Kaieteur News

KEPT IN THE DARK

Citizens object to EPA’s waiver of EIA for Wales power plant

…argue that toxic gases from power plant can pose danger to life

A group of citizens have filed an objection to the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) against the d e c i s i o n b y t h e Environmental protection Agency (EPA) to waive an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a naturalgasfiredpowerplant, to be constructed at Wales, WestBankDemerara

The power plant is a component of the Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project being d e v e l o p e d b y t h e Government of Guyana (GoG) and American oil major, ExxonMobil The project entails transporting the natural resource via a pipeline,thenseparatingand treatingthegasviaaNatural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility which will then be used to power the 300 megawatts (MW) power plant in question

TheEPAinapublicnotice publishedonJanuary6,2023 said the power plant, being pursued by the GoG will not require the study as, “The proposed location for this projectfallswithintheareaof influence/footprintofanEPA approved Gas to Energy Project (GTE) that was subjectedtoacomprehensive EIA, including a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA).

The CIA concluded that there will be no significant impacts from the combined activities/projects.”

The regulator also gave five other reasons for its d e c i s i o n . https://www.kaieteurnewson line com/2023/01/08/epaignores-law-gives-ownreason-for-waiving-eia-ongas-plant/

Two citizens, Attorneyat-Law Elizabeth DeaneHughes and environmental activist,VandaRadzikintheir letter of appeal to the EAB, dated February 5, 2023 said the project can cause serious impacts to lives and livelihoods, insisted that a sound EIA must inform the decisionoftheEPAtogranta Permit for the power plant Fourteen other Guyanese alsoattachedtheirsignatures to the objection letter addressedtotheEAB.

“Gas fired plants and NGL facilities and the pipelines that feed them are notoriously dangerous People’s lives, livelihoods and lands are at risk Toxic gases, chemicals and hazardous wastes are generated along with

those with nutritional deficiencies”

Methane, a fast-acting greenhouse gas with enormousshort-termimpacts on climate leaks at every stage of the natural gas productionandtransportation process, the appellants told theEAB

In addition, they explainedthatexplosionsand fires related to gas fired powerplantsarefrequentand regular,pointingtoanumber of recent mishap in Trinidad and Tobago, and the United StatesofAmerica

Even with such dangerous potential impacts, the group pointed out that there are no proposed mitigation measures, as the impacts have not been assessedindependently

EEPGL’soperationsandthat of the Government of Guyana. In 2020 President Ali said, “We cannot lead in awaythatisdisrespectfulto our country”. Yet EEPGL and other oil and gas companies,incollusionwith the Government of Guyana have repeatedly shown contempt for the laws of Guyana and for our wellbeing and that of our fellow Guyanese We d e m a n d t h a t t h e Government of Guyana put the interests of the Guyanese people above all otherinterests,”theysaid

Inabriefstatementtothe media on Saturday, the appellants said that their submission to the EAB has not been acknowledged though delivered before the closingdateforobjectionsto theEPA’sdecision.

They also noted that questions to the EPAand its Board of Directors remain unanswered regarding the construction and operation ofthegaspowerplant.

“Further kindly be informed there has been no response from EPA, (Ministry of Natural Resources) MNRE and

Office of the Attorney General about when the Environmental Appeals Tribunal (EAT) will be constituted. The EAT, an instrument under the Environmental Protection Act, is a necessity for appeal against environmental permits,”theynoted

The citizens also stated that the email address for submissions of appeals to EAB listed in the public notice in the newspaper publicationsisinvalidand/or non-operative, as mails bounce back from the address.

substantial emissions, flarings etc. that pollute the environment and affect the health of humans,” the citizenspointedout.

They noted that communities that burn fossil fuels emit sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), particulate matter (PM),carbondioxide(CO2), mercury (Hg), and other pollutants These emissions they said contribute to the formation of ground-level ozoneandfinePM,whichcan lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems while exposure to mercury can increase the possibility ofhealthissuesrangingfrom cancer to immune system damage.

“The impacts of power plant emissions are not limitedonlytotheareasnear power plants Publicising of such data and informationsharing concerning the adjacentcommunitiescanbe usedtoraiseawarenessandto help people understand the extenttowhichtheremaybe disproportionate, adverse impacts on overburdened communities,” the citizens saidintheirappeal.

Theyadded,“Populations found to be particularly vulnerable to environmental pollutionincludethepoor,the elderly,theveryyoung,those already in poor health, and

The group pointed out that, “Section 21 Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05 requires that the EPA issues a permit for “anything that may dischargeorformpartofthe discharge of contaminants into any part of the natural environment” Gas fired Power Plants discharge significantcontaminants.On what basis was this legal requirement complied with?”

TheconcernedGuyanese also reasoned that the GTE project is likely to reach as much as US$3 billion. With government already announcingthataloanwillbe taken to finance part of the project, the activists said, “It is illogical, irrational capricious and without merit thattheEPAwouldwaivean EIA for such a substantial projectwithoutthebenefitof independent and qualified scientific, economic and socialanalyses.”

Additionally, the citizens urged that the lack of a Gas Leak and/or Integrity ManagementPlaninvalidates the EIA already done by ExxonMobil for the pipeline andNGLfacility,uponwhich the EPAhas based its waiver ofanEIAforthegasplant

The group ended their letter by registering their concern for what they referred to as “continued lawlessness by both Exxon’s operator- Esso Exploration and production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)- and the GoG

“We are citizens of Guyana and are deeply concerned at the pattern of lawlessnessthatisevidentin

Attorney-at-Law, ElizabethDeane-Hughes

Activist, Vanda Radzik

Kaieteur News

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Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

GAS TO ENERGY, SHOW US SOMETHING, PLEASE

Anythingwouldhelp,anysetofdocumentsthatsupports the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, that sheds some light, would be welcomed. This is so that Guyanese could havesomeunderstandingofwhattheyaregettinginto,what theycouldendupgetting. Currently,Guyaneseknowlittle, other than what Vice President Bharat Jagdeo feels fit to share. Whatever is in his head with this US$2B project remains tightly locked there, and leaves citizens guessing, andhopingthatsomeinformationofsubstancewouldcome their way It should never be this way: this is not transparency;itisnotaccountabilitywhenalmost$68Bhas beenbudgeted. Guyaneseneedtoknowasmuchastheycan, sotheycandecideforthemselvesthatthisGTEhasbenefits forthem.

Now,wearegladthataGuyanesehastakenmatterstothe highestlocalforum. OppositionMP,GaneshMahipaulhas submittedaMotioninparliamentthatreadsasfollows:“BE

RESOLVED, that this National Assembly instructs the Minister of Natural Resources to forthwith lay over to the National Assembly all documents relating to the construction of the Wales Gas-to-Energy Project and the Heads of Agreement signed on June 30, 2022.” It is a tall order, a big demand, couched in customary parliamentary language. BecauseMPMahipaul’sMotionisnotforsome documents,orwhateverthePPPCGovernmentfeelsissafe to release, but all the documents that are a part of GTE project.

Though this may make the PPPC Government and its publicfacesuncomfortable,thesecreciesthathaveplagued the expensive GTE project are simply too inconceivable to be allowed free passage, as they have been from the inception of this project at Wales. President Ali has said, time and again, that he is about transparency and accountability Talk is cheap and comes effortlessly; the proofisinthedelivery,thelivingofthewords. Wehavenot seen,donotbelieve,thatHisExcellencyhasliveduptothe commitments that he has made over transparency and accountability There is a tremendous amount of room for transparencyandaccountabilityinanythingthathasaprice of US$2B, and we are sure that Guyana’s Head-of-State knowsthataswell,ifnotbetterthananyoneelse. Sometime ortheother,PresidentAliisgoingtohavetoshowhiswhole handabouttransparencyinsubstance(andnotjusttalk),and in those realities that brook no disagreement. He cannot claim confidentiality, not when US$2B is the present price for the Wales GTE, and already $67.8B has been budgeted for2022andthisyear

Theofficialcurrentlystandingintheroleofsoledecision maker relative to this Opposition Motion is Guyana’s SpeakeroftheNationalAssembly,Mr ManzoorNadir He hastomakethecallthatcanonlygooneofacoupleofways. SuppresstheMotioninitsentirety,andbedonewithwhatthe PPPC Government likely considers to a hindrance, and a nuisance. Orallowthefullforceofthemotiontoreachthe length and breadth of parliament, with the objective of Guyanesebeingprivytowhathasgoneintothisproject,how muchtheGuyanaGovernmenthascommittedthemto,and whetherallthathasbeensaidbyVicePresidentJagdeo(and others)addsup,canbeendorsed.

We at this publication have made clear where we stand with the GTE project. Like other Guyanese, we want cheaper electricity, and a dependable supply of it. If the documents for this GTE project can confirm that what has been said, touted, and sold to Guyanese are all on solid grounds, then we would add our voice and weight to endorsingtheproject. Wecannotendorsesomethingthathas beenbasedonairsofar,onwhatoneman(theVP)hassaid withoutprovidinganybackup,andcertainlynotforaproject ofthismagnitude,forthisamountofmoney,forwhathasso manyimplications. Itisimperativethatwegetsomethingof significanceforUS$2B,andnotyetanotherwhiteelephant. WeurgetheSpeakertoallowthemotion. Letusseewhatthe PPPC Government would do then about all theWales GTE documentsrequested/demanded.

Open Letter to the President on Absence of a Board of Directors for the Environmental Protection Agency, an EnvironmentalAssessment Board, and an Environmental Tribunal

EXCELLENCY:

As the Government of Guyana prepares to showcase Guyana at the International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana starting February 14,2023,wemustrecognize that systemic weaknesses in public environmental management pose risks not onlytothepeopleofGuyana butalso“Environmentaland Social Governance”(ESG) riskstoinvestors.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hasbeenoperatingwithouta legally constituted Board of Directors for some four months now (Official Gazette number 242/2021 –Legal Supplement –Government Notice, October 28, 2021 - the term of the Board of Directors expiredsinceOctober2022).

I wrote to the Executive Director, Mr Khemraj Parsram, on December 20,

2022, to enquire about arrangements for his supervision but he has not acknowledged my initial mail or subsequent reminders.

There is presently no

legally constituted Environmental Assessment Board (EAB), to which one maylodgeobjectionsagainst the Environmental ProtectionAgency’s(EPA)’s decisions regarding EnvironmentalPermits. The

term of the EAB expired in December 2022 (Official Gazette number 50/2022 –Legal Supplement B –Government Notice, February 18, 2022) The Environmental Protection Agency continues to make decisions with respect to permits, such as the permit for the proposed natural gas fired powerplant, and publish notices advising the publicoftheirrighttoappeal

(Continuedonpage6)

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

“Beatings of Teachers”

DEAREDITOR,

It is with deep concern that I write on the following caption “Parent Charged for Assaulting Teacher” (Guyana Times, 10th February,2023).Ishudderto thinkoftheutterbreakdown of values in our school system that would allow such a highly disrespectful action to take place against ourEducators.

The media carried two such reports of violent acts againstourteachers.Oneact being against teacher

Nicasey Barker of St Angela’s Primary School on the 12th January, 2023; and teacher Shawn Marshall of Graham’s Hall Primary School on 11th January, 2023 (Guyana Times 10th Feb,2023)

It seems gone are the days when the teacher was esteemedhighly

When their words or actions or guidance were greatly prized and looked upon with reverence, as words of wisdom and consider as next being after GOD.Backinthedayswhen I was a child, it was an honourtocarrytheteacher’s bag, to fetch the teachers’ books with which they taughtusasstudents.

It was an honour to accompany your teacher safely to their homes, as a student, after they would have spent long hours after school in the evenings teaching you the subjects of Mathematics, the Sciences and the Language that you need to past the GCE “O” and“A”LevelExams.

Myheartpainsgreatlyto knowthataparentorachild

taught by the hand of a teacher will slap or kick a teacher

A parent, should honour a teacher for that parent has entrustedthesafekeepingof his/her child to the teacher Who the parent can never recompenseforthetimeand care that the teacher would be giving to the child or children when that parent is busyatworkorathome.

The question that I have been asking myself after reading the reports of violenceagainstourteachers in our schools here in Guyana: “is what is responsibleforthiscomplete breakdown of morals in our schoolsystem?”

TheanswerthatIseemto be always getting is stemming from the removal ofReligiousEducationfrom our Schools Academic Curriculum Back in my days, almost every school had a church/chapel located withinitsbuildingortimeset asideinthestudycurriculum for the teaching of religions ormorals.

Church School was the norm in my day You begin every school day with prayers to God. Where you asked the Almighty to bless your teachers and to protect them and to keep them safe and to give us students the capacity to absorb their teachings.

During religious teaching time in my days, you were taught at school to respect your elders, to treat their correction and disciplineasactstoleadyou in the “straight and narrow way”.

Youweretaughttheself-

discipline of morals such as honesty,hardwork,andtobe good states men and women ofyourcountry,tobeleaders ofintegrity

And how well these teachings by our most loved teachershaveservedus.Just lookatthekindofStatesmen that the Church School System has produced - likes of Mr Rashleigh Jackson, Mr Odeen Ishmael, Dr Cheddi Jagan, Mr LFS Burnham, Mr Pryor Jonas, Judge Duke Pollard, Dr Steve Surujbally, Mr Malcolm Parris: all Diplomats and Honoured Guyana Scholars (and I am tempted to state my own name- Hajji Dr Roshan Khan (you may smile reader).

How far has our education standards fallen since these golden years. Teachersarenowafraidtobe intheschoolsofourcountry Aplacewheretheyoncefelt safe and free and happy to engage the minds of their young charges without restrictions.

Violent parents and violentstudents should have no place in our schools in Guyana.

Violentparentsshouldbe dealt with according to the law to the maximum level. Students can be dealt with according to juvenile and criminal laws based on the ferocity of the acts that they havecommitted.

These kinds of violent

oriented students could be leadersingangsinthefuture. And gangs could lead to gang war fare in schools. Teachers,administratorsand otherstudentscouldbecome their target This is a situation that needs to be “nipped” immediately I am happy to see that the government and the authoritieshavetakenaction by charging Ms Ashelle Clement (parent) with assault and finding her before the courts for assaulting the teacher (Guyana Times 10th Feb, 2023).

I applaud the statement by the newly appointed ChiefEducationOfficer,Mr Saddam Hussain, for his statement in the media that “ W h a t e v e r t h e circumstances, it (assaulting a teacher) is a reprehensible andghastlyact.

It is unacceptable and will not be condoned by the Ministry of Education” (Guyana Times, 10th February, 2023). We, the people of this country, need to see more of this to send a serious message to violent parentsandstudents.

Weneedtogobacktothe days when teachers were divinecreaturesheldinhigh esteemed and are the people who we can say, can truly help to create change and standardsinourcountry

Sincerely,

Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan (Snr)

TheAFC extends sympathies and solidarity to the peoples of Turkey and Syria

DEAREDITOR,

The peoples of Turkey andSyriahaveexperienceda mostdevastatingearthquake, which resulted in untold destructionandlossoflives. Sadly, reports from the region have estimated the death toll at more than 21,000, including many children and the elderly For the people of Syria, it is another tragedy added to theirlivingexperienceofwar and internal conflicts for morethan12years.

TheAllianceForChange (AFC) extends sympathies and solidarity to the governments and peoples of Turkey and Syria, and to the affectedfamilies. Nocalibre of words can truly transmit the horror of the destruction

seen on television or on social media, which forced thepeoplesintothestreetsin the middle of the night. We canonlyimaginehowdeeply frightening and debilitating itwasforthesefamiliestobe awakensoviolentlyinsearch of loved ones and to find a safeplacetoshelteramidthe destruction.

We would like to salute allthevolunteersfromacross the world who have responded in a courageous d i s p l a y t r u e humanitarianismandwecall upon the Government of Guyana to extend support to thegovernmentsandpeoples of Turkey and Syria on behalf of the Guyanese people.

AllianceForChange

Lackadaisical officials

DEAREDITOR,

On the heels of the highlevel outreach to the region comes the revelation that some post offices are in urgent need of repairs and rehabilitation, amidst the somewhat offhanded promise by the region’s top official to have the concerns

be passed on to the relevant a g e n c i e s ( I N e w s February10), even while recognisingthediresituation ofthesebuildings. Whydid it have to take a public outpouring of a concerned citizen to have this matter highlighted?

ShamshunMohamed

Private Cane Farmers in a Corporate Sugar Industry

DEAREDITOR, It is noted that

GuySuCo’s Board of Directors has decided to engage private cane farmers ‘to accelerate the rehabilitation of fields’ accordingtoSNofFebruary 05,whichgoesonthereport that ‘contracts have already been awarded to private contractors for the cultivationof4,000hectares of lands, in addition to GuySuCo’s3,000hectares.

Who decides on the appropriate varieties to be utilised? Opportunity is taken once again to remind the new decision makers of the long existing legal structure relating to cane farmers, under which those supplying Uitvlugt Estate withcaneoperate.Theestate management also upholds thefollowing:

a) National Cane Farming Committee Act (1965)

b) Cane Farmers Contract (General Conditions)Rules.

c) Cane Farmers Special Funds.

It would be recalled that Vice-President Jagdeo acknowledged this legal relationshipwhenin2022he andateamsoughttoaddress the absence of employment atUitvlugtEstateatthetime when its factory was nonoperational and farmers whose canes were rotting

were compensated. The Vice-President was also reported as having arranged to re-establish the inactive National Cane Framing Committee.

It was also noted that GuySuCo had a longappointed Cane Farming Officer One must therefore remind those concerned of the need to observe the law Privatecanefarmersmustbe provided with their legal

rights and must be seen to have been so provided. Hopefully the Corporation will comply with the VicePresident’s earlier intention to revitalize the National CaneFarmingCommittee.

In this connection, the projected acreage of 4,000 hectares allotted to different canefarmersandondifferent locations,wouldsuggestthat needforassigningmorethan one Cane Farming Officer, whose duties would

obviously have to be described, and taught by the current (Senior) Cane FarmingOfficer. TheCorporationisnotan island! The current management executives must be cautioned against being too authoritative, and this demoralizing those managers who have long experienced a more compassionate style of communication,thatthey (Continuedonpage64)

OpenLettertothePresidentonAbsenceofaBoardofDirectorsforthe...

Frompage4 totheEAB,whenthereis,in fact, no appeal remedy in place.

Further, I wish to draw your attention to the unhappy and embarrassing fact that even 26 years after the passage of the Environmental Protection Actin1996,ourcountrystill d o e s n o t h a v e a n Environmental Tribunal to which one may appeal d e c i s i o n s o f t h e Environmental Assessment Board.PartVIIIsections5157 of the Environmental Protection Act provides for thecreationandoperationof such a Tribunal, but this has notyetbeenimplemented.

As the Environmental

Protection Act comes directlyunderyourauthority with functions of the “Minister” identified in the Act, and the Environmental Protection Agency comes under the authority of the Office of the President, I urge you to appoint a Board of Directors for the Environmental Protection Agencyandanappropriately qualified and publicly responsible Environmental Assessment Board without delay, and to see to the implementation of the EnvironmentalTribunal.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTBOARD

R e g a r d i n g t h e constitution of the EAB, I would like to draw your

a t t e n t i o n t o t h e Environmental Protection Act (cap 20:05, 1996, section 18 and Third Schedule) which clearly intends for members of the EAB to function without outside interference and any conflictsofinterest.

The Act provides for a three-to-five-member body Section 8 of the Third Schedule specifically requiresmemberstodisclose anyconflictsofinterest.

The previous board, in calendar year 2022, was comprised entirely of public sector employees, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

This Permanent Secretary carries his Ministry’s portfolio for promotionandfacilitationof the extractive sector, including precious metals andoilandgas.

As you are aware, activities in these sectors of the world over are chief amongthosewithsignificant a n d c o n t r o v e r s i a l environmental impacts Indeed, activities related to the oil and gas sector have comprised the bulk of complaints to the EAB to date.

There is a conflict of

interest when a public service employee is tasked with conflicting duties – to promote natural resources developments on the one hand and to adjudicate on environmental matters related to the granting of permitsforsuchexploitation ontheotherhand.Iwouldgo further to say that this is an unfair burden to place on an employee.

The practice of constituting a national environmental appeals body with only public service employees is one that underminespublictrustinan impartialprocess.

Conflictsofinterestmay ariseassuchemployeesmay be reluctant to make decisions that go against their employer’s perceived interests or policies, given their financial and career dependence on their employer Insomeinstances, they may be biased towards theiragency’spositions.

Conflicts of interest are cause for concern especially given that there is presently no instrument for the legal protection of such employees, guidelines, or codesofconduct.

This does not mean that public service employees withoutinherentconflictsof interest cannot be part of suchbodies.

However, including independent experts and representatives from nongovernment arenas helps with gaining public confidence not only in the operations of such appeals body but also government’s commitment to functional democracy

I urge you to constitute a five-member Environmental Assessment Board, which includes independent and suitably qualified representatives drawn from academia and from professional sectors in such areas as the environment,

public health, natural sciences, and engineering. I also urge you to ensure that the EAB has adequate resources and operates with an independent secretariat that has no reporting or operating function linked to the EPA as is currently the case.

ENVIRONMENTAL TRIBUNAL

The absence of the Environmental Tribunal deprives both citizens and developersofdueprocessfor appealingthegroundsofthe EAB’s decisions on the reasons for granting or refusing environmental permits as well as requirements imposed in permits.

This forces parties to engageincostlyandlengthy JudicialReviewprocessesas afirstrecourse.

As you are aware, the Guyana EPA has lost both Judicial Review cases heard against it to date concerning environmentalpermits.

TherecentSchlumberger case illustrates the need for yourattentionintwocritical areas.

Thefirstcriticalareaisa need for an EPA that has qualified, trained, experienced and welldirected staff capable of understanding the standard of law which it must uphold and that it has the necessary financial and legal capacity tomeetthosestandards.The secondcriticalareaisaneed for impartial and otherwise properly functioning appeal bodies.

In2021,theEABdenied the claimants in the Schlumbergercaseahearing on the waiver of the EIAfor the Houston facility on grounds that the 30-day period for an appeal had expired, even when the EPA had failed to follow clear instructions in the Environmental Protection Act

reasons in the public notice of the EIA waiver, and therefore the 30-day appeal period had never been triggered!

We know how the unevenhandlingofthiscase has unfolded. The ensuing costs and complications mighthavebeenavoidedhad the EAB been fair or had there been a functioning EnvironmentalTribunal.

As you aspire towards building a country with a “world class” landscape, modern economy, and thriving communities, we must recognize those things were not achieved in other countries with poor standards of environmental management.

On the contrary, they exist because of stringent standards of management, characterized by: a high value placed on protecting natural resource assets and publichealth;competentand independent regulatory institutions with properly functioning grievance redress and appeals bodies; appreciation and respect for public participation in assessing the impacts of development projects; a separation of powers within government between those taskedwithpushingprojects and those responsible for regulatingthepublicimpacts of such projects; and adherencetotheruleoflaw

These things, aside from beingthecornerstoneofany functionaldemocracy,arein everyone’s interest in the longrun.

Therefore,Ipraythatyou will give these matters your personal attention and put equal vigour into correcting our lacking state of public environmental management as you do into attracting investmentstoGuyana.

Thank you for your attention.Iwishyouthebest.

SimoneMangal-Joly Citizen

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EXXON’S CONSULTATIONS

Thanks to the PPPGovt. and Exxon for this consultation circus.

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Consultations without questions is a new one…

That’s like a wedding without singing, dancing, or eating;

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It’s like a funeral without sermon, without a body!

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This is how the PPPGovt. and Exxon burying Guyanese.

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Claims and Objections to start on Monday as GECOM prepares registers for LGE

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Saturday said that it will begin the preparation of the Registers of Voters for the c o n d u c t o f L o c a l Government Elections (LGE), on Monday, February 13,2023.

In this regard, Offices of A s s i s t a n t E l e c t o r a l Registrars (AERs) have been established in each of the eighty (80) Local Authority A r e a ( L A A ) , t h e Commission said in a statementSaturday

During this exercise, any person who will be 18 years and older by the 22nd May, 2023, and is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, or

naturalization, or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more, can make a Claim to entry on the Register of Voters (RoV) on or before 19th February, 2023 providing that he/she is not listed in the Preliminary List of Voters (PLV), which have been posted in every Constituency in the respective Local Authority Areas.

Persons desirous of making a Claim to be included in the RoV are required to visit the Office of the Assistant Electoral Registrar (AER) responsible for the Local Authority Area where they reside with the

required source document(s) such as original Birth Certificate, valid Passport, Adoption Certificate, or Naturalization Certificate / CertificateofRegistration,to beregisteredforinclusion.

Existing registrants are alsoadvisedtocheckthePLV posted at two (2) prominent l o c a t i o n s i n e a c h constituency in the respective Local Authority Area, at the Offices of the Electoral Registrars and A s s i s t a n t E l e c t o r a l Registrars, or on GECOM's w e b s i t e a t www.gecom.org.gy to verify the existence/accuracy of their registration information inthePLV

The GECOM said persons who need to update their registration records, for example, to change or make corrections to their names and occupation, or to apply for a transfer if they have changedtheiraddressessince they were registered, are advised that they can apply for such transactions during thisexercise.

The relevant source documents such as an o r i g i n a l M a r r i a g e Certificate, Deed Poll with Birth Certificate, or a new Birth Certificate reflecting the changes must be presented in the case of an application for a change or correction. Objections

against the inclusion of names in the PLV can be tendered to the Assistant Electoral Registrar (AER) of the LAAfrom 13th February, 2023to22ndFebruary,2023.

Further,objectionscanbe made by a voter who is listed on the same constituency list in which the person being objected to is listed Objections can also be made by accredited Scrutineers of Political Parties provided thatanysuchScrutineermust be accredited to the LAA in which the person being objectedtoislisted.

The relevant original document(s) such as an original Death Certificate must be presented at the time ofthehearingofobjectionsto support the basis upon which the objection is made, GECOMsaid.

“Inviewoftheforegoing, it must be emphasized that while the Continuous RegistrationExerciseandthe Claims and Objections Exercisearebeingconducted simultaneously, persons who are now registering for the first time and would be eligible to vote at the u p c o m i n g L o c a l Government Elections must

visit the Office of theAER in theLAAwheretheyresidein order for their names to be included on the RoV for this election,”GECOMnoted. Similarly, persons who are required to have changes or corrections done to their particulars as stated on the PLV and make objections to the inclusion of names on the list must also visit the Office oftheAERintheLAAwhere they reside in order for the corrections to be reflected on theofficialROV

The Commission is urging all eligible persons, whowouldbeeligibletovote at the upcoming Local Government Elections, but are not listed in the PLV, to use this opportunity to get registeredforinclusioninthe RoV to qualify to vote at the elections. Persons are also encouraged to object to the inclusion of the name of any person who they believe do not meet the eligibility criteriatobeinthelist. Formoreinformationand for details on the location of the respective offices, persons can visit GECOM's w e b s i t e a t www.gecom.org.gy or call 225-0277-9/223-9653.

The truth is staring Jagdeo in the face

You can run but you cannot hide from the truth. Videos have surfaced showing both the President and Vice President condemning the oil agreementwhichwassigned bytheAPNU+AFCandboth saying that the agreement willberenegotiated.

These are the exact words of the Vice President when he was in Opposition: “They[APNU+AFC]soldus out to the foreigners - the oil companies. Every time there is a find there, our people should be sad because nothing comes our way We are going to renegotiate those contracts because that’s not what we had in mind.

When we were in the early days we were coaxing the people (ExxonMobil and partners) to go along. They (APNU+AFC) came into office (and met) 3 billion barrels of proven reserves and then gave up zero royalty, no taxes, no ringfencing, no local content for these people to spend any moneyhere.”

When he became Vice President and was assigned responsibilityfortheNatural Resourcessector,headopted the opposite position Instead of pressing for renegotiation,hebecamethe chief defender of the positionthatthegovernment hastorespectthe‘sanctityof contracts’ and that only future agreements would be subjecttorevisedterms.

Thiswasabackpeddling at its best. Jagdeo has been made to eat his own words. Jagdeo must explain to the Guyanese people why it is thathehasadoptedaposture incompleteoppositiontothe stance which he took when he was Opposition Leader

He must explain why he berated theAPNU+AFC for the sell-out deal it signed with the oil companies and now is refusing to renegotiatethatdeal.

He cannot be unaware that contracts have been renegotiated in other countries.Andhemusthave beenawarethatitispossible in consensual arrangements for contracts to be renegotiated.

Contracts are supposed tobemadeingoodfaith.And that principle extends to renegotiation.

I t i s t h e r e f o r e permissible for a government to enter into negotiations for the revision of a contract to meet changing circumstances and exigencies,evenifoneofthe parties does not agree to renegotiation.

The Production Sharing Agreement signed between Exxon, Hess and CNOOC makes provision for the contracts to be renegotiated with the consent of the oil companies. So Jagdeo must tell the nation whether his government has ever approached the oil companies, expressing its concernoverthetermsofthe original contract, and if the oilcompanieshavedeclined torenegotiate.

He must also indicate whether the government, in respect to this issue, has exercised the option of placing the matter before arbitrationasifprovidedfor in the contract where there aredisputes.

One international lawyer, Melinda Janki, has pointed out the principle of ‘sanctity of contracts’ does n o t c o l l i d e w i t h

renegotiation What the ‘sanctity of contracts’ prevents is one party opting

Dem Boys Seh...

to change the terms of a contract without the consent oftheother Itdoesnotmean that both parties cannot renegotiate and agree to changes.

This is what Janki wrote in an article in the Stabroek News, “Sanctity of contract’ stops ONE party from changing the terms of a contract by itself. If you agree to do something you mustdoit.

You cannot change your mind and tell the other person that you will not do whatyoupromised.

‘Sanctity of contract’ means that the Government c a n n o t c h a n g e t h e Petroleum Agreement by itself to give Guyana a better deal,andthentellEsso,Hess and CNOOC that they have toacceptthenewterms.That kind of bad behaviour is a classic ‘breach of contract.’ Itisnotarenegotiation.”

“People can make agreements and change agreements provided everybody who signed the agreement says okay. This is freedom of contract. It is a f u n d a m e n t a l l e g a l principle The Petroleum Agreement can be changed right now if the Government, Esso, Hess and CNOOC all agree to change it. ‘Sanctity of contract’ does not stop them from changing (‘ renegotiating ’) the PetroleumAgreement.”’

Jagdeo needs to explain totheGuyanesepeoplewhy it is that his government has backpedalled from its promise to renegotiate the contract.

He must let the people knowwhatpressures,ifany, were brought upon his government, and if so who brought these pressures on the government. He must explain why on such a

MONEY TALKS!

De banks gat so much rules today that when yuh gone in any one is like walking intoacourtroom.Fuhopenanaccount,yuh doesgattoshowproofofdisandshowproof of dat. De government decide however dat dem gan mek things simplier fuh de small man.Sodempasssomeregulationdatifyuh onlydepositinglessthan$500,000,yuhnah gat to worry about all dem fancy requirements fuh example de source of de funds. But dem boys wan ask dem which poormangat$500,000indembankbook.Is bestdemdidsehifyuhdepositinglessthan a$100,000.Butfuhputitat$500,000means isnahfuhpoorpeoplealone.

It remind dem boys of de time a man walkintodebankandgouptodeteller He tellsher,“Oklistentomeyoufool,callyour s i l l y M a n a g e r n o w ? ”

De teller reacts, “Hey there sir I don’t like t h e w a y y o u . . . ”

He stops her and goes again: “Listen to me you fool, you don’t look at me in the eyes whenyoutalk, andcallyoursillyManager.”

The teller is so afraid that she called her Manager,“HelloSir,thereisanangrymanat thefrontshoutingandcallingmeafool.Can y o u c o m e p l e a s e ? ”

The Manager comes to meet the man and says, “Ok, I am the Manager of this bank a n d ”

The man stops him again: “Listen here you sillyman.Ijustwon5milliondollarsinthe lottery and I want to put it in this bank.”

The Manager replies, “And this fool of a tellerisgivingyouaroughtime?Comewith me.” Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

fundamentalissueasseeking betterterms,hisgovernment isinretreatmode.

Jagdeohasnolegallimb to stand on in his respect to hisreluctancetorenegotiate. He has an obligation to at least raise the issue of renegotiation. If Exxon and its partners disagree then there are provisions in the contract to address such disputes.

There is also leverage

held by the government to forcerenegotiation.

Instead of addressing these issues, Jagdeo has resorted to foul-mouthed invectives against the publisher of this newspaper Thisisnotonlyunbecoming of the high office which he holdsbutshowshisinability to defend the untenable position which he has adoptedandwhichbodesno goodforGuyana.

(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.)

Canjebusinessmanshot,robbedbyarmedmen

A businessman, who would have been celebrating his 40th birthday today, is nursing a gunshot wound at theNewAmsterdamHospital after trying to fend off four armed men who robbed and shothimatCumberland,East CanjeBerbice.

Injured is Jagdeo Phillips called "Zacaria", a farmer and businessman of Lot 201 Victoria Street, Cumberland Village.Phillipswasshotand robbed by the quartet who invaded his family's business onFridaynight.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that a 68-year-

old woman is the owner of the business located at 194 Victoria Street, Cumberland. The woman lives with her grandchildren, a 14-year-old andan18-year-old.

Phillips, who lives nearby, would usually visit the business place in the evenings to help secure the shop before the occupants retiretobed.

The 18-year-old, who is Phillips' son, told Kaieteur News that between 21:30hrs and 22:30hrs, he left his grandmother, sister and father in the shop area and ventured to the back of the

building to have a bath Shortly thereafter, the young man said he heard screams. Thiscausedhimtorushoutto seewhatwashappening.

The teenager said when he returned to the front of the building,hesawmaskedmen armed with cutlasses and gunsintheshop.

Two of the armed men were in a scuffle with his father while another was pointingagunathissister

He recalled that it was shortly after a shot was fired injuringhisfather.Oneofthe invaders then stole his father's gold and silver jewellery.

The teen said that his wounded father then armed himself with a spade and ran behind the bandits who were t r y i n g t o e s c a p e Unfortunately, the armed

quartet had already taken money from the shop and Phillips.

The quartet made good their escape and Phillips collapsed while pursuing them. He was subsequently

r u s h e d t o t h e N e w Amsterdam Public Hospital whereheremainsapatient.

Meanwhile, police said a total of $700,000 was stolen along with gold and silver jewellery

The Cumberland shop where the shooting occurred.

OP-ED:

Ithank Mr Alistair Routledge, Exxon’s Guyana Country Head, for his words, ominous as they are, on renegotiation of oil blocks, maybe anything to do with theStabroekBlock.

“Very destructive” to investor confidence is a combinationofthealarming, a warning, some form of warding off, and doing a spirited job of defending what contractually holds the fabulously rich Stabroek BlockofGuyana.

As confirmed by the numbers known to date, the StabroekBlockisthestuffof legend, the kind of war stories that king of the hill oilmen speak of in awed terms in their oak-paneled drawing rooms, replete with walled trophies from their safaris from around the world.

In my view, 11 billion barrels of oil equivalents represent the first snowflakes in Guyana’s oil avalanche.

The only difference is that ours is rushing forward from below the sea, and not fromsomemountaintop. We haveamountainoroceanof

Say that again – renegotiation very destructive

oil, pick one, under the seabed, would be by my nontechnical estimate. I think that Mr Routledge knowsthis,butisnotsharing one barrel more than he has to, and as suits his purposes (and orders from Texas). But, I must admit to having some appreciation for his magicalspin,thethoughtof, and intensifying talk of, and any moving towards renegotiation would be the pinnacle of what is “very destructive” to investor confidence.

It is warming that Mr Routledge is such a luminouspresenceandvoice regarding investor confidence, such an indomitable champion of what is prospering to the ambitions, the visions and, ultimately, the income statements of current and prospective investors I detect the reassuring, unyielding posture of an oilmanplayingtohiscrowd, with an eye to maintaining hiscompany’sbeingseenas the darling of Wall Street analysts,banks,hedgefunds, andinvestors.

On another note, as I absorb Mr Routledge

sledgehammerrhetoric,Iam reminded of a samurai brandishing a fearsome weapon that sends politicians in Lilliputian locales scrambling to dodge the label of pariah status, as identified by threatened or thwartedcorporatewarriors. It’s Exxon’s version of a reverseultimatum. And,Mr Routledge got a ready convert in Guyana’s President (up next). This is my interpretation of Mr Routledge’s “very destructive” to investor confidence. Just the mere mention of loss of investor confidencecouldsendruling politicians,andonesaspiring tobe,intoatailspin. Thisis despite their own people’s confidence already eroded beyond the point of destruction.

It would have been preferableforMr Routledge to pause and consider that barren reality of the owners, instead of talking like some AmericanCaesar

Now, I regret having to part company with my fellow American, and in whose company, I have interest. I asked to be pardoned for discarding

fractions and decimals. But less than 15% percent (12.5+2))totaltoGuyanafor itsoilregisterswithmeasan imbalance of Himalayan proportions.

With Mr Routledge’s permission, I shall similarly jettison the luscious creams of no taxes, that open-ended 75% gravy train involving expenses from the top, and other dollar-driven considerations that do have material impacts, mostly positive, on investors’ confidence, and at the expense of passive and helpless oil producing countries.

I am reluctant to think that the financial acumen, thecorporateperspicacity,of this singular American distills to this impregnable, nonnegotiable,deadendofa maximum of less than 15% forGuyanaforitsnowfabled StabroekBlock.

If otherwise, it would be a “very destructive”, meaning, catastrophic to the confidence of the people withmoney

As I differ with Mr Routledge,thereisdifficulty in appreciating how double what Guyana is earning

By GHK Lall

currently (or 60% or 50% more)couldbesoshattering toinvestorconfidence.

I am lacking in appreciation of how a slightly lesser profit haul from Guyana’s high-quality oilcouldbesodevastatingto the confidence of investors.

Surely, Mr Routledge has gone overboard, can be considered less than

in the departments

f h y p e r b o l e ,

scaremongering, and

sensationalizing for

purposes of what is

protective of Exxon’s interests, Exxon’s take, and Exxon’s visions of near perpetual prosperity of an

unparalleled kind with Guyana’soiltrove.

I discern that Exxon, through Mr Routledge, has taken a preemptive stand with this rather shaky line drawnacrossGuyana’sface. I help with a familiar American historical moment,wheresomenatives were underestimated at a place in Montana. I think thatwehavetogoeyeballto eyeball with the American oilcompanyonthisforsome sensible meeting of minds, yielding.

The problem is that we lack the manpower, the mentalpower,thewillpower, andtheanatomicalpowerto fire our own shot across the bow, and send a strong messagetoExxon. Justhave the local EPA start experiencing cramps, amnesia, and a bone transplantforthebetter We shall see then whose confidence has greater stayingpower

(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.)

Gas-to-Energy project…

Exxon still to determine final cost of pipeline, price to transport gas

By Davina Bagot

The Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project has been criticised by members of the Opposition as well as transparencyactivistsfornot onlydrowninginsecrecybut alsoprovenviability

Thelattermaybemoreof a concern now that ExxonMobilhassaiditisyet to decide on the final cost of the pipeline it will be constructingforGuyana.

The 12-inch pipeline is estimated to run for 190 kilometres from the offshore operations to the Wales development site onshore. It willbeusedasthemethodof transportation for the natural r e s o u r c e T h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already given the oil company its blessing to commence construction of the pipeline, even though the final cost is yet to be revealed to Guyanese.

Country Manager for the local operations, Alistair Routledge was faced with several questions on the subject during a press conference on Monday This newspaper had specifically asked Routledge to state the cost of the structure since Guyana will be paying the c o m p a n y b a c k b y purchasingitsgas.

Project documents submitted by the company had estimated the pipeline costtobeUS$1.3billion,but the document warned “A higher certainty cost estimate will be developed after receiving and negotiating all major contracts.”

In July and August last year, Exxon awarded two contractsfortheproject.The first was announced in late July that Subsea 7 and Van Oord, two international companies were contracted for project management, engineering, and installation of approximately 190 kilometres of 12-inch pipeline.

Meanwhile,onAugust1, 2022, it was announced that Technip FMC, a UnitedKingdom based firm was hired by the oil company to provide engineering, procurement, construction and installation of subsea risers and pipelines for the Walesventure.

Even though contracts have been awarded and a Heads of Agreement has b e e n s i g n e d w i t h government for the project, Exxon claims the cost is still yettobefinalised.

Routledge told this newspaper, “We never have afinalestimateuntilwehave completed the work, but the total estimate for offshore, onshore works and so on is probably just under a billion dollars...the final cost would be what it is when we executethewholething.”

Hewasremindedthathis c o m p a n y ' s p r o j e c t documents said the pipeline ispeggedatUS$1.3billion.

The Exxon official explained that Guyana will be repaying the oil company for its investment by paying to transport the gas through the pipeline; but in the absenceofthatfinalcost,the price of the gas to generate electricity for the nation is in limbo. Routledge said, “The gas that will come on shore, in essence that development is just gonna pay for the pipeline cost Nothing more…the gas itself, we are selling the full 50 million cubic feet a day to the governmentoragovernment entity that is being established in order to receive the gas and put it throughthepowerstation.”

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said during a press conference in June last year that Guyana will not be payingExxonforthegas.He explained that the pipeline will be recovered from cost oil.

“Well, the pipeline will be funded from cost oil, and we would have to repay that over 20 years. But the gas is free, and this is crucial; it is one of the things we were arguing for from the beginning,”hesaid.

The Parliamentary Opposition has been pressing the administration to reveal all agreements signed for the GTE project, but to date have not been successful.

S h a d o w N a t u r a l Resources Minister, David Patterson on October 18, 2022 had asked whether any agreementsweresignedwith EEPGL in connection with the Wales project and if yes, fortheMinistertosupplythe Housewithacopyofthesaid agreement.

In response Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat explained that while government has inked an agreement with Exxon, the document cannot be made public just yet.“Mr Speaker, the Government of Guyana has signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with the Stabroek Co-ventures 30th June 2022. This agreement sets out the principles and

- EPA approval already given

c o n d i t i o n s f o r t h e commercial and technical arrangements of the Gas-toEnergy Project,” Bharrat said.

TheMinisteraddedinhis written response, “There are other agreements on supply, buyer's agreement, field development, licensing conditions, onshore works, and land matters that are currently being drafted. The respective agreements and policy documents will be presentedtothisHonourable House when they have been agreed upon and executed. All agreements are being done in a timely manner to

meet the Final Investment Decision which will allow for the project to be completedbyourcommitted deadline of December 2024.”Additionally, former Health Minister and Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Volda Lawrence had tabled several questions in the National Assembly in January this year to ascertain the financing arrangements in placeformulti-billion-dollar GTEproject.

More recently, on F e b r u a r y 6 , 2 0 2 3 , Opposition MP, Ganesh Mahipaul submitted a

Motion to Parliament seeking

the release of all documentsfortheWalesGas Project.

In the motion seen by Kaieteur News, Mahipaul said that in 2022, a total of $24,613,000,000 was allocated in the Budget for the project with another $43,300,000,000 approved this year towards the constructionoftheproject.

With over $67.9 billion already budgeted, the Opposition Parliamentarian pointed out that the House is yet to be provided with the Final Investment Plan. He also noted that the People's

Progressive Party (PPP) Government signed a Heads of Agreement with the Stabroek Block coventurers, ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC on June 30,2022.

To this end, Mahipaul said in his motion, “BE IT RESOLVED that this National Assembly instructs the Minister of Natural Resources to forthwith lay over to the National Assembly all documents relating to the construction of the Wales Gas-to-Energy Project and the Heads of Agreement signed on June 30,2022.”

Exxon wants new oil blocks despite higher royalties, taxes for future contracts

Though the Guyana Government has introduced a suite of higher fiscal terms for contracts governing the award of new blocks,suchasa10percentroyalty and the payment of corporate and income taxes, it has not dissuaded ExxonMobilCorporation.

In fact,Alistair Routledge who serves as President of Exxon, affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), confirmed on Friday that the subsidiary is registered for thebidround.

Routledge said, “We are always interested in new acreage and clearly where we had some successitbringsacertaindegreeof interest and we should be knowledgeableofit.”

He added, “ExxonMobil has registeredforthebidroundanditis reviewing some of the data with thegovernment.”

The company head said Exxon is waiting on the final terms of the new model Production Sharing Agreement that will be used for theseblocks“andwhenwehaveall of that, we will be in a position to makeadecisiononwhetherwebid ornot.”

Last year December, President Dr Irfaan Ali launched the licensing round, noting that it will feature 11 shallow water blocks and three deepwater concessions. There is a minimum signing bonus of US$20M for deepwater blocks and a minimum of US$10M for shallowwater

Successful companies would be required to pay a 10 percent income tax, 0 to 0.75 percent on property tax, 50 percent profit sharing, be subject to a 65 percent cost recovery ceiling, pay an annual rental fee totalling US$1M also an annual training fee amountingtoUS$1M.

According to government, shallow water blocks have a fiveyear exploration phase and a 20year production phase, with a possibility of renewal based on negotiated terms with the government Deepwater blocks have a 10-year exploration phase and a 20-year production phase, which may be extended for an additional10years.

All blocks will have a relinquishment obligation of 50 percent of the original area at the end of the initial period, and a further 50 percent at the end of the

first renewal period, excluding areasdesignatedfordevelopment. Thoughtheforegoingtermsare significantly higher when compared to what obtains in the lopsided 2016 Stabroek Block PSA, Exxon was still lured to participate.

The draft model PSA is expected to be released on Monday, February 13, 2023, with

the consultation period lasting for 15 days, to close on February 28, 2023.The final contract terms are expectedtobepublishedonMarch 8, 2023, with the government taking and evaluating bids from April14toMay5,2023.

The tender is open to any company or consortium, irrespective of nationality, that can comply with the stated health,

safety, environmental, technical andfinancialrequirements.

Kaieteur News understands thatthestatedintentofthetenderis to encourage open competition for all 14 blocks; however, Government has said it retains the discretion to limit any award to a maximum of three blocks Companiestenderingformore

(Continued on page 57)

KEPT IN THE DARK

Public, press, transparency advocates have no access to Exxon’s exploration, development costs for seven years

Two cost recovery audits still pending

Oil companies carted off almost 90% of the oil produced offshore Guyanalastyear,duetoa2016deal described as 'sh**ty' by Guyana's Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. The deal allows ExxonMobil and its partners to recover costs up to a ceiling of 75%, in the form of lifts categorizedascostoil.

Many times, when this deal is criticized, Guyanese are told that their take will increase soon, when cost recovery is completed. But the Guyanese people do not know whenthatdaywillcome.Whilethe People's Progressive Party (PPP) Government is regularly furnished with reports on costs by oil companies, the administration has notshedlightonitsprojections.

The public, the press and transparency advocates have no accesstoreportsthatoutlineneither thecostsExxonMobilissubmitting to the government nor the rate at which they are being recovered,

despite countless calls for these detailstobemadepublic.

So far, the public has been told that the Liza Phase One project had an initial estimated cost of US$4.4Bbutwhichlaterreducedto US$3.6B. After Liza Phase One, there is the US$6B Liza PhaseTwo project, the US$9B Payara project, andtheUS$10BYellowtailproject. However, no indication has been given of how the actual costs of these projects measured up against Exxon's initial estimates.When the Uaru project is approved, this will addUS$12.7B.

In a few months, another tremendous cost estimate will be added to the pile when Exxon reveals a number for the Whiptail project.Thiswillallbeaddedtothe billionsofUSdollarsbeingspentto drill exploration wells offshore Guyana. The government does not tellthepublichowmanywellshave been drilled, nor does it reveal the costs.

To share the crude oil amongst allparties,aliftofoilisnotliterally divided up based on the calculated takes, because this would be impractical. Instead, each party (Exxon, Hess, CNOOC and government) receives a number of lifts over an extended period which should enduproughlyequivalentto thetakeeachisowed.

For example, in 2023, government expects that out of 136 l i f t s ( e a c h c o m p r i s i n g approximatelyonemillionbarrels), Guyana is owed 17 lifts. These 17 million barrels represent Guyana's profitoillifts.

W h i l e t h e M a r i t i m e Administration Department (MARAD) puts out a notice when each lift is to be transported from the floating production vessels, there is no indication whether the lift has been earmarked for one of the companies or the government. There is also no forthcoming formula from the government,

which would allow the public to independently determine to whom eachliftisgoing.

As stipulated by the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), ExxonMobil's local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is required to submit its annual work programme and budget to the government Regulators have never made these reportspublic.

Thegovernmenthasanimplicit obligationtoconductregularaudits ofthesecostsassubmitted.Guyana

took years to finally order its first cost audit for Exxon's pre-contract costs in 2020. But various hiccups and delays have resulted in a great deal of public confusion over the final results of the examination of theUS$1.6Bincosts.

The government also issued a contract in 2022 for the audit of US$7.3B in additional costs. The finalreportonthisauditisexpected in March. But while promises have been made that the results will be made public, similar promises of this nature by the government have notbeenfulfilled.

Regulators continue to hide oil company’s annual work programme, budget

STABROEK BLOCK

Map showing the Stabroek Block Atlantic Ocean

11 Billion BOE

$84M contract awarded to rebuild Arthurville Primary School at Wakenaam

The Government of Guyana will be s p e n d i n g approximately $84M to reconstruct the Arthurville PrimarySchoollocatedonthe island of Wakenaam, Region Three. Reports are that the school was in a state of disrepairforsometime.

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office awarded the $84,944,136 contract to Mohammed Sidique Ramson Contracting Servicestorebuildtheschool.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that Mohammed Sidique was among 11 contractorsthatsubmittedbids for the project last September The Ministry had estimated that the project would cost $90,777,704.

In May 2022, Minister of E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a Manickchand informed parents and students of the Primary School that it would be rebuilt.The Minister was at the time visiting the school to address several concerns raised by parents about the deteriorating state of the building.

“Due to the worsening

condition of the school’s physical structure over the years, it was decided in March of this year to movethechildrenandteachersout of the school and have them accommodated at the Sans Souci Primary School,” a statement

issuedbytheMinistrysaid.

Minister Manickchand had informed the parents that the ArthurvillePrimarySchoolwillnot be shut down but rather it will be demolishedandanewandmodern structure will be built at the same

location.

“This school is going to continue but you have to give us timetobuildit.Ican’tknowwhatI know and keep children and teachers here because I won’t be abletolivewithmyselfifanything

is to ever happen to them,” Minister Manickchand told the parents.

She had informed them that every effort is being made within the Central Ministry and at the Regional level to see how quickly the school can be rebuilt. Minister Manickchand had mentioned that the latest the island should expect thenewschoolis2023,butefforts would be made to have it completedasearlyaspossible.

Following her visit, it was reported that some $307 million was approved for the Education Ministry in the supplementary budget. The Minister, following the approval of the supplementary budgethadpostedonherFacebook page that money was approved to rebuild the Arthurville Primary Schoolaspromised.

According to the Financial Paper No.1 2022, from that $307 million,$27,232,550wassetaside to facilitate the construction of a primaryschoolinWakenaam.

This year, some $12.4 billion was set aside towards the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilities This allocation will also facilitate the completion of the primary school building.

TheArthurville Primary School

Exxon official tries to disguise “sh**ty” 2016 Stabroek Block deal as sweet for Guyanese

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has in recenttimes,described the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA)asbeinga“sh**ty”deal.But officials at ExxonMobil Corporation, one of the three companies the agreement was inkedwith,believesotherwise.

Specifically, Head of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge feels the deal offers Guyanese more benefits than it doesfortheinvestors.

During a recent engagement with members of the media, Routledge said the widely publicized view that ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Limited, are walking away with the lion’s share of benefits from the 2016 PSA is untrue. He also said that talks of renegotiating the deal to seek a supposed “rebalancing of terms” would be destructive to investor confidence.

Routledgesaid,“Guyaneseare benefitting more than the investorsanditisveryclearunder the Stabroek Block Production

Sharing Agreement that 50 percent of the profit goes to the country and 50 percent to the investors But then in addition to that,thereisatwopercentroyalty which comes out of the investors’ shareoftheprofitsfromtheblock In essence, 52 percent goes to the country”

He added, “Now beyond that, what is incredibly important for any country or any business is the

stability and we have made now overUS$30Bworthofinvestment commitment to the country based on the contract as it stands To change the contract when you have already made that level of commitment would be very destructive to investor confidence intheStabroekBlockandIwould expect more widely in the country”

In a brief comment, Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall said ExxonGuyana’sHeadiscorrectto an extent but is clearly trying to deceive Guyanese about the devious nature of the Stabroek Blockdeal.

The KN Publisher said Exxon and partners are not telling the citizenry that for every barrel produced, they are snatching 75 percent of the oil first to sell and cover their investments The remainder, 25 percent, is called profit oil He said this is what is shared50/50.

Lall said, “What he is trying to do is nothing but tie numbers togethertopaintthisbeautifulstory when it is more than a horror movie.Whatheisnotsayingisthat

Guyana is receiving 50 percent in profitoil.Butwhatheisnotsaying isthatyouaregetting50percentof aquarterofabarrelofoilandthey are getting the same quarter barrel too. This is what they keep on pushingdowntheGuyanesethroats ashalfandhalfprofitshare.”

Thebusinessmanfurthernoted, “To add insult to the horror, they wantustobelievethattheduttytwo percent royalty they are giving

Guyanaiscomingoutoftheirprofit share. In other words, they are tryingtotellusthatGuyanagetting more than them. How on earth Guyana can get more than them when they already huff out 75 percent of the barrel in which we don’t know or never had a say on thecoststheyaretakingout.”

The newspaper publisher said this horror story will continue to plague Guyanese for the rest of their lives in the absence of ringfencing provisions. Lall said such provisionswouldhaveensuredthat Exxon cannot take the revenues made from the Liza Phase One Project to cover expenses for its otherdevelopments.

He said, “Just imagine, we already paid off all the investment costsontheLizaOne.Weshouldbe getting our flush half barrel of oil and profits now Because of the lack of ring-fencing provisions on that project, Guyana will continue togethalfofaquarterofabarrelfor therestofthelifeonallprojects…”

Lall said it is sickening that Exxon’sheadwouldtrytopaintany other picture to right-thinking Guyanese.

KN Publisher, Glenn Lall

ExxonMobil Guyana Head, Alistair Routledge

Christal De Jesus

Meet 20-year-oldChristalDeJesus.

SheholdsthetitleasthefirsteverMiss RegionFourTeenwithaPurpose,andalsoreigned astheMissHopeSecondarypageantQueen2017.Christal representedGuyanaintheHaynesSmithCaribbeanTalented TeenpageantinDecember2019andisnowaregisterednurseat theGeorgetownPublicHospitalIncorporatedGPHCInc. Asa pageantgirl,Christalisastrongadvocateforbodypositivity.She enjoysbeinginsyncwithnaturebecausethatiswhereshe findspeace.Herfavouritequotetolivebyis,Marge Piercy’s“Astrongwomanisawomanwhois determinedtodosomethingothers determinednottobedone.”

FOCUS

Dun Robin - A family farming community

By Malisa Playter-Harry

from an early age. She cheerfully expressedthatshelovesandenjoys

Initially owned by a family, it immensely, Saul said that “once Dun Robin is a quaint community yougetusetoit,it’seasy...” along the No.19 stretch of road, on Speaking briefly about some of the Corentyne highway Though her responsibilities, Nanda who is not largely populated, the residents also a mother of five, said that she of this village are gainfully usually takes the cattle out to graze employed in rice and livestock and she also rides a horse. Her farming, as well as fishing. Mostly motivation to continue doing what occupied by persons who are either she does…it’s the love she has for closely related or distant relatives, the industry and the economic Dun Robin is a closely knitted benefitsitprovides,shesaid. communitywithvastlandspace. Dun Robin is one of those

In the village, you can find communities where you will not women and children actively and find religious institutions, schools equally involved in the farming etc. but you are sure to find a activities alongside the men,who businessman who invests in used all expressed how much they love and not working vehicles (scrap

A relative of Amarsingh taking care of her chickens, while removing a few dead ones. She said a lot of the chickens are dying and she doesn’t know why

A young lad waiting for his relatives to load the chickens for sale

and enjoy what they do, despite the metal). Well known as “Rambo”, Robin Farm” and that it is a “small help me, onto now me can’t get a village and the people are being hardworkandlonghoursrequired. he is no stranger to the media as his village.” job...” neglected.

The Waterfalls visited this business was unfortunately

the village is actually called “Dun “I hope the government can thecommunity Hebelievesthathis

Born and raised in the He said on many occasions, he Another issue Amarsingh serene community recently and targeted in the past by armed community,hetoldusthatwhilehe approached persons from the highlighted is that in the rice engaged with a few of the residents bandits. He was not around when does not know where the name Neighbourhood Democratic farming lands, they are faced with astheywerebeginningtheirday The Waterfalls visited,buthisevercame from, the community “is like Council (NDC) concerning the issue of hundreds of “wild

NandaSaul,44,whohasbeena expanding business cannot be a family village.” He added that his employment but have not been ducks” invading the rice land and cattle farmer for 30 years, said that missed, since it is located along the relatives bought the piece of land successful thus far He said they “eating it out.” The issue he said herparentsarecattlefarmersandso publicroad. from“Fraserdemwhobinownthis had conducted a meeting at the bus which has cost farmers she naturally became involved in it Dhanesh Amarsingh, 53, said whole straight area here, and then shedinthevillageandhehadraised significantly was brought to the dem start sell...is my father bought the issue of having a solar light attention of Agricultural it.” wherehishouseisatthebackofthe authorities, but they have not heard According to him, people are village, which was months ago fromanyonesince. mostly involved in cattle, rice Amarsingh said, but, he is yet to While Amarsingh had many farming and are employed at a rice receiveit. issues to highlight, he did however mill in the village that is owned by “Dem seh dem wudda put a mention that the drainage system hiscousin,PremKarran. light at the street where my house has improved a lot and noted that Amarsinghwhoalsodoessome deh and unto now it can’t put, it when there is heavy rainfall, the farmingandfishinghimselfsaidhe dark at the back there, people don’t water recedes quickly through the also does other odd jobs but they comearoundhereandlookafterwe drainage system, resulting in less arenotenoughforhim,considering like how you come and check we flooding. the rising cost of living. He added out.”

Dun Robin Farm may be small that while it has helped to sustain Amarsingh said the NDC staff but it is a community that is filled his family overtime, it is getting toldhimonmanyoccasionsthatthe with hardworking, down to earth harder by the day and he hopes that village doesn’t exist but he said he people, making an honest living hecanbeemployedasanexcavator isconfusedwhytheyarebeingtold and coexisting in peace, love and operatorwithintheregion. that,whentherearepeoplelivingin harmony

Within Dun Robin

Rambo’s scrap metal business

Entering Dun Robin from the east

Some cell phone etiquette tips to follow

By Richard Francois

Be aware of your surroundings much as possible to avoid texting withkindofsignifiestothem: “you illegal, using a mobile phone and set your ringtones accordingly during face-to-face conversations. are less important than the person behind the wheel significantly

The progressive march of Therearecertainenvironmentsthat It is also unacceptable to take calls ontheotherendofthiscall,I’mjust reduces your concentration. As a technology has brought with it absolutely require that you set your when you are in the middle of a going to drop our face-to-face result, you may overlook important many life changing developments cell phone ringtones on vibrate or face-to-face conversation If conversation to talk to someone traffic signals and respond too t h a t h a v e c o m p l e t e l y silent. Court, church, meetings, possible, politely excuse yourself elsewhoisn’tevenphysicallyhere; slowly to unpredictable road revolutionized the way we live in cinemas, conferences, libraries, so you can answer your cell phone that’s how unimportant you truly conditions.Suchcircumstancescan these modern times. One such galleries, hospitals and other such inprivate. are.” leadtoaseriouscaraccident. technological invention is the instances require that your cell Holding up your finger in the Use text messages for Here are some safe driving tips cellular telephone or cell phones as phoneonsilentorvibrate. middle of a face-to- informal communication from shell.com that can help you theyarecommonlycalled. Especially if your cell phone Text messages are great for avoidanaccidentbynotusingyour

The convenience that cell ringtone is of the obscene conveyingshort,instantmessages cellphonewhiledriving: phones provide to modern variety, all the more you should of an informal nature. Do not use · Turn off your phone before communication has enabled real- avoiditringinginpublic. them to communicate important startingyourjourney; time global communication on a Try to be discreet information (formal) or anything ·Takeregularbreaksandusethe scale never before experienced. when speaking that needs a lengthy explanation. time to check messages or make Information and Communication When answering your cell per chance you need to cancel calls; Technologies (ICTs) inclusive of phone,trytonotshout.Yourcell an appointment, it is always Avoid using your mobile the availability of high-speed phone is not a megaphone and better to make a phone call phone even with hands-free internet, makes the cell phone an therefore you should not shout rather than send a text; your technology; almostindispensibledevice. into it when speaking. Be aware pologies will be better · If you need to urgently make a

While mobile phones play an of your surroundings and the received this way There is the call,findasafeplacetoparkfirst; essential part in modern people around you When modern habit of sending text ·Don’tcallortextsomeoneyou civilization, there are some speaking into your cell phone, messages with all sorts of knowisdriving; unintended consequences that arise always be cognizant of the fact contemporary abbreviations · If you call someone and they particularly from the misuse of that your conversation may be It is important that you know are driving, ask them to call back thesedevices. disturbing the people around you. your audience and are aware after their journey, when the car is

Today, we focus on some of the Be aware that your voice may be o f w h a t y o u a r e parkedinasafeplace;and conventional rules for proper cell interrupting the peacef communicatingandwithwho Remember the only phoneuse.Thiscode-of-conductor commuters on the bus or in the you are communicating. Use appropriate time to use a mobile etiquetterulesforpropercellphone lobbyorwhereveryouare. as much conventional phoneisinanemergency,todialthe use are not rooted in any Intimate conversations ought grammar, spelling and emergencyservices. sophisticated social scientific nottobehadinfrontofpeople.It punctuation as possible to Practising good cell phone theories, but more so in common better to excuse yourself and find make yourself clearly etiquette can help you conduct sense. A little thoughtfulness and some privacy for your intimate understood The usual yourself in an appropriate manner awareness of your surroundings conversations or call back the salutations and sign offs can be when in public. You can also save face and the people around you should person when it is convenient to ignored, assuming the recipient yourself a lot of embarrassment if conversation to answer your cell help you govern yourself in the havesuchconversations. knowswhoyouare. you pay heed to the points phone is considered rude and bad proper manners when using your Of utmost importance, refrain Do not use your cell discussed today There are many manners. cellphonesinpublic. from indecent language when phone while driving more points about cell phone In the case of an emergency let Here are few things you should speakingintoyourcellphone. Cell phone use while driving etiquette that that can be useful to the person you are having the facepractice when using your cell Avoid using your phone when in hasbeenontheriseforsometimein you. Feel free to do additional to-face conversation with know: “I phones: face-to-face conversations with Guyana. More and more persons researchonthistopicandbesureto have to take this.” Otherwise, to do Check your others can be seen driving and using their share the knowledge with your this flippantly to someone you are ringtone settings Whileitmaybetempting,tryas cell phones. Apart from it being friendsandfamily having a face-to-face conversation

Haiti at the tipping point of becoming fully hostage to criminals

BySirRonaldSanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’sAmbassador to the United States of A m e r i c a a n d t h e Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely hisown)

Haiti continues to occupy the concerns of nations around the world, especially its closest neighbouringstates.

Those in charge of the Haitian Government have called for “effective support” from international partners “in the form of the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force of sufficient strength to stop, throughout the country, the humanitarian crisis that has beencausedby,amongother things, the breakdown in security resulting from the criminal actions of armed gangsandtheirsponsors”.

But others in the Haitian community insist that the Haitian authorities share the blameforthecountry’srapid deterioration. They are not convinced that, even if it were possible, an intervening military force is the answer to Haiti’s deep seated and long-lasting woes.

Everyoneisunitedinthe view that more than 200 gangs now effectively control 60 per cent of the Capital, Port -au-Prince and about 80 per cent of the entire country, and that actionisrequiredtoendtheir reignofterror.

However,howtoendthe ruleofthegangsremainsan issuewithinHaitiandamong its very large diaspora community Some favour armed intervention by external forces but without any clear definition of the terms under which this would be accomplished Others resist the notion of any intervention by external forces.

Among the latter is The National Human Rights Defence (RNDDH) group, whichstatesthatthe“request formilitaryinterventionwas produced by the de facto government (of Prime Minister, Ariel Henry) without any form of legitimacy (and) with its own objectives which seem to be to keep the PHTK (Henry’s political party) in

power until the completion of the elections which they will organize with, in addition, the ability to manipulate the biometric data of citizens, that is, the electoraldata”.

Prime Minister Henry has managed to garner support for a “National Consensus for an inclusive transition and transparent election”. OnDecember21, Henry’s government and some representatives of the privatesector,otherpolitical parties and civil society organizations signed a document, committing to this transition But participation was not fully inclusionary and key stakeholders were either omitted or omitted themselves.

Therefore, while Haiti’s international partners acknowledge the benefit of the commitment and the formationofaHighCouncil for the Transition (HCT), they are concerned that the body is not inclusionary enough to represent a nationalconsensus. Further, the past record in Haiti of abandoning agreed positions, resulting in even wider discord, does not encourage confidence that a limited HCT will survive or that its decisions will be respected.

InalettertothePresident of the United Nations SecurityCouncil(UNSC)on October 8, 2022, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, recognizing that the 5 permanent members would not agree to UN military intervention in Haiti, proposed two approaches. First,“Agroup of Member States, acting bilaterallyattheinvitationof the Government of Haiti, could establish a special force to support the Haitian National Police in tackling gangs, including through joint strike, isolation and containment operations across the country”; and second, “The Security Councilcouldwelcomesuch a special force, the viability of which would be

strengthened by the existence of broad political and social support for its deployment and a meaningful agreement between the Government and the opposition on a political way forward for Haiti”.

Neither of these proposalswerepursued. No country,includingtheU.S.is anxious to commit forces to Haiti, outside of an agreed multi-national expedition Further, there is still not in Haiti the kind of “broad political and social support” for the deployment of an external force. And despite the accord of December 21, 2022, and the creation of a limitedHTC,thereis,asyet, no “meaningful agreement betweenthegovernmentand the opposition on a political wayforward”.

This situation in Haiti is madeevenmorecomplexby theoverarchingpowerofthe criminal gangs One academic, César Niño, an associate professor and researcheratUniversidadde la Salle in Colombia, writes that “the criminal gangs managed to make alliances with the police and security, thus enabling kidnapping, human trafficking, the flow of weapons, and other crimeswhileminimizingthe consequences”.

The Haitian Human Rights Group (RNDDH) goes even further, pointing to “ongoing and repeated connections between state authorities and armed gangs”.

Added to this, are the following undisputed facts. The country has no legislature and no Body overseeing the government; the Supreme Court is dysfunctional (its members must be approved by the parliament which does not exist)andithaslostathirdof itsmembers.

Amidallthis,thepeople of the country are suffering. Research shows that five million people currently experience food insecurity across the country; reported kidnappings soared to more

than 1,200 last year, more than double the number in 2021,accordingtotheU.N.; and there were 2,200 homicides in 2022, a dramaticincreaseover2021. The issue that confronts theinternationalcommunity in its desire to be helpful to Haiti is both the lack of meaningful, inclusionary dialogue and a genuine national consensus on the wayforwardwithinHaiti,as well as no clear terms under whichexternalforceswould be invited into Haiti and by whom; how would such a force be organized and financed; under whose authority would it function and with what mandate and immunity

In the meantime, it should be acknowledged thattheU.S.andCanadaare

deploying logistical assistance to the Haitian National Police In the circumstances, it is better than doing nothing.

However, no one should lose sightofthefactthat, a p a r t f r o m dictatorships in Haiti, two countries bear the greatest responsibility for that country’s condition –FranceandtheU.S. Outside of an agreed multinational military intervention, they s h o u l d u s e t h e i r considerable influence within Haiti to encourage national consensus on their pathforward,includinghow to deal with the criminal powerofthegangs.

CARICOM Heads of

G

overnment meet in their regular session in The Bahamas from February 15 to 17. Undoubtedly, Haiti will be on their agenda. They will have to consider the ways in which they can acttobehelpfultothepeople of Haiti within the limits of theircapacity Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s :

Sir Ronald Sanders

Exercisecanhelpmanage chronicdiseases

The benefits of exercise can be discussed in tons of articles but this week, we are going to discuss how physical activity can help manage chronicdiseases.

Now you may want to ask, what are chronic diseases?

Simplyput,theseareconditions thataffectyourhealthforayear or more and require medical attention.Someofthecommon ones are diabetes, cholesterol, heart disease, cancer and hypertension.

Chronic diseases are not contagious-meaning,youcan’t get them simply from sitting next to someone- put they can be passed down through our genes, meaning that, if you suffer from diabetesforexample,itcouldbebecauseyou gotitfromaparentorgrandparent.

In Guyana, more than 50 percent of deaths are linked to chronic illnesses. The PanAmerican Health Organization (PAHO) conducted a study in 2016 and released its reportin2021.

That study found that 68% of deaths in 2016wereattributedtoNon-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), specifically, cardiovasculardisease(34%),cancers(8%), diabetes (8%), and chronic respiratory diseases(3%).

Studies have shown that regular exercise can help manage chronic diseases

You may be happy to know too that it can also help to prevent the onset of such conditions as well It is however important thatyouspeakwithadoctorbeforestarting anyexerciseroutine

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevent(CDC)advisesthatifyouhavebeen diagnosedwithachronicdiseasethatyouget the support of friends and family and get active.TheCDCsaidtoothatitiscriticalto

start slowly and add time, frequency, or intensity each week.Asimple and easy way togetsomephysicalactivityinisbywalking tonearbydestinationsratherthandriving,or,

parking y o u r c a r further away, to get someextrastepsin.

Below is a list of a fewchronicdiseasesthat exercise can help to manage, as shared by MayoClinic:

· Arthritis. Exercise can ease pain, build muscle strength around joints and lessen joint stiffness. It also can help people with arthritis movebetterandimprove qualityoflife.

e xercise is regular exercise thatraisesheartratewithoutputtingstresson thebody Itcanbuildbackstrengthandmake musclesworkbetter Stomachandbackmuscleexercises,also known as core-strengthening exercises, can help ease symptoms by making the muscles aroundthespinestronger

· Cancer. Exercise can improve the qualityoflifeforpeoplewho’vehadcancer Italsocanimprovefitness.And,itcanlower the risk of dying of breast, colorectal and prostatecancers.

Dementia. Exercise can improve thinking skills in people with dementia. Peoplewhomoveregularlyareatlessrisk of dementia and problems with learning andthinking.

· Depression and anxiety. Regular exercise helps improve the symptoms of boththeseconditions.

· Diabetes. Regular exercise can help lowerbloodsugarlevels.Exercisealsocan help control weight and boost energy For people with type 2 diabetes, exercise can lowertheriskofdyingofheartdisease.

·Heartdisease.Regularexercisehelps the heart. Exercise can lower the risk of dyingofheartdisease.And,itcanlowerthe riskofheartdiseasegettingworse.

· Osteoporosis. This condition causes bonestothinandweaken.Someexercises, such as fast walking and lifting weights, helpbuildstrongbonesandslowboneloss.

The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, plus musclestrengtheningactivitiesatleasttwodaysa weekforadults.

· Asthma. Often, exercise can help controlhowoftenasthmaattackshappenand howbadtheyare. Back pain. Low-impact aerobic

Exercise is also important for children. Theyrequire60minutesoronehourormore ofphysicalactivityeachdaytostayhealthy

Justice served for Faiyaz Narinedatt

“…he refused them and then institute the maximum sentence five men were found guilty slapped Bisram and then since, “there are no mitigating 2016 murder of Fai ChamanChunilalsaidhefollowed factors”. Narinedatt, a Carpenter of East himthroughthehousetothefront, NARINEDATT’S MOTHER Berbice,Corentyne. where the five accused persons Meanwhile, Narinedatt’s

On Friday, November 4,

The five men, Orlando were. He heard instructions mother in an emotional address to Dickie called ‘Rastaman’, given to ‘beat am till he dead’. thecourtdisclosedthatfourofthe Radesh Motie called And when those instructions five men convicted of the heinous ‘Rado’, Diodath Datt were given, his evidence crime are known to her family. called ‘Brukhand’, Harri started to describe the level of She said they visited her home at Paul Parsram called violence. No.72Village,Berbice. ‘Lloydy’ and Niran

This violence that was The distraught woman said Yacoob called ‘Orin’ were metedouttoayoungman,who that the men woke her son from on trial before Justice later died… they didn’t just his sleep and convinced Navindra Singh were found beat him… they used pieces of Narinedatt to go out to catch guilty by a 12-member Jury wood which he [another witness] iguanas with them. The woman theBerbiceHighCourt. said came from a fence…” the said she had a bad feeling about

A f t e r t w o h o u r s lawyertoldthecourt. theouting. deliberating,thejuryreturned

By Renay Sambach

Rahamat told the court, “The She said that though seven aguiltyverdict.Wheninformedof attack was violent at the time of yearshaveelapsedsinceherson’s awayfromhim,”shesaid. the verdict, Narinedatt’s family of Appeal and Bisram moved an infliction,theyshowednoconcern death, “it pains me heart”. The JUSTICE SINGH shared that they are relieved that appeal to the Caribbean Court of when he ran away from them and grief struck woman told the men For his part, Justice Singh said justicehasbeenserved. Justice(CCJ)whereitwasordered then when he fell in the trench and thattheyshouldnothaveexecuted based on the post mortem

ItwasbetweenOctober31and thathebereleased. was picked up and dragged back, their plan while blaming them for examination done on Narinedatt, November 1, 2016, Narinedatt of PROSECUTION he was repeatedly beaten and the thestatesheisin. there is “clear evidence of a brutal No 73 Village, Corentyne, In this case, the State was extent of the violence he faced “IamsomebodydifferentandI beating”. The High Court judge Berbice, was found lifeless on the represented by special prosecutor from these five accused persons is don’t like who I am. Me hate said that “the injuries are so No. 70 Village Public Road hours Latchmie Rahamat and State recordedinthePMreport.” myself for who I become, I am not numerous that even if you are

after he attended businessman

angry with someone and got into a Marcus Bisram’s birthday fight, at some point in time where celebration.Narinedatt’sbodywas thereisnoresponsefromtheother found in close proximity to person, you must want to stop Bisram’shome. beating;thisisabrutalbeating.”

Bisram,aGuyanese-American Justice Singh, just before had returned to the United States sentencing the men, said that after shortly after the murder of considering the men’s statements, Narinedattbutwaslaterextradited there are no mitigating to Guyana and placed before the circumstances that could be court for the carpenter’s murder consideredintheirfavour He was subsequently acquitted

SENTENCING

based on the lack of evidence and Orlando Dickie, Radesh setfreeinJune2020. Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul

However, Director of Public Parsram and Niran Yacoob, will Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack spend 66 years imprisonment for had instructed that Bisram be the gruesome murder of prosecutorNafeezaBaig. The special prosecutor the same person I use to be and recommitted to stand trial for Narinedatt with a possibility of Rahamat told the court that referenced Narinedatt’s post ayuh responsible for that,” the Narinedatt’smurder parole after spending a minimum basedontheevidencepresented,it mortem report which listed his mother told the men noting that Bisram, through his lawyers, of 25 years in prison – this ruling was clear that there was pre- cause of death as multiple she is unable to trust anyone. She appealed and subsequently High washandeddownlastweek. meditation by those convicted. fractures to the skull with cerebral continued: “…ayuh destroy my Court Judge, Justice Simone She argued that based on the damage, a fractured spine, a life, you just destroy my life Morris-Ramlall ruled that his evidence presented by the main ruptured spleen and liver, a entirely I will never be happy imprisonment was unlawful and witness,MarcusBisraminstructed fractured arm and pulmonary again, no matter what me do. One ordered his release. That decision themento beatNarinedattafterhe contusion. son, one child me had in my life was then overturned by the Court refusedBisram’ssexualadvances. She pleaded with the court to andayuhknowda.Ayuh,riphelife

To share any useful information, you can contact me via email: naesambach@gmail.com

Murdered, Faiyaz Narinedatt

From top left to right: Niran Yacoob, Harri Paul Parsram, and Radesh Motie. Bottom left to right: Diodath Datt, Orlando Dickie (Stabroek News photo)

What Is Valentine’s Day, and Why Do We Celebrate It?

You might be surprised by Who is Valentine’s how unromantic the history of Day named for?

Valentine’s Day really is First, the simple answer: (Reader’s Digest) Some of us Valentine’s Day is named for St. love love, thrilling at the prospect Valentine But it gets more of spending a whole day complicated from here. As it turns celebrating it. Others feel like the out, at least three Valentines were popular version of love has been saintedbytheCatholicChurch,and commercialized and confused. But each one has his own group of regardless of how you feel about supportersclaiminghe’sbehindthe Valentine’s Day, the “holiday of holiday love” is one of the most popular The first St. Valentine was a traditions in Western culture rebel, defying a decree from the Throughout the history of RomanEmperorClaudiusII,which Valentine’s Day, people have used saidyoungmenwerenotallowedto the holiday as an excuse to be married and had to serve in the celebrate romantic love and military instead (The Romans centuries, Valentine’s Day has its passion.Thesedays,it’salsoatime believed single men made better rootsinpaganism.Lupercaliawasa Valentine’s Day is filled with to celebrate platonic love, with soldiers.)St.Valentinecontinuedto c o m e s f r o m R o m a n pagan fertility festival typically funtraditions,includingdecorating everyone from elementary-aged marryloversinsecret. mythology the red rose celebratedinFebruary LikeCupid, with paper hearts, coloring children to the elderly sharing

ThesecondSt.Valentinehelped (symbolizing the blood of Adonis, the symbol of Valentine’s Day, it everything red and pink and giving valentines. Christian prisoners escape Roman the god of love) was dedicated had ties to a Roman god. The Valentine’s Day gifts for him and But this holiday didn’t just jails—until he was caught and specifically to Venus, the goddess festival was dedicated to Faunus, Valentine’sDaygiftsforher. magically appear out of nowhere, imprisoned himself. His last act of love. Similarly, white roses the Roman god of agriculture, and Eating candy conversation and contrary to popular belief, it before death was to miraculously symbolize purity Pink roses toRomulusandRemus,theRoman hearts wasn’t invented by greeting card heal the daughter of his jailer, intertwine purity and romance; so founders.

Heart shaped and printed with companies. Valentine’s Day has a thereby converting the whole many lovers choose bouquets with Lupercalia was all about shortsayings,thesechalky(butstill rich (and slightly morbid) history family to Christianity In some allthreecolors. fertilitybutnotinthemodernsense weirdly delicious) sweets are thatyoumaynotknowabout.Keep versions of the story, St. Valentine Giving a heart-shaped box of of love and romance. Priests from unique to Valentine’s Day. But onreadingtolearnaboutthehistory II was even in love with the chocolates an order called Luperci sacrificed a wheredidtheycomefrom? ofValentine’sDay,howtheholiday daughter, but their love was

This tradition, like much of the goatanddog,skinnedthem,soaked Candy hearts originated in the is celebrated (with some tragicallycutshort. history of Valentine’s Day, has their hides in blood and then used late 1800s when a Boston

The third St. Valentine was a roots in the distant past. Several them to gently “whip” young pharmacist made Necco wafers as ancient cultures, including the women, a tradition “lozenges.” His brother got the Aztecs, considered chocolate an aimed at making the brilliant idea to print sayings on aphrodisiac. That, combined with women more fertile. themformanyoccasions,butitwas the relative scarcity of sugar, made

After that, the the messages of love that really chocolate a popular gift to women’s names were tookoff.OneofthefirstValentine’s symbolizeloveanddevotion. put in a jar, and each messages was “How long shall I

Things took a turn for the eligible young man have to wait? Please be commercial in the early 1900s, drew a name, forming considerate.”How romantic? when Cadbury created a heart- a couple for the next By the 1910s, they were a shapedboxforitschocolates.From year (and possibly fixture of the holiday Eventually, there, it’s history! To this day, leading to marriage if Brach’smadethemsmaller,shaped Valentine’s Day chocolates are the itworkedout). them into hearts and added the No. 1 most popular gift during the Inanefforttoclean candy heart sayings we all know holiday up the pagan holiday, andlovetoday

Pope Gelasius I Giving valentines

Decorating with hearts

Hearts of the non-anatomical integrated Lupercalia According to the lore, the variety are the symbol of love, with St Valentine’s second St. Valentine didn’t just fall perhaps because the heart has long Dayinthefifthcentury in love with his jailer’s daughter been considered the center of The new holiday He also sent her a final farewell emotion and passion. When we’re quicklyspreadtoallthe letter, signed “from your in love, we often “feel” it in our countries that practiced Valentine.” Romantic Victorians chest After a breakup, we Christianity Chaucer ran with this phrase, signing it on we fascinating Valentine’s Day trivia) and Shakespeare also elaborate V Catholic bishop in Terni. of and who the heck St. Valentine played a part in changing the professing History hasn’t remembered much ticker: really was. (Spoiler: It wasn’t just holiday from a bloody sex festival holiday In about him, and the stories of all , oneperson!) to a modern love story by writing began mas three saints have become entwined ,

What is Valentine’s Day? aboutitinasweet,lightheartedand valentines, over the centuries The story

Valentine’s Day is an annual decidedlyless-lasciviousway tradition, which became so murky and confusing

holiday celebrated in the United Christian settlers brought the tothisday that, in 1969, the Catholic Church

States and many other countries holiday with them to the New Sending bouquets removed the St. Valentine’s feast around the world. Historically, it World, where it became one of the of red r day from the Christian liturgical has commemorated romantic love, most popular holidays during the Valentine’ calendar but recently, it’s been expanded to Victorian era. In the 1900s, people f l o w But there was one unfortunate includealltypesoflove. began giving one another u n i v e r s thing all three men had in common

This holiday always occurs on Valentine’s Day cards and s y m b o l besides their name, and it’ll give the 14th day of the month of Hallmark began offering them in romantic love, youpausebeforeutteringyournext February, but the day of the week 1913. The tradition grew from these da “HappyValentine’sDay.”Inavery rotates. Below, you’ll learn which there, and today Hallmark bouquet o unromantic twist, all three were day of the week to expect the estimates 145 million Valentine’s roses is one martyredbybeheadingbydifferent holiday for the next five years (you Daycardsareexchangedeachyear most popular Roman emperors. In some versions know, in case you want to make Valentine’s Day was never a loved one of the stories, the men were all those Valentine’s Day restaurant named an official national holiday Day But why? executed on or near Feb. 14 (in reservationsnow). in the United States, but it remains to understand differentyears),buthistorianshave

·Tuesday,Feb.14,2023

the13thmostpopularholidayinthe behindrosecolors. beenunabletoverifythatdetail.

·Wednesday,Feb.14,2024 country, coming in just after St. Red has What is the history of

·Friday,Feb.14,2025 Patrick’sDay and passion, Valentine’s Day?

·Saturday,Feb.14,2026

Like many modern holidays

What are some popular the color

·Sunday,Feb.14,2027 Valentine’s Day traditions? pumpedthrough that have been celebrated for (Continued on page 43)

LindengirlattainsPhDat26-years-old

ByVanessa BraithwaiteMoore

Theexpressionthatgreat things come from Linden was again recognized, when

adaughterofthebauxitesoil reached the pinnacle of her academic career, by

graduating a doctor of scholar at just 26 years old.

Dr TiffanyArthur, a former

student of the New Silver City Secondary School (NSSS)andMackenzieHigh School in Linden, was able to successfully complete the highest-ranking academic

achievement - a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Developmental Studies, at a University in the South Pacific.

Dr Arthur, a resident of

Amelia’s Ward Linden, has risen against all odds and stereotypes to cop this great achievement at a relatively youngage. She was quick to

highlight that her journey wasnosprint;infact,itwasa long distance one of patience, determination, courage and persistence But, it is a journey that she hasnotregretted. “ P e r s e v e r a n c e , discipline and persistence, arevitalifyoudesiretobea successful academic Sacrifices are the investmentssoattheonsetor along the course of your journey, you must give up the short-term comforts for the long-term win Obtaining academic excellence is not a sprint, you have to be patient and stay the course; great things taketime,”shetold Kaieteur News.

Tiffany completed her Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) at the Mackenzie High School, before commencing her tertiary journey at the University of Guyana,whereshereadfora Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies Though this alone signified academic success, Tiffany yearned for more and with the highest level of determination, she went after it. Tiffany benefited fromascholarshipfundedby the European Union and pursued her Masters and PhD in Developmental Studies.

How did she manage to achieveallofthissoyoung?

Tiffanysaidsheisapurposedriven woman, who was determined to be a proud productofherenvironment.

“I am proud of this earned achievement for myself and my community Hailing from a deprived community which faces unique socioeconomic challenges, it is selffulfilling as a young woman tohaverisenagainstallodds and stereotypes. Linden has always been number one in thebusinessofproducingthe verybestonallplatformssoI

Dr. TiffanyArthur

Rihanna’sSuperBowlhalf-timeshow:

- The Umbrella star will headline the NFL finale at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium

(Yahoo News) Rihanna is tofacetheKansasCityChiefsatthe UK number ones, including preparingtomakeherlong-awaited State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Umbrella, Diamonds and We live comeback at the Super Bowl Arizona. FoundLove,soshehasnoshortage 2023half-timeshow

But the main event for music ofcrowd-pleaserstopickfrom.

The pop star is expected to fans will be Rihanna’s half-time She told Apple Music: “The perform her biggest hits as she show, which is likely to begin setlist was the biggest challenge. headlinestheNFLfinaleinArizona around1amonMonday That was the hardest, hardest part, thisweekend.

The 13-minute set will be her deciding how to maximise 13

Here’s everything we know firstsoloperformancesince2017. minutes. abouttheperformancesofar. What can fans expect

“That’s what this show is going

When is Rihanna’s from the setlist? to be, it’s going to be a celebration Super Bowl half-time show? Rihanna’s Super Bowl setlist is ofmycatalogueinthebestwaythat

The 2023 Super Bowl will kick being kept firmly under wraps, but wecouldhaveputittogether.” off 19:30hrs Guyana time today it’s expected to feature some of her Billboard reports that it’s ”very Sunday,12February greatesthits. likely” she will perform Lift Me

The Philadelphia Eagles are set The34-year-oldhasscorednine Up,hersongfromthesoundtrackto Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda “Thingsthatarenew,thingsthat Forever are different, things that are off,

Theballadisnominatedforbest weird,mightnotevermakesenseto original song at next month’s my fans, the people that know the Oscars, so the performance could musicthatI’veputout.” help her chances of winning the Rihanna has credited the birth prestigiousaward. of her son last May as her main Jay-Z’s company Roc Nation is motivation for agreeing to the executive-producing the show, SuperBowlgig. which has led to rumours that the She said: “The Super Bowl is rap icon could make an appearance one of the biggest stages in the asaspecialguest. world.

Other rumoured special guests “As scary as it was, because I include past collaborators Calvin haven’t been on stage in seven Harris, Drake, Eminem, SZA and years, there’s something DJ Khaled, and her partner A$AP exhilarating about the challenge of Rocky itall.

Fans will be watching the “It’s important for me to do this performance closely for any hints year It’s important for my son to thatanewalbumisontheway seethat.”

The singer took an extended She previously turned down an break from music after her most offer to headline the 2019 Super recent album, 2016’s Anti, to Bowl in solidarity with NFL star focus on her businesses and acting and anti-racism activist Colin career Kaepernick.

Whenaskedaboutanypotential She told Vogue at the time: “I new releases, the singer said: couldn’t dare do that. For what? “Musically, I’m feeling open. I’m Who gains from that? Not my feeling open to exploring, people.Ijustcouldn’tbeasellout.I discovering,creating. couldn’tbeanenabler.”

PREPARED TO PUT

THE SPOTLIGHT ON ITS CALIBRATION SERVICES AT ENERGY EXPO 2023

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) offers a range of calibration services to several local companies, testing and medical laboratories, to ensure accuracy and traceability of measurements.TheGNBSis anticipating that a large number of these service providers will participate in the Energy Conference and Expo slated for the Guyana Marriott this week, and the Bureau’steamispreparedto h a v e m e a n i n g f u l engagements with these stakeholders, to understand theircalibrationneeds.

The reality today is that manyofourlocalbusinesses require the calibration of their measuring instruments because they directly or indirectly operate and serve other businesses within the key sectors of our economy, including, oil and gas, health, mining, building and construction.

In addition, over the last few years, many Guyanese companies have become certified to international standards such as the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standard, which requires companies to have their measurement instruments calibrated as a quality controlmeasure.Calibration is known to be a complex scientific process, which allows traceability in measurements. It compares the accuracy of instruments or equipment with a known and proven measurement standard which is in the custody of the GNBS Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department.

A calibration certificate is provided to clients stating thetruemeasurementvalues indicated by their instruments.

For the GNBS, the Energy Expo provides an excellentopportunityforour team to remind existing and potential clients and stakeholders that our Laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025:2017Accredited, and that it offers calibration in the areas of Mass,

Temperature and

Torque in industry demanded measurement ranges. Instruments which can be calibrated by the Bureau include balances, masses, measuring cylinders,liquidinglassand infrared thermometers, p r e s s u r e g a u g e s , micropipettes, torque wrenches, multimeters, micrometers, calipers, and digitalmultimeters.

Commencing in 2023, the Bureau offers the calibrationofrotary/rotating structures and has expanded its scope to calibrate 6 ½ digital multimeters Previously, the laboratory only calibrated 4 ½ digital multimeters.

For clients that request the services of the GNBS, they have a vivid understanding of the importance of calibration to their operations and the measurement results they achieve and provide Consistently knowing the accuracy of measuring instrumentsgivescompanies the confidence that they are putting the right amounts of ingredientsintheirproducts. This maintains consistency inproductquality Theuseof calibrated instruments also ensures that key parameters such as temperature conditionsaremaintainedto preserve raw materials and to maintain the appropriate operational conditions.

Meanwhile, inaccurate pressuregaugescanresultin major unwanted incidents that compromise safety, endanger life and limbs, or cause damages to equipment, creating unwantedliabilities.

With its new calibration l a b o r a t o r y u n d e r construction, the GNBS is constantly working in its current facility to increase and improve its services to meet the demand for calibration in higher ranges and broader areas Stakeholdersareencouraged to submit their measuring instruments for calibration. Service requests can be m a d e b y v i s i t i n g https://gnbsgyorg/metrolog y/industrial-metrology/

Ensure that you visit the GNBS booth at the Energy Expothisweekandhavethat conversation with any member of our team regarding your calibration needs The GNBS continuously strives to address those needs through acquiring the necessary equipmentandtrainingofits laboratory technicians to help businesses achieve measurementaccuracy

F o r f u r t h e r information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064 – 66 or WhatsApp: 6924627 or visit the GNBS website:www.gnbsgy.org

Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

We’re getting bigger and better in 2023

Hi lash babes, we do have some exciting news to sharewithyouallbutfirstwe would like to thank you for your loyalty and support throughouttheyears.

We at LIFT AND LASHES BY TOYA could not have gotten this far withoutyoursupport.

This year we have made the necessary changes to upgrade our services and provide you with an even better client experience than

before. To facilitate the new changes, therehasbeena30% price increase on all service charges effective February 1, 2023.

With that being said, we arepleasedtoinformyouall thatwehavemovedtoanew location.Ournewlocationis 67 Brummel Place,Stabroek (this is the short street that connects Cummings to Brickdam). Visually this is justawalkaroundthecorner

ByLatoyaZephyr

m our last location. For furtherassistancefeelfreeto call or message us on 6708031,we will be more thanhappytoassistyou. Thank you for your understandingandcontinued support.

E-Net’s Dream TV packed with captivating shows

FromFebruary4to11,E-Net’sDreamTV will feature a suite of entertaining shows for theweekend.Besuretochecktheguideand

gather with friends and families for your favourite shows See programme guide attachedformoredetails.

Health Facts

The healing properties of pure honey

Pure or raw honey has from cell damage due to free and other factors. Generally, effectiveness as an T h e been used as a remedy radicals Free radicals one tablespoon or 21 grams antibacterial or antifungal phytonutri throughout history and has a contribute to the aging of raw honey contains 64 varies depending on the e n t s i n varietyofhealthbenefitsand process and may also calories and 17 grams of honey,butsomevarietiesare honey are medical uses. In modern c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e sugar. Raw honey also being studied for specific responsible times, celebs like Beyonce development of chronic contains smaller amounts of therapeutic uses such as f o r i t s and Martha Stewart have diseases such as cancer and the following micronutrients against Candida-associated a n t i o x i d a n t intentionally raised their heartdisease. (or, vitamins and minerals): infections. properties, as well as its needed, a 2021 review of own bees so that they can Research shows that calcium, magnesium, A2018 review of studies antibacterial and antifungal studies suggested that honey have the benefit of raw antioxidant compounds in m a n g a n e s e , n i a c i n , found that honey has power. could be superior to other honey. Beyonce said she r a w h o n e y c a l l e d p a n t o t h e n i c a c i d , antimicrobial properties. A They’re also thought to forms of care for the f o u n d h e a l i n g 2017 review of be the reason raw honey has improvement of upper properties in honey s t u d i e s a l s o shown immune-boosting respiratorytractinfections. that benefit her and suggested that and anticancer benefits.

By Rehanna Ramsay

Moreover, a 2016 study herchildren. honey, propolis, Heavy processing in regular also suggested that the

It’s no doubt and royal jelly may honey can destroy these antibacterial and anti- honey has some have potential valuablenutrients. inflammatory properties are great benefits so health benefits for Honeyissometimesused effective in helping a sore much so that in some m i c r o b i a l to treat digestive issues such throat. There may even be hospitals,itisusedas inhibition and as diarrhoea, though some cognitive benefits to a treatment for woundhealing. research to show that it raw honey. The polyphenols wounds Many of Keep in mind worksislimited.Itmayhave in honey may be able to these health benefits that the honey used the potential as a treatment counter inflammation in the arespecifictoraw,or in research settings for Helicobacter pylori (H. hippocampus, the part of the unpasteurized, is medical grade, pylori) bacteria, a common braininvolvedinmemory h o n e y m e a n i n g i t ’s causeofstomachulcers. Theantioxidantandanti- Pasteurization or inspected and Honey also contains inflammatory effects can processing dilutes sterile. It’s not a beneficial prebiotics, polyphenols have anti- phosphorous, potassium, benefit many parts of the thecomponentsfoundinraw good idea to treat cuts with meaning it nourishes the inflammatory effects that riboflavin,andzinc. body,includingbrainhealth. honey, making it less honey you buy from a store. good bacteria that live in the could be beneficial in In addition, raw honey is However, there is at least effective. This piece is Always speak with your intestines, which are crucial protecting against a number a source of varying amounts one warning associated with geared to introduce you to doctor before using honey not only for digestion but ofconditionsassociatedwith of amino acids, enzymes, the use of raw honey, it can some of the benefits of using foranymedicalpurposes. overallhealth. oxidativestress. and other beneficial also carry harmful bacteria rawhoney Phytonutrients are Honey is also an old sore

Raw honey may have compounds. such as C l o s t r i d i u m Raw honey is a good compounds found in plants throat remedy that soothes potential protective effects Research has shown that b o t u l i n u m which is source of antioxidants. It that help protect the plant the ache and can help with for the respiratory, thepropolisinrawhoneyhas particularly dangerous for contains an array of plant from harm. For example, coughs. g a s t r o i n t e s t i n a l , antifungal and antibacterial babies. chemicals that act as some keep insects away or Add it to hot tea with cardiovascular, and nervous properties. S o u r c e : antioxidants. Some types of shield the plant from lemonwhenacoldvirushits. systems, and even has The potential for both www.healthline.com honey have as many ultravioletradiation. Though more research is potentialincancertreatment. internal and topical antioxidants as fruits and Raw honey’s nutrition treatments using raw honey vegetables Antioxidants content varies by its origin is significant Honey’s help to protect your body

What Is Valentine’s Day, and WhyDo...

From page 34 rounded end of the heart is at the top. The look so different from the shape of an actual pointedendisverylargelyfleshyandfirmin human heart? A centuries-old anatomical texture.”Trytodrawthat,andyoumightend misconception may be to blame. In upwiththesortofValentine’sDayheartswe describing a human heart, Aristotle noted see plastered over everything in early “the heart has three cavities” and said “the February

PREPARED TO PUT

THE SPOTLIGHT ON ITS CALIBRATION SERVICES AT ENERGY EXPO 2023

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) offers a range of calibration services to several local companies, testing and medical laboratories, to ensure accuracy and traceability of measurements.TheGNBSis anticipating that a large number of these service providers will participate in the Energy Conference and Expo slated for the Guyana Marriott this week, and the Bureau’steamispreparedto h a v e m e a n i n g f u l engagements with these stakeholders, to understand theircalibrationneeds.

The reality today is that manyofourlocalbusinesses require the calibration of their measuring instruments because they directly or indirectly operate and serve other businesses within the key sectors of our economy, including, oil and gas, health, mining, building and construction.

In addition, over the last few years, many Guyanese companies have become certified to international standards such as the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Standard, which requires companies to have their measurement instruments calibrated as a quality controlmeasure.Calibration is known to be a complex scientific process, which allows traceability in measurements. It compares the accuracy of instruments or equipment with a known and proven measurement standard which is in the custody of the GNBS Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department.

A calibration certificate is provided to clients stating thetruemeasurementvalues indicated by their instruments.

For the GNBS, the Energy Expo provides an excellentopportunityforour team to remind existing and potential clients and stakeholders that our Laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025:2017Accredited, and that it offers calibration in the areas of Mass,

Temperature and

Torque in industry demanded measurement ranges. Instruments which can be calibrated by the Bureau include balances, masses, measuring cylinders,liquidinglassand infrared thermometers, p r e s s u r e g a u g e s , micropipettes, torque wrenches, multimeters, micrometers, calipers, and digitalmultimeters.

Commencing in 2023, the Bureau offers the calibrationofrotary/rotating structures and has expanded its scope to calibrate 6 ½ digital multimeters Previously, the laboratory only calibrated 4 ½ digital multimeters.

For clients that request the services of the GNBS, they have a vivid understanding of the importance of calibration to their operations and the measurement results they achieve and provide Consistently knowing the accuracy of measuring instrumentsgivescompanies the confidence that they are putting the right amounts of ingredientsintheirproducts. This maintains consistency inproductquality Theuseof calibrated instruments also ensures that key parameters such as temperature conditionsaremaintainedto preserve raw materials and to maintain the appropriate operational conditions.

Meanwhile, inaccurate pressuregaugescanresultin major unwanted incidents that compromise safety, endanger life and limbs, or cause damages to equipment, creating unwantedliabilities.

With its new calibration l a b o r a t o r y u n d e r construction, the GNBS is constantly working in its current facility to increase and improve its services to meet the demand for calibration in higher ranges and broader areas Stakeholdersareencouraged to submit their measuring instruments for calibration. Service requests can be m a d e b y v i s i t i n g https://gnbsgyorg/metrolog y/industrial-metrology/

Ensure that you visit the GNBS booth at the Energy Expothisweekandhavethat conversation with any member of our team regarding your calibration needs The GNBS continuously strives to address those needs through acquiring the necessary equipmentandtrainingofits laboratory technicians to help businesses achieve measurementaccuracy

F o r f u r t h e r information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064 – 66 or WhatsApp: 6924627 or visit the GNBS website:www.gnbsgy.org

The Georgetown City Hall was once the venue for concerts & musical recitals

The Georgetown City

Hall, located on Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, was completed in 1889, some 77 years before Guyana gained its independencefromGreatBritain.

The castle-shaped structure was built for some $54,826,62 back in those days; this cost included the price for the land. It was designed by British architect and Reverend, Ignatius Scoles in 1887.

The Georgetown City Hall was once described as "the most picturesque structure" and "the most handsome building in Georgetown", as well as "one of the finest examples of Gothic

architecture in the Caribbean". Today, 134 years after it was originallycompleted,thebuilding has deteriorated massively and is nowunderrehabilitation.Thecost for the restoration is now pegged at over $1 billion with an additional$263.2millionsetaside inthisyear'sBudget.

Initially, councillors proposed thatthebuildingshouldbelocated either in front of the Stabroek MarketoronthecornerofChurch and Main Streets where the NationalLibraryislocated.

It was around 2pm on December 23, 1887 that the then Governor Henry Turner Irving laid the foundation stone for the City Hall. The foundation stone

was reportedly laid at the North East corner of the main building, along with a glass jar containing original documents relating to the building, including copies of the leading newspapers of British Guiana at that time - The Royal Gazette, The Argosy and The Daily Chronicle, a portrait of Queen Victoria, and a number of coins. The Foundation Ceremony was accompanied by the Militia Band.

City Hall was officially opened on July 1, 1889 by Governor Viscount Gormanston and blessed by the Archbishop of British Guiana, William Piercy Austin.

It was built using timber,

possesses three floors and has a rectangularshape.Thetower-one of the building's most notable features - is topped by a square, pyramidal, flat-topped spire with wrought-iron crenulations around the perimeter of the spire's apex.

Thespireissurroundedbyconical pillars The building has a Hammer-beam roof (a feature of Medieval Gothic architecture in England), and an elaborate Mahogany staircase joins the first and second floors of the building. The building is 27.1 metres long, 17.4 metres wide and 29.3 metres high.

The Gothic-style structure was designed to accommodate a Council Chamber at the first floor

level, supported by a Mayor's Parlouradjacent.

Both these rooms could be reached from the front of the building via a porte-cochère and main entrance up the intricately designedstaircase.

The Concert Hall was wellknown for its importance in being the venue for important functions such as the National Music Festivals, Philharmonic Society concerts, religious meetings, public lectures and even political meetings. It was once used by former President Janet Jagan in July 1945 which led to the foundation of the Women's Political and Economic Organisation.

This image shows a deteriorated section of the structure before repair works commenced (Photo credit: DPI)

A recent image of the ongoing restoration works to the Georgetown City Hall

A glimpse of the beautiful City Hall about a decade ago

The Bull Shark

By Shervin Belgrave Great White,

cannot survive

homeostasis (maintaining

in fresh water because it equal balance between two

Many persons believe dilutes the salt content in independent elements) that shark attacks can only theirbodies. They do this by urinating a occur in salt water, but the In order to survive, lot more when they’re in species that inspired the sharks must retain salt in freshwater than in saltwater, movie, Jaws does not only their body, without it their butthisisnotwhyweshould lurk in oceans exclusively, cells can rupture and cause fearthem. but also in fresh water rivers bloatinganddeath. Bull Sharks are fairly andlakes. Bull Sharks, however, large but not as big as it

(A predator that lurks in rivers and seas)

There are over 500 has the unique ability to saltwater cousin the Great species of sharks that inhabit retain and balance its salt White. Nevertheless, it is the world’s oceans This levels while swimming in rated as the most aggressive week’sinterestingcreatureis fresh and brackish waters. shark on the planet, making theBullShark;aspeciesthat ThisispossiblebecauseBull it multiple times more canliveinbothfreshandsalt Sharks’ liver can respond to dangerous than the Great water Itistheonlysharkthat thesalinity(amountofsaltin White. has the ability to do this. All water) of its environment by While the movie, Jaws other species of sharks flushing water through its portrayed the GreatWhite as including the most feared system to maintain a living nightmare, it was ofnearshoresharkattacks. 990pounds. contact,theycontinuetobite really Bull Sharks that There is no reported Its bight force is also andtacklepreyuntiltheprey inspired the making of the sighting of a Bull Shark in tremendous and might very isunabletoflee. film as a result of their Guyana’s rivers, but they do well be the most powerful These animals are attacks on humans at the thrive in the Amazon River among cartilaginous fishes normallysolitaryhuntersbut Jersey (US state) Shore area and have been responsible measuring up to 5,914 can briefly pair with another in1916. for attacks in neighbouring newtons or1,330lbf. Bull Shark to make hunting Swimmers and divers Brazil, and were spotted in The Bull Shark’s diet andtrickingapreyeasier must not only be on the the rivers of Colombia, consists mainly of bony fish, Sharks in general are lookout for these bad boys Ecuador, and Bolivia and in stingrays and small sharks, opportunisticfeedersandthe when exploring the shallow LakeMaracaibo,Venezuela. includingotherBullSharks. BullSharkisnoexceptionto depths of the seas, but also Bull Sharks are large and Their diet can also this, so if you swim idly rivers and lakes close to stout, with females being include turtles, birds, around one of them and it is home. That is because they larger than males. Baby Bull dolphins, terrestrial hungry, you might very well have a low tolerance for Sharks are three feet long mammals, crustaceans, and becomeprey provocation and are while adult males can be echinoderms.

Sources of information: responsible for the majority around seven or eight feet They love hunting in (https://en wikipedia org/wi long. Females can grow to murky waters where it is k i / B u l l s h a r k ) more up to 11 feet or even harder for the prey to see (https://www sharkguardian more. them coming. Bull Sharks org/post/bull-shark)

These creatures can have been known to use the (https://www nationalgeogr weigh as much as 290 bump-and-bite technique to aphic.com/animals/article/s pounds and a pregnant attack their prey- meaning hark-attack-threats-bullfemale can be as heavy as that after the first initial sharks-location)

CONSUMER CONCERNS ST. VALENTINE’S DAY

PATDIAL

Today, Sunday, is often called “Valentine’s Sunday” since St. Valentine’s Day fallswithinthisweek. Inthis year,StValentine’sDayfalls on Tuesday, February 14, and throughout the Western World, it is celebrated as a day for lovers - a time when young lovers pledge their loveforeachotherandwhen engagements and weddings oftentakeplace.

In the United States, the day is celebrated with greater élan than other countries: The shops and even homes are decorated with the colour red enveloping everything, with the Valentine’s motifs of cupids, broad red hearts and red roses, chocolates in beautifully decorated boxes, Valentine cards and other merchandise for this special day There are discreet advertisements of top-of-the line restaurants where couplescoulddine. Giftsfor older friends and relatives and small children are available, underscoring the fact that Valentine’s Day encompasses all loved ones, though lovers are centre stage. Staff of business places, especially female staff is attired in red and white Valentine garments. BusinessonValentine’sDay intheUSAissaidtobeworth morethan$20billion.

InGuyana,beforeWorld War II, St. Valentine’s Day was celebrated as a quiet Church feast. After World War II, with the spread of American culture, Valentine’sDaywasquickly adopted into the Guyanese celebratorycalendar,andthe whole population, irrespectiveoftheirreligious background, became celebrants. Inadditiontothe American borrowings of decorated and well-stocked shops with Valentine goods and the motifs of red hearts, cupids and red roses and so on, a Guyanese flavour was added to the celebration. Young people would have their own house parties and spontaneous engagements wereoftenannounced.Inthe schools, the youngest children would make Valentine cards for their parentsandtheolderclasses would present their teachers a Valentine’s gift. As the feast day becomes more rooted, more Guyanese contributionswouldbemade totheevolutionofValentine customs.Tomostpeople,St. Valentine’s Day is merely a celebratory day to be enjoyed and many even believe it was invented by

the business community

Actually,itshistorybeginsin Roman times, that is, over twothousandyearsago.

In Roman times, a fertility festival known as Lupercalia honouring Faunus, the god of fertility and crops and Juno, the goddess of Marriage was celebratedbetween13thand 15th February every year, but with all the main religious rites and robust celebrations taking place on 14th. Goats were sacrificed to the gods and their skins were cut into small strips makingswitcheswithwhich the male celebrants would strike any female they encountered as they ran into thestreets. Anyfemalewho was switched would be assured of becoming pregnant in the coming year and many women placed themselvesinthepathofthe celebrants so as to be touchedbytheswitch.

From the first century

A.D., Christianity began to makeitswayinRomeandby the third century, it had become established among the lower classes. Young menwerebecomingmarried atahigherratethanformerly andpreferredtoremainwith theirwivesandchildrenthan to enlist into the Army, whichwasnowaffectedbya serious shortage of recruits. The Emperor Claudius therefore issued a decree againstmarriages.

Manyyoungcouplesstill desired to be married and Bishop Valentinus secretly performed such marriages. Eventually, Emperor Claudius learnt of the Bishop’s ignoring of his decree and had him arrested and imprisoned. Bishop Valentine was a person who practised loving-kindness to all and was loved and respected by all who met him. Thejailorsoonbecame a friend of BishopValentine and asked him if he could restore sight to his young daughter Julia who was blind. With prayer and the intercession of God, Julia wascured. Thejailorandhis family then became

Christians The Emperor who had heard much of Bishop Valentinus summoned him and immediatelylikedhimwhen theymet. Hewasofferedhis freedomifhewouldrevertto the old Roman religion but he refused to do so. He irritated the Emperor when he tried to convert him to Christianity. The Emperor upheld his death sentence and he was bludgeoned to death on 14th February, 269

A.D. Ontheeveningbefore hisexecution,hewroteJulia a farewell note ending with “Your Valentine”, words which were perpetuated to today in all Valentine’s Day correspondence. On 14th February, 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius had him canonized as a Saint which thereafter became the Saint’s Feast Day Though most of the celebrantsofLupercaliahad become Christian, the old un-Christianactivitiesofthe Festivalstillcontinued. The C h u r c h t h e r e f o r e ChristianizedtheFestivalby omitting its non-Christian aspects but maintaining its strong insistence on marriage and the raising of families and fused it into St. Valentine’s Day, 14th February Andforcenturies thereafter, St Valentine’s Day was celebratedas a day when the virtues of marital love and marriage were promoted.

In the Middle Ages, European populations were small and even declining since the ravages of the Black Death Pandemic had not completely disappeared. St Valentine’s Day was seriously commemorated because of its important social implications in maintaining populations By the 18th century, however, the world, beginning with Europe, began to experience the Medical and Sanitary Revolutions which resulted inthePopulationExplosiondeath rates fell, infant mortality was greatly reducedandpeoplebeganto livemuchlonger Largeand growing populations were regarded as an undesirable burden, symptoms of which could be seen in the world refugeeproblem.

T h e p o p u l a t i o n explosionhowever,seemsto be running its course and manycountriesintheworld, especially the developed ones, are beginning to have aged and stable populations and some actually have declining populations; among these are Japan, several countries ofWestern Europeandrecently,China.

St Valentine’s Day whose core meaning is the perpetuation of families and increasing populations is once again regaining its relevance and importance and it is expected that its present celebratory being will coexist with its more serious societal aims. Indeed, its celebratory aspects allow it to be fully adoptedinamulti-religious, multiculturalsociety.

Twenty Valentines

by Marion Mallette Thornton

Playful Valentine's craft

WITHPOETRY

The Clock

There's a neat little clock In the school-room stands, It points to the time With its two little hands,

It is never late to do its work, And does it the whole day through, It tells us when to start And when to stop and go.

And may we, like the little clock, Keep a face clean and bright, With hands ever ready To do what is right.

Waste not the Precious Hours

Clean up your messes

Itisacommonthingtohear parents complaining about their children leaving things in a mess, whether it is their clothes, school books,andequipmentortoysand otherthingstheyuse.

Leaving your things in a messy manner is not only bad for the time, but it also helps to form a bad habit that is hard to break outof.

This can cause problems later atyourworkplace,athomewhen you have your own and have a spouse and children of your own, andingenerallifeinyoursociety

Keep your surroundings clean and your stuff tidy always and you will do the opposite –deriveagoodhabitthatwillserve youwell.

Watchyourlanguage

Another bad habit that is hardtogetridof,andonethatcan hamperyourprogressinlifeisthe use of bad language – either wrong grammar and sloppy pronunciation,

andworse,swearwords. Practiseusing clean and grammatical language and you will make a good impression to

thosewithwhomyouwillhaveto deal – either privately or professionally Another benefit of habitually using good languageisthatyouwillfinditso much easier to express yourself, either to those with whom you havetointeract,orinyourwritten workinschool.

Honour your parents

Itneednotberemindedthat one should always have the deepest respect for his/her parents, in whatever situation theyhavetointeract.

Respect for parents is the leastyoucandotoshowgratitude for bringing you into this world and their care for you all these years.

You can never know what theyhavegonethroughtogetyou to this stage and, even when you feel they may be treating you wrongfully, you have an obligation to point that out to them and help to sort out any problem inarespectfulmanner.

Your life will become more enriched when you conscientiously follow these precepts Krypto kakuro

(by

Edgar Guest)

I am rich, I have twenty-four hours to spend, like golden coins they shine for me; Let me not waste them, neither let me spend them in hectic, nerve-shattering activity I would have thought before using them: Let me spend a good portion of them for my daily work and some form of creative activity; Let me save some for friendliness and helpfulness to others; Let me spend at least one in looking up for guidance, with moments for quiet enjoyment of the wonderful worlds of nature, books, art and music; Alittle I must save for fun, and then a number of the coins for a well-earned rest; And if, at the day's close, I find that some have been spent other than the way I had planned, let me not despair, for when I wake up tomorrow my purse will be filled again with twenty-four more coins, shining and new! And I shall be twenty-four hours richer, and older and wiser than I was today.

UNCLEROY Tellitto

Hello,readers,

UncleRoyisagainaskingallofyoutotryinsomeway tomakeacontributiontothispage,andthustothewelfareof you and your fellow readers. This contribution can take any formthatyoufeelwouldbevaluable–anaccountofwhatis going on in your community and country, any advice you would like to pass on to your fellow teen readers and, on a broader level, any comment or recommendation you would liketomaketoyourfellowGuyanese.

Please remit same to my email –roypaul2002@yahoo com, and be assured that your worthwhile contribution will have a prominent place on our page.

Solutions to last week’s Valentine day word search

Krypto Kakuro puzzles are a mash-up between a Crossword, a Sudoku and a Cryptogram.

Each digit has been substituted with a letter To solve the puzzle, you must figure out what digiteachletterstandsfor,andthensolveitlikea regularKakuropuzzle.

Each "word" in the crossword contains only the digits 1 through 9, and the same digit will neverrepeatwithinaword.

The sum of the the digits of each word are shown on the left and right sides of "across" words, and at the tops and bottoms of "down" words.

The more you take the time and trouble to improve your own qualities, the more you will be respected and treated earnestly.

5 Ways to Celebrate the Skin You Have

Linden mother who baked her way out of grief

ByVanessa Braithwaite-Moore

When

Annalisa

Reynolds realised that baking was her coping mechanism for grief when herbrotherdiedin2017,she didnotenvisionthatoneday, she would own one of Linden’s renowned baking establishments, which specializes in cake decorating.

While no amount of success can bring back her brother,sheishappythatshe turned her grief into something not only positive but empowering. Five years later, Indulgence Cakes is one of Linden’s household names when it comes to qualitycakes.

Afterreceivingexcellent reviews from friends and family about the quality of her baking, Reynolds decided to go on a selfthought journey and today prides herself as a proud graduate of ‘YouTube’, she did also complete courses at Carnegie School of Home Economics, where she specialized in cakes and pastries.“Ispenthoursdoing research about different methods and techniques for the humidity we experience inGuyana,”shesaid.

Today she serves scores of clients monthly, many of whom she said were there

since her experimental phase.“I’vebeeninbusiness forthepastfouryearsandit’s been nothing short of amazing,Ihavesomeclients who grew with me from whenIwasexperimentingto now They are my biggest critics and cheerleaders… I would do research on a new flavour and have them

sample it. This knowledge, coupled with her obsession forqualityhasrankedheras one of the best in Linden. “I think my taste is unique because I’m well-traveled, I haveeatencakesandpastries from some of the best throughoutEuropeandthat’s what I want to recreate and sharewithmyclients.

…NOW OWNS CAKE DECORATING COMPANY

realistic cakes, modeling a wide variety of designs and themes. Her designs would cause clients, even children to not want to cut into their cakes to spoil the perfect imitation of their favourite character, brand or hobby When that cut is finally made, there is absolutely no regret, because the taste is always superb and loyal clientswouldtestifythatthe taste and texture are consistent and does not falter

“My clients are the absolute best and no matter how many times I’ve done work for them, they would still message to say how pleased they are with their orders,”sherelated.

To maintain this quality, hersecretistonotoverbook.

Reynolds does not limit herself to simple cliché designs, but takes hers over the edge with jaw dropping,

“For me, it’s quality over quantity any day, I’d prefer totakeonlyacertainamount of clients per week so as to ensureImaintainthequality

t

hat has been synonymous with the name Indulgence, rather than overbooking and givesubstandardwork.”

As with any business, there are challenges. For Reynolds, it is sourcing raw materials effectively In Guyana,manymaterialsand tools are not readily available,whichwouldforce hertoimportthem,aswellas conduct extensive research on alternatives to suit the tropical climate. Her plans forthenextfiveyearsarethe expansion of the services and greater availability of products.

In five years (or less), Indulgence is going to be a leadingbakeryintheregion. We’llhaveabakeryyoucan come in and buy all the amazing cakes and pastries, we have to offer daily,” she projected. She also plans on sharing her knowledge with aspiring cake bakers in the nearfuture.

Founder of IndulgenceAnnalisa Reynolds and some of her cake designs

Chase’s Academic Foundation host first high school graduation ceremony in two years F cer

Chase’s Academic Foundation graduates from 2021 – 2022 along with special guest retired Chief Education Officer (CEO) Dr. Marcel Hutson (seated fifth from left front row).

On February 6, 2023, increased pass rates from 2021. Both Chase’s Academic Chemistry and Physics saw students Foundation held its first who received grade ones

High School graduation Mathematics however, still remains a since 2020 at the Theatre Guild in cause for concern. The school had Kingston.Thisgraduationcomestwo 49% of its students passing years after the school suffered mathematics with Grades 1-3,” he challenges from the COVID-19 said. pandemic, as well as significant

Additionally, the Principal also lossesasaresultofadevastatingfire. made special mention of the students

Founder and Principal of the who wrote CSEC in Grades 8-10. school, Mr Henry Chase explained “We continue to produce students that over forty students were in who excel at CSEC early,” he said attendance from the years 2021 and adding that he hopes that other 2022 He said, “This year, we schoolscanemulatethisformula. celebrated the graduating classes of

At the ceremony, Mr Chase 2021 and 2022 which included 40 thanked his teachers and parents for students all of whom secured theirhardworkandsupport. passes in 5 or more Caribbean He said: “Chase’s Academic Secondary Education Foundationwillcontinuetoprovidea Certificate(CSEC)subjects.” balanced education for our young

Top graduating students people of Guyana; we believe that included Nyamekyeskouzena education will help graduates to live Bacchus who was the top in purpose, because it provides graduating student of 2020, with 14 opportunities and life skills which CSEC subjects, Ajay Kissoon who are needed in an emerging oil excelled in 17 CSEC subjects in the economy.” 2021sitting,andmorerecently,Adam

In closing, he urged graduates to Wilson, who earned 10 CSEC passes, mimicthewordsofDr LetitiaWright allonesandtwos,inthe2022sitting. who urged young people to live in

In his principal’s report, Mr purpose. Chase provided a concise analysis of

The guest speaker and retired the Academic performance of the Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel year The school recorded an overall Hutson also urged the graduates to pass rate of 73%. He noted that the work hard and set goals, and it is by passrateforthebusinessstreamwas setting goals that you will live in 75%;thepassrateforthescience purpose,thewayGodordained. stream was 92%, the pass rate Chase’s Academic Foundation is for males was 88%, while the one of the leading private academic of Business achieved between 78 – 2022, 59% of students had passed passrateforfemaleswas78%. institutions in Guyana and was 100%passrates. withgrades1-3. In addition, he said that founded in 2009 by Henry Chase, He went on to add that Social “Economics, Principles of Physical Education, Spanish, who has been in the teaching Studies recorded an improved pass Accounts,ChemistryandPhysicshad Integrated Science, Human and professionforovertwodecades. ratefrom2021.In202152%students Social Biology, Electronic passedwithgrades1-3 Documentation, Management and in Preparation (EDPM), English A, Office Administration, Principles

Founder and Principal of the school, Mr. Henry Chase hands certificate to the Best Graduating Student 2021, Ajay Kissoon.

Pres. Ali wants private sector & lending institutions to “speak up” against those who call for renegotiation of Exxon deal

ByShervinBelgrave

President IrfaanAli on Friday told members of the PrivateSectortheythatmust “speak up” against calls for the lopsided Stabroek Block Oildealtoberenegotiated.

The President was at the time delivering the feature address at a commissioning ceremonyhostedbyGuyana ShoreBaseInc.(GYSBI)for twonewheavyliftBerthsat its Houston, East Bank Demerara(EDB)facility

Despite acknowledging on many occasions that Guyana’s deal with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited

(EEPGL), for its lucrative StabroekBlockisabadone, Ali used the platform to iteratethathisgovernmentis nevergoingtochangeit.

President Ali in his speech even went a step further to tell the private sector that they must “speak up” against calls by civil society bodies and the Oppositiontorenegotiatethe contract because it has the most to lose if the deal is changed.

“ We could have disavowed [renegotiate] the agreement [contract] as I said but that would have broughtanimmediatehaltto production Robin

[Executive Director of Muneshwar Limited and

Partner at GYSBI] what would you have done? All the companies - and you guys have to start speaking too - all the companies that would have invest and continue to invest what would have been the situation? Lars [Lars Mangal, CEO of Total Tec] what would have happened to all of the people you are training, the hundreds of Guyanesenowdoingoiland gasastheircareer,thebanks that are lending the companies that are adding value?Youguysneedtostart speaking up”, Ali told members of the Private Sectorwhileaddingthatitis not a matter for the government but a national

one.

Last year, Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton said thatthereisanavenuewhere changes can be made to the contract. Norton said last October that “The contract provides a mechanism to engage Exxon to make whatever changes are needed.Ifyouareinterested in calling it renegotiation, feelfree.WhatIamsayingto you is that there is a mechanismtomakechanges and Government should utiliseit.”

Although the contract might provide a mechanism for changes, President Ali believes his government is obligated to “act in good faithbyhonouringit.”

“We understand that we are obligated to act in good faith in honouring it.We are a responsible government,” the President said while emphasizing that if his government were to “dishonour the agreement” then it would face severe consequences.

Digicel Business Preparing Deep Blue One to Connect the Southern Caribbean on the back of Regional Oil & Gas Boom

Having made a substantial investment in international submarine capacity with the installationofitsDeepBlueOnesubseacable infrastructure (coming early 2024), Digicel Business will supercharge connectivity in thisareaoftheCaribbeanandSouthAmerica.

“Deep Blue One is set to provide best in class connectivity to French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, andconnectoffshoreoilandgasplatformson the back of industry developments in the region,”astatementfromthecompanysaid.

DigicelBusinessistheDiamondSponsor of the 2nd annual International Energy Conference and Expo to be held at the GuyanaMarriotHotelfromFebruary14-17, 2023underthetheme‘HarnessingEnergyfor Development’.

DigicelBusinesswillengagewithenergy professionalstofacilitatediscussionsrelated tofundamentaladvancesintheenergysector as the country gears up towards more robust economicdevelopmentactivity

According to the company, the conference in Guyana will offer an opportunity to build and enable strategic relationshipsandcollaborationsastheenergy sectorcontinuestogrowinprominenceinthe globallandscape.

“The sector has also increased in significance to national economy, leading to unprecedented economic growth, with real GDPpercapitaexpectedtoreachUS$26,000 by 2024, and oil and gas accounting for approximately 74% of that. This makes Guyana one of the fastest-growing

economies in the world,” the Digicel statementsaid.

Commenting on Digicel Business’ significant investment, Kevin Beckett, Head ofOil&GasatDigicelBusinesselaborated, “Oil and gas requirements in the region and the need for connectivity is going to be very significant and Deep Blue One is perfectly placedtosupportthoserequirements.Agreat exampleofthisistheconnectivityoptionswe will be able to provide, both onshore and offshore, to the oil and gas industries in countries like Guyana and Suriname as they capitaliseontheboomintheregion.”

Beyond connectivity, this cable system willbringaddedeconomicbenefitforall.Ina 2019 report published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), entitled “The economic contribution of broadband, digitisationandICTregulation:Econometric modelling for the Americas”, it was suggested that an increase of 10% in fixed broadband penetration would result in an increasein1.9%inGDPpercapita.

Mark Shoebridge, Head of Business Solutions added, “It’s important to have the right partnerships on board to assist in the journeyasGuyanacontinuestoseeconsistent growth in the oil and gas sector The Digicel Business team will be ready and available to discusswithcurrentandprospectivecustomers howtheycanleverageDigicelBusiness’endto-end fully managed solutions, robust network, expert resources and cutting-edge technology to achieve efficiencies across businesses,largeorsmall”

“It’snotfar-fetched,look aroundus,ourneighbours… about agreements that were not honoured and see the consequences”,Alisaid.

A m o n g t h e consequences, the President said are capital flight and loss of national credibility thatcanhinderthefutureofa country

While the President now hasadifferentperspectiveon renegotiation, it must be noted that his party’s promise to renegotiate the

deal still remains on page three of its 2020 Elections Manifestopromises.

As part of its plans, the party promised “To ensure that our oil resource is managed responsibly, the PPP/C will: immediately engage the oil and gas companies in better contract administration/ renegotiation.”

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, the Party’s General Secretaryisalsoonrecord

Continuedonpage58

President Mohamed IrfaanAli delivering his speech on Friday.

By Allyiah Allicock

At a very young age, Patrena Alicia Blair always had a deep passion for technology and the field of graphic designing. Then oneday,shehadtoputherskillsto the test when a friend had asked her to design a logo. Today, The Waterfalls magazine will share with you how that very moment changed Blair's life into something even greater The 21year-old Lindener is now the proud owner of a graphic designing and customizing business called 'CreativityDash Exclusive'.

In an exclusive interview with thismagazine,Blairsaidwhenher friend had asked to design the logo, she said, “girl I don't know howIwilldoit

‘CreativityDash Exclusive'

challenge, she used a w e b s i t e c a l l e d 'Postermywall' which helped her to create the piece.“Itcameoutokayat that time and she liked it and so did many others who saw it, they even asked her who designed it; then she was like how much, and I said I have no idea,”sherecalled. From that moment, things changed she shared, because she and her friend started researching information on pricing and different aspects of starting a business. “This all happened during the pandemic in my final year of reading for my Diploma in ComputerScience,”Blairadded. Her business was later launched in August 2020. She explained that when she first started her business, she was just offering services such as designing flyers, logos, business cards,etc.andthenayearlater,she bought two printers and a heat press with some assistance from her parents and with the money sheearnedwhilemakingflyers.

She mentioned, “It was not easysourcingthisequipment,alot of research was done to know exactly what I needed to use in creatinggoodqualityproducts.”

Blair's business which is now in operation for more than two years, offers services such as business flyers, logos, labels, business card designs, custom designs on apparel, cups, tumblers, picture panels, and case printingandmuchmore.

Blair, who is currently a parttime staff at NCN's Linden branch as a temporary producer, said that the support she has been receiving so far has been great, especially fromherparentsandsiblings.

But to get where she is today wasnotallsunshineandrainbows, because just like any other small business, hers encountered a few challengesinthepast.

Some she listed were sourcing materials to fulfill her orders, and having to juggle her business and her work. How did she manage to overcomethis?Theyoungwoman related that she researched differentplacesoutsideofGuyana where she can place orders for the materials she needed, which helpedin a big way Also “I would usuallymakeflyersatnightonceI have no classes since I'm enrolled withJainUniversityfromtheGoal Scholarship, so as to balance betweenherworkandbusiness.”

As it relates to the pandemic, she noted that it of the

main reasons why own business impacted the business,”sheadded.

With more in develop her business, that the long-term establish a m location where she display many 'CreativityDash Exclusive' offer When r e s p o n s i b i l entrepreneurs such have in society, she view that they help more job opportunities others, and bring host of new services table “Differen have different ideas, skills which lead greater varie services tha community will gain accessto,”shenoted.

Blair mentioned also that in order to help the emerging businesses in our society thrive, is forcommunitymemberstosimply support their own, and also for marketingofficestobeestablished so as to offer small businesses betterpackagesforadvertising.

“This surely can help any smallbusinessinabigway.”

While there is a lot in store

yet for Blair's business, persons can reach out to her via Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok @Creativity Dash, via email at creativitydash@gmail com, call telephone number (592) 6 3 2 , 6 5 4 2 WhatsApp t e l e p h number ( 650-7217.

“Different youth have different ideas, and skills which lead to a greater variety of services that the community will gain access to.” communi

Young Entrepreneur, Patrena Alicia Blair

Some of the flyers, business logos she has created through her business.

ExxonMobil says ring-fencing must stay out of oil deal to encourage investment

Already swimming in profits,thankstothelopsided 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) it signed with Guyana, ExxonMobil is refusing to give as much as a penny more in profits to the country

At its first press conference for the year, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)orExxonMobilGuyana-said oil and gas operations are all a b o u t e n c o u r a g i n g investment, when asked about its willingness to include a ring-fencing provisiontothecontract.

ExxonMobil's Country Manager, Alistair Routledge while responding to a question from Kaieteur News said, “At the end of the day, it's all about encouraging investment to maximise the returnofthecountry.”

Ring-fencing provision, for those who may not be familiar with the term, serves as a shield and prevents burdensome expenses from being lumped onto one project, thereby shortening profitsreceived.

Guyana has been repeatedly warned by international energy institutes that the country may never see the promised annual revenues from its oil sector, as the “one-sided” oil contract gives ExxonMobil and its partners the benefit, leaving Guyana and its

people out of their fair share ofthewealth.

The contract allows Exxon to deduct 75 percent of the resources each month to cover expenses to develop oilandgasprojects.Thecosts that are not covered each month go over to the followingmonth.

In this regard, Exxon believes, “the current m e c h a n i s m i s v e r y effective.”

Routledge told reporters, “ T h e s e d e e p - w a t e r developments have a significant up-front investment cost and the current mechanism supports that so I'm not sure that starting to ring-fence what could potentially be larger projects in the future would actuallyencouragethesortof developments the country wantstosee.”

According to him, “We

Guyanese cultural icon Allan Fenty passes away

t h

Gu y a n e s e broadca a u t h

folklorist, Stabroek News

Columnist, Cultura Enthusiast and host of the 'Guyana CookU p ' S a t u r d a y morning TV show, Allan Fenty, has d i e d F e n t y reportedly died in hissleeponSaturday at his home. He was 78-years-old.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) homage in a release.

GPA noted that Mr Fenty started his working life as a teacher on the West Demerara; he was a trained teacher

Former GPA Executive and friend Bert Wilkinson recalled that Mr Fenty was Chief Information Officer at the close of the 1970s into

e early 80s.Mr Fenty helped to produce a number of publicationsdealingwiththe Guyana-Venezuela border controversyaswellasothers pertaining to other national events, Wilkinson said. He also had published several

have to be very cautious about trying to change things which could have quite negative impact on the overall value for the country.”

Guyana has so far managed to pay back ExxonMobil and its partners, H e s s a n d C N O O C , approximately US$4 billion fordevelopingtheLizaPhase Oneoffshoreproject. Undernormalconditions, with ring-fencing, the

country would have now been reaping 50 percent of the profits from that project, but in the absence of this key provision, Guyana will continue to receive a meagre 12.5percentinprofits.

Presently, Guyana is producing approximately 360,000barrelsofoilperday at the Liza One and LizaTwo projects in the Stabroek Block The third project, Payara is expected to startup this year The oil company

has already received approval for the fourth development - Yellowtail. In the meantime, the fifth and sixth projects are pending a p p r o v a l a t t h e Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).

Itmustbenotedthatthese two operational projects are paying for the costs to develop these projects that are yet to start producing oil as the country lacks ringfencing.

booklets with Guyanese and ndian proverbs

Additionally, Mr Fenty playedanactiverolein various editions of CARIFESTA over thedecades.

Uptothetime of his death, Mr F e n t y w a s activelyinvolved in the production ofthepublication, ' T h e G u y a n a Annual' and hosted his television show, 'The Cook Up Show' on television.He would be remembered for 'Frankly Speaking' his mind on a number of issues published inhisweeklyStabroekNews column, being an inspiration toyoungbroadcasters,many of whom he advised, and for his love of open and spirited conversationsandlaughter

ExxonMobil Guyana Country Manager, Alistair Routledge

Jumbo Jet signs US multi-million dollar contract with XCMG to import, distribute heavy-duty machinery

Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and XuzhouConstructionMachinery Group (XCMG), Brasil Industria LTDA last week signed a multimillion United States dollar Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the rights to exclusivelyimportanddistribute heavy-duty machinery manufacturedbyXCMG.

The MoU was signed on February 9, 2023 at the office of XCMG Brazil Industria LTDA, theSouthAmericanheadquarters of the XCMG Group in Districto Industrial Pouso Alegre, MG,

Brazil. Jumbo Jet in a statement said that the signing of the agreementpavesthewayforitto increase its capacity while providing various heavy-duty construction, mining, lifting equipment and machinery manufacturedbyXCMG.

Additionally, the XCMG Group and Jumbo Jet also signed an inaugural Purchase Order for the supply and delivery of 125 pieces of various construction equipment and machinery i n c l u d i n g a m p h i b i o u s excavators.

The multi-million United States dollar purchase was will see the first shipment arriving in Guyana inApril. Jumbo JetAuto Sales will provide full after sale service and maintenance with original parts manufactured by XCMG for all equipment, and machinery imported into Guyana. “JumboJetAutoSales is pleased to continue to play its part in the development and modernization of Guyana by providing construction and miningequipmentand (Continued on page 62)

Representatives of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and XCMG Group at the signing of the MoU.

Exxon wants new oil blocks despite higher royalties...

from page 14 than one block must therefore submit their bidsintheorderofpreference.

There is also a mandatory participation fee of US $20,000 00 per block per participating entity, even when participating throughaconsortium.

The deadline to pay the fee is April 7,

2023.Access to the data room for the blocks isconditionalonpaymentoftheparticipation fee.On May 31, 2023 government said it will announce the award of the licenses for new blocks.The Natural Resources Ministry has said that the country's offshore basin has captivated the attention of the global oil marketparticipants.Labelledas“thegateway

to the world's fastest-growing super basin overthelastfouryears,”

Guyana's offshore is estimated to have potential resources in excess of 25 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and an estimatedreserveinexcessof11billionboe.

“The licensing round represents an opportunity for international and local

companies to access Guyana's offshore acreages for future development in this emergingenergymarket.Thelicensinground importantly allows the government of Guyanatocreateandadministeranimproved fiscalandregulatoryframeworkthatisdriven on good international oil field practices and standards,”theministrysaid.

Pres. Ali wants private sector and lending...

From page 53 while serving as the Leader of the Opposition, promising to renegotiate the Exxondeal.Jagdeoatthetimearguedthatthe then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition government “sold” the country to “foreigners” because that administration failed to include ring-fencing to shore up

profitsfromthe2016deal.

“They sold us out to the foreigners. The oil companies, every time there is a find out there, our people should be sad because nothing comes our way We are gonna renegotiate those contracts because that's not whatwehadinmind,”Jagdeosaid.WhileAli wants to maintain the country's national credibility by honouring the lopsided

contract, Guyana may never be able to reap the full 50 percent profit from any of the projects being developed in the Stabroek block because of the absence of a key provision called ring-fencing.Kaieteur News reported on Friday that Guyana has managed to pay back ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess and CNOOC, approximately US$4 billion for developing the Liza Phase One offshore project.Under normal conditions, with ring-fencing, the country would have

now been reaping 50 percent of the profits from that project, but in the absence of this key provision, Guyana will continue to receive a meagre 12.5 percent in profits. Ring-fencing is a guarantee that funds allocated for a particular purpose will not be spentonanythingelse.

With the absence of ring-fencing in the contract funds from Liza Phase one will be spent on costs for other projects being developedbyExxon.

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Linden girl attains PhD...

From page 38 am a proud product of my environment,” she said.

Since her return in 2019, Dr Arthurhasreturnedtoher almamater,theUniversityof Guyana to serve.

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“A strong foundation is key, having sacrificed years toward my academic advancement;Iamtrulylivinga multifaceted life that’s fit for purpose. Some of which include pledging my service to theUniversityofGuyana,private work as a development consultant and building my scientificresearchportfolio.” She has also already presentedafundamentalpieceof scientific research at the International Development Conference in New Zealand, alongside copping scientific publications in two internationally recognised journals intheSouthPacific.

Withthewealthofknowledge she gained during her

academic career, she has plans to utilise it for the benefit of her community There are a number of communitybased sustainable development initiatives she plans to pursue,whichwillstrengthen theeconomyandsocialwellbeing of the people in her community The young Lindener is encouraging her fellow Linden youths to not see her achievement as far reaching or as impossible mission, but the only way it can be achieved is by someone who wants to achieve it.

“Having a positive mindset is pivotal, so begin with two beliefs-your future can be better than your present and you have the power to make it so. Additionally, do not let anyone project their fears and faithful limitations they have placedontheirlivesontoyou -stayfocused,remainrelentlessinyourpursuit,”shesaid.

Private Cane Farmers...

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From page 6 would normally translate to their subordinates. In this connection, it hoped that the GAWUwouldrewindthecurrent directorate of the long established ‘Worker Participation Forum’ with which employeesatalllevelsarefamiliar

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VEHICLES FOR SALE

One CRV Honda, fully loaded immaculate condition,lowmileage$3.3M negotiable.Contact:649-0956.

New,Americanluxury,fully loadedToyotaTacomapickup trucks and Nissan Frontiers pick-up trucks 20142017.Call:693-4420,Email: cdmobileultrasound@ gmail.com

Hopefully, the relationship between the new and indeedallcanefarmerswillbe one of cordiality as provided under the National Cane FarmingCommitteeAct.

The undersigned, then a Human Resources practitioner,wasspecificallyselected by Bookers Sugar Estates to engage with Demerara Co (Diamond + Leonora), Barclays Bank DC+O (now GBTI) and Royal Bank of Canada(nowRepublicBank) to establish and manage the Cane Farming Development Corporation that funded pioneeringCaneFarmers(mostly cooperatives) in Loans up to $3.7. at that time. They operatedatSkeldon,Albion,Rose Hall and Wales —– some 14 Coops, with a total of 1,746 members cultivated 3,574 acres.

Hope the above information would be helpful.

E.B.John

Retired Human Resources Director GuySuCo

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Swimmingpool,familyfun, crystal clear pool, kids and adults sections at Aracari Resort,Call:264-2946-9.

One Nissan Tiida for sale. Call:643-9800/264-2242.

Black puddings, pastries, cakesatNo.1CanalW.B.D. CallKaren:687-6177.

The devastating fire which ravaged the Parika Market on Friday afternoon and left mostly rubble has left many vendors counting their losses However, firefightersmanagedtosave afewstalls.

Vendors saved whatever items they could from their stalls before completely evacuating the burning market; however, looters took advantage of the chaotic environment and cleared the stalls of the remainingitems.

Police Commander Mahendra Siwnarine, told KaieteurNewsthathisranks were able to recover some items that were looted on Saturday. Some of the recovereditemsareclothing andelectronicequipment.

Accordingtoreports,the stolenitemswerereportedly found “in a community” located behind the market. Thenameofthecommunity wasnotrevealed.

The looters are yet to be found. Fire at the Parika

Looters raid Parika Market after fire

The aftermath of the Parika Market fire

Market reportedly started around 15:30h on Friday The blaze spread quickly acrossthemarketdestroying stalls located to the front of the market and even those opposite Although

Investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, it is suspected that a welding spark from ongoing construction works at the market might have gotten

into contact with flammable materialsandstartedthefire.

vendors in their rebuilding efforts. On Saturday, the minister met with the affectedvendors.“Thefireat Parika Market was d e v a s t a t i n g O u r government is committed to Kaieteur News PAGE 65 Sunday February 12, 2023

ensuring our vendors rebuild. We have charted a way forward following discussions with those on site today (Saturday). The cleanup has begun” , Dharamlallstated.

UN human rights chief calls on international powers to help Haiti

Volker Turk ends a visit to Haiti with renewed calls for the international communitytosendforcesto combat gang violence in the country

Aljazeera - The United Nations human rights chief has urged the international community to consider deploying a specialised armed force to Haiti, warning that violent gangs are creating a “living nightmare” for thousands of people.TheappealfromUN H u m a n R i g h t s Commissioner Volker Turk onFridaycameattheendof atwo-dayvisittoHaitiatthe request of its government, which has found itself unable to control the gangs killing, raping and pillaging in a growing number of neighbourhoods Violence has spiked in the impoverished country since the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

“It is time for the international community to help the Haitian authorities regain full control so this suffering can be stopped,” Turk said. He added that since multiple crises around the world are competing for attention, he feared “the situation in Haiti is not receiving the urgent spotlightthatitdeserves”.

Hours later, at an Organization of American States (OAS) meeting in Washington,DC,theUnited

States government said it was continuing to discuss with international partners the possibility of sending a multinational force composed primarily of police. Francisco Mora, the US ambassador to the OAS, said his country was still workingwithotherstobuild a framework to provide security and stability for Haiti, adding that Washingtonwouldalsosoon implement new sanctions andvisarestrictions.

Mora spoke after Haiti’s foreignminister,JeanVictor Généus, requested a specialised international force “be allowed to stand with us” “There is a deepening crisis in the country that cries out for humanitarian aid,” he said. The plea came as the UN Integrated Office in Haiti releaseda24-pagereporton what it described as mass incidents of murder, gang rapes and sniper attacks in Cite Soleil, Haiti’s biggest slum,locatedinthecapitalof Port-au-Prince “The findings of this report are horrifying,” Turk said. “It paints a picture of how people are being harassed and terrorised by criminal gangsformonthswithoutthe state being able to stop it.”

S o u t h A m e r i c a ’ s geopolitical rise—we bring you the stories that matter Bottom of Form The report

said that from last July 8 to December 31, at least 263 people were killed and at least 57 women and girls were raped in just one neighbourhoodinCiteSoleil known as Brooklyn. That areabecamegroundzerofor intense fighting between warring gangs. During that time, the report said residentslivedin“analmost permanent climate of terror duetotheuseofsnipersthat

killed,atrandom,anyperson who passed in their field of vision”. Officials added that snipers would stand on schools and other buildings during broad daylight to attack innocent residents, withanaverageofsixpeople killed or wounded every week. Among the targets were at least 17 women and several children, the youngestjusteightyearsold. Gang members also entered

houses at random in rival territory, killing at least 95 people, including six children, one of whom was twoyearsold,thereportsaid. People who tried to flee the violence were killed at makeshiftcheckpoints.“Itis important to emphasise that this violence and these abuses are not committed randomly but are motivated by the interest of political actors in controlling

territories,” the report said. Officials noted that three menwerekilledbyonegang leaderbecausetheyhadbeen talking about the possibility of foreign military intervention, which Prime Minister Ariel Henry urgently requested in October to no avail. His request was issued amid a fuel terminal siege that shuttered gas stations and crippledlifeinHaiti.

Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll passes 28,000 as rescue hopes dwindle

BBC-Unrestinsouthern Turkey has disrupted rescue efforts following Monday’s deadly earthquake, three rescuegroupshavesaid.

The death toll in Turkey andSyriafromthequakehas surpassed 28,000, and hope of finding many more survivors is fading despite somemiraculousrescues.

Germanrescuersandthe Austrianarmypausedsearch operations on Saturday, citing clashes between unnamedgroups.

Security is expected to worsen as food supplies dwindle,onerescuersaid.

And nearly 50 people have been arrested for looting, with several guns

seized,localmediareported. Turkey’s president said he would use emergency powers to punish anyone breakingthelaw

An Austrian army spokesperson said early on Saturday that clashes betweenunidentifiedgroups in the Hatay province had left dozens of personnel

from the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit seeking shelter in a base camp with other international organisations.

“There is increasing aggression between factions in Turkey,” Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Kugelweis said in a statement. “The chancesofsavingalifebears noreasonablerelationtothe safetyrisk.”

Hours after Austria pauseditsrescueefforts,the country’s ministry of defencesaidthattheTurkish army had stepped in to offer protection, allowing the rescueoperationstoresume.

The German branch of the search and rescue group ISAR and Germany’s Federal Agency for TechnicalRelief(TSW)also suspendedoperations,citing securityconcerns.

“There are more and more reports of clashes between different factions, shots have also been fired,” said ISAR spokesperson StefanHeine.

StevenBayer,operations manager of Isar, said he expected security to worsen as food, water, and hope becomemorescarce.

“We are watching the security situation very closely as it develops,” he said.

German rescue teams said they would resume work as soon as Turkish authorities deem the situation safe, Reuters news agencyreported.

The Vice President of Turkey, Fuat Oktay announced on Saturday the deathtollinTurkeyhasrisen to24,617.

W h i l e Tu r k e y ’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan hasn’t commented on the reported unrest in Hatay, he did reiterate on Saturday that the government would take actionagainstthoseinvolved

incrimesintheregion.

“We’ve declared a state of emergency,” Mr Erdogan said during a visit to the disaster zone today “It meansthat,fromnowon,the people who are involved in lootingorkidnappingshould know that the state’s firm handisontheirbacks.”

State media reported on Saturday that 48 people had been arrested for looting, accordingtoAFP

Turkish state media reported several guns were seized, along with cash, jewelleryandbankcards

Mehmet Bok, 26, searching for a work colleague in a collapsed building in Antakya, told Reuters: “People were smashing the windows and fencesofshopsandcars.”

Turkish police have alsoreportedlydetained12 people over collapsed buildings in the provinces ofGaziantepandSanliurfa They included contractors, according to the DHAnews agency

Atleast6,000buildings collapsed in Turkey, raising questions about if the large-scale tragedy could have been avoided and whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s governmentcouldhavedone moretosavelives.

W i t h e l e c t i o n s looming, the president’s future is on the line after spending20yearsinpower and his pleas for national unitygoingunheeded.

Mr Erdogan has admitted shortcomings in the response, but he appearedtoblamefateona visit to one disaster zone: “Such things have always happened It’s part of destiny’splan.”

Miraculous rescues after 100 hours under rubble

Among those rescued on Saturday were a family

of five pulled from the rubble in Turkey’s Gaziantepprovince

AP news agency reported the parents, two daughters and son were brought to safety after five days under their collapsed home, to cries of “God is great”.

The same outlet reported that a seven-yearoldgirlwaspulledfromthe debris in the province of Hatay after almost 132 hoursundertherubble.

The BBC has also published footage of the remarkable rescue of two sisters in Antakya, southern Turkey, from Wednesday

T h e q u a k e w a s described as the “worst event in 100 years in this region” by the United Nations aid chief, who was in the Turkish province of Kahramanmaras on Saturday “I think it’s the worst natural disaster that I’ve ever seen and it’s also the most extraordinary international response,” Martin Griffiths told the BBC’s Lyse Doucet in Turkey

“We have more than a hundred countries who have sent people here so there’s been incredible response but there’s a need forit,”headded

Mr Griffiths has called forregionalpoliticstobeput aside in the face of the disaster-andtherearesome signsthatthisishappening.

The border crossing between long-feuding Armenia and Turkey reopenedonSaturdayforthe firsttimein35yearstoallow aid through. And there are reports that the Syrian governmenthasagreedtolet UNaidintoareascontrolled by opposition groups, with whom they have been engaged in a bitter civil war since2011.

Members Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit search for survivors in Turkey’s Hatay province (Reuters)

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

world. Guyana’sSpeakeris notgoingtobanthatmention ofcorruption,ishe?

S UNDAY–February5,2023

ExxonContracthasroom forrenegotiation

SowhyPresidentAliand VPJagdeonotcallingExxon backtothetable?

MONDAY–

February6,2023

BuxtonProtest

Do it right, and we supportfully Guyanese need to be sensible.

Don’t lose sight of the bigger,richerpicture.

Oilisbillionuponbillion ofAmericandollars.

That is what protests shouldbeabout; getting what is right for ourselves.

Standupandfightforthat whichisyours!

TUESDAY–

February7,2023

Takingcontractortocourt

Itisagooddevelopment, taking that one contractor to court

The PPP Govt must do

moreaboutotherfailuresfor contractors

Contractor friends and contractor cronies should alsobetakentocourt

But then they could talk, and the whole baby party brukup

Thewholehouseofcards collapses.

WEDNESDAY–February8,2023

Guyanesenotsupporting Guyanese

How can you, Brother AlexGraham?

When Guyanese go against Guyanese, it is a sad day. When Guyanese go on like this, then the oil would go,withlittlebenefit.

AfewGuyanesedovery well,mostGuyanesedovery poorly

Exxon is enriched; Guyaneseareimpoverished.

How can you, Brother AlexGraham?

THURSDAY–February9,2023

Exxon’sconsultations

Thanks to the PPPGovt. and Exxon for this

consultationcircus

Consultations without questionsisanewone

That’s like a wedding without singing, dancing, or eating

It’slikeafuneralwithout sermon,withoutabody

This is how the PPP Govt. and Exxon burying Guyanese

FRIDAY–February10,2023

AlleyesontheSpeaker

TheOppositionisasking for all gas-to-energy documents.

AlltheSpeakerhasbeen about with things like these isnay,nothere.

WhatwilltheSpeakerdo now,whatwillhefear?

The Speaker can manifest that he is a Guyaneseofprinciple or demonstrate of whom heisadisciple…

SATURDAY–February11,2023

WhatwillthePresident, Speaker,donow?

Guyanadidn’tdowellin the 2022 Corruption

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

PerceptionIndex. Guyana still part of the mostcorruptcountriesinthe

Guyana’sPresidentAliis not going to claim t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d

Nat Sciver-Brunt leads England home...

From page 73 came from Sophia Dunkley, who belted 34 from 18 as the powerplay yielded 58 runstheirbestinWorldCups.Both of the openers had departed bythenbutAliceCapseycontinued the freewheeling approach beforeSciver-Brunt and Knight ensured there wouldbenoslips-upsinthe mannerexperiencedbythe hosts,SouthAfrica,during theiropening-nightdefeatto SriLanka.

Victory was sealed in emphatic fashion by Knight pumpingChinelleHenryover long-offforsix.

Slam Dunkley sets the tone England have talked up the aggressive approach adopted since the arrival of JonLewisasheadcoach,and they walked the walk at the

startofwhatcouldhavebeen a tricky chase.

Dunkley was the aggressor in chief, the opener taking particularly liking to Matthews’ offspin when the West Indies captain brought herself on in the third over Matthews’ first ball was dumped serenely over longon for the first six of the match, and she proceeded to go over the top twice more with a pair of controlled lofts towards long-off.

England had 37 on the board when Danni Wyatt holedouttodeepcoverinthe next over, and raised their 50 from just 29 balls before Dunkley’s fun was cut short by a magnificent reflex caught-and-bowled from Henry Sciver-Brunt and Knight keep the foot down

England were already morethanhalfwaytotheirtarget when Capsey was stumped yards out of her ground giving Afy Fletcher the charge.

After eight overs, the requirementwasacomfortable 61 from 72 but Sciver-Brunt and Knight ensured they would not get bogged down by scoring at almost ten an overduringtheirpartnership.

ZainaJames,the18-yearold spinner playing her secondT20I,sawherfirstball-a highfulltossthatwasacalled a no-ball - swatted disdainfully over the rope at deep square leg by Sciver-Brunt, while Knight brought out the reverse sweep for her first boundary later in the over Inall,thereweresixovers in which England scored two or more boundaries, and no

Sunday February 12, 2023

ARIES (Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing somewritingorhaveputoff analyzing a particularly trickyproblem,thiswouldbe the perfect day to get started.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

With today's planetary energy,you'llfindyourselfa little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally beabletosaywhatyoureally think about things.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Today you're unstoppable! You'reaveryhardworkerby nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Discardthoseitemsfromthe past for which you really no longerhaveuse.Asmuchas youliketosurroundyourself with objects of sentimental value.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones suddenly want tospendmoretimewithyou, and you'll want to invite friendsovereverynight!By allmeans,do.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Feelingunusuallyadventurous,Virgo?You'reoftenmotivatedbyyouridealisticexpectations, and the planetary configurations today .

Tournament resumes...

lettingupasWestIndieswere handedtheir14thconsecutive defeatinT20Is.

Matthews flies, Taylor stalls

Having won the toss, WestIndiessentouttheirtwo most-experienced batters at the top of the order

Matthewshasbeencarrying her side in recent times, butthereturnofTaylorforher firstT20IsinceJuly2021following a back problem came with the promise of greater support - although, in the event, Matthews continued to do the bulk of the hard work.

She was in regal touch during the powerplay, during which eight fours flowed off her bat.

From page 72

Upsetters 2 - 0. Dennis Edwards and Tefon Daly scored in the 14th and 18th minutes respectively Also, TeamFamilyedgedHillside1 - 0. Eon Mars found the back ofthenetinthefourthminute.

Up to press time the second round of matches was underway at the same venue. Below features the complete list of results for the opening night. The losing teams from thefirstnightwillcontestthe Guinness Plate tournament.

Over$600,000inprizeswillbe disbursed to the top four finishers and the plate winner

CompleteResults

GuinnessGoal(GG)-2

EastBankSection

Game-1TeamFamily-1vs Hillside - 0 Eon Mars - 4th

Game-2 Ramsay Clan - 0 vs Ballers Empire - Solomon

Austin - (GG) - 29th Jaleel

Hamilton - 6th SeonAlfred -

14thGame-3RedTriangle-0 vs Bagotstown Warriors - 1

LeronCampbell-9thGame-4

Upsetters - 0 vs ESPN - 2

DennisEdwards-14thTefon

Daly - 18th West Demerara Section Game-1 Up Top Bosses vs Up Like 7 Up Like

7wonviawalkover Game-2

Jetty Gunners - 2 vs Team

Anti-Social-0MarvinJosiah - (GG) - 28th Game-3 West SideBallers-1vsPouderoyen Brothers - 0 Dante McAuley -4th Game-4Showstoppers2 vs CN Ballers - 1

Showstoppers scorer Dexroy

Adams - 5th and 25th CN Ballersscorer JamalCrawford -9th

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpoweringemotionsthat havebeensurgingfromyour relationships will subside. You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

This is a good day to devote timeandthoughttospiritual pursuits,Scorpio.Dosomething inspirational that instillsasenseofwonderdeep in your soul.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpretedashavingtaught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a moreartisticpursuit.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself,Aquarius.Nowitistime for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Today's planetary energy should compel you to commitcertainactsofself-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

Matthews got stuck in to Lauren Bell’s wayward third over of the innings, cutting and driving successive boundaries, took a brace of foursoffEcclestoneandthen three more from Katherine Sciver-Brunt - two deftly steered to deep third, the otherarocketpull-inthesixth to leave West Indies in a healthy position.

Taylor had been far less fluent, struggling to get bat onballandtaking10deliveries to get off the mark.

She was given out in Bell’s first over but successfully overturned Vrinda Rathi’slbwdecision.

After six overs, she had 3 off 13 - while Matthews had peeled off 37 from 23 at the other end.

But then, to the second ball after the powerplay, Taylor played back to Sarah Glenn and was put out of her misery.

Campbelle keeps Windies out of the soup

The dismissal of Matthews, lbw attempting to sweep Ecclestone, was thepointatwhichEngland began to exert their grip.

Shabika Gajnabi was run out in the next over attempting to come back for two, and West Indies were grateful to Campbelle’s nimblefeetandhandsduring a stand of 41 from 31 with Henry

Campbelle struck four foursandfivetwosbutwas brilliantly held by Jones standing up to the wicket, before Knight’s direct hit ran out Henry

Ecclestonehelpedprevent any lower-order heroics, finish with tidy figures of 3 for 24, as England conceded just one boundary from the final 23 balls of the innings.

Matchdetails:England 138for3(NSciver-Brunt 40*, Dunkley 34) beat West Indies 135 for 7 (Matthews42,Ecclestone 3-23)bysevenwickets

KARCC Paceline Cycling...

From page 70 seeridersbattleoversixlaps.

In the Men’s category, seniors,juniorsandveteran’s Under-50 races, riders compete for 35 laps.

Category spacing for top performerswillseetheseniors being rewarded from first to six while the juniors, juveniles,veteransU50,veteran’s Over50andfemaleswillhave thetopthreefinishersreceiving awards.

The presentation for the

top performers of this event willbedoneonMonday,February13,attheBeaconsCafé, located at the corners of Quamina and Carmichael Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. Cyclists are askedtobetherefor10:00am. The event is sponsored byBeaconCafé;BeaconCafe is also proud to be a part of this cycling development meet organized by the KaieteurAttackRacingCycle Club.

KARCC Paceline Cycling Meet pedals off today

Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) will hostitsfirstraceeventtoday tokick-startthe2023cycling calendar, under the tagline ‘PACELINE’ at the Inner CircuitoftheNationalPark, Thomaslands,Georgetown.

Theeventisscheduledto start at 8:00 am; registration fee is 1,000 dollars. This year’s meet consists of the Novice Race, Females

juveniles, veterans Over-50, Men’s senior, juniors and veteran’sunder-50races.

In the Novice’s race category, cyclists will be allowed to race and ride for one lap with whatever bicycle they have, while the Females (juveniles) and veteransOver-50raceswill (Continuedonpage69)

Members of the Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycling Club.

Patrick Forde Memorial Championship on February 19 - 11InternationalBoutsonthecard

Th e G u y a n a B o x i n g Association (GBA)incollaborationwith McDonald Promotions are bringing International boxing back to the National GymnasiumonFebruary19, when they host the 2023 edition of the Patrick Forde MemorialChampionship.

The one-day event will be the first international sporting venture staged on localshoresfor2023forany discipline, as it will attract participationfromBarbados, Suriname, St. Lucia, and TrinidadandTobago.

The covid-19 pandemic wasthereasonfortheevent’s absence, with the previous iteration being staged in 2019 and only featuring internationalparticipationin theformofSuriname.

Whileatotalof15bouts are scheduled, 11 international fights are confirmed for the night’s proceedings, with the emerging school boys division, which is the nursery of the GBA, also expectedtofeaturealbeitina localcapacity

The competition will also mark an important resumption of female international boxing, as rising stars and siblings Alisha and Abiola Jackman will return to the squared circle in preparation for the IBA Women’s World Championship in New Delhi,IndiafromMarch15312023.

It will be Alisha’s first

tasteofinternationalcombat, while this will be Abiola’s reappearance on the international circuit since winning gold at the 2019 Caribbean Championship in TrinidadandTobago.

Meanwhile, Sportsman of Year, GBA Boxer of the Year, and highest-ranked local IBA pugilist [on 23] Desmond Amsterdam will headline the international section which will also f e a t u r e J u n i o r Commonwealth Silver medalist Keevin Allicock andColinLewis.

A c c o r d i n g t o information emanating from the GBA, public interest in thetournamentisatazenith, as tickets that were initially availablehavebeensoldout, which is indicative of the sport’s growing momentum anddirection.

The prestigious competition is staged in honour of the late pugilist, who etched his name in the

annals of Guyana’s boxing historybybecomingthefirst Guyanese to contest for the worldtitleundertheGolden Arrowhead In his first attempt at international glory, Forde lost a contentiousbouttoMexican Salvador Sanchez for the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title onSeptember13,1980.

Forde who captured the WBC Fecarbox title and C o m m o n w e a l t h featherweightchampionship lost his second bid at international glory at the handsofEusebioPedrozaof Panama.Heendedhiscareer with an impressive 23-fight record of 19 wins and four defeats.

Forde who was the brother of pugilist Reginald Fordepassedawayin2011at theageof55.

Theofficialinternational fightcard

1.JamalEastman(GUY) vsDomelzoSchet(SUR)

2. Qunice Boyce (GUY) vsRichardEvert(SUR)

3.NikaelaKhodra(STL) vs Leeann Boodram (T&T) (FEMALE)

4.BrianHarris(GUY)vs JadenCastillano(T&T)

5 Alesha Jackman (GUY)vsShawnelleHamid (T&T)(FEMALE)

6 Joel Williamson (GUY) vs Jeremiah Toussaint(BAR)

7.ColinLewis(GUY)vs NathanDebesette(T&T)

8. Abiola Jackman (GUY) vs Kamara Stuart (BAR)

GCB postpones Tournaments scheduled for February

Senior

sched led to be played from February 25, 2023, during the break of the West Indies Championship which is currentlyinprogress. The most recent inclement weather has causedthedelayinthe preparation of the grounds marked for this tournament forcing the Guyana Cricket oard to make this decision.

The New dates for the tournament will be announced shortly

9 Keevin Allicock (GUY) vs Samuel Greene (SUR)

GCB President Steve Ninvalle

Blue Water U15 Girls’ Development League kicks off in Linden

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Friday officially launched the Blue

Wa t e r U 1 5 G i r l s ’ Development League in Linden,Region10,withtwo

dynamic games between Wisburg Secondary School, McKenzie High School and

Christianburg-Wismar SecondarySchool.

The afternoon games were held on the Wisburg Secondary School pitch in Wismar and attended by students, teachers, parents andresidents.Atotalofeight secondaryschoolsinLinden jumpedatthechancetobea part of the Blue Water U15 Girls’ Development League which was launched in GeorgetowninMay2022.

“It’s fantastic to see on the first day we have all the schools out here. I am also happy that the spectators came out. The launch has been a tremendous success. We are happy to see the supportfromthecommunity asweseektoensurefootball is accessible to girls in Linden,”sharedGFFActing Technical Director Bryan Joseph.Headded:“Allofthe head teachers we have spoken to liked the idea. They have been waiting for somethinglikethis.”

GFFandBlueWaterwith

thesupportoftheMinistryof Education and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport created the league to p r o m o t e f o o t b a l l development amongst girls in communities across Guyana with an aim to develop young talent for the national teams and to give coaches and match officials more opportunities on and offthepitch.

NikitaWayneofWisburg Secondary School said her teamtheWisburgEpicStars came “together in training” and “everybody put their best foot forward.” They defeated McKenzie High SchoolSpaniardsTeamTwo 4-0intheopeninggame.

The second match between McKenzie High School SpaniardsTeam One and Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School team the MultiRedDragonsendedin anil-nildraw

L o i s M o s e l e y , Christianburg-Wismar Secondary School Acting

Headmaster praised the leagueforgivingyounggirls in Linden a platform that promotes health and discipline.

“Ireallythinkit’sagreat initiative.OneofthethingsI admiremostaboutit(isthat) it really helps to keep them focused because as we all know an active body keeps andanactivemind.”

She added that many of the girls have never played football before, but the league gives them an opportunitytodevelopanew skill.

“We will try to see how many practice sessions we canputintotryanddevelop their skills,” Moseley promised.

GFF President Wayne Forde and the Council are committed to elevating women’s football through the identification of new talent and creation of strategic developmental programmes, including the BlueWaterU15League.

Guinness‘GreatestoftheStreets’… Tournament resumes with EBD/WBD Championship

Showstoppers, Jetty Gunners, Team Family, Ballers Empire, and ESPN wereamongstthewinswhen theGuinness‘Greatestofthe Streets’ East Bank/West Demerara Championship commenced on Friday evening at the Pouderoyen Tarmac.

Witnessed by a mammothcrowdfollowinga three-year absence, home side, an

champion Showstoppers overcame newcomer CN Ballersby a 2 - 1 score-line.

Dexroy Adams bagged a brace in the fifth and 25th minutes.

For the loser, Jamal Crawfordnettedintheninth minute to briefly restore parity to proceedings

Similarly, dark horses Jetty Gunners edged Team AntiSocial 2-0 compliments of a ‘Guinness Goal’ (GG) [a

goalscoredinthefinalthree minutes of the second half counts as two] by Marvin Josiahinthe28thminute.

Meanwhile, Ballers Empire mauled Ramsay Clan 4 - 0. Jaleel Hamilton andSeonAlfredscoredgoals in the sixth and 14th minute respectivelywhilstSolomon Austin recorded a (GG) in the29thminute.Ontheother hand,ESPNdowned (Continuedonpage69)

A snippet of the action on the opening day of the League.

Part of the action between Hillside (red) and Team Family (white) in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’East Bank West Demerara Championship at the Pouderoyen Tarmac

2023WestIndiesChampionship… Sinclair’s heroics ensures drawn result for Harpy Eagles

Atensefinalsessionina see-saw battle between the Guyana Harpy Eagles and WindwardIslandsVolcanoes ended with the Guyanese teamholdingonforadrawin their second round 2023 West Indies Championship encounter, yesterday, at the National Cricket Stadium in St.George’s,Grenada.

KevinSinclairpostedhis highest First Class batting score of 77, as he remained unbeaten when the umpire called close of play on the fourth and final day, with Harpy Eagles on 250 – 9 from91overs.

Volcanoes plastered 294 on the board in their first innings and restricted Guyana to 169. Volcanoes then commenced their secondinningswithaleadof 125runs,butwererestricted to 168 in their second innings, leaving a target of 294 needed for victory by

HarpyEagles.

In their reply, Guyana ended day three on 35 – 0 with Matthew Nandu (18) and Tevin Imlach (13) overnightinthemiddle.

When the fourth day commenced, the pair took thescoreto54beforeImlach was adjudged leg before wicket for 25 in the 23rd over. Kemol Savory (7) was thenewbatsmanbuthisstay wasbriefashedepartedwith the score on 65, which brought out the captain, LeonJohnson.

Nandu was watchful in the partnership with his captain that accumulated 65 runs. However, in the 46th over, Johnson tried to pull a short one from Daurius Martindownthelegsideand g l o v e d i t t o t h e wicketkeeper, Tevyn Walcott.

Johnson’s dismissal for 40 took the score to 123 – 3

then the rain intervened and delayedplayforclosetohalf of an hour Play resumed withAnthonyBramble(3)as the new batsman but his tenure in the middle was short;Guyanawerenow140 – 4. During the partnership with Bramble, Nandu was abletoreachthehalfcentury mark for the second time in hisnewfirstclasscareer,but lost his wicket to Preston McSween, two deliveries afterBramble’sdismissal,as the board ticked over to 141 –5inthe51stover Akshaya Persaud and Sinclair banded together to produce a 64-run sixthwicket partnership before Persaud went after a tempting wide delivery outside the off stump from Justin Greaves, and edged it toWalcotton24.

That brought together Sinclair and Veerasammy Permaul(4)withGuyanaon

ICCWomen’sT20WorldCup…

Nat Sciver-Brunt leads England home in comfortable chase -

Matthews top scores for West Indies

(ESPN Cricinfo)England swept aside the challengeofWestIndiesina punchy opening Group 2 encounter in Paarl, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight sealing the chase with an unbroken 67-run stand Hayley Matthews struck the ball cleanly with 42off32forWestIndiesbut asolidtotalof135for7was made to looked far from adequate by England as the toporderdealtinboundaries tohuntdownvictorywith33 ballstospare.

WestIndieswerebuoyed at the toss by the return of Stafanie Taylor and were given a fast start by Matthews,reaching47for0 at the end of the powerplay But Taylor looked rusty, fallingfor3off15soonafter, and when Matthews was secondoutinthe11thoverone of three wickets for Sophie Ecclestone - it was left to Shemaine Campbelle

another boundary for England.

205 – 6, but the latter was bowledbyKaveemHodgeto takeGuyanato210–7inthe 73rd over Volcanoes were then sensing victory when Shamar Joseph (0) and Nial Smith (0) lost their wickets with the score on 210 and 211,respectively.

The final batsman, Ronsford Beaton, joined Sinclair with 17.1 overs left in the day. Sinclair achieved his second first class half century during the final partnership and faced 138 deliveries in the effort to successfully claim the draw Beaton made only one but lasted 24 challenging deliveries.

When the dust settled, McSween had 3 – 58, Greaves claimed 2 – 35, while Martin and Kenneth Dember bagged a wicket

Darren Bravo

totryandhustleadefendable total.

West Indies’No. 3 made 34 from 37 before falling to some smart glovework from Amy Jones and England pulled off two run-outs to help keep the shackles on

throughtheclosingstages.It was, nevertheless, West Indies’besttotalbattingfirst in a T20I against England sincetheymade140for6at Bridgetownin2013.

Inreply,England’sspark (Continuedonpage69)

each. Meanwhile, Darren Bravo scored another century for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their match against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, but the encounterendedinadraw Summarized Scores: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force 418-9 declared off 126.5 overs (Darren Bravo 100, Imran Khan 92,Yannic Cariah 52, Terrance Hinds 51; Jeremiah Louis 3-78,

Colin Archibald 3-111) and 183-5declaredoff43.4overs (DarrenBravo100*,Jeremy Solozano 26; Kofi James 339, Sheeno Berridge 2-32) versus Leeward Islands Hurricanes 302 off 100.1 overs (Keacy Carty 95, Rakheem Cornwall 67; Bryan Charles 4-84, Khary Pierre3-63,YannicCariah224) and 72-1 off 23 overs (MontcinHodge34*,Kieran Powell21)

Sophia Dunkley carves

(ICC/Getty Images

St. Lucia’s Nikaela Khodra

Kevin Sinclair (Getty Images)

Hayley Matthews drives through the covers. (ICC/Getty Images)