Kaieteur News

Man wanted for KN grenade attack shot dead in Suriname

A26-year-old man wanted for being part of the June 4, 2015grenadeattackatKaieteur News was on Sunday morning shot dead at Posrenstraat, Suriname, Surinamese police haveconfirmed.

The dead man identified as Shemar Wilson was reportedly gunned down in a vehicle parked next to an apartment building.

Accordingtoreportsfroma Surinamese media house, a woman was with him in the vehicle when a lone gunman started shooting at the vehicle from behind before fleeing the scene.

Wilson was killed on the spot after bullets struck him in thehead,chest,abdomen,arms andlegs.

Surinamese Police have since taken the woman into custody as they investigate Wilson’sKilling.

Wilson,aGuyaneseformerlyof Sophia, was accused of conspiring with three men, Alfie Garraway, LeroyWilliamsandJaneilHoward tolobagrenadeataLexusvehicle owned by Kaieteur News Publisher,GlennLall.

They allegedly carried out the

attack on June 4, 2015, while the Lexus was parked in front of the Kaieteur News head office located on Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

Luckily the grenade did not explode but the sound of it dropping in front of the building alerted security guards who were ondutyoutsideofthebuilding.

On checking the front of the

vehicle, the staff member spotted the grenade lying near one of the front tyres of the vehicle.

Video footage from the company’s CCTV cameras showedagrey-colouredvehicle slowing as it approached Lall’s vehicle. The driver accelerated aftertheexplosivewasthrown.

Police had captured Garraway, Williams and Howard and they are presently beforethehighcourtontrialbut Wilsonwasnevercaptured.

Itisbelievedthatthefugitive had fled to French Guiana. However in 2019, an online media house reported that he was detained for questioning at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport after being deported for overstaying his time in French Guiana.

Nothing else was reported since then, but if the report was true, Wilson must have given the Guyaneseauthoritiestheslipagain andreturnedtoFrenchGuiana. KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat he became involved in criminal activitiesthereandwasaccusedof murderingamaninOctober,2022. Atthetimeofhisdeath,hewas hiding out in Suriname from the FrenchGuianaPolice.

CDB creates new avenue for C’bean countries to access loans

...accorded Prescribed Holder Status for IMF Special Drawing Rights

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has been designated a prescribed holder of Special Drawings Rights (SDRs), by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

SDRs are an international reserveassetcreatedbytheIMFto help meet the long-term global need to supplement reserves Prescribed holders can use SDRs for loans, swaps, pledges, in exchange for currency, or for settlement of financial obligations, among other purposes,theCDBsaidinapress release.

The designation affords CDB an additional avenue to pursue funding for sustainable development solutions for the Caribbean.Thisisinkeepingwith theBank’sobjectiveofincreasing accesstoadequateandaffordable financeforitsBorrowingMember Countries(BMCs).

President of the CDB, Dr Hyginus “Gene” Leon said,

“Recognising the extensive resources required for financing development in the Caribbean, CDB has sought to significantly expand the sources of funding available for our BMCs, and through this designation from the IMF, we now have additional optionsforbuildingoutafinancial ecosystem to meet the varied needsacrosstheRegion.”

He added, “The CDB is also advocating for developed countries to re-allocate a percentage of their excess SDR holdings to finance development in regions like the Caribbean where countries are facing an uphill task trying to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and securing financing climate action.

As the region’s Multi-Lateral Development Bank, we are uniquely positioned to marshal finance for these, and other objectivesandwelookforwardto progressonthesematters.

Gunned down in Suriname, Shemar Wilson

Absent National Coordinator stymied work of Guyana EITI

- Civil society reps set record straight on Guyana’s suspension, missed deadline

independent administrator was hired to work on the report but the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the consultant was held up by the Multi-Stakeholder

Amid the furor over Guyana being suspended from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) over its failure to submit its 2020 r e p o r t , t h e t w o representatives from the Civic component of the Multi-StakeholderGroupon Sunday sough to set the record straight concerning the matter as government officials including President IrfaanAli, had blamed them forthis.

Among the issues raised by the pair were the disappearance from Office of the National Coordinator, Dr Prem Misir and him asking the MultiStakeholderGrouptorubber stamp a request for a retroactive approval of Terms of Reference (TOR) for the 4th Annual Report whichhehadproduced.

T h e M S G h a d unanimously declined to approve this request on the grounds that “the content of the TOR was seriously defective and that its submission to the Ministry by the NC without the benefit of an MSG review, input and approval was a seriousviolationoftheEITI Standard.TheStandardvests all authority pertaining to both content and process of the TOR in the MSG,” the t w o c i v i l s o c i e t y representatives, Vanda R a d z i k a n d M i k e McCormackdetailedintheir letter Questions were raised about Misir’s fitness for the post when he was appointed last year and the allegations by the MSG would add further pressure on government to review its decision. Last week it was disclosed that Guyana was suspended from the global body and President Ali vowed to expose and hold

responsibleforthecountry’s temporary suspension from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

A subsequent press release from the Ministry of Natural Resources sought to blame Radzik and McCormack. The Head of State had said his government is committed to upholding the tenets of t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability, adding that no effort will be spared to bringthecountryinlinewith itsreportingrequirements.

Guyana was reportedly suspended after it failed to submitareportdocumenting revenues received by the state from the extractive sector for the period 2020. EITI on its website said that Guyanaisnoteligibleforan extension of the reporting deadline for fiscal year January 2020-December 2020. It said too that the deadline for the publication of the outstanding report remainsDecember31,2022.

Ali in his address stated that the country has an extension for submission in May 2023 from the EITI Secretariat. He pledged that thiswouldbemet.TheHead of State also shared his understanding of the root causeforthesuspension.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 for it tobecompletedbyMaythis year, we still should have beeninapositiontohavethe reportsubmitted.”

Aside from the fact that all reporting countries were given an extension in 2019 as 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 of the nation’sreport.

F u r t h e r t o t h i s

understandingofthereasons for delay and subsequent suspension, Ali said an

Group (MSG) which consists of members of civil society, government representatives,andindustry players. He said the MSG’s approval was held up for four months. The President said,“Thisbegsthequestion 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 frameworkatstake,totryto damage the government’s credibility is not being a goodcitizen.”

Be that as it may, he added, “I am pleased to say this has been sorted and the work on completing the report will be done expeditiously, long in advance of the extended periodthatwasapprovedby theEITISecretariat.Alisaid theirresponsibility

Continuedonpage18

Mike McCormack

Vanda Radzik

Guyana’s EITI National Coordinator, Dr. Prem Misir

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

The crime problem

Who feels safe anywhere anymore, at any time? Any Guyanese, outside of those with layers of bodyguards, an array of surveillance equipment, and warning systems, who feelssafeshouldstepforwardandencourageotherGuyanese withtheirconfidence,andthereasonsthatmakethatpossible.

With crime an uncertain quantity, and citizens unsure of whose story to rest their trust in, it would help to comfort those who do not feel so confident about their safety. The Guyana Police Force has pointed to its statistics, and they indicate a downward spiral in some categories of criminal activity, particularly those labeled ‘serious crimes.’ The disconnectisthatwhatisconsideredtobeaminorcrime(less thanserious)toGuyana’sleadingcrimefightinginstitutionis whatisfearedand,hence,serioustothemanandwoman(and child) who have to walk the streets feeling naked and vulnerable.

This is in the daylight, and with plenty of other citizens milling about, walking around, or on the move. To take out and talk on one’s cellphone is to take a risk, or at least this is the wariness, the hesitancy, of the unsteadiness of strength, the lack of confidence-inducing substances. It does not matterthatthecellphonemaybeofacheapervariety,thereis theconcernaboutusingitinpublic.

Who is watching, could be waiting to pounce? Which innocent looking fellow customer stands ready to relay some intelligence (description, observation, activity, and conclusion) to their waiting partners in crime, when a citizen does business at a bank, or a store? How about the marketplace, where much smaller sums are involved, and very few shoppers, if any, walk around with a bundle of cash orjewelry?

Thisisthenervousnessthatbedevilstheunsuspecting,the careless, and the alert, and those who do not fall into any of thoseroughandreadyclassifications. Whenthenormsofthe day deteriorate to this state of ongoing anxieties, then where are we really with crime, comforting statistics and all, and accepting them as they are provided? And with acknowledgment of the efforts of the law enforcement agents? The concern and the question linger, would not go away, diminish: who feels safe? Who trusts their streets, be theyincityorvillage,closebyoroutoftheway?

Law abiding citizens sitting in their cars, minding their business, focused on their priorities, do not take their safety for granted. Truth be told, many are on edge, with road madness at terrifying heights, and the lurking never out of internalradarsandsensitivities.

Abumpcoulddegradeintoaverbalbrawl,ascratchintoa long running wound. Papers shared are discovered later to be fake, crimes like these multiply outside the official reports (the now so-called ‘private matter’, as officially declared), butwithcostlydamagestillinflictedonpropertyandpsyche. Mostly, crimes like these do not count, the problem of the citizen so violated, so abused, so at a loss in more ways than one. Itisjustthenatureofthelocalterrain.

InotherGuyaneseavenues,citizensabsorbtherantingsof political leaders, especially ruling ones, and they shrink in fear Thesemenhavelimitlesspower,theintimidationfactor onthesurface,drippingwithmenace. Onepoliticianisproud to assume perpetually a wrestler’s stance, with words to matchforthosewhocrosshispath.

To stretch things a bit, if an ordinary citizen were to project such hostility, there would be cries about aggressiveness and dangerousness, and the rest. There are these verbal incitements, from which supporters take their cue,bidetheirtimetolashout,whichiswhysocialmedia,and thelocalenvironmentissosaturatedwiththevile.

Then there are white collar crimes, a daily occurrence in Guyana, from top to middle to bottom. In public service Guyana,beitelectedorselected,Guyanesearebeingroasted overaspitandstrippedofthelittlethattheyhave. Itiscalled a bribe, a toll, a gratuity, or a paydown or kickback. In Guyana, crime is now almost a right, an ideal, a culture justified by politicians and public servants. Law-abiding citizensloseeachtime.

MSG-Civic vote to abstain on the TOR issue was consistent with the position communicated to the Minister

DEAREDITOR, MSG meeting of February www.eiti.org

ThefollowingisanOpen 22nd2023.

NC. Details of such defects

• InAugust 2022 at MSG are documented elsewhere

Letter to the President of The Multi-Stakeholder Statutory Meeting a request and noted in the Minutes of Guyana sent electronically Group (MSG) is comprised was received from the MSG meetings which are andasprintedletter ofthreeactors:CivilSociety, National Coordinator (NC) partofthepublicrecord. We are writing this Open Industry (extractive industry for its retro-active approval • Later in August it was Letter on behalf of the Civic c o m p a n i e s ) a n d of Terms of Reference discovered that the NC had component of the Multi- Government, with each (TOR) for the 4th Annual disappeared from office Stakeholder Groupin order sector selecting its own ReportwhichtheNChimself without informing or to set the record straight members.The MSG, by its had produced. The MSG seeking permission from the concerning Guyana’s own decision, operates on a unanimously declined to MSG which eventually s u s p e n s i o n f r o m voluntary basis.The MSG approve this request on the became a four months theExtractive Industries always seeks consensus in grounds that the content of absencefromoffice. Transparency Initiative decision-making and has the TOR was seriously • During the months of (EITI). resortedtoavoteonlyontwo defective and that its the NC’s absence the MSG Judging from the occasionsinsevenyears. submission to the Ministry worked assiduously with the opinions attributed to you in For the benefit of by the NC without the Permanent Secretary to the press concerning yourself and for the larger benefit of an MSG review, address both the crisis in the developments in the civic community we input and approval was a Secretariat and the need to GYEITI), it seems that you represent on the GYEITI- serious violation of the EITI produce a valid TOR are badly advised both about MSG, we outline in Standard.TheStandardvests Consequently, in November the Extractive Industries summary below the more all authority pertaining to two senior civil servants Transparency Initiative salient factors surrounding both content and process of were seconded to the NS (EITI) rules and procedures the current situation.We also theTORintheMSG. from the MNR and a workfor producing Terms of encourage anyone wishing • It should be noted that plan for production of the Reference (TOR) for the to understand the EITI in the issue of the Annual TOR for the Report was set EITI Report and also about greater detail to consult the Report was only the latest inmotion. what prompted our vote to EITI Standard 2019 to be example of the allegedly •Thearrangementbythe abstain on the TOR at the found on the EITI website deficient performance of the (Continued on page 6)

Guyana Waiting for ICJ Decision, but also investing in security

DEAREDITOR, present its Counter- newwellsweredrilled,10of 220,000 barrels per day, and Waiting,but Memorial. The expectation them being in the now another project, named In a two-part series in was that, all things famous Stabroek Block, Yellowtail, is expected to ‘Oil Now’ last fall I considered, a ruling on the which extends over 6 6 come on stream in 2025 and described the Guyana- substantive case would be million acres (26,800 square produce about 250,000 Venezuela territorial drama madebyMarch2024. kilometers) of maritime barrelsofcrudeperday This as a waiting game, in that it However, the waiting space. The new discoveries should be followed by the evokes memories of the g a m e a s s u m e d n e w brought the total discoveries Uaru project, which is award-winning play dimensions last June when to 40, with 35 in Stabroek anticipated to produce ‘Waiting for Godot’ by the Venezuela filed preliminary alone. Moreover, in another 250,000 barrels per famous Irish playwright, o b j e c t i o n s t o t h e December 2022, the day following start-up in Samuel Beckett. The admissibility of Guyana’s authorities launched a new 2027.Asaresult,thecountry waiting game began in 1962, petition.Under ICJ rules, the LicensingRound,whichwill is set to produce about one when Venezuela first proceedings on the merits run through this coming million barrels per day formally challenged the hadtobesuspended.Guyana April. before the sun sets on the validity of the Paris Arbitral was then given until October Production continued currentdecade. Award that had settled the 7, 2022, to file a response to apace, allowing for 102 lifts Although Venezuela’s dispute between the the objections and the Court of crude oil, with revenues energy profile dwarfs that of Bolivarian Republic and held hearings on the augmenting the sovereign Guyana, South America’s GreatBritainoverthecolony preliminary objections from wealth fund, called the sole English-speaking then called British Guiana in November 17 through National Resource Fund republic now boasts having 1899. The drama assumed November 22, last The Last year the Fund received proven more than 11 billion new dimensions when, with Court likely will render its just over US$1,099million. barrels equivalent of green-lightening by the judgment on Venezuela’s After the transfer of recoverableoilandgas.Inall United Nations Secretary objections by the end of this U S $ 6 0 7 6 t o t h e likelihood, this figure will General, Guyana took the coming April So, the government’s budget to fund increase as exploration matter to the International waitinggamecontinues. various initiatives, the Fund continues to reveal the Court of Justice (ICJ) in Waiting is not a strategy, had a 2022 end-of-year existenceofmoreblackgold. 2018 after other resolution though As such, the balance of US$1,271 8 Consequently, Guyana is efforts pursued over several government has been million The new year well positioned to reap decadeshadfailed. aggressively pursuing its brought new bounty to the enormous wealth, which

In keeping with its rules, national development goals, Land of Many Waters, with wouldenablethenationtobe the Court needed to consider including extracting more of an additional discovery on propelledintoadevelopment whether it had jurisdiction to its newly found natural January 23 in the Fangtooth s t r a t o s p h e r e n o t hear the case.After deciding resource and investing some SE-1 well, also in the contemplated a few years inDecember2020thatitdid, of the revenue derived from StabroekBlock. ago. Indeed, last year the indeed, have the relevant it As Finance Minister, Towards 1 million non-oilrealGDPgrowthwas jurisdiction,inMarch2021it Ashni Singh reported in his barrelsperday pegged at 11.5 percent and gave Guyana until March 8, January 16, 2023, Budget Also noteworthy is that the overall economy was 2022,tosubmititsMemorial Speech in the National the Payara project is estimated to grow by some (case brief) and Venezuela Assembly, 2022 was an expectedtobeginproduction 62percent,makingGuyana’s until March 8, 2023, to exploration banner year: 11 later this year, yielding some (Continued on page 5)

Headless schools

DearEditor, a group of consultants to

Thanks to Christopher thoroughly examine the Ram for his accounting incidence of high-level analysis of vacancies in our vacancies in our system various levels of schools, as Incidentally there is a advertised by the Teaching contention that many are Service Commission – currently entertaining acting interestingly an annual appointees, who apparently exercise only, regardless of now have to apply like how perpetual these outsiders, since apparently absenceshavebeen. there is no provision for

Equally persistent is the evaluatingacting,andindeed Commission’s determined a n y s u b s t a n t i v e refusal to renew and adjust performances.

the constipated 19 Grade Indeed, salary scales Job Structure established in have become irrelevant t h e C o l o n i a l e r a , discouragingly constricted compounded as it is by the as they are, with the highest most disillusionary grade crowded with a Fixed compensation system in the Salary e.g. Principal CPCE –Caribbean, of which this again ever since the Colonial government pretends to be era. leader Just why is this

It is most difficult to c o m p e n s a t i o n a r y understand why the one constipation being so group of professionals, stubbornly maintained. But committed to growing all then it not as if the Guyana others (including teachers) Teachers’ Union is not a are the least recognised and committed contributor to so under-evaluated for their their members’ chagrin products who are praised for Exactly who is teaching earning awards annually for whom not to learn to do theirperformance. better?

The Teaching Service Sincerely, Commission needs to invite E. B. John

Guyana Waiting for ICJ...

From page 4 its national interest, a key economy the fastest growing aspectofwhichpertainstoits oneintheworld. territorialintegrity

There is, therefore, In this respect, in a May confidence about robust 2021 ‘Oil Now’ opinion, I economic growth and long- argued that pragmatism term revenues from oil. Last necessitated the pursuit of month the finance minister complementary imperatives assured parliament that – things that need to be “there will be 136 lifts of actioned, not just spoken profit oil from the Stabroek about. Blockin2023. For me then and

Within this, Government now—three key imperatives isprojectedtohave17liftsof pertain to public education, profit oil from the producing diplomacy, and investing in FPSOs(FloatingProduction, securityassets. Storage and Offloading Commentary on the first vessels), earning an two are reserved for another estimated US$1,406.6 time, but the third million in profit oil and imperative investment in US$225.2 million in security—will be the subject royaltiesin2023.” ofattentioninPartII.

Thus, the waiting game Regards, continues But Guyana’s Dr Ivelaw Griffith leaders do not have the luxury to simply wait on the ICJ decision- they have the obligation to attend contentiously to the welfare of the nation, which includes addressing matters crucial to

Leaders need to fight societal ills

DEARMR.EDITOR, and our visiting business Grenadines During his high school dropouts, Thank you for the executives from world-class speech, Hon. Dr Gonsalves illiteracy, alcohol use and opportunity to publish this international corporations moved away from the abuse in Guyana and the missive in your daily who are seeking inroads to traditional political Caribbean. publication. fortify their pathway to discourse which is often I echo Dr Ralph

On February 14, 2023, I share in the prosperity of decorated with politics, Gonsalvesappeal,Icallupon was privileged to attend the our most rewarding natural economicsandpromises. our educators, our local civil opening ceremony of the resource. Rather, he chose to society leaders, our second International Energy One cannot dispute that redirect his thoughts and politicians,andleadersinour Conference and Expo in the Master of Ceremonies attention to the audience by religious instructions to be GeorgetownGuyana. andallthepresenterswereof highlighting the socio- cognisant of the ills and

O n c e a g a i n , t h e exceptional calibre who economic challenges which declines of the moral fabric coordinator and his astute deliveredinspiring,brilliant are prevailing in our society. ofoursociety. teamhasdoneanexceptional and dynamic speeches. He has called on the leaders Donotshyawayfromthe job at hosting the four days H o w e v e r, t h e m o s t tofocusontheimportanceof challenging issues. Work on eventinanatmospherefilled impactfulspeakertomewas the unique family structure, addressing these matters with the buzz of economic none other than the domestic abuse, assault, urgently! growth, innovations and Honourable Dr Ralph divorce, poverty, teenage Respectfully, business expansion with Gonsalves – Prime Minister pregnancy and incest, Nazar Mohamed prosperity for all Guyanese of St Vincent and the alarming rates of obesity, Businessman

to go cold turkey from all the YouTube videos about Guyana

DEAREDITOR, while purporting such as videos promote Guyanese suggest a special tax to be Therearesomanyvideos being of some sort of culture. paid to the Ministry of on YouTube about Guyana attraction for gullible Then there is the monies Tourism to be used for the thatrangefromtheasinineto viewers. received from paid production of high quality vapid. I can’t believe that I recognised the freedom advertisements and p r o m o t i o n a l someone would film inside of choice to watch these subscriptions. videos...enough about brain of a car for 10 minutes banal and ever growing Given the exponential numbing videos about about non-moving traffic self- promoting videos, but I growth in these YouTube traffic jams , filthy on the West Bank public am concerned that the videos, I am curious to municipal markets and road or one of the always Ministry of Tourism is know how the GRA go most of all minibuses clogged streets in being nonchalant about the about taxing these income Regards, downtown Georgetown delusional beliefsthat these or how they are reported.

I Keith Bernard

We did not get change in Guyana; we got exchange

DEAREDITOR, Accounts Committee of Electionissoontotakeplace TheyarealltakingGuyanese Guyana is a democracy Parliament (which provides in Guyana. There is no need for granted because in name only in that the oversight to Government to vote for the PPPC nor the Guyanese may not be voting current PPPC Government S p e n d i n g ) b y t h e APNU nor AFC as they all for the political party of their does not believe in the Government. The APNU is talkthegoodtalkwhenoutof choice but rather for keeping democratic process whereby just as bad. We did not get Government but do not walk “the other side” out g o o d g o v e r n a n c e , change in Guyana; we got the walk when Guyanese put Guyanese need to get the a c c o u n t a b i l i t y a n d exchange The reality is theminGovernment. Government of the day to transparency is practiced Guyanese got short-changed Vote for another political workintheirbestinterest.Or This can be demonstrated by by Governments (both party which can hold the else, boot them out of the non-consultative presentlyandinthepast). balance of power which will Government. approach and the non- Whatcanbedone? not side with the other three Sincerely, functioning of the Public Local Government (PPPC, APNU nor AFC). Sean Ori

The time has come

Changing circumstances: watch Venezuela especially

I n g l o b demand in the affairs matter elly of that c a n t a k e d r a g o n surprising Venezuelan turns In supply and Guyana, we

Deport them!

DEAREDITOR, of the laws governing such

When President Irfaan activitiesaswegoforwardin Ali said “Guyana is a nice our amendments to the place,” I am absolutely sure constitution I am also he made that statement with making some suggestions as the utmost sincerity and it relates to these heinous honesty, and I am in full crimes, which mandates that agreement with the at the end of their sentencing President. aliens should be promptly

Whose share was purchased?

C h i n e s e are happy to demand are be stuck in now being t h e s a m e studiously w a r p s o f watched. a l m o s t 7 5 Russian oil years. Unlesswe couldsellingreat adjust to our quantities, once the changed circumstances, Ukraine war (‘special which takes on new operations’) is over attributes daily, we will Vladimir Putin needs remain fastened in our money urgently; he could dreadful darkness, with the hold for price, or flood the greatnationalpatrimonynot market with volume. His meaning anything, not outcast status could be makingmuchofadifference reversed in quick time, for the masses of Guyanese. revenue shortfalls reduced I think we have to grow out even quicker Russia either of our youthful recklessness wants steady customers by and failures as a nation, and reassurances of its gird ourselves to grope for reliability, whatever the new wisdoms, so we can circumstances; or it (Putin) participate in the world can maintain a menacing around us on our terms. reputation as the big bad Look at the emerging world wolf of the Urals, Baltic, p i c t u r e , a n d Caspian, the blight of significances/threatstous. Europe. Putin may relish Venezuela is on the being some modern rebound, though it still has rendition of Vlad the to overcome a few dribbles Impaler, but he should in its long march back into remember Hitler who took the world’s embrace on the world, lost face, his Already Venezuela has head, and last his life by his found legs to resume verbal own hand. I think that if he saber-rattling in Guyana’s handles the cards he has face. Its life-saving oil with skill and vision, production is set to peak alongside the possible sooner than expected, and loomingnewleaseonlifehe most of that oil is heading to may have heading his way the US. Suddenly, US$80 a from around the corner barrel on the Brent looks a (Chinese) He could shade on the steep side. transform into the darling of China is brokering matters the European world. Of in Ukraine, and success course, it would be as a could burnish its credentials much watched one. Cheap as a presence of serious oil talks a language that all standing on the world stage. understand. But first, he is It can reach into places going to have to get past the where even the great USA long knives in his circle can’t go, which is now already unsheathed against considered a biased, him for his costly unacceptable presence, an misadventures. Still, I see untrusted broker. Fresh and him as a survivor, a leader, flush with possible crucial and a world figure that can’t diplomatic success (and be denied. Not with all the COVID-19 behind), who land and oil and gas, and all can stop the Chinese then? the rest of untapped riches, Who is not going to want to that he has in his hands. In fill their ever-increasing hisownway,hehasthe thirst for oil? Lots of pent- (Continued on page 9)

By GHK Lall

However, there are some deported. in our midst who have We have nothing to fear misinterpreted that on this note, because we are affirmation to mean, that in good company where the Guyana is a “nice place” deportation clause comes where anyone can carry out into effect, The Government theireviltrades. of The United States of

I guess some would have Americadoesitsowhydon’t opined that Guyana has now we? become a satellite country We are already burdened where they can setup their by an overflowing prison drug trafficking and money population with such launderingempire. criminals so why be further

I make my conclusion burdened by the foreign based on the prime fact that infiltration? As someone these cases of underworld posited on my Facebook activities are having a Pagethateventheforeigners marked increase in their are in “The hustle,” that is, occurrences. taking advantage of the

And we are here “GuyanaNice”slogan. Well speaking of an increase of for my part, I promptly persons being caught, respondedthattheforeigners heaven knows of the many at the end of their sentencing others that have gone should take their hustle back undetected Of this lot, towheretheycamefrom. foreigners or persons of I am most welcoming other nationalities form the when it comes to foreigners bulkofthearrests. taking advantage of a life

In light of the foregoing, here on our shores, but I I call on the Attorney- cannot countenance for one General, Anil Nandlall, to moment, that they are look into making some making criminal inroads in serious adjustments to the my country, and for this, I law that deals with money want punishment swift and laundering and drugs condign. trafficking. Respectfully,

There should be a revisit Neil Adams

I like what SN and KN are doing

DEAREDITOR, in their ethos the tenets of While I do not read democracy, KN (which in everythinginStabroekNews my view was previously (SN) and Kaieteur News fighting against the PPPC) (KN), I like what both has vastly improved in this newspaper are doing in that area. they are both fighting for the Both are holding the CitizensofGuyana. Government of the day SN and KN tend to hold accountable which is a good everyone accountable. KN thingforGuyanese. tends to be more militant in Keep up the good work their approach, while SN is people and a big THANK morediscussive(mypointof YOU! view).

Sincerely,

While SN has ingrained Sean Ori

DEAREDITOR, And, if, as it does appear, T h e r e s t a u r a n t , neither the investor nor the purchasing a stake in the borrower have relinquished security service and their share in the service, on claiming equal ownership what basis is the restaurant a of fifty percent, begs the fifty percent partner/owner question:whoseshareofthe of the service? Just company did the restaurant wondering. purchase - the investor or Regards, borrower?

Shamshun Mohamed

Flight prices forbid Guyanese-Canadians from travelling to Guyana

DEAREDITOR, Canada is a very

I know this issue has temperate country with been brought up on multiple several tourism packages occasions with Guyana’s available during the winter government officials who season to any Caribbean promised to investigate and Island for half of what it will work with airlines to costinGuyana.Yes,Ididthe improve this I must comparative I am once emphasise it is affecting again calling on the Guyanese-Canadians to government to step on the connect with the homeland. gasonthis.

Guyana is ripe now with Almost a 100k Guyanese opportunities and doing are residing in Canada, 30k much better economically to 35k going back per year with calls being made for the would do great for the local diaspora to respond, but how economy, this is leaving out can people afford airfares business travelers and thatarealmosttwotimesany tourists.

Caribbean destination from Yours truly, CanadatoGuyana. S. James

MSG-Civic vote to...

From page 4 same January Meeting that MNR and MSG approval of he had begun to negotiate the two senior staff positions directly with the EITI breathed new life into International Secretariat to GYEITI and the NS became secure an extension of the productive for the first time deadline for the 4th. Annual since the appointment of the Report and requested MSG NC in early 2022 and began support for this action to work assiduously to However, the MSG only producearevisedTOR. received a copy of said letter • In view of this after it had been sent. The satisfactory development, EITI Standard clearly states the 58th Meeting in that any request for

December 2022 of the MSG extension “must be made in Statutory Body recorded the advance of the deadline and following decision: “The be endorsed by the MultiMSG concluded that it was StakeholderGroup”(Art.7) no longer necessary for the • In late January MSGCo-Chairstoengagewiththe Civic wrote to the Minister National Coordinator since of MNR informing him that the PS had reported at a Co- MSG-Civic actions would Chairs meeting that the post continue to be guided by the of National Coordinator had December MSG decision, beenvacated.” referredtoabove.

• At that meeting the • The MSG-Civic has proposal to conduct a conducted its Performance Performance Evaluation of Evaluation of the NC and is the NC was agreed to by the participating in the ongoing MSG-Civic on the condition process. that it be undertaken • MSG-Civic vote to expeditiously and this abstainontheTORissuewas process was set in motion. consistent with the position W i t h o u t n o t i c e o r communicated to the explanation the, NC re- Minister appeared and presented Sincerely, himself at the January 2023 Vanda Radzik, Mike (59th)MSGmeeting. McCormack

•The Minister of Natural On behalf of MSG-Civic Resources informed the of the GYEITI

No justification for delay in audit report for ExxonMobil US$7.3B - AFC

A final report for the review of ExxonMobil expenses to tune of US$7.3 billion, is expected next month, but the Alliance For Change (AFC) believes this delayed process is unjustifiable.

At a recent engagement withthepress,thePartywas asked to weigh in on the audit, which has reportedly beencompleted,pendingthe handover of a second report tothegovernment.

“There is no proper explanation because this should be our number one priority in terms of how we manage our oil resources,” ChairoftheParty,Catherine Hughesstated.

Meanwhile,leaderofthe political group, Khemraj Ramjattan warned that skulduggery may be brewing while the nation awaitsthepublicationofthe auditfindings.“Wefeelrule of thumb, when such delays happen sometimes it is m a c h i n a t i o n s a n d skulduggery brewing, and unless some proper information is given, we would want to believe that theentirecountryisgoingto speculate,” Ramjattan explained.

He added that the audit r e p o r t m a y f l a g ‘skulduggeries’ on the part oftheoilcompany,whileitis alsopossiblethattheprocess

could have missed the ‘true values’ of declarations it reported. Ramjattan noted, “These big transnational companieslikeExxonandso on can do a lot of mischief and we have read about them,” arguing that the People’s Progressive Party administrationhasnowgone silentonthe‘nastyhabits’of thesecompanies.

Minister of Natural Resources,Vickram Bharrat had said government is expecting the final audit report in March, while responding to a question by Shadow Natural Resources Minister,DavidPatterson.

The Opposition Parliamentarian told the

House that in November 2022itwasreportedthatthe second audit would be completedbytheendoflast year To this end, he asked that the Minister say when exactly the final report will be ready and available and laidinParliament.

According to Minister Bharrat, “The final report is due in March of 2023.” He wentontoexplainthatthere may have been some misunderstanding regarding the expected completion date for the expenditure review

“I think from the inception when the contract wassignedtherewasabitof misunderstanding In the

contractitsays120working days and I think there was a lotofmisconception…thatit would be 120 running days orcalendardays,butits120 working days,” the Minister explained.

He said that the local consortium would have benefitted from training opportunities in Oklahoma and Houston to aid in buildingcapacity

T h e M i n i s t e r acknowledged that while thereisa‘slightdelay’inthe completion of the review process, it is with a view of ensuring Guyanese can conduct our own future audits.

The contract for the Exxon audit was signed on May 24 last for VHE Consulting which is a registered partnership between Ramdihal & Haynes Inc, Eclisar

Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. The Local Consortium issupportedbyInternational firms- SGS and Martindale Consultants for the ‘Cost

Recovery Audit and

Validation of the Government of Guyana’s ProfitOil’Share’.

President Irfaan Ali in Novemberlastyeartoldthis newspaper that the process

was estimated to wrap up beforetheendof2022,with the first report ready by December

The publication of this audit report is especially important,sincethenationis yet to see the completed audit report for Exxon’s US$460millionpre-contract costs. IHS Market, a British firm,wascontractedbackin 2019 to audit these costs incurredbytheoilcompany The bills are supposedly for e x p l o r a t i o n a n d administrative costs incurred prior to oil being discovered in 2015. It was alsoresponsibleforauditing a portion of costs incurred from2015to2017. Government said the reportisstillbeingfinalized, fouryearslater

Elderlymanarrestedfor possessionofmarijuana

The drugs found at the home of the elderly man

AnelderlymanwasonSundayarrestedafterpolicefound aquantityofmarijuanaathisQueenstown,Essequibohome.

Inapressreleasepolicesaidthatatabout11:30hrsSunday, ranks of Regional Police Division N02 acted on information receivedandwenttothehomeofa65-year-oldsupervisorwho residesatQueenstownvillage,EssequiboCoast

On arrival, the ranks informed the elderly man that they weretheretoconductasearchonhispremisesfornarcotics,to whichhedidnotobject.

Duringthesearch,Policeobservedabagonabarrelnext toabed,andwhichcontainedaquantityofleaves,seedsand stems suspected to be cannabis. The 65-year-old man was immediatelytoldoftheoffencecommitted,cautioned,andhe lateradmittedownershipofthenarcotic.

HewasthenarrestedandtakentotheAnnaReginaPolice Stationalongwiththesuspectedcannabiswhichwasweighed in his presence and amounted to 19.6 grams. The suspect is presentlyincustodypendingcharge.

Khemraj Ramjattan

Is someone playing Mickey Mouse with our foreign exchange markets?

Guyana is the fastest the Natural Resource Fund there is a problem but buyingandsellingofforeign using Guyana dollars to buy growing economy in the that are parked overseas. So whether this problem companies, then it means foreign currency and then world.Wearesupposedtobe why then are our businesses amounts to a shortage is not that the entire economy can export this to Trinidad were earninghundredsofmillions complaining about problems certain. Sowhatcouldbethe be held to ransom. The therewasagreatdemandand not excuses The matter ofUnitedStatesdollarsinoil with the availability of problem? For one, a small secondfeatureofourforeign ahighprice. should be investigated. The revenues each year But foreignexchange? n u m b e r o f p r i v a t e currency market is its In order to control the necessary data should be where is this money that we The Bank of Guyana individuals along with the openness. There are little to situation and avoid high examined to determine are earning going and how is denies there is a problem. It Bank of Guyana play an no restraints on companies spreads, the government whether there is a shortage. it impacting on the strength says there is sufficient important role in the foreign remitting foreign currency imposed a maximum $3 This should be done by an ofthedollar currency in circulation. So is exchange market These and therefore it is possible spread between the buying independent panel that

Changing circumstances: watch...

From page 6 urge the skeptical to banish broad, mutually rewarding whole world in his hands. emotions, ideology and the partnerships with Guyana. Might be sacrilegious, but rest Remember Lord Apparently, overtures, hints, someone had to say it, so it Palmerston with that well- outreaches from the mightaswellbeme. said one about the Hummingbird Republic fell

The Guyana dollar has someone playing cat-and- individuals and their firms for foreign companies as rates and selling rates of should provide a report on appreciated slightly over the mouse with our foreign can create instability in well as local businessmen to foreign currency This theirfindings. past three years. It has currency? financial markets. If some of be sending massive sums of limitedtheamountofmoney The worst things which appreciated by about 6%. Businesseshavesaidthat them do not release foreign moneyoverseas. which the cambios and can happen now is for the But yet, the prices of the commercial banks have currency or repatriate their Inthelatterpartof2019, commercial banks could Guyana currency to suffer a imported items continue to been telling them that gold earnings, the entire there was a similar problem demand – they could not sell depreciation. This may put a increase despite freight rates currency will be made system can go into with foreign currency for more than $3 the price lotofGuyanadollarsintothe – the main source of available to them as soon as turbulence. shortage. That’s the time the which they bought foreign handsofsomepersons.Butit increased imported inflation the banks have enough This is why there is need APNU+AFC was in office. currency This was sensible will create severe hardships – having fallen in recent currency The banks depend for a study of the foreign At that time, the Bank of move which unfortunately, for consumers who, already months. From all accounts, on Bank of Guyana and on currency markets to ensure Guyana said there should be the PPPC government saddled with high prices for the country’s finances are in the buying from the cambios that it is not subject to noshortages. dismantled when it came imported goods, will see good health. We are told to meet the needs of their oligarchic control. If a few Rumors were rife as to intooffice. another wave of increases. about the large sums held in customers.Soitobviousthat firms can dominate the what were the causes for the We do not know is the In the meantime, the unavailability of foreign cause of the present shortage g o v e r n m e n t s h o u l d currency It was even offoreignexchange.Itcould immediately issue about r u m o r e d t h a t t h e be capital flight. It could be U S $ 2 0 0 M i n t o t h e Trinidadians were coming to largeremittancesoverseas.It commercial banks with Guyana and buying up could also be a case in which instructions that it be only foreign currency using the some persons are holding on used to support the Trinidad dollars. But there to foreign exchange in the importationofgoodsintothe was little evidence of an hope of pushing the price country ( T h e v i e w s u n u s u a l a m o u n t o f upwards, thus reversing the expressed in this article are Trinidadian dollars in the appreciation of the Guyana those of the author and do system.Whatmayhavebeen dollar relative to the US not necessarily reflect the happening is that some dollar opinions and beliefs of this u n s c r u p u l o u s l o c a l Whatever the present n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s businessmen may have been cause requires investigation affiliates.)

Suddenly there isn’t a paramountcy of permanent flat, when PPP Government productionproblem,viz.,the interests. leaders repeatedly threw spare capacity limitations of It is only in Guyana, that buckets of frozen water on the Saudis such a worry. Guyanesepoliticiansandthe interestsexpressed. There could actually be a Guyanese people have a foot I caution the PPP supply glut. I know it is in the Guinness Book of Government and its leaders contrarian. Records for holding on to to avoid any overabundance

But the contrarian Putin grudges,thepast,andwhatis of arrogance that could has shocked the world destructive to whatever undermineourpromise. before, could do so again, pluses that the future holds. Leading with passion w i t h m o r e o f t h e Andtheirownself-interests. and conviction is prospering unexpected

Moreover, I discern that when governing is not

Thistimehecoulduseoil Trinidad is inching closer to crippled by vindictiveness. not as a weapon, but as a linkingarmswithVenezuela. We have experienced the winner of friends, a changer TheUShadalreadygivenits loss of that domestically of hearts hardened against ‘no objection,’ so to speak. Our changed circumstances, him.IfNicholasMadurocan Thinking of this, I do not and changing ones of the return from the ashes, then I believe that such a world must lead to sensible am putting money on Putin partnership was high on adjustment of attitudes for slowly to return to grace Trinidad’slist. constructive internal from his self-inflicted fall. I The preference was for engagements.

Dem Boys Seh…

Solar gan be better dan gas

Guyana going and build gas-to-shore be transmitted to de GPl.And is you and me project. It will cost de country close to who gat to pay back de US$1B fuh de US$2B. With less money we could get de pipeline. It mek dem boys remember when sameamountofpowerusingsolar we had problems with de electrity supply in And it need not even cost de government decountry Isdendegovernmentdecidealso a cent. Dem can mek dis a private sector dat dem gan integrate de water supply project on condition dat de energy system and link east to west and north to developers sell de solar power at de same south. priceorlessdandegas-to-shoreproject.But Dem set up de system fuh use electricity de government nah listen. It ears hard. It nah What it turn out to be is dat when dem gat looking properly at de alternatives. It blackout east to west and north to south dem determined fuh build de gas-to-shore nah get water nor light. Souljah Bai did put pipeline and de energy plant. Instead, it solar panels pun top nuff government could build solar farms all over de country buildings. So when dem get blackout during and avoid de high cost associated with de day, it nah affect de energy to de transmission. buildings. But it did not affect also de wuk De GPL nah looking too good. So de inside dem buildings. In most cases is de more pressure de government tek off of de samego-slowdidtekplace,whetherdemgat GPL, de better But de government currentornot. determined fuh sell power which gan gat to Talk half. Leff half

Archaic petroleum law among four legislations - Ministry’s brief identified for review

While the Government ofGuyanahasbeenpushing ExxonMobil Guyana to accelerate its exploration and production of the country’s oil and gas resources, the country has been operating with archaic petroleumlaws.

Intherecentlypublished Ministry of Natural Resources brief, the Petroleum (Production) Act Petroleum (Exploration and Production, E&P) Act was listed among four legislations that were identified for review and enhancement.

It was stated that the Government seeks to modernise its legal and

regulatory framework as it relates to the petroleum sectortoaddressissuessuch as oil revenue management, licensing, Production Sharing Agreement models, local content, and Health, Safety, Environmental and S e c u r i t y ( H S E S ) management.

According to the ministry’s brief, the result would be maximising the economic benefits to the c o u n t r y, i m p r o v e management of the technical, environmental, social and financial risks linked to the sector and building capacity to engage effectivelywithinvestors.

The other legislations to

be reviewed and enhanced includetheGuyanaGeology andMinesCommissionAct, the Mining Act and the Environmental Protection ActOccupationalSafetyand Health Act. Also mentioned was the Upstream Legal RequirementsforPetroleum and a Model Production SharingAgreement. Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan last year warned that, “Accelerated production in the absence of modernised laws and the strengthening of institutions is what I would consider a fatal flaw in the management of the sector.Iseewhytheywant Continuedonpage15

AppealCourtreservesdecision formanguiltyofrapingboys

The Guyana Court of Appeal has reserved its decisioninthecasebywhich amanwhoisguiltyofraping two boys is seeking to overturn his sentence and conviction.

The appeal by convicted rapist, Mark Campbell came up for hearing at the appeal court last week. Lawyers for the accused and the State attended a virtual hearing where they were told they wouldnotarguethecasebut would rely on their written submissions given to the court. Campbell is currently servingtwolifesentencesfor raping two boys. In one case he was convicted by a jury, whileintheotherhepleaded guilty

In the first case, a jury in 2017 convicted Campbell of sexually penetrating a sixyear-old boy twice—during the month of September, 2011—and again on July

CONVICTED:

Mark Campbell

10th, 2013, when he was eight years old Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall sentenced him to life in prison.

Forgoing his right to a trial, Campbell who was back in court mere months after to answer the charge of raping the other boy, admitted that he had indeed assaulted the five-year-old onApril16th,2013.

Campbell recently movedtotheCourtofAppeal claiming that his conviction cannot stand. He is asking thathissentencebesetaside since it was unfair, too severe, and excessive. The matter is expected to be calledintheCourtofAppeal onAugust16.

According to reports, Campbell was asked by the boy’s mother to take care of him while she worked the night shift Campbell allegedly sodomised the boy onthedatesmentionedinthe chargeswhilehismotherwas atwork.

In 2018, Campbell was handed another life sentence afterconfessingtorapinga5year-old boy on April 16, 2013 The sentence was handed down by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who ordered that Campbell be eligible for parole after serving30years.

WANSat Networks Inc., a locally-based Guyanese Internet Service Provider on Sunday announced that it has signed an agreement with Viasat for distributing its satellitebroadbandservicesinGuyana.

Viasat is a global leader in satellite communications that leverages its satellite network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections and help close theglobaldigitalgap,WANSatsaidinapress release.

Thedistributionagreementwillleverage satellitebroadbandcapacityfromtheViaSat3 satellite platform once it is launched and operational.According toViasat’s Q3 FY23 earningscall,thecompanyanticipateslaunch oftheViaSat-3fortheAmericassatellitethe weekofApril8.

WANSatwillmarket,install,andprovide on-site service to broadband customers in Guyana as a licensed Internet Service Provider, in collaboration with its local partners.

The agreement with WANSat gives Viasatastrategiclocalpartnerandchannelto meet the growing connectivity needs of a nation with the fastest growing economy in the world. WANSat’s goal is to enable Guyana to reach 100% internet penetration by 2025, leveraging satellite to extend internet coverage beyond the extremities of currentwirelessandwirelineproviders.

Guyana will be left with over 3,000 barrels of liquids to export each day

…nomarketsecuredyet

Commenting on the agreement, Kevin Cohen, Head of Fixed Broadband, Latin America, & Global Prepaid Internet said:

“Throughthiscollaboration,Viasatcanoffer its high-quality satellite broadband connectivityacrossGuyana,includinghardto-reach regions. Our ability to connect unconnected communities helps create new opportunities for the people of Guyana including access to online services such as tele-medicine, distance learning, business critical tools, entertainment and egovernment services. The upcoming launch oftheViaSat-3fortheAmericassatellitewill continue to fuel our mission to bring connectivitywhereitisneededmostandhelp closetheglobaldigitalgap.”

Andre Jones, Managing Director of WANSat, commented that “AtWANSat, we pride ourselves in bringing the latest in satellite technology to the Guyanese public. Leveraging Viasat’s advanced satellite technology and our expertise in satellite communications will enable us to provide cutting-edgesolutionsforthegovernmentof Guyana, enterprise customers, and residentialcustomersintheremotestregions of the country There are still tens of thousands of people in Guyana without any access to the internet, or access to a highquality, reliable broadband internet connection—we’regoingtochangethat.”

B y 2 0 2 5 , t h e Government of Guyana (GoG) expects its US$282 million Natural Gas Liquids (NGL)planttobeonstream. The startup of this facility willprovidethecountrywith some 4,100 barrels of byproducts daily- such as cooking gas and fuel for cigarettes-amongothers.

Guyana however utilises approximately 700 barrels per day of these products, which means the country willhavetoseekmarketsfor 3,400 barrels of byproducts each day or 1,241,000 barrelsonanannualbasis.

These details were shared when Head of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) P r o j e c t , Wi n s t o n Brassington offered an update during the just concluded International Energy Conference and Expo.

Brassington told delegates that Guyana will be getting some 50 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) as assured by its contractor.Thiswill amount to 63 million barrels of liquids per annum, he said. According to Brassington, “This is equivalent to about 4,100 barrels of liquids per day- so the C3, the C4, the C5plus,thepropane,butane andpentane.”

He was keen to note, “right now the country only utilizes about 700 barrels a day, so we will have quite a lot to export. In addition to that more importantly, we will receive 311 megawatts usingleangascausetherich

gas is separated into the liquidsandtheleangas,and that will deliver to us, over 2600 gigawatt hours per annum.”

In the meantime, the Project Head also made it clearthatthe50MMCFDis only 40 percent of the pipeline’s capability, as the infrastructurewillbeableto transportover120MMCFD.

WiththeNGLfacilityset to come on stream by 2025, government is yet to secure markets for the excess gas products that will be available.

So far, the government has not indicated whether there is interest in these natural gas products by potentialbuyers. Thesaleof theseliquidshowevercanbe a significant source of revenue generation for the country

At a previous press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said “We anticipatemaybe$70to100 millionayearfromsellingit

atcurrentprices.”

Importantly, the VP assuredthatthisrevenuewill becollectedbythestateand be put towards the developmentofthecountry American oil major ExxonMobil had applied to the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)for a Permit to construct the facility Approval was granted on November 25, 2022 but the administration has since decided to construct the facility on its own, along with a 300 megawatts power plant. A third aspect of the project will be the construction of a 12-inchpipelinetobringthe gas to shore from the Liza fieldsintheStabroekBlock.

On December 13, government awarded a US$759M contract to CH4Lindsayca to construct the NGL facility and power plant. Exxon on the other handwillbespendingUS$1 billion on the pipeline accordingtoBrassington.

-promisesconnectivityin remotestregionsofGuyana

Local internet provider launches satellite broadband service

Head of the GTE Project, Winston Brassington

Porter dies after truck topples on hill

Police ranks in Regional Division #7 are investigating an incident that occurred at about 00:30 hrs Sunday on Toroparo

Trail, CuyuniMazaruni,resultingin thedeathofa37-yearoldporter

The incident involvedatruckGYY 7764, owned and driven by Hubert Beharry, a 43-yearold Miner/Driver of #27 Village, West Coast Berbice, and Troy Alexander Davis, a 37-year-old Porter of Tabatinga Housing Scheme, Lethem.

According to

police enquiries disclosed that the truck was proceeding east along the Northern side of

Toroparo Trail, descending a hill when the driver lost control of the motor lorry, which turned turtleseveraltimes.

As a result, the driver was flung out of the motor lorry onto the trail surface. At the same time, theporterwaspinnedbythe motor lorry onto the trail surface, where they both received injuries on their body The truck driver was picked up in a conscious condition.

Caribbean energy sector stakeholders to hold talks on strengthening environment for sustainable energy investment

E n e r g y s e c t o r stakeholdersfromacrossthe Caribbean will meet in Barbados next week to strategise on how they can strengthen their regulatory frameworks to expedite r e n e w a b l e e n e rg y investmentsintheRegion.

T h e t w o - d a y engagement is being led by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) as part of its Accelerated Sustainable Energy and Resilience Transition–2030 (ASERT2030) framework, in partnership with the Organization of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR).

It will take place on February 28 and March 1 at the Hilton Barbados Resort, the CDB said in a press

release. It will see decision makers and leaders from government energy ministries and regulatory bodies from CDB’s 19

Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs), as well asregionalandinternational development partners, come together to look at how best topooleffortsandresources to increase the speed and scale of the sustainable energy transition through improved regulatory frameworks.

The meeting comes as the Region continues to reel fromtheenergypriceshocks experienced last year, which further highlight the acute energy insecurity and economic vulnerability

associated with over dependence on imported

fossil fuels. It also comes against the background of slow progress towards the achievement of the regional renewableenergytargets.

Coordinator of the Sustainable Energy Unit at CDB, Joseph Williams, pointedoutthefigureswhich hesaidunderscoredtheneed f o r u r g e n t a n d transformative action to rapidly accelerate the Regional sustainable energy transition. “As of 2021, the total amount of renewable energy generating capacity was only approximately 12% of the total regional installed electricity generationcapacity,whichis afarwayofffromthegoalof approximately47%by2027 (or55%by2030).Tomeet

Continuedonpage15

In contrast, the porter was picked up in an unconsciousstatebypublicspirited persons and conveyedtothePappyshow landing.Theywereseenand examined by a Medic on duty, who treated and sent away the driver for minor abrasion and laceration

abouttheheadandbody

The porter, Troy Alexander Davis, was however pronounced dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination is to be conducted on the body The truck driver is in custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The mangled truck following the accident

AGtowriteDPPoverdelayinoutcomeofelectionfraudcases

Vowing not to allow the case where several officials of the Guyana Elections Commission GECOM are chargedwithelectionsfraud to fall away, Attorney General(AG),AnilNandlall

SCsaysthathewillofficially requestastatusupdateonthe cases from the Director of PublicProsecutions(DPP).

Nandlall told viewers on his Facebook commentary programme “Issues in the

News,”lastTuesday,thathe willbewritingtheDPPfora statusupdate.

According to Nandlall therehavebeenanumberof queries from the public about the delay in the

outcome of the matters which has been before the Magistrates’ Court for two years.

“Members of the public mustunderstandthatcharges are instituted by the Police

upon advice from the DPP and the Police legal advisor andprosecutedbythosetwo agencies.Thegovernmentis insulated from that process but the government will not sit idly by and allow the

chargestojustfallaway.”

He noted too that the governmentisequallyandas an important stakeholder interested in the outcome of thesecharges.

“So,thegovernmentwill requestfromtheDPPsoona status update on these charges,”

He said the government wants to know exactly why these cases have not progressed with the alacrity and seriousness with which hebelievestheyshould.

“You are entitled to that informationanditwillcome from the DPP because the DPP is responsible for the prosecution of these offences. When we receive that information, we will makeitpublic,”theAttorney Generalpromised.

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) had announced in August 2020, that they will b e c o n d u c t i n g a c o m p r e h e n s i v e investigation into the criminal conduct of the former GECOM officials and others, in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and the eventsthatfollowed.During the probe, several GECOM officials were arrested and placed before the court to faceelectoralfraudcharges.

In fact, over 30 fraudrelatedchargeswerebrought against former GECOM CEO, Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers, Clairmont Mingo, Opposition members, Volda Lawrence, and SmithJoseph and also several GECOMemployees.

Some of the charges the defendants face are misconduct in public office, conspiracy to commit fraud, forging a document and forgery – all in relation to theirattempttoallegedlyrig theMarch2020Generaland Regional Elections Last month, the charges were amended and the matters have since been adjourned againtoMarch13,2023.

Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC

Governments to partner with Agricola residents to uplift youth, transform community

infrastructures in Agricola will be b u i l d s t r o n g G u y a n e s e

As government continues to

revampedtobemoreconducivefor communitiesthatareequitable,and youthandfamilyactivities. i n c l u s i v e , t h r o u g h t h e

The president expressed his improvement of policies and desiretoprovidetrainingforyoung programmesthatwillallowthemto people interested in the thrive, resulting in better outcomes construction sector Persons who for children and families, President are willing to receive the technical Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, has skills were asked to register their outlined several projects to be names and get ready for the new undertaken immediately in the knowledge The construction communityofAgricola,ontheEast sector, he said, requires a lot of BankofDemerara. workers, and the government aims

D r A l i m a d e t h e to provide employment announcement during an opportunities, especially for those impromptu meeting in the whoreceivetraining. community on Sunday morning,

“Wewanttheyoungpeoplein which was aimed at chartering a this community to be part of the better and brighter future, w o r k s t o i m p ro v e t h e especially for the youth of the community, because it creates community, by providing them surroundings, noting that the clean all the internal drainage community to assess and address more ownership, it is your with the best possibilities, as well community will be actively [and]tolookatalltheculverts.” the water issues there, as instructed communityand[you]willwantto astransformingthecommunity involved in the works to improve Additionally, the National bytheheadofstate. see it done better,” the president

While there were a number of the area, creating ownership and a Drainage and Irrigation Authority “They are going to come in emphasised. Dr Ali underscored issuesraisedbyresidents,President senseofresponsibility (NDIA) will also be commencing [and] flush the system the need for residents to work Ali said that government will “Based on what I heard, the works to excavate the two major However, we are investing in a together to find solutions for the immediately put mechanisms in drainage is the number one drainage canals in the area and to number of projects right now challenges facing Agricola, and place to properly address priority priority… We are going to start examineandfixthemalfunctioning that will see you getting treated stressed the importance of creating matters. He underscored the need beforetheendofnextweek,toget koker that the residents water in another two and a half a positive environment, where f o r i m p r o v e d d r a i n a g e a group together from the highlighted. yearsorless,”PresidentAlisaid. everyone supports each other, and infrastructure and creating a better community itself that we are T h e G u y a n a W a t e r Meanwhile, a number of the community can generate environment by cleaning the going to engage [and] hire to Incorporated (GWI) will visit the e x i s t i n g r e c r e a t i o n a l positivity (DPI)

GNBS PREPARING LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION

In a rapidly expanding b u s i n e s s e s b e c o m e with majority pursuing guarantee certification of needs to be modified to and ISO 15189- Medical economy, the survival of ‘certification ready’ through certification to the ISO 9001 clients and to ensure that satisfy the requirements of l a b o r a t o r i e s businesses is dependent on its technical assistance and the ISO 45001:2018 employees can properly thestandard. Requirements for quality their ability to function in a programme. Backed by the standards. manage and maintain the Once discussed with the andcompetence. competitive market. To Bureau’s certification to the T h e T e c h n i c a l established systems on a c o m p a n y , a n The GNBS as the increasecompetitivenessata ISO 9001:2015 Standard, Assistance programme long-termbasis. implementation plan is National Standards Body is time when the Oil and Gas the team aids businesses in which is geared for B u s i n e s s e s a n d developed, communicated here to help you attract more Sectorcontinuestoattractan meeting the requirements of organizational efficiency companiesareencouragedto and agreed upon to c l i e n t s , m e e t y o u r influx of foreign businesses, variousISOstandards. and effectiveness can span contact the GNBS and commence the process customers’ need, and local businesses and Our team of qualified over a period of six (6), nine commence the path towards Included in this plan are provide the best products companies have been professionals offers training (9), or twelve (12) months international certification trainings for staff on the and services consistently, pursuing international and guidance on the ISO while the cost is determined Theprocessbeginsbyfilling requirements of the with our technical support certification.

9001 Quality Management based on the size of the out and submitting a standard, documentation, towards the implementation

C e r t i f i c a t i o n t o Systems, ISO 45001:2018 organization and its Technical Assistance hands-on implementation ofstandards. international standards Occupational Health and processes. application form which can and internal auditing to Donothesitatetocontact demonstrates companies’ Safety Management During the programme, be provided to you or guaranteereadiness. us and allow our team to ability to meet requirements Systems, ISO 14001 the Bureau provides training accessed on the GNBS’ Asidefromworkingwith provide you with the support that ensure customer EnvironmentalManagement on understanding the w e b s i t e : c o m p a n i e s t o w a r d s you need to make your satisfaction, a safe operating System and ISO 22000 Food requirements of the https://gnbsgy org/forms- certification,theBureaualso businessgrow environment for staff and Safety Management standard, support to develop all/. Thereafter, a competent works with companies F o r f u r t h e r clients, and to limit negative Systems,amongothers. the relevant documentation TechnicalOfficerisassigned t o w a r d s a c h i e v i n g information, please environmental impacts. The Currently, the GNBS is including manuals and toworkwithyourcompany accreditation to other ISO contact our Business Business Development working with over thirty- procedures and conduct The Bureau facilitates a standards including the Development Department Department of the Guyana five (35) companies to internal auditing of the gap analysis first to provide ISO/IEC17020-Conformity on telephone numbers: National Bureau of ensure they successfully system. Due diligence is the GNBS team and your Assessment,ISO/IEC17025 219-0064-66. You can also Standards (GNBS) helps implement these standards observed in every aspect to o r g a n i z a t i o n w i t h - General requirements for visit the GNBS Facebook knowledge on what systems the competence of testing and Instagram pages for needtobedevelopedorwhat and calibration laboratories, regularupdates.

Archaic petroleum law among four...

From page 10 sector nor do they ensure adherence to more oil production because of high prices industrynorms. andtomonetisetheresourcequickly…” Upon assuming office in August 2020, In December 2020, the Inter-American the PPP administration had promised an Development Bank (IDB) had released a overhaulforGuyana’spetroleumlaws. brief pointing out the glaring loopholes in In fact, President Irfaan Ali during his Guyana’s legislative framework which inauguration address pledged to establish a essentially weakens the shield of protection Petroleum Commission to insulate the oil thatisneededfortheoilsector andgassectorfrompoliticalinterference.

According to the Bank, Guyana’s However, that has not been done and Petroleum Exploration and Production Act May 2023 will make eight years since and the Petroleum Commission Bill, in Guyanaiswithoutanupdatedlegislativeand their current state, do not contain any regulatoryframeworkthatisessentialforthe clauses that guarantee the independence of protection of the oil industry against any regulator that is appointed for the mismanagementandcorruption.

Caribbean energy sector stakeholders...

From page 13 intoaction,”saidWilliams. these goals, CDB’s BMCs, would need to In a sign of the commitment to install approximately 2,600 MW of coordinated efforts, the event is being renewable energy in the next eight years. supported by a wide range of the key Thisisa1400%increaseoverthecurrentrate. development partners working in the energy To get near to this, we need to think big, space in the Caribbean.These include the the work collectively and coordinate actions and governmentofCanada,thegovernmentofthe funding.ThisiswhyCDBhasconceptualised United Kingdom, the European Union, the our ASERT-2030 framework – to promote United States Agency for International bold decision making and transformative Development (USAID), Inter-American initiatives. Given the criticality of enabling DevelopmentBank(IDB),andtheCaribbean regulatory environments this regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy regulatory dialogue is intended to put plans Efficiency(CCREEE).

President Ali addressing a number of residents during a community meeting in Agricola Sunday morning (DPI Photo)

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Two hotel receptionists allegedly robbed at gunpoint at Tuschen - Police looking for the suspects

Two female receptionists ages 19 and 20, were allegedly robbed at gunpoint on Saturday afternoon at around 17:30 hrs, at their place of work – the Double Day Hotel and Rental at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

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According to a police report the two receptionists, both from Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, were held up at their workplace by two unidentified men, one armed with a handgun.

The two receptionists were at work at the hotel on Saturday afternoon when they saw an male enter the building with a black cloth wrapped around his face and a gun in his hand. He had on a red jersey and blue short, three-quarter pants.

The report further states that the 19-year-old receptionist said the suspect approached her, told her to get up from where she was seated and demanded money. Shortly after, another male entered the building, his face wrapped with a grey cloth.

He had on a black jersey and three-quarter pants. Both suspects then started to demand money from the two receptionists.

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Property for sale in Prashad Nagar on double lot. Call Persaud Real Estate: 6532477.

The suspect with the gun took away the cellular phones belonging to the two workers (an iPhone 8, black in colour, valued at $85,000, belonging to the 20-year-old receptionist, and one Samsung A03, blue in colour, valued at $30,000, belonging

to the 19-year-old). They also took out $7000 cash (Guyana currency) from a drawer, the property of the 35-year-old businessman and owner of the hotel.

The suspects then made good their escape in an unknown direction. The

Police were contacted and visited the scene. Several persons were questioned around the area, and checks were made for the suspects, but they were nowhere to be seen. Investigations are ongoing.

Absent National Coordinator stymied work of...

From page 3 displayed in missing the deadline is unacceptable and would not reoccur. He said, “Persons will be exposed and held accountable.”

Meanwhile, in an open letter to President Ali, Radzik and McCormack said judging from the opinions attributed to him in the press concerning developments in the GYEITI), it seems that he was badly advised both about the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) rules and procedures for producing Terms of Reference (TOR) for the EITI Report and also about what prompted “our vote to abstain on the TOR at the MSG meeting of February 22nd 2023.”

content and process of the TOR in the MSG, the pair detailed.

“It should be noted that the issue of the Annual Report was only the latest example of the allegedly deficient performance of the NC. Details of such defects are documented elsewhere and noted in the Minutes of MSG meetings which are part of the public record,” the duo wrote. They added, later in August it was discovered that the NC had disappeared from office without informing or seeking permission from the MSG which eventually became a four months absence from office.

January Meeting that he had begun to negotiate directly with the EITI International Secretariat to secure an extension of the deadline for the 4th. Annual Report and requested MSG support for this action. However, the MSG only received a copy of said letter after it had been sent. The EITI Standard clearly states that any request for extension “must be made in advance of the deadline and be endorsed by the Multi-Stakeholder Group” (Art.7)

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The representatives noted that the MultiStakeholder Group (MSG) is comprised of three actors: Civil Society, Industry (extractive industry companies) and Government, with each sector selecting its own members. The MSG, by its own decision, operates on a voluntary basis. The MSG always seeks consensus in decision-making and has resorted to a vote only on two occasions in seven years.

Setting the record straight

“For the benefit of yourself and for the larger civic community we represent on the GYEITI-MSG, we outline in summary below the more salient factors surrounding the current situation. We also encourage anyone wishing to understand the EITI in greater detail to consult the EITI Standard 2019 to be found on the EITI website www.eiti.org,” Radzik and McCormack stated.

“During the months of the NC’s absence the MSG worked assiduously with the Permanent Secretary to address both the crisis in the Secretariat and the need to produce a valid TOR. Consequently, in November two senior civil servants were seconded to the NS from the MNR and a work-plan for production of the TOR for the Report was set in motion,” Radzik and McCormack noted.

The two representatives said that in late January MSGCivic wrote to the Minister of MNR informing him that MSG-Civic actions would continue to be guided by the December MSG decision, referred to above. “The MSGCivic has conducted its Performance Evaluation of the NC and is participating in the ongoing process. MSGCivic vote to abstain on the TOR issue was consistent with the position communicated to the Minister,” Radzik and McComack noted.

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They informed that in August 2022 at MSG Statutory Meeting a request was received from the National Coordinator (NC) for its retro-active approval of Terms of Reference (TOR) for the 4th Annual Report which the NC himself had produced. The MSG unanimously declined to approve this request on the grounds that the content of the TOR was seriously defective and that its submission to the Ministry by the NC without the benefit of an MSG review, input and approval was a serious violation of the EITI Standard.

The Standard vests all authority pertaining to both

The pair informed that arrangement by the MNR and MSG approval of the two senior staff positions breathed new life into GYEITI and the NS became productive for the first time since the appointment of the NC in early 2022 and began to work assiduously to produce a revised TOR. “In view of this satisfactory development, the 58th Meeting in December 2022 of the MSG Statutory Body recorded the following decision: “The MSG concluded that it was no longer necessary for the CoChairs to engage with the National Coordinator since the PS had reported at a CoChairs meeting that the post of National Coordinator had been vacated.”

“At that meeting the proposal to conduct a Performance Evaluation of the NC was agreed to by the MSG-Civic on the condition that it be undertaken expeditiously and this process was set in motion. Without notice or explanation, the NC re-appeared and presented himself at the January 2023 (59th) MSG meeting,” the pair detailed. According to them the Minister of Natural Resources informed the same

On 28 April 2022, Guyana was also found to have achieved a fairly low overall score (52 points) in implementing the 2019 EITI Standard. The Validation Report outlines the full assessment of Guyana’s compliance. It is based on extensive stakeholder consultations and a review of three templates namely “Outcomes and impact”, “Stakeholder engagement” and “Transparency”. The Board decision, including corrective actions needed before Guyana’s next Validation, is published in the decisions register. Validation is the EITI’s quality assurance mechanism to assess implementing countries on their ability to meet the provisions of the EITI Standard.

The Validation of Guyana commenced on October 1, 2021. A public call for stakeholder views was issued on September 1, 2021. Stakeholder consultations were held virtually on October 11-29, 2021. The draft Validation report was finalised on December 6, 2021. Following comments from the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) January 31, 2022, the Validation report was finalised for consideration by the EITI Board.

Latham, Conway lead New Zealand fightback to frustrate England

AFP - New Zealand are contemplating the possibilityofarareTestwin after following on, having duginwiththebatyesterday to set up an absorbing last two days of the second Test againstEngland.

The Black Caps unearthed some muchneeded tenacity to reach 202-3intheirsecondinnings at stumps on day three in Wellington, closing within 24runsofthetourists.

Their gritty response after being asked to follow on was founded on halfcenturies by openers

Tom

LathamandDevonConway

Kane Williamson was a patient 25 not out at the close,needingjustfourmore runs to surpass Ross Taylor as New Zealand’s greatest Testrun-scorer

The former skipper will resume on Monday alongside Henry Nicholls (18 not out) with New

Zealand harbouring slim hopes of squaring the twomatch series on a Basin Reserve pitch starting to offer turn and variable bounce.

Only England (twice) and India have achieved the feat of winning a Test after followingon.

Latham says his team have belief they can topple the tourists if they can carry momentumintodayfour

“Absolutely, you’ve

alwaysgottolookatwaysto winaTestmatch,”hesaid.

“We certainly know there’salotofworktodoto reach that point but whether it’s 200 or 250 (target), you neverknowwhat’senough.

“We’ve seen with the wicket, whether it’s the old ball or the new ball, there’s plentyofturnthere.

“To be close to parity at thispointisreallypleasing.”

-‘Aggressiveapproach’A New Zealand victory

looked a distant prospect when dismissed for 209 in their first innings midway throughthemorningsession, 226 runs behind England’s 435-8declared.

Latham (83) and Conway (61) combined to frustrate England for 149 runs before the first wicket fell, unveiling combative qualities that had been absent in a series dominated by England’s impressive seambowling.

New Zealand’s foothold in the game loosened when bothopenersandWillYoung (8) fell in the space of 18 runs, all to spin, to leave them 167-3 before Williamson and Nicholls dugin.

“For me and Dev to set the tone, that was important,”Lathamsaid.

“We lost a couple of wickets but the work Henry andKanedidatthebackend of the session was really important.Whoknowswhat tomorrowwillbring?”

England assistant coach Paul Collingwood defended captainBenStokes’decision to enforce the follow-on, when instead putting the Black Caps back out in the field could have shut them outofthecontest.

“Themantraofthisteam is to take the aggressive approach,” Collingwood said.

“There was no doubt in Stokesy’smind,ifwethegot opportunity, that that was how we were going to go aboutthings.

“Likewe’ve said before, we’re not scared of losing andwewanttogetourselves intopositiontowingames.”

Jack Leach was the pick of England’s attack, taking 2-59 off 31 overs, with his ball to bowl Young a textbook delivery for a leftarmspinner England are still well placed to notch a seventh straightTestwinandsecurea 2-0 series sweep after their 267-run firstTest triumph at MountMaunganui.

The key will be removing Williamson, who has been well short of his best form in the series, tallying 10 runs from three previousinnings.

However, the 32-yearold unleashed a typically frill-free knock, taking few risks from 81 balls faced to keephissideinthecontest.

Fourmorerunswillcarry him past the New Zealand record of 7,683 runs scored by long-time team-mate Taylor,whoretiredlastyear

A grinding finish to the daywasincontrasttoalively first hour, when New Zealand lost their last three first-innings wickets for 71 runsoffjust11.2overs.

Seamer Stuart Broad claimed all three wickets to finish with 4-61, his introduction halting a New Zealand charge led by Tim Southee.

The New Zealand captainwasdismissedfor73 after blazing 50 runs off 30 balls yesterday morning, his free-wheeling knock laced with six sixes, including threefromoneLeachover Scores: New Zealand 209 (Southee 73, Broad 46 1 ) a n d 2 0 2 f o r 3 (Williamson 25*, Nicholls 18*) trail England 435 for 8 decby24runs.

Tom Latham and Devon Conway put on a century stand. (AFP/Getty Images)

Nicholas Walters won by unanimous decision on his return to the ring in Colombia Saturday. (February 25, 2023). (The Ring)

Former featherweight champion ‘Axe Man’ Walters makes winning return to the ring

SportsMax - Jamaica’s effectsofringinactivityashe pound belt in December e x - W B A w o r l d wasincompletecontrol.” 2012 at the National Indoor featherweight champion With the result, Walters SportsCentreinKingston. Nicholas ‘Axe Man’Walters improves his ring record to Saturday night’s outing ended more than six years of 27 wins (21 kos) against one was his first since November semi-retirement with a lossandonedrawandthe29- 20, 2016, when he quit dominant points win over year-old Marmol’s log dips against Vasiliy Lomachenko Colombian Luis Diaz to19wins(11kos)against17 after being dominated by the Marmol in Santa Marta, losses. outstanding Ukrainian for ColombiaonSaturdaynight. Walters said recently he seven rounds in Nevada, Returning in a weight was encouraged to return to USA.

Monday February 27, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Don't fear any changes that lie ahead,Aries.Evenifyouthink you don't adjust well, you have more adaptability than you realize. Without change, lifewouldbecomestagnant.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Make your dreams a tool for gaining insight, Taurus. In the past, some rulers believed that their dreams held great insights and they employed peopletointerpretthem.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Follow your instincts. Even if you have a tendency to listen more to reason, put it aside today. While your ears hear words, your intuition can hear what's between the words and unsaid, providing you with a bigger picture than whatever ispresented.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Feed your mind new knowledge Visit a bookstore or read some interesting information on the web If you havemoretime,visitthelibrary orfindoutabout some courses thatmightbeperfectforyou.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Try to see nightmares as safe ways to understand feelings, Leo No one likes to experience them, and we'd sooner forget them once awake, but the best way to ensure they don't return is to understandthem.

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Make your dreams a tool for gaining insight, Scorpio. In the past, some rulers believed that theirdreamsheldgreatinsights and they employed people to interpretthem.

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Use your creativity to make things happen today, Sagittarius Remember that creativity doesn't always take the form of a finished product. Use it to come up with innovative ways to approach a task,project,orproblem.

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class 14 pounds above his theringbyseveraltrainersin Walters had turned pro in title-winning featherweight Panama He had been 2008 after an amateur career division, Walters earned the visiting the boxing gym to that included bronze at the unanimous decision over keep in shape but admits he Central American and localfavouriteMarmolinthe “wasn’t really serious about Caribbean (CAC) Games e i g h t - r o u n d s u p e r fighting” until experts and two gold medals at the lightweight (140-pound) around the gym encouraged CaribbeanChampionshipsin main event The official him to come out of 2005 and 2006.Within a few scorecardread80-72and78- retirement. years he became one of the 74 twice in favour of the 37- Walters became the first world’s most exciting year-oldfromMontegoBay Jamaicanevertowinaworld fighters of the lower weight

“Marmol was very game boxing title at home when he divisions after defeating big but the overall experience beat Colombian Daulis names like Nonito Donaire andskilllevelofWalterswas Prescott for the WBA’s 126- andVicDarchinyan. the difference,” Fightnews web site reported about the Panama-basedJamaican.

“He did not show much

CCJ Upholds Justice Navindra...

From page 25 twelve (12) years of litigation where Sanasie and Kalladin sought, in every conceivable way, to prevent a lawful electionoftheDCB.

Justice Singh had ruled since June 2019 that an electionbeheldfortheDCBin August, 2019 but same could not be held because an appeal was filed against Justice Singh’s Order, a Stay of that Order was granted by the Court of Appeal and the G u y a n a C r i c k e t Administration Act was suspended by an Order of a single judge of the Court of Appeal.

That suspension of the Cricket Act was eventually lifted by the full bench of the CourtofAppealinSeptember, 2020andSanasieandKalladin withdrew their application to Stay Justice Singh’s Order The way was then clear for a DCBelectiontobeheld.

Sanasaie and Kalladin, however, did not stop their questtostymytheholdingofa lawful election and they appealed Justice Singh’s Order to the Full Court which dismissed their appeal with costs. They then appealed to the Court ofAppeal and again their appeal was dismissed. Their final attempt to derail thelawfulelectionoftheDCB was brought to finality by the Judgment of the CCJ which was delivered by the Honourable President of the CCJMr AdrianSaunders.

Brilliant ton from Anderson, Sinclair’s half century put Berbice in command on day two

Day Two of the Guyana Sinclair’s half century to put eventually got to fifty, runstogether

While on 99 runs he attempt Sinclair quickly moved to Cricket Board (GCB) Men’s the Berbice team in Sinclair was later dismissed After the Tea break, the sweep-shot three times fifty with a glorious drive Senior Inter-County Four- command of the first innings for22runs;tryingtoplayata Anderson already eying a beforefinallygettingtheball throughthecoverforfour,as Day tournament at the (Anderson 106 and J delivery from Looknauth century was playing a tactful pass the square-leg fielder Berbice eased past the Guyana National Stadium Sinclair84notout). thatwasn’tquitethereforthe innings, both batters kept forfour Demerara first innings total ( G N S ) , P r o v i d e n c e Berbice lost three early shot, only to get a thin edge scoring runs for the Berbice The young Berbician totakefirstinningspoints. continued with Demerara wicketsinthefirstsession,at through to first slip. The sideinpursuitofDemerara’s would have missed out on Permaul cameo lasted adding 54 runs to their lunch they were 47-3. Chris score was 113-5 when 282 runs first innings target. getting a big score in both of fifty-five minutes before he overnight score, seeing Barnwell returned with the Romario Shepherd came to Sinclair was the more the GHE practice matches ambitiously tried to pull a Richie Looknauth scoring a ball; bowling a fiery spell, bat. Unfortunately for him, aggressiveofthetwo,hitting but came back after his stint short ball from Ronaldo Ali brilliant half century before which reaped a single he was dismissed cheaply the ball to all parts of the in Trinidad to deliver a well- Mohammed;skiingittogive Demerara were dismissed wicket, dismissing Anthony with Berbice falling slightly ground including four deserved century to put his Mohamed simple return for282runs. Bramble without scoring intotroubleat145-6. massivesixes. side in command on Day catch, pushing the score to

In reply the Berbice side before he was replaced by Junior Sinclair and However, Anderson got Two of the first round match 279-8. piledup312-8atthecloseof AshmeadNedd. Anderson rescued the to his hundred with a between Demerara and Berbice with a little hope play with Kevlon Anderson Kevlon Anderson and Berbice side, putting on a beautiful sweep-shot for Berbice in the Men’s Senior on their side rallied to 312-8 scoring a magnificent Kevin Sinclair were batting match-changing partnership four; after some twenty Inter-Countytournament. with a lead of 25 runs at the century followed by Junior good together, Anderson which they accumulated 84 minutes in nervous-ninety’s. Anderson later was out close of play on Day Two. caught, off the bowling of Sinclair 84 runs not out and Steven Sankar for 106 runs. Nial Smith 15 runs not out Hecontributed23runsinthe with Barnwell, Nedd and seventh-wicket partnership Mohammed picking up two between him and Junior wicketsapiece. Sinclair, Berbice now 229-7, Day Three action of the as Captain Veersammy GCB Men’s Senior InterPermauljoinedSinclair,who C o u n t y F o u r - D a y wasinpursuitofputtingona tournamentstartsat10:00hrs decent first innings lead, todayatthesamevenue.

‘Bunny’ Shaw scores four as Manchester City Women wallop Bristol City 8-1 in FA Women’s Cup

Khadijah ‘Bunny’ Shaw was at it again scoring four this time around.

th th SportsMax - The City scoring in the 13 , 25 , st scoring machine named 41 minutesasCitytooka4-0 Khadijah ‘Bunny’Shaw was leadintotheinterval. at it again yesterday leading FilippaAngeldahlscored Manchester City Women to the fourth in first-half an 8-1 drubbing of Bristol stoppagetime. City in their fifth round FA Julie Blakstad made it 5Women’s Cup match at the 0 early into the second half Robins High Performance when she scored their first of rd Centre. hertwogoalsinthe53 I n y e t a n o t h e r Gracie Jane Patricia dominating performance Pearse made it 5-1 two during which they enjoyed minuteslater 75 per cent possession, Shawscoredherfourthin th ManchesterCityscoredtheir the 75 to make it 6-1 before eight goals from 12 shots in Blakstad made it 7-1 in the rd target against their hapless 83 opponents who scored what Jemima Dahou scored amounted a consolation goal Manchester City’s eighth to 10 minutes into the second complete rout in stoppage half. time.

However, Shaw alone For her exploits, Shaw proved too much for Bristol tookhomematchball.

Australia win Women’s T20 World Cup for sixth time

AFP - Australia won the Women’sT20WorldCupfor thesixthtimewhentheybeat South Africa by 19 runs in the final at Newlands yesterday

Opening batter Beth Mooney anchored the Australian innings, scoring an unbeaten 74 in a total of 156forsix.

South Africa were never up with the required run rate andwererestrictedto137for six despite opener Laura Wolvaardt hitting 61 off 48 balls.

“It’s pretty special from the group,” said Australia captainMegLanning.

“We felt like it was a good score but we had to thelastballofthefifthover played a measured innings, South African batters under bowl well and put pressure Marizanne Kapp hit two scoring her 74 runs off 53 constantpressure. onSouthAfrica. boundaries but was out for balls while a succession of They have now won six

“It was about enjoying 11 and South Africa captain partnersbattedaggressively of the eight T20 World Cups the process, about keeping Sune Luus was run out for Ash Gardner and Grace played — in 2010, 2012, benchmark for other teams crucialtimes.” things simple when the two. At that stage the home Harris both batted ahead of 2014,2018,2020and2023. toliveupto”. Wolvaardt and semi- pressureison.” sideneededanother103runs captain Meg Lanning and Only England, who won Sheadded:“Ifyouwould final heroine Tazmin Brits South Africa captain off56balls. appeared to be under the inaugural tournament in havetoldmebeforethegame struggled to find gaps in the Sune Luus, whose team lost Wolvaardt and the hard- instructions to go for their 2009, and West Indies in that Australia would have fieldandscoredonly17runs both of their opening games hitting Chloe Tryon gave a shots. 2016, have broken the scored 156, we would have before Brits was caught at of the tournament, hailed near-capacity crowd of South Africa’s bowlers stranglehold. taken it. We lost wickets at mid-onoffDarcieBrownoff Australia for “setting a about 15,000 hope with an performed steadily and were Brief scores: Australia attacking fourth wicket backed up by enthusiastic 156-6 in 20 overs (B partnership of 55 off 37 fielding. Stalwarts Shabnim Mooney 74 not out; S. Ismail balls but the match was Ismail and Kapp both took 2-26, M. Kapp 2-35) v South effectively over when twowicketseach. Africa 137-6 in 20 overs (L. Wolvaardt was leg before But Australia showed Wolvaardt 61) wicket to Megan Schutt in their quality in defending Result: Australia won by the17thover their total with athleticism 19 runs

Tiger Rentals under-13

The left-handed Mooney and commitment that put the Toss: Australia

East Coast and G/Town maintain their dominance

Front-runners East each from Matheus Ramos minuteoftheclash. Coast and Georgetown were and Fabio Kowlesar

In the third and final both involved in five-goal Jeremiah Bremmer scored game of the day, GFF’s sprees last Saturday at the the consolation for the President Wayne Forde’s National Training Centre, losing side. East Coast then son; Wayshawn, was on the Providence, where they rallied to a 5-0 win against scoresheet with one goal extended their tally to 13 West Demerara Mark which helped his side East points at the top of the Tiger Glasgow and Malaki BankRomptoa5-1triumph Rentals under-13 Inter- Washington both registered overEastBerbice. association development braces. Glasgow scored his Samuel Tashem was the footballleague. doubleintheeighthand15th standout player in the win

Intheopeningencounter minutes, while Washington withacoupleofgoalsscored st th of the match-day five’s play, fired in his two goals in the in the 41 and 58 minutes, th Georgetown brushed aside 20th and 40th minutes while Clifton Sampson (6 WestBerbice4-1thankstoa KemuelWelcomewasnotto minute) and Michael th brace from Enzo Matte who be left out and he slotted in Correira (36 minute) added th was supported with a goal the fifth goal in the 50 onegoaleach.

South Africa captain Sune Luus cuts a dejected figure. (ICC via Getty Images)

Meg Lanning with her fourth T20 World Cup trophy. (ICC/Getty Images)

East Bank goalscorers take time out for a photo.

Mangal declared winner of DemLife golf tournament

Mike Mangal was the overall winner

The top performers of the tournament display their accolades.

Despite the rain on Nearest to Pin- Ayube Friday, the DemLife golf Subhan tournament was a definite Longest Drive- Rakesh banger on Saturday. The Harry better, but I have accepted and is looking forward to a e x p a n d i n g t e a m o f adapting to fast growing tournament saw many of Best Gross- Mike what I have gotten. The greatseasonofgolf. trustworthy staff and agents economies and unexpected Guyana’s top golfers come Mangal79 competition was fair, Demerara Mutual has have been serving over situations such as Covid-19. out in their numbers to fight Overall Best Net- Mike everybody didn’t get such a established itself over the 20,000 policyholders, Demerara Mutual will for the top spot. But in the Mangal71 good score, but the course last hundred years to be one ensuringtheirtroublesinlife continue to serve its end, the experienced Mike At the presentation playextremelywell.” of the best insurance are covered. A dynamic customers to the best of our Mangal walked away with ceremony was Demerara LGC Secretary Chet providers in Guyana and management team with abilities, ensuring maximum allthespoils. Mutual Sales and Marketing Bowling also went on to other territories in the evolving strategies have satisfaction and reduced

The results for the Manager who stated that the explain that the club is Caribbean region. An ever- shown to be capable of stress. tournamentwereasfollows: company was happy to grateful to Demerara Mutual

0-16 Flight sponsor such a tournament. as they have shown their

1st Mike Mangal HC 8 She noted that while the good social cooperate

Gross79Net71 game it not that popular she responsibility towards the

2nd Paton George HC 16 is optimistic that in time it sport.

Gross88Net72 will take its place among the Bowling divulged that Flight 17-36 toprankedsports. the company came out in

1st Chet Bowling HC 28 Sharing his view was the their numbers to support the

Gross102Net74 victoriousMikeMangalwho tournament, which showed

2nd Gavin Todd HC 20 said, “I had a good game that they are involved

Gross96Net76 today, it could have been Hence, the club is ecstatic

CCJ Upholds Justice Navindra Singh’s Order on Demerara Cricket Board Election

As Sanasie and Kalladin Action Dismissed

According to a release from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), The CCJ on the 24th February, 2023, dismissed an application filed by Anand Sanasie & Anand Kalladin challenging Justice Navindra Singh’s decision to order an election for the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) in February, 2021. The CCJ held that the Applicantsfailedtoestablish thattheirchallengetoJustice Singh’s Order had any likelihood or chance of success The Applicants were also ordered to pay the costsoftheRespondents.

The Applicants, Sanasie byMr ArudranauthGossai. long awaited and much and Kalladin, were The holding of the DCB delayed lawful election of represented by Mr C V Election in February, 2021 the Guyana Cricket Board Satram and Ron Motilall paved the way for the which was subsequently while the Respondents, Honourable Minister of heldinMarch,2021. Roger Harper, Davteerth Sports, Charles Ramson Jr., The decision of the CCJ Anandjit and Bradley to appoint a Cricket broughtanendtoalmost Fredericks,wererepresented Ombudsman and to have the (Continued on page 21)

Anand Kalladin

Anand Sanasie