Kaieteur News

Concerns grow over delay in court ruling on case challenging Exxon's flaring

Three Guyanese women who filed a case against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year for amendments made to ExxonMobil Corporation's Stabroek Block permits to allow for excess flaring in exchange for a fee, are now pleading with the courts to handdownitsrulingsoonest.

In a letter to the editor of this newspaper, Sinikka Henry, Sherlina Nageer and AndriskaThoringtonsaidthe ruling that was promised by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire is now delayedbysixmonths.

In the letter, they wrote, “we are ecologically minded Guyanesewhocareaboutthe environment and are concerned about the extended and dangerous gas flaring from the oil production activities of ExxonMobil in Guyana's offshorewaters.

As such, we became plaintiffs in a lawsuit against t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l ProtectionAgencyofGuyana and Esso (Exploration and P r o d u c t i o n G u y a n a Limited).”

Thewomennotedthatthe

matter was heard by the Chief Justice May 12, 2022. They said at the conclusion of the hearing, the Chief Justice indicated that she would deliver her decision in July 2022. “However, we are now in a new year and still awaiting the ruling, six months later than promised. Several letters inquiring aboutthisjudicialdelaywere sent from our attorney to the Registrar of the Supreme Court,buttonoavail.

We are now ventilating this issue in the public domaininhopesofobtaining a speedy resolution to this matter,” the women stated in theirappeal.

The case which was filed last year January, through their attorneys-at-law Melinda Janki and Ronald Burch-Smith intended to secure an order that would stop excessive flaring by ExxonMobil's subsidiary, EEPGL on the Liza Destiny vessel. Flaring had dragged on from December 2019 to m i d - 2 0 2 2 d u e t o a m a l f u n c t i o n i n g g a s compressor which was subsequently fixed later last year

The litigants contended

that the EPA's decision to modifyEsso'senvironmental permit to allow flaring was irrational and unlawful and that it should be quashed by thecourt.

They also argued that the agency breached the Environmental Protection ActCap.20:05bypurporting to allow Esso to flare in returnforpayingafee.

The litigants have asked for orders directing the agency to provide reports on the amount of gas flared, and thetoxinsreleased.Theyalso askedforanindependentand

expert investigation into Esso's compliance with manufacturer's standards for operatingitsgascompressor

Extensive research conducted by Kaieteur News shows that gas flaring contributes to climate change, which has serious implications for the human security and wellbeing globally

In fact, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, outlined in one of its studies, that gas flaring is actually a major

source of greenhouse gases, which accelerates global w a r m i n g

It was noted that flaring releases carbon dioxide and methane, the two major greenhouse gases. Of these two, Methane is actually more harmful than carbon dioxide It is also more prevalent in flares that burn at lower efficiency

Of the greenhouse gases researched so far, Kaieteur News understands that the globalwarmingpotentialofa kilogramme of methane is estimated to be 21 times that

of a kilogramme of carbon dioxide when the effects are considered.

The University of Ibadan study also noted that flaring contributes to local and regional environmental problems, such as acid rain with attendant impact on agriculture, forests and other physicalinfrastructure.

The acid rain results in environmental degradation, whichincludessoilandwater contamination and roof erosion

Furthermore, there have been over 250 identified toxins released from flaring including carcinogens such as benzopyrene, benzene, carbon disulphide (CS2), carbonylsulphide(COS)and toluene; metals such as mercury, arsenic and chromium; sour gas with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2); nitrogen oxides (NOx); carbon dioxide (CO2); and methane (CH4) which contributestothegreenhouse gases.

To date, no reports have beenreleasedontheextentof the flaring done by Exxon and the number of toxins releasedintotheatmosphere.

Alleged carjacker out on bail nabbed with carload of spare parts

An alleged carjacker, Jormaine Travis Watson, 26, is at risk of having his court bail revoked after patrol ranks on Tuesday busted him at Annandale, East Coast of Demerara (ECD), with a car load of suspected stolen car parts. Watson, a resident of Kuru Kuru, SoesdykeLinden Highway, and six other men were charged in August last year for a series of alleged carjacking and armed robberies on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). Police had found stolen car parts and an illegal 9MM pistolathisKuruKuruhome. Hewassubsequentlycharged and remanded to prison but laterreleasedoncourtbail.

Despite he is still before the court on trial for stealing cars, Watson on Tuesday landed himself in hot water againafterhesuddenlydrove away from patrol ranks at Annandale.

According to police, the ranks were conducting routine patrols in the vicinity of Annandale Market around 16:00hrs when a heavily tinted silver grey Toyota

Premio suddenly drove off andspedawayfromthem.

The cops quickly suspected that the driver might be a “law breaker”, decidedtopursuehim.

They eventually caught up with the vehicle and the driver, Watson was forced to stopandpullover

Ranks searched his car and found that it was loaded with four silver Toyota Premio car doors- two in the back seat and two in the trunk Watson reportedly could not provide a valid explanation of how he obtainedthecardoorsandthe policemen were forced to suspect that they might be stolenones.

They arrested him immediately and impounded hisvehiclewiththesuspected stolen property at the VigilancePoliceStation.

Police have since launched an investigation to find out if Watson is still in the business of allegedly stealingcarswhileontrialfor previouscarjackingoffences.

Detectiveswere

Flaring that was ongoing aboard the Liza Destiny

Four other men charged with Watson for alleged car theft.

The suspected car doors found in Watson's car at Annandale, ECD. Suspected, carjacker, Jomaine Travis Watson

Submit Exxon's quarterly expenses to Parliament for scrutiny

…while nation awaits delayed audit report - Opposition tells Govt.

ExxonMobil's affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) expenses and to update Guyana on its financial position within a timely manner is a clear indication of the country's inability to monitor its oil proceeds, Opposition Economist Elson Lowhassaid.

The advisor to the Leader of the Opposition has described this inability as “very alarming” and has thus urged the government to submit all the company's quarterly cost recovery statements to Parliament. He said that the government to date, has failed to publish the cost oil audits, reiterating the dire need to get Parliament involved in the monitoringof theoilexpenses.

Low agreed that there are ways to keep abreast with oil company expenses ahead of the annual audits, but noted that government is failing to build capacity in the relevant agencies, while keeping parliamentary oversight at bay He noted that one way eyes could be kept on Exxon's expenses is by accessing the company's cost recovery statements that are provided for in Section 8 of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement(PSA)whichsays that the Stabroek Block operator “shall” prepare each quarter of the year the cost recovery statement The statement, according to the PSA would detail among other things, recoverable contract cost for the quarter, recoverable contract cost carriedforward,contractcost recovered for the quarter and the quantity and value of cost oil taken and disposed for the quarter The operator is required to submit the quantity and value of the cost oil taken and disposed of as well as the contract cost recovered for the quarter, in separate statements for each fieldsoastoindicatethetotal allocation of cost oil as required by Article 11 of the agreement which focuses on 'costrecoveryandproduction sharing'.

“The cost recovery statementshouldbereviewed by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the same way the audit should be

reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee,” Low told the newspaper He opinedthatthestatementsare meanttogiveGuyanainsight into the recoverable 75 percent cost oil, before the actual audits take place. He added that to further support the annual audits, the opposition has called for increased local capacity to manage and audit the sector, as well as parliamentary oversight, as another layer “We repeatedly called for capacity building especially in the area of auditing so we can better assess expenses on a short-term, regular basis, even while we have comprehensive audits from time to time. Parliamentary oversight is an additional lever All these mechanisms can be leveraged to ensure Guyana benefits fully from itsoilresources.”

T h e O p p o s i t i o n Economist noted that he is aware that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has commented as being empowered to keep track of the sector but as it relates to Guyana actually being protected from exploitation by the oil companies, “ we've not seen the government speak on that issue in a way that gives us any confidence,” Low related. He recalled that the previous administration had put into the pipeline work toward a petroleum commission that would have taken lead role in all aspects of the oil industry and would be responsible specifically, for the management of the sector The petroleum commission would have been the 'go-to agency' for things petroleum and its contents relayed in

Parliament. However, where oil industry finances are concerned, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is the government point person on thematter

In the short run, Low said, it is a matter of taking Guyana's oil finances seriously because “the government is simply not serious about auditing Exxon.”

Hesaidthatcitizensmust become aware of the importance of auditing Exxon correctly and on time ifthecountrywishestocome close to its true share of oil wealth “We must, as a nation, come to understand that expenses that are incurred in oil development and production need to be monitored as closely as expenses that come from building roads. As a result, building our auditing capacity and oversight mechanisms is critical to national development.” He opined therefore that “Not auditing Exxon on time, and then potentially delivering a flawed audit, as well as failing to build auditing capacity are all government failures. And as I have said before, some of these things shouldbecriminaloffences.”

In a letter to the editor yesterday, Low said that the People's Progressive Party (PPP) government seems to be struggling with the challenges that come from natural resource windfalls like discovering oil He suggested that the delayed audit is an example of the government's inability to copewiththechangesasthey are yet to say also, whether auditors of Exxon's cost oil expenses are tasked to identify whether or not costs

have been inflated and the country is being robbed billionsofdollars.

A s i t r e l a t e s t o Parliamentary oversight, Opposition Members have argued against the limited number of times the House meets, the dormant natural r e s o u r c e s s e c t o r a l committee, the increase of persons for the PAC which increases difficulty in having a quorum due to absenteeism and the reduction of the oversight layers that was placed in the now Natural

Resource Fund. The

Opposition,APartnershipfor National Unity and the Alliance For Change has bothaccusedthegovernment of weakening and in some cases, ignoring state

institutions that handle oversightofpublicfunds.

Guyana's current audit entails some US$7B. The pre-contract cost totals aroundUS$460M.

Parent company for firm working in Guyana's oil and gas sector files for bankruptcy in the US

RemoteMD, L.L.C, the parent company for RemoteMD Services Guyana Inc. has filed for bankruptcy in the United States. The US company was founded more than 20 years ago as a revolutionary concept in healthcare by merging technology with medicine and training, for theoilindustry

The New Orleans based company, on October 18, 2022,filedforbankruptcyin the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the Eastern District of Louisiana(NewOrleans).

According to the case summary, on October 18, last (the Petition Date)

RemoteMD, L.L.C. filed an involuntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s Bankruptcy Code. Chapter 11, of the Bankruptcy Code

It was stated that the debtor's case was assigned case no. 22-11254 and is pending before the honorable Judge John W Kolwe in the U S

generally provides for reorganization, usually involving a corporation or partnership. A chapter 11 debtor usually proposes a plan of reorganization to keep its business alive and paycreditorsovertime.

BankruptcyCourtLouisiana Eastern District. Notably, the Debtor is being represented by The Law FirmHeller,Draper&Horn, LLC and the deadline for objecting to discharge is on March2,2023.

Opposition Economist Elson Low

Kaieteur News

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NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

GAS FLARING

We immediately set something on the record. We have very little trust in whatever ExxonMobil says and does. ConcerningthisdevelopmentofExxonMobilnotpublishing the data of how gas has flared into the atmosphere from its offshore operations, the first question that grabs hold is simple: if there is nothing to hide, then why is there this situation with the flaring data now a company and State secret? As ExxonMobil should know, the more things are handledinthismanner,themorecuriousonlookersbecome, andthemoresuspiciouspeoplebecome.

Other questions on this issue come with a rush. First, what is going on with ExxonMobil’s flaring into the atmosphere? Second, how much is the company really flaring? Third, where is the PPPC Government on this matter? Fourth,whyisthemanheadingGuyana’soilsector not kicking up a big stink? And last, what is happening behind the scenes between theAmerican company and the GuyanaGovernment?

Whenwearedealingwithpeoplewhoarestraight,every courtesy,everyconsideration,isextended. Incontrast,when thecircumstancesinvolvethosewhohavefailedtokeeptheir nose or hands clean, then the worst is thought of them, whatevertheyputoutinpublic,andwhensensitivematters are not done. Gas flaring numbers not known, held back, undisclosed, lead to the deepest suspicions. There is no benefit of the doubt due to ExxonMobil, or its partner in trickeries,thePPPCGovernment.

We really don’t know what ExxonMobil is up to, how muchitactuallyproducesdaily,notwithstandingthefigures itreleasesregardingwhatitdoes. Thewholethemeofthis editorial is how untrustworthy this American company is, withalonghistoryasthesupportingevidence. ExxonMobil has several lawsuits pending in the United States and Nigeria. Thecommonthreadconcernsreporting,including failure to report, and inaccurate reporting. To be blunt, ExxonMobil has been accused of outright fraud where reportingisconcerned.

Now with a country as ill-equipped as Guyana, and as corrupt,thisisoilparadiseforExxonMobil.Withawatchdog bodyliketheEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyblindfolded, muzzled, and chained, ExxonMobil can do as it pleases. With a government as compromised as the PPPC, ExxonMobil has no fear of being called to book for any violationsrelativetogasflaring,hencethecompanysimply proceeds merrily along. The bottom-line is we are so oilignorant that many of the people around the oil sector who are reputed to be way over their heads, beginners and amateurs. Again,ExxonMobilhasneverhaditbetter

Here is an issue for Guyanese on this gas flaring development. We are concerned that there may be another failure with the gas compressor, but ExxonMobil resorts to theactionthatbuysittime. Itsaysnothing,itpretendsasif all is well on its offshore platforms with its equipment. If there is, indeed, yet another faulty compressor issue, then ExxonMobilcouldhavebeenstretchingthefactsin what it has supplied to the Guyana Government as supposedly accurateinformationthatcanbereliedupon. Whetherthisis thecaseornot,ExxonMobilmaywithholdatmosphericgas flaringdataforatime,butitcan’tgetawaywithdoingsofor toolong.

Asanaside,afewmonthsago,itwasreportedthatthere was a spill of one barrel of oil at ExxonMobil’s Guyana offshoreoperations. Sincethen,therehasbeendeadsilence. However, many barrels of oil were actually spilled, be it more than one or only one, ExxonMobil is not saying anything, and the spineless PPPC Government also is not sayingasinglewordaboutanyrelateddevelopments,suchas a report. Like we said, this is the political environment in which ExxonMobil operates, and it doesn’t have to try too hardtokeeptheGuyanaGovernmentonashortleash.

This is brought up to remind Guyanese as how ExxonMobil conducts itself with absolute scorn for the Guyanese people, and how much the PPPC Government workshandinhandwiththecompanywithwhateveritdoes. Is gas flaring going to be the latest in ExxonMobil’s tricks thatitplaysontotallyatseaGuyanese?

KN spearheading a full front attack on government

DEAREDITOR, of investigative journalism beingfed,dayinanddayout Similarly, when the PPP is Your editorial in nor a shred of evidence in Kaieteur News and social called to book, KN is Tuesday’s Kaieteur News showing where, when and media despite the fact that condemned as being protitled “President Ali on Al how the thievery and Guyanahasonlybeenanoil PNC. We can’t win, but this Jazeera” speaks volumes corruption are taking place, producer for about 3 years isnotapopularitycontest,so about your dissatisfaction yet, you continue to make and it is greatly indebted to wejustkeeppluggingaway with this Government and I suchoutlandishaccusations. Exxon for the umpteen You mentioned that the hearwhatyouaresayingbut Whatismostironicisthe billionsof$$$U.S.spenton present government is only mayIpleasebepermittedto Government between 2015 oil exploration and back for two years, which is makeafewcommentswhich and 2020 with whom you productionwhichnowhasto so; but it was there for 23 I suspect will be of little hadnoproblems,wearenow bepaidback. years before, and a close comfort but which I will seeing the evidence of Editor, if I were to give examination of its policies, neverthelessmake. corruption and thievery that youthetaskofmakinghealth personnel, and practices

It seems to me, a tookplacewhentheywereat care in Guyana world class, indicate that there has been Guyanese from the outside the helm and which even to doyouthinkyoucandoitin the same continuum of looking in, that there is no this day, you are not even two years, considering the visions and operations. On patience being shown remotely interested in level of health care in 2020 anothernote,therehasnever towards this Government publishing.

w h e n t h e c u r r e n t been any oil money before, that has only returned to What is most perplexing Governmentcametopower? and at the levels being power just two short years is the expectation that this Doyouthink,youwould received into the NRF nowandhasduringthisshort Government will perform have eradicated poverty in Therefore,thegovernmentis time, done more for miracles and I suspect that Guyana by now had you not doing Guyanese any Guyanese than their even if that was possible it been put in charge in July favours, but is in such a predecessors did between wouldnotbeenough. 2020? Would you have handsomepositionthatitcan 2015and2020.

I was born and raised in raised the standard of living do way better Relative to

In my research of thecolonyofBritishGuiana of all Guyanese so that corruption, we are surprised Kaieteur News Editorials and then suffered under 28 everyone is happy and no that the names: Marriott, between2015to2020,Ifind yearsofPNCdictatorialrule. onewantsforanything? Sanata, Skeldon, GPC, and no criticism of the regime I challenge you to show me I would certainly like to so forth don’t ring any bells that was in power, no finger whereGuyaneseofthattime hearbackfromyouonthese for you. Further, look at our pointing and accusation of weregivenasingledollarof questions. oil sector, and the secrets corruptionandthievery Yet, relief payout by the Bestregards, with reports, and how our since August 2020, this Governments of the day DennisBalgobin government dodges newspaper has been Show me where we got free EDITOR’SNOTE: transparency We could go spearheading a full frontal world class health care with Mr.Balgobin, on,butenoughsaid. attack on this Government, free medication, Education Thanks for taking the Inclosing,wesaythis:to callingthemeveryevilname grants or grants of any kind time to give your feedback. behereistogetafeelforthe under the sun and totally from the colonial As a rule, responses are not real truths, and watch how dissatisfied with everything government or the PNC offered to comments by leaders squirm, evade, and thisGovernmenthastriedto Government. readers.Inyourinstance,we play games. The Opposition do for Guyanese and the What we now see in will make a brief exception. has a role, and it has done GuyanaEconomy Guyana is the current It seems that you have done less than it should which we

In my past comments to Guyanese population are your tracking on editorials have said. It has to hold the previous editorials, I have being fed a diet of going back to 2015 governmentaccountable.On asked that your journalists e n t i t l e m e n t a n d Nevertheless, please the other hand, the embark on investigative unreasonable expectations. appreciate that this government is where journalism (like we see here Theyarebeingtoldthatthey newspaper has been everythingis,sothisiswhere in the West) to expose the donotneedtoworkandthat criticised for being pro-PPP the focus resides, including corruption and thievery you they are entitled to much when it speaks out against editorials. claim to be happening. So more than they are currently wrongs of the other parties, Once again, thanks and far, I have seen no evidence getting.Thisiswhattheyare especially the PNC bestwishes.

AChange in Nursing Perception

DEAREDITOR, than serve as the mainstay in any way be overlooked differentiates one applicant Itiswithmixedemotions a n d b a l l a s t i n a that hopefully the nursing fromanotherandaugurswell that I read Health Minister commencementspeech. staff(regardlessofstatus),at fortheprofessionasawhole. Dr Frank Anthony’s plea The list of qualities that the Georgetown Public Nursesarenottheonlyones during the recent launching nurses must exhibit is Hospital all underwent a in whose direction the digits of the Nursing Assistant endless, and can be both selection process prior to shouldbepointed,foranurse Programme in Region Two. personalandprofessional,so commencement of training. does not become a curse to In the wake of Guyana’s narrowing the list to just a It should be during the theprofessionovernight,itis beleaguered public few traits can prove to be interviewing and ultimate simply a demonstration of healthcare system, and the ultimately problematic. selection process that the failed detection and criticism regarding Empathycannotbetaughtin desired qualities etc. are i n s p e c t i o n b e f o r e healthcare received, he a nursing assistant stated, demonstrated, certification. implored the trainees to programme. authenticated, elaborated Concomitantly, the role recall why they chose the It is the individual’s through questioning by the ofthenursingassistantmust profession, and further ability to put him/herself in interviewer and given not be downplayed, for they encouraged them to render the place of another and r e s p o n s e s b y t h e are basically the second pair care in a trained and understand how that person interviewee(s). of eyes to the nurse, most compassionate manner isfeeling.Empathyallowsa It logically follows that importantly because of the Wonderful words, well- nursing assistant to provide members of the Nursing actual bedside contact time articulated but ones that better care because he/she is Assistant Selection spentwiththepatient. should be kept foremost in helping patients from the Committee should be more Suchanactistherapeutic themindsofthemembersof patient’s point of view and astute judges of expected inmorewaysthanone,with the Nursing Assistant notthatofhim/her personal and professional thepatientrespondingwell Selection Committee, rather Let it not be forgotten or characteristicsandtraitsthat

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GPSU vows to continue struggle for living wage for public servants

DEAREDITOR, mechanisms to ensure good Avoidance of Settlement of 1992 to 2015 and is now (Negotiated); December 31, 2000. These Thank you for allowing governance. It is ultimately Disputes, between the evident again, since ·Nineandonehalf(9½) measures were not spacetobringattentiontothe the people that must decide Government of Guyana and resuming office in August percent interim pay increase i m p l e m e n t e d b y evasiveness of the the fate of rogue the GPSU that is embodied 2020 The APNU/AFC effective January 1, 1998 Government to date Government of Guyana to Governments. in the Public Service Rules Governmentoveritsfive(5) andanincreasinggraduating (Arbitration); engage the Guyana Public The GPSU is guided by (1987).Theblatantdisregard year tenure was also scale of percentages of Adjustments, in ServiceUnion(GPSU)since Article 147 (3) of the forthelegalrequirementsof culpable, it did follow the thirteen and one half (13½) keepingwiththepercentages the last encounter with the Constitution of the the laws and other legal PPP/Cexampleinrelationto percent (Bands 13-14), awarded of 1999, to Unionthroughthecollective Cooperative Republic of instruments, including the breaches of the laws fourteen one half (14½) “General allowances: bargainingprocesswasvery Guyana;Section23(1)ofthe spirit of good industrial governing collective percent (Bands 11-12), overtime, duty allowances, discomforting. Particularly Trade Union Recognition relationsisabominable. bargaining. fifteen (15) percent (Bands etc.” were to be made. This because it was the people Act 1997, International The fact that most of the Notwithstanding, the 9-10),fifteenonehalf(15½) requirement was also not that elected Government, Labour Organization (ILO) electorate also treat lightly GPSU is proud to boldly percent (5-8), sixteen (16) i m p l e m e n t e d b y which having been Convention ¹ 87 concerning with Government’s lack of recogniseitscontributionsto percent (Band 4), twenty- Government to date foresworntoupholdthelaw, Freedom ofAssociation and legal compliance, leaves improving the wages and four (24) percent (Band 3) (Arbitration);and commitswantonbreachesof Protection of the Right to much to be desired, salaries landscape of the and thirty (30) percent · Mention must also be the law in full public view Organize, Convention ¹ 98 especially because the workers of Guyana through (Bands 1-2) The award madeoftheJuly1997report andwithnoconsequences. ontheRighttoOrganizeand inevitable “trickle down” the astute employment of included the payment of of a Committee set up by It tells the populace that Collective Bargaining and effects of such non- industrial relations and the specialized allowances PresidentCheddiB.Jaganin the institutions that were Convention¹151onLabour compliance would arsenal of tools available to between fifteen (15) and the year 1997 to “Consider formulated to keep Relations (Public Service) ultimately prove harmful to TradeUnions. twenty-five percent to “key the question of wages and Government in check are that were all ratified by the the populace. This has been These contributions and critical” staff salaries in the Public either not working as they Parliament of Guyana and evidenced over the last were realized at devastating (Negotiated); Service.TheGPSUaspartof should, politically hijacked areinforce,togetherwiththe twenty-three (23) years of cost to the Union, where it ·Athirty-onepointzero the Presidential Committee or is devoid of appropriate Agreement for the PPP/C governance from suffered the withholding of six (31.06) percent increase negotiated the payment of a itscheck-offs,re-registration for the year 1999, based on differentiated increase, of its membership, arbitrary the December 31, 1998 where Band 1 employees at and irregular cancellation of wagesandsalaries,followed thelowerlimitwastoreceive its agency fees agreement by atwenty-sixpointsix six 25%andemployeesonBand and the arbitrary and (26.66) percent increase on 14 a minimum of 15% and unlawful de-recognition of the December 31, 1999 employees graded on the the Forestry Commission wagesandsalaries,effective Bands between would be andotherAgencies. J a n u a r y 1 , 2 0 0 0 paid various percentages

AChange in Nursing...

Frompage4 beseechfromanotherhuman overhaul of the Guyanese to treatment demands under being. Respect in the nurse training system, the guidance/supervision of healthcare sector helps to especially as it relates to the someone who epitomizes createandmaintainahealthy Nursing Assistants. The confidence,careandrespect. environment in which MinisterofHealthDr Frank Sadly, however, in Guyana, patients irrespective of Anthony, Chief Nursing the culture of respect has ethnicity feel cared for as Officer, Nursing Tutors and eroded, and this attitude has individuals,andmembersof all other stakeholders are seeped into the healthcare healthcare teams are calledupontoensurethatnot arena with resultant display engaged, collaborative and only are the requirements in in the manner in which care committed to service place but also effectively is given, at a critical time to Nurses are regarded as the mobilized to ensure that the the most vulnerable. From backbone of every backbone is kept erect and t i m e i m m e m o r i a l , healthcare system in the gainingstrengthasdisplayed displaying respect for world, and to all good by all those who comprise patients has been part of the accounts due to the thebackbone,andvoicedby foundation of excellent importance of the backbone the recipients of the nursingcare. Again,respect and its involvement in service—thepatients. is not taught, nor is it almost all body functions, Regards, something that one has to the time has come for an YvonneSam

Notable among the (Arbitration); between 25% and 14%. The contributions are the wages · By agreeing to honour pay-outsthatwerescheduled and salaries increase that the outcomes of the (Continuedonpage6) were either negotiated or Arbitration Tribunal 1999, awarded at the level of an the Government was bound arbitrationtribunal,viz. by the award requiring deTax-freesalaryincreases bunching of employees and of twenty (20) percent on payments of increments, December 31, 1992 salaries with effect from January 1, witheffectfromJuly1,1993 1999, together with (Negotiated); p a y m e n t s t o t h e

A five (5) percent Professional, Managerial increaseeffectiveJanuary1, andTechnicalpersonnelthat 1994forworkersonBands1 would otherwise “bring to5andasimilarpercentage them to within 10% of the effective July 1, 1994 for Private Sector median workers on Bands 6 to 14 eventually” , but by

With billions of US dollar at his disposal, 41.2 % Guyanese still live in poverty

DEAREDITOR, Superman on Earth? NO. in the 1960s were caught up whilst the PPP/C cabal and Majority in Parliament, and with FRAUD PROOF Globally USA’s 16th USA and UK did not want intheGeopoliticsoftheday their families, friends and C H O S E N F o r e i g n BIOMETRICS with a NEW PresidentAbraham Lincoln, C O M M U N I S M i n The PPP since January 1, favourites are lavishly Contractors, the majority of VOTING CARD, to avoid a Republican is known for GUYANA with the PPP, so 1950, is a Marxist-Leninist feasting daily with THREE which is from China which the bloated voters’ list HisLeadershipinleadingthe they supported in many PartybytheirConstitutionto Meals, High Teas, and the world and Sri Lanka PPP/C supported a clean American Nation through ways,forthePPPtobeoutof currentlyandnowinits73rd Cocktails; driving around in recently learned through voters’ list and biometrics the civil war, with balance, power Year very expensive Range RIOTS on corrupt practices when they were in respect, and unity Mr The UK Government PPPistheGovernmentin Rovers, Mercedes and with its catastrophic effects. Opposition, and seems to Changlee needs to spend suspended the Constitution Guyana for 25 + 3 + 2 = 30 Lamborghinis with SU GATE showed the change support, now that some of his time to follow soPPPcouldnotcontinueas Years. Last two years, the SIRENS; celebrating the Guyana connection to theyareinGovernment. theRepublican’straditionas a Government Guyana’s PPPC with USD billions in new year 2023 at lavish corruption by a very high H.E President Granger he serves as Chairman, The two Founders, His OIL Revenues, yet 41.2 % “gilded” parties from their official,withNOannounced accepted the incorrect Cooperative Republicans of Excellency Linden Forbes Guyanese live in poverty, as socialmediapictures. corrective remedial action GECOM results and per the Guyana. Samson Burnham and His r e p o r t e d i n I n t e r Dr AnandGoolsarran,in from His Excellency constitution,usedtheCourts Yes,forWikipediaabout Excellency Dr Cheddi Development Bank (IDB) Stabroek News on April 6, President Ali Some are f o r E L E C T I O N S PresidentBurnham,wasHis Bharat Jagan were brothers and many Guyanese unable 2022, listed with details the c o m m e n t i n g o n , PETITION, which for Excellency LFSB, a from different mothers and to eat TWO meals daily, FIVE FAILED CHINA CAESARISM in practice almost two years is being FINANCED PROJECTS. 1. andconductbythe2ndVice frustrated on technical Skeldon Sugar Project 2. PresidentwithSUGATEand grounds by the PPP/C GPL Infrastructure big businesses close Ruling families in Kuwait, Development 3 E- relationships with huge Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Government Project 4. billion dollars contracts, for asked “Why the Elections CJIAExtension Project 5. private profit, over the PetitionCaseisnotyetbeing East Coast Demerara wellbeingofthemajority heard with evidence from Rehabilitation Project 6 Departing USA both sides to the Court and Guyana National Broad AmbassadorHerExcellency why the PPP Government’s BandProject. SaraAnn-Lynch, November procrastination?”

GPSU vows to continue struggle for...

Frompage5 since the Arbitration Had the Government shown formid-August1997andthe Tribunal award of 1999, the compassion it conjured end of November 1997 was discarded the tenets of the towoothepopulace,whenin however scuttled by the Law, in order to exploit opposition, the workers Government. workers’ hard-earned rights would have been in a better These increases set the and privileges by imposing placetoday tone that have created the miniscule unilateral There is a lot of bedrockonwhichthewages increasestodate.

misinformation about the and salaries of Public The PPP/C in August Union, but if people should Servants stands today For 2015, when in opposition, enlighten themselves with the record, had it not been castigated the then ruling thefactsthatarestatedinthe for the vigilance and APNU/AFC Government aforementioned paragraphs, tacticalinterventionsofthe for awarding its elected theoutstandingperformance GPSU at that time, the officials, etc. a 50% pay of the Union would be current earnings of Public increase, while not

clearly and definitively Servants would have been extending this obvious established, while less than half of what it is requirement to workers in highlighting the challenges today Yet, financial the State. The population and frustrations that have erosions of these gains have supported the action of the become etched in time, occurred and are occurring PPP/C by decrying the during the continued through persistent APNU/AFCmoveasselfish struggleforalivingwagefor inflationary trends and loss and insensitive. However, workers This campaign of purchasing power as a after acceding to office in would never cease until the result of currency August 2020, the PPP/C goals are achieved by the depreciations, among other showed no rancor at Union. t h i n g s G u y a n a ’s accepting the salaries set by With best wishes for a Governments over the years the previous administration, productive and prosperous have continuously failed to but openly accepted those NewYear2023toall. harness these negative terms and conditions for Regards, economic circumstances, themselves and shamelessly IndiraThakurdin but stubbornly over the last paid no increases to the Guyana Public Service twenty-three (23) years, workers during that year Union

Dr Goolsarran,servedas 21,2022,perStabroekNews Myresponse,“withALL a Distinguished Auditor said, “that the potential for DUE RESPECT, the 2020 General, then served with corruption and need for Elections had MANY distinction at the United inclusion are key challenges IRREGULARITIES and Nations, and is a Chartered forGuyanaasitnavigatesits when presented the court Accountant. oilwealth.” may nullify the elections

He will secure my This is an alert, as the results, as declared, and support to be the next NEWUSAAmbassadorwill order NEW GENERAL Minister of Finance in 2025 soonarrive. Election, which will shorten for his education, skills and ALL knows the USA thecurrent5yearslifeofthe global relationships built Ambassador LED the PPPCGovernment.” duringhistenureatUN,and ABCEU Caricom Groups The NEW USA he will be BALANCED, for the PPP Government to Ambassador will soon FAIR and EVEN HANDED take office in August 2020, arrive, with 50% of the to ALL, with the OIL and after the USA Government population suffering and GASbillions. was very angry with His starving with anger, range

We must remember Excellency President David andbeingleftout,hopefully daily, the need for healing Arthur Granger on three PPPC arrogances will be and reconciliation of criticalitems. reduced in 2023, for a Guyana, for the benefit of Some are arguing that Guyana towards “One ALL, and not revenues, President Granger should Nation, One People, One assistances, and contracts to have stayed on, endured the Destiny”. mainly, the Government’s expected US sanctions and Respectfully, supporters-withONESEAT within two years have had a ProfessorDr ShamirA. CLEAN VOTERS’ LIST Ally

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POSSIBLY ‘HIDING’ FLARING DATA?

It is a warning sign - a bright flashing, red one.

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Translation: some nasty, dirty, underhanded business is in motion. Why this failure to publish the flaring data?

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What could Exxon and the PPP Govt. be up to?

Hard experience has taught openminded Guyanese two things:

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When the PPPis silent on something, something is up,

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When information is held back, it is never good for Guyanese.

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Election's COI...Former Top Cop debunks claims he ordered Ashmins building during 'bomb scare'

Re t i r e d

Commissioner of Police (ag) Leslie James has denied giving orders to clear the Command Centre for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) located in the Ashmin's Building at High Street, Georgetown during a bomb scare which later turned out to be a hoax on March5,2020.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Edgar Thomas had testified that the then Police Commissioner had ordered him to let people vacate the building that was being used for the final count of the elections,duetoabombscare that turned out fake. Thomas had told the COI that the Top C o p h a d b e e n i n communication with Deputy Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Roxanne Myers who complainedthatherefusedto comply with her instructions to clear the building as a result, he was relieved of his duties.

James who is now retired denied these claims. He was called to the stand on Wednesday to testify at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (COI) into March Regional and General Elections. He testified to the Commission under oath that hesawfootageonvariousTV

stations of “total disorder” and “mayhem” taking place at the GECOM command centreonMarch5,2020.Asa r e s u l t , t h e r e t i r e d commissioner said he spoke with the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh who told him that she fearedforherlife.

In response to questions posed by lead counsel of the COI, Sophia Chote SC, the ex-commissioner admitted that he had instructed then Assistant Superintendent of Police and Officer-in-Charge of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), Guy Nurse to deploy a unit of ranks from the Brickdam Police station to secure the building and contain the chaos happening at the command centre on March5,2020.

HesaidthatofficerNurse was given the instructions to secure the building. “From my understanding securing and vacating the building are two different things," James said in response to questions from the commission as it relates to what happened afterthat.

James said he later saw video footage of ranks clearing the building, instead ofsecuringit.

The retired police commissionersaidtoothathe could not have taken any

Retired Commissioner of Police (ag) Leslie James

remedial course of action to stop the clearing of the building as he was only shown the footage after the fact.

He said, “I saw the video footage of what happened after the fact, so I took no action because it already happened.”

According to James, the point person for the National Elections from the Guyana Police Force was Deputy Commissioner of Police, Maxine Graham He

explained that she was l i a i s i n g w i t h t h e commanding officer on the ground.

“The officer had been instructed to secure the building after viewing the footage the GECOM Chair had reached out to me via telephone. She told me she was afraid and alone…,” the ex-GPF commissioner explained.

As a result, James said that he tried to reach Assistant Commissioner in

Central Bank blames small-scale miners for decline in gold declarations ...says

The Guyana Goldfields Inc, a

China-led mining company, has recorded a whopping 130.1 percent increase in declarations duringthethirdquarterof2022.

This information is contained in the Bank of Guyana's Third Quarter Report for 2022. The document explains that, “Output in the gold subsector declined by 2.0 percent on account of lower declarationsbysmallandmediumscale m i n e r s b y 1 0 0 p e r c e n t ”

Notwithstanding this, it was noted, “Guyana Goldfields, the sole operating foreign company, declarations increased by 130.1 percent during the reviewperiod.”

TheReportdidnotspecificallystate the amount of gold that was declared. Guyana Goldfields was a Canadian company that owned and operated the Aurora gold mine in Guyana. The company was later acquired by Zijin Miningin2020.

Guyana's Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during the 2022 budget speech he made in January had disclosed that small and medium scale miners had produced more gold in 2021 thanallofthelarge-scaleoperators.

Hisexactwordswere“thecombined outputfromthelargeoperatorsdeclined by 31.7 percent in 2021 to 68,268 troy ounces.” Zijin Mining Inc. is one of foreigncompaniescurrentlyconducting large-scalemininginGuyana.

The minister did not reveal how much of the 68,000 ounces of gold was produced and declared by the Chinese company but the amount is meagre when compared to the over 400, 000 ounces declared by small and medium scaleminers.

Zijin had bought the Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) inAugust 2020, from its previousowners,GuyanaGoldFields,a Canadian owned company, for C$323M. It also benefitted from the same contract that the Canadian companyhadsignedwithGuyana–one that allows the company the luxury of duty-free concessions on fuel and equipment.

The contract also gives Zijin the authority to determine how much royalties Guyana gets paid for its gold andthisisbecauseithastheprivilegeto chooseabuyerforitsgold.

Despite the calls of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

(EITI) for Government to release largescale mining contracts, government is yettomakethesedocumentspublic.

Since becoming a member of the global body, the EITI report notes that the Government agreed to adhere to several requirements. In this case, EITI requirement2.4(a)ofthe2019Standard states that Guyana should publicly disclose all mineral agreements entered into force prior to the reporting period, inthiscase,2019.

Although the requirements are known to the Administration, it continues to make excuses in avoiding thereleaseofthesecontracts.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had committed to publishing the contracts while appearing on 'The Glenn Lall Show', a radio programme aired on Kaieteur Radio, back in September last year He said, “I can undertake to find out with you there, what provision the GRA is so cagey about that it doesn't want to release… I will undertake that anything that is non-propriety that you getitreleased.Iwillpersonallynowsee thatthishappen.”

He is yet to make good on this commitment.

charge of the operations on the ground, Mr Edgar Thomas via radio and telephone but his efforts proved futile Senior Counsel, Choti then put it to James that Mr Thomas testified that he had told him that people had to vacate Ashmin's building “Mr Thomas testifies you were forcefully instructing him that people must vacate the building ” Choti said “That is not true,” replied James.

T h e r e t i r e d commissioner, however, admitted that he did instruct Thomas to fall back from the commanding position. Mr James testified this was not because he did not follow an instruction to clear the building but rather because he became unreachable by phoneandradio.

“As far as I remembered, I used both of my telephones and I tried making contact with him; the number that I

expected him to answer In fact, I was communicating with him all along prior to thatday,”Mr Jamestestified.

He said with calls to the Assistant Commissioner going unanswered, he appointed Thomas' Deputy, Superintendent PhillipAzore to act as the Regional Commander

Mr Jamessaidhelearned of the report of the bomb scare but he never spoke to Myers.

He said too he was not informed that there was a device found by Myers that was purportedly a bomb --that device later turned out to be fake. He said he was unaware that Myers wanted the building vacated. “As far as I remember, I don't think she told me that The footage was viewed after the fact, so I did not have live footage of the ranks asking persons to vacate the building,” James told the commission.

Guyana spends $350M annually to import eggs

TheGuyanaGovernment said it is making aggressive efforts to establish a massive hatching egg industry to support Guyana's already burgeoningpoultrysector

The country currently imports approximately 52 million eggs annually at a cost of some $350 million, the Department of Public Information said in a press release.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha said the immense sum that is expended yearly could remain in Guyana to expand thelocalpoultryindustryand develop other sectors

During an interview with the DPI, Minister Mustapha stated that the move could capture several regional and international markets, since the eggs are always in demand.

He said an area has already been identified for the project which is expected to commence soon. “We are working with a company in Brazil to start and GLDA [ G u y a n a L i v e s t o c k Development Authority] is workingaggressively

I am hoping in the new year we can launch that project and start producing ourownhatchingeggsandbe self-sufficient,” Minister Mustaphadisclosed.

Theplantoembarkonthe project was hinted on

numerous

initiatives l i k e t h e s e w i l l b e transformative in nature and propeltheeconomy

“These are the initiatives that will bring direct benefits tothefarmerandenhanceour diversification programme, these are some of the initiatives that will ensure oureconomyisbuiltonmany pillars,” the president had stated.

The PPP/C Government has started working with large poultry producers in a consortium to produce their own corn and soya for the production of feed to support theindustry.

This is also part of the government's plan for Guyana to become selfsufficient, as there are rising food prices and supply shortages.

Since taking office, the PPP/C Government has placed heavy emphasis on developing the agriculture sector through a number of initiatives Some $28 7 billion was allocated in the 2022 budget to ensure the r a p i d g r o w t h a n d development of Guyana's agriculturalsector

occasions by President, Dr Mohamed IrfaanAliwhoexplainedthat his government will work with communities like St. Cuthbert'sMissioninRegion Four, to be part of the venture. He said

Guyana Goldfields increased by 130%

REBRANDING CANNOT REDEEM THE PNCR

For the PNCR to in, a series of scandals were draws its support – at least arenotatriskofbeingswept so long as its serves the (The views expressed in regain political revealed which showed that judging from the last underthecarpet. interest of internal this article are those of the credibility, it first while in office many of the elections – from almost half But for these changes to democracy and greater author and do not

hastoimplode.As top operatives in the PNCR oftheelectorate.Inthe2020 made manifest, the internal transparency because the necessarily reflect the bizarre as it may sound, it is were engaged in practices elections, the Coalition contradictions will have to alternative to this will be a opinions and beliefs of this best that the present w h i c h w e r e a n secured217,920votes. comeahead. Animplosion party that is permanently n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s ‘contradictions’ evident embarrassment to the party Whathappenswithinthe withinthepartywillbegood discreditedanddisgraced. affiliates.) within the party be anditssupporters.

PNCR is therefore of public encouragedinordertobirtha The PNCR however is a interest since it is this party neworder mass-based party Its which almost half of the The APNU+AFC supporters cannot be electoratereliesupontohold commands some 31 seats in expected to simply jump thePPPC’sfeettoaccount. the country’s National ship or to be so apathetic as Theinternalaffairsofthe Assembly,ascomparedwith to outdo what happened in party is therefore of interest 33 for the ruling PPPC 2006 when the PNCR only to just simply its members government and one to the managed to scrape together but to the entirety of the Joinder party. The PPPC 34% of the total votes cast, 217,920 persons that voted therefore holds mere one- its poorest showing in four for the APNU+AFC. seat advantage over the electionsoveraperiodof14 Concerns about what is opposition Coalition. As years. The best hope for the happening within the party such, the Opposition PNCR would be for it to cannot be dismissed by the represents a significant implode. explanationthatitaninternal section of the electorate. T h e i n t e r n a l matter The present However, the shenanigans contradictions within the contradictions within the engaged in by the party could generate P N C R s h o u l d b e Opposition and its dubious conditionsfortheemergence encouraged. It will lead to claimnarrativethatthe2020 ofnotonlyanewleadership change,andthatchangemay elections were rigged, has –onedivorcedfromthepost behelpfultothepartywhich led to a crisis of credibility 2020 narrative – and a new hassufferedaseveresetback and legitimacy The PNCR partyonethatmaywithtime asresultoftheattempttorig which had struggled to beabletoenjoycredibility the2020elections. rebrand itself under David At present, the PNCR is Obviously, there will be Grangerwasexposedduring wracked by internal forces, within the party, thelastelections.Thewhole divisions This has been whichwouldwantthestatus world now knows that this admitted to by the quotobemaintained.Butthe party attempted to benefit leadership. And accusations maintenance of the status from rigged elections. It is a of corruption and quo is recipe for the further stain which the PNCR will discrimination have also loss of credibility and struggle to overcome and been leveled. In his address legitimacy As such, those whichitcannotovercomeby to the PNCR Congress supporters and members mere rebranding, as it has before he demitted the desiroustoseeingthePNCR done so successfully since leadership of the party, restoredtocredibilityshould 1985.

David Granger warned encourage a debate both Rebranding cannot against factionalism The within and outside of the redeemthePNCR.Theparty traditional approach of the party about the leadership has a history of electoral PNCRtocriticismsaboutthe and the direction in which malpractices, and 2020 affairs of the party has been thepartyisgoing. merely confirmed what to say that this is internal to Theinternalaffairsofthe many felt: that the PNCR the party and it will be P N C R s h o u l d b e cannot be trusted to be handled internally The democratized so that compliant with democratic PNCR has often responded members have a greater say norms. Its own supporters to internal criticisms by and control over what were embarrassed by what sayingthatthesearematters happens within the party It the party attempted with the for the party to address. But should also be made more 2020elections.Andafterthe the PNCR is not simply a transparent so that issues new government was sworn party of its members. It suchasthoseraisedrecently

Elderly Moruca man found chopped to death in yard

PoliceinRegionOnearecurrently disclosed that the fatal incident occurred at investigating the death of an 81- Cabora, Moruca, Region One. Williams’

year-oldmanwhowasreportedly motionlessbodywasfoundlyinginhisyard found dead in his yard with multiple chops by his neighbours sometime around wounds about his body Regional 07:00hrsonWednesday

Commander of Region One, Himnauth HisbodywaslatertakentotheKumaka Sawh would only confirm the man’s death District Hospital where he was officially and identified him as Stanley Williams, pronounceddeadbyadoctor KaieteurNews whencontactedbythisnewspaper understands that the suspect has since been Information reaching Kaieteur News arrested.Investigationsareongoing.

CHARRANDASS PERSAUD: PASSIVE AUDITORS ALLOW EVIL TO GROW

I interrupt my series of phrase that should be NowfortheSNeditorial moral rights and moral Washington D C , reflections of 2022 in applied to educated people on Charrandass Persaud. I wrongs(whichisimpossible p u b l i c i s e d a Guyana which began whospendtheirliveshaving quote; “The conduct of a in philosophy), who in this conversation he had yesterday to respond to a a conscience but also spend man who clearly has no country has in his/her hand withtheeditorinchief

Alleged carjacker out on...

N) their lives never allowing respect for women. There the moral compass to make (eic) of the SN, Mr indiscussingCharran’svote editorial on Charrandass conscience to break their has not been a public those distinction? Now for Anand Persaud. The intheno-confidencemotion Persaud which was silence. So they spend their rebuke of Persaud’s vulgar my little contribution to professor complained that noted, “Others consider distasteful, anti-historical lives aware that wrong behaviour. This was understanding what is a his letters were not being him a hero “for voting with and a constitutes a vile thingsaboundbuttheynever another sad moment in the moralviolationandhowwe carriedandhewouldliketo his conscience” – whatever attack on someone that in pick up a pen or open their history of our country. prioritize moral violations. knowwhy he conceives that to be.” I my opinion is a Guyanese mouth so that the What new lows have we That is too involved a Now brace yourself for wonder what the SN hero. interruptionofsilencecould sunk to now? Others subject to discuss here so I what is morally right and conceives a free and TheSpanishphilosopher leadtotheenlightenmentof consider him a hero “for will contextualize my morally wrong. Dr Persaud professional press to be. I Jordi Graupera tells us an others.Socialmediaandthe voting with his conscience” presentationtoGuyana. said the editor told him his conclude with an interesting little incident mainstream media could – whatever he conceives Charran’sconductwasa letterscriticisedcivilsociety observation of mine made between him and renown, sway the mind toward a that to be. Given his moral outrage for which we organisations and the more than fifty years ago as brilliant 20th American dangerouscul-de-sac.When posturing last Sunday, one must not forget he has newspaper will not allow social activist. There are philosopher, Richard oneconfrontsthosedangers, imagines this is unlikely to apologised. What other acts such criticism (please see veryfewinGuyanathatcan Bernstein who died in July one opens up pathways for be the last hurrah of in Guyana are in the area of my columns of October 7 l e c t u r e o n m o r a l last year Graupera informs other minds to learn. The CharrandassPersaud.” moral misconduct? The and 10, last year on the righteousness Stabroek us that he heard that pen and the voice are a This is just a section of press is too important to a controversy). Which can do Newsisnotofthem. Bernstein was conducting a guaranteed rampart against theeditorialthatreapsscorn country’s moral and legal more harm to Guyana; the (The views expressed in Zoom lecture for his indoctrination. and insults on both Charran foundationforittostrayinto press that undermines this article are those of the students on the great Hannah Arendt’s and the Government of thedirectionofdenialofthe freedom of expression or a author and do not German philosopher, beautiful phrase, “the Guyana. Anyone familiar righttoexpressoneself. diplomat ‘cussing’ down a necessarily reflect the Hannah Arendt Since banality of evil” reminds us with this country will know Last year, Dr Randolph woman? The most opinions and beliefs of this Graupera was once a that indoctrination can lead that commentary was Persaud, Professor of disturbing aspect of that the n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s philosophy student of humans to commit the most composed by a woman internationalrelationsatthe editorial lectures Guyanese affiliates.) Bernstein, he approached unspeakable bestialities as personality and someone American University in onmorallaws.Theeditorial theagingphilosopherwitha she witnessed in Nazi who is from the Creole request to audit the lecture Germany Ifwedonotreject middle class possibly with andtowriteaboutit. alternativefacts,convenient ethnic and cultural Bernstein in his unusual facts, the perpetuation of prejudices. witty style told Graupera myths and the use of brain- Two issues are involved that he, Berstein, does not washing propaganda then here. Who decides in like passive auditors; that if s i l e n c e b r e e d s Guyanawhataremorallows heisjoiningtheclassthenhe indoctrination and and moral highs? Secondly, would have to participate. indoctrination destroys the if we reach a consensus on Passive auditor is a neat avenuesofknowledge. the distinction between

taxi driver at gunpoint and and seven other stolen cars first able to link Watson a also stole his cellphone and at forested locations (ST major carjacking ring in othervaluables. Cuthbert's Mission and August, 2022 after a Green The next day, cops Long Creek) along the Ice taxi driver was hijacked received a tip that someone LindenSoesdykeHighway of his new model Toyota was selling a car bumper According to detectives, AllionbygunmenatDookie Thatinformationledthemto they were lucky enough to RoadSoesdyke,EBD. Watson's Kuru Kuru Home find the Allion intact One of the gang wheretheyreportedlyfound because the rest were only members reportedly posing a 9MM pistol, some car shells with the engine – the as a passenger hired the car lightsandbumpers. otherkeypartsweregone. and told the victim that he His arrest led police to The other men charged wanted to go to the Timehri make a major dent in the with Watson for allegedly Police Station but as they EBD carjacking ring by stealing cars and armed were almost there, he arresting and a charging a robberies are, Jason Harry changed his location to number of alleged gang an ex-cop and the alleged Dookie Road There the members. They were also mastermind, Toney Jerrick, bandit and some other able to recover the taxi 32, Standford Ford, 25 and accomplices hijacked the driver'sstolenToyotaAllion RandyFraser

Frompage2

FrederickKissoon

Pres. Ali tells Al Jazeera oil money

supporting solar projects

...but records show programmes being funded by loans

President Irfaan Ali, i n a r e c e n t interview with Al Jazeera News said that government is using its oil revenues to invest in solar projects and other renewable options to help reduce the cost of electricity in the country, but records show thatthegovernmentunderhis stewardship in fact has borrowed billions to fund suchventures.

The Head-of-State told theAlJazeerajournalist:“We are investing in solar, hydro, wind and natural gas as part ofourenergymix.”

The Middle East news agency also spoke with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahendar Sharma who shared one of the solar

initiatives being pursued by theadministration.

He pointed out that presently government is rolling out a programme that will provide some 30,000 solarhomesystemstodistant communities off the national grid.

This project however is not being funded by the government or the nation's oil wealth but through financingwithalineofcredit from the Government of India.

That loan was signed in September 2021 to the tune ofUS$7.2million.

Even though government claimed that the nation's oil wealth is being put towards solar projects, this was not the only loan taken by the administrationtopursuesuch initiatives.

In October last year, this newspaper reported that the government signed an agreement with a private local firm to supply 686 kilowatt peak (kWp) electricity equivalent to 0.686 Megawatt (MW) of solar power to benefit the residents of Mahdia, Region Eight.

T h i s n e w s p a p e r understands that the contract has been awarded to Standby P o w e r E n g i n e e r i n g Company (SPECOM) to the tune of $362,411,200 Notably, the solar project is being funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank through the Energy Matrix Diversification and Strengthening of the Department of Energy (EMISDE)programme.

In December another

Pres. Ali confers second highest national award to PM Gonsalves

contractwassigned,thistime to facilitate a mini hydro project at Kumu, through a loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The contract was signed on November 22 last to the tune ofUS$12.85millionbetween the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and Vidullanka PLC, a Sri Lankan firm to build a new 1.5 megawatt (MW) hydropowerprojectatKumu, Region Nine. As part of its scope of works, the Sri Lankan firm will also

rehabilitate and upgrade the defunct Moco Moco hydropower plant to some 0.7MWcapacity

The People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has committed to transitioning towards a greener economy utilising renewable energy such as solar and hydropower, and to move away from the use of fossil fuels such as hydrocarbon powered electricitygenerationplants.

In pursuing this agenda,

however,thegovernmenthas resorted to borrowing hundreds of millions of dollars from a number of bilateral partners and international financial institutions to fund a number of small green projects in somehinterlandareas.

Oil revenue; however, in the 2022 Budget were directed to the controversial 300 Megawatt power plant at Wales,West Bank Demerara. DuringtheBudget

Fire at Christ Church School quickly put out

"

President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday night bestowedGuyana'ssecondhighestaward,the Order of Roraima on Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

At a special dinner at State House, the Guyanese Head-of-State said he was honoured to present the prestigious award to the long-standing regional politician, the OfficeofthePresidentreported.

"The conferral of Guyana's Order of Roraima is in deserved recognition of the tireless commitment and unflinching contributions which Dr Gonsalves has made to the cause of regionalism and regional integration."

ThePresidentalsopraisedPrimeMinister Gonsalves's solidarity with Guyana in protecting the country's democracy and territorialintegrity HecalledDr Gonsalvesa Caribbean man who has been committed to

developmentoftheCaribbean."

The Head-of-State also lauded the other regional and national individuals who stood up for "democracy, the rule of law, and freedom"inGuyana.

Hesaidtheywouldberecognisedfortheir contributionslaterintheyear VicePresident, theHonourableDr BharratJahdeo;Ministers of the Government; former President Donald Ramotar;Secretary-GeneraloftheCaribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr Carla Barnett, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess; Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and other Government Officials were also at the event.

Prime Minister Gonsalves is on a four-day OfficialVisittoGuyana.

The Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia AmorMottley,isalsoarecipientoftheOrder ofRoraima.

“Quick response and diligent work” by the Guyana Fire Service on Wednesday reportedly saved Christ Church Secondary School located on Middle and Camp Streets from being burnt to theground.

S m o k e w a s s e e n emanating from the building

close to 17:00hrs and according to a statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs, “preliminary investigations revealed that it was a fire that started in the school's science laboratory”.

“Due to the Guyana Fire Service's quick response and diligent work,” stated the

ministry, “the source of the fire was identified and it was contained” Up to late Wednesday evening, investigators were still on the groundtryingtofindoutwhat causedthefire.

T h e M i n i s t r y o f Education has since notified the public that the school will becloseduntilMonday

President Irfaan Ali confers the Order of Roraima on Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves

The Christ Church Secondary School

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn and firefighters inside a smoke- filled room at the Christ Church Secondary School on Wednesday

President Irfaan Ali during the interview with Al Jazeera Journalist

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Men detained in connection with “Sister Jean’s” murder released

Detectives have been forcedtoreleasetwomenthey had detained for questioning in relation to the murder of Ramdia Balkaran, a 78-yearold woman known as “Sister Jean”,atParamakataiVillage, RegionEight.

The body of Sister Jean, a Wesleyan Church Missionary in the village for over 50 years was on Thursday last found bound, gagged, and battered in her bedroom.

Police had arrested the men and questioned them

about the murder but they couldnotgetanyinformation linking them or other individuals to the heinous killing of the veteran missionary

Itisbelievedthatshewas beaten and murdered during a robbery A post mortem examination conducted on Friday revealed that ‘Sister Jean’ died from suffocation and blunt trauma. So far detectives learnt that the elderly woman was last seen alive around 19:30 hours on Wednesday (the day before she was found dead) after she and her husband closed up their shop for home.Upon their arrival, Sister Jean entered their house while husband headed to another building located in the same yard to meditate and pray

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Kaieteur News understands that he spent the entire evening there and went over to their house early the following morning only to

find his wife dead. This newspaper learnt that Sister Jean’s battered body was discoveredaround06:00hrsin her bedroom.

U.S. Embassy in Cuba resumes full immigrant visa processing for first

(Reuters) - The U.S. EmbassyinHavanaresumed fullimmigrantvisaprocessing and consular services for the first time since 2017 on Wednesday in a bid to stem the record-breaking flow of illegal migrants from Cuba north to the United States.

The embassy, which loomsoverCuba’swaterfront Malecon Boulevard, slashed servicesin2017afterseveral ofitsstaffwerestrickenwith a still largely unexplained ailment dubbed ”Havana Syndrome.” It was first reportedamongU.S.officials in 2016 and symptoms includednauseaandmemory lapses. Cubans were instead required to travel to Guyana

time since 2017

for visa processing, a costly tripwelloutofreachformost on the island.

The U.S. Embassy in Havana began limited visa processing last year and in September announced the 2023 full reopening, to “ensure safe, legal, and orderlymigrationofCubans,” itsaid.

AtsunriseonWednesday, dozens of Cubans, some who had waited years for appointments,assembledata small park near the embassy, fidgetingwithdocumentsand chatting with family as they awaited instructions from embassy staff.

Barbara Nodas, 20, said she was waiting to pick up a

visa that would reunite her with her father in Tampa, Florida, a process that had taken more than two years.

“The American dream of manypeopleiscomingtrue,” she said, nearly in tears.

“This is a long-awaited moment.”

But Nodas, who traveled from eastern Cuba to pick up hervisa,stillranksamongthe lucky few who will make the voyage north legally Washington last year issued20,000immigrantvisas toCubans,includingalimited numberoutofHavana,inline with previously signed migration accords, and has said it aims to do the same in 2023.

Pres. Ali tells Al Jazeera oil money funding...

From page 15 presentation last year, Prime Minister,MarkPhillips,who is responsible for the energy sector confirmed that the administration was not only forging ahead with the gasto-shoreprojectbutalsowith renewableinitiatives.

A perusal of the Power GenerationCapitalallocations totallingsome$24.4Bwould show however, that with US$20.8B coming directly from government a good chunkoftheremainderofthat amountisinfactloans.There is, for example, a $1.6B allocation provided for the continuation of an Energy Matrix Diversification Programme.

It has as its total price tag $4.4B with government putting$916.3Mthusfarwith an additional equal amount, coming from the Inter AmericanDevelopmentBank (IDB).

Thetotal$1.6Bhowever, was being streamlined from the IDB last year. Under that project profile, the

programme accounts for the installation of mini-grid systems in Bartica, Mahdia andLethem,theupgradingof the Sophia Substation, rehabilitationoftransmission lines and institutional strengthening and capacity building.Thereisallocatedin Budget 2022, some $469.2M forthepursuitofaRenewable EnergyImprovement—Power SystemProject.

That money is being provided by the Japanese, and according to the Budget document, the total amount projected for the initiative is some$3.2B.

Prior to this year, $2.6B had already been spent under this programme head and, according to the project profile,itwillaccountforthe installation of photovoltaic and energy management systems for the CARICOM Secretariat.Thisisinaddition to “enhancing sub-stations, equipment and distribution linesatCanefield,Onverwagt, Good Hope and Sophia.”

Withregardthepursuitof

solar power projects, there is a$172Mallocatedinthe2022 Budget, again foreign funded,thistimecomingfrom India. Under that loan— estimated to cost in total $2.1B—itisdocumentedthat this“projectentailsprovision for solar systems for households in hinterland communities” with its benefits being, “improved generationofelectricity”.

The gas-to-shore project, for which government has advertised and received Expressions of Interests, the joint development of the Wales Development Zone is allocated $20.8B, for which government’sportionwillbe coming 100 percent from the coffers.

This means that government has resorted to borrowing for its renewable energy projects and upgrades to its transmission and distribution system, while it takes the nation’s oil earningstopursueagasfired power plant among other initiatives.

Murdered, Ramdia Balkaran known as “Sister Jean”

Govt. spent $82M to buy

excavator, bicycles and pick-up trucks for fire service Child playing with matches cause of Riverview fire -Fire Service

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Wednesday stated that Riverview Fire that left severalhomelessonMonday was “caused by a child playingwithmatches”.

“ F o l l o w i n g investigations, it was discovered that the fire was the result of a child left unattended playing with matches,” Stated GFS while adding that the flame from one of the matches “came into contact with a chair cushion and ignited” a massiveblaze.

Kaieteur News reported that fire erupted in 64-yearold Gavin Joseph’s home at Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown around 15:30hrs on Monday Joseph, 64, broke down in tears during an interview with this newspaper and said that he was about to wash clothes when he saw a thick bloom of smoke emanating from the back of the building. Oneofhistenants, Brandon Baker, a 22-yearold contractor recalled that he was able to rescue a child

from the burning building after smelling something like “bun rubber”. “When I go upstairs” Baker had said, “I see them chair set pack up… is de chair set catch a fire. I see de lil girl [and] bring down stairs de lil girl…BytimeIrunandcome out back from the house, de wholeupstairswasinfire.”

GFSstatedthat,“Despite firefighters’ best efforts, the building and its contents were destroyed, leaving twelve persons without a h o m e ” O n e o f i t s firefighters attached to Central Fire Station, SubOfficer, Adams, was also injured while battling the blaze.

Private security firm donates guns, ammo to police

The government through theMinistryofHomeAffairs has expended some $82.8M to equip the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) with two excavators, a Toyota Fortuner SUV, three double cab pick-ups a motorcycle andfivebicycles.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, on Wednesday officially handed over the equipment to the GFS. Benn at the

simple handing over ceremony reportedly said that the purchase “represents continuous improvement of the Fire Service” while the Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham added it will be used to “enhance GFS firefightingefforts”.

According to the Fire service, the excavators will remain in the Region 4 district to plant new fire hydrants while the

motorcycle will be sent to boost firefighting efforts at Lethem, Region Nine. One ofthepick-upswillremainin Region Four while the other two will be sent to Region 2 and6respectively

The bicycles, stated GFS, will be distributed to each division across the coast and the SUV will be used to transport the fire chief and other senior fire officers.

Aprivatesecurityfirmon Wednesday donated 10 hand guns and a quantity of matching ammunition to the GuyanaPoliceForce.

The donation was made by VxL Security South America Inc. Police said theyreceived 10 brand new 9mm Pistols and over 3000 matching rounds of

ammunition. The guns and ammunition were handed o v e r t o D e p u t y

Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag) Mr Ravindradat Budhram at his office at Force Headquarters, Eve Leary, by representatives from VxL Security South America Inc , Mr Kerry Crain, the Project Manager and Mr Joseph Holligan,

ForceCommander The firearms and ammunition were donated to the Police Force as part o f t h e c o n t i n u e d collaborative effort between the Force and private security firms in enhancing and boosting operational capacity and crime-fighting efforts countrywide,policesaid

The house at Riverview on fire.

Guard

Representatives of Private security company, VxL Security South America Inc. making the donation to the Guyana Police Force.

Minister Robeson Benn handing over the items to Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham.

The Fortuner SUV alongside one of the excavators and the five bicycles also purchased for the Guyana Fire Service

The

“Polluted Demerara River costing GWI more to treat drinking water”

...says CEO, Shaik Baksh

Amid growing

concerns of the impacts of oil operations on this country waterways, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Shaik Baksh has disclosed that the Demerara River is becoming “more and more polluted” and is costing the company more money to treat drinking water for citizens.

Already the operations of ExxonMobil and its partners have virtually crippled the fishing industry here and this announcement by Baksh will cause greater concerns by Guyanese.

Baksh underscored that whileprovidingqualitywater to GWI customers is a priority, water treatment is one of the major challenge the company faces. “Now they are challenges…a major area of challenge is the water quality and we have outlined

what we are doing. It's not onlyplanning,wearebeyond planning, we now have programmes and projects in place to ensure this becomes areality…”hesaid.

Baksh shared that one such programme is to switch the source of water being treated and distributed to some residents of Linden, Region10. Hedisclosedthat presently, the company uses water from the Demerara River to distribute to the residents of Wismar, Linden andsurroundingareas.

The CEO noted however, that the water is becoming more and more polluted and in order to acquire the chemicals needed to treat the water before it is distributed to residents, it is costing the companymore.

“The people of Wismar and surrounding areas are receiving water from the Demerara River and that water is becoming more and

Executive Officer for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Shaik Baksh

morepolluted,it'sahugecost for chemical treatment,” Bakshsaid.

As such, he explained that the company has embarked on a project to improve water quality to the residents of Linden. He added that GWI have identified the Watooka Conservancy as the source for better water to be

$78M contract signed to build IDB-funded Justice Centre at Lusignan

The Government of GuyanathroughtheMinistry of Legal Affairs having receivedaUS$8Mloanfrom t h e I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) under the Support Criminal Justice System programme, is looking to spend some GY$78 million of the sum to construct a new Hope and Justice Centre at Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara(ECD).

A c c o r d i n g t o information released from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) website, following the national competitive bidding procedures, out of the seven bidders, it is PD Contracting that has been selected as the contractor to the execute the construction of the facility The contract was awarded in December to the tune of $78,818,644.

Kaieteur News had r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e Government had received the US$8M loan from the I D B t o a d d r e s s overcrowding in prisons as part of the Support Criminal Justice System programme. TheHopeandJusticeCentre

programme aims to o v e r c o m e p r i s o n

overcrowding by reducing pre-trial detentions and increasing the use of alternative sentencing amongothermeasures.

Further, the Hope and

based referral system where the police are involved or survivors' advocates are involved and welfare officers are involved Justice centres will be launched across the country wheretheseserviceswillnot

distributed to the residents of Linden “ the West Watooka Conservancy, very good quality of water with a minimum of treatment, only disinfection because its stream water,” GWI's CEO stated.

According to him, by March 31, 2023, the company is expected to switch from the water being used from the Demerara River, to that from the West Watooka conservancy “So this is on the move, so the people of Linden can look forward to a better quality of water and this would be extended across the bridge to other parts like McKenzie (Linden) at a later date,” Bakshsaid.

Guyana's accelerated oil operations offshore have resulted in an increase in more marine traffic passing through the country's main channel– the Demerara River The river is also Guyana's main hub of all import and export trade. Just recently, the dredging of the Demerara River channel was

completed to facilitate the US$300 million shore-base facility which is being constructed at Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Only recently, Geologist, Simone Mangal-Jolly raised concerns about the location identifiedbytheGovernment of Guyana for the country's gas-to-energy project. She said the site is unsuitable and will likely pose great danger to the country's main groundwateraquifer

An aquifer is an underground layer of waterbearing, permeable rock, r o c k f r a c t u r e s , o r unconsolidated materials Groundwater from aquifers is extracted using a water well.

The Government of Guyana, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year approved ExxonMobil's pipeline and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant for Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) in the absence of any updated studies. Notably, a

critical document to prove the safety of the area was never published. The site at Wales sits above Guyana's main groundwater aquifer thatprovides90percentofall thedomesticandcommercial water As such, Mangal-Joly has labeled the approval of Exxon'sproject“criminal”.

Newwatersource

Moreover, Baksh also shared during the press conference that GWI has identified a new source of water to supply the residents ofBartica,RegionSeven.

“We intend to ensure we canexploitthatsourceatFive Miles; we call it Five to Seven Miles Creek and to be able to provide the people of Bartica with a better quality of water because right now, although it is being treated, they are getting water from the Mazaruni River…we are hoping that within the next two to three years to move that supply source of water from the Mazaruni River to thisverygoodsource(Fiveto Seven Miles Creek),” the CEOsaid.

Security firm mulling lawsuit over allegations made about guards 'intimidating' businessman

Justice Centre is expected to provide a wide range of services including but not limited to legal and medical aid, counselling, and law enforcement.

The Centre falls under the purview of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, but the Ministry of Legal Affairs is the procuring entity for the project.

Back in December 2021, the Minister of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity, Dr Vindhya Persaud at an event had explained that justice centres would be launched across the country so that services can be readily accessible “So, we're looking at a gender-

be through phone call or through an extension, but they will be, or the intention is for them to be readily accessible to people across the country under one roof…,”shenoted.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News reported last month that the Ministry is also looking to build another Centre at Vergenoegen, Region Three. That project which is also being funded bytheIDBloanhadattracted four construction companies and is estimated to cost US$723,000(G$144M).

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the construction period for the centre at Lusignan is a minimumofninemonths.

El Dorado Security Services, on Wednesday responded to online publications that detailed that three of its employees were arrested for reportedly intimidatingabusinessman while he was at a popular restaurant.

According to reports, the three security guards were arrested on Tuesday after a report was made to the Guyana Police Force ( G P F ) a b o u t t h e m intimidating a well-known businessman while he was out dining at Hard Rock Café, locatedintheMovietowneMall.

In a press statement, the company noted that they have conducted their own investigation into the incident which occurred on the night of December 30, 2022. According to the statement, evidence gathered from the investigation suggests, “thatthereisaconspiracytomisrepresentthe facts to procure the wrongful arrest of our

employees: In this regard, we have instructed our attorneys at law to leave no stone unturned to initiate legal proceedings against allsuchconspirators.” N o t a b l y, t h e company noted that it does not condone i m p r o p e r , unprofessional or i r r e s p o n s i b l e behaviour from any of its employees whether offoronduty

Additionally, it was lso stated that the mpany has cooperated fully with the Guyana Police Force with its investigation and noted that a high-level team was dispatched to the Commander of "A" Division to share information with regards to the alleged incident. “The Service has every reasontobelievethatundertheCommander's stewardship,afairandunbiasedinvestigation willbeconducted,”itwasfurtherstated.

Chief

The Demerara Harbour Bridge, which runs across the Demerara River connecting Regions Four and Three

Weather halts Australia’s 147-2 in 3rd test against Proteas

SYDNEY(AP)—Marnus Labuschagne and Usman

Khawajamadehalf-centuries as luckless South Africa was denied twice by the TV umpire before bad light and thenrainbroughtanearlyend totheopeningdayofthethird test at Sydney Cricket Ground. Khawaja and Labuschagne shared a 135run partnership after Australia won the toss and batted,chasingasweepofthe three-match series and confirm their place in the worldtestchampionshipfinal later this year At stumps yesterday,Australiawas1472 with Khawaja unbeaten on 54. Labuschagne was dismissed by Anrich Nortje for 79 with what was the last ball of a truncated day that

lost more than three hours to the weather conditions.

The day could have been far brighter for South Africa had the television umpire agreed with its on-field colleagues with two close calls going against the touristsinaneventfulmiddle session. Khawaja survived an lbw appeal from Simon Harmer with the second ball after lunch. The opener was given out by the on-field umpire but Khawaja immediatelyrequestedtheTV umpirereviewwhichshowed the ball had hit the batters glove on the way through to hitting the pad to see the decision overturned.

Labuschagne was even more fortunate when he edged a low catch to Harmer

at first slip off Marco Jansen when on 70.

Labuschagne stood his ground while South Africa celebrated the wicket. After several minutes of deliberation the TV umpire found that the ball had not

carried cleanly through to Harmer and overturned the on-field call to earn Labuschagne a reprieve.

“All of us thought it was out so I’m annoyed,” pace bowler Nortje said. “I’m convinced it went straight in (to Harmer’s hands). I think when you look at the angles, to us, it looks like his fingers are underneath it.”

deteriorating light and rain showers appearing to the disappointmentofthe31,264 crowdattheSCG.“Definitely very frustrated,” said Labuschagne of his dismissal. “Obviously it alwaysmakesyouveryangry as a batter when you get out andtheneveryonewalkswith you off the field.”

“But at the end of the day (Nortje)bowledareallygood set there. Backed it up and bowledfourorfiveballsinthe same spot and that one obviously just kicked.”

Earlier, Australia lost DavidWarnertoNortje,again the most threatening of the Proteasbowlers,inthefourth overbutsteadiedtoreach681 at lunch. Warner (10) took Rabada for two early

boundaries but wasn’t as clinical against Nortje as he slashedatawideballfromthe pace bowler which he topedgedtoMarcoJansenatfirst sliptohaveAustraliaat12-1.

Australiahasalreadywon the series after two crushing defeats in the first two tests at Brisbane and Melbourne. Both tests brutally exposed South Africa’s brittle batting lineup, with the Proteas only managing a top score of 204 across its four innings.Awin forAustralia in this third test wouldconfirmitsplaceinthe worldtestchampionshipfinal to be played at Lord’s in England in June this year Stumps Australia 147 for 2 (Labuschagne 79, Khawaja 54*, Nortje 2-26) vs South Africa.

Thursday January 05, 2022

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

You will experience an intense amount of energy today,Aries.Yourdreamstate will be more active than usual, and you will find that peoplearedrawntoyoulike moths to light.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You should enjoy the intense energy of today, Taurus. The mud is finally beginning to clear away Expose the truth in every issue and get ready

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Today marks the beginning of a new cycle for you, Gemini.Collectandconsolidate your recent ideas and focus them outwardly The time is right for you to act. Improveyoursurroundings.

CANCER(June21–July22) Takeacoldshowertojumpstart yourself today, Cancer. It's fine if you laze around a bit in the morning, but by evening, you should be workingatfullcapacity

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today may start out sluggishforyou,Leo,butbythe end of the day the energy will move fast and furious. Your thoughts will be buzzing around your head like bees around a hive.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22) Enjoy the calm morning, Virgo, because things are goingtogetcrazierandmore energetic as the day goes on. Emotions will run high, andpeoplewillbemoreopinionated than usual.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Thingsaremovingyourway, Libra. As the day progresses,youwillfindthat the energy intensifies. Conflicts may arise near sundown,butdon'tworryabout it too much.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

It's time to get up and get moving, Scorpio. You have tremendousideasandvision for the future. You have all the information you need. Now all you have to do is act.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

The early part of the day might find you sluggish and indecisive, Sagittarius, but later you should be psyched up and ready to go. Today marks the beginning.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Today's energies will get progressively more intense as the day goes on. In the morning, you may be in an easygoing, dreamy state, Capricorn, but you will be itching to take action by nightfall.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

For the past several weeks you've felt like you've been dragging your heels, Aquarius. Decisions may have been hard to make and people may have seemed wishy-washy

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Themorningmightfindyou sittinglikeastickinthemud, Pisces.Peoplemightbegetting down on you for not contributing,buttellthemto bepatient.Youwillberaring to go by nightfall.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get that one and I think it would have been a big one at thatstage.”Labuschagnehad earlierscoredhis14thtest50 off 10 balls with a thumping pull shot off Kagiso Rabada, his ninth boundary of the innings. Khawaja brought up his 4,000th test run in 56 matches and shortly after completed his half-century off 113 balls as he closes in onanotherhundredaftertwin centuries against England in his triumphant return to test cricketattheSCGlastyear

Bad light then forced the players from the field just after the drinks break in the afternoon session. Heavy rain then fell at the venue leading to a near three-hour stoppage.

When play finally resumedjustfourmoreovers werebowledbeforeplaywas againvictimtopoorlight.But that was enough time though for the impressive Nortje (226) to prise out Labuschagne with a steeply rising delivery thatthebattercouldonlyfend at and edge through to wicketkeeperKyleVerreynne to haveAustralia at 147-2.

Play was then halted by the umpires due to

From page 23 over before lunch against MattHenry(1-58)andmoved to a gritty 43 at lunch as Sarfaraz also shaped well for another big knock with his solidsweepsagainstthespinners before New Zealand dried up runs in the final session and ran through the tailenders.

Scores:Pakistan407for9 (Shakeel 124*, Imam 83, Sarfaraz 78, Ajaz 3-88) trail NewZealand449by42runs.

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne bats against South Africa during the first

National Sports Awards set for January 29

By Rawle Toney Minister of Culture,

Sports

CulturalCentre. Speaking to reporters yesterday at his Ministry’s Main Street office, Minister RamsonsaidtheAwards,last held in May 2019, is an important part of Sports in Guyana, since it allows the Government of Guyana to give recognition to athletes and associations for their outstandingperformances.

The National Sports A w a r d s , R a m s o n highlighted, will be consolidated for the period 2021 – 2022, since 2020 was lost to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s important that people are recognized, and it’simportantthateverybody that’s involved in sports that they’rerecognized.Sosports award is something that has existed for a long time, and there’s a reason why it existed for a long time. It alwaysmadesense.Sowe’re happy to be part of the recommencement of the awards, and we expect it to be of a distinct flavour,” Ramsonstated.

Ramson hinted that there maybesomenewcategories, adding, “We’ve appointed our new committee, and the committee is going to be a committee that is of high integrity and is a committee of high integrity that everyonewouldrecognizeas being qualified and capable to make the appointments andtheawards.”

“And we’re very, very happy that they have agreed

to be part of the surface of our country in relation to recognizing the sports people and sports in general anddevelopmentofsportsin thecountry,”Ramsonsaid.

The Sports Awards will culminate a busy weekend for the Ministry of Sport, which will host its second National Sports Conference onSaturday,January28.

Meanwhile, at the Awards in 2019, Stanton Rose Jr, Guyana’s historymaking Senior National Basketball team captain, carved his name into the country’s archives when he was named the Senior Sportsman-of-the-Year

Rose is the first basketball player in the history of the sport, locally, to be named Sportsman-ofthe-Year, and is also the first athlete from Kwakwani to wintheprestigiousaccolade.

Heistheyoungestplayer (18 at the time) to ever captain Guyana at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship and left the 10-team tournament in Suriname as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for h i s s e n s a t i o n a l performances, which also included a tournament-high 41 points performance that came in Guyana’s 104-102 double overtime win against St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Rose, who led Guyana to an unbeaten run in the championship, totalled 106

points (third overall), led the tournament in steals, totalling 15 at an average of 2.5 per game, was third in points per game (17.7), third in assists per game, eighth in rebounds per game and was the fourth best efficient player

Chelsea Edghill, who won gold for Guyana in the Under-21 category at the Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships in Jamaica in September 2018, walkedawaywiththeSenior Sportswoman-of-the-Year award.

COMPLETE RESULTS FOR2019

Senior Sportsman-ofthe-Year:StantonRose

Senior Sportswoman-ofthe-Year:ChelseaEdghill Junior Sportsman-ofthe-Year:ShomariWiltshire Junior Sportswoman-oft h e - Ye a r : P r i y a n n a Ramdhani

Sports Association-ofthe-Year:GFF

M o s t I m p r o v e d Association:GABF MaleCoach-of-the-Year: JuniorHercules Female Coach-of-theYear: Shelly DalyRamdyhan Male Sports Official:FranklinWilson Female Sports Official: DrKarenPilgrim

F e m a l e S p o r t s Personality: Mothers in MotorRacing Sports Personality: RameshSunich Use Ministry of Sport logoandNSClogo

Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr said the National

Awards will return on January 29 at the National

Shakeel’s maiden test century leaves Pakistan trailing by 42

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan rode on Saud Shakeel’s patient first test century and Safaraz Ahmed’s aggressive 78 to trailNewZealandby42runs onthethirddayofthesecond testyesterday.

Lefthanded Shakeel batted throughout the day to go unbeaten on 124 off 336 balls in an innings spanned over eight hours before New Zealand spinners hit back late with four wickets and Pakistan finished the day at 407-9atstumps.

“When I entered into the 90s I got nervous for 1-2 overs, but Sarfaraz told me don’t take tension,” Shakeel said after raising his maiden test hundred in his hometown and hitting 17 fours. “Sarfaraz is a very senior player, I started my career with him. It was good that he was with me when I scoredmycentury.”

New Zealand part-time seamer Daryl Mitchell squeezed out Pakistan in the final session which saw the host score 70 runs as leftarm spinner Ajaz Patel (3-88) chipped away with wickets of Agha Salman (41) and Hasan Ali (4) through juggling catches by Michael Bracewell and Devon

Conway

Legspinner Ish Sodhi (294), who is recalled for the Pakistan test tour after four years, had Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza clean bowled off successive deliveries, but Abrar Ahmed avoided the hat-trick ball with an umbrella of fielders surroundinghimandwas yet togetoffthemark.

New Zealand could have exposed Pakistan’s long tail earlyafterteastillleadingby 100 runs, but Tom Latham droppedaregulationcatchof Shakeel’s lose drive at short p o i n t m u c h t o t h e disappointment of skipper TimSouthee(1-62).

Earlier, Shakeel and Sarfaraz kept New Zealand at bay with their determined 150-run stand in three hours after Pakistan lost the sole wicket of Imam-ul-Haq in a quiet first session which also produced70runs.

Mitchell came close to dismissing Sarfaraz off his first ball late in the second session, but the batter successfully overturned umpire Alex Wharf’s lbw ruling through television referral. But two balls later, Tom Blundell had him stumped after collecting the balldownthelegside.

TV umpire Ahsan Raza felt Sarfaraz’s heel was not grounded in the crease when Blundell whipped the bails off after going through several replays. Sarfaraz hit 10 boundaries and faced 109 balls as he continued to dominate New Zealand bowlers after scoring two half centuries in his comeback test match in almostfouryearslastweek.

“It was a little bit of luck in terms of timing,” Blundell said. “At first I don’t think it was out and then obviously looking on the big screen there’s a bit of a chance. So formeitwasjustgetthebails off as quick as possible and fortunately for me it was perfecttiming.”

Shakeel and Sarfaraz looked solid against the spinners with their sweep shots and New Zealand couldn’t get through their defenses even after taking the second new ball after lunch before Mitchell struck lateinthesecondsession.

Shakeel, who spent almost an hour before scoring his first run off his 42nd ball on Day 2, showed plenty of patience but accelerated once he completed his half century off173ballsafterlunch.

He reached 99 with a swept boundary against offspinner Bracewell and then ran a quick single to mid-off to raise his memorable maiden hundred off 240 balls with 14 boundaries.

Shakeel had a terrific start to his test cricket last month when he made four half centuries in Pakistan’s 3-0 loss at home against England. He also scored a

half century in the drawn first test against New Zealand last week before finally getting his first hundred. New Zealand kept Pakistan quiet in the first session and allowed only 70 runs as Imam missed out on another opportunity to score acentury.

Imam followed his 96 in theopeningtestwithaknock of 83 runs before he was caught behind after Southee

successfully overturned an on-field not out decision of umpire Wharf through televisionreferral.

Imam, who hit 10 fours and a six, batted for just over four hours but tried to play away from his body and the replays suggested the ball had taken the toe-end of his bat to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. Shakeel survived anlbwreferralinthelast

(Continued

on page 21)

Cristiano Ronaldo is BANNED from making debut today for Saudi side Al-Nassr

Daily Mail –

EXCLUSIVE

C r i s t i a n o

Ronaldo has been banned from making his much vaunted debut for his Saudi Arabian side tonight, Mail Onlinecanreveal.

His new club Al Nassr, who are reportedly paying him £175 million a year, havesoldall28,000seatsfor the match against Al Ta’ee and were set to see him kickoff hisArabian venture amid hugefanfare.

But the self-proclaimed ‘unique’ player, who left Manchester United in acrimony, is still to be p u n i s h e d f o r a misdemeanour and has been told he is barred from starring for Al Nassr, a sourcerevealed.

He slapped the hand of Jacob Harding as he stormed down the tunnel, damaging theboy’sphone.

His mother Sarah Kelly said her son’s hand was also bruisedbyRonaldo.

While the investigation was ongoing last month, it was reported that Ronaldo would accept an improper conduct charge from the FA, but was determined to fight thethreatofapotentialban.

But the winter World Cup meant Premier League footballwasputonhold.

UnitedplayedFulhamon November13thandresumed first team action post Qatar on 21st December against BurnleyintheEFLCup.

Ronaldo, the source said, had not been available for two first team competitive matches as his contract with Unitedhadbeentornup.

The ban carries onto his next club and effectively bars Al Nassr from parading itsnewstarstrikeruntilithas played two competitive matches that he would have beenavailablefor

Article 12.1 of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status andTransfer of Players says: ‘Any disciplinary sanction ofuptofourmatchesorupto three months that has been imposed on a player by the former association but not yet (entirely) served by the time of the transfer shall be enforced by the new association at which the player has been registered in order for the sanction to be servedatdomesticlevel.’

This point had been noted by the FA when they imposed the ban and explained their written reasons on the case in November

They had said: ‘ We note thePlayerhasparticipatedin a recently published interview in which he has

criticised MUFC. We know not what effect that may nor will have on his future with that club nor whether it will take disciplinary action in respect thereof The suspensionwehaveimposed musthaveeffect.

‘Inotherwords,itapplies

to MUFC’s first team competitive matches for which he is eligible for selection. Should he leave MUFC before it completes two first team competitive matches the balance of the suspension will apply to any newclubheshouldjoin.’

‘That applies with the Premier League and by virtue of Article 12.1 of FIFA’s Regulations on the

Status and Transfer of Players, beyond: “Any disciplinarysanctionofupto four matches or up to three months that has been imposed on a player by the former association but not yet (entirely) served by the time of the transfer shall be enforced by the new association at which the player has been registered in order for the sanction to be servedatdomesticlevel.

‘When issuing the ITC, the former association shall notify the new association via TMS of any such disciplinarysanctionthathas yettobe(entirely)served.’

After today’s match which he will miss,Al Nassr do not play again until Saturday 14 January in a derbyagainstAl-Shabab.

The ban will come as a bitter blow to thousands of Ronaldo’s new club fans who snapped up tickets as wellasqueuedforshirtswith hisnameand‘7’number

More than 5,000 Ronaldo shirts at around £50-a-time were sold in the club store over the last 24 hours, the manager told Mailonline.

His image is emblazoned on billboards across Riyadh andhehasa24-hoursecurity detailandisferriedaroundin a fleet of cars with blacked outwindows.

But Al Nassr will still parade him from the stands tonight as he has said he

wants to see his team mates play.

Despite Ronaldo saying various clubs in Portugal, across Europe and in Brazil had been keen to sign him, it is reported that he was rejected by multiple European teams - despite being made available at a huge discount of £80k-aweek.

Ronaldo had claimed: ‘I had many opportunities in Europe and many clubs in Brazil, Australia, USA and eveninPortugal,manyclubs tried to sign me. But I gave mywordtothisclub.

‘I know what I want, and I know what I don’t want. For me, it’s a good challenge to change and to help with m y k n o w l e d g e a n d experience to grow many importantpointshere.

‘Iwanttogiveadifferent vision of the country, of the football. This is why I took thisopportunity.’

Ronaldo jetted in to Saudi Arabia on Monday evening and was paraded before 28,000 fans at the club stadium last night with the money going to charity fromticketsales.

He was joined by his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their children as he arrived in style before changing from a three-piece suit into the clubs yellow kit and showing off some of his skills, as well as kicking a footballintothecrowd.

WTA says return to China will require resolution to Peng case

B E N G A L U R U , (Reuters) - The return of WTA tournaments to China in 2023 will hinge on a resolution to the Peng Shuai issue, with the governing body of the women’s game telling Reuters yesterday it had still not met the Chinese former doubles world numberonepersonally

Peng had accused Chinese former VicePremier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault in 2021 in a post on social media that was soon removed from the country’s internet

She later denied h a v i n g m a d e t h e accusation

Peng’s post caused an international outcry over

her safety and led the W T A t o s u s p e n d tournaments in China - a decision expected to cost t h e w o m e n ’ s t o u r hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship

A provisional 2023 tournament calendar released late last year listed the WTA’s schedule up to September, but there was no clarity on events to be heldinChina

“There has not been any change in the WTA position on a return to China and we have only confirmed our 2023 calendar through U S Open,” the WTA said in a statement

“A return to the region will require a resolution to the Peng situation in which she took a bold step in publicly coming forth with the accusation that she was sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese government leader

“As we would do with any of our players globally, we have called for a formal investigation into the a l l e g a t i o n s b y t h e appropriate authorities and an opportunity for the WTA tomeetwithPeng-privately -todiscusshersituation.”

The WTA said it had received confirmation Peng wassafeandcomfortablebut were yet to meet with her personally

He is yet to serve a two-match ban he was given by the England Football Association in November for slapping a phone out of the hand of an Everton fan during a game last season. (Twitter)

The Senior InterC o u n t y S u p e - 5 0 Championship was won by Berbice. Berbice defeated Essequibo in the finals. The main awardees for the Tournament were Leon Johnson for the most runs (233 runs), Romario Shepherd for the most wickets (9 wickets), and Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

The GCB’s Senior Women Inter-County Super50 Tournament was won by Berbice. Berbice finished on top of the points table of the Round Robin Tournament format Hemma Singh grabbed the award for the Most Wickets (7 wickets), KatanaMentorefortheMost Runs (198 runs), and Shabika Gajnabi the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament (173 runs and 3 wickets).

The GCB’s Girls Under19 T20 Inter County Tournament was won by Berbice. Berbice finished on top of the points table of the Round Robin Tournament format. The main awardees for the Tournament were RealeannaGrimmondforthe Most Runs (120), Niveena Ramnauth for the Most Wickets (3 wickets), and RealeannaGrimmondforthe Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

The GCB’s Under-19 Inter County Tournament (Male) was canceled due to inclementweather

The GCB’s Under-17 Inter County Tournament was won by Demerara Demerara finished on top of the points table of the Round Robin Tournament format. Alvin Mohabir collected the award for the Most Wickets (11) and Jonathan van Lange the award for the Most Runs (104).

The GCB/Dave West Indian Imports and Exports Under-15 Inter County Tournament was badly affectedbypersistentrainfall and though some matches were played, the final could not have been played as scheduled. Sponsorship with I n t e r n a t i o n a l Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA) was secured by the GCB for a National 40-

Overs Under-19 Inter-Club Tournament. However, due to the inclement weather, the tournament will now commencein2023.

Further,in2022theGCB was able to secure sponsorship from Republic Bank for a National Under23Inter-ClubKnockOut S u p e r Tourname T h i Tournament w i l l commence in 2023 and will serve to fill the gap i n t h e p l a y e r developmen pathway f players graduating from the Under-19 age groupTournamentsinsearch of national selection for the Guyanaseniorteam.

Further,in2022theGCB was able to secure sponsorship from Republic Bank for a National Under23 Inter-Club Knock Out Super 50 Tournament. This Tournament will commence in 2023 and will serve to fill the gap in the player development pathway for players graduating from the Under-19 age group Tournaments in search of national selection for the Guyanaseniorteam.

G C B H o s t i n g o f Bilateral, Regional, and InternationalTournaments

The Guyana Cricket Board successfully hosted the CWI Regional Women Tournaments 2022. These Tournaments were the CWI BlazeT20andtheCGUnited Super 50. All matches were played at the National Stadium, Providence, due to persistentrainfallswhichleft many of the earmarked venues in conditions not suitableforplay

The Guyana Cricket Board successfully hosted the Inaugural Bilateral Under-13 Goodwill Series between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago which comprisedfourmatches.The Trinidad andTobago visitors were given opportunities to see some Guyana tourist attraction sites At the conclusion of the Goodwill series, a simple presentation

ceremonywasheld.

The Guyana Cricket Board in collaboration with the Government of Guyana underitsMinistryofCulture, Youth and Sport and Cricket West Indies successfully hosted the Guyana leg of the West Indies versus Bangladesh Tour Four h e s w e r e yed at the a t i o n a l S t a d i u m , Providence, namely the 3rd T20, a n d t h e f i r s t , second, and third ODI matches. Acknowle m e n t o f Government’s

Contribution to the DevelopmentandPromotion ofCricket

The Guyana Cricket Board(GCB)commendsHis Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana for the historic Cricket Carnival Event held in Guyana which coincidedwiththehostingof the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), 2022. The historic feature was conceptualized successfully and merged cricket and sports tourism in a manner thatstimulatedmuchinterest among cricket enthusiasts from local, regional, and international levels The GCBisoftheviewthatunder the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the government of Guyana through its Ministry of Tourism will unwaveringly drivethepromotionofsports as a complementary tourist attraction to Guyana’s wildlife, natural marvels, and other outstanding landscapes The initiative witnessed record crowds at CPL matches played in Guyana, especially the second qualifier match between Jamaica Tallawahs and the host team Guyana, and served to rekindle memories of past, high spectator support for cricket. A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e Government of Guyana through its Ministry of Culture,YouthandSportand Ministry of Education must

be commended for affording thousands of school children an opportunity to witness and be a part of the exciting CPL matches. Clearly, the hype of Cricket Carnival activitiesblendedeffectively with a high number of ecstatic tourists throughout the hosting of the Guyanaleg CPL.Also, G C B commends H i s Excellen c y D r Mohame d Irfaan Ali and t h e Governme ntofGuyana f o r t h provision of adequate soil to resurface the GCB’s Cricket Facility in La Bonne Intention (LBI) situated on EastCoastDemerara.

Additionally, the GCB is particularly appreciative to His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana for theireffortsintherestoration

of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) hostel and its practice facility which is situated in Anna Regina, EssequiboCoast.

RegionalTournaments:

The Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) ended second in the points table placement in their preliminary Group matches(16points), hind Trinidad and Tobago with 18 points. The GHE lost their semi-final match to the J a m a i c a S c o r p i o n s after posting an impressive 318 for 9 off their allotted 50 overs. However, theJamaicaScorpions surpassed the GHE score torecord322for7off48.1of their allotted 50 overs Jamaica Scorpions beat Trinidad and Tobago in the CGUnitedSuper50final.

The Guyana Women teamwasmanagedbyKavita YadramwithJulianMooreas the Coach and Shemaine Campbelle as captain. The

Policies

goals

CWI Blaze T20 (Women) and the CG Insurance Super 5O(Women) Tournaments were respectively won by Jamaica and Barbados. The Guyana Senior Women’s Team with 10 points placed fourth in the CWI Blaze T20 behind Trinidad and Tobago (14 points), Barbados (16 points with an NRR of 1 428), and Jamaica 16 pointswithanNRRof2.171. Jamaica won the CWI Blaze T20 by virtue of a superior netrunrateoverBarbados.

In the CG Insurance Super 50, Guyana finished ontopofthepointstablewith 6 points in the preliminary Group B matches, and Barbados finished on 8 points at the end of the preliminary Group A matches. In the semi-final match against Jamaica, Guyana made a paltry 23 all outfrom11.2oftheirallotted 50 overs. Jamaica in reply made 27 for 2 from 5.1 overs to win by 8 wickets Barbados beat Jamaica by 8 wickets in the final which was reduced to 26 overs due torainfall.

(To

becontinued)

Inter County Tournaments:

President of GCB Bissoondyal Singh

His Excellency President ‘Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

President of GCB Bissoondyal Singh