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ExxonM exits NEWS Iraq, transfers oilfield to PetroChina AIETEUR

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Friday Edition January 05, 2024 - Vol. 26 No. 01

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 66,767

VP Jagdeo 99% sure

no Govt. official has shares in Exxon 6th oil project to be approved in– VP first quarter Jagdeo Miner succumbs to stab wound at Arimu Backdam …police looking for ‘One Hand Lloyd’

Norton: ‘Bad timing for British ...Jagdeo insists there is patrol vessel’ no aggressive intention

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Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

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VP Jagdeo 99% sure

no Govt. official has shares in Exxon V

ice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday insisted that he is 99% sure that no government official has shares in US oil Major ExxonMobil, which controls Guyana's lucrative Stabroek Block.

Questions have swirled over whether government officials have shares in the US oil company and on Thursday Kaieteur News pointedly asked the Vice President to comment on this.

“There are concerns in some sections of society that due to your government's reluctance to renegotiate the ExxonMobil contract, cap interest rates, put independent meters at the pump, implement ringfencing provisions, and demand full oil spill protection, that yourself as well as some members of the government might have a financial interest or own shares in ExxonMobil.

How do you respond to that?” was the questioned asked to the VP. In his response, he said that: “I can

almost say to you that I am 99% sure, nobody in this government owns any share.

But if they do, (then) they have to declare it to the Integrity Commission.

If they didn't, then they can go to jail because that's what it says, they'll be falsifying the information.”

He stressed that he does not own any shares in Exxon or any other oil company and he does “not think that any minister in this government or the president owns any shares.

We believe in the rule of law, (so) those will have to be declared to the Integrity Commission.”

Jagdeo said that he knows for sure that, “the President doesn't own any shares, Mark Phillips doesn't own any shares, I don't own any shares, Vickram Bharrat doesn't own any shares, Ashni Singh doesn't own any shares.”

He asked Kwame MCcoy if he had any shares, to which he responded in the negative.

Going back to when the

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. opposition was in government, he highlighted that, “the APNU had a threeyear gap during which they did not declare their income and assets.

So, the question you may want to pose now that I have given you the answer that no I don't have any pecuniary interest not just shares, you may want to ask now did any minister or any member or

general secretary of a particular political party have any pecuniary interest in Exxon when the agreement was negotiated?

Did they own any share and whether those shares were not declared to the Integrity Commission but sold off before the APNU started declaring their statements of income and assets in the first three

years?”

Claiming that he does not know much about the matter, the VP said from what he gathered, he knows that a lot of “flipping” took place in the three years when the political opposition did not have to set a baseline, to the period when they had to start declaring their income the first three years.

The government has come under constant scrutiny from the public on why issues such as renegotiation of the lopsided Exxon contract and ring-fencing are not being addressed.

Back in October 15th 2023, Jagdeo when asked about the lack of ring-fencing provision in the oil contract with ExxonMobil had said: “We admitted that we are foregoing revenue now in exchange for massive future income because it's going into new projects that will increase production and so even with the same share of the 50/50 plus the two percent royalty that the future income, because of the bigger scale

will be massive in Guyana's case and we are deliberately foregoing that in this period for that purpose and then trying to grab this bone now could cause you to lose all the bones, the bigger bones too in the future.”

While Jagdeo fears Guyana not being able to gain revenue in the future from the sector due to a ring-fencing provision, experts in the industry have urged the nation to include such a provision to ensure it enjoys early returns from the sector. In three separate reports dated 2017, 2019 and 2019, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated: “This asymmetrical treatment of profit and cost oil will benefit the contractor at the expense of delaying government revenue.”

However, while in opposition, the very same VP had accused the then government of “selling Guyana out” to foreign oil companies by failing to ringfence the Stabroek Block projects.

Petroleum Commission still on Govt.'s agenda –VP Jagdeo V

ice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo assured on Thursday that the government will honour its promise to have a Petroleum Commission when the time is right.

Such a regulatory body is established by a government to oversee and manage the exploration, development, and production of petroleum resources within its jurisdiction. It ensures compliance with laws and regulations, manages licences and permits, and often plays a role in promoting sustainable and efficient

utilization of petroleum resources.

During his first press conference for the year at the Office of the President, Dr. Jagdeo assured that this has not been removed from the government's agenda. In response to a question from Kaieteur News on what citizens can expect for the oil sector in 2024 he said, “The petroleum commission, we said we are building capacity in the Ministry (of Natural Resources).” In this period where the government is focused on creating a fortified framework for managing

accountability in the sector, he said swifter action would be needed for a number of critical matters. He alluded that this is not the type of approach one would normally see from a technically outfitted body like a Petroleum Commission.

Jagdeo said it is as a result of the government's insistence on a rapid build out of the management framework for the sector that a new Natural Resource Fund Law was passed, a new Petroleum Activities Law was enacted and a revamped model production sharing agreement for deep water and

shallow water concessions came to being.

“All of those things had to be driven politically to achieve them.

A technical body would not have the same sense of urgency to do that,” he said adding, “…Anybody who is assessing this sector from 2020 to now would have seen the massive changes in the tools available to the country to manage this sector…Only the jaundiced would not see that…”

Naysayers aside, Jagdeo assured that the government's ultimate goal is a Petroleum

Commission to complement other advancements in the sector. He was keen to remind however that a commission is not “a must” for oilproducing countries.

Jagdeo said, “If you look at other jurisdictions that have done this in some countries, not every country has that model…countries have various models, where the countries that have done that have evolved into it but when they have a mature environment and a set of tools for managing the sector and that is something we have to explain more to people.”

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

A corporate betrayer of the Guyanese people

T

he people of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited are having the time of their lives. The same could be said of those in ExxonMobil’s High Command in Texas, who are also having a grand time. The best thing about their fun and games is that it is the oil money of the Guyanese people that is paying for all of their frolic and fooling around. This is what the audit of US$7.3 billion in expenses submitted by ExxonMobil has found for different things and in different amounts.The list is long and sickening, what would make honest people cringe. Millions for holidays and the expensive treats that go along with them. Then, more millions for dining and living high and handsome in fancy eating establishments. Plus, more millions for exercise classes and yoga to condition the minds of expatriates guzzling like pigs at the lavish Guyana banquet. It is eating as much as can be held, and carrying on as much as is liked, with the sky as the limit. This is how huge wounds are inflicted on Guyana’s oil treasury.How can this predatory American company, which one top Guyanese leader called a “superpower,” ever be considered a genuine partner? How can any Guyanese with a functioning brain ever look at ExxonMobil, and conclude that it is a partner that could be trusted to be conservative, considerate, and credible? How can any citizen with a conscience ever have any regard for this so-called partner, and not see in ExxonMobil, a corporate betrayer of the Guyanese people, a violator of the worst kind of Guyana’s promise?Look at the lengthy record of the excesses and extravagances at the hands of ExxonMobil’s people. Study the report of the audit conducted by Ramdihal & Haynes, Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting and Consultancy (with a good hand from Martindale Consultants). It is as if this greedy partner, this prowling company, and this stalking set of people, were all trapped in an uncontrollable addiction by the free money, the easy money, that Guyana’s oil has come to represent. This is not capitalism at its worst; it is exploitation driven by arrogance and recklessness.In aggregate, it is spending in the millions of American dollars to entertain friends and hangers on, while a sizable part of the Guyanese population is living with the throes of grinding poverty. In reality, the staff of ExxonMobil and its high society collaborators in Guyana are living on scallops and shrimp, while Guyanese are forced to rummage around for scrapings from the bottom of the barrel. No expense is too much to keep the expatriate workers in good mettle. It is of Muppets and puppets to the tune of hundreds of thousands of American dollars, what Guyanese would call one big pappy show. This is reminiscent of the high living of the lords of the slave plantations, while those chained to backbreaking toil and whipped into submission, were compelled to fight with one another, with the fittest getting to grab the leftovers.The numbers (American millions) are there from the audit as proof of the animal nature of ExxonMobil. If allowed, we are sure that these people would not only cannibalize Guyanese while they are alive, but they would also even eat the flesh of the dead, such predators they are. Naturally, some logic would be found by ExxonMobil to link its ripoffs to oil operations in the Stabroek Block. All the while, the overjoyed expats at the company give a bright, white smile to Guyanese cooks and chauffeurs, while their minds work at warp speed on how to strip locals of their oil inheritance.As the Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., audit found, no expense is so remote, as to be considered off-limit, something not to be charged to Guyana. The reality is that ExxonMobil does not operate in this manner, for its own history from other places and time exposes it, condemns it.

All this explains why ExxonMobil, with the shady collaboration of the PPP/C Government, is so bent on keeping thick veils of secrecy over its billions in spending.

And this points to why the richest country on earth has so many poor citizens, who are hungry and suffering.

Friday January 05, 2024

Chevron and transparency DEAR EDITOR, On October 23, 2023, Chevron announced that it had purchased Hess shares in the ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) for US$53.0 Billion.

Recalling that Hess owned 30 percent of the company, this ownership implied that the total equity in the company is now estimated to be US$176.7B, with the remainder distributed as US$79.5B for ExxonMobil, and US$44.1B for CNOOC. Given this change in ownership from Hess to Chevron, it is plausible to assume that Hess would have made a profit from the sale to

Chevron; but Guyana received no taxes or income from this transaction. No less interesting is the fact that since Chevron invested US$53.0B in the company, it is plausible to assume that they are certainly confident that they can earn more than the US$53.0 Billion in the shortest possible time, given institutional weaknesses, an inequitable PSA, and a malleable policy environment.

Equally troubling is the fact that the Guyanese people are kept in the dark by the Government of Guyana (GOG)that does not provide answers to the Guyanese people, but responds to the

interests of EMGL. In this regard, one is reminded of the action taken by the Guyana Court of Appeal to reject a bid by the Attorney General (AG) to join with ExxonMobil in the parent Company Guarantee case brought by two private Guyanese citizens, Fred Collins and Godfrey Whyte (https://www.stabroeknews. com/2023/12/21/news/guya na/ags-bid-to-joinexxonmobil-parentcompany-guarantee-caserejected-by-court-of-appealrelease/).

How could the Government of Guyana not understand their responsibilities in protecting

Guyana from an adverse environmental event?

And why would the Government of Guyana join with a foreign owned company and take a position against the interest of the Guyanese people?

This is indeed most disquieting, but thanks to the Guyana Court of Appeal for stepping in.

On another matter, it was reported that the auditors did not have access to the production information from the EMGL. Also, there was a report of the US$214.0M overstatement of expenses which reduced the Guyana profit share. And as a result, (Continued on page 05)

Attention Enmore NDC DEAR EDITOR I, Pandit Purnnadatt is making another complaint about the house Lot 315 Beezie Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

This was a wooden building but in the year 2022, it was reconstructed in concrete.

There was no shed attached to the wooden building, but when the concrete building was constructed, a shed was constructed during a Saturday and Sunday, and the rain gutter is over in my yard with a very small

outlet; as such, my yard is swamped with the overflowing gutter. When the gutter was being attached, the carpenters was sitting on my shed which was built in 2000 with the approval from the then Overseer Bisham Tiwari and a plan was provided by the then Sanitary Inspector.

I had to bring the police who instructed the carpenters to get off my shed because they were trespassing.

However, I was persuaded not to institute legal charges by other

persons. I then called Mr. Jaggernauth, the Sanitary Inspector who came twice and said that the shed was not on the plan submitted but took no action.

S u b s e q u e n t l y, M r.

Ramnarace Tiwari was informed and saw what was going on. It is naturally for anyone to see and understand that if the post of the shed is braced on the fence, the shed must be over in my yard.

I have a shed which is in my yard because the post is approximately twenty-two feet away from the said

fence.

When my fence was constructed, I gave instructions to the carpenters to build it 24 inches from the boundary pall. So, I have given away 24 inches to my neighbours.

I would be grateful if the Council can visit my yard anytime and see the damage to my rain water gutter and where the shed is built.

Thank you for your kind consideration in the matter and action taken, please remedy it.

Yours faithfully, Pandit Purnnadatt

Every Guyanese has a contribution to make to further enhance the economic development of our country DEAR EDITOR, Guyana emerged out of an exploitative and dehumanising plantation system, which Britain administered—even before and after independence, Western powers continued to interfere and manipulate the affairs of Guyana.

For example, Haiti fought a bitter battle for their freedom but, European powers especially France placed a stranglehold on the economic, political, and social development of that country.

Despite, the many challenges that Guyana continue to face this nation has made progress. This goes to show that every Guyanese has a contribution to make to further enhance the economic development of our country. I agree that we still have some way to go

in achieving the dreams and aspirations of the people.

However, I think that the country needs the contribution of every individual so that the developmental goals can be quickly realised.

For instance, it was heartwarming to see the Opposition Party lending its support in the defence of our territorial dispute with Venezuela which was agreed upon and accepted as settled by both Guyana and Venezuela.

This goes to show that if the Opposition Party decides to support the government in other areas of national development without preconditions, then as a country, we can accelerate our progress. Such policies if implemented would help to reinforce in the psyche of the people that with unity

irrespective of our differences we can achieve our dreams and aspirations

as one Guyana.

Kind regards, Marlon Innis

Double speak in NIS pension matter DEAR EDITOR Well, well the saga goes on! The appeal in that NIS pension matter is given a double speak (so to speak).

On one side, it is a criminal offence for employers’ not to remit deductions to NIS. On the other side, and in this particular case, the employer was not a party to the case and if the ruling is allowed to stand NIS could become bankrupt (Newsroom Jan 3).

Such legal logic and reasoning.

So the question is why didn’t the judge think and

order the employer be joined to the case?

Was it because the evidence against the employer and state agency was overwhelming? Is Mr. Zainul to be made collateral damage over a perceived legal technicality?

Why can’t NIS honour the court ruling and then sue the employer to recoup the entire judgement? Will justice be served in this matter during Mr. Zainul’s lifetime?

Sincerely Shamshun Mohamed

Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

PAGE 05

Free university education will A review of the performance of augment the already flattering the agriculture sector in 2023 education programme DEAR EDITOR, 2 0 2 3 w i l l b e remembered for the year Guyana was consumed, devoured and maligned by a society intoxicated with venomous characters and sanitized with benign personalities.

The statisticians are concurring with a jury still out, attempting to examine the logistics to judge how the positive and negative effects destroyed, divided or developed the thin fabricate of a tested Guyanese temperament. In an equation factored with peaceful, pleasant and productive factors minus dangerous, destructive and discordant elements, what sign is reproduced as a result? 2024 is the eve of another election year and the robust political campaign trail perhaps commenced since 2020.

Last year will not be forgotten for a year when frenzied, murderous activities penetrated a fuming society to a fiery level and left a high fatality number, in particular fierce violence against women who suffered ferocious attacks from their companions, be it husband, lover, friend or acquaintance. Some regions were more susceptible to others while some were less vulnerable. Mr. Crime did not fail to leave an indelible mark on the last day of the year to crown these harrowing and horrifying tragedies.

A 25-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death by her husband early Sunday morning at Parika, East Bank Essequibo. A 40year-old man was shot by bandits and died at a wedding house on Sunday in Canal Number 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara.

Another man remains critical. On Saturday, the eve of old year’s day, a 56-yearold man was allegedly chopped to death by his wife’s brothers at Linden.

A 30-year-old man was shot and killed on Saturday at Ruimveldt, East Bank Demerara. Will rage, haste and anger remain victorious to rule the demented mind of vindictiveness? Will men become advocates of nonviolence against women?

Our roads and streets provided a scene for willful massacres and wanton deaths due to recklessness

and carelessness exhibited by callous drivers and daredevil riders. A 43-year-old motorcyclist was killed when he collided with a car on Saturday on the Enmore Public Road, East Coast Demerara. The absence of patience, discipline and not heeding simple traffic regulations play a major role in determining some of the reasons for such dramatic tragedies. How many more innocent lives will be wasted due to avoidable accidents?

Will road safety be practised instead of being preached?

The towering inferno of fires created havoc in a country that cannot afford the loss of properties by the state or people.

So many government buildings, be it offices, stations or schools were set aflame. People’s homes were burnt, some deliberate.

The Mahdia devastation will continue to traumatise children, parents, teachers and officials for a long time.

As if to remind us that we cannot overlook the dangers of playing with fire, 8 people were left homeless as a result of a fire that engulfed a home in La Grange, West Bank Demerara on the last day of the year.

Here is a typical case of how adults need to be educated about educating children not to play with matches and lighters. Can the rules of fire prevention be displayed in homes?

Guyana commenced the year with flair and flamboyant feathers in her cap as she takes the membership seat on the United Nation’s Security Council for the next two years and looks forward to assuming the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Hopefully, the Argyle Agreement will see a s u b d u e d Ve n e z u e l a refraining from any further aggression on Guyana’s land. Guyana’s friendly relationship can only

increase with the international community as President Ali continues to forge political and economic partnerships with global leaders and companies who are anxious to do business with a flourishing oil developing nation.

2023 ended with the local business community pursuing a pathway to invest more in nation building, infrastructure and people through the field of commerce. Demerara Bank opened another branch at L e o n o r a , We s t C o a s t Demerara as the year ended.

With Camex Restaurant Inc. opening a new outlet at Diamond, East Bank D e m e r a r a , t h i s commissioning underscores more international franchising wanting to join the competition of establishing business in Guyana. This trend can only redefine the confidence level in a growing economy and an anticipation of more such ventures.

As the Government continues to exhaust the promises from a 2020 election manifesto, this saturation paves the way for bigger and better tidings structured to satisfy the interest of Guyanese.

With the Demerara Bridge hoping to be completed this year, a 4-lane Wismar/Mackenzie bridge will begin this year along with the building of more highways to interconnect a massive traffic networking in all the regions. Free university education will augment the already flattering education programme. With more new hospitals in the making for this year, the health of the nation will be propelled with modern and advanced technology.

This is just the top of the tip of the iceberg as all the Ministries await the passing of the Budget before they can launch into their (Continued on page 06)

DEAR EDITOR, I have written exhaustively on the Agriculture Sector in Guyana: the willful destruction by the Coalition from 2015 to 2020 and the resurrection of that Sector under the leadership of Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and the PPP/C Government and had accurately predicted that this Sector will soar and progress to unprecedented heights. And it has come to pass.

I had given detailed accounts of the severe slashing of the Sector’s Budgetary allocation year after year from 2015 and the dire consequences which i n c l u d e d : t h e unconscionable and indefensible closing of four grinding Estates and the dismissal of more than 7,000 workers, the continuous decrease in the production of all the subsectors (livestock, fishery, rice, etc.), damaged roads and infrastructures, no capital investments, VAT on machinery and equipment, increase rates and taxes, increasing costs of inputs and the list goes on.

This is in addition, to the many acts of corruption and

the squandering and ‘mismanaging’ of billions of dollars. There was no vision to transform the Sector and the then Agriculture Minister was clueless. Where was Mr. Ramjattan then, the man who now has a clear vision for the Sector? When all of these are summed up and analyzed, it will be seen that the main objective of the Coalition was to destroy the Sector which it perceives as being supporters of the PPP. In July 2022, I wrote in the press that, ‘NO one can doubt there is an agriculture renaissance in Guyana, which is marked by the renewed understanding and recommitment to the fundamental role of agriculture in the nation’s development. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government and the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, must be applauded for this. There are several different approaches underway which guarantees the agriculture sector’s growth.

This is so despite the many challenges faced by the sector including damaging floods experienced since last year.’

And so it came to pass.

On December 31st 2023, I read a Kaieteur News article headlined thus, ‘Agriculture Ministry records outstanding achievements for 2023’. He outlined a number of these great accomplishments. The increase in sugar production by 28% over the 2022 figure which is expected to increase again in 2024 since more cane lands abandoned under the Coalition will be replanted, land conversion and mechanization and boosting of revenue through more value-added measures.

He pointed out also that rice production increased resulting in earnings increasing by $3 billion over 2022. There is continuing capital investments and investment on research and development.

Infrastructural developments were also highlighted, namely the capital investments in drainage and irrigation in various regions of the c o u n t r y, t h e c a p i t a l investment to boost production and productivity and the redistribution of land leases which were revoked (Continued on page 06)

Chevron and transparency...

From page 06 deriving the correct cost of a barrel of oil and the correct amount of profit would have been compromised, since unsubstantiated data would have been used to construct the financial statements.

Therefore, the right to freedom of information, as enshrined in the Guyana Constitution, matters.

Moreover, when using our non-renewable natural resources (oil, gold, diamonds, bauxite, manganese, other), it is imperative that when these non-renewable resources are

exhausted, there must be accurate records that could inform current and future generations of how careful or careless we were in managing our

patrimony.

We need full transparency.

Sincerely, Dr. C. Kenrick Hunte Professor and Former Ambassador

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Friday January 05, 2024

The mismanagement of Guyana’s Should State Media, NCN and education system is testimony of the Guyana Chronicle, be privatised? privatization of these State does not need the media to D E PPP’s mismanagement of the nation Using taxpayers’ money Media. While some would tell it how good it is EAR

DEAR EDITOR, President Irfaan Ali’s announcement his regime will phase in free university education is an insult to the university fraternity- past, present and potential students. Education in Guyana is a right, free from nursery to university, as outlined in Article 27 of the Constitution of Guyana and this was among the first rights the PPP regime transgressed when they came to office.

The constitution is explicit at Article 27 (1) that “every citizen has the right to free education from nursery to university as well as at non-formal places where opportunities are provided for education and training.”

There must be no phased-in approach to free education but full restoration, immediately, to bring relief to working families and children who are suffering to eke out a daily living and further having to pay school fees, whether deferred or present.

Free education was instituted by the Forbes Burnham administration, a

right the trade union fought for and was taken away by the Cheddi Jagan government. The PPP was in breach of the constitution and remains in breach of the constitution.

When the constitutional right of students was taken away, Guyana was not an oil producing economy, neither did students have the option of a phased-in paying system. And while Ali’s phased-in approach sounds more like an attempt at political electioneering, they must know they are doing Guyanese no favour, but righting a constitutional violation they have instituted and continue to commit.

The introduction of feepayment was an attempt to hinder the pursuit of higher education and the improvement of standard of living for the poor and workers, and a wicked political partisan attempt to erase the legacy of a previous administration they despised. They must right t h i s w r o n g n o w. N o piecemeal, no phased programme is acceptable;

outstanding loans must be written off, and those who paid fees must be refunded.

Furthermore, the nation can afford to pay for its children’s education from nursery to university. When free education was introduced, it was out of recognition that education and access are important to development and to the extent where the PPP has denied this right, the party has undermined Guyana’s development trajectory.

The regime needs to invest more in education that meets the needs of the new economy.

And instead of spending heavily on external online universities, the regime should be building local capacity on an education system that caters for Guyana’s developmental needs. The mismanagement of Guyana’s education system is testimony of the PPP’s mismanagement of the nation and their lack of vision for the development of Guyana through free and accessible education.

Sincerely Lincoln Lewis

Neutrality vs divisive politics DEAR EDITOR, When it comes to wars rooted in religious beliefs, ethnic identity and economic philosophy we must as a nation avoid getting involved, especially when the repercussions can result in internal conflicts and economic problems on our own soil. During the time of partition (the division of India by the British) Guyanese of Indian descent were able to remain united even though many Muslims and Hindus were killing each other in what is now Pakistan and India.

Also, there was a period when the Africans of South Africa were carrying out hate crimes, land grabs and expulsions of Indians.

Guyanese also remained peaceful during this turmoil.

However, when there was the Cold War (conflict between communism and capitalism) our country became not only divided between the Communist PPP and the Socialist PNC, but also the economic repercussions of not being fully aligned with capitalism resulted in significant economic losses and an embargo.

The economic philosophies in Guyana at the time were very divisive and resulted in many hardships for our people.

Today there are many conflicts around the world, including the one between Israel and the Philistines / Palestinians, which has existed for generations as noted in several religious texts.

There is also the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has started to pit the capitalists against the communists once again.

The current conflict between China and the U.S. over Taiwan is also creating a further division in the world along economic philosophical lines.

This is being exasperated by the religious conflict in the Middle East and Allies on both sides of the divide are becoming more entrenched in their positions.

As a sovereign nation we must be cautious and avoid picking sides in the emerging global conflict.

Our partners come from all parts of the globe and our economic philosophy has evolved as a result of our

historical experiences. Our first priority must be the welfare of our citizens and the territorial integrity of our Nation. Being a truly neutral and law-abiding Nation in the world, where differences can be peacefully expressed and intellectually shared without resulting in physical conflict must be a goal that we continue to pursue.

The increasing investment in education can help us towards such an aspiration.

To do the contrary will only result in what we are witnessing on the global stage. Increasing intolerance and the lack of understanding of each other’s culture, needs and perspective.

It continues to be in our Nation’s best interest to maintain a path that is peaceful and consistent with a neutral position along religious, ethnic and economic lines.

The only exception being one which is rooted in Justice.

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

DITOR

to prop up State Media gives them an unfair advantage against the free and independent media.

As well as because they are receiving taxpayers’ monies, they feel beholden to the Government of the day and tend to tow the party line.

Serious consideration needs to be given to the

say that Guyana needs State Media to promote the good work that the Government of the day is doing, I would like to point out that another Government, with Machiavellian designs, can and do misuse State Media. Guyana is a democracy. The Government of the day

looking. What it needs from the media is an honest and constructive analysis of its performance, and failings, in Government.

The media, for its part, needs to hold all stakeholders accountable and not just the Government of the day.

Sincerely Sean Ori

SALVATION RE-DEFINED Sometimes, in the wee hours of the day, I sit and think; (Sometimes, I just sit.)

I mostly think about wars these days; And what purpose they serve.

It cannot be the purpose of Naïve selfishness, Totalitarian greed, Or simply human inhumanity, But designs of a greater intelligence, Intended for the wise As lessons to learn, And mistakes to avoid.

But even more: For us to reflect, As we ride our breakneck roller coaster On a one-way road to the

dark hole.

That wars are the natural course Of rivers of man-made religions Religions that c o n s c i o u s l y o r unconsciously Constrain and yoke us to live Within the confines Of socio-political, racial and Limited educational parameters.

It is your socio-political religion Which directs you To choose war.

Even by your complicit silence, You float with the tide of religion.

But those who live by

conscience, not religion Are the ones really SAVED and freed, Thank God, saved and freed!

From that burdensome addictive yoke Of religion.

Now we can choose And be what we want to be.

Now we can choose peace.

You cannot have free agency to choose, And belong to a religion at the same time.

You cannot have both religion and peace!

If your Salvation means both peace and support of war, You need to be SAVED! Gokarran Sukhdeo

A review of the performance...

From page 05 by the Coalition.

This was just a part of what has taken place.

There were many other measures such as removal of VAT, cash grants relief and free distribution of agricultural inputs, investments in nontraditional crops and shade houses, increase in agroprocessing, motivating youths to be involved in agriculture, among other measures.

In addition, there were increases in production and revenue for all the other subsectors which includes fishing (shrimp included),

livestock (poultry and eggs), and other crops.

It must be submitted that the lack of capital investments, the dire neglect of the Sector, the great floods and the negative impact of COVID-19 have been devastating to the Sector and posed formidable challenges to this Government which they managed to triumph over.

It has always been the case where the PPP/C Government has had to clean the mess and devastation dispensed by the PNC (Coalition) Government.

The PPP has always regarded agriculture as the

bedrock of the economy and has always invested heavily in this regard.

There is a renaissance in agriculture in Guyana as the country is positioned to champion food security in the Caribbean and the rest of the world, as envisioned by the PPP/C government.

In conclusion, the Agriculture Sector by 2025 through the astute and ingenious leadership of Minister Mustapha, will ensure the reduction of the food import bill by 25 % by 2025 (25 by 2025) will be achieved.

Yours sincerely, Haseef

Free university education...

From page 05 projects, especially in the fields of Housing and Agriculture.

With the numerous diversifications, the Dutch Disease has no place of berthing on this fertile land.

With sugar production on the increase, rice earnings

escalating and tens of thousands of acres of corn and soya bean sown last year, no wonder over US$8 million was derived from non-traditional exports.

2024 promises to reshape the lives of Guyanese, satiate the hunger of challengers, quench the

thirst of seekers, quell the doubts of naysayers and satisfy the anxiety of believers.

The new year certainly promises great expectations from a caring and concerned Government.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

T N U L B . . .

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B T LUNT. UNT...B BL Friday January 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo doesn't like to hear the word Skeldon, much less Skeldon Sugar Factory. It is a nightmare for him - one of the biggest public investment projects ever undertaken by this country that failed. He was the President and took personal control of the project.

The factory is there for the world to see and whenever he is asked about it, he tries to deflect the question.

US$187M of taxpayers' dollars was wasted on a factory that failed from the start.

At one time, even Jagdeo had declared in October 2010 that if the factory failed then “sugar was dead.”

Well, his prediction was correct because both the factory and the sugar industry are at the Babu Jaan graveside.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8 10

Friday Monday January May 02, 05, 2022 2024

6th oil project to be approved in first quarter – VP Jagdeo Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed on Thursday that ExxonMobil Guyana's sixth oil project in the Stabroek Block is on track for government approval this quarter.

During his first press conference for the year at Office of the President, Jagdeo said he could not confirm a specific date for the approval but assured that it remains on schedule.

“I know the assessment is being done by our external consultants,” he said while cautioning that the process could see Exxon being asked to supply additional information. “I can't tell you on a daily basis where they are because I don't track that.

But I think that it's still on track so far for that, for the first quarter,” the Vice President added.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited's Country Manager, Alistair Routledge had disclosed last year October that his company is expected to make a final investment

decision (FID) for its sixth project called Whiptail in the oil-rich Stabroek Block by the first quarter of 2024.

Routledge had said the field development plan was submitted on October 13, 2023. “…So all the permitting processes are now actively engaged,” he had said.

According to project documents, the Whiptail development project is pegged at US$13B and will develop the Whiptail, Pinktail, and Tilapia fields, along with potential additional resources, if determined to be feasible and economically viable. The current development plans for the project include drilling via drillships to produce oil from approximately 40 – 65 production and injection wells. Production is expected to begin between the fourth quarter of 2027 and the second quarter of 2028 with an expected field life of at least 20 years.

A c c o r d i n g t o block by the end of 2027, ExxonMobil, the project will with the potential for up to ten be designed to add up to to develop the estimated 275,000 barrels of oil a day to gross discovered recoverable existing daily production resources of more than 11 volumes in Guyana with the b i l l i o n b a r r e l s o f o i l a s s o c i a t e d a d d i t i o n a l equivalent.

The Stabroek block revenues to the government of Guyana, while continuing covers 6.6 million acres a steady expansion of (26,800 square kilometers) opportunities for Guyanese a n d i s o p e r a t e d b y t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n t h e ExxonMobil's affiliate with a petroleum industry.The 45% interest.

The company's partners operator highlights that the Whiptail project has been in the block are Hess Guyana designed for no routine Exploration (30%) and flaring of associated gas, CNOOC Petroleum Guyana instead using the gas for fuel, (25%). or reinjecting it into reservoirs to improve oil recovery.

This design is consistent with ExxonMobil's plans to align with the World Bank's initiative to eliminate routine flaring of associated gas by 2030.

Based on ExxonMobil's plans, six oil ships with a gross production capacity of o l i c e a r e more than 1.2 million barrels investigating the of oil per day are expected to death of a 58-yearbe online on the Stabroek old miner who succumbed to a stab wound he allegedly sustained while imbibing with another man at Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River in Region Seven.

Dead is Jimmy Edward Ashby of the Barima River, North West District.

According to the police, Ashby was reportedly murdered by a suspect known as 'One Hand Lloyd,' sometime between January 2 and January 3, 2024.

Police said an elderly businessman of Bartica related that at about 12:00hrs on January 2, he was at the back of his shop cooking

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Miner succumbs to stab wound at Arimu Backdam …police looking for 'One Hand Lloyd' P when Ashby and the suspect who were at his shop consuming alcohol, got into a heated argument. The businessman is familiar with both Ashby and the suspect since they visited his shop on a regular basis, police said.

The businessman then went to the front of the shop to enquire what the argument was about and Ashby related that the suspect had stabbed him in his chest.

Ashby reportedly told the businessman he was “okay” and did not want to go and seek medical attention.

However, on January 3, around 06:30hrs, while the businessman was on his way to make a call, he saw Ashby

motionless on a bench alongside the Arimu trail. As a result, he called the Bartica Police Station and made a report.

Several police ranks who visited the scene, found Ashby's body in a sitting position on a bench along the Arimu main trail.

At the time, the man's body was clad in a red and white sweatshirt, grey vest and blue short pants.

The police observed a single stab wound to the centre of Ashby's chest. His body was transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital.

Efforts are currently being made to arrest the suspect as the investigation continues.

Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

PAGE 09

Open Letter to EXIM Bank of the United States

A

ll lenders, including banks, a t t a c h conditions to their lending.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank usually go a little further than most and impose economic conditionalities to their loans.

The IMF and World Bank usually impose specific requirements and policy prescriptions that borrowing countries must adhere to in order to access financial assistance.

Economic conditionalities imposed by the IMF and Wo r l d B a n k t y p i c a l l y include structural reforms, fiscal austerity measures, and other policy changes aimed at addressing underlying economic challenges. While these kinds of economic conditionalities are not imposed by import-export banks, this is not to say that these banks cannot demand certain actions from a borrowing country.

Given the concerns that have arisen in Guyana over the proposed gas-to-shore project and the gas-toenergy plant, the latter of which is likely to be funded with significant input from the Export-Import Bank of America (EXIM Bank), it will be understandable if the Bank demands certain conditions be met before it approves the loan. A project of this scale and size can have such serious effects on the local economy. As such, the bank cannot limit itself only to the commercial considerations in assessing the risks associated with

financing this venture. But even in this regard, there are concerns as to whether there is a feasibility study specific to this project, as opposed to simply having a feasibility of comparing the use of gas to other energy sources.

Has such a feasibility study been done and if so, why is it not being made public?The viability of the gas-to-shore and the gas-toenergy plant is linked to the availability and cost of natural gas. No one can predict with any certainty what will be the future of natural gas in Guyana and therefore this is a highly risky financial investment for the bank.

Secondly, this is a major investment in Guyana, expected to be the largest public investment project in the country’s history. Given what has become of the Skeldon Sugar Factory and the now beleaguered Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Facility, the UIS Exim Bank should tread carefully in aligning itself with this project. It should do so only after it has assessed the full implications of a project of this size to the country.

The President of Guyana has already indicated that the amount of sand that this project will require is more than the cumulative amount of sand that was used in the country over the past five years. The project therefore has a high risk of supply constraints. This must be factored into the decision to approve financing for this project.

Thirdly, General and Regional Elections are due

next year and it is not likely that this project can be completed by the end of this year. In fact, it now appears impossible for the project to be completed by the end of this year which means it will roll over into and possible beyond election year 2025 in time for the elections.

Fourthly, a project of this nature being activated so close to an election will increase its political risks.

Exim Bank should bear in mind that the PPP/C government only holds a one seat majority in the National A s s e m b l y. We r e t h e government to lose the elections or to have a minority government, it can affect the plans for this project since funds will have to be appropriated through the National Assembly. You will recall that the developer for the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project walked away from the project because it could not obtain agreement with the Opposition at a time when the government was a minority government with the Opposition holding a slender one-seat majority, the same one-seat majority which the incumbent PPP/C holds.

Even if the proposed loan from the Exim Bank is backed by an ironclad government guarantee, there is no certainty that any new government will go ahead with this project. Further if there is a default in the repayment of the loan, as experience suggests the Exim Bank could end up holding bonds instead of loan repayments.

DEM BOYS SEH

Starting a home is like starting a business Dem boys like go wedding house. Dem boys does go early so that dem can see when dem other guests arrive. Nuff of dem people does walk with dem whole family – wife, daughters, son, uncle, aunty and grandmother.

And plenty of dem does walk empty-handed.

But yuh does gat nuff people does walk with gift – in gift bag and gift box.

Dem boys does play a mental game and try fuh guess what in de box. From de shape of de gift, yuh does know wah deh inside.

Dem guess. Dem does bring plenty clock as if when yuh married, yuh

does fuget fuh keep time.

Dem does bring plenty glassware and plate and bowl sets like dem want confine de wife to de kitchen fuh de rest of she life. And if yuh see a big square box nah bother speculate wah inside: is most likely a pressure cooker. That is perhaps de most expensive gift wah does be given in kind at de wedding.

Dem boys does be sorry fuh de bride and groom.

Dem spend plenty money fuh host de wedding and all dem getting is kitchenware, bedsheet, and clock. Dat can hardly help them fuh put together a home.

It now costing millions fuh furnish a home fuh newlyweds. The sitting room chair set alone is over $400,000 and de bed and bedside table is another $300,000. De stove is around $180,000 fuh a good brand and a similar sum fuh de washing machine and refrigerator. It nah cheap at all fuh start a home. Yuh gat fuh go to de bank and tek a loan.

So next time, y’all get invite to a wedding, nah bother with clock and pressure cooker. Give cash.

De couple gan need it fuh buy dem appliances in de home.

Talk half. Leff half.

Fifth, apart from the managerial capability, there will be a need for changes to the country’s regulatory framework to integrate gas a n d e n e rg y f r o m g a s production. So far, no legislation has been tabled to improve the regulatory framework for this project.

Sixth, a wide range of environmental risks are associated with this project.

There have already been grave concerns over these risks and the bank should therefore be cautious in

approving any financing unless it is satisfied that the necessary steps are being taken to attenuate these risks.

Exim Bank therefore should seek to ensure that the gasto-shore and the gas-toenergy projects are viable before its sinks any monies into Guyana. It should also seek to ensure there is political consensus on this venture and that the r e g u l a t o r y a n d administrative frameworks are strengthened.

Otherwise, the bank

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Friday Monday January May 02, 05,2022 2024

Robust system implemented to track infrastructure projects T

he Ministry of P u b l i c Wo r k s (MPW) says it has implemented a robust system to monitor the increased road projects being developed across the country.

At its year end press conference last week, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Vladim Persaud listed a number of mechanisms that have been employed to date for the Ministry to effectively monitor the vast number of ongoing works.

In 2023, the Public Works Ministry was allocated the largest chunk of the National Budget, some $193.4 billion.

According to the subject Minister, a total of 2852 projects were managed last year.

Elaborating on some of the measures taken by the Ministry, PS Vladim Persaud explained, “We have a Project Management Information System that has been built in house that is used to not only to track the projects but also monitor from the point of identification to design and project management execution.”

Importantly, he also pointed out that the human resource of the ministry has also been bolstered. “As we

- Public Works PS r amp up the number of projects, we are implementing, we have hired additional engineers, we have hired a large number of Clerk of Works inclusive of University of Guyana graduates who have finished their two years stint and we've put those as Technical Assistants; those are some of the mechanism we have put in place to ensure we have supervision of our projects.”

Meanwhile, he noted that

the Ministry has also increased its field tests to ensure the infrastructure projects are built to the required specifications.

More vehicles have also been purchased by the Ministry of Public Works to monitor the massive infrastructure development ongoing across Guyana.

According to the PS, MPW is also looking to procure additional equipment for its officers to supervise the projects, locally and foreign funded.

He explained that the Ministry has launched a Monitoring and Evaluation Department that not only uses metrics to track various projects but guides the Ministry on its main

objectives.

(from left) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud and Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill interacts with the media during an end of year press conference

Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

PAGE 11

Govt., Opposition differ on rollout of free university education O

pposition Leader, Aubrey Norton has criticised the President Irfaan Ali administration's stance on providing free university education in Guyana.

Norton highlighted the administration's reluctance to immediately ensure free university education for Guyanese, despite the country's history of offering such opportunities without oil money.

Norton accused the current administration of neglecting the University of Guyana community, viewing them as a political tool rather than a national priority.

He condemned President Ali's announcement of a gradual implementation of free education by 2025, insinuating that this delay until a potential election year was unjustifiable given the resources available in the national budget, which reached over $900 billion.

The Opposition Leader denounced the government's proposal of imposing work requirements on students during their studies as a condition for removing tuition fees.

He firmly advocated for students' right to focus solely on their studies without such burdens, promising a swift reversal of this policy if the opposition gets into power.

Norton also pledged to write off all loans for students working in Guyana postgraduation and proposed monthly stipends of up to $50,000 to support students pursuing tertiary education.

Moreover, Norton outlined plans to significantly

increase funding for the University of Guyana, aiming to elevate it to a regional academic hub by fostering research, improving facilities, offering competitive wages to staff, and attracting global talent.

The Opposition Leader stressed the importance of the university as a key driver of social and economic development.

He pledged a commitment to collaborating with the university administration to enhance its role in data-driven policymaking, applied research, and strategic planning, positioning the institution as a pivotal force in Guyana's progress.

In conclusion, Norton emphasized that the Opposition's commitment to the University of Guyana was not merely political rhetoric but a fundamental part of their vision for the country's development.

He pledged to rectify what he termed a "tragic error" of neglecting the institution and promised to work closely with both the staff and student body, considering it their duty to uphold their "contract" with the University of Guyana and the nation at large.

During his press conference on Thursday afternoon, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo responded to Norton's assertions regarding free university education.

He began by referencing the Opposition Leader's focus on the University of Guyana. “So Norton wants free university now and they had the opportunity to do lots

From left are Economist Elson Low; Leader of the PNCR and Opposition Aubrey C. Norton; and Public Relations Officer Shaneika Haynes

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

of things,” Jagdeo said.

He brought attention to the administration claims of lacking oil revenue, juxtaposing this against a substantial increase in taxes during the previous government's tenure, amounting to nearly $80 billion.

Highlighting past decisions made by the Opposition regarding fee increases at the University of Guyana, Jagdeo defended their promises, rejecting the notion that fulfilling electoral commitments amounted to mere political gimmicks.

He stated that their

dedication to honouring pledges made to the electorate, dismissing the characterization of their efforts as gimmickry.

Jagdeo delved into a detailed recollection,

reminding of their commitment to addressing free university education within a five-year timeline, akin to initiatives such as the children's grant.

He explained the strategy behind their approach, initiating a free scholarship programme concurrently while gradually moving towards the goal of free education.

“We said we will make University of Guyana free.

But we started the scholarship, our free scholarship programme power parallel to that.

The President mentioned that we'll start off by looking at those who are already paying and we want to find a mechanism to ensure that

they don't have to pay back the sum but at least we can get some productive use. We're thinking all sorts of things,” the Vice President noted.

T h e Vi c e P r e s i d e n t touched upon considerations of mechanisms to alleviate the debt burden for those currently paying tuition.

Exploring scenarios such as migration and the potential benefits for those contributing to the nation, he then emphasized the planning to ensure equitable application of debt writeoffs.

Jagdeo defended the government's timeline and approach, positioning the initiatives already in progress as steps toward achieving free education.

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

ExxonMobil exits Iraq, transfers oilfield to PetroChina The oilfield is believed to Last year, Iraq's state-run Offshore Technology A m e r i c a n o i l g i a n t , BOC acquired a 22.7% share be one of the world's largest, ExxonMobil has officially of Exxon's stake in West with recoverable reserves exited the West Qurna 1 Qurna 1, while Indonesia's estimated to exceed 20 oilfield in southern Iraq and Pertamina increased its stake billion barrels.

Citing the head of BOC, transferred operations to to 20% by purchasing the P e t r o C h i n a , R e u t e r s remaining 10% of Exxon's the report said Iraq and PetroChina aim to increase reported, citing Iraq's deputy interest.

The final settlement production to 600,000bpd by oil minister.

Senior officials from the Iraqi oil industry and executives from Exxon, PetroChina, and Basra Oil Company (BOC) convened at the West Qurna 1 field near Basra to formalise Exxon's departure and the transition of its The move marks the end of Exxon's presence in Iraq's operations to energy sector. Credit: Katherine Welles/Shutterstock.

PetroChina.

PetroChina now owns the biggest share in the reached between Iraq's oil the end of 2024.

This move marks the end ministry and the US oil and oilfield after Exxon's exit.

In an interview, Iraq's gas company has served the of Exxon's presence in Iraq's Deputy Oil Minister for interests of both parties, said energy sector.

However, Iraqi Upstream Affairs, Basim M o h a m m e d , w i t h o u t g o v ernment officials, providing further details of Mohammed, said: “We are including the deputy oil the settlement. meeting today to bid farewell Currently, West Qurna 1 minister, have expressed to ExxonMobil, and at the same time, we congratulate is producing approximately interest in inviting Exxon to PetroChina for becoming the 550,000 barrels per day participate in future energy projects within the country. (bpd). lead contractor.”

Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

PAGE 13

Norton: ‘Bad timing for British ...Jagdeo insists there is patrol vessel’ no aggressive intention A

mid the fallout o v e r t h e deployment of a British vessel here, Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton said there is need for the government to exhibit p o l i t i c a l s e n s i t i v i t y, especially considering the context of recently signed agreements between Guyana and Venezuela. But Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo insists that there is nothing for Venezuela to fear and justified the deployment of the vessel.

He criticised the government's handling of the situation, labeling it as reckless and urging a more nuanced approach. The UK Government recently announced that it was deploying the HMS Trent here to conduct joint exercises in Guyana waters.

While authorities here have said that the vessel is part of Guyana building its d e f e n s i v e c a p a b i l i t y, Ve n e z u e l a n P r e s i d e n t Nicolás Maduro reacting angrily ordered the activation of military exercises of over 5,000 troops on the eastern Caribbean of Venezuela (near the Essequibo territory).

HMS Trent, an offshore patrol vessel, will take part in exercises off the coast of Guyana (Getty Images)

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton Norton, while acknowledging the standard nature of such training exercises in Guyana with its international partners said: “Now, we do need the support of the British…but we also must develop the political sense and maturity to know we have to be selective in what we're doing and understand the context in which things are done and

be very careful not to do things in a particular framework that will do harm to our first of all, our entire case before the ICJ (International Court of Justice) and secondly, to the peace that you are pursuing.”

Norton also highlighted the importance of employing a diplomatic and selective approach.

He suggested that a better timing for such

exercises could have been negotiated to avoid exacerbating tensions further.

“We could have engaged the British to say we welcome (the exercises) but

the timing is bad… The present situation is not propitiously disposed to that kind of activity and wherever we want the activity, let us put it at a time when it will serve both of our

interests…yes, we should have these activities. But like I said, we could have postponed it for a month and wait until there's a much better environment,” the (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Friday January 05, 2024

GNBS says recorded 142 lifts by Exxon last year, calibrated 424 flow meters T

he Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) said it recorded a successful 2023 with several outstanding achievements, noting that among other things, it recorded 142 lifts

by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block and conducted gauging of 1,298 storage tanks. One million barrels make up a lift.

The bureau also said it calibrated 424 flow meters used during the custody transfer, collected 1,433 samples of the crude and witnessed the Laboratory Analysis to determine quality of the crude. These activities are facilitated with the continued deployment of GNBS Inspectors on each FPSO. Focusing on the standards and measurement needs of consumers, b u s i n e s s e s a n d organisations, the Bureau said in a press release that it managed to surpass its targets in the timely delivery of its standards and services demanded by various stakeholders.

As the National Standards Body (NSB), the Bureau is involved in the development and promotion of National,

Regional and International Standards. During 2023, five National standards were developed by the GNBS while twenty – four (24) International Standards were adopted from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the American Petroleum Institute (API) and one Canadian standard. Many of these standards are applicable to the Oil and Gas sector. Meanwhile, the GNBS is currently working on the development of fourteen (14) new standards and fifteen (15) of the existing documents are under revision.

The Bureau said as it works to promote the use of standards, its Business Development Department conducted 106 training sessions in the areas of q u a l i t y, f o o d s a f e t y, laboratory, occupational health and safety and environmental management systems as well as related areas. The training courses attracted 1,596 participants from the public and private sectors. Meanwhile, Technical Assistance was also provided to 52 companies on Standards including the ISO 9001:2015

-Quality Management, ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management, ISO 1 4 0 0 1 : 2 0 1 5 – E n v i r o n m e n t a l Management, ISO 45001:2018 – OSH Management, GYS 170:2021 – Laboratory Management and HACCP for the control of hazards.

GNBS Technical Assistance supports many businesses towards achieving international certification.

Using compulsory National Standards, the

GNBS monitors seventeen (17) categories of products.

This helps to protect consumers by ensuring that imported and locally manufactured products conform to the quality and labelling requirements.

Inspections are carried out at the ports of entry, importers' bonds and warehouses, manufacturers' premises and sale outlets. In 2023, 9,165 product inspections were completed which resulted in the seizure of 1,281,653 pieces of substandard items including cigarettes, pieces of electrical fittings and equipment, safety matches and tyres among others.

Standards are also used to certify companies and products under three Certification programmes.

In 2023, the Bureau certified thirty (30) new companies.

Of that number, there were seventeen (17) businesses given Permits to use the GNBS Made in Guyana Certification Mark under that programme, nine (9) new laboratories were certified under the Laboratory Certification programme, and one (1) new gold jeweller along with two new block makers were certified under the GNBS Product Certification programme.

As the National

Metrology Institute, the GNBS is further responsible for the implementation of the Weights and Measures Act of 1981. In this regard, verification and calibration services are provided to companies in the petroleum, manufacturing, aviation, health, retail and other industries.

In the area of Legal Metrology, the Bureau verified 33,445 measuring instruments including scales, masses, petrol pumps, electricity meters, speed guns, breath analysers, bulk meters, storage tanks and other devices. In addition, 746 unapproved, defective, and unverified measuring instruments that were used in trade to defraud consumers, were seized during surveillance inspections at shops, markets & sale outlets.

The GNBS also launched the verification of Net Content of Prepackaged Goods to ensure consumers received value for money.

This programme commenced at the manufacturer's premises with the verification of items sold by mass and will soon be expanded to the sale outlets.

Meanwhile, for Industrial Metrology, 2, 394 measuring instruments were

calibrated for companies across various industries which represents a 7.6% increase over the 2022 calibrations.

These instruments included weights, thermometers, electronic balances, pressure gauges, calipers, micrometers & rulers, volumetric containers, torque wrenches and multimeters. In 2023, the Oil and Gas Department of the GNBS continued the monitoring of the custody transfer process onboard the Floating Production Storage and Offload (FPSO) Vessels, Liza Destiny, Liza Unity and Prosperity, offshore Guyana.

Finally, during the year, the GNBS also conducted testing of products. A total of 124 gold samples were tested for businesses and consumers under the Product Certification Scheme to determine the purity. The Bureau also tested 576 concrete hollow blocks and cubes to be used in construction.

As the Bureau looks forward to 2024, there are plans underway to improve and increase the services offered by the Standards Body.

Among exciting developments for the New Year will be the completion of the GNBS' new secretariat at the National Exhibition C o m p l e x , t h e commencement of the “GNBS 901 - Quality Management System for Micro, Small, and MediumSized Enterprises” Certification Programme, among others. The GNBS extends gratitude to its stakeholders and looks forward to continued collaboration in 2024.

Friday January 05, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Friday January 05, 2024

Turkey blocks passage of British minehunter ships destined for Ukraine

Two British minehunter ships destined for Ukraine will not be able to travel through Turkish waters.

Yahoo News - Two British minehunter ships destined for Ukraine will not be able to travel through Turkish waters, President Erdogan's Directorate of Communications announced on Jan. 2, citing an international pact.

"Our pertinent allies have been duly apprised that the mine-hunting ships donated to Ukraine by the United Kingdom will not be allowed to pass through the Turkish

Straits to the Black Sea as long as the war continues," a statement from the President's communications office read.

Referring to an international convention which governs maritime traffic in the region, the Turkish government emphasized that Russian and Ukrainian warships are prohibited from entering Turkish Straits due to the ongoing war.

As per the Montreux Convention, warships from nonbelligerent nations are allowed passage through the straits during wartime.

However, the convention also states that Ankara retains the ultimate authority over the passage of all warships, if Turkey perceives a risk of being involved in the conflict.The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defense revealed its

plan to deliver Sandown class vessels from Britain's Royal Navy last month, amid the ongoing disbursement of sea mines in the Black Sea. The donated minehunter ships were intended to clear sea mines for the safe passage of larger ships, as well as to "help save lives at sea and open up vital export routes."

The Netherlands has also previously pledged two Alkmaar

class minehunter ships to Ukraine to arrive in the Black Sea by 2025.

It is now unclear if the intended delivery will reach Ukraine.

Hundreds of mines have been spread throughout the Black Sea since the beginning of Russia's fullscale invasion in February 2022.

On several occasions, civilian ships or navy ships belonging to countries not party to the war struck sea mines.

Friday January 05, 2024

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Friday January 05, 2024

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Meten-Meer-Zorg fire was - Fire electrical in origin Service A fire which gutted a house and left five people homeless at Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Wednesday, was electrical in origin, according to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

“The purported cause of the fire is a breakdown of electrical installation resulting in arcing and sparking which ignited nearby combustibles and spread to the entire building,” the Fire Service said in post on its Facebook page.

Around 13:12hrs on Wednesday, the GFS said it received a call about a fire at Lot 130 Fourth Street, West Meten-Meer-Zorg.

Several water tenders from the Leonora Fire Station were dispatched immediately to the address provided, the first arriving approximately 9 minutes after the initial call.

The structure in question was a two storey concrete and wooden house; it was occupied by Shazim Safdur and his four family members.

Unfortunately, by the time the fire was contained and

Scenes of the fire at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.

finally extinguished, the entire building as well as its contents was destroyed.

According to the GFS, electrical fires can result from faults in electronic systems or appliances. This is a result of overloading of circuits, damaged cords or faulty wiring. Sparks, flickering lights and the smell of something burning are signs of an issue.

In case of a fire, prioritize safety, evacuate, and call the Fire Service immediately.

Advice given by the Guyana Fire Service: What to do if an electrical fire occurs: 1. Stay calm: Keep calm and avoid panic.

2. Cut the power: Safely turn off the power supply to the affected area, if possible.

3. Use a fire extinguisher: If you have a suitable fire extinguisher, use it from a safe distance. Never use water on an electrical fire.

4. Evacuate: If the fire is

spreading or you cannot control it, evacuate immediately.

5. Call for Help: Dial 912 to report the fire.

6. Do NOT use water: Never use water on an electrical fire, as it can worsen the situation.

7. Wait for the professionals: Allow trained firefighters to handle the situation. Do not re-enter the area until it is declared safe.

Remember, safety is always the top priority.

Friday January 05, 2024

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Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

$166M more to complete female prison at Lusignan The government through the Ministry of Home Affairs will be spending $166 million more to complete the works of the female prison that is now being placed at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

T h e N a t i o n a l Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office recently revealed that on December 27, 2023, it had awarded the $166,371,618 contract to contractor D&R Construction & Machinery Rental to execute the project.

In December 2021, NPTAB had awarded an initial contract for the relocation of the female prison from the New Amsterdam Prison, Region Six to Lusignan. That project was given to M&P Investment Inc. to the tune of $201,207,927.

It was reported that the move to have the prisoners be at the East Coast location is to ensure they are housed in a more improved environment.

During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) in August last year, Director of Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliot had said “Our overall aim is to centralise the prison at Lusignan so we could have maximum supervision and more control over the day's operation. Work is ongoing at the female prison at Lusignan, so the intention is for us to relocate those female inmates to Lusignan in a more modernised, comfortable, and humane environment for them.”

Last month, the Guyana

Prison Service (GPS) in a statement related that the female prisoners housed at the New Amsterdam Prison would be transferred to the Timehri Prison. This was to facilitate the ongoing reconstruction of the $1.6 billion New Amsterdam Prison.

Director of Prison (ag) also noted that the move is temporary since the new female prison at Lusignan will be completed during the first quarter of this new year.

When works are completed at Lusignan, the female prisoners will be housed there permanently.

Under the Ministry of Home Affairs also, NPTAB late last month awarded a number of projects for other prisons. This includes a project for the construction of Scanning Room at Mazaruni Prison. This was given to contractor Gryphon Engineering Inc. to the tune of $16,518,790. Another project for the construction of the access way to Mazaruni Prison which was awarded to Emeralds General Contracting & Distributors for $199,732,512.

Other projects include, the construction of an entrance boundary fence at Mazaruni Prison, which was also awarded to Gryphon Engineering Inc. for $24,855,516; and a project for infrastructural and rehabilitation works to the recently constructed Vocational School at the Lusignan Prison. This contract was awarded to K. Kusial General Contractor at a cost of $29,766,030.

Friday January 05, 2024

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Friday January 05, 2024

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Gaza women and the isdal robes that shield them as war strips their privacy

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Al-Fukhari, Gaza Strip – It’s a garment that the world may have grown accustomed to seeing Palestinian women in Gaza wearing as they flee for their lives, hold their murdered children or loved ones close for one final goodbye, or run frantically through hospital corridors hoping to find their loved ones injured, not dead.

Muslim women will recognise it as a prayer coverup, known as an “isdal” or “toub salah”, and it is what women and girls have pulled around them at the most difficult moments that the current Israeli war on Gaza has wrought.

An isdal can be one piece that covers the whole body except for the face or two pieces with a skirt and a veil that covers the wearer past the hips.

Every practising Muslim woman’s home has at least one, an essential item at all times.

In addition to prayer time, a veiled woman may pull this on to answer the door when male guests arrive with no advance notice – or even if they’re just running around the corner to buy something or stepping out to chat with a neighbour.

A wartime companion The isdal is a comfortable item to throw on top of whatever a woman is wearing if she has to leave the house in a hurry and remain modest.

But during the war, Palestinian women are wearing it around the clock, at home or

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Palestinian women in Gaza need to throw on an isdal to be able to hold their murdered children close for one final goodbye. Here a Palestinian woman kisses the shrouded body of a child killed by an Israeli air raid on October 15, 2023, outside Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, the Gaza Strip [Adel Hana/AP Photo] out, asleep or awake, because they have no idea when a bomb will strike their house and they will have to run, or worse.

“If we die when our house is bombed, we want to have our dignity and modesty. If we’re bombed and have to be rescued from the rubble, we don’t want to be rescued wearing nothing,” Sarah Assaad, 44, says.

Sarah lived in Zeitoun in eastern Gaza City and has been displaced to the school in al-Fukhari with her three daughters and two sons, all of whom are teenagers.

She adds that the isdal is worn around the clock by the terrified women and girls in the school, which is crammed with displaced people.

“I have three of them, my daughters each have at least one.

We’ve gotten used to this in the past 17 years of different Israeli assaults.

When the first missile falls on Gaza, we put our isdals on.”

Fifty-six-year-old Raeda Hassan, from east of Khan Younis, says she has kept her isdal close throughout the many wars Gaza suffered, to the point where, she adds, she does not like the sight of it sometimes because it reminds her of violence.

“The first thing I’m going to do after the war is to get rid of this and buy a different one so I’m not reminded of the suffering of war,” Raeda says, gesturing down at her isdal. She is also at the school with her daughters and daughters-in-law, who are all wearing their isdals as well.

In fact, Sarah says, the isdal is so ubiquitous that girls who are too young to pray or take the veil have been demanding that their mothers buy them isdals anyway.

Sahar Akar’s daughters are only four and five years old, but wanted isdals so

they could be like their cousins and the older girls they saw around them.

Sahar, 28, fled to the south of the Gaza Strip with her family from Gaza City. ‘You never know what might happen’ Raeda muses for a moment then exclaims: “I don’t know where everyone gets this idea that we’re somehow prepared to be bombed.

“First of all, what does that mean? To be prepared to have your home, history, memories destroyed? Who on earth can say that’s something you should be prepared for?

“Anyway, we don’t know where the bombs are going to fall, or which home will be obliterated.

We keep this isdal on so we can run out and look for our kids if they wander too far.

We wear it when we run to our neighbours’ places to see if they’re OK after a (Continued on page 23)

Norton: ‘Bad timing for British patrol vessel’...

From page 13 Opposition Leader said.

The Opposition Leader emphasized the need to navigate this situation carefully, acknowledging the lack of authority for Venezuela to dictate Guyana’s actions while advocating for actions that contribute to easing tensions between the nations.

Norton underscored the significance of granting more time for a harmonious resolution, given the recentness of the signed Argyle Declaration.

“It’s not a month ago…It is normal, but engage the British and come to a common understanding so that Guyana benefits from the peace and tranquility that exists and does not give Venezuela the opportunity to go back to jingoism approach to the situation,” he added.

The Opposition Leader

concluded by stressing the importance of diplomatic dialogue and strategic timing in international relations, especially in sensitive geopolitical situations like the ongoing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela.

In response, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during his press conference said that he is surprised by the comments made by the Opposition Leader. He reiterated that the British vessel is part of a planned exercise and does not have any aggressive intentions towards Venezuela.

“We are not an aggressive state…we also need to work with our allies…we need to make sure our waters are safe from incursion into our exclusive economic zone by a number of players, nonstate players illegal fishing and drug dealers and part of the mission of this is to look

at that…” Jagdeo said.

According to reports, the HMS Trent had been deployed to the Caribbean to search for drug smugglers but was re-tasked after Venezuela’s government threatened to annex the Essequibo region of Guyana earlier this month – BBC reported. Last Friday, the HMS Trent anchored offshore Guyana.

In a statement, the Venezuelan Government condemned the arrival of HMS Trent in Guyana waters, terming it a hostile provocation and a breach of the Argyle Declaration, urging Guyana to withdraw the vessel. Also, the Brazilian Government has since urged Guyana and Venezuela to avoid “military demonstrations” as it expressed concerns after tension rose over the deployment of the British war ship to Guyana.

Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

PAGE 23

Al Jazeera journalist Samir Sassi arrested in Tunis (AL JAZEERA) Al Jazeera journalist Samir Sassi has been arrested by Tunisian “anti-terrorism” officers at his home in Tunis.

According to Sassi’s wife, a squad of officers raided their home on Wednesday night, going t h r o u g h t h e f a m i l y ’s possessions and confiscating mobile phones from every member of the family as well as Sassi’s laptop and copies of novels he had written and published locally in Tunisia.

According to Al Jazeera Bureau Director Lotfi Hajji, a team of lawyers spent nearly 12 hours after Sassi’s arrest to try to ascertain where he had been taken.

Mysterious detention, worried family “They went from one police station to another, one court to another, until finally they were able to find out that he had been taken to the anti-terrorism unit in Ariana,” Hajji said. Ariana is a province just north of the capital Tunis. Thus far, Hajji

added, the government has not provided any information regarding what Sassi might be charged with and it is not expected that there will be any such announcement before 48 hours have passed since his arrest.

Tunisia implements an automatic 48-hour period during which a detained person cannot access a lawyer if they have been arrested on “terrorismrelated” charges.

Sassi’s wife and children are still shaken by the experience and are very worried about him, Hajji said. While Sassi is generally in good health, it is hard to guess what conditions he is being held in and what impact that will have on him physically, he said. Sassi’s youngest child, Moayed elHak, is six years old and lives with chronic health issues.

His three older siblings are his brother Mortadha, 19, sister Tuqa, 16, and brother Mohamed, 13.

Stifled freedoms Freedom of the press has

Samir Sassi, Al Jazeera journalist in Tunisia, was arrested by police in Tunis on Wednesday night [Courtesy the Sassi family been dramatically curtailed i n Tu n i s i a , n o t l e a s t following the introduction of Decree 54 in September 2022.

While the law is ostensibly to target the spreading of false information online, it has been used to target

Seven charged, including four teens, in brutal beating of 14-year-old CLARENDON, Jamaica— Seven people, including four teenagers, have been charged in connection with the beating of a 14-year-old girl on Allan Street in Denbigh, Clarendon on Saturday.

The brutal attack w as captured on video and s hared on s ocial m e d i a . C h a rg e d w i t h unlawful wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm are 52-year-old Pau l i n e H u g h e s o f Wo o d s i d e d i s t r i c t ; 3 6 - y e ar-old Shayanne Williams, and 22-year-old Amanda Anderson - both of Havannah H e i g h t s i n the paris h.

The identities of the four teens - three females ages 15, 16, and 17, and a 17-year-old male - have not been released.

Reports from the May Pen police are that a b o u t 2 : 0 0 p m , a 1 4 - y e a ro l d f e m a l e w a s on Allan Street when she was ambushed and beaten by the group, rendering her unconscious.

A screengrab of the video of women beating a 14-year-old girl in Clarendon

journalists and online activists, with at least 20 journalists, critics and activists arrested under it so far, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said.

Al Jazeera’s bureau was

closed by President Kais Saied’s government in July 2021 when Saied was engaged in a power grab at the end of which he was ruling the country by decree and had hobbled all its institutions.

Al Jazeera journalists are still accredited in Tunisia and continue their work.

Tu n i s i a h a s c o m e under increasing international pressure since its racially charged crackdown on the undocumented Black migrants who travel from across Africa to enter the country, as well as its increasingly authoritarian responses to most forms of criticism.

C u r r e n t l y, m a n y opposition members, including Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the self-styled Muslim Democrats, Ennahda, are in prison.

Most recently, police arrested three journalists –

Khalifa Guesmi of Mosaique FM; Chadha Hadj Mbarek; then wellknown radio journalist Zied el-Heni on December 28, charging him with insulting the Tunisian commerce minister, Kalthoum Ben Rejeb, on his radio programme, Emission Impossible, the same day.

T h e N a t i o n a l Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists had held a meeting to discuss how to help Guesmi, Mbarek and el-Heni on January 3, hours before Sassi’s home was stormed. Responding to the current wave of arrests, Salsabil Chellali, HRW’s Tunisia director, told Al Jazeera: “The arrest of these journalists is an ominous start to 2024.

“We’re still finding out the details of Sassi’s arrest, but it’s clear that, this year, the threats against the free press and journalists are becoming action.”

Gaza women and the isdal robes...

From page 22 bombing. “If I see my daughters or any of the family’s women without their isdal, I tell them to put it on, you never know what might happen.”

Raeda’s 16-year-old daughter Salma sits nearby, nodding vigorously and dressed in her isdal. She remembers the day in early September when she and her mother went out to the Shujayea market and she spotted a “cute” isdal she just had to have, and Raeda bought it for her.

“I love it very much and like wearing it because it reminds me of that day when we wandered in the market and had so much fun,” she adds. “When we fled, I was wearing trousers and a shirt but I took my isdal with me so I could pray.

Once we got here and I saw how crowded it was and how every single woman was wearing an isdal, I figured I should keep mine on all the time.

“It’s sad because prayer covers have happy associations also, a crisp,

new, colourful veil for Eid prayers, even an isdal pulled on in a hurry to wait for your kids to jump off the school bus and tell you about their day.

That’s all been ruined,” Salma continues. For many other women who spoke to Al Jazeera, the isdal carries mixed feelings as a symbol of panic in the street as well as the quiet moments of prayer and reflection. In wartime, the simple act of covering their heads has become loaded with a deep weight of sadness.

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Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

Friday January 05, 2024

Guyanese Golfers tee off preparation ahead of Trinidad Invitational Open Several of the top golfers in Guyana will head to Tobago on March 14 for the first major tournament of 2024 and preparation is underway to make Guyana a force to contend with in the region.

Last year, the Tobago Open was hosted at the same venue with players such as Aleem Hussain, Rakesh Harry and Monnaf Arjune representing Guyana in the First Flight and Panko Ramsundar and Curry Ganpat in the other flights.

Several other players such as Current Guyana Champion Avinash Persaud, Vishal Dhanai and Ayube Subhan are expected to reinforce the

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Kaieteur News

Guyanese ranks.

President of the TTGA Wayne Baptiste reached out to GGA president Aleem Hussain to extend both the invitation and challenge, “It is time that we see more Guyanese players taking part in these major Caribbean championships and we are expecting a large contingent of players to this tournament and to the Republic Bank Juniors in April.”

The tournament is set for four days at the prestigious Magdelena Grand Beach & Golf Resort in Tobago and will cater to players from all skill levels.

According to Hussain, “While our male players

didn’t perform at their best, the Juniors such as Adina and Adam Arjune took home prizes in their categories. Our future lies in the hands of our young players and with the emphasis by the Ministry of Education Priority Programme on sport development, we expect to see a surge in the level of participation in these events.”

Guyana is set to participate in tournaments in Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Suriname this year and plans are in place to host the first international Drive, Chip & Putt tournament in August at the Westside Golf Course in Vreed-en-hoop.

Friday January 05, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside.

You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you're unstoppable!

You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days.

Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

Thirteen-year-old becomes first player to beat Tetris LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) - A 13-year-old American is the first person to ever beat Tetris, forcing the more than three-decade-old classic Nintendo video game into a “kill screen.”

Willis Gibson, who goes by the streamer name Blue Scuti, said “Please crash” as he arranged the puzzle pieces cascading down the screen and moments later got his wish when the game froze, leading him to repeatedly exclaim “Oh my God!” in a video uploaded to YouTube on Jan. 2. Gibson broke world records for the overall score, level achieved and total numbers of lines, according 404 Media.

“This is unbelievable,” Vince Clemente, CEO of Classic Tetris World Championship, told Reuters.

T20 softball action resumes...

From page 31 which will have monetary prizes up for grabs along with trophies.

In that round, several players recorded outstanding performances including a century (119) from Lloyd Innis who represented Queenstown Tigers.

Some prominent softball cricketers are expected to be on show and they are Patrick Rooplall, Ramesh Narine, Roy Gonsalves, Innis, Prashad Mahadeo, Ravi Beharry, Vishwanauth Lall and Dhanny Benny among others.

The right-handed pugnacious batsman, Rooplall, had a phenomenal time with the bat since the League was formed in 2021 hitting two double centuries. He has been a stalwart for Caribbean Cricket Club, the team that won the last competition early 2023.

“Developers didn’t think anyone would ever make it that far and now the game has officially been beaten by a human being.”

Previously, only an artificial intelligence computer programme had beaten Tetris, Clemente said.

Willis employs a “rolling” controller technique popularized in 2021 that allows a player to manipulate the directional pad, or D-pad, at least 20 times per second to move the blocks, far more than the previously popular “hyper tapping” method, 404 Media said.

Tetris, which was first released in 1984 and became a near-immediate worldwide sensation, challenges players to rotate and conjoin seven different falling block shapes.

Created by Alexey Pajitnov at the Moscow Academy of Science during the height of the Cold War, and developed as a business by gaming entrepreneur Henk Rogers, Tetris has shown remarkable staying power, spanning generations.

It is the best selling video game of all time with 520 million copies sold, according to The Tetris Company.

Kaieteur News

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Friday January 05, 2024

Gauff into Auckland quarterfinals, Raducanu out after falling in thriller to Svitolina Elina Svitolina

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff overcame hard-hitting Czech teenager Barbara Fruhvirtova 6-3, 6-0 and extended her winning start to the year and Auckland Classic defense to the quarterfinals yesterday.

The 16-year-old Fruhvirtova came out hitting harder than any player at the tournament so far, generating enormous power off both hands. She troubled Gauff at first and broke the American’s serve to love in the third game.

Gauff immediately broke back in a game of 14 points to level at 2-2. After saving a break point in her next service game, Gauff broke again to lead 4-2.

She served for the first set and had to save a break point before clinching it in

40 minutes. Fruhvirtova tested Gauff with more high topspin but Gauff came through and finished the set with an ace.

Gauff immediately broke Fruhvirtova in the first game of the second set as she began to find more depth in her returns. She broke twice more and held serve with confidence, highlighted by a 190 kph (118 mph) ace.

Gauff had to save two break points as she served for the match at 5-0 but managed to allay any threat with her sixth ace.

Fruhvirtova came into the match with a WTA ranking of 117.

“She played a good match,” Gauff said. “I’ve known her since she was 10 years old. We used be in France, training at the same academy. Her and her sister (Brenda), we grew up

playing or training beside each other and it’s great to see her on tour. I’m sure she’s going to go even further.”

Gauff will play eighthseeded Varvara Gracheva of France in the quarterfinals on Friday. Gracheva beat Lulu Sun of Switzerland 6-3, 6-4.

E m m a R a d u c a n u ’s tournament ended when the 2021 U.S. Open champion was beaten by secondseeded Elina Svitolina 6-7 (5), 7-6 (3), 6-1 in the final

match of the second round.

But Raducanu will head to the Australian Open beginning on Jan. 14 confident of her fitness in her return from a nine-month injury break.

She played two marathon matches in Auckland and came through both unscathed, though she played with heavy strapping on her right thigh on Thursday. She took 2 1/2 hours to beat qualifier Elena-

Coco Gauff

Gabriela Ruse in her first match.

Her match with Svitolina was the most gripping of the tournament so far and lasted almost three hours.

Raducanu led 5-2 in the first set but eventually had to take it in a tiebreaker after 71 minutes.

Svitolina led early in the second set but Raducanu battled back to force a tiebreak. The Ukrainian won that set in 67 minutes.

Svitolina took a 5-0 lead in the third set and Raducanu looked fatigued at times. But she fought hard and stretched Svitolina when she served for the match at 5-1.

Seventh-seeded Petra Martic sent down six aces and converted four of nine break points on her way to beating Yuan Yue of China 62, 6-2.

Martic will play American Emma Navarro in the quarters.

Nadal comeback from long layoff reaches Brisbane quarterfinals, Sabalenka, Rybakina also progress BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — When Rafael Nadal faced three break points while serving for a commanding first set, a voice in the crowd at the Brisbane International yelled out to Jason Kubler: “You’ve got him worried now!”

It was a fleeting concern for the 22-time major winner on Thursday in his second match back from a year-long injury layoff.

Nadal won the next five points to seal the set, broke at love to open the second set and consolidated by holding his own serve easily to put him on course for a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Kubler and a spot in the quarterfinals.

“Every day is an adventure,” Nadal said. “I take every day like an opportunity, and tomorrow is another one.”

The 37-year-old Spaniard is playing on a wild card after his ranking slipped into the 600s as he recovered from hip surgery, and he’s desperate for match time ahead of the Australian Open this month.

Regaining the mental and muscle memory of navigating the difficult game scenarios is on his

must-do list this week. “ I t ’s i m p o r t a n t t o survive these kind of moments because you practice the adversity,” he said. “Something I need to practice again because (it’s) been a while, a long time, without being in that position.”

N a d a l ’s f i r s t competitive match since January last year was a win on Tuesday against 2020 U.S. Open champion and former No. 3-ranked Dominic Thiem.

“It means a lot to me,” Nadal said, “and two victories after a long time being outside of the professional tour is something that, yeah, makes me feel good and happy.”

H e w a s m o r e convincing against K u b l e r, a h o m e t o w n favorite who is ranked 63rd after a career interrupted by multiple operations on his knees.

Nadal had 20 winners, including some ripping forehands, and eight unforced errors.

As well as his powerful ground strokes and dominant serve, he hit volleys, halfvolleys and overheads. He

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a shot in his match against Jason Kubler of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)

scrambled to chase drop shots and covered the baseline without any visible signs of the injury.

He lost only one point in his first three service games — a double-fault on the second point of the match.

But he was also able to dig himself out of a hole when he needed it at 5-1.

The only blip for Nadal was a warning for a time violation for taking too long in a locker-room break between sets. He shrugged it off, saying it

was so humid he needed to change his clothing and he thought he was on time. He promised he’d work on changing faster.

Nadal said the hip was “not bothering me at all” and he’s not having any issues with his longterm foot problem.

He’ll play another Australian, Jordan Thompson, in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Thompson got a walkover when fourthseeded Ugo Humbert withdrew from their

second-round match because of illness.

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka followed Nadal’s match in Pat Rafter Arena and she was even more dominant, beating Zhu Lin 6-1, 6-0.

The top-seeded Sabalenka has lost four games en route to her quarterfinal on Friday against fifth-seeded Daria Kasatkina.

Second-seeded Elena Ry b a k i n a , t h e 2 0 2 2 Wi m b l e d o n c h a m p i o n , advanced with the same 6-1,

6-0 scoreline over No. 13 Elise Mertens and will meet No. 11 Anastasia Potapova for a place in the semifinals.

Victoria Azarenka is in familiar territory after reaching the quarterfinals in Brisbane, where she won her first WTA title in 2 0 0 9 w h e n t h e tournament was staged for the first time.

Azarenka beat Clara Burel of France 7-5, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals for the fifth time in six trips to the key Australian Open tune-up event.

The two-time Australian Open champion — in 2012 and 2013 — will next face third-seeded Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion who beat big-serving three-time Brisbane International winner Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 46, 6-3. Grigor Dimitrov, another former Brisbane champion, beat Daniel Altmaier 6-1, 6-2 to reach the men’s quarterfinals.

Dimitrov will next play Australian wild card Rinky Hijikata, who beat Czech qualifier Tomas Machac 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (4).

Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

PAGE 27

Emma Raducanu out of Auckland Classic with three-set defeat by Elina Svitolina BBC Sport - Emma Raducanu is out of the Auckland Classic after falling to a 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (73) 6-1 defeat by second seed Elina Svitolina in the second round.

The Briton, playing her second match since wrist and ankle surgeries, raced into a 5-1 lead in the first set before taking it in the tie-break.

Svitolina won the second after another tie-break and, with Raducanu tiring, took the third in just 31 minutes.

Next up for Raducanu is the Australian Open, which begins on 14 January.

The 2021 US Open champion was playing with fairly heavy strapping on her right thigh but went toe to toe with world number 25 Svitolina before fading after an intense first two sets that each lasted more than an hour.

While Raducanu’s focus turns to the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne, Svitolina progresses to the Auckland quarter-final where she will play Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzkova.

Raducanu will receive direct entry into the main

draw for the Australian Open following American Lauren Davis’ withdrawal with a shoulder injury.

Encouraging signs in defeat for Raducanu After a hard-fought victory over Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the first round, this was another gruelling encounter for Raducanu as she continues her return from injury.

The 21-year-old began well to go a double break up but was twice unable to convert when serving for the first set.

However, she showed her resilience in the breaker, setting up her first set point with a drop shot and - after a double fault - converting the second with a deft forehand.

Svitolina came fighting back at the start of the second with Raducanu saving two break points in the opening game, only for Ukraine’s former world number three to convert the third.

Raducanu broke back immediately, but Svitolina made it three games against the serve in a row to restore her advantage.

Again, Raducanu hit

Emma Raducanu was playing her second match since returning from wrist and ankle surgeries. (Getty Images)

back though with another break to make it 3-3 and from there it stayed on serve to set up another tie-break.

The Briton went up 3-1 before Svitolina reeled off six straight points to level the contest and never looked back.

Raducanu was showing signs of fatigue with two unforced errors gifting Svitolina a pair of break points in the first game of the third set. They were repelled, with a third saved with an ace, but a double fault eventually gave Svitolina

the break.

There was no way back for Raducanu, who looked understandably weary after a long injury absence from the tour, and an energised Svitolina ruthlessly finished the job.

Dart reaches last four in Canberra Elsewhere, Harriet Dart beat second seed and world number 93 Nao Hibino 6-3 6-0 to reach the Canberra International semi-finals.

It is the first time in Dart’s career that she has won a set 6-0 against a top

ESPN, NCAA agree to new eight-year, $920 million deal over media rights

The ESPN logo is seen on an electronic display in Times Square in New York City, U.S., August 23, 2017. (REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo) (Reuters) - ESPN and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have agreed to a $920 million, eight-year extension to their media rights deal that covers 40 championships including the “March Madness” annual college basketball tournament.

The deal has an annual av er ag e v alu e o f $ 11 5 million, which more than triples the amount ESPN

paid on average each year to the association under the previous 14-year agreement, the NCAA said.

“March Madness” crucial to the agreement attracts millions of viewers and advertising dollars and is among the most popular annual sporting events in North America.

Disney (DIS.N), the parent company of ESPN, declined to comment on

the financial details of the deal.

The agreement covers 21 women’s and 19 men’s events, and adds coverage of tennis as well as men’s gymnastics.

The deal will help Disney in attracting viewers to the sports network as it works on a direct-toc o n s u m e r o ff e r i n g f o r ESPN, which also holds the rights to the National Basketball Association and

Monday Night Football, among others.

Disney has said it wants to look for partners to form a joint venture or buy a stake in the sports network, which in October also clinched the U.S. broadcast rights for TGL - a new primetime golf league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

“The NCAA has worked in earnest over the past year to ensure that this new broadcast agreement provides the best possible outcome for all NCAA championships, and in p a r t i c u l a r w o m e n ’s championships,” said NCAA President Charlie Baker.

With the increase in value of the agreement, the association will explore revenue distribution units for the women’s basketball tournament, the NCAA said.

The tie-up between the association and ESPN began 45 years ago, in 1979, the year of ESPN’s original network launch.

100 opponent on a surface other than grass.

World number 120 Dart will face American Katie Volynets for a place in the final.

Top seed Coco Gauff breezed through to the last eight in Auckland after a straight-set win over Brenda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic. The American won 6-3 6-0 and will play France’s Varvara Gracheva in the quarter-finals.

At the Brisbane International, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina cruised into

the quarter-finals with a 6-1 6-0 win over Elise Mertens of Belgium, while 16-yearold Russian Mirra Andreeva also advanced with a 6-1 6-1 triumph against Australia’s Arina Rodionova.Victoria Azarenka will face Jelena Ostapenko in the last eight after each won their last-16 matches. Azarenka overcame France’s Clara Burel 7-5 6-2 while Ostapenko beat Czech R e p u b l i c ’s K a r o l i n a Pliskova - who knocked out Naomi Osaka in the previous round - 6-2 4-6 6-3.

Meanwhile, Oliver Crawford, who has two parents from Birmingham, has this week switched his nationality from the United States to Great Britain.

The 24-year-old from South Carolina, who has a world ranking of 215, becomes the British number nine, and earned his place in Australian Open qualifying with impressive results on the ITF and ATP Challenger Tours in the latter months of 2023.

His only previous appearance in Grand Slam qualifying came at the 2022 US Open, where he lost in the first round to Geoffrey Blancaneaux of France.

CWI in search of a West Indies Men’s Academy Head Coach

J

ust over a week ago, Cricket West Indies (CWI) initiated their search for a new West Indies Men’s Academy Head Coach with an advertisement on their official website.

CWI officially made the announcement in December 2023, with a month long deadline for interested applicants, which ends January 17, 2024.

Also attached is a List of specific deliverables for the new Head Coach.

“The new head coach will be responsible for leading a successful West Indies men’s Academy Program whilst using it as a vehicle to build the capacity of key stakeholders in the respective territories,”

CWI stated in a release.

A m o n g t h e requirements the new coach must possess is a Level 3 Coaching Accreditation and at least five years of recent HighPerformance Cricket Coaching experience.

In addition, the new head coach must demonstrate an ability to manage a holistic highperformance program and demonstrate an ability to build and maintain strong relationships.

Jamaican Andre Coley, who was appointed one of the Head Coaches of the West Indies Men’s Senior Team in May of 2023, will relinquish the post of West Indies Men’s Academy Head Coach to the newcomer.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Friday January 05, 2024

Sans Souci Strikers claim ‘Essequibo is we own’ T10 cricket title - Wakenaam Warriors win football Members and supporters of the Sans Souci Strikers team.

MVP Mahase Ramnarine (left) accepts his prize from Mustak Mohamed.

The 7-a-side football MVP Oliver Duncan collects his prize from Christine Persaud.

Sans Souci Strikers skipper Nokta Moses (left) receives the trophy from Mustak Mohamed.

S

ans Souci Strikers w o n t h e ‘Essequibo is we own’ T10 cricket competition which was contested on Saturday last at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground.

The competition, which was sanctioned by the Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Committee, was organised by the Wakenaam Cricket Academy and was contested by three teams.

In the opening fixture, Sans Souci Strikers beat

Royal Strikers by 25 runs.

Batting first, Sans Souci Strikers managed 77-4. Seon Venture made 22, Mahase Ramnarine 14 and Siddiq Mohamed 13.

Devendra Hansraj, Tomesh Persaud, Dennis Courtman and Nazaam Mohamed had one wicket each.

Royal Strikers responded with 52-4.

Gladewin Henry scored 24 and Trivel Evans 11.

Mahase Ramnarine claimed 3-13 and Seon

Members and supporters of the Wakenaam Warriors football team.

Venture 1-18.

In the second encounter, Royal Strikers overcame Wakenaam Masters by nine wickets. Wakenaam Masters took first strike and made 683 off their reduced quota of seven overs due to rain.

Charles Benjamin made 24 and Navishaul Pooran 18.

Hansraj, Persaud and Golcharran Chulai had one wicket each.

Royal Strikers responded with 72-1 in 4.3 overs. Henry scored 37 and Bomesh Lall 24.

Satnarine Sahadeo took one wicket.

In the final, Sans Souci Strikers defeated Royal Strikers by seven wickets.

Royal Strikers took first knock and scored 58-6.

Nazaam Mohamed struck 22 and Lall 17. Zameer Zaman and Nokta Moses picked up two wickets each. Sans Souci Strikers made 59-3 in reply. Ramnarine scored 15, Moses 12 not out, Cleon Ve n t u r e 1 0 a n d E j a z Mohamed nine not out.

Evans had 2-18.

Meanwhile, Wakenaam Warriors beat Wakenaam Royals 4-0 in the seven-aside football matchup.

Captain Oliver Duncan netted a brace in the first half, while Ebon Wiggins and Nigel Pierre scored one each in the second half of the game.

The dominoes and volleyball will be contested this weekend.

Proceeds from the event will be used towards the development of cricket in Wakenaam.

The Wakenaam Cricket Academy has expressed gratitude to New Doctor’s Clinic, CostCutter S u p e r m a r k e t , K h a n ’s Enterprise, Discount Store, Trophy Stall, 4 R, L. Mahabeer and Son Cambio, Abu Guyana, Aash Decor, Lennie Mohamed, Odyssey Transport Services, Ink Plus, Anil Beharry, Bissoondyal Singh, Saif Hussain, Saeed and Son Contracting and Supplies, Wakenaam NDC and the Wakenaam Cricket Committee.

Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

PAGE 29

Horse racing dates for 2024 announced …Guyana Cup carded for August 11

T

he date is out for this year ’s Guyana Cup. It will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.

Guyana Cup is the biggest horse racing event in this country’s racing calendar and it is arguably the second biggest sporting event behind the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which the Guyana Amazon Warriors won last August, beating Tr i n i d a d & To b a g o ’s Knight Riders at Providence, Guyana.

This year’s CPL will start on August 17 - six days after the running of the Guyana Cup, and the final is

scheduled to be played on September 25 in Georgetown, Guyana.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e r e will be 12 horse race days for this year. It has been shared amongst three race tracks. Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) will have six days, Port Mourant Turf Club will have four days, and two days have been allocated to the Kennard Memorial Turf Club, Bush Lot Corentyne Berbice.

List of race days for the 2024 racing season January 28 - Rising Sun February 25 - Rising Sun, Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee March 17 - Corentyne,

The Guyana Cup is the feature event for horse racing and is scheduled to be held on August 11 at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

Bush Lot, Judge Kennard March 31 - Port Mourant April 28 - Rising Sun, Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee

May 26 - Port Mourant July 1st - Port Mourant, August 11 - Guyana Cup, Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee

Rising Sun September 29 - Rising Sun, Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee October 30 -

Rising Sun, Fazal November 24 - Port Mourant December 26 - To be announced

One Guyana King and Queen of the Sand Third places and Grand Finale set for tomorrow DC Ballers overcome YMCA 2-1, LA Ballers whip Platinum 5-1 in men’s semis Speightland get past Hururu 3-1, Dynamo blast Aroiama 5-1 ladies semifinals

Speightland’s Nikita Wayne and Christina Paul.

The sides to contest the One Guyana King and Queen Linden Sand Football tournaments, where the men’s winners will collect $800,000, and the female tournament were decided Wednesday night when the semifinals were played at the tournament venue outside the PPP/C Linden Office

Dynamo FC scorers Jalade Trim, Glensie Lewis and Sandra Johnson.

compound in Mackenzie.

The Queen competition’s first semifinal was contested between Hururu and Speightland, where the Speightland lasses emerged with a 3-1 victory. That win was engineered by goals netted from Nikita Wayne, with two, and the other by Christina Paul as Hururu’s

single strike was from the boot of Nikisha Persaud.

The second semifinal saw Dynamo FC sealing a 51 win as Jalade Trim hit in a hat-trick of goals and the others came from Glensie Lewis and Sandra Johnson with one apiece. Ashana Williams got the lone goal for Aroiama. Playing the

Kendolph Lewis of DC Ballers. first men’s semifinal game, DC Ballers overcame YMCA 2-1, compliments of a brace from Kendolph Lewis and the goal for YMCA was registered by Shane Wilson. LA Ballers then outscored Platinum 5-3 behind braces by Tyric McAllister and Marcus Tudor with the other coming

DC Ballers scorers Tyric McAllister and Marcus Tudor.

from an own goal. For the losing Platinum men, Oswald Marks, Kumar McLaren and Isaiah Adams were the scorers. The tossup for the King and the Queen championships are set for tomorrow (Saturday) evening at the same venue.

The fixtures show: 19:00 hrs (Queen’s 3rd

place) Aroaima FC vs Hururu FC 19:40 hrs (King’s 3rd place) Platinum vs YMCA 21:10hrs (Queen’s Final) Dynamo FC vs Speightland FC 22:00hrs (King’s Final) DC Ballers vs LA Ballers

Kaieteur News

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Friday January 05, 2024

GBA ends 2023 with successful three Day camp GBA wrapped up 2023 on a fantastic note with their well-attended, mini 3-Day Xmas Camp held at the National Gymnasium.

C

apping off what was a good year for the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), its final activity of 2023, a training camp, was deemed a success as they seek to continue development in 2024.

Prior to Xmas, the GBA alongside Guyana/Canadian Badminton star Narayan

Ramdhani, hosted their 3day camp for prospects aged from 5-25; with students from Marian Academy, Queen’s College and other learning institutions in Guyana.

The mission of the camp which was held at the National Gymnasium, was to identify the next batch of Badminton players, while

affording the already, slightly experienced players to further polish their game.

Ramdhani, son of late GBA president Gokarn Ramdhani, who sadly passed away a few years ago, continues to put his country on the map, whether representing Guyana or his adopted country, Canada, at t h e r e s p e c t i v e

Fraser-Pryce featured in January edition of Essence magazine

Jamaica’s multiple World Championships and Olympic medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce during her feature in Essence magazine.

SportsMax - Jamaica’s multiple World Championships and Olympic medallist ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce has been featured in the January/ February 2024 issue of Essence magazine.

The sprint queen made the announcement on her Instagram account yesterday, as she revealed that the article in the

American-based lifestyle magazine covers her life on and off the track.

“I had the pleasure of being featured in the Jan/Feb 24’ @essence issue that celebrates Black Women in Sports. Thank you @missjabali for the thoughtful interview where we discussed life both on and off the track. On stands now,” Fraser-Pryce said in

her post.

The post which includes a carousel of five photos from the issue, gave followers a glimpse of Fraser-Pryce dressed in various outfits.

Fraser-Pryce was last featured in Essence magazine when she signed a deal with luxury watch brand Richard Mille in November last year.

local/international tournaments.

The mini-camp was attended by close to 50, highly involved youngsters, both male and female; who soaked up as much as they could from Ramdhani, who played a perfect role as coach/ programme facilitator during the 3-hour interactive sessions.

With the GBA targeting a much younger core to further buff the future of the sport locally, a number of areas ranging from the fundamentals of being knowledgeable on the rules of the game, to the actual practical of on-court maneuvering and constantly enhancing one’s game.

Ramdhani himself

lauded the initiative to help bring the sport to more youths, adding that the basis of the camp was to instill fundamentals onto the younger core of badminton players, most of which are currently involved in the Academy which was started across schools by the Ministry of Sports.

India beat South Africa in shortest completed Test match of all time in historic victory CNN - For the uninitiated the idea of playing a Test cricket match over five days and that the result might end up as a draw can sometimes be hard to fathom.

Ye s t e r d a y , I n d i a accelerated this format of cricket – and then some – by defeating South Africa by seven wickets in the shortest completed Test match ever, requiring less than two days to secure victory.

The match has become the shortest decided game in terms of overs bowled in the history of Test cricket.

Just 107 overs were bowled across the four innings in the match held at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, South Africa.

On a remarkable first day of action on Wednesday, 23 wickets fell as South Africa was bowled out for just 55 runs before toppling India for 153.

India lost its final six wickets for no runs in a remarkable collapse.

South Africa then returned to the crease to start its second innings and ended

Rohit Sharma and Dean Elgar pose with the series trophy. (AFP/Getty Images) the opening day on 62-3.

Day two, yesterday, Thursday, saw more of the same despite the Proteas’ Aiden Markram’s valiant effort to stem the flow of wickets falling. Markram scored a remarkable 106 from just 103 balls with the team’s next highest score just 12 runs.

South Africa eventually fell for 176, leaving India with a modest 79-run target to win the match.

The touring side chased down its target in just 12

overs, finishing on 80-3 to level the series 1-1.

The Test match has now displaced the 1932 game between Australia and South Africa as the shortest Test of all time, per ESPNCricinfo stats.

Scores: India 153 (Kohli 46, Rohit 39, Ngidi 3-30, Rabada 3-38, Burger 3-42) and 80 for 3 (Jaiswal 28, Jansen 1-15) beat South Africa 55 (Verreynne 15, Siraj 6-15) and 176 (Markram 106, Bumrah 661) by seven wickets.

Kaieteur News

Friday January 05, 2024

PAGE 31

D-Up Basketball Academy Christmas Fun day hailed a resounding success – says Chairman Anthony Kandar D-Up Basketball Academy orchestrated an incredible Fun day for the children at Rose Ann Fun Park in Parika, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the community. The event aimed to bring together youth through sports and empowerment, drawing an impressive crowd from Tuschen and two local orphanages. It wasn’t just about basketball; it was a celebration of camaraderie, learning, and empowerment.

Chairman Anthony Kandar, alongside the longstanding partners at West Indian Friends That

Care, curated a day filled with diverse activities, extending well beyond the basketball court. Kids engaged in bouncy castles, football challenges, and water slides, all geared towards empowering them.

The event emphasized teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship, resonating with cheers from participants and attendees, including parents, guardians, siblings, elders, and children from the Shahid and Purbusharon orphanages.

The success of the event was significantly bolstered by the unwavering support of Anthony Kandar (right) engages with parent at Tunchen Primary School basketball court.

D-Up Basketball Academy Chairman, Anthony Kandar share photo with few youngsters at Roseann Fun Park. the sponsors. West Indian Friends That Care, a Canadian-based establishment, has been a pivotal supporter of D-Up B a s k e t b a l l A c a d e m y, contributing to inspiring youth to become better role models and defy negative influences in their environment.

The joy on the faces of the young participants was unmistakable as they interacted with sponsors,

T20 softball action resumes this Sunday in ESCL Over-40 tournament Four matches are scheduled for this Sunday as action resumes in the 2023/2024 Essequibo Softball Cricket League (ESCL) Over-40, T20 competition at two different venues on the Essequibo Coast Region 2, (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

At 9:30 am at Hibernia ground, Invaders Masters will collide with Queenstown Tigers while at 1:30 pm at the same venue, Caribbean Cricket Club will clash with Queenstown Tigers.

And across at Reliance Sports ground from 9:30 am, Reliance Sports Club and Essequibo Legends will do battle and then at 1:30 pm at the same facility, Devonshire Castle Sports Club meeting up Hibernia Strikers.

Meanwhile, the first round matches completed just before the Holiday Seasons.

The round-robin, 8-team tournament is set to climax early March with the championship encounter.

Chairman of the ESCL Wakeel Layne expressed satisfaction with the opening

Patrick Rooplall

round and once again is anticipating exciting cricket from Sunday.

He took the opportunity to thank Bhiska Taxi Service for sponsoring the tournament (Continued on page 25)

mentors, and coaches.

Beyond basketball skills, they absorbed invaluable life lessons, nurturing newfound confidence and ambition.

Kandar expressed, “At D-Up Basketball Academy, our events aren’t just about the sport; they’re about

empowering our future leaders. Basketball serves as a tool to instill values that transcend the court, shaping well-rounded individuals equipped to tackle life’s challenges.”

The resounding success of the fun day speaks

volumes about the collective dedication of the organisers, sponsors, mentors, and the broader community. Their investment in youth and provision of opportunities has laid the groundwork for a stronger, more cohesive community.

s t r o Sp

Aiden Markram raises a stupendous hundred. (AFP/Getty Images)

Jasprit Bumrah celebrates the wicket of Keshav Maharaj.

(AFP/Getty Images)

India beat South Africa in shortest completed Test match of all time in historic victory CWI in search of a West Indies Men’s Academy Head Coach The Guyanese golfers will be keen to ring in 2024 on a high note at the upcoming Trinidad and Tobago invitational.

Guyanese Golfers tee off preparation ahead of Trinidad Invitational Open

West Indies Test Caption Kraigg Brathwaite sits with Andre Coley, who is the Head Coach of the West Indies Men’s Senior Test and ‘A’ Teams. (Getty Images)

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