Kaieteur News

Aroaima parents furious as children transported in speed boats without life jackets

Ex-media worker jailed

four years, fined $14.4M for cocaine trafficking

Twenty-six-year-old had denied the charge on Zanneel Williams, a former their first court appearance media worker, of Lot 181 and were both placed on L a m a h a G a r d e n s , $750,000baileach.

Georgetown, was on According to police Monday sentenced to four reports, on the day in years imprisonment and question, Williams was an fined $14 4 million for outgoing passenger at the cocainetrafficking. CJIAdestined for the United Williams was sentenced States. However, the woman by Magistrate Sunil Scarce was nabbed with a quantity at the Diamond/Grove of cocaine in the false sides Magistrates’Court. of her laptop bag. She was

OnApril 22, 2022, at the then arrested and escorted to Cheddi Jagan International CANU’s Headquarters with Airport (CJIA), Williams thenarcotics. was busted with 9.6 kg of the trial in the matter was set A further search of the cocaine strapped to her body to commence, Williams suspect, which was andalsoinherluggage. opted to change her plea conducted at the CANU

Last Friday, over 15 they switch their mode of The school bus was students attending the transportation Students recently provided to the Kwakwani Secondary relatedthatitwasarainyday community for the children School who reside in and they were occupied with tobetransportedbetweenthe Aroaima were forced to be school activities later than two villages but still cannot transported home in a small expected. fit all the students on a daily speedboat without life A student managed to basis so some are still forced jackets after they were contact a boat operator from to use the boat. Parents also strandedinthecommunity the reservation village who related that the children are

This has not been the first came to transport them required to pay $1500.00 time the students were left home. The boat operator monthly to travel. However, behind and were forced to related that this is a regular Regional Education Officer, contract a private boat occurrence When Nicola Matthews, said this operator to transport them questioned, no clear reason should not be the case since h o m e u n d e r u n s a f e was given by the contracted she provides fuel and conditions In fact, parents driver as to why the children gasoline for the bus and boat expressedthatthisisaregular wereleftbehind. and the boat operator is paid occurrence and are calling on AstudentcalledForensic through the region. Relative the relevant authorities to Interviewer/Theripist to the issue on Friday, she lookintothematter attached to Blossom Inc. said, “We have never had

On a usual school day, Child Advocacy Center complaintsbeforeaboutthis, students are transported to Kwakwani, Selina DaSilva sowewilllookintoit”. and from school by a school and reported the issue Parents are calling for a bus or by boat They DaSilva then contacted the better monitoring of the interchange the services School’s Welfare Officer situationso as to ensure their weekly One week, some use immediately,ShekiraGoring children’s safety when being the bus while others use the who is attached to the Sub- transported to and from boatandthefollowingweek, Region2area. school.

On her first court backtoguilty headquarters, revealed a a p p e a r a n c e b e f o r e Kaieteur News had quantity of cocaine strapped Magistrate Scarce, Williams reported that Williams to her body The substance hadacceptedculpability She alleged accomplices, former was then tested and came was remanded to prison and Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit back positive as cocaine, the Magistrate had ordered a (CANU) officer, Anil with a total weight of 9.6 kg. psychiatric evaluation and Sookhoo, 33, of Lot 127 The narcotics had a total probation report to be Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke- street value of G$60 million prepared in her favour Linden Highway and which is equivalent to However, when Williams Guyana Revenue Authority US$300,000. returned to court, she (GRA) officer, Shameka Further investigations changed her plea to not Caesar, 27, of Lot ZZ, led to the arrests of the guilty D ’ U r b a n S t r e e t , former CANU officer and Earlier this month when Wortmanville, Georgetown, theGRAofficer

Govt. looking for consultant for US$12.8M hydro-plants

The Government of Guyana (GoG) has proceeds of the financing to eligible issued a request for Expression of Interest payments under the contract of consultant (EOI) for consultancy services for the Moco services.

MocoandKumusmallhydropowerplants,in “Theservicesincludetechnicalsupportto Region Nine. In November 2022, a contract be provided to the Project Management Unit was signed to the tune of US$12.85 million (PMU) with continuous on-site monitoring between the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and support services in the administration of and Vidullanka PLC, a Sri Lankan firm, for the hydropower project during the the construction a new 1.5 megawatt (MW) implementationphase,”itwasstated. hydropower project at Kumu and to Referred to as the ‘Clerk of rehabilitate and upgrade the defunct Moco Works/Technician,’it was explained that the Moco hydropower plant to some 0.7MW consultant will be full-time members of capacity GEA’s PMU. The consultancy is to be

This publicat over 24 months subject reported that the annual contract renewal objectives of the project the estimated starting are to support t date of the assignment is Government’s drive April 2023 It was for a low-carbon, stated too that climate-resilient i n t e r e s t e d e c o n o m y b y consultants must p r o v i d i n g provide specific affordable, stable information which a n d r e l i a b l e demonstrates that electricity using they are fully Indigenous energy qualified to perform sources, reducing the services The f o s s i l f u e individual consultants consumption and CO2 filiated with an emissions.Thekeyresults anisation can also of the project are to increase interest Potential access to electricity to the candidates will be required to population in Lethem and the nearby provide information on their general villages of Kumu, Moco Moco, St. Ignatius qualifications as an individual consultant, and Quarrie, the Office of the Prime Minister their mission-relevant experience, their said. experience in the region and sector as well as

The hydro project is being funded by their language ability The deadline for the Guyana through financing from the Islamic EOI’s is March 13, 2023 during working DevelopmentBank(IsDB). hours Applications can be emailed to

Jailed: Zanneel Williams

Government is building a new 1.5 megawatt (MW) hydropower project at Kumu, Region Nine

Students being transported without life jackets in a speedboat

Tax evasion, gold smuggling major sources of money laundering in Guyana

...criminal activities involved US$2.2B in proceeds between 2016 to 2020 - Report

Areport released over 40 public and private US$ 13.4 million and US$ Considering these evasion, the WG estimated late last year has sector agencies in Guyana. 8.4 million respectively for factors,smugglingincluding the value of the proceeds found that gold The report on that process theperiod2016to2020. gold smuggling represents a from this offence as over

smuggling, tax was made available for Although there were High Threat of money US$19million.TheWorking evasion and drug trafficking public perusal on October only two convictions over laundering in Guyana, the Group said it therefore pose the highest threats for 31,2022. the assessed period which reportstates. represents a High Threat of money laundering in The report notes that the resulted in the confiscation With respect to tax money laundering in

Guyana

In fact, the overall level of money of US$ 37,554, the Working evasion over the 2016 to Guyana. estimated value of proceeds laundering threat in Guyana Group said the estimated 2020 period, the Working On the issue of drug laundered in these areas is Medium High, due to the value of the proceeds related Group said the Guyana trafficking, the report notes between 2016 and 2020 is significant estimated value to this offence stands at US$ Revenue Authority (GRA) that there are several overUS$2.2B. of proceeds of crime 2 2 billion It said the confiscated approximately agencies involved in

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

Abreakdown of this sum generated from predicate estimated value of proceeds US$56,074 for failure to combatting this offence such was outlined in Guyana’s offences committed in for smuggling including declare and dealing with as the Guyana Police Force, value of the proceeds second Money Laundering/ Guyana, coupled with lack gold smuggling was goods to defraud revenue GRA, Customs Anti- generated from narcotic Terrorist Financing (ML/ of convictions for money calculated by the WG based andduties.Inaddition,based Narcotics Unit (CANU), the offences for the period 2016 T F ) N a t i o n a l R i s k launderingovertheyears. onmediareports. on the value of suspicious Special Organized Crime to 2020 is approximately Assessment (NRA) Report. The document states that In 2016, it was reported transaction reports received Unit, the FIU, and National US$ 13.4 million.Although, According to Attorney there are 20 serious offences that 15,000 ounces of gold is by the Financial Intelligence Anti-Narcotic Agency theauthoritiesinvestigated General and Minister of listed as predicate in the smuggled out of Guyana Unit in relation to tax (NANA) The estimated (Continued on page 9) Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall Anti-MoneyLaunderingand weekly, while in 2017, a S.C, the NRA exercise was Countering the Financing of majorgoldsmugglingracket conducted in line with the Terrorism Act Based on was unearthed The Financial Action Task Force analysis, the WG concluded document outlines that the (FATF) Recommendation 1, that of the 20 predicate US Federal Bureau of which requires all countries offences listed in the Investigation(FBI)provided on an ongoing basis, to AML/CFTAct, the ones that Guyana’s authorities with a identify, assess, and are likely to see the highest listofpersonswhohadtaken understand their money level of money laundering gold to the JFK airport, New laundering and terrorist activity are gold smuggling, York, and declaring it there. financingrisks. tax evasion, illicit Kaieteur News understands They must also apply trafficking in narcotic thatthesmugglingwasmade preventative measures to drugs and psychotropic possible because Customs mitigate the identified risks. substances and fraud. The and other Gold Board T h e e x e r c i s e h a d estimated value of the documents were recycled commenced in December proceeds generated from along with seals. Hundreds 2019andwasconductedbya t h e s e o ff e n c e s a r e of millions of dollars of Working Group (WG) of approximately US$ 2 2 profits were being made but over70personsrepresenting billion, US$ 19.5 million, littleforGuyana.

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Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

ROAD FATALITIES

Road fatalities are on the rise, and steeply so. Serious injuries from traffic accidents have also crept up when this year is compared to the same period of last year We have laws in place, roads that are familiar to most citizens, and trafficofficersusuallyvisibleorinmotion.

Our road users, especially drivers, are not unaware of what is expected of them. Similarly, our pedestrians and pedalcyclistsmustbesensitivetothenatureoftheroadsthey travel,inclusiveofcongestionsandmultipleperilsthatmake every trip, daily venture, on our roads the equivalent of venturingintoawarzone.Thisisthenormconsideringthe endlessthreatsandproblemsthatcanbeencounteredinany journey,includingtheshortestones.

Sinceallofthisiscommonknowledge,thenwhatisthe problemonourroads?Whyaretherethesechronicconcerns aboutsafetyandthemenaceofconstantpersonaljeopardy? Policeauthoritieshavetheirstatistics,hardexperiencesfrom eyewitness observations, and more than comprehensive insightsaboutthecultureofourroadsanddrivers.Thisisthe horror of daily traffic conditions on our roads, the culture nowembedded,nowflourishing.

The Guyana Police Force confirms what ordinary citizens know the situation is that glaring. Drivers are reckless, drivers are speeding, drivers operate under the influence, and drivers have the greatest disregard for regulationsandotherusersoftheroad.Followingtooclosely atunhealthyspeeds,constanthonkingofhorns,andflashing headlights provide lengthy trails of evidence about impatiencewithothers,hastetogetfromoneplacetoanother in the shortest time, and an overriding arrogance. Traffic violators are the most visible and audible, the obvious examples, of growing lawlessness that prevails across Guyana.Everymanisapowerinhisowneyes,onenottobe tampered with, one with whom to take chances could backfireswiftly,horribly

The chronic lawlessness has several sides. First, road users,andthisisnotlimitedtodriversalone,formtheirown conclusions of who in high places break the law, including trafficlaws,andareallowedtogetawaywithdoingso.There are too many stories of police roadblocks to snare drunk drivers, only for attending ranks to be called off by a call made by an inebriated driver to some senior officer, who passes the appropriate order to let the offender go. Second, uniformed traffic officers are more noticeable on our roadways,eitheronfootoronmotorcyclepatrol,butalltoo frequently,theyeitherturnablindeyetoobviousviolations, oraretoobusytryingtoshakedowntheunwaryortheweak. Third,atawiderarc,thereisthewidespreadperceptionthat politicians and friends operate by a different standard, one largely criminal, and are able to make hay while the sun shines.

Furious and frustrated road users first throw up their hands,thenthrowcautiontothewinds.Theywilltaketheir chances,andtoobadforwhoevergetsintheway,ismadeto feelthemanglingfromtheirabandontomadness.Ifthey(the leaders can get away with murder), then why not those operatingbelowtheradar?

In other words, what is good for the head goose is also good for the lowly gander Drivers of private vehicles, and some engaged in public transportation, stop or park wherevertheyfeellike.

Thisisregardlessofwhoisinconvenienced,orforhow long. Further, there are so many tinted vehicles on the road todaythatthereisdifficultydistinguishingwhoisbehindthe wheel, and who they could really be behind the forbidding exterior Whenthesenotsolittlethingsagainsttherulesare broken at will, then it is just a matter of time for the bigger traffic violations to be taken in stride by both drivers, pedestrians, and other users.We cry when there is carnage, afterthattheroutinesofspeedanddiscourtesyanddisregard returninfullerforce.

Whenthereistheperceptionthatthelawonlyappliesto some, or more to some than to others, with the police complicit,thenchaosresults.Wearelivingwiththatonour roads,aren’twe?

BillionsofdollarsrenderedtoExxonand itsassociatesleavethefarmersofGuyana asmudratsseekingtoekeoutaliving

DEAREDITOR,

It is nice to have another oil conference with other topicsinGuyana.

When one examines Guyana’scontributiontothe oil explorers of the world, Exxon, the irresistible conclusion is that Guyana, bearingthecostsofExxon’s wealth,isasubsidyandalms given to a neo-colonial economic investor. The billions of dollars rendered to Exxon and its associates leavethefarmersofGuyana as mud rats seeking to eke out a living from mother Earth whilst facing the disaster of flood, drought andlowmarketpriceoftheir products; yet there is articulated policy of food security in Guyana and the region.

Mayitbepointedoutthat the rice farmers are at the mercy of the monopolistic ricemillerswhoarbitraryfix

pricesinordertobolstertheir profits to the detriment and painofriceproducers.

Thefarmersforexample; loansaregivenbythemillers to farmers at high interest rate.

The inputs, that is, fertilizer and all the accompanying necessary treatmentforpestcontrolare purchased at astronomical prices, yet the GRDB, the RPA, remain impotent in theiraidtotheseunfortunate body of farmers in Guyana who continue to dwell in debtandleanincome.

To correct this pain and shameitishereinsuggested:

1. That the Government have feasible prices and purchase the farmers goods inordertocreateafoodbank in preparation for times of disaster

2. Like the USA, the Government ought to subsidise substantially, the

farmers as is done in the oil industryofGuyana.

3. Cold storage systems for cash crops farmers and cottage industries therefore ought to be set up by the Government which has the required capital to do so, to aidinthemanufacturingand storageoffarmers’cropsthat go to waste in times of plenty.

4. The farmers must be encouraged to continue to cultivate the conventional crops in which they are knowledgeable and have market value, for example, aloe vera - now in world demand, neem, Sijan and cash crops, the various nuts, pineapples, the seeds of pumpkin are now in world demand due to its now known nutritional value, cassava–sweetandbitter

5. It is herein suggested that the abandoned sugar plantation with its drainage

andirrigationsystemshould be harnessed for artisanal fishing, shrimp and other aquaticfood.

6. The land should be given out to farmers and youths that are trained, or being trained with farmers, to cultivate coconuts, cash crops,peas,beansandlentils as the coconut plants are growing.

This will create jobs and all of the villages and neighbourhoods of Guyana will contribute substantially tothefoodsecuritygoalsthat is now adumbrated with the frequent articulation and publicity

Let subsidy to the farmers be paramount, harness the potential energy of the youths who do not have capital, then Guyana will attain the status of an agrariandemocracy

Respectfully,

J.T Kissoon

Macedonia/Joppa children were thrilled to celebrate ‘Mash’after a two-year hiatus

DEAREDITOR,

OnWednesday February 22, 2023, hundreds of childrenfromtheMacedonia Joppa district in Eastern Corentyne took to the roadways to celebrate Guyana’s 53rd Republic Anniversary

It was a vibrant celebration never seen beforeinthedistrictoronthe Corentyne.After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which wreaked havoc on the nation, the children along with their teachersandparentsfromthe Macedonia Joppa district were thrilled to celebrate Mashramani It was the largest Mashramani celebrations on the Corentyne.

D e s p i t e s o m e intermittent showers and dark clouds hovering overhead, the children were in a jubilant mood, happy and eager to celebrate. With smiles on their faces, it seemsasthoughnothing,not evenadownpourofshowers would have prevented them from taking to the roadways tocelebrate‘Mash.’

Afteradelayofabout45 minutes, the parade got underway at 9:40 AM at Brighton Village under cloudy skies and proceeded

for one and a half miles to Eversham School With police officers present to control the traffic, the more than 400 school children showed off their dancing skills.

Underthetheme‘Mixing and Mashing as One Guyana,’ the children from severalschoolsinthedistrict decked out in a dazzling array of colourful attire of gold, blue, black, yellow, red, and orange portraying the colours of the Arrowhead, and depicting Guyanese culture, lifestyle, a n d h e r i t a g e Acknowledging the relevance of this year’s theme, which fits right inline with His Excellency’s President Dr Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’initiative, the children from different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds came together as Guyanese to party Accompanied by their teachers, parents and relatives, the children aged from three to twelve years danced to the rhythm of the lively and customary soca musicsuppliedbyYardByzd EntertainmentSound.

Residentsofallagesand from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, or social status from the

MacedoniaJoppavillagesof No. 35, Brighton, Kiltearn, Eversham, Epsom and Bengal came out in large numbersandlinedbothsides of the roadways in anticipation of seeing the colourfulcostumes.

Most if not all the onlookers were ecstatic and charmed by the dancing and the gorgeous rich and colourfuloutfitswornbythe children.

Many were visibly excited.

After marching and dancingontheroadwaysfor about one hour, the children arrivedatEvershamPrimary School, where they assembled for prayer followed by lunch comprised of chicken, fried rice, cook-up, chowmein, andfriesaswellasjuicesand drinks after which they took part in an all-day educational, cultural, and socialactivities.

After a delicious lunch, they were addressed by several teachers on the importanceofhavingagood education, respect for their teachers, obey their parents and elders, and love one another

They were told that Mashramani is more than just a celebration of Guyana

becoming a Republic or Guyanese culture and heritage, it is a symbol of unityandtogethernessanda timeforalltoputasidetheir differences and biases and cometogethertocelebrateas onepeople,onenation.

The children were also told that Mashramani is a true celebration of diversity, eleganceandmaturityofthe nation and the power and strength of Guyanese in every community It is a testimony to our enriched socialandsharedheritageas anation.

Following the speeches or as some would say “pep talk” the children asked questions and then showed offtheirwittytalentsasthey danced to a variety of soca songs, recited poems, sang folk songs and took part in games competition with one another

Thedayendedwithsome ofthechildrenpraisingtheir teachers, others thanked theirparentsfortheirsupport andkindness.Itwasadayof funforall,butespeciallythe children.

Sincerely,

VanessaRoss-Albert.

Director.

LFS Burnham was a visionary, but only for “slow development”

DEAREDITOR,

I write with reference to Anette Ferguson’s article “Truth of Burnham’s visionaryleadershipmustbe told”(SN26/2/2023).While I admire the loyalty of the Ms. Ferguson, I must also note that MP Ferguson’s relationship with the truth is obviouslystrained.

There are two strands of historiography that Ms Ferguson could have relied on in fashioning her mea culpa for Burnham, namely historical presentism, or historicalrevisionism.

While the former refers to a re-interpretation of history to suit current political circumstances, the latter is about a more comprehensivere-writingof thehistoricalrecordwiththe intent of shifting the acceptedhistoriographyofa historical period, or in the case of Mr Burnham, a person of historical significance.

I am afraid the Honourable MP’s efforts cannot meet either of these techniques of historical reconstruction.

The reason is that Ms. Ferguson’s account is based on what might be best described as an invented history,lacedasitwerewith partial truths, half-truths, misrepresentations, and manystatementsthatcannot be verified by any credible historicalsource.

Let us begin with the extraordinary claim by Ms. Ferguson that “…Burnham was indeed a gift from God who was birthed here in Guyana for a purpose” (Ibid). Well, allow me to provideevidencetocontrary.

Since Ms. Ferguson focuses so much on Burnham’s e c o n o m i c “accomplishments”, it is only fair I respond along thoselines.

Note this – Guyana was theonlycountryintheworld that,duringthe1980s,hada lower per capita GDP at the endofthedecade,compared to the beginning of the

decade! In 1980, the per capita GDP of Guyana was $775; by 1991, it had dropped to $468, a massive dropof39.61%.

Further,ittookBurnham and then Hoyte from 1965 until1991toincreasetheper capitaGDPoftheGuyanese peoplebyameasly$140.My guess is that if it weren’t for theUFintheearlyyears,the performance would have beenevenworse.

By comparison, the PPP/C moved per capita GDP from an abysmal $608 in 1993, to a respectable $5668by2015,astaggering 832.23%, compared to the PNC’s miserable 42 68% overtwenty-sixyears!

The HonourableAnnette Ferguson offers gushing praise for Burnham’s contribution to the democratization of Guyana, an idea so far-fetched, that Burnham’sownwordsprove otherwise.

For instance, in announcing the Sophia Declaration on the 14th December,1974ataSpecial Congress of the People’s National Congress, the Cde. Leader of the PNC made it clear that the government of Guyana is only an executive arm of the PNC LFS

Burnhamputitthus–“…the Party [PNC] should assume unapologetically its paramountcy over the Governmentwhichismerely one of its executive arms.” (DeclarationofSophia).

Burnham went on to denigrate constitutions that have check and balances, stating that they are ‘inhibitions’ to good governance.

Instead, he dictated that PNC party officials must occupy all central offices from Georgetown, right downtotheregions.

Local government shouldbeanextensionofthe Party He laid out a comprehensive plan where kids as young as fourteen yearsofagewouldbedrafted intothePNCaspartofwhat he stylised as “national mobilization” The kids should be “educated” into the PNC ways of doing things.

Ms. Ferguson is full of praise of Burnham’s Feed, Clothes, and House (FCH) the Nation (by 1976) Guyanesewholivedthrough the late 1970s and all of the 1980s can very well inform thosewhodonotknow,what became of FCH. Here is a synopsis.

The DNC seeking persons to fill leadership positions

DEAREDITOR,

The Guyanese people came close to not only starvation because of shortage of food basics, but were pushed into a level of indignity due to other essentials of civilized life. The following items were shortinsupply,orabsolutely non-existent–flour,cooking oil, onions, garlic, tomato paste, corned beef, corned mutton, split peas, chickpeas, milk powder, butter, cheese, baby food, sardines, toothpaste, toothbrush, bathing soap, washing soap, detergents, diapers,toiletpaper,shaving equipment, electrical equipment, tools, textbooks, pencils, pens, and the list goes on and on. Readers shouldknowthatifyouwere caught with certain items likesardinesorflour,you

(Continuedonpage6)

The Democratic National Congress, more commonly known as Guyana’s One-Man Party, has now made positions of leadershipinitsgovernment opentoallGuyanese.

As the Party’s Leader, I have come around to the realitythatImaynotbeable to achieve all that is necessary both financially and politically to secure the necessaryvoteseitherwithin theDNC’sinternalelections oratournationalelectionsas President.

As such, I cannot hold Guyana and Guyanese ransom,andsohaveoptedto open leadership positions both within the Party’s Central Executive Committee (Chairperson, etc.)andatnationalelections (Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates along with all other portfolios) open to all Guyanese. The

Democratic National Congress is founded on democratic principles, where positions of authority are won by the electoral system.

The party is being offered as the vehicle through which all Guyanese can join and have their say, havetheirvoicesheard,their interests represented in Government.

However, even as the DNC will represent all Guyanese, I have opted to have the party known and commonly referred to as the Poor People’s Party (PPP), fittingenoughtocarryonthe work of Dr Cheddi Jagan, who I am sure would be proud of Guyana’s efforts at fighting corruption and lawlessness in Government, a cause to which he had dedicatedhisentirelife.

The push for Guyana’s nationaldevelopment,to

(Continuedonpage16)

LFS Burnham was a visionary, but only for...

Frompage5 could - and many were, arrestedbythepolice.

As for clothing the nation, here is a quote from the 1973 Budget Speech in Parliament

“The Government has already indicated that clothing the nationwillbeataskofslow development, mainly becausetherawmaterialsfor achieving this are in short supply or as yet nonexistent” (Budget 1973, p. 18).

Ms Ferguson should note the construction “slow development”.

That was a major PNC innovation The PNC government under Mr Burnham created a slew of institutions that were

decidedly authoritarian.The Youth Corps and the National Service were paramilitaryorganisationsaimed at militarising political consciousness, beginning with children as young as eightyearsold.Allowmeto q u o t e f r o m a PNC/government document called “Youth: A Destiny to Mold”.

Here is a direct quote –“National Service, whose major objectives are the same as the Youth Corps, offers the opportunity to serve their country to all Guyanese eight years and older” (Ministry of Cooperatives and National Mobilisation,1974,p.40).

Many will recall the Knowledge Sharing

Institutes (KSI). If you do not, they were places that sold government regulated groceries Availability depended on a PNC Party card.

Member of Parliament Ferguson gushes about Burnham and education, so m u ch s o t h a t s h e misrepresents who founded the University of Guyana. But more than that, she neglects to mention that National Service was a way to control who got into UG, and concomitantly, who got into senior positions in the civil service UG itself became a bastion of a friends, families, and comrades.

God’s supposed gift to Guyana, Mr Burnham (and through his legacy) saw the country record years of economic decline GDP performancemakesthecase with hard evidence. Hence (1976) -9 13%; (1977) -

2 02%; (1981)-5 63%; (1984) -10.29%; (1987)29 29%; (1990 -7 54%; (1991)-11.76%.

Guyanese by the thousands poured out of the countryduringtheBurnham years.

Many endured heartbreaking hardships trying to abscond.Somepaidwithall their life-savings, others borrowed, and still others escaped from what then appeared to be a Godforsaken land, through means that will never be talkedabout.

Editor, in closing it is only fitting that for Ms. Ferguson’sownedificationI quote from the Cde. Leader himself. Said Mr Burnham on December 14, 1974 –“Let us not indulge in trumpet blowing and vacuous boasting” (Sophia Declaration).

Sincerely

Dr RandolphPersaud

High Court Judge, Justice Gino Persaud has granted judgment against TrinidadianCompany,Davis EcolifeLtdinanapplication broughtbytheNationalData Management Authority (NDMA) through the Attorney General’s Chambers.

On the 31st January 2023, NDMA filed an amended Fixed Date Application (FDA) seeking several reliefs including an order for restitution in the sum of $6,159,325, constituting an advance payment made by the claimanttoDavisEcolifeLtd for which there were no worksdone.

The Trinidadian company failed to file an Affidavit in Defence to the application and failed to attend court on two occasions The Court therefore granted judgment in the sum of $6,159,325.00 and costs in the sum of

$500,000 in favour of NDMA.

The NDMA is a body corporate established under the National Data Management Authority Act Cap.27:13,LawsofGuyana and is responsible for data processing and information systemsinthePublicSector Davis Ecolife Ltd, is a companyIncorporatedunder the Companies Act 1995 of Trinidad and Tobago and by way of letter dated 7th November 2018, the companyhelditselfouttobe the sole distributor and creators of the Eco Pod building system, a system that combines energy efficient building systems with solar technology to offer one complete product. Onthe30thNovember2018, the National Procurement Tender Administration granted its approval for the contract provision of Eco PodsforNDMAtobe1

(Continuedonpage8)

Court orders T&T company to repay NDMA $6.1M for undelivered Eco Pods

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HOW OIL COMPANIES CHEAT - PART III

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Oil companies take risks!

They gamble that new producing countries are overjoyed with oil revenues.

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The oil companies are usually right, so they pull fast ones…

Like charging countries for what was never bought, never delivered!

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Oil companies play with our money, leaders play along when they are in bed with cheaters.

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Either we learn quickly, or we will be taught hard, billion-dollar lessons!

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Opposition wants Parliament to approve Motions, questions within eight days

Opposition Member of is published on a Notice That Standing Order No. “What we found as the Parliament (MP), Ganesh Paper and not counting the 20(2) be removed and Parliamentarians is that you Mahipaul has submitted a daywhenistheSittingofthe replaced with, “Questions submit these questions and Motion to the National National Assembly This andMotionssubmittedtothe these Motions in a timely Assembly, seeking to have means 23 days after the Clerk of the National manner to deal with matters issues raised by his approvaloftheSpeaker Assemblymustbesubmitted that are current but because colleagues processed and Mahipaul in an invited to the Speaker of the of the length of time we take approved within eight days comment said, “The records National Assembly within to have Parliament Sittings bytheHouse. show that the Speaker four (4) days of receipt, who and because of the Standing

According to the (Manzoor Nadir) does not in shall then consider Orders’requirementinterms Standing Orders that govern our view treat questions and QuestionsandMotions.”” of days that it ought to be on the proceedings of the motions expeditiously when Mahipaul also submitted the Notice Paper before House, a question takes 21 submitted to him hence this that changes be made to goingontheOrderPaper,we Isaacs is usually to ensure correct it to bring it in line clear days before going on Motionwillsetatimelinefor allow for any question find that it takes a long time MPs adhere to the Standing with what ought to be the Order Paper once hispronouncement.” without notice that may tobeapproved.” Orders in their line of approved so it can go on the approved by the Speaker, In the Motion seen by infringetheprovisionsofthe Tothisend,hesaidifthis questions. notice paper faster and can whereas a Motion takes 12 this newspaper, the Standing Order be allowed Motion is successful, the The Clerk then forwards satisfy the requirement in clear days before going on Opposition MP said he to print or rephrased and be timetakenbytheClerkofthe the document to the Speaker terms of days on the notice the Order Paper once proposes that Standing a d v i s e d i f d e e m e d National Assembly, for final approval This, paperbeforeitmakesittothe approvedbytheSpeaker Order Numbers 20 (2), (3) inadmissible. Sherlock Isaacs to approve according to the Opposition orderpaper,”Mahipaulsaid. ‘Clear days’refer to days and27(2)beamended. At a news conference the questions will be limited could stall the process for It was reported that a not counting the day when it He said, “Be it resolved: yesterday,theMPexplained, to four days. The vetting by weeks; however, the Motion submitted by amendment would cap the Opposition MP, David Speaker’s approval within Patterson took 154 days fourdaysaswell. before it was finally

“We are also asking for approved and debated in the the Speaker’s time of having NationalAssemblylastyear these questions and Motions The Motion, seeking full on his desk be four days also liability coverage for oil after which he notifies the spills, was first tabled in the Members that are asking the HouseonFebruary16,2022. questions or submitting the It was later debated and Motion what are the thrown out by the governing objections and how they can sideonJuly21,2022.

Court orders T&T company to repay...

From page 6 damages in excess of awarded to Davis Ecolife $100,000 for breach of L t d f o r t h e contract; adeclarationthat tendered/corrected sum of Davis Ecolife Ltd has been US$66,941.00. unjustly enriched in the

On the 4th December sum of $6,159,325 as 2018, NDMA executed a money it had received; an written agreement with order for restitution from Davis Ecolife Ltd at an Trinidad company in the a g r e e d p r i c e o f sum of $6,159,325 00, US$66,941 00 for the constituting an advance s u p p ly o f tw o ( 2 ) payment made by the prefabricated enclosures Claimant to the defendant (Eco Pods) to house ICT for which there were no hubs to be installed at two worksdone sitesidentifiedbyNDMA. T h e Tr i n i d a d i a n

On the 22nd January Company failed to file an 2019, a deposit of Affidavit in Defence to the US$28,449 54 equivalent Application and failed to to $6,159,325.00 was paid attend court on two to Davis Ecolife Ltd. by occasions. way of wire transfer

The The Court therefore said agreement had a granted judgment in the completion date of 25th sum of $6,159,325.00 and January 2019; however, costsinthesumof$500,000 Davis Ecolife Ltd. failed infavourofNDMA. and/or neglected to perform NDMAwas represented the contract in accordance by the Anil Nandlall SC with the agreed completion Attorney General and date. Minister of Legal Affairs,

On the 31st January and Mr Teakaram Singh, 2023, NDMA through the StateCounsel. Attorney General’s Davis Eco Life Ltd was Chambers filed an initially represented by Amended FDAseeking the Attorney-at-law, Mr Javed several reliefs including a Shadick and thereafter by declaration that Davis Ms Marissa Nadir, Ecolife Ltd breached the Attorney-at-law. Both contract executed on the Attorneys withdrew their 4th December 2018; appearancesinthematter.

Opposition MP, Ganesh Mahipaul

GUYANA HAS NOT ALWAYS MET ITS EITI DEADLINES

Excuseswillgetus nowhere. And in the ongoing blame-game which is taking place concerning Guyana’s failuretosubmit,inatimely manner, its 4th Annual Report, blame and excuses are being applied fast and thick.

O n e s i d e , t h e government, appears be laying the blame on two members of the Multistakeholder Group (MSG) which oversees the process.

Those two members reportedlyabstainedwhenit came to voting on the approval of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Independent Administrator (IA) that is required to vet specific data relating to the process.

In return, the two members are claiming that the process was affected by the ‘disappearance’ of the National Coordinator who wasabsentforfourmonths.

The two representatives of the civil society component of the MSG are now indicating that draft Terms of Reference (TOR) which was presented for approval was deficient. But why should it have taken so longforthis‘deficient’TOR tobeamended?

It is not as if it is rocket science to prepare a TOR or that this was a completely newexercise.

I n f a c t , E I T I Internationalprovidesadraft template for the Terms of R

T h e t e m p l a t e i s downloadableandallowsfor adjustments and changes to be adapt to every country’s situation.Sowhyshouldthe TORbeaproblemwhenthe EITIInternationalprovidesa draft for use by all its membercountries?

The TOR process is not new to Guyana. The Third EITl Report for Guyana had alreadybeenpreparedforthe year 2019. It is a public document.

The TOR used for the appointment of an Independent Administrator for that Report could have been used as a precedent for amending the draft TOR whichhadbeensubmittedin respect to the 4th Report. Blame is now being cast on the National Coordinator It is said that he was missing for four months from the process.

But whether this is so or notshouldnothavedelayed, unduly, the process for preparing the TOR for the 2020 report – the Fourth Report. The appointment of the TOR could have been longbeenexpedited.

The ongoing post mortem into this issue therefore should now focus on the following questions.

Dem Boys Seh...

What made the TOR deficient? What would it have taken to have the TOR

amended especially considering that a model TOR is available from the EITI International? If the draft TOR submitted by the National Coordinator was deemed deficient, clearly there had to be reasons identified for the deficiencies and clearly therefore those deficiencies could have been and should have been addressed more expeditiously

Why was it necessary to conscript 2 staff into the process? Was it simply to prepare the new TORs? If this is the case then something seriously wrong is taking place within the MSG. It is hard to imagine what could be so deficient about the TORs that would take four months to fix. There could hardly be the needtoreinventtheTORs.

The media has spun this issue as if the PPPC administration has been neglectful in preparing the 4th Annual Report and that this represents a remission fromthestandardssetbythe A P N U + A F C administration. This is far from so. The failure to meet the deadline for the submissionofthe4thAnnual Report is not the first such occurrence.

At the 38th MSG

People shoplifting plenty!

De Saturday after de Mash Parade, de commercial areas did quiet. Business was slow Is like people shop till dem drop fuh MashanddenafterdeMashdemdropagain.

Wan man meet dem boys in de supermarket and he seh how yuh gat to be careful wah yuh putting in yuh trolley because when yuh meet de cashier, yuh mightgetaheartattack.

But dem boys does be counting as dem shopping. So when dem meet de cashier, demdoneknowwhatisdetotal.Demboysis a human calculator when it comes to shopping. Yuh can’t tek chance dese days. Yuhmightgetembarrasswhenyuhmeetup and find yuh nah gat enough money to pay foryuhgoods.

Butwhatdoesmekdemboysconcerned is de amount of people wah shoplifting in Guyana.Peoplefindallkindofcrease,crack and compartment fuh put de things dem stealing from de supermarkets. And de cameraspickingdemupwhendemdoneleff delocation.

Isnotdattimessoharddatpeoplegatto shoplift. We had harder times and people

never used to steal as much. Is like people jusslikestealing.

Andyuhwouldnotbelievedeamountof womenshopliftersdemgat.

Yuh ever hear people stealing ladders from hardware store? Well a woman get ketchdeodderdaystealingaladder Shehad itinshestockings.

Itmekdemboysrememberdestoryofde old lady wah get ketch shoplifting in a supermarket.Demchargesheandshehadto appearinfrontofamagistrate.

De magistrate ask she, “What did you steal?”

Shesaidatinofpeaches.

De magistrate ask she, “How much peacheswereindetin?”Sheanswered,“

“Isonlyninepeaches.”

So de magistrate tell she, “Ah gan give yuhonedayforeachpeachdatyoustole.So datisninedaysofjailfuhyou.”

Avoicecamefromdebackofdecourt.It was de old lady’s long-suffering husband. He told the magistrate, “Your Worship, she alsostoletwopintsofsplitpeas.”

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

Meeting held in November 2020,itwasreportedthatthe Secretariat would have to write EITI International for an extension for the submission of the 2nd Report.

The extension to be requested was up to February 2021. The same fate greeted the 3rd Report. At the 45th MSG Meeting held on 10th November 2021,adecisionwastakento write for EITI International for an extension to submit thesaidreport.

Whatallofthisrevealsis that this is not the first time

that Guyana has had to ask for an extension of the deadline to submit its reports. And this suggests that there are problems which have to be addressed withintheMSGandthelocal EITISecretariat.

But the problems in not meeting deadlines could wellhavetheiroriginsinthe Secretariat’s dependence on external sources for the collection and provision of data.

Guyana is not renowned for the timely collection of its data, and the EITI’s Secretariat dependence on

external sources for data may well prove to be the fly onitsointment.

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

Tax evasion, gold smuggling, major sources...

Frompage3 and prosecuted over 2,000 cases, the Working Group said there were only 586 convictions over the period, adding that authorities were only able to confiscate US$ 282,138 which includes currency and other movable property such as motor vehicles.

The WG also referenced the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) published by the United States’ Bureau of International Narcotics and Law EnforcementAffairs in March2020.

That document noted that “Guyana is a transit countryforcocainedestined for the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe,andWestAfrica.

In fact, cocaine originating in Colombia is smuggled to Venezuela and onward to Guyana by sea or air

Smugglers also transit land borders and the shared river network with Brazil, V e n e z u e l a , a n d Suriname…”

It also states that drug traffickers exploit the country’s poorly monitored

ports, remote airstrips, intricate river networks, porous land borders, as well as the permissive environment created as a result of corruption and the under-resourced security sector

Considering these factors, the Working Group said illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substance represent a High Threat of money laundering in Guyana.

As it pertains to fraud, theWorkingGroupsaidLaw Enforcement Agencies detected or investigated 1,139 instances of fraud, resulting in 1,152 prosecutions and 302 convictions. In addition, the FIU made 7 disseminations to SOCU relating to suspectedfraudoccurringin Guyana.

However, there were no reportedseizuresorrestraint ofpropertyinrelationtothis offence.

TheWorkingGroupsaid the estimated value of this crime is about US$8 4 million and therefore represents a high-risk area forthecountry

RECOMMENDATIONS

S o m e o f t h e recommendations put forward by the Working Grouptoaddresstheexisting Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing threats andvulnerabilitiesidentified in the report include the development of an updated NationalMoneyLaundering and Terrorist Financing Policy and Strategy along withadditionalamendments to the AML/CFT Act and otherlegislation.

Some of these proposed amendments have already been drafted/ passed (AMLCFT Amendment Act passedandsignedoffbythe President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on August 11, 2022. Efforts to strengthen domestic cooperation and coordination among competent authorities concerningthedevelopment and implementation of AML/CFTactivitiesarealso ongoing. These, along with the report, no doubt ensure Guyana’s readiness for its Fourth Round Mutual EvaluationbytheCaribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF)whichisscheduled forthethirdquarterof2023.

Brazilians caught mining illegally in Rupununi remanded

STEMGuyana signs exclusive agreement with IYRC body to train and certify

STEM club coaches for global robotics competition

The Brazilian nationals S h e t h e n m a d e a n whowerecaughtatanillegal application for bail to be mining site in the Rupununi, grantedtoFelix. Region Nine were on M e a n w h i l e , Mondayremandedtoprison.

unrepresented Silva was

The defendants, 54-year- charged with illegal entry old Alexander Felix Plan, a into Guyana. He pleaded not pilot and 26-year-old Luan guiltytothecharge.

Braziltotheirminingcamps. Ricardo Brags Silva, a The police prosecutor They were also equipped miner, appeared virtually objected to bail being with small engines and a before Magistrate Allen granted to Felix and Silva. stonecrusher Wilson at the Lethem As such, Magistrate Wilson

Based on photos of their Magistrates’Court. denied the lawyer’s bail mining set-up taken by the Felix was charged for application and remanded GDF, it appears that the men operating a civil aircraft both Felix and Silva to w e r e c o n d u c t i n g without an airworthiness prison. The matters have underground mining certificate, interference with beenadjournedtoMarch16. operations via the tunnel an aircraft, operating an Kaieteur News had method better known in aircraft without insurance, reported that on Sunday, Latin American countries as and having arrived in February 19, that members “Vetamining”. Guyana by air, disembarked of the Guyana Defence GDF spent some four without the consent of an Force (GDF) arrested two days to destroy the camp. immigration officer The Brazilian nationals and The camps were dismantled pilot pleaded not guilty to all seized a helicopter after they and set on fire while the thecharges. were found illegally mining tunnels were flooded and Felix was represented by for gold in the New River destroyed. The army took attorney-at-law Kezia AreaofRupununi. possession of the helicopter Williams, who told the court TheBrazilianshadawell and confiscated some that her client resides at organised operation ongoing e x p e n s i v e m i n i n g Eccles, East Bank Demerara with a helicopter to transport equipment. (EBD)whenheisinGuyana. materials and supplies from

Uitvlugt man wanted for sexual assault

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for Sachin Sukram of Lot 91 Uitvlugt Pasture, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Sukram is wanted for sexual assault that reportedly occurred on October 6, 2022 at Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara(ECD).

Anyone with information aboutSukram’swhereaboutsis asked to contact the nearest policestationorcall225-6940.

Wanted: Sachin Sukram

STEMGuyana, the non- STEMGuyana said it has The certification will profit organisation dedicated been preparing multiple also help to build a strong to promoting STEM teams for participation in the foundation for STEM education in Guyana, has IYRC competition since education in Guyana and signedanagreementwiththe 2018, with teams earning help to promote STEM InternationalYouthRobotics gold, silver, and most education and opportunities Competition (IYRC) to be recently, bronze in the 2022 for young people in the the exclusive body in competition. The coaching country “Weareproudtobe Guyana to train and certify certification programme selected as the certifying STEM club coaches who collaboration with the IYRC body and the body chosen to will prepare students for will help STEMGuyana to manage the IYRC qualifier participation in the IYRC build on its success and event in Guyana,” stated globalroboticscompetition. continuetodeveloptheskills STEMGuyana Director,

The agreement enables of young people in Guyana, Karen Abrams. “We have STEMGuyana to enforce thepressreleaseadded. beenworkingwiththeIYRC standardsthatarerecognised “The IYRC competition program since 2018 and we internationally, ensuring that is a great opportunity for are happy to share our all students in clubs across students to showcase their expertise with clubs across the country receive the same skills in robotics and other Guyana” high-quality education and STEM fields It is a In a requested comment, preparation for the IYRC challenging competition that STEMGuyana Media competition In a press requires creativity, problem- Representative, L Caleb release, the organisation said solving abilities, and Christian stated that, that the agreement also technical skills The “STEMGuyana has been allows STEMGuyana to be competition provides a working hard to promote thelonebodyresponsiblefor platformforstudentstolearn STEM education in Guyana, hosting the national IYRC and grow and develop their and this agreement with the q u a l i f i e r r o b o t i c s abilities in these critical IYRC is a testament to our competition, from which the areas,”STEMGuyanasaid. commitment and dedication top 10 teams will be chosen T h e c o a c h i n g to the children of Guyana. to participate All the certification collaboration Wi t h t h e c o a c h i n g

STEMGuyana clubs use the with the IYRC will help certification, STEMGuyana high quality MRT-3 robotics STEMGuyana to ensure that is well-positioned to kit which can be used to all students in clubs across continuetodeveloptheskills create hundreds of different the country receive the same of young people in Guyana robotsandwhichisalsoused high-quality education and and help them to achieve in the annual IYRC preparation for the their full potential in these internationalcompetition. competition. criticalareas.”

Alexander Felix Plan

Luan Ricardo Brags Silva

The helicopter seized by GDF

Members of various STEM clubs across the country who will soon be preparing for the National Robotics qualifier challenge.

Miss World Guyana launches ‘Beauty with a purpose’ project targeting financial literacy among youths

Miss World Guyana Queen, Andrea King and her parents during the launch of her financial literacy project

Reigning Miss World Guyana, the vehicle for Project FLO and the Andrea King launched her ‘Beauty continuation of all activities in withaPurpose’projectyesterdayat keepingwithhermission. the GTT Corporate Centre at the She was also pleased to PegasusHotel. announce that Project FLO’s

During her remarks at the official website is live, at launch, King explained that the www.projectflo.gy. The website is ‘BeautywithaPurpose’projectisa currently in its initial phase with key component of the Miss World general information about the competition which is set to take project. She said Guyanese can place in May in the United Arab expect to see further development Emirates. to host digital learning tools and a

“As your Miss World National resources section that will provide Representative, I have the information on financial opportunity to use my influence to institutions in Guyana with make a positive impact in my respective links to get in contact country and the world at large. It is withthem. against this backdrop that I have King also used the opportunity decided to launch a project that to thank her parents whose support addresses the ongoing absence of has been the bedrock of her early financial literacy orientation aspirations. She also expressed in schools,” the Guyanese queen gratitudetotheMissWorldGuyana said. King said she believes that organisation for being hands-on in financial literacy is a necessary life guiding her ‘Beauty with a skill that plays an integral role in Purpose’journey She also thanked disrupting generational poverty GTT, Cacique Consulting and the cycles and preventing economic Government of Guyana, especially abuse. She said ‘Project FLO’aims economic growth is projected, the a range of activities and initiatives, “As I continue this mission, I Minister of Tourism Oneidge to educate young people about the expansion of the gap between the including financial education will work with local schools, youth Walrond and Minister of importanceoffinancialliteracyand rich and the poor is also expected. workshops, financial literacy organizations, and community Information, Kwame McCoy for empower them with the right With a syllabus that was provided school tours, and community groupstoraiseawarenessaboutthe makingthelaunchpossible. knowledge and skills they need to by the Central Bank of Guyana, we events. importance of financial literacy Also on her list of appreciation make informed decisions when have an answer to the much needed As of today, February 28, the while advocating for the inclusion was the Ministry of Education and managingfinance. orientation in personal financial first Financial Literacy Orientation of a sound financial literacy Mr Richard Rambarran, Executive

King said this is particularly management principles among school tour will commence, with syllabus in our educational Member of the Georgetown important given the trajectory of Guyanese youth,” the young three schools in Region 6 system,”Kingstated. Chamber of Commerce and Guyana’s economy as an oil womansaid. benefitting from classroom In the coming weeks, King also Industry (GCCI) who accepted the producingnation.

King was keen to note that workshops on money management shared that she will be launching a call to serve as an advisor when

“In any economy where rapid ‘ProjectFLO’s’rolloutwillinclude andresponsibility non-profit organisation that will be ProjectFLOisrolledout.

First ever STEM robotics expo for children with disabilities launched

Scenes from yesterday’s launch.

Maths (STEM) Robotics Exhibition for children with disabilities which was held yesterday at Umana Yana.

The Guyana Council of supported by ExxonbMobil support from ExxonMobil approximately 130 children neglected for a longtime programme reaching more Organisations for Persons Guyana. and the University of with disabilities. According within the special education children with disabilities, with Disabilities (GCOPD) Theprogrammewasfirst Guyana Robotics Club, they to the Programme Manager, system. Yes, the children some of the projects they on Monday launched its first launched in February 2020 were able to work with throughthisprogrammethey were exposed to some level have come up with are ever Science Technology with STEM clubs being approximately 200 children were able to teach the of science but not in a level innovative ideas to provide Engineering and Maths established in the Special with disabilities in nine childrenbasicrobotics,basic that we as advocates for solutions to everyday (STEM) Robotics exhibition Education Needs (SEN) Special Education Needs coding,helpthemtodevelop children with disabilities problem in the society “And forchildrenwithdisabilities. schools in Region Four Schools and one training critical and problem-solving would like. With this project to think that children with

t Currently, there are 10 centre. He noted so far that skills, expose them to we were able to get more in disabilitieswhoarenotinthe significant ceremony was STEM clubs in all the SEN the programme has been

dept. We have not achieved top level of our education held at the Umana Yana schoolsacrossthecountry doneintwophases. engineering and maths our goal as yet because we system are the ones to come located at Kingston, Deliveringremarksatthe Inphaseone,hesaidthey concepts, and also at the have a lot more plan in the up with these solutions it is Georgetown The STEM launching ceremony had about 70 children with same time raise their level of not-too-distant future to inspiring and at the same Robotics programme for y e s t e r d a y, G C O D ’s disabilities and had a small environmentalawareness. build on what was done,” time it is fulfilling to know children with disabilities is a Programme Manager, graduation in 2020 and in “We were able to get into Singhsharedyesterday that what we have put in, national initiative being Ganesh Singh said that over phase two they have for the a field with children with He mentioned too that somethingcameoutofit,”he spearheadedbyGCOPDand the past three years with first time the exhibition with disabilities that were with phase two of the (Continued on page 16)

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge interacting with students of St. Barnabas Special School at the launched of the Science Technology Engineering and

Concerns grow over livelihood of fishermen as Exxon embarks on survey in Demerara River

- Environmentalist flags lack of public consultations, possible non-approval by EPA

Esso Exploration and

In another notice,

boreholes from which Production Guyana Limited samples are collected and (EEPGL), the subsidiary of then taken for analysis. A oil major, ExxonMobil has geophysical survey on the embarked on a series of other hand involves offshore surveys in the measuring the physical Demerara River that can properties of the seabed and disrupt the habitats of fish, determining the presence of therebyfurtherimpactingthe any feature or change in a livelihoods of fisherfolk in materialcomposition. thecountry

T h e M a r i t i m e MARAD said EEPGL is Administration Department conducting a ‘Multibeam (MARAD) in a recent public Hydrographic Survey’ notice published in the daily approximately 08 27 newspapers advised that on nautical miles (15 32 February 24, 2023, EEPGL kilometers) off the Coast of scheduled to wrap up on w i l l c o m m e n c e a Guyana. The site covers an November 1, 2023 This g e o t e c h n i c a l a n d area of 802 44 square notice did not indicate the geophysical survey in the nautical miles (2752 30 purpose of the surveys vicinity of the Demerara squarekilometers). Research done by this Main Ship Channel and off

T h e a c t i v i t i e s newspaper indicates that a the West Coast of Demerara commenced on February 23, geotechnical survey in the vicinity of Plantation 2023 and is set to conclude involves testing the physical Best. onJuly31,2023. properties of the soil, to According to the Notice,

A Multi-beam survey is provide recommendations “The survey site is situated done to gather detailed for foundation requirements, approximately 01 05 information about the excavation stability, nautical miles (1 96

features on the seabed by drainageandburiedconcrete kilometers) off the Coast of measuring multiple depths design. Guyana, and covers an area from a single transducer

It would be apposite to of 70 08 square nautical array at high resolution.This note that the survey process miles (240 40 square processproducesisahighly involves drilling several kilometers.” The exercise

(Continued on page 16)

Govt. to spend $2.6B to upgrade Morawhanna, Kumaka stellings

Hydrographic Survey Area

Early morning fire guts Norton Street house

The Guyana Fire Service ( G F S ) i s c u r r e n t l y investigating the cause of an early morning fire which destroyed a house at Lot 6971 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown.

ToaccommodatethenewUS$12.7MMV Already, the Ministry signed a contract Ma Lisha ferry that is scheduled to arrive in worth $1,056,452,458 to have the Kingston Guyana from India soon, the Ministry of Goodswharfrehabilitated. Public Works is preparing to spend an The US$12.7 million new passenger and estimated $2,688,076,915 to upgrade the cargo ferry is scheduled to arrive in Guyana Morawhanna and Kumaka Stellings that are soon.The vessel was built by Gardens Reach locatedinRegionOne. Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE)

The Ministry is seeking contractors to as part of the Government of India’s Line of submittendersfortheprojects. Accordingto Credit-cum-Grant project. The vessel is an advertisement, the Ministry is estimating slated to ply the Georgetown to North-West that$1,903,322,161wouldcosttoretrofitthe routewhenitarrivesinthecountry stelling at Kumaka while $784,754,754 is The ferry which measures 70 metres long peggedfortheworksatMorawhanna. was designed by the in house GRSE team.

Bidding which will be done through the The vessel is being propelled by two National Competitive Bidding procedures caterpillar engines and twin gear boxes to would see the projects being opened at the achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots. It is National Procurement and Tender designed to carry 294 persons, 14 vehicles, Administration Board (NPTAB) on March two fully-loaded trucks, and 10 containers. It 15,2023.KaieteurNewshadreportedthatthe has a capacity of 250 tons and complies with Ministry is planning to upgrade a number of allinternationalregulations. stellings to accommodate the ferry when it Besides upgrading the wharves, the arrives. Additionally, works will be done on Ministry had recently sent 10 employees the structures at Mabaruma, Port Kaituma fromtheTransportandHarboursDepartment andtheKingstonGoodsWharf. fortrainingrelatedtothenewferry

According to a report fromtheFireService,thefire started sometime around 00:21hrs and water tenders and carriers from the Central, West Ruimveldt, C a m p b e l l v i l l e , a n d Alberttown Fire Stations weredeployed.

Upon arrival, the firefighters saw the wooden and concrete house engulfed in flames. The building and all its content were destroyed. Luckily, no one wasathomeatthetimeofthe fire. It is unclear who the ownerandoroccupantofthe houseis.

Meanwhile, the Fire Service said that three buildings located on the fire According to the machine and a television northern side of the statement, two walls, werealldamagedbythefire. destroyed building were ceilings, guttering, pipes, Invest

damaged as a result of the four plastic tanks, a washing ongoing.

The Norton Street house engulfed in flames on Monday.

BerbiceRiver

Maps showing the location of the survey sites

Environmental activist, Janette Bulkhan

The newly built ocean-going passenger and cargo ferry called MV Ma Lisha which has set sail for Guyana.

FI.WR.60s 16M Georgetown Clonbrook Holm

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Baby found abandoned at Recess seashore

A newborn baby boy is currently hospitalised at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital after he was found abandoned just after noon yesterday at the Recess seashore, East Coast Demerara.

VACANCY

Maid required to cook and clean in East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics, grade one or two, email application to: techserigy @yahoo.com or Call: 6159132.

Merchandisers and Receptionist needed. Email: info@ vegeworld.net or Call:2277714/ 223-3448.

According to Commander of Region Five, Senior Superintendent, Kurleigh Simon, his ranks received a call just around 14:45hrs yesterday and responded to the Recess seashore where the baby was found in a bag. He noted that immediately the baby was taken to the hospital for examination. Doctors, he said, have confirmed that the baby was “okay.” The male neonate is currently admitted at the hospital’s maternity ward receiving care. Local authorities have since launched an investigation into his case.

The Mahaicony Cottage Hospital

Concerns grow over livelihood...

From page 14 accurate 3D picture of the sea floor.

Cook and Domestic needed. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

One Massagist/ Physiotherapist needed. Call: 6159132. Driver required, ages 23-50 yrs. Must be able to assist in Workshop at Eccles and must have car and van licence. Call: 645-8443.

General Domestic needed to work in Herstelling, ages 35yrs and older. Call: 6970157.

Farm Workers needed to work at Hauraruni and Hog Island. Call: 674-8723.

Security Officer needed to work in the Interior location. Call: 691-6081/ 223-7165.

Skilled Mason needed to do fine work, $10-12k per day. Call: 623-2900.

Drivers/ Expeditors needed to drive car/van and lorry in Georgetown. Ages 25-55 yrs, Call: 226-9768/ 225-7528.

PORTERS WANTED FOR PVC CEILING. APPLY@ WHY PAY MORE TRADING, 7 PUBLIC RD HOUSTON E.B.D WITH APPLICATION.

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SERVICES

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With eight and five months of work, respectively for the two separate operations, the public has not been engaged neither has the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Permit for the activities. At least none was available on its website on Monday afternoon.

To this end, environmental activist Janette Bulkhan in a letter to this newspaper said she believes the activities are illegal, since it has the potential to affect fish habitats. She outlined in a missive, “The Environmental Protection Agency has an obligation under the EP (Environ-

mental Protection) Act 1996 to require an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for such potential disturbance of the populations of fish on which our fishermen depend and which contribute greatly to the protein in the diet of coastlanders.”

According to the Environmental Protection Act, each project to be pursued that will affect the environment must be subjected to the approval of the EPA. An application must be made to the EPA, which then triggers the screening process, where officers of the regulatory body assess the likely impacts on the environment and human health.

The decision on whether an EIA is required or not is

then published by the regulator which then activates a comments period in which the public can oppose this decision. There was however no such engagement or notices on the part of the EPA.

Bulkhan in her letter explained, “The MARAD notices indicate that these surveys have already started, apparently illegally without EPA authorization and without public consultation. Such activities without authorization also contradict the aspirations of the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (Ocean Economy/Fisheries on pages 33 and 34 of the LCDS).”

She is calling on the government to address the situation urgently.

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From page 13 added. Lastly, Singh stated that in moving forward, they are planning to go ahead into phase three come April, and this is to ensure that more children with disabilities are exposed to STEM and also the students that are currently part of the clubs that they can learn new concepts.

“We are planning to establish a club especially for children who are on the autism

spectrum and we will do this by developing or modifying the current curriculum,” he noted.

Speaking briefly at the ceremony, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge who expressed that his company is pleased to partner with GCOPD on this initiative noted that the “STEM programme is one of ExxonMobil’s cooperate social responsibility focused

areas.” On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Advisor to the Minister, Africo Selman yesterday commended GCOPD for introducing the STEM robotics programme for children with disabilities. “This reflects the commitment, the dedications, the passion and affection for our children who are specially challenged but extremely gifted, congratulations,” she expressed.

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From page 5 simply lift the poor out of poverty has turned into a proverbial fight, a war between our governments and the people they are supposed to represent.

When governments disregard and break laws designed to protect its citizens, oppress segments of its population, encourage companies both local and foreign to trample upon our labor, our environment, regardless of what they say, these governments do not represent the interests and wishes of Guyanese.

When they allow our welfare to be throttled because of the intransigence of their public officials, we know these governments are intent on serving themselves only. We

know that we have become second class citizens who they consider are appointed to suffer under their incompetence and disregard for our welfare. These governments are at war with their people, intent only on remaining in power and getting rich off the backs of their citizens.

The task at hand is to develop a core leadership within the DNC which will be fully competent and functional from day one should we win at the national elections. This will require the input of Guyanese who recognize that Guyana cannot move forward without a third party in charge of our government, and who can commit themselves to working to build the Democratic national Congress into

the viable party that it needs to win more than fifty percent of the votes in the national elections.

This sounds like a big task, but I am confident that with close to fifty percent of the country living around the poverty line this is achievable. I have always been of the opinion that Guyanese are smarter than their governments. This is a great opportunity to use our democracy to prove that this is so, that we can indeed govern better than our governments. We have two years to secure our future.

Yours faithfully, Craig

Sylvester, Party Leader, Democratic National Congress

By GHK Lall

I have to admit to being wrongaboutVenezuela.The thinkingwasthatafteryears of severe hardship, Senor Nicholas Maduro and company would be glad to take the swiftest and fullest advantage of the partial opening of the door to a full return to some level of watchful (American) regard andstability

The projection was that our neighbours would keep heads low, seal lips, and focus on boosting productionandrebuildingin the quickest, most efficient, manner. Not to be, as Guyana is right up there among the burning priorities, and the enveloping passions just have to be made known; ambitions also with that prized Essequibo, and who knows what else not stated publicly The march of oil does that to those who don’t look too kindly on our endowments and how we hustle forward with them, possibly draining what is concludedtobelongtothem.

Consideringthis,Idoubt that there are many voicescontrarian, insistent, loud-in Venezuela pushing against what I assess to be an overwhelming tide. Guyana belongs to Venezuela; well, at least five-eights of it. Thereisneitherdivisionnor pushback over there, as originating in Caracas and spiraling throughout the country

We can’t say the same here. A dog passes by in Guyana, and one set of people declare it to be a devil, while the other embraces it as a donkey

OP:ED Divided we fall

More shouldn’t have to be said.

Over there, the Venezuelans are speaking with one voice, and its screams against what the Yankees and Guyanese are doing over here - violating sacred national patrimony Theirs, not ours. Guyanese had better come to their senses, especially rowdy, raucous, and rapscallion leaders.

It is because the Venezuelan position and vision are not what promise toeaseup,goaway,neverto return.Notwithoilandgold in such quantities; it doesn’t matter about disputed territory or otherwise Unlike Guyana, Venezuelan passion, ambition, and position are not going anywhere. This is not about elections,andweak,corrupt, and dirty local politicians hustlingtogetneartopower tohelpthemselvestomoney This is the strong and dedicated and clean-eyed in Venezuela never, ever, letting go of what is said to be theirs The ICJ can deliberate, adjudicate, and pontificate all it wants, but the Venezuelan position is unchanging:Guyanaisours, all53square,asassertedfor over a century This is stone set in steel overlayed by strings of livewire suffused with 50,000 volts In essence, that is Venezuela whereGuyanaisconcerned.

Contrast that to the prevailing climate in Guyana: here we seek every opportunity to divide, then demean This is not a country,itisanapologyfora graveyard with leaders to match, a governance vision to match. We shatter and scatter our prize, our purpose, our possibilities. Onesmallsubsetofoneside feasts and gloats; the others exist in famine and fury Whenthisisourrawcontext, it is increasingly difficult to visualize how we can ever hold one head, one line, whenever an existential

situation threatens. Beyond the lip service, the heartfelt conviction is not there. Not when one group swaggers with regal contempt; not when another struggles with beingcondemnedtotherole of losers, pariahs, undesirables.Ifthepeoplein charge are kicking down, then insulting to boot when down, then it takes Superman to be there with them and stand up for them in a crunch. How can it be otherwise, when there is nothingtolivefor,nothingto fight for, nothing left, not even dignity, some minimal respect? They say that they are about oneness, but there are those subtracted from that one circle, and discarded. Get with me, or getlost. Icouldbewrongin thinking in that way about patriotic pride; or that Guyanese honour has an on/off switch. But if the sense of belonging has been snatched away, and noses rubbedintothemud,thenthe messages are clear There is no need for some in the demographic, which is what has taken hold. There are insiders and they are those who see themselves as outsiders, been condemned to that state. In the simplest terms,nodoginanyfight,no money on any horse in any race. This is the place to which our ugly, dirty, politics has dumped Leaders have relished doing their part, and none like the presentcrop.

I close with a piece of local culture. We have a matter with our neighbours beingweighedinEurope.As experiencedhere,somewho havelostinlocalcourtshave resorted to incinerating the source of the contention. Mattersdecidedunilaterally Meanwhile, grief rages in those sifting through the ashes The point is that unless we are what is truly national, what is powerfully binding (not gimmicks and artifices),thenweonlymake damnfoolsofourselves,and

more vulnerable to the adventures of the covetous.

TheAmbassador can take it from here to there. Maybe

that contract is worth its premiums (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do

not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

Holness leads CARICOM mission to Haiti

Prime Consensus for an Inclusive In this regard, Heads of Haitian stakeholders, to Government of Canada and Finally, the Heads of Minister Andrew Holness Transition and Transparent Government agreed to assistinthedevelopmentofa placed emphasis on Government agreed to build left Jamaica on Monday Elections, launched by the convene an early meeting of plan to restore security and strengtheningthecapacityof international partnerships in morning to lead a special Ariel Henry, the Interim stakeholdersinJamaica. theruleoflaw

TheHeadsof the Haitian National Police support of efforts to return Caribbean Community Prime Minister of Haiti, but They also agreed to Government noted the to protect the general Haiti to peace and stability as (CARICOM) mission to were of the view that it participateinameetingtobe various forms of security population from criminal anecessaryprecursorforfree, Haiti. Representatives from needed to be more inclusive. convened in Haiti with assistance provided by the activities. fairandcredibleelections the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and the CARICOM

Secretariat are part of the delegation. A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister says as part of this mission, members of the CARICOM delegation are expectedtohavediscussions with several critical Haitian stakeholdergroups.

Monday’s mission comes ahead of a planned stakeholder meeting in Jamaicainthecomingweeks to discuss the situation in Haiti which is confronted with political turmoil and corruption, and unrelenting gang violence, with armed groups committing murder, rape, as well as kidnappings. Attheendofthe44thregular summit of CARICOM HeadsofGovernmentinThe Bahamas less than two weeks ago, CARICOM chairman and host Prime Minister Philip Davis HAD said that the regional grouping had taken its moral obligation seriously as it relatestoresolvingtheissues in Haiti. He dismissed the idea of boots on the ground andthisstage,sayingthatthe firststepwouldbetoseehow CARICOM can strengthen theHaitiannationalpoliceto enable them to restore order and curb the criminal activitiesontheisland.

At their meeting, the heads reiterated that the Community must play a leadership role in addressing the deteriorating situation in Haiti, a Member State of the Community, towards which there are moral and political obligations. Heads affirmed thatdecisiveactionisneeded at the earliest opportunity by CARICOM in view of the mounting insecurity and its widespread impact on all facets of Haitian life. The Heads of Government were joined in part of their discussions by Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada The Heads of Government acknowledged the adoption of the December 21, 2022 political agreement, the National

…as security, governance deteriorate in the country

Prime Minister Andrew Holness

“Looking forward to challenging ourselves”

Brathwaite urges team to forget about Australia and Zimbabwe series ahead of first South Africa Test

SportsMax - West Indies

Test Captain Kraigg

Brathwaite wants his troops to put recent series against Australia and Zimbabwe in the past as they gear up to take on South Africa in the first of three Test matches beginning in Centurion today.

The regional side lost 0-2 away to Australia in December last year before beating Zimbabwe 1-0 in January 2023.

“I think Australia is obviously history and the Test series in Zimbabwe, obviously a different calibre team, it was good to get a series

with them. I think looking here at the South African team, they still have a lot of experience,” Brathwaite said at the press conference before the first Test.

“They have got world class bowlers and some quality batsmen, so we have to play some very good Test cricket and it is important that we take control of every hour and we don’t think about the big picture. If we take control of every hour, every session, I think we can do well,” he added.

The West Indies had three good batting displays

against the Zimbabweans, producing scores of 447-6 declared, 203-5 declared and 292.

Individually, Brathwaite’s opening partner Tagenarine Chanderpaul notched his maiden Test double ton while Raymon Reifer, Jermaine Blackwood and Roston Chase all hit fifties. Joshua Da Silva and Jason Holder both made half centuries in the warm-up match against a South Africa Invitational XI ahead of this series.

Brathwaite hopes this form can carry over into the first Test and beyond.

Tuesday February 28, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Today you'll find that you're the missing puzzle piece that people need in every situation, Aries. Engage in light conversation in social arenas and feel free to turn your charm up full blast.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You may find that people want to do a great deal of talking but not a great deal of feeling today, Taurus. Go ahead and put your emotions on the back burner and let your mind take over.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You should be able to evaluate your emotions from a very neutral, detached perspective today, Gemini. Use this opportunity to take action based on what you feel.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

If you're talking about another person today, Cancer, make sure you aren't saying anything that would be upsetting if they were standing right there. Gossip may be running rampant.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

You might find yourself a bit unfocused and confused about which way to go, Virgo. The baffled look on your face isn't helping anyone else figure out how to help you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

You might find yourself a bit unfocused and confused about which way to go, Virgo. The baffled look on your face isn't helping anyone else figure out how to help you.

.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

It's important for you to get outside and feel the wind blowing, Libra. Reconnect with nature and be aware of the four elements. Take deep breaths and fill your lungs with this energizing life force.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Make practical use of the thoughts you have synthesized over the last few days, Scorpio. Stretch your boundaries and extend your wisdom to the people around you. This is a day to take action.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

This is an important day for you to make valuable connections with others, Sagittarius. You'll find yourself engaged in fastpaced, witty conversations and debates from which you can learn.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It could be hard for you to get a handle on things today, Capricorn, as your focus seems to jump from one subject to the next without finding resolution for any.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You might come across strong opposition today from someone who seems to want to cut straight through to your heart, Aquarius. In reality,

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Act on your instincts today, Pisces, and you won't go wrong. You may need to give up a bit of control and put logical thinking aside for the day. Let the wind take you where it wants you to go.

“It is important that we have a team effort in South Africa. So, it’s good to see the top order getting some scores in Zimbabwe and the middleorder in the practice games before the first Test. It’s great. It’s important we put all the pieces together in this series,” he said.

The 30-year-old also encouraged his bowlers ahead of the first Test.

“I think we look forward to bowling at any batting lineup in the world,” Brathwaite said.

“We won’t be focusing on what the teams have done in the past. It’s important that we hit our straps and discipline is very important. We need to stick to our plans and the results will take care of themselves,” he added.

South Africa are coming off a 0-2 defeat at the hands of the Aussies themselves and are in a transitional period with Temba Bavuma taking charge in his first series as Test Captain after taking the reins from Dean Elgar.

The first Test bowls off today.

Kraigg Brathwaite batting against Zimbabwe.

Demerara Senior Men 61-3 in their 2nd innings, as rain affects Day Three

Across at the Guyana National Stadium (GNS), Providence; Day Three of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Men’s InterCounty Four-Day cricket tournament between Demerara and Berbice has been affected by rain. On what seemed to be a wonderful day for cricket; that reality was short-lived as Day Three was stopped duetotorrentialrain.

However, Berbice were dismissedfor330runsin93 overs with a lead of 48 runs early on; in reply of

Demerara’s first innings totalof282-10.

Prior to this, Tevin Imlach stroked a solid 62 (172) including nine fours for Demerara, while Veersammay Permaul pickedup4-59from31overs for Berbice in the first innings. Kevlon Anderson and Junior Sinclair innings puttheBerbiciansincontrol of the match when they batted. Anderson spent 251 minutes at the crease, scoring106(192),hitting13 foursinhisinningsfollowed byanaggressivehalfcentury

fromJuniorSinclair(84*).

On Day Three, Berbice with an over-night score of 312-8 were eventually dismissed for 330-10 inside thefirstsessionwithSinclair eventually scoring 92 (147); hitting nine fours and four massive sixes, while Chris Barnwellfinished4-54from his19overs.

Sachin Singh and Matthew Nandu returned withthebatforDemerarain the second innings, Nandu was first to depart; out caught by Anderson off the bowlingofShamarJoseph.

Demerara were 23-1 with Nandu the only wicket to fall before the lunch interval with Singh 13, Imlach 1. Demerara trailing by 25 runs at the end of the firstsessionafter27oversin thefirstsession.

Imlach was later bowled by Nial Smith, Smith strikinginhisfirstoverafter lunch; knocking Imlach offstump out of the ground, Demerara now 33-2. This brought Akshaya Persaud battingatnumberfourtothe crease.

Persaud with much on his shoulders with an averageof9.31runsineight first-class innings failed to impress; getting himself out LBW to Kevin Sinclair as Demerara stumbled to 40-3. Captain Leon Johnson joined Sachin Singh at the creasebeforeDayThreewas affectedbyrain.

Unfortunately the playershadtoleavethefield

at 13:11hrs, due to a heavy down-pourwhichtookthem straight into the tea interval with Singh unbeaten on 37 (87) and Leon Johnson 1 (28).

Meanwhile, at 18:15hrs, umpires were forced to call play, as rain refused to stop over Providence and surrounding areas Day Three ended due to rain, Demerara 61-3 (28.3 overs) in their second innings with Nial Smith, Kevin Sinclair and Shamar Joseph taking a wicketapiece.

The Berbice side with a good bowling attack, have ninety overs to alter a result in the first round match against Demerara. Berbice will need to take seven wicketsinordertobatagain and avoid the draw Demerara however lead by 13 runs at the close of play andadaytoleftinthematch.

Day Four action of the GCB Senior Men’s InterC o u n t y F o u r - d a y tournament is scheduled to start at 9:00hrs today at the samevenue.

BM SOAT sponsors GMR&SC Starlet cup under Renegade Race Fuel

2023 will bring a new title sponsorship for the Starlet cup of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club(GMR&SC)withB.M. SOAT Auto sales and Rentalstakingoverthisyear under the Renegade Race FuelBrand.

With their head office locatedatLot9CroalStreet, Stabroek,Georgetown,B.M. SOAT Auto Sales, and Rentals is one of Guyana’s largest vehicular sales and rentalproviders.

The company offers its clientsawidevarietyofbrands andmodelstochoosefromand to ensure that their needs are met The company comprises three showrooms in different locations with staff that are willingtoassist Apartfromits Auto sales, the company has ventured into the car rental business, with leases for corporate clients, small businessesandindividuals

The re-branded BM SOAT/Renegade Fuel Starlet Cupisexpectedtobeoneofthe feature events of the GMR&SC’s upcoming race meetonMarch19

“UndertheRenegadeFuel Brand, we have invested a heftybitinsponsorshiptothe Guyana Motor Racing and SportsClubforwhichtheywill re-brandtheStarletCupasthe

B M Soat/Renegade Race

FuelsStarletCup Weseethis as a large investment in motorsport locally and a chance to give back to the competitors of the Starlet Cup,” BM SOAT Managing Director Rameez Mohamed said. “We chose the Starlet Class because, over time, we viewedthisasoneofthemost competitive classes in the GMR&SC Circuit race calendar Wealsonoticethatit was one of the larger subscribed groups where we feel that the action will keep fansontheedgeoftheirseats”

With the rebranding, competitors will be paid for every point scored t h r o u g h o u t t h e championship rounds, with cash prizes for the top three overallfinishersofthatclass at the end of the year.Those competing cars are also expected to wear the B.M.

SOAT/RenegadeRaceFuels logo on their car, indicating to the fans and race enthusiasts alike the group thattheyarerunningin.

Meanwhile, Renegade Racing Fuel, out of the United States of America deals in all brands of fuel, including unleaded, oxygenated,leaded,Ethanol, Power-sport fuels, and Dieselfuel.

“Renegadefuelisn’tnew on the market here, we have been using it for our circuit race and drag race cars locally for close to a year nowbutthebrandhasgained popularityduetothestability of its octane and its ease to work with when tuning cars,”Mohamedsaid.

Persons desirous of acquiring the brands can contact Daniel Gaffoor at 661-5631orBalramRamdeo at608-8617.

Junior Sinclair

Roy McArthur demands public apology from GFF over sexual harassment allegation

- Disciplinary Committee unanimously overturn suspension of former FIFA Referee

ByRawleToney

Four years after being suspendedin2019fora2018 allegation of encouraging and participating in sexual harassment and predatory sexual behaviour towards females in the footballing fraternity in Guyana, former FIFARefereeRoyMcArthur is now demanding a public apology from the GFF after being cleared by the Federation’s Disciplinary Committee of any wrongdoing.

In March 2018, the GFF set up a Board of Inquiry following allegations of sexualharassmentbyfemale referees and which was conductedbyafive-member panel led by Chairman Dr Karen Pilgrim, vicepresident of the Guyana OlympicAssociation.

Other members of the Board included Dr Melissa Ifill of the University of Guyana; Karen Joseph, H u m a n R e s o u r c e s Consultant;KarenDeSouza, RedThreadandJoyNichola Marcus-Reid, also of Red Thread.

On November 19, 2018, the Board of Inquiry submitted to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), which was then called a “thorough investigation” by Chairman Dr Pilgrim Followingthesubmissionof theBoardofInquiry’sreport, GFFpresidentWayneForde, at a Press Conference on January 7, 2019, announced that McArthur was provisionally suspended, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings by the GFF Disciplinary Committee, under the n e w l y - a p p r o v e d DisciplinaryCode.

The GFF’s Disciplinary Committee comes from Chairman Eusi Anderson, who serves as General Counsel at CSM-DANCO, State Counsel Shawnette Austin and former Guyana Trades Union Congress Vice-President Lancelot Baptiste.

On February 24, 2023, the GFF’s Disciplinary Committee, by unanimous vote, formed the view that there was insufficient evidence upon which, to sustain McArthur’s suspension from the footballingfraternity

Intheirruling,whichwas

obtained by Kaieteur News, the Disciplinary Committee said “it would be a travesty were we not to formally apologisetohim(McArthur) fortheextraordinarydelayin the prosecution of his matter.”

“Consequent upon our ruling, Mr Roy McArthur’s suspension from any footballing activity and participation in Guyana is immediatelylifted.Heisfree to resume engaging in all levels of football in Guyana, ” the GFF’s DisciplinaryCommitteesaid in its report to the Federation’s Executive Committee. The Board of Inquiry’s report was submitted to the GFF’s Disciplinary Committee at McArthur’s final hearing, conducted on February 21, 2023 The Board of Inquiry’s report, according to the Disciplinary Committee, regrettably mentionsnonamesofanyof the persons levelling accusations against Mc Arthur The Board of Inquiry’s report, it was stated, mentions no specific allegation against McArthur of any explicit and specific actofsexualharassment.

“It has come to the attentionofthisDisciplinary Committee that parts of the Board of Inquiry’s mandate were to investigate the sexual harassment allegations against Mr McArthur Duringthecourse of the investigation, the Board of Inquiry considered itexpedientto,andextended to each of the accusers, a guarantee of anonymity in exchange for their testimony,” the Disciplinary Committeesaid.

The Disciplinary Committee added, “This provedtobechallengingfor the principles of natural justice to be applied to Roy McArthurwithrespecttohis ability to confront and interrogate his accusers at t h i s D i s c i p l i n a r y Committee.”

The Disciplinary Committee said It would appear from all indications that, in the absence of anonymity, the persons levellingaccusationsagainst McArthur would not be willing to testify either, as such, they noted, that there can be no understating the

degree of unfairness such a position would leaveArthur in, since “the basic tenets of natural justice and due process require that McArthur must interrogate and confront the allegations as well as the persons makingthatallegation.They did not testify They capitalized on the anonymity.”

MCARTHURWANTS APUBLICAPOLOGY FROMGFF

Meanwhile, speaking

exclusively to Kaieteur News, McArthur said the allegation and the matter wereplayedoutinpublicand causedhumiliationtohislife andthatofhisfamily

TheGFF,McArthursaid, will be formally contacted by his attorney for a public apology, similarly done in the way which they (GFF) used to announce his suspension.

McArthur, who also performed duties as a FIFA Referee Assessor, said the

allegations almost cost him his family McArthur is employedbytheMinistryof Culture, Youth and Sports, under the National Sports Commission (NSC), and said attempts were made to have him removed from his position. However, sources told Kaieteur News that the GFFwasaskedtosupplythe Ministry/NSC with sufficientevidencesincethe matter was being handled outside the confines of the country’s laws, which they

(GFF)failedtodo.

DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

OBSERVATIONS

This Disciplinary Committeesaidtheywillnot stand idly by and embrace tangential or direct acts of sexual harassment to women, least in the footballingspace,puttingon record their open condemnationofanytypeof conductofthatnature.“This DisciplinaryCommittee (Continuedonpage22)

Demerara Senior Men 61-3 in their 2nd innings, as rain affects Day Three

Across at the Guyana National Stadium (GNS), Providence; Day Three of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Men’s InterCounty Four-Day cricket tournament between Demerara and Berbice has been affected by rain. On what seemed to be a wonderful day for cricket; that reality was short-lived as Day Three was stopped duetotorrentialrain.

However, Berbice were dismissedfor330runsin93 overs with a lead of 48 runs early on; in reply of

Demerara’s first innings totalof282-10.

Prior to this, Tevin Imlach stroked a solid 62 (172) including nine fours for Demerara, while Veersammay Permaul pickedup4-59from31overs for Berbice in the first innings. Kevlon Anderson and Junior Sinclair innings puttheBerbiciansincontrol of the match when they batted. Anderson spent 251 minutes at the crease, scoring106(192),hitting13 foursinhisinningsfollowed byanaggressivehalfcentury

fromJuniorSinclair(84*).

On Day Three, Berbice with an over-night score of 312-8 were eventually dismissed for 330-10 inside thefirstsessionwithSinclair eventually scoring 92 (147); hitting nine fours and four massive sixes, while Chris Barnwellfinished4-54from his19overs.

Sachin Singh and Matthew Nandu returned withthebatforDemerarain the second innings, Nandu was first to depart; out caught by Anderson off the bowlingofShamarJoseph.

Demerara were 23-1 with Nandu the only wicket to fall before the lunch interval with Singh 13, Imlach 1. Demerara trailing by 25 runs at the end of the firstsessionafter27oversin thefirstsession.

Imlach was later bowled by Nial Smith, Smith strikinginhisfirstoverafter lunch; knocking Imlach offstump out of the ground, Demerara now 33-2. This brought Akshaya Persaud battingatnumberfourtothe crease.

Persaud with much on his shoulders with an averageof9.31runsineight first-class innings failed to impress; getting himself out LBW to Kevin Sinclair as Demerara stumbled to 40-3. Captain Leon Johnson joined Sachin Singh at the creasebeforeDayThreewas affectedbyrain.

Unfortunately the playershadtoleavethefield

at 13:11hrs, due to a heavy down-pourwhichtookthem straight into the tea interval with Singh unbeaten on 37 (87) and Leon Johnson 1 (28).

Meanwhile, at 18:15hrs, umpires were forced to call play, as rain refused to stop over Providence and surrounding areas Day Three ended due to rain, Demerara 61-3 (28.3 overs) in their second innings with Nial Smith, Kevin Sinclair and Shamar Joseph taking a wicketapiece.

The Berbice side with a good bowling attack, have ninety overs to alter a result in the first round match against Demerara. Berbice will need to take seven wicketsinordertobatagain and avoid the draw Demerara however lead by 13 runs at the close of play andadaytoleftinthematch.

Day Four action of the GCB Senior Men’s InterC o u n t y F o u r - d a y tournament is scheduled to start at 9:00hrs today at the samevenue.

BM SOAT sponsors GMR&SC Starlet cup under Renegade Race Fuel

2023 will bring a new title sponsorship for the Starlet cup of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club(GMR&SC)withB.M. SOAT Auto sales and Rentalstakingoverthisyear under the Renegade Race FuelBrand.

With their head office locatedatLot9CroalStreet, Stabroek,Georgetown,B.M. SOAT Auto Sales, and Rentals is one of Guyana’s largest vehicular sales and rentalproviders.

The company offers its clientsawidevarietyofbrands andmodelstochoosefromand to ensure that their needs are met The company comprises three showrooms in different locations with staff that are willingtoassist Apartfromits Auto sales, the company has ventured into the car rental business, with leases for corporate clients, small businessesandindividuals

The re-branded BM SOAT/Renegade Fuel Starlet Cupisexpectedtobeoneofthe feature events of the GMR&SC’s upcoming race meetonMarch19

“UndertheRenegadeFuel Brand, we have invested a heftybitinsponsorshiptothe Guyana Motor Racing and SportsClubforwhichtheywill re-brandtheStarletCupasthe

B M Soat/Renegade Race

FuelsStarletCup Weseethis as a large investment in motorsport locally and a chance to give back to the competitors of the Starlet Cup,” BM SOAT Managing Director Rameez Mohamed said. “We chose the Starlet Class because, over time, we viewedthisasoneofthemost competitive classes in the GMR&SC Circuit race calendar Wealsonoticethatit was one of the larger subscribed groups where we feel that the action will keep fansontheedgeoftheirseats”

With the rebranding, competitors will be paid for every point scored t h r o u g h o u t t h e championship rounds, with cash prizes for the top three overallfinishersofthatclass at the end of the year.Those competing cars are also expected to wear the B.M.

SOAT/RenegadeRaceFuels logo on their car, indicating to the fans and race enthusiasts alike the group thattheyarerunningin.

Meanwhile, Renegade Racing Fuel, out of the United States of America deals in all brands of fuel, including unleaded, oxygenated,leaded,Ethanol, Power-sport fuels, and Dieselfuel.

“Renegadefuelisn’tnew on the market here, we have been using it for our circuit race and drag race cars locally for close to a year nowbutthebrandhasgained popularityduetothestability of its octane and its ease to work with when tuning cars,”Mohamedsaid.

Persons desirous of acquiring the brands can contact Daniel Gaffoor at 661-5631orBalramRamdeo at608-8617.

Junior Sinclair

Fazia’s Collection Variety Sales Complex rides with the 2nd Sales the ‘One Guyana’ Bartica Cycling Classic Cycling

Cyclists from around Guyana will be invading the Town of Bartica this Sundaywhenthe2ndedition of the Bartica Cycling Classic is contested, under the‘OneGuyana’brand.

Organised by We Stand United Cycle Club (WSUCC), Sunday’s event would also see races being held for prominent persons ofthecommunity

Corporatesupportforthe event has already begun to flowwithFazia’sCollection Variety Complex, located at Anna Catherina stepping forward to sponsor the Junior and juvenile categories.

Handing over the prizes, was Sales Representative, Ms.MarciaRagnauth,inthe presence of her colleagues, tothePresidentofWSUCC,

FranklinWilson.

Ms. Ragnauth in brief comments said that Faiza’s collection had no hesitation in acquiescing to the club’s requesttocomeonboardand took the opportunity to sponsor the junior and juvenile categories as these cyclists are the future of Guyana.

Club President, Wilson, expressed sincere thanks on behalf of the club to the Management and staff of Fazia’s Collection Variety Complex, noting that they have always been very supportiveoftheclubandits activities.

”The fact that Mr and Mrs.Anderson did not have any second thoughts on being a part of this activity which would help build the community,speaksforitself. They have always been

supportive of sports and the development of young athletes.”

The first edition of the Bartica Cycling Classic was held in 2019, and, like all othersports,wasputonhold due to the covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s race is expected to be bigger and more exciting as the cream of the nation’s cyclists including defending champion,WSUCC’sBriton John,whohasbeenenjoying a fabulous start to this season, will face starter’s orders.

J o h n ’ s f e l l o w teammates, Aaron Newton, andAlex Leung will also be incontention,as,whilstthey are still in the junior category, they have been very competitive amongst theseniors.

There would be no registration fees for ladies, juniors, and juveniles whilst seniorsandmasterswillpay $1000.

Meanwhile, the ladies, juniors, and juveniles will pedal off the day’s action from 09:30hrs and will be riding for 45 minutes with anadditionaltwo(2)laps Masters, Under-45, and

Over-45 will be riding together for 60 minutes with an additional two (2) laps while the seniors will be riding for 1hour 45 minutes with an additional two(2)laps

Ahead of Sunday’s race, registration can be done at the Professional Key Shop, Carmichael Street, or Chin Chan Cycle

Store,RobbStreet

Additionally, the organisers are hoping to run off a race involving only Barticians with the likesofHisWorshipMayor Marshall and Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams along with their respective deputies, REO, a n d c l u b l eaders, competing.

MMG+ partners with Guyana Chess Federation for Under-14 Tournaments

Mobile Money Guyana has partnered with the GuyanaChessFederationfor the execution of the organization’s National Under-14ChessTournament in the Open and Girls Categories.

The tournament, which wasconductedintheQueens College Compound/ from 9:00 hrs to 15:00hrs on Saturday February 25, saw fierce competition among theyoungcontenders.

Seven rounds of play were held under a time control of 20 minutes per player,with5secondsadded totheclockaftereachmove.

Product Marketing Manager of mmg+ Diana Gittens said that the partnershipwiththe/ Federationisapartofthe company’s commitment to youthdevelopment./

“Chess is an important sportthatplaysavitalrolein thecognitivedevelopmentof children and young people and we are supporting the activities/ of the Chess Federation in promoting the gameamongyouth.”

Gittens added that the company believes that the/ Guyana Chess Federation continues to underscore the importance of chess in teaching concentration, evaluation, patience and

calculatedrisktaking./

“It’s an honor to be associated with the development of this sport a n d i t s p o s i t i v e characteristics.

This tournament indicates commitment to the gameandweareimmensely proud of all the young participants”./

Emergingsuccessfulwas 13 year old defending champion Kyle Couchman from Queens College with

6.5 points after 7 matches.

Couchman, who holds the

nal

en Under14and Under16 titles, skillfully

outmaneuvered his opponents once again, to come out ahead of 12 year old Alexander Zhang who earnedthesecondplacewith 5.5pointsofthesameschool and 13 year old Micaiah Enoe of Marian Academy, who placed third, also with 5.5points.

While Alexander and Micaiahfinishedonthesame points, Alexander was ranked higher due to the Buchholz tiebreak system, whichtakesintoaccountthe scoresoftheopponentsthata player has defeated The player with the highest total Buchholzscore(highestsum

of the scores of the opponents that player has defeated)isrankedhigher

An elated Couchman receivedthetoptrophyfrom Product Marketing Manager of mmg+, Diana Gittens, duringasimpleceremonyat the end of the game. He had moments before gracefully conceded a draw in his final game against Micaiah Enoe, after dominating the tournament from the beginning. Couchman said that he aspires to go on to represent Guyana at the Internationallevel.

“I’m happy about winning because there were some really challenging points but I was able to get overit.Mydreamistogoon torepresentGuyanaatreally b i g I n t e r n a t i o n a l tournaments”.

Couchman managed to defeat Arush Ramnarine, Vivek Persaud, Ethen Pompey,JulianMohabirand siblings Alexander and NicholasZhang.

Notable performances from Ethan Thakurdin, Nicholas Zhang and Vivek Persaud who all finished on 5 5 points, were given medals for fourth, fifth and sixthplaces.

Julian Mohabir won the trophy as the Best U10 player while Aquilani

Swaminadha,whoisnotably this year’s Under 12 Open Champion earned the 2nd place U10 trophy Arush Ramnarine was 3rd place among the U10, Landon Mohabir earned the Best U8 trophywhileVirNarinewas 2nd place U8 and Lester Thomaswas3rdplaceU8.

In the Girls Tournament, national deaf chess player Anaya Lall earned the Under14 Girls Chess Championship title Lall amassed wins against Ciel Clement,Aditi Joshi,Atalya John,Kataleya Sam, Parnita Kishun, Jahzara Jackson before earning a half point in her finalroundduetoastalemate with Nemisha Jagmohan. It isworthmentioningthatLall is the youngest player to have ever qualified and represented Guyana at a FIDE Chess Olympiad, and also the only Guyanese to have competed in the World Chess Championship for PeoplewithDisabilities.

KataleyaSamtookhome twotrophies;oneforsecond place in the Girls Championship and one for bestU10player Shefinished on 6 points, with her only loss being against the championLall.

Ciel Clement finish 3rd on 5 points Nemisha

Jagmohanwasthe2ndplace U10whileChelsea Harrison won 3rd place U10.

President of the Guyana Chess Federation, Anand Raghunauth, said that the competitionwhichhadmore than 70 participants was the largest the Federation has organizedatthejuniorlevel.

“We had a serious competition and the winners were very skillful. We have 12 year old children challenging top junior playersinaverycompetitive way This is something new anditshowsthatourtraining programisworking”.

Mr Raghunauth was happy to see such a tremendous turnout for the tournament and expressed thattheGCFhasmadegreat strides in encouraging children across the country to engage in the game of chess and it is the hope that more schools will come on board to establish chess clubs as part of their extracurricularactivities.

He said that the GCF is focused on raising the quality of competition amongchildren.

Girls especially are encouraged to participate andgrowinstrengthandthe GCFbelievesintrainingthe

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WSUCC President, Franklin Wilson accepts the sponsorship from Fazia’s Collection’s Marcia Ragnauth in the presence of other staff members

Anaya Lall receives her reward from Diana Gittens.