Kaieteur News

Nigeria hit with another oil spill

...while Guyana still to protect itself

A community of oil-rich statement The Guardian Nigeriaisbattlingtheeffects Nigeria News reported that ofanoilspillwhichoccurred community sources revealed on Friday last and was left that the spill was as a result uncappedforthreedays. ofequipmentfailure.

According to reports out

Importantly, the Ebubu of Nigeria, the spill came Community was in court from one of the pipelines with SPDC for about 32 belonging to British oil years up until 2021 when the giant, Shell’s Nigerian company was compelled by subsidiary, Shell Petroleum thecourttopayUS$111Min Development Company compensation over an oil (SPDC). spill that occurred on the

In a statement on same Shell’s facility in the Saturday SPDC confirmed late 1960’s during the an oil spill incident in Ebubu Nigeria civil war that lasted community in the Eleme between1967and1970.

LocalCouncilofRiverState. The Executive Director

According to Nigerian o f Y o u t h s a n d reports, Michael Adande, a Environmental Advocacy spokesperson for SPDC, in a C e n t r e , F y n e f a c e Nigerians resorted to file a pollutedtheirlandandwater, Guyana’s Environmental set for commencement in statementonSaturday,saida Dumnamene said that some lawsuit against British oil which means they can no Protection Agency (EPA) 2027 to 2028, several government-led joint members of the community giant, Shell at the London longerfarmorfish. said last year that a s t a k e h o l d e r s h a v e investigation team is leadership alerted the centre High Court seeking

On the local front, US$600M insurance policy underscored the need for workingtoidentifythecause of the spill, which was compensation for the Guyana’s prolific Stabroek is in place withAmerican oil Guyana to have full and impact of the incident. confirmed to be true. He devastating effects of oil Block has over 11 billion giant ExxonMobil’s local coverage insurance from “The Shell Petroleum said: “There is a need to spills caused by the oil proven barrels of oil and subsidiary to cover costs Exxon and its partners.They Development Company of address environmental major’s Nigerian subsidiary, Government have been related per oil spill. EPAhad are also of the firm Nigeria Limited (SPDC) concerns, seek ecological SPDC. The lawsuit was pushing the oil companies to also disclosed that a parent c o n v i c t i o n t h a t confirms an incident within and environmental justice as filed on February 2, with accelerate their production guarantee from ExxonMobil Environmental Permits our right of way on the well as campaign against claims against Shell over oil rate, despite the country is Corporation is still in the should be armed with Ebubu and Oghale Manifold environmentalpollution.” spills which they say have without full liability discussionstage. provisions that close the 12 pipeline in Rivers State,” Kaieteur News recently wrecked their livelihoods, insurance from the oil and With Exxon already in loophole for insurance costs the company said in the reported that over 13,000 poisoned their wells, and gasmajors. pursuit of its sixth project, toberecovered.

File photo: Extent of environmental damage caused by an oil spill in Nigerian

EPA’s exemption of 300MW gas plant from environmental study illegal, irrational, an abuse of power

A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w,

point out that the Project proposed location for this may be affected by a project Melinda Janki issued a letter Summary submitted by projectfallswithinthearea exempted under subsection t o H e a d o f t h e Guyana Power and Light of influence/footprint of an (2) (a) may lodge an appeal Environmental Protection Inc does not meet the EPA approved Gas to with the Environmental Agency, Kemraj Parsram requirements of the Act and Energy Project (GTE), Assessment Board ” The yesterday, urging him to must be discarded The that was subjected to a lawyer contended that it is rescind the decision to lawyer said Section 11(1)(ii) comprehensive EIA, unlawful for the agency to exempt a 300MW gas plant requires a Project Summary including a Cumulative require the public to look for from undergoing an to provide information on Impact Assessment (CIA). the Cumulative Impact Environmental Impact the “possible effects on the The CIA concluded that Assessments (CIA) (which Assessment(EIA).Theplant environment.” there will be no significant the EPAsaid it considered in in question, forms part of the She highlighted that impact from the combined a separate document onshore facilities that will Section 2 defines the activities/projects. submittedbyExxon),toread collect and utilise gas from environment as “all land, “2. The result of the through it and to try to work theLizafieldintheStabroek area beneath land surface, CIA revealed that while out what data the Agency is Block.Amassive pipeline to atmosphere, climate, all there is potential for relyingon. b e c o n s t r u c t e d b y water, surface water, ground temporary impacts on air

Since the Agency has ExxonMobil will pipe the water, sea, seabed, marine quality, the maximum relied on this material which gas to shore to be utilised by The lawyer further noted andcoastalareas,andnatural predicted concentrations exempt the project The is not in the Project the300MWpowerplant. that Section 11(2) of the Act r e s o u r c e s o r a n y of key pollutants nitrogen Project Summary must Summary, she said members

WritingonbehalfRamon states that “where it is not combination or part dioxide (NO2), sulphur containalloftheinformation of the public cannot exercise Gaskin and other concerned clear whether a project will thereof.” dioxide (SO2), particulate that the EPA is relying on to their right to appeal without citizens, Janki recalled the significantly affect the It also defines natural matter (PM2.5 and PM10) determine that the project fear of being ambushed by EPA’sNoticetothePublicon environment, the developer resources as, “the living and carbon monoxide ‘will not’ affect the the Agency with this other January6,2023whichstated shall submit to the agency, a plants, animals and (CO) will be within the environment.” unknownmaterial. that the construction and summaryoftheproject…” organisms, ecosystems, World Health stipulated

Janki said the EPA has She said the rule of law operation of the 300MW On this premise, she said forests, waterways, soils, limits.“ relied upon irrelevant requires public authorities to project will not significantly the Guyana Power and Gas and other biological factors Janki was keen to note material in reasons 1 and 2 act transparently and not affecttheenvironmentandis Inc as the developer was w i t h i n t h e n a t u r a l however that there is no and its decision is therefore secretively, adding that the exempt from the EIA required to submit a project environment, and the evidence in the Project unlawful. agency is in breach of this requirement. summary This was done, geologic formations, Summary for the 300MW DISADVANTAGE legalprinciple.Furthermore, Janki noted that the however, Janki pointed out mineral deposits, renewable plant to support reasons one Janki also reminded that Janki said the Agency is Agency’s decision is: that it is an unsigned and and non-renewable assets, andtwo. the Act is predicated on the acting against the policy of unlawful being inter alia undated document which and the habitat of the living She noted that Section principlesofpublicaccessto the Act and its own function unauthorised/contrary to states in its introduction that, plants, animals and 11(2) of the Act makes it information and public in section 4(b) to promote l a w, a n e x c e s s o f “The Guyana Power and organisms ” Janki said a clear that the Agency’s participation. She said the publicparticipation. jurisdiction, a failure to Light Incorporated is Project Summary should power to determine whether EPA is however acting Taking the foregoing and satisfy conditions required submitting this Project therefore list all of the items a p r o j e c t w i l l n o t contrary to the policy of the other critical factors into by law, an unreasonable Summary to furnish the in Section 2 of the Act and significantly affect the Act.Inrelyinguponmaterial consideration, she urged irregular and improper Environmental Protection show the possible effects on environment is based only that is not in the Project Parsram to immediately exercise of discretion, an Agency with all the required each. on the information on the Summary, she said it is revoke/cancelthedecisionto abuse of power, conflict relevant information for the She said the GPLProject Project Summary Janki putting the public at a exempttheGasPlantProject with the policy of the p r o c e s s i n g o f t h e Summary does not state the wrote, “The section does not disadvantage. from an EIA and inform the Environmental Protection Environmental Authorisation possible effects on the authorise theAgency to look Janki said Section 11(3) applicantGuyanaPowerand Act Cap: 20.05, irrational, application The application environment and therefore at other material in order to states that, “Any person who GasInc.ofsame. andarbitrary seeks a permit for the d o e s n o t m e e t t h e

In the eight page missive construction and operation of requirementsofsection11of seen by this newspaper, a 300MW Gas-fired Power theAct. In relyingupon such Janki outlined several Plant within the Wales a deficient document, she reasons to support the Development Zone, West said the Agency has acted foregoingconclusion. BankDemerara ” unlawfully

WRONGAPPLICANT In light of the foregoing IRRELEVANT

She highlighted that statement, Janki said GPL is MATERIAL

Section 11(1) of the Act not the developer She said, Janki’s clients also took requires the “developer” of a “The Agency has acted issue with the fact that the p r o j e c t w h i c h m a y unlawfully and in breach of EPA relied on information significantly affect the its duties under section 11 of from another document to environment to apply for an theActinrelyingonaproject hand down its decision.That environmental permit. The summary submitted by a document was an EIA that Act defines the “developer” person other than the was done on the Gas-toas the applicant for an developer.” EnergyProjectbyExxon. e n v i r o n m e n t a l ABSENCE OF

The lawyer recalled the authorisation. She noted that REQUIRED INFO EPA’s reasons for exemption the application of November Janki was also keen to as follows: “1. The 1 4 , 2 0 2 2 f o r t h e environmental authorisation for the Gas Plant Project states that the Applicant is, “Guyana Power and Gas Inc,”thusGuyanaPowerand GasInc.isthedeveloper

- Lawyer urges regulator to rescind decision in 14 days

Attorney-at-Law, Melinda Janki

EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS

Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210

Turkey earthquake

InTurkey,morethan28,000citizenslosttheirlivesfrom thedevastating7.5Richterscaleearthquakethatstruckwhile they were sleeping. Now they sleep the deep, perhaps tortured, sleep of those who knew nothing of the fate that creptonstealthy,darkenedfeettotheirbeds. Orthatwhich caught them in the consciousness of the first terrors of what was comingfrom below theirfeet,thegreatextinguishment that hovered over their heads. Now, officials in hard hit Turkey take stock, grapple for answers, even as they comb throughthemountainouspilesofrubble.

What went wrong during the full fury of nature’s destructiveforce? Whoisresponsible,couldhavemitigated the loss of life, the destruction to property that it may have beenpossibletominimize? Howisitthat80,000buildings collapsed into a pile, sounded the death knell of so many? Who must now pay for some of what could have been possiblyavoided?

Thequestions,thetolls,thehumansufferingsareallmore unpalatable, when it is noted that Turkey already has some very strict building codes in place, at least on paper Since suchprotectivecodesexist,itbogglesthemindthatsomany thousands of lives, buildings, were snuffed out so swiftly These are the higher profile questions that Turkish officials aredeterminedtogetanswered. Seniorofficialsarealready on the move, and 130 building contractors either have been arrested,orwarrantshavebeenissuedfortheirdetention.

If the actions of one contractor are any indication, some fearthattheirconstructionworkwillnotstanduptorigorous scrutiny

One contractor was arrested as he was about to board a plane for an international destination. He was the man in charge of the construction of a 12-story luxury building in Antakya, a city of history, but which now look forever lost. Publicanger,sharpandfierce,havebeendirectedatofficials andbuilders,whichlefttheformernochoicebuttogoafter the 130 contractors named to date, with more likely to be addedtothatlargelist.

Whopaidwhombeforethisdisaster? Whoisgoingtotry to pay off anyone now? Who will risk accepting what functions as the usual culture of officials, elected and selected,incountriesallovertheworld? Itisgoingtotakea lotofnerve,andevenmorebrazenness,tooverlookmorethan 28,000dead,withmoretocome,andsomuchdestructionof property,bothcatastrophesunequalledinrecenttimes.

Withthisascontext,ourattentionturnstoGuyana,where structuralfailuresarenothingnew Theonesavinggracehere is that lives have not been lost here. There have been collapsed sea defences, collapsed roads, and other costly infrastructural works that have collapsed from time to time, with almost zero accountability First, Government leaders make speeches about no sacred cows and no untouchables. Then,Governmentministersjointhechorus of theirleaders claiming to be concerned and angry over shoddy or failed public works. Next, senior Government bureaucrats step forward to participate in the dance party celebrating zero tolerance,andnonebeingexemptfromthearmofthelawand penalties.

Therealityisthatwhenalltheflowerywordshavebeen delivered,Guyanesearestillstuckinthesamedarkplaceof billionsoftheirtaxdollarsspent,butwithlesstoshowforit. The danger in Guyana is not so much about collapsed buildings, but of politicians who have collapsed under the crushingweightoftheirindividualcorruptions,whichleaves ordinarycitizenssick,wounded,andfurious. Thishasbeen true for governments led by the PPPC, the PNCR, and the APNU+AFC. To this day, nobody has been arrested and madeanexampleof,orderedbythecourtstopay,orjailedfor alengthyperiod.

Noinfrastructuralcontractor,novitalsuppliesvendor,no politicalfigurehashadtofacetheirfate,sothatlongsuffering Guyanesecangetsomejustice,somelittlevaluefortheirtax money wasted. It would be an outstanding development to observe some politicians and public officials called to account for their mismanagement of oil, and have the book thrownatthem.

“Mahadeo Shivraj: Brown Sugar too Bitter for Me, Part II. Where are your heroes Caribbean?”

DEAREDITOR,

Iwritewithgreatconcern ontheabove.Thismovieand all the movies made by Mahadeo Shivraj, Guyana’s acclaimed movie maker, but not recognised by any Governmentinpowereverin thiscountry Thisisapainful, depressing, and annoying reality of Mr Mahadeo Shivraj and even another famous Movie Maker Team of Signal Productions (Bunny Alves and Charmaine Blackman) Those people get no recognition by our Ministry ofCultureYouthandSports, our Government in general, no sponsorship from the PrivateSector/largeorsmall businesses. It is not easy to getfinancing.

These movies are made from blood, sweat and tears, usually personal earnings fromjobsandafewsnippets of support from friends which is neither here nor there The movies by MahadeoShivraj,andImust

alsogivecredittotheBunny Alves Team, are all local films with an entire local Guyanesecast.

Sometimes persons just born with a talent without any training in the arts or theatrics or acting. Just a skill! A flare! A blessing by birth as I feel for myself the undersigned Acting is a hobby for me and it was a childhood ambition when I would go to Radio City Cinema in Corriverton (Skeldon) and see certain stars on screen such as Rajendra Kumar, Sean Connery, Dillip Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Rock Hudson, etc. I would actually see myselfactingintheirplaces. Unfortunately, Guyana is bereft of institutions that would help budding actors and those whom would mentoryoungactors.

That is precisely why I would applaud persons like MahadeoShivrajandBunny Alves These are iconic personalities that need to be

recognised and supported and awarded by real recognition.

Brown Sugar, too Bitter for me Part Two (The Oil Dream) is a most topical movie.Itisfilledwithaction, comedy and the realism of Guyanese life that has to do with a variety of human issues that need to be faced byus.

The acting that I saw by people without any kind of training has been such an inspiration to me. Mahadeo Shivraj and the acting skills of us the local actors have trulyexposedtherealitythat Guyana can become what would be called the “Guyawood ” And with some support from

G o v e r n m e n t , encouragement from the Government, financial and otherwise we could create our“Guyawood”inGuyana. Which is a dream of Mahadeo Shivraj and of my friend Bunny Alves. I have worked with both producers

and directors. I know their dedication and their skills. How they would take little and go far. I know Bunny Alves who would start with zero dollars as I would say and create a production of class At times very educationale.g.inthecaseof Bunny Alves: “The Unbelieving Mon,” which brought out the problem of child abuse by stepfathers which is a reality in this country

At that time, I had suggested to the Minister of HomeAffairs,Hon.Clement Rohee and Chairman of the National Commission of Law and Order that the Government buy rights to this movie. It is just half an hour movie, and to take it around this country to show publiclyandinschools.

Togivepersonstheright andthefreedomtojustcopy it, sell it, and to view it. Minister was very interested butthegroupnevergotthe (Continuedonpage5)

ABOUT POPPER:ANOTHER VIEW

DEAREDITOR,

Inoneofhismorerecent ‘Ian on Sunday’ columns headlined: ‘The Uncertainty Principle’ published in S/N January, 22, 2023, Mr Ian McDonald was bold enough to declare that ‘Karl Raimond Popper (1902-94) (was) one of the greatest thinkersofhis,oranyage...’

Ian’s column opened the door for those who wished, to engage in an exchange of views on the subject, and generally,to‘dabble’briefly inphilosophy Inthisregard, I take this opportunity to approach Ian’s opinion on Popper from another perspective.

The opinion expressed by Ian as regards Popper’s philosophy, that is, his personal bias and outlook as aphilosopherofscience,fall into the camp of those who hold the empirical and materialist view that all our informationmustcomefrom the senses (the scientific realistandcriticalrationalist approach).Thisisincontrast to the rationalists and idealists who believe that truth can be arrived at throughabstractreasoning.

Popper proposed an extremely difficult standard for the acceptance of any scientific truth. In his ‘The

Discovery’Hearguedthat‘it is humankind’s role and privilege to theorize about laws that may govern the universe.’Hewentonfurther to posit, that ‘We may be physiologically set up to get things wrong much of the time, but nevertheless our ability to think in a vaguely logical way, though reason, makes us unique in the animalworld’.

H i s v i e w w a s , “Whenever we propose a solution to a problem, we oughttotryashardaswecan to overthrow our solution, rather than defend it.” He held that “all scientific knowledge is of a hypotheticalcharacterandis subjecttoerror”.Herejected the laws of social development and upheld socialreformism.

Popper was born fortyyears after the death of Karl Marx ( 1883-1858) and sevenyearsafterthedeathof Fredreich Engels (18201895) a close friend and collaboratorofMarx.

Since the writings of Frederick Engels would havebeenfreshintheminds ofthinkersandphilosophers inEuropeinPopper’stime,it is reasonable to conclude that Popper must have been acquainted with the work of Engels.

Just 7 years before Popper’s birth, Engels had already expressed his views on the philosophy and laws of science in his ‘Dialectics of Nature’ (notes of 187386), first published in the USSRin1925.

Poppers’ ‘Logic of Scientific Discovery’ was published in 1934, fiftyeightyearslater

WritingintheNovember 7, 1998 edition of the ‘Economic and Political Weekly,’apublicationofthe University of Iowa, Ashish Lahiri put it this way;

‘Frederick Engels’ reflections on the noninductive source of k n o w l e d g e , t h e i r confirmation or refutation through observation and on scope of chance in the philosophy of science, draw attention to the hitherto unacknowledgedsimilarities between Engels and Karl Popper’s.’

I mention Marx and Engels principally because, Popperwasheavilyinvolved in left-wing politics and Marxism during his student days at the University of Vienna.

It follows that Marxism and left-wing politics continuedtobeinfluentialin Europe long after Marx’s passing.

Contrast what Ian said about Popper, with what Engels said on occasion of Marx’s burial on March 17, 1858; “His name and work will endure through the ages.”SoPopperisnotalone inthe‘serenebrotherhoodof philosophs’of‘hisageorany otherage.’

For reasons than would prove too exhaustive if not exhausting, and just for the sake of philosophy, I would include Kurt Wittgenstein (1889-1951) and Bertrand Russel(1872-1970)amongst thegreatestoftheirtimeand any other time. Karl Marx should be placed in a totally different category of philosophers.

According to newspaper reports, in 1946, Bertrand Russel,LudwigWittgenstein and Karl Popper met for the first time at the Cambridge Moral Science Club where Popper was the guest speaker AuthorsDavidEdmonds andJohnEidinowattempted to uncover exactly what happened;

“What is clear is that there were vehement exchanges between Popper and Wittgenstein over the fundamental nature of philosophy—whetherthere wereindeedphilosophical

(Continuedonpage6)

Many things are not right in the Indigenous communities

DEAREDITOR,

Livingintheinteriorcan be a heaven with its tranquility, greenery, wide open savannas and beautiful scenery etc But besides these external glories, there areseriousunderlyingissues that affect us Indigenous peoples such as: political handouts, land issues, substandard construction of roads, mal-functioning ICT hubs in our villages and others that serve to keep us appeased while top downward systems; the political elites control and trample on us –a socio historical reality that is not new to us and an evil from colonialtimes.

However,ontheflipside,

in some other experiences, we appreciate and value government’s constant support and services in health and education from taxpayer’s money for our people. These ‘services’ are pivotal for our interior population not to be left behind even though more needstobedone.

In regards to lands, Indigenous people are the first to occupy Guyana even before the state was formed. However,beingfirstpeople, it is ridiculous we have to seek permission from the government to give us our terrafirma.

Itshouldbetheotherway around; we should be demarcating and issuing

lands to the state Unfortunately, this is how conventional colonial system perceives us, the State to give us lands but small islands, while our growing population needs for more.The other absurd d e l i v e r y s e r v i c e governments(theincumbent andevenoppositionwhenin power) give us because we are Indigenous people and live in the bush, is slapdash work of constructing roads inourcommunities.

The roads are not built properly, there are always potholes that damage our vehicles, while authorities give their party affiliates someofthemoneyandmost istakenbycorruptpolitician

of this country This treatment to our first people must be condemned by all and we must hold governments to their word, inordertoreceivebetterand substantialserviceinsteadof low -grade roads to our people.

Editor, I could go on more, but I would like to bring to attention a third difficulty we are facing. It’s with the Information and CommunicationTechnology I C T h u b s i n o u r communities. Although we kind of value government’s initiative in establishing theseinternetservicesinour villages. We found them to beawasteofmoneybecause they are often not executing

Shivraj: Brown Sugar...

Frompage4 chance to view the movie, sadly!

Above I asked, “Where are your Heroes Caribbean” andthisisthenameofasong bytheCaribbeanSuperStar, The Mighty Sparrow And so, I am asking the GovernmentofGuyananow and the Government of the past “where are your heroes Guyana?” We need to extoll ourpeople.

Lookattheapplauseand the recognition to Letitia Wright of the Wakanda Forever film.Iapplaudher I amproudofher;Iamjoyful that she got the recognition of our President and the Government being a Guyanese citizen that has donesowelloverseas.What aboutourMahadeoShivraj? What about us local actors here in Guyana? Who are sacrificingandgivingofour talents and many times for free just to create this industry Brother Freddie Kissoon suggested that the Government of Guyana should buy some rights into themovieandshouldshowit throughout the country so people could see the movie, get entertainment, and become patriotic I am suggestingthatonedaythey couldshowitintheStabroek Market Square, another day by the Band Stand, where Hon.FirstLadydidamiracle

overhaul and create a beautiful atmosphere It couldbeabeautiful,pleasant atmosphere of joy, peace, love, and harmony The policebandcouldplaysome musicinthebeginning,there could be an introduction. And First Lady at this showing could be the HonouredGuest.

Mr Freddie Kissoon shared his idea but I am extolling the idea and I am taking it to another level. It couldbeshowninLinden,in theBigPark,oppositeTown Halloneevening.Itcouldbe shown in Essequibo, two places at the two ends of Essequibo. Let the people seetheskillsofGuyanese,let usdeveloptheactingdreams of our youths whether it be forahobbyoracareer Letus bring opportunities in Guyana so that we can have these kinds of ambitions for our youths An ambition through which they could survive and live – all across the Caribbean. It could also be shown in Corriverton, Upper Corentyne, in Port Mourant, in the Public Square, Black Bush Polder, one in New Amsterdam to cater for the persons in the country, to showcase our skilled stars The Government can pay a certain amount to Mahadeo Shivraj to compensate him for his actors, his costs, and

to give some profitability Governmentsspendallkinds of money on all sorts of ventures, sometimes in my opinion in areas that are unnecessary This is something that could really begoodforGuyana.

Mr.FreddieKissoonhad also spoken of what the Jamaicans would do with local movies such as these. The Jamaican Government withtheprivatesectorwould saturate the Jamaican societiesandcommunitiesto bring excitement in the countryandapplauseforthe movie makers and the local actors. I wish to take this opportunity to applaud Former President and now Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. Before he came out ofoffice,hebroughtagroup from London who gave Guyanesetheopportunityto learn how to make movies with simple instruments One of those persons who reallyusesitwellwasSignal Productions (Bunny Alves and Charmaine Blackman).

Another is Dr. Paloma Mohamed, now Vice ChancelloroftheUniversity ofGuyana.So,Iapplaudmy brother and friend Freddie Kissoon for that idea.And I applaud our pioneers in the m o v i e s , s u c h a s Bhaichandeen, Freddie Sanchara and there were some others as well that

their objectives Many persons in the community use them at the same time and the system gets slow, thusnotallowinganyofusto doourGOALstudiesonline effectively. It’s a big challenge and frustrating experienceforusall.

Furthermore, when the system gives problem its down for a good amount of time. Weeks later, we see t e c h n i c i a n s f r o m Georgetown coming to repairthemforus.

moneyonusforourvotesis typicalofallgovernmentsof this county to appease and control us for votes. These beingsaid,Ihopeourpeople accept all these services and don’t vote for any of the dominant parties in the future.

worked in the early form of moviesdecadesback.

At this time, I say to the Government of Guyana let ussupportthisMovie,letus come out Government of Guyana; His Excellency the President,VicePresidentDr Jagdeo,OppositionLeaders, fortheopeningofthismovie. The production crew is hopingtogetthesupportofa wide cross section of the Guyanesepopulation.

The World Premier is slatedtobeatMovietowneat 3pm(therealbigrecognized screen in the Caribbean). Government of Guyana, Excellencies, and members of the Cabinet let us support Mahadeo Shivraj and the castofactorswithsomekind of recognition and hearty applause.

Sincerely, Hajji

Dr. Roshan Khan (Snr.)

Wedon’thaveaproblem with people coming to our communities, but can the government train some Indigenous young people to rectify the technical problems to our ICT hub in villages? Aren’t we capable enoughtolearnandperform such job too, rather than flying people from Georgetown, which is very expensivetocometofixour internet in far communities when a technical problem arises?

Editor, these slapdash works and wasting of tax

As Indigenous peoples, we must be proactive to respond to these top downward substandard services to us in the interior Wemustalsorememberthat we have the power in our hands to change things. I hope we can learn from our Indigenous counterparts in Peru and other Latin American countries to form bottom upward approaches: centered on critical thinking a n d I n d i g e n o u s empowerment in villages that can trigger active militancy to dialogue and pressure authorities to treat us with dignity and respect, and not sit back and take things from them for granted.

Yoursfaithfully,

MedinoAbrahamMSc

Kudos to Govt. for the low-income houses

DEAREDITOR,

The most recent announcement of the Government of Guyana is one to be applauded that is the 100 low-income houses on the East Bank of Demerara. While many of the so-called activists of the political realms seek attention by tearing down such an initiative, we must look at what’s best not only for the people but for the environment.

These homes are said to

beconstructedfromrecycled materials; this rings a bell that ties into developmentsustainable development! It is great to see that while we are on the cusp of greatness inthisdearcountry,itisquite clear that becoming homeowners for many in Guyana is becoming easier and more accessible! As always, I close by saying kudos to the Government of Guyana.

Regards,

TanyaNiamatali

“Mahadeo

…turnstosolarpowertoreduceenergycosts

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has reported that over the years, the entity has been losing annually, some US$20M withtheessentialitemofthe utility company’s overall costsbeingenergy

As such, the entity has turned to renewable sources ofenergytoscalebackonits s i n g l e l a r g e s t Bill electricity with the construction of a new a 400 Kwp (Kilowatt peak) Solar Farmwithaviewtoreducing itsannualoperation’scostat a new Port Mourant Water TreatmentPlant.

This much is made clear in the project summary p r o v i d e d t o t h e Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) which outlined a project cost at $1.7B.

According to the document seen by this publication,GWI’sfinancial performance is inadequate over the years with a net operatingannuallossofover US$20M.

It was noted that presently yearly energy consumption across GWI facilities is 46 6 million Kilowatt per Hour (kWh), meaningelectricityaccounts for more than 60 percent of the utility company’s operatingcosts.

In 2020, it was reported that GWI spent more than US$13 7M on electricity, and that its electricity consumption was over five percentofthetotalelectricity generated by the country’s electricutility(GPL).

To this end, the entity indicated in its project summary that “to reduce energy costs from ever

increasing electricity tariffs is of paramount importance for the improvement of the quality of service being providedtothepopulationof Guyana, as well as for the achievement of GWI’s economicsustainability.”

It was noted too that the Guyana government emphasizes the increasing theroleofrenewableenergy in the energy mix in the country to meet the future energy demands sustainably and that “renewable energy plays a critical role in reducing dependence on importedfossilfuelswhileat the same time reducing oil import bills and increasing energysecurity.”

Tothisend,GWIposited that water treatment plants are ideal end-users for integrating solar PV power plants under a grid-tie net meteringscheme.

According to GWI, based on the existing GPL transformer rating 500 Kilovolt-amps (kVA), it is proposedtoinstallasolarPV powerplantof400kWp.

GWI said the proposed system can generate a maximumpeakpowerof320 kWp range with the estimated annual energy output from 400 kWp solar PV system is 0.59 million kWh.

As such, the solar PV power generation share, can substitutecloseto45percent of the present energy consumptionlevel.

Tothisend,itwasposited that the reduction in energy bill after integration of solar PV power plant could be above40percentandthatthe projectcanalsoleadtoother socialandeconomicbenefits in terms of direct jobs creationandreductioninthe monthly electricity expenditure for the water utility

The existing water treatment facility receives water from two GWI owned wells located within the confines of the project’s compound The facility receiveselectricityfrom (Continuedonpage18)

ABOUT POPPER: ANOTHER VIEW...

Frompage4 problems(Popper)ormerely puzzles (Wittgenstein). The two engaged in a battle for supremacy.”

“When a question was asked about ‘The Status of Ethics’ Wittgenstein summarily dismissed what Popper described as; ‘The RealPhilosophicalProblem’ Wittgenstein then challengedPoppertogivean example of ‘The Moral Rule.’ Popper’s reply was that he Wittgenstein, appeared to be threatening visiting lecturers Whereupon Wittgenstein in a rage, stormed out of the gathering only to return momentslater.”

According to the two authors; “The details of that evening may be murky. But whatwedoknowisthattwo of the greatest philosophers of the day both came to that meeting thinking they were saving“philosophyfromthe mistakesofitspast.”

R u s s e l l , t h e mathematician and logician who was 74 at that time had become an older and wiser manmellowedbytimeanda variedlife.Thatbeingsaid,I return to Marx. Nowadays, b u z z w o r d s l i k e ‘transformational’ , ‘globalization and trade liberalization’ can be heard everywhere, suffice it to say that since 1848 Marx was already addressing those concerns.

That Marx’s thoughts were transformative were reflected in his words; ‘Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to changeit.’(1845).Thoughit has been disputed, his thought helped reshape the world in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Moreover, the shift in financial, economic and military power particularly toAsia, especially China, as well as the silicon boom of America’sWestCoasttowns waspredictedbyMarxmore than a century before Bill Gateswasborn.

And though it might be disputed, Marx’s ideas are

known to have transformed the study of philosophy, economics and history. Above all, his work should be considered more the start of a conversation than its conclusion.

Readers may ask; why view Popper’s life-work through the prism of Marx, whosomeseeasdiscredited, outmoded and irrelevant in thesemoderntimes.

A 2007 Study of ‘The SocialandPoliticalviewsof American Professors’ at American universities and conducted by professors Gross and Simmons from Harvard and Mason universities respectively showthat;

‘The highest proportion ofMarxistacademicscanbe found in the social sciences, andthere they represent less than 185percentofallprofessors (sociologycontainsthemost Marxists,at256.5percent).

The study went on: ‘It is liberal arts colleges that are home to the highest proportion of Marxists (12 07 5 percent, as compared to 3.05 percent in community colleges, 5.28.3 percentinotherBAgranting schools, 3.14.4 percent at non-elite, PhD granting institutions, and just 3.02.8 percent in elite, PhD grantingschools).’

The findings are more pronounced at European Universities Research shows that Marxism is more popular in European than at American universities Theretheyconsideritaspart of the basic intellectual fabric of modern social sciences. According to one observer,“LeavingMarxout of the social sciences would be almost as monumentally wrong as leaving the Bible outofthehistoryofWestern literature.”

BasedonIan’scolumn,it is reasonable to conclude that he found in Popper, a fairly acceptable account of how science is applied in practice.

While that is not questionable,itisreasonable also to accept that in every

field of human endeavour, everygenerationofmankind has learnt from previous generations.

In that respect, we can either take knowledge of others from the past, (the universal school) or engage in abstract reasoning in searchoftruth.

Popperisjustlyregarded asakeyfigureinthefieldof the philosophy of science. He considered Marxism a pseudo-science in the same way he considered Freudian psychoanalysis.

During his university days, Popper held the view that Marxism was initially scientific, in that, it was genuinely predictive. However,ashebecamemore e n g r o s s e d i n h i s philosophicalstudies,andas heobservedthepurgesinthe USSR under Stalin; the bastard creeds espoused by some who professed to be Marxists and the deviations by politicians on both left and the right, those events led him to conclude that Marxism is unscientific because it was modified to accommodate empirical observations and to justify practicalaberrations.

P o p p e r b e c a m e disillusioned with what he described as ‘the doctrinaire character of Marxism ’ He criticized Marx’s ‘Das Kapital’ stating; ‘One cannot tell whether or not Marx was writing nonsense, since his ‘iron laws’ of capitalist development are as vague andslipperyasthequatrains of Nostradamus they cannotbeeitherbeprovedor falsified.’

Popper’s ‘Achilles heel’ was his commitment to the ‘primacy of critical r a t i o n a l i s m ’ counterpointed by hostility towards anything that amounted to less than total acceptance of his own thought He substituted the principle of falsification for the principle of verification but made an absolute of the principle of falsification from his denial of the objective truth of scientific knowledge. He ended up an isolated figure, though his ideas continued to inspire admiration. In his seminal work, ‘The Open Society and Its Enemies’ (1962), Popper makes a revealing disclosure; “ Marx, on the other hand, has too often been attacked on personal and moral grounds, so that here the need is, rather, for a severe

rational criticism of his theories combined with a sympathetic understanding of their astonishing moral and intellectual appeal Rightlyorwrongly,Ifeltthat m y c r i t i c i s m w a s devastating, and that I could thereforeaffordtosearchfor Marx’s real contributions, and to give his motives the benefitofthedoubt”.

Looking at the PPP through the eyes of Marx and Popper, it would be reasonabletoconcludethat the PPP never rejected the p h i l o s o p h y t h a t sovereignty rests with the people, nor did it subscribe rigidlytoMarxistideology.

Also, did it cling slavishlytotheuncertainties of state socialism or utopian ‘CooperativeSocialism.’

In the late 1980’s, the PPP moderated it’s ideological narrative to c a p i t a l i s e o n t h e opportunitiesthatopenedup withtheendoftheColdWar andtocompetedomestically for cross-over votes It reoriented its political and ideologicalmessagingbased on the United Nations CharterandtheInternational Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the OAS Convention on Human Rights as well as declarationsemanatingfrom C o n f e r e n c e s o f Commonwealth Heads of G o v e r n m e n t a n d CARICOM’s Treaty of Chaguaramas. In that way, the party increasingly gravitated towards more nationalist and patriotic policies that were more inclusive and acceptable to allclassesandsocialstratain Guyanese society Moreover, the Party championed electoral reforms and supported calls by the international community for free and fair elections.Fromitsinception tothisday,thePPP’sstrategy and tactics has always been appliedcreativelyinsupport of workers, farmers and the businesscommunity

The party favors political and ideological pluralism,amixedeconomy, political and social democracy, cultural diversity and racial equality, political, economic and social reforms, power sharing (as reflected in its civic component) and alliance politics aimed at winning political power through mass struggle and theballotbox.

Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee

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RENEGOTIATION IS VERY DESTRUCTIVE?

…So said Exxon’s Mr. Alistair Routledge.

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Not to be outdone, President Ali said renegotiation could cause “a financial run”.

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It sounds like two Americans blowing the same trumpet at the same time!

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We can understand Exxon’s Country Head, Mr. Routledge.

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What to make of Guyana’s President Ali is another matter…

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Clearly, he has abandoned Guyanese who trusted him.

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The barrel bottom is reached, when Guyana’s leader is on Exxon’s side!

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Companies, investors face significant risks in Guyana as Govt. flouts own environmental laws

- Environmentalist warns

n v i r o n m e n t a l i s t Board (EAB), as well as no of the Environmental Simone Mangal-Joly, also Environmental Appeals ProtectionAct by the EPA, a known for her work Tribunal in place, some lack of independence, and shore pipeline and energy processes, and they have not promoting free and fair sevenyearsafterGuyanahas neglect of environmental project, and onshore allbeendoingthis.” elections through citizens entered oil and gas protection institutions. The supportiveservices. Sheobservedthatseveral participation in elections p r o d u c t i o n w i t h present Environmental and

She explained that companies, including observation, has written to international companies and Social Governance (ESG) ExxonMobil’s violation of ExxonMobil, appear happy the President of Guyana investors.Shealsoraisedthe investment climate lacks its environmental permits in to accept and run off with about a break down in matterofconflictsofinterest predictability and stability, such areas of safe oil environmental permits democratic environmental and the unfair handling of withcompaniesopentolegal production limits and full knowing their “ill-begotten governance in Guyana and complaints before previous andfinancialrisks,aswellas liability insurance coupled means”. She argued that this the risks this poses to Environmental Assessment political risks due to with the government’s is not only irresponsible investors. Boards. community conflicts, and disinclination to enforce the towards Guyanese but also

In a letter dated February In an invited comment, reputational risks. Investors, terms of such permits, EPA’s their investors “They 12, she pointed out the Mangal-Joly told this companies, and the systemic disregard for the (companies and investors) neglect of the country’s newspaper that, “A government need to take public’s rights in the need to resist the instinct for environmental protection government that will not theserisksseriously.” granting of environmental expediencyandavoidanceof institutions, resulting in no uphold its own laws is not a Mangal-Jolysaidthatthe t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l permits, failure to prove accountabilityandrecognize legally constituted Board of reliable investment partner evidence of government Protection Act for assessing protection of our health, that a government that D i r e c t o r s f o r t h e Companies and investors presentlynotmanagingESG and granting environmental natural resources, and other enables the cutting of Environmental Protection face legal and regulatory risks is “indelible in ink”, permits for offshore oil and marine industries such as c o r n e r s w i t h w e a k Agency (EPA) or an risks in Guyana from what is citing a long list of breach of gas production, the gas to fisheries in Environmental environmentalgovernanceis Environmental Assessment evidently systemic breaches legal procedures as set out in ImpactAssessments, and the a liability not an asset. For EPA’s failure to date to their part, government needs produce independently to understand that effective verified environmental environmentalgovernanceis monitoring reports are all a necessary part of genuine indicators of the governance development and that it breakdown. needstocleanupitsactifitis Mangal-Joly also to function as a dependable pointed out that companies partner in the world havebeenharmingtheirown economy,”shereasoned. interests by further Mangal-Joly further weakeningGuyana’salready pointed out that foreign fragile environmental direct investment is not management system She resulting in the benefits that saidthatshehadparticipated areoftenpreached. in environmental permitting According to her, “The processes in which promise of foreign investors c o m p a n i e s a n d t h e raising standards has not government were alerted of materialized in the legal procedural breaches in environmental arena good faith, but they chose Instead,wehavewitnesseda not to address deficiencies race to the bottom. Guyana andillegalities. hasthenotorietyofbeingthe A c c o r d i n g t o only country where all the environmental advocate, facilities handling toxic oil “We cannot lay blame solely production waste from a t t h e f e e t o f t h e offshore were set up without Government Companies Environmental Impact have a responsibility to Assessments and host knowtherequirementsofthe community knowledge of Environmental Protection the risks. In fact, none of the Act and see that they gain companieswereeven permits through lawful (Continued on page 9)

Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly

The Pappy Show is on today!

An international energy conference gets going today in Georgetown Similar events have been held in the past and have attracted excellent attendance but today’seventisashowpiece energy event which is expected to become an annualaffair Reports indicate that a former President of Colombia will deliver the feature event. At least three Prime Ministers from the Caribbean are likely to join President Irfaan Ali at the opening ceremony. This is therefore going to be starstuddedevent.

Thisisquiteacontrastto the 1980’s when one particularCARICOMleader refused to attend Caricom Heads of Govenrment Meeting This reclusive

leader’sabsenceledtoaloss of confidence in regional integration.

The situation today is quite different. Leaders are eager to come to Guyana. They see Guyana as one of the shining stars of the Caribbean at present and they know that Guyana is pivotaltotheRegion’sfuture success. This is something that President Ali has to be wary of. He has already allowed himself to be roped into joining the Regional SecuritySystem.Whatnext? A bailout of LIAT? Everybody loves Guyana now. But when we were flat onourface,onecountryhad a special bench at its immigration section - at its mainairport.Thebenchwas nicknamed the ‘Guyana bench’.

The Caribbean needs Guyana. But guess what. Guyana also needs the Caribbean The regional marketisamajormarketfor Guyana, including for tourism and events such as these do bring a fair number of persons from the Caribbean, especially from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

These conferences have become quite popular events. And do they help to stimulatethelocaleconomy. You always know when thereisinternationalcricket, motor racing or a major conference being held in Guyana The night life becomes enlivened The hotels usually have full occupancyandmoneyflows. From the taxi man to the vendors, business is brisk.

Companies, investors face significant risks...

Frompage8 granted environmental permits in legal compliance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act.Schlumbergerwasonly thetipoftheiceberg;therest areallcurrentlysittingducks with gaping liabilities ”

Schlumberger lost its environmental permit to operate a hazardous radioactive waste treatment facility at Houston, East Bank Demerara, after the EPA lost a Judicial Review case brought by a group of Guyanesecitizens.

It was reported that on January 19, 2022, the EPA without any notice given to the public, granted

Schlumberger permission to use, store and possess radioactive materials at its facility located at Houston.

JusticeNareshwarHarnanan ruledonDecember19,2022 that the EPA breached its statutory duties when it made the decision to waive therequirementofanEIAto Schlumberger in relation to granting an environmental permit for the construction ofthefacility In fact, the Judge declared that EPA’s decision to not conduct an EIA into the effectsoftheconstructionof the facility was illegal, ultra vires, unreasonable, and irrational since it breached the Environmental

Dem Boys Seh...

Protection Act, Cap.20:05. Justice Harnanan granted an Order of Certiorari issued and directed to the EPA quashingitsdecisiononJune 9, 2021 to award an environmental authorisation toSchlumbergertoconstruct aradioactivesubstancesand material storage and calibrationfacility 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 pursuanttotheprovisionsof theEPAAct.

Who is de man?

When de oil contract was fuss made public,itdidsendamanintodepression.At de man fuss press conference in 2018, he complain how he felt a little depressed and sad. Whensomeofdemreporterhear,dem did want go and get some Limacol fuh de man. Den dem remember de man muss be gatplentyofdatalready

De man was so depressed that he claimeddatjustwhenitlookasifdecountry wouldturndecorner,itendupmekkingbad agreements.Y’allthinkyallknowwhoisde man?

De man even claim de government sacrifice long-term gains fuh short-term benefits.Hesehhowwegiveupbillionsin defuturefuhafewmillionsnow Y’allthink y’allknowwhoisdeman?

De same man even talk how if de APNU+AFC bring a motion in parliament for a renegotiation of the oil contract, de PPPC would support de motion. So dem boys hoping dat deAPNU+AFC would do

soandputdemattertodetest.

De same man even criticized de government’spositionongas.Heclaimhow when he meet with de oil company, he ask demwhetherdemdoanyfeasibilitystudyon de gas and what were the incremental benefits to de country and company of pumpingdegasbackintodewells.Hesaid until dat question is answered through a feasibility study of de gas, de Coal-a-Shun should not have signed any agreement relatingtogas.

Y’all know who de man wah did seh desethings?

Demandidevenclaimhowdecontract wasstackedinfavourofdecompany Now isdatnotdetypeofcontractyuhfeelshould berenegotiated?Somebodyevencarryouta poll and report how 82% of the population wantedthecontractrenegotiated.Butnowit looksasifdeviewsofthedepopulationnah matterwhenitcomestorenegotiation.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

This is why these conferencesaregoodforthe economy Were it not for major events such as these, mostofourtophotelswould end up in in the red, if they arenotalreadythere.

T h e s e t y p e s o f conferences are also money spinners for the organizers. To be held in such steady succession means that they mustbemakingmoney Itis not cheap to participate in these events The registration fee us hefty and sotooarethecostsofbooths. But the participating companies look forward to the exposure since they feel that in the long-term they will benefit more than they willexpend.Allitwilltakeis for one major contract to be sealed and the expenditure willbeworthit.

T h e s e t y p e s o f conferencesaregoodforthe multinational corporations. It plays to their agenda. The oil companies for example like to claim how their presence is leading to increased investment. And the focus of most of these conferences is on attracting

investment, selling goods and services and promoting partnerships. You will hear about the benefits of local content and how jobs have been created since oil explorationbegan.

What you will not hear about is how the major contracts have already been secured by foreign multinationalsandallthatis left is mainly supply chain contracts.You are not likely to hear anyone get up and condemn the royalty rates which the country is receivingorthelackofringfencing or the need for greaterinsuranceprotection. You are not going to hear anyone demanding that the oil companies pay corporation taxes of a windfall tax. This is why these conferences are tailormade for the multinational corporation.

The time has come however for another conference, one which should be organized on the sidelines of the Conference (as is the case with other international conferences overseas) This other

conference should bring together experts – and if possible including other Prime Ministers – and s h o u l d p r e s s f o r renegotiation of the oil contract to ensure that Guyanagetsabetterdeal.

But such an event is not going to be organized and certainly is not going to attract the sort of publicity and support as the oil conference which is being hosted today When the dust settles, however, an assessment needs to be undertakenastotheextentto which this conference has helped local companies, rather than simply being a poster event for the oil companies’interests.

(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.)

Drunken fisherman crushed to death

Forty-nine-year-old Rooplall Rukhdeo, of Peter Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara, was on Saturday crushed to death afterhefellontotheroadway intothepathofamotorcar

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) reported that the incident occurred at 19:04 hours on the Annandale Access Road. The driver of motorcar PLL 4752 told the Policethathesawagroupof persons sitting on a wooden stand on the western side of the road imbibing alcohol

andintheprocessofpassing, one of the individuals who was sitting on the stand, fell onto the roadway and into thepathofthemotorcar

As a result, the left-side front wheel of the motorcar ran over Rukhdeo. The man was picked up in an unconscious condition and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a Police Force pick-up but he was pronounced dead on arrival byadoctor

A breathalyzer test was

conducted on the driver, which read 004 percent micrograms.

Thepolicedisclosedthat thedriverwasarrestedandis assisting with the investigation.

Moreover, a postmortemwasconductedaton Monday morning at GPHC mortuary by Doctor Nehaul Singh.Oncompletionofthe PME, Dr Singh gave the cause of death as multiple crushed injuries to the head. Thebodywashandedoverto therelativesforburial.

Farfan and Mendez secures US$5M IDB loan to expand solar energy generation

The private sector arm of the Inter – A m e r i c a n Development Bank - IDB

Invest has signed a revolvingcreditfacilitywith Guyanesefirm2020FMCG Inc. to develop and expand commercialandutility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) energy-generationcapacity

The US$5 million facility with a five-year tenor will finance the company’s working capital needs to advance the use of renewable energy in Guyana, the IDB said in a press release. IDB Invest’s revolving working capital facility will allow 2020 FMCG Inc. to optimise its cash-conversion cycle, strengthen the relationships within its value chain and mitigate foreign-exchange risk by bridging the cashflow gapbetweenpayments

made to suppliers and payments received from clients.Thefinancingdealis aligned with Guyana’s Low

Carbon Development

Strategy 2030, which calls forthegenerationandusage of clean-energy resources, the bank said It also strengthens IDB Invest’s commitment to working with the private sector to increase investments in renewableenergyinGuyana and across Latin America and the Caribbean, driving action on climate change. The project is expected to contribute to five of the UnitedNations’Sustainable Development Goals, No

Poverty (SDG 1), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent WorkandEconomicGrowth

(SDG 8), Industry,

I n n o v a t i o n a n d Infrastructure (SDG 9) and

ClimateAction(SDG13).

IDBInvest,amemberof the IDB Group, is a multilateral development bank committed to promoting the economic development of its member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector. IDB

Invest finances sustainable companies and projects to achievefinancialresultsand maximize economic, social and environmental development in the region. With a portfolio of $15.3 billioninassetmanagement and 375 clients in 25 countries, IDB Invest

provides innovative financial solutions and advisory services that meet the needs of its clients in a varietyofindustries.

Meanwhile, Farfan and Mendes is listed as an industry leader in providing equipment and services to various sectors, including

agriculture, forestry, renewable energy, oil and gas, and mining. Since its establishment in 1967, the company has been at the forefront of technology a d o p t i o n a n d h a s successfully adapted to market changes through diversificationasabusiness model. Its partnerships with leading companies such as Crosbie Group, Soventix Caribbean and Concrete Canvas etc. have enabled it to offer a wide range of products and services to clients Through the company’s Sustainability Strategy and a proven track record of success, Farfan and Mendes is helping to realize the Low Carbon Development Strategy ambition that renewables willaccountforover70%of installed generation capacityby2040inGuyana.

KN Publisher, Glenn Lall

Guyana could get ring-fencing, cap interest rates, secure full liability coverage etc from Exxon without renegotiating

oil deal

- KN Publisher President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Evenashemaintainsthat can therefore utilize various Exxon on its four projects blood; we are not wringing Guyana can and must seek a tactics,tolessenthepietobe which have already been Exxon’s hand to break it.We renegotiation of the lopsided shared. approved. are demanding what is our 2016 Stabroek Block deal, The businessman also “Had we been collecting rightful share so that this Kaieteur News Publisher, noted that provisions can be taxes from ExxonMobil and starving nation can really Glenn Lall recently i n s e r t e d i n t o t h e their partners, Guyana inherit and live the life that proffered that significant environmental permits to would not have to run to t h e o i l c o m p a n i e s ’ financial value can still be bindExxonMobil,theparent foreign banks for loans to shareholders are enjoying clawed back without company, to provide full patch roads. We can make with our oil…why they must utilizing that direct liability coverage This enough money on taxes beeatinglobsterandprawns, approach. ensures all oil spill expenses alone to run this country,” and drink fine wine, while

Through the use of and compensation are Lall said, adding that he is we, the owners or the oil, addendumstothecontractor handledfullybyExxon. waiting to see if President, must settle for ‘kakabelly’(a inserting provisions within The businessman opined Dr Irfaan Ali will allow this species of local fish) and the relevant production as well that future projects opportunity to slip through bush rum,” the publisher permits/licences, Lall can be ring-fenced with the the proverbial cracks on the stated. asserted that Guyana could use of the requisite fifth and sixth Stabroek Lall said these are but a firstly place a cap interest provisions in production Blockprojects. few of the basic rules that rates for loans taken by licences. This he explained Another reasonable must be in any proper ExxonMobil and its partners would ensure that the demandhesaidisanincrease business model for the oil tosupportfutureventures. revenues for each project are on the meager two percent sector If Ali does these

In the absence of a cap or notutilizedelsewhere. royalty and 50 percent profit things, the publisher said he limitofanysort,Lallsaidthe Further, Lall said that split for ExxonMobil’s would prove that he is a country is at Exxon’s mercy; Guyana does not get a blind upcomingprojects. president for the people, by the oil giant and its partners cent in terms of taxes from “We are not asking for thepeopleandofthepeople.

trial for sodomising

Convicted rapist goes on second underage boy

Neezam Ali, the Muslim scholarwhowasjailedfor45 years in 2019 for raping a nine-year-old boy, is facing another trial for the rape of anotherboy His case was called up before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court on Monday Ali pleaded not guilty to the charge for the offence of sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust contrary to Section 18 (3) (a) oftheSexualOffenceAct.

According to the charge, it is alleged that between offence of rape of a child December 2 and 31, 2011, in under 16 contrary to Section the County of Demerara, he 10(3)oftheSexualOffences engaged in sexual activity Act. That charge stated that with a six-year-old boy by he engaged in sexual penetrating his anus with his penetration with the lad penis, while being a betweenthesaiddates. teacher Imam at the The charge further Muslim Association Masjid, alleged that Ali called T u r k e y e n , G r e a t e r “Mufty” , “Mufti” or Georgetown. “Muffie” knew or could State Prosecutors Simran reasonably be expected to Gajraj, Latifah Elliot, and have known of the position Rbina Christmas have also of trust he held in relation to presented an alternative thesaidboy Ali,whowas count against Ali for the (Continued on page 17)

Accused Muslim Scholar, Neezam Ali

$50M approved to rehabilitate dams in Reg. 6

Farmers in Region

Six can look forward to better

- Black Bush Polder cash crop farmers to receive fertilizer

quarterof2023. Farmers noted that with access to their

“We can’t build a new Black Bush Polder being the farmlands this year with sluice now What I can largest agriculture scheme in some $50M being allocated commit to is ensuring the Region, they needed to under the Ministry of Crabwood Creek gets a new receive optimal drainage

Agriculture for the pump This will happen They also sought an update rehabilitation of dams in the within a month. It will be a from the minister on the cultivationareas. 100-cusec pump and will be fertilizer for cash crop

Agriculture Minister

This was announced by here permanently so that the farmers that was announced

farmers can benefit bythegovernmentsometime

ZulfikarMustaphaduringan Engineers from the NDIA last year While responding outreach on Saturday last in will come back to the area to to the farmers’ concerns, Crabwood Creek on the do an assessment and we’ll Minister Mustapha said that Corentyne Coast. While make machines available to t h e N D I A w i l l b e responding to issues related desilt all of the canals,” he constructing two pump to access to farmlands, noted. stations in the scheme this Minister Mustapha said that Minister Mustapha also year the sum was allocated last disclosed that an agro- “Westarteditlastyear;to F r i d a y f o l l o w i n g processing facility will also build two pump stations in consultations with the be constructed in Crabwood Black Bush Polder so you’ll Ministry said in a press Mustapha told the farmers government. National Drainage and Creek to the tune of have drainage and irrigation. release. that the government has and He further stated that Irrigation (NDIA) and the approximately $25 million We are also looking to

Although many farmers will continue to support the work is being done to Regional Officials. Farmers sothatfarmerscanaddvalue construct the Hope-like indicated that they were well farmers as agriculture improve the drainage present at the meeting also totheirproduce. canal so that Joanna and aware of the interventions remains one of the most infrastructure in Crabwood raised issues with improved Minister Mustapha also other areas can get drainage made by the government to importantsectorsinGuyana. Creek and that farmers will drainage, highlighting the metwithfarmersfromBlack there. We will also do work develop the agriculture He maintained that farmers soon benefit from improved need for additi

n

l Bush Polder and informed in the Cookrite Savannah so sector over the past two have never received the drainagewiththeinstallation infrastructure given the them that they too will that farmers can have access years, they told the minister amount of assistance that of a new pump which is challenges faced as a result benefit from improved totheiranimals,”hesaid.He that they were still having they are currently receiving expected to be operable of flooding due to constant drainage and irrigation (Continued on page 16)

before the end of the first

Farmers during the outreach with Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

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OP:ED

By GHK Lall

In a recent address, Guyana’sPresidentAlispoke repeatedly of how the Production Sharing Agreement has become an “obsession” for some, which has now reached a state that is “paranoid.” I thought that His Excellency would be

What value leadership, promises, commitment

wise, stop while the going was good. But, having developed his now customary head of steam, he plunged into treacherous waters,whichdraggedhimto places that he was best advised not to go.

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Randomly, our President’s delivery touched upon “when you inherit” certain things such should be “honoured”. The President is absolutely right about the “inherit”partofthePSA,and I could not agree with him more about what should be “honoured.” But, as the President should know, his group when in Opposition was loud and insistent about what it was going to do with that same PSA, if elected to govern. The President’s group, the PPP is now the GovernmentofGuyana. Inow repeathowseniormembersof his PPP Government have damnedthesamePSAthathe now waxes brilliantly about honouring. They rightly denounceditasa“crime”,the “worstcrime”andthe“crime of the century.”

By GHK Lall

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With those as contexts, my humble questions to His Excellencyaresimplicityitself: how,sir,isacrime(fromone’s own group’s lips repeatedly) “honoured?” How about honouring insiders’ word often uttered publicly? How about honouring the promises and commitments madebytrustedluminariesin the PPP hierarchy? Is there no value to such word, promises,commitmentsmade to Guyanese hopefuls? Were theirutteranceshotair,rancid politics, or saying anything for the sake of ascending to office? Inotherwords,dareI asktoknowinglyandwilling, alltooeasily,speaktowhatis deceptive, totally deviousness for the worst objectives? Naked, unscrupulous ambition by any means, at any cost?

In a tradition and system of‘oneforallandallforone,’ whoever speaks the words of

commitment speaks for the entire group, then Opposition, now government. For if a man cannot honour his own words, a group cannot stand for what all swore to deliver, thenthereisonlytheshallow, and what commonsense categorizes as the rankest scurrilousness. Using their ownwordsascontext,andas foundation, I exhort the President to help me understand what kind of leadershipwelivewith,what type of government it is that Guyanese have. I think that both the President and his closestpeoplearefullyaware that in societies with more accountability, the taint of a deceptionistheequivalentof enduring political death. I moveon.

In a more tempered, I say civilized, moment, His Excellency mentioned choices. Choiceone:honour the agreement; two, go to court; or three, plug up the well. Consideringthesethree presidential choices, I am appalledatthisbarrennessof astuteness, this season of the extreme, especially with choice three, maybe even numbertwo. Iftoaskfor2% more in royalty is a life-anddeath issue for investors, then it is better, perhaps, that thereisthelossofconfidence in those kinds of investors, and the accompanying “capital flight” of which the President spoke. I push not

(Continued on page 17)

$50M approved to rehabilitate...

From page 15 also disclosed that cash crop farmersfromBlackBushwill beginreceivingthepromised fertilizerinthecomingweek.

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Cashcropfarmerspresent also raised concerns about the presence of chemicals in theirrigationcanals.

They explained that persons who are contracted to carryoutroutinemaintenance of the irrigation canals are using chemicals to kill the vegetation and it was affecting their crops.

Whilenotingthatthecontract clearly states that the useofchemicalsisprohibited for the maintenance of the canals, Minister Mustapha told the farmers that closer monitoringofthoseworkswill be done by the regional officials and the Water Users Association.

He also said that a team from the Pesticides and toxic ChemicalsControlBoardwill be visiting the region to conduct tests on the irrigation canals.

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Unstable electricity caused deadly Windsor Forest fire – Fire Service East Canje men shot during fight with hunters

Anargumentamongfive men on a livestock farm in New Forest, East Canje Berbice has landed two persons in the hospital and three others in police custody

Regional Commander

Shivpersaud Bacchus confirmed that ranks are investigating an alleged shooting incident that occurredyesterdayataround 03:00hrs Injured and hospitalised are Rafeek Khan, 49 and Luke Persaud, 41, both of Betsy Ground, East Canje Berbice. Police have arrested three men, including the employer of theinjuredmen,andtheyare assisting police with investigations.

GailPersaud,45,whois the sister of Luke Persaud, toldreportersthatherbrother suffered injuries to his face from bullet fragments, bulletsthatwerefiredbytwo ofthesuspects.

farminNewForestforafew weeksandontheeveningof the incident after their work was completed on the farm, they opted to BBQ some chicken and have a few drinks.

It is alleged by Persaud that two of the suspects (not theemployer)wouldusually hunt in the area for wild animals.

“ they take a couple of drinks with them and they start to behave badly, so the owner put them out and they had two guns and the owner takethegunsandthrowthem outtheyardandputthemout and the one guy jump the fence back and pick up the gun and start shooting” Gail Persauddisclosed

TheGuyanaFireService (GFS) on Monday revealed that the deadly Windsor Forest,WestCoastDemerara fire that claimed the life of businessman Rajendra Mohabir, 60, popularly known as ‘Slowie’ was caused by unstable electricity

In a statement, the Fire Service reported, that it was determined that the fire was caused by fluctuations in electricity that led to arcing and sparking at the breaker panel box, subsequently i g n i t i n g n e a r b y combustibles.

Kaieteur News had r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e businessmanwaskilledon Sunday afternoon after going back into his burning house at Seventh Street,WindsorForesthome to save his grandson he believed, was still in the

building.The child however had already escaped to safety Before family memberscouldhavestopped Mohabir, he had already enteredthe burning building and later became trapped in theflames.

Mohabir’s two-storey building which housed a grocery store and church on the bottom flat reportedly caught fire around14:00hours.

According to initial reports Mohabir, his wife, grandchild, and daughter were in the top flat at the time and were unaware thatthebuildingwasonfire.

Church members were the first to run out of the building, while his son, and the pastor of the church, ran upstairs to alert his family Kaieteur News understands that they had all exited the building safely but amidst

the panic and confusion, Mohabircouldnotlocatehis grandson.

Believing that the childmightstillbetrapped in the building, he ran back inside to find and save his grandson, but endedupbeingtrappedafter the entire building quickly became engulfed in flames. His son and other persons reportedlyranbehindhimto save him but they were unable to do so and reportedlysustainedinjuries.

Firefighters had arrivedatthesceneshortly after and did their best to extinguish the blaze but failed to save Mohabir or thehouse.

After hours of searching, firefighters eventually found a small portion of Mohabir’s charred remains in the burntbuilding

Convictedrapistgoesonsecondtrial...

Frompage13 convicted and sentenced to 45 years imprisonment two weeksagoforrapinganineyear-old boy, has filed an appealagainsttheconviction and sentence with the Court of Appeal in Kingston, Georgetown.

In the appeal, lawyers Latchmie Rahamat and Glenn Hanoman, argue that the sentence imposed on him by JusticeNavindraSinghwastoo severeinallthecircumstances ofthecase

According to the lawyers, “Thelearnedtrialjudgeutilised a mathematical formula in

passing the sentence of 45 yearsthatiswithoutlegalbasis andfailedtotakeintoaccount established sentencing guidelines and passed a sentencethatwasinconsistent with the current sentencing practice”

It is the lawyers’ contention that in passing sentence, the trial judge failed to explore the possibility of ordering a probation report and to take other relevant factors intoconsideration

It is their view that counsel (Stanley Moore) whorepresentedAliduring

the trial, failed to adequately mitigate the sentence Arguing that there was bias on the part ofajuror,thelawyershave argued that, “There was a realpossibilitythatabiasof a member of the jury affected the impartiality of the jury and the fairness of the trial and the failure of the juror to disclose that he attemptedtoforcefullyshut down the Masjid run byAli shortly after his arrest, constituted to a material irregularity at the (Ali’s) trial, resulting in a miscarriageofjustice ”

Khan is said to be hospitalised in a serious conditionandhadtoundergo emergency surgery Kaieteur News understands that Luke Persaud and Rafeek Khan have been employed with Devin Bissoon on his livestock

They were in the area both armed with their huntingfirearms.

Gail said her brother told herthattheywerealldrinking togetherandatsomepoint,an argument ensued causing the employer (Bissoon) to throw the suspect’s firearms out of the farmyard and also told them to leave the premises

It was further disclosed that her brother, Khan, and theiremployerraninsidethe farmhouse to take cover and attempted to block the entry door with a chair, but the shots fired by the suspects piercedthroughthedoorand walls, injuring Khan and Persaud in the process “Theybarthedoorandgoin andlockupinthehouseand they put a chair behind the doorandstilltheywanttogo inthehouse,theybrukdown thelandingandwantedtogo in the house and then dem start to shoot through the chair and the shot catch the other guy and the fragments pitch up on my brother’s face.”

The woman said. The gunmen then escaped but were subsequently arrested by police and taken into custodyattheCentralPolice StationinNewAmsterdam.

PressAssociationcondemnssinister movebyenergyconferenceorganisersto constrain,filtermediaaccesstodelegates

The Guyana Press Association has condemned the decision of the organizers of the Guyana Energy Conference to constrain the media’s free access to delegates and other participants of the event scheduled for February14to17,2023.

TheGPAsaidinastatementthatformany of the delegates coming from free, open and democratic societies where press freedom and media access are norms, this quite possibly is a novel experience for them as conference organisers are holding themselvesoutasthe“conduit”forarranging interviews. Further, the GPAsaiditnoted with alarm, the restriction of the media to physical access to the opening of the event Energy Conference. It said, “From all cosmetic explanations given so far, we can onlyconcludethatthereisasinistermotive.”

The GPA added, “These are nothing else but attempts at State-driven control of the media and so foreign delegates shouldnotbeseentobeapartytoconduct that smacks of some sort of press restriction ”

It stressed that the media, rather than the organisers of the Guyana Energy Conference, are the true and authentic conduits between decisionmakers and the working class On this

premise, it urged that the organisers of the Guyana Energy Conference to conduct themselves in accordance with globally a

ptable ru

of engagement with the media rather than seeking to impose, enforce or introduce barriers

The injured Luke Persaud

Dead, Rajendra Mohabir

The aftermath of the fire

Guyana Press Association (GPA) president, Nazima Raghubir

Massy announces winner of Nissan X-Trail, delivers $10 million in prizes

Colin Weeks is the consistently displayed Store had to get a winner in win up to $300,000 in cash winner of a new duringmymanyvisits.” addition to the grand prize has not yet taken up her

2022 Nissan X- General Manager of because that’s what our opportunitytowin.

Trail T32, worth over $8 Massy Stores, Robert Singh, customersdeserve.” Meanwhile, if you were million, the biggest prize who also spoke at the event, Otherstoreprizewinners not one of the lucky that was up for grabs in said, “Our Team at Massy who were presented with Christmas Jackpot winners, Massy Stores’ Christmas Stores continuously looks their prizes in January are don’t feel left out. There’s Jackpotwhichjustended. for ways to give back to our Ms. Surojanie Roopchand stillachancetowinatMassy

In a press release, the customers and this year, we who shopped at Massy Stores with yet another company said that Weeks wantedtogoalloutforYOU StoresProvidenceandwona giveawayforcustomers. was among thousands of – the people who make our trip for two to a local T h e S w e e t h e a r t customers who participated stores successful by not only destination She chose Promotion, a collaboration in the promotional activity choosing to shop with us but Iwokrama; and Mr Michael between Massy Stores and which ran from November giving us critical feedback Brazao, who shopped at Caribbean Airlines, is 14, 2022, to January 31, whichweusetoimproveand Massy Stores Montrose and ongoing Customers can 2023. During a presentation betterserveyou.”. wonanewsofa. spend $5,000 or more at any ceremony at Massy Stores, The Nissan X-trail was Additional winners are of the five Massy Stores to Turkeyen, on Saturday, the one of several prizes worth a Ms Janakdai Persaud, a enterandwinatripfortwoto grand prize winner said: “I total of over $10 million. shopper at Massy Stores Trinidad or Barbados. The must admit I was shocked Every $2000 spent at any of Vreed-en-Hoop who won a promotion runs from and astonished to get the call theMassyStoresallowedthe new Samsung gas stove; and January 28 to February 28. that I had won something. I customer a chance to win. Ms. Amanda Munro, who Massy Stores are located at want to thank Massy for Singh added, “This by far is won a new AKT motorcycle Providence, East Bank conducting this prize give the lowest-cost opportunity with her entry at Massy Demerara, Turkeyen and away and I must say I enjoy anyone can get to win a Stores Ruimveldt. Ms. Montrose on the East Coast, shopping at Massy because brand-new Nissan X-Trail. Charlyn Artiga, who Vreed-en-Hoop on the West of the courtesy and But having one winner shopped at Massy Stores Coast and Ruimveldt in customer-friendly attitude irritated us. So, every Massy Mega and won a chance to Georgetown.

Cummings Lodge woman robbed at knife-point on Main Street

A 40-year-old woman, $120,000, ATM cards for who resides at Cummings GBTI, Republic Bank and Lodge Housing Scheme, Demerara Bank, National EastCoastDemerara(ECD), IdentificationCard,National was on Saturday attacked Insurance Scheme (NIS) and robbed by a knife-toting Card,andotherdocuments. bandit near the New The woman received an Thriving Restaurant located injury to her right knee and along Main Street, reported that the suspect Georgetown. grabbed her purse and ran in

According to police a westerly direction into reports,around18:00hrsthat Hope Street, in the vicinity day the woman, who is a of Tiger Bay, making good Human Resource Manager hisescape. for a prominent hotel, was The injured woman then standing in the vicinity of made a report to the police Main and Hope Streets after which several persons waiting for transportation to were questioned and checks go home when the incident done in and around the occurred. community for the suspect

Shereportedtothepolice buteffortsborenofruit. that while there, she was The woman went to the approached by the suspect, G e o rg e t o w n P u b l i c who took out the knife from Hospital, where she was hisrightsidepantswaist,and treatedforherinjuryandsent pointed it at her and relieved away her of her purse. The purse, Investigators are police said, contained cash, reviewing the CCTV one blue Samsung S10 cameras in the area with the cellular phone valued at aimoflocatingthesuspect.

Colin Weeks is the winner of a new 2022 Nissan X-Trail T32, worth over $8M

QayyimAcademyregisterssecondarchery school club underArchery Guyanaa

On Saturday, February 4, ArcheryGuyanaHeadCoach Nicholas Hing, presented to QayyimAcademy’sPrincipal Bibi Romena ConstantineMohamed, their official certificateofregistrationandaffiliation together with a bow andarrowset,atasimpleceremony in the school’s compound.

“QayyimAcademy”,also the name of the school’s archery club, has been quite active for a few months now under the instruction of Archery Guyana member Mr Saeed Karim who is also a

teacher there, along with the support from Archery Guyana’s head coach, other membersfromtimetotimeand Miss Romena, as she is normally addressed by her students and teachers, is very enthusiasticabouthavingthe students involved in sports andisexcitedtohavearchery as one of the sports developed in school.

Theclubhasalreadybuilt theirowntargetsandquivers, and has also acquired some equipment in the form of bows and arrows.

This is another step in

Archery Guyana’s vision of developing the sport at the grassrootslevelbeginningin the schools with the aim of discoveringandencouraging athletes from the primary to theuniversitylevel.Thisisto ensure the widest possible participation in its effort to find the best Archers to represent Guyana both regionally and internationally, specifically at the Olympic Games.

Tuesday February 14, 2023

ARIES (Mar.21–Apr.19)

Yourusuallazyattitudeisapt to receive a burst of energy tonight, Aries. It's in your nature not to want to lift a finger, but for some reason youmaybecompelledtoget up and get moving.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Youmayfindyouremotions difficulttodealwith,Taurus, especially later in the day Consider taking an intellectual instead of emotionalapproach.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Communicationwithothers could be extremely rewarding,Gemini,especiallylater in the day. Project more of your energy outward and join others in projects.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Makesureyousolidifyyour affairs early in the day, Cancer, because the sparks are going to fly after sunset. People might try to throw youoffbalancewithfasttalk and fancy ideas.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Things are looking up for you, Leo, especially later in the day. Pieces should be coming together and things flowingintoplacenaturally You will find that your outward-directedenergyisbetter balanced now

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

The energy is apt to pick up inyourlifetoday,Virgo.You may be asked to report to duty. Don't make promises you can't keep. Your words willbetakenseriously

Archery Guyana is committed to providing the necessarytrainingforinstructors and certified coaches and judges, both junior and senior With this in mind, ArcheryGuyanaseesarcheryas an additional event at school sports; Inter-house, Interschools and Nationals, thereby fostering a competitivespiritamongstudentsand the camaraderie that archery isinternationallyknownfor

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

There's extra aggression in yourworldtoday,Libra.Realizethatthisisprobablydue more to your reaction to a situation than to the situation itself. It could be that you'reinconflict.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Theremaybeabitofaggravation in a part of your life that's urging you to get up and do something, Capricorn. It could be that you're getting overly emotional about a certain issue.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Things are going to get better and better for you as the day progresses, Sagittarius. Try to get your grounded, practical, and logical self collected during the day

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

There may be a bit of aggravationinapartofyour life that's urging you to get up and do something, Capricorn. It could be that you're getting overly emotional about a certain issue,

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You may feel a bit stodgy today, Aquarius, but things are going to pick up tonight. There will be a great deal of air to fuel your fire, and you're ready to burn.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20) Get things taken care of in the morning so you can be carefreeandlaidbackinthe evening. It's important for you to square things away in your head.

Qayyim Academy Principal receiving the club’s Certificate of Affiliation from Archery Guyana’s Head Coach Nicholas Hing while flanked by two of the schools budding archers.

Republic Softball Festival set For Region 6 on Sunday

The newly formed One Family Star Promotions has teamed up with the Mayflower Sports Club on theCorentynetohostthe1st OneGuyanaRepublicTen10 SoftballCricketFestival.

The one day knock out affair will be played at the

Number 0 Sports Club Ground and will see teams within Region 6 battling for over $200,000 in cash and trophies.

The competition is open toanyagecategoryandwill bowl off from 09:00hrs sharp.

Already on board is

Lakhram Singh Contracting Services.

The General Manager of the company said that he is please to be associated with the festival and wished all the teams well. He said that he is looking forward to a successful competition and is happy to give back to the

community especially the youths as part of his c o m p a n y s o c i a l responsibility

The organisers thanked the company for its support and assured that the competitionwillbeplayedto thehigheststandard.

Interested teams can contact Roy on 654-8187 or OneFamilyStarPromotions on706-5907.

There will be also be a number of side attractions for the patrons, music and wellstockbar

R e s i d e n t s a r e encouraged to support the event.

General Manager Mr. Singh and President of Mayflower SC Ms. Indira

Jaffarally display some of the trophies

Chase’s 70 puts West Indies in command against Zimbabwe

B U L A W A Y O , Zimbabwe (AP) — Roston Chase top-scored with 70 andJoshuaDaSilvachipped in with 44 as West Indies reached 290-8 in its first inningstoleadZimbabweby 175runsafterthesecondday of the second and final test was twice cut short by rain yesterday

West Indies began the dayon133-4andChasewas largely untroubled on a dry pitch before becoming one of three wickets for Zimbabwe seamer Victor Nyauchi at the Queens SportsClub.

Chase had put on 60 for the fifth wicket with Kyle Mayers, who was then caught for 30 by Wellington Masakadza off leg-spinner BrandonMavuta(3-73).

Nyauchi ended Chase’s inningswhenhebowledhim with a full length, inswinging delivery after he and Da Silva had shared a partnership of 85 for the sixth wicket. “Obviously I was looking for that c e n t u r y i t ’ s disappointing,” Chase told reporters. “But that was a verygoodballbythebowler Socreditgoestohim.”

Nyauchiwentontobowl Da Silva for 44 and had Alzarri Joseph caught splendidly for four at midwicket by Tanunurwa Makoni with a running effort. Nyauchi’s first two wickets came from three balls and the Harare

Zimbabwean bowler Victor Nyauchi celebrates a wicket on the second day of the second Test cricket match between Zimbabwe and West Indies at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.

(AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

paceman believes the spinfriendly surface is now offering something for the quickerbowlerstoo.

“It’s been a bit difficult…but it’s changing, it’s now nipping a bit,” said Nyauchi. “We’re happy to see that the ball is swinging now and getting to the keeper.” Zimbabwe, with a mainlysecond-stringside,is withoutGaryBallance.

The former England batter, who scored a historic undefeated century on his debut for his native country lastweek,ismissingthrough illness.

Zimbabwe was skittled outfor115initsfirstinnings and the West Indies are h o p i n g t o p o s t a commanding lead, probably aimingnottobatagaininthe test.

“I’m happy with the position we are in,” Chase added. “If we can push the lead up to 250 that will be enough for us to bowl at Zimbabwe.”

The first test ended in a draw

Scores: West Indies 290 for 8 (Chase 70, Reifer 53, Nyau

Zimbabwe

Nagasar edge out Banwarie 22-19 for GCUA Presidency GCUA

Held on Sunday at the world famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Pavilion, the Bi-Annual General Meeting and Elections of the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC) commenced just after 10:00 hrs and concluded just after 13:00 hrs.

A fairly large gathering of delegates from Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo turned out to cast their vote foranewExecutivebodyof the GCUC which was formedin1971.

When the ballots were completed, Essequibian Dawcha Nagasar, who took over as Acting President from Shannon Crawford after he had resigned from the post, edged out DCUA’s President Ryan Banwarie 22-19. Nagasar, who will serve as President for the next two years, thanked all

the members for their continued support and welcomed all the members who were elected to the executive.

“Although an executive has been elected, I would like all the umpires to be involved in the decisionmaking through their respective Associations for there is a lot of work to be done.

TheGCUCinterestsand business come first and as suchwemustcometogether and be prepared to make sacrificesandbeavailableto serve the GCUC for this is theonlywaytheAssociation will move forward, ” continuedNagasar,whoalso severed as Secretary during the last term which coincidedwiththeCovid-19 Pandemic. A Motion was passed by a majority vote to changethenameoftheentity to reflect the Council’s

responsibility to incorporate Scorers and Match Referees but President Nagasar said thatthepresentnamewillbe used until the new one is registered.

T h e f o l l o w i n g individuals were elected as officerbearers.

President; Dawcha Nagasar, Berbician Zaheer MoakanwaselectedasVicepresident while the Honorary Secretary is MosesRampaul.

Treasurer Javed Persaud retained his spot unopposed andhasnowservedforeight consecutive years or four two-yearterms.

T h e A s s t . Secretary/Treasurer is Ingram Johnson, while the Committee Members are Chaitnarine Persaud, Trava Valaidum Ritney, Zaber Zakhir and Stephon Joshia. Sean Devers was elected as thePublicRelationsOfficer

Some of the delegates at GCC on Sunday for the GCUA Bi-Annual GM and Elections.

GBAacknowledgesKeevinAllicock...

Frompage22 willalsobeondisplayonthe19thFebruary at the Patrick Forde Memorial Championship where he is carded to fight SamuelGreenefromSuriname.

President of the GBA, Ninvalle is hopeful that such a gesture will not only motivate Allicock but also hope it sets a foundation for otherupcomingfighterssotheycandowellfor themselvesandalsotorepresentthecountryin

thesportofboxing. Meanwhile,theassociation presentedtheschoolboysfighterswithhampers for their outstanding 2022 run and is hopeful thatthisinitiativepreparesthemforcontinued successinfutureboxing TheGBAofficially launched the Patrick Forde International Boxing Championship slated for the 19th February which will feature fighters out of Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Suriname, StLuciaandGuyana.

President Nagasar (2nd from left) and VP Moakan (next to him) with the new GCUAExecutive body just after the Elections on Sunday.

GBA acknowledges Keevin Allicock for his service to the sport

In keeping with its commitmenttothesport,the Guyana BoxingAssociation (GBA) hosted another presentation ceremony; this time to acknowledge Olympian Keevin Allicock forhisservicetothesporton Sunday evening at the La France Restaurant and bar, C h a r l o t t e S t r e e t Georgetown.

Thisinitiativewasspearheaded by President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, along with Technical Director, Terrance Poole MS and Secretary/Treasurer of the GBA, Seon Bristol presented Olympian Keevin Allicock with a honourary award for his outstanding service to the sport of

boxing. Atthispresentation ceremony; also saw the launching of the second annual Patrick Forde Memorial International Boxing card which unfolds at the National Gymnasium located along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown this weekend on 19th February That event is slated to have elevenInternationalbouts.

However, the GBA presented Allicock with a handsome plaque, which shows the association is not only ‘talking the talk’ but also ‘walking the walk,’ rewarding their athletes which would have represented our country at thevariouseventsbothlocal and international Keevin

Allicockwasthefirstathlete in twenty-five years to represent Guyana (in the sport of boxing) at the OlympicGames.

Allicock represented Guyana at the last Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020; he also had a brilliant run in 2021-22 representing Guyana at; the South American, PanAm and Commonwealth Games where he copped a silver medalaswellastwoquarterfinal finishes respectively at thoseevents.

The young pugilist is poised to bring home a gold medalatthe2024Olympics. SpeakingwithAllicockafter collecting his award; the fighter said, “It is a great

motivation to be honoured bytheGBAandIamgrateful tobecelebratedinthisway.” He went on to say, “It is an overwhelming feeling to comehereandbecelebrated for my hard work and sacrificesIhavemadeforthe sport ” Allicock also mentioned; he is hungry to compete; as he prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Theboxerispresentlyatthe gym working on his quicklegsmovement.

Allicock praised the President of the GBA and coaches Serbert Blake and TerrancePooleforsacrifices made; in preparing him for the upcoming 2024 Paris OlympicGames.Allicock

(Continuedonpage23)

Kevin Allicock with his award for service.

Petra launches 9th edition of Milo U18 of Secondary Schools Football Tournament Tournament

Guyana’s prominent grassroots football organising team, Petra, officially launched the ninth editionoftheMiloUnder-18 Secondary Schools Football Tournament in a massive way, yesterday, in the boardroom of Massy Distribution(Guyana)Inc.

The global food and beverage conglomerate, Nestlé (Milo), a partner of Massy Distribution, the largest multi principal distribution company in the Caribbean, has been with Petra from the tournament’s inception.

Fittinglyso,thisyearwill mark the largest pool of teams that has ever lined-up to participate for the title with the number pegged at 48.

This edition will see teams from East Coast, East Berbice,Bartica,WestCoast Berbice, East Bank Demerara, West Coast Demerara, Essequibo, Linden, Barima-Waini and

Georgetown.

The launch was attended by Petra Director, Troy Mendonca, Nestlé’s Senior Business Unit Manager, Teisha Miller, Ministry of Education’s (MoE) Advisor to the Minister, Africo Selman, and Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) SocialMediaandMarketing Officer,KeeranWilliams.

In Mendonca’s brief remarks, he disclosed his organisation’s challenges in wanting to host the tournamentonanation-wide scale over the years, citing cost as the major hurdle, but with a larger input from Massy/ Nestlé, they now have the opportunity to widenthatreach,whichthey did.

The 48 teams will be brokendownto32,atwhich point they will be divided evenly into eight Groups, before the top two teams fromeachGroupadvancesto theknockoutstage.

Miller justified her

company’s input with their promise to be a global force for good and the honouring oftheirsocialresponsibility.

Fitness Express supports

Petterson-Griffith

“We recognize the need for sportsinourschoolsandwe are committed to supporting events that afford each student the opportunity to engage and participate in extra-curricular sporting a

-Powerliftersettocompetein‘Ragnarok Games’StrongmanCompetition

Fitness Express has supportedpowerlifterCarlos Petterson-Griffithwhoisset to compete in the Ragnarok Games – World Strongest Man- competition this month (February 24-26) in Miami,Florida.

The Ragnarok Games will see competitors from over 40 countries vying for top honours at the Miami Convention Center where Carlos has his sights set on placingamongthetopthree

D e c e m b e r l a s t , Petterson – Griffith created historywhenhewonoverall Gold at the Commonwealth P o w e r l i f t i n g

Championships in

Auckland, New Zealand In the 93kg class (equipped), he managed 350kg to win gold in the Deadlift, setting the Commonwealth record alongtheway

Griffith is currently ranked in the World Top 10 (93kgclass).CEOofFitness

Express Jamie McDonald recently handed over a

ctivities.”

“We are optimistic that events of this nature combined with holistic academic and extra curriculum will certainly help in transforming and the growth of our future generation,”shestated.

The tournament is scheduled to kick off on Saturday,February25,atthe Ministry of Education Ground and is expected to bring its curtains down on April 16 The entire

tournamentwillbecontested atthatvenue.

Theteamsthatwillbegin this edition are Annandale, Ann’sGrove,GoldenGrove, President’s College, Berbice EducationalInstitute,Canje, Berbice High, New Amsterdam, Manchester, Bartica, Bush Lot, Bygeval, Uitvlugt, Vergenoegen, V r e e d e n H o o p , Westminster, Stewartville, Patentia, West Demerara, Santa Rosa, 8th of May, C o t t o n F i e l d ,

Christianburg/Wismar, McKenzie High, Bishop’s High, Carmel, Charlestown, N o r t h R u i m v e l d t , Cummings Lodge, East Ruimveldt, Chase’s Academy, Morgan’s Learning Centre, Marian Academy, New Central High, St Joseph High, Dolphin, Tucville, Queen’s College, St Stanislaus College, Lodge, West Ruimveldt, Freeburg, St Winifred’s, St. John’s and Queenstown.

cheque to the athlete who expressed gratitude for the support. McDonaldwished himwell.

Massy Distribution Guyana Inc. CEO, Navin Thakur and COO, Troy Beharry, took a photo op with members of the Petra Organisation, GFF, MoE and Nestlé at the launch of the 9th Milo Secondary Schools Football Tournament.

Jamie Mc Donald ® presents the cheque to Griffith.

From left President of the GBASteve Ninvalle, U-16 fighter, Sydney McPherson, KevinAllicock (center), Richard Williamson, Seon Bristol and Sebert Blake.

West Indies batsman Roston Chase is bowled out on the

cricket match between Zimbabwe and West Indies at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.

(APPhoto/ Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

West Indies batsman Gudakesh Motie ducks the ball. (APPhoto/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)