Kaieteur News

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Thursday Edition Chinese gold company AIETEUR NEWS operating in Guyana records 20% increase in gold production last year

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

January 04, 2024 - Vol. 17 No. 01

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 56,179

“Law supersedes contract”…

AG Nandlall may have found “magic formula” for Guyana to bypass $276 billion in tax

payments for Exxon & partners ...But he still has 10 outstanding questions to answer

- Chris Ram

Man sues state for $35M for unlawful imprisonment GWI to upgrade ‘Tek-a-bribe’ housing staff fired, agedinpipelines city to be charged - Min. Croal

Teacher dies in Port Mourant fire …two houses gutted in inferno, elderly woman homeless

Man playing with gun kills brother, injures baby

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Thursday January 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

“Law supersedes contract”...

AG Nandlall may have found “magic formula”for Guyana to bypass $276 billion in tax payments for Exxon & partners ...But he still has 10 outstanding questions to answer - Chris Ram Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall may have found a “magic formula” that helps Guyana circumvent the onerous tax obligations of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

Making this contention was Chartered Accountant a n d A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Christopher Ram in a letter to Kaieteur News. Ram had written in a Stabroek News column that the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) is holding over $276B which belongs to the Guyana Revenue Authority to cover the tax obligations of ExxonMobil and its partners.

Guyana is required to hand over this money to GRA so that the tax agency can properly issue certificates of payment to the oil companies.

To reiterate, what binds Guyana to this chain of events is the Stabroek Block PSA. AG Nandlall has since informed the nation via a statement on his Facebook Page that the NRF Law does not permit any such withdrawals for GRA. Doing so would be against the law and could even attract jail time. Nandlall even noted that the contract is superseded by the NRF law.

The AG also noted that the fact of the matter is that the NRF revenues are held in a government account, known

to all and sundry and transfers are in any case made to the Consolidated Fund when appropriated by the National Assembly.

In keeping with such an argument, Ram said the AG may have offered Guyanese the best news for the year. In the absence of those payments going to GRA, it is impractical that GRA can still issue the certificates properly to the oil companies. On this premise, Ram said the AG has essentially shown Guyanese that the onerous tax provisions of the Stabroek Block deal can indeed be circumvented.

In other words, the AG has found a way for Guyana to bypass paying GRA the outstanding $276 Billion in taxes for Exxon and its partners.

“If his statements represent the Government's position, it is the best news for the country at the beginning of a new year.

It also portends that Guyana can settle other concerns about the environment, insurance, level of royalty and allocation of profits in the Agreement without adverse implications,” said Ram. For further clarity on Nandlall's position, Ram also posed 10 key questions for the AG to answer. Those questions are as follows:

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall

1. Does his statement on his Facebook page represent his and the Government's official position, or was it personal and unofficial?

2. Did he or the subject Minister, at any time since the passage of the NRF in 2021, have any discussion with Exxon, Hess and CNOOC on his interpretation of the implications and consequences for the Agreement?

3. Were his interpretation and its consequences accepted by the oil companies?

4. Was there a resolution in accordance with Article 32 (3) and how was that resolution

formalised?

5. Since he does not agree with my interpretation of Article 15 (4) (b) of the Agreement regarding Government's obligation to pay the tax out of its share of profit oil, can he say what the correct interpretation is?

6. By virtue of section 45 of the NRF Act to which he accords supremacy status, is Guyana now relieved of the obligation to pay the taxes of the oil companies?

7. Would he be kind enough to provide a schedule, with particulars, of the Certificates of Taxes issued by the Guyana

Revenue Authority under Article 15 of the Agreement?

8. What was the source of the money used to pay such taxes for the oil companies?

9. If no Certificates of Taxes were issued, were there any other receipts, acknowledgments, documents or confirmation from the GRA to the oil companies of taxes paid on their behalf?

10. Given Anil's assertion that the Agreement is overtaken by legislative changes, does he consider that further changes are within the exclusive powers of the Government, without restoration of benefits?

GWI to upgrade aged pipelines in the city - Min. Croal ...as residents complain about low water pressure Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Coral announced on Wednesday that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is working to address the replacement of aged water transmission pipelines within Georgetown.

While speaking at a press briefing, the

Housing Minister said, “The changing out of the main transmission lines is integral for us here on the Georgetown programme, because even now GWI cannot increase the pressure for Georgetown unless we change out some of these systems.”

Croal further noted that, “another focus

is for the reduction of our non-revenue water, which therefore includes removal or changing out of many of the aged pipe systems.”He highlighted that members of the public may have witnessed leakages in the vicinity of Bank of Guyana or the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 04, 2024

PAGE 03

Chinese gold company operating in Guyana records 20% increase in gold production last year Z

ijin Mining Group Co. Ltd, a Chinese-state owned mining giant operating in Guyana, has declared a remarkable 20% increase in gold production for the year 2023.

This surge marks a significant rise in their output, with the company stating a production of 67 tonnes of gold, compared to the 56 tonnes produced in 2022.

The announcement was released in relation to the Production Volumes of Major Products for the Year 2023.

Notably, these production volumes encompass the entire output of subsidiaries and joint ventures, presented on an equity basis.

However, Zijin emphasised that the figures

provided are based on preliminary calculations, with specific and official data set to be disclosed in the audited 2023 annual report.

Zijin Mining Group's presence spans across 17 provincial-level regions in China and encompasses operations in 15 countries worldwide, including their ventures in Guyana.

Their foothold in Guyana's mining landscape was solidified in August 2020 when they acquired the largest gold mines operation in the country from Canadian-owned Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) for a substantial sum of US$238 million.

Notably, efforts have been made for the release of mining contracts from the Government of Guyana, particularly large-scale

contracts, as per Guyana's commitment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Despite these

an extensive area of 12 square kilometers or 2,965 acres. Zijin now possesses full ownership of this project, which is actively operational and characterized by

setbacks leading to its temporary closure.

However, after Zijin Mining took charge, production resumed, and the venture turned profitable in

requirements, the administration has been slow to disclose these agreements.

The Aurora gold project, originally developed by Guyana Goldfields, operates in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region as both an open-pit and underground mining operation, sprawling across

Orogenic gold deposits. It boasts substantial Mineral Resources, inclusive of Mineral Reserves, containing approximately 6 million ounces of gold with a grade of 2.54 grams per tonne.

Notably, the project encountered financial

the same year as its acquisition.

The company shared plans for the project's expansion, highlighting ongoing technological enhancements and process optimizations.

With a current daily throughput of 7,500 tonnes,

the project aims to achieve its n a m e p l a t e c a p a c i t y, anticipated to surpass an annual gold production of 4 tonnes once fully operational.

However, while Zijin has announced increase in production, Guyana's annual gold declaration has been on the decline since 2017.

The Ministry of Finance Mid-Year-Report for 2023 highlighted that there was a drop in gold declarations for the first 6 months last year.

The ministry attributes the decline to low declarations made by small and medium scale miners.

It was stated that at the end of June, gold declarations stood at 209,756 ounces, compared with 236,728 ounces during the same period last year, an 11.4% decrease.

Man sues state for $35M for unlawful imprisonment A

minibus operator has sued the state for $35M after he was unlawfully arrested and imprisoned by the police last year October.

Richard Rodney, a minibus operator of Industry, East Coast Demerara was unlawfully arrested, detained and then imprisoned by members of the Guyana Police Force, his lawyer Dexter Todd detailed in a press release on Wednesday.

Todd said that Rodney has since filed the lawsuit seeking compensation in excess of thirty five million ($35,000,000) for his unlawful arrest, detention and imprisonment without any proper investigation or logical cause.

In the press release the lawyer said that on Wednesday October 4, 2023 Mr. Rodney was driving a mini-bus which he operates as public transportation along the East Coast public road in the vicinity of Sugrim Singh Road when he was stopped at a road block that was being manned by the Guyana Police Force.

Rodney, the lawyer said was told to “get out of the vehicle” by a Police Officer (name withheld) who took him to an inspector of police, indicating to the inspector that an arrest warrant was out for M r. R o d n e y, p a r t i c u l a r l y

surrounding an outstanding balance owed for a battery.

“Mr. Rodney was taken to the Sparendaam Police Station by the said police officer who went into a room and brought out an arrest warrant for damage to property in which the defendant on that warrant was sentenced to six months in prison by the Magistrate.

Mr. Rodney indicated to the officer that he was not that person; neither does he live at the address stated on the warrant.

He further showed the officer his driver's license and indicated that they should do proper investigation to know who they are looking for as that person is not him.

Unfortunately, Mr. Rodney's pleas fell on deaf ears as the police officer indicated that it was Mr. Rodney who was sentenced, that he didn't care to hear about anything else and that Mr. Rodney must spend six months in jail for the matter,” attorney Todd detailed.

According to the lawyer, Mr. Rodney was arrested and later that evening taken to the Cove and John Police Station where he was placed in the lock-ups.

The next morning Rodney's hands and feet were shackled and he was subsequently taken to the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court

Attorney-at-law, Dr Dexter Todd where the issue of the battery was settled,' the lawyer related.

However, Mr. Rodney was then taken to the Sparendaam Police Station where he was again shackled.

“He told the station Sergeant there that they have the wrong person but she refused to listen and even told him that he should serve his time and let his family fight his case after that.

They further refused to call the complainant to verify if police had indeed arrested the right person.”

According to Todd, Rodney was then taken to the Lusignan Prison where he was admitted as an inmate of the prison to serve a sentence of six months.”

Mr. Rodney told his story to

multiple officers, including senior Prison Officer Mr. Charles, who did some investigation of his own and unearthed that indeed Mr. Rodney was who he said he was and not the person the police should have arrested.”

The lawyer noted that on Friday October 6, 2023 at about 7pm Mr. Rodney was collected from the prison and taken to the Brickdam Police Station by the police where he was made to give a statement and then subsequently handcuffed again and later placed in the lock ups of the Brickdam Police Station. On Saturday October 7, 2023 Rodney was taken to the CID office at the Brickdam Police Station then to the Lusignan Prison then to the Brickdam Police Station again and thereafter back to the

Lusignan Prison with the correct person,' the lawyer explained.

“At about 2pm on Saturday October 7, 2023 Mr. Rodney was taken by the police onto the Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara where he was then released from custody.”

Lamenting the actions of the police, Attorney Todd said “a mere phone call to the virtual complainant in the matter or verification of the information provided by Mr. Rodney would have been sufficient to prove that he was not the person who was sentenced to prison by the court.

It was not until the prison service got involved that the truth of the story was unearthed and the Guyana Police Force realised they had imprisoned the wrong person. “

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

No relief for the suffering poor Guyanese at the bottom of the economic ladder are gasping for breath. High cost of living is slowly suffocating them. The ‘small’ money that citizens have in their hands buys less and less when they go shopping.

Shopping for essentials, especially food and medicines, can be a parent’s worst nightmare, a state of intensifying fearfulness since higher prices could be what awaits, have to be paid. The PPPC Government has more millions in its hands, but it does not prioritize what is helpful to hurting people, but is more about projects, where underhanded activities have drained the nation’s coffers, and enriched political operators.

Struggling citizens have scant interest in another project that involves cement and steel, and the many millions that go into them, to erect new monuments to our prosperity.

Whose prosperity, certainly not the many citizens living in poverty, and often hungry? Guyanese learn of more loans taken, and more millions borrowed for building road and educational and health capacity, and they wonder what about the yawning, gnawing capacity in their stomachs that cannot be half-filled almost daily. Why is it with all the sweet political speeches from leaders that citizens still live at the same standard (perhaps worse) as eight years ago, when the first announcements came about oil discoveries?

The statistics say that Guyanese are incredibly rich, yet there are all these citizens of Guyana that struggle to buy greens and vegetables to put a simple meal on the table for their families.

The PPPC Government, an unequalled master at propaganda, has said that it cares. The question that can be asked is what do the Government and its leaders really care about, aside from the self-enriching interests of both. When everything else becomes a distant second, when the struggles of poor and weak and vulnerable citizens amount to more opportunities for political games, then care is not a factor. But only another instance of the conceits and corruptions that control the minds of the government specifically, and local politicians in general.

Handing out money as an expression of care for children and the plight of their parents is not only helpful, but also inspired.

When, however, there is the taint of encouragement for elections purposes, because of the timing, then talk about care comes across as circumstances of hardship converted into circumstances of political expediency and convenience. A good thing, what was believed to have started out as meaningful and helpful, falls flat on its face. What about when there are no elections on the calendar? Are those in need then callously left on their own, to get by however they can, by whatever means?

Caring that is genuine is full-time, and it has no strings that tie it to anything. There is nothing that links it to the politically suspect, what could be interpreted as the calculating underhandedness of politicians with no heart, most likely little by way of integrity and plain human decency left. Tens of thousands of Guyanese across the various regions are grappling with cost of living, especially in the remote hinterland communities of our first peoples, and all they are useful for is to fulfill some role that keeps politicians in business, and enrich them further. We can be proud of the hundreds of billions in Guyanese dollars that is spent on wood and glass, sand and asphalt, but our left behind do not have enough to buy food. High cost of living is not a big table with numbers on it; high cost of living is a table without enough food on it, it is a house with less and lesser hope, as the days go by.

When so many Guyanese are faint with hope, so infirm of feet, when forced to face vendors and sellers, then all this chatter about caring and world class richness makes a mockery of their painful existence. No government should be pleased to stand over such a situation. No President of authentic leadership attributes should preside over what Guyanese live with, leaving them unable to cope. Only the sustained and the materially significant in hand is going to make a difference and not the usual politicking and selfcongratulating by this PPPC Government at the controls.

Thursday January 04, 2024

The Shame of Gaza

DEAR EDITOR Down the corridors of the centuries future generations would ask of this generation of human beings, what kind of people we were? This question would spring from what is happening in Gaza today. At the time of writing some 22,000 civilians have been killed by the bombing of Israel on the tiny strip of land some twenty-one mile long and four miles wide.

Some 60,000 are seriously injured. The victims are mainly children and women. These figures change significantly on a daily basis. More bombs have been dropped there in two months than were dropped in Afghanistan in twenty years; or those dropped in Dresden in Germany or in Japan during the Second World War. In addition to the dead and injured the destruction is horrendous. Of the 2.4 million people in the Gaza, 2 million had their homes destroyed by Israel’s bombs.

Places to bury the dead have run out and people are being put into mass graves. The Fascist Netanyahu regime is even using food as a weapon.

By preventing food and

medicine from going into the strip people are starving and diseases are on the rise.

Medical staff at the very few hospitals that can function are forced to do amputations without anesthetic. It is a gruesome situation with one calamity after another. Apart from the general slaughter that is taking place, Israel’s armed forces are doing targeted killings. Doctors, nurses, and emergency health workers are being murdered on a daily basis while hospitals are routinely bombed over and over again to ensure that they are nonfunctional.

The other group which appears to be a high priority for assassination are Palestinian journalists. At the time of writing more than 105 have died since October 7, 2023. Clearly Israel and its allies do not want the world to see what is happening, therefore, they have resorted to killing journalists in the Gaza while refusing entry to others.

D e s p i t e t h i s humanitarian disaster, the United States and some European member states have been opposing a cease fire in Gaza. They chose to

facilitate the massacre. More than that, those states have been supplying arms to Israel including huge bombs to kill Palestinians. This is even though Israel has the fourth largest army in the world and is very equipped.

It is one of the countries that export weapons and military/ intelligence technologies such as the Pegasus spy equipment capable of hacking any phone or computer. It is well supplied with ultra-modern weapons from the West mainly Germany and the United States.

Israel has 169,500 active personnel in its army, navy, and paramilitary. It has 465,000 reservists.

It possesses 2200 tanks; 540 artillery pieces; 196 F-16; 83 F-13; 30 F-35 airplanes; 142 Helicopters of which 43 are Apache attack gunships; 5 submarines and 49 patrol boats.

It also has a very modern air-defense system known as the Iron Dome and last and most dangerous it has nuclear weapons, which it is threatening to use in Gaza.

Yet the U.S. keeps supplying this army on the grounds that they are fighting a “war”.

These supplies are in

addition to the US $38 billion in military aid disbursed annually at U.S $3.8 billion per year based on an agreement which was signed by President Obama in 2016.

The Palestinians have no army, no tanks, no planes, no helicopters. Whatever missiles they launch they make in a very primitive way in the Gaza, they are kitchen made. Therefore, it is clear that this is not a war against Hamas, as they disguise it to be. This is a war against the people of Palestine. The main objective is to force the Palestinians off their lands, to ethnically cleanse them from Palestine, by killing or by forced migration. This is naked fascism.

Western powers are having their masks removed by their support for this genocide. All the talk about human rights and freedom of speech lie in pieces in the rubble of Gaza. All the talk about international law and respect for international institutions have been bulldozed in the bloody streets of Gaza.

Indeed, they have not said anything about the more than 100 UN personnel that (Continued on page 05)

Will the PPP regime and its police genuinely address the scourge of domestic violence DEAR EDITOR As long as we have leaders who do not respect the value of women, our n a t i o n ’s f e m a l e s w i l l continue to be slaughtered at the hands of men. Any society that cannot put mechanisms in place to reduce such unacceptable and abhorrent form of murder and brutality against women must be seen as a society that enables it.

Ours is a society that upkeep negative and destructive cultures and subcultures because we came and met them; Jamaicans have a saying. ‘is suh the ting set.’

I say we have the power to reset; the ability to change that which eats away at the soul of our society. Some would say, ‘corruption deh before meh mother and her mother’s time, we caan stop it.’ What a defeatist mentality. We can bring about changes in the moment we are given the opportunities and power bestowed upon us. Our unwillingness is glaring because of the convenience and benefits to be had from us continuing along the same

old rugged and beastly road.

A man murders a young woman and a few calls are made to well placed people and he is allowed to leave the country. The woman has no value in Guyana so Interpol is not called in, no effort to seek extradition and the case, if there was any at all in the first place, has gone cold.

Millions are being spent to send law enforcement overseas to summons a political activist that has not punched someone muchless murdered anyone but a man can kill a nurse and two girl children in the most horrific way and the police has not released a press statement in relation to the progress being made to solve those murders.

Women are not property; in relationships including marriage, they are not owned.

In Western societies such as the one I live in. Your partner or wife can choose to take another into your martial bed and you dare not touch her.

You can call the police to your own home and they can ask you to leave because of any risk to her safety. They are not concerned with her

decision to be unfaithful, they are concerned about her safety and her value as a woman and person and that is paramount. She can do whatever she wishes with her body. She can break or betray any commitment and you dare not touch her because the consequences will be dire for you. She is an individual first. They do not consider any moral discussion in such instances.

If you commit suicide because you found a man with her in your bed, she has no legal consequences to face. You touch her and it is a completely different reality for you.

The culture of ownership and control is steeped in the halls of our government and many in government get away with abuse of women.

It is the mindset of our leaders in relation to women and how they value them that caused Dharamlall to be a free man, today.

Women in power in Guyana must be held responsible too. In a world where the impact of the Me 2 movement is known and where powerful and famous men are stripped of their

wealth and jailed for the abuse of women, whether such abuse happened yesterday or decades ago, we have Minister Priya Manickchand silent on the slaughter of female teachers, nurses and other women in Guyana and she is not alone.

She is more concerned about her friendship with former PPP minister, Dharamlall.

Our nation’s so called progress under the current government is seen through the lens of high rise buildings, highways and new roads.

The dangers and darkness that envelope vulnerable women in Guyana are so horrific that if we watch such on a big screen we would faint. If a female government minister is murdered by a man tomorrow, there will be a huge outcry not because she is a woman but because she is a government functionary and that is very unfortunate.

Will the PPP regime and its police genuinely address this scourge? I think not.

Sincerely Norman Browne Social and Political Activist

Thursday January 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Panday’s long Association with Guyana DEAR EDITOR Basdeo Panday died on New Year’s Day. He had several similarities with Cheddi Jagan. He was not only a politician; he was also a lawyer, politician, trade unionist, economist, actor, musician (table and dhantaal). He was a charismatic and charming figure. He is well known among Guyanese at home and in the diaspora because he mingled and socialized among them, visiting Guyana multiple times going back to the 1970s.

Panday, or Bas as we called him, had a long association with Guyanese and with Cheddi Jagan as he related to me in numerous conversations at his home, office, New York, Guyana, India, and elsewhere. He was enamored by and came across Cheddi in Trinidad after the suspension of the 1953 government before jetting off to London to further his studies in 1957 when democratic governance was restored in Guiana.

Panday would study with Guyanese in England during the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly during his law studies at Inns Court of Law. Like so many Guyanese, he became a member of Lincoln’s Inn and was called to the bar.

(Panday also studied Economics obtaining a BS from University of London).

In 1965, Panday was awarded a Commonwealth scholarship to pursue a PhD at the prestigious Delhi School of Economics. He decided to return home first and visit his family. He got caught up in local politics, culture, and family life and forego the scholarship. He ran for office and was resoundingly defeated as a candidate for the Workers and Farmers Party in 1966.

He became a Senator in 1972 and won a seat as a ULF candidate to the House in 1976, becoming Opposition Leader.

Panday’s association with Guyanese deepened after 1966. He became close to Cheddi especially after the 1968 election rigging.

Cheddi visited Trinidad regularly seeking support for free and fair election having meetings in Tunapuna, St. Augustine, and South Trinidad. In 1977, a group of Guyanese and Trinis formed an organization (Indo Club) in NY to champion free and fair elections. In 1978, I

communicated with Panday, seeking the opposition support for our struggle for FFE and he was supportive.

Panday, who was also leader of the sugar workers union, was invited to Guyana

by Dr Nanda Gopaul in late 1970s and addressed the NAACIE labor conference.

He visited Guyana several times thereafter. He also visited New York at our invitation and discussing Guyanese and Trinidadian politics. At our urging, he raised the issue of rigged elections in Guyana in T&T Parliament during the late 1970s. Panday sought our assistance for his party in Trinidad, and he received our help that included a group of us traveling down to Trinidad and campaigning for his party in the 1981 elections.

During the late 1970s, Guyanese would migrate to Trinidad in search of better economic opportunities; in a racially polarized society, they naturally gravitated towards Panday’s Indian supported party ULF and other re-incarnations.

Panday’s newly formed Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o Alliance was resoundingly defeated. During the new parliament (1981-86), Panday, Trevor Sudama and Kelvin Ramnath would regularly raise the issue of fraudulent elections and human rights violations in Guyana. The opposition also called for regularization of status and amnesty for Guyanese living illegally in Trinidad. He spoke out against the abuse of Guyanese, particularly females, in Trinidad and their harassment at Piarco.

Panday entered into an alliance (NAR) with other opposition parties appealed for resources from our NY group; Guyanese responded positively including with funds from Ravi Dev,

myself, and others. I also flew down and campaigned for the alliance. The NAR won the December 1986 elections and Panday would be appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs; Robinson was PM. As promised to us, Panday piloted amnesty and legalized status for Guyanese and other undocumented in Trinidad and Tobago in 1987. Panday also traveled to Guyana several times as Foreign Minister and called for FFE. He met Cheddi and other stalwarts involved in the struggle. Panday spoke out a g a i n s t R o b i n s o n ’s reluctance to address rigged elections and human rights violations in Guyana; NAR MPs backpedaled on a commitment they made with us (including Ravi Dev’s and Depoo’s group GUDM) in NY to assist in our struggle for restoration of democracy in Guyana.

Panday (and Oma) v i s i t e d N e w Yo r k i n September 1987 for the UN General Assembly Session and met a group of us. The discussion focused on FFE in Guyana. Panday committed to intensify the struggle for racial and working-class equality in T&T and for restoration of democracy in Guyana.

On returning to Trinidad, Panday was told to take his “ten Indian seats and go”.

He became more emboldened to speak out a g a i n s t r a c i a l discrimination. Robinson expelled Panday and several other Ministers and MPs affiliated with Panday. They sat in the opposition. Panday became opposition leader and continued championing

the cause of FFE in Guyana.

He (and Cheddi) were invited to and delivered keynote addresses at our Global conference on Indians in the diaspora at Columbia University in July 1988, and they held meetings. The duo would also meet again in August 1989 at the global convention of PIOs in NY. In conversations I had with C h e d d i i n N Y, h e complained that Panday was not left enough and that he should join the international movement against imperialism. Panday remained a centrist but was laborite who championed the working class.

Facing international political pressure including from Trinidad and Caribbean

leaders, President Desmond Hoyte agreed to hold free and fair elections in October 1992 under international observers. The PPP won and Manning was present at the swearing in of Cheddi. But President Cheddi and Panday would meet several times. Several fundraisers were held by Guyanese New Yorkers for Panday’s UNC after 1991 and continuing till 2010. Panday would become PM in 1995. One of Panday’s earliest acts was cancellation of tens of millions of dollars in debt owed by Guyana. He traveled to Guyana as PM, meeting Cheddi.

Panday attended the state funeral of Cheddi who died in March 1997, spending several days and even traveling to Corentyne for

the cremation and staying at Albion Estate. He would win re-election in December 2000; his government would collapse in 2001 in a fallout with Ramesh Maharaj, his AG who carried out a campaign against corruption. Panday expelled Ramesh and called snap elections and lost. Panday would not be able to make a comeback remaining opposition Leader till 2010 when he was defeated for party leadership by Kamla Persad Bissessar. He would meet Presidents Sam Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, and Irfaan Ali in his various titles. Post 2010, Panday continued his association with Guyanese.

(As an aside, Panday was (Continued on page 06)

The Shame of Gaza...

From page 4 have died in the Gaza. No protection for anyone. Israel is defended and act with impurity because of the support from “Western Democracies”.

Clearly human lives are not the priority for those states that support Israel.

They have lost all moral authority in our troubled world. Their integrity is soaked in the blood of the women and children of Palestine.

The Arab world too has displayed a cowardice and an uncaring attitude towards the industrial scale killings taking place on their doorsteps, that is unprecedented.

Faced with one aircraft carrier which the US placed in the area to threaten them,

they have remained with their tails firmly between their legs. One wonders why they spend such huge sums of money buying arms and yet refuse to go to the assistance of an unarmed people. The Palestinians are mainly being helped by nongovernmental forces.

Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen have provided invaluable solidarity to the besieged residents in Palestine.

For us in the south our leaders content themselves by occasionally making a statement or two. Some feel that they have no responsibility because the Arab world is not doing much.

The country that is saving our humanity is the Republic of South Africa.

From the very beginning this nation and its people have stood up in real solidarity with the Palestinian people.

They were among the first to break diplomatic relations with Israel and now they have taken the bold step to take Israeli leaders to the International Criminal Court.

This has given progressive and democratic people the world over hope that our brothers and sisters, our comrades in South Africa are standing up for our common humanity.

Future generations will hail these actions of South Africa as one of the only redeeming feature of our generation!

Sincerely Former President, Donald Ramotar

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Thursday January 04, 2024

Plagiarism charges downed Harvard’s president. A conservative Family, Friends and Favourites attack helped to fan the outrage WASHINGTON (AP) — American higher education has long viewed plagiarism as a cardinal sin.

Accusations of academic dishonesty have ruined the careers of faculty and undergraduates alike.

The latest target is Harvard President Claudine Gay, who resigned Tuesday.

In her case, the outrage came not from her academic peers but her political foes, led by conservatives who put her career under intense scrutiny.

Reviews by Harvard found multiple shortcomings in Gay’s academic citations, including several instances of “ duplicative language.”

The university concluded the errors “were not considered intentional or reckless” and didn’t rise to misconduct.

But the allegations continued, with new ones as r e c e n t l y a s M o n d a y.

Conservatives zeroed in on Gay amid backlash over her congressional testimony about antisemitism on

FILE - Harvard University President Claudine Gay speaks during a hearing of the House Committee on Education on Capitol Hill, Dec. 5, 2023, in Washington.

campus. Her detractors charged that Gay — who has a Ph.D. in government, was a professor at Harvard and Stanford and headed Harvard’s largest division before being promoted — got the top job in large part because she is a Black woman. Christopher Rufo, a conservative activist who helped orchestrate the effort against Gay, celebrated her departure as a win in his

campaign against elite institutions of higher education. On X, formerly Tw i t t e r, h e w r o t e “SCALPED,” as if Gay was a trophy of violence, invoking a gruesome practice taken up by white colonists who sought to eradicate Native Americans and also used by some tribes against their enemies.

“Tomorrow, we get back to (Continued on page 16)

DEAR EDITOR, The opposition has been very vocal about their concerns with favouritism shown by the PPP when it comes to access to revenue.

We have all heard the calls in Parliament of Family, Friends and Favourites. At first I didn’t take the PNC seriously because of the historical mention by the PPP of the PNC doing the same thing. It was summed up as politics as usual.

Recently the head of the Ministry of Education posted on social media what could be considered an endorsement of someone who is starting to give lessons. At first I didn’t think much of it, but then I thought of all the others who provided lessons to students. This action by the head of the Ministry could seriously place them at a disadvantage. Was it a case of favoritism or over enthusiasm?

Either way we must exercise caution and expect internal policies at the Ministry of Education to help prevent such endorsements unless there exists an official vetting process for those who give lessons.

This brings into question the larger issue of the unspeakable Fs (Family, Friends and Favourites).

How do we avoid such favouritism irrespective of who is in government?

Clearly the decision making process must be not just transparent, but also criteria based. This should bring us closer to objective decision making that is less about “who you know” and more about “what you have and can accomplish”. On time, within budget and correctly completed major projects will become less about wishful thinking and more in line with the reality of other top performing nations. This is still an opportunity for Guyana in 2024.

Many are of the opinion that being overly ambitious in some of our national goals has led to the current shortfall of healthcare p r o v i d e r s . We m u s t

remember that charity starts at home, and resist the temptation to offer to help elsewhere before securing our own nation’s needs. This also brings to mind the importance or lack there of in priority setting. Many roads have been built and many structures erected, but the single most important item in our national agenda has yet to be properly addressed. This being our sea defense and drainage.

What good is it to build upon sand that which can be easily washed away? The answer to this is quite rhetorical.

We must as a population e n s u r e t h a t t o d a y ’s government and future governments focus on flood prevention along the coast. If this is no longer a priority then a clear and executable plan must be in place for the establishment of a new Capital that is not vulnerable to flooding. Everyone is acutely aware that when the coastline floods and the city is flooded, our country comes to a standstill and lots of economic activity is lost.

The at risk funds we have available for the undertaking of this urgent development project can easily disappear without the needed insurance coverage for a major oil spill. I am up for a gamble when the stakes are not high, but in this instance the government is betting the entire farm.

We cannot afford to have 2024 come to an end without putting in place the needed insurance coverage. Any government that fails to aggressively pursue this should no longer be considered as acting in the best interest of the Guyanese people. This means that both the PPP and the PNC must work assiduously together to make 2024 the year when this pursuit is successfully achieved. The fourth item that we must also reflect upon is the Exxon audit fiasco, which resulted in nothing more than a slap on

the hand for the head of the unit involved. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of the United States Government was never utilized, and the issues surrounding the ordeal appear to have been swept under the rug. We must reopen the investigation into this very serious matter to ensure that the root cause of it is uncovered so preventive measures can be implemented. As it currently stands, the level of accountability shown by the current administration and the opposition leaves much to be desired. We must not be afraid to hold each other accountable. It will make us better as a nation and as a people.

2024 can be considered a successful year if these four priorities are achieved: 1. Transparent and criteria based policies implemented in each Ministry to ensure the unspeakable Fs of Family, Friends and Favourites are prevented.

2. Implementation of a plan to prevent future flooding of the coast line, especially the capital, or the commitment to build a new capital where future flooding will not occur.

3. Establishment of insurance coverage that covers a major oil spill and thus prevent the loss of income to Guyana as a result of such a major spill.

4. A thorough investigation into the Exxon expense audit fiasco, including embracing of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is carried out.

This year is very critical to determining who should be given an opportunity to govern in the next cycle.

CRG suggests that the parliament makes the most of this opportunity to show good governance for the long term.

Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

Panday’s long Association...

From oage 05 gracious and warm towards me, taking my calls as Opposition Leader and as PM. I visited his private Philippines home and PM’s office announced and unannounced. Panday was also hosted as speaker at several functions organized by Guyanese in NY including by myself and Ashook Ramsaran when he led GOPIO. Deo Gosine, Ashook, and myself succeeded in reconciling

Panday and Ramesh Maharaj at a PBD reception in Mumbai in January 2005 at the Taj Palace hotel. He also developed a very close relationship with Nohar Singh of Travel Span; Nohar hosted him and Oma at his home. Panday and Oma were also at several programs hosted by Nohar in Guyana and at Travel Span tours including last summer in Punta Cana.)

He attended several concerts where Guyanese

entertained audiences in Trinidad, Guyana, New York and other locations and came to Guyana several times to watch cricket including for CPL last September.

H e w o u l d b e remembered by Guyanese for his contributions to the struggle for FFE and for his socializing with Guyanese who developed a likeness for him.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

T N U L B . . .

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday January 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

President Irfaan Ali spoke about the many infrastructural projects to adorn their budget this year, when he issued a two-page speech for the New Year.

What he has however ignored is that struggling citizens have scant interest in projects that involve cement and steel, and the many millions that go into them, to erect new monuments to our prosperity.

Whose prosperity, certainly not the many citizens living in poverty, and often hungry? Guyanese learn of more loans taken, and more millions borrowed for building road and educational and health capacity, and they wonder what about the yawning, gnawing capacity in their stomachs that cannot be half-filled almost daily.

Why is it with all the sweet political speeches from leaders that citizens still live at the same standard (perhaps worse) as eight years ago, when the first announcements came about oil discoveries?

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8 10

Thursday Monday January May 02, 04,2022 2024

15,119 youths receive house lots last year - Croal Some 9,612 housings and commercial lots were allocated by the government in 2023, Housing Minister, Collin Croal disclosed on Wednesday.

Of the total 8,578 were for residential purposes, 181 residential-commercial lots, and 860 lots through its regularisation programme.

Croal made the disclosure at a press briefing on Wednesday at the Arthur

Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

Minister Croal reported that Region Four led the way with 7,118 allocated lots, followed by Region Three with 1,079 lots, Region Five, 125 lots, and Region Six, 192 lots. This achievement, Minister Croal stated, brings the total number of lots allocated over the last three

years to 30,466.

He highlighted that the ministry's flagship programme, 'Dream Realized,' facilitated the allocation of 28,368 residential house lots.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, 6 5 9 commercial and industrial lots, along with 1,445 regularisation lots, contributed to the achievement. Minister within the Ministry, Susan

Rodrigues highlighted that over the last three years, there has been a consistent 40% allocation of house lots exclusively to women.

When examined by income, low, moderate, and middle-income earners accounted for 90% of the total allocation. “That is in keeping with the objective of the housing programme, that is to ensure that affordable housing is provided to all Guyanese,” she affirmed. Minister Croal also provided additional data indicating that youth were significant beneficiaries with individuals aged 35 years and under receiving 15,119 house lots. This constitutes 53.3 percent of all allottees.

Meanwhile, Minister Croal informed the public

that the ministry continues to see additional lands to meet the needs in other areas. In Region One, 17 acres of land were identified for development in Mabaruma, while a survey is underway in an identified housing area at Oronoque, Port Kaituma.

Tw o a r e a s w e r e a l s o developed in Charity, Region Two, and an area was identified in Region Seven, between the Five to Seven Miles, for house lot and home construction. Minister Croal also said that challenges in Region Eight related to land acquisition is also being addressed.

In Region 9, a new area was developed at Poke Bridge, with house lots distributed to residents.

Region 10 is seeing

continued progress with the development of a new area at Plantation York. “We have been targeting 2019 [applications] and prior, that is our target now,” Minister Croal emphasised. Minister Croal highlighted the daunting task faced by the government upon assuming office in August 2020, with a backlog of 75,509 housing applications. Despite delivering over 30,000 lots over the past three years, an increase of approximately 13,000 new applications has been received during that period. This leaves the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) system with a current backlog of 63,032 pending applications.

Farmer reportedly killed by drinking buddy An alleged murder has rocked Wanakai Village in the North West District (NWD), Region One, following the death of Tommy Roberts, a 35-year-old farmer, on January 1st, 2024.

Reports suggest that a confrontation erupted between Roberts and a suspect around 19:00 hours that day, while they were consuming alcohol. The altercation escalated, leading the suspect to arm himself with a cutlass and inflict multiple wounds on Roberts as he attempted to leave the scene.

Despite his efforts to flee, Roberts collapsed shortly afterward. Authorities

were alerted, prompting an immediate response from the Mabaruma Police Station, along with collaboration from the Wanakai Community Policing Group (CPG). After an extensive search, the suspect, who had attempted to evade capture by hiding in dense vegetation within the village, was apprehended.

The victim's body was transported to the Mabaruma District Hospital, where a doctor pronounced him dead upon arrival.

Meanwhile, the suspect was taken into custody at the Mabaruma Police Station for further investigation as the authorities delve into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

Contract awarded for design of new secondary school at Vreed-en-Hoop

W

h i l e a contractor is yet to be selected for the construction of the new secondary school at Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three, the design and supervision services aspect of the project will be done by Origin Investments to the tune of $15,050,000.

This is according to information published on the National Procurement and Te n d e r A d min i s tr a tio n Board (NPTAB) website which states that Origin Investments was awarded the contract on December 27, 2023.

The firm was among five bidders which submitted bids for the project; it had placed the lowest price.

As reported previously, the Ministry of Education sought a contractor for the design, construction cost and supervision services for the construction of the school.

This publication

previously reported that the construction of the school will be done in six lots.

Aspects of the project include the execution of the superstructure works for the school buildings, electrical works, sanitation and plumbing works among others.

Speaking briefly with Kaieteur News in August 2023, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, Jagnarine Somwar stated that the new school is being built to address the increasing student population in the region.

Somwar noted too that the Ministry of Education is not only looking to build another school at Vreed-enHoop to cater for the increasing student population there but it is also looking to carry out similar projects at Zeeburg, Leonora, Bagotville and Philadelphia.

With no firm decision

made as yet, when asked if there is an area earmarked for the new secondary school at Vreed-en-Hoop, the REO said, “We are looking just behind the RDC [Regional Democratic Council] building, there is a plot of land there that we are trying to acquire also, so we can get additional space for this new school.”

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand had stated at a previous contract signing event that the ministry is on a massive drive to enhance secondary education across the country.

Minister Manickchand explained that with more students attending school, it is a necessity for them to learn and be taught in a comfortable environment.

The building of more secondary schools, the minister had said, is part of the ministry's goal to achieve universal secondary education in Guyana.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 04, 2024

PAGE 09

Consultation or endorsement?

N

ot sure whether w h a t t h e President wants is a consultation or an endorsement of the ideas he already has in his head about how to address road carnage.

When it comes to the PPPC, genuinely listening to what people say is a big task, except if those persons are their friends and cronies.

Under Bharrat Jagdeo, there used to be something called a National Stakeholders Forum. It was summoned conveniently and infrequently when the government was under siege and needed the stakeholders support. But after the storm clouds had blown over, it was back to business as usual. The stakeholders were relegated to obscurity.

It was therefore not much of a surprise to learn that President Irfaan Ali wants to convene a meeting of national stakeholders to discuss the situation of our roads. And it was not surprising to learn that the President already has a few ideas which he wants to put to the stakeholders: including some device that would limit the speed at which vehicles such as minibuses and trucks travel.

What the country needs is not that sort of sham process. What the country needs is an informed process of consultation on the safety on our roadways. For there to

be an informed consultation, there first has to be a study of road accidents across Guyana. Major policy decisions such as imposing speed-restricting devices on certain vehicles cannot be arbitrary.

It is interesting that the President is toying with the idea of having these devices on public transport vehicles and trucks. While trucks have been involved in a number of accidents of recent, mini-buses have been less involved than they used to. In fact, judging from the recent reports in the media, it would appear as if speeding private vehicles are the main contributors to road accidents.

But without a proper study that too would be mere conjecture. This is all the more reason why having a study of road trends is so necessary; it would provide an empirical basis to support the measures which the government will propose during the consultations.

The study should look at the total number of accidents, the main causes, the age of the drivers involved in both serious and fatal accidents – a great many young drivers are dying on our roads – the roadways where there are more serious accidents, the time when most accidents take place, the incidence of accidents involving persons

who are driving under the influence etc. If for example it is found that young male drivers are a high-risk group for accidents, then it will be necessary for measures to target that group such as higher insurance premiums and a longer period of instruction for them.

If overtaking is a major contributory factor to road accidents, then engineering solutions will have to be d e v i s e d . Ye a r s a g o , CARIFESTA Avenue in Georgetown used to have a number of fatal accidents. To its credit, since the APNU+AFC erected a median along that road, the serious accidents have declined considerably.

Medians can be extremely helpful to reducing accidents along sections of the East Bank Public Road, the West Demerara Public Road, Essequibo Coast Public Road, the West Coast Public Road, the East Corentyne Public Road.

On the other hand since the construction of four lane roads, serious road accidents have increased. So are these roads a major contributor to road accidents?

There are also concerns about poor and defective road lighting, the use of electric bikes by under-aged and uncertified drivers.

Many of the road lights are much too high on the lantern

DEM BOYS SEH

Musical chairs meet political poker De latest drama in Cabinet is de appointment of a new Minister of Local Government and asking another Minister to doubleup by holding the portfolio of his Ministry along with that of responsibility for the public service.

Instead of scouting for fresh talent, the government has opted for a merry-go-round of familiar faces. But that too is nothing new!

It appears that the government is stuck on repeat mode, playing the same old track of recycled candidates. One might wonder if there’s a secret Cabinet bingo game going on, where ministers draw straws to decide who gets to switch portfolios this time.

After all, why bother

searching for a new face when you can just rearrange the existing deck of political cards?

In the meantime the supporters of the PPPC are left scratching their heads, wondering if the government misplaced its list of potential candidates or if they accidentally spilled coffee on the roster o f e l e c t e d parliamentarians. Nor, it seems, like the government could not even find a trusted technocrat, despite catapulting a number of political appointees to high offices in the public service.

Why the need for two ministers in some departments and a solitary one in others? Was there a secret competition to see

who can juggle more responsibilities without dropping the political ball?

The Minister of Health and the Minister of Education, it seems, are singlehandedly carrying the weight of their portfolios, while their counterparts in Local Government, Public Works, and Housing and Water revel in the luxury of having an extra set of ministerial hands. Musical chairs are now deciding how the government is going to be run.

Who needs new blood when you can simply reconfigure the old veins of power?

The show must go on, they say, and so does the government’s rendition of “Shuffle, Rattle, and Roll.”

Talk Half! Leff Half!

posts.

In some countries screens are being used to prevent high beams from vehicles traveling in the opposite direction from affecting the visibility of drivers. The government cannot continue to spend billions of taxpayers’ dollars to build a four-lane roadways, only for them to be reduced to two lanes because the business class wants parking on the roadways for their customers. You cannot be spending billions of dollars on four-lane roads, only for there to be junctions every 200-400 meters, as is the case on the East Coast, simply because the entire

four-lane highway is crisscrossed with intersections at every village. There needs to be only a few points at which traffic can merge, from the villages, onto the highways – this calls for more feeder roads.

The point is that the national stakeholders can come up with a thousand suggestions as to how to curb accidents and deaths. But whatever is done has to be supported by empirical evidence. This is why before the President does anything he should commission a study to look at the data which exist, and from this data to develop a draft policy paper. This draft policy

paper will then become a discussion paper for the consultation. In this way the discussions can be truly said to be a consultation and not a rubber-stamping of what the government wants. (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.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday Monday January May04, 02,2024 2022

Labour Ministry will not fight compensation battles for dead/injured employees – Minister While the Labour Ministry continues to face accusations for failing to secure compensation packages for deceased or injured workers, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton is clarifying that this role does not fall under the purview of his ministry.

Speaking at the end-ofyear press conference on Monday, Minister Hamilton noted that from time to time the ministry receives complaints and requests to negotiate compensation packages on behalf of workers who were either injured or have lost their lives on the job. However, he explained that this is not the

role of the ministry “From time to time people accuse us of neglecting them but the law does not allow for us to negotiate for compensation for injured or deceased persons….” Hamilton asserted as he advised such categories of disgruntled employees to take the matter up with the law.

“That's a private issue and those desirous of compensation should take private legal action against their employers…” Hamilton added.

Meanwhile, Hamilton disclosed that the Ministry of Labour was able to recover $69 million owed to

employees in 2023 for salaries, annual leave and severance pay. The figure, he said represents a 22 percent increase from 2022.

According to Hamilton, in 2023, the labour ministry received 912 complaints from employees, 85 percent of which were resolved.

The remaining 15 percent will be addressed in the first quarter of 2024.

“Coming out of the complaints, that is where all of the monies were owed and we would have engaged and we were able to get the money for the people….We are glad that we were able to recoup at least up to this moment $69M for ordinary people,” the

minister added.

Further, for the period, Hamilton said 32 matters were filed in the magistrate's court by the ministry on behalf of employees.

Out of the cases, he said judgments were handed down in 21, while the other 11 are still active.

“We have taken people to court and we will continue,” Hamilton said. The cases before the court include failure to pay minimum wage, salary and wages and annual leave. “In the security (sector) and other places people work forever. For Years and they haven't got seven days yet for one year,” Minister Hamilton said.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

Govt. to spend big on air, maritime assets for GDF - Pres Ali President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has outlined comprehensive plans for a significant increase in budgetary spending within the security sector this year, placing particular emphasis on bolstering the capabilities of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF).

In a televised interview on Sunday, December 31, 2023, President Ali stated that the goal is not only to enhance hardware resources for the GDF but also to invest heavily in human resources.

He emphasised that this approach includes building technical capacity and capability, strengthening the air wing, and acquiring sea assets, maritime assets, and

President Irfaan Ali coastguard assets. The president highlighted the complex nature of modern security challenges.

He stressed the need for critical training and the acquisition of advanced hardware equipment, including a focus on cybersecurity measures.

“As we grow, the threats will become more sophisticated, and the types of criminals will be more sophisticated,” he underscored. President Ali added, “We have to invest in t e c h n o l o g y, b u t m o re importantly, we need to build our institutional capacity, train our human resources, and advance a holistic security architecture that is fit for purpose.”

In 2023, a total of $58.6 billion was allocated to the security sector.

This is in addition to the $1.3 billion supplementary funding approved in December 2023 for defense and security support. (DPI)

Thursday January 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

‘Tek-a-bribe’ housing staff fired, to be charged for corruption Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues confirmed on Wednesday, that the file for the case involving a staff of the ministry who was allegedly taking monies from citizen to guarantee their land allocation, was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

The female staffer was also fired, after which she was arrested but later released on bail. The minister said that “we were able to get evidence against one employee…she was arrested,

she was questioned and I believe put on bail.

The last I know is that the file is with the DPP.” She did however reveal that this was not the first time allegations were made against staffers of the organisation.

“There were a number of allegations levelled at several staff members. But you would appreciate that we cannot take definitive action based on allegations, obviously we would examine these individuals more closely.

There were engagements with them, they were interviewed in-house to find

out if they are willing to offer any explanations as to why these allegations are being made against them, but obviously if you do not have proof of any corrupt activities, there's no possibility for us to just terminate somebody based on an allegation,” the minister said.

The general public is encouraged to come forward with any information and evidence they may have against corrupt staffers that will make for a strong case.

As long as credible information is provided, definitive action will be

taken, Rodrigues said.

Minister Rodrigues assured that “there is no need for people to pay bribes for house lots,” noting that there is a system in place to ensure all applicants are looked at.

On November 25th of last year this publication had reported that several persons arrested in relation to corrupt practices at the Ministry of Housing and Water. On her Facebook page, Rodrigues had said that staff from her secretariat was implicated in the corruption allegations and on instruction, she has been working along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF)

to uncover solid evidence against staff members or outsiders who were suspected of conducting illegal transactions.

“Today, their efforts have led to the arrest of several persons.

This will no doubt assist the police to further their i n v e s t i g a t i o n s .

Unfortunately, the reckless and vindictive postings on social media, which prove nothing, have compromised months of tedious investigative work which could have potentially led to more arrests,” the minister stated back then.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues

NIS should not be liable for companies’ that fail to remit contributions A

ttorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall SC is once again warning employers that failure to remit contributions for their employees will result in Court action.

The AG's statement follows an appeal filed by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) against a judgment granted to Shariff Zainul a former employee of Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL).

While the ruling has sparked a new debate over employers' deductions of their employees' contributions, the AG is clearing the air on the reasoning behind NIS' decision to appeal.

Addressing the matter during his Tuesday night 'Issues in the News' commentary on his Facebook page, Nandlall noted that NIS—as an agency of the State--took the decision to appeal the judgment after it noted that the plaintiff in matter failed to name Toolsie Persaud Limited, his former employer as a party to the proceeding.

“What this meant is that NIS is being made liable for deductions which it did not receive,” Nandlall explained.

Nandlall explained too many employers are deducting NIS from employees but are not remitting those payments to NIS and that is an offense.

“A criminal offense under the laws,” Nandlall pointed out.

As such, the Attorney General noted that if the judgment is allowed to stand it will open the “floodgates” for other persons to sue NIS for contributions which the scheme did not receive from the agencies and that could lead NIS to bankruptcy.

“If this decision is allowed to go unchallenged then it opens the floodgate where everyone will sue NIS and not their employers and NIS will have to pay although NIS did not receive any remissions of the payments made by the employee to the employers He emphasized that the issue is that the NIS has now appealed the ruling, refusing to make the payout to Zainul on the insistence that his employer, Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL), never remitted those contributions to the scheme.

“The issue as I understand it and the reason or the filing of the appeal has very little to do with monies awarded to individuals…The issue is that the employer was not made a party to proceedings. The gentleman sued NIS only and did not join Toolsie Persaud Limited in the proceedings.”

“The NIS records show no remissions were made by the employer to NIS,” Nandlall said in support of the appeal.

Zainul had records that he produced to the Court to establish that deductions were made from his wages/salaries.

- Attorney General Nandlall insisted, however, that the NIS records do not establish that those deductions were paid over.

Further, Nandlall insisted and rejected criticism that NIS was refusing to pay the man's entitlement.

He insisted “this appeal about every employee whose payment was deducted but not transmitted to NIS… they too will have a claim and NIS will have to pay moieties it never received.”

Last month, High Court Justice Damone Younge ordered the NIS to pay a former staffer of Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL), Shariff Zainul his full benefits. The ruling was made after Zainul was able to prove to the court that he worked with the company for several years and that the contributions were deducted from his salary.

The High Court ordered the NIS to credit Zainul 354 contributions which his former employer, TPL, failed to remit to NIS while he worked there from 1992 to 2000. The NIS was also ordered to pay Zainul his NIS Pension effective October 16, 2011, to the date of his 60th birthday.

H o w e v e r, t h e N I S through the office of the Attorney General is challenging Mr. Zainul's right to his old pension in the circumstances of the court

decision.

In the appeal, the NIS is contending that the judge erred and misdirected herself in law in her interpretation of the provisions of the NIS Social Security Act Chapter 36:01 and its regulations.

The appeal is also challenging the decision on the ground that Justice Younge erred or misdirected herself in the application of Section 17 (1) C of the NIS and Social Security Contribution Regulations and failed to apply the

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC provision of Section 45 of the principal Act which provides the many legal remedies and recourse of the respondent/applicant as an insured person /employee; the judge erred and

misdirected herself in law in applying and giving precedence to Regulation 6 (1) of NIS and social security contributions, regulations ahead of and in priority with the principal Act.

PAGE 12

Thursday January 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

Trio remanded for stealing gun, ammo from pensioner T

hree men of Soesdyke/Linden Highway were remanded to prison on Tuesday after they appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond/Grove Magistrate's Court and were charged for allegedly breaking into the home of a pensioner and robbing him of his firearm and ammunition on November 22, 2023.

Amos Emmanuel, a 22year-old unemployed resident of Circuitville, Bryan Khan, a 28-year-old unemployed man and Alwyn James, a 27-year-old taxi driver both of Yarrowkabra appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, where the charges were read to them.

According to police, on November 22, 2023, at Y a r r o w k a b r a , Soesdyke/Linden Highway, Emmanuel and Khan, broke into the home of Mohamed Hack, and stole one Astra .38 revolver with three matching rounds and two spent shells, as well as 49 live .38 rounds of ammunition.

On the day in question, Emmanuel admitted that he and Khan broke into Hack's house and stole the elderly man's firearm and

Alwyn James

Bryan Khan Amos Emmanneul

ammunition.

The accused related that after the robbery, Khan took away the firearm from him, along with some of the ammunition.

Following the incident, Khan took detectives to the back of his yard at his home at Yarrowkabra, where, in a small clump of bushes, he pointed out a black plastic, which contained a majority of the stolen items.

Khan told the police of another location where the stolen items were being kept.

He then led detectives to the home of James, where he pointed out an area in which the ammunition was buried.

The area was dug up, and 31,

twelve-gauge cartridges were found in a black plastic bucket.

James was then arrested by the police.

In court, the trio pleaded not guilty to each charge.

Khan and Emmanuel were charged for breaking-andentering and larceny and unlawful possession of a firearm without licence.

James was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition without being the holder of a licence.

The Magistrate remanded the trio, and the matter was then adjourned.

The trio is scheduled to appear again in court on January 19, 2024.

The gun and ammunitions that were recovered

Man playing with gun kills brother, injures baby Police have issued a wanted bulletin for 19-year-old Mwange Smith in relation to the murder of Anthony Haynes called 'One Natty,' who was fatally shot at his Graham's Hall, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) home on Sunday night.

The incident, which occurred around 20:00hrs on Sunday, also left Haynes' two-month-old baby girl nursing a wound to her right inner shoulder.

Smith, who is said to be Haynes' step-brother, last known address was listed by police as Lot 315 'B' Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown. The teen is no stranger to the law as he was previously charged with two counts of robbery under arms in October 2023.

Persons with information about his whereabouts are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers, 222-2232, 225-8196,

225-6976 or the nearest police station.

Haynes lived at Graham's Hall with his reputed wife, 26year-old Ronette Abrams and their baby.

According to the police, Abrams reported that she was at home in the kitchen while Haynes was in the living room holding their baby and conversing with the teenager.

Abrams related that a short while after, she heard Haynes saying “stop playing with the gun.”

She then heard a loud explosion which sounded like a gunshot emanating from the living room; she also heard the baby crying.

Upon hearing the commotion, she made a check in the living room where she saw her reputed husband lying motionless in a chair with a wound to his left side chest while

WANTED: Mwange Smith he was still holding their baby.

She related that the teen was at the time standing over Haynes

with a handgun in his hand.

Police were further informed that the suspect then took Haynes out of the house and onto the roadway at Crown Dam Industry, which is a few meters away from the man's home. There, he covered Haynes with a sheet and left him, after which he made good his escape.

On arrival at the scene, investigators reported that the body was examined and a gunshot wound was observed to the man's left side chest. It was revealed that one live .38 round of ammunition was found in the living room of the house.

Reports are that Haynes and his baby were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where the man was pronounced dead by medical staff.

His daughter was treated for a wound to her right side shoulder. DEAD: Anthony Haynes

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 04, 2024

PAGE 13

Teacher dies in Port Mourant fire …two houses gutted in inferno, elderly woman homeless

Hope turned to despair late on Tuesday night when firefighters confirmed that a beloved Port Mourant school teacher perished in a fire which gutted two houses in the Ancient County.

Dead is 43-year-old Tokant Deokharan.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), it was informed at 22:17hrs on Tuesday night about the massive blaze at Manager's Quarters, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

The GFS said two water tenders and seven firefighters from the Rose Hall Fire Station immediately responded. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters observed two buildings fully engulfed in flames and smoke.

The Fire Service said the fire originated in a one-storey wooden and concrete house owned by Tokant Deokharan's sister who resides in the United States.

Deokharan, who lived at the house, perished in the blaze while the building was destroyed.

The blaze, which residents said spread within minutes, also engulfed another twostorey wooden and concrete house which was located next to Deokharan's home.

That building, which was occupied by 75-year-old Ameena

one of the buildings on fire at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice on Tuesday night. (Photo: Reya Sukraj)

DEAD: Tokant Deokharan

Bacchus, was also gutted by the inferno, rendering the elderly woman homeless.

The firefighters were able to contain the blaze which residents noted threatened a third house nearby.

Meanwhile, as news of the fire circulated, past and present students of Deokharan expressed hope that the popular

school teacher was alive.

However, their worst fears were confirmed when the firemen informed residents that they had found the man's remains.

“The best lesson teacher died tonight,” one of his past students exclaimed on Facebook.

Another of his former students noted that Tokant “was the coolest guy I know” while a former colleague said he was well known for being a helpful teacher. Tokant

taught at the Berbice Islamic School at Port Mourant at the time of his demise while he also taught extra lessons to students at his home for years.

Following Tuesday night's fire, the Guyana Fire Service is reminding citizens to make premises safe against the risks of fires by equipping homes and businesses with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and smoke alarms.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday January 04, 2024

$54M contract awarded for new operating theatre at Kwakwani Hospital T

he new operating theatre slated for the Kwakwani Hospital in Region 10 will be built by contractor JK Enterprise Inc. to the tune of $54, 996,637.

This was made public recently by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office on its website. Following the evaluation of bids, JK Enterprise was awarded the works on December 28, 2023.

The company was among four contractors who had initially submitted bids for the project which was estimated to cost $55,748,963.

The project is being undertaken by the Ministry of Health.

Preparation to outfit the Kwakwani Hospital with an operating theatre was mentioned in 2022 by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

The minister was at the

The Kwakwani Hospital time visiting the hospital where the government had completed the expansion of the Accident and Emergency area and upgraded some wards at the medical institution.

While there, he mentioned that, “In 2023, further renovations will be done and the intention is to add a minor operating theatre,” to better serve residents utilising the

hospital.

At the ministry's end of year press conference last week, the Health Minister had stated that equipping the hospitals with theatres is an ongoing programme. He said that so far the ministry has added surgical theatres to the Diamond Hospital, the Aishalton Hospital, at the Kumaka District Hospital in Moruca and at the Mahaicony Hospital.

Noting that these have all been operational, the minister said it is the first time those health institutions

were equipped with such facilities.

With the new installments, the hospital

staff would be able to perform surgeries and operations that they were not able to undertake before.

Burglar on the run after robbing Berbice store R. Sookraj and Sons General Store

A

burglar is currently on the run after he

allegedly broke and entered a business place in Berbice and stole valuables totaling

$400,000, between December 30, 2023 and January 02, 2024.

According to police, between December 30, 2023 at about 17:30hrs and January 02, 2024 around 06:45hrs, a suspect (name unknown) broke into R. Sookraj and Sons General Store, located at Lot 10 Main and Church Street, New Amsterdam, Region Five, and stole a quantity of items.

Police related that the building is a two-storey wooden and concrete structure.

On Tuesday, at about 06:45hrs, the 58-year-old business owner made checks at his store and observed that his office was ransacked and a number of items were missing.

The items include d cigarettes, Digicel credit cards, and electronic items, totaling $400,000. Police are investigating the matter.

Thursday January 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

Mason remanded after robbing Chinese supermarket at gunpoint A 33-year-old mason of Sophia, Georgetown, who is no stranger to the court, was remanded to prison on We d n e s d a y, w h e n h e appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court and was charged for robbing a Chinese supermarket at gunpoint, days after Christmas.

Anthony Fraser, a father of four, who appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, was charged with robbery under arms which was read to him by the magistrate. The charge stated that the man allegedly robbed the People's Choice Supermarket on Mandela Avenue of $350,000, on December 28, 2023.

He also injured a customer in the process of the alleged robbery by discharging a live round at her.

Police related that at

about 19:10hrs on the day in question, Fraser and another man, both of whom were armed with hand guns, went into the People's Choice Supermarket and held the owner of the business, Chen Yi Weng, staff members and customers at gun point.

He demanded cash along with other valuables.

Thereafter, Weng refused and the accused went over the counter and pulled out the cash with other valuables.

During the robbery, Fraser discharged one round at a customer, hitting her leg.

Police noted that charges are to be presented regarding the shooting incident, upon uplifting a medical from the victim.

During the court proceedings, the accused entered a not guilty plea.

Fraser, who was represented by a lawyer, requested of the

court, bail in a reasonable sum. The man's attorney highlighted that his client is not a flight risk and would be present at every scheduled court date.

He stated that Fraser would abide by any conditions the court would impose.

Notwithstanding the lawyer's statement to the court, Prosecutor Quincy Lacon, objected to bail on the grounds, of the seriousness of the offence and Fraser being no stranger to the court.

The prosecutor said Fraser recently completed serving a prison sentence for a similar offence.

In light of those facts, Magistrate Latchman refused bail and the defendant was remanded to prison. The matter will be called again on January 24, 2024.

Contract for Wismar Bridge to be signed this week – Pres. Ali President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday evening said that the much-anticipated contract for the reconstruction of the Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region 10 is to be signed later this week.

Labeling the bridge as a “major public investment” for the mining town and the broader region, President Ali emphasised the significant impact this infrastructure endeavour would have on alleviating traffic congestion. The current bridge's limitation to a single vehicle lane has been a persistent bottleneck for the area.

Notably, in June 2023, the Government of Guyana signed two loan agreements valued at US$150 million with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for infrastructural projects. While the lion's share of the funds was earmarked for expanding the local housing programme across three regions, a portion has been allocated for crucial upgrades to the Wismar Bridge in Linden.

The project was touted at US$35 million and will serve to connect Wismar to

President Irfaan Ali Mackenzie. The contract for this ambitious project is set to be formalised with China Railway Construction Limited and aims to be completed within a 24month timeframe.

However, subsequent developments saw the National Assembly approving an additional $2.1 billion for the Wismar Bridge construction in August 2023. This

supplementary allocation, overseen by the Ministry of Public Works, drew scrutiny from the opposition, questioning the necessity for extra funds given the earlier secured loan. In response, the government clarified that the supplementary funds were specifically designated for local aspects of the project, primarily focusing on the bridge's construction itself.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 04, 2024

Hezbollah chief says group won’t ‘be silent’ after killing of Hamas leader

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Wanted! Male & Female workers preferably from WBD, for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4100 per day. Call: 611-7839.

1 live-in Maid. Apply with police clearance and 2 letters of reference. $160,000 monthly.

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Nanny for 3 months old baby and Receptionist to work shifts at a hotel. Call: 223-5273/74.

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Vacancy for Gardener, to work Monday to Saturday 7:00 to 12:00. Call: 2276466/ 600-8743.

Vacancy for Nanny, to work 6 days per week from 7:00 to 4:30. $36,000 weekly. Call: 227-6466/ 600-8743.

Aulicio Mining Inc is hiring Cook, Dredgemen, Excavator Operators, Accountant & Driver ( Interior & GT). Email: ve@officegy.com or Call: 658-9158/ 501-3761.

Masons, labourers carpenters & skilled men wages $7,000-$10,000 per day & Labourer 5-6K per day Call: 650-1394, 692-7110.

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LAND FOR SALE Commercial land 205ft X 115ft in 6th Street Kase Village Cummings Lodge, ECD. Call: 701-6735.

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Property on Mon Repos public road, ECD. Call: 701-6735.

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FOR RENT 2 bedroom bottom flat, parking, toilet & bath, wide yard space in Eccles. Call: 2335092/ 688-7431.

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(AL JAZEERA) - The head of Lebanon’s powerful armed group Hezbollah says the killing of the deputy chief of allied Palestinian faction Hamas in Beirut was “a major, dangerous crime about which we cannot be silent”.

In a televised speech on Wednesday, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah blamed Israel for the attack and offered his condolences to Hamas for what he called a “flagrant Israeli aggression” that killed Saleh al-Arouri.

Tuesday’s strike hit the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold. It was the first strike to hit Beirut after almost three months of near daily fire between the Israeli military and Hezbollah across the IsraelLebanon border.

Hezbollah launched rockets across the border beginning on October 8 in support of Hamas, which had carried out a deadly assault into southern Israel the previous day that Israel responded to with a devastating bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah is part of the “axis of resistance”, a loose alliance of armed groups with ties to

Hezbollah supporters attend a televised speech by the Lebanese terror group's leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut's southern suburbs, on February 16, 2023. (Anwar Amro/AFP)

Iran. They include Hamas in Palestine and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Nasrallah asserted Hezbollah’s “quick” action on October 8 and the crossborder shelling since then had prevented a broader bombing campaign by Israel of Lebanon.

He said there would be “no ceilings” and “no rules” to fighting by Hezbollah if Israel launches a war on Lebanon. Reporting from Beirut, Al

Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr said Nasrallah’s address was a “delicate balancing act”.

“He talked about the front in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah is engaged in a low-intensity conflict with the Israeli army along the border.

He said that [fighting] will continue. “He said that if Israel decides to launch a fullscale offensive, then Hezbollah would fight back with its full military capabilities.” “But Nasrallah also

spoke about strategic, national considerations that each of the so-called resistance groups in this ‘axis of resistance’ across the region have to take into account.

And in Lebanon, Hassan Nasrallah knows that Israel can destroy this country,” she said.

“In many ways, his hands are tied.

But at the same time, he reiterated that Hezbollah is not afraid of war.”

Plagiarism charges downed Harvard’s president...

From page 06 the fight,” he said on X, describing a “playbook” against institutions deemed too liberal by conservatives.

His latest target: efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in education and business.

“We must not stop until we have abolished DEI ideology from every institution in America,” he said. In another post, he announced a new

“plagiarism hunting fund,” vowing to “expose the rot in the Ivy League and restore truth, rather than racialist ideology, as the highest principle in academic life.”

Gay didn’t directly address the plagiarism accusations in a campus letter announcing her resignation, but she noted she was troubled to see doubt cast on her commitment “to upholding scholarly rigor.”

She also indirectly nodded to the December congressional hearing that started the onslaught of criticism, where she did not say unequivocally that calls for the genocide of Jews would violate Harvard policy.

Her departure comes just six months after becoming Harvard’s first Black president.

As the figureheads of their universities, presidents

often face heightened scrutiny, and numerous leaders have been felled by plagiarism scandals.

Stanford University’s president resigned last year amid findings that he manipulated scientific data in his research.

A president of the University of South Carolina resigned in 2021 after he lifted parts of his speech at a graduation ceremony.

GWI to upgrade aged pipelines in the city - Min. Croal...

From page 2 Cenotaph as well as in Kingston around the Pegasus Hotel area.

“You go to pass by Pegasus oftentimes you see leakage there. Well right now you see the road is disrupted between Lamaha Street to Pegasus. That is we have just

changed that pipe system so they are about 90-95% complete. They have to finish the connection.”

In keeping with the GWI’s mandate to be able to provide treated and easily accessible water for all citizens, relocation of a number of transmissions lines will have to be

done this year to support the new and upgraded treatment plants, Croal said.

Over the years, residents living in and around Georgetown have complained about low water pressure at various times during the day and night. In addition, residents have also complained

about the quality of the water running through their taps.

At the same time, GWI has made efforts at various sections of the city to upgrade its pipelines, including along Vlissengen Road, Church Street, in Albouystown and on Sheriff Street.

Thursday January 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 04, 2024

Thursday January 04, 2024

Atal fined and given suspended jail sentence for Israel-Hamas conflict post

PARIS, (Reuters) - Algeria international soccer player Youcef Atal has been handed an eight-month suspended prison sentence and a 45,000euro fine by a court in Nice for a social media repost about the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The court said the social media repost provoked hatred on the grounds of religion.

Defender Atal, who has been at Nice since 2018, was suspended by the Ligue 1 club in October after the media post, which he deleted.

Hamas fighters killed 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7 in the deadliest Palestinian militant attack in Israel’s history, prompting an Israeli retaliatory ground and air offensive

which is now approaching its third month.

The Palestinian death toll had reached 22,313 by Wednesday, the Gaza health ministry said.

The day after the Hamas Oct. 7 attack, Atal republished a 35-second video by a Palestinian preacher who called on God to send “a black day over the Jews”, French newspaper Nice-Matin reported.

He has apologised for the deleted post. “I am aware that my post shocked many people, which wasn’t my intention, and I apologise,” 27year-old Atal said on Instagram at the time.

Contacted by Reuters, Atal’s lawyer had no immediate comment.

OGC Nice’s Youcef Atal in action. (REUTERS/Novak Djurovic/File Photo)

Windies skipper Matthews...

Thursday January 04, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might be extremely busy now. Invitations to large parties, small gatherings with close friends, and intimate evenings with romantic partners might come up today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Adventure is the word for today, Libra. A lot of physical and mental energy, as well as enthusiasm, might lead you to aim for goals that others consider too risky or unrealistic.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Unexpected visitors could wake you up to the possibility of new work opportunities, Taurus. This could advance your current job or be work you can do on your own - maybe on a volunteer basis.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) New career goals may come your way with the current aspect, Scorpio, opening up possibilities you may not have considered. This could be very exciting. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Fascinating new information could arrive today from TV or the Internet, opening up new educational opportunitie. The possibility of making contact and perhaps visiting new friends.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If you aren't romantically involved, an errand, walk, or other foray into your neighborhood might bring an exciting new person into your life.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Money that you may have been hoping to use to better your living or working condition could suddenly come your way today, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) When you run errands today, check the bulletin boards in local businesses. You may have been longing for adventure and dreaming about getting away from it all, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Information received today excites your imagination and encourages you to start a new artistic or creative project, Virgo. Stories, pictures, abstract concepts - all could come together.

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Kaieteur News

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The A sudden burst of physical energy and determination could lead to additional income for you, Capricorn.

This is probably due to an unexpected opportunity to do some extra work.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Friends or a group with which you're affiliated could propose a trip. This might seem like a great adventure, Aquarius, so you're likely to go for it. You will probably have a wonderful time.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) An opportunity to do some extra work outside the scope of your regular job could present itself to you. Take it, Pisces. Not only could you earn some extra money.

From page 21 132 runs came in boundaries.

Meanwhile, the men’s T20 shortlist includes 2022 winner Suryakumar Yadav of India, New Zealand’s Mark Chapman, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza and Uganda’s Alpesh Ramjani – who helped his side qualify for their first ever World Cup. Gerald Coetzee (South Africa), Yashasvi Jaiswal (India), Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka) and Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand), compete for the men’s emerging player.

Nominees for Test and ODI awards will be released later this week.

Steve Waugh calls out Windies...

From page 22 Pakistan didn’t send a full side [to Australia],” he argued.

Both Holder, the Caribbean side’s leading allrounder, and batting allrounder Kyle Mayers, skipped the Australia tour to explore T20 franchise opportunities.

While he acknowledged there is little financial incentive for smaller nations to play Test cricket, Waugh called for a standardised fee to be implemented by the ICC. “If the ICC or someone doesn’t step in shortly then Test cricket doesn’t become Test cricket because you’re

not testing yourself against the best players,” Waugh said.

“I understand why players don’t come; they’re not getting paid properly. I don’t understand why ICC or the top countries who are making a lot of money don’t just have a regulation set fee for Test matches which is a premium so [that] people are incentivised to play Test Cricket. Otherwise, they’ll just play T10 or T20.

“The public are the ones who are going to suffer because it’s not the full side playing so it’s not Test cricket,” he added.

Thursday January 04, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Hassan Mohamed’s Cycling Chronicle....

From Pedals to Administration - A Cycling Journey beyond the Race It’s a career that spanned approximately 64 years.

Hassan Mohamed, a name etched in the annals of cycling history in Guyana, seamlessly transitioned from a celebrated cyclist to an influential administrator, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he once dominated.

Born into a small family on October 28, 1945, he attended the Broad Street Government and Trinity Methodist (Georgetown) School in his earlier years.

As a youngster, he enjoyed sports such as cricket and athletics. However, Hassan Mohamed’s tryst with the two-wheeled sport commenced at a tender age of 13 as a juvenile cyclist at the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club in 1958. His cycling career eventually lasted fourteen (14) years as an active cyclist, which he competed in the various categories - juniors, Youths (B) Class, (A) Class championship.

His innate talent and unwavering determination swiftly propelled him through the ranks, earning him numerous accolades on the local stage. Renowned for his strategic prowess and unwavering grit, he served as Club Captain of Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club from 1968-1972; eventually ‘hung up his wheels’ in 1972.

Mohamed’s ambitions transcended the finish line.

Following an illustrious cycling career, he embarked o n a n e w t r a j e c t o r y, channeling his expertise

Cycling Stalwart, Hassan Mohamed towards the administration and governance of the sport.

Recognizing the need for reform and progress within cycling’s regulatory bodies, Mohamed seamlessly transitioned into a pivotal administrative role. He went on to serve as Treasurer of the Guyana Cycling Federation, Racing Secretary, as well as the only National Cycling Coach the country’s has ever seen.

His academic journey was also elaborate, in 1975, he received an IOC scholarship to study in Rome (Italy), where he was able to acquired a Diploma from the Union Cycling International (UCI), as well as an International Olympic Committee Certificate (perfected and specialization in cycling), and Scuola Central Dello Certificate, (Physical Education).

During his early administrative years, he participated in several Coaching and Development courses in countries such as Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , Russia, Venezuela and St

Kitts. Thereafter, he was appointed National Coach on August 1, 1975 with the Ministry of Information, and worked in several Ministries, Education and National Development, Office of the Prime Minister, as well as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport under the National Sports Commission. He also worked in several regions including Essequibo, East and West Berbice, Linden, West Demerara, Bartica and many others.

However, his tenure as an administrator bore the hallmark of his dedication to fostering transparency and inclusivity within the sport.

Under his stewardship, initiatives promoting grassroots development and the welfare of athletes flourished. Mohamed’s visionary leadership steered the sport through transformative phases, advocating for stricter antidoping measures, gender equality, and sustainability in cycling events both locally and internationally.

B e y o n d h i s administrative duties, Hassan Mohamed remained an advocate for youth empowerment through sports, initiating programmes aimed at nurturing young talent and promoting cycling as a vehicle for positive societal change. Mohamed was also responsible for the organising of many cycle competitions during 1972 to 2001. He also served as

Hassan Mohamed collecting his IOC Award in the presence of GOA President K. Juman Yassin (left) and Secretary, Ivor O’Brien.

Manager and Coach in a number of countries with our national teams. Some of his fondest memories include the founding of Nursery Programme (Teach Them Young) between 1977 and 2015. According to him, National Three Stage Cycling Meet (referred to as ‘his baby’) continues to be the most highly anticipated cycling meet on the local calendar, still going strong after some 35 years of its inception.

Today, some of his most memorable achievements for Mohamed were receiving a Medal of Service from the late President of Guyana, Desmond Hoyte in 1990, and while in 1991; winning Runner-up Coach Award in Cuba remain his greatest achievement. “Seeing your

flag flying in another territory, meant a whole lot for me back in those days,” he explained. He was also awarded a Life Membership of the Everest Cricket Club; remaining the longest serving member (19672005). Also in 2005, he received an award from Guyana Olympic Association for his contribution to the development of Sport (Cycling). Meanwhile, his contributions to cycling have b e e n l a u d e d g l o b a l l y, earning him accolades not just for his achievements on the track but also for his impactful reforms off it.

Mohamed stands as a testament to the adage that true greatness extends far beyond personal triumphs, echoing through the realms of mentorship, leadership,

a n d i n n o v a t i o n . N o w, officially retired, after some 50 odd years in administration, Hassan Mohamed reflects on his meaningful contributions towards the sport of cycling.

Even at a distinguished age of 78, he is still hopeful that the cycling landscape returns to what it used to be, his unwavering dedication and visionary approach were the highlights of this interview.

Jokingly he stated, “I still h o p e t o w i t n e s s t he commissioning of Guyana’s first ever ‘home for cycling’ by virtue of a Cycling S t a d i u m / Ve l o d r o m e . ” Meanwhile, his legacy endures as an embodiment of sporting excellence and administrative prowess, inspiring generations to come.

De Minaur snaps Djokovic run in Australia with United Cup shock PERTH, (Reuters) Novak Djokovic crashed to his first defeat of the season and first in Australia for six years with a stunning 6-4 6-4 loss to Alex de Minaur who put Australia on course for a 2-0 win over Serbia in their United Cup quarter-final yesterday.

Djokovic was hampered by a right wrist p r o b l e m i n S e r b i a ’s victory over Czech Republic on Tuesday and the world number one had it worked on again by a trainer before De Minaur earned a late break and went on to clinch the opening set.

Australian Open

champion Djokovic dropped serve yet again to hand De Minaur a 4-3 advantage in the second set and saved three match points later, but was unable to prevent the shock loss ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam later this month.

Djokovic was on a 43match winning streak in Australia and preparing for a tilt at an 11th Melbourne Park title having last lost in the country to Chung Hyeon in the fourth round of the 2018 edition when he was plagued by an elbow issue.

“It’s extremely special,” said world number 12 De Minaur, who won 33 out of

Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 34 points behind his first serve to claim his first win over a world number one.

“ N o v a k ’ s a n unbelievable competitor and what he’s done for the sport is pretty special.

It feels surreal, it feels amazing and I’m happy to do it here in Perth and in Australia.

“Ultimately when you go against Novak, you’ve just got to go out there, t r y a n d e n j o y, b a c k yourself and no matter what, keep fighting till the end.

Today was my day.

I’m happy I was able to get the win. This one definitely means a lot.”

De Minaur also became the first Australian player to defeat a world number one

since Nick Kyrgios downed Daniil Medvedev in the 2022 U.S. Open and will carry his nation’s hopes during the Jan. 14-28 Australian Open.

A j l a To m l j a n o v i c secured the tie for Australia and a last-four spot with a 61 6-1 win over Natalija Stevanovic.

To p s e e d s P o l a n d earlier beat China to reach the semi-finals of the 18team event after the bighitting Hubert Hurkacz eased past Zhang Zhizhen 63 6-4 and Iga Swiatek fought back from 2-0 down in the first set to beat Zheng Qinwen 6-2 6-3.

It was Swiatek’s third straight singles victory in

the event which the world number one is using to prepare for this month’s Australian Open.

Caroline Garcia and Adrian Mannarino guided France into the quarter-finals with a victory over Italy.

World number 20 Garcia beat Jasmine Paolini 6-4 5-7 6-4 after Mannarino beat Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 6-4 in the Group D tie.

Greece beat Canada 2-0 in Group B as Australian Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas won his first singles match of the season beating Steven Diez 6-2 6-3 before Maria Sakkari rallied past Leylah Fernandez 76(2) 6-3.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 04, 2024

PAGE 21

Osaka’s first tournament as a mom ends in a loss to 3-time winner Pliskova in Brisbane BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — A loss didn’t bother Naomi Osaka at the Brisbane International as much as the missed opportunity for more matches ahead of the Australian Open.

The four-time major winner’s first tournament since becoming a mother ended in a 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4 second-round loss yesterday to three-time Brisbane International champion Karolina Pliskova.

Osaka won her first match at the elite level since late 2022 on Monday in straight sets against Tamara Korpatsch.

After that win, she said the birth in July of her daughter, Shai, and the changes to her mindset since becoming a mother had given her a better perspective on tennis.

A second-round encounter featuring two former No. 1-ranked players was a step up in tempo and a better indication of how Osaka’s preparations are going for the Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam event, starting Jan. 14

Naomi Osaka

in Melbourne.

“The week is definitely shorter than I wanted it to be,” Osaka said. “I feel like I’m pretty good where I am right now. Even the last time I played her, I think I played better today.”

Osaka won the first set but Pliskova recovered and fired 16 aces and hit 50 winners, saving 10 of the 12 breakpoint chances she faced and making amends for her 11 double-faults.

“I saw the stats after and my break points could have been better,” Osaka said, “but I think other than that

we both played really well ... so hopefully she says the same thing!”

A former finalist at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open now ranked 39th, the 31-year-old Pliskova was playing for the first time since September after a left wrist injury curtailed her 2023 season.

“A lot of things to improve, but a good start,” said Pliskova, who had her left wrist and hand taped for the opening match of the day on Pat Rafter Arena.

She’ll next play thirdseeded Jelena Ostapenko,

who beat Camila Giorgi 6-1, 6-4.

Top seed and defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka had a 6-3, 6-0 win over Lucia Bronzetti and will face Zhu Li, a 1-6, 63, 7-6 (7) winner over Danielle Collins, in the Round of 16.

Second-seeded Elena Ry b a k i n a , t h e 2 0 2 2 Wimbledon champion, had a 6-4, 6-1 win over Olivia Gadecki and will next play No. 13 Elise Mertens, who beat 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens 2-6, 6-1, 6-3.

On the men’s side, topseeded Holger Rune beat Alexander Shevchenko 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the night match to advance to a quarterfinal against Australian qualifier James Duckworth. Fourthseeded Ugo Humbert had a 6-4, 6-4 win over Alex Michelsen in a first-round match.

Osaka’s next match will be an exhibition in Melbourne on Rod Laver Arena, the main court for the Australian Open, next week.

She was happy with her

Karolina Pliskova serve against Pliskova, firing 14 aces and just two doublefaults, and winning 83% of points when she got her first serve into play.

“I’ve trained so hard since giving birth, I need to enjoy these moments,” Osaka said, adding she’s changed her attitude to winning and losing since becoming a mom.

“I do feel different. I mean, of course I feel sad, but the sadness is me being like, ‘Aww, I wish I could have done better, because I know I’m spending so much time away from her (Shai),

so I want it to be worth it somehow.”

Competing in Brisbane proved that all her practice wasn’t a waste ahead of the Australian Open, where she has won two of her Grand Slam titles.

“For me even stepping on the court is a personal win because a couple of weeks ago I was even doubting if I could play with everyone,” she said.

“So I guess these two matches that I’ve had kind of prove to me that I am doing OK, and the year is just going to get better for me.”

Windies skipper Matthews shortlisted Hermoso tells investigating for Women’s T20 International judge Rubiales kiss Player-of-the-Year award was non-consensual SportsMax - West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has been shortlisted for the Wo m e n ’s Tw e n t y 2 0 International Player-of-theYe a r h o n o u r s i n t h e International Cricket Council’s 2023 awards.

Matthews, the number one-ranked ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder put together a remarkable series of performances last year, as she racked up 700 runs in the year, the most by any player in a year in Women’s T20Is. She also picked up 19 wickets at an average of 16.21 in a mere 14 matches for the year.

The 25-year-old Barbadian is up against three high-class players, with, England’s Sophie Ecclestone, the top ranked T20 i n t e r n a t i o n a l b o w l e r, Australia’s Ellyse Perry, and S r i L a n k a ’s C h a m a r i Athapaththu also nominated.

Matthews’ stellar display against Australia in a bilateral T20I series in the

second half of the year, was one for the ages. During that series, she posted scores of an unbeaten 99, 132 and 79, as she proved to be a thorn to the Australian side.

Matthews’ extraordinary unbeaten 99 in the first game of the series was overshadowed by her mindblowing 132 in a run-chase of 213 in Sydney. The worldrecord run-chase in women’s T20Is saw Matthews break several records, including that of the highest individual score in a women’s T20I runchase. Her overall tally of 310 runs in the series is the most by any player in a women’s T20I bilateral series. Matthews also enjoyed good form in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where she tallied 130 runs and took four wickets and four catches.

The hard-hitting Matthews produced a matchwinning performance in a tight encounter against Ireland at the T20 World

Cup. In that contest, she picked up four wickets and made a 34ball 48, but her remarkable 132 against Australia overshadowed it all. Having taken three wickets for 36 runs with the ball as Australia made a whopping 212, West Indies were faced with a daunting task in the run-chase, but nothing could have prepared anyone for Matthews’ innings.

She hit two fours and a six in the 17th over of the run-chase to raise her century off just 53 balls, and then clubbed Jess Jonassen for four fours in a row in the 19th over to bring the equation down to eight runs needed off six balls.

While Matthews was dismissed in the over, she had set the stage for one of the most outrageous women’s T20I wins of alltime with her blistering 132 off just 64 balls. The innings was studded with 20 fours and five sixes, as 110 of her (Continued on page 19)

Footballer Jenni Hermoso (c), on her arrival to testify at the Audiencia Nacional for the ‘Rubiales case’. (Eduardo Parra/EUROPA PRESS/DPA) DPA - Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso reiterated in court on Tuesday that the kiss on the lips from former Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales given her at the World Cup victory ceremony was nonconsensual.

Rubiales made the statement at a court which is to decide whether Rubiales has to stand trial. Investigating judge Francisco de Jorge has previously questioned other witnesses, including team-mates from Hermoso. “It all depends on the justice authorities now,” Hermoso said after leaving the Madrid state court.

Rubiales had kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain beat England for the World Cup title on August 20 in Sydney, which caused a huge outcry in Spain and elsewhere.

Rubiales insists that the kiss was consensual but eventually stepped down as federation president and was banned for three years by the world governing body FIFA. According to experts he could face up to four years in prison if found guilty in a trial.

Also on Tuesday, Hermoso said on social media that she was moving within the Mexican league from Pachuca to the Tigres Feminil club.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Thursday January 04, 2024

Crazy first day of South Africa vs India second test sees 23 wickets tumble KL Rahul was the first of three wickets to fall in one over off Lungi Ngidi. (Gallo Images/Getty Images)

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — India suffered a spectacular collapse, losing six batters for no run as 23 wickets fell on a crazy opening day of the second cricket test against South Africa at Newlands yesterday.

Resuming on 153-4 after tea, the home team ran through the batting order to bowl India out for 153 in the space of 11 deliveries, with Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

and Nandre Burger snapping up three wickets apiece.

Earlier, South Africa was bowled out for just 55 in 23.2 overs, sliding to its lowest total since being readmitted to test cricket in 1991, after Mohammed Siraj claimed a test-best haul of 6-15.

South Africa then reached the close of play on 62-3 in its second innings, trailing by 36 runs overall, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 36 and David

Indian players bid farewell to Dean Elgar after his final innings in test cricket came to an end during the second test match between South Africa and India in Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Halden Krog)

Bedingham seven not out.

India was looking good in its first innings when Rohit Sharma (39) and Shubman Gill (36) were putting on 55 for the second wicket, the day’s highest partnership.

Burger removed Sharma before Gill added 33 for the third wicket with Virat Kohli.

But Burger then had Gill caught in the gully and dismissed Shreyas Iyer for a two-ball duck.

Kohli went on to make 46, sharing a stand of 43 for the fifth wicket with KL Rahul as India went to tea in a seemingly healthy position.

Wickets, though, fell thick and fast after the interval. Ngidi tested Rahul with extra bounce and he was caught behind. Two balls later Ravindra Jadeja went to the same bowler, and two balls later Ngidi snared Jasprit Bumrah.

Rabada captured Kohli’s wicket, Siraj was run out and the innings ended when Prasidh Krishna was caught at slip. There were five ducks among the last six dismissed batters. Earlier, South Africa

suffered its own embarrassing collapse before lunch after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Paceman Siraj registered his third fivewicket haul in his 23rd test, and his first against South Africa. His previous best was 5-60 against the West Indies in Port of Spain last year. Bumrah also took 2-25 while Mukesh Kumar picked up two wickets without conceding a run in 2.2 overs.

The procession started in the fourth over, with Markram caught at slip for two. Stand-in skipper Dean Elgar, who scored 185 in the first test at Centurion, was also bowled for four as Siraj sent back both openers to start the slump. Elgar is leading the team in his final test before retirement, with Temba Bavuma ruled out by injury. In South Africa’s second innings, Markram came out to attack, hitting six

fours in 51 balls. But Elgar was caught at slip for 12 off Kumar, who also removed Tony de Zorzi for one, while Tristan Stubbs was also out for one. South Africa won the opening match of the two-test series by an innings and 32 runs.

Scores: South Africa 62 for 3 (Markram 36*, Mukesh 2-25) and 55 (Verreynne 15, Siraj 6-15, Mukesh 2-0) trail India 153 (Kohli 46, Rohit 39, Ngidi 3-30) by 36 runs.

Steve Waugh calls out Windies, Reliance Sports Ground South Africa on weakened Test Development Committee squads; seeks ICC intervention honours Banie Persaud

SportsMax - West Indies cricket has again found itself in the firing line, as Australian Test legend Steve Waugh has called for the intervention of cricket’s world governing body, International Cricket Council (ICC), to salvage the credibility of the game’s longest format, after South Africa followed the Caribbean selector’s lead and opted for an understrength Test side.

West Indies recently named seven uncapped players in a weakened 15man squad for two Tests against Australia later this month, while South Africa also selected seven debutants for their two-Test series in New Zealand next month.

This, as South Africa’s top players have been allowed to focus their efforts on the shorter format, as the New Zealand tour clashes with the country’s premier

R

Nicholas Pooran Tw e n t y 2 0 d o m e s t i c tournament.

“It’s going to happen if the South African Cricket Board are any indication of the future, keeping their best players at home,” Waugh said.

“If I was New Zealand, I wouldn’t even play the series. I don’t know why they’re even playing. Why would you when it shows a lack of respect for New Zealand cricket?

“It’s pretty obvious what the problem is — the West Indies aren’t sending their full-strength side [to Australia this summer].

They haven’t picked a fullstrength Test team for a couple of years now.

“Someone like Nicholas Pooran is really a Test batsman who doesn’t play Test cricket. Jason Holder, probably their best player, is not playing now. Even (Continued on page 19)

eliance Sports Ground Development Committee has honoured Banie Persaud during the Holiday Seasons.

Persaud has been a long-time supporter of the Committee and made numerous contributions to the Reliance Sports ground over the years.

According to the President of the Committee, Trevis Simon, it was a delight to recognize the contribution of Persaud at that time of the year.

Persaud would have done yeoman services for the village of Reliance and particularly in support of the prominent Region Two sports ground which is located about four minutes drive from the Township of Anna Regina.

The 69-year-old Persaud is currently residing in Reliance.

During the function, the Committee also held its annual Christmas treat for children. Over 400 children were given toys for the 2023 edition.

Simon once again took the opportunity to thank all who contributed to make the event a success.

Banie Persaud, right, dressed as Santa, receives a symbolic trophy from Trevis Simon at Reliance Sports Ground.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 04, 2024

PAGE 23

School’s coaching programme, more CSEC PE student participation among areas of target for GGA

T

CGGA president Aleem Hussain has outlined a number of plans for the continued growth of the sport within the local school system.

he Guyana Golf Association (GGA) has outlined a number of new strategic plans which will be geared specifically towards the continued growth of the sport within the School system and by large, the general public.

After wrapping up a strong year of golf development in and out of the academic structure, the GGA recently identified a number of endeavors which are prioritized for 2024.

Given their solid 2023, GGA president A l e e m

Hussain said this year’s target is to build on the last t w o y e a r s o f w o rk done by the Association, with help from the government of Guyana, stakeholders of golf and its potential future stars.

Among those short term plans for 2024, Hussain says the GGA intends to hit a target of 25,000 partici p a n t s b y J u n e .

He added that plans are in place for the development of golf coaches in 76 Secondary Schools countrywide.

The GGA will

commence in the near future, an introduction to golf at t h e p r i m a r y school’s level. Focusing more on the tremendous start to their CSEC programme, the Association plans to target some 500 students for this year’s Physical Education programme.

“We aim to have Golf to be included in the country’s National Sports Programme, as a result we can seek to host interclass, inter-school, interregion, national and eventually international

Championships,” Hussain said.

Finally, the GGA will be placing huge amounts of emphasis on their Junior crop of players, with women also being among the focal points of this year’s continued list of things to do.

“The GGA will be seeking to build a core junior batch of golfers, who will someday be c a p a b l e o f representing/dominating the Junior Golf Championships in the region,” ended Hussain.

Cummins takes 5 wickets but Pakistan rallies on Day 1. Warner survives nervy over in test farewell SYDNEY (AP) — Australia captain Pat Cummins took 5-61 for his third consecutive fivewicket haul as Pakistan’s brittle top order was again exposed before a combative lower order rally helped the tourists to 313 on Day 1 of the third and final cricket test.

At 96-5 shortly after lunch Wednesday, Pakistan was in grave danger of being bundled out cheaply after it had won the toss and chose to bat under bright, blue skies at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

But an enterprising counterattack led by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan with a brisk 88,

had to survive one over from spinner Sajid Khan under fading light before stumps.

Warner (6 not out) in characteristic style smashed the first ball for four but was lucky later in the over as he somehow survived the ball bouncing over the stumps from a defensive shot.

Australia was 6 without loss at stumps.

Much of the pre-match attention may have been on Warner ’s last test for Australia, but it was the pace bowlers who stole the spotlight early.

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood set the tone by each taking a wicket in the first two overs, before

Pakistan’s Aamer Jamal is struck in the helmet by a delivery from Australia’s Pat Cummins during their cricket test match in Sydney, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

followed by a half-century from Agha Salmon and a stunning maiden test halfcentury by Aamer Jamal helped Pakistan recover to a respectable total.

Australian pair David Warner, playing his final test, and Usman Khawaja

Cummins, coming off a tenwicket haul in the Boxing Day test at Melbourne, snared two wickets including the prize scalp of Babar Azam as Pakistan batters crumbled.

Starc (2-75) struck with the second ball, teasing

Shafique into an uncontrolled swipe which the opener could only edge through to Steve Smith at second slip.

Hazlewood (1-65) struck in the next over when he had test rookie Saim Ayub edging through to Alex Carey in his debut innings.

From 4-2, Babar and Massood started the rebuild for Pakistan, with Babar especially attacking the Aussie quick bowlers.

But the rally was shortlived as Cummins removed Babar (26) with a ball that came back at the righthander and struck him on the pad. Umpire Michael Gough turned down the initial Australian appeal, but the TV umpire overturned the decision.

Saud Shakeel was Cummins’ second wicket, edging behind to Carey to leave Pakistan’s first innings in tatters at 47-4.

Captain Shan Masood (35) and Rizwan shared a 49run stand either side of the lunch break to steady Pakistan. Mitchell Marsh (127) ended that partnership by teasing an edge from Masood which flew through to Smith.

Rizwan went on the attack and made an enterprising half-century off 74 balls. He continued to play his shots but eventually holed out to Hazlewood as Cummins’ brought himself back in to the attack to take his third wicket.

“If you look back at all

Australia’s Pat Cummins holds up the ball after taking 5 wicket against Pakistan during their cricket test match in Sydney, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

the best bowlers in the history of cricket, they’ve always had that in them — the ability to come on and take a wicket when the team needs to,” ,” Marsh said of Cummin’s uncanny knack of choosing the right time to bowl. “I think the best part about Patty is that he always finds a way for us.”

The Aussie skipper got his fourth when he had Sajid caught at midwicket by Nathan Lyon for 15 and a deserved fifth shortly after with Hasan Ali (0) picking out Starc in the deep.

In between Starc had ended Salman’s impressive innings at 53 when he was caught by Travis Head at square leg.

Pakistan’s lower order continued, though, and a

final-wicket partnership of 86 between Jamal and Mir Hamza frustrated Australia for almost 23 overs. Jamal, who made his test debut in the series-opening match in Perth, blasted nine boundaries and four sixes in an enthralling 82 off 97 balls before finding Starc in the deep off Lyon (1-74) to end the innings.

The lead up to the match has been almost exclusively about Warner’s last test for Australia, and the 112-test veteran, flanked by his three daughters, led the home team out on to the SCG for his final test.

On Tuesday, Warner took to social media to plead for the return of his “baggy green” test cricket cap which was in a bag that went

missing in transit between Melbourne and Sydney this week. On Wednesday, he was wearing a new cap.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the appeal for the caps to be returned.

“David Warner has represented Australia on more than one hundred occasions,” Albanese said in Sydney yesterday. “The baggy green caps belong to him. He has earnt them and they should be returned.”

Australia won the first two tests in Perth and Melbourne to clinch the three-match series.

Scores: Australia 6 for 0 trail Pakistan 313 (Rizwan 88, Jamal 82, Salman 53, Cummins 5-61, Starc 2-75) by 307 runs.

Hassan Mohammad (centre) with some of his charges for a cycling event in 2014.

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Windies skipper Matthews shortlisted for Women’s T20 International Player-of-the-Year award Hayley Matthews

Hassan Mohamed’s Cycling Chronicle...

From Pedals to Administration A Cycling Journey beyond the Race Steve Waugh calls out Windies, South Africa on weakened Test squads; seeks ICC intervention

Steve Waugh.

Mohammed Siraj is all smiles after bagging David Bedingham. (Associated Press)

Crazy first day of South Africa vs India second test sees 23 wickets tumble

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