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AIETEUR

Int’l Report reveals:

Israeli

January 01, 2024 - Vol. 17 No. 01

bombardment destroyed over 70% of Gaza homes

NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Monday Edition Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 43,281

Govt. must install - T&T Consultant

independent meters, offshore lab for Guyanese to benefit from oil bonanza OGGN: Govt. breaches sanctity of contract on NRF tax payments but still unwilling to ring-fence Vendor shot, Parika woman chopped at D’Urban beaten to death by Backlands reputed husband Husband chopped to death by wife's brothers in Linden

Guyana was warned 37 years ago about dangers of signing lopsided oil contracts ...They “blow up in your face sooner or later” - Former Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Haslyn Parris

Next edition on Wednesday January 03, 2024

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 01, 2024

Monday January 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Govt. must install independent meters, offshore lab for Guyanese to benefit from oil bonanza - says T&T Consultant

By Davina Bagot For Guyana to reap the true benefits of its rapidly developing oil and gas sector, the country must implement an independent system that aids in the verification of the daily rate of production by American oil major, ExxonMobil.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) is the operator of Guyana’s oil rich Stabroek Block. More than 11 b i l l i o n b a r r e l s o f resources have been discovered offshore by the company since 2015.

Production activities officially commenced in December 2019.

The company now has three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in operation, producing an average 500,000 barrels per day; however, Guyana is yet to put measures in place to verify the daily rate of production. Consequently, the country accepts the production figures reported by the company and allows for its resources to be

exported without robust verification techniques in place.

Former Head of Maintenance and Reliability at BP Trinidad and Tobago, Kuarlal Rampersad in a recent interview with Kaieteur News strongly urged that Guyana avoids the mistakes made by the twin island republic.

Rampersad, a Maintenance and Reliability Engineer, has 33 years of experience with BP. After he retired from the company in 2009, he was appointed Chairman of two state boards in Trinidad; the Asphalt Company and the Bureau of Standards.

He is presently a consultant for energy, oil and gas, manufacturing and power generation. He is also involved with the International Code Council (ICC) where he serves as the General Secretary for the Caribbean Region.

Additionally, Rampersad is the Executive Chairman of the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Engineering Professionals (SMRP),

Former Head of Maintenance and Reliability at BP Trinidad and Tobago, Kuarlal Rampersad (Photo credit: Anisto Alves, Trinidad Express) headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

In sharing the experience of Trinidad and Tobago, the specialist explained that in the early days of oil production, dating back to the 1970’s, BP, formerly A m o c o Tr i n i d a d O i l Company, was producing over 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) without a metering system to independently verify the daily rates of production.

In the absence of this, the Consultant said the twin

island republic accepted an average of how much oil was being shipped away by the tankers to refineries.

“The average would be accepted by the captain and the other team who would say we believe this is 500,000 barrels of oil and Amoco had no record of how much oil went across,” he explained.

About a decade later, Rampersad said Trinidad and Tobago realized that there were discrepancies in the reported amount of cargo

that was leaving and how much oil was being shipped from the country.

At that time, Trinidad w a s p r o d u c i n g approximately 260,000 bpd and determined that it wanted value for money according to the former Head Engineer.

He said the country moved to install a meter on the pipeline that leaves BP’s facility in Trinidad and goes across to the tanker. In addition, Rampersad noted that a sampler was also installed in the line. “It would take in like a liter that would represent five barrels of oil...we would take samples from the tank analyze it in-house in the petroleum lab and it will tell you how much water, how much sand is in the cargo.

When carrying the cargo, you would try to remove as much as possible the debris which is water and sand, so when we do that testing, we know that the oil has met certain specification like API (American Petroleum Institute) specification which gives Trinidad the

approval to start loading the tanker.”

He went on to explain how the meters work in verifying the production rates. “Before the tanker leaves, the meter takes samples and shows how much liters of oil are there per barrel, so if you have one liter of crude oil, it represents let’s say five barrels of oil so before the cargo leaves, they will calculate how much liters of oil and they would know how much oil is leaving the terminal to go to the tanker.”

The Consultant said he has been keeping an eye on Guyana’s offshore activities and believes there is no such system in place.

Consequently, he has urged, “For Guyana to get the true value for their money, what they need to do is a few things so that the government of Guyana and the people of Guyana benefit from this oil bonanza. They need to install an independent petroleum lab that is being monitored by an independent consultant and Continued on page 8

Kaieteur News

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Monday January 01, 2024

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor-in-Chief: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Let this be the year We can look back at all that happened and frown. We prefer to look ahead in this bright new year and hope. We have been given the gifts, now we must dig deep within ourselves, and prove to be worthy of the sparkling endowments that are ours. It can be a glorious 2024 for all Guyanese, but we must do our part, each one of us.

On this the first day in this brand-new year, we have this to say to our fellow Guyanese. Let there be health to appreciate what we have, let there be the strength to put our best foot forward to get the most from what is there, now beyond doubt. We remind fellow citizens of something that should be familiar to many. It is of young student enriched vigor with many talents, great potential which everyone recognizes, but of which the unimpressive comes, sometimes nothing at all. For the wondrous personal gifts are wasted, through folly and numerous failures. Because there was little listening, less preparing and dedicating of priorities and energies towards things that were positive.

There was only the arrogance of believing that there is knowing, when there was no knowing at all.

We have seen such human wreckages littering the wayside and alleyways. What applies to individuals also has its place in the life and times of nations. Nations especially gifted must rise to their full potential by making the best use of their endowments, and to the extent that they succeed in becoming the talk of the world. In 2021, and even more fluently in 2022 and 2023, Guyana transformed from a sleepy, backward, un-acclaimed country to the talk on the lips of almost everyone. We have the foundation below.

What we do with it is up to us, in our hands first.

So far, we have failed to do what is wise, not even what helps our interests. But that was last year, the years before.

This year, this 2024, must not follow in the same pattern.

We, the Guyanese people, must see to that, and do so with our hearts and our souls. Let that be our resolution. Nothing will come our way easily, or in the free generosity of others. We are going to have to get up and get what is due to us. As always, we clarify – as we get, others must also get for the caliber of their expertise, their range of resources, and the depths of their commitments. That is only fair, and we must be exemplary in fairness.

Similarly, we cannot be so submissive to the visions of others that we punish our own. We harbour no hatred for our leaders, either in the PPP/C Government or the Coalition Opposition, for that does not help them or one Guyanese.

They have our assurance of presence and voice, but on the one non-negotiable condition that they muster the courage to fight with their last ounce of strength to lift us out of the poverty-stricken ranks. Guyana has been given the means; our leaders must devise the methods to leverage our birthright into what is right and bright for us, the first shareholders in this patrimony. This new year must mark the fresh and inspiring beginning of moving from what could be (potential) to what is (reality).

We have the resources; we must accelerate the development of the muscular human resources, none as much as leadership resources. The time for feebleness and shrinking (or gaming) must be about was yesterday’s behaviours. This 2024 must be characterized by leadership vigor, leadership acumen, and real leadership efforts. This year must be about Guyanese to get out of the gutter and drive their way to higher economic ground. We cannot wilt; we must not falter.

Guyanese have a duty to push their leaders forward. This is a make or break year for this country and its citizens. The Guyanese poor cannot proceed at the same pedestrian pace.

Let 2024 prove to be all of this. It can be when we decide that we must and will live up to our possibilities, our potential for prosperity to all, including our partners.

A Happy New Year to everyone, beginning with our fellow Guyanese first.

The NRF tax violation calls into question sanctity of the Stabroek Block Contract DEAR EDITOR, A few years ago, oil companies would bombard the Guyanese people with “frontier country” to justify an embarrassing Stabroek Block contract that is currently paying us a paltry 14.5% or less of total oil revenues. The oil companies seem to have retreated from marketing us the “frontier country” tune after pushback from those in the media and civil society. But the Government of Guyana is now pushing the sanctity of contract as a reason why the Stabroek Block Contract cannot be negotiated for fairer terms.

Chris Ram recently published an enlightening article titled, “Natural Resource Fund overstated by $274,765M, should be addressed as a matter of urgency” that was in the December 29th, 2023 edition

of the Stabroek News. Ram, using financial reports from the subsidiaries of the oil companies in conjunction with the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) statements, showed the NRF was overstated by US$1.3 billion. This is an astounding 26% of all the money that has flowed into the NRF up to end of September 2023.

One can cross-correlate Ram’s work with other information to check his figures. Example, on the HESS USA website, this w e b p a g e https://www.hess.com/sustai nability/how-weoperate/tax-practices indicates that in 2022 the HESS Total Current & Deferred Tax Expense for Guyana was US$513 million. That figure corresponds to the figure in R a m ’s t a b l e t i t l e d , “Summary of Contractor’s

Income Statement (Exxon, Hess, CNOOC)”. Ram points out in his article that Guyana did not collect any taxes from the oil companies. However, it is evident that the Government of Guyana (GoG) issued HESS a tax receipt given HESS is publicizing this on its US website for all to inspect. The GoG issuing a 2022 tax receipt to HESS when there is no accounting for how the money was paid, seems to be a case of enabling international foreign tax credit fraud.

What is also intriguing is the GoG parroting sanctity of contract. Ram states in his article, “…there is a clear disconnect between the [NRF] Act and the Petroleum Agreement in that section 16 of the Act dealing with withdrawals does not include the taxes paid on behalf of the oil companies.” Hence,

via the NRF fund, the government has been breaking sanctity of contract specifically with respect to 15 (4) in Stabroek Block PSA and 16 (2) in the NRF Act. It was this government that instituted this new NRF act in December of 2021.

In Sunday’s Stabroek News in an article titled, “Nandlall disputes claim that NRF overstated by billions”, the article states, “…2016 Production Sharing Agreement, as that Agreement imposes upon the Minister, a number of obligations in respect of the payment of taxes to the GRA on petroleum production, the Attorney General argued that those provisions in the Agreement have obviously been overtaken by the Natural Resource Fund Act.” This is astounding that the government which has been (Continued on page 5)

The year ended on a positive note DEAR EDITOR, The end of a calendar year is usually a time for reflection but it is also pregnant with hope and optimism for a better life.

The year 2023 ended on a positive note despite threats b y Ve n e z u e l a t o o u r sovereignty and the unfortunate loss of lives of our servicemen in an ill-fated helicopter crash.

We ended the year stronger and much more united. Guyanese of all walks of life and political affiliation join in solidarity

with our fatherland.

President Ali has recommitted to a peaceful and legal resolution to the border controversy within the framework of international law. The prospects for a better life in Guyana look good. The economy continues to show robust growth which is likely to continue in 2024 and beyond, according to IMF and ECLAC projections.

Several major infrastructural works are likely to commence in the coming period including the

Guyana-Suriname Bridge and the gas-to-shore project which when completed will reduce the cost of electricity by half.

Increasing disposable income, job creation, cash grants for the vulnerable segments of the population and housing are among the priority areas, according to Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Revenues from oil are expected to increase which will allow for accelerated growth and more spending on human development.

The biggest challenge in 2024 is the ongoing threat to our sovereign territory by Venezuela. President Ali has repeatedly said that Guyana is committed to a peaceful and lawful resolution of the controversy within the framework of international law. This approach has won the respect and support of the regional and international community. I wish to take this opportunity to wish all Guyanese a prosperous and peaceful 2024.

Regards, Hydar Ally

Monday January 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

Breach of Article 75 of the Guyana Constitution by the Parliament of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me the space in your papers to send an open letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the citizens of Guyana.

Mr. Speaker, I am forced by necessity to write you and the citizens of Guyana, about the violation of Article 75 of the Guyana Constitution by the Parliament of Guyana when they were making the Fiscal Transfer Act 25 of 2009.

Mr. Speaker, the architect of Bill 25 of 2009 deliberately inserted in the bill section 3 (2) (i) which gives the subject Minister of Local Government the power to decide if a Local Democratic Organ should or should not apply for grants from any donor agencies, by causing the councils to seek approval from the Minister, in my opinion, this was done to prevent the councils from being financially independent and to be solely depending on the central government for their finance.

Section 3 (2) (i) stated (2) a local democratic organ _ (I) With the prior written approval of the Minister, such approval must not be unreasonably withheld and such approval or disapproval must be given within thirty-five days, approach donor agencies for finance and other resource which may be used to fund capital projects or employment costs; Mr. Speaker this is what Article 75 of the Guyana Constitution orders parliament to do.

Parliament shall provide that local democratic organs shall be autonomous and take decisions that are binding upon their agencies and institutions and their communities and citizens of their areas.

Mr. Speaker, I am trying to find in the Guyana constitution which article gives the Minister of Local Government the power over the elected local democratic organs to approve what they have to do, and cannot find any.

Mr. Speaker, while we all know that the Guyana Constitution provided for an Executive President and for the President to

appoint his Ministers whom he can dismiss or order at any time, that power that he holds as an Executive President can only be exercised over his Ministers, not over the elected local democratic organs, the Constitution clearly state that, so for Parliament to make laws or to allow old laws in place which are inconsistent with the present constitution, then, the Parliament is in itself, violating the Constitution of Guyana.

Mr. Speaker, the Constitution of Guyana has decentralized the power of the state when it established the 10 Regional Democratic Councils, the regional systems of governance, and its lower tier Local.

Democratic Organs, those organs have been empowered to be autonomous after the amendments of the constitution between 1998 and 2001, so for, any minister to hold any authority over the elected local government authority area is unconstitutional.

Mr. Speaker, it seems like the government and members of parliament do not understand the systems of governance that are set out in the constitution of Guyana or that they just do not care about any systems, at present Central Government is doing thousands of local government authorities duties, this is because proper financial systems are not in place for local government authority garner revenue through taxes, licenses, apply for grants, or for, a just fiscal transfer of money from central government.

Central Government continues to usurp the authority of councils through financial starvation policies and then complains that the councils are not functioning, when them is the masterminds, causing most of the councils to be ineffective, such behaviour needs to change to a more progressive mentality attitude for the implementation of the decentralization of the power of the state.

Regards, Michael Carrington People’s Development Movement.

The NRF tax violation calls...

From page 4 claiming sanctity of 2016 Stabroek Block contract now claims the 2021 NRF Act should take precedence over that contract.

The Attorney General further states, “It is a very rudimentary principle of law that if a contract conflicts with a Statute, the Statute shall prevail.”

Even without changing the Stabroek Block contract as Chris Ram has pointed out i n a r e c e n t i n t e r v i e w, s e e h e r e https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2023/ 12/25/ram-exposes-jagdeos-misleadingclaims-on-ring-fencing-on-oil-projects/, ring-fencing can be applied to the oil projects under the Stabroek Block. This is as per regulation 18 of the Regulations made under the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act of 1986.

This would result in additional billions of US dollars flowing to Guyana which can be used to help the 40% plus living on less than US$5.50 a day.

The current government has pointed to the opposition signing the Stabroek Contract implying it is handcuffed in obtaining a better deal.

However, the opposition has approved 2

Stabroek Block projects, i.e. Liza 1 & Liza 2, while the current government has approved 3 projects: Payara, Yellowtail, and Uaru.

Hence, the current government has allowed 3 opportunities to slip by where they could have used ringfencing to secure more oil money for Guyana. This is the same government in this video clip, https://www.oggn.org/2021/09/29/irfaanali-said-that-all-oil-contracts-are-on-thetable-for-review-and-renegotiation/ , that said all oil contracts are on the table for review and renegotiation when it was in opposition.

Instead of the Government of Guyana parroting the highly questionable sanctity of contract, it should spend its efforts working for the people of Guyana by using our laws to secure a fair oil deal or at least better terms for the new oil projects in the Stabroek Block.

At the moment, the government seems content to serve their new oil masters forgetting they were elected by the people of Guyana to serve our interests.

Sincerely, Darshanand Khusial Charles Sugrim On behalf of OGGN

PAGE 05

Vincent Alexander has it wrong on governance DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a highly inaccurate and inflammatory letter by Vincent Alexander in the media under the title “Spouting the rule of law and good governance but observing them in the breach,” (12/30/2023).

Anyone familiar with modern world history, and specifically with the history of fascism, will either squirm or laugh aloud at Mr. Alexander’s claims about the emergence of a “fascist state” in this country. The diplomatic community will no doubt feel a sense of informed discomfort because so many come from countries where their families and communities paid with their lives defending democracy against fascism.

Ironically, the claims in the letter under consideration have a lot in common with real fascism and right-wing p o p u l i s m , n a m e l y, a diabolical disregard for the whole truth, combined with a sinister industrialization of half-truths, innuendos, and emotional coercion.

H e r e i s Vi n c e n t Alexander – “Our constitutional commissions and even other deliberative organs of the state are constituted in such a manner, and vested with such procedural autonomy that enables the ruling party to

determine how, and what, decisions are made without reference or deference to the Rule of Law or the principles of Good Governance.”

There is a lot of cloaking here, where nonsense is hidden behind constructs like “constitutional commissions,” “deliberative organs,” “Rule of Law,” and “principles of Good Governance.” What specifically does “…in such a manner…” mean here?

What the heck is “…vested with such procedural autonomy”? State the “manner;” provide details about the “procedural autonomy.”

At best, Alexander’s letter is disingenuous. This is so because he is railing against the same Local Government Commission that the APNU-AFC fully accepted during their tenure 2015-2020 tenure.

Further, Mr. Alexander has forgotten or is denial that the Local Government Commission Act of 2013 made it through the National Assembly when his APNUAFC held a one seat majority.

The design and competencies of Act No 18 of 2013 made it through the National Assembly during that APNU-AFC majority.

Mr. Alexander’s party was happy with the passage of that Bill.

A highly placed source in the AFC confirmed with me earlier today that the APNUAFC saw the Act No 18 of 2013 as a “conjoint” effort.

Vi n c e n t A l e x a n d e r, therefore, has it wrong.

Finally, Mr. Alexander treats contemporary historical memory with scorn. His palpitations about GECOM appointments come dangerously close to a form of political bullyism.

This is because he has completely jettisoned from memory the extrajudicial October 19, 2017, unilateral appointment of Justice James Patterson as Chair of GECOM by President G r a n g e r. E v e n T I G I criticized the appointment.

Guyana today is governed on the bases of the nation’s Constitution. The National Assembly, the judicial system, security and law enforcement agencies, the banking system, and other institutions of transparent governance are all functioning well.

The basic fact is that the right to free speech, freedom of worship, and the protection of life, property, and liberty, are intact.

Mr. Alexander has made full use of that right, even though what he claims cannot be sustained by evidence.

Sincerely, Dr. Randy Persaud

Kaieteur News

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Monday January 01, 2024

Happy New Year Messages

Guyana Public Service Union Region Three Private Sector Inc.

A

s we stand on the threshold of a New Year, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I extend my warmest wishes to all Guyanese on behalf of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc).

The year 2023 has witnessed remarkable strides in the development of Guyana, and at the forefront of this progress stands President Dr. Irfaan Ali, a leader whose vision, resilience, and dedication have left an indelible mark on our nation.

President Ali’s exemplary leadership style has been a beacon for us all.

His commitment to community outreach and service has not only brought about positive change at the grassroots level but has also inspired a sense of unity and solidarity across Guyana.

In facing the challenges posed by the Venezuela and Guyana border controversy,

President Ali exhibited exceptional statesmanship and unwavering patriotism.

His decisive actions have not only safeguarded our territorial integrity but have also positioned Guyana as a stalwart defender of its sovereignty on the international stage.

One of the cornerstones o f P r e s i d e n t A l i ’s governance is the ‘One Guyana’ strategy, a unifying force that underscores his commitment to the holistic development of every citizen.

This inclusive approach has laid the foundation for progress in various sectors, with major investments in infrastructure, health, education, security, and agriculture transforming the landscape of our nation.

The strides in infrastructure development u n d e r P r e s i d e n t A l i ’s leadership have been nothing short of phenomenal.

Roads, bridges, and other essential facilities have not only connected communities but have also facilitated economic growth and accessibility.

The emphasis on health and education is evident in the significant investments made to enhance healthcare services and educational institutions, ensuring a brighter future for our youth.

President Ali’s dedication to the security of our nation has been unwavering. By investing in modernizing security forces and implementing strategic measures, he has fortified the safety and well-being of our citizens.

Moreover, Guyana’s agricultural sector under President Ali’s foresight is a great example of leadership in food security and it has received unprecedented support, empowering local farmers and contributing to food security.

As we step into the new year, let us celebrate the successes of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s leadership and express our gratitude for his tireless efforts in steering Guyana towards p r o s p e r i t y. M a y t h e coming year be a testament to the collective strength and resilience of the Guyanese people under President Ali’s guidance.

The Region Three Private Sector Inc. will continue to be a supportive stakeholder in Guyana’s success and prosperity in the year ahead.

The year 2023 has come to an end and beckons the New Year 2024. It is therefore time for introspection, reflection and action to remedy the many challenges that are yet to be resolved, while being cognizant of the pitfalls endured during the year 2023.

The threat to our sovereignty through Venezuela’s challenge to the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award for the Essequibo Region, high cost of living, the flouting of High Court Orders, violations of Article 147 (3) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act 1997, International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention ¹ 87 concerning Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize, Convention ¹ 98 on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining and Convention ¹ 151 on Labour Relations (Public Service) that were all ratified by the Parliament of Guyana and are in force, together with the Agreement for the Avoidance of Settlement of Disputes, between the Government of Guyana and the GPSU, and an absence of good governance, are some of the unsolved challenges.

Nonetheless, as the President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), I extend best wishes to one and all on my personal behalf, and also from the Executive Council, for a prosperous and productive 2024. Let us work together in unity to

overcome the obstacles and challenges before us, in order to achieve the goals, which we are striving to attain to improve the lives of all.

As we await the ruling of the International Court of Justice on the claims by Venezuela to Guyana’s Essequibo Region, let it be known that the Guyana Public Service Union is strongly of the view that the 1 8 9 9 A r b i t r a l Aw a r d remains binding on both Venezuela and Guyana and any visible or covert interference or threats to the integrity of Guyana’s Sovereignty is a violation of international laws. The r es p ect f o r ter r ito r ial sovereignty, global order and security, and peaceful international relations are all necessary features for peaceful coexistence. The GPSU resound its call to all citizens of Guyana, and to all international partners to continue to support a peaceful resolution to this pressing matter.

The legitimacy of workers’ rights to representation by a Trade Union of their choice has constantly been undermined

by Governments to the extent that workers’ welfare in Guyana has been undermined, thoroughly.

Consumer prices continue to escalate, increasing the burden on workers to meet basic expenses on necessities for their survival.

Guyana, being an oil producing nation and being pegged as the fastest growing economy in the world, together with the attraction of many international investors, have done very little to solve the woes of the working class.

Workers continue to be plagued by Governments’ consistency of imposing meager increases in wages, irrespective of representations by the GPSU in support of a living wage, authenticated by detailed baskets of necessities. As a result of the disregard shown for the

Union’s representations, workers are forced to provide substandard meals for families, because of not being able to meet the nutritional requirements for healthy lives. This was substantiated by a United Nations report, which clearly indicated that Guyana is leading the region on child malnutrition. This has become a scourge on the State.

The GPSU continues to be baffled by the posture of Government concerning dialogue consistent with the requirements of the Constitution of Guyana and International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions that were all ratified by the Parliament of Guyana and are in force, where collective bargaining has been espoused as the hallmark of good governance. Collective decision-making therefore centers on the principles of inclusiveness and equality of access to resources.

N o n c h a l a n t l y, t h e irresponsible posture of Government has indicated its indifference to the plights of its workers. The latest unscrupulous 6.5 percent increase for public servants for 2023 amounts to G$4,800 or approximately US$22.00 per month, before tax.

This is how cold, indifferent and calculating Government, the largest employer, is towards its people. The willful neglect to pay workers a living minimum wage to meet basic needs for their survival and/or uplift them out of poverty, is most indecent, immoral, disgusting and a notable obstacle to a bright future for all Guyanese.

The country’s largest labour force, workers of the Public Sector, continues to be neglected by the very people that call on the nation to be One Guyana, without consideration that the true essence of One Guyana lays in equality and evenhandedness. One should not bargain with (Continued on page 22)

Monday January 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 01, 2024

Embracing hope amidst adversity:

Jamal Reid and his family's unyielding

spirit through the holidays J

By Renay Sambach

amal Reid, once a vibrant 16-year-old with aspirations that knew no bounds, now finds himself trapped within the confinements of a reality altered by an unfathomable tragedy.

His world crumbled on Thursday November 9, 2023, as a heated altercation over a school assignment spiraled into a catastrophic event, leaving Jamal with a fractured skull and brain damage.

The days leading up to that fateful Thursday were laden with tension. A seemingly innocuous dispute over a mathematics School Based Assessment (SBA) with a fellow student culminated in an ominous warning on social media.

Unbeknownst to Jamal, those ominous words were a haunting prelude to the day that would forever change the trajectory of his life.

Jamal, once preparing zealously for his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, now battles physical and emotional scars that torment

his existence.

“His emotions are mixed; he still can't control smiling and he gets angry even faster now, his left hands are still not working 100 percent and he's still feelings numbness in the fingers but be attends therapy.”

Torn between hope and despair, Jamal's family grapples with the harsh realities of their drasticallytransformed household. In the household, each day is a symphony of struggle and endurance, one of Jamal's relatives shared during an interview.

Jamal's mother Holly Bess, a pillar of strength, finds herself shouldering the weight of caring for her son while navigating the demands of her other young children.

“She (Holly) has not been out back to work ever since because she has no one to look at him or her other two younger kids; she's also afraid that the teen won't get the attention he needs by someone else who is to look after him whilst she's out… she's a single parent without a job now and have 3 young children to take care of. It is

Jamal Reid not easy to have your eldest son with a serious head injury… Some sort of financial assistance would be grateful if put in place, in that way, the mother can be at home to take care of the children,” a relative related.

During the interview, the relative said too, “Jamal was the one to pick up his brother from daycare and help his mother with stuff around the house…”The emotional toll on Jamal's mother is

immeasurable; her nights are restless, consumed by the haunting fear of missing a crucial alarm meant to rouse Jamal for his medication.

“His healing process is based on tablets to be honest and he sleeps a lot…he can't be unsupervised because even though he is on medication to prevent the seizures, the doctors told us to still be observant and be around him 24/7 also this leads to him can't being his actual self outdoors in terms of hanging out with friends, assisting his mother, etc. So yes, it affects his daily life, his future life and his activities big time.”

J a m a l ' s siblings—Annalisa Reid, Josh Carter, and Josiah Carter—witness both their brother's ordeal and their mother's unwavering resolve.

In the aftermath, support from the school and authorities was scarce, leaving the family feeling abandoned in their quest for justice and empathy. The school's apathy and the silence of education authorities cast a shadow of isolation upon the family already burdened by their plight.

“Some students came to visit him but couldn't get to see him because of the state he was in and like I mentioned before, the Ministry of Education, they came at the beginning of everything showed support and their presence and prayers, then they stop coming one by one,” Jamal's

Jamal Reid relative said.

Amidst this desolation, Jamal's spirit remains unbroken. His aspirations, though marred by uncertainty, continue to flicker with determination.

Despite the shattered dreams and the bleak prognosis, Jamal's tenacity to reclaim his life and dreams resonates as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

“He's (Jamal) being thankful for God sparing his life to see this holiday and to be spending it with his loved ones, the incident may have changed his life and his Christmas plans which were

Govt. must install independent...

From page 3 people of Guyana and a representative of Exxon and the meters must be installed.”

The Consultant warned that in the absence of this, the company can provide its own figures on the number of barrels leaving the country which cannot be disputed by Guyana.

In fact, he said, the company can also convince Guyana, in the absence of the offshore laboratory, that the cargo is concentrated with water and other debris, which can cause the country to leak more revenue.

“The only way to correct that and get the true value of the cargo that is leaving, you have to get a petroleum lab and you have to do that configuration and testing to know how much true oil is going across to Exxon's refinery in Texas,” Rampersad urged.

The Consultant pointed out that Guyana urgently needs sound advice on the management of this sector, especially in this regard as the country can continue to lose billions in revenue. He was keen to note that Guyana has a limited timeframe in which the country can maximize on its newfound wealth and must act swiftly to take action to increase its earnings over the next 10 to 15 years before the reduction in the use of fossil fuels affect the global market.

going and work with his dad to get some extra Christmas money and more in-depth knowledge on the work.”

This holiday season, as Jamal and his family navigates the shadows of their altered reality, their unity and unwavering faith offer solace.

Each prayer, every act of kindness, and the unyielding support from their community serve as lifelines amidst the storm that relentlessly batters their lives.

Their 2023 Christmas was one not adorned with the traditional festivities for the family. Instead, it is marked by an indomitable spirit, an unyielding hope, and a bond fortified by adversity.

Theirs is a story of courage in the face of despair, a testament to the enduring strength of the human heart in the bleakest of times.

As the new year beckons, the family stands together, holding on to a beacon of hope that transcends the challenges they face. Their story sheds light on the unspoken struggles faced by countless families during a season that starkly contrasts with the widespread joy it typically brings. It's a testament to the resilience found within the human spirit, offering hope and inspiration to those navigating their own hardships.

Kaieteur News

Monday January 01, 2024

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The media must not be complicit in its own decline For almost the entirety of this year, the media and the public have been treated to both a travesty and a charade, at least this is the impression I have arrived at having listened to an analysis of the press conferences hosted by the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Bharrat Jagdeo.

The General Secretary has been redefining the role of press conferences. His weekly press conferences have become exercises in throwing tantrums, and busing-out the Opposition and sections of the media.

Instead of using his platform primarily to provide information or to reveal some development of topical concern, his press conferences are being used primarily to respond to criticisms of his government. Much of what he says belongs on a political platform and not a press conference.

J a g d e o ’s c o n d u c t constitutes a distortion of the purpose of a press conference. Press conferences are intended to become a platform for sharing important information, making announcements, providing updates and for responding to reporters’ questions.

Press conferences are not intended to be primarily used for responding weekly to criticisms by the Opposition, to attack sections of the media and for politicking.

But that is

exactly what Jagdeo has turned his usual weekly press conference into. And he makes no secret of this.

Jagdeo’s obsession with the PNC is unhealthy. While one appreciates the mental scars which the PNC’s 28year rule has had on the psyche of many PPP/C leaders, Jagdeo must not get stuck in the past.

This past week was awful. Instead of updating the nation on the performance of the economy and of the sectors over which he has oversight, he instead preferred to begin his press conference by resurrecting the memory of the deprivations suffered during the 28-year rule of the PNC. As I have said before, very little of real value emanates from these press conferences. This is evident in what is reported in the press in the days following the press conferences. Much of his Opening Statement is ignored in the reports that follow the presser. But the reporters go because it offers them an opportunity to ask him questions.

It must be tortuous for the media to endure these Thursday affairs. They have to sit and listen to Jagdeo’s marathon opening statements – another respect in which the practice of press conferences is being rewritten. In which part of the world are there such marathon opening statements at press conferences?

Why should the media

have to attend weekly press conferences only for the PPP/C General Secretary to counter something that was said earlier at another press conference or to respond to some criticism of the government? Is this what press conferences have been reduced to? For the media to subject itself to this weekly dose of diatribes and tantrum-throwing by the General Secretary of the PPP/C is to court disrespect.

But the situation gets more sordid when one observes the utter disdain, bordering on hostility, shown to Kaieteur News’ reporters.

Kaieteur News has consistently been at the receiving end of the tantrums of the General Secretary of the PPP/C. Their questions are most often than not deflected by his comments that he has dealt with that issue before and that the Kaieteur News is repeating itself.

What has been noticeable also has been the agitation of Jagdeo when confronted with questions about Exxon. His entire demeanour changes and he often dismisses questions by claiming that he has dealt with that issue before and would not be dealing with it.

When faced with awkward questions, his favourite excuse is to direct the reporters to his Ministers when he ought to know well that those ministers are not easily accessible or forthcoming.

Some reporters of

DEM BOYS SEH

It gan be another rollicking New Year

A

Happy New Year to all who does read Dem Boys Seh. De boss man of de waterfalls paper did not get his ring fencing wish.

But de Ball Head man had the temerity to announce that de entire Stabroek Block has been ringfenced.

Nuff odder people did not get what they wanted last year. Dem public servants still sour after receiving only 6.5% increase fuh de year. And now we hearing how de Georgetown Hospital short of some 600 nurses. Most of dem wah leff, gone to greener pastures. But de exodus gon slow down soon since de United

Kingdom- de same people wah send de warship and remove visa requirements – clamping down on health and care workers.

But is good to know that de Cubans are coming.

Nuff family wah gat patinets in de hospital will not have to worry about going to feed them or bathe them. We gat some local nurses who does mek styles pon de wuk. But yuh also gat plenty good ones who does do them wuk.

In life dem muss gat change and if there is anything which we must change in the New Year is all dis chopping-up and juking-up of people. Dem boys does want know where all these jukkas does

come from. A lil scuffle does break out and de next thing yuh know weapons drawn and is war… and murder.

Mek dem boys remember de man who claim dat Donald Ramotar can’t tell he nutting. He nah understand politics and de PPP. No matter what, yuh can’t bad talk a former PPP leader and expect to be on friendly terms with de existing PPP leadership.

Since de man seh how Ramotar can’t tell he nutting, he nah get an exclusive with de Vee Pee. Dem days done, and all because he claim de Donald can’t tell he nuttin’.

Talk half. Leff half.

Kaieteur News have expressed concern over his attitude towards the questions they ask him. They have even indicated their unwillingness to attend his press conferences.

The Guyana Press Association should take a position on Jagdeo’s press conferences. Should press conferences, week after week, be primarily be about responding to Opposition comments, especially those made at the Oppositionhosted press conference? Do Jagdeo’s press conferences meet the expectations of the

purpose of a press conference? There needs to be a public debate as to whether what is hosted each Thursday by the PPP’s General Secretary constitutes a press conference.

Is the media, as a collective unit, prepared to continue to be a part of this weekly charade and travesty knowing fully well that it will set a precedent for others to use press conferences to vent their venom against their political rivals? The media must avoid becoming complicit in

the undermining of media standards and the distortion of the purpose of a press conference.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

PAGE 10

Kaieteur News

Monday January 01, 2024

Husband chopped Parika woman to death by wife's beaten to death by brothers in Linden A family dispute turned tragic in Block 22 Squatting Area, Wismar, Linden, as John Jones, 56, lost his life during an altercation with his wife's brothers, prompting a police investigation into an alleged murder.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday around 16:00hrs, unfolded during a heated argument between Jones and his wife, Tracy.

Sources indicate that amidst t h e a rg u m e n t , Tr a c y summoned her brothers, a 43-year-old labourer and a 53-year-old bus driver, both residents of Prosville, Wismar, to assist in escorting her and her three children from the residence.

Upon the brothers' arrival at the scene, an already tense

situation escalated quickly.

Jones, armed with two cutlasses, confronted the two men upon their entry into the yard. In the ensuing confrontation, Jones allegedly attacked the brothers, inflicting serious injuries. One brother sustained a blow to the head, while the other was struck on the face. In response, one of the brothers disarmed Jones and reportedly retaliated, inflicting multiple chop wounds in his direction.

As the altercation intensified, Tracy and her three children fled the scene, leaving behind a violent confrontation that turned fatal. The lifeless body of Jones was later discovered in the backyard; he sustained

multiple chop wounds.

Emergency services pronounced him dead upon arrival at the Linden Hospital Complex.

The suspects, both of whom sustained injuries during the altercation, sought medical assistance.

One brother reported the incident to ranks at the Wismar Police Station before receiving treatment at the Linden Hospital Complex, while the other was admitted with serious injuries.

Police officials have initiated an investigation into the deadly altercation. The body of the deceased is presently at the G. Jetsco Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

reputed husband

A dreadful incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), as 25-year-old market vendor, Parbattie Amanda Persaud was beaten to death by her reputed husband, Guradean Lallaram, a 39year-old mason of Parika Facade.

The shocking incident occurred around 05:30 hours at Parika Facade.

According to reports, Persaud was heading to the market when a confrontation arose between her and Lallaram. The argument escalated quickly, resulting in Lallaram attacking Persaud with a piece of wood, causing severe injuries.

Despite the efforts of nearby residents to summon the authorities, Persaud suffered grave wounds to her head and face. She was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

The couple, who shared a common-law relationship for six years and which gave birth to a three-year-old daughter, had a turbulent

Dead: Parbattie Amanda Persaud relationship. Reports are that attempted to flee on an the woman experienced a electric scooter. He was history of alleged abuse at taken into custody and is the hands of the man. currently assisting with the Previously unreported to the ongoing investigation. Law police, Sunday's incident enforcement recovered the marked a fatal escalation suspected murder weapon f o l l o w i n g a r e c e n t and obtained a statement altercation that led to from Lallaram under caution Lallaram moving out of their and video recording.

Persaud's body is home three weeks prior.

On Sunday morning, awaiting a post-mortem police promptly responded examination at Ezekiel to the scene of the crime and Funeral Home to determine apprehended Lallaram as he the exact cause of death.

Monday January 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 01, 2024

Heroine of Apoteri: Bertina Domingo seeks better life …vividly recalls surviving the jungle with sister, Bernadette 27 years ago

By Alva Solomon On New Year's Day, 40year old Bertina Domingo plans to relax at her home or head to her farm, to care for her cassava crop, as she depends heavily on the tuber for farine.

The staple is used within her household at Apoteri, a remote village located some two to four hours upriver by boat from Annai in the Rupununi region. She also sells it to make ends meet.

Bertina's name and that of her younger sister, Bernadette came to prominence within the public domain back in 1995 when the two sisters were lost, deep in the virgin forests of the Essequibo and Berbice, one month after they left their home at Apoteri in the company of their uncle one Friday afternoon.

He later died during the trip, leaving them exposed to the jungle and its elements.

The woman told Kaieteur News from Apoteri on Sunday that life for her has been “tough” as she struggles financially to provide for her children. The mother of eight resides with her family at Apoteri and she noted that as the new school term beckons, she is working “hard” to ensure her children have all that they need to return to school next week.

The woman has three sons and five daughters, the eldest being 22 and the youngest, 6, a girl. She said she sells farine at the village in order to make a living and feed her family. “It is hard but I have to do it,” she said.

Her sister Bernadette lives in Brazil but the family has not heard from her for months. “She is there living in Brazil,” she said.

Survival story The woman said she vividly remembers that Friday afternoon back in April 1995 when the two sisters left their home in the company of their uncle, a journey which would lead the then 13-year-old Bertina and 9-year-old Bernadette to survive in the jungle for a month.

The two sisters walked for miles and miles, from the depths of the Essequibo, to

Kwakwani, in Berbice, walking along trails in the rain and in the scorching sun, crossing creeks, sleeping in trees, and at one point, surviving an encounter with Guyana's national animal, the feared jaguar.

“Sometimes, I would tell the story to my children to let them know what I went through. Sometimes, I would forget parts of what happened but I still remember the things which happened,” she added.

On April 7, 1995, Bertina and her sister were told by their uncle that he was going to take them to see their parents who were working at a farm in the Rupununi at the time. “We go in the boat, a corial, and he start paddling on the Essequibo River,” she said during the interview on Sunday.

At the time, their uncle had disobeyed instructions which their father had given to him. Instead of taking them to their parents, he would head in the opposite direction along the river, paddling for miles to a trail which would eventually take them to the Berbice region.

Bertina recalled falling asleep as darkness stepped in on the cold waters as their uncle paddled along the river.

“When I wake up, I wanted to know where we were, I wanted to know what happen,” she said. She said since it was dark, neither she nor her sister could have “jumped” out of the boat.

She noted too that their uncle told them that he would stop the boat when they arrived at a trail.

“My sister was crying because she was frightened,” she said.

The girls were unsure what their uncle's motive was, but she said he seemed bent on taking them to an area in the Berbice region.

On the trail She said eventually, they arrived at a trail and from there; the trio trekked along a trail. She later found out that the trail was utilised for trade, back in the 1960s when balata was traded out of Apoteri to the Coastland.

While she could not recall how long after they left the village, he became ill,

they were asking us a lot Bertina said her uncle was about what happened,” using medication during she said. the ordeal, since he was “I feel glad when sick and as they I see them because I walked along the was hungry and trail, his condition my sister was worsened. The hungry and we m a n w a s were tired from suffering from walking,” she malaria at the recalled. time.

She said the “He started men then made giving up, arrangements to vomiting, and we take them to didn't know where Georgetown. “We we were going. He came out on a boat keep telling us to Bertina Domingo at the village of continue walking,” Apoteri on Sunday. (Photo: Aldwin John) from the camp and from Kwakwani, she said. they put us on a bus “He left us on our Encounter with a jaguar own and he keep telling us Bertina noted that one and then we went to town,” where to go on the trail,” she day as they were walking a she said.

The girls' story made added. trail, they heard an animal.

At the time, they had “We see it coming towards us national headlines at the time hammocks, a knife and a box and we ran up in a tree,” she and Bertina noted that during that time, she only wanted to of matches. Days turned into recalled. nights and the children were “Is the first time, I see a be with her parents. She said growing increasingly hungry jaguar,” she added. She said the ordeal was traumatic e v e n a s t h e i r u n c l e her sister was crying as the since they witnessed their encouraged them to walk. vicious animal walked uncle's death while being Eventually, she said one towards them. Then, in fear, exposed to the dangers of the day she and her sister took her sister slipped out of the forest. their uncle to a nearby creek tree and fell. Luckily for the to wash his face. He soon girls, the animal walked passed away at the edge of away. She said some five the creek. “He died in our minutes later, they continued hands,” she said, noting that walking. the sisters decided to leave The girls would brave the him in a hammock. elements for days until one T h e s i s t e r s w o u l d morning when they heard an continue their journey along engine in the distance. the trail for days, crying, “Whistling” to be rescued screaming for help and Bertina said they spent an hoping that someone would additional three days walking hear them. towards “the noise” they They would eventually heard earlier that week. reach the bank of the Berbice E v e n t u a l l y, o n t h e River and Bertina said her afternoon of May 3, 1995 little sister would often cry as while sitting on the river A 31-year-old vendor, they wondered where their bank, they saw several men Quason Leacock of the next meal would come from. on a “river dredge.” She said D'Urban Backlands From time to time, they it was around 16:30hrs. “I Squatting Area, would use “fire sticks” to remember the time,” she Georgetown, was shot last roast fish which they caught said.

Friday and chopped during at the river side. She said they “We were scared,” she an attack at his home. also ate wild berries which he said. The girls started The incident, which schooled them about earlier whistling to the men in the occurred around 15:00 in the trip. distance and eventually one hours, involved three “We would catch the fish of the men, whom she noted identifiable men. and roast it and eat. We were was called “Cosmo” went in As investigations very hungry,” she recalled. their direction with a boat. unfold, it was revealed that Being the eldest, she “They were Amerindian Leacock was alone at his would try her best to comfort people so we were not so residence when the three her sister, and according to scared after they came,” she suspects arrived. Among Bertina, they would sling said. them, he recognized two by their hammock up in the trees The men then took them their aliases: 'Tallman' and and when darkness is about to their camp and the sisters 'Buck,' though their specific to set in, they prepared to begun to relate their ordeal. addresses remain unknown sleep.

Bertina said the men were to him.

“We put the hammock very kind and helpful. “They Accounts from the high because we were gave us food, tea and victim detail 'Tallman's frighten,” she said. hammocks to sleep in and aggressive approach, asking him if he had a problem with them before brandishing a handgun from his waistband and subsequently firing a shot that struck Leacock in his left thigh.

The altercation

In 1996, the two sisters were awarded the Medal of Service by the late president Dr. Cheddi Jagan. They also received many gifts from members of the public.

A special fund was set-up by the government to assist the sisters and they could have accessed the money when they attained the age of 18. However, Bertina noted that the paperwork which the family was given, which included the fund's bank information, was misplaced.

To date, the girls have not received the fund.

During the interview on Sunday, which was made possible by Aldwin John, a village leader of Apoteri, Bertina said in 2024, she plans to continue working “hard” to provide for her children, even as s he continues to relate to them daily, her 1995 survival story.

Anyone who wishes to contact Bertina Domingo can reach her via WhatsApp on (+592) 678-6831.

Vendor shot, chopped at D'Urban Backlands escalated further as 'Buck' joined in, assaulting Leacock with a cutlass, inflicting a wound on his foot.

The assailants fled the scene after the attack.

Prompt action by members of the public saw Leacock being swiftly transported to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention.

After his condition was evaluated by medical personnel, he was admitted in a stable condition and received necessary treatment for his injuries.

Law enforcement authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, questioning several individuals and conducting searches to locate the suspects.

However, these efforts have yet to yield success in apprehending the alleged perpetrators.

Monday January 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 01, 2024

OGGN: Govt. breaches sanctity of contract on NRF tax payments but still unwilling to ring-fence Civil society organization, Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) views the nonpayment of taxes from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) as a violation of the Stabroek Block contract.

In a missive on Sunday, two members of the Network, Darshanand Khusial and Charles Sugrim argued that Guyana continues to be shackled to an unjust oil contract, receiving a meagre 14.5 percent of revenue while the government holds firm to the ‘sanctity of contract’ principle to evade renegotiating for fairer terms.

OGGN pointed out that Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram recently exposed that the NRF is overstated by almost $275 billion, as the government has failed to adhere to the very terms of the sanctified agreement which mandates payment of taxes for the oil companies from Guyana’s share of revenues earned.

According to OGGN, “The government has been breaking sanctity of contract specifically with respect to 15 (4) in Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement and 16 (2) in the NRF Act…it is evident that the Government of Guyana (GoG) issued HESS a tax receipt given HESS is publicizing this on its US website for all to inspect. The

GoG issuing a 2022 tax receipt to HESS when there is no accounting for how the money was paid seems to be a case of enabling international foreign tax credit fraud.”

It said that the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall SC has since disputed that the NRF is overstated by billions, as the NRF Act takes precedence over the contract.

Nandlall in a statement responding to Ram’s column published in Stabroek News said, “The author places great reliance on the infamous 2016 Petroleum Production Agreement, as that Agreement imposes upon the Minister, a number of obligations in respect of the payment of taxes to the GRA on petroleum production. Those provisions of that Agreement have obviously been overtaken by the Natural Resource Fund Act. It is a very rudimentary principle of law that if a contract conflicts with a Statute, the Statute shall prevail.”

OGGN mocked the response by the AG, contending that the government which has been claiming sanctity of 2016 Stabroek Block contract now claims the 2021 NRF Act should take precedence over the oil contract.

The group reasoned that Continued on page 22

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NRF Act does not authorise deduction of taxes for GRA - Attorney General Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall SC has said that the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act of 2021 does not authorise any deduction for the payment of taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

His comments over the weekend came in response to a column written by prominent Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, who said that the NRF is overstated by almost $275 billion, as the government has failed to adhere to 2016 Petroleum Agreement which mandates payment of taxes for the oil companies from Guyana’s share of revenues earned.

Ram stated in his weekly column published by Stabroek News: “To my h o r r o r, m y r e s e a r c h discovered that the overstatement at 30 June 2023 after the payment of 2022 corporation taxes for the oil companies, was $274.8b. ($274,765m.), representing 76% of the Fund balance at that date.”

He continued, “With taxes payable amounting to $49.7b for the years 2020 and 2021 to be financed out of Guyana’s share of profit oil, the correct value of the Fund at 31st. December 2022 should have been G$248.4b, the difference representing an overstatement of 20%. A similar overstatement for 2023 alone, amounted to a further G$225.1b., hence the cumulative overstatement of $274.8 Bn.” The Attorney General in responding to Ram said, “There is absolutely no provision in the Act which permits or authorises deduction of taxes for on behalf of the Guyana Revenue Authority.”

He therefore discounted R a m ’s f i n d i n g s a s a misinterpretation of law.

The AG reasoned that whether monies are paid to

GRA as taxes or are paid into the Natural Resource Fund, they are in the State’s coffers and by operation of law will eventually be deposited into the Consolidated Fund.

Nandlall further elucidated, “The Natural Resource Fund Act defines “Petroleum Revenues” as “all Government revenues specified in section 15”.

Section 15 (1) provides: “Petroleum revenues shall be directly paid into a bank account denominated in United States Dollars and held by the Bank as part of the Fund.” Section 15 (2) explains what Petroleum revenue shall include. These are royalties; government’s share of profit oil; any petroleum income tax, additional profits tax or any other future tax levied on the profits of companies or individuals undertaking production operations; any signature or other bonus related to production operations or the award of a petroleum licence; and any other current or future fiscal instrument levied solely or mainly on companies or individuals involved in production operations.”

Moreover, he pointed out that Section 15 (1) and (2) of the NRF Act authorises petroleum revenues to be paid directly into the Fund.

This includes taxes leviable in relation thereto. He explained that the law strictly prescribes how monies are to be withdrawn from the Fund, by what process and for what purposes.

“For example, by Section 16, “all withdrawals from the Fund shall be deposited into the Consolidated Fund and shall be used only to finance - national development priorities …” and “essential projects that are directly related to ameliorating the effect of a major natural disaster.”

There is absolutely no Continued on page 22

“There is absolutely no provision in the Act which permits or authorises deduction of taxes for on behalf of the Guyana Revenue Authority. In fact, any unauthorised withdrawal from or interference with monies from the Fund constitutes an Offence, upon conviction, is liable to imprisonment and several million dollars in fine.” – AG, Anil Nandlall

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Monday January 01, 2024

Guyana was warned 37 years ago about dangers of signing lopsided oil contracts ...They “blow up in your face sooner or later” - Former Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Haslyn Parris Can you fathom the revelation that a distinguished Guyanese politician had vehemently cautioned over three decades ago against entering agreements like the egregiously imbalanced 2016 Stabroek Block

Production Sharing Agreement (PSA)? This is no mere hearsay.

Chartered Accountant a n d A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Christopher Ram recently unearthed compelling evidence affirming that Guyana’ s former Deputy

Prime Minister, Mr. Haslyn Parris, fervently advocated against entrapment in such disadvantageous contracts, while recognizing the need for renegotiation in the face of such exploitative arrangements.

In an interview with this

publication, Ram cited the robust parliamentary contributions of the late Haslyn Parris, who astutely shepherded the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act of 1986, now superseded by the Petroleum Activities Law of 2023. Ram drew

Former Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Haslyn Parris attention to the Hansard of April 14, 1986.

This is what Parris said: “If in any negotiation between two people, either of them, arranges to use the strength in relation in the other one in such a way that you lock a man into an agreement, or you force an agreement that is simply untenable in terms of the pressure which you bring to bear on that person, then you can bet your bottom dollar that that agreement is going to blow up in your face sooner or later, and it will be a non-agreement by virtue of the inequity inherent in the agreement.

“So therefore, we have a concern to derive terms that will help ensure that the agreement reach reflects the relationship between both sides, which will ensure, which will not come under the pressure of inequity born, simply on inadequate negotiating strength.”

Ram said Parris’ words still hold true to this day. The lawyer also rhetorically asked whether any member of the PPP/C government has ever sought out that critically important historical record. Applying the logic and meaning of the former Guyana scholar, statistician and economist, Ram said the Stabroek Block deal, first signed in 1999, then renegotiated and made worse in 2016, constitutes a non-agreement. He said this is by virtue of the inequity of the terms. Further noting the universal dissatisfaction with the agreement, Ram said this is exactly what Parris meant when he said that any such agreement “will sooner or later blow up in our faces.”

Furthermore, Ram said if Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had read the memo written by Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Continued on page 22

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Monday January 01, 2024

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“Breast cancer remains the number one cancer in Guyana”- Health Minister Breast cancer continues to be a challenge in Guyana, and currently accounts for most of the cancer diagnosis locally. This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

While speaking at a press conference on Friday, Dr. Anthony noted that the cancer registry was updated and now has more accurate data.

“When we look at our stats for this year, breast cancer remains the number one cancer in Guyana, this year we diagnosed 161 persons with breast cancer, this accounted for 17 percent of all cancers diagnosed this year, this is something we have to work more on in terms of reducing this burden and one way of doing that is we have to encourage people to get screened and get screened early,” he stated.

Dr. Anthony noted the ministry is working to get more women, from 40 years and older or between 30 to 40 years, to do mammograms once they have a family history of the disease.

Genetic screening will also be done shortly. It was noted that three more mammogram machines will be added and placed at the New

said that the Ministry of Health is doing everything possible to fight and win the battle against cancer in Guyana starting with a myriad of strategies to assist the process.

He announced that there has also been significant improvement in turnaround time from biopsy to diagnosis.

Previously, the results of a biopsy took approximately three months. This time has been reduced to less than Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony Amsterdam Hospital, Linden Hospital, and West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer with 102 cases diagnosed this year, accounting for 11 percent of cancers locally.

“There is a very cheap and effective method in preventing cervical cancer, that is HPV vaccination, unfortunately, a lot of people are not taking the HPV Va c c i n e a n d t h e n e w guidelines from CDC is that from 9-15 years of age, you can now get a single dose HPV vaccine, if you are 16 years and older… you can get

two doses at a six-month interval, and that can help prevent cervical cancer,” Dr. Anthony noted.

Guyana has HPV vaccines in stock and these are available to the public free of cost, the ministry is hoping that more persons will do Vaginal Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), PAP Smears and HPV Testing.

Prostate cancer seen an increase with 107 persons diagnosed this year. In the new year, a programme will be launched to deal specifically with prostate cancer Meanwhile, the Minister

seven days at the GPHC. “ We a r e g o i n g t o introduce in the first quarter of next year telepathology, this is another project that we have been working with Mount Sinai on. We have already bought the equipment to do telepathology, we have started the renovation of a section of the Georgetown Hospital to accommodate this new lab and once that is completed, we will install the equipment, we have already

trained the staff of the hospital to be able to do telepathology and they would be directly linked to the Mount Sinai lab,” Dr. Anthony stated.

B a s i c a l l y, h i g h resolution images will be taken of biopsy samples which will then be forwarded to a pathologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, and a diagnosis made, this will also help improve the waiting time for results. (Adapted from DPI)

PAGE 22

Monday January 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

Xi says China will ‘surely be reunified’ with self-ruled Taiwan in New Year’s address

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(AP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping said China would “surely be reunified” with Taiwan during his televised New Year’s address, renewing Beijing’s threats to take over the self-ruled island, which it considers its own.

Taiwan split from China amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing continues to regard the island of 23 million with its high-tech economy as Chinese territory and has been ramping up its threat to achieve that by military force if necessary.

“China will surely be reunified, and all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose,” Xi said in his annual address, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

China has described Taiwan’s Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections as a choice between war and peace.

Beijing considers the presidential front-runner, Wil-

In this photo released on Sunday Dec. 31, 2023 by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivers a New Year message in Beijing to ring in 2024.

(Ju Peng/Xingua via AP) liam Lai, who currently serves as vice president from the ruling Democratic People’s Party, a “separatist” and has accused him and Taiwan’s

President Tsai Ing-wen of trying to provoke a Chinese attack on the island.

On Saturday, Chen Binhua, spokesman for

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, called Lai a “destroyer of peace” following a televised debate earlier that day in which Lai defended Taiwan’s right to rule itself as a democracy.

Chen said Lai’s discourse at the debate was “full of confrontational thinking,” adding that the vice president is “the instigator of a potential dangerous war in the Taiwan Strait.”

Lai had said during the debate that Taiwan is not subordinate to China and that he was open to communications with Beijing “as long as there is equality and dignity on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.” While Lai doesn’t describe himself as seeking independence from Beijing, he generally maintains Taiwan is already an independent country. Lai’s election rivals include Hou Yu-ih from the more China-friendly Kuomintang party, and Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan People’s Party.

Guyana was warned 37 years ago about dangers...

From page 20 Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison after he was roughed up by Exxon executives months before the 2016 Agreement, or the Clyde & Co report on the circumstances leading up to the signing of that lopsided deal, he would be complimentary of Parris’ wisdom.

The Guyana Government has insisted that it will not renegotiate the Stabroek Block

deal, even as it has acknowledged that it leaves Exxon with the lion’s share of resources while Guyana gets the proverbial crumbs.

It has maintained this position even though Ram and many other local advocates have appealed for major loopholes for revenue loss to be closed.

Most recently, Ram renewed calls for Stabroek Block projects to be ring-

fenced, meaning, each pays for itself.

Ram has said there is no need for a renegotiation for this to be achieved.

The government only has to insist that this is a binding term for the production licences of Exxon’s future projects. In the absence of doing so, Ram explained that Guyana sets itself at two disadvantages: 1) it defers oil profits it is

entitled to receive today, to fund Exxon’s exploration and production programmes instead, and, 2) it becomes a de facto investor with no voice at the table or say in decision making in the Stabroek Block.

The Guyana Government has sadly maintained that it will do nothing; it will continue to grant ExxonMobil approvals for more projects, armed with the same onerous terms.

NRF Act does not authorize deduction of taxes for GRA...

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From page 19 provision in the Act which permits or authorises deduction of taxes for on behalf of the Guyana Revenue Authority. In fact, any unauthorised withdrawal from or interference with monies from the Fund constitutes an Offence, upon conviction, is liable to imprisonment and several million dollars in fine,” the AG explained.

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number of obligations in respect of the payment of taxes to the GRA on petroleum production. Nandlall contended, “Those provisions of that Agreement have obviously been overtaken by the Natural Resource Fund Act. It is a very rudimentary principle of law that if a contract conflicts with a Statute, the Statute shall prevail.”

He argued that the NRF

Act features a supremacy provision at Section 45 which states: “in the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Act and the provisions of any other law on fiscal matters and financial management, or between the provisions of the Act and the terms of a petroleum license, the provisions of this Act shall prevail.” According to the Legal Affairs Minister,

when the 2016 Agreement was ‘secretly executed’, there was no fiscal framework to regulate petroleum revenues and therefore, the extant framework at the time would have applied. With the NRF legislation now enacted, he informed that “It must prevail as the law of the land.” The AG was assertive that, “No agreement can stand in its path.”

OGGN: Govt. breaches sanctity of contract...

From page 14 the administration has used the ‘sanctity of contract’ principle to avoid renegotiating the agreement, even though a fundamental provision ring-fencing- can be implemented without changing the terms of the contract.

Ring-fencing would mandate that each oil project pay for itself.

It would also increase Guyana’s share of revenue after the project costs have

been recovered.

“The current government has pointed to the opposition signing the Stabroek Contract implying it is handcuffed from obtaining a better deal. However, the opposition has approved 2 Stabroek Block projects, i.e.

Liza 1 & Liza 2, while the current government has approved 3 projects: Payara, Yellowtail, and Uaru. Hence, the current government has allowed 3 opportunities to

slip by where they could have used ring-fencing to secure more oil money for Guyana,” OGGN reasoned.

The group argued that ring-fencing each project could result in billions of US dollars flowing to Guyana which can be used to help the over 40 percent of the population living on less than US$5.50 a day, however the GoG continues to “parrot the highly questionable sanctity of contract”.

Kaieteur News

Monday January 01, 2024

PAGE 23

Guyana Public Service Union...

From page 06 Unions that are Government friendly and ignore those perceived to be aligned to the opposition. Such a practice is hypocrisy and would inevitably defeat or derail the expected achievement of One Guyana.

The outpouring of support displayed by every Guyanese during this period of external threat is a display of their maturity and patriotism, which shows the kind of togetherness within our people, when fighting a common cause.

Similarly, there is a resounding call for some care and consideration to be shown to the daily struggles of workers embracing poverty, as a result of the trampling of their Constitutional Rights and exposes the immaturity and blatant discrimination by political elements.

Fundamentally, there is the lack of respect shown for the rule of law that protects against the arbitrary methodology exercised by the Government, especially as it relates to workers’ welfare and rights.

Mutuality of respect is a binding principle where the rule of law is equally accessed and applied to all.

To this end, there are wanton violations, by the powers that be, of legislations and legally binding agreements that are requirements to formalize relationships.

T h e Tr a d e U n i o n Recognition Act 1997 Section 23 speaks of bad faith negotiations and a remedy to be applied in such instances, whereas Article 147 (3) of the Guyana Constitution guarantees collective bargaining, as a mechanism to enable dialogue, between the workers’ representative and the employer.

There is also a breach of the Constitution of Guyana through political interference in the public service.

Being the recognized union to represent workers in the Guyana Public Service, the GPSU continues to call on the Government to put aside all highhandedness and frivolous tactics and engage in collective bargaining, ensuring that all political functionaries conduct themselves with due respect of the law of the land and to desist from acting unlawfully.

Such acts seem to be encouraged across the board, as without being vested with the relevant authority, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Region 6, issued a letter of dismissal to a public officer appointed by the Public Service Commission and is resisting all attempts to have the letter rescinded or to have the matter dealt with by the competent authority.

The non-compliance with the Constitutional protection of collective bargaining has eroded those structures, allowing for manipulation of the fundamental rights of workers to engage and participate in matters that are essential to their survival.

There is nationally the need for leadership that is respectful of the Constitution and legal rights of all, including unwavering support for the integrity of holders o f p u b l i c o ff i c e a n d c o n s t i t u t i o n a l institutions, which should act fearlessly when challenged by political office holders that seek to abuse their authority.

There are too often political abuse of workers’ rights and frustration and u n c e r t a i n t y i n succeeding to have timely resolution that often results in contentious resistance, e.g. as in the case of the matter involving the late Clarence Chue, Comptroller of Customs, where Court Orders were initially ignored by politicians when served b y H i g h C o u r t Marshalls, resulting in the intervention of labour power.

The Government has continued the ill-advised policy, adopted since the year 2001, after returning to office in the year 2020, which includes not meeting with the GPSU for negotiations in accordance with the terms of the Agreement for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes, resulting in many representations being inconclusive.

At the same time, they select proposals that were submitted for negotiation and arbitrarily implement aspects of them.

The manner in which this is being done is very disruptive, as was the case when Government messed with GPSU’s proposals for Health Sector Employees in

the Public Service. At the same time, it is clear that the motive is to give the impression that it is their initiative and deliberately attempting to deny the union’s involvement or give any recognition.

For far too long, w o r k e r s a r e shortchanged, even though projected targets are constantly surpassed and there are boasts of mega developments by the President on international platforms.

There are also boasts of progress in Guyana and the opportunities for investments.

Yet the labour force p i v o t a l t o t h e developments is not mentioned, but remains n e g lected and poorly treated, year after year.

These very workers are valued on the international market and have been known to seek and obtain better opportunities overseas, much to the detriment of t h e p o p u l a c e .

Governments’ neglect of the working class is seen as the linchpin that drains these valuable resources and if not corrected, would continue to prove detrimental to Guyana’s development in coming years.

The GPSU have been calling on the Government to take corrective action by working with Trade Unions to determine a suitable living wage for workers, and to improve their conditions of work, countrywide.

To evidence this growing trend, there was a recent report in the Guyana Times (December 29, 2023) “GPHC short of 600 nurses…146 Nurses resigned (in 2023)…number expected to grow”. The record also shows that 107 Nurses also resigned in 2022 from the GPHC. Other sectors are experiencing similar skilled shortages and it is no secret that better opportunities exist in labour markets overseas, where higher compensations way above the local labour market is paid.

The blunders of the government cannot continue to be to the detriment of the workers.

The US$214M EXXON cost recovery is a serious cause for concern. Stating that the “government will be more vigilant going forward” (Vice President Bharat Jagdeo – Kaieteur Ne ws of December 29,

2023) is very worrying.

There are wanton wastages taking place in the oil sector, where much needed resources are lost in lopsided arrangements. A Department o f P u b l i c I n f ormation Release of December 28, 2023 headlines “Dr. Jagdeo hails world-leading management of Guyana’s oil and gas sector…” “We’ve reformed our PSA; we’ve dealt with almost the whole industry.

So, it’s a model management despite what you hear … it’s one of the better-managed industries in any part of the world.

We have strengthened our environmental permits…we are way ahead of the world in terms of ending flaring.

So, great progress in that sector.”

When the terms and conditions of the contracts are considered and the enormity of benefits are allowed to be drained…Mr. Jagdeo’s press statement amounts to hilarity.

W i t h b e t t e r management of the oil and gas sector and less excuses as to why not, more resources would be

available to get people out of poverty, alleviate child hunger, stre ngthen social services and provide a living wage for workers of the Guyana Public Service – all of which are strategic to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In short, there is an absence of a political will and consistent leadership, which if put in place creates a fundamental basis for p r i o r i t i z i n g G u y a n a ’s h u m a n resources.

In its 100th year of existence, the GPSU h a s a p r o u d h i s t o r y, founded on the principles of respect and due proces s , from which public service w orkers have benefited.

For example, these are the fundamental right to Freedom of Association, the right to collective bargaining and social dialogue, the right to Occupational Safety and Health in the work environment, the right to just societies, social cohesion where priority is given to combat poverty and rising inequalities.

These fundamental pillars upon which collective bargaining must take place, is necessary for all to benefit. Once these rights are upheld and negotiations take place, an equitable solution to workers’ woes would be found.

The G uyana P ublic Service continues to f i g h t f o r t h e constitutionally guaranteed rights of w orkers in the G uyana P ublic S ervice and als o for good governance.

There are many obstacles and challenges to the opportunities to address the egregious c o n d i t i o n s o f employment under which workers have to d i s c h a r g e t h e developmental priorities of the Government in return for starvation wages.

As we reflect on what is before us, let us move ahead with one unified voice to bring about the change that is required to better the lives of all workers.

Once again please accept best wishes to you and your families for the New Year 2024.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Thursday December 28, 2023

Cummins changes the day after Shafique and Masood hint at dominance ESPNcricinfo - Captain Pat Cummins clean bowled Babar Azam with a gem of a delivery during a spectacular spell late on day two to trigger a Pakistan collapse as Australia gained control of the Boxing Day Test.

With the MCG surface seemingly flattening in sunny conditions, Pakistan had moved confidently to 124 for 1 before Cummins took over with three wickets as Australia look set for a valuable lead on the first innings.

It was a disappointment for Pakistan having mustered a resolute performance for much of the d a y. A f t e r d i s m i s s i n g Australia for 318 by lunch, Pakistan responded well with opener Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood building a 90-run partnership as they scored briskly after tea.

Having batted

watchfully through the second session, Shafique put the foot down with several superb strokes square of the wicket as he raced past his half-century.

Masood before the series promised his team would play a proactive brand and he led from the front by charging at offspinner Nathan Lyon and hitting him down the ground to good effect.

It was the type of domination rarely seen from Pakistan during more than two decades of misery in Australia, where they have lost 15 straight Test matches.

But Cummins took it upon himself to change the game with a magical fiveover spell where he accounted firstly for Shafique with a brilliant return catch in his follow through.

Then he renewed his battle with Babar, who

Pakistan desperately needed to stand up if they were to close in on Australia’s first innings. Cummins in Perth had worked over Babar before having him nicked off in Pakistan’s second innings.

He produced an even better delivery with a pearler that had late inward seam movement to befuddle Babar and hit the top of off stump.

Having removed Babar for 1, Cummins leapt in the air in celebration and Pakistan could not recover from the dispiriting dismissal of their talisman.

Lyon exacted revenge when Masood, shortly after reaching his half-century, holed out attempting another big stroke. It was Lyon’s second wicket having earlier removed opener Imam-ulHaq in his first match since taking his 500th Test wicket in the series-opener.

In his 16th innings of a fledgling Test cricket, Saud

Shakeel was dismissed for the first time under 20 when he was knocked over on 9 by a stellar delivery from quick Josh Hazlewood.

Cummins returned to the attack shortly before stumps and was met by an extraordinary six from recalled Mohammad Rizwan, who flicked him audaciously over deep backward square in a shot more reminiscent of whiteball cricket. But Cummins was not to be denied and capped what might prove to be a game-changing performance by dismissing allrounder Agha Salman.

Pakistan’s hopes of avoiding a hefty first innings deficit rest with Rizwan, who was in aggressive form in his return having been contentiously overlooked for the first Test with selectors sticking with incumbent wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Pakistan’s calamitous finish negated their earlier hard work having clawed back into the game with seven wickets in a prolonged first session after Australia resumed on 187 for 3 following a rain-interrupted opening day.

Pakistan’s quicks were backed up by a much better fielding effort. After several shoddy dropped catches so far this series, they hung on to tough chances in the

Pat Cummins wheels away in celebration after cleaning up Babar Azam. (Getty Images and Cricket Australia) outfield while wicketkeeper Rizwan produced a spectacular one-handed take diving to his right to dismiss counterpart Alex Carey.

But having enjoyed favourable bowling conditions, after Masood elected to field, Pakistan rued inconsistencies from their quicks while 52 extras bumped up Australia’s total.

Spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi’s tough start to the series continued and he finished with 2 for 85 from 27 overs. He has been unable to consistently find the right length and his pace continues to be down in what has been a bane in recent times.

Quick Aamer Jamal continued his strong start to Test cricket with three wickets, including Marnus Labuschagne who topscored for Australia with 63

in the only half-century in the innings. Having entered the match averaging just 35 in Test cricket this year, marked by troubles outside the off stump, Labuschagne looked far more assured as he navigated the tricky surface.

Labuschagne combined well with a confident Mitchell Marsh, who hit a quick 41 on the back of his twin half-centuries in Perth as he cements his position at No.6.

But Australia lost their last six wickets for 68 as P a k i s t a n ’s m o m e n t u m continued into their batting until Cummins’ unforgettable spell.

Scores: Pakistan 194 for 6 (Shafique 62, Masood 54, Cummins 3-37) trail Australia 318 (Labuschagne 63, Jamal 3-64) by 124 runs.

Impending retirement spurs South Africa’s Elgar to emotive test ton PRETORIA, (Reuters) The freedom of impending retirement from the test arena allowed South Africa opener Dean Elgar to produce one of his best innings as his unbeaten 140 handed the hosts an 11-run lead over India after day two of the first test at Centurion yesterday.

Last week the 36-yearold announced his intention to retire from international cricket after the two-test series and said having made the decision he had little to lose as the home side were 256-5 at stumps in reply to India’s first innings’ 245.

“I wanted to play with a bit of freedom,” Elgar said at the close of play after a knock of 211 balls that included 23 fours and saw

him celebrate with gusto as he reached the milestone.

Elgar, who made his test debut in 2012 and has played 84 since, said he had gone into the contest against the highly rated Indians with confidence after a good domestic season.

“I know people say it’s only domestic cricket and you still have to do the time in the middle but I’ve been in some really good form with the bat coming into the series and I was pretty confident. I don’t have a lot to lose now, do I? It’s my last series and I want to play with a bit of freedom.”

Elgar said that with the shackles off he felt freer.

“But I still want to perform, I still want to contribute to the

side and still want to get us into winning positions, still want to score test hundreds.

Today the luck was all on my side.”

It was a 14th test century for Elgar but the first at his home ground.

“It’s the one place where I’ve really wanted to score a test ton. I got 95 against Sri Lanka, buggered that one up and I thought today luck is on my side so I need to try and cash in and I’m extremely proud of it,” he said.

Elgar reached his century after lunch and said the pitch had eased off a little as the day wore on.

“Yes, obviously once you get in but you’ve got to earn that right, getting through 30 overs and the new ball,” he added.

Kaieteur News

ThursdayJanuary Monday November 01, 2024 24, 2022

PAGE 25 19

Sino-Truk Sprint New Year’s Day 2024 Horserace Meet…

Unbeaten Spankhurst aiming to beat Bossalina again Newly crowned Horse of t h e Ye a r C h a m p i o n , Spankhurst will have intentions to spoil his challengers New Year’s Day wish in today’s feature event of the Sino-Truck Sprint Horserace meet at Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.

Spankhurst will aim to defend his title in the curtain event of the seven-race New

Year’s Day card promoted

by Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC).

This race will be the opening day of the new 2024 racing season. Bossalina, who was beaten by Spankhurst on Boxing Day at Port Mourant racetrack, gets two ‘bites’ of the cherry this time around.

A victory over

Spankhurst could keep the tongues wagging, as many felt Bossalina should have been named Horse of the Year.

Their argument was based on defeat of last year’s Guyana Cup winner Alado, who also defeat her last year.

She holds a consistent record - having finished third in the Guyana Cup to Easy Time.

However, Spankhurst

Monday January 01, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can't force creativity. Not even you, Aries. As much as you want to produce something fantastic right this minute, you will find that mere mortals such as us need the help of a creative muse.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It seems that you're ready for a major change in your life, Libra. But take care that you don't implement change merely for the sake of change.

Think carefully about what you really want to do.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed with the combination of professional and social obligations. If you're doing any entertaining tonight, see if you can drum up some extra help.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You have a keen mind, Scorpio, and are always absorbing new bits of information. What is amazing is how much of it you manage to retain. Today, however, even your considerable brain may be taxed beyond its limits.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You could be feeling the pushpull of internal desires versus external demands today. As much as you want to stay in bed today, with covers pulled tight to your chin, the world is clamoring for your attention.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) When it comes to home improvement, there is something to be said for immediate gratification.

Today you could find yourself heading out to do some necessary shopping.

who closed his season with an unbeaten two from two record, winning the 1,200metre Sprint Classic on Guyana Cup Day in August, then closed off the season in his next start was on Boxing Day stretching out over one mile.

Spankhurst scored under a determined gate to wire success to withhold the challenge of Bossalina.

Little did his connection, Jumbo Jet Racing Stable, realize that success will lead to him being Horse of the Year under new trainer, Damain Dharamjit.

That success gave Spankhurst another first as he was written as top horse on the walls at the first ever Aw a r d s c e r e m o n y f o r horsemen and equine

athletes on last Friday night.

Spankhurst does not have an easy job in the curtain closer as horses bred in Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, and Brazil are seeking to dethrone him.

Time will tell whether the USA-bred Spankhurst will defend his unbeaten tag?

Meanwhile, John Bull, who defeated Easy Time, in a match race is now in the sixhorse lineup.

The Slingerz Stableowned Brazilian runner loves to be on the pace and is expected to match strides with Spankhurst from the off. If this does happen then Bossalina would be the biggest threat to both horses.

She has proven she is most effective sitting off the pace, and then launching her

challenge.

The other three horses for the feature event of the Sino Truck Classic are newly Canadian-bred importation, Stolen Money, who finished third to Spankhurst and Bossalina.

The roan grey Stolen Money gets another chance to boost his image. His quick turnaround could be his undoing. Amongst the other runners are Looking at Heaven, and Early Bird.

There will be six other competitive races on the day’s programme with Derby winner, Firecracker returning after her defeat to Guyana-bred Rachel. Six horses are also declared to start.

Post time for the sevenrace card is 12.00 hours.

Berbice River Bridge Closure to Road Traffic Monday January 01, 2024

For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 7:40hrs Tuesday January 02, 2024

For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 8:20hrs For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs

Demerara River Bridge Closure to Road Traffic Monday January 01, 2024

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Take care not to take on too much today, Sagittarius. Your intentions are certainly good and your motivation pure, but even you are limited by the fact that there are a mere 24 hours in a day.

For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 4:00hrs Tuesday January 02, 2024

For Ocean going Vessels & Trawlers 4:00hrs For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs DATE:29/12/2023

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6

5

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Don't take anything at face value today, Capricorn, especially if it involves money.

It's likely that a friend or colleague will approach you with a deal that is too good to pass up.

8

13 14 19 DATE:29/12/2023

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You really don't need to prove anything to anyone. You may be feeling under a bit of pressure to get a lot of work done. But some projects, especially those that require creativity, simply can't be rushed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Yo u m a y f i n d y o u r s e l f overwhelmed with information today, Aquarius. By midday both your voice mailbox and your email box could be full up. It seems everyone needs a piece of you today.

Evening

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You really don't need to prove anything to anyone, Leo. You may be feeling under a bit of pressure to get a lot of work done. Tthose that require creativity, simply can't be rushed.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Even though you might have to work today, Pisces, you should still try and take things fairly easy. You're just not ready to embrace your workload with your usual vigor. Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast and lunch.

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Afternoon

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G.L.C. 357 Lamaha Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown Tel:226-0753. While every effort is made to ensure numbers are correct, please call the hotline for confirmation, The G.L.C. and Kaieteur News cannot be held responsible for printing errors.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

2024 - Men and the “Lysistrata...

From page 28 “Imagine this now. We are at home, absolutely beautifully made up, well perfumed, wearing our sheerest negligees with nothing underneath, but with our triangles purposefully plucked. Our men, rock hard as stone and bone, cannot wait to jump into bed with us. Only, definitively, we absolutely refuse sex. I promise you that they will make peace soon enough.

You will see!”

The women then immediately locked themselves into the Acropolis, which was also the state treasury and contained all of the gold.

They steadfastly refused to have sexual relations with their husbands, beating senseless any desperate dolt who tried to breach their sanctuary. By the end of Aristophane’s stage play, the

husband-warriors, hobbling around uncomfortably with bubbling under-belly bulges, frantically agreed to stop warring.

Absolute continuing peace reigned.

The women then cooperated.

Life went on!

POSTLUDE TO THE LYSISTRATA SYNDROME Sounds familiar?

Is history repeating itself? Do not get me wrong. Today’s “Lysistrata Syndrome” is not based on anything as highhanded as a quest for world peace. Women are simply rejecting us men out of pique, distaste, irritation, m e n ’s a r r o g a n c e a n d asininity, competitiveness, revenge, changed identity, fatigue, anger. Name it, women are displaying it.

Athens and Sparta are at war again, but at our homes!

So, as you swagger, boast and pretend that you are

Colin Croft - Aged 70 New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA - 15 March 2023.

getting yours, pardon my smiles as I am male too. I know better, but it is also time to do something about our continuing predicament, now, if not sooner!

“The Lysistrata Syndrome” causes great pain, from crowns of men’s heads to callouses on feet.

Men must be better prepared, differently focused, or each succeeding New Year will find us just as rattled as we are towards 2024.

New strategies are needed, new tactics employed, while women, justifiably, continue to dance, prance and display class, successes, forms, wares and absolute beauty in men’s arrogant faces!

STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME THE LYSISTRATA SYNDROME Now, if you have been a “Lysistrata Syndrome” victim, you may have only three basic choices of strategy: Firstly, there is ‘The matching-funds play-book’: This takes very much discipline from men. You feign similar disinterest in her as she does in you.

Simply, you mirror your Lysistrata. You yawn when sex is mentioned.

You pretend to be asleep instantly as your head hits the pillows.

You speak of continence as a reasonable way of life.

When directly approached, you plead headaches and difficult workdays, hiding behind your neutrality. Who knows?

You may be pleasantly surprised as to how soon your Lysistrata becomes quite concerned and, perhaps, hopefully, how soon your life might actually warm up.

Secondly, there is The other woman threat’: Most men probably have had practice at this, but somehow do not like the reciprocals.

(When able, check out 1960’s classic awardwinning comedic film “The Apartment”). You bathe in female colognes, rub lipstick on your shirt, have crushed

roses in your pockets, and possess souvenirs from the best singles bars. You send passionate texts to yourself, signing them with women’s names, then, supposedly absentmindedly, leave these visible. Be prepared for a reaction, but this strategy could get you thrown out, pronto, or back into firm favor, depending on phases of the moon!

Thirdly, there is The other man threat’: This is

Monday January 01, 2024

(From Left) West Indies Fast Bowlers Joel Garner, Colin Croft, (Sir) Andy Roberts and Michael Holding - MCG, Australia 1979-80.

not as effective nowadays as it used to be in the distant past, since sexuality has become much more ‘open’, whatever your choices happen to be, but in some situations, there could still be dangers there too. In the past, if you were heterosexual, even loosely noting anything amorous pertaining to your same sex could have been seriously detrimental.

“Honey, do you not think that that George is a great

hunk?” That type of observation does not worry anyone anymore!

Those all come with big risks, but it remains that most men and their Lysistratas are still at war. However, if you are lucky enough and have survived unhurt, then hail to “L–Days,” all days a “Love Day.” So, I wish all a “Happy New Year 2024”, including all of you Lysistratas too!!

Thank you, Asa Baber.

Peace!!

West Indies Fast Bowlers Colin Croft and Joel Garner - QPO, T&T - 1976-7.

Monday January 01, 2024

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Nadal makes longGFF-KFC Elite League awaited comeback in Cup Final confirmed for Brisbane doubles defeat today January 1, 2024 - Western Tigers battle Guyana Defence Force

BRISBANE, (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal returned to action for the first time since January at the Brisbane International yesterday, losing his doubles match but overall showing no obvious after-effects of the hip injury that ruined his year.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who is gearing up for the Jan. 14-28 Australian Open, sustained the hip problem in his second round loss at Melbourne Park at the start of 2023 and ended his season early after having surgery in June.

Nadal rekindled his partnership with retired veteran Marc Lopez, with whom he won an Olympic gold medal in 2016, for his comeback but the duo lost 6-4 6-4 to Australians Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson at a packed Pat Rafter Arena.

“It’s great to see Rafa back,” said Thompson. “I’ve been on the receiving end a couple of times in singles, so it’s nice to get him back on a doubles court.”

The 37-year-old Nadal was warmly welcomed by fans who held up Spanish flags

and supportive messages while the loudest cheers were reserved for his trademark whipped shots and a powerful crosscourt backhand winner in the opening set.

Nadal is likely to get a similar reception in his singles opener on Tuesday against qualifier Dominic Thiem, whom he beat in the 2018 and 2019 French Open finals and holds a 9-6 win-loss record against.

Former women’s world number one Naomi Osaka will also make her comeback following maternity break when she meets Tamara Korpatsch today, Monday.

The 26-year-old from Japan last competed on the tour in September 2022 and welcomed her first child, daughter Shai, in July. Former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens got her campaign off to a good start as she beat Katerina Siniakova 7-5 6-3 while Camila Giorgi survived a scare to get past Peyton Stearns 5-7 6-2 6-3.

Russian 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva also reached the second round with a 6-2 6-3 win over Diana Shnaider.

Tottenham end Bournemouth hot streak with 3-1 victory

G

uyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde has extended his thanks to the players, officials and fans for their cooperation and understanding during the past few weeks as the federation worked diligently to reschedule the GFF-KFC Elite League Cup final.

The highly anticipated final between Western Tigers and the Guyana Defence Force football clubs is set to take place today, January 1, 2024, at the Eve Leary Sports Ground in Kingston, Georgetown.

“Thank you to the sponsors, players, coaches and fans for their cooperation and understanding following the December postponement prompted by the tragic crash involving members of the finalist Guyana Defence Force,” President Forde shared.

The December 8 match was postponed due to the

nation mourning the loss of five members of the Guyana Defence Force, who tragically died in a plane crash on December 7.

“We are looking forward to a memorable conclusion to this exhilarating tournament which has showcased some of the finest talents in Guyana,” the GFF top official added.

Western Tigers and Guyana Defence Force are contending for the top prize of $1.5 million and the runner-up reward of $1 million.

In the opening matchup, Guyana Police Force and Buxton United will vie for the third-place prize of $500,000 and the fourthplace reward of $250,000.

GFF Competitions D i r e c t o r Tr o y P e t e r s confirmed the completion of all arrangements for the final and third-place matches.

“Every necessary arrangement has been finalised for the upcoming final matches. Both teams

and officials are ready and the fans are buzzing with anticipation to witness the crowning of the cup winner.

We anticipate an outstanding conclusion to a tournament that has produced thrilling matches and incredible football.”

The journey to the finals has been remarkable for the Guyana Defence Force, securing an undefeated streak with five wins, accumulating a total of 15 points in Group A. Meanwhile, Western Tigers claimed the Group B pinnacle, amassing 12 points through four victories and a single loss.

Other teams in Group A were Santos, Fruta Conquerors and Milerock, while Group B also featured Den Amstel, Victoria Kings, and Ann’s Grove.

The kick-off for the third-place match is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by the highlyanticipated final showdown at 8 p.m.

LONDON, (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur brought resurgent Bournemouth down to earth with a flattering 3-1 Premier League victory thanks to goals by Pape Matar Sarr, Son Heung-min and Richarlison yesterday.

Bournemouth were unbeaten in seven league games with six wins in that sequence and they will wonder how that run was not extended as they dominated in rain-hit north London.

Sarr gave Tottenham an early lead before he went off injured while captain Son and Richarlison scored late on after the home side had ridden their luck against a slick visiting side. Alex Scott replied for Bournemouth in the 84th minute but it was scant consolation for Andoni Iraola’s side whose 24 goal attempts was double the number of Tottenham.

Unconvincing as it was, Tottenham’s win sent them into the New Year in the thick of the battle for a top-four finish.

They are in fifth place with 39 points from 20 games, one behind fourth-placed Arsenal and only three adrift of leaders Liverpool who have played a game less.

“Every week is a battle and we had to battle today. At the same time I thought we played some decent stuff as well,” Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said.

“We’re trying to build something. I’m at pains to keep repeating myself but we’re trying to build a team that plays a bit differently and has some resilience and you

can only gain that through tough times.”

Postecoglou’s side, still missing a host of first-team players and the suspended Dejan Kulusevski, started brightly and pressed Bournemouth into early errors with keeper Neto’s casual ball out being closed down by Rodrigo Bentancur with the ball breaking to Sarr who dispatched a low shot into the net.

Bournemouth quickly settled though and Marcus Tavernier’s free kick flew narrowly wide while in-form striker Dominic Solanke saw an effort deflect off Tottenham’s Ben Davies and on to the top of the crossbar shortly before halftime.

Patched-up Tottenham had suffered yet another injury blow before that when Sarr limped off looking distraught.

Bournemouth continued to control proceedings in the second half with Solanke, who had nine goal attempts, forcing saves from Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario.

The visitors were left to rue their missed chances though on the 70th minute as Son got clear on the left of the area and thumped a left-footed shot beyond Neto.

Richarlison wrapped it up with a simple finish from Brennan Johnson’s delivery — the Brazilian’s fifth goal in his last five Premier League appearances.

Tottenham played the final stages with 10 men after substitute Alejo Veliz went off injured and Bournemouth’s late rally caused jitters in the home ranks as Scott touched home and then had another goal ruled out for offside.

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Monday January 01, 2024

2024 - Men and the “Lysistrata Syndrome!”

By Colin E. H. Croft Are you really ready for Leap Year 2024? If you are, then “Happy New Year 2024!!” Good luck to all!

As 2023 ends, it has been an incredibly significant year in my lifetime, for, on 15 March 2023 - “The Ides of March 2023”, which commemorated that same day in 44 B.C. when Julius Caesar was casually carved up by his so-called friends at the Roman Senate - I became 7 0 y e a r s o l d . Ye s !

Unbelievable but true!

That I have survived this long, still in quite good shape, a roof over my head, not hungry, with emergency funds available, having overcome a gazillion episodes of severe external stimuli, is a major miracle.

More later, but, yes, I too

have many hopes and still tremendous ambitions for 2024 and many years beyond!

So many have tried their darndest to bring about my demise, but I know, while not being devoutly Christian; I do go to church regularly; that “God is truly Great!!”Indeed, many of the ultra-vile ones who had tried hard to destroy me have themselves been made frigid; hopefully gone to eternal heat in hades!

I also know that I am quite fortunate and very blessed to be still in decent shape; six feet six inches (198 cm) tall, 235 pounds (106 kg), almost at my 1983 “fighting weight” as an International Cricketer, still not needing Viagra, Cialis or Levitra, but still running much and riding well!! God

(From left) Former WI Fast bowlers Colin Croft, Reon King, Courtney Walsh and (Sir) Curtly Ambrose - SVRS - ANU, 2022.

is indeed Great!! Amen!!

PRELUDE TO THE LYSISTRATA SYNDROME Enough about me for now, but, ready or not, here comes 2024; “The Year of the Dragon”. So, if you are prepared for 2024’s steam, following the super carnage on 2023’s roads, and continuing, fire-breathing conflicts everywhere, let us proceed to something much lighter and different, as previously previewed in 1984 by author and Princeton University alumni Asa Baber, (1936 – 2003), which always makes me smile!

Let us be honest here.

No-one cares about your New Year’s resolutions or predictions for 2024’s economy. Hey, this is your old partner “Bomber Crofty”

Colin Croft (left) and current CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow WI v IND - FLL – 2023. talking here. Do not try to B. S. one who has survived so much overt B. S. everywhere. What do you really think about when you look forward to New Year 2024?

In truth, all men really think about is warmth, comfort and approval, in some form. Right? We wonder where those qualities will come from and in what abundance. Would 2024 be a good year or a downer? Who will be our partners in luck and especially in love? What would be the momentum of our sex lives?

“My sex life?” you expound as if insulted. “My sex life is so fine, man, it is divine! How in hell can you even ask me that? Listen! I am okay. Alright? Really, really okay.

You get it?”Yeah.

I get it. In Caribbean parlance, you lie like a dog! You are just like most of us men; severely internally sexually insecure!

Yes, your public image is that of a satisfied stud, even now, with women’s truly excellent achievements and magnificent female independence in all sectors.

‘Do I look worried?’ is the expression on your face, but deep down in your gut, there is a massive reservoir of confusion and uncertainty about your sexual future.

No-one ever voices it but it is there, like an intense toothache.

Comfort, warmth, approval and sexual states come and go as men evolve. We live through unpredictable seasons, but when it is cold, it can be very chilly indeed. We wonder, as another year turns, how troubled, tough, tepid or cool this one will be.

You are not alone. Far

from it. Take a good look at your brothers-in-arms as they crack dirty jokes while chugging rum at cricket and soccer games, pretending that all is well. They are not doing any better than you.

Their spigots have been regularly shut off too, but, like you, they pretend that nothing substandard is amiss.

Their exterior surfaces are so smooth, but, like you, their inner emotions are a sumptuous mess.

No-one talks about it or ventures to name it, but there is this great pandemic sweeping through the men of the entire world, one that did not come from anywhere. It simply appeared, and is a clear and present product of rejection, dissatisfaction, dejection and discontent from women. It is women against men!

West Indies Fast Bowler Colin Croft v England - Leeds, UK 1980.

THE LYSISTRATA SYNDROME This purveying pandemic is called “The Lysistrata Syndrome.” It has spread everywhere worldwide. Women are purveyors of it; men have no choice but to deal with its results and residues. “The Lysistrata Syndrome” – women withhold, men withdraw and wither abominably; the c u l t u r e ’s t e m p e r a t u r e plummets!

FYI: Two thousand, four hundred and thirty-four years ago, Greek playwright Aristophanes wrote a very enjoyable theatric play about sexual rejection called “Lysistrata.” First produced in Athens in 411 B.C., it told the tale of a very formidable woman named Lysistrata, who decided to bring peace to the continually warring states of Athens and Sparta.

(Surely, such a woman is needed right now in the Middle East!)

“Ladies,” Lysistrata said to the gathered women’s council, “it is really quite simple. If we want peace between these warring states, and for our husbands to be less war-like, we simply must give up sex!”The women argued for some time about that.

Voluptuously attractive Calonice totally be opposed that plan. “Give up sex?

What? Never! Lysistrata Darling, there is nothing like it! How would that help end wars?”

“How? I will tell you how,” replied Lysistrata.

(Continued on page 26)

Kaieteur News

Monday January 01, 2024

PAGE 29

UDFA Banks DIH/Jai Signs Christmas Club Futsal C/Ship Semifinals

McAllister on target with 9 goals as Capital FC shatters Botafago hopes with, 14-10, OT win, Milerock stave off Winners Connection, 4-2 Armed with a deadly shooter on the night Tyric McAllister, Capital FC were on target with a 14-10 win in extra period play, after both teams were knotted at 10 in regulation play, while Milerock proved too tough for Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection coming out 4-2 winners on Friday night in semifinal play in the Banks DIH/ Jai Signs Inter Club Christmas Futsal championship being played at the Retrieve hard Court.

The winners will battle for $1M on New Year’s night while the losers will match skills for $400,000.

Tyric McAllister stunned the crowd on hand with a ruthless display in hammering home nine goals, with the last four coming in the time allotted for the determination of the winner, after in dramatic fashion both teams were in a 10-10 stalemate after regulation play ended.

This game was played with two teams playing as if it were the final, and for Botafago the man of the moment was Omar Brewley who was on target early in the second period of play,

West Indies arrive in Australia to begin preparation for twotest series

after Capital FC had eased into a, 5-2, lead at lemon time.

Brewley it was who would give Botafago the lead after initially trailing, 73, and that 10-9 nudge ahead for his sixth goal, seemed enough to see them through with a few minutes left on the game clock.

However, that was not to be and McAllister would counter first by getting his sixth goal to match the herculean effort of Brewley and knot the scores 10-10 as the game ended regulation play.

In the time given for a decider McAllister displayed a freakish touch as he was clinical in putting four past the hapless Botafago goalkeeper, who was dumbfounded in the end.

It was a jaw-dropping display of shooting and McAllister’s nine goal tally was supported by teammates Mortimer Giddings with two and one each by Duquan Wilson and Emanuel Atkins.

Brewley‘s amazing six goals were buffered by Amaniki Buntin who scored a hat-trick and the two by

West Indies Captain Kraigg Brathwaite.

SportsMax - The West Indies Test squad successfully arrived in Australia on Saturday to begin preparation for their two-test series against the reigning ICC World Test Champions and World Cup winners.

The first Test will begin on January 16 in Adelaide before the teams move to Brisbane for the second Test to begin on January 24.

The ‘Men in Maroon’ will then turn their attention to three ODIs from February 1-5 and three T20Is from February 9-13.

The West Indies last won a Test against Australia way back in 2003 and their last series win came in 1993.

Full squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Alzarri Joseph (VC), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin greaves, Joshua Da Silva, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Zachary McCaskie

Jashawn Moore came in the first half.

The other semifinal was contested by a jaded Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection, having battled in the GFF League tournament earlier in the evening, they faced a Mileorck side which was

determined to win.

The game eventually ended 4-2 for Milerock after they had taken control in the first period of play for a 3-1 cushion.

M i l e r o c k ’s M a r c u s Tudor was in good form scoring twice and the others

by Allan Halley and Jonah

Simon.

For the losing Wi n n e r s C o n n e c t i o n , Nicholas Gentle and Andre Phillips got their goals in that losing cause.

Come New Year’s night (tonight) Winners Connection face Botafago for third position while the championship game is

between Milerock and Capital FC. The sponsors for this U D FA s a n c t i o n e d tournament are Banks DIH, Jai Signs, Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc., B. Harry Lumber Yard and General Store and Jermaine and Son Super Markets.

Kaieteur News

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Monday January 01, 2024

Spankhurst lands the ‘Jumbo’ prize at 2023 horseracing 1st award ceremony

The connections of the outstanding performers with their accolades.

Spankhurst leads the field.

Spankhurst was adjudged Horse of the Year at the recently held H o r s e r a c i n g Aw a r d s Ceremony held at Old Broom Lounge (OBL), Miss

Phoebe, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

It was the first time in the history of the long standing sporting event that equine stars, and horsemen were recognised.

The gestation of this Awards Ceremony was formulated, and discussed by the One Guyana Horse Racing Committee (OGHRC).

This inaugural Award Ceremony is considered the launching pad for the future recognition of those who have made the sport and industry what it is today.

Therbhuwan Jagdeo, OGHRC’s member speaking about birth of this Award Ceremony stated, “This is the start. There is a lot more to come and if stakeholders, horsemen, race fans, and our countryman are wondering aloud. The reason is, we want to get the message out there to sensitise people. To know we recognise the achievement of our sporting and equines for their labour of love.”

“May I point that the little man(jockey) is given a big job to steer a 1,000 pound animal. This is not an easy task, as some may think. If you ask why, now. I will explain the sport is now getting on a proper footing as stated by Mr Dennis Deoroop (feature speaker).

The Act to regulate horse racing will be enacted very early next year,” Jagdeo advised.

Jumbo Jet Racing Stables, who owns Spankhurst now trained by Damain Dharamjit beat out Bossalina in the Horse of the Year Award ‘race.’

Spankhurst’s victory over Bossalina at Port Mourant Turf Club on Boxing Day gave the unbeaten importation the edge over the consistent Bossalina for the prestigious award. Spankhurst who won the Sprint Classic on Guyana Cup placed him at the top of the standings.

He was the only unbeaten horse this season.

There was no standout horse this year, as Alado was last year when winning the Guyana Cup and the President’s Cup. While Guyana-bred roan grey three-year-old filly, Rachel owned and bred by Bronson Cheefoon was voted Champion three-yearold. Her success earned the Cheefoon’s family the Champion breeder title also.

They and Jumbo Jet Racing Stables earned two awards apiece.

And in the open category T&T-bred Red Ruby was voted Champion three-yearold.

The well attended ceremony received raves from the wide cross section of people and not only from the horse racing industry, but from persons representing different sporting disciplines, and offices in the country.

Monday January 01, 2024

Kaieteur News

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BCB/Dr. Amarnath Dukhi Under15 tournament

Pereira, Ramnarace and Sookhlall excel as Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Limited record two victories The Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Limited Under15 team have started the Berbice Cricket Board Dr. Amarnath Dukhi 2024 Under15 tournament with two huge victories. The team defeated Whim by 8 wickets at the Chesney ground on Thursday and then defeated Upper Corentyne by a massive 189 runs at the Skeldon Community Center ground. The highlights of the first two rounds was a majestic 101 not out by Matthew Pereira versus Upper Corentyne and the bowling of offspin duo Komalchan Ramnarace and Akash Sookhlall.

Playing at the Chesney ground, Whim won the toss and elected to take for strike.

They were bundled out for a meager 51 in 17.2 overs.

Arjune Dasrat top scored with 18 for Whim who are making a return to youth cricket in Berbice after an absence of over 20 years. Off spinner Akash Sookhlall took five wickets for 11 runs from 7 impressive overs and received support from skipper Komalchan Ramnarace 3 for 4 from 4 overs and pacer Rafael McKenzie two for 11 from 5 overs.

Needing to score 52 runs from their allotted 50 overs Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes limited raced to 54 for two in 12 overs with

Akash Sookhlall

Balraj Narain and Munesh Rampersaud scoring 15 each. Ramnarace was unbeaten on 8, while national Under13 player Tameshwar Deonandan was on 6 when victory was achieved.

On Friday the visiting team won the toss and elected to bat first against Upper Corentyne who last week defeated a strong Port Mourant team. Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes were given a solid opening partnership by Munesh Rampersaud and Matthew Pereira. They added 62 in 13 overs before Rampersaud fell for 23. Pereira carried his bat throughout the innings to end on an unbeaten 101 from 124 balls as his team reached 260 for eight from their allotted 45overs. The elegant Pereira struck 8 delightful boundaries and a massive 6.

Komalchan Ramnarace 30, Sohail Mohammed 28 and Akash Sookhlall 15 offered support in the middle order.

Ganesh took 3 for 40 for Upper Corentyne.

In reply Upper Corentyne were bowled out for 71 from 20.3 overs.

Thakurdeen top scored with 20, while Aryan Singh supported with 16. Bowling for Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Komalchan claimed 3 for 9 and Akash Sookhlall 4 for 17. Pacers Rafael McKenzie, Dev

Seepersaud and Munesh Rampersaud took a wicket apiece.

The tournament is being sponsored by famed Guyanese medical doctor Amarnauth Dukhi and would be used to select the Berbice Inter County team.

Komalchan Ramnarace

Matthew Pereira