoke of the errors of Jagan, (Continued on page 06)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Monday February 05, 2024

Dr Lakshmi Persaud shared her work... Questions on new generators for GPL From page 04 health, education, family benefit and social benefits. Workers in Guyana also benefit from housing developing programmes that specifically target them such as TUCville, Stevedore, TUCberg and other housing schemes, which were specifically built by the trade union movement.

The trade is also not an enemy of the

employer. Unions represent workers’ interest and ensure their rights are protected in the workplace. The first tool of the trade union movement is negotiation. When a trade union takes strike action, which is a last resort, is a result of breakdown in negotiation and collective bargaining.

Regards, Lincoln Lewis

Super Pendulous Freddie Kissoon...

From page 05 himself about the salvoes fired at him. But time and time again in that ‘deadly’ 20 minutes of rampage, he constantly referred to the plural.

According to a ranting Kissoon, the “(PPP/C) people have weapons and that they will use them against KN and Mr. Lall.

Who are these people with their weapons? Who are the people that have become sensitive? The answer is simple – the extended cabal which takes in the major political players high up the PPP ladder and inside the Government of Guyana and their close associates.

At that time, Freddie asked “Will the cabal still go through with their war at Saffon Street? He answered that “I don’t know, because if people die through fire or guns at Kaieteur News in the coming months then I cannot see how the PPP can survive in power.” The way Freddie Kissoon ‘carried on’ at that

time, I got the impression, from his language and tone, that KN and Lall were about to be finished-bombed or shot down. Yet today, we have this said KN as the premiere news paper in Guyana, and Lall’s voice as quite convincing and filled with incontrovertible truth.

Freddie was not only in over-drive; he was in overlength. His ennui went on to “… remind readers of the brutality in that tape. It is about a planned violent attack on the offices of Kaieteur News with the specific purpose of maybe killing Mr. Lall and his staff.

Mr. Nandlall made it pellucid that he was referring to people, not an individual. Those people reach high up in the seat of government.”

Well, what do we have today? I point a strong finger to Freddie, saying that it is the said PPP/C who are in power.

T h e y a r e t h e Government, and in a more

vintage manner. It is Jagdeo who has most influence within the PPP/C. And of course, it is AG Anil Nandlal who head all things legal, and who maybe the next President.

I ask, is Kaieteur News to be on the ‘lookout?’ Will it be attacked? After all, KN has never changed policy or position. Today it is far more potent, reliable and farreaching. It is the top media outlet in Guyana. So, maybe it should live in Freddie’s once ‘concocted’ and ‘imaginary’ fear as Kaieteur News has never ever vacillated, nor in Freddielike manner, has ever been sycophantically ‘pendular.’

Freddie is now sermonizing the PPP/C, and of recent, since I think this goes against his innate disdain for the PPP/C, he has shied away from ‘cussing out’ his confronters. I wonder how long he will ‘stifle his conscience?

Yours truly, Prescott Mann

DEAR EDITOR, My husband who is employed at GPL informed me that the eighteen (18) used power generators that were purchased in Trinidad arrived before Christmas.

They were supposed to be up and running to bolster the grid for the holiday season.

All of them have not been put on stream and now we are into February. They were not operational for the holiday season, and the country was not severely affected by blackouts. So why ordered the power generators?

The government paid US$27M ($1.5 M each) for

the order of these 18 used power generators for GPL from a favored company in Trinidad. They were sitting for a long time unused in Trinidad and needed repairs.

They were to be rehabilitated and brought to Guyana to produce 27 megawats (MW), or 1.5 MW each, of electricity.

Instead, they arrived dysfunctional. Five were repaired in Guyana by GPL engineers and made operational mid-January producing only one MW current each as opposed to the expected 1.5 MW as contracted.

In sum, Guyana paid US$27 Millions to produce 27 MG power to be added to the grid but only got five MG. Is that value for money?

Who made the order and why?

Why used power generators? Why was the Tr i n i d a d i a n c o m p a n y selected? Why not new generators from USA that were also selling at the same price as the old, used generators from Trinidad and that would have been more efficient and giving the required 1.5 MG each?

Yours truly, Sharmila Ally

When a trade union takes strike....

From page 05 Burnham, Janet, and Hoyte in economic policies. He praised some of Jagdeo’s policies and was critical of others. Given his experience and prominence internationally, Bishnodat felt Jagdeo such have accepted a trans-global leadership position like head of an international organization (on Climate, or on economic reform) even of CARICOM (that would have required an exemption since a host country national can’t head the organization).

Dr Lakshmi, who also did a postgraduate Diploma in Education at University of

Reading, England, made immense contributions in the field of Indian Caribbean literature.

Her novels were masterpieces depicting real life. She wrote with great feeling and warmth and her writings have helped to focus literature on IndoCaribbean people. She elevated the reach of Indian Caribbean literature to a wider circle in the UK, North America, and the Caribbean where she had large number of admirers. Her novels focused on the IndoCaribbean experience and she revealed to me her firsthand experience of the marginalization of Indians in Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica, and UK. She was a forward thinker and her novels focused on different subjects including on most difficult period of living in Guyana during the 1970s and 1980s and about exploitation of women.

She showed women a new light in being a strong, independent individual. Her intellect and knowledge and experience about writing and literature and her teaching skills were a guiding spirit for many youngsters to write in

English literature.

Her usage of simple language as well as of usage of mellifluous words will continue to remind us of the power of expression.

The vivid imagery of her writings about life in the societies she lived in will always remain a rich encapsulation of the IndoCaribbean experience. She was deservingly recognized for her prize-winning novels and contribution to literature and education by universities in England and UWI with Honorary doctorate. She was also a recipient several other honors including by the Government of T&T. In NY, those who met Lakshmi and Bishnodat have only words of praise, of their kindness and generosity and of her writing skills and his brilliance as an economist.

They both have left behind a cherished memory and great works for us to read and enjoy. (On a separate note, Bishnodat was a cricket enthusiast and an outstanding player captaining his university’s West Indian team while he was a student).

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

T N U L B . . .

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Monday February 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

The government is ignoring the economic doom that this country can be plunged into if oil prices drop and the revenues to service the growing debt dries up.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo himself has boasted in our ability to service debt with the revenues to come in from the oil sector.

He did not consider the volatility of oil prices there, how convenient!

This government is indebting the nation acting like there is no tomorrow. It refuses to ring-fence the Stabroek Block projects, completely ignoring the fact that Guyana might not be able to benefit from the sector in the future due to a decline in oil prices but conveniently argues that public servants cannot receive more due to the volatile oil prices.

What a two-faced government that cares not about the people but fattening the pockets of the already wealthy foreigners!

PAGE 07

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Kaieteur News

Monday Monday February May 02,05, 2022 2024

Govt. sets aside $60M to rent more buildings for Cuban health workers With another brigade of Cuban doctors and technicians expected to arrive in the country shortly, the government through the Ministry of Health has put aside some $60 million for rental of more buildings to accommodate them.

This was revealed on Friday by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony during the Considerations of the 2024 Budget Estimates and Expen d itu r e.U nder th e ministry's Regional and Clinical Services programme, Minister Anthony was asked by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Karen Cummings to provide a breakdown of the sums for rental of buildings moving from $50.232 million in 2023 to $99.8 million this year.

In his response, the Health Minister said that from the $99.8 million, the ministry has set aside $23 million that would be spent to house the Cuban doctors who are in Guyana currently, those that are in Georgetown who are residing at Duke Street.

He went on to explain that the ministry is spending $1 million for a residence

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony they are renting in Campbellville, and the agency is renting another place in Toucan Drive in Linden for the Chinese doctors and the Cuban doctors for $4.2 million. He noted that in Linden also they have several rentals for healthcare workers who reside there.

When questioned by Opposition MP, Volda Lawrence on the new buildings that they are going to rent in 2024, Anthony said on Friday, “Apart from those that we have already we have set aside another $60 million or so because we are expanding the Cuban brigade and so we expect within the first quarter of this year to have more Cuban doctors

and technicians coming into Guyana.

So, we have set aside a sum of money to rent additional buildings for them when they come.”

The sum of money for rentals forms part of the $110 billion that was approved for the Health Ministry in the National Assembly on Friday.

As previously reported, Minister Anthony at his yearend press conference in December had said that some 200 Cuban doctors and nurses are expected to arrive in the country early this year.

This was just to address the shortage of nurses the country is currently facing.

Minister Anthony had mentioned that currently, a

robust programme is ongoing to train local nurses but in the meantime, they are recruiting personnel from outside of Guyana.

Some 80 healthcare workers from Cuba had come into Guyana last year, the minister had disclosed.

“By early next year, we are expecting another 200 nurses to come in and we are also looking at other countries where we can recruit nurses from and again, this is an ongoing process,” he mentioned. He stated that having recruited nurses from Cuba, the ministry has a three-month crash course that the foreigners have been taking part in to learn the English language.

Kaieteur News

Monday February 05, 2024

PAGE 09

Jagdeo needs to avail himself of the facts A local online report has i n d i c a t e d t h a t Vi c e President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that he was not surprised that the government of Venezuela has violated the Barbados Agreement which sets out guidelines for free and fair elections.

Jagdeo was reported as saying that there were signs that this would happen and that the alleged violation did not come as a surprise to him and many others who had been observing what was going on in Venezuela.

If indeed, Jagdeo had been carefully monitoring developments in Venezuela, he would not have such an uninformed comment.

The agreement that was signed in Barbados was between the Maduro government and a group of Opposition parties which go under the umbrella of the Unitary Platform. The agreement recognizes the right of each political actor to choose their candidate for the presidential elections freely and in accordance with their internal mechanisms, “taking into account the provisions of the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the law.”

The United States was not a party to the agreement, but it opted to incentivize the agreement by slacking the very sanctions which it had imposed on that country and which has contributed in no small measure to the deterioration in relations between the government and the Opposition.

The Supreme Court of Venezuela has since ruled to uphold the prohibition that

was imposed by a constitutional agency (not the government) on the candidate of the main Opposition, barring her from participation in this year’s poll. In response, the Department of State of the USA has said that the arrest of members of the democratic opposition and the barring of candidates from competing in this year’s presidential election, are inconsistent with the agreements signed in Barbados last October. As such it is moving to scale back on its relaxation of the previous sanctions.

The barring of the main Opposition candidate is not an action of the Maduro government. It was the action of a constitutional agency, the Comptroller General, and has been upheld by a constitutional arm of the State, the S u p r e m e Tr i b u n a l o f Venezuela. The ban was imposed because of the candidate, Maria Machado’s support for sanctions against Venezuela and for the selfp r o c l a i m e d u n o ff i c i a l President Juan Guaido, and because her actions were said to have led to a loss of Venezuelan foreign assets.

Critics of the Maduro government have described the decision to bar Machado from participating in the elections as a form of “political persecution.”

The upholding of the ban by the country’s highest court has been wrongly interpreted as a violation of the Barbados Agreement since it places a hindrance on the right of Opposition parties to choose the candidate of their choice. It

appears however, that critics, including Jagdeo, have overlooked the text of the actual agreement which states that this right must take into account the provisions of the Constitution of Venezuela and the law. The supporters of the Maduro government will point to the fact that the ban on Machado was imposed under the laws of Venezuela and this decision was upheld by the country’s apex court.

Jagdeo and the international community have a right to determine that the decision upholding the ban was undemocratic and was not made by truly independent agencies. That is the prerogative of Jagdeo, Washington and its sidekick the Organization of American States (OAS). But it is not the same as saying that the decision was not made under and in accordance with the laws of Venezuela.

What Jagdeo and the Maduro’s critics are not pointing out is that as an extension to the Barbados Agreement, the government and the Opposition had set up a procedure to review disqualifications from the electoral process. In November last year both sides had announced that disqualified politicians could appeal their disqualification to the Supreme Court by December 15th last year.

In fact, Machado utilized that mechanism to appeal her disqualification.

She would have had to because there is no way she would have been allowed on the ballot without a legal

DEM BOYS SEH

Sunday Rush, No More Sunday Rest!

Sundays used to be days when yuh coulda hear di breeze whistlein’ through di streets ‘cause nobody deh pon dem! But now? It’s like de whole country decide seh Sunday ah di new Monday! Traffic gridlock eena we country like we hosting di world’s biggest traffic jam competition.

People start to askin’, “Why we got so much cars pon de road pon Sundays?”

Well, yuh nah need fube Einstein to figure dis one out. Everybody hustlin’ and bustlin’ like dem deh pon a mission fuh catch di last bus to prosperity. But, bai, we need fuh pump brakes and remind we self ‘bout di

importance ah takin’ a breather.

Somebody suggestin’ we guh back to de days when Sunday meant rest and relaxation. Dem suggestin’ we shut down business and mek people know seh Sunday ah fuh kick back and relax. But yuh know how it go, business people nah go give up dem dollar easy.

So, de suggestion come with a lil’ twist - double pay fuh Sunday work. Now, dat one ah make some ah dem business people scratch dem head. Dem might seh, “Nah badda open, mek we save we money.” Ah mean, who want pay double fuh hustle pon Sunday when

yuh coulda s ave dat money?

We Guyanese need fuh reclaim we Sundays.

Imagine, instead ah road rage, we deh pon di seawall.

Instead ah honkin’ horns, we singin’ ah lil’ song and watchin’ di sun set. We need fuh remind we self seh life nah only ‘bout di dollar bills, but ‘bout di moments we share and de peace we find.

So, let we mek Sunday be Sunday again. No mo’ rush, just plenty relaxation and good vibes. If yuh want hustle, do it Monday to Saturday. But Sunday? Ah bai, dat ah fuh we, fuh we likkle piece ah paradise.

Talk half. Leff half

overturning of her debarment. But now that the Supreme Court has ruled, her supporters seem to be overlooking the fact that the Court’s decision was as a result of an appeal she filed, thus endorsing the mechanism which had been established to review disqualifications.

Machado was not the only candidate whose ban was not lifted. The ban on a former presidential candidate, Henrique Capriles, was also upheld for his role in violent antigovernment protests in

2017. However, other candidates who were banned had their debarment lifted, including Leocenis García, Daniel Ceballos, Pablo Pérez, Rosa Brandonisio and Richard Mardo.

Jagdeo therefore must understand the context of things before he makes wild pronouncements about the breach of the Barbados Agreement. He is free to conclude that there is political persecution of Machado but should not relate this to a breach of last year’s accords in Barbados which incidentally also

involved an agreement in relation to Venezuela’s claims to Guyana’s territory.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10 S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

Monday Monday February May 02, 05,2022 2024

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Hey BJ what have you done lately for Guyanese bro?

A

lot it turns out, Bharrat Jagdeo has done much for Guyanese recently. He has given Guyanese insights, a whole encyclopedia full of them, about investors.

Guyanese now know more about foreign investors then they know about their own ancestry, thanks to the twisted so-called genius that is brother Bharrat Jagdeo.

Taak about smaat, dah banna smaat.

Jagdeo has now rebranded himself as an expert on investors. He can walk and talk a mile an hour about investor psychology (they get skittish as kittens with one wrong word used).

Permit the first quick aside: a mile for brother Bharaaat does not follow a straight line, which is why he takes an entire hour: he has to concoct, he must reconstruct, to suit his own curvaceous realities.

Jagdeo is waist deep into investor economics (they must get a return commensurate with their (you guessed it, investment).

Jagdeo is the best public

relations officer for foreign investors: they do not take too kindly to hostile environments; they scoot at the first sound or scent of danger.

Jagdeo provides Guyanese with more than they need about the visions of foreign investors: grab as much as they can for themselves, give the local people as little as they can get away with. Of course, slick Daktah Jagdeo-part bluffer and part cowardly bully-does not deliver his foreign investor symphony in those words. Rather, he says this: Guyana is the place to invest, a welcoming haven for serious captains of commerce, fertile territory with all the elements for prosperity set in stone.

Translation: Guyana is up for sale. Come and get it, is the word, to those who are familiar with how the game is played, and who are the key local players to be taken care of, managed nicely from day one. Scratch a local mover and shaker's back, and a full body massage is the reward.

In more understandable local

terms: collect a plot of land (goldmine, real estate development), and give Guyana a piece of plantain.

Brother Jagdeo has told Guyanese everything that he believes that they should know, but about which they didn't give a damn to ask for, and cared less to hear.

According to Jagdeo, foreign investor psychology is so fragile that they are ready to get their hat, grab their coat and go, like Sam Cook or Johnny Nash.

Investors like out of favor and now off-limits lovers, get suspicious and takeoff.

The curious thing in all of Jagdeo's care and concern for foreign investors is that he doesn't have the space or good sense to spare a thoughtful word for local owners about their national patrimony.

If any Guyanese hear the honorable Daktah Jagdeo saying a kind word (any single word) about the paramountcy and supremacy of the interests of Guyanese, and their psychology, then

please do a favor and share it.

When it is the economics of foreign investors in Guyana that is on the table, Jagdeo gets even curiouser.

They must get their rich p i c k i n g s n o w, w h i l e Guyanese have to wait their turn for what he calls 'maximization of future revenues.'

Foreign investors are only pleased when they can consume big chunks of Guyana's wealth now, but Jagdeo insisting to Guyanese that their time will come, but only if they bide their time.

How dumb and dotish (as a courtesy to present and prospective visiting British investors I substitute daft) does this leader of mysteries, secrecies, and sorceries believe that Guyanese are?

The foreigners come running here with both hands outstretched to latch onto the fruits of the hanging gardens of Guyana, the newest marvel of the world.

Meanwhile, brother Bharaaat (American phonetics) is telling Guyanese to count the fingers on both their hands

for an idea of the years they have to wait for a taste of their wealth.

By the way, that is when he is able to squeeze in a thought and a word sideways for passive and naïve Guyanese.

He has two different clocks: one for foreign investors, the other for Guyanese.

As a second departure, I keep on addressing Jagdeo as a brother no matter how reprehensible he works at getting. A few clear-headed and clean thinking Guyanese have expressed their impassioned objections.

The day that I drop brother when dealing with Bharaaat Jagdeo in public is that moment when I sink lower than him, when I associate with his kind of company.

Returning to Jagdeo and his troubling love affair with foreign investors, he has become a one-man lobbying machine for them.

Jagdeo has kicked aside Anil Nandlall and rewritten the laws on foreign investors.

Even further, Jagdeo has pushed aside not just Ashni Singh (a real doctor, but one prone to misdiagnosis and disqualifying himself), but also Chris Ram. He now knows the accounting, economics, and high finance that are the secret concubines of investor highfliers more than the two of them together.

Most regrettably for Guyanese, as Jagdeo has m o r p h e d i n t o a fundamentalist advocate for foreign investors, he has become the epitome of disinterest and sloppiness where the wellbeing and future of natives are concerned.

To foreign investors, Jagdeo is a hero. Guyanese must decide what he is for them: hero or villain. A leader for Guyanese; or a manipulator for investor prosperity.

(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.)

GPHC now has telepathology capacity The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) now has the capacity t o o ff e r t e l e p a t h o l o g y services.

This was disclosed on Sunday by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital Robbie Rambarran during his address at the commissioning of the new Pathology Lab in the GPHC compound. He described the project as one of President Irfaan Ali's

“brainchild.”

“In this project (the lab) we also acquired a digital scan which will enable us to review diagnosis and consult diagnosis (and this) will be done with experts through telepathology. What is telepathology? It is a digital pathology practice that involves transmitting pathology images such as tissue slides for a more remote interpretation.”

The CEO explained that the new service will allow

pathologists to be able to analyze samples remotely, overseas. This will cater for improved accessibility as w e l l a s f u t u r e collaborations. All of this was possible through a collaboration of the World Bank, Ministry of Health, the GPHC and Mount Sinai.

“Simultaneously we sent one doctor and two medical technicians to Mount Sinai for training, three additional persons will go up very shortly.”

He continued, “It was the Health Minister's {Dr. Frank Anthony} lead that birthed the discussions and the conceptualization of the project began. For me to lead from the front, understanding the dynamics and conceptualizing what needs to get done, I went to New York. I applied for leave. I paid my own passage because I didn't want to follow all the approval system. I wanted to get on the ball right away.”

While on his fact finding mission of the Mount Sinai Manhattan Pathology Lab,

CEO of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran Rambarran said he met Professor Carlos Cardo, Dr. Zuba and Ahmar Dhanraj, who gave him a detailed lab tour and provided advice and answers to all questions and concerns.

“Subsequently we strategized and they as well should be very proud of what we have achieved here,” he said.

It was previously

reported that Guyana is continuing to undergo massive transformation in the health sector.

While the GPHC offers pathology services, samples are usually sent overseas for testing which can result in a long waiting time to get back results. The lab will significantly reduce the waiting time for diagnoses “They would be able to view the specimens and view slides, view tissues using the remote technology that we have introduced. And so, some of the constraints of not having people physically here are overcome by using technology,” advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said last year.

Among other initiatives, the government has been collaborating with Mount Sinai Lab and Hess Corporation to transform Guyana's healthcare into a world-class service that is second to none and will ensure accessibility and affordability for citizens locally and across the Caribbean region.

Monday February 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Monday February 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

UN estimates 17,000 Gaza children left unaccompanied amid Israel's war

Barefooted displaced Palestinian children, who fled their houses due to Israeli strikes, play at a tent camp, amid shortages of new footwear, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip January 31, 2024. (REUTERS)

(Al Jazeera)- At least 17,000 children in the Gaza Strip have been left unaccompanied or separated from their families nearly four months into Israel's assault on the enclave, the United Nations children's agency estimates.

Nearly all children in the strip also require mental health support, UNICEF said on Friday.

“Each [child] has a heartbreaking story of loss and grief,” said Jonathan Crickx, UNICEF's chief of communication for the occupied Palestinian territories.

“This [17,000] figure corresponds to 1 percent of the overall displaced population – 1.7 million people,” he told a media briefing via video-link from Jerusalem, saying the number was an estimation as it is near impossible to verify information under current conditions.

Each one “is a child who is coming to terms with a horrible new reality”, he added.

Crickx said that tracing who the unaccompanied children were was proving “extremely difficult”, as they were sometimes brought to a hospital wounded or in shock, and

“they simply can't even say their names”.

He said that during conflicts, it was common for extended families to take care of children who lost their parents.

However, in Gaza, “due to the sheer lack of food, water or shelter, extended families are themselves distressed and face challenges to immediately take care of another child as they themselves are struggling to cater for their own children and family”, said Crickx.

Broadly, UNICEF terms separated children as those who are without their parents, while unaccompanied children are those who are separated and also without other relatives.

'Almost all children' need mental health support Crickx also said the mental health of children in Gaza was being severely affected by the offensive, and that a million children in the Gaza Strip require mental health support.

Children in Gaza “present symptoms like extremely high levels of persistent anxiety, loss of appetite, they can't sleep, they have emotional outbursts or panic every

Palestinians search for bodies and survivors amid the rubble of a destroyed mosque in Deir el-Balah town, Gaza Strip on Sunday [Mohammed Saber/EPA]

time they hear the bombings,” he explained.Before the assault erupted, UNICEF estimated that more than 500,000 children in Gaza needed mental health and psychosocial support.

Now, it believes that “almost all

children are in need” of such help.

“That's more than one million children,” Crickx said.

According to the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli attacks have killed more than 27,100 people in Gaza since the war began on

Palestinian children cook a meal among tents for displaced people while Israel's attacks on Gaza continue [Abed Zagout/Anadolu Agency]

October 7, around 11,500 of them children.

More than 66,200 others have been wounded amid a severe lack of medical supplies and functioning healthcare facilities.

Thousands more are missing and are under the rubble.

With Israeli ground troops encircling most of northern, central, and eastern Gaza, families have been forced to flee their homes several times since the war began. Many are now crammed in the southern Rafah governorate, which Israel has said is its next target of attack.

Many who fled their homes have been shot at and arrested.

Those who make it to the south often have no contact with their relatives or caregivers in other parts of the enclave, especially during times of communication blackouts.

“Children don't have anything to do with this conflict. Yet they are suffering like no child should ever suffer,” said Crickx.

“No child should ever be exposed to the level of violence seen on October 7 – or to the level of violence that we have witnessed since then.”He called for a ceasefire so that UNICEF could conduct a proper count of children who are unaccompanied or separated, trace relatives, and deliver mental health support.

Kaieteur News

Monday February 05, 2024

PAGE 13

After two years under construction…

Controversial $346M Bamia Primary School to be completed in April After lagging behind its completion date for months, missing two deadlines in the process, the $346 million Bamia Primary School in Region 10, is now expected to be completed by April 1, 2024.

This was noted by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag on Thursday during the Considerations of the 2024 Budget Estimates and Expenditures.

The Committee of Supply of the National Assembly on Thursday evening approved a sum $7.163 billion to roll out programmes and projects for Region 10 this year.

From that amount, the government has set aside a provision of $375 million for schools, educational facilities and payment of retention under the Region's education programme.

O n T h u r s d a y, O p p o s i t i o n Member of Parliament (MP) Devin Sears asked the minister how much of the $375 million sum will cater for the continuation of the primary school.

In response, the minister said the ministry has allotted a sum of $127 million to complete the school.

Following up on the same project, Opposition MP Jermaine Figueira questioned the minister on the status of work and when

The Bamia Primary School under construction back in September 2023. (Photo Courtesy, Nigel Eliakim)

construction on the school is expected to be completed. Minister Parag related that “the completion is for 1st April, 2024… we are at 65 percent (completion).”

Kaieteur News had reported that the contract for the school was signed back in November 2021

‘Dreddy’ dies following South Ruimveldt shooting

A

40-year-old man succumbed to gunshot wounds he sustained after he was shot while attending a wake in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown early on Sunday morning.

Dead is Joseph Wilkinson called 'Dreddy.'

Reports are that Wilkinson was on his phone at National Avenue, South Ruimveldt Park around 00:30hrs on Sunday when unknown people in a vehicle opened fire in his direction, riddling him with bullets.

He was reportedly shot six times. He succumbed while undergoing medical attention at a private hospital.

Joseph Wilkinson called 'Dreddy Wilkinson was no stranger to the law. In September 2021, They both denied the charge which he was charged with possession stated that they had in their of narcotics.

Wilkinson and another man possession 210 kilogrammes of appeared before Magistrate Clive cannabis for the purpose of N u r s e a t t h e G e o r g e t o w n trafficking and were remanded to Magistrate's Court that month prison. Police are investigating the when the charge was read to them. murder.

w i t h c o n t r a c t o r, S t 8 m e n t Investment. At the time of the signing, the project was expected to be completed within 20 months, that is be completed by July 2023.

However, the contractor was not able to finish the project, and was given a new deadline of November

2023 to complete the works.

That deadline also passed and the works appeared to have stalled.

St8ment Investment Inc. was incorporated in March of 2021 and i t s p r in c i p a l s a r e R a w l e Ferguson and Kerwin Bollers o f H i t s a n d J a m s

Entertainment along with Aubrey 'Shanghai' Major and Kashif Muhammed of the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament.

Kaieteur News understands that when fully completed, the school will accommodate some 800 students.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Monday February 05, 2024

UWI School of Medicine to be established in Guyana - Pres. Ali P

resident Irfaan Ali on Sunday announced that the University of the West Indies' (UWI) School of Medicine has expressed interest in establishing a medical school in Guyana.

The President said that the School of Medicine would likely be located in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) which would allow students from neighbouring Suriname to study there.

“When we launched the New Amsterdam Hospital, we said that in that facility we negotiated a building for teaching services and that message went out regionally and

globally,” said Ali. He added, “Today, I'm pleased to inform you that the University of the West Indies School of Medicine has now approached us to be part of this vision in bringing their campus to Guyana and negotiations and discussions would have commenced.”

President Ali made the announcement as he was speaking at the commissioning of the Pathology lab at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

According to President Ali, negotiations and discussions on the issue have commenced.

“Importantly, in the negotiations, we are now working on ensuring that the rates are the same as local students in Trinidad and Tobago so there will be equity and quality matched together.”

Acknowledging that the University of Guyana has its own School of Medicine, Ali remarked that “competition is a part of life and a necessity in improving quality.”

No date was provided for the establishment of the school since, according to the President Ali, discussions are continuing with UWI.

President Irfaan Ali

Monday February 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Monday February 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

Forest fires rage on in central Chile killing at least 64 WANTED

VACANCY

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Drivers, Porters and Salesman needed, experience will be an asset, Attractive salary offered. Call: 673-7373.

Live-in Housekeeper needed to cook, clean and do laundry in Virgina, USA. Free room and boarding offered.

Call: 845-325-8241.

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

Receptionist and Hotel Attendant needed at Hick's Ville Hotel. Email: info@ vegeworld.net or Call: 2310951/ 231-0952.

1 Toyota Allion, Pioneer DVD, CD & USB deck, reverse camera, alarm, low milage. Excellect condition.

Call: 649-0956.

Farm Manager to oversee and manage a farm on the East Bank, accommodations available. Call: 227-0373/ 223-9888.

Volkswagen in excellent condition, Price: $2.7 mil neg. WhatsApp: 648-5626 or Call: 621-9356.

One Accounts Clerk, must have experience and be able to function in a fast paced environment. Call: 227-0373/ 223-9888.

Nissan X-Trail 2008 $2.3 Neg and Mitsubishi 3 stage Crone canter 4m51 Engine Manual $3.5 Neg. Call: 6718845/ 638-4755.

We are looking for part-time: Serving staff, Bartenders, Janitor & Full time: Handyman, Handy woman. Call: 227-5536/ 651-9793.

Wanted! Male & Female workers preferably from WBD, for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100 per day. Call: 611-7839.

Workers to work on cash crop farm. Salary $6000 per day. Call: 679-7552.

One Painter needed. Call: 615-9132.

One Hauler Driver needed, starting salary $13,000 daily.

Call: 611-7088.

One experienced Salesgirl to work in a Boutique. Call: 6987152.

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FOR RENT Place to rent for business at Vreed-en-Hoop junction.

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FOR SALE/RENT All sizes loaders, excavators & rollers, concrete pump & mixer trucks, mobile crane and Howo 30 ton dump trucks. Call: 650-0402/ 652-0251 1 Lexus SUV, forklifts 3.5 tons diesel truck weigh scales -(60 tons,40 ft) Low bed trailers60 tons,triple axle. Call: 6653880.

Vacancy exist for a Graphic Designer, Pharmacy technician & Billing Clerk. Email: globalhealthsuppliesinc @gmail Pharmacy Technician needed at Essential Care Pharmacy and Supercentre. Email: essentialcarepharmacy @yahoo.com 1 Janitor, Handyman and Farmer needed to work at Hujjatul Ulama, # 74 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Call: 335-3749.

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Email: husainsaphier @yahoo.com LAND FOR SALE 44X80 located at Policeman Street, Dairy. 2 minutes away from Harbour Bridge, $11 mil neg. Call: 677-4286.

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A firefighter is silhouetted against a smoke-filled sky as a forest fire spreads into Vina del Mar, Chile, Saturday Fe. 3, 2024. (AP photo)

(AP) — Firefighters wrestled Sunday with massive forest fires that broke out in central Chile two days earlier, as officials extended curfews in cities most heavily affected by the blazes and said at least 64 people were killed.

The fires have been burning with the highest intensity around the city of Viña del Mar, where a famous botanical garden founded in 1931 was destroyed by the flames on Sunday. At least 1,600 people were left without homes.

Several neighborhoods on the eastern edge of Viña del Mar have been devoured by flames and smoke, trapping some people in their homes. Officials said 200 people have been reported missing in Viña del Mar and the surrounding area. The city of 300,000 people is a popular beach resort and also hosts a famous music festi-

val during the southern hemisphere’s summer.

Rodrigo Mundaca, the governor of the Valparaiso region, said Sunday that he believed some of the fires could have been intentionally caused, replicating a theory that had also been mentioned on Saturday by President Gabriel Boric.

“These fires began in four points that lit up simultaneously,” Mundaca said. “As authorities we will have to work rigorously to find who is responsible.”

The fires around Viña del Mar began in mountainous forested areas that are hard to reach. But they have moved into densely populated neighborhoods on the city’s periphery despite efforts by Chilean authorities to slow down the flames.

On Saturday President Gabriel Boric said that unusually high temperatures, low humidity and high wind

speeds were making it difficult to control the wildlfires in central Chile, which have already burnt through 8,000 hectares of forests and urban areas.

Officials are asking people in areas affected by the fires to evacuate their homes as quickly as possible, while those further from the fires are being told to stay at home in order to facilitate the transit of fire engines and ambulances.

Curfews have been declared in Viña del Mar, and the neighboring cities of Quilpé and Villa Alemana as part of an effort to prevent looting.

The fires broke out during a week of record high temperatures in central Chile.

Over the past two months, the El Niño weather pattern has caused droughts and high temperatures in western South America that have also increased the risk of forest fires.

Workers’ rights must be upheld...

From page 04 haracter, in the management and decision-making processes of the State.

This section of the constitution guarantees the GTU the right to participate “in the management and decision making processes of the State.” It is unfortunate that the keepers of the constitution have overlooked the importance of the rights guar-

anteed in this section.

CRG encourages the current Administration and Parliament to revisit these sections of the constitution and to ensure that our government is in compliance with the laws and rights that have been outlined in its content.

Our government’s objective should be the betterment of our citizens. Inclusion of those affected in the decision

making process is essential for our democracy to thrive.

This right of participation becomes even more important when the decisions being made will affect an organized group of workers / Union on a national level.

With concern, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

Monday February 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

GECOM's budget makes no provision for biometric equipment

M

inister of Parliamentary A ff a i r s a n d Governance, Gail Teixeira told the National Assembly on Monday that although the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been allocated $3.5 billion from this year's budget, there was no allocation for the procurement of biometric equipment.

When questioned about the specifics for spending by Opposition Member of Parliament, Tabitha SaraboHalley, the Minister noted that Budget 2024 does not cater for the implementation of such a system.

“There is no allocation for the procurement of biometric equipment since the Commission has not made any decision on

whether it will use biometrics- be it fingerprint scanning or otherwise- in local elections as yet,” she explained.

Teixeira made it clear that GECOM is an independent body and therefore, only it can make such a policy decision.

She noted however, that should GECOM decide to implement such a policy, then recourse for additional funds can be made via a supplementary request.

The issue of biometrics has long been a source of contention.

Following the March 2020 Elections, Oppositionnominated Elections Commissioner, Vincent Alexander had tabled a motion at the Commission calling for the consideration

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira of biometrics. He is adamant that such a system at places of poll could bolster the process of identifying voters.

The biometric technology would assist in ensuring that all persons who cast a ballot during elections do not do so in the name of deceased persons, migrants and other absent individuals.

He said that the matter would address the issue of the names of dead persons being on the voters list.

Double voting and ghost voting have been contentious issues given the difficulty in removing the names of deceased persons whose deaths have not been registered. The claims of

ghost voting were even more pronounced, especially by the Opposition party following the contentious 2020 elections.

The APNU+AFC had argued strongly that the voter's list is bloated with the names of deceased persons as those unregistered deaths remained on the National Register of Registrants, from where the voter's list is deduced.

This situation causes irregularities when persons illegally access the identification cards of deceased persons and vote in their names. Alexander told the newspaper that the biometric system will be part of the suggestions being offered in relation to the election law reform.

“Our proposal was not on

the substance. It was more on the procedure, but I am pushing the biometric idea,” the Commissioner had highlighted.

However, VicePresident, Bharrat Jagdeo had subsequently spoken out against this proposed system.

According to him, such a system could prevent people from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

“We will not support the use of biometrics as a restriction on people's right to vote,” Jagdeo said.

Later the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh, said the introduction of biometrics would require constitutional reform. Justice Singh had said that GECOM does not have the “legal parameters to do this.”

Ve n e z u e l a n m a n , identified as Martinez Mejias Alcides Jose, 51, was on Friday found with a loaded pistol in his pants crotch.

Police said that patrol ranks found the weapon on him after deciding to stop and search a car on Mandela Avenue.

The Venezuelan man was one of two passengers seated in the back seat of the car. After searching the car, police moved on to search the driver and the two passengers to see if they had anything illegal on their person.

In the Venezuelan man's pants crotch they found a .38 Revolver without serial number and two live rounds of .38 ammunition.

He did not have a license for the weapon and was promptly arrested and taken into police custody.

Police: Kuru Kuru

man found with teargas canister Police on Saturday arrested a Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke/Linden Highway man after they found a teargas canister in his possession.

Police identified him as Trivon Stewart, 21.

Stewart was nabbed in the Stabroek Market Area after ranks on patrol saw him acting suspicious. They questioned and searched him and found one GL-302 teargas canister.

He is in police custody at the Brickdam Police Station.

The illegal weapon found by police

Man found with loaded gun in crotch A

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Kaieteur News

Monday February 05, 2024

Monday February 05, 2024

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Kaieteur News

Monday February 05, 2024

Monday February 05, 2024

Bajans stand tall, Mekdeci...

East Coast Mash Cup…

Layne’s hat-trick crushes Hopetown as Monedderlust secures 3-0 victory The Mash Cup Knockout Football tournament’s East Coast edition kicked off with enthusiasm at the Golden Grove Community Centre ground last Friday. The sporting excitement continued at the #5 Ground in Berbice on Saturday, featuring three thrilling matches where the Cougars, Fruta Conquerors and Monedderlust Football teams secured early victories.

The triple-header

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

commenced with an intense showdown, witnessing the Cougars football team dominating the Western Lions with a disappointing 20 defeat. Alistar Drakes’ 6thminute goal and Lomar Reid’s 46th-minute goal sealed the victory for the Cougars, leaving the Lions struggling to breach their opponent’s defense.

In another engaging match, Paradise Invaders faced off against Fruta

Kevin Layne stars with brilliant hat-trick Mash Cup opener

Monday February 05, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're feeling especially loving, attractive, and romantic, so romance is likely to be on your mind. Romantic novels and movies could seem especially appealing. If you're currently involved.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A new friend could arrive today, Libra. You're probably going to like this person very much. He or she probably shares many of your interests. You could become close friends.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) An increased level of ESP and imagination could have you feeling more creative and artistic. You might want to channel this energy into writing, painting, or adding touches to your living room.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If you've been thinking about a job change or even a new career, a chance interaction could provide the opportunity. However, Scorpio, remember, "If something seems too good to be true.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) An attractive neighbor with whom you seem to share a bond could become a friend.

A group you're affiliated with could be expressing highly idealized goals and purposes.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A journey by air to a distant place might be on your mind, though you might not make it for a long time. Knowledge is important to you, and you can be insatiably curious.

This is likely to be one of those days.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Dreams of a new career could fill your mind today, perhaps because of too much stress in your current one. You might even think of becoming a movie star.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The desire to beautify your home could hit you full force today, Capricorn. Perhaps you're expecting future visitors or house guests and want to make a good impression.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Spiritual goals may be at the top of your priority list now, Leo. You may be looking for online metaphysical seminars or meditation workshops, perhaps taking place in a distant state or foreign country.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A new neighbor could arrive who you feel especially drawn to, Aquarius. You might have high hopes for a friendship with this person.

He or she may seem especially congenial and share a lot of your interests.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Lovely dreams could spark your imagination and get your artistic abilities going.

You could learn a lot about yourself and whatever has been limiting you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You could be feeling especially sociable today. Maybe there's a virtual party of some kind you want to be invited to. You could hear some good news.

Conquerors, where Conquerors’ Dwayne Jones stole the spotlight with a brilliant 35th-minute strike, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over the Invaders.

Meanwhile, the Monedderlust football team continued their successful journey in the tournament, claiming a spectacular 3-0 win over Hopetown. Kevin Laynes showcased his talent with a sensational hat-trick, scoring in the 20th, 23rd, and 28th minutes.

The tournament’s action continued at the Golden Grove Community Centre ground the following day, featuring matches between Victoria Kings and Beterverwagting (BV), Buxton United and Airy Hall, and a final clash between Paradise and Hastlington.

Notably, the first-place winner of the tournament will be awarded an attractive prize of $500,000 along with a championship trophy.

Additionally, the secondplace, third-place and fourthplace finishers will receive prizes of $250,000, $150,000, and $100,000, respectively.

The success of the tournament is attributed to the support and contributions from various prominent entities, including Rainforest Waters, Guinness, GT Beer, Ryda Hard Wine, MVP Sports, Star Party Rentals, Recount Party Rental, GuyWill Shipping, Woodpecker Products, Hype Laundromat, Anchor Cement, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, among others.

From page 25 the forefront during the final day. Veteran Squash player Dean Straker dazzled the audience with his exceptional skills, earning himself a welldeserved second place in the Men’s 55-64 category.

The tournament’s organiser and director of BCQS Masters, Sanjay Amin praised the level of competition and the diverse representation from around the world, emphasizing the role of such events in fostering international sportsmanship and

unity. The success of the foreign players not only showcased their talent but also served as a testament to the global appeal and inclusivity of the sport.

As the final day concluded, individual prizes were awarded to top finishers, as the Bajans stood tall, their names etched in the annals of the Masters Squash Tournament.

The tournament was also made possible through generous support and contribution from Enet.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Monday February 05, 2024

India vs England: Ben Duckett out late on day three after tourists set 399 to win (BBC Sport) - England lost Ben Duckett late on day three after being set an enormous 399 to beat India i n t h e s e c o n d Te s t i n Visakhapatnam.

Duckett made 28 in a stand of 50 with Zak Crawley before offering a bat-pad catch off Ravichandran Ashwin.

Crawley remains on 29, alongside the promoted Rehan Ahmed on nine, with England 67-1 and in need of 332 more runs for another astonishing victory.

India were put into a position from which they are favourites to level the series by a classy century from Shubman Gill. Amid some England excellence with the ball in the morning session, Gill could have been dismissed three times before he reached 20, but survived to make 104 and help India to 255 in their second innings.

Despite giving up a firstinnings deficit of 143, England clung on with tenacity. James Anderson was magnificent in the first half hour and even though Gill shared stands of 89 with Axar Patel and 81 with Shreyas Iyer, the tourists chipped away.

Tom Hartley claimed four wickets, Ahmed three.

Ben Foakes was excellent behind the stumps and Ben Stokes took a wonderful catch to remove Iyer. India lost their last six wickets for 44 runs.

For as hard as England battled, they still need to break records to win. A successful chase would be their highest in Test cricket, the highest by anyone against India and the highest in this country.

No visiting team has ever made 300 in the fourth innings of a Test in India, regardless of the result.

England also have a concern over Joe Root, who took a blow to the finger in the warm-up and again at slip, and was off the field from the drinks break in the morning session.

Gill repays the faith Gill has been an enigma to the India Test team. The 24-year-old has the secondhighest one-day international average of all time, but has struggled to build on a promising start to his Test career. His highest score in his 12 previous innings was 36. On Sunday Gill repaid the faith shown in

Shubman Gill scored his third Test hundred (Getty Images)

him, albeit after coming through a torrid start to his innings. He overturned being given lbw to Hartley on four, survived a marginal lbw review off Anderson on the same score and on 17 edged Hartley between keeper and slip.

With determination, Gill grew in stature and scored all around the wicket. He played powerful sweeps, delicate

cuts and lofted two sixes down the ground. Gill was particularly harsh on Ahmed en route to his third Test century. The stands with Shreyas, who made 29, and Axar, who hit 45, pushed the game away from England, only for Gill to make the mistake that allowed the fightback. As Stokes left a gap on the off side, Shubman played a reverse-sweep for

the first time in his innings and gloved Shoaib Bashir to Foakes. India ground to a halt and lost 4-18 in 10 overs, leaving Ashwin to inch on in the company of Jasprit Bumrah, who chewed up 26 deliveries for his duck.

Bumrah’s vigil ended when he pushed Hartley to gully and in the next over Ashwin was last man out for 29, edging Ahmed behind.

England persevere With India 28-0 at the beginning of the day, already 171 ahead, England needed everything to go their way.

As Anderson swung the ball in the hazy morning humidity, it felt like it might.

Anderson needed only four deliveries to nip one past the defence of Rohit Sharma and into off stump.

In Anderson’s next over, Yashasvi Jaiswal followed a wide one and edged to first slip. It made Anderson the first 41-year-old pace bowler to take five wickets in a Test since 1923.

India were rocked, but somehow Gill and Iyer built their stand. Just as India were getting on top, Stokes produced his moment of magic. Iyer miscued Hartley, Stokes turned from mid-off

and sprinted towards the boundary, holding a breathtaking diving catch as the ball dropped over his shoulder.

Anderson bowled only three overs after lunch, so Hartley, Ahmed and Bashir carried the attack. Like the first Test, Hartley was a much better bowler in the second innings, Bashir got the crucial wicket of Gill and Ahmed’s 41.3 overs in the match are the most of his first-class career. Foakes took two super catches up to the stumps.

As England prepared to face 14 overs under the floodlights, Ahmed hit throw-downs on the outfield but it looked as though he would not be required, only for Ashwin to strike with 19 balls of the day remaining.

And Ahmed, only 19 and in his third Test, had the confidence to take two boundaries off Axar in the final over of the day.

Match details - Day 3 stumps: England 67 for 1 (Crawley 29*, Duckett 28) and 253 need another 332 runs to beat India 396 and 225 (Gill 104, Axar 45, Hartley 4-77, Rehan 3-88, Anderson 2-29)

NBA roundup: Hawks top Warriors, Stephen Curry (60 points) in OT (Reuters) - Dejounte Murray extended the game with a jumper in the final seconds of regulation, then scored seven consecutive points in overtime, allowing the host Atlanta Hawks to overcome a 60-point explosion by Stephen Curry for a 141-134 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.

Capping a wild sprint to the regulation finish line for teams on the second night of a back-to-back, the Hawks forged a 123-123 tie when Murray nailed a 14-footer with 4.6 seconds remaining.

Curry, who had scored 13 Warriors points in a row to reach 52 by that point, had a chance to win the game, but he couldn’t connect on a running bank shot at the regulation horn. Overtime was all Hawks, who secured their fourth consecutive win by scoring the extra period’s first 11 points.

Curry, who had 22 of his 60 points in the fourth

period, scored eight of Golden State’s 11 points in overtime, completing his second career 60-point game. His bid for a new career high, a 3-pointer with 54.3 seconds left, was off the mark, leaving him two points shy of the 62 he had against the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021. Trae Young dueled Curry evenly for most of the night and wound up with a team-high 35 points for the Hawks. He connected on seven of his 11 3-point attempts.

Bucks 129, Mavericks 117 Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 48 points and Damian Lillard added 30 on 10-of-11 shooting from the floor to lead Milwaukee to a comefrom-behind victory over host Dallas.

Milwaukee trailed by as many as 25 points, making it the owner of the top two comebacks in the NBA this season. The Bucks also rallied from a 26-point deficit to beat the Portland

Trail Blazers on Nov. 26.

Khris Middleton added 13 points and eight assists as Doc Rivers got his first win as Bucks coach, improving to 1-2. Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks, who were without Kyrie Irving (thumb), with 40 points. He fell just short of a tripledouble, also supplying nine boards and 11 assists. Maxi Kleber contributed 21 points and Josh Green finished with 20. Lakers 113, Knicks 105 Austin Reaves scored 14 points in the fourth quarter as visiting Los Angeles completed a comeback and snapped New York’s ninegame winning streak.

Reaves finished with 22 points for the Lakers, who have won two straight against Eastern Conference contenders to improve to 3-2 on a six-game road trip. Los Angeles beat the NBAleading Boston Celtics 114105 on Thursday night.

Jalen Brunson (36 points, 10 assists) had a double-

double for the Knicks, who were trying to win 10 in a row for the first time since they won 13 straight during the 2012-13 season. Donte DiVincenzo scored 26 points while Josh Hart (12 points, 11 rebounds) also recorded a double-double.

Nets 136, 76ers 121 Cam Thomas scored 40 points, Mikal Bridges added 23 and visiting Brooklyn handily defeated short-

handed Philadelphia.

L o n n i e Wa l k e r I V contributed 20 points, Cameron Johnson scored 13 and Nic Claxton had 12 points, 15 rebounds and four blocked shots for Brooklyn.

Tyrese Maxey led the way with 23 points for the Sixers.

The 76ers played without reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who sat out with a left m e n i s c u s i n j u r y. T h e severity of the injury and

length of Embiid’s absence is not yet known. Philadelphia was also missing Tobias Harris (illness).

Kings 123, Bulls 115 De’Aaron Fox scored 41 points, Domantas Sabonis recorded his 14th tripledouble of the season with 13 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists and Sacramento improved to 5-1 on its seveng a m eroad trip with a win over host Chicago.

São Raimundo down Slingerz FC...

F rom page 23 hosted the Slingerz players and management for lunch, emphasising the significance of representing Guyana positively on the international stage.

Mr. King expressed gratitude to the management and players for their efforts in showcasing Guyana’s talent abroad. As a token of appreciation, the Consul General and Consulate staff were presented with Slingerz FC Team shirts by Club President, Javed Ali during the luncheon.

During their stay, Rodgers treated the team to a guided tour of Boa Vista, the most

p opulous municipality in the state of Roraima.

A highlight of the tour was their visit to the Mirante, situated within Parque do Rio Branco in the City Centre.

Rising impressively to 120 meters, the Mirante offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and is the tallest tower in the North region, surpassing even the tower at the Amazon Museum (Musa) in Manaus.

The Guyanese team is scheduled to return home on Sunday and will resume preparations for the upcoming GFF Elite

Kaieteur News

Monday February 05, 2024

PAGE 23

2024 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships... Guyana Harpy Eagles

wing out as Title defense bowls off February 7

T

he Guyana Harpy Eagles 13-man squad winged out yesterday (Sunday) morning for St. Kitts, ahead of their first assignment versus Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

The Eagles wrapped up a decent encampment period although mother nature attempted to interrupt at times. Nevertheless the wellbalanced side will be tasked with returning home with the title as they seek yet another 4-Day victory.

Fast-bowling all-rounder Neiland Cadogan and allrounder Richie Looknauth were named as late replacements for Niall Smith and Akshaya Persaud, taking the tally of uncapped newbies to 5.

Meanwhile, in a brief comment, Harpy Eagles

Assistant Coach Garvin Nedd said the team was in good spirits heading into battle.

He outlined that the team managed to focus on all areas of work and during camp and training, adding that he’s confident of a good showing by the defending Champs, as they seek to hit the ground running ahead of their opening game.

Guyana Harpy Eagles squad: Kevlon Anderson (captain), Matthew Nandu (vice-captain), Veerasammy Permaul, Antony Adams, Kevin Sinclair, Ronsford B e a t o n , Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul, Raymond Perez, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Steven Sankar, Kemol Savory (wicketkeeper), Richie Looknauth and Neiland Cadogan.

THANK YOU! Rodger King, the Consul General of Guyana in Boa Vista, presented with a Slignerz FC jersey as a token of appreciation for his hospitality.

Last surviving player São Raimundo down Slingerz FC 4 - 0 in Boa Vista from 1958 World Cup

Slingerz Football Club’s trip to Boa Vista, Brazil, took an unexpected turn when the former Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League champions suffered a 4-0 defeat to São Raimundo Esporte Clube at the Estádio Canarinho.

The top-tier Guyanese team, currently gearing up for their return to the GFF Elite League, encountered early pressure as São Raimundo swiftly found the back of the net in the 2nd minute.

Striker Carlinhos Souza capitalised on a right-side cross, beating Slingerz custodian Akel Clarke at the near post for the opening goal.

Fifteen minutes later, the Brazilians increased their lead with a goal from Luaniger’s strike, following a left-side buildup.

Despite enduring relentless pressure throughout the first half, Slingerz FC managed to keep the score at 2-0 by halftime.

The second half began with Slingerz captain Quincy Adams receiving a red card for dangerous play just two minutes in, leaving the team with 10 players.

Despite this setback, Slingerz fought bravely for

The Guyana Harpy Eagles squad prior to departure.

most of the half, launching a few counterattacks but failing to find success in their opponents’ goal area.

As the clock wound down, Clarke’s fumble over the backline led to a corner, resulting in São Raimundo’s third goal, courtesy of Paulo Menezes’ strike from six meters out in the 88th minute. A minute later, Juca Marancho netted the fourth goal with a shot from the top of the box.

The ‘West Side’ team, gearing up for the 2024 season of the GFF Elite

League, had arranged the friendly match against the reigning champions of the Campeonato Roraimense, the premier football league in the state of Roraima, Brazil, as part of their preseason preparations.

Among the spectators at the match were Guyana’s Consul General to Brazil, the Honorable Rodgers King, and the Guyana Gold Rush Youth Football Team from Lethem.

Earlier in the day, Mr. King and the Consulate staff (Continued on page 22)

final dies aged 89 (BBC Sport) - The Sweden midfielder, who spent the majority of his career in Italy, scored 17 goals in 32 appearances for his country.

Hamrin, known as Kurre, played in the 1958 World Cup final on home soil, when Sweden were beaten 5-2 by Brazil.

“Swedish football has lost one of its greats,” said the Swedish football federation.

“It wasn’t just the track record, the goals, the passes and the hard work on the right wing that made ‘Kurre’ a legend who was never forgotten. He was a loyal and popular person wherever he played.

“Swedish football remembers Kurre Hamrin with great warmth and gratitude. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones right now.”

At the 1958 World Cup,

Kurt Hamrin (left) lost to Pele’s (right) Brazil in the 1958 World Cup final (AFP) Hamrin scored for Sweden in their quarter-final win over the Soviet Union and their semi-final victory against West Germany, but they were beaten by a Brazil side that included Pele, Garrincha and Mario Zagallo.

The highlight of Hamrin’s club career came in 1969 when he lifted the

European Cup with AC Milan as they beat Ajax 4-1, for the second of the club’s seven triumphs in the competition.

During stints with AC Milan, Fiorentina, Juventus, Padova, and Napoli, Hamrin scored 190 Serie A goals, making him ninth in the league’s all-time scoring charts.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Monday February 05, 2024

Sean Abbott’s all-round show helps Australia seal series (ESPN Cricinfo) - Sean Abbott starred on his home ground with a standout allround display as Australia overcame tricky batting conditions at the SCG to take a 2-0 lead in the ODI series.

Abbott’s career-best 69 led a lower-order fightback for the home side then, after it was West Indies’ spinners who caused most problems, Australia’s quicks did the damage to the chase.

Abbott finished with 3 for 40 - his third wicket coming courtesy of a stunning catch by Cameron Green at midwicket - to go alongside his half-century and for good measure added two well-judged catches.

Will Sutherland, one of two debutants for Australia, claimed his maiden international wicket by removing Romario Shepherd. Josh Hazlewood, who was called up for this game as Australia managed their resources, showed his class with three scalps.

Australia had been 91 for 5 and later 167 for 7, as Gudakesh Motie claimed 3 for 28, when Abbott dominated the closing stages with Sutherland offering support in an innings-high stand of 57. Abbott’s final

score was the joint fifthhighest for Australia from No. 8 and below in ODIs. A number of Australia’s top order made starts without converting with four of the top seven falling between 26 and 41 before Abbott showed his prowess with a 54-ball half-century and struck consecutive sixes in the penultimate over before dragging on. In the 20 overs between Motie and offspinner Roston Chase there were just two boundaries as the spinners proved tough to get away.

But Australia lost one of their spin resources for the second innings with Matt Short, who made 41, unable to field due to hamstring tightness. He was to be assessed in the coming days but must be doubtful for Canberra on Tuesday given the short turnaround.

It meant all of Australia’s spin would be in the hands of Adam Zampa, so the early inroads made by the quicks were important. Aaron Hardie was given the new ball and started with an excellent spell that included two maidens as he found late movement. He claimed the opening wicket when Alick Athanaze skied to mid-off

where Abbott added to his impact on the game.

Hazlewood then had Justin Greaves taken by Sutherland at mid-off and when Abbott joined the wicket-taking, finding Kjorn Ottley’s edge, West Indies were 34 for 3.

Captain Shai Hope and Keacy Carty, who played superbly at the MCG for 88, rebuilt for 13 overs before Hope was beaten by a ball from Hazlewood which kept low and smashed off stump.

Soon after, Abbott struck a g a i n t o e n d C a r t y ’s promising stay with a thick edge to the keeper and things faded away.

Australia handed out debuts to world-record holder Jake Fraser-McGurk, who replaced Travis Head at the top of the order, and allrounder Sutherland.

Sutherland’s father James, the former Cricket Australia CEO, was at his cap presentation along with sister Annabel who had flown in early ahead of the rest of the Australia women’s squad to attend the game.

Xavier Bartlett and Lance Morris were rested after their debuts at the MCG with the selectors wary of there being three games in

five days. Fraser-McGurk’s first international innings was brief but not dull. He swiped and missed at his first ball, was beaten by the bounce from his second, clubbed his third straight of mid-on and launched his fourth into the second tier of the Bill O’Reilly Stand. With his fifth it was all over, as he edged Alzarri Joseph to the keeper.

Joseph had a second when Josh Inglis drove to backward point and when Steven Smith chopped on against Matthew Forde, Australia were 50 for 3 in the eighth over.

By then Green was up and running having played three sumptuous drives in consecutive deliveries against Joseph but having had his flying start pulled back he miscued to mid-on.

In the next over Marnus Labuschagne drove Motie to cover to leave Australia 91 for 5 and more than 33 overs still to bat.

Short and Hardie, two of the less experienced players trying to forge their way in the one-day side, batted steadily in a sixth-wicket stand of 51. Hardie was given a life on 18 when he reverse-swept to cover but

Sean Abbott took Australia past 250 with his top score of 69.

(Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

Carty spilled the chance above his head. However, it didn’t prove costly as Hardie gave his innings away when he pulled Motie to long-on.

When Short also fell to Motie it was left to the lower order to nurse the innings through. Scoring was hard work for Sutherland, who was brilliantly caught at

cover by Greaves, but Abbott cleared the fence three times in four overs with the first blow leaving a spectator needing treatment when he was struck in the pavilion.

Match details: Australia 258 for 9 (Abbott 69, Short 41, Motie 3-28) beat West Indies 175 (Carty 40, Abbott 3-40) by 83 runs

New TTFA administration on the horizon as Elective Congress set for April 13 (SportsMax) - A new-look Trinidad and Tobago football Association (TTFA) administration is on the horizon, as a collective decision was taken to support FIFA’s recommendation to host the Elective Congress on Saturday April 13, 2024.

It was revealed in a TTFA releases which stated that the decision will be facilitated by a short extension of the N o r m a l i s a t i o n C o m m i t t e e ’s mandate and will result in the following timeline, which is viewed as respectful to all parties concerned, as well as to ensure that the process is fair, complete, and final.

A s s u c h , t h e T T FA Normalisation Committee will issue the notice for the Extraordinary Congress on or before Tuesday February 13, after which, candidates for any of the Executive Committee positions must be submitted to

t h e G e n e r a l Secretariat by Wednesday February 28.

From there, the General Secretariat must circulate an official list of candidates to all TTFA members by Wednesday April 3, with the Extraordinary Congress for the Election of the Executive Committee to be convened 10 days later on April 13.

This follows last Sunday’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the TTFA at which 33 of the 47 members present, unanimously agreed to accept the amendments of the constitution, and also invoked the right of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee being led by businessman Robert Hadad, to call fresh elections and conclude their mandate to manage the local sporting discipline as handed down

by FIFA, in March 2020.

Meanwhile, at least three persons are eagerly awaiting the election now that approval

of the constitution is completed.

However, the members are concerned by one of the new amendments that would only allow people contesting the election to be part of a slate.

Also, members can only vote for a slate and not for an office position as was in the past. The slate with the most votes will

manage the sport for a four-year term.

It was one of many proposed amendments to the constitution that, though objected to, was still included by Concacaf and FIFA. Still, the majority of the members voted in favour of considering a promise that changes to the constitution could be made within only a few months of having a new administration.

Another major change of concern to the members was the increased number of votes— (two votes each)—given to T&T Premier League (TTPFL) clubs - Tier I (12 clubs) and Tier II (six clubs) which makes it 36 from a total of 57 votes.

Hadad, who led the normalisation committee, achieved most of its mandate, including clearing a massive debt and

ensuring that football was operational. But he now has to make way for a new TTFA president.

It is reported that Selby Browne, the president of the Veterans Football Foundation of T&T, Keiron Edwards, president of the Eastern Football Association, and Dennis Latiff, the new Southern Football Association president, have all expressed an interest in taking the reins.

But before any candidate can be considered, each has to meet the criteria of another constitutional change. A nominee must be involved in the sport for the past eight years if he or she wants to contest the election to serve on the executive.

They also have to meet the criteria of holding a managerial position for two of the last four years to be eligible for election.

Kaieteur News

Monday February 05, 2024

PAGE 25

Metro Office Supplies renews RHTYSC Females cricket sponsorship for the 13th consecutive year

T

he long-standing relationship between the RHTYSC and Metro Office and Computer Supplies has been renewed for another year. The popular stationery store renewed their cricket sponsorship of the RHTYSC female team on Friday last during a simple presentation ceremony at the company’s Main Street New Amsterdam Branch.

Berbice Regional Manager Danny Ramnarine handed over the sponsorship check to RHTYSC female cricketers Trisha Hardat and Stephanie Ramdas.

RHTYSC secretary Hilbert Foster stated that the club was the first cricket club to form a female section in 2008 and Metro came on board as the team’s official sponsor in 2009 under the management of their Chief Executive Officer.

The team has dominated female cricket team Berbice and remained the only of its kind in Guyana with full membership. The RHTYSC

Danny Ramnarine hands over sponsorship to RHTYSC female cricketers Trisha Hardat and Stephanie Ramdas.

Metro female team in 2010 became the national champions when it won the Guyana Cricket Board title and has won every female tournament organised by Berbice Cricket Board since 2011 despite playing against

sub-associations in the county. The team is currently being led by West Indies vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle while her West Indian counterpart Shabaki Gajnabi is her deputy.

The team, since 2008 has

produced 4 West Indies players, namely Campbelle, Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond and Erva Giddings.

Campbell is also the captain of the Guyana senior team and remains the only Guyanese to ever play 100

matches at the T20 and ODI international levels. She is also the only Guyanese to score centuries at the interc o u n t y, r e g i o n a l a n d international levels. Gajnabi serves as the national vicecaptain and the captain of Berbice in the absence of Campbell. West Indies player Trymanine Smartt also played for the team in 2010. Among the other national players produced by the RHTYSC Metro team at the junior and senior levels are Nikita Henry, Trishana Cort, M e l a n i e H e n r y, Phuffiana Milllington, Jackie Singh, Deborah Vanderstoop, Tenisha Cort, Christine Quentyne, Erica Lashley, Diana Prahalad, Mariam Samaroo, Akeema Arokium, Rashana lynch, O m a M a t a d i n , Tr i s h a Hardat, Priya Mahadeo, Dharshanie Subramani and Leah Kamalall. Players Kimmone Thomas, Kassi Monroe, Stephanie Ramdas, Gaytree Sanchara, Doniella Hicks, Donnelle Manns are

among others who played for Berbice. Foster, who is a former president of the Berbice Cricket Board, stated that the team in 2023 was also able to successfully complete a total of over 40 committee programs including the Say No to S u i c i d e , S a y Ye s t o Education, Christmas village Christmas concert, youth information booklet, pensioner’s feeding program and Berbice sports awards.

Stephanie Ramdas, speaking on behalf of our teammates expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the sponsor for their support over the years. The Berbice under-19 player stated that female team, under the dynamic leadership of Campbelle was very pleased to be associated with Metro and to play under its brand.

Regional Metro manager, Danny Ramnarine, wished the team success in 2024 and urged them to uphold the high standard they have set themselves in the past.

(RHTYSC Press Release)

Bajans stand tall, Mekdeci shines Blackwood, Bonner, McKenzie headline Jamaica bright as BCQS concludes in style Scorpions squad or West …Simpson, Benn shows class in Men’s finale Indies Championship (SportsMax) - West Indies Test players Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner and Kirk McKenzie headline a strong 13member Jamaica Scorpions Squad for the opening rounds of the 2024 West Indies Championship.

Blackwood, 32, will captain the team and is looking to earn a recall to t h e We s t I n d i e s Te s t outfit after he was dropped prior to their recent tour of Australia.

Blackwood, who averages 30.18 in 56 Tests, played two games for the Scorpions in last s e a s o n ’s We s t I n d i e s Championship, scoring 159 runs with two fifties in four innings.

Bonner, who averages 38 in 15 Tests with his last coming against Australia in December 2022, will be looking to bounce back from a rough season last year

Kirk McKenzie (Getty Images)

where he only scored 43 runs in four innings at 10.75.

McKenzie is coming off a promising tour of Australia that saw him produce scores of 50, 26, 21 and 41 against a superb Australia bowling attack and will be looking to score big runs for the Scorpions.

Leg-spinning allrounder Abhijai Mansingh, whose

performances with bat and ball last season saw him earn a call-up to the West Indies “A” team for their tour of South Africa, is also in the squad. 38-yearold Chadwick Walton, who last played firstclass cricket in 2019, has also been named in the Scorpions squad as has former West Indies Under19 Captain, Ramaal Lewis.

The Scorpions will open their campaign against the Windward Islands from February 710 at Sabina Park. They were last in last year’s p o i n t s table with 25.6 points. Full Squad: Jermaine Blackwood (C), Nkrumah Bonner, Derval Green, Abhijai Mansingh, Peat Salmon, Jeavor Royal, Kirk McKenzie, Marquino Mindley, Gordon Bryan, Romaine Morris, Carlos Brown, Chadwick Walton, Ramaal Lewis

The curtains have fallen on the highly anticipated Guyana leg of the BCQS Masters Squash tournament o n S a t u r d a y. T h e Georgetown Club spectators were treated with a superb final-day showdown as Barbadians Shawn Simpson, Dean Straker and Don Benn carted off with a lion’s share of the awards. The grand finale witnessed a display of unparalleled skill, determination, and sportsmanship from this Bajan trio copping the Men’s 30-44 and 45-54 group titles, lone Guyanese Joseph ‘Jo Jo’ Mekdeci walked away with the 55-64 category ultimately avoid a Bajan sweep of the 2024 championship.

In a stunning turn of events, Barbadians Simpson and Benn took center stage on Saturday, clinching top honours and leaving a lasting impression on the tournament’s legacy after a few decent performances at last year’s tournament.

Joseph Mekdeci (right) receives his first-place prize on Saturday

T h e M e n ’s 3 0 - 4 4 categories saw an outstanding performance by the foreign contingent, with Simpson emerging victorious in a fiercely contested final. He displayed impeccable technique, strategic brilliance, and unwavering composure; defeating the New Zealander, Robert Cameron 11-6, 11-5 and 11-5 to claim the championship title.

The Women’s Over-35 category was no different, as Lydia Fraser left spectators in awe with her exceptional

skills on the court, finishing as victor in all three matches in the tournament, securing the Women’s title.

Meanwhile, in the other two events, Men’s 45-54 and 55-64 categories had mixed fortunes for the Bajans. The chemistry and coordination displayed by Don Benn and Joseph Mekdeci in these two categories highlighted the global nature of squash and the camaraderie forged through the sport.

Notable individual performance also came to (Continued on page 21)

rts Spo Josh Hazlewood clean bowled Shai Hope (Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

Sean Abbott’s all-round show helps Australia seal series

São Raimundo down Slingerz FC 4 - 0 in Boa Vista

Slingerz FC Leo Lovel in action

Bajans stand tall, Mekdeci shines bright as BCQS concludes in style …Simpson, Benn shows class in Men’s finale Participants of the 2024 BCQS Masters Championship share photo-op at Georgetown Squash Club

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