Kaieteur News

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ExxonMobil applies to EPA to develop three oil fields under one application

ExxonMobil, through its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has submitted an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seeking to develop three of its lucrative offshore fields in the Stabroek Block.

Its sixth project, the Whiptail development, seeks to produce oil attheWhiptail,PinktailandTilapia fields Tilapia's discovery was announced by the oil giant in February, 2019. It was followed by the welcomed news of another successful exploration activity at Whiptail field in July 2021 and Pinktailin2021.

In the oil giant's Project Summary, available on the EPA's website, it was noted that the operations will add up to 275,000 barrels of oil per day to the current production rates of about 393,000 barrelsofoilperday

ExxonMobil hopes to start up thesixthdevelopmentbythefourth quarter of 2027 or first quarter of 2028.Ithasanexpectedfieldlifeof atleast20years.

Whiptail will be located in the south eastern portion of the StabroekBlock,approximately183 km from Georgetown Current plansincludedrillingviadrillships to produce oil from approximately 40 - 65 production and injection

wells.

Exxon explained, “The anticipated production rate for the (Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel) FPSO ranges between approximately 220,000 barrels and 275,000 barrels of oil per day The vessel will be capable of storing approximately two million barrels of oil. Third party oil tankers will be scheduled to offload the oil from the FPSO, making the oil available for export to the international market. The FPSO will also process, dehydrate, compress, and reinject associated gasproducedfromthereservoir.”

The company said that its experience from current operations and environmental studies will enhance the design and implementationofitssixthoffshore deepwater development. Not only that but it will also increase environmental performance and economicvalue,Exxonstated.

The development of the three projects under one application means one FPSO will be used to develop the three fields This contributes to the reduction of investment or expenditure required in the activities. It also aids in boosting production activities in keeping with the Government's plantoacceleratesuchactivities.

It must be noted that ExxonMobil is still awaiting the

approval of its fifth project, the Uaru+development.

This project will also develop two fields in the Stabroek Block, the Uaru-1 and Uaru-2 discoveries. Uaru-1 was discovered in January 2020 while the announcement was madeforUaru-2inApril2021.The oil company, through its former Media and Communications Manager, Janelle Persaud had explained that the Uaru+ project is

also seeking to develop other discoveries in the Stabroek Block that are within close proximity to theUarudiscoveries.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during the presentation of this year's Budget reported that 2022 was a major exploration year He said 11 exploration wells were drilled, with the Stabroek Block alone accounting for 10 of these wells, resulting in 10 new

Legend ExxonMobil

APPROVED DEVELOPMENT

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BATHYMETRY CONTOURS (m) GUYANA BLOCKS (EEPGL)

KANUKU BLOCKS

commercially viable discoveries beingmadeoffshoreGuyana.

“Thisbringsthetotalnumberof discoveriesmadeinStabroekto35, andatotalof40forallblocksbeing explored.With the new discoveries in 2022, our total estimated proven reserves now stand at over 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels, with strong likelihood of upward revision as exploration activity continues,”Dr Singhsaid.

Govt. reviewing Exxon's study on options for nation's 17 trillion gas reserves

Senior Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh recently disclosed that government is in receipt of a study from ExxonMobil Corporation affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) regarding the utilization of the nation's gasresources.

As the oil company continues its hunt for more sweet crude in the Stabroek block, Dr Singh said the gas resources are increasing. In fact, they have moved from 16 trillion to over 17 trillion standardcubicfeet.

Thegasstudydonebythe oil giant is one of the requirements of the Petroleum Production Licence (PPL) awarded for ExxonMobil's Yellowtail Project.

According to provisions ofthePPL,theoilcompanyis required to conduct a Gas Utilization Study which w o u l d e x a m i n e t h e

associated and nonassociatedgasavailablefrom all approved petroleum production licences (i.e: Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara and Yellowtail) as well as other discovered resources in the StabroekBlock.

This study is expected to consider over the short, medium and long-term, a forecast of potential gas production for export from existing oil ships and the expected use that gas will be putto.

The PPL notes that study shall also consider scenarios for the demand that might be expectedforgassaleslocally, in SouthAmerica, regionally (the countries bordering Guyana) and internationally; as well as consider the cost and feasibility of gas export as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied PetroleumGas(LPG).

Furthermore, the licence states that EEPGL must

examine the feasibility of utilizing the existing and planned wells, flowlines, risers and production facilitiesfortheexportofgas both during and after the currently planned oil productionphase.

Additionally, the c o m p a n y m u s t a l s o determine the feasibility and cost of adding gas export equipment, wells, well workovers, flowlines, meters, risers and pipelines forexportgasnotincludedin t h e o r i g i n a l F i e l d Development Plan (FDP) submission costs. EEPGL is also expected to provide potential gas export rates and p r o f i l e s w h i c h a r e determined at minimum and maximum feasible rates verified by reservoir modelling.

Itshouldbenotedthatthe Gas Utilization Study is in addition to the requirement under Article 1 (b) of the

Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement which outlines that for each Field Development Plan that does not utilise all available associated gas for operations or to enhance oil production, itmustincludeanExcessGas Feasibility study within five years of a development plan submission.

The licensee is therefore required, if the Gas Utilisation Study determines that gas is available at Liza Phase1LizaPhase2,Payara, Yellowtail or any other developments, to submit the individual gas feasibility studies as per the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement(PSA).

While Exxon's study is being reviewed, Minister Singh has said that government has also commenced work on the revision of the Liza Field Development Plan and Licence which will allow for

the production of natural gas for commercial usage in Guyana. He reminded that the country is expected to export, at a minimum, about 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day through LizaDestinyandUnityships, intheinitialphase.

The gas-to-energy projectwillseeapowerplant beingconstructedtogenerate 250 megawatts (MW) of power and a Natural Gas Liquids(NGL)planttocover Guyana's domestic demand for other natural gas products.

US-based partnership CH4/Lindsayca won the contract to construct the 300 megawatts (MW) combined cyclepowerplantandnatural gasliquidsfacility Itisdoing so at a cost of US$898 million.

As for the construction of the pipeline for which Exxon is responsible, this is expected to cost upward of

US$1.3 billion. The current estimate for the project is therefore expected to be approximately US$2 2 billion.

Engineers India Limited w i l l s u p e r v i s e t h e Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of theonshoreplantfacility Itis expectedtohireanotherform tooperatetheproject.

...to produce up to 275,000 barrels more per day

(Source: ExxonMobil Project Summary)

Senior Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Figure 1: Location of the Whiptail FPSO within the Stabroek Block

Exxon looking to mirror

Guyana’s success in India

Americanoilgiant, ExxonMobil is looking to mirror its success in Guyana's oil and gas sector in India's upstreamsector

This was disclosed by Monte Dobson, lead country manager for South Asia at ExxonMobil, during an interviewwithEntertainment Tonight(ET).

The energy giant's affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is the operator of Guyana's lucrative Stabroek Block, whichis6.6millionacresand has over 11 billion proven barrelsofoil.

EEPGL holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds25percentinterest.

Notably, the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana

signed onto with Exxon has been labeled as lopsided. Under the deal, Exxon only pays Guyana a mere 2 percent royalty, enjoys massive tax breaks and there is also the absence of a ringfencingprovision.

While persons like the Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Legal A f f a i r s , A n i l Nandlall have a c k n o w l e d g e d Guyana has signed onto a lopsided deal – t h e P P Pgovernment refuses to renegotiate the c o n t r a c t a n d continues to allow the oil giant to rush full speed ahead withitscrudeextraction.

“We are looking for the next Guyana,” said Dobson duringtheinterviewwithET, referring to the company's ambition to replicate in India therecentupstreamsuccessit has had in the South American nation – the

EconomicTimesreported.

The Exxon official added, “The aim is to make a big discovery in India than investinginaproducingfield or developing an existing discovery.”

Dobson said too that Exxon possesses the right technology and the experience needed for the

competitivereturnsthatmust stay intact through the term ofthecontract.

“What we are looking to do in the Indian upstream is to move from 'very interested' to 'committed',” Dobson said, adding, “We expect 2023 to be a pivotal yearforourIndiaplans.”

The media outlet also

said, referring to the imposition of such taxes on oil companies in India and otherplaces.

“Such steps can shift investments away from a country over the long term,” hesaid.

E x x o n w a n t s t h e exploration contracts to provide a legal shield against any move by the government to expropriateassets.

Indianconditions.

“The type of geology we have seen here is the same as inGuyana,”headded.

M o r e o v e r, w h i l e ExxonMobiliskeentoinvest in the Indian oil and gas sector,itwantsthecountryto offer protection against expropriation, neutral arbitration and globally

reported that Exxon has been studying Indian geological data and engaging with the government on policy reformsforafewyears.Ithas an agreement with state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC)forjointexploration inthecountry

Windfall taxes do not work inthelongrun, Dobson

“It's really r o o t e d i n experience,” he said, citing the c o m p a n y ' s experience in Venezuela where it faced expropriation after a change ingovernment.

Fordisputeredressal,the company also wants the flexibility to pursue arbitration in any country mutually agreed upon rather thanjustinIndia.

Additionally, Kaieteur News recently reported that

PresidentIrfaanAlialong withahighlevelteamwerein Indiaforaseven-daytripand entered into several new agreements with the Indian state for collaboration in other sectors, inclusive of manufacturing and power generation.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo in announcing the auction of 14 of Guyana's oil blocks back in November last year had said the process, “is consistent with the promise wemadewhileinOpposition that future blocks will be given out only through auction.

We are not going to do this directly, except if it's a state-to-state engagement with the government participating.”

Screening process for Environmental Authorization strengthened - EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)onFridaysaidthatit has improved its decision-making procedure for the granting of permits through a revamped screeningprocess.

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e Environmental Protection Act, each project to be pursued that will affect the environment must be subjected to the approval of the EPA.An application must be made to the EPA, which then triggers the screening process, where officers of the regulatory body assess the likely impacts on the environment andhumanhealth.

I n h i g h l i g h t i n g i t s achievements for 2022, the regulator explained it is “able to set and provide clear guidance to the regulated community (developers) on the requirements needed to operate in an environmental sound manner.”

This is supported by environmentalguidelines,outreach andengagementwithprivatesector and communities, the agency explained.

In addition, the EPA has also moved to revise its internal project screening process. The agency said it even strengthened staff capacity to determine the significance of potential environmental impacts of proposed development projects acrossallsectors.

Notably, the EPA outlined that its Oil and Gas Department revised the Environmental Permits for offshore production activities such as the Yellowtail, Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Permits. This was reportedly done to better align the Permits with best international industrypractices.

Another notable achievement detailed by the agency was a Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) it signed with the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) This agreement has not only resulted in technical exchanges between the International body and Guyana but has also fostered collaboration necessary for the country to be advisedandsupportedinregulating thebloomingoilandgassector

TheEPAreported,“In2022,the Agency made a significant investment in building the capacity of its staff, supported by the GYD 40 million allocated by Government of Guyana for training Further, the Agency established a fully staffed Human Resources Department, including a dedicated programme for training itsstafftomeetitsmandate.”

Theregulatorsaidfortheperiod 2023 to 2025, it will strategically continue its efforts to become a m o d e r n a n d e f f e c t i v e

environmental regulator It explained that it will focus on leveraging cutting-edge science and technology, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, to improve its regulatory compliance andenforcementefforts.

“This will help secure a s u s t a i n a b l e l o w - c a r b o n development future for all Guyanese through effective environmental protection and conservation of biodiversity,” the EPAsaid.

According to the body, one of its objectives this year is to digitize the permitting and compliance process, as well as the complaints process, to make the system more efficient and user-friendly The agency said it is also working on a revamped website and other communication tools to better inform the public and other stakeholdersaboutitswork.

VPJagdeoisexpectedtovisit India next week to tie up agreements with the Government of India for c o o p e r a t i o n i n t h e blossoming local oil and gas industry

EPA Executive Director, Kemraj Parsram

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

PRESIDENT – NATIONAL LEADER OR NATIONAL PERFORMER

Intellect and wisdom, logic and reason, have all gone to the dogs in Guyana. It is insightful, endlessly fascinating, how Guyana’s President Ali has come to reflect this disastrous state of mind, how he stubbornly refuses even to acknowledge what is put before this nation by reputable, influential foreigners, where the management of our oil is concerned. Surely, this nation’s leader cannot be this shortsighted about his responsibilities. He cannot be this disconnectedfromrealitythatherejectsthehelpfulcounsels, guidinghands,extendedtousfreeofcharge,andwithoutany taintofthepartisanshipthatpoisonsus.Wecanoverlookthe President being forgetful, maybe even that he is possibly ungrateful. FortheCommonwealthwastherein2020during Guyana’sbitterelectionsseasontoboosthisparty’sposition. If the Commonwealth could have been so constructive, so unbiased,andsohelpfulinatorturedtime,thenitfollowsthat itisapresencethatshouldbelistenedtokeenly,becausesuch wouldbebeneficialtoGuyana.

But here is Guyana’s President today making a production about specificity. The President needs a quote, regarding what the Commonwealth and the IMF said about managingouroilinmoreguardedmanner,abetterway Itis revealingthatthisoilwealthcouldtransformnationalleaders thattheycanquibblelikethis;reducethemselvestothisstate, given what could be nationally devastating. For there was Guyana’sPresidentinsistentthathehastohaveadirectquote identifyingGuyana,andonlythenhewillrespond.

ThisisremarkablewhenoneconsidersthatthisGuyanese leaderisnobody’sfool,norcanhebeaccusedofobtuseness tothepointthatheblindshimselftothecostlyanddangerous excessesofforeignoilcompanies. ThePresidenthasmadeit his practice to cultivate strong relationships with oil producing nations in the Middle East, such as SaudiArabia andKuwaitandothersintheUAE. Evenifhedidnotknow the full details before, it is almost a certainty that his Arab hostswouldhavebeengenerousenoughandhelpfulenough to share their own exploitative and punishing experiences with foreign oil companies, primarilyAmerican and British ones. At the very least, the oil producing Middle Eastern brotherhoodwouldhavecautionedhimtobewatchfulwhere the foreign oil companies are concerned, and not to take anythingonfacevalue.

It is amazing to the point of shocking, therefore, that Guyana’s President relishes coming down impatiently and sharplyonhisownpeopletryingtodoanhonestjobwhile,on theotherhand,heseeminglylookson,accepts,andembraces theforeignoilcompanies,ExxonMobilofallcompanies,as Guyana’s friend and one with the best interests of this country, with its highest priorities, in mind. Regardless of what the President’s doctoral dissertation may have been about, he has to have some acquaintance with the practices andperversitiesofoilcompanies,andhowtheyhaverobbed andripped-offpoorThirdWorldcountrieslikeGuyana. For thePresidenttoholdExxonMobiltohisbosom,anddismiss Guyanese(andentitiesliketheCommonwealthandtheIMF) asenemiesofhisvisionsemphasizestherockyroadonwhich boththePresidentandhisPPPCGovernmenthaveembarked, andonwhichtheyaredeterminedtostay,regardlessofwho sayswhat,andthesteeppriceforGuyanese.

ThisisatoddswithwhathisleadingbrethreninthePPPC Government, which the President heads, had to say at one timeabouttheExxonMobiloilcontract. Theleadinglightsin thePPPChadcalledthatsame2016contract,asbeingamong the worst of crimes. Logically, it means that the creators, movers,andexecutionersbehindthatcontractarethemselves criminalperpetrators.

ExxonMobil holds pride of place in this category Yet, these are the same people, this is the same company, that Guyana’s President runs interference for, protects and coddles. When he refuses to listen to what the IMF or Commonwealth has to offer, then he distances from being a sturdy national leader, and converts to the charade of a nationalperformer,atroublingactorofaspecialkind.

This is most helpful to ExxonMobil, but extremely dangerousforGuyana.

GECOM‘sChair’sactionwasultra-vires

DEAREDITOR,

Having read GECOM‘s release in response to an article carried in Kaieteur NewsonFriday,January20, 2023 under the caption: “GECOM Chair goes it alone”, I wish to make the followingobservations.

1. The Constitution of Guyana is pellucid: Article161 A (1) The Elections Commission shall be responsible for the efficient functioning of the S e c r e t a r i a t o f t h e Commission, which shall comprise the officers and e m p l o y e e s o f t h e Commission, and for the appointmentofallstafftothe officesthereofinclusiveofall temporarystaff,recruitedfor the purposes of boundary demarcation, registration of persons and elections and

shall have the power to remove and exercise disciplinary control over suchstaff.

May I therefore reiterate what the article proffered. GECOM‘s chair has no authority to create any position and make appointments to any such position, be it temporary or otherwise.Thechairperson‘s actionwasultra-vires.

2. There has been no effort, even in the normal course of things, to expedite the appointment of the DCEO, even at the time when the CEO wrote the Chair indicating that he was underpressure.Infact,ithas been placed on the back burner, while they rushed to create a temporary position and surreptitiously appoint the IT Manger And in so

doing, bypassed the officer next in line in the administrative hierarchy, although when they contrivedtheappointmentof that officer, they contended that that officer had experienced acting for the DCEO. No doubting can change the fact that Operations Coordinator is a temporary position created and filled by an act of the Chairperson. Admission of any such previous wrong doing,especiallywhenitwas identified, condemned, and the culpable officer reprimanded cannot be the justificationforasubsequent wrongdoing.

3 When confronted about the unlawful act they soughttomakeitamatterof a‘vote’ratherthantheusual ‘judgment’, however the

judgment has now been announcedintheMedia,thus preempting the promised voteonthematter

4. Imagine, after the Chair‘s ‘ruling’ that ‘the matterwouldbedeferredfor a vote, when all of the commissioners are present’, the Commission issues a Press Release stating “Mr Giddings‘ secondment will come to an end upon the appointment of a DCEO”. That is tantamount to the confirmation of the wrongdoing and further emasculation of the Commission This is contemptuous and disrespectful This is totalitarianism at its worst, andisintendedtoenableand buttressanillicitact.

Yourstruly, VincentAlexander

PPP/C regime has failed at crime prevention

DEAREDITOR,

Theyear2023startedon a positive note for most Guyanese.Whilelifeismade up of both joy and sorrow, too many families have already experienced a lot of sadness in the first half of January From all indications, the PPP/C intendstokeepitthatwayby not addressing many issues whichcausewhite-andbluecollar crimes, gang violence other social problems to escalate.

The drugs enterprise has grown exponentially since August 2, 2020. Guyanese are still witnessing both failed and successful attempts to sell and export illicit substances In addition, even though many businesses have CCTV cameras, gun-toting criminals still find ways to carryouttheiregregiousacts

against innocent citizens Guyana though considered to be the highest growing economy is likely to see a huge influx of expatriates. Crime will be a deterrent to themandourownGuyanese returninghome.Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force continuestostatethat“crime hasdecreased,andtheyhave a Crime Prevention Plan”. Where is the evidence to supportthis?

Editor, millions of dollars have been approved to equip the Guyana Police Force.Itakethisopportunity to remind readers that in 2021,thesumof$700Mwas budgetedforandapprovedto financeanewcrimefighting team, the “Regional Joint Support Teams.” Many will recall the hard questions put toMadameGailTeixeiraand her failure to provide accurate and satisfactory

responses during the consideration of the estimates in the National A s s e m b l y A s a representative of the people, I am requesting from the governmentanupdateonthe operations and successes of this newly formed Agency which appears to be ghosting.

Editor, you will recall that when the Coalition Government took office in 2015,thenMinisterofPublic Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, had an amnesty onillegalguns.Thisactivity allowedforillegalgunstobe surrendered, and yes, there wasasignificantreductionin crime Recently, Former President David Granger, speaking on his weekly ‘PublicInterest’programme, indicatedthatthereisalarge number of firearms in circulation. This, in effect,

hasledtotheriseofviolent, gun-related crimes in our society He further iterated that there are an estimated onehundredandtwenty-two thousand (122,000) civilianowned firearms in Guyana, which is claimed to be the highest in the Anglophone Caribbean.

IfIrecallcorrectly,there should be a working SubCommittee of Cabinet on Security, but citizens are oblivious to the workings of this Committee. But clearly, the PPP/C regime has also failed in the area of crime prevention.

How much more do families have to endure before the PPP/C and the Guyana Police Force get a grip on crime and security? Weneedurgentaction!

Yourssincerely, AnnetteFerguson MemberofParliament

Horrors and failures in the City

DEAREDITOR,

Onecannotfeeltheanger I felt when I looked at the latest video of the two men choking and rob another maleonthepavement.

Thebrutalforcethatwas used on the man could be seen as he was left lying helpless on the floor, and go into what I consider as a seizure before getting back onhisfeet.Itjustshowsthat these hooligans have no consideration for anyone’s health as they embark on their daily nefarious activities.

This the second video surfacing of people being choked and robbed within weeksandswiftactionbythe

authorities resulted to the culprit in the first video being tracked down to his residence on the West Bank of Demerara and being arrested I am anxiously waiting to hear similar news of the other two despicable beings being cleansed from society

Editor, watching the video, you could see two otherpersonsscramblingfor cover as the scene unfolds and I’m presuming that they are vendors, based on the video.

Now, over the years I’ve been writing about the lawlessness these vendors are being allowed, and no one seems to care. As it

standstoday,thevendorsare beingallowedtocrowdboth sides of the pavement and overhead with the stuff they are selling. Thus, there’s hardly any place for commuters to traverse peacefully.Inaddition,most places become like a bottleneck, blocking vision fromanydirection.

In other words, a darkhole you are walking through, which makes it extremelyeasyforanyoneto be robbed, unknown to anyone around Can you imagine a place that you’re supposedtowalkfreely;you have to walk in fear? Apart from that, the various items are being displayed in such

an atrocious manner, that if you’re not cautious of how you’re walking, you could get in contact with any item that could escalate matters between you and the vendors.

These vendors are at the same spot selling every day, soit’simpossibletolookfor helpfromthem.

Because many of them arealsoscaredfortheirown safety to help. If you are scared to venture through these ‘dark-holes’, the other optionistowalkontheroad, putting your life at risk of being hit by motorists and causing additional traffic congestion.Inclosingeditor,

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Economic Development and the 2023 Budget: Investments in Key CriticalAreas for Growth

DEAREDITOR,

The budget season is upon us with the Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh’s presentation of the government fiscal plans to promote growth of the economy while directly impacting the lives of Guyanese The budget focuses on President Irfaan M o h a m a d A l i ’ s development priorities for elevating the nation and Guyanese Clearly, allocationofresourcestothe critical areas including agriculture and food security, healthcare, transportation, housing, education, water and sanitation, increasing direct household income, fighting inflation and supporting thoseGuyaneseinneed,will continue to improve Guyaneselives.

The 2023 budget

continues the impressive Gross Domestic Product growth (GDP) as Guyana realized significant growth, 62 percent in the past year, while the major world economiesrealizedamodest 2.9 percent. The minister also projects that Guyana’s GDP will grow at approximately 25 percent in 2023.Theinvestmentsinthe key sectors will not only support the growth, but also accomplish precisely what the government intends, which is to use windfalls fromcarbontobuildastrong resilient economy with provision of key services that will impact lives directly.

Many economists, includingmyself,viewGDP growth as a source to fund neededdirectinvestmentsin the economy so every Guyanese can benefit from

these gains. This translates to investments in infrastructure, human resources, technology, and centrally the political, financial, and judicial systems to support the transformation. Economic growth will continue as the Government is building a strong and resilient economy This budget does exactly that, it channels resources to sectors of the economy that needs to improve to perpetuate and sustain GDP growth Clearly, the Government’s fiscalplanistodrivegrowth directly to communities acrossGuyana. Inanalyzing how this budget contributes to long term economic development, it is necessary to understand what are the key metrics to measure economic development and its impact on quality of life.

Crucial consequences should be considered

DEAREDITOR,

Poor work by a contractor has led to severe flooding and brought untold misery and inconvenience to citizens in wards of south Georgetown. This is pure damn nonsense (that phrase again) But the questionremains-whoawardedthecontract? Exactly So even after following procurement procedures, protocols, and due

diligence, this is the outcome. Monies wasted and communities suffering. There has to be the consideration of crucial consequences for this type of incompetence and ineptitude. Termination of contract should not be the only one. It is high time contractorsgetitright.

Sincerely, ShamshunMohamed

Horrors and failures in the...

Frompage4 overtheyears,realizingthat allhavetosurvivesomehow, thevendorshavebeengiven a free rein to ply their trade and because of the political bickering, they’ve evolved into an eyesore with no solution. These people have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring a system in place, so that everyone could live and conducttheirdailylivesina

peaceful manner Instead, they are enjoying the peaceful life and forcing us to live in enmity with one anotherandwithfear Our tax dollars ensure they are able to live luxurious lives, provide heavy protection, and foolish followerswhenevertheyare walkingaround,smile,wave andpostforpicturestoboost their image, whilst turning a blind eye on all the

shenanigans happening around or supporting same. The other amazing thing is that only around the festive season the City Police and GuyanaPoliceForceregister heavy presences around areaspronetocrime.

I guess that’s the only time criminals surface, or my other guess is that we only havefestivepolice.

Sincerely, SahadeoBates

In 2006, Development Economists, Todaro & Smith, defined economic development is that condition that satisfies three economic tents: “the increaseoftheavailabilityof basic life sustained goods such as food, shelter, health and protection; increase living standards by the provision of more jobs, better education, and attention to cultural and human values to generate moreindividualandnational self-esteem, and expansion of the economic and social choicesofindividualstofree them from servitude and dependence”. In modern day economy, this also translates to improvements to the infrastructure, in particular technological improvements, so that the economy can function efficiently and serves all segments of the population. This budget will have a direct impact on the overall economic development of the nation, especially health andwelfare.

In fact, “economic historians estimate that improved health accounted for about one-third of the overall GDP-per-capita growth of developed economies in the past century”.

When examining the planned investments in the keycriticalareas,thebudget clearly addresses both domestic and global economic conditions For

example, inflation still continues to be a major concern for every nation.

The increase in disposable income to pensioners will bringreliefandeasefromthe global inflationary pressures The economic impact of zero excise taxes will also provide a relief to allhouseholdscostofliving.

The salary adjustments for healthcare workers, first responders,willalsoprovide an economic relief in additiontoincentivizingthis sector to provide better quality of care and retention of key personnel. The increase of low-income mortgage will allow for the accumulation and building of wealth for entire family and can be transferred from generation to generation Investments in water and sanitation will also reduce healthcare costs as households will now benefit from a source of healthy source of drinking water

And finally, Investments in educationandtransportation infrastructure, is necessary

as there is a dire need of skilled resources to fuel Guyana’s transforming new economy

This budget supports economicgrowthbeyondthe direct impact it has on household The very definition of economic growthistoincreasethesize of the workforce as well as the productivity and output p e r h o u r w o r k e d Economists have concluded that better healthcare, education,infrastructure,are investments in an economy that will yield an increasing productive workforce and quality of life. In sum, this budget will have a direct impact on quality of life, economic development and growth of the nation Certainly, a master stroke bothonthepolicyfrontwith impactonlivesofGuyanese bytheGovernment.It’stime for speedy approval of the budget and begin the implementation.

Sincerely, Dr Tilokie Arnold Depoo,Economist

The Private Sector Commission was frank; it had input, made recommendations for Guyana’s budget.

Not so, the foreign businesses, like Exxon which prefer the cover of darkness.

All the billions in the budget, and not a cent to monitor and audit Exxon expenses! Who write that part of the budget? Guyana’sAshni Singh or Exxon’s Alistair Routledge?

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

International activists slam ExxonMobil, others for fighting windfall tax

Guyana may not have found the c o u r a g e t o implement windfall taxes on the massive revenues it contributedtoExxonMobil's record earnings last year, but international activists, c i t i z e n s a n d e v e n governments are unwilling tolettheoilcompaniesgoso easily.

Last year oil profits were reported as the best companies had had in decades; stemming from high demand following the e a s e o f C O V I D - 1 9 restrictions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine which saw restrictions on the Russian oil economy, the

largest crude supplier to Europeuntil2021.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a community of 30 million stakeholders working for the p r o t e c t i o n o f t h e environment has called on citizens of the world to not let up on their demands from oilcompanies.

The US based group has in fact criticized big oil companies for fighting windfall taxes intended for them to pay their fair share given the unexpected revenues they would have amassedlastyear

EWG said that the world'slargestoilcompanies raked in roughly US$200B

in global profits in 2022 and will likely be flushed with similar returns this year, “even as they fight talk of a windfall profits tax” and oppose a plan by US regulators to end gas price gouging.

Despite the recordbreaking revenue garnered lastyear,EWGsaidsomeoil executiveshavehadthe“gall to complain that the filthy rich sector is being “demonized” particularly in California, where the governor of that US state “wants Big Oil to stop fleecing hardworking Americansatthepump.”

EWG said that fourthquarter reports for BP,

ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell and Total Energies, which should all be made public by February, will show a combined profit of $199 billion, reported Refinitiv,afinancialmarkets datafirmquotedbyReuters.

The Group said that soaringoilandgaspricesare making company executives and shareholders even wealthier, while working families are being forced to make difficult pocketbook decisions.

“Yet the same Big Oil crowd whines about everyday people being upset that these companies are fleecing them,” EWG's President and co-founder Ken Cook said. He related that, “big oil firms are gouging consumers, many struggling to pay the rising cost of commuting to work and school.And the industry is fighting efforts to hold them accountable. It's pure, unadulterated greed, and no industry spin can change that,”Cookinsisted.

EWG noted that the outrageous profits big oil companies made last year didn't quell their anger toward paying windfall profit taxes in some countries.

Exxon is suing the European Union over its recent windfall profit tax. And both Shell and Total Energies say each company will pay more than $2B in windfall profit taxes in the EUandGreatBritain.

The Group said there is

no such tax on these and other oil giants in the U.S., but last October, President JoeBidencondemnedtheoil industry for reaping record profits but not lowering gas prices that have battered U.S.consumers.Atthetime, EWG said it urged the US President and Congress to support legislation that would impose a windfall profittax.

EWG reported that in a recent interview with Bloomberg, Chevron's CEO, Mike Wirth, sought to downplay the industry's record profits, calling his own company's almost $40 billion haul in 2022 a “modestreturn.”

It was stated that while these oil companies are enjoying all-time high windfall profits, paychecks for working- and middleclass people are taking an enormous hit, forcing families to make difficult decisions between the need to commute and the rising costsofliving.

“The situation is particularly dire in California, where just five oil refiners produce nearly 100percentofthegassoldin thestate.

They get to set the price per gallon at every gas station, resulting in C a l i f o r n i a h a v i n g astronomical gas prices far higher than the rest of the country.”

Latelastyear,thetypical price for a gallon of gas in California was nearly twice

the national average – as high as $7 in some areas of thestate.

That prompted Newsom and members of the state Legislature to push a proposal that would levy penalties on the state's oil refiners, which have reaped recordprofitsonthebacksof hard-working people, and return the money to Californians through refunds.

InresponsetoNewsom's plan, Western States Petroleum Association President CatherineReheisBoydsaid, “demonizing the oilindustrymuststop.”

Last August, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged nations apply measures that would allow them part of the massive cash oil companies weremaking.Hedescribedit as "grotesque greed" by oil and gas companies and their financers.

He urged global government to tax these excessive profits to support the most vulnerable people and shield them from unscrupulousoiloperators.

Guterres had said, "It is immoral for oil and gas companies to be making record profits from this energy crisis on the backs of the poorest people and communities, at a massive cost to the climate.” In light ofthesensationalprofits,US President Biden has even described the oil companies as making “more money thanGod.”

GRA dismisses staff involved in fraud, collusion

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Friday said that it has taken stern disciplinary actions, including the dismissal of employees after it recently uncovered a number of fraudulent practices involving persons applying for various categories of licences.

In an effort to prevent suchpractices,theAuthority iscautioningmembersofthe general public against colluding with individuals, including GRA officers, to perpetuate fraud in the course of completing a transaction, the Authority saidinastatement.

“Persons found guilty of such unlawful actions are liable on summary conviction to fines and imprisonment for a maximum of six months,

dependingonthenatureand severity of the offence,” the statementsaid.

The requirements to obtain licences are listed on G R A’s w e b s i t e a t www gra gov gy or requested via WhatsApp numbers 707-9841 or 7079842.

“The Authority also wishes to remind the public that GRA staff are NOT authorised to collect monies from taxpayers for any transaction or offer to complete transactions in exchangeforgifts.”

Taxpayersmustmakeall payments at the cashier sections where they will receive an official GRA receipt as proof of payment. Cashiers are located at GRA’s Headquarters on Camp Street, Integrated Regional Tax Offices

(IRTOs) and the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC).

The Revenue Authority said that it has repeatedly published alternative payment options available through the following entities:-

Online banking services atRepublicBank,Demerara Bank, Bank of Baroda, and GBTI, Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), and Bill Express(overthecounter).

Personswhosuspectthat they are victims of fraud, or areawareofofficerswhoare colluding with taxpayers, shouldrequestthenameand employee ID of the person representing the Authority and report the matter (anonymously) to GRA’s Special Investigation Unit’s (SIU) hotline 225-5051 or viaemailtosiu@gra.gov.gy

for fatallystabbingNorth-Westteen

OrlandoHenry,thegold miner who admitted to fatally stabbing 19-year-old RyanHenryformerlyofLog Hill, Baramita, North West District, Region One, was on Thursday remanded to prison after being charged with murder Henry, of Central Baramita, made his firstcourtappearanceatthe Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Dellon Bess where the murder charge was read to him.Hewasnotrequiredto plead to the indictable charge which states that betweenJanuary15and16, 2023 at Baramita Line, he murderedRyanHenry.

Orlando Henry is

expectedtomakehissecond court appearance on February 2, 2023 for the filingofstatements.

Kaieteur News had reportedthatOrlandoHenry admitted to stabbing Ryan Henry with a broken Guinness bottle during an argument. The injured man was taken to the Baramita Health Centre with a stab woundtohisabdomen. He was pronounced dead on Monday Information reaching Kaieteur News revealed that on Monday morning, ranks went to the Orlando Henry’s home and asked him to visit the Baramita Police Station for questioning.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the men were seen together on the nightofJanuary15.

While at the police station, investigators learned that the duo had an argument Orlando Henry claimed that Ryan Henry punchedhimtohisfaceand he (Orlando) broke a Guinnessbottleandstabbed him(RyanHenry).

Police reports had revealed that Henry was taken to the Health Centre early Monday morning. He died at 06:25h from the injuriesreceived.

An investigation was subsequently launched into thefatalstabbing.

A fisherman on trial for manslaughter allegedly choppedthedeceased’saunt on Sunday at her Ocean Garden, Meten-meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD)home.

The fisherman has been identifiedas22-year-oldSaif Khatoon while the injured womanis48-year-oldSusan Williams In November 2020, Khatoon was remanded to prison for fatally chopping Susan’s nephew,KeronWilliams.

Keron, originally from Moruca,NorthWestDistrict, Region One had travelled to RegionThreetolivewithhis aunt and had made friends

withKhatoon.Onthedayhe was killed, he was last seen imbibing with Khatoon. It was alleged that Williams and Khatoon got into an argument and had started fighting. During the scuffle, Khatoon allegedly stabbed himtodeath.

Khatoon was committed to stand trial in the High Courtandaninitialchargeof murder reduced to manslaughter and he was released on bail Khatoon returnedtohisMeten-MeerZorghome.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that Susan saw Khatoon in December 2022 and confronted him about

her nephew’s death An argument ensued a

Khatoon allegedly threatenedtokillher

On Sunday, the woman alleged that Khatoon visited her home armed with a cutlassandkickeddownher door The woman managed to escape but not before receiving chops about her body

The woman told police that she is sure Khatoon attackedherbecauseshesaw hisface.

When contacted on F r i d a y, R e g i o n a l Commander Mahendra Siwnarine confirmed the incident.

nd

HERE IS MY REASON FOR NOT SUING ANYONE

I saw a video clip in which a reporter confronted PNC parliamentarian, Ganesh Mahipal with questions about a tape in which he, Faaiz Mursaline and Roysdale Forde were discussingacourseofaction within the PNC based on complaints Mursaline made to them. The substance was about Mursaline signing blank checks at the request of the PNC leader

Mursaline also made accusations against PNC official Carol Joseph about raciallychargedthingssheis alleged to have said. The three-way discussion is available on tape for people to hear what Mursaline said aboutMs.Joseph.

When the reporter put certainquestionstoMahipal about the tape, he can be heard seeking refuge in his stuckrecord,“I’mnotaware of that.” In most countries,

there would have been calls for Mahipal’s resignation basedonhisperformance.

Whenverifiablefactsare openly in circulation in the environmentandapolitician representing people that voted for him says he is not aware then it calls into questioncompetence.

I asked Mahipal in an interview last year to give his take on the position DominicGaskintookonthe March 2020 election in which Mr Gaskin unambiguously assailed the attemptsatrigging.

Mahipal said he was not fully aware of what Gaskin said. The words of Gaskin were carried in all printed newspapers, all online newspapersandwasthetalk of the totality of the Guyanesenationforweeks.

Gaskin’s emanation was given prodigious coverage becauseofthehugestatushe

heldatthetime.Hewasone of the big figures in the Alliance For Change and was the son-in-law of the sitting president, Mr David Granger

Two comments need to beputonMahipal’sattitude. Oneifheiswasnotawareof what Gaskin said, then, he shouldnotbeallowedtobea parliamentarian. It is too colossal a mistake to be forgiven. I would think that Mahipal’s confession is similar to an American saying one year after the 9/11terroractintheUSthat theywerenotfullyawareof it.Theothercommentisthat ifitisanevadingtactic,then it is a silly one and Mahipal should invent a new one. It does not do a politician any credit to keep responding to questions by saying, “I am not aware of it.” A more suitabledirectionistosay,“I have no comment at this

time.” In a social media discussion programme last yearamongMahipalandhis acolytes, Mahipal described me as mad. People take advantageofmydeclaration that I will not sue. I guess it willgoonandIwillnotsue simply because that is not mystyle.

I want to make it clear thatinsuing,youaretelling thecourtyourcharacterwas damaged because of how people will now see you. I don’t believe my character will be damaged because I don’t think Guyanese will believe those things said aboutmethus,Iwillnotsue.

One example should suffice.Iquotedthisweekin one of my columns what Lincoln Lewis said about immigrants coming to Guyana. The statement was reproduced as a quote without comment Lewis repliedwithadescriptionof

me that with any other Guyanese, he would end up in court. Here arejusttwolibelousremarks from Lewis’response. I am referred to as a national disgrace.NowwhyshouldI sue for libel? First, I don’t believe Lewis words lower me in the estimation of Guyanese because I believe Lewis is not seen as a credible person thus his outburst has no impact on the psychology of Guyanese.Secondly,Iknow thatGuyanesedonotseeme asanationaldisgrace.

The second example is Lewis’ perception of my education. He wrote; “he hidesbehindthefaçadeheis anacademic.” Thosewords cannot hurt me because far and wide in and out of Guyana, my education is known. To sue then is to lie tothecourtthatmystanding in society was lowered

becauseofwhatLewissaid. So to return to Mahipal, I could not be bothered with Mahipal’s reference to me beingmad.ButIamcurious to know, if Mahipal thinks there are others in political activism that are similarly mad? Does he thinkAubrey Norton is mad? Norton refuses to shake the president’shand?

Does he think Khemraj Ramjatanismad?Ramjattan said the Russians came into GuyanainFebruary2020to rigtheMarchelection.Does hethinkthepeoplewhosaid thatamajorityinparliament of65membersis34?

(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.)

FrederickKissoon

Vacant DCEO post forces GECOM Chair to second

IT manager to help overwhelmed CEO

Chairwoman of the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh has defended her decision to create a temporary post at the Commission noting that the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) is overwhelmed and theabsenceofaDeputyChief Elections Officer (DCEO) warranted the selection of an internal employee to fill the void.

JusticeSinghalsomadeit clear that there is precedence at the Commission where staff are seconded to fill posts. In a statement to the media, the GECOM Chair said that in one case, a staff seconded was hired to serve without the Commission's

approval.

In response to concerns highlightedinthisnewspaper b y O p p o s i t i o n Commissioner Vincent A l e x a n d e r, G E C O M indicated that no new position was created, only a title of 'Operations Coordinator' since the staff would be working in the Operations Department of t h e C o m m i s s i o n ' s Secretariat.

In a timeline of what transpired,GECOMsaidthat on November 9, 2022, the agency's Chief Election Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud wrote a memo to the Chairrequestingapprovalfor the secondment of Mr Aneal Giddings, IT Manager to the Operations Department of

the Commission's Secretariat to assist with the day-to-day implementation and evaluation of the statutory and administrative tasks delineated in the Work plan for the conduct of Local Government Elections (LGEs).

In justifying his request, GECOM said the CEO noted that, unlike the conduct of General and Regional Elections, which takes place in a disaggregated manner in ten different Electoral Districts, the LGEs will be conducted in eighty Local Authority Areas (LAAs) c o m p r i s i n g t e n Municipalities and seventy Neighbourhood Democratic Councils(NDCs).

The CEO further pointed

out that considering (i), the multiplicityofsequentialand simultaneous tasks required to be implemented at Operations level for the LGEs, and (ii) the position of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) being vacant, it is of vital importance for a Senior Manager who is au fait with operations management relative to the conduct of elections to be assigned the responsibility of assisting him (CEO) with ensuring that all of the required tasks areefficientlyandeffectively implemented in accordance with the timelines set out in theworkplanfortheLGEs.

In this regard, GECOM said the Chairman approved the request with the understanding that Mr. Giddings would be referred t o a s ' O p e r a t i o n s Coordinator' within the Operations Department of the Commission's Secretariat s i n c e h e w o u l d b e responsible for carrying out responsibilities that would normallyfallwithinthelistof dutiesofDCEO.

“The Chairman gave her approval for the secondment

of Mr. Giddings with the full knowledge that she (i) was not creating any new position, (ii) was not making an appointment, and (iii) was aware that there is precedence of staff having been seconded, and in one case even appointed, without the knowledge and approval oftheCommission.”

Further, GECOM said that the Chairman's approval of the requested secondment w a s b a s e d o n t h e understanding that this would be a temporary arrangement until a suitable candidate is appointed to the position of DCEO Mr Giddings also maintains his substantive position of IT Manager,GECOMrelated.

On the subject of filling the vacancy of DCEO, GECOM said that filling of

all existing vacancies was placednumeroustimesonthe Agenda of Statutory MeetingsoftheCommission. However, this topic was always deferred due to the need for the Commission to focus its attention on more pressing matters associated with preparations for the c o n d u c t o f L o c a l Governmentelections.

Needless to say, the fillingofvacanciesisagainin focus. Accordingly, Mr. Giddings secondment will come to an end upon the appointment of a DCEO, GECOMsaid.

When Opposition Commissioners raised this matter last week, Alexander expressed concern that while the IT manager had been selectedsincelastNovember

(Continued on page 18)

Nineteen-year-old

Marlena Emptage was on Friday sentenced to four years in jail and fined $53 1M after some 59 kilograms of marijuana, she hadclaimedbelongedtoRoy Anthony Charles better Known as 'Skiddle', was found in her Norton Street, Georgetownhome.

'Skiddle' was shot 12 times on January 9, 2023 while walking along

D'UrbanStreetwithafriend. The suspect in his murder had emerged from a silver car bearing a fake licence plate and riddled him with bullets.

The Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) had issued a wanted bulletin for Emptage and two others, Tyrik Gentle and Yvette Robinson after ranks found three bags of ganja in her NortonStreetHome.

The trio was later arrested and arraigned before the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on Friday where they appeared before

Jailed:

MagistrateLeronDaly Emptage took full responsibility for the narcotics and as such, Magistrate Daly withdrew charges laid against Robinson and Gentle. While the two were freed, Emptage was sentenced to four years in jail and ordered to pay a

$53Mfine.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News understands that after Emptage was arrested, she claimed that the drugs belongedto'Skiddle'andshe was paid $100,000 to keep them.

Police are yet to identify 'Skiddle's'killer

GECOM's Chairwoman, Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh

Opposition backed GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander

Teen jailed for four years, fined $53.1M for ganja allegedly belonging to 'Skiddle'

Roy Anthony Charles better known as 'Skiddle',

Marlena Emptage

…GECOM says not first time staff seconded, or appointed without Commission knowledge

Duo remanded for Black Bush Polder double murder

Two men were on Friday remanded to prison for the doublemurderof68-year-old Subnauth Budraj called 'Bull Boy', and his wife 60-yearold Sarasuatie Devi Budraj called 'Sita', which occurred at Yakusari South, Black Bush Polder (BBP), Corentyne, Berbice on Tuesday,January17,2023.

The duo, 22-year-old Harichan 'Head' Persaud, a labourer of Lot 73 Yakusari

South, BBP, Corentyne, Berbice, and 27-year-old Emanuel 'Gaza' Whittington, a labourer, of Lot 177 Yakusari South, BBP, Corentyne, Berbice made their first appearance at the AlbionMagistrates'Court.

The charge was laid under Section 101(c) of the Criminal Law Offences Act Chapter 8:01, of the Laws of Guyana.

The men were not

required to enter a plea and were remanded to prison until February 7, 2023 when thematterwillbecalledatthe Mibicuri Magistrates' Court.

The Budraj's who owned an off-licence liquor, beverage and grocery shop were found dead in the bottom flat of their home with multiple injuries about their bodies.

Their

two-storey concrete homewaspartiallydestroyed byfire.

Reports are that at about 04:00h an explosion was heard coming from the couple's home. Neighbours were alarmed and peeped to see what caused the explosion Through their windows, they saw smoke and flames coming from a sectionofthecouple'shome.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS)andtheGuyanaPolice Force(GPF)werealertedand arrived on the scene shortly after. Fire Units from the Skeldon Fire Station Responded.

The fire was put out and the lifeless and partially burnt bodies of the Budraj's werefound.

When police arrived, Subnauth Budraj was found motionless on the ground near the door, close to the shop area in an upward position with burns about his bodyandwoundstohisneck. As police scanned the location, Subnauth's wife was found in the dining area, face down with an object stuck in her neck and her left armcompletelyburntoff.

The couple's home was ransacked. Police said blood stains were seen in a section of the market, located at the head of the street leading to the Budraj's home. Hours after the gruesome murder, police arrested the suspects and during interrogation, one suspect confessed to the crime and implicated another, who was also in policecustody.

Jewellery bearing the names of the victims, phone

Man accused of Linden businesswoman’s murder granted $750,000 High Court bail

Murder accused, Asdino Bowen, who was on remand at the Mazaruni Prisonformurder,wasonFridayplaced on $750,000 bail by High Court Judge SimoneMorris-Ramlall.

The accused was represented by attorney-at-law Dexter Todd and associates. Todd in a statement to the mediasaid thatBowen's case represents the second time in Guyana's history that amurderaccusedisgrantedbail.

Bowen was arrested and charged with murder committed on Linden businesswoman Shevon Gordon Particulars of the charge allege that on April 4, 2015, at Lot 125 One Mile Linden,hemurderedGordonduringthe courseorfurtheranceofarobbery

He had appeared at the Linden Magistrates'Courtanduponcompletion of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) in May 2017, he was committed to stand trial for murder in the High Court of Demeraraatthenextavailablesitting.

However, the PI was reopened in April of 2019 and Bowen was committed to stand trial for murder for thesecondtime.

Todd's chambers in a press release stated that despite being committed to stand trial for murder since 2020, his name had never appeared on the Criminal Assizes Session in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature (Criminal Jurisdiction). As such, through his lawyer, the accused made an Application on December 16, 2022, to the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature for bail pending his murdertrial.

The State in its defense to the Application indicated that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, had made a second request for a reopening of the PI in

Bowen's case but there was no indication on any document of whether thatwasdone.

Notably, whiletheStatedidindicate in its defence that the presiding Magistrateatthetimeconfirmedthathe did reopen the PI for the second time, there was no evidence to prove same. TheStatehighlightedtoothattheywere 'awaiting word' on the reopening of the PI as well as depositions from said reopening.

However,JusticeMorris-Ramlallon the first hearing of the Application did not accept that answer from the State and while she did not grant Bowen bail on that occasion, she instructed the prosecutors in the matter to get all the necessary information needed and file a supplementary Affidavit in Defence highlighting why Bowen's name was never on the

Criminal Assizes Session in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature (Criminal Jurisdiction) and all the relevant information as to his variousPreliminaryInquiries.

In their Supplementary Affidavit in Defence, the prosecution indicated that the Clerk of Court perused Bowen's file andfoundthatthesecondPIwasopened in June 2021 and that the file was uplifted on January 4, 2023, to compile thedepositionsofthePI.

Bowen's lawyer stated that the aforementioned highlighted that his clientwasneverindictedformurder

TheJudgelateragreedwithBowen's lawyer that the constitutional rights of the accused are infringed by this delay and therefore granted bail, along with the condition that he must report to the police every Friday until his trial for murderintheHighCourtiscompleted.

cards and an undisclosed amount of cash were recovered by authorities during a search operation followingtheconfession.

Meanwhile, autopsies conducted on the elderly couple by pathologist Dr. Vivekanand Bridgmohan revealedthatMr.Budrajdied

from smoke inhalation, a fractured skull, shock and haemorrhage and burns while his wife died from a stab wound to her neck, shock and haemorrhage, and burns.

Their bodies have since been handed over to relatives forcremation.

Emanuel Whittington Harichan Persaud

Dead: Sarasuatie

Devi Budraj

Dead: Subnauth

Budraj

Out on bail: Asdino Bowen (Stabroek News photo)

Dead: Shevon Gordon (Stabroek News photo)

Digital medical records on the horizon

…says legislation to be updated to facilitate transition

With some $84 9B

budgeted for the Ministry of Health this year, subject Minister Dr Frank Anthony disclosed that efforts will be made to amend the legislation to allow for medical records to be held digitally Dr Anthony, during a panel discussion on Budget 2023 Thursday, said the allocation is in keeping with the president's vision of creating a world-class healthcaresysteminGuyana.

TheDepartmentofPublic Information (DPI) reported that a host of infrastructural developments is expected to

be seen in the health sector this year, including the establishment of several new hospitalsandmajorupgrades toexistingfacilities.

According to Dr Frank Anthony,“Laterthisyear,we will start putting in the infrastructure to do electronic health records.We willbegoingtoparliamentto addressthelegislation,andto make sure people's records are held properly and confidentially So,youwould see a total rollout of systems that will allow for faster access of records, but at the same time, you must maintain people's privacy

withtheserecords.”

The Minister said thatthe facilities in the country are not enough and must be improved.According to him, “Inthehealthsector,wehave had that opportunity to provide a better quality of healthcare In the public sector, we have more than 420 different facilities and we feel that some of these facilities, especially at the hospital level it is not enough, and one of the discussions that we have had is how do we improve hospitalfacilities.”

This year, construction will commence on the six

$35M Lusignan Diabetic Centre to be opened next week ne -HealthMinister

new regional hospitals in various parts of the country, the contracts for which were awardedlastyear

This year's Budget allocates funds for substantial improvement in the hinterland hospitals Lethem,forexamplewithsee major upgrades the Minister assured The Mabaruma, Moruca, Kamarang and Kato hospitals will also see improvements A new hospital is also slated to be constructed at Mahdia and Bartica.

Emphasis will also be placed on the new referral hospitals, and a 256-bed

maternal and child health hospitalwiththecapabilityto dopediatriccardiacsurgeries and other specialty services, andcareforpatients.

“We want to aim to be a world-class provider of healthcare services, the only way we would be able to do that, we have to build more level five hospitals,” the HealthMinisterpointedout.

Work will also be done to have digital medical imaging l i k e C T s c a n s , m a m m o g r a m s , teleradiology, telepathology, and teleophthalmology, which will be linked to the interior of Guyana. Primary

New $11.8B Schoonord to Crane highway to be completed by June 2024

The construction of the new $11.8B Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway is set to be completed by June 2024, President Irfaan Ali announcedFriday

The newly built $35 million Diabetic Centre at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) is set to begin its operation next week, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony disclosed on Friday during an update on COVID-19.

Dr. Anthony said that most of the works, including the infrastructural and installation workshavebeencompleted.

“So from next week, we will start getting patients to come in get registered and we will startofferingtreatment,”hesaid.

According to the Health Minister, there will be a comprehensive approach to diabetic managementattheLusignanDiabeticCentre. Anumberofspecialistswillbeassignedtothe Centre Dr Anthony said that doctors stationedattheCentrewillworkwithpatients to provide the best treatment needed. For example, he said, “If you have a need for nutrition counseling, there would be nutrition counselor that would be assigned to the Centre.”

Additionally, the Minister disclosed that most diabetic patients would be screened for complications associated with diabetes. This means that patients' eyes, and feet, to name a few, would be examined by the experts at the facility.

“We have a small lab that is available there, we have x-rays that are going to be available and we have a section to deal with physiotherapy because of complication of diabetes.Soalltheseserviceswouldbeunder one roof, and next week we start a phased approach, getting patients in, getting them familiar with the services we are offering and then maybe later in the month or early next month, we would do the official launching,” theMinistersaid.

Thegovernmenthadannouncedduringits 2021 Budget presentation that it would be constructing the facility, the first of its kind. The Lusignan Diabetic Centre will serve as a 'one stop, one shop centre' to treat persons diagnosedwithdiabetes.

The new highway, which will feature an emergency lane, medians, two roundabouts, 11 reinforced concrete culverts, and 36 pre-stressed bridges, is expected to alleviate traffic congestionontheWestBank and West Coast of Demerara (WCD).

President Ali and a team of ministers and technical officers inspected the ongoing works at Crane, WCD The Head-of-State described the new highway as “urgently required for commuters” and noted that contractors are working tirelessly to complete the project within the stipulated period.

“The first phase was to get to this area Why?

Because from Crane to the Harbour bridge is where the bulkofthetrafficbacksupin the morning, taking some persons three to three and a half hours to get to work in Georgetown. So, this will bring tremendous ease. We are hoping by June next year that this new four-lane highway will be completed connecting Crane to Schoonord,” President Ali said.

Preliminary works including land clearing, and sand filling, are currently ongoing and are expected to becompletedbyDecember

“A few months ago, this was all rice fields and today y o u c a n s e e t h e transformation that is taking place,”thePresidentsaid.

The construction of the Schoonord to Crane fourlane highway is a significant part of the ongoing nationwide infrastructure modernisation.Itisexpected

to be completed ahead of the newDemeraraRiverBridge.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported that Region Three is one of the areas where there is a great population push because of the housing development and will also have heightened industrial and oil andgasdevelopment.

“So, this corridor will very be very important,” the presidentsaid.

The project is divided into eight lots and is being e x e c u t e d b y V R Construction Inc, Avinash Contracting & Scrap Metal

I n c , L - H e u r e u s e Construction and Services

I n c , G u y a m e r i c a Construction Inc, AJM E n t e r p r i s e , V a l s Construction, Puran Bros Disposal Inc, and JS Guyana Inc (Modified from the Department of Public Information)

The newly built Diabetic Centre at Lusignan. (Photo courtesy, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony)

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during the inspection of the Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway project

healthcare will also see some changes in protocols and the introduction of newer, more effective medication for commondiseasesinGuyana.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

Budget 2023 does not cater to the poor, working class - GPSU

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on Friday maintained its p o s i t i o n t h a t t h e government's policies must portray its priorities which mustbethepeopleofGuyana andspecificallyworkers.

In a statement, the Union said that the government's budgetaryplanfor2023isnot people centered based on its analysis of the allocations. The GPSU pointed to the “meagerness of salaries and wages paid to workers in Guyana” over the decades past and the need for Government to step up to its responsibilities to the people of Guyana, of which Public Sector workers must be a priority

“There has been a lot of glowing commentary on Budget2023,wherethereare some comments that amount to nothing more than misrepresentations of facts. There is ideally one truth that has been consistently unmasked by budgets for decades and that is an obvious disregard for the employed poor and the underprivileged by the creation of a system of i n t e r g e n e r a t i o n a l dependency, which has sustained the working class over time,” the statement said.

TheGPSUsaidthatasthe representative of Public Servants, it has made it clear, consistently and repeatedly, thatGovernmentasthemajor employer in Guyana has the responsibility to better the lot ofitsemployees.

“

T h e P P P

admitting that their employees are the employed poor in Guyana, have not done anything willingly to liftPublicSectorworkersout of this morass. Instead, for twenty-five years to date, it has openly and consistently set out to destroy the employee's basis of representation, alienate them from secure and pensionable employment, ignore the need for collective bargaining and pay starvation salaries and wages,”theUnionsaid.

Meanwhile, the Union said that it proposed several measures to the government for the 2023 budget but they were “either ignored or frownedupon”.

Among the measures suggested by the Union were theincreaseoftheincometax threshold to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.00) per month or one-third of the individual income, whichever is higher; De-bunching of staff, awards of increments and incentives and the improvement of allowances and working conditions; The income tax rates be further reduced to 10% on the first taxable $150,000 and 20% on the balance of taxable income, instead of the current methodology of 28% and 40%;

Anon-taxable allowance of forty thousand dollars ($40,000.00) per month for dependents; A non-taxable allowance of seventy-five t h o u s a n d d o l l a r s ($75,000.00) per month for students who are dependents

and are pursuing tertiary level education (eg University of Guyana, G u y a n a S c h o o l o f

Agriculture, Guyana Technical Institute etc.); A reduction of theValueAdded Tax (VAT) to six percent (6%) and Remuneration increases should also take into consideration the inadequacy of salaries, when these are compared with the c o s t o f l i v i n g a n d remuneration of Public Workers throughout CARICOM States. There is no doubt that there is a negative disparity in pay, well to the disadvantage of the Guyanese Public Servants.

“At a glance, only 1.7 percent of the $781.9 billion budget affords any relief to theworkingclass,pensioners andthedestitute,butwiththe ravages of the cost of living, etc this would soon evaporate It is most unfortunate for the people that it is the Executive populates the Legislature, creating no real basis for the peopletoexamineandamend the atrocities contained in B u d g e t 2 0 2 3 T h i s enlightenment should serve asawakeupcalltothepeople to demand legislative changesthatwouldgivethem a voice in Parliament, since the cabal installed en bloc, with no identifiable constituencies have been provencapableofonlylifting themselves and their cohorts to desirable heights, while denying same to the rest of thepopulace,”theGPSUsaid while noting that issues

concerning the alleviation of poverty should encompass no less than twenty-five percent of the Country's annual budgets and this should include components that provide a living minimum wage to Public Sectorworkers.

In light of this position, GPSU said that considering the cost of living and other factors that “a living wage in Guyana should not be less than two hundred thousand dollars.”

“These measures, in the opinion of GPSU, would have been more beneficial to the working class and would have enabled them to better cope with the economic

pressures at home, especially now that Government enjoys access and intends to drawdown a minimum of $208.9 billion from the Natural Resources Fund during2023,comparedtothe approximate $126 billion that was utilized from the fundin2022.Theacceptance of these measures would certainly have lifted the apparent disdain that Government seems to have for Public Servants and put Guyana on a real path towards being the Dubai of South America, as is jocularly being spoken of in political circles,” the GPSU said reminding that its writtenproposals,nowandin the past were all ignored in

government's financial planning.

The GPSU said that notwithstandingitsproposals to Government, nothing should undermine its responsibility to treat fairly, consider and address issues concerningalivablewagefor employees.

“In this regard, it is opportune to suggest that the starting point should be the updating of the basket of goods, upon which the consumer price index is determined to more accurately reflect the needs oftoday'sfamilies,inorderto properly relate to consumers woes and be realistic when determining salary and wage revisions.”

The Ministry

of Health on Friday reported that Guyana has recorded 30 new COVID-19 cases within the last 24 hours. The new cases brings the total number of confirmed casesto72,815.

The Ministry via its dashboard revealed that one patient is in t h e C O V I D - 1 9 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), three persons are in institutional isolation, 352 are in home isolation and to date a total of 71,166 p e r s o n s h a v e recovered from the virus.

WANTED

Driver, Salesman & Porters required to work in warehouse. Must have experience, attractive salary offered. Call: 696-4444.

Driver/ Salesman, Bakers, Pastry Makers, Puri /Roti Makers & Receptionist. Back to Eden Bakery, 85 David St, Subryanville. Call: 613-0475/ 613-0385.

One Kitchen Assistant and Delivery Boy needed. Call: 223-5021/ 223-1531.

One experienced Canter Driver and Porter required, 25-45 yrs. Call: 642-9191/ 231-1408 between 8am-1pm.

Two able-bodied Porters needed to work in grocery store, $4000 per day, six days a week. Call: 223-9677/ 6773406.

Vacancy at People's Choice Kitchen for two night Cooks, Kitchen Assistant and Counter Staff. Call/ WhatsApp: 679-9449.

Driver and Expediter Security required. Call: 2235273/ 223-5274.

Welders and Security required. Call: 687-5814/ 688-0417.

Dump Truck Driver required. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

Handyman and Porters required. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

Waitress and Bartenders required. Attractive salary offered, Call: 223-5273/2235274.

Male & Female needed to work in factory. Apply to RP'S Enterprise Area, "K" Le Ressouvenir E.C.D. Call: 220-2818.

One male able-bodied Clerk required. Call: 231-2029, 6706210.

One Female able-bodied Worker required. Call: 2252313/ 658-8559 or 226-1497.

Wanted: Experienced Supervisor, Cashier, Counter Person , Cooks and Labourer. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts.

Urgently need one female Cook to work in a fast food shop in the Interior. Call Miss Johnson: 698-5526.

One General Worker, Handyman and Maid required to work at Hilton Hotel. Call: 225-9211.

One live-in elderly female Caretaker for a special needs person. Call: 630-0961 after 5 PM.

Two Goldsmiths required at Percy Nurse, Lot 15 First St, Alexander Village. Contact: 225-8411/ 661-7341.

FOR SALE

Inc: 6736210 /227-8274/ 917-7715202.

Six Black & Tan German Shepherd pups, fully vaccinated. Call: 650-9998/ 6260953.

CAT 320 excavator buckets, CAT 320 idler, road painting machine.Call: 275-0367/ 6837225.

Ton and a half - Dragline hammer, steel Traylor 16ft, 2ft, 8ft. CAT 215 excavator parts. Call: 275-0367/ 6837225.

VACANCY

Vacancy exists for Salesgirl and Porters at Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot 1 ‘E’ Dennis and Middleton Streets C/ville. Apply in person with written application.

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

One General Domestic needed, must know to cook. Apply with written application at Keyfood, McDoom Village next to the Post Office.

Able-bodied Porter/ Salesman needed, must have CXC Maths & English, with neat handwriting. Apply at Keyfood, McDoom Village or Call: 629-7426.

Delivery Clerk, Office Assistant, Sales Clerk & Labourer needed. Apply @ Lens Hardware, Call: 2271511/ 645-1613.

Carpenters, Labourers, Masons & Skilled Men needed, wages $7,000-$10,000 per day & Labourer, 5-6 K per day. Call: 650-1394, 692-7110.

Experienced Kitchen Assistant, Cashier & roti/ puri Cook. Apply at Hack's Restaurant, 5 Commerce Street, GT.

Lathe Operator, Welder & Handyman required. Call: 645-9333/ 220-6078.

VACANCY

Administrative Assistant required. Must have CXC Maths & English along with experience using Quickbooks. Send resume to info@rstruckinggy.com

Hotel Attendant required at Hick's Ville Hotel. Call: 6400673, 231-0951, 227-7714, 223-3448. Email: info@ vegeworld.net

Able-bodied Porter/ Driver, Must have Lorry License and Office Clerk, CXC Maths & English required. Call Telles Steel & Hardware: 231-3265, 226-6771.

Inventory/ Data Entry Clerks required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street . Tel: 6092995. Email applications: survival.humanresources@ gmail.com

Western Union CSRs required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street. Call: 609-2995. Email: survival.humanresources@ gmail.com

Supermarket AM & PM Sales Representative required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street. Call: 609-2995, Email: survival.humanresources @gmail.com

EDUCATION

LEGAL NOTICE

A)An Order that the Respondent do pay the Applicant the sum of $350,000 as money due and owing to the said Applicant; B)Such further or other Order as this Honourable Court deems just;

2 and 3 Bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments for rent, short term and long term. Tel:# 682-2585, 6911432.

12 self-contained rooms, 2 bedrooms bottom flat, 8000 sq ft and 900 sq ft for business. Call Ray's Realty: 6279685.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TSI automatic, $2.3 M negotiable. Call: 615-3856.

Driver required, ages 23-50 yrs. Must be able to assist in Workshop at Eccles and must have car and van licence. Call: 645-8443/ 6429823.

Manufacturing Company is now hiring. No experience needed, attractive compensation and incentives offered, Mon - Fri, 8am -5pm. Call: 226-2621.

Room Attendant and Receptionist needed at 233 South Road, Lacytown, ages 25-50 yrs. Call: 225-0198.

Experienced Accounts Clerk required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street. Call: 609-2995, Email: survival.humanresources @gmail.com

Vacancy Exists For two Experienced Dispatcher At Confidential Cabs. Call: 695-1961 /231-5784.

Driver and able-bodied Handyman/ General Help needed. Must have at least 5 years experience. Email: ateeyyeaali@gmail.com/ mandaitwaru@gmail.com Call:+592-225-9409,+592502-9466.

ENTERTAINMENT

ACCOMMODATIONS

Aracari hotel located at WBD (Versailles, Vreed-enHoop)- A/C, all amenities and breakfast included, from $63 US. Call: 264-29469.

One live-in Housekeeper to work in Providence. Call: 680-3678.

Start a career in the hotel industry! One General Worker needed at Guesthouse in Land Of Canaan. Call: 6680306/ 676-0506.

Payless Variety Store is now hiring Sales Representatives and Porters. Location: 42 Wellington St, Georgetown. Call: 658-4494.

Servers and Office Manager required. Manager must be willing to organize and coordinate administrative duties. Email applications: ateeyyeaali@gmail.com/ mandaitwaru@gmail.com or Call: +592-225-9409,+592502-9466.

Inventory/ Housekeeping Clerk required, must be computer literate and have at least 3-4 CXC subjects. Apply @ Star Party Rentals, 21 Craig St, C/Ville GT.

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA REGULAR JURISDICTION

2022- HC- DEM- CIVFDA- 1477 BETWEEN: RAMKISSOON MAIKU Applicant -andPARMANAND NANDALALL Respondent NOTICE TO: PARMANAND NANDALALL Lot 202 5" Street Success East Coast Demerara TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application, was filed against you on the 13th day of May, 2022 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by RAMKISSOON MAIKU, in which the Applicant claims:

C)Costs. UPON APPLICATION in person to Ms. Nikita Edwards, Attorneys-atLaw for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is at Guyana Legal Aid Clinic “Maraj Building”, 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tele No. 225-9238/2259246 Email:legalaid@netorksgv.com or the Supreme Court Registry, copies of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you. AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within 28 days after the final publication of this notice, prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form l0C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the applicant’s Attorney-at-Law, to Ms. Nikita Edwards,Attorneys Attorneys-at-Law for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is at Guyana Legal Aid Clinic “Maraj Building”, 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana. Tele No. 2259238/225-9246 Email:legalaid@netyorksgv.com and :file it with proof of service at the Registry of the Supreme Court at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date :fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorneyat-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such affidavit and or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that matter is refixed for the 9th March, 2023 at 9: 15 am for hearing via zoom: meeting ID: 845 1426 6584 and Passcode: 786 445 before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge. Dated this 21 day of December, 2022

CSEC online maths classes are provided by qualified Teacher for January 2024 exams $10,000 monthly. Call: 603-9085

Houses for sale. Location: Tuschen, Providence, Diamond/ Little Diamond and Haslington. Call Pacific Development

WANTED

FOR RENT

Visa Application: Canada and UK & U.S.A. Graphics design & advertisements. Wedding decorations & elderly grooming: hair, nail etc. Call: 626-7040.

SERVICES

Swimming pool, family fun, crystal clear pool, kids and adults sections at Aracari Resort, Call: 264-2946-9.

PEN PAL

Indian overseas male seeks female, age 35-40 and must be educated. Call: 602-9975.

George Weah backs Morocco’s bid for 2025 Afcon

BBC News - Liberian President George Weah has added his backing for Morocco’s bid to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

The former striker, who is the only African ever to win football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best player, said he expressed his “fullest and strong” support for the nation who reached the semi-final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

BBC Sport Africa understands Weah relayed his backing in private during the

MEDays international peace forum last November which is hosted annually in the Moroccan city Tangier.

“Liberia fully endorses and supports Morocco’s bid to host Afcon 2025. I have made this commitment to King Mohamed VI. It is cast in stone,” Weah said in a statement released by Liberia’s state house following media reports he was ready to back Algeria’s bid.

Weah cited Morocco’s investment in football development and said he has already begun campaigning for the

bid with stakeholders around the continent.

The 56-year-old, who played for clubs including Monaco, AC Milan and

Saturday January 21, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A number of deliveries, service people, emails, or phone calls might keep you jumping today, Aries, right when you're in the mood for a quiet day. It may take all your effort to keep your cool.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

A close friend might pass along some seemingly harmless but nonetheless untrue gossip, Taurus. Don't accept anything you hear today until you check the facts for yourself.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You don't normally tend toward frugality, Gemini, but today you could go overboard with your spending. Frustration from all sides makes you want to release it all at once by acquiring new possessions.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Some failures that you may have experienced over the past few days could have you beating yourself up today, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Today you might be able to tune in to the thoughts and feelings of others, Leo, but you aren't likely to know exactly how to handle the situation. Should you say something or just tailor your own behavior.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Group activities are probably very much on your agenda today, Virgo. You could attend an online meeting or lecture and later participate in a group chat with a bunch of friends.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Too much pressure on the job could have you feeling like chucking it all and going somewhere by yourself. You might be tempted to go on a spending spree or overindulge in food or drink.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Inner conflict regarding spiritual matters might have you questioning your and others' beliefs. You might doubt just about everything, Scorpio, and you could be tempted into angry debates over different concepts.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Although your financial situation appears to be on the upswing, you still might be feeling pessimistic and indifferent about money and life in general. You might want to soothe your discontent.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

A minor and rather silly quarrel with a friend or romantic partner could have you down in the dumps. This is an overreaction, Capricorn. You might need to get away for a while before you can make sense.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Pressures on the job may be mounting. You might feel so disgruntled that you want to chuck it all and run away. Foreign countries and distant states may suddenly seem far.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Demands made by friends, children, or the special person in your life might have you feeling like you're moving in a dozen different directions at once.

Chelsea during an 18-year career, also spoke of Morocco bringing immense pride to Africa during the World Cup.

Algeria, South Africa, Zambia and a joint bid from Benin-Nigeria are the other nations seeking to replace Guinea, who were stripped of hosting rights because of concerns over infrastructure and facilities.

Confederation of African Football (Caf) inspection teams are touring the bidding countries this month.

Findings will be submitted to the 24-member Caf executive committee which will announce the winner on 10 February.

Madrid produce stunning Spanish Cup comeback to beat Villarreal

AFP - Real Madrid produced a stunning comeback from two goals down to beat Villarreal 3-2 on Thursday and book their place in the Spanish Cup quarter-finals.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will hope the victory is a turning point after struggling in 2023. They were soundly beaten by rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final last Sunday. Los Blancos seemed poised to suffer cup elimination on Thursday, after Etienne Capoue and Samuel Chukwueze struck in the first half for the hosts.

However goals by Vinicius Junior, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos after the break turned the last-16 clash on its head and sent Madrid, who last won the trophy in 2014, through.

Villarreal, who impressed while beating Madrid in La Liga earlier in January, started brilliantly, Capoue lashing home a stunning strike from Gerard Moreno’s flick into his path. Quique Setien’s side had won six of their last seven games and drawn the other

and they played with confidence in the first half.

By contrast, Madrid looked chastened after their recent results and the early goal conceded.

The hosts doubled their lead at the Estadio de la Ceramica just before half-time, with Chukwueze providing the finishing touch to a flowing team move. Ancelotti responded by bringing on Ceballos and Marco Asensio and the changes paid instant dividends.

Ceballos set up Vinicius to pull the first back for Madrid and it put the wind in their sails. Asensio drilled a low free-kick under the wall but Filip Jorgensen was equal to it as Los Blancos strained for the equaliser.

The Danish stopper then parried Karim Benzema’s header moments later, but Militao pounced on the rebound to level. With the clock ticking towards extra-time Ceballos struck with a low effort from the edge of the box, set up by Asensio, to complete the rescue mission.

Weah won both the Fifa Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or awards in 1995

Reuters - Thousands of protesters in Peru, many from the country’s heavily Indigenoussouth,descended on Lima, the capital, on Thursday, angered by a mounting death toll since unrest erupted last month and calling for sweeping change.

Police estimated the march at around 3,500 people,butothersspeculated itattractedmorethandouble that.

Rows of police in riot gear faced off against rockhurling protesters on some streets, and one historic buildinginthecity’shistoric center caught fire late on Thursday

The building, on San Martin Plaza, was empty when the massive blaze ignited from unknown causes, a firefighter commander told local radio Canada-based miner Hudbay said in a statement

that protesters had entered the site of its Peru unit, damaging and burning key machineryandvehicles

“This has not been a protest; this has been a sabotage of the rule of law,” Prime Minister

Alberto Otarola said Thursday e vening alongside President Dina Boluarte and other governmentministers

Interior MinisterVicente Romero disputed claims

circulating on social media thattheLimablazehadbeen caused by a police officer’s teargasgrenade.

Over the past month, raucous and sometimes deadly protests have led to theworstviolencePeruhas seen in more than two decades, as many in poorer, rural regions vent

anger at the Lima establishment over inequality and rising prices, testing the copper-rich Andean nation’s democratic institutions.

P r o t e s t e r s a r e demanding the resignation of Boluarte, snap elections and a new constitution to replacethemarket-friendly

Thousands march on Peru’s capital as unrest spreads, building set ablaze VacantDCEOpostforcesGECOMChair...

Frompage12 to carry out functions of the important DCEO office, noinformationwasrelatedto them, despite hiring for seniorpositionsattheagency being done by the Commission.

Alexander claimed that the Commissioners happened to see a carbon copy letter to the Operations Coordinator earlier this month and then became aware that the IT manager was fulfilling DCEO tasks underadifferentname.

Alexanderisarguingthat GECOMwaswellawarethat it would need its DCEO hence the request to fill the

position by the opposition. He said for six months applicants for more suitable persons sat with the Commission but the Chair d e c i d e d t h a t L G E preparations overshadowed fillingthevacantpost.

Alexanderhadstatedthat even if the intention was to help the CEO, the Assistant Chief Elections Officer (ACEO) should be next in line rather than the IT manager Alexander said the IT manager had applied for the DCEO post but he was less suitable for the job, lacking the necessary experience Alexander believes that “deliberately”

one dating back to the days of right-wing strongman Alberto Fujimori in the 1990s.

“We want the usurper DinaBoluartetostepdown andcallfornewelections,” said protester Jose De la Rosa, predicting the street protests would only continue

hiding the hiring of the IT stafftothetemporarypostis a calculated move to get the stafftoacquirethenecessary experiencesothathemayget theDCEOjob.

In 2021, it was reported that Melanie Marshall, Neil Bacchus, Mohamed Arjoon, andDeodatPersaudhadbeen shortlisted for the DCEO post.

Atthesametime,Vishnu Persaud, Aneal Giddings, Eugene Petty, Deodat Persaud, Kurt Clarke, and Leslie Harrow were shortlistedfortheCEOpost. WhilePersaudbecameCEO, the DCEO post remained vacant.

George Weah backs Morocco’s bid for 2025 Afcon

BBC News - Liberian President George Weah has added his backing for Morocco’s bid to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

The former striker, who is the only African ever to win football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best player, said he expressed his “fullest and strong” support for the nation who reached the semi-final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

BBC Sport Africa understands Weah relayed his backing in private during the

MEDays international peace forum last November which is hosted annually in the Moroccan city Tangier.

“Liberia fully endorses and supports Morocco’s bid to host Afcon 2025. I have made this commitment to King Mohamed VI. It is cast in stone,” Weah said in a statement released by Liberia’s state house following media reports he was ready to back Algeria’s bid.

Weah cited Morocco’s investment in football development and said he has already begun campaigning for the

bid with stakeholders around the continent.

The 56-year-old, who played for clubs including Monaco, AC Milan and

Saturday January 21, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A number of deliveries, service people, emails, or phone calls might keep you jumping today, Aries, right when you're in the mood for a quiet day. It may take all your effort to keep your cool.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

A close friend might pass along some seemingly harmless but nonetheless untrue gossip, Taurus. Don't accept anything you hear today until you check the facts for yourself.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You don't normally tend toward frugality, Gemini, but today you could go overboard with your spending. Frustration from all sides makes you want to release it all at once by acquiring new possessions.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Some failures that you may have experienced over the past few days could have you beating yourself up today, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Today you might be able to tune in to the thoughts and feelings of others, Leo, but you aren't likely to know exactly how to handle the situation. Should you say something or just tailor your own behavior.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Group activities are probably very much on your agenda today, Virgo. You could attend an online meeting or lecture and later participate in a group chat with a bunch of friends.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Too much pressure on the job could have you feeling like chucking it all and going somewhere by yourself. You might be tempted to go on a spending spree or overindulge in food or drink.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Inner conflict regarding spiritual matters might have you questioning your and others' beliefs. You might doubt just about everything, Scorpio, and you could be tempted into angry debates over different concepts.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Although your financial situation appears to be on the upswing, you still might be feeling pessimistic and indifferent about money and life in general. You might want to soothe your discontent.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

A minor and rather silly quarrel with a friend or romantic partner could have you down in the dumps. This is an overreaction, Capricorn. You might need to get away for a while before you can make sense.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Pressures on the job may be mounting. You might feel so disgruntled that you want to chuck it all and run away. Foreign countries and distant states may suddenly seem far.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Demands made by friends, children, or the special person in your life might have you feeling like you're moving in a dozen different directions at once.

Chelsea during an 18-year career, also spoke of Morocco bringing immense pride to Africa during the World Cup.

Algeria, South Africa, Zambia and a joint bid from Benin-Nigeria are the other nations seeking to replace Guinea, who were stripped of hosting rights because of concerns over infrastructure and facilities.

Confederation of African Football (Caf) inspection teams are touring the bidding countries this month.

Findings will be submitted to the 24-member Caf executive committee which will announce the winner on 10 February.

Madrid produce stunning Spanish Cup comeback to beat Villarreal

AFP - Real Madrid produced a stunning comeback from two goals down to beat Villarreal 3-2 on Thursday and book their place in the Spanish Cup quarter-finals.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will hope the victory is a turning point after struggling in 2023. They were soundly beaten by rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final last Sunday. Los Blancos seemed poised to suffer cup elimination on Thursday, after Etienne Capoue and Samuel Chukwueze struck in the first half for the hosts.

However goals by Vinicius Junior, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos after the break turned the last-16 clash on its head and sent Madrid, who last won the trophy in 2014, through.

Villarreal, who impressed while beating Madrid in La Liga earlier in January, started brilliantly, Capoue lashing home a stunning strike from Gerard Moreno’s flick into his path. Quique Setien’s side had won six of their last seven games and drawn the other

and they played with confidence in the first half.

By contrast, Madrid looked chastened after their recent results and the early goal conceded.

The hosts doubled their lead at the Estadio de la Ceramica just before half-time, with Chukwueze providing the finishing touch to a flowing team move. Ancelotti responded by bringing on Ceballos and Marco Asensio and the changes paid instant dividends.

Ceballos set up Vinicius to pull the first back for Madrid and it put the wind in their sails. Asensio drilled a low free-kick under the wall but Filip Jorgensen was equal to it as Los Blancos strained for the equaliser.

The Danish stopper then parried Karim Benzema’s header moments later, but Militao pounced on the rebound to level. With the clock ticking towards extra-time Ceballos struck with a low effort from the edge of the box, set up by Asensio, to complete the rescue mission.

Weah won both the Fifa Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or awards in 1995

George Weah backs Morocco’s bid for 2025 Afcon

BBC News - Liberian President George Weah has added his backing for Morocco’s bid to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

The former striker, who is the only African ever to win football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best player, said he expressed his “fullest and strong” support for the nation who reached the semi-final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

BBC Sport Africa understands Weah relayed his backing in private during the

MEDays international peace forum last November which is hosted annually in the Moroccan city Tangier.

“Liberia fully endorses and supports Morocco’s bid to host Afcon 2025. I have made this commitment to King Mohamed VI. It is cast in stone,” Weah said in a statement released by Liberia’s state house following media reports he was ready to back Algeria’s bid.

Weah cited Morocco’s investment in football development and said he has already begun campaigning for the

bid with stakeholders around the continent.

The 56-year-old, who played for clubs including Monaco, AC Milan and

Saturday January 21, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A number of deliveries, service people, emails, or phone calls might keep you jumping today, Aries, right when you're in the mood for a quiet day. It may take all your effort to keep your cool.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

A close friend might pass along some seemingly harmless but nonetheless untrue gossip, Taurus. Don't accept anything you hear today until you check the facts for yourself.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You don't normally tend toward frugality, Gemini, but today you could go overboard with your spending. Frustration from all sides makes you want to release it all at once by acquiring new possessions.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Some failures that you may have experienced over the past few days could have you beating yourself up today, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Today you might be able to tune in to the thoughts and feelings of others, Leo, but you aren't likely to know exactly how to handle the situation. Should you say something or just tailor your own behavior.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Group activities are probably very much on your agenda today, Virgo. You could attend an online meeting or lecture and later participate in a group chat with a bunch of friends.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Too much pressure on the job could have you feeling like chucking it all and going somewhere by yourself. You might be tempted to go on a spending spree or overindulge in food or drink.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Inner conflict regarding spiritual matters might have you questioning your and others' beliefs. You might doubt just about everything, Scorpio, and you could be tempted into angry debates over different concepts.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Although your financial situation appears to be on the upswing, you still might be feeling pessimistic and indifferent about money and life in general. You might want to soothe your discontent.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

A minor and rather silly quarrel with a friend or romantic partner could have you down in the dumps. This is an overreaction, Capricorn. You might need to get away for a while before you can make sense.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Pressures on the job may be mounting. You might feel so disgruntled that you want to chuck it all and run away. Foreign countries and distant states may suddenly seem far.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Demands made by friends, children, or the special person in your life might have you feeling like you're moving in a dozen different directions at once.

Chelsea during an 18-year career, also spoke of Morocco bringing immense pride to Africa during the World Cup.

Algeria, South Africa, Zambia and a joint bid from Benin-Nigeria are the other nations seeking to replace Guinea, who were stripped of hosting rights because of concerns over infrastructure and facilities.

Confederation of African Football (Caf) inspection teams are touring the bidding countries this month.

Findings will be submitted to the 24-member Caf executive committee which will announce the winner on 10 February.

Madrid produce stunning Spanish Cup comeback to beat Villarreal

AFP - Real Madrid produced a stunning comeback from two goals down to beat Villarreal 3-2 on Thursday and book their place in the Spanish Cup quarter-finals.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will hope the victory is a turning point after struggling in 2023. They were soundly beaten by rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final last Sunday. Los Blancos seemed poised to suffer cup elimination on Thursday, after Etienne Capoue and Samuel Chukwueze struck in the first half for the hosts.

However goals by Vinicius Junior, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos after the break turned the last-16 clash on its head and sent Madrid, who last won the trophy in 2014, through.

Villarreal, who impressed while beating Madrid in La Liga earlier in January, started brilliantly, Capoue lashing home a stunning strike from Gerard Moreno’s flick into his path. Quique Setien’s side had won six of their last seven games and drawn the other

and they played with confidence in the first half.

By contrast, Madrid looked chastened after their recent results and the early goal conceded.

The hosts doubled their lead at the Estadio de la Ceramica just before half-time, with Chukwueze providing the finishing touch to a flowing team move. Ancelotti responded by bringing on Ceballos and Marco Asensio and the changes paid instant dividends.

Ceballos set up Vinicius to pull the first back for Madrid and it put the wind in their sails. Asensio drilled a low free-kick under the wall but Filip Jorgensen was equal to it as Los Blancos strained for the equaliser.

The Danish stopper then parried Karim Benzema’s header moments later, but Militao pounced on the rebound to level. With the clock ticking towards extra-time Ceballos struck with a low effort from the edge of the box, set up by Asensio, to complete the rescue mission.

Weah won both the Fifa Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or awards in 1995

Brooksby tops No. 2 Ruud; Jabeur out too; Djokovic wins

MELBOURNE, Australia(AP)

Oh-soclose to completing a straight-set upset of No. 2 seed Casper Ruud at the Australian Open, Jenson Brooksby frittered away threematchpoints,satdown at a changeover and began yellingathimself.

“How?!How?!God!!”

His face was flush, his emotions unhidden, his game unraveling Soon enough, that set slipped away, as Ruud’s confidence seemed to surge and Brooksby’s collapse momentarilycontinued.And then, in a blink, Brooksby was back in charge, taking command immediately in the fourth set along the way to a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-2 victoryoverRuudandaspot in a surprisingly Americanfilled third round at MelbournePark.

“I was getting a little morefrustratedouttherethat I didn’t close it out, and my mentality was changing a little bit,” said the 39thranked Brooksby, who sipped from little jars of

pickle juice in the fourth set at Rod LaverArena. “Those arethesituationsyouhaveto handle sometimes in matches,andyou’regoingto face. I think the biggest question is: How do you respond?Ijusttoldmyselfto reset.”

Soleaveittoapairof20something Californians to rid the men’s bracket of its two highest seeded players: Brooksby, 22, delivered his unexpected triumph at the same stage and in the same stadium that Mackenzie McDonald,27,defeatedNo. 1 seed and defending champion Rafael Nadal a day earlier That makes this the first Grand Slam tournament since the 2002 Australian Open that the Nos.1-2seedslostbeforethe end of the second round — and the first time since the 1994FrenchOpenthatapair of Americans took out the top two men’s seeds at any GrandSlamtournament.

Nadal owns a men’srecord 22 Grand Slam titles. Ruud was the runner-up at the French Open to Nadal last June and at the U.S.

Open to Carlos Alcaraz last September

Like Ruud, Ons Jabeur reached the finals of two Grand Slam tournaments in 2002.

Like Ruud, she came to Australia as the No. 2 seed. And like Ruud, she was bouncedinthesecondround,

Letter to the Sports Editor

The Government of Guyana gave recognition to Dominoes in 2022

DearSportsEditor, Itwouldberemissofme, as the Ex President of the Georgetown Dominoes Association,tonotsaythank you to the Government of Guyana, for its input into dominoes in 2022; through the auspices of the energetic HonourableCharlesRamson Minister of Culture, Youth andSport.

Two (2) competitions during2022wereadequately fully sponsored financially by the Ministry of Culture, YouthandSportsandfurther support of trophies and access to venue – the Gymnasium,wasalsogiven.

This thanks is in recognition of walking the talk–IrecalltheHonourable Prime Minister, Mr Mark Phillipsintheopeningofthe National Sports Disciplines Forum in 2021 did say that the Government of Guyana intends to extend its capture of the various sports played intoGuyana.

Albiet, that these sponsorship were in central Georgetown; I wish to take this opportunity to urge the

Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport to make an allocation from the 4.3 billion dollars allocation to sports in Budget 2023 to the resuscitation and structuringofdominoesasa calendaredeventinGuyana; Liketheothersports.

My personal argument for this call is that; although unheralded as a major sport in Guyana, playing of dominoesisthemostwidely playedgameinGuyana.This game is played by the entire strata of our population and perhaps at one time or another in every household in Guyana; even negating genderbias.

Moreover, arguably, as alludedtobytheHonourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport –”playing of dominoes because of its popularityandspreadhasthe most potential of embracing the expressed desire our President, His Excellency Dr Irfan Ali” –”One Guyana”. Dominoes, if you look at the game in progress images this through the camaraderie and bonds it

creates among players; regardless of colour, race or creed.

My team and I stand readytoassistinbuildingthe bridgebetweentheresurging Guyana National Dominoes Federation and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to make this aspiration (Playing competitive dominoes, Nationally) a reality

Further, the World Council Dominoes Competition is slated for Guyana in August 2023. I therefore think that a “One Guyana” competition prior, to the Championship presents a great impetus to unionization of a wide cross section of our people now and for future, by continual inputs hereafter; selecting a true Guyana team and onboarding a new sport into calendar

I humbly suggest that thisopportunitybeseized.

Respectfully, LyndonBoston ExPresident Georgetown Dominoes Association

beaten6-1,5-7,6-1by2019 French Open runner-up Marketa Vondrousova in a match that ended at about 1 a.m.yesterday

That was actually rather mundane compared to what Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis went through, starting the fifth set of their matchatabout3a.m.Murray endedupwitha4-6,6-7(4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 7-5 victory that endedjustpast4a.m.

The exits of Nadal and Ruud make nine-time champion Novak Djokovic who dealt with a persistent heckler and a left hamstring that he says worries him during a fourset victory over 191stranked qualifier Enzo Couacaud on Thursday night evenmoreofatitle favorite in his return to Australia after being deportedayearagobecause he was not vaccinated againstCOVID-19

Also a big deal: The progress of U S men

throughtheyear’sfirstmajor championship None has wonaGrandSlamtitlesince Andy Roddick at the 2003 U.S. Open. By reaching the thirdround,Brooksbyjoined countrymenMichaelMmoh, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul and J.J. Wolf, who also won Thursday, along with McDonald, No. 16 Frances Tiafoe and No. 29 Sebastian Korda, who all won Wednesday

The highest-seeded American man, though, could not make it that far: No 8 Taylor Fritz bowed outwitha6-7(4),7-6(2),64,6-7(6),6-2lossto113thranked Australian wild-card entryAlexeiPopyrin.

Still,theeightmenfrom theUnitedStatesremaining are the most into the third round inAustralia since the samenumberdiditin1996

Mmoh, who lost in qualifying but got into the main draw when another player withdrew, made it this far at a major

tournamentforthefirsttime by defeating No 12 AlexanderZverev6-7(1),64,6-3,6-2.

“Life is crazy Right when you think everything is looking dim, everything islookingdark,there’slight attheendofthetunnel,”the 107th-ranked Mmoh said “Myweekisproofofthat.” Shelton, the NCAA champion from the University of Florida participating in just his second Slam, beat qualifier Nicolas Jarry of Chile 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3), 7-5; Paul came back to edge No 30 Alejandro Davidovich FokinaofSpain6-2,2-6,6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-4; and Wolf breezed past No. 23 Diego Schwartzman of Argentina 6-1,6-4,6-4.

Therewasalsoabigwin for an American woman Thursday: 21-year-old qualifier Katie Volynets defeated No 9-seeded Veronika Kudermetova of Russia6-4,2-6,6-2

SportsMax-WestIndiesleftarmseamer Sheldon Cottrell took 3-14 from his four overs to help the Desert Vipers secure a dominant 118-run win over theAbu Dhabi KnightRidersintheDPWorldILT20atthe ZayedCricketStadiumonFriday

TheViperstookfirststrikeandpiledup an impressive 219-4 from their 20 overs thankstoanexcellent59-ball110frommanof-the-match Alex Hales which included sevenfoursandsixsixes.

Captain Colin Munro added 56, while Guyanese left hander Sherfane Rutherford contributed a rapid seven-ball 23 including twofoursandtwosixes.

SriLankanpacerLahiruKumarawasthe Knight Riders’best bowler with 2-31 from hisfourovers.

Then, despite a fighting 57 off 29 balls fromAndreRussell,theKnightRiderswere reduced to a paltry 108 all out in just 15.1 overs.

Cottrell was well supported by Sri LankanlegspinnerWaninduHasarangaand English medium pacer Benny Howell who took2-21and2-6,respectively

The Vipers now have three wins in as many games and are top of the table while, ontheotherhand,theKnightRidersarelast withfourlossesfromfourmatches.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts as he stretches his legs during his second round match against Enzo Couacaud of France at theAustralian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. (APPhoto/Aaron Favila)

Jenson Brooksby of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Casper Ruud of Norway in their second round match at theAustralian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. (APPhoto/DitaAlangkara)

Matchwinningperformance fromKevinSinclairasMotieXI crumblesto167insecondinnings

Day two of Guyana Harpy Eagles second practice match between Tevin Imlach XI and Gudakesh Motie XI, at the National Stadium, Providence saw Kevin Sinclair turning in a match winningperformancetolead Imlach’sXItoacomfortable victory

Imlach XI posted 266-6 by lunch in their second innings, losing two wickets in the first session with Kevin Sinclair making a brillianthalfcentury Imlach XI were eventually dismissedfor300.

Richie Looknauth stood out with 4-87 from 23.1 overs and Gudakesh Motie had2-33fromhis12overs.

Imlach’sXIheldMotie’s XIhostage,dismissingthem for167tosecureaneasywin well inside the third days of play K. Sinclair delivered a good bowling performance in the second innings, capturingfourwicketsfor54 runs.

AnthonyAdamswasalso amongthewicketstaking425.RampertabRamnauth28 and Anthony Bramble 55 were the only two batters to get scores over twenty runs fortheMotieXI.

In the first session, KevlonAndersonalsomade 29 before he got out, while Akshaya Persaud: the overnight batter along with KevinSinclairputonawell constructed partnership of 88 Persaud playing a supporting knock of 31, spending124minutesatthe creasebeforehewasbowled byLooknauth.

Meanwhile, after the break, K Sinclair played a handsome cut shot for four to move into the sixties off the bowling of Ashmead Nedd

Sinclair was later run outfor74runswhenhetried to force a single after Demetri Cameron played a ball from Looknauth to short third-man position; both batters ended at the sameend,ImlachXImoved to 293-9 They were eventually dismissed for 300-10

Motie XI had to get 306 to win with 51 overs left in

the day’s play and also an entire fourth day. Mavindra Dindyal and Rampertab Ramnauth opened the battingforMotieXI.

Rain interrupted play with the score on one run withoutthelostofawicketin 2.3overs.

Motie XI still trailing by 309 runs with 10 wickets remaining.

The light showers halted play straight into the tea interval.

Play resumed at approximately 2:45pm with the last session of the day Ramnauth and Dindyal returned to the crease with the score on 12-0, Clinton Pestano striking in the 8th over of the innings, dismissing Dindyal for only 8 runs. Motie XI now 24-1, Kemol Savory got off the mark first ball with a flourishing hook-shot for four Rampertab played excellent moving to 38 runs with a magnificent straight-drive for four but was dismissed a couple balls later when he pushed a delivery from Keon Joseph into the hands of themid-offfielder

The Imlach side

Kevin Sinclair

Boxing Association applauds government’s projected sports spending in National Budget

TheGuyanaBoxingAssociationjoinsthe chorus of associations and federations in applaudingthe2023NationalBudget,which allocates the largest-ever provision of $4.3B forthedevelopmentofthesportslandscape.

The2023budgetisofhistoricproportions and continues in the developmental vein of 2022 It underpins the Government’s continuedcommitmenttoestablishavibrant sporting culture. Under leadership of His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali and capable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Hon CharlesRamsonJr.,thenationhaswitnessed a concerted effort to chart a course of actual development through investment in infrastructureandindividuals.

This also extends to community and grassrootsinitiatives,whichhasalwaysbeen thegroundzeroforinitialsportingambition.

Moreover,theunmitigatedfactthatsucha

largeincreasehasbeenaffordedtothesector is indicative of its emerging direction and importance. This must be heralded as a seminalmomentforlocalsport.

The GBA applauds the momentous allotmentasitunderscoresthegovernment’s fidelity and comprehensive vision in providing the requisite resources for the advancementofthefraternity

In the same vein, the underlying story is thatBudget2023willcertainlystrengthenthe positives and progress achieved in 2022 whilebuildingontheimproveddiscourseand relationship forged between the respective associations and the National Sports Commission. TheGBAstandscommittedto workingwithMinisterRamson,theNational Sports Commission and all stakeholders in the advancement of not only the discipline buttheentiresportslandscape.

ignited when K. Sinclair removed Kemol Savory with a turning delivery onto the pads, dismissing him LBW for 13 runs; Motie XI now 59-3 Anthony Bramble ‘on the othersideofthepitch’was scoringquickly,dealingin boundaries; stroking the ball to all parts of the field

Captain Imlach took control of the situation, calling on the left-arm offspinner Anthony Adams to slowdownthingsforhisside but Bramble kept on going, reaching to his fifty in the 23rdoveroftheinnings.

However, Bramble got out LBW in an attempted sweep-shot,theshotthatgot himmostofhisruns.

Motie XI stumbled into more trouble losing Ali Mohamed in the 26th over with the score 135-6, needing to get 171 runs to win with only four wickets remaining.

Nedd, Benjamin, Beaton and Tyndall together contributed only 34 runs to the total. Motie XI were eventuallydismissedfor167 runs.Imlach’sXIwinningby 143 runs in the final session ofDay3.

Gauff wins all-American clash to reach Australian Open last 16

AFP- Coco Gauff’s bid to become the youngest Australian Open champion since 1997 gathered pace yesterday with a straightsets victory over fellow AmericanBernardaPera.

The 18-year-old won 63, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena to set up a last-16 clash against the 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.

A maiden Grand Slam title for seventh seed Gauff would make her the youngest Melbourne champion since a 16-yearoldMartinaHingis26years ago. Gauff headed into the first major of the year on a highafterwinningherthird WTA title at the Auckland Classicearlierthismonth.

She admitted she “got lucky” in her tight secondround victory over Emma Raducanu in a battle of tennisprodigies.

ButGauffletherracquet do the talking in her first meeting with power-hitter

Pera, relentlessly soaking up some late pressure from the world number 41 when servingforthematchat5-2.

“Shewashittingtheball really hard,” said Gauff, who this week became the first woman to register 100 tour-level wins before her 19thbirthdaysinceCaroline Wozniackiin2009.

“SoIwastryingtohang inthereandtaketheground whenIcould.

“Last season she had a reallylongmatchstreaksoI knew she would be a tough playertobeat,soI’mgladto be through to the second week.” Gauff is one of two teenagers left in the women’sdraw Theotheris 17-year-old Linda Fruhvirtova, who plays MarketaVondrousovainan all-Czech third-round clash onSaturday Gauffadmitted thatplayingaformerGrand Slam champion in Ostapenkoforaplaceinthe quarter-finalswouldpresent a different challenge, and

shewouldnothaveitallher ownway

“Ithinkforme,Iplayed herbefore,”saidGauffwho beattheLatvian6-3,1-6,62 in their only previous meeting,the2019Linzfinal in Austria for the youngster’s firstWTATour title.

That match was also on ahardcourt,butindoors.

“I think it’s just you need to be offensive when you can. Obviously there’s going to be shots that she hitsthatarejustgoingtobe too good. You have to be acceptingthat.”

It is the first time 17th seedOstapenkohasreached the last 16 at Melbourne Park. “She’s a great player and she’s still very young, but she’s already very experienced, ” said OstapenkoofGauff.

“I honestly will go out there and just enjoy the match because it’s great to be already in the fourth round.”

Sebastian Korda stuns Daniil Medvedev at Australian Open

NBC Sports - American Sebastian Korda is making an Australian Open run, 25 yearsafterhisfatherwonthe tournament.

Korda, the 29th seed, upset No. 7 seed Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (7), 6-3, 7-6, knocking out the Russian who was runner-up in Melbourne the last two years.

Korda advanced to a fourth-roundmatchwithNo. 10 Hubert Hurkacz of Poland in a top half of the draw that is now without threeofitstopsixplayers.In the first three rounds, No. 1 Rafael Nadal, No 11 Cameron Norrie and now Medvedevhavebeenousted.

Novak Djokovic, the nine-time Australian Open champion and heavy favorite,isintheotherhalf.

Korda, 22, is the son of CzechPetrKorda,whowon the 1998 Australian Open, and brother to Nelly Korda andJessicaKorda,worldtop 20golfers.

Korda is the highestrankedAmericanmanleftin the draw No. 9 Taylor Fritz was upset in the second round.No.16FrancesTiafoe followed his U S Open semifinalrunlastSeptember

with a defeat to 18th-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov onFriday

On the women’s side Friday, No. 1 Iga Swiatek, No.3JessicaPegulaandNo. 7 Coco Gauff all advanced without dropping more than threegamesinaset.Allwill play a major champion in Sunday’sfourthround.

Swiatek, who won the U.S.OpenandFrenchOpen last year, gets reigning

Wimbledon champ Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan Pegula, the highest seeded American man or woman, faces 2021 French Open champ Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic Gauff,the2022FrenchOpen runner-up, plays 2017 French Open champ Jelena OstapenkoofLatvia.

Swiatek and Gauff will meet in the quarterfinals if eachwinshernextmatch.

GCB praises government’s 4.3B budget allocation for sports development

“ T h e G u y a n a Government continues to demonstrateitscommitment to the development and promotion of sports in Guyana with the historic 2023 budget allocation of 4.3 billion dollars for the overall develo f national spor Guyana Cricket noted in a release.

“ T h i unprecedente and substantial allocation is indicative of Government’s comprehensio n o f t h e benefits of s p o r t s t o society and its intention to catapult sports to higher levels a p r o f e s s i o standards.”

According President Bissoondyal Singh:“TheGuyanaCricket Board(GCB),embracesthis outstanding initiative by Government which in our opinionseekstobuildonthe successes gained by the varioussportdisciplinesand to effectively address and correct the gaps in the system that may otherwise h a m p e r s p o r t s development.”

GCB President Singh, went on to state, that “The GCB Executives on being elected to office in March 2021, saw it necessary to utilize the template for development established by Government through the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport (Ministry of CYS).

In this regard, we at the GCB have continuously explored effective ways in w h i c h a s t r o n g e r collaboration can be achieved between the GCB and the Ministry of CYS This dispensation r e s u l t e d i n t h e establishment of the N a t i o n a l C r i c k e t Academy Program which will witness eighteen (18) GCB Academies across the three (3) counties of Guyana feeding talented young players into the

County Academies and thereafter into the National Academy.”

Singh declared that the GCB is particularly pleased with this significant budget allocation for sports and m o r e specific

Players will be given the opportunity to learn the gameinasystematicmanner that fosters both individual andteamgrowth.

Further,Singhstatedthat the development of cricket facilities for the hosting of h N tional Cricket at the Guyana al Stadium also s e r v e s mmendations since the players’ development is related to the opportunities and facilities of international s t a n d a r d s available.

l

ly for t h e National Cricket Academy Itisappositetonotethatthis is the first time ever that a National Cricket Academy has featured in the annual budget considerations In this regard, the GCB commends Minister Charles Ramson for his presentation of the budget which highlighted the essential need for the N a t i o n a l C r i c k e t Academy

T h e A c a d e m y Programme is projected to develop rounded players in relation to fitness, technical development, mental toughness, diet, nutritional guidelines, lifestyle, and mentorship exercises.

The GCB is pleased to note that its programme for cricket development is aligned with that of Government and will soon yield the desired result of producing talented and professionalplayers.

To produce high-quality players on a sustainable b a s i s , t h e G C B ’s programmes from the youth stagetotheseniorstagewill consistofactivitiesdesigned for cricket development and performance assessment

The GCB is also pleased to note that there is a udget allocation fortherestorationand elopment of unity centre s which will contribute significantly to the development of cricket withincommunities.

The GCB President lauded His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali for leading the way in these developmentinitiatives.

Hishands-onleadership has seen progressive results insportssincehisascension to the highest office in Guyana including the securing of the CPL finals for three (3) years2022 to 2024andtheintroductionof Cricket Carnival in Guyana heldduringtheCPLGuyana leg2022.

Additionally, Singh stated“ItiscleartotheGCB that His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, fully understands the needs, requirements and dynamics i n v o l v e d i n t h e administration of sports This comprehension allows him to project development initiatives that cater to an all-inclusive participation in sports and particularly activities for the disabled which was noted in 2022 The GCB President restatedhisferventhopefora continuation of the excellent relationship between the GCB and the Government of Guyana in general and His Excellency

Funding of historic National Cricket Academy highlights commitment of Government

Sebastian Korda

Hennessy/Moet pours shot with local sports and entertainment influencers

An s a M c A l T r a d i n g

Limited, the official distributor behind the world’s most loved Champagne, Moet and cognac, Hennessy, have teamed up with some local influencers in the area of entertainmentandsports.

Under the Moet brand, the company will work with singer, songwriter and producer ‘Drew Thoven’, Radio and Television Personality Macaela Cameron, popularly known as‘RemixChick’,alongwith high-class events promoter TravisShepherd.

Meanwhile, with

Hennessy known for their affiliation with basketball, thebrandwillworkwith3x3 basketball promoter and Sports Journalist Rawle Toney, promoter Kareem Thomasintheentertainment industry and Social Media influencer Aaliyah Rodrigues.

Atina Samad, the Business Unit Head for Moet/Hennessy and Wines, said the company is excited about the initiative, adding that it “will be an ongoing process throughout the year andyearstocome.”

“The aim of launching a Hennessy Influencers Community is not only to

representthebrandsthrough postings, mingling and attending events, but to educate the population of HennessyVerySpecial(VS) and to share with the wider audience of Guyana a new experiencewithourplans,to focus on the digital media platforms, entertainment industry and sports through Basketball,”Samadsaid.

WithregardstotheMoet Influencers Club, Samad saidthepartnershipistoalso bring Moet to the forefront and to share with the wider audience locally, a new experience with their plans for Moet champagne in Guyana.

TigerRentalsunder-13football...

Four matches in the EBFA inter-association leg this weekend

Spain court orders Dani Alves remanded in custody on sex assault allegations

AFP - A Spanish court yesterday ordered Brazil defender Dani Alves to be held in custody without bail after he was arrested in Barcelona on allegations he sexuallyassaultedawoman.

A Barcelona judge took thestepafterquestioningthe 39-year-oldplayerregarding “events that allegedly took place at a nightclub,” the courtsaidinastatement.

A source close to the dossier said the judge had taken the step — which was requested by public prosecutors — because the court considered there was a riskAlveswouldtrytoflee.

Alves, one of football’s mostsuccessfulplayers,was taken into custody earlier on Friday after being summoned to a Barcelona police station and was then sentbeforethejudge.

Catalan police said they received a complaint on January2fromawomanwho accused Alves of sexual assault.

overnight December 30-31, according to Spanish media reports.

Daily newspaper ABC said Alves allegedly put his hands inside the underwear of a woman without her consent while she was dancing with friends and then followed her into a toilet.

She is said to have informedsecuritystaffinthe club, who activated Barcelona city council’s protocolagainstassaultsand sexualharassment.

womanbefore.

“Iwasthere,atthatplace, withmorepeoplehavingfun. Everybody knows I love to dance. Having a good time but without invading the space of others,” the former Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain player added.

His wife, Spanish model Joana Sanz, toldAntena 3 in an interview on January 9 that her husband had gone “outtodinnerwithfriends,to disconnect a bit” on December30.

“He went out to dance and try to enjoy music as he likes,period.Nothingwrong happened I know how respectfulheis,”sheadded.

Alves,whonowplaysfor Mexican side Pumas UNAM,wasinBarcelonaon holiday following his participation at the World CupwithBrazilinQatar

He was the oldest player to represent Brazil at the men’sWorldCup.

T

matchdaytwoandtheaction is scheduled to kick off at 10:30hrs with two one-hour games being contested simultaneously

Training Center (NTC), Providence, with four anticipated games in the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) interassociation leg This marks

The first two matches willseeFriendshipAllstars VS Smatta point/KaneVille FC on pitch one while pitch two will see Swan matching skillswithCaribBoysFC. The other two matches will kick off at 12:30hrs

and will feature Timehri Panthers being pitted with AgricolaRedTriangleFCon pitch one while Diamond United FC will battle Herstelling Raiders FC on pitchtwo.

On match day one of the EBFA’s competition, Diamond United beat Agricola Red triangle 4-3 while Timehri A team beat HerstellingRaiders8-0.

The charge of sexual assault in Spain can mean anything from unsolicited andunwantedsexualgroping to rape While police declinedtogivenodetailson thecase,asourceclosetothe investigation told AFP that Alvesisaccusedofrape.

Thewomanreiteratedher accusation before the judge yesterday,thesourceadded.

The alleged sexual assault took place at a popular Barcelona nightclub

‘Nothing wrong happened’-

A Barcelona court said earlier this month it had opened a probe “into an alleged crime of sexual assault as a result of a complaint filed by a woman againstafootballer”.

Alves has confirmed he was at the nightclub at the time but has denied any wrongdoing, telling private Spanish television station Antena 3 earlier this month that he has “never seen” the

In a phenomenally successful career, Alves made 408 appearances for Barcelona,with391ofthose cominginhisfirstspellfrom 2008-2016.

During that initial stint, he won six La Liga titles, three Champions League crowns and four Copa del Reytrophies.

AlvesjoinedPSGinJuly 2017 on a free transfer after leaving Juventus and spent two years at the QatariownedFrenchgiants.

Four matches are fixed for today at Providence.

Dani Alves is to be held in custody without bail.

Producer, singer and songwriter, Drew Thoven, inking his Moet contract with Atina Samad, Business Unit Head for Moet/Hennessy and Wines.