Kaieteur News

All smiles! This schoolgirl was among the scores of students in Essequibo who participated on Wednesday in a road march in celebration of Mashramani being observed today across Guyana (Martin Samaroo photo)

Guyana's suspension from EITI unacceptable, persons will be held accountable - Pres. Ali

By Kiana Wilburg

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has vowed to expose and hold a c c o u n t a b l e , t h o s e individuals who are responsible for the country's temporary suspension from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

In a video statement released yesterday, the Head of State said his government iscommittedtoupholdingthe tenets of transparency and accountability,addingthatno effort will be spared to bring the country in line with its reportingrequirements.

Guyana was reportedly suspended after it failed to submit a report documenting revenuesreceivedbythestate from the extractive sector for the period 2020. EITI on its website said that Guyana is not eligible for an extension of the reporting deadline for fiscal year January 2020December2020.

It said too that the deadline for the publication of the outstanding report

remainsDecember31,2022. However, Ali in his address stated that the country has an extension for submission in May 2023 fromtheEITISecretariat.He pledged that this would be met.

The Head of State also shared his understanding of the root cause for the suspension. Ali said: “I have made it clear that it is unacceptable to have a delay in the submission of the report. Notwithstanding, the fact that an extension was given by the EITI secretariat forittobecompletedbyMay this year we still should have been in a position to have the reportsubmitted.”

Aside from the fact that all reporting countries were givenanextensionin2019as a result of the pandemic, and in Guyana's case, extensive floods that obstructed data collection, Ali said he will not tolerate delays in the presentation and submission ofthenation'sreport.

F u r t h e r t o t h i s understanding of the reasons for delay and subsequent

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

report will be done expeditiously, long in advance of the extended period that was approved by the EITI Secretariat. Ali said the irresponsibility displayed in missing the deadline is unacceptable and would not reoccur

He said, “Persons will be e x p o s e d a n d h e l d accountable.”

On 28 April 2022, Guyana was also found to have achieved a fairly low overall score (52 points) in implementing the 2019 EITI Standard.

Board decision, including corrective actions needed before Guyana's next Validation,ispublishedinthe decisionsregister Validation is the EITI's qualityassurancemechanism to assess implementing countries on their ability to meet the provisions of the EITIStandard.

suspension, Ali said an independent administrator was hired to work on the report but the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the consultantwasheldupbythe Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) which consists of members of civil society, government representatives andindustryplayers.

He said the MSG's approvalwasheldupforfour months.

ThePresidentsaid,“This begs the question whether

there are persons in that group with ulterior motives. It was only after four months that we were able to have the Terms of Reference agreed upon with two persons abstaining. It is unacceptable to put a country's reporting framework at stake, to try to damage the government's credibilityisnotbeingagood citizen.”

Be that as it may, he added, “I am pleased to say this has been sorted and the work on completing the

The Validation Report outlines the full assessment ofGuyana'scompliance.

It is based on extensive stakeholder consultations and a review of three t e m p l a t e s n a m e l y “Outcomes and impact”, “Stakeholder engagement” and “Transparency” The

The Validation of Guyana commenced on October1,2021.Apubliccall for stakeholder views was issuedonSeptember1,2021. Stakeholder consultations were held virtually on October11-29,2021.

The draft Validation report was finalised on D e c e m b e r 6 , 2 0 2 1 Following comments from the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) January 31, 2022, the Validation report was finalisedforconsiderationby theEITIBoard.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

OUR REPUBLIC

Byanymeasurement,GuyanaisayoungRepublic withmanypowerfulattributesitcanclaimasits own. Given our relative youth as a nation, and thevastnessofournaturalgifts,eachcitizenofthiscountry shouldbeamongtheenviedoftheworld. Whatshouldbe, and what is, are two different things, with the most regrettablegapexisting.

February 23, 1970, meantthat we had just removedthe lastconnectionstothepast,thatlonghistoryofdominance by and subservience to great powers. At long last, after centuries of slavery and indentureship first, and the continuingheavyhandofaMotherCountry,thechildrenof Guyana now held the reins of control in their own hands. The destiny of country and citizens was now in Guyanese hands, and in the decisions that they made for themselves. Naturally, this is with a wise eye to the ambitions of neighbors,andthepowerfulintriguesofthosebiggerpowers moredistant.Takentogether,thelatterhavealwayshadtoo much of an overwhelming influence on the affairs of this Republic before it became one. Unfortunately, some significantelementsofthatinfluencehavecontinuedunder differentdisguisestothisday.

Whereas we, the Guyanese leaders and Guyanese citizens of this new Republic, should have had the good sensetorecognizeandcometogripswiththetormentingand self-destructivebonespursinourbackbone,thepreferences andpassionswereforgivingshortthrift(besideslipservice) to what was our biggest handicap, our greatest existential threat. In the simplest expression, we are hopelessly and helplesslydisorganized,divided,anddevastatingtoourown interests, our future wellbeing. This has provided fertile ground for the reemergence of those from the outside to exploit our strengths, our vulnerabilities, and our eternal insecurities.

We have always known our strengths, the great natural resource gifts that proliferate across our broad landscape. Though our ancestors dreamed dreams of a bigger natural resourcebonanza,itwasnottheirstoexperience. Butnow thattreasureishere,andasitisgigantic,italsoreopensand ruptures still deeper the ever-festering wounds that our nationally ours, our vulnerabilities.When our ruptures and vulnerabilities are exposed in their ongoing brightness and sharpness before all who come, then we render ourselves ripeforexploitationoftheworstkind.

Our insecurities have condemned us to wrangling and screamingwithrelentlessaggressivenessaboutwhoshould govern,whoisfit,whohasarightto,andwhohavefailedon all counts, even by the most sympathetic interpretations. Becausewehavebeenourworstenemy,theroadwaspaved andthedooropenedforotherstocomerunningtotherescue. We have since found to our alarm and unadmitted shame, that our rescuers had their own agendas. Behind the smokescreens of democracy and ‘free and fair’ their objectives were about control and cashing in on our glitteringresourceprizes.

Whenwerefusetosummonthecourage,togropeforthe wisdom,tofreeourselvesandbefairtoeachother,thenwe surrendered ourselves and our patrimony to the new enslavers of today Though it is exhausting, it is never too old,tospeakofbeingwatchfulofthosewhobringgifts. The gifts that came in the form of helpful presences, and a guidinghand,duringthedisastroustimeofafewshortyears ago,havetiedus,debonedus,andguttedus. Dependencyis ournorm,beingdictatedto,eventalkedto,isnowthereality ofGuyaneseinthissupposedlyvigorousRepublicmadeup ofamongtherichestpeopleintheworld.

Wecertainlyqualifyonpapertothatcategorization,but what is left out is how much we are also the weakest, and among the most foolish, in that we are not learning. Our leaders of today are only too glad to be servants in the kitchens of foreign masters. This is what is heralded as vaunted leadership, viable nationhood, and the vibrant sinewsofaRepublicinthegrooveandonthemove. Indeed, theRepublicofGuyanaisinthegrooveandonthemove,but thosearecertainlynotourown,withusincontrol.

China is committed to fighting corruption

DEAREDITOR,

SincethearrestofYvette Saroop,DamianRamnarine, Kenneth Ramnarine in the $4 1 billion money laundering probe, there has been much talking my opinion, and some action taken on the matter locally Unfortunately, our authorities could have done very little in Guyana. The suspectswerearrestedinthe United States ofAmerica by the Federal Bureau of Investigations(FBI).

I write this letter to the media in response to one written by respected, dear friend and brother and patriot, Christopher Ram (Stabroek News 21st February,2023).

He mentioned in his penultimateparagraphofhis letter in reference to SOCU (Special Organised Crime Unit)thatitmustconductits investigation in a particular manner: ‘It must do so cognizant of the close relationship between the embassy and local businesses and that the Chinese state often uses businessesasitssurrogates’. I need to ask Christopher Raminwhatcapacity“asit’s surrogates?”

Surrogatestowhat?Ishe suggesting that the People’s Republic of China and that the Chinese Embassy in Guyana are in bed with the criminals, the money launderers, etc? This would be nothing short than a preposterousallusion!

I am one of the admirers of the People’s Republic of China. I see their humanity

andsupportaroundtheworld in human development, health care, scholarships, national developments of countries, business partnerships and enterprises that enhances economies of nations.

Are there Chinese businesses that may be in collusion with local criminals? Of course, my friend and brother Chris. Ofcourse! The People’s Republic of China, it’s embassy in Guyana, nor our Government, are not in the heads of criminals or businessmen that have ulterior motives in China or anywhere!Theycannotread their minds.And ‘yes’ there maybe some who have a penchant for dishonesty, thievery,masswealth,andto acquiremoremoneythanthe brainstheyhave.

Why Mr Ram was planningapicketingexercise I just cannot understand. I will ask him and his friends to join me very soon when I wouldcalloutforapicketing exercise against the NIS for taking advantage of citizens ofthiscountry

Some whom have been cheated of their pensions by just one contribution short caused by the NIS failing to advise them properly of the scheme’spensionretirement criteria even though some paid in excess.That is an invitation that will be forthcoming very soon my brotherRam.

Picketing is good, but why the Chinese Embassy? TheChineseGovernment,as far as I know, is, a country

with serious laws. I have seen cases in the media where members of the Chinese Executive hierarchywere sentenced to deathforcorruption.Further, I have read in the media of cases where persons exportingorimportingdrugs into the country were hanged.

There have also been cases reported in the media wherethePeople’sRepublic ofChinaissoseriousagainst corruption, that they would imprisoned their own brothersoreventheirfriends for life. According to China Global Television Network

(CGTN),”China has secured and consolidated a “sweeping victory” in the fight to tackle all acts of corruption”(CGTN3rdJune, 2021). Further in this news feedChina’santi–graftchief Zhao Leji, revived the country’s anticorruption plans and stated that the Chinese Government stands ‘unequivocally against corruption’ (CGTN 3rdJune,2021).

Knowing that China is extremely serious about corruption, money laundering, and drug smuggling,Chinawas (Continuedonpage6)

Internet data for individuals and residences is zero-rated for VAT

DEAREDITOR,

Please permit me space tohighlightanissueIbelieve the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company should address without delay I believe we would all agree that since Mr. Damian Blackburntook the helm of that company, there have been notable changes in its operations.Onesuchchange is the introduction of new social bundles available to subscribers.

These data plans are making rounds on social media and is visible on GTT’s website. About two days ago I decided to take a closer look at the packages available,andalongwiththe advertised price is a note saying Value Added Tax, or Vat, is included. Editor, the advertisedpackageshaveall the options available for the price, but the issue of

concern is the VAT Are we payingVATonDataservice? I recalled hearing that this service was zero rated for residential purposes and individuals I did some researchandcalledtheGRA for verification of the informationIfound.

Schedule 1 Paragraph 18oftheVATAct,Chapter 81:05,zero-ratesasupplyof internet data for residential andindividualusage Myquestionthereforeis, whatisVATbeingappliedto in these packages? Is it the callsincludedinthepackage or the Short Messaging Service (SMS) for texting? Whateverthecasemaybe,it wouldbeprudentforGTTto include a note in t h e i r a d i n f o r m i n g subscribersofwhichservice VATisapplicable.

Sincerely, RashanReid

On this Republic Day, a salute to those carrying the fight against new masters

DEAREDITOR,

On Thursday of this week, we celebrate the observation of the 53rd year of being a Republic. When w e w e r e g r a n t e d independence in 1966 we knew that as a result of the advocacy of the PNC and United Force team, a provision was inserted to allow us to move from having the UK Monarch as titular Head of State to a system where we became a Republic.

This act fifty three years ago, was another step in our desire for total liberation to free the indigenous people, thedescendantsofslavesand indenturedlaborersfromthe notion that the British MonarchwasstillourHeadof-Stateinspiteofushaving ourownflag,andanthemso thattheenormousGod-given resources would be controlled for the benefit of what we describe as the six peoples of Guyana and not the children of the old Master

This objective to overcome forms of mental slaverymuststillbepursued bythisgeneration.

In the circumstances of our Guyana today, this is a herculean task but an honorable one, a necessary undertakingifwearetogive meaning whenever we respectfully and with reverencereciteourNational Pledge.

We must be true to what we chanted in 1970, that ‘Massadaydun.’

Wealsousetheoccasion of the Republic to honor those men and women who havecourageouslysoughtto

makeourrepublicanstatusa reality.

Republic Day must be used to publicly identify those persons who continue to shed light to pierce the extant darkness of secrecy and shared stupidity in dealing with the mighty conglomerateswhoarehere, as was the case centuries earlier to harvest our nonrenewablenaturalresources.

OnRepublicDay2023,I list independent media, Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, Village Voice for piercing the darkness that is extant in our beloved country

For special honour, I single out Publisher Glenn Lall for his courageous crusade of enlightenment.

This is particularly significant whenweseemto have an oligarchy daily manipulating, massaging and mangling what the old folkssayare ‘thetruefacts.’

There is also a list of writers, who we should acknowledgethisday Ithink of Eric Moseley, GHK Lall, Earl B. John, Christopher R a m , R e t d A s s t

Commissioner Clinton Conway, Retd Asst

Commissioner Paul Slowe, Dr David Hinds, Eric Phillips,BroOgunseye,and not leaving out Facebook advocates, Sherod Duncan, MarkBenchop,etal

Happily, we have a brilliant intellectual line-up of ladies in the frontline whose courage of advocacy provides guidance and goodness with grace for Guyana.

Myhonorrolloffemales includes Melissa Janki,

Janette Bulkan, Anette Ferguson, VandaRadzick et al.

On behalf of citizens, young and old, we thank them, confident in the belief and faith that the pen is mightier than the sword and that by next Republic Day, we will see the cracking of arrogance that is suffocating Guyana.

As we continue the struggle let us know that we can overthrow the principalities sitting on the old ramparts of imperial dominationand21stcentury neo-colonialism.

Editor and Citizens, perhaps not understanding the intricacies of modern economics but boasting of and clinging to old time common-sense, in this regard I don’t understand with this abundance of money in an account overseas that our Government should be seeminglyseekingtoborrow money

I am confused. On this RepublicDay,letmeremind those who are wittingly or unwittingly part of the imperial-type controlled machinery, particularly those who support certain theological beliefs, that they must remember the story of Esau who sold his birthright foramessofpottage.

OnthisRepublicDay,we can honor the Amerindian brothers who were marginalized,theindentured who were made to toil long hours on the estate, and the descendants of the African who were dehumanized and enslaved along with those whotoavoidslaveryjumped

overboard.

Theirbonesarerattlingat the bottom of the Atlantic, pleading with all of them to ensure that their suffering and sacrifices were not in vain.

Some of the conditions which allowed the suffering of our fore-bearings may be evident, thanks to the apparentcomplicityofsome ofourleadersinGuyana.

I am reminded of these few lines by Irish Abolitionist, Historian, Writer,R.R.Madden

“Behold the peace that’s ownedbyhim,whofeels

He does no wrong, or outragewhenhedeals

In human flesh or yet suppliesthegold……..

Theymakethewarand hedefraysthecost

To human suffering, sympathyandshame

Hisheartisclosedand wealthisallhisaim.”

Let us use this week for being thoughtful as we seek to make fuller use of our massive resources made glorious in a country that experiences no natural disasters.

On Republic Day, let us turn to our Churches, our temples, our mosques, or whatever means we use to seek divine intervention and pray that our leaders not be like puppets controlled by puppeteers.

HappyRepublicDay!

HamiltonGreen Elder

DEAREDITOR,

Reference is made to the letter by Mr Lincoln Lewis dated February 17, 2023 in responsetoaletterfromMin Oneidge Walrond published under the caption “Lincoln Lewis continues to misrepresent the facts” (KN 2023-02-16). There are a few issues that I would like to address for Mr Lewis’ r e s p o n s e i s (characteristically) long on invective and short to nonexistentinsubstance.

Challenged by the Minister to explain his innuendo of Vice President Jagdeo “squatting on the people’s interest”, Mr Lewis’s response equates to “I’m going to repeat what I said he is squatting” Similarly, when challenged toprovethatPrimeMinister Phillipsdoesnotperformthe role of Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly Mr. Lewis’ response is that he doesn’t have to prove it because it is well known. Editor, this is not someone whoiscapableofconducting aseriousconversation.

The Minister observed correctly that Mr Lewis currently makes common cause with the political opposition. Any reasonable readerwouldinterpretthisas aninvitationtotakethisfact intoconsiderationinmaking their own evaluation of Mr Lewis’arguments.

Mr Lewis responded by creating two straw men

which he proceeded to demolish. First, he argued that alignment in thought withapoliticalpartydidnot necessarily imply right or wrong.

Thisisastrawmansince no such conclusion was asserted.

Secondly, in response to this observation, Mr Lewis’ proceededtoexpoundonhis constitutional entitlements to freedom of speech, freedom of association and p r o t e c t i o n f r o m discrimination, none of which were called into question. In so doing, Mr Lewisheldforthextensively onconstitutionalprovisions, citing Articles 146, 147 and 149 of the Constitution Despite Mr Lewis’ traversingtheconstitutionat great length as he demolishedthestrawmenof his own creation, he unsurprisingly failed to detour to cite those articles that specify the functions that the constitution assigns to the First Vice-President which(imaginary)functions he argues that the Prime Minister is “not allowed” to discharge.

He then goes on to reassert the Prime Minister’s purported acquiescence in constitutional violations which he declines to prove. His real interest however is to perpetuate a particular caricature of the Prime Minister as an AfroGuyaneseinaPPP/C

(Continuedonpage6)

LincolnLewis’sown wordshighlighthis inconsistencies,contradictions

DEAREDITOR, I would like to join the fifteen signatories to a letter that saluted Melinda Janki for winning the “Rule of Law”Award(2023)fromthe Commonwealth Law Association (Stabroek News, 20/2/2023). At the sametime,however,Iwould liketoshowthatMs.Janki’s overall efforts as an environmental activist is definitively misplaced I shallinsistforthwiththatmy observations are based on the totality of threats to the global climate stability, and innowayapersonalcritique oftheawardrecipient.

To date Ms Janki’s effortsseemtobewhollyand fully dedicated against the Oil&GassectorinGuyana, asmalldevelopingnationin theCaribbean.

Now, allow me to show that Janki’s efforts on Oil & Gas in Guyana are misdirected. My contention istwo-fold.First,ratherthan c r i t i q u i n g e n e rg y development in Guyana because of the associated e n v i r o n m e n t a l consequences,sheshouldbe directingherattentiontothe world’s biggest polluters. I will focus on the energy consumption side of the greenhouse emissions

Lincoln Lewis’s own words highlight his inconsistencies...

equation.

Thesecondaspectofmy concerns relates to the North-South dimensions of worldenergyconsumption,a situation that speaks to the most horrific inequalities in theworld.

Let us begin with coal consumption since it is patentlydangeroustohuman health and to the global ecosystem.According to the Union of Concerned Scientists “[i]n the United States, coal accounts for roughly one-quarter of all energy-related carbon emissions.”Coalcontributes about 22% to US electricity supplies Incidentally, natural gas contributes roughly 38% of US electricity, but Ms. Janki is content on being silent on that,whileattackingourGas toEnergyproject.

Let us get back to the North-South inequality noted above. Below is a quick glance of coal consumption expressed in per capita cubic feet per annum – Australia 5,343; Czech Republic 4653; Greece 3,587; Poland 3916; Germany3,132;USA2,263; Japan 1648; and Canada

1,179.Whileitistruethatthe GulfstatesandSaudiArabia

(Continuedonpage22)

Frompage5 government and this caricatureheisdeterminedto perpetuateatallcostsdespite having the premises of the alleged constitutional violationscutfromunderhis feet.Movingon. Facedwith his own words contradicting his assertion that the APNU+AFC government was prepared to resolve the RUSALmatterontheeveof the2020election,Mr Lewis offered a tepid statement madebythenMinisterAmna AllyreportedintheStabroek News of February 12, 2020 to wit “There are rules and laws that govern how we

treat foreign companies and we are going to use those laws to address this”.Mr. Lewis wants us to accept a statement made by a politician, days before a General Election as proof of t h e A P N U + A F C ’s commitment to resolve this issue. On February 8, 2020 afteralmostfivefullyearsin which the coalition government made no progress on the matter, Mr Lewis’ position on that date was that no one other than PresidentRamotarhadmade any serious effort at resolving the Rusal issue. Today, in order to

manufacture a contrast to fit a race narrative, Mr. Lewis tellsusthathisfriendsinthe opposition were prepared to resolvetheissueandasproof ofthisresolveherefersusto the Stabroek News articleof February12,2020published four days after he had condemned the coalition as workinginRusal’sinterest.

Editor,intheveryarticle of February 12, that Mr Lewis refers us to for the statement by then Minister Ally Mr Lewis himself is again reported by Stabroek News as expressing frustration with that administration’s lack of

progress. The relevant excerpt reads “Lewis yesterday [February 11] told StabroekNewsthattheunion is still waiting to hear from the government on what progress has been made in relations to talks with the management of BGCI. “I have not heard from [the Department of] Labour and the issue remains the same I had expected the government by now to do something It is going on to four weeks now and it is time we getworried”.

Regards, AlvinHamilton

China is committed to fighting...

Frompage4 criticized by certain countries, obviously for political reasons, and the ChineseGovernmentmadea statementtothiseffectatthe UN GeneralAssembly: “We need to respect the sovereigntyandpoliticaland legal systems of each country,respecttheirrightto choose their own ways of fighting corruption, and foster an international partnership for anticorruption cooperation that is based on equality, respect for differences, exchanges and mutual learning, and common progress”(CGTN 3rdJune,2021).

My brother Chris, what more do we really want? Chinaindicatedthattheyare willing to support any probe in Guyana if requested. Do you expect the Chinese Government to come to Guyana to conduct an investigation into corruption without invitation? Such is notanapprovedprotocolfor investigations into criminal mattersinanothercountry

Myunderstandingisthat the Chinese government has taken a vow to have an unremitting fight against corruption (unremitting fight against corruption)!

China seized over 7,500 corrupt Chinese fugitives within six years in an investigation involving 618,000 corruption cases leadingtothepunishmentof 604,000people.

Andthereportalsostated

that the topAnti-Graft Body indicatedthatatotalof1,421 fugitives were brought back to China recently(CGTN 3rdJune,2021). They have indicated,and as I can see, that they have a multipronged approach and measure to tackle all acts of corruption China has “adoptedaholisticapproach to address both symptoms and root causes of corruption, and combined law-based punishment, institutional checks, and education and guidance to make our anti-corruption g o v e r n a n c e m o r e effective”its anti-graft chief Zhao Leji stated (CGTN 3rdJune,2021). And it is a fact according to statistics that 95.8 percent of the Chinese people are satisfied with the country’s anticorruption efforts.”We

cannot allow corruption to continue” Mr Zhao Leji indicated (CGTN 3rdJune, 2021), and that policy continuestoexisttothisday

Ininvestigationsmydear brother Chris, there are procedures, systems and protocols that have to be adheretoandChinaalsohas its system of investigations. Obviously, they have a zero tolerance to corruption.And in no way will I agree or accept the fact that the Chinese Government will condone corruption simply because some Chinese nationals in Guyana and definitely in other countries in the world are involved in various forms of corrupt practices with local businessesandpersons.

Corruption is an international disease, a quagmire in which many nations are caught. And we have seen many of the westernnationsoftheworld caught in corruption, in Europe, in the USA and Canada and so much in the UnitedKingdom.

China is not the only country that may have some corruption, but they are known to deal with it most sternly In investigations resultscannotbeatthepress ofabutton.

Iwishtoalwaysapplaud patriot and friend of the G u y a n e s e p e o p l e ChristopherRamandletitbe knownthatheismyfriend.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr Roshan Khan

(Snr).

Congratulations to Melina Janki, but she must ‘get with the program’

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Mashin’ without the private sector

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After a two-year hiatus Mash has returned. For many, it is far from recapturing its glory days.

Mashramani for the past decades has largely been a government-led and dominated affair.

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The private sector has virtually shunned the float parade and their contributions to the other activities have been minuscule.

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Today you can expect Mash bands from all of the ministries, regional councils and government agencies, but none from the private sector.

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This is the same private sector that the government has hugged so close, doling out billions in concessions to help grow their businesses, but they would not spend a dime on the country’s mega cultural festival.

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HAPPY MASHRAMANI !

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Glenn Lall loses case challenging tax waivers to ExxonMobil

...signalsintentiontoappealruling

...courtrulesFinanceMinisterempowered bylawtowaivetaxesforoilcompanies

High Court Justice

N a r e s h w a r Harnanan on Wednesday handed down a ruling that affirmed the legality of the government's decision to hand extensive tax waivers to Exxon Mobil anditsaffiliates.

The decision comes almost one year after Kaieteur News Publisher

Glenn Lall filed a court c h a l l e n g e t o t h e Government's right to grant the massive tax exemptions. For his part Lall is already contemplating filing an appeal. Thecourtisexpected to assess cost that the publisher is likely to pay lawyersoftheoilcompanies.

In his application, Mr Lall had contended among

otherthings,thatmanyofthe provisions listed under Article 15.1 of the Petroleum Agreement, dated June 27, 2016 between the GOG and the oil companies, grant exemptions to persons other than licensees, which violate the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act (PEPA), a n d t h e F i n a n c i a l Administration (and Audit)

Act.

Lall had specifically flagged paragraph 2 of Article 15 10 of the Agreement which states: “Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Article, Affiliated Companies or Non-Resident Sub-Contractors shall not be subject to the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Cap

81:01) and Corporation Tax Act of Guyana (Cap 81:03) during the expiration period on income earned in Guyana for any given tax year if the affiliated company or nonresident Sub-Contractors has conducted business for one hundred eighty-three (183) days or less on a cumulative basis in the tax year of assessment.”

As such, the newspaper publisher had requested declarations from the Court that the provisions are unlawful, null and void, and ofnolegaleffect.

In his ruling however, Justice Harnanan said the minister is vested with the power under Section 51 of the PEPA and the Petroleum (ExplorationandProduction) (Tax laws) to grant EEPGL, CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited, and Hess Guyana Exploration Limited, all companies that are parties to the case, concessions of extensive tax exemptions.

He said: “This court is of the view that the law empowers the Minister with theresponsibilityforFinance to issue an order exempting certain laws (Income Tax Laws) from applying to a licenseewhohasenteredinto a production sharing agreement with the government. The power is limited to the law mentioned in the subsection [ ] and any order issued by the Minister must be approved by the NationalAssembly.”

Further, he added that “the exemption applies directly and indirectly to the licensee and anyone else in relation to their dealing with the licensee ” Justice Harnanan noted that subcontractors and affiliates have a necessary and indispensible role in the exploratory efforts of the oil companies.”

Heexplainedthattheidea of oil companies is often

exaggerated; since the companies themselves may never own or operate drilling rigs and seismic operations-they rely heavily on the subcontractors to get the job done. As such, the judge c o n c l u d e d t h e t a x exemptions rightfully extends to “sub-contractors, expatriate employees and affiliated companies are often the ones that actually carrying out the major functions of the oil companies.

“There has been a growth in so called virtual companies which in some cases do not even have offices… contractors carry out all or most of the work themselves…”

Additionally, he noted that Minister of Finance who was at the time Winston Jordanactingonbehalfofthe A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) had intended toextendthewaiverstothese subcontractors and affiliates. Outside of upholding the tax exemptions, the judge noted that Lall was within his right to move to the courts given the public interest in the matter Though,thepublisher initially filed the case under theprivatelaw,thecourtused its discretion and converted the matter to one of judicial review The court also set aside any contentions over supposed undue delay raised by the lawyers of the oil companies, citing the importanceandmagnitudeof the case Both the government and the oil companies had fiercely defendedthecase.

E x x o n M o b i l ' s Subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) had contended that Lall stepped outside his boundary when he moved to the High Court to challenge the Government ofGuyana'sdecisiontogrant

(Continued on page 9)

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall

WHERE ARE THE TECHNOCRATS?

In January of this year, President Irfaan Ali made a hectic tour of India Discussions were held with both officials of the Government of India and with Indian private sector entities during which agreements for future collaboration were reportedlysigned. India has shown an interest in buying Guyana’s oil. It was agreed that there will be follow-up discussions and that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo would be part of those discussions. Thisepisodeis a good example of poor planning and execution Diplomats are supposed to be in the business of diplomacy; they act on behalf of politicians. Before a President makes a major visittoacountry,agreatdeal ofdiplomaticlegworkhasto take place. Officials from both sides usually meet in preparatory meetings and producedraftagreements.At theendofthosenegotiations, there will be draft

agreements.

When the President or Prime Minister meets with his foreign counterpart, if there are any issues to be ironed out, the two leaders will do so But the groundwork for the signing of agreements would have already done. Another way ofdoingbusinessisforthere to be a visit and issues broachedanddiscussed.

The two sides will then agree to either form some team to follow-through on the discussions which were held. Either way, the follow throughisdonebydiplomats and technicians in the various sectors The President thus signs and agreement and the followthrough for bringing these agreements into operation is left to diplomats and technicalpersonnel.Itsends the wrong signal when after a President makes a visit, another high-level political figurehastofollow-through.

It however seems that Guyana is going back to the methodofthepastwhichhas

s l o w e d b i l a t e r a l cooperation. The President, a political figure, went to India and held wide-ranging discussions.Onewouldhave expectedthatthetechnicians would have then followed through to ensure the realisation of these agreements.

Butsadlyitnowlooksas if the Vice President, a political figure, has to go to do what should be done by diplomats and technicians. No country can progress in this way It is not clear who are the technical personnel that are accompanying the VicePresident.

But during his Press Conference on his return to Guyana from India, last month, the President shared theheadtablewithanumber of private sector officials. The President indicated wide-ranging discussions and partnerships. So why doestheVicePresidenthave to go to follow up and not senior public servants and members of the private sector?

GlennLalllosescasechallenging...

Frompage8 extensive tax waivers to the oiloperatoranditsaffiliates. The oil subsidiary raised several contentions for the court's consideration including whether the agreement between the Government of Guyana (GoG) and ExxonMobil are subject to the principles of private law or public law; whether the acts of the Minister of Natural Resources and certain subarticles of the Petroleum Agreement were ultra vires and in breach of sections 10 and 51 of Petroleum Exploration and Production Act(PEPA),sub-sections1A and 1B of section 6 of the

Financial Administration (and Audit) FAA; and Whether upon its proper interpretation the PEPA permitsthepaymentoftaxes dueonbehalfoflicensees.

In its submission, the Exxon oil subsidiary outlined a number of groundsinwhichitcontends isvalidenoughforthecourt totossoutLall'sapplication. Further, the oil company reasonedthatforthecourtto entertaindeclaratoryreliefin private law proceedings, the applicant [Lall] must show an act or omission had infringed or threatened to infringe any right of the applicant derived from private law Meanwhile,

Dem Boys Seh...

S e n i o r P e t r o l e u m Coordinator Gopnauth Bobby Gossai Jnr in his response on behalf of the government had noted too that Lall failed or neglected toshowhowhewasdirectly affected. He claimed too thatthenewspaperpublisher misconstrued the matter as his case only addresses the issuesofwaiveroftaxesand makes no mention of remission of taxes by the Government on behalf of licensees. “…Lall failed to show the nexus as to how Section 49 of the Petroleum Exploration and Production ActviolatesSection6ofthe Financial Administration andAuditAct…”headded.

De parents now gat to find more money!

De government giving dem parents a cash grant fuh send dem children to school. Anddemgivingdemuniformallowance.

But it look as if dem parents gan gat to ask fuh some more money because some of demteachersplacingdeminalotofexpense. Is every two morning, dem teacher telling demstudentsdemgattobringdisandbring dat.

Dem gat to buy this and buy dat for Mashramai,anddemgattododisanddodat, fuhdemSBAanddemotherschoolprojects. Even some of dem nursery school children now getting projects fuh do. And all of dis eatingintodemparents’pocket.

In de next couple of weeks is more money gat to find fuh Easter events in school. And don’t talk about graduation. Demschoolswantdemchildrenfuhdressin

gown and graduation cap and wear nice clothes. Den yuh gat to get money fuh snacks.

On top of dat is plenty school tours tekking place. Dem parents gat to find money fuh transportation and fuh give dem childrenfuhgoandbuylunchwhendemgo punschooltour Itaddingupalldetime.And de Because we Care cash grant nah stretching enough. Dat is why dem boys wantAuntiePriyafuhputsomerestraintsbut alldemactivities.

It putting pressure on poor people pocket.Someparentsstrugglingfuhputfood in dem children lunch kit much less to find money fuh all dem social activities. Dem poor children gan get leff out because dem parentscannotafforddeexpense. Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

India wants to buy Guyana’s share of oil Guyanagetsits12.5%profit shareintheformofoilandit has to sell that oil. India is willing to take the oil and thereisnoreasonwhyIndia shouldnotbebuyingouroil given the strength of relations between Guyana and India and that country’s demonstrated support for Guyana’s development. But Trinidad has long been knocking at the door Guyana is today believed to be producing some 400,000 barrels of oil per day, up from 120,000 or less barrels when production first started.

By 2027 Guyana will be producing1.2billionbarrels ofoilperday Trinidadhasa refinery which can probably handle as much as 140,000 barrels per day With

production in Guyana expected to triple over the next five years, Guyana ought to have been in a strongerpositiontoselloilto thetwin-islandRepublic.

But the fact is that Guyana signed such a poor deal with the oil companies that even with production likely to triple within the next five years, Guyana will not be able to sell Trinidad whatitrequires.Inanyevent PETROTRIN refinery has been closed for five years and it will take some time and investment to be put backinoperation.Guyanais planning also to build a modular refinery to process about30,000barrelsperday This would mean a possible shortfallinsuppliestosellto Trinidad and none available toselltoIndia.Itistoomuch ofagamble.AssuchGuyana

haslittleoptionbuttosellits oil in a guaranteed market and its best choice at this timewillbeIndia.Theseare all technical matters which shouldhavebeenhandledby technocrats There was thereforenoneedtosendthe Vice President to India. It suggests strongly that the same style of governance practiced prior to 2015 has returned.

(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.)

Georgetown men nabbed with $1.1M worth of cocaine

Two Georgetown men were earlier this week arrested after ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) found 2.55 pounds of cocaine in a housetheywerestayingatthetime.

In a press release CANU said on the 21st February 2023, officers conducted an operation at a property located on Norton Street, Wortmanville Georgetown. A search ofthepremiseswasconductedinthepresence of two persons who were present at the time, which led to the discovery of a brick-like parcelsuspectedtobecocaine.

Andre Clarke, 50 years, of the said address, along with Eon Martin, 45 years of PikeStreetKitty,wasarrestedandescortedto CANU's Headquarters with the suspected drugs.

The cocaine was tested and amounted to 2.55 lbs. (1.158 kgs) with a street value of GYD$1.1Million. Investigationsareongoing.

The suspected cocaine found by CANU ranks

Eon Martin

Conservationists want protection for Barima-Mora Passage

Conservationists on Wednesday last at Moray

House, Camp Street, Georgetown signaled their intention of approaching the government to implement some form of environmental protection for the Barima Mora-Passage located in RegionOne.

The Barima-Mora Passage is one of the largest intact mangrove forests remaininginthecountryand recent biological surveys conducted in the area show that it is a biodiversity hotspot. On Wednesday last apresentationonBirdsofthe Barima-Mora Passage was held at Moray House and it was at this event that that the President of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS), Annette Arjoon said: “…It is really, really urgent that we consider the importance to having this area (BarimaMora Passage) being placed

under some type of protection but also most importantly to have a comanagement system where theindigenous communities mainly Waraus who live in the area are very much part ofthatprotection.”

Arjoon told the media that GMSC has already begun the process of approaching the government withaproposaltoprotectthe Barima-Mora Passage

“ We are preparing a dossier (collection of documents) for the policymakersthatisgoingto be informed by all the scientific data that we have been collecting for the past year and a half,” Arjoon related. She explained that the documents being prepared will show policymakers that the area is a “biodiversity hotspot” especially in time when GuyanaisexpandingitsLow Carbon Development

Strategy (LCDS) 2030. Two of the main goals of LCDS 2030 are to create incentives for a Low Carbon Economy and protect against climate changeandbiodiversityloss.

The Barima-Mora passage has an abundance of biodiversity and according toArjoonseveralICUN(The International Union for Conservation of Nature)

r e g i s t e r e d s p e c i e s (endangered species) were found in that area alone during one mammal survey “ When we do another mammal survey that number may go up and that is a big deal,” Arjoon said, while adding: “we have 14,000 hectares of mangroves (in the Barima-Mora Passage) whose carbon value as you know would be five times as much as any other forest in Guyana. ” “…And the carbon credits of this area is part of our national inventory that we are right now capitalising on so if we don't protect and that area is reduced it will reduce our national inventory with big implications”, the GMCS presidentstressed.

The conservationists said too that apart from its rich biodiversity and intact Mangrove Forest, the Barima-Mora Passage has a “very healthy fishing population when compared with the other five coastal regions” in Guyana Kaieteur News learnt from another conservationists presentatpresentationthatit is already under threat of being overfished That

individual explained that fishermen from the other coastal regions in Guyana are entering the area and exploiting the fishing resources which can in turn not affect the indigenous populationlivingintherebut theentireeco-system.

Meanwhile, American bird expert, Brian O'Shea said “If you were to not protect the Barima-Mora Passagenotonlywoulditbe, I think disastrous for just coastal conservation in

Linden woman found guilty of raping minor

Twenty-year-old GabriellaAllen called “Gabby” of Lot 26 Buck Hill, Wismar Linden, was on Wednesday found guilty of raping a minor

Allen had denied the indictment which stated that she raped a child under the age of 16, contrary to Section 10 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act Chapter8:03.

She was on trial before Justice Simone MorrisRamlallattheDemeraraSexualOffencesCourt.

After deliberating the jury returned with a guilty verdict.As such, Justice Morris-Ramlall set Monday February 27 for sentencing at 11:00hours andAllenwasremandedtoprisonuntilthen.

general but also think that from a resource perspective it would be impoverishing the communities that are dependent on these resources and dependent on the thriving mangrove forest.” O'Shea also warned some of the threats to look out for are deforestation of the mangroves, over fishing, over harvesting of wildlife, and contamination of the rivers as result of mining activities in the Regionarea.

An aerial view of the Barima Mora Passage

Found guilty, Gabriella Allen

President of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society, Annette Arjoon

Sod turned for $1.7B Karasabai Secondary School

In the next two years, no longer will there be primary tops in the Karasabai District in Region Nine, as the Ministry of Education on Tuesday signed the contract and turned the sod for the construction of a brand new modern secondary school for thearea.

The contract which is worth $1,773,930,690 was signed by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Alfred King and the Contractor, Avinash Contracting and ScrapMetalInc.attheproject site Kaieteur News had reported that Avinash Contracting was among 20 contractors who had placed bids for the project when it was opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office last month.

According to the NPTAB information, the ministry had estimated this project to cost $1,797,001,868.

According to a release from the ministry, the project will be instrumental in providing more educational opportunities for students in the region and will transform the quality of their lives. The modern school complex will be fitted with ten buildings, which would include the main teaching block and allied lecturing facilities, modern science laboratory for Physics, Chemistry and Biology, TVET Centres, combined Home Economics and cafeteria area, teachers' quarters and an outdoor sittingforecourt.

The designs of the buildings were completed in November 2022 after a series of consultations The ministry noted that once completed, the facility will house and will cater for 500 studentsintheclassroom,and 250 students in the dormitories.

According to the ministry theconstructionofthisschool meansstudentswillnolonger have to traverse rough terrains daily to receive an education they rightly deserve.

Students from Karasabai and all other neighbouring villages will have the opportunitytopursueasound secondary education

Students in the Karasabai s u b - d i s t r i c t f r o m communities such as Tiger Pond, Cracrana, Tsushima, Kokshebai and Yurong Paru are currently either not receiving a secondary education or are being educated in primary tops, a secondary dept in a primary school,theMinistryshared.

Delivering the feature

address at the sod turning ceremony, Minister of E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a Manickchand said that the construction of the school is one step closer towards achieving universal education in the region. She noted that the school is intended to deliver the firstclass education to students in Region Nine.“We are very certain that once we do that, you will see your children excel,”shestated.

The Education Minister further noted that hinterland education delivery remains a top priority for the Ministry and by extension the Government of Guyana. She highlighted that for the first time, the Ministry appointed an officer with sole responsibilityforAmerindian and Hinterland Education Development.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamall noted that delivering education to the people of Region Nine has alwaysbeenontheagendafor his Government since it assumed office He highlighted that in 1992, there was one secondary school in the region, and it was in St Ignatius which is more than 48 miles away from Karasabi. To date, several secondary schools have been constructed in the region. Addressing the gathering also on Tuesday was Regional Chairman of Region Nine, BryanAllicock who stated that the construction of the secondary school in Karasabai has been on the agenda and is proud to see the project become a reality

Manickchand at an event last year had mentioned that there are planning to construct more schools across the country “Our intention is that we would achieve universal secondary education in this first term. What is universal secondary education?

It means universally all over this country every child must be able to access a seat in a secondary school to complete their secondary education. And even as we work on achieving universal secondary education, that is giving every Guyanese child access,” the Education Ministersaid.

Thisyear,thegovernment has set aside $94.4B for the education sector Of that sum of $12.4B has been allocated for the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilitiesacrossthecountry

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand alongside Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamall and the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Alfred King turning the sod for the construction of the secondary school at Karasabai on Tuesday.

Harbour Bridge to close for 24 hrs from Sunday at 3am

...water taxis to operate non-stop during period

he management of the TDemerara Harbour

Bridge (DHB) on

Wednesday announced that the bridge will be closed for 24 hours from Saturday midnight to Sunday midnight to facilitate emergency repairworkstoSpan8.

According to a DHB's notice, the closure will take place from Sunday, February 26th 2023, 3AM to Monday, February 27th 2023, 3 AM.

It was explained that the emergency works have become critical after the Panama-registered oil tanker, MV Tradewind Passion crashed into the bridge in October 2022. “Citizens are assured that this inconvenience is absolutely necessary at this time to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge,

for the safety of everyone crossing. The Management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation also wishes to express our gratitude for the continued support of both citizens and visitors,” it was stated inthenotice.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) announced that consequenttotheclosureofbridge, the Demerara Water Taxis Service willremainoperationalforaperiod of 24 hours, to facilitate the transport of commuters. MARAD

uninterrupted

taxi service from Vreed-en-Hoop to Stabroek during the aforementioned period. Also, the agency reminded commuters that the fare for this serviceremainsat$100.

‘Second time lucky’ ...Womanwalksfreeafternewtrialformurderofuncle

Forty-three-year-old Vishawantie Ragnauth, who was on trial for the 2014 murder of her uncle Sunil Ramsundar was on Wednesday freedoftheindictment.

Ragnauth along with her reputed husband, Nyron Thakurdyal was initially jointly chargedwiththecapitaloffenceof murder

In 2018, the couple was found guiltyofthemurderof39-year-old minerRamsundar,whichoccurred on December 26, 2014, at Skull City, Patentia, West Bank Demerara They were both sentenced to serve 40 years for the crime.

However,thewomanappealed the sentence and the Court of

Appeal in December 2022 set aside the conviction and ordered a retrial. Thakurdyal died in prison, while Ragnauth faced a new trial before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall at the Demerara High Court.

On Wednesday, after one hour of deliberating, the jury returned with a unanimous not guilty verdict.Ragnauthwasrepresented by attorney-at-law George Thomas and the State was represented by Tanesha Saigon, Marisa Edwards, Abiola Lowe, andDelonFraser

The State's case was thatRamsundarwaskilled afterheattemptedtosettle a dispute between his sister, Ragnauth (his

Alleged child rapist ordered to leave village of victim

Atwenty-six year old taxi driver of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, was on Tuesday charged with rape of achildundersixteenyears.

Navindra Latchman, appeared at the Suddie Magistrate's Court virtually before magistrate Crystal Lambert.

It is alleged that between February and June 2022, at Queenstown Essequibo Coast, the accused engaged in sexual acts with a child who was below the age of sixteen. Latchman was not required to pleatothechargeandbailwas objectedtobytheprosecutor

Bail was subsequently granted in the sum of $250,000, with conditions that the suspect relocate from Queenstown Essequibo Coast to Riverstown Essequibo Coast.

The suspect is also forbiddentomakeanycontact with the victim until the

outcome of the matter The case was adjourned to 202303-21 at the Anna Regina Magistrate's Court for disclosureofStatements.

niece), and Thakurdyal. It was reported that about 22:00 hours on Boxing Day 2014, Ramsundar was allegedly stabbed and killed by his niece and her spouse, after he attempted to settle a disagreement.

On the day, Ragnauth assaulted her mother, who is Ramsundar'ssister

Upon seeing his sister crying, thenowdeadmanhadapproached hertoinquireoftheproblem.After an explanation was given to him, Ramsundar then confronted his

niece and an argument ensued between them. Things escalated, and Ragnauth's spouse and Ramsundar became involved in a scuffle, during which Ramsundar was allegedly stabbed about the bodybyhisnieceandtheman.

Theinjuredmancollapsedand was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival Importantly, during the trial, Ragnauth in her defence stated that she was unsure who stabbed heruncleduringthescuffle.

Set free, Vishawantie Ragnauth

Navindra Latchman

Brazilians arrested for illegally mining in Rupununi

...helicopter, equipment seized, camps destroyed

Members of the

G u y a n a Defence Force (GDF) on Sunday arrested two Brazilian men and a helicopter pilot after they were found illegally mining forgoldintheNewRiverArea ofRupununi,RegionNine.

The Brazilians had a well organised operation ongoing with a helicopter to transport materials and supplies from Brazil to their mining camps. They were also equipped with small engines and a stone crusher

Based on photos taken by GDF of their mining set-up it

appears as if the men were conducting underground mining operations via the tunnelmethodbetterknownin Latin American countries as “Vetamining”.

This form of mining is done by drilling a cylindrical tunnel vertically towards the material that contains the gold.Oncetheyfindgoldthey would then start connecting horizontal tunnels to follow the gold material commonly knownasgravel.

To prevent the walls from caving in on workers, miners wouldcutdowntreesfor

(Continued on page 22)

The Helicopter seized by GDF

The tunnel erected by the Brazilians to extract gold.

Illegal mining camps destroyed

Govt. to engage GRMA on

paddy prices

- Agri Minister tells Region Two farmers

...Saysfarmerswhosufferedlossesdue to inclementweathertoreceiveassistance

Ag r i c u l t u r e M i n i s t e r , H o n o u r a b l e Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday,metwithfarmerson the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, during which he promised to address the high paddy prices and to compensate those who suffered losses due to inclementweather

The meeting was held at t h e R i c e P r o d u c e r s Association (RPA) bond at AnnaRegina.

The ministry in a press release disclosed that while a small group of farmers chose to exit the meeting before directly engaging the visiting team, scores of farmers and r e s i d e n t s t o o k t h e opportunity to sit down with the minister to raise their concerns.

It was stated that one farmer told the minister that although the government has been investing heavily to improve the infrastructure and offer assistance in the form of flood relief, seed

paddy, and fertilisers, many farmers still need assistance withgoingbacktotheland.

“We've lost our crop Some put in the crop; some managedtogetthecroptothe reapingstageanddidn'tgetto reap; some put in and it flood out and they didn't see nothing, ” the farmer explained.

While responding to the farmer's concerns, Minister Mustapha explained that he was aware several farmers suffered losses due to unfavourable weather patterns and that the government will be putting systems in place to ensure those farmers are given assistance to return to the landassoonaspossible.

“I have a list with the names of farmers who lost as aresultoftheweather Weare looking at it and we will see how best we can assist them to go back to the land as soon as possible,” the minister noted.

While pointing out that the price of paddy for the

current crop was a burning concern for many farmers, especially in Region Two, Minister Mustapha said he will soon meet with the Guyana Rice Millers' Association to discuss the matter

“The main issue today seems to be the price for paddy Only about 22,000 acres were planted in Region Two for this crop. I will be meeting with the Guyana Rice Millers' Association on Friday to see if farmers can get better prices for paddy, especially in Region Two. When that meeting is finished, I will communicate with the farmers,” he explained.

While expressing his disappointment with the behaviour of the few who appeared to have a premeditated agenda and attempted to disrupt the meeting, Minister Mustapha said rice farmers have benefitted from a lot of assistance since the government took office in

August2020.

“Since we got back into government, we've been tryingourbest.Manyfarmers right here on the Essequibo Coast received direct cash payments and seed paddy when we had the flood in 2021.

Last crop when the price was low, farmers said that they were not happy and we intervened, and many farmers received $4,000 per bag for paddy last crop. I am very shocked at this behaviour because when farmers were told rice was a private business, they never behaved in this manner Now we are here to listen to you

and work to find solutions to yourissuesafewaretryingto disrupt the meeting. We have to be factual. I am here to listen to you to see how best wecanresolvetheissues,”he said.

The minister also d i s c l o s e d t h a t t h e government will continue to rehabilitate critical infrastructure so that farmers can have access to transport theirpaddyfromthefields.

“This year again, $25 million will be made availabletorehabilitatedams in Region Two from the Ministry of Agriculture so that farmers can bring out theirpaddy

The Water Users' Association has $10 million. The seed facility here, I've asked GRDB to refurbish it sothatwecanstartproducing seed paddy in time for the next crop. Some rice farmers gave me a list with a number of issues so that we can sit down as a team and go through them point by point. For instance, things like zero rated on certain machinery and parts; there are still a number of spare parts that attract VAT because they are also used outside of the sector We have to work with the GRA to deal with that,” he explained.

Minister of Agriculture during his engagement with Region Two farmers

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Death toll from Brazil downpours hits 48, dozens still missing

(Reuters) - The death toll from heavy rains that devastated coastal areas of Brazil’s southeastern Sao Paulo state reached 48 people, official figures showed on Wednesday, but dozens were still missing as search and rescue efforts continued.

“We are currently working with a tally of at least 38 missing people,” Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas told reporters as weather forecasters cautioned more rain was expected later in the day.

Massive downpours have caused landslides and flooding since last weekend in coastal towns of Brazil’s richest state, so far hit by more than 600 millimeters (23.6 inches) of rain, the highest cumulative figure ever in the country.

the brunt of the human toll, with 47 of the reported deaths. But nearby towns such as Ilhabela, Caraguatatuba, Bertioga and Ubatuba were also heavily affected.

The state government said more rain was expected on Wednesday as a new cold front favors the formation of heavy clouds over the region, with “moderate to heavy showers” forecast to fall until early evening, after a cloudy morning.

Key roads such as the Mogi-Bertioga and RioSantos highways remained blocked due to landslides, the

government added, while state-run water company Sabesp (SBSP3.SA) managed to restore water supply to the region.

The floods in coastal Sao Paulo state were the latest in a series of such disasters to recently strike Brazil, where shoddy construction, often on hillsides, can have tragic consequences during the country’s rainy season.

The deluge happened as tourists thronged to local beaches during the annual Carnival holiday, likely making the human toll much worse.

Brazilians arrested...

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The number of casualties rose from 46 reported a day earlier, the Sao Paulo state government said in a statement.

The city of Sao Sebastiao, located some 200 km (124.3 miles) from Sao Paulo, bore

From page 18 boards to reinforce them as they go deeper. A pulley system would also be installed to take miners down into the tunnels and to bring gold material that would then be placed into a stone crusher and washed to extract gold. GDF spent some

four days to destroy the camp.

The camps were dismantled and set on fire while the tunnels were flooded and destroyed. The army took possession of the helicopter and confiscated some expensive mining equipment. Investigations are ongoing.

Congratulations to Melina Janki,...

From page 6 are top users, Global South countries in general, are minimal users of coal. Take a look at the comparable figures for – Mexico 182; Pakistan 50; Venezuela 6; and Sri Lanka 109. Coal is not used in Guyana.

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How about per capita electricity consumption? The following data (expressed in per capita kilowatt hours) clearly shows North-South disparities. Norway 27,529; Sweden 16,538; Canada 16,405; USA 12,314; Australia 9,531; France 8,545; and still in the Global North, Japan at 7,692. Some of the largest countries in the Third World show significantly lower per capita consumption of electricity. Note for instance, Brazil 3091; India 1218 and Nigeria (indicative of most African countries) 147 kilowatts. Guyana’s consumption rate, by comparison is at 982 kilowatt.

Gasoline consumption expressed in per capita gallons

reveal dramatic North-South disparities. Note the following – Singapore 3679; Luxemburg 1487; Canada 1,047; Netherlands 846; Japan 480; Germany 444; France 404; UK 366. Guyana’s consumption stands at 278. 61 countries in the world consume less than 100 gallons (per capita) per annum, and as you might guess all are in the Third World.

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Editor, natural gas is known to be a transition energy source in so far as its greenhouse effects are less damaging compared to coal or gasoline. Yet many of the letter writers who support Ms. Janki are protesting our Gas to Energy (NGL) projects being developed at Wales on the West Bank Demerara. But even here, Editor, the critics are misguided. Excepting for the Gulf States, the biggest consumers of natural gas are in fact in the Global North. Canada, where some of the critics live, is among the very highest consumer of natural gas with a mammoth per capita of 112.5 cubic feet. I specifically wish to remind Dr. Bulkan that every Canadian contributed 18.58 tons (per capita) of CO2 emissions. The comparable figure for Guyana is 4.22 tons per capita.

The data above clearly indicate that there is widespread bullying taking place in the global climate change space. Powerful countries

that are among the worst polluters are the very ones who have control over multilateral institutions, including development financing. Those same countries have powerful NGOs that though guided by the right convictions on many issues of human rights, broadly defined, are ideologically fixated on the proposition that the rich countries should protect their standard of living as the first and most important goal.

Those same NGOs recruit elites from the Third World to join their cause. If those same NGOs were truly democratic where global governance is concerned, they would focus on life-style changes in the Global North which has produced 79% of the greenhouse gases since the industrial revolution. I must also insist that the militaries in many of these countries are also the most significant polluters.

Ms. Janki is a known quantity and she can very well use her intellectual and professional energies to call for greater justice in the relations between Global North and South. Why not revive the spirit of Bandung, rather than stand with the political and economic interests in countries that are already in an era of excessive consumption?

Sincerely,

Dr. Randolph Persaud

$84 million estimated to rehabilitate M.B Sandaka

TheMinistryofPub licWorkshaving docked and rehabilitate M V Sabanto and M V Kanawan last year, is looking to do the same with M B Sandaka this year

Duringtherecentopeningof

tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office it was revealed that some $84.8 millionhasbeensetasideto repair the vessel. Two c o n t r a c t o r s h a v e

expressed their interestto execute the works. Bids were also opened for procurement of works to rehabilitate Parika Stelling and Supenaam Loading pontoon and also the Ministry is seeking a

China’s claim to neutrality fades with Moscow visit

contractortoconstructanew officebuildingatColdingen on the East Coast of Demerara. The works is estimated to cost $21 million

B e l o w a r e t h e companiesandtheirbids:

Procurementoffifteen4x4pick-ups.

B idder A m ount T endered

Ideal A uto Incorp $128,300,000

M assy M otors G uyana Incorp$148,940,000

R ose R am dehol A uto Sales$138,400,000

B M Soat A uto Sales $161,500,000

B eharry A utom otive $150,872,498

C ontinental A uto Incorp $148,000,000

R R T Enterprise & A uto Sales$167,777,500

MinistryofPublicWorks TransportandHarboursDepartment Acquisitionandsupplyofsparesforvessel.

A nsa M otor G uy Inc $149,250,000

Jum bo Jet A uto Sales $120,600,000

V eyron International T rades$165,350,000

Construction

(BBC) Vladimir Putin loves a really long table. Images of his meetings are famous, with the Russian leader at one end and the person he is speaking to so farawaythatyouwonderifit is hard for them to hear one other.

Itwasnotlikethatwhen he met China’s top foreign policyofficial,WangYi.

There they were, sitting within handshake distance, with an oval shaped table in themiddle.

It could be that the proximity was achieved by seating placement at a previously-used table, with the Chinese delegation directly across the middle rather than at the long ends buttheeffectwasthesame.

Procurementofworks,Lot1:rehabilitation ofParikaStelling,Lot2:Rehabilitation ofSupenaamSideLoadingPontoon, Lot3:RehabilitationofSupenaam.

DockingandRehabilitationofM.BSandaka.

At least 2 dead, more than 50 missing in China mine collapse

(AP) An open pit mine collapsed in China’s northern Inner Mongolia region on Wednesday, killingatleasttwopeopleandleaving more than 50 missing, state media reported.

TheofficialXinhuaNewsAgency said people were buried under debris atthemineinAlxaLeague.Itsaidsix wererescuedwithinjuriesand53were stilllistedasmissing.

Abriefvideoofthecollapseposted on the website of the Beijing Times newspaper showed a massive wall of

reddish dirt or sand rushing down a slope onto mining vehicles moving below.

Chinese President Xi Jinping demanded “all-out efforts in search and rescue of the missing and treatment of the injured,” Xinhua reported. Xi called for “ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property and maintaining overall social stability,”itsaid.

More than 300 rescue workers operating 129 rescue vehicles were participating in the search, Xinhua

said. The company running the mine, InnerMongoliaXinjingCoalIndustry Co.Ltd.,wascitedandfinedlastyear for multiple safety violations ranging from insecure access routes to the mining surface to unsafe storage of volatilematerialsandalackoftraining for its safety overseers, according to thenewswebsiteThePaper InnerMongoliaisakeyregionfor mining of coal and various minerals and rare earths, which critics say has ravaged the original landscape of mountains,grassysteppesanddeserts.

When the footage was released, it appeared to be a deliberately symbolic move to show that he felt safe enoughtobethatclosetothe representative of such an importantfriend.

Of course, it hasn’t always been that way.

Decades ago, Beijing’s network of underground fallout shelters were designed to protect the citizens of the Chinese capital from a nuclear war withtheSovietUnion.

Yet now Xi Jinping’s administration sees Russia as a front-line enemy of US influence; a nation whichlike North Korea - may be considered an international pariah, but which serves a usefulgeopoliticalpurpose.

TheChinesegovernment didn’t even seem that embarrassedwhenPresident Putin returned home from attending Beijing Winter O l y m p i c s , h a v i n g proclaimed a new “no limits” relationship with China and, within weeks, launched the invasion of Ukraine.

Many have asked whether Mr Xi was warned about the imminent war when he sat next to his Russian counterpart who must have been considering barely anything else at the time.

Chinaiswalkingalonga very delicate path in its dealings with Russia over

Ukraine.MrXimayfeellike he’s confidently striding down the track, but some think that the path is crumblingattheedges,with Beijing’s claim to neutrality increasingly difficult to standup.

Wang Yi comes out of meetings proclaiming that China and Russia are together promoting “peace andstability”.

In other parts of the world,itwillseemludicrous to use expressions like “peace and stability” on a trip to Russia almost one year before the first anniversaryofthatcountry’s invasionofUkraine.

Beijing knows this and yet decided to press ahead nevertheless, in the full knowledgethatitwilltakea hit reputationally because it has calculated that is more importanttooffersignificant moral support to Vladimir Putinatthistime.

When Wang Yi met SergeiLavrovhesaid,“Iam ready to exchange views with you my dear friend, on issuesofmutualinterestand I look forward to reaching newagreements”.

Russia’s Foreign Ministersaidthetwowere showing solidarity and defending each other’s interests despite “high turbulence on the world stage” , as if this turbulence was something floating in the ether rather than chaos of his own government’smaking.

Earlier this week in Beijing, China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang warned that the conflict in Ukraine could spiral out of control if certain countries keep pouring fuelonthefire

He was referring to the US, a country which is openly giving military a s s i s t a n c e t o t h e Ukrainian army but which has warned China not to provide Russia with weaponsandammunition Analysts are now asking what options China might consider if it looks like President Putin is facing a humiliating battlefield defeat.

Russia’s leader and China’s foreign minister in talks

53 years as a Republic OP:ED

By GHK Lall

After 53 years of existence as a R e p u b l i c , Guyanashouldhavesomuch moretoshowforthattime,so muchtobeproudabout,even boast about, considering our fabulous endowments. In people. In the fruits of the earth, and now of the sea. In the reality of potential and possibilities actually in our hands, in how well we are now positioned. Though I am loathe to acknowledge, after 53 years, we have fallen short of our grand promise, been a huge disappointment. So much given, so little to showforit.

Half of our citizens, however counted, have foreign addresses as their home. The most telling demographic is our youth, thevigorousbloodstreamofa polity and people, only for them to live and relive the ancient prejudices and bigotries of their forebears. It is what punishes our social environment, what tampers with our minds, yokes our thinking. Wecanhaveallthe riches in the world (and we do), but if we do not have the skills and smarts and strengths to make the most expansive (inclusive) use of them, then we are all the poorer for what we have f a i l e d t o contemplate,prioritize, achieve. Wehavefailedtodo so,haven'twe?

Our strengths have been neither ethical nor noble. Rather, they have been of what is political leadership craftiness, and supporting citizenship cunning, that leavesusnotasaRepublicof sturdy proportions, one standing on its own feet and operating on its own steam. Butofasocietythatisthepity of the world, and one still a chronic charity case Anybody and everybody that

is not Black or Brown or Beautiful Originals of Guyana's earth is welcomed and embraced as our heroes; our saviors to point us on the wayforward.

They have done so with one hand on our shoulder, and the other in our purse.

Wecallourselvesleadersand citizens of a proud Republic, an almost incomparably rich one.

Yet we are content to remain in this dreadful impoverished state, so beholdenweGuyaneseareto the whims, artifices, and contrivances of foreigners. We were divided before, and with a whole lot traceable to those interfering outsiders starting in their pale strategies of centuries ago, and which became apparent in their putrid cruelties and social devastations just 6070 years ago:Divide Devastate.

Drain. Yet, being the suckers for punishment, the weaklings, that we are, we yielded again to their overtures and their maneuvers.

At one time, around that same six to seven decades ago, Guyanese were among themostliteratepeopleinthe world; in the top five, if my recall is accurate The havocs of the 60s and 70s resulted in not just capital flight, but the flight of this country'shumancapital,with its cream gone. We ought to have been self-taught, transform into the best of self-instructors. Unless we genuinely commit to holding hands, and maintaining a single head, then we become prone to the machinations of those who scheme over our property, our patrimony, and stuntourprosperity.

I exhort my fellow Guyanese on this Republic anniversary to examine how stunned our leaders are Look at how they walk

around like controlled zombies, theirs is the stunted shadow of helpless sleepwalkers subject to the directions, the push and pull, of those who hold the strings of this Republic in their fingersstained with what is detrimental to our interests. For us to remain divided and at each other's throat is the best of all outcomes, while foreigners work their commercial sorceries, which enrich their treasuries, their ownpeoples.

I urge my fellow citizens across the national canvas of this Cooperative Republic of Guyana, to not look on

neighbor and competitor as enemy, but as fellow strivers in the shared objective of a countryofwhichallofuscan be proud. Scrutinize what we have and there is nothing about what is 'cooperative' in either our hearts or our visions.

Nor of a Republic reveling in its own authentic strengths, the beauties of its citizens. Nor of a Guyana that is this economic Nirvana, this arcade of a social utopia, that it is made outtobe.

Who we are and what we live with is a limping Republic, and all due to our

willing prostrations before the alphabet soup of powers, who say they know what is best for us. Perhaps,theyreally do because of what we have allowed them to do to us in this Republic of inequity, amid an ongoing litany of countless political iniquities.

In this Republic of Guyana that should have been, we could have been a contender for the status of a respected champion. We relish, instead, being a

GHK Lall

perennial pretender Such is the graceless state of our Cooperative Republic of Guyana. For whatever it is worth: my tidings to all citizens. Be assuredthattheyaregood.

India pledge all-out attack to break Australia grip at T20 World Cup

AFP - Australia and England are hot favourites to reach Sunday’s final of the Women’s T20 World Cup, but India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes there is a factor which can alter the odds.

“Pressure,” she said, looking ahead to today’s semi-final against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town.

“In World Cup games both teams are under pressure.” England play South Africa in the second semi-final on Friday Australia and England were unbeaten in the

group stages and prevailed with attacking cricket when their superiority was challenged. “They attack a lot,” said 19-year-old India wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh.

“So, whatever happens to them, even if the batter is out, they don’t stop attacking. We also have good batting depth, so will be playing an attacking game.” The odds, however, are against India.

Defending champions Australia have won nine of the pair’s last 10 meetings with the other game ending

in a tie. When they met in the 2020 final in Melbourne, Australia cantered to an 85-run win after bowling out India for just 99. However, skipper Meg Lanning said Wednesday that there will be no complacency in her team. - ‘Great depth’ - “I think that India have shown that they’re not relying on one or two players. They’ve got some great depth as well,” she said.

“We both start at the same level tomorrow. It doesn’t matter what’s happened previously in this tournament or

Thursday February 23, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

You're feeling especially loving, attractive, and romantic, so romance is likely to be on your mind. Romantic novels and movies could seem especially appealing. If you're currently involved.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

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

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

An attractive neighbor with whom you seem to share a bond could become a friend. A group you're affiliated with could be expressing highly idealized goals and purposes.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Dreams of a new career could fill your mind today, perhaps because of too much stress in your current one. You might even think of becoming a movie star.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

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

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Lovely dreams could spark your imagination and get your artistic abilities going. You could learn a lot about yourself and whatever has been limiting you. Write down whatever comes your way.

GCB reminds players to obtain No Objection Certificates to play with overseas outfits

previous games. It’s about what happens on the park tomorrow. And yeah, we feel like if we play our best cricket, that will give us a really good chance to win.” Australia are expected to triumph and are largely impervious to the pressures that Kaur spoke about as winners of five out of seven T20 World Cups and seven 50-over World Cups.

Australia will be appearing at Newlands for the first time in the tournament after playing their group matches in Paarl and Gqeberha. If anything the extra bounce and pace at Newlands should suit their stroke-playing batters as well as exciting fast bowler Darcie Brown and leg-spinner Georgia Wareham.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) would like to remind cricketers who have been invited to play for clubs/teams overseas that they must apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) which must be approved and issued by the GCB as an extension of their contractual obligations to the Board. The requisite application must state the club/team the player intends to join, the competition (and whether approved by the local Board) and the period of their playing obligation. The GCB would then be in a position

to assess whether players would be involved in the standard of cricket overseas that would be of benefit to their cricket development.

Players are further reminded that to be eligible for selection to the senior national team, they must participate in GCB franchise cricket and premier competitions including the 4-day, Super50 and T20 inter-county tournaments. The selectors have been apprised of this dispensation and will engage in the selection process accordingly.

Untroubled Swiatek...

From page 33 two Sabalenka said.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

A new friend could arrive today, Libra. You're probably going to like this person very much. He or she probably shares many of your interests. You could become close friends.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

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

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

A journey by air to a distant place might be on your mind, though you might not make it for a long time. Knowledge is important to you, and you can be insatiably curious. This is likely to be one of those days.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

The desire to beautify your home could hit you full force today, Capricorn. Perhaps you're expecting future visitors or house guests and want to make a good impression.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

A new neighbor could arrive who you feel especially drawn to, Aquarius. You might have high hopes for a friendship with this person. He or she may seem especially congenial and share a lot of your interests.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You could be feeling especially sociable today. Maybe there's a virtual party of some kind you want to be invited to. You could hear some good news, and there is probably some truth to it,.

They have a bowling attack which has yet to concede more than the 124 runs scored by South Africa. India have a strong batting line-up in which Jemima Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana and hardhitting Ghosh have been in the runs. Captain Kaur is a proven performer and Shafali Verma is an opening batter who can set a match-winning tempo. “Smriti and Verma are key players for them who we’ve spoken about a little bit, but can take the game away from you very quickly,” added Lanning. “We’ve planned and we’ll certainly be trying to take early wickets because we know in T20 cricket that can make a massive difference.”

India’s bowling is built around the swing of Renuka Thakur and an assortment of slow bowlers in which Deepti Sharma is the main threat.

Australia will be at full strength with vice-captain Alyssa Healy fit again after sitting out the six-wicket victory over South Africa with a quad injury. Like Australia, England played their early matches away from Newlands but were utterly dominant against Pakistan in their first appearance at the iconic tournament headquarters on Tuesday. - ‘Positive cricket’ -

Wicketkeeper Amy Jones, an effective hard-hitting “finisher” in the closing overs, said the team was committed to attacking cricket.

“When you know you’ve got the backing of everyone in your team to stick to your strengths and play the most positive cricket we can it definitely simplifies it,” she said.

South Africa won only two of their four pool games and qualified on net run-rate on the strength of a single impressive bowling performance, when they dismissed New Zealand for 67.

“I was looking at my team asking like, ‘What can I do?’ but somehow, I turned around this game, and started playing really incredible tennis.”

Coco Gauff and Madison Keys will meet in an all-American quarter-final.

Fifth-seeded Gauff advanced when Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina withdrew from their last 16 clash due to a lower back injury.

Keys booked her quarterfinal spot with a 6-2, 6-1 win over former world number one Victoria Azarenka in just 57 minutes.

Delight Travel Service donates to Golden Mile resuscitation

Delight Travel Service

Tuesday made a donation to the resuscitation of the GoldenMile,whichisslated forMarch12attheNational ParkCircuit.

According to a press release from the Jefford Track and Field Classic group, Delight Travel Service that is located in the North Road Entrance Foyer of the Guyana Post Office, Adriana Singh-Onoja said that they have been a supportingpartnerofEdison Jeffordforsometime.

The rebranding and resuscitation efforts of the GoldenMilearebeingledby Edison Jefford under his Jefford Track and Field Classic brand. It is being dubbed the Jefford Classic Mile and promises to be a mouth-watering showdown among the best Milers in Guyana.

Jeffordsaidintherelease that Delight Travel Service will be the preferred choice when the event develops to inclu

Managing Director of Delight Travel Service, Adriana Singh-Onoja (right) makes the donation to Edison Jefford for the upcoming Golden Mile.

participation as part of its long-termvision.

Hesaidthatinthefuture, theracewilladdtoGuyana’s sports tourism industry and Delight Travel Service will leadtheevent’seffortsinthat

regard.

The athletes will be competing for cash, medals and other prizes, including nutritional supplements, and gifthampersonMarch12at theNationalPark.

Reggae Girlz suffer 3-0 defeat to Australia to go winless in Nations Cup

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz suffered their third straight defeat in the FFA Nations Cup.

SportsMax - Despite

another decent display, Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz suffered their third straight defeat in the FFA Nations Cupgoingdown3-0tohosts Australia yesterday at the Newcastle International SportsCentre.

The victory forAustralia meant that Australia would win the trophy in the fourteam tournament that also involved Spain and the CzechRepublic.

Goals from Katrina Gorry, Alex Chidiac and Caitlin Foord settled the matter for Australia against the Caribbean team that played well enough but for

thesecondofthreematches, failedtofindthenet.

TheReggaeGirlzstarted well with Jody Brown, Spence and Kayla McCoyMcKennaposingthreatsthat Australiamanagedtothwart. In defence, especially in the first quarter of the match, Jamaica were organized, repelling Australia’s attacks with aplomb Australia, however,brokethedeadlock in the 28th minute with a 25m rocket from Gorry that flewpastRebeccaSpencerin theJamaicagoal.

Growing in confidence, thehoststooka1-0leadinto thehalf-timebreak.

Australia would double

their lead in the 56th minute after a brilliant build up that sawGorrytaketheballtothe byline before pulling it back to Chidiac who beats two defendersandpowertheball into the roof of the net from fivemetres.

Australiasealedtheissue in the 69th when Foord and SamKerrexecutea1-2pass attheedgeoftheboxaround Jamaica’s defence after whichFoordcurledonefrom 20mpastSpencer

JodyBrownwasdenieda consolation three minutes from time when goalkeeper Arnoldparriedhershotfrom justinsidetheboxaroundthe upright.

Bent St, Back Circle ready for ‘Legendary Cup’ Futsal final

The battle lines have been drawn and the respectivecaptainsforBent Street and Back Circle are exuded with confidence of emerging victorious on Saturday evening in the finaloftheinauguralRocks AutoTransandSparesParts ‘Legendary Cup’ Futsal Championship at the NationalGymnasium.

With $500,000 up for grabs, Bent Street stormed their way into the finale after crushing Tiger Bay 7-2 while Back Circle thrashed Sparta

Boss 5-1 in the semifinals

Colin Nelson, captain ofBentStreetduringaprematch press conference yesterdayatthecompany’s C h a r l o t t e S t r e e t headquarters said, “Bent Street is a confident team and we are accustomed to this type of environment

and we are confident of emergingvictorious ”

On the other hand, Selwyn Williams, skipper of Back Circle stated that he hopes everyone comes out and support the competing teams which will add to the spectacle, adding that his charges are prepared for the fixture

despite Bent Street acquiring the services of notable players such as RyanHackett

Williams added, “I need everyone to come out and support Back

Circle, I also want

persons to come out and support Bent Street, and wearelookingforwardtoa competitive match and cleanmatch.

I have heard that

B e n t S t r e e t h a s strengthened their team by acquiring Ryan Hackett, but we are

ready for the match ” Meanwhile, Yolanda Ross, Managing Director of Rocks Auto Trans and Spares Parts stated that the entity is happy with support that has been a f f o r d e d t o t h e tournament, adding that the company is already looking to the 2024 edition given the accomplishment of the maidenchampionship

The winner claims $500,000, while the losing finalist will settle for $250,000; third-place to pocket $150,000, and $100,000 will be given the teamfinishingfourth

Ontheindividualside, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) will receive one motorcycle.

Also, one lucky patron w i l l r e c e i v e o n e motorcycleonthenightof thefinal

Wolvaardt, Brits take South Africa to World T20 semis

AFP - Laura Wolvaardt andTazminBritstookSouth Africa to the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals with

an unbeaten century

partnership against

BangladeshinCapeTownon Tuesday

SouthAfrica won by ten wickets at Newlands after restricting Bangladesh to 113 for six, and will play

Englandinthelastfouratthe samegroundonFriday

Wolvaardt made 66 not out and Brits was unbeaten on50asthehomesidemade 117 for no wickets, winning with13ballstospare.

South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka all hadtwowinsfromtheirfour matches in Group One but South Africa had a net run rate to finish second in the group behind unbeaten Australia. It was a less than imposing performance by the host nation in the field against a team that had lost all three of their previous matches.

No batter was able to score more than captain Nigar Sultana’s 30 but aggressive running between wickets enabled Bangladesh to keep the score moving, aided by some nervy errors inthefieldbySouthAfrica.

SeambowlersMarizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka tooktwowicketseach.

There were anxious momentsforSouthAfricaat the start of their innings. Marufa Akter, Bangladesh’s impressive 18-year-old opening bowler, beat

Wolvaardt with the first two balls of the South African innings, swinging the ball intothebatter’spads.

Shewonanappealforleg before wicket with the seconddeliverybutareview showed the ball was swingingpastlegstump.

Brits was dropped off NahidaAkterinthenextover and Wolvaardt should have beenrunoutinthethirdover when both batters found themselves at the same end, onlyforBangladeshtobotch their fielding effort. Only ninerunswerescoredoffthe firstfourovers.

Wolvaardt hit a six off

Akterinthefifthoverbutthe total was only 42 runs after tenovers.

Thetwobattersgradually foundtheirtiming,however, although Brits survived a straightforward stumping chance and another catching opportunity before victory wasachieved.

Briefscores:Bangladesh 113-6 in 20 overs (Nigar Sultana30;M.Kapp2-17,A. Khaka2-21).

South Africa 117-0 in 17.5 overs (L. Wolvaardt 66 notout,T Brits50notout).

Result:SouthAfricawon by10wickets.

Toss:Bangladesh.

Jordan, Chase each take three wickets but South Africa XI lead Windies by 34 runs

SportsMax - Debutant

Akeem Jordan and Roston Chase each took three wickets but that could not prevent a South Africa XI from taking a 34-run lead over the West Indies at stumps on Day 2 of their warm-up match at Benoni yesterday Jordan,whowasrecently called to the West Indies squad to replace Jomel Warrican for the South Africa tour, proved incisive and economical taking 3-32 from 19 5 overs Chase returned figures of 3-94 and

Shannon Gabriel 2-45 from 10 to bowl the SouthAfrica

InvitationalXIoutfor317in 89.5 overs in reply to the West Indies’ first day score of283-9.

Captain Wihan Lubbe, who opened the innings, led the scoring with 71 while DewaldBrevisscored50for theSouthAfricans.

After Gabriel had his opening partner Bryce Parsons dismissed for 25 with the score at 39, Lubbe and Daniel Smith took the score to 112 when the latter was dismissed by Raymon

Reiferfor33.Lubbebecame the third wicket to fall and Gabriel’s second when he was caught behind as the SouthAfricansreached1463. Brevis made his halfcenturyandRuandeSwardt, 40,tohelptheirsidekeepon track but South Africa XI slipped to 218-6 as Jordand Chase chipped away at the middleorder

Evan Jones (23) and Corbin Bosch, who scored an unbeaten 31 as the side breached 300 but Jordan cleanedupthetailtorestrict theleadtobelow50.

Nigar Sultana topscored for Bangladesh.

Letter to the Sports Editor Does an Essequibo Cricket Board exist?

DEARSPORTSEDITOR

, AbouttwomonthsagoIpenned a letter providing documentary evidence of alleged corruption, nepotismandlackofaccountability attheEssequiboCricketBoard.At thecentreoftheseallegationsisthe President of the Board Mr Deleep Singh who also happens to be one of our national representatives at Cricket West Indies, being a director By the minimal of standard one would expect an explanationfortheseallegationsor adenial.Onecanonlynowassume that these are quite true and it will continue.

As a result of my letter, numerous calls were made to me, some certifying what I had to say whileothersmakingfurtherclaims of skullduggery at the Essequibo Cricket Board. One such being the removal of Elroy Stephany as a national selector. I have no sympathy for Mr Stephany, as he was a mouthpiece for this group when the previous ECB was in office and wrote extensively on all the imaginary solutions for the development of Essequibo cricket. However, his removal as ECB Chairman of selectors and as a representative to Guyana Cricket Board is yet another example the dictatorial attributes of Deleep Singh. It is my understanding that Mr Stephanywasnoteveninvited to the purported meeting at which hewasremoved.Itshouldbenoted that Mr Stephany is the only remainingelectedVicePresidentof theEssequiboCricketBoard,since he was not invited and Six Executives have resigned or

removed, a quorum for such a meetingdoesnotexist.

Mr. Stephany issued a statement on being removed saying, “Good Morning all, after much and careful consideration, I feltcompelledtoissuearesponseto myremovalasSeniorChairmanof Selectors As VP, I felt disrespected, betrayed, humiliated andinsultedbytheactionsofafew members (not he full executive body) for the swift and callous manner in which this decision was taken and strikingly done in my absence and my input This contrived act has certainly set a dangerousprecedentandsmacksin thefaceofhowdecisionsaretaken and without due process and practices of this organisation. My motiveasaservantofthegamehas always been to exercise a willingnesstogiveofmybestinall circumstances. Perhaps I haven’t met those standards in over 30 yearsonandoffthefieldasjudged byafewmembers.

Though I will continue to invokemyenergiesandwisdomfor the advancement of the sport in Essequibo and to respect the authority of the board, I conclude thatitwasaverydisrespectfuland injuriousact.”

It has been reported that Mr Stephany has been replaced with someone who was unilaterally selectedtoanexecutivepositionby Mr DeleepSingh,incontravention of the much-anticipated Cricket AdministrationAct.

Now, an Essequibo Cricket Teamhasbeenselectedwithoutany cricket tournament held since Mr

Deleep Singh took office, comprising of players who have never represented Essequibo, at any level. It would seem that Stephany was not doing a bad job until he stood up for the nonselectionofAnthonyAdams.

It is quite obvious that the EssequiboCricketBoardappearsto be the personal property of someone. Mr Singh has so far failed to answer all the allegations of usage of funds. It has now been revealedthatthe ECB held a raffle to raise funds to repaint the Anna ReginaHostelandthosefundswere

never paid into the accounts of the Board.Also, citizens donated over Fiftygallonsofpainttoassist.The attachedphotoswouldgiveanidea of the condition of the hostel and practicefacility,unpaintedandina dilapidatedstate.

Something has to be wrong, as fundsfromGuyanaCricketBoard, the Government, money from a raffle and donations from private persons were all paid for the rehabilitation of this building but the photos reveal its present condition. We can only see further corruption,nobooksbeingaudited,

no AGM held to account to the membership,whatnext?? Essequiboisplayingnocricket, moneyspending,noaccountability, noquestionsfromtheGovernment, fundscontinuetobesquanderedby this organisation, disregard for the CricketAdministrationActandthe listcontinuestogetlonger Arethe perpetuators being protected by political handlers? Let us wait and see.

Thank you for publishing my letter.

YoursSincerely, RafziaShaheed.

The attached photo is of the current state of the ECB facility.

Spanish league files new complaints for racist insults

MADRID (AP) — The Spanish league filed three more complaints for racist insults during matches on Wednesday, including two aimed at Real Madrid forwardViníciusJúnior

The league said one Mallorcafanwasidentified for twice insulting players — once against Vinícius and another against Villarreal midfielder Samu Chukwueze. Both Vinícius andChukwuezeareBlack.

Itsaidpolicehavetaken a statement from the individual, who was identified by Mallorca’s securityofficials.

Thethirdcomplaintwas againstanOsasunafanwho insulted Vinícius, though the person has yet to be identified.

The league has filed eight complaints to authorities for racist insults or chants against Vinícius, with three of them being shelved by prosecutors and another three being accepted for processing beforecourts.

Authorities have yet to find those responsible for hanging Vinícius’ effigy from a bridge in Madrid before the derby against AtleticoMadridlastmonth.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp defended Viníciusaheadofhisteam’s 5-2 loss to Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, when the Brazil forwardscoredtwice.

“I hope he’s not fussed by any idiots who say something about him,” Kloppsaid.

There has been little punishmentforhateattacks against soccer players in Spain, though recently Valladolid suspended 12 season ticket holders while investigating their alleged use of verbal abuse against Vinícius.

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior

Haiti, Portugal qualify for Women’s World Cup for 1st time

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Haiti and Portugal qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals for the first time after winning playoff matches yesterdayinNewZealand.

Carole Costa scored a 94th-minute clincher in Portugal’s 2-1 win over t h e C a m e r o o n “Lionesses” who have reached the round of 16 at the last two World Cups

Haiti beat Chile 2-1 earlier Wednesday in an

historic match it hopes will bring joy and “a breath of fresh air” to a strife-torn homeland

Melchie Dumornay scored twice to ensure 55th-ranked Haiti will return to the southern hemisphere in July to play in Group D of the Women’s World Cup alongside England, China and Denmark Haiti and Portugal have taken two of the last three places at the World Cup which will be

decided at the this 10team inter-continental playoff in New Zealand

Paraguay will play Panama Thursday for the last place in the 32team tournament which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in July and August

Haiti’s Dumornay recently was signed by seven-time Champions League winners Lyon and showedwhywithtwopieces of slick finishing. She won the race to a through ball from Roselord Borgella in first-half stoppage time to give Haiti a 1-0 lead at the break.

Roselord Borgella of Haiti celebrates a goal by teammate Melchie Dumonay during their FIFA women’s World Cup qualifier against Chile in Auckland, New Zealand, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 202

reflecting on success attainedinthemostdifficult ofcircumstances

anythinggoingon ”

Dumornay then seemed to make the game safe in the eighth of 11 minutes added on by the referee after Chile captain Christiane Endler had saved Nerilia Mondesir’s attempt from the penalty spot

Ajara Nchout, left, of Cameroon battles for the ball with Portugal’s Tatiana Pinto and Ana Borges, right, during their FIFA women’s World Cup qualifier in Hamilton,New Zealand, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.

Untroubled Swiatek into Dubai

quarter-finals

AFP-Worldnumberone Iga Swiatek swept past LiudmilaSamsonovaforthe lossofjustonegametomake the Dubai WTA quarterfinalsyesterday

The 21-year-old Pole triumphed6-1,6-0tofollow her opening 6-1, 6-1 win overLeylahFernandez.

Swiatek has dropped only eight games in her last sixmatches,astretchwhich sawherlifttheDohatitlelast weekend.

“She is different,” tweetedmen’sformerworld numberoneAndyMurrayin appreciation.

Swiatek will take on former Dubai finalist Karolina Pliskova in Thursday’s quarter-finals having beaten the Czech in their only previous matchup,a6-0,6-0routinthe2021 ItalianOpenfinal.

Pliskovabookedherlast-

Iga Swiatek

eight spot with a 7-5, 6-7 (6/8), 6-2 victory over Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina. Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka made it 13 wins in 13

matches in 2023 by

dethroning defending champion Jelena Ostapenko 2-6,6-1,6-1.

“In the first set, she played unbelievable tennis andIcouldn’tdoanything,” worldnumber

(Continuedonpage27)

But Maria Jose Rojas scored in the 11th minute of stoppage time to keep Chile’s hopes alive and make the final moments nerve-wracking for Haiti’s Les Grenadiers, who held on to claim an historic victory

Playersshedtearsofjoy whenthefinalwhistleblew,

Haiti’s Les Grenadiers had to win two matches in New Zealand to qualify for theirfirstWorldCup

TheybeatSenegal4-0in their opening match and thenbeat38th-rankedChile fortheirfirsteverwinovera SouthAmericanopponent

Prior to the tournament

midfielder Danielle EtiennetoldESPN“there’s a lot of unhappiness in the country and football is the joy”

“Being able to qualify to the World Cup would be major,”shesaidatthetime “We want that for the countryasawhole,tohave a breath of fresh air and kind of step aside from

While Portugal’s win was sealed late it came at the end of a dominant performance Portugalhad 20 shots on goal, most of which were comfortably saved by Cameroon’s 16year-old goalkeeper Cathy Biya who was promoted after Ange Bawou was sent offagainstThailand.

Diana Gomes gave Portugal the lead after 22 minutes and the match seemed to be heading to extra time when Ajara Nchout Njoya equalized for Cameroon in the 89th minute

But an Estelle Johnson handballwas spotted after a VAR check and Costa scored from the penalty spot

(Martin Hunter/Photosport via AP)

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes there is a factor which can alter the odds.

Bent St, Back Circle ready for ‘Legendary Cup’ Futsal final

Jordan, Chase each take three wickets but South Africa XI lead Windies by 34 runs

India pledge all-out attack to break Australia grip at T20 World Cup

Haiti, Portugal qualify for Women’s World Cup for 1st time Spanish league files new complaints for racist insults

Yolanda Ross (centre), Managing Director of RocksAuto Trans and Spares Parts, alongside Bent Street captain Colin Nelson (1st from left), Back Circle leader Selwyn Williams (Rawle Toney photo).

Akeem Jordan took three wickets against the SouthAfrica Invitational XI.