Kaieteur News

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WILLIAMS

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Questions about gas-to-energy project

The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), using its extensive experience, came up with 12 questions that could protect Guyana and enlighten Guyanese. It is a dirtydozenofquestions,asetnottobewelcomedinpoliteor compromisedpoliticalcircles.

The 12 questions all have relevance for Guyana, but we will paraphrase a small subsection of them to highlight the wiseprecautionsthatGuyanashouldtaketosecurethebest from its resource wealth. It has to do with contracts, the probingquestions,thethoroughexaminationsthatshouldbe the mantra of citizens seeking clarity over what they are getting into, where such contracts could lead. What do Guyanese currently know about fuel supply and transport deals relative to the US$1.3B Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project? The blunt answer is that other than top PPPC Governmentinsiders,therestofGuyaneseknowverylittle, whichdoesnotdomuchforthemwiththeWalesGTE.

GuyaneseknowthatitshouldcostUS$1.3B,butthatisas unsteadyasadrunkensailorjustofftheboat,andintheteeth of a heavy wind. His sea legs are shaky, head fuzzy, and visionlimitedsumsupwhereGuyanesearewiththeGTEthat promisescheapelectricity,andadependablesupply Besides those two components, this is the state of citizens in this country who will be saddled with that billion-dollar debt, whateverthefinalfigureis.

NowforsomeoftheissuesputforwardbytheNRGI. We musthavearenegotiationclauseinourcontractsthatallows foradjustmentsunderchangingcircumstances,whatareour oversight bodies (ministries, utility bodies, other stakeholders)doingaboutthis?Thefactthattheghastly2016 oil contract imprisons this country’s parliament, backs its governmentsandleadersagainstawall,andvirtuallychains our hands and feet should have been enough to unleash unprecedented rage in this society at all levels, through all persuasions, and from every corner and cranny of this country

WhathasGuyana’sreplacementcropofrulingpoliticians learnt, what do they intend to do, how do they plan to work aroundthecleverschemesandshenanigansofExxonMobil, which were all executed under seemingly airtight legal cover? What does this PPPC Government have in mind for timeswhenthereisexcessgasnotdomesticallyneededand worldpriceshaveplummetedneartothebottom? Arethere sturdybuilt-incushionsforthiscountrythathasbeenhurtso badly by the 2016 contract, with the biggest priority being what is right for Guyana, and not what facilitates ExxonMobilprofitingstillmore? Morequestionspercolate and should be tabled about the credibility of government projections, the role of elections and developing political scandals(allofwhicharelocalhorrors),andgasasthebest fuelforelectricityoutput.

ThisisourcompressedversionofonlysomeoftheNRGI questions,whichallhavethehighestrelevanceforGuyana. Of note, is this question: “Who supports and opposes the plans[gasplants]andwhy? Tobeclear,ouroppositionatthis publication is to the blackout of supporting information on theGTE,whichleavesGuyanesetocontendwithathickwall of secrecy Our position is that if the GTE is so good for Guyanese, then there should be every interest by the PPPC Government to share the richness of this project. A poor, constantly betrayed population like Guyana’s should not be askedtosupportblindlywhateverpoliticianscomeupwith, whichbringsmoreindebtedness,butofwhichtheyknowthe negligible. Opposition to the GTE is based strictly on what Guyanesedon’tknow,butiscompulsorythattheyshould,so thattheycanmakeaninformeddecision,eitherfororagainst the project. Billion-dollar debt may be justified under limited conditions, including transparency, credibility, and honestyfromthosecallingtheshots.

ThishasnotbeenthecasewiththeWalesGTE. Wehave notsaidanythingaboutrenewables,andifitisabetteroption. Or gas flaring and grid updates, with an eye to who pays. Guyanesewantcheap,reliableelectricity,butontermsthey can endorse, and debt they can back. They have been crippledbynumeroustraps,thankstorulingpoliticians.

The decision by the Commission can hardly be regarded as fair and just

DEAREDITOR,

I f i n d i t q u i t e extraordinary that the Commission of Inquiry into theMarch2020Generaland Regional Elections has agreedtoallowtheAttorney-

at-Law, Nigel Hughes, representing former Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers, to cross examinewitnesseswhohave volunteered to come before theInquirywhohavenamed

Myers for the part she played, when Myers herself hasdeclinedtogiveevidence beforetheCommission.

Quite frankly, if I were one of those witnesses, I would point blank refuse to

beexaminedbyHughes. I am not a Lawyer, but, surely, the decision made by the Commission can hardly beregardedasfairandjust.

Yourssincerely, KitNascimento

Dr. Vishnu Bisram is right man for India

DEAREDITOR,

I learn that former Finance Minister Mr Sasenarine Kowlessar has declined the nomination as HighCommissionertoIndia. That being the case, I would like to recommend Dr. VishnuBisramforthevacant position. Since the end of December,therehasbeenno HC in India, an important partner for Guyana and the world’s fifth largest e c o n o m y T h a t i s unacceptable given that India has very close cultural links to Guyana and most of the Caribbean and is among the largest aid donor to Guyanaandtheregion.

Inanageofglobalization and interconnectivity, and withGuyanaonthevergeof economic takeoff, the countryneedssomeonewith well-rounded skills to push its interests – in finance, investment, politics, security, culture, energy, diaspora, and more Dr Vishnu Bisram has all those skillsandmore.

He is the right man for India and I would like to

nominate him for the position I hope he is interested.

I read several reports in the Guyana papers already recommending Dr Vishnu Bisram for the vacant HC position but was bypassed. I was surprised he was not selected. Asotherspenned,I can’tthinkofanyonewhois more qualified to represent Guyana in India as Ambassador (High Commissioner) than Dr Bisram. He has high level contactsinIndia.Hestudied in India and USA and possesses appropriate credentialsfortheposition–PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy and doctorates in other subjects, excellent connections in New Delhi, promoter of culture, scholar on diaspora, defender of Guyana, fighter for democracy, and outstanding communicator (writer), economist, political scientist, knowledgeable about India, among other positives. In addition, Dr Bisram has been very active

and is well known in South Asian Indian organizations in America since the late 1970s as well as Guyanese andTrinidadianassociations andorganizedmanycultural andpoliticalevents.

It is well known that between 1968 and 1992 he championed the struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana from abroad and in Guyana at great risks to his physical safety and organizedandorcoordinates many rallies in Trinidad and USAcallingforfreeandfair elections in his homeland. He did same from March to August 2020 to bring pressure on the Guyana government to respect the outcome of the March 2020 elections.

In addition, he wrote extensively against electoral fraudsandthe2020elections impasse (attempted fraud. It is an understatement to say that his activism helped to bring about political change on August 2, 2020 Dr Bisram also wrote extensively about Guyanese diasporic activities in

Trinidad, USA, and other countries from 1977 to now His writings appeared in Trinidad media from time to time.

In addition to his academiccredentialsandhis cultural and political activism, Dr Bisram is a “diasporaman”.Heisknown tohavebeenaregularvisitor to India over the last four decades, perhaps the most tripsofaCaribbeannational totheSouthAsiannation,the land of his ancestors. He organized conferences and or presented papers at countless and seminars in India In addition, he lectured at several colleges and universities all over India and in several other countriesincludingTrinidad, Surinam,Fiji,Mauritius,and SouthAfrica.

Dr Bisram is a seasoned scholar who has all the right qualifications to make an excellent diplomat (Ambassador) in India and represent Guyana’s interests withclassanddistinction.

Yourstruly, SamarooAvatar

Alexander never concealed his designs at achieving certain immediate objectives at GECOM

DEAREDITOR, Mr Vincent Alexander, Opposition-sponsored GECOM Commissioner recently sought what appeared to be a cathartic reliefbecauseofhisinability to impose his will at GECOM. In S/N 8.2.’23 headlined; ‘Gecom chair rescinded appointment of Operations Coordinator’the Commissioner came out swinging with an imaginary bat as if engaged in a surrealist game of his own. Buthismissiveseemedtobe more reflective of a therapy session to relieve abandonment, despair, solitude,andhope.

Mr Alexander never concealed his designs at achieving certain immediate objectives at GECOM. His first objective was three-

fold;tooverthrowMr Aneal Giddings as Operations Coordinator at GECOM; secondly,tomakethepostof an Operations Coordinator redundant and thirdly, to press the chairman to formally rescind the appointmentofGiddings.To further his quest, Mr Alexander hurriedly went to thepressonthematter While Commissioners Alexander, Corbin and Trotmanheldtotheviewthat thecreationofanOperations Coordinator and Giddings’ appointment were ‘ultra vires’ , Government appointed Commissioners upheld the position that Mr. Giddings should remain in situ until a substantive Deputy Chief Election Officer(DCEO)isappointed by the Commission

Commissioners Gunraj, Narayan nor Rohee has resiledfromthatposition.

When the Chair announced that, after listeningtobothsidesonthe matter, she decided to rescindGiddings’temporary appointment until such time thataDeputyChiefElection Officer(DCEO)isappointed by the Commission Mr Alexander was elated, rubbinghishandsinglee.

In effect, the decision by the Chair, dovetailed perfectly with what Alexanderandcompanyhad ‘for weeks’ set out to achieve.

But the dust is yet to settle on this matter Next comes the second objective of the opposition-controlled Commissioners That particular objective is

transparent as transparent canbe.

The plan unfurling behind the scene is to have installed, their preferred candidate whose actions in the 2015 General and Regional elections are recordedasbeinginimicalto theinterestsoftheelectorate. It would be woodenheaded toputinplaceaDCEOwho has an axe to grind with supportersofthePPP/C.

Inanattempttoputsome sheen on their jaded reprobation and their sanctimonious posture, opposition commissioners led by Mr. Alexander claimedthatIfailedtokeepa promise to submit a list of preferred candidates to fill thepostofDCEO.

Suddenly,thereishaste

Continuedonpage6)

Decentralising the presidency could be the road to dictatorship

DEAREDITOR,

The idea advanced by P r e s i d e n t A l i o f decentralizing the presidency,onthe faceofit, is laudable and I have no doubtthathemeanswell,for thisiswhatthefewoperating within the area of authority feel.One friend, who I have known for many years, assured me that they are not members of the PPP, but are convinced that PresidentAli hasgoodintentions.

Editor, herein resides a serious problem, a dangerous dilemma and a dauntingdangerisfirstthose in charge of disseminating information for public consumption and let us not usewhatisnowconsidereda pejorativeterm-propaganda -wouldleadustobelievethat this latest rubric of ‘One Guyana’ is the initiative of PresidentAli.

On Monday, 30th October 2006, the PNC led group entered Parliament under the rubric of ‘One Guyana’.Second,thereisno evidence that apart from using known means of inducement there has been any effort to find a rapprochement with the

other significant groups, political, social and cultural inGuyana.Ifyouignorethe trade unions, such as the GTU, TUC and GPSU, not deemed to be compliant clientsoftheStateapparatus, theideaofdecentralizingthe presidency would flip-flop and eventually fall. Third, the idea is not new The Burnham-led Government, for the identical reasons advanced by President Ali, established six Regional Sub-Governments and there were six Regional Ministers appointed. Four, as far as I can recall, are still alivePhillip Duncan, Oscar Clarke, Abdul Salim and JoshuaChowritmottoo.

L a t e r , t h e 1 0 Administrative Regions we now have were established with10regionalchairmenin order to deal speedily with issues and concerns affecting residents within theseregions.Thisisalegal and constitutional requirement.The dichotomy of having within those 10 r e g i o n s , l a r g e Municipalities, such as G e o rg e t o w n , N e w Amsterdam, covered by byLaw 28:01 was and

Stop local terrorism forthwith

DEAREDITOR,

Protesting of citizens in any democratic society is a right however, such protest (s)mustbeconductedasper rules and regulations, in a peacefulandorderlymanner, in order to be within the confinesofthelaw

What must stop immediatelyinGuyanaisthe frequent blocking of our roadways in a riotous way, attacks on citizens in the

remainsnowadichotomy,is a problem that existed and still does and needs to be resolved.

The big question is what are the unsatisfactory aspects of the present system? Is it that the decentralizing of the presidency within established regions is either acampaignstuntorastepto one man centralized control ofallfacetsofourlives?For the purpose of this letter, I will not insinuate a slide to dictatorship or the emergenceof,aswe’veseen elsewhere, the ultra-right government where everythingiscentralizedand devolvesfromapresidential hierarchy. This of course is the hallmark of a dictatorship. Fourth is what appears to be a worrisome dilution and, in some cases, denigration of the established public service. This is exacerbated for the appointment of a number of persons to perform specific duties known as Contract Officers inserted between and betwixt the public service.

force and other security forces, nothing of greatness will take place A professionallystaffedpublic service of qualified and competent persons is the guarantee that ordinary people will be the ultimate beneficiariesofthis massive wealth in a country with beautiful weather all year and no natural disasters, there is no need for poverty anddistressinourcountry

In all of the above, if we are to move forward, if we are to benefit from the mighty bounty of no natural disasters, fabulous fortune, we must tackle ruthlessly, fearlessly the bogey-man of corruption and nepotism

Human Services and Social Security

This means that whenthePresidentlearnsof a person with bellyache he willcreateanewinstitution, a new health facility to deal with a bellyache that has plagued us and known to us beforehesetuphiselaborate cabinet of twenty-three ministers

form of race-hatred, vandalism of property and robbery It is high time that this criminal culture which started since 1964 comes to anend.

Our political and religiousleadersmustriseto the challenge and be in the forefront of bringing an end to these despicable acts of localterrorism.

Trulyyours, Paul

Ramrattan

All of the above is made murky by appointing persons whose major qualifications is their political loyalty to the incumbent government Fifthly, we have seen for decades that unless the Government, and here we haveallbeenguilty,actively encourages a professionally drivenpublicservice,police

Myadviceto PresidentAli, if he is really serious, is to surround himself with men and women of quality and not ignore our cherished institutions upon which the foundationofourdemocracy rests, for example, I heard the government benches in parliamentsetoutthereason for this Men on Mission (MoM) programme but couldnotstatewhowerethe executive officers that ultimately control the distribution of these state funds What I found bewilderingisthatwithinthe existing government the use of the Ministries, there is adequate provision to deal with these problems Problems that are neither unique nor new to Guyana, so what’s the use of these Ministries of Labour, and

President Ali must ensurethatwithinhiscabinet andbeyondhehaspersonsof integrity who are not up for sale and those who understand the significance oftheeventthattookplaceat midnightonthe26thofMay, 1966 when the Union Jack was lowered at the Queen Elizabeth Park and the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted and when our two National Titans, Forbes Burnham and Dr. Cheddi Jagan embraced to the delight of the assembled crowd, that we were free at last,freefromthementaland physical chains of slavery, t h e h a r d s h i p s o f indentureship and that as ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’, we say to those who come to harvest our gold and natural

resourcesthatasonepeople, with one nation and one destiny, we will settle for nothinglessthanafairshare of our oil, gold and other non-renewableresources. In other words, decentralizing the presidency to the regions must be a deeper concept, and be sustainable No matter what the President saysordoes,whenpeoplein the region see a bridge collapsing after a few months, when they see a building cannot be properly used and the contractors are fully paid When you increase salaries by 10 percentandthecostofliving goes up by 30 to 40% percent, decentralizing the presidency to the regions becomes hollow and hard to swallow.

PresidentAli must reach out to men and women at home and abroad, with competency,adeepsenseof nationalismtoguidehimout of troubled water into calm seas of plenty and peace. I hope he will listen for the sakeofagoodGuyana.

Yourstruly,

HamiltonGreen

An uninspiring budget debate

DEAREDITOR,

It was an uninspiring budget debate (2023), I was thereforseveralsessionsand tuned in to some broadcasts otherwise Watching or listening to the budget debate was painful, somewhat of a useless exercise.

The debate, really not a debate but largely an uninformed largely irrelevant insipid response, was very dull and unstimulating. Some of the presentations were dismally boring.Someofthespeakers were uncharismatic, dour andmorose.Othersweretoo stern. There was few stand out funny comments like from debates of the 1970s and1980s.Therewasplenty of heckling, actually rabble rousing, and some debaters were quite nasty that don’t belong in a parliament

Some of the debaters were too combative, pugnacious, and antagonistic. Some of thehecklingwasveryfeisty, reminding me of behaviour atthefishmarket.

The Speaker on the wholedidaverygoodjobin ignoring some comments from non-presenters (hecklers and rabble r o u s e r s ) A n d h e appropriately pulled up some ‘debaters’ who were too personal, requesting their retraction. Aspects of the heckling of course

revealed a low civility in politics Debaters were interrupted or drowned out multipletimesbyjeeringand accusations or allegations. Some were downright nasty and unparliamentary

Chorus of heckling occasionally drowned out thepresenter

After a very good deliveryofthebudgetbythe Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, the response from both sides was not up to mark.Aprofessorinaspeech class would fail them. Dr Singh was courteous and focused in unveiling the budgetandinclosingit.Too many debaters (MPs) strayedfromtheitemsinthe budget They spoke of everything but what was in the budget. Some of the MPs,likethePrimeMinister (Mark Phillips), Roysdale

Forde, Anil Nandlall, Volda Lawrence, Collin Croal, Ganesh Mahipaul, Gail Teixeira, Sherrod Duncan, Ronald Cox, Susan Rodrigues, Ronald Cox, Vindya Persaud, Natasha Singh Lewis, Priya Manickchand, Prakash Ramjattan, Bishop Edghil, Amanza Walton-Desir, Vickram Bharrat, Zulfi Mustapha, Lennox Shuman, Indar Deodat, Geeta Chandon, and a few others, wereonpoint.Theirremarks focused on elements in the budget rather than strayed

from their remit. Nandlall washischarismaticself.The Vice President was missed for his usually erudite penetrating comments as in previousbudgets;thepublic commentedthattheymissed his soaring presentation on thestateoftheeconomyand growing it. Apparently, the VPwishes to stay above the fray, but his PPP supporters love to hear him The Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton also delivered some good punch lines in his rebuttal, honing in on the budget rather than on alien issues which characterized the presentations of some of his colleagues; he did not allow the heckling and rabble rousing to distract him.

But most of the presentations did not rise to an informed discussion to winoverthepublic.Abudget debate is meant to win over the public with sound, reasonedargumentstoitems inthebudgetexposingflaws or weaknesses or waste (opposition) or buttressing (government) their importance.HardlyanyoneI interacted with in the public domain was swayed by arguments from presenters onbothsidesonitemsinthe budget.

There were few statements and pointers or anecdotes (except two from the AG about sardines and clapping roti– that evoked laughter) that left an indeliblemarkonviewersor listeners. The presentations lacked the intellect,

sharpness, wit, and humour of a Feroze Mohamed, Clinton Collymore, Forbes Burnham, Narbada Persaud, Hubert Jack, Cheddi Jagan, Cammie Ramsaroop, W i n s t o n M u r r a y, Mohammed Shahabudeen, Fenton Ramsahoye, among other stalwarts. During the g o l d e n y e a r s o f parliamentary presentation, Burnham, Narbada, and Boysie,amongothers,sliced their opponents with ingenious facetious one liners (shrewd, clever, wily, amusing, sharp-witted, jocular snide remarks) or what are called picong in Trinidad; these carried sarcasm that evoked much laugher and memorable None of the kind was presented during the recent debate. One can’t point to much by the presenters that would be remembered for yearstocome.However,one good outcome of the debate was it had none of the nastinessof2021and2022. Both sides have MPs who lack skill in debates. Thepartieswoulddowellto train or school their MPs how to debate and more particularly how to respond to future budgets — stick to line items in the budget. Theymaywanttolookator listen to past recordings of presenters during the halcyon days of parliament in the 1960s thru 1980s. They can also take courses on the art of rhetoric or oratory

Yoursfaithfully, Vishnu

Bisram

Frompage4 to install a DCEO of the APNU+AFC’s choice

Compared to the shillyshallying, sloth and imperviousstandadoptedby A,C&T with respect to the adoption and execution of a WorkPlanfortheholdingof local government elections, this charade makes a mockery of what otherwise should have been be a routine, peaceable activity voidofthetantrumthrowing episodes displayed by oppositioncommissionersat meetingsofGECOM.

While pretending to be a u t h o r i t a t i v e a n d imaginative in their presentations on the subject at the last Statutory meeting of GECOM, Mr Alexander and company, unashamedly exerted every effort to ransack the twelfth (12) edition of the Work Plan submittedbytheCEOforthe holding of local government electionsthisyear

In treating with Work Plan No. 12, Mr Alexander and company overlooked an importantelementthatought not to be underestimated when engaging in the business of the electorate. Theyfailedtorecognizethat a sense of confidence and security must be felt all around when treating with the concerns of the electorate, any act discerned bytheelectorateasimproper and unlawful could prove counterproductive.

Thisispreciselywhathas

occurredwithinrecenttimes at GECOM where Mr Alexander and company s o u g h t t o i m p o s e q u e s t i o n a b l e recommendations based on fabricated decisions at GECOM.Itisthereforeclear to recognise that the opposition commissioners’ imaginary goals are shaped by their broader political attitude towards their politicaladversaries.

Consequently, it would not be unreasonable to conclude that when certain opposition inspired shenanigans have outlived the purpose for which they were honed, they are either promptly abandoned, put in cold storage, consigned to memory and anecdote and eventually replaced by anotherpieceofsubterfuge.

Overall, then, it appears that Mr Alexander and company seem more inclined to draw ‘political life lessons’ from narratives about an imaginary political world in which they apparentlyliveratherthanto draw lessons from facts abouttherealworld.

As one who spent a long timeatuniversitycampuses, Commissioner Alexander should know that dystopian narratives can encourage p e r s p e c t i v e s t h a t oversimplify real and complexmattersthatemerge from time to time in and out ofGECOM.

Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee

Alexanderneverconcealed hisdesignsatachieving certainimmediateobjectives...

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ALL EYES ON THE SPEAKER

The Opposition is asking for all gas-to-energy documents.

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All the Speaker has been about with things like these is nay, not here.

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What will the Speaker do now, what will he fear?

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The Speaker can manifest that he is a Guyanese of principle or demonstrate of whom he is a disciple…

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PSC bemoans police sloth in dealing with Buxton unrest

The Private Sector respond to the attacks “on media, the PSC said that it Toussaint Jr Thomas, to persons were beaten and Notwithstanding its Commission (PSC) on innocent individuals” on met with Minister of Home discuss several matters robbed, and the police did concerns, the PSC said it Tuesday bemoaned what it February 1 during protest on Affairs, Robeson Benn who regardingthesecuritysector notprotectthem,thefactthat welcomestheCommissioner considered to be the the Buxton Public Road, was accompanied by the “The PSC expressed its deep peoples’ properties were of Police’s assurance that slothfulness of the Guyana EastCoastDemerara(ECD). Ministry’s Permanent concern at the slow and even vandalized and destroyed “those held accountable Police Force (GPF) to In a statement to the Secretary, Ms Mae non-existent response of the and the police took no action would face the full brunt of police in dealing with the to prevent it, the fact that in thelaw”.

a t t a c k o n i n n o c e n t spite of considerable video Meanwhile, the meeting individuals,whichfollowed evidence identifying the also discussed the delay in a n i n t e l l i g e n c e - l e d perpetrators of violence, response to outstanding operation involving the t h e r e h a s b e e n n o applications for gun Customs Anti-Narcotics announcement of any licenses, the processing of Unit in the vicinity of charges made against them work permits, and the urgent Buxton, East Coast and the fact that it is known need for improved traffic Demerara on February 1, that though the Riot Squad management including the 2023, and other violent was deployed to the area, controloftheroadways. The protests,”thestatementsaid. they remained in the BV Commission’s team was led The body said it is Police Station compound by Chairman, Mr Paul concerned that “innocent andwerenotengaged.” Cheong.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, discusses several matters with regard to the security sector with members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

Public service reform is dead; long live Presidential outreaches

Presidential outreaches are nothing new Burnham usedtocallthemcommunity meetings. Jagdeo extended the concept to Cabinet outreaches by taking meetings of Cabinet to differentRegions.

The APNU+AFC came inandlaunchedgovernment outreaches. It was more an outstretched hands rather thanreachingout.

These outreaches became a way of bringing government to the people –or so it was presumed because it can hardly be a caseinwhichgovernmentis brought to the people throughaoneortwo-dayand sporadicoutreach.

But outreaches do have benefits to incumbent governments.Theyallowfor the President or Minister to gauge how the public feels, to gain an understanding of their concerns and to appreciate how responsive government is. And for the fewwhowillgetachangeto be heard to ventilate their concerns and have their problemsaddressed.

Presidential outreaches are not new But to institutionalize these outreaches is really a poor idea because such activities canneverbeasubstitutefora responsive and efficient publicbureaucracy

Instead of having such outreaches in every area, greater attention should be paid to fixing the public bureaucracy and devolving government more to communities rather than having these one-off events whichcanhardlyaddressthe myriad problems which the publicfaces.

There is not a person in Guyana who does not have some grouse or the other with the way either government of local government works. For the overwhelming majority of citizens, the system simply does not work. It is simply impossible for the large number of problems faced by citizens to be addressed throughoutreaches

The idea of taking Presidential outreaches to every Region cannot be a substitute for public service reform.Unfortunately,under the present PPP/C government,thisprocesshas stalled.All we keep hearing in respect to the Public Service Ministry is about “scholarships, scholarships, scholarships”. Did anyone hear the phrase “public service reform” during the Budgetdebate?

The public service is bloated. And yet there is absolutely no initiative announced about reducing

Dem Boys Seh...

the monstrous size of government bureaucracy which in another few years will become financially unsustainable But governments rarely find it politically advantageous to trim the public service. The one time this was done on a massivescalewasduringthe 1980’swhentherewaslargescale retrenchment with more than 30,000 persons sentpacking. Butevenifitis politically suicidal to rightsize the public service, at least it can be made fit-for purpose. The public service is supposed to serve the public. But to what extent hasanyattemptbeenmadeto makethepublicbureaucracy morecustomer-friendly?

This is why public service reform is so important.Itisthemeansby whichthepublicservicecan be made more responsive to the public and for more services to be devolved to communities.

Thepandemicprovideda learningexperienceforsuch reforms. In many countries, the government and private sector alike have begun to reduce overhead costs such as rentals and electricity costs by having more persons work virtually and from home. And yet these havebeenstoutlyresistedin Guyana even though there

We getting more new contractors dan freshly-born babies

Is nuff road building in de country De Budget mek roll-over provision fuh roads. Datiswhysomepeoplecallingitarollover Budget.

Yuh does know when elections around de corner when yuh see government building nuff roads in dem communities. Demdoescallit‘peaking’.

De government did peak too early fuh localgovernmentelections.Dembinhoping it would have been in March. So dem start dem road- building campaign early But de Opposition nah want local government elections.Demrunningadividedhouseand dem nah certain after wah happen in 2020 whetherdemganabletoattractdefinancing fuhdemcampaign.

But it look as if local government electionsbackondecards.Andthereforeall dem roads wah nah complete gat fuh completebydeendofMay

De government did not tekking chance whendemthoughtdeelectionswouldhave been in March dis year Dem nah waiting pon bitumen. Dem building nuff roads in cement. Dem boys glad because it does createastrongerfoundation.

If plenty foundation gat fuh build and demneednuffcontractors. Butwahgetdem boystickledisdeamountofnewcontractors wahemerging.Peoplewahneverevenhold a spade forming construction company

Someofdemwinninggovernmentcontract anddemgettingothercontractorsfuhdode wuk while dem drawing down a handsome profit.

It now easy fuh any and everybody become a contractor People leffing dem good wuk fuh go and build road. Even thoughnuffofdemnahknowdedifference betweengravelandcrusherrun. Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

are many government agencies which hardly interfacewiththepublic.

The government should not be having to expend billions for rentals, other overheads and all the supplieswhichareneededto keep certain offices going. For example, why should buildings be rented for the regulatory agencies such as the Integrity Commission a n d t h e N a t i o n a l Broadcasting Authority? Howmuchinterfacewiththe publictakesplace?Adeskto receive submissions from public officers and for payment for broadcasting licences can be established insomegovernmentoffice.

There is certain division of responsibilities that is necessary for the efficient functioning of government. This is why there are Ministries and Agencies

TheOfficeofthePresidentis not a super-Ministry and thereforeshouldonlybeable toreferandnotdirect.

I f P r e s i d e n t i a l

o u t r e a c h e s a r e

institutionalized, it will involve whoever is assigned to refer and follow-up on matters to have certain

d i r e c t i v e p o w e r s .

I n s t i t u t i o n a l i z i n g Presidential outreaches will create conflicts between the Office of the President and

other Ministries and governmentagencies.

There are better options

available to bring government to the people. Devolving government services is one such option.

For years, under the PPP/C, all manner of excuses were madeastowhytheissuance of passports had to be centralized Persons were forced to travel long

distancesinthecityandline upfromearlymorningjustto be able to apply for their passports. Then they would havetoreturntoonelocation to uplift their passports.The APNU+AFC came in and devolvedtheapplicationsfor and issuance of passports. And it has worked. But the PPP/Clovescentralization.

But the PPP/C is woeful when it comes to policymaking. What passes for policy-making is often brainwave ideas such as the decision to institutionalise Presidential outreaches in everyRegion.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

Norton urges Procurement Commission show some fight against corruption

With $388 billion approvedinthisyearbudget for capital expenditure, Leader of the Opposition, AubreyNortononThursday said that the money which mostlycoversinfrastructural projects must be spent with strict financial oversight so as to minimise corruption and mismanagement of the funds.

Norton made the call during his weekly press conference yesterday where he stated that this year the government has produced a budget without measures to address poverty, the high cost of living, high inflation and the high level of unemployment.Thefocusof thebudgethenotedhowever is on infrastructural development which is needed, but it is being done in a way to facilitate widespreadcorruption.

Inlightoftheforegoing, Nortonsaidthatthereisneed for a strict financial oversight to minimise fraud andwasteofthefundsanda public procurement system that ensures equity and rewards a wider range of

citizensinthesociety “ F o r 2 0 2 3 , t h e government has allocated G$388 billion for capital expenditure. Most of this money will be spent on infrastructure projects, such as roads and public buildings. Guyanese should be aware that almost all of the G$388 billion will be filtered through the public procurement system – in other words, through contracts to be awarded by governmentministries,state agencies, and regional democratic councils Against this background, there is a need for the government to put in place measures (a) to minimize corruption and financial mismanagement, and (b) to ensure equitable allocation ofcontractsacrossgroupsin thesociety,”hestated. Calling for measures to beputinplace,heexplained yesterday that the Coalition when they were in government, delivered quality infrastructure at a much lower cost than the present PPP/C regime. He said, “The revelation by

Member of Parliament

David Patterson, during his budget presentation indicated that PPP road contracts are costing taxpayers $40 million per km more than under the Coalitiongovernment.”

The Opposition Leader mentioned that this highlights the crisis of corruption and financial mismanagement in the public procurement system atpresentandthisshouldnot be left unchecked since the crisiswillworsen.

He noted that with this crisis the Guyanese people will get fewer and fewer returnsrelativetothemoney invested in capital projects. According to Norton, in public spending, citizens must always demand cost minimization, efficiency (or output maximization), and effectiveness (or full attainment of the intended results).

Highlighting that there must be greater oversight and accountability, Norton said too that “the Public Procurement Commission must get off its rump and

fulfill its mandate ” He explained that the Guyana Constitution (Article 212 AA) empowers this Commissionto“monitorthe performanceofprocurement bodies with respect to adherencetoregulationsand efficiency in procuring goods and services and executionofworks”and“to investigate cases of i r r e g u l a r i t y a n d mismanagement, and proposeremedialaction.”

Therefore, as an independent constitutional body, the Commission must notallowthegovernmentto thwart the fulfillment of its responsibility to the people. It must urgently get its act together,Nortonadded.

Additionally he stated, the Office of the Auditor Generalmustconductvaluefor-money audits for large projects not only after construction,butalsoduring construction.

“The APNU+AFC during the budget debate 2023 advocated for a P e o p l e - C e n t e r e d Development Strategy in which the resources of our

country should benefit the people.Unfortunately,thisis not the case with this government since no action is being taken to ensure the entire G$388B capital budgetfor2023benefitsthe people of Guyana,” Norton expressed.

As it relates to measures

to ensure equitable allocation of contracts, Norton mentioned that the Public Procurement Commission must work towards building a contract award system that, while remaining fair and competitive,canatthesame time include special measurestocorrectprevious discriminationandinjustices by opening the door for wider participation from under-represented groups

In this way, the distribution of the country’s economic wealth can promote social

and economic justice and inclusion across ethnic, religious, gender, political, andsociallines,hebriefed.

“The stark imbalance in the award of government contracts must now be addressed to ensure a wider cross-section of Guyanese individuals and businesses can benefit as contractors. There is no denying the obvious fact that only a narrow section of the population benefits overwhelmingly from contract awards This unacceptable situation has been allowed to continue unrestrictedfortoolongand h a s b e c o m e s e l fperpetuating. These acts of political and ethnic discrimination in the awarding of contracts are unacceptable, ” the Opposition Leader related onThursday

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

Nandlall recounts legal battles, other alleged attempts to derail 2020 elections

Attorney General (AG) appointment made by places were situated in many private residences

Anil Nandlall SC recalled Former President David places where persons who were being identified as the lengthy legal battles that Granger of chairman of the from PPPstrongholds had to

marred the holding and the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s leave their villages to go to

subsequent final results of Commission Ret’d Justice places which are known procedure is that private the 2020 Regional and JamesPatterson. strongholds for other places can only be used in GeneralElections. The Attorney General p o l i t i c a l g r o u p s instances where public AG Nandlall made this noted that both cases ended unfortunately, Guyana has a bui

disclosure when he took the up at the Caribbean Court of history of hostility during available…”Nandlallsaid. stand in the Presidential Justice in Trinidad where elections time between He noted that there were Commission of Inquiry into theywereresolved. supporters of the two major several instances set to mar the national poll on He went added that politicalparties.” the final results of the March Thursday. similarcourtcaseswerefiled He noted that placing 2020 Regional and General

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

During his testimony, by the political opposition polling places for People’s Electionsresults. Nandlall referenced the once the election got Progressive Party Civic Prior to Nandlall, court case challenging the underway. He claimed that (PPP/C)supporterswereofa GECOMcommissionerSase no-confidence motion he witnessed instances concern to the party. “We Gunraj admitted under brought against the then A where decisions were taken raised our concerns several cross-examination by Partnership for National by officials of the Guyana times with the Chief Deputy Chief Elections Unity +Alliance For Change Elections Commission to Elections Officer but to no Officer (DCEO), Roxanne required security tag when before the March 2020 Government as well as the derail the election. “There avail; until we were able to Myers Attorney Nigel he was reportedly blocked Elections he had repeatedly matter against the unilateral wereinstanceswherepolling establish in Georgetown that Hughes, he did not have the from going to the third floor written the then Chief ofthecommandcentre. Elections Officer (CEO),

He admitted too that he KeithLowenfieldrequesting was at the time pursuing a number of electoral Region Four Returning d o c u m e n t s b u t h a d Officer (RO) Clairmont encountered several Mingo. difficulties.

He told the Commission Mustapha was an agent no tag was required for the ofthePPP/Cduringthe2020 secondfloor,whereanoffice General and Regional f o r t h e E l e c t i o n s Elections. On February 17, Commission was set up, 2020hehadalso,bywayofa along with a logistics letter, notified Mr department and other Lowenfield of Mr Manzoor facilities. Nadir’s appointment as the

Meanwhile, Minister of party’s Assistant Elections Agriculture, Zulfikar Agent, and later, of the Mustapha also appeared appointment of Mr. Charles before the commission Ramson Jr. as the PPP/C’s telling them, that weeks CountingAgent.

Guyanese urged to expose and resist secrecy surrounding gas-to-energy project

-asoppositionrenewscallforthe releaseofallcontractsandagreements

The opposition, A project, if it is based on a National Assembly instructs Partnership for National proper feasibility study, a the Minister of Natural Unity +Alliance For Change thorough environmental Resources to forthwith lay (APNU+AFC) has flagged impact assessment and over to the National what they term as the under properly implemented, Assembly all documents the under-the-table manner could be transformative and relating to the construction in which the government is deliver cheap and reliable of the Wales Gas-to-Energy embarking on the gas-to- electricity to households, Project and the Heads of Governmentandinvestors. in secrecy, it is his Minister, David Pattersonon energy project During a factories, and other Agreement signed on June Mahipaul reasoned, responsibility as an elected October 18, 2022 had asked press conference on businesses. 30,2022.”

“Theclaimthattheprojectis official to ensure there is whether any agreements Thursday, the Leader of the “Unfortunately, there are Mahipaul further stated notfinalisedyetcannotbeof t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d were signed with Esso Opposition, Aubrey Norton no such feasibility and that the motion is submitted merit because billions of accountability in the Exploration and Production noted if the Government’s environmental impact against the backdrop of the dollars were already spent in managementofpublicfunds. GuyanaLimited(EEPGL)in handlings of the project is studies and therefore one is Government clearly 2022 and billions budgeted This is the third attempt connection with the Wales not exposed and resisted, it left to conclude that this is spending huge sums of tobespentin2023.” by the Opposition seeking project and if yes, for the opens the door to hundreds going to be another failed taxpayers’ money without The Opposition Member details surrounding the MinistertosupplytheHouse of billions of dollars being project and the waste of notifying the citizens what ofParliamentconcludedthat controversial GTE project. with a copy of the said continuously spent on billions of taxpayers’dollars theagreementisbetweenthe with the government acting Shadow Natural Resources agreement. infrastructure projects bytheVicePresidentandthe u n l a w f u l l y a n d PPPregime,”hesaid.

unconstitutionally He continued that, “In

“We warned that the addition, this project is now project rests in the hands of severely jeopardized by the Vice President Bharrat secrecy surrounding the Jagdeo, who is the subject of project, the lack of credible allegations of consultations and by the bribery, corruption and egotism and incompetence influence-peddling and who ofBharratJagdeo.Thisisthe has a string of failed projects jeopardy we must all try to on his resume that have cost avert.”

Guyanese billions of dollars. Opposition Member of We intend, therefore, to Parliament, Ganesh remain relentless in our Mahipaul on Monday demand for the government submitted a Motion to the to release all contracts and National Assembly seeking agreements on the Gas-to- the release of all documents Energyproject,“Nortonsaid for the Wales Gas-to-Energy inastatement. (GTE)Project.

He noted that already, In the motion seen by Members of Parliament Kaieteur News, Mahipaul Volda Lawrence and Ganesh said that in 2022, a total of Mahipaul have submitted $24,613,000,000 was questionsandaMotiontothe allocated in the Budget for NationalAssembly. the project with another “We have since $43,300,000,000 approved submitted a second Motion this year towards the calling on the National construction. Assembly to mandate the With over $67.9 billion Parliamentary Select already budgeted, the Committees on Natural Opposition Parliamentarian Resources and Economic pointed out that the House is Servicestojointlyreviewthe yet to be provided with the project documents with the Final Investment Plan. He assistance, if necessary, of also noted that the Peoples financial and other relevant Progressive Party (PPP) experts,”Nortonsaid. Government signed a Heads

The Opposition Leader of Agreement with the c l a i m e d t h a t t h e Stabroek Block coAPNU+AFC were the venturers, ExxonMobil, initiators of the Gas-to- Hess and CNOOC on June Energy project and therefore 30,2022. has no problem with the idea To this end, Mahipaul inprinciple. said in his motion, “BE IT Nortonexplainedthatthe RESOLVED, that this

Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton addresses the press conference on Thursday

Public Works Ministry seeking consultant to supervise construction of stellings, wharf

With ongoing works on a number of stellings and at the Kingston Wharf, the Ministry of Public Works is seeking a supervisoryfirmtooverseetheproject.

At the recent opening of tenders, a total of six firms have applied to carry out the jobs. The successful firm will supervise the works at the Kingston Wharf, Port Kaituma, BarticaandLeguanstellings.

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

Guyana CivilAviationAuthority Expression of Interest- Communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems- replacement of equipment.

Instrument flight procedure design service.

Ministry of Public Works

Construction supervision services for Lot1: Kingston Goods Wharf and Port Kaituma Stelling, Lot2: Bartica and Leguan Stellings.

Guyana EnergyAgency Consultancy service: Preparation of detailed site investigation reports.

Provision of security serviced for theAgency for the year 2023.

(Continued on page 22)

GNBS give all-clear to Durable Wood Products Inc. and Techlify Inc. to use ‘Made in Guyana’ mark

Th e G u y a n a ceremony was attended by value added products and According to Kissoon, T h e G N B S i s advantage in the local and National Bureau the Ministers of Tourism, international marketing, Techlify Inc. has over 100 e n c o u r a g i n g m o r e international markets of Standards Industry and Commerce and and with this mark, they can local companies using its businesses to sign up to be a Application forms can be

( G N B S ) o n Natural Resources, Oneidge now boldly say it is Made in payroll software and he part of the Made in Guyana a c c e s s e d a t Wednesday and Thursday Walrond, and Vickram Guyana. It is a proud day foresees additional clientele C e r t i f i c a t i o n M a r k https://gnbsgy.org/certificati gave clearance to Durable Bharrat,respectively for this country because because of the Made in Programme to give their on/made-in-guyanaWood Products Inc and Minister Walrond, who products will no longer be GuyanaCertification. products that competitive certification/ Techlify Inc., respectively to presented the certificate to l e a v i n g G u y a n a use the Made in Guyana the Durable Wood Products unlabelled.” (MIG) Standards Mark on Inc CEO lauded the Head of the GNBS’ theirproducts. company for taking the step Certification Department,

The Made in Guyana to become Made in Guyana Ms.AndreaMendoncainher certificate presented to Certified, highlighting the r e m a r k s e x t e n d e d Durable Wood Products Inc. importance of standards as congratulations to the made the company the Guyana seeks to become a company for achieving this second in the category to country that is looking to m i l e s t o n e “ T h i s attain certification under the make its products globally programme was launched programme,andthefirst100 competitive. with the aim of giving percent Guyanese owned She noted, “the vision of l o c a l l y m a n u f a c t u r e d business to do so in the the Ministry is to have the Guyanese products brand forestrysector Made in Guyana Mark be recognition, among other

The company, which is synonymous with quality, benefits” shenoted. the 23rd to become certified, exceptional quality and to

Meanwhile,TechlifyInc. was permitted by the GNBS b e s y n o n y m o u s w i t h isthefirstsoftwarecompany to affix the MIG Standards supporting local, so when toachievetherighttousethe Mark to its Taper Sawn persons see the Made in Made in Guyana Standards Wallaba Shingles, which are Guyana Mark, they know Mark on its locally madeforroofsandwalls. there is no other question, developed software. They

The company’s Chief that this is an exceptional joined the list of 23 other Executive Officer (CEO) product and that is the companies that have been and President of the Guyana vision.” certified Made in Guyana by Manufacturers and Services Meanwhile, Minister the GNBS. The certificate Association (GMSA) Mr Bharrat stated “When was handed over by Head of Rafeek Khan said that persons hear of and see the the Certification Services, although the use of wallaba Made in Guyana Mark, it Ms. Andrea Mendonca to shingles is quite uncommon, brings a sense of pride and Chief Executive Officer of it has been used for about a patriotism, and it shows Techlify, Mr Joshua centuryinGuyana. how far we have come as a Kissoon in the presence of

During the handing over people and a country.” He Software Engineer, Mr. ceremony, held at Land of added, “There was a time Shemar Austin at a brief Canaan, East Bank when if you had a Made in ceremony held at the GNBS Demerara, the CEO thanked Guyana stamp on a product Sophiaoffice. the GNBS for giving it wouldn’t sell. Today, we Mr Kissoon expressed Durable Wood Products Inc. have done it and it’s heartfelt gratitude to the the rights to use the MIG marketable throughout the GNBS, highlighting “we are Standards Mark on its entire world as we promote very proud to have the Made shingles, noting that the Guyana and Guyanese in Guyana Mark on our mark would help to identify products.” product; we have received the company’s shingles T h e G M S A support from many local alongwithwhatitsgradeand Representative, Mr. companies and this is standards are, and that is Mahendra Chand said, important because local veryimportant. “Durable Wood Products content and support are

Inc. has been committed to really big in Guyana.”

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond presents the Made in Guyana Certificate to CEO of Durable Wood Products, Mr. Rafeek Khan

Techlify Inc.’s CEO, Mr. Joshua Kissoon receives Made in Guyana Certificate from Head of Certification Services of the GNBS, Ms. Andrea Mendonca

Exxon says NO to increase in royalties for any new Stabroek Block projects

Head of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge has shut the door on the possibility of giving Guyanese the slightest increase in royalty on any of itsStabroekBlockprojects.

At a press conference held yesterday at his company’s Kingstown office, Routledge said Exxon is doing extensive appraisal and exploration work in the area around the Fangtooth discovery in the block. He said this is to define a potential seventh developmentproject.

Given that it is wrapped up in discussions with the Guyana government for permission to move ahead withafifthandsixthproject, and is already eyeing a and we don’t have the same

The location of the Stabroek Block

Panthera Solutions Inc. gets IRATA Rope Access Certification

PantheraSolutionsInc.,a i t u n d e r s c o r e s o u r leading provider of offshore commitment to safety and maintenance services and qualityinallouroperations,” equipment in the oil and gas s a i d R a y M c L e a n , industry has announced that Operations Manager of it has achieved IRATA Rope PantheraSolutionsInc.“Our AccessCertification. clients can rest assured

Thethirddevelopmentat expected to come online at seventh, Kaieteur News surety that we can actually thePayarafieldisontrackto the end of 2026 with a gross asked if Exxon would be make it work but it would be come online at the end of production capacity of willing to renegotiate on a premature to even think 2023 utilizing the Prosperity approximately 250,000 royalty higher than the aboutthatdiscussion.” floating, production, storage barrelsofoilperday current two percent for one Kaieteur News then and offloading (FPSO) Discussions have ofthoseventures. askedpointedlyifhisanswer vessel with a production already commenced for a

Routledge said, “At the boils down to a “no” to capacity of approximately sixth project at the Whiptail end of the day, the projects which Routledge answered 220,000 gross barrels of oil discovery are not getting any easier, so intheaffirmative. perday. The Stabroek Block is yes we have line of sight to T h i s n e w s p a p e r The fourth development, 6 . 6 m i l l i o n a c r e s . number six and we see the previously reported that Yellowtail, is expected to ExxonMobil affiliate Esso costs on the world market ExxonMobil Guyana come online in 2025, Exploration and Production inflating and for number c u r r e n t l y h a s f o u r utilizingtheONEGUYANA Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is seven we don’t have full line sanctioned developments on FPSO with a production operator and holds 45 of sight yet We have theStabroekBlock.TheLiza capacity of approximately percent interest in the mentioned the discovery in Phase One and Phase Two 250,000 gross barrels of oil Stabroek Block Hess theFangtoothareawherewe developments are currently perday Guyana Exploration Ltd have a very active operating at their combined A Plan of Development holds 30 percent interest and exploration and appraisal in gross production capacity of for the fifth development at CNOOC Petroleum Guyana that area but it is a slightly morethan380,000barrelsof the Uaru field is awaiting Limited holds 25 percent bigger resource in that area oilperday regulatory approval. It is interest.

The certification knowingthatourropeaccess demonstrates Panthera work is performed by SolutionsInc.’scommitment certified technicians, using to the highest standards of the latest equipment and safety and quality in rope techniques, and to the accesstechniquesandmakes highest standards of safety it the only approved IRATA andquality.” operations and training Panthera Solutions Inc. company in Guyana, the provides a wide range of company said in a press offshore maintenance release. services, including

IRATA (Industrial Rope scaffolding, abrasive AccessTradeAssociation) is blasting & painting, and the world’s leading authority more,toclientsintheoiland on rope access techniques gasindustry WiththeIRATA and sets the industry Rope Access Certification, standards for training, the company can now offer assessment and certification its customers an even wider of rope access technicians. range of services and “We are proud to have increased safety and achievedthiscertification,as efficiency

Govt. withdraws G$41.6B from NRF

The Government of NRF to the Consolidated Guyana on Thursday Fundto.” announced that it has The ministry said that withdrawn G$41.6B from US$607 6 million was the Natural Resource Fund withdrawn in 2022, in (NRF) and transferred it to keeping with the NRF Act the Consolidated Fund to 2021, to finance national f i n a n c e n a t i o n a l development priorities and, developmentpriorities. as part of the Budget 2023

In a statement, the process, Parliamentary Ministry of Finance said that approval was granted for a the withdrawal represents total of US$1.002 billion to the first for the year and was be transferred during fiscal done in accordance with the year2023.

Natural Resource Fund The Ministry of Finance (NRF) Act 2021, following said that the NRF Act 2021, the passage of Budget 2023 which came into operation intheNationalAssemblylast on January 1, 2022, week. “represents a significant

“The Minister [Senior i m p r o v e m e n t i n Minister of Finance Dr t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d Ashni Singh] indicated that accountability and the pursuant to Section 16 of the overall management of NRF Act 2021, US$200M Guyana’s natural resource equivalent to G$41.6B has wealth for present and future been transferred from the generations”.

Guyana’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the Liza Destiny

Despite paying off Liza 1 expenses, Guyana still collecting meagre 12.5% profits from its oil due to lack of ring-fencing

Guyana has managed to equivalent to the original activities. Each month bills pay back ExxonMobil and investment for Liza Phase from future producing its partners, Hess and One.” developments are added to CNOOC, approximately Routledge also pointed thelistofexpensestobecost US$4 billion for developing out that significant progress recoveredbyExxon. the Liza Phase One offshore has also been made in terms

After the 75 percent is project Under normal of repaying the investment deducted to pay back the oil conditions, with ring- on the second deepwater company, Guyana then fencing, the country would project, Liza Phase Two. He shares 50/50 of the 25 have now been reaping 50 couldnotstatehowmuchhas percent remaining with percent of the profits from been paid off to date but Exxon as profits This that project, but in the noted that these details amounts to 12.5 percent of absence of this key would be included in the profitsfromtheoperations. provision, Guyana will company’s financials that

A passionate and almost continue to receive a meagre shouldbereleasedinanother angry Bharrat Jagdeo while from the 2016 Production isafindoutthere,ourpeople office – three billion barrels 12.5percentinprofits. fewweeks. functioning as Leader of the Sharing Agreement (PSA) should be sad because of proven reserves and they

Country Manager for Presently, Guyana shares Opposition, just over three with Exxon. At that time, nothing comes our way We gave up zero royalties, no ExxonMobil Guyana, revenue with ExxonMobil years ago, said in an Jagdeoassuredthatwhenthe are gonna renegotiate those taxes,noring-fencing.”

Alistair Routledge in after the company deducts interview that the then A People’s Progressive Party contracts because that’s not Soon after taking office response to a question from 75 percent towards the cost Partnership for National Civic (PPP/C) returned to what we had in mind,” in 2020, the now Vice Kaieteur News yesterday incurred to develop the Unity+AllianceForChange office, this would be a Jagdeosaid. President (VP) has not only said that the project’s resources in the Stabroek (APNU+AFC) Coalition priority when the contract is He added, “When we changed his tune but also his expenseshavebeencleared. Block This arrangement, government “sold” the renegotiated. were in the early days, we tone when it comes to the

He explained, “On Liza, withthelackofring-fencing, country to “foreigners”

“They sold us out to the were coaxing the people renegotiation of the Exxon it all goes into the same cost sees Guyana paying for because that administration foreigners The oil (ExxonMobil) to go along. contractandsecuringgreater bank but we have now projects that are yet to failed to include ringcompanies, every time there They (Coalition) came into benefitsforGuyanese. recovered cost that would be commence production fencing to shore up profits

Herstelling family in alleged $4B money laundering scheme

- Accused of operating as nominees for Chinese businesses, facilitating tax evasions

Following a three year cash knowing or having reasons to transfers, amounting to over $3.7 investigation by the Special believe that the said cash is the billion (Guyana currency) were Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an proceeds of crime with the aim of sent to 22 companies in China arm of the Guyana Police Force concealing or disguising the illicit under the pretext of importing raw (GPF), a Herstelling, East Bank origin. materials to produce bioDemerara (EBD) family was

As forYvette, a summary of the degradable products, while other slapped with close to 300 charges charges she faces is that she sums were disguised locally alleging that they laundered $4.1 conspired with her husband and his totallingover$4.1billion. billion of criminal proceeds from sontoconvertortransferthecashin K a r i m b a k s h s a i d h i s operating as nominees for some question, knowing or having investigators did not find any Chinese businesses in Guyana and reasonable grounds to believe that legitimate source of these funds, alsofacilitatingtaxevasionthrough the cash in whole or in part directly which the accused wire transferred theirbusiness. or indirectly represents proceeds of out of Guyana. As such, he stated

Those charged are Kenneth crime,withtheaimofconcealingor that the family’s action suggested Kellawan Ramnarine, a taxi driver, disguisingtheillicitorigin. that they may be operating as and his reputed wife Yvette Nalini

According to the Head of nominees for some Chinese Saroop, a businesswoman, and SOCU, Assistant Commissioner businesses and also facilitating tax Kenneth’s son, Damien Brandon Fazil Karimbaksh, the trio evasion through Ken’s Trading Ramnarine all of Lot 274 Somerset conducted multiple suspicious Enterprise. them. Both magistrates remanded toMarch17,2023. Court,Herstelling. transactions at several financial Ateam of SOCU investigators, them to prison and they are The Herstelling family faces a

The couple was arrested on institutions in Guyana, raising which comprised several senior expected to make their next court total of 286 charges. Kenneth and Tuesday at the Cheddi Jagan concernsthattheymaybeinvolved officers, contacted several appearanceonMarch6,2023. his son were charged jointly, while International Airport (CJIA) while inmoneylaunderingactivities. prominent businesses in

Notably, the younger Yvette, who allegedly conspired attempting to flee the jurisdiction

Karimbaksh disclosed that the Georgetown during the course of Ramnarine, Damien was slated to withthem,waschargedseparately for the United States of America suspicions were primarily on the the investigations, which appear in court on Wednesday but Thefather-sonduowascharged (USA). large number of unsubstantiated commencedinAugust2020,whom hewasabsent. with money laundering which was

However,onThursdaymorning laid in contravention of Section 3 his wife appeared before Chief businessaccountsofKen’sTrading fund declaration forms, and these in the company of his lawyer (1) (a) of the Anti-Money Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Enterprise. businesses vehemently denied Damien surrendered to SOCU. He Laundering and Countering the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

On Wednesday, Kenneth and cash deposits made via Kenneth’s theaccusedlistedontheirsourceof

Itwasdisclosedthatthesources doing such large transactions with wasthenescortedtocourtwherehe FinancingofTerrorismActChapter and then appeared before of funds declarations submitted to them. faced several counts of money 10:11 contrary to Section 3 (6) (a) Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the several commercial banks show As a result, SOCU conducted laundering. (ii)ofthesaidact. Diamond/ Grove Magistrates’ that most of the deposits are several covert and overt

Damien appeared before the Asummary of all the charges is Court in the company of their attributed to sales proceeds from investigations and operations, ChiefMagistrateandthenappeared thatKennethandhissonknowingly attorney,BernardDaSilva. biodegradable food boxes sold to monitoring the suspects and their before Magistrate Scarce. He was or having reasonable grounds to

local businesses, particularly lifestyles until enough evidence not required to plead to the believe that the cash in question, indictably and as such, the couple Chineserestaurants. was collected beyond a reasonable indictable charges and both whether in whole or in part directly was not required to plead to the The Head of SOCU claimed doubt. Before the charges were magistrates remanded him to or indirectly represents proceeds of charges after they were read to that a substantial number of wire broughtagainstthem. prison.Thematterswereadjourned crime, converted or transferred the

Remanded: Yvette Saroop

Remanded: Kenneth Ramnarine

Guyana’s oil to pay for Exxon’s US$160M Headquarters

Ex x o n M o b i l and we need an office to Corporation’s ensure people can work subsidiary, Esso effectively and efficiently

Exploration and and (the cost) will be Production Guyana Limited recovered.” (EEPGL) will be using Routledge added, “…We Guyana’s oil resources to do monthly reports to the pay for its spanking Ministry of Natural US$160M headquarters at R e s o u r c e s o n h o w Ogle. construction cost and

This was confirmed benchmarking is moving yesterday by ExxonMobil along and it is very Guyana’s Head, Alistair efficientlypriced. Routledge. It is not going to be some

During an engagement fancy building with lots of with members of the media glass on the inside. It is a fit yesterday, Routledge said forpurposedevelopment.” the Ogle complex will serve The Exxon official said as the main centre for the company will dedicate EEPGL’s operations He one floor of the building for said, “We are currently c o n t r o l r o o m s a n d straining in at the seams monitoring facilities previously reported that Ogle Airport Inc., near the two office buildings, an Construction on the here (at our Kingston connected by a

office) with 250 people and network.

we are going to exceed 500 K a i e t e u r N

An impression of what the local Exxon H/Q will look like

non-independent expert can’t say what is safe for us’

- Houston residents tell Schlumberger

By Shervin Belgrave

genetic damage or mutation to animals and plants

Scientists believe these c o n s u l t a n t w i t h changes could prevent Schlumberger on Tuesday sustainable procreation. In failed to convince residents his presentation, Aitken that his company’s Houston, sought to explain the East Bank Demerara (EBD) extreme measures his radioactive waste facility is company has in place to harmlessbecauseheisnotan protect residents living close independent expert on the to the facility and its environmental dangers it employees from exposure to poses. dangerous levels of

James Doug Aitken, a

Aitken is a retired radiation. Schlumberger employee and The Schlumberger was reportedly brought in by consultantclaimedthatallof the company to be its the company’s radioactive Aitken said that it is highly the consultation Another Smith filed a lawsuit at the consultant in Guyana. On sourcesaretriplesealedwith unlikely this would happen joined in saying, “We do not Demerara High Court, Tuesday, he presented on the most non-corrosive because of how secure the know much about this thing against the Environmental engage citizens on radiation safety during a alloys and added that they radioactivesourcesarekept. and you can come here and Protection Agency (EPA), operationsofthefacility public consultation hosted are stored in pits secured by Theconsultantexplained tell us anything” while t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l Research by this by IMEX INC. - a local heavy lids that only special that if one of it sources gets others shouted, “You work Assessment Board and publication shows that environmental service machinescanremove.When lost in the pits, it can remain for them, they are paying Schlumberger exposure to radioactive provider to oil and gas asked if flooding can affect there for hundreds of years you;wedon’twantithere”. It was reported that on waste can cause cancerous companies- at Parc Rayne, the storage facility, causing without causing any A third resident, Dr January 19, 2022, the EPA growths in humans and Rahaman’s Park, EBD to leaks and contamination, catastrophe and assured that Roshan Khan said, “You do without any notice given to no matter long it takes, not love us… Y’all are here the public, granted Schlumberger will return to to mek money… we don’t Schlumberger permission to remove them. Despite his trust you… all of you there use, store and possess efforts to convince the are white washing”. One of radioactive materials at its Houston residents that the the company’s officials tried facility located at Houston. company’s operation does one last time to convince the With the several citizens not pose any significant residents by responding “It’s stating their disapproval for threats, it was not enough to true I don’t love you, I only the radioactive (RA) facility shaketheirstancethatsucha love my wife but it is at Houston, given its close facility should not be in or impossible for any proximitytoschools,homes, closetotheircommunities. catastrophe to happen” but it places of worship and work

Whenitwastimetoshare wasofnouse. places among others, their comments on his Tuesday’s meeting with Schlumberger is willing to presentation, one of the the residents came close to relocateiftheneedarises. residents said, “With due two months after the The company’s lawyer, respect sir, the presenter Guyana’s High Court ruled Kyle Prescod told reporters [Aitken], he is not an that operations at the facility at the sidelines of the event, independent…he is not an must cease. On February 14, “Well then we just have to independent person that we 2022, three Environmental look at alternatives, whether deserve, we want somebody Activists and residents who it be relocating the facility independent to come and live nearby the facility, or… we don’t know at this explain to us what this really Vanda Radzik, Danuta point in time, but of course is”. Radzik, and Raphael Singh, we are in the hands of the

This resident’s view was through their Lawyers: regulator so whatever the supported by almost all the Marlene Alleyne, Siand regulatorsaysintermsof other residents who attended Dhurjon, and Ronald Burch- (Continued on page 22)

‘A

Schlumberger Consultant, James Doug Aitken making his presentation

Houston residents at the consultation meeting.

By GHK Lall

Why does the Schlumberger facility have to be in a residential community?

are spaces in Essequibo and wasteplantinCoverden. reference to hazardous Demerara, Guyana? Next, institution? around the Berbice River - InHouston,Ibelievethat materials. am I interpret this to mean Where is the PPP isolated and unpeopled the least cost, most

Because of this new that Guyanese lives are Government, its leaders, and Undersea oil activity to Why not locate the convenient method, settled development, I am left with cheaper? its media endorsers on this? some degree or the other, hazardous facilities of for is plunking down a no option but to table these Then, that Guyanese Or are Houston residents involves the use of companies with vendor facility with known questions,aspiercingasthey (Houston area citizens) mere collateral damage, the hazardous material. This relationships in Guyana’s hazardous elements maybe. anxieties, fears, and price of oil progress, meansthatonshoresuppliers booming oil sector in Despite smooth public T

b e g i n w i t h concerns are of no Guyana’sdawning,booming of oil companies operating unoccupied spaces, like corporatechatter,companies Schlumberger ever consider consequence? That is, civilization? offshore Guyana would be those? Why try to retrofit, decide on the ongoing risks and continue with such a because of the short thrift, Go ahead, Schlumberger holding inventories of a very force-feed, Georgetown for anduninterrupteddangersof facilityinHouston,Texas,as the seemingly great make good on that promise large quantities of likely what it was not designed? facilities like these in it fights to maintain in disregard extended to them to relocate Not near hazardous materials. Even Why ignore sprawling open populatedareas. Houston, East Bank first, then their judicial populatedareas,please. from my layman’s eye, I spaces?

Thus, there is Houston don’t see how it could be I appreciate why today; with a Coverden otherwise. The oil business Schlumberger must have its before. And there is the is not of baking bread, using facility in Houston, it is such corporate confidence that flour We know of a drop-dead issue for the Guyana’s Environmental complaints from areas about company. It involves P r o t e c t i o n A g e n c y rice factories; the oil money There is the o v e r s e e i n g t h e s e businessisnotofsucheither nearness to the Demerara developments will give the Afriend had to close a small River, its long waterfront, swiftest, smoothest, rubberpig business that he had and its convenient port(s) stamped clearances to within community space a n d w h a r v e s whatever applications come Thesetouchuponquality-of- Transportationfromwharfto for approvals. Foreigners, life issues, with health Houston facility is quick, buoyed by assurances from concerns uppermost. They cheap, easy The logistical political and other actors, arenotoverblownorwithout consideration of movement have the foresight that foundation; represent an fromportviaroadswouldbe community concerns would array of human anxieties. costly, risky, slow and be papered over, or Withthisasbackdrop,Istare cumbersome,andcompound overruled, by the EPA; hard at Houston and the daily local road objectors fading away; and Schlumberger nightmarenowthenorm. Guyana’s courts favouring.

I strongly believe that Security of radioactive One courageous, principled Houston residents are material has to feature. A Guyanese judge, Nareshwar worried, with neither truck could have an accident Harnanan,didn’t. pretense nor ulterior motive (or hijacked). With global It hurts for me to say that at work. Health, ambience, operators in Guyana wedonothaveafunctioning and values number among nowadays, the fears are EPA at this most critical theirmainconcerns. open-ended. juncture, this formative

So, why Schlumberger Matter could get into our stage, of our Oil Age. It just must have its facility in air, or through backdoors to angers me to think that what Houston, home of people, elsewhere. Should I say Schlumberger first did in families? Why does this America? Concerns should Houston,butwasstoppedby acknowledged hazardous abound over a security a Guyana Court, is now business be in Houston, and breach for such sensitive being persisted with before not in an unpeopled materials in a residential the EPA, and with the some location? Why does any neighbourhood I think of the same, if not most, of company, local or foreign, s o m e o f t h i s w a s the component operational Schlumberger or other, experienced with Global Oil attributes untouched and believe and conclude that it Environment Services, a intact. I speak with specific has the legal, moral, and commercialrighttoestablish such a business, facility, plant, structure, in an area inhabited by people? Not whales, owls, or other endangered species? I am concerned by what is interpreted to be this almost casual disregard for the risks and dangers to our fellow Guyanese. I could have been them, can’t say what would have followed then. Though distant from Houston, I am there in spirit, and any force that I can muster Now I applaud Schlumberger’s signaled willingness to relocate from Houston.

We have considerable landspace.Thebiggestissue is that Georgetown and environs were not designed for industrial sites, certainly not hazardous ones. There

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‘A non-independent expert can’t...

From page 18 whether an EIA is required or whether the facility needs to be relocated, we will have to respect and adhere to those.”

The Attorney said the Houston location was selected given its prime position near the Demerara River. This, he explained, reduces the need for the RA materials being transported on land, thereby limiting its exposure to citizens. According to him, if Schlumberger were to shift its operation elsewhere this may mean road transportation and increased chances of incidents should protocols not be followed.

The representative signalled that while he is not a technical personnel, the activities at Schlumberger are designed in a manner to limit likely impacts from the radioactive sources. “Basically, the sources are sealed sources, so there is the seal that they are stored in, but even when they come out of that shield there is a separate shield for the source so it’s not that you have a radioactive source that is ever out, completely exposed to the environment,” he said.

Schlumberger has moved to the EPA, seeking approval to restart the operations at Houston. The application was made shortly after the Court ruling on December 16, 2022.

authorisation to Schlumberger to construct a radioactive substances and material storage and calibration facility.

Further, the Judge issued an injunction against Schlumberger, restraining it from continuing the possession, use and storage of radioactive chemicals at its Houston facility, unless and until it is in receipt of a lawfully issued permit pursuant to the provisions of the EPA Act. The EPA is presently in the process of reviewing the new application from SGI and will publish its decision on whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required.

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Justice Nareshwar Harnanan ruled that the EPA breached its statutory duties when it made the decision to waive the requirement of an EIA to Schlumberger in relation to granting an environmental permit for the construction of the facility.

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In fact, the Judge declared that EPA’s decision to not conduct an EIA into the effects of the construction of the facility was illegal, ultra vires, unreasonable, and irrational since it breached the Environmental Protection Act, Cap.20:05. Justice Harnanan granted an Order of Certiorari issued and directed to the EPA quashing its decision on June 9, 2021 to award an environmental

If the regulator determines that the study is required, SGI will have to conduct the assessment through an independent consultant, approved by the EPA. That study will then be used by the agency to decide on the project’s approval. On the other hand, the EPA can decide that an EIA is not required and instead order an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and/or other forms of assessment to inform its final decision for the facility. The public must be notified of the EPA’s decision according to the law, which must be supported with reasons for their conclusion. The public will also have an opportunity to offer comments on the decision made by the EPA.

Public Works Ministry seeking consultant...

From page 14

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CDB and World Bank agree to collaborate on Caribbean development

A section of the gathering at the meeting

The Caribbean meet the development needs Development of Caribbean countries Bank (CDB) and Identified areas of emphasis

the World Bank include tourism, renewable charted a path for closer energy,digitization,capacity collaboration to drive the building and education Caribbean’s development “Having solidified links agenda during a joint between the CDB andWorld working session held on Bank teams, I’m sure of our February 2 and 3 in mutual commitment to roll Kingston,Jamaica. our sleeves up and continue

Multi-sectoral teams working toward the best from the institutions outcomes possible for the examined avenues for people of the Caribbean. deeper cooperation to Desiredeconomicandsocial enhance development advancements are most outcomes for Caribbean effectively accomplished countries, the World Bank through the power of saidinapressrelease. partnerships”, said Ms. Lilia

The areas reviewed Burunciuc, World Bank’s included Sustainable Country Director for the D e v e l o p m e n t , Caribbean.

Infrastructure, Energy, Mr IsaacSolomon,CDB Human Development, Vice President, Operations having had the discussions h a v e i n c l u d e d t h e procurement assessments B o r r o w i n g M e m b e r Private Sector Engagement, said “The Caribbean’s needs we will now take action to e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f a and a coordinated and on- C o u n t r i e s i n t h e and Regional Cooperation. are extensive and the key to moveonfromhere.” procurement training centre, going procurement reform Organisation of Eastern

The discussions covered covering more ground is CDBandtheWorldBank the conducting of joint program across CDB’s CaribbeanStates. areas of current focus, active c o l l a b o r a t i o n a n d have enjoyed a longstanding projects and initiatives, as cooperation between partnership with their most well as lessons learned, and institutions that are recentcollaborationscentred bestpractices. facilitating the region’s on bolstering public

The two-day session sustainable development procurement in the concluded with agreements agenda. We will see better Caribbean. Joint initiatives on next steps to adequately results from alignment and

“I wanted to give it my all...” says Sherfane Rutherford whose heroics helped lift Desert Vipers into ILT20 final

SportsMax - Sherfane

Rutherford’s heroics played a significant role in helping the Desert Vipers make their firstever appearance in an ILT20 final on Wednesday.

After suffering a painful hamstring injury that forced him to leave the field, the Guyanese batsman returned to rescue his team smashing 37 off 19 deliveries including three consecutive sixes off David Wiese.

His heroics would help propel Desert Vipers to 178-7, which proved to be enough as the Vipers dismissed Gulf

Giants for 159 in 19.4 overs.

During an interview on the Vipers Voices Podcast afterwards, Rutherford said he knew it was going to be his last game but he wanted to make an impact on the game and help his team.

“It was my idea (to go back out and bat).

When I went in (after being injured), I asked my physio if I could go back and bat. He said no and that it was better I just relax,” he explained.

“I told him I could do it, and then he said he was go-

ing to discuss it with the coach. At that time Tom Moody was passing by and he said, ‘If he (Rutherford) wants to bat, let us trust him.’ I also knew it was going to be my last game (in the tournament) and I wanted to give it my all, and hopefully I could make an impact for the team.”

After arriving at the crease, he revealed his intentions to Tom Curran, his partner with whom he put on 52 runs which ultimately changed the direction of the match.

“I knew I could not run,

Friday February 10, 2023

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.

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PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

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so I said (to Tom Curran) that I was going to try and get boundaries.

So, I think that’s where we won the game,” Rutherford said.

MVP Sports in Keevin

Allicock’s...

From page 27 in Birmingham, England where he narrowly lost 9-10 in what was dubbed a controversial third round to Canadian, Keoma-Ali AlAhmadieh.

Allicock ascended to prominence as an advocate for better treatment and development of athletes following his diagnosis with Rhabdomyolysis while representing Guyana at the South American Games in Paraguay. The athlete was vocal about the absence of medical personnel on the team to assist him when he fell ill in his room.

The well-publicized incident prompted other athletes, including international Squash Champion and current ‘Sports Woman of the Year’, Nicolette Fernandes and national sprinter, Arinze Chance to make public clarion calls for the better treatment of local athletes.

In Allicock’s own words, the support from Guyana’s sports apparel leader, MVP Sports, could not have come at a better time in his career. He believes MVP Sports is undoubtedly a leader in supporting local sportsmen and women, including events.

MVP Sports was recently recognized for its Corporate and Social Responsibility at the National Sports Awards 2023 in the category of “Corporate Sponsor (small)”.

The company specializes in providing high quality fitness brands and athletic apparel like Nike, Under Armour, Skechers, Puma and Adidas for men, ladies and children.

An injured Rutherford smashing the ball to the boundary against the Gulf Giants on Wednesday. (Desert Vipers)

President Ali meets football stakeholders

ByRawleToney President Irfaan Ali

yesterday met with stakeholdersofthe‘beautiful game’ at State House, accordingtoanOfficeofthe President release via the social network platform, Meta.

Themeeting,attendedby Guyana Football Federation (GFF) hierarchies, also had inattendancetheMinisterof Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Kashif Muhammad and MinisterwithintheOfficeof the Prime Minister, the HonourableKwameMcCoy.

A c c o r d i n g t o information released, PresidentAliwasupdatedon t h e p l a n s f o r t h e development of football beyond the One Guyana President’s Cup and a committee was set up to explorefurtherdevelopment of the country’s national team.

On January 1, 2023, Region 4 hoisted the inaugural One Guyana President’s Cup trophy - a brainchild of President Ali andexecutedbytheGFFand the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation.

President Irfaan Ali, priorhadstatedthattheidea istousefootballaspartofhis Government’s plan to integratesportsintonational life.

“OneGuyanaisnotonly

aboutunifyingpeople,butit is also how do we bring together all dimensions of our society into building a One Guyana, one country, andsportisanimportantpart ofthat,”PresidentAlisaid.

The One Guyana President’s Cup, according to the Commander-in-Chief, was also aimed at giving football stakeholders “the best possible chance at bringing the best pool of talent from across the country, so we can build a national formula, invest as muchaswecaninthevision of getting a Guyana team to thenextworldcup.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set for the USA, Mexico and Canada, will be an expanded version of football’sHolyGrail.

With FIFA moving from 32 teams in their current formatto48teams,President Ali is hoping that Guyana canbeoneofthesixnations representing CONCACAF atthetournamentfirstheldin 1930, and he’s ready to investheavily

“We’regoingtospareno effort in putting all our energy, all our time and as many resources as we can, from the Government and from Corporate Guyana to give you the best possible opportunitytogettothenext World Cup,” President Ali told the players and supporters at the start of the one-of-a-kind tournament lastDecember

Encouraging the players to remove any doubts about seeing Guyana following TrinidadandTobago(2006), Jamaica(1998),Cuba(1938) andHaiti(1978)astheteams fromtheCaribbeantoplayat theWorldCup,PresidentAli said: “With the continued partnership between the Government, Corporate Guyana and the Guyana FootballFederation,football willbethegrandwinner;that iswhatwewant.”

Facilities, President Ali said,arebeingdevelopedall across Guyana “so that footballerscanhaveaneven quality in terms of facilities you’ll have access to when you’repractising.”

President Ali said while the One Guyana President’s Cup is for a unique purpose, his Government is looking forward to working with all associations to help them achievetheirgoals.

Indoingso,PresidentAli notedthattheGovernmentis on a massive drive to enhance existing facilities while establishing new facilities throughout Guyana, specifically aimed at increasing the player population and bringing quality sports amenities to eachcommunity

The Sports sector has seen its largest allocation under President Ali’s administration, with the $4 3B allotted this year taking the total from 2021 –2023to$9B.

President Irfaan Ali (second from left) during his discussion with Ministers of Government and football stakeholders. (Office of the President photos)

President Irfaan Ali displaying his One Guyana President’s Cup winner’s trophy, which was done by the Brass Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry Ltd. (Office of the President photos)

GFF working overtime for ‘Friendly’ before Nations League resumption

ByRawleToney

With the Golden Jaguars getting ready to resume action in the CONCACAF NationsLeague,presidentof the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde,saidtheFederationis workingovertimeforatleast oneInternationalFriendly Coach Jamaal Shabazz and his men will travel to Hamilton where they will take on Bermuda on March 23, after which the Golden Jaguars will return home to playMontserratintheirfinal Nations League game on March27.

With an ongoing camp with the locally-based talent at the GFF’s National Training Centre, coupled with those based overseas, Coach Shabazz said he’s hoping to have the best possible roster for their two remaininggamestogivethe Golden Jaguars a chance to advance to League A, and also qualify for the CONCACAFGoldCup.

However, Shabazz, in a previous interview with Kaieteur News, said he wanted to see especially the local talent in friendly action. “I want to see these players. I want to select the

bestofourboysinGuyana,” Shabazz said, while adding, “Because at the end of the day,Ihavetofacethenation, I have to face the likes of Rawle Toney (Kaieteur News) and Duncan Saul (StabroekNews)…Ihaveto face the people all over the country.”

Forde, when contacted byKaieteurNewsyesterday, said the GFF is doing all it possiblycantosecureatleast one match before the team headstoBermuda.

He said the GFF was close to having a nonCONCACAF opposition for the Golden Jaguars, but negotiationsfellthrough.

According to Forde, the GFF is working overtime and is close to securing an opponent from within the Confederation. Meanwhile, Shabazzsaidtheplayerswill be narrowed down based on their ability to fit into his g a m e m o d e l a n d commitment to the programme “The last occasion in my effort to get betterqualityplayersintothe team, I listened to the players,theyallsaidtheright things,butonthepitch,they werenotdisciplined,andthe game model and chemistry

were affected,” Shabazz highlighted.

He added, “I think the locally-based players are always in our eyes and always have a bite of the cherry However, it’s not a foregone conclusion that becausethey’rehere,they’re in,” the candid coach highlighted.

To strike a balance, S h a b a z z b e l i e v e s mechanismsshouldbeputin place to travel overseas to have a closer look at the talent available in the diaspora, pointing out, “I have a direct responsibility tothepeopleofGuyana,and thesupportmustbetherefor me to travel and see these players ” The Golden Jaguars are sitting second in Group B of League B in the CONCACAF Nations League behind an unbeaten Haitionsixpoints.

The Haitians are at the top of the table on 10 points followingback-to-backwins against Guyana (6-2, 6-0) andMontserrat(3–2),along with a goalless draw with Bermuda. Guyana apart from their defeat to the Haitians, had wins over Montserrat (2 – 1) and Bermuda(2-1).

MVP Sports in Keevin Allicock’s corner

Undisputedly one of Guyana’s most prized boxers, Keevin Allicock landedamajorpunchinhis careerthisweekwhenMVP Sports announced that the internationally acclaimed featherweight will serve as o n e o f i t s B r a n d Ambassadors over the next sixmonths.

“Iamhappytoannounce that I have signed a sixmonth sponsorship agreementwithMVPSports for the development of my boxing career,” Allicock, whoiscurrentlyranked54th in the world in his division, saidinastatement.

The boxer expressed sincere gratitude to MVP Sports’ Managing Director, Ian Ramdeo for his “steadfast generosity” and hiswillingnesstoallowhim toadvertisehisbrand.“Iam dedicated to making this partnershipafruitfulonefor itsduration,”hesaid.

Allicock competed in

the featherweight division at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games after he becamethefirstboxersince

John Douglas in 1996 to qualify He is a triple-gold medalist at the Caribbean Championships, competing

in the bantamweight division.

Hewonasilvermedalat t h e 2 0 1 7 Y o u t h CommonwealthGamesand reached the quarterfinals at theCommonwealthGames (Continuedonpage25)

Chief Executive Officer of MVP Sports, Ian Ramdeo (left) hands over the sponsorship agreement to boxer Keevin Allicock.

FLASH BACK! Omari Glasgow #10 celebrates with teammates of Guyana after scoring against Bermuda on June 7, 2022, at the National Track and Field Centre.

Saints S’ Team, GBTI GCC Spartans crowned Bounty/Antonio’s Hockey Champs

The Guyana Hockey Board kicked started their hockey calendar with their a n n u a l o n e - d a y Bounty/Antonio’s Hockey Tournament at the Guyana NationalStadium.

Thetournamentattracted at least one team from each club, as the GHB, according

toarelease,continuestosee growth in membership withinlocalclubs.

After a 15-year absence, the Guyana Police team returned to the field with theirexciting,uniquestyleof hockey. The GHB said they heartened to see the reemergence of the GPF

team, especially since they were very prominent and successfulinthepast.

The tournament comprised of a male and female senior division Teamsweregrouped,played a round-robin and the two teamswiththehighestpoints movedtothesemi-finals.

Inthewomen’scategory, the Woodpecker Hikers ladies and GCCTigers were undefeated in their respectivegroups.

The semi-final saw the Woodpecker Hikers defeating Old Fort Samurai 4-0,thankstoadoublefrom Maria Munroe and a strike each from Shundell Durant andKenishaWills.

Meanwhile, GCC Tigers tookontheirsisterteam,the young Spartans, in a nailbiting finish as both teams foughttosecureaspotinthe final. SaraMatthiasensured her team was in the lead by scoringtwice,buttheTigers did not make it an easy one for Spartans as Princessa Wilkie registered a goal in finestyle.

The fight for the final spot continued but the whistle blew with the young GCC Spartans in the final witha2-1result.

GCCSpartansthenwent on to battle Woodpeckers

Hikers in the finals where theywon3–0,compliments of Sarah Klauky’s sensationaldoubleandPaige Fernandes’exceptionalgoal.

Over in the Men’s Division, In the men’s division, Bounty GCC and Saints Splinters topped their respectivegroups.

The Bounty GCC went up against Pepsi Hikers in the Semis while Saints Splinters was against Saints S’ Team. It was a massive successfortheSaintsClubto reach this far in this tournament but were faced with having to eliminate each other in one of the best gamesofthetournament.

Both teams fought to ensure they secure a spot in the final.After endless raids to their opponents’goal, the game expired with neither teamconvertingtakingthem into a penalty shootout with eventual winners being SaintsS’team.

Thefinalsawnewcomers

Saints S and annual finalist Pepsi Hikers battle for the trophy. The Saint’s men, whichweremadeofnational under21players,stormedthe hikers, but the Hikers held them.

Afteragoallessfirsthalf, threeminutesintothesecond half, loud screams came from the Saints Camp as the Guyana under21 captain Shakeem Fausette and eventual MVP eliminated the Hikers defence and making a pass to young Jabari Lovell who made no error in sliding to finish his shot on goal. Hikers did everything to register a goal butthehungrySaintsS’team heldastrongdefence.

Saints won the game 1-0 making it their first time to ever win a men’s senior tournament.

The GHB thanked Minster of Sports, Charles Ramson, for taking time out his busy schedule to be part oftheirpresentation.

Narine(118)inspiresInvaders...

Frompage29 batted, Mohamed made 55 and 28 from Chandrika Gobin. Darshanan Lall was the chief destroyer with 4-15 from his fours and he received assistance from Jayantie Lall with3-45inhisfouroverspell.

Meanwhile,thefinalpreliminaryroundis slated for this Sunday with three more matches.

The four top teams will advance to the semi-finalsegmentbeforethechampionship gamewhichisslatedforMarch12atavenue

tobenamed.

For Sunday, Queenstown Tigers will tackle Sunrisers Masters while Hibernia Strikers and Invaders Masters will do battle. Caribbean Cricket Club 2 is set to confront Devonshire Castle Sports Club. Venues for thesegamesaretobeannouncedsoon.

Thisyear’stournamentisbeingplayedin memoryofDaveTajeshwar

He was a long-time softball supporter while his brotherVoTajeshwar is one of the mainsponsors.

Saints S’ Team

More awards for Amsterdam, Poole and Craig at the GBA’s event

Th e G u y a n a B o x i n g Association (GBA) hosted their Awards presentation ceremony on Wednesday evening at the MirageLounge,Alberttown. Both athletes and officials were awarded for their commitment to service and achievements in the sport.

The Presentation Panel at the Mirage Lounge was lead by President of the GBA Steve Ninvalle, A s s i s t a n t secretary/Treasurer of GBA -Seon Bristol, National Boxing CoachTerrance Poole and the Deputy Chairperson of the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission (NSC)-Cristy Campbell The evening started with a customary ‘meet and greet’ segment spearheaded by the PresidentoftheGBASteve Ninvalle and Deputy Chairperson of the NSC CristyCampbell.

This year’s GBA

awards presentation ceremony saw the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)

Sergeant Desmond

Amsterdam achieving the Best Elite Boxer award; only two weeks after receiving the sportsmanof-the-year at the National Sports Awards Terrance

Poole was adjudged the Best Coach award, while Germain Craig won the BestReferee/Judgeaward

Travis Inverary won Best Youth Boxer award, JeremiahDuncanwonBest

Junior and Ezekiel

Bancroft won Best Schoolboy Meanwhile, Sebert Blake, Clifton Moore, Elton Chase, Seon Bristol, Dr Merrisa Alicia

Parris and Harold

Hopkinson were also among those awarded for theirsterlingcontributionsto boxing. Assistant Chair of the NSC, Cristy Campbell

r e a f f i r m e d t h e

C o m m i s s i o n ’ s commitment to sport and

Narine (118) inspires Invaders Masters to win in ESCL’s Over-40 tournament

VeteranbatsmanRameshNarinestrucka brilliant 118 to inspire Invaders Masters to resounding 117-run win over Queenstown TigerslastSundayinthecontinuationofthe EssequiboSoftballCricketLeague’s(ESCL) over-40,T20competition.

Playing at Queenstown venue in Region

Two Essequibo Coast (PomeroonSupenaam),theleft-handedNarineslammed sevensixesandfivefoursashisteampiledup a sufficient 309-4 from the 20-overs, while the hosts replied with 192-8 when the overs ranout.

Narine got good support from former Essequibo Inter-County batsman Lakmikant Narine(unrelated)whomade62asMotielall Deepnarinegrabbed2-65fromhismaximum fourovers.

For Queenstown Tigers, Lloyd Inniss scored a fighting 66, while Shawn Hubbard provided brief entertainment with 36 Ramesh Narine returned with the ball to provehisall-roundcapabilitybysnatching332 off 3.3 overs and Raymond Alli also claimingthreewicketsbutconceded56runs offhisfourovers.

At the same venue, defending champion CaribbeanCricketClub2defeatedSunrisers Mastersbyacomprehensive101-runmargin.

Caribbean Cricket Club 2 raced to a formidable 269-7 from the allotment of 20overs, while Sunrisers Masters only respondedwith168alloutinthe20thover

Another ex-Essequibo Inter-County player Prashad Mahadeo hammered eight sixes and four fours in a top-score of 91. He received solid support from pugnacious batsman Patrick Rooplall with 51. Gary Ragnauth bagged 2-37 from his four overs,

delivering for Sunrisers Masters. When Sunrisers Masters batted, Ravi Beharry offered a fight with 45 and 42 from Shivsankar Bissoon. Rooplall also made an impression with the ball to take 3-30 in his four-over outing. And at Hibernia ground also on the Coast, Devonshire Castle Sports Club humbled Hibernia Strikers by 29 runs. Devonshire Castle Sports Club rattled up a competitive 210 all out off 19.5 overs while Hibernia Strikers reached 181 all out in the penultimate over when proceedings came to an end. Darshand Persaud hit 47 for the winningcombinationandManojLallscoring 47. Dhanraj Singh and Fizul Mohamed collectedthreewicketseach.Whenthehosts

(Continuedonpage28)

noted boxing is not excluded as they seek to execute the vision of President Irfaan Ali under thestewardshipofMinister of Culture, Youth and Sport,CharlesRamsonJr

Notably, the GBAcame second place to Guyana Squash Association (GSA) receivingtwoawardsatthe recently held National Sports Awards, this is evident that the sport is indeed growing and has capacity of becoming the leading sport fraternity in theCaribbean

However, the GBA created history in 2022 for producing a lone bronze medalist at the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) championship They (GBA) also won two other bronze medals at the South American Games, as wellastwoquarter-finalistat theCommonwealthGames.

Onlylastyear,theGBA were able to provide athletes with financial

rewards at the TerranceAli National Open Boxing championship

Later next month; the Jackman sisters (Abiola and Alesha) head off New Delhi, India, to represent GuyanaattheInternational Boxing Association (IBA) Women’s World Boxing Championship

According to the President of the GBA Ninvalle, he is pleased with the direction the association isheading;becomingoneof t h e l e a d i n g s p o r t administrations in the Caribbean.

Healsocommendedthe a t h l e t e s o n t h e i r achievements in the sport thusfarandpromisesgreater success in this discipline in thecomingyears.

The GBA remains committed to the sport and promises to remain the l e a d i n g b o x i n g administration across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Desmond Amsterdam (left) receives Best Elite Boxer award from President of GBASteve Ninvalle (right).

Ramesh Narine

Permaul resists but Volcanoes persist 2023WestIndiesChampionship…

Windward Islands

Volcanoes finished Day two in a very commanding position against Guyana HarpyEaglesintheirsecond round 2023 West Indies Championship four-day match, yesterday, at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada Volcanoes lead by 173 runs going into the third day (today) after they restricted Harpy Eagles to 169 in 63.1 overs in the first innings, thenpiledon48runsforthe loss of 2 wickets in the final session.

Overnight in the middle for the batting unit are Kaveem Hodge (13) and SunilAmbris(18). Windward Islands began theirsecondinningswithjust over an hour of play left in

the day and lost Jerlani Robinson (3) and Alick Athanaze(11)withthescore on six then 11, respectively, before the overnight pair negotiatedtheremainingten overs to reach stumps comfortably

Ronsofrd Beaton and NialSmithwereresponsible fortheearlybreakthroughs.

Earlier,DayTwostarted in favour of the Harpy Eagles as they removed the finaltwoVolcanoeswickets at the cost of two runs; two balls apart, Veerasammy Permaul dismissed Preston McSween (1) and Darius Martin (0) to end with four wickets.

Ryan John was left unbeaten on 51 as Volcanoes ended on 294 from 80 5 overs However,

the weight of the match soon shifted when Guyana began their reply Justin Greaves tore through the Guyanesetopordertofinish with 5 – 24, John supported with two while McSween, MartinandKennethDember eachclaimedawicket.

Chanderpaul Hemraj (4), Tevin Imlach (3), Matthew Nandu (2) and Leon Johnson (5) all went cheaply, in that order, putting Guyana under early pressurewiththescoreat28

4.

Volcanoes faced a similar scenario when their first innings commenced but Athanaze was responsible for the recovery, however, in Guyana’s scenario, they keptlosingwickets

Kemol Savory (20), Anthony Bramble (21) and KevinSinclair(23)gotsome valuable runs on the board but their time in the middle wasshort-lived.Theveteran, Permaul (53), crafted a defiant half-century in the lower order that included Shamar Joseph (5), Nial Smith (1) and Ronsford

Beaton (10*). Other matches… Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 369 – 8* from 114 overs (Darren Bravo100,ImranKhan68*, Yannic Cariah 52, Terrance Hinds51;JeremiahLouis3–56, Sheeno Berridge 2 – 73, Colin Archibald 2 – 83) versus Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

Jamaica Scorpions 140 from 54 5 overs (Jamie Merchant 35, Tevin Gilzene

Veerasammy Permaul top scored for the Guyana Harpy Eagles. (WICB Media)

32; Camarie Boyce 3 – 26, Shemar Springer 3 – 11, AkeemJordan3–48)&6–0 from 4 overs (Gilzene 4*) versus Barbados Pride 215

from 69.5 overs (Sheyne Moseley82,ShaneDowrich 64*; Patrick Harty 4 – 23, Marquino Mindley 2 – 25, AbhijaiMansingh2-30).

Republic Bank Cricket West Indies coaching for primary schools in Linden ends today at five locations

Students from the Regma Primary School are taught how to run between the wickets.

Thefivedaycoachingof primary schools under the CricketWestIndiesrunFive for Fun Republic Bank funded programme in Linden will come to an end today

It began on Monday at venues on the east and west ofLinden.

Today the sessions in Mackenzie will be from 9.00hrs to 10.30hrs where

the Regma Primary pupils willbeunderthecoachingof Hershey Niles at the RetrieveHardCourt.

Niles then goes across to the Mackenzie Primary School where he will do similarsessionsfrom10 45 hrsto12 15hrs

On the west side of Linden, coach Eon Duncan will oversee the sessions forthoseattendingtheOne

Mile Primary school at from9 00hrsto10 30hrs

Duncan then goes to those who are from the St Aidans primary school from10 45to12 15hrsand caps his stint by going to t h e p u p i l s a t t h e Christianburg Primary school ground from 12 30 to 14 00hrs at the Community Centre ground inChristianburg

Jadeja bags 5-47 as India dominate Australia in Test opener

AFP - Indian spinner

Ravindra Jadeja grabbed a five-wicket haul on his international return as India ruled the opening day of the first Test against Australia

yesterday

Jadejareturnedfiguresof 5-47 and fellow spinner

Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets to bowl out Australiafor177inthefinal session on a turning Nagpur pitch.

In reply, India were 77 for one at stumps, with skipper Rohit Sharma on 56 andAshwin, yet to score, at the crease. The hosts still trailAustraliaby100runs.

Rohit began by hitting three boundaries off

Australian skipper Pat Cummins’firstover,andput on 76 runs with opening partnerKLRahul,whomade alaboured20.

The Indian captain reached his fifty with a four off Nathan Lyon and remainedsharptoseeoffthe day’splay

Rahul fell caught and bowled off debutant spinner

Todd Murphy, who celebrated his first Test wicket.

Jadeja, a left-arm

orthodox bowler who came back into the Indian side afterakneeinjury,stoodout with his guile, taking key wickets including those of

Marnus Labuschagne (49) andSteveSmith(37).

Both Australians had launched a fightback with their third-wicket 82-run stand after losing openers

Usman Khawaja and David Warnerearlyintheday

Peter Handscomb (31) and wicketkeeper-batsman

AlexCarey(36)alsoputona partnership of 53 before Ashwin ended Carey’s spell at the crease to record his 450thTestwicket.

Jadeja’s double strike on successive balls soon after lunch rocked the tourists as he sent back Labuschagne and then trapped Matt Renshaw for a first-ball duck.

He later bowled Smith with a delivery that went throughhisbatandpad.

Ashwin and Jadeja kept up the charge to get into the Australian tail when the tourists took tea at 174-8, and added just three runs in thefinalsession.

E a r l i e r, s e a m e r

Mohammed Siraj struck on his first ball to get Khawaja trapped lbw for one with a deliverythatswungintothe left-hander,afterthetourists elected to bat at the start of thefour-matchseries.

An appeal was turned downbytheon-fieldumpire but India successfully reviewedthedecision.

Ravindra Jadeja is congratulated on his five-wicket haul. (Getty Images)

Mohammed Shami raised the noise in the next over when the seamer bowled the left-handed Warnerforone.

Australiacontroversially left out in-form left-hand batsman Travis Head, while India handed Test caps to Twenty20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav and wicketkeeperSrikarBharat.

Scores: India 77 for 1 (Rohit 56*) trail Australia 177(Labuschagne49,Smith 37,Jadeja5-47)by100runs.

Rohit Sharma plays the sweep.(Associated Press)

Award winners and seated are members of the presentation panel. (photo: GDF Guyana)