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Sunday Edition Govt. should seek a NEWS percentage of the value of products refined by Exxon

AIETEUR

January 07, 2024

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...country collecting thousands, while Exxon bagging billions on Guyana’s oil - T&T Consultant

Online readership yesterday, 45,115

Norton avoids being tied to any promise to ring-fence Guyana's oil projects Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

Fire guts New Providence home

Firemen at the scene of the fire at New Providence, East Bank Demerara on Saturday.

Kitty residents to benefit from Man with Venezuelan more security, major drainage, Security ID found guilty of and road works - Pres. Ali illegally entering Guyana

Guyana scores low on control - 2021 EITI of corruption, regulatory Report quality, and accountability

Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 07, 2024

Govt. should seek a percentage of the value of products refined by Exxon - T&T Consultant ...country collecting thousands, while Exxon bagging billions on Guyana’s oil

By Davina Bagot With a limited timeline to develop the vast resources discovered offshore Guyana, the government must redouble its efforts to ensure its citizens enjoy the benefits of the sector.

Pointing to the importance of this was Former Head of Maintenance and Reliability at BP Trinidad and Tobago, Kuarlal Rampersad.

In a recent interview with this publication, Rampersad, a consultant for energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, and power generation, as well as the General Secretary for the Regional division of the International Code Council (ICC) encouraged the Government of Guyana (GoG) to engage the Stabroek Block partners in a renegotiation of the lopsided oil contract.

The former Maintenance and Reliability Engineer, who was attached to BP for

33 years is currently Chairman of the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Engineering Professionals (SMRP), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

According to the consultant, a key provision that can be included in the oil contract for Guyanese to take advantage of its newfound wealth is one that allows the country to benefit from a portion of the revenues earned by refining Guyana’s sweet light crude oil.

He explained, “What Guyana should ask ExxonMobil for now is a percentage of the value of the refined product. If the country doesn’t do this, Guyana will be losing billions of dollars in revenue.”

Rampersad pointed out that while a barrel of oil is sold for about $80 on the international market, ExxonMobil takes the raw commodity to its refinery

which in turn allows the company to benefit from as much as six times the revenue in downstream products.

He said, “Let’s say a barrel of oil on the international market sells at about $80, when you go to refine that one barrel of crude, you are going to get almost $500 of refined downstream product such as aviation fuel, diesel, gasoline, paraffin, bitumen and others so ExxonMobil will be making billions of dollars when Guyana is only getting thousands of dollars.”

As such, he contended that Guyanese should demand a portion of the wealth generated from its refined crude oil.

Rampersad insisted that the GoG should contract an independent firm to assist the country in seeking a review of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement. The consultant noted, “It cannot

be a win-lose situation where ExxonMobil is winning, and Guyana is losing. It supposed to be at the end of the day, a win-win situation for all stakeholders.”

He pointed out that Guyana may not be as fortunate as the twin island to enjoy a century-long petroleum sector as the world transitions to renewable energy sources. In October 2023, the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its new World Energy Outlook (WEO) described an energy system in 2030 in which clean technologies play a significantly greater role than today.

This includes almost 10 times as many electric cars on the road worldwide; solar PV generating more electricity than the entire US power system does currently; renewables’ share of the global electricity mix nearing 50%, up from around 30% today; heat

T&T Consultant, Kuarlal Rampersad pumps and other electric heating systems outselling fossil fuel boilers globally; and three times as much investment going into new offshore wind projects than into new coal - and gas - fired power plants.

To this end, the TT consultant strongly recommended that the country redoubles its efforts towards maximizing its benefits from the sector over

the next 10 to 15 years.

“They will get rid of oil and gas soon, so Guyana needs to make as much money as possible and that revenue need to trickle down to the people…the Guyanese people need to demand certain things and the only way to do this is through dialogue... have meetings with the real people and tell them listen,” the consultant reasoned.

Sunday January 07, 2024

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Guyana scores low on control of corruption, - 2021 regulatory quality and accountability EITI Report

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Graph showing a decline in the country’s control of corruption

Graph showing a decline in regulatory quality

Graph depicting a reduction in voice and accountability in Guyana

u y a n a ’s f i f t h Extractive Industries and Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) Report has flagged a decline in the country’s performance as it relates to the control of corruption, regulatory quality and voice and accountability.

The Report was launched on December 29, 2023. It was completed by independent consultants Hart Group/BDO Guyana.

The EITI report is geared towards boosting the understanding of the level of contributions of the extractive sector to the economic and social development of Guyana to improve transparency and good governance at all levels of the extractive industry value chain. It incorporates information received up to December 21, 2023, and explicitly states that information received after this date has not been included.

As part of its objective to promote good governance, Guyana was assessed using the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI). These include 1) Control of corruption; 2) Government effectiveness; 3) Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism; 4) Regulatory Quality; 5) Rule of Law and 6) Voice and Accountability.

While the country improved its performance in three of those areas (2, 3 and 5), it recorded a lower score on the remaining governance indicators.

The document explains, “The evolution of Guyana’s indicators below show that Guyana’s scores improved for all governance indicators in 2021 compared to 2019 except for the control of corruption. All governance indicators Guyana’s score presented head and shoulders variation between 2015 and 2019, except for the Control of Corruption and Government Effectiveness continuous progression and continuous regression respectively over the same period.”

The (WGI), according to the World Bank is a global compilation of data capturing household, business, and citizen perceptions of the quality of governance in more than 200 countries and territories. It measures the various indicators in percentile rank term, ranging from 0 (lowest

rank) to 100 (highest rank).

Control of Corruption Control of corruption captures perceptions of the extent to which public power is exercised for private gain, including both petty and grand forms of corruption, as well as “capture” of the state by elites and private interests. It considers among other things, corruption among public officials,

regulations that permit and promote private sector development. This WGI assess unfair competitive practices, excessive protections and whether legal and regulatory framework encourages the competitiveness of enterprises, and several others.

On this front, Guyana recorded a score of 32.55 in

diversion of public funds, irregular payments in tax collection, level of “petty” corruption between administration and citizens, level of corruption between administrations and local businesses and more i m p o r t a n t l y, l e v e l o f corruption between administrations and foreign companies.

According to the GYEITI Report, Guyana recorded a lower score on its control of corruption in 2022, 45.28, compared with 48.57 in 2021.

Regulatory quality Regulatory quality captures perceptions of the ability of the government to formulate and implement sound policies and

2022 compared with 33.81 in 2021.

Voice and accountability Meanwhile, as it regards voice and accountability in the country, Guyana also recorded a lower score when compared to the previous year. Guyana has been in the 55-percentile rank since 2017 according to the EITI report.

In 2021, this governance indicator was recorded at 55.56 but declined to 55.07 in 2022.

Voice and accountability capture perceptions of the extent to which a country’s citizens are able to participate in selecting their government, as well as freedom of expression, freedom of association, and a free media.

Continued on page 10

Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL

The Two faces of ExxonMobil If ExxonMobil were ever to come out of the oil business, it would do well to continue its corporate life as a political party. Its leaders stand a strong chance of being victorious in any election contested. The people at ExxonMobil have earned this confidence because, like successful politicians, they have perfected the art of displaying two faces, speaking from two sides of their mouths, and standing on two sides of any issue. The contribution of fossil fuels to climate change is a case in point in this twisted, two-faced nature of ExxonMobil, and how its public messages and postures in public emerge from the distortions that gather steam and solidify in its private deliberations.

The Wall Street Journal’s edition of September 23, 2023, carried an article titled, “Inside Exxon’s strategy to downplay climate change.” Thanks to the Journal’s revealing article, the inner workings of ExxonMobil (and that of probably other oil companies) are exposed, and it is an ugly litany of doubletalk, sweettalk, and the kind of talk that conmen the world over to make suckers of the naïve and gullible. From its own scientists, its own studies, its own documents, and the results of its own sifting through the data, ExxonMobil top people knew that fossil fuels were featuring in climate change concerns and dangers.

“It’s almost reluctantly that we address CO2 emissions. It’s not a positive story. Global emissions continue to rise throughout the outlook timeframe -that is clearly a cause for concern.” Scott Nauman, an ExxonMobil corporate planning manager emailed those concerns to the company’s powerful decisionmakers in a January 2009 message. Yet there was then CEO Tillerson, in a February 2009 speech to Stanford University’s Global Climate and Energy Project, saying that “the most cost-effective steps we can take to manage this energy and environmental challenge is to extend our energy efficiency gains.” Mr. Tillerson’s speech included that declaration, even as he knew of the January email (weeks earlier) from Scott Nauman that warned: “We would like them to be lower, but given the state of technology, given the need for energy, given the practical choices for energy, emissions rise despite aggressive efficiency gains.”

In other words, Mr. Tillerson knew that what he was telling his Stanford University audience was in direct contradiction to what was circulating inside the company. It was what was known and accepted within ExxonMobil. Whatever had to done, whatever positive picture had to be painted publicly, whatever subtle distortions had to be employed, it was ExxonMobil’s standard to just do it. In everyday interactions and exchanges that is called deceiving or misleading, which are polite substitutes for twisting the truth and, at bottom, lying a little to gain a lot. The business had to be preserved by any means possible, whatever that required. On the one hand, the company’s scientists and their models were modeling worrying increases in emissions, unless there were severe cutbacks in fossil fuel consumption. On the other hand, there was Mr. Tillerson insisting that “energy efficiency gains” would save the day. What he was not saying publicly was that profits come before protecting the planet, and profits always stand in front of people. One of the tricks that the company used to facilitate its kind of climate change messages before the public was to stop engaging in many of its own climate change research.

The new approach was to fund think tanks, with the objective of getting “science to support of our business.”

That is corporate speak for getting money in the right scientists’ hands, so that they can deliver what is favourable to ExxonMobil’s climate change postures. Rex Tillerson came from a line of ExxonMobil CEOs who did everything they could to deny the link between fossil fuel burning and climate change. When outright denying was no longer feasible, then minimizing the dangers was settled for as the next best option.

The CEO of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods, takes a diplomatic approach. These are good men and things have been taken out of context. Absent from Woods’ narrative is the ride that ExxonMobil has been taking the world on, with its two-faced, two sides of its mouth, positions on climate change, and all for more profits.

Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

One People, One Nation, One Destiny DEAR EDITOR As I ponder what our National Motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny means I also wonder about the inspired soul who came up with our National Motto.

This inspired soul clearly saw the need to unite our people, the people of Guyana, to forge a Guyanese Nation.

ONE PEOPLE, ONE N AT I O N , O N E DESTINY...what does it mean?

One People: We are a people of six races, and we

identify as such. I, myself, identify as an Indo Guyanese. But as time goes by, my National Identity (Guyanese) is taking precedence over being Indo Guyanese.

Such a shift happened earlier for many people, and I applaud them. This is not to say that I am not Indo Guyanese, but rather to say that I am starting to truly believe in the Guyanese Nation.

One Nation: A Nation is a group of people/s. Can we truly be One Nation having

been brought together from various parts of the world?

The Americans (although not perfect) did it; they forge a nation after fighting a bitter Civil War. The potential is there for us to be One Nation. It seems as in times of crisis that we can come together and be United as One Nation. Could this Unity continue in times of no national crisis?

One Destiny: As a group of people/s brought together into One Nation, we share a common destiny.

Yes, at times, we all get

despondent and question if we do indeed have a shared destiny. An analogy would be thought of our country as a small boat.

IF everyone rows in the same direction, we can make rapid progress as we would be not working against each other’s effort. We can indeed work together for our shared destiny.

ONE PEOPLE, ONE N AT I O N , O N E DESTINY...what does it mean to you?

Sincerely Sean Ori

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Basdeo Panday: A Caribbean Indian Politician DEAR EDITOR, Panday, the fifth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, lies in state at Red House in Port of Spain.

The country’s newspapers noted he was the first Indian and first Hindu to earn that honour.

And therein lies the challenge in the Caribbean for individuals from groups other than descendants of enslaved Africans to represent or be represented in the governance of the countries where their forbears arrived as indentured labourers: they are still regarded as “exceptions” and frequently as a “problem”.

The challenge

becomes acute in the southern Caribbean where People of Indian Origin (PIOs) form a plurality in Guyana, Trinidad and Suriname.

By the time Basdeo Panday returned as a lawyer from England in 1965, Eric Williams had already removed Trinidad from the WI Federation.

T h e r e , t h e D L P, r e p r e s e n t i n g Trinidadian PIO’s, had been well represented b u t n o t i n t h e majoritarian-elected T&T government where the PNM had been victorious since 1956.

Williams dubbed

Indians a “recalcitrant minority”. Significantly, Panday did not join the DLP b u t t h e n e w, l e f t i s t , multiracial Workers and Farmers Party (FWP) launched by CLR James (who had broken from Williams); ex-DLP Leader Stephen Maharaj and Oilfields Union leader, G e o r g e We e k s .

Unsuccessful in the 1966 elections, the FWP dissolved and in 1975 Panday launched the United Labour Front (ULF), with army mutineer Raffique Shah a n d G e o rg e We e k s determined to unite the mainly African oilfield workers with the Indian

There must be accountability in 2024 DEAR EDITOR, The year 2023 has ended and many Committees of the National Assembly have not completed their assignments. One such Committee is the ‘ C o m m i t t e e o n Appointments.’

The Committee on Appointments is a standing committee of the National Assembly with responsibility for the appointment of constitutional bodies such as the Ethnic Relations Commission, Rights of the Child Commission, Women and Gender Commission, I n d i g e n o u s P e o p l e ’s Commission, the Judicial Service Commission, the Public Service Commission and the Police Service Commission.

Editor, the 19th meeting of the Committee on Appointments was held in April 2023 and arrangements for consultations on the appointments to the Rights of the Child Commission were finalised.

On May 8th, 2023, members of the Committee on Appointments, with the assistance of support staff from the Parliament Office, briefed clusters of representatives from Youth and Women’s organisations, Professional Bodies, and the Private Sector, on the C o m m i t t e e ’s a g r e e d guidelines. Each of those clusters set their timelines for meeting subsequently to select their representative on the Commission. Despite the C o m m i t t e e o n

Appointments’ decision not to politicise the process, it was alleged that the Chairperson, Ms. Gail Teixeira, attempted to hijack the selection process for the youth nominee. Kudos must be given to the Co-ordinator of the youth cluster, Mr. Clayton Halley, who did not allow the process to be hijacked by Ms. Texiera.

Mr. Halley held firmly to the guidelines agreed on by members of the Committee on Appointments and completed the selection process.

Reports on the selection process, and the particulars of the agreed nominee, have since been submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly by the coordinators of the aforementioned clusters.

E d i t o r, s i n c e t h e revelations of the attempted hijacking of the youth nominee selection process

became public, the Chairperson, Ms. Gail Teixeira, is yet to convene a meeting of the Committee on Appointments, to formally prepare the submission of the list of nominees for the approval of Parliament. She has stalled the process without any explanation to Committee Members, thereby impeding the appointment of members to this critical Commission. I am publicly requesting Ms. Texeira to facilitate the urgent completion of this appointment process.

It is also prudent that I remind readers that there are many unfulfilled promises by the PPP/C. One such, is the establishment of the (Continued on page 06)

sugar workers, whose union he led.

Even though the ULF won 10 of 36 seats and became the official opposition to Williams’ PNM, most of the votes came from Indian-dominated constituencies. Against Panday determined efforts, the ethnic cleavage in the society asserted itself to have, in effect, the ULF replace the old DLP. But Panday did not give up on multi-racial politics. In the 1981 elections, his ULF joined the Tobago-based DAC of ANR Robinson and Lloyd Best’s Tapia House to form the National Alliance, which did worse than the ULF on its own.

For the 1986 elections, he spearheaded the National Alliance’s coalition with the ONR of PNM-dissident, Karl Hudson Phillips, to form the NAR which won the elections.

It was in that year that the political grouping of which I was part in NYC raised funds for the NAR and I met Panday. In discussions, he was convinced that Trinidad “was not ready” for an Indian PM and deferred to Robinson to become PM even though DAC only brought in 2 seats to the ULF’s 8.

Panday was made Minister of External Affairs, but soon reacted against he and the ULF’s constituency being peripheralized.

He was expelled from the coalition and government in 1988 along with several other Indian members, who then formed the UNC in

April 1989.

In that year, I was part of a team that travelled to the Caribbean to invite leaders in the Indian communities to participate in the launch of GOPIO in NYC. Panday and Cheddi Jagan both spoke at the “Conference on Political Participation” that I cochaired, and both analysed the challenges of political mobilisation i n plural societies.

They also participated in a breakout session I also chaired where they were more specific in their comments.

They helped to draft resolutions for presentation to the UN for free and fair elections in Guyana and action against violence directed predominantly against the Indian community in Trinidad. Both were introduced to members of the US Administration who had attended the Conference.

Cheddi Jagan’s PPP was to win the 1992 elections in Guyana and Panday’s UNC, having tied with 17 seats with the PNM in the 1995 elections, coalesced with the Robinson’s NAR (2 seats) and became prime

minister.

He again led the party to victory in 2000 but internal wranglings led to snap elections in 2001, which his UNC tied with the PNM with 18 seats each. He offered a coalition to Manning, who refused.

By then, the NAR’s Robinson was president, after being nominated by Panday, but he chose the PNM’s Patrick Manning as PM even though the PNM had less popular votes.

But Panday never gave up on multiracial politics, even though many stubbornly dubbed him an “Indian leader”.

O n e i n c i d e n t i l l u s t r a t e s h i s magnanimous national vision.

Back in 1969, Eric Wi l l i a m s h a d b a n n e d Trinidad-born Black Power advocate Stokley Carmichael (Kwame Ture) long before the April 1970 Black Power rebellion.

But when Panday became PM, he awarded a monthly grant to pay for Ture’s treatment for prostate cancer.

Sincerely Ravi Dev

Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox The PPP abandoned many major projects in Region 10 DEAR EDITOR, With reference to an article in SN dated January 6, 2024, captioned “US$35M contract sealed for McKenzie-Wismar bridge”, the Minister of Works is quoted in the article as saying “the former APNU+AFC Government, (proposed) to build a new two-lane bridge across the Demerara River to the tune of US$30 million. He stated incorrectly, that comparatively, Lindeners will be getting a four-lane bridge at the cost of US$35 million.” The Minister of Public Works has always been a stranger to the truth, and in the past has been publicly caught out for his practice of using imaginary numbers, to justify his g o v e r n m e n t ’ s incompetence.

The background to this project is following the APNU+AFC policy of linking the hinterland to the coast. This project design was commissioned for the Linden-Mabura highway (currently under

construction), a fixed bridge crossing at Kurupukari on the Essequibo River and a fixed bridge at McKenzie – Wismar. By 2019, all designs inclusive of geotechnical studies, environmental and social impact analyses were completed.

The construction cost for the two-lane version of the Wismar bridge was US$23.6M (inclusive of 10% contingency – see attached), while the fourlane version was pegged at US$29.2M (inclusive of contingency). For the Minister to now be boasting that the PPP version, which is twenty percent higher, for the exact same design bridge is quite laughable, but understandable for a government that moved the Gas to Shore project from US$580M to US$2.8B – highlighting that the concept of cost-effective projects is alien to the PPP. What both the President and the Minister failed to remind the Lindeners, is that if the PPP had their way,

none of these projects would have seen the light of day. In 2019, while in opposition, the PPP informed the British funding agency (DFID), that if they were successful at the upcoming 2020 elections, they would scrap the Linden – Mabura highway. It was only after DFID, informed the PPP that if they are so shortsighted, then the DFID would withdraw the US$75M grant which was earmarked for the project.

Therefore, not being able to kill this project, the PPP reluctantly agreed to proceed.

The McKenzie – Wismar bridge was the brainchild of t h e A P N U + A F C administration, a project that the PPP attempted to kill. No inclusions were made in 2020 and 2021 budgets for this project - it was only after the public outcry by the Lindeners that it was reluctantly reintroduced – so much for caring for the people of region #10.

The third project, the fixed bridge at Kurupukari has been dropped

completely, thus condemning the citizens of Region 9, to a pontoon crossing which is on available for 12 hours daily – so much for visionary leadership.

The road and bridges mentioned above were just part of the infrastructural development plan that the previous administration developed for the citizens of region 10.

Additionally, studies

were completed for a fixed bridge over the Berbice river to Kwakwani, contracts were awarded and works already started on a road linking Orealla/Siparuta in Region #6 to Kwakwani, funding was secured for a high new highway, linking Kwakwani and Ituni to the new Linden – Lethem highway as well as for the construction of an international standard transport hub in Linden,

which would have catered for the anticipated increased traffic from Brazil on the completion of the Linden – Lethem road.

All of these projects have been abandoned by the PPP and replaced with small drain cleaning contracts to a few of their s elected supporters – that is the progress the government has condemned the Region to.

Yours Faithfully, David Patterson

There must be accountability in 2024...

From page 05 Constitutional Reform Commission. The sum of $150M was appropriated in the 2023 National Budget and work was scheduled to commence in September 2023.

However, we recently learned from the Attorney General, Mr. Anil Nandlall, MP, that the President has apologized for the delay. The government also promised a ‘robust’ Parliament. But evidence shows that from

August 2020 to December 2023, the National Assembly had seventy (70) sittings of that total, sixteen (16) were convened in 2023.

With many issues, at the macro and micro levels, affecting our nation, it appears that the PPP/C government has no interest in engaging National Assembly to address the well-being of citizens or the development of Guyana as a whole.

The National Assembly is

only convened back-toback, or mere days apart, for budget presentations and requests for excessive and unsupported supplementary budget approvals.

Editor, the PPP/C cabal appears to be making national decisions at the level of their political party, contrary to the constitution.

They must be held accountable in 2024.

Yours sincerely, Annette Ferguson Member of Parliament

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur News

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is running from installing independent meters on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to verify the number of barrels being produced by ExxonMobil.

Four years after oil production, with three projects now producing oil and the country is still nowhere close to confirming the production rates being reported by Exxon.

The country can be losing thousands of barrels of oil daily from underreported figures from this company, yet the politicians are comfortable without meters on the FPSOs.

Instead of moving swiftly to rectify the situation, the chief policy maker for the sector wants to use Exxon’s cable to verify the production rates to “independently monitor” the company.

Can someone explain the meaning of the word ‘independent’ for the VP?

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday Monday January May 02, 07, 2022 2024

Drowning on New Year's Day...

Police detain wife in death of Santa Cruz man ...brother-in-law questioned

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s police continue their investigations into the death of Owen Smith Jr, the 25year-old miner who was suspected to have drowned on New Year's Day in the Waini River at Santa Cruz in Region One, the man's wife has been detained after marks of violence was seen on the victim's body following a post-mortem examination.

Reports are that the man's brother-inlaw was also questioned by investigators over the weekend. According to reports, the autopsy indicated that there were finger marks on Smith's neck while bones on his face bore several fractures.

In addition, no water was not found in his lungs which would have been consistent with a drowning.

Investigators believe the victim may have been in a fight and later thrown overboard.

Police stated in a release following the man's death that he lived with his reputed wife, a 24-year-old housewife, at their home in Santa Cruz.

She told investigators that at about 08:00hrs on January 1st, 2024, he left home for an unknown location and returned at around 15:55hrs that day, under the influence of alcohol.

According to his reputed wife, he told her that he was going to take a bath in the nearby Waini River. At the time, he was clad in a short yellow pants.

She related that he waded into the river and went under the water twice.

"The woman said she told her husband to

get out of the river as the water level was high. She said he looked at her, smiled, and went under the water for a third time, but never resurfaced," police noted.

The woman immediately raised an alarm and persons within the area responded where they combed the river but did not locate him.

On January 2, 2024, whilst combing the river, Smith's body was found motionless by residents. His body was retrieved and transported to the nearby village of Kwebanna by a police rank and thence to Moruca District Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty who pronounced him dead on arrival.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

DEAD: Owen Smith Jr.

'Change your ways' pensioner tells alleged thieves …as he withdraws case against them

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generous pensioner spared two men prison time on Friday, after the two accused appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts to answer to an alleged robbery charge committed on January 3, 2024.

Shakeel Thomas and Atto McDonald both appeared before Senior Magistrate Dylon Bess, where the charge was read to them. They both pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that on January 3, 2024, at Lombard Street, Stabroek, Georgetown, the duo stole from George Grant, his pension book, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) card, a cell phone valued $35,000, a Samsung air pods

valued $5000, and $43,000 in cash.

However, during the court proceedings, Grant sought to withdraw the case against the duo.

He told the defendants that he depends on his pension while noting that he worked all his life just to be entitled to the benefits.

“Change your ways; this is a chance you are getting.

Live a life in Christ,” the pensioner told the accused.

In response, Magistrate Bess told the duo that they should take the opportunity given to do good and change their lives.

He emphasized, “time, discipline and hard work.”

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

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Is a presidential palace in the making?

During the early 1980’s, there were plans to build a presidential palace for Forbes Burnham who at the time was Prime Minister and laying the groundwork to become an Executive President. Burnham’s death in 1985 put paid to such plans.

The late Walter Rodney poked fun at the idea of Burnham building a presidential palace. During a WPA public meeting, a helicopter hovered overhead – one of means which the late dictator used to intimidate his political enemies.

At the time, Rodney was at the podium. Upon hearing the helicopter overhead, Rodney turned to the crowd and said, “Brothers and sisters, I am aware of the preferred mode of transportation of King Kong.” He then went on to refer to the plans for the building of a new residence for Burnham. Rodney noted that these plans were being touted during a period when the country was in a desperate economic crisis.

“But you see, King Kong has decided to build a palace to his ego and a monument to his own stupidity. So that he could sit inside and be a monument inside a monument.”

Forty years onwards, it would not be far-fetched to assume that the present PPP/C government may be harbouring plans to build a presidential palace. We already have in Guyana a private residence that is perhaps the most palatial home of any Caribbean politician. The present

government is swimming in a sea of oil wealth. And a great deal of the money is being fritted away on wasteful projects. With oil production expected, within the next four years, to climb to one million barrels per day, it would not be surprising to learn of the resurrection of Burnham’s idea of a presidential palace.

Just recently, we learnt that the government plans to build a massive administrative complex east of one of the roundabouts on the East Bank of Demerara.

Trinidad has its own Twin Towers. Guyana plans to build four towers in the planned administrative complex, which will occupy 20 acres of land, and which will accommodate some 6,000 government workers.

Is this necessary? Is the government expanding the bureaucracy? We are told that the total number of public sector workers is 54,000. This obviously includes the workforce of the Guyana Sugar Corporation and other government corporations and agencies.

But the numbers also mean that in a private-sector driven economy, one in every five employed persons are on the payroll of the State.

Why build a government complex? This is an idea which the PPP/C has long toyed with but had discarded. But now with oil monies available, it has now resurrected this idea. But instead of building the complex at Durban Park in Georgetown, it has shifted the location southward.

What is to become of the existing government buildings that houses government ministries, departments, and agencies?

Are these to be shifted to the East Bank? Has any study been done to determine the feasibility of this venture?

Has a study been done as to how this affect existing workers within the government system who will not have to find transportation to the East Bank from as far as Parika and Mahaica?

But when you are wallowing in oil revenues, these questions are of mere academic value. Money is there to be spent and it will be spent. The government is presently overreaching with its capital projects.

Yesterday, a Stabroek News editorial enumerated several road projects which have fallen behind schedule. The primary reason for this is that the economy does not have the absorptive capacity for the present massive increase in government expenditure.

Guyana has long been warned of its limited absorptive capacity, by the international financial agencies, including the InterAmerican Development Bank and the IMF. The latter recently urged the government to be cautious in light of the country’s absorptive capacity constraints. Since 2019, the Inter-A merican Development Bank (IDB) has warned Guyana to exercise caution regarding the rapid injection of its oil revenues into the economy, emphasizing the country’s

DEM BOYS SEH

Is wuh ever happen to…

L

ong ago, yuh used to wake up Christmas morning, open yuh presents with yuh children, have a Christmas breakfast, then lunch, and turn on de radio.

In dem days, deh did not have television and apart from yuh dog, de radio was yuh best friend.

On Christmas Day, yuh used to look forward to listening to a programme in which Guyanese living overseas does send out greetings to dem family and friends at home. Dem boys listen to dis programme fuh about twenty years.

And never once somebody call dem boys name fuh wish dem a Merry Christmas.

So dem boys used to look forward to another radio programme: “No Big Thing”.

It was a witty satirical show dat used to poke fun at people and situations in Guyana. With de advent of television, yuh had another show which emerged, “Stretched Out Magazine.”

B u t d e n d e advertisements start to stretch yuh patience. But still, what would Christmas be like without our satirical shows?

On one of dem, deh used to have a character who used to stagger around drunkenly asking, “Is wah ever happen to…?”

Well Christmas gone but dem boys still asking,

“Is wah ever happen… to de investigation into de early release of de female murder convict?”

De media like dem nah interested in finding out.

“Is wah ever happen to de Report of de Mahdia Commission of Inquiry?”

“Is wah ever h a p p e n t o de Skeldon Sugar Factory which did cost US$187M to build?”

But w hat gat dem boys more concerned is how come none of dem fast reporters nah able to find out from de survivors of de helicopter crash, what happen on dat fateful day.

Like we losing de art of investigative journalism.

Talk half. Leff half.

limited absorptive capacity.

Despite these warnings, the government continues with its public expenditure blitz. No wonder there are so many delays in completing government projects. The contractors are facing supply, logistics and labour constraints.

In his end-of-year press conference, the Minister of Public Works made a staggering revelation. He said that the government’s budget for 2023 for one line item alone – Miscellaneous Roads – was more than the

Ministry’s entire 2019 Budget.

With the exponential increase in government spending across all sectors, and no corresponding improvement in the c o u n t r y ’s a b s o r p t i v e capacity, is not surprising that so many major public works projects have stalled or are behind schedule?

But this matters little to the PPP/C. If overnight someone decides that a presidential palace is needed, then it will be built.

The only problem is who

will occupy it: the man from Leonora or the man from Pradoville 2? (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

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UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

L

LAL

Sunday Monday January May 02, 07, 2022 2024

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

First Reflections on 2023 Rumours and reports that I have retreated, re-migrated (northward), or been recalled by the CIA are all grossly exaggerated. How can I disappoint all those in party circles who scour the papers for a sighting.

Well, here I am, my fellow Guyanese. Best to all for 2024, and I mean all.

Now to business.

In the old days, the slower and denser in the classroom were usually mocked, laughed at, taken advantage of, slapped around, pushed about, and made fools of in many different ways.

It was a hard and unsparing environment in which those who were called 'dunces' lived.

Most Guyanese are familiar with this, which prevails to this day, but in a more modified form. I look at what Exxon is doing to Guyana with its oil patrimony, and I detect a lot of this at work by those who are supposed to be our partners.

Some partner Exxon is.

Exxon pimps the patrimony of Guyanese out, and in the manner of street pimps, keep all the collections for itself.

There is this matter of a

Farm out Agreement with Shell, but there is no money recorded in the books of Exxon (Esso Guyana).

Where are those millions, Mr. Routledge?

What went wrong with the vaunted accounting systems of Exxon of which so much was talked about its integrity? Exxon executed one agreement with Shell in 2009, and a second in 2012.

Yet, on both occasions, the books of Exxon are blank, utterly devoid of any entry about money. Did Exxon's hallowed accounting books experience a 'systems' glitch' on both occasions?

Mr. Routledge knows more than all Guyanese combined that oil is not a charity business, yet the entry in Exxon's Guyana accounts is more in spirit form than anything tangible, such as a number. I am sorry, Mr. Routledge, but this looks like 'jumbie' accounting to me.

Then I take the ExxonShell episodes and layer on those the US$92 million gap in precontract costs for 1999-2015 in the company's records (charging Guyana US$460 million but entering US$368 million in its own records).

Once again,

Exxon's books reflect what gouges Guyana with precontract costs, and shortchanges this country with the Shell subletting arrangements.

Rather conspicuously, Mr. Alistair “good faith” Routledge has been bizarrely silent. In the Shell schemes, so also are Mr. John “democracy” Hess of Hess Corp, and our dear and valuable Chinese friends, CNOOC. Guyana is being taken for a schmuck and made into a snook. Like the students that are slower and languish behind, Guyana is seen as a complete dunce in the oil business, which is justification for taking advantage of it.

I assert justification because when Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is not up in arms over these accounting shenanigans of Exxon, then he gives the company what it interprets as a free hand to engage Ministry of Natural Resources personnel, with all manner of tomfoolery occurring with that US$214 million IHS Markit auditing findings report. When Dr. Jagdeo plays his games with his fawners, props, and worshippers to attack conscientious objectors (like

me) to disguise his glaring failures in keeping Exxon on a short leash, then he serves the company's twisted interests.

What could be more economically subversive than that, friar Bharrat?

More and more supporters are seeing through the smokescreens and tricks, and how Exxon benefits, while Guyanese are battered by cost-of-living.

Former President Jagdeo should count his pluses, given that I have no interest in forming a political party, or being part of one.

Further, as the accounting acrobatics of Exxon come to light, one has to wonder what else the company has hidden, but of which Guyanese are in the dark. It now makes sense for Exxon and VP Jagdeo to be so dogged that billions in offshore expenses are kept secret.

For there could probably be multiples of the US$92 million and Shell slickness that are embedded.

We would not be talking in the millions anymore, but billions of Yankee dollars.

Employing the 20 percent level that Exxon seems to be so enamored with when its

skullduggeries surface, there could be at least US$10 billion in cheating and tricking and shaking down of this company by its own partner, with US$50 billion in debt.

I confess to being at a total loss when Guyanese step forward and try to defend what Exxon is doing, when such accounting obscenities hang over the company's head. If that is not the depths of depravity and treachery, then nothing else could ever qualify.

I mean that is insidiousness coming out of the pores. Who are the Guyanese that could possess such a slavish mindset, accept Exxon's sweet baits, to sell their own out?

What money, what favor, what consideration could ever have any appeal and value under such circumstances?

It is my belief that Guyanese are only now beginning to get a peek into Exxon's extensive playbook as it pimps this country out, and then get local politicians and crass pundits to coverup its dirty tricks.

A number of us has laid

out to VP Jagdeo that he needs to get some cojones and confront Exxon, instead of vilifying Guyanese who point to how damaging this oil partner has been to this country.

As should be obvious by now, Exxon cannot be trusted, and is bad for this country's future. VP Jagdeo can keep going down the failed road that he has chosen and run interference for Exxon. But, he is walking on thin ice with the electorate, and he knows it, which is why he lashes out.

Lashing out only draws more of the wrong kind of conclusions about him.

Not from me, but his own people.

By the way, I recommend that all reading of newspapers, radio listening, and TV viewing cease for a month. I did.

(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.)

Man with Venezuelan Security ID found guilty of illegally entering Guyana

A

Venezuelan man who was found with an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) raid set and a Venezuelan Security Identification Card was on Friday found guilty of illegally entering Guyana when he appeared

at the Bartica Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert.

Ramon Andres Vansluytman was charged with the offence of illegal entry after he was arrested at Sherima Crossing, a check point in Region Seven on November 18,

2023.The man, who was fined $15,000, was handed over to the Immigration Department for processing.

Failure to pay the fine, he would be sentenced to four weeks imprisonment.

Guyana scores low performance on control...

From page 3 This WGI considers accountability of public officials, human rights, freedom of association, confidence in honesty of elections, freedom of the press (freedom of access to information, protection of journalists, etc.) and reliability of State accounts (completeness, audit, review law) as well as degree of transparency in public procurement, confidence in Parliament, access to information and openness and citizens right to opinion and expression.

About GYEITI

The Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) is a part of the global initiative, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). EITI seeks to promote revenue transparency in the extractive sector in resource-rich countries. It strives to ensure transparency over payments made to and revenues received by the Government from companies in the extractive sectors. Guyana joined the EITI in 2017 and has published five EITI reports. GYEITI is governed by a broad coalition of government, civil society, and the private sector.

Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

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WEEK-IN-REVIEW MONDAY Govt. must install independent meters, offshore lab for Guyanese to benefit from oil bonanza- T&T Consultant For Guyana to reap the true benefits of its rapidly developing oil and gas sector, the country must implement an independent system that aids in the verification of the daily rate of production by American oil major, ExxonMobil.

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

Production activities officially commenced in December 2019.

The company now has three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in operation, producing an average 500,000 barrels per day; however, Guyana is yet to put measures in place to verify the daily rate of production. Consequently, the country accepts the production figures reported by the company and allows for its resources to be exported without robust verification techniques in place.

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

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

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

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

Georgia.

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

In the absence of this, the Consultant said the twin island republic accepted an average of how much oil was being shipped away by the tankers to refineries.

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

About a decade later, Rampersad said Trinidad and Tobago realized that there were discrepancies in the reported amount of cargo that was leaving and how much oil was being shipped from the country.

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

He said the country moved to install a meter on the pipeline that leaves BP’s facility in Trinidad and goes across to the tanker. In addition, Rampersad noted that a sampler was also installed in the line. “It would take in like a liter that would represent five barrels of oil...we would take

samples from the tank analyze it in-house in the petroleum lab and it will tell you how much water, how much sand is in the cargo.

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

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

The Consultant said he has been keeping an eye on Guyana’s offshore activities

Former Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Haslyn Parris

and believes there is no such system in place.

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

The Consultant warned that in the absence of this, the company can provide its own figures on the number of barrels leaving the country which cannot be disputed by Guyana. In fact, he said, the company can also convince Guyana, in the absence of the offshore laboratory, that the cargo is concentrated with water and other debris, which can cause the country to leak more revenue.

“The only way to correct that and get the true value of the cargo that is leaving, you have to get a petroleum lab and you have to do that configuration and testing to know how much true oil is going across to Exxon’s r e f i n e r y i n Te x a s , ” Rampersad urged.

The Consultant pointed out that Guyana urgently needs sound advice on the management of this sector, especially in this regard as the country can continue to lose billions in revenue.

He was keen to note that Guyana has a limited timeframe in which the country can maximize on its newfound wealth and must act swiftly to take action to increase its earnings over the next 10 to 15 years before the reduction in the use of fossil fuels affect the global market.

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

Sunday January 07, 2024

no mere hearsay.

Chartered Accountant a n d A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Christopher Ram recently unearthed compelling evidence affirming that Guyana’ s former Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Haslyn Parris, fervently advocated against entrapment in such disadvantageous contracts, while recognizing the need for renegotiation in the face of such exploitative arrangements.

In an interview with this publication, Ram cited the robust parliamentary contributions of the late Haslyn Parris, who astutely shepherded the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act of 1986, now superseded by the Petroleum Activities Law of 2023. Ram drew attention to the Hansard of April 14, 1986.

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

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

Ram said Parris’ words still hold true to this day. The lawyer also rhetorically asked whether any member of the PPP/C government

has ever sought out that critically important historical record. Applying the logic and meaning of the former Guyana scholar, statistician and economist, Ram said the Stabroek Block deal, first signed in 1999, then renegotiated and made worse in 2016, constitutes a non-agreement. He said this is by virtue of the inequity of the terms. Further noting the universal dissatisfaction with the agreement, Ram said this is exactly what Parris meant when he said that any such agreement “will sooner or later blow up in our faces.”

Furthermore, Ram said if Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had read the memo written by Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison after he was roughed up by Exxon executives months before the 2016 Agreement, or the Clyde & Co report on the circumstances leading up to the signing of that lopsided deal, he would be complimentary of Parris’ wisdom.

T h e G u y a n a Government has insisted that it will not renegotiate the Stabroek Block deal, even as it has acknowledged that it leaves Exxon with the lion’s share of resources while Guyana gets the proverbial crumbs. It has maintained this position even though Ram and many other local advocates have appealed for major loopholes for revenue loss to be closed.

Most recently, Ram renewed calls for Stabroek Block projects to be ringfenced, meaning, each pays for itself. Ram has said there is no need for a renegotiation for this to be achieved. The government only has to insist that this is a binding term for the production licences of Exxon’s future (Continued on page 13)

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

From page 12 projects. In the absence of doing so, Ram explained that Guyana sets itself at two disadvantages: 1) it defers oil profits it is entitled to receive today, to fund Exxon’s exploration and production programmes instead, and, 2) it becomes a de facto investor with no voice at the table or say in decision making in the Stabroek Block.

T h e G u y a n a Government has sadly maintained that it will do nothing; it will continue to grant ExxonMobil approvals for more projects, armed with the same onerous terms.

WEDNESDAY Chris Ram challenges AG to produce evidence of tax payments Guyana made to GRA on behalf of Exxon and partners Chartered Accountant a n d A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Christopher Ram, along with A ttorney G eneral and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, have found themselves embroiled in a debate regarding the utilization of funds from Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to address tax liabilities incurred by ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek Block.

The dispute arises from the terms of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) governing the deep-water block, which obliges Guyanese authorities to finance the companies’ tax

Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Chris Ram payments utilizing oil revenues stored in the NRF. Ram, in one of his most recent columns in Stabroek News, found that the NRF is holding $276 Billion which should have been transferred to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the Exxon-led consortium. The lawyer then urged for the relevant authorities to fix this bloated state of the account.

In response to Ram’s findings, Nandlall pointed out that no provision in the NRF law allows for transfers to GRA. It only allows for transfers to the Consolidated Fund. “In fact, any unauthorised withdrawal from or interference with monies from the Fund constitutes an Offence, upon conviction, is liable to imprisonment and several million dollars in fine,” the AG said.

Nandlall said too that the NRF Act features a supremacy provision at

Section 45 which states: “in the event of any inconsistencies between the provisions of this Act and the provisions of any other law on fiscal matters and financial management, or between the provisions of the Act and the terms of a petroleum license, the provisions of this Act shall prevail.”

Nandall also argued that it matters not if the tax payments are in the NRF or with GRA; the fact is that it is in a government account and would be transferred to the National Treasury as per the withdrawal rules of the NRF. By way of a letter to the press, Ram made it clear that from the outset, he has concurred that the NRF Act does not provide for the withdrawal of money from the Fund to pay the taxes for the oil companies. Ram insisted however that this needs to be rectified.

He further noted that he

GPHC welcomes 7 newborns on New Year's Day Mrs. Mignon Bowen-Phillips, wife of Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, holds a newborn at GPHC as the proud mother looks on.

PAGE 13

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall does not agree with Nandlall’s referencing of a “supremacy provision” in the NRF Act. Ram said a case in which the very AG was involved in, shows that laws are not always supreme to contracts.

“I need to remind him of the Rudisa v Guyana case [2014] CCJ (OJ) in which he was lead Counsel for Guyana. The judges lost no time in rejecting his argument that a failure by Guyana to honour its Treaty obligation was somehow excusable because of good faith efforts by the then PPP/C Government,” said Ram. Continuing on the same case he said, “Ruling against Guyana, the CCJ unanimously re-affirmed the legal principle ‘pacta sunt servanda’ (“agreements must be respected). Just in case Anil thinks that the reason for the CCJ’s decision was that the matter arose solely out of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, it is in fact a long-standing principle laid down in Trendex Corporation v Central Bank of Nigeria [1977] 1 QB 529 that s o v e r e i g n i m m u n i t y, including lawmaking, does not generally apply to commercial cases.”

G i v e n N a n d l a l l ’s position on the case, Ram challenged the AG to provide a schedule with particulars of the Certificates of Taxes issued by the Guyana Revenue Authority to the oil companies as well as to state the source of the money used to pay such taxes for the oil companies.

If no Certificates of Taxes were issued, Ram asked the AG to state whether there any other receipts, acknowledgments, documents or confirmation from the GRA to the oil companies of taxes paid on

their behalf.

2024 budget to tackle high cost of living, free university education – Pres. Ali The Government of Guyana will in a few weeks time, unveil its budget for 2024. This is according to

increased, as we continue to invest in the sector ’s contribution to rural employment and the rural economy. Rice production, aquaculture and other initiatives will lead to increased food production.”

Furthermore, the Head of State said the capacity and capabilities of the Defense Force will be strengthened to allow for improvements in the overall defense of the nation’s sovereignty and our territorial integrity.

With respect to carnage on the roads, he said this will be greeted with a robust safety and traffic management plan. “I intend to have a national conversation on this issue within the coming days, and out of that conversation, new laws, regulations and technology will be implemented to stop the carnage on our roads,” he said.

The President said too

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali in his New Year Message.

The Head of State said this budget will detail the government’s expenditure and revenue plans for the coming year as well as deliver on his promise to continuously improve the lives of Guyanese.

Without stealing the proverbial thunder of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, the Head of State gave broad insights into what can be expected. In education, he said preparations are in place for the roll-out of free university education in 2025.

He said several major road projects are slated for completion and will make commuting easier. Turning to the agriculture sector the President said, “We expect in 2024, sugar production to be

that citizens can look forward to cost-of-living interventions which will be made to cushion any spikes in prices. “We want to put more money into the pockets of people. Our policy making matrix will address this ideal and the idea of putting more money in the pockets of our people,” he said.

Further to this, he said workers will continue to benefit from increases in their wages and salaries, augmenting the other measures, which will be taken to enhance household disposable incomes.

Additionally, President Ali said works will commence on the construction of a new international–branded hotel near the Georgetown Seawall, adding that (Continued on page 14)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

From page 13 ongoing construction of other hotels will be intensified.

With respect to Guyana’s energy security plans, he said this will be advanced through the ongoing works for the building of a gas-toshore energy plant that will reduce energy costs. He said too that the hinterland electrification programme will be expanded to bring electricity to more residents.

Turning to investments in culture and sport infrastructure, he assured that the budget will cater for improvements in sports grounds, playfields and cultural facilities.

Regarding human resource development, the President said, “We will also be addressing in a very frontal way, the issues of mental health, and suicide.”

He said the budget will also feature measures to support the building of consortiums to further enable people to benefit from the opportunities here, supporting manufacturing and industrial development expansion, and supporting through incentivizing investment in manufacturing and industrial development, more community investment aimed at creating community safe spaces, c o m m u n i t y s e c u r i t y, community livelihood, community empowerment.

He said too that there will be a robust plan to further advance the security architecture and infrastructure of communities and country as well as direct policies for expanding tourism and addressing squatting, especially on the Linden-

Sunday January 07, 2024

changes are within the exclusive powers of the Government, without restoration of benefits?

Man playing with gun kills brother, injures baby

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram Soesdyke Highway.

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

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

a g r e e w i t h m y interpretation of Article 15 (4) (b) of the Agreement regarding Government’s obligation to pay the tax out of its share of profit oil, can he say what the correct interpretation is?

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

7. Would he be kind enough to provide a schedule, with particulars, of the Certificates of Taxes issued by the Guyana Revenue Authority under Article 15 of the Agreement?

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

9. If no Certificates of Taxes were issued, were there any other receipts, acknowledgments, d o c u m e n t s o r confirmation from the GRA to the oil companies of taxes paid on their behalf?

10. Given Anil’s assertion that the Agreement is overtaken by legislative changes, does he consider that further

Police have issued a wanted bulletin for 19-yearold Mwange Smith in relation to the murder of Anthony Haynes called ‘One Natty,’ who was fatally shot at his Graham’s Hall, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) home on Sunday night.

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

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

Persons with information about his whereabouts are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers, 2222232, 225-8196, 225-6976 or the nearest police station.

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

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

Abrams related that a short while after, she heard Haynes saying “stop playing with the gun.” She then heard a loud explosion which sounded like a gunshot emanating from the living room; she also heard the baby crying. Upon (Continued on page 44)

WANTED: Mwange Smith

DEAD: Anthony Haynes

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall partners. Guyana is required to hand over this money to GRA so that the tax agency can properly issue certificates of payment to the oil companies. To reiterate, what binds Guyana to this chain of events is the Stabroek Block PSA. AG Nandlall has since informed the nation via a statement on his Facebook Page that the NRF Law does not permit any such withdrawals for GRA. Doing so would be against the law and could even attract jail time. Nandlall even noted that the contract is superseded by the NRF law. The AG also noted that the fact of the matter is that the NRF revenues are held in a government account, known to all and sundry and transfers are in any case made to the Consolidated Fund when appropriated by the National Assembly.

In keeping with such an argument, Ram said the AG may have offered Guyanese the best news for the year. In the absence of those payments going to GRA, it is

impractical that GRA can still issue the certificates properly to the oil companies. On this premise, Ram said the AG has essentially shown Guyanese that the onerous tax provisions of the Stabroek Block deal can indeed be circumvented. In other words, the AG has found a way for Guyana to bypass paying GRA the outstanding $276 Billion in taxes for Exxon and its partners.

“If his statements represent the Government’s position, it is the best news for the country at the beginning of a new year. It also portends that Guyana can settle other concerns about the environment, insurance, level of royalty and allocation of profits in the Agreement without adverse implications,” said Ram. For further clarity on Nandlall’s position, Ram also posed 10 key questions for the AG to answer. Those questions are as follows: 1. Does his statement on his Facebook page represent his and the Government’s official position, or was it personal and unofficial?

2. Did he or the subject Minister, at any time since the passage of the NRF in 2021, have any discussion with Exxon, Hess and C N O O C o n h i s interpretation of the implications and consequences for the Agreement?

3 . W e r e h i s interpretation and its consequences accepted by the oil companies?

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

5. Since he does not

Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur News

Fire guts New Providence home

Firemen at the scene of the fire at New Providence, East Bank Demerara on Saturday.

Fire officials chat with relatives of the late Cammie Ramsaroop at the scene of the fire on Saturday.

A house which belonged to the family of former Chairman of People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Bishwaishwar ‘Cammie’ Ramsaroop at a gated community in New Providence on the East Bank of Demerara, was gutted by fire on Saturday afternoon.

The inferno, which is said to be the fifth house fire to be recorded on the coastland this year, was observed in the double flat building on Cammie Street, New Providence around 14:15hrs on Saturday.

Following an alarm by residents, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was informed of the fire and fire tenders raced to the scene. However, the firemen were forced to contend with windy conditions at the scene while people in the area noted that the fire had already spread to various parts of the wooden and concrete house when the firemen arrived.

When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene, firemen were desperately trying to contain the blaze which threatened nearby homes as the winds pushed the flames.

The firemen were able to out most of the flames by 15:00hrs although thick black smoke continued to bellow in the skies above the area.

Several residents responded to the scene as well as passersby who

observed the smoke while traversing the East Bank Demerara public road. It is unclear if anyone lived at the house and a neighbour noted that the late PNC/R’s chair’s wife owned the building.

The fire comes one day after a Venezuelan national died in a fire at Plantain Walk, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD) which gutted a double-flat building. The man, Richard Lozado, 47, was installing windows at the house on behalf of the owners.

Unknown to them, he slept overnight at the bottom flat of the building when tragedy struck.

On Wednesday, a fire which was said to be electrical in origin gutted a house at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara. And on Tuesday night, a fire at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice resulted in the death of schoolteacher Tokant Deokharrn.

Earlier on Tuesday night, fire gutted a single flat house at Pump Road, Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The small wooden structure was occupied by Ovena Braithwaite and her four children. The woman was reportedly cooking on a kerosene stove at the time.

The stove exploded and as a result, the flames spread to the walls of the home; it was destroyed within minutes.

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Sunday January 07, 2024

Six GTT customers win cash & prizes in final Mega Million Grab promotion Six lucky Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) customers on Friday walked away with millions in cash and prizes as the company wrapped up its Mega Million Christmas promotion with a grand draw held at its Brickdam office.

The grand finale which was streamed live on Facebook saw six qualifiers Donald Roach, Shivani Sijore, Yushon Allicock, Sherelyn Simon, Taryn Boullear, and Keshia Greene taking part.

Emerging with the top prize of $1 million, Roach in an interview at the draw said, “I came all the way from Berbice, and I told my friend that I was coming for the million dollars so I’m very excited...from the time I got a phone around 2003, I started using GTT and never switched. I came back to Guyana on November 19[2023] after being away for a few months and I

The six lucky qualifiers of GTT’s final Mega Million Grab draw. immediately topped up my phone and activated a data plan. I got a call the

Mr. Donald Roach

following week and realized that I had the opportunity to win big.”

Roach who qualified in week one of the promotion not only walked away with $ 1 million but also an Echo Show, an air fryer, an iPad, a sound system, a 55-inch smart television and a PlayStation 5.

Walking away with the second highest of $800,000 Sijore who qualified in week five by topping-up and activating a data plan won herself an Echo Show, an air fryer, an iPad, a sound system, and a 55-inch smart

Shivani Sijore

Yushon Allicock

television. Another customer, Allicock, qualified by paying his Fibre bill in full and on-time and has won $ 700,000, an Echo Show, an Air Fryer, an iPad, a sound system and a 55-inch smart television.

The other qualifiers namely Simon, Boullear, and Greene, all walked away with a huge cash prize in addition to consolation prizes.

It was noted that throughout the campaign, 54 lucky customers also won cash prizes of $50,000.

GTT in a release said that the six-week Christmas promotion, which kicked off on November 15 and concluded on December 31, created an immense wave of excitement and engagement among its customers who were encouraged to top-up with GY$1,000 or more, activate a data plan or pay their bill in full and on-time to get the letters “GTTXMAS” and earn their chance to win.

It noted that another part of the promotion was the Continued on page 48

Sunday January 07, 2024

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s l l a f r e t a W

Sherolyn Abraham is Rupununi's first female post mistress

La-Shana Paul

The

(Pix by Cortex Pictures)

Illuminating Passions & Purpose with Tunuja Persaud's Candle Venture

: t i L

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Sunday January 07, 2024

La-Shana Paul

Meet classy Guyanese beauty La-Shana Paul a nurse, whose goals and ambitions are to make a positive impact on society by learning and growing.

La-Shana believes there’s always room for improvement, and is constantly seeking out new challenges and opportunities for self development. Her favourite quote is

by Vice President Kamala Harris: “Dream with ambition, lead with conviction and see youself in a way that others may not, simply because they’ve never seen it before.” (Picture by Cortex Pictures)

Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur News

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RALPH GONSALVES EXPLAINS HIMSELF ON GUYANA/VENEZUELA MAP By: Sir. Ronald Sanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own.)

The New Year broke over Guyana with Guyanese everywhere deeply worried about the intentions of the Nicolas Maduro government in Venezuela which, through various communiques and public statements and action, appeared to be gearing up to seize the Essequibo region of Guyana.

A meeting, on December 14, 2023, in which Maduro and Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, participated in St Vincent, under the auspices of the Prime Minister of that c o u n t r y, D r. R a l p h Gonsalves, eased fears of an i m m i n e n t Ve n e z u e l a n invasion, but it did not quell the sense of deep disquiet among the Guyanese people.

Into this scenario of anxiety and uncertainty, on Wednesday, January 3, a Venezuelan group posted a photograph on Facebook which was rapidly shared on social media networks. The photograph prompted swift condemnation of Prime Minister Gonsalves from many Guyanese. The picture showed the Prime Minister and his Foreign Minister, Keisal Peters, standing at the two ends of a line with two Venezuelans, who were holding, for the camera in front of them, a papiermâché map of Venezuela which depicted Essequibo as Venezuelan territory. Behind Gonsalves was a statue of S i m o n B o l i v a r. T h e photograph was described by the Venezuelans, who p o s t e d i t , a s “ Ve r y emblematic image of the PM of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, paying homage to the liberator Simon Bolivar with a map of Venezuela that includes our Essequibo.” As happens when emotions are high and anxiety pervasive, none of those who commented on the Facebook post, checked either the age of the photograph or the circumstances in which it was taken. There appeared to be a general assumption that the photograph was taken after the St Vincent meeting of December 14, which

issued “The Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela.” In this connection, the comments on Facebook and on social media accused Gonsalves of acting in support of the Venezuelans by appearing in the company of Venezuelans with a map, showing Essequibo as part of Venezuela.I was never persuaded that the Facebook post and the image it offered of Gonsalves, seeming to endorse Essequibo as a part of Venezuela, represented the truth of the situation. I immediately posted on the

attached to the Venezuelan Embassy placed the “papiermâché” depiction of the said map in front of us. I did not look at what the depiction was. I assumed that it was about Simon Bolivar.”

As all leaders know – politicians and otherwise – persons take photographs in which they appear but have little knowledge of anything or anyone that is not within their vision. Gonsalves was behind the map, and photographs are taken within seconds. That situation could have happened to anyone, and indeed, they frequently do.

Facebook page, the following observation: “I have known and highly regarded Dr Ralph Gonsalves for over 40 years.

I cannot be convinced that, when he stood behind the artwork map, showing the Essequibo incorporated into Venezuela, he was made aware of the image being displayed. The Ralph Gonsalves, I know and respect, would not consciously do such a onesided thing while the world awaits a decision on the G u y a n a - Ve n e z u e l a controversy from the International Court of Justice, and while he, himself, is playing the role of CELAC’s honest broker”.

In order to write this commentary, I called Dr. Gonsalves to learn his side of this story. He told me what he subsequently included in a letter to Presidents Ali and Maduro, concerning this incident. He explained that he was not aware of the photograph but confirmed that it was taken at a ceremony commemorating Bolivar in St Vincent on the grounds of the Venezuelan Embassy in December 2022.

He went on to say in his letter, as he had told me: “While the photographs were being taken, I am advised that someone

He described the incident as “an innocent inadvertence on his part” and he regarded it as “unfortunate” that it “has been used by some to drum up, unnecessarily, antipathy of one kind or another.” He also understood “all the emotions attendant on this controversial issue;” and recognized that, as happened on this occasion, “from time to time there will be flare-ups.” Gonsalves then said to both Ali and Maduro, “we as leaders must maintain a patience and a calm knowing that sun brightens stone, even as the river burns.” For those who do not recognize those words, they are taken from one of the iconic poems of Guyana’s Poet Laureate, the late Martin Carter, “Death of a Slave.” Dr. Gonsalves went on to urge that “about this matter of the papier-mâché depiction, hopefully it has been laid to rest, where it ought properly to reside among the assorted ghosts from the past, which ought never to rule us from the grave.” None should forget that in the long months of 2020 as Guyana’s democracy was being sorely tested and the free will of the people, as expressed at the ballot box, was being jeopardised, Ralph Gonsalves stood in solidarity

with all the people of Guyana, seeking peace, stability and democratic rights. Like every man, Ralph Gonsalves, is not infallible but one thing is for certain, he is a Caribbean man and, he cares deeply about our one Caribbean region.

Undoubtedly, he has a friendship with Maduro, and he is seeking, as best he can, to promote acceptance of a lasting solution to the G u y a n a - Ve n e z u e l a

controversy. That i s R a l p h Gonsalves’ nature.

But he is no enemy of Guyana’s, and none should wrongly try to make him so.

He has explained himself fully and satisfactorily. As he has asked, the matter should be laid to rest. Of the greatest importance now is that Guyana and its CARICOM partners must move forward,

Sir. Ronald Sanders focusing on the legal and diplomatic efforts necessary to end the Venezuela controversy.

Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

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Knotless Braids Hairstyles For All Hair Types Done by: Natural girl wigs Knotless braids are the rave i n t o d a y ’s h a i r f a s h i o n .

Celebrities like Beyonce, Zendaya, Jhene Aiko, Kelly Rowland, and Keke Palmer, to mention a few, have all rocked this particular hairstyle in all its glory. Traditional box braids are beautiful but they also demand high maintenance. With knotless braids, there is no such thing: they’re easy to style as well as maintain.

What Are Knotless Braids?

Knotless braids are braids that don’t begin at the roots of the hair. They are made using the “feed-in” technique.

In traditional box braids, the hairdresser starts braiding from the roots of the hair with the extension. This process can cause the hair to shed and eventually come off especially if

it is held too tightly.

Knotless braids don’t cause hair roots to pull out because of the technique used.

How to do Knotless Braids First, the hairdresser divides the hair into sections.

Next, they pick one section and further divide this into three equal parts and start to braid.

When they’ve braided between ½ to 1 inch of hair, they add the extension.

They braid the hair with the extension and continue doing that all the way down.

The hairdresser applies the same technique to the other sections of hair.

I have selected this helpful video by Tiffany Renae to show how knotless braids are practically done.

What Are The Benefits Of Knotless Braids?

They Serve As Protective

Styles: If you want to take a break from styling your hair while still protecting it, knotless braids are the right choice.

They Are Painless: As I have mentioned before, traditional box braids require a tight hold on the hair roots which causes pain.

Knotless braids do not require a tight grip and, as such, are painless.

A Natural Look: Because of how they’re installed, knotless braids give a seamless natural look.

T h e y A r e L o w Maintenance Styles: Knotless braids only require that you oil your scalp/hair roots at least every three days to prevent dryness.

They Last Long: You can keep them in your hair for as long as you want. However, I advise that you only keep them in, for 4 8 weeks.

They’re Easy To Take Out: All you need to do is snip out with scissors where your hair stops on the extension and then begin to loosen the braids.

No Tangles/Knots In Your Hair Afterward: Since knotless braids do not start at the base of your hair, they don’t leave it all tangled up at the roots. So, you don’t lose much hair when you’re taking them out. Hey, there’s a reason they’re called “knotless”. In all, knotless braids don’t damage the hair.

How Many Packs of Extension Do You Need To Make Knotless Braids?

Well, this depends on your desired length and also the volume of your hair. If you’re looking for waist-butt length braids, you can use between 3 - 4 packs of extensions. If you’re going for shoulder - bra length, (Continued on page 23)

Knotless braids

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Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

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Knotless Braids Hairstyles For All Hair...

From page 21 two packs of extension should be enough. Tips On Selecting The Right Knotless Braids Hairstyle Your Hair Length: Before making your knotless braids, consider your hair length. If your hair is short, then go for knotless braids that end at your neck.

Similarly, if your hair is long, go for longer knotless braids.

The Hair Extension: Go for lightweight extensions.

You don’t want to feel like your braids are pulling your hair out of your scalp. These braided wigs won’t pull your hair out.

Comfortability Is Key: No matter how cute a style looks, make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with before you

wear it.

How To Style Knotless Braids The best part about knotless braids is their versatility when it comes to styling. There are many ways you can rock these braids, whether it’s for an event, a casual meeting, or when working from home.

Here are some trendy hairstyles you can try out with your knotless braids below: 1. A Bun Never Goes Out of Style If you don’t want hair all over the place, you can tie your knotless braids in a bun.

A bun is one way to make knotless braids look simple and elegant at the same time.

2. The Longer, The Finer Waist to butt length

knotless braids are quite popular. Not only do they give off that chic look, but they also make you appear confident. And that is a good thing.

3. Ponytails Forever What is putting knotless braids up and having them hang low all at once? A ponytail look!

4. The Bad Gal Mohawk The Mohawk is perfect for the girl who wants to give off an I-can-do-bad-all-bymyself look.

5. The Two-Bun Look What’s better than a bun?

Two buns! All you need to do is section the knotless braids into two equal parts and tie each in a bun.

6. The Crown The Crown is perfect for events like a wedding, a

dinner party, or any other semi-formal event. This style will give you that royalty feeling.

7. Short Braids Matter Not a fan of long braids?

Your hair is not long? Then go for short knotless braids.

8. A Bun With Four Strands Want to spruce up the bun look? Then leave two strands of knotless braids on the right and on the left side to hang loose.

9. A Bit of Color Goes All The Way Colors are life. If you don’t fancy the color black, go for colorful extensions instead.

10. Side Partings For Life What’s a simple way to style knotless braids? Give it a good old side parting.

Hair bun, in knotless braid style

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g stin s... e r e e r Int eatu Cr

Tibetan macaque

The Tibetan macaque is the largest species of macaque and one of the largest monkeys found in Asia. Only the proboscis monkey and the larger species of gray langur are bigger in size among Asian

monkeys.

Males are the larger sex, commonly attaining a weight of 13 to 19.5 kg (29 to 43 lb.) and length of 61 to 71 cm (24 to 28 in) long, with a maximum record weight of 30 kg (66 lb.). Females, in

contrast, weigh 9 to 13 kg (20 to 29 lb.) and measure 49 to 63 cm (19 to 25 in) long. The stump-like tail adds only 4 to 14 cm (1.6 to 5.5 in), with females having a considerably shorter tail.

The fur is well-suited to

Tibetan Macaque is the largest species of macaque and one of the largest monkeys found in Asia.

the species’ cold environments, being long, dense and brown on the back, with creamy-buff to grey coloration on the underparts.

Some adults are quite dark brown on the back, while others are a sandy yellowishbrown color. They have a prominent, pale-buff beard and long whiskers, but have a relatively hairless face.

The face is pale pinkish in males but is a more vivid, reddish-pink in females. The infants have silver-and-black fur that changes to its adult color at the age of two.

S t u d i e s o f Ti b e t a n macaques at Mount Emei and Huangshan Mountains,

China, found the average tenure for an alpha male only lasted about one year. When troop size becomes quite large (in the 40 to 50 range) and competition grows over increasingly stretched resources, some individuals (males, females and juveniles) split from the main group to form a new, smaller group, known as ‘fissioning’, and move on to a different home range.

Usually, it is the lowestranking individuals that will split from the main group.

The Tibetan macaque lives in mixed sex groups. In their complex social system, females remain for life in

their natal group, but males disperse shortly after their adolescence (at about 8 years old). Macaque societies are hierarchical, with higherranking males getting better access to the resources, namely food and sexuallyreceptive females. Alpha males dominate the group, being those that are typically large, strong and newly mature. As they age, males tend to gradually lose their social standing and are frequently subject to challenges for dominance from other males. Such conflicts are frequently quite violent and males may kill each other in battle.

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Sunday January 07, 2024

Illuminating Passions & Purpose with Tunuja Persaud's Candle Venture

: t i L Owner of LIT, Tunuja Persaud

By Renay Sambach

I

n the world of scented candles, Tunuja Persaud stands as both entrepreneur and artisan, blending her passion for fragrance with a keen business acumen. The journey of LIT, her candle business, is a testament to the fusion of inspiration and dedication, shaping a brand that resonates with creativity and care.

During an interview with The Waterfalls Tanuja shared that her venture began as a confluence of events.

A profound love for scented candles coupled with her pursuit of a business management degree set the stage.

“It wasn't just one thing that inspired me to start my candle business; it was a combination of events. I've always been obsessed with scented candles and knew I wasn't the only one, given that my major is business management, I had the idea in mind to ship in a few candles and resell through my parents' store.“ The turning point arrived with a DIY candle-making set gifted by

her sister and brother-in-law, igniting Tanuja's creative fervor and laying the foundation for LIT's inception.

“During 2018 the term LIT was in, a term used to describe something great and just something exciting.” It was a fitting descriptor for Tunuja's candle enterprise. With an instinctive choice, the name 'LIT' encapsulated the essence of candles, flames, and the allure of something extraordinary.

Setting her brand apart, Tunuja prides herself on the quality and creativity infused into every candle. Each new creation undergoes meticulous research and experimentation, reflecting her unwavering commitment to excellence.

“I would like to believe it is the quality and creativity of my brand, of course that's from my perspective. If it's anything I do before releasing it to the public, a new candle is thoroughly researching and experimenting. I take a lot of pride in my work, I am patient and I try to put a part of myself into my work.”

For Tunuja, sustainability isn't

just a trend; it's a fundamental practice. She exclusively utilizes natural soy wax in their candles, sourced from renewable plants.

Every candle features cotton wicks, and their vessels are designed for reuse—whether refilled as a candle or repurposed as a holder or storage item.

She shared, “The materials and testimonies of others who are already in this business help a great deal with my choices.

My number one quality I prioritize with my materials is safety. Safety is paramount to my entire work, and I will never reduce its standard.”

The BEAN-- LIT's inaugural candle line, holds a special place in Tunuja's heart. Not only does it embody her passion for candlemaking, but it also serves a noble cause. A portion of its proceeds aids local animal rescuers in Guyana, a

testament to her commitment to community welfare.

As a young woman in the entrepreneurial landscape, Tunuja has encountered her share of obstacles. Yet, she views these hurdles as learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of time management, managing consumer expectations, and the significance of networking.

Tunuja finds equilibrium between creativity and business acumen with support from her e n t r e p r e n e u r i a l f a m i l y.

Recognizing the need for selfawareness, she acknowledges the value of taking breaks and recalibrating to maintain a healthy workflow.

Her advice to budding female entrepreneurs echoes the essence of resilience and dedication.

Research, perseverance, and an (Continued on page 48)

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

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Ignite Your Dreams 2024!

- The Ultimate Vision Board Party set to take place “The greatest gift ever given to mankind is not the gift of sight, but the gift of vision. Sight is a function of the eyes; vision is a function of the heart. ‘Eyes that look are common, but eyes that see are rare. Nothing noble or noteworthy on earth was ever done without vision” is quote from Dr Myles Munroe. The words uttered by the Christian scholar and preacher still resound today and it is with this great philosophy that Guyanese fashion designer, Sonia Noel is hosting her 3rd annual vision board party.

Noel told The Waterfalls that she is extremely proud of the event and is encouraging patrons to join to start the year right.

The designer and coach noted that while having resolutions are good, creating a vision board has been proven as a more powerful way to manifest your dreams and goals for the New Year.

Noel explained: “It’s a visual representation of your aspirations, serving as a constant reminder and source of motivation to manifest your ideal life. Your vision board is a unique visualization tool that creates a private, sacred space to define your goals and dreams. Think of it as a map of your future that will inspire and help you on a daily basis to create a vibrational match for the future you desire. Use this to

create your perfect career, relationship, level of income, and so much more.”

She noted that participants will have all the necessary coaching before the event. “If you are in the process of redoing your Vision Board you can also join us. Snacks and basic material will be provided.

Registration was $4000 until the 1st January.”

Iolana Mc Donald Fraser, a patron of Noel’s event told this publication that creating her own vision board changed her life.

“Earlier this year, I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Noel. My life has not been the same since. It was the first time I had even ‘heard’ of a Vision Board. When I researched the concept, I could not wait to attend the Vision Board Party. I don’t remember the date, but I remember the feeling, I had carried most of what I needed, because I was determined to make the full use of the new experience.

This was just at a time in my life when it seemed I had lost my compass…” Fraser said adding that as a result of the vision board experience her life took shape again.

“This course taught me so much about myself and taught me to look inward for the strength needed to face my challenges. It showed me that I was on a collision course to self-destruction, but it also provided me with (Continued on page 33)

Sonia Noel (3rd left) and patrons of the 2023 vision board party

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This week in History Amelia Earhart Terrorists attacked Charlie makes first successful Hebdo headquarters in France solo flight from Hawaii Charlie Hebdo

January 7 On 7 January 2015, at about 11:30 a.m. in Paris, France, the employees of the French satirical weekly magazine Charlie Hebdo were targeted in a shooting attack by two French-born Algerian Muslim brothers, Saïd Kouachi and Chérif Kouachi. Armed with rifles and other weapons, the duo murdered 12 people and injured 11 others; they identified themselves as members of alQaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which claimed responsibility for the attack.

They fled after the shooting, triggering a manhunt, and were killed by the GIGN on 9 January. The Kouachi brothers’ attack was followed by several related Islamist terrorist

attacks across the Île-de-France between 7 and 9 January 2015, including the Hypercacher kosher supermarket siege, in which a French-born Malian Muslim took hostages and murdered four people (all Jews) before being killed by French commandos.

In response to the shooting, France raised its Vigipirate terror alert and deployed soldiers in Île-de-France and Picardy. A major manhunt led to the discovery of the suspects, who exchanged fire with police.

The brothers took hostages at a signage company in Dammartin-en-Goële on 9 January and were shot dead when they emerged from the building firing.

-to-California flight January 11 On this day in 1935, Amelia Earhart, one of the world’s most celebrated aviators, made the first successful solo flight from Hawaii to California, a distance longer than that from the United States to Europe.

Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She set many other records, was one of the first aviators to promote commercial air travel, wrote bestselling books about her flying experiences, and was instrumental in the formation of The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. Born and raised in Atchison, Kansas, and later in Des Moines, Iowa, Earhart developed a passion for adventure at a young age, steadily gaining flying experience from her twenties.

In 1928, Earhart became the first female passenger to cross the Atlantic by airplane (accompanying pilot Wilmer Stultz), for which she achieved celebrity status. In 1932, piloting a Lockheed Vega 5B, Earhart made a nonstop solo transatlantic flight, becoming

Amelia Earhart the first woman to achieve such a feat. She received the United States Distinguished Flying Cross for this accomplishment.

Earhart’s legacy is often compared to the early aeronautical career of pioneer aviator Charles Lindbergh, as well as to figures like First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt for their close friendship and lasting impact on the issue of women’s causes from that period.

Earhart disappeared July 2, 1937; declared dead January 5, 1939 was an American aviation pioneer and writer.

Catastrophic earthquake hit Haiti

El Chapo was recaptured and imprisoned January 8 Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera commonly known as “El Chapo,” is a former Mexican drug lord and former leader within the Sinaloa Cartel- an international crime syndicate. He is considered to have been one of the most powerful drug traffickers in the world.

Guzmán was born in Sinaloa and raised in a poor farming family. He endured much physical abuse at the hands of his father, through whom he also entered the drug trade, helping him grow marijuana for local dealers during his early adulthood. Guzmán began working with Héctor Luis Palma Salazar by the late 1970s, one of the nation’s rising drug lords. He helped Salazar map routes to move drugs through Sinaloa and into the United States. He later supervised logistics for Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, one of the nation’s leading kingpins in the mid 1980s, but Guzmán founded his own cartel in 1988 after Félix’s arrest.

Guzmán had been on the run since his escape from a federal prison in Almoloya de Juárez, Mexico, on 11 July 2015.

On 8 January 2016, Mexican naval forces moved into position to raid a house in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, believed to be occupied by one of Guzmán’s top assassins or sicarios. As they entered the building, an “intense” gun battle erupted between the marines and several armed assailants, leaving five of the

Remnants of the Haiti earthquake in 2010

Mexican drug lord ElChapo after his arrest cartel gunmen dead and six wounded. One marine was also wounded. During the chaos of the firefight, the marines discovered Guzmán, who fled the house through a series of tunnels and then attempted to escape in a stolen vehicle. Shortly thereafter he was spotted by federal agents and apprehended outside a motel a short distance away from the house.

January 12 The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake that struck Haiti at 16:53 local time (21:53 UTC) on Tuesday, 12 January 2010. The epicenter was near the town of Léogâne, Ouest department, approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.

By 24 January, at least 52 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater had been recorded.

An estimated three million people were affected by the quake. Death toll estimates range from 100,000to about 160,000to Haitian government figures from 220,000to 316,000, although these latter figures are a matter of some dispute. The government of Haiti estimated that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings had collapsed or were severely damaged. The nation’s

history of national debt, prejudicial trade policies by other countries, and foreign intervention into national affairs contributed to the existing poverty and poor housing conditions that increased the death toll from the disaster.

The earthquake caused major damage in Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and other cities in the region. Notable landmark buildings were significantly damaged or destroyed, including the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly building, the Port-auPrince Cathedral, and the main jail. Among those killed were Archbishop of Port-auPrince Joseph Serge Miot, and opposition leader Micha Gaillard.

Port-au-Prince’s morgues were overwhelmed with tens of thousands of bodies. These had to be buried in mass graves.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

Sunday January 07, 2024

Ignite Your Dreams...

From page 29 the tools I needed to regain my footing.”

“I was finally motivated to keep a journal. This exercise has been very calming to me. I was exposed to motivational speakers, who [sic] I previously never took the time to listen to.

Though the course has ended, my learning continues since I was guided to find the tools needed to continue on a path to confidence, self-love, and growth.” she added.

Meanwhile, Bradley De Souza said he was able to attain roughly 85% of what

there,” De Souza said.

As such he is now looking to this year’s event.

“I cannot wait for the next event to plan my 2024 vision board. It works, it moves and with determination and faith in God, nothing can stop you.

Attending the vision Board party for the year 2023 was beyond motivational,” he added.

De Souza noted that the event allowed him to put a plan target into the physical world.

“In doing this, and having my board where I can wake up and see it every day,

A vision board serves as a compass for what you want to achieve she had on her vision board.

“I gained so much because this vision board pushes you on to unknown paths, it lets you know that work must be done to get

and going to bed and looking at what I desire to accomplish had surged a renewed fire in me to work towards these things,” he said.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 07, 2024

GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS RECORDS SEVERAL CERTIFICATIONS IN 2023 – ANTICIPATES MORE IN THE NEW YEAR C

ertification is confirmation by a ‘third party’ that requirements of standards and guidelines are met during business processes to deliver quality products or services. Usually, it is based on conformity assessment in which the fulfillment of the requirements is checked before a certificate is granted.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as a certification body, recorded significant achievements in 2023. The

Bureau certified thirty (30) new companies under its Permit to use the Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme, Laboratory Certification, the Bed & Breakfast Certification, and the Product Certification Programmes.

The GNBS certification programmes were established to demonstrate that locally manufactured products and services can satisfy available standards and quality requirements thereby providing confidence to their users.

Of the companies certified in 2023, seventeen (17) businesses were granted permission to use the GNBS approved Made in Guyana Certification Mark on their products.

These products include rice, software, beverages, plastic products, wood products, agro-processed products such as spices and sauces, and more.

The absence of local testing facilities hindered quite a few businesses from attaining certification for their locally manufactured

products under the Made in Guyana programme. With the increased opening of laboratories across Guyana, it is anticipated that more product testing will become available.

There were nine (9) new laboratories certified under the Laboratory Certification Programme compared to two (2) in 2022. The total number of certified laboratories in Guyana is now at thirty-two (32). This addition provided a significant boost for our local health sector as eight of these certified laboratories were medical laboratories, with one testing laboratory.

Certification benefits laboratories by allowing them to consistently operate in accordance with established procedures that are based on the national standard (GYS 170:2021) – General requirements for the operation of a laboratory. It provides them with a benchmark for maintaining the laboratory management system and for improving the services offered to clients.

Under the Product Certification Programme, two (2) manufacturers of

concrete hollow blocks and one jewellery establishment achieved certification last year. The GNBS Product Certification programme ensures there is consistency in the manufacturing process through the monitoring and implementation of quality control procedures, thereby reducing the risk of producing substandard products. It provides Gold Jewellers, Block makers and other certified businesses with a competitive edge of p r o v e n q u a l i t y, a n d ultimately, they benefit from increased revenue.

Finally, the Bed & Breakfast Certification Programme which commenced in 2023, attracted two certifications.

The certified facilities demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the Guyana Standard GYS 514:2022 “Requirements for bed and breakfast facilities.”

The standard outlines conditions to guarantee a comfortable experience for persons using the bed and breakfast facilities.

As a result of the new certifications, the GNBS now has a total of eighty-five

(85) certified stakeholders.

In 2024, the Bureau anticipates that more businesses will become certified as it is set to roll out its new “GNBS 901 Certification” which provides the implementation of a Quality Management System for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises. The formulation of this programme was informed by the GYS 231:2010 Standard - Good Management Practices for MSMEs, seamlessly blending it with key elements from the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management SystemsRequirements.

The GNBS encourages businesses not to hesitate, but to quickly get onboard its various certification programmes which provide a wide variety of benefits for their growth and development, and customer satisfaction.

F o r f u r t h e r information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065-66, Whatsapp 692-4627 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org.

Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 35

Armageddon sound clash returns on January 27 Armageddon clash has been well known for over six years for its vibration and energy built in the Guyana clash industry. Empire Media Inc (EMI) has over the years aimed to promote and sustain the craft of sound clash while recognizing the talent of deejays across Guyana.

Empire Media Inc. is ecstatic to announce that it’s that time again in the “sound world”.

The group’s return of the Armageddon Sound clash was overdue given an extensive wait due to the pandemic.

On Sunday 10th December, 2023, clash lovers, and the media joined in witnessing the launching of ARMAGEDDON SOUND CLASH 2024.

This event took place at Mango Lane, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown at 2:00 p.m.

The reigning champion, Deejay Magnum from Notorious Sounds, along with Jimmy Slaughter from Firehouse International and David Hype out of Warriors Choice Sounds kicked off the event at the launch.

As the days draw closer, Empire Media Inc encourages patrons to come out in their numbers to represent for their favorite Deejay as they prepare to exhibit their talent on the big stage.

The clash is slated to take

place on January 27th, 2024 at the National Stadium Tarmac, Providence from 10:00 p.m. Fans can expect to see 3 foreign and three local sound systems in the running where the winner grasps the opportunity to capture the championship trophy in a musical battle along with GYD$1,000,000.

In 2020, EMI brought fans a foreign sound out of Africa which left an everlasting impression with his unique craft which gained him new fans in Guyana.

In 2024, the promoters have locked in Kanabis Sound out of Antigua; Artical Pride of Japan and for the first time a foreign female Deejay will grace the stage known as Diamond Sunshine of Kosmik Movement from the USA. Locally, patrons will witness Notorious International, Fire House International Sound and Warriors Choice who is a new comer to the arena.

Empire Media Inc. continues to create history; the promo team forecast 2024 to be the biggest clash since it opened the doors to this form of entertainment in 2017.

In a release the group expressed its gratitude. “We would like to thank our current sponsors who are backing EMI in making this event a success thus far which includes: The Ministry of Culture Youth

The launch of Armageddon sound clash included Deejays, clash coordinators and the promo ladies.

and Sports, Kabisa and Coles Printing.”

“We encourage fans to keep it locked and follow the

Armageddon train, look out for our Armageddon Promo ladies, who have been hitting the streets, for chances to

win tickets at our upcoming bar promotions across Guyana.

Feel free to also follow

our Empire Media Inc. page for pop up promotions and updates on the clash,” EMI added in the statement.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 36

The Just-In-Case Backpack Lilly puts so many things in her 'Just-in-case' backpack. But what will she do when she loses it?

“It isn't a competition to see how much stuff you can squeeze into your backpack.”

Mom shook her head.

“But it's ALL important stuff…” Lilly loved her backpack. It was small and blue, and so many things fitted into it. Lilly's backpack had lots of zips and pockets, too. That made it even more special to tuck things away.

And that was Lilly's big problem. “You just never know what you are going to need when you are in the garden or the park.”

“What things?” Lilly's Mom seemed to be having a head-shaking day.

“Just Things that might be useful.” Lilly grinned at Cyril Squirrel hanging on the back of the backpack. Lilly started counting on her fingers.

“Skipping ropes and juggling balls. A big blow up beach ball just in case.”

“Just in case of what?”

Lilly's Mom knew she shouldn't ask, but she did.

“In case somebody says, has anybody got a beach ball?

Then, crayons, pencils, and paper if you need to draw. A few games and dice. A puzzle or two, just in case.”

Lilly's Mom didn't ask, and Lilly carried on listing her Things!

“Bubbles, you might need to blow a few soapy bubbles to cheer you up. Ice Cream, but that's silly, I

meant to say, money for icecream in one of the little pockets. Candies, cookies and a few jelly beans, too, that's what pockets are for.”

Lilly carried on. “In winter, I have extra gloves and scarves and in summer I have a sunhat, clean socks and a towel.” “I can't believe it; you don't need all that stuff.” Mom was almost giving up. “I've got a few storybooks, too, and a bit of music, just in case. A small tambourine and whistle. And just in case, I've got a few plasters and my address is inside, just in case I lose it.”

Mom didn't ask anymore.

But later at the playground the 'just in case' really happened. Well, quite a few 'just in cases'Lilly had taken out her juggling balls and skipping

Sunday January 07, 2024

Junior page

A

rope and was having fun in the sand with the others.

“I bet you haven't got a decent ball,” one of the boys called out.

“If you help me to blow it up, I've got a huge giant beach ball in my backpack.”

Lilly laughed, and her Mom shook her head.

“Brilliant” The children all shouted, and beach ball

catch was the new game.

Then one of the little ones fell off a swing. Lilly was there as quick as a flash with a handful of plasters.

“Just in Case.” She smiled and handed the little boy a few jellybeans, and blew a few soapy bubbles to cheer him up.

When they all got tired and sat in the shade, Lilly pulled out the crayons and paper and they played 'Boy, Girl, Animal, Fruit', an alphabet word-game. Lilly s c r i b b l e d d o w n B i l l y, Beyoncé, Bear and Banana and was the fastest for B. The children had just started with F – when the ice-cream man arrived.

But she didn't need the 'Just-in-case' ice- cream money. Mom waved and gave her some.

After the ice-cream, Lilly wanted to put away the crayons.

But she opened her mouth in surprise and cried out. “It's gone; my backpack is gone!”

Everybody helped look for Lilly's backpack – the other mothers, all the children, everybody. They looked everywhere – in the bushes, in the sand, under the swings, even up in the trees.

“We'll get a new one.”

Mom tried to help.

“But Cyril Squirrel is gone, too, as well as all my

other 'Just-in-case' treasures.”

Lilly started to cry, and nobody knew what to say.

Lilly's special backpack was gone, and most important Lilly's toy squirrel- that was the very worst. At bedtime, Mom told Lilly, “But you put your name and address inside, didn't you? Just in case.” Lilly nodded. “Yes, just in case I lost it.”

“Let's hope that somebody reads your address and, just maybe, brings it back.” Mom gave her a big hug.

Did Lilly get her backpack back?

Yes, she did.

A few days later Cyril Squirrel and the backpack were sitting at the front door.

Lilly couldn't believe her luck and whooped all over the kitchen, hugging Cyril and kissing her backpack.

But things were missing – lots of things – the candies, the cookies, the jelly beans, an orange, the fizzy drinks, the games and books – oh yes, and the ice cream pennies, too.

So, who took Lilly's backpack and sweets? – Cyril Squirrel knows, but he's not telling, he's a secretive squirrel. Now Lilly doesn't put quite so many things in her backpack, just in case she loses it, again. She keeps it nearby in the playground, and keeps a squinty eye on it, just in case – Lilly is more

back-toschool time capsule is a perfect way to help preserve those first day of school memories.

Share How to Make a B a c k - t o - S c h o o l Ti m e Capsule Supplies Needed to Make this Back-toSchool Time Capsule o Time capsule printable label o Mason jar (or clear container) o Ribbon o Yellow confetti o C o l o u r e d construction paper o String o Pencil o Scissors o Glue dots o Best Day List Q&A filled out o Photos of child with Best Day List photo props o First day of school mementos (like the Best Day List lunch box notes) Instructions for this Time Capsule Craft 1. Trace your child's hand on a piece of coloured construction paper and cut it out. Have your child write their name and their grade on the handprint.

2. Have your child stand up against a wall and use the string to measure your child's height.

Cut off the string the same length as your child.

Bundle it together neatly and secure it with a piece of ribbon.

3. Print out the back-to-

school time capsule label and cut it out.

Gather your Best Day List Q&A, child photo's and first day of school mementos.

4. 4. Fold the Best Day List Q&A in half and

then roll it up to fit inside the mason jar. Place it down inside the jar.

5. Now place the handprint, Best Day List photos, Best Day List lunch notes (or other mementos) and the bundled string inside the mason jar.

6. Pour confetti inside the mason jar and around the

inside edge of the jar. Close the jar and use glue dots to adhere the back-to-school time capsule label on the front of the jar.

Now tie a bow around the top lip of the jar with ribbon.

Your back-to-school time capsule is complete!

Place it up on a shelf or in a special place so that on the last day of school you can open it up and your child can remember that first day of school and see how much they've changed and grown throughout the school year.

RY T E O P H T I FUN W Doing better in the New Year

By Uncle Roy It is now a brand new year, And I think this tells me something – That I must try to start again, And do better in everything.

I need to improve in all my work, Whether at home or school, Try to be right in all I do, And with everyone act nice and cool.

careful, and only puts half the things in her backpack, even though she always finds it very hard to choose.

“Nobody ever wants me to play the tambourine, or blow my whistle anyway, I wonder why?”

But what I think is most important, Even more than work and play, So that God will always help me, I must find more time to pray.

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

PAGE 37

TEEN TIME

Make a determined and regular effort in this New Year to Improve Yourself As a person with ambition and the desire to make the best of yourself, you must realise that you need to continuously make the effort at improving yourself in the various aspects of your life. For the coming weeks Uncle Roy will be sharing with you some pointers on developing a better personality and achieving success in your ambitions. Here are the first tips which I hope you will take seriously: 1. Exercise daily – Take some time every day to do some physical exercises, such as stretching, walking, running and lifting weights, even this is minimal.

If and when you can do this in a natural setting as outdoors, you will benefit much more.

2. Expect the best and prepare for the worst – Always try to be optimistic,

SHAPE UP YOUR PERSONALITY This is the first of the poems featured in Uncle Roy's book: SHAPE UP YOUR PERSONALITY, which has been published in the USA, and which will soon be published locally.

Uncle Roy intends to send copies to school libraries, so you should be able to loan a copy when it becomes available.)

Chart your Course

by Roy Paul Is there a ship that goes to sea That has no stated port of call, Without a means of staying on course, Where wind and tide dictate and chance befall?

Is there a bird or fish or beast That has no purpose to its being?

Nay, each is counted and serves its aim, In the Good Lord's reckoning.

that is, looking for the best to happen, but still prepare yourself for the times when things may not go right.

Being optimistic has immense rewards in your own personality, in your relationships and in all you try to achieve.

3. Plan a schedule for your week – When you put down on paper, and also in your mind, what you should be working on each week, then you will find that you will be able to do much more of what is beneficial to you than just moving from day to day with no set plans.

Try to be realistic in this and, once decided on. Work towards accomplishing all you plan to achieve.

4. Keep in mind the 5 highest priorities of your life – You should try to always be aware of the things that matter most, and not allow other things to keep you from the proper direction you have chosen.

These should include your family, your ambitions in life, your friends, and the things you need to do to keep on track towards your goals.

5. Say no to distractions

– This is probably the biggest obstacle facing any young person who is trying to make it in the modern world.

There are so many things that can keep your attention from the things that you really need to do that you can waste a lot of energy, time and resources in getting involved in these and move in the wrong direction.

Keep telling yourself not to let the TV, cell-phone, idle friends and useless activities get in the way of your ambitions, both short and long term.

Make some effort to keep these tips so that you can refer to them continuously.

Look out in the coming weeks to more of these which I guarantee will make your life so much more worthwhile.

Why then should a man live on this earth With no set goals to meet, To pitch and toss in the sea of fate, And thus end his life in defeat?

A life thus lived is worth much less Than any of God's dumb creations, If man should claim a higher destiny, He must seek his given mission.

So each of us need take the time To form the goals we cherish, To give true meaning to our lives, And thus gain fulfillment and happiness.

Any sincere effort at looking at yourself honestly and trying to improve will benefit you tremendously.

Solutions to last week’s Circle 9 Puzzles

by KrazyDad

Slitherlink

NEW YEAR'S CROSSWORD

I

n a Slitherlink Puzzle, you connect horizontally or vertically adjacent dots to form a meandering path that forms a single loop, without crossing itself, or branching.

The numbers indicate how many lines surround each cell.

Empty cells may be surrounded by any number of lines (from 0 to 3).

There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing.

You may find it helpful to make small x's between dots that cannot be connected.

Need some solving help?

V i s i t krazydad.com/slitherlink

1 CELEBRATION 2 PARADE 3 MIDNIGHT 4 FIREW ORKS 5 NOISEMAKERS 6 RESOLUTION 7 JANUARY 1ST 8 Auld Lang Syne 9 CONFETTI 10 TIMES SQUARE

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

PAGE 39

Young mom cops Miss Crane 2023 title

Contestants of the Miss Crane Pageant The Miss Crane 2023 Pageant came to end on coronation night on December 30, 2023, when a young mother of one, Tonia Harris was crowned queen. The pageant saw six delegates vying for the title as well as the other prizes.

On coronation night, the delegates took part in four segments to accumulate the most points. The introduction, swimwear, talent,

and evening gown/question segments, which were each worth 25 points and the top delegates were selected based on their answer to the question.

Tonia Harris was named queen, Anasa Williams copped the 1st runner-up, Phylicia Adams the 2nd runner-up and Ashley Somerset copped the 4th runner-up position.

The contestants were adjudged for their

participation in three segments of the pageant, the swimsuit, evening gown and ‘question and answer’.

The pageant was aimed at young girls within the Crane area on the West Coast of Demerara as an opportunity to showcase their beauty and intelligence and to serve as a forum to build self-esteem and empower them.

Promoter Sean Swan, popularly known as “Fresh” decided that for the 5th edition of the pageant, he wanted to have delegates with pageantry and modeling experience due to a tight timeframe for training and other activities.

Amongst some of the events that led up to the pageant were several ‘meet and greets’, a cocktail night reception, and photo shoots.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 40

Sunday January 07, 2024

Sherolyn Abraham

IS RUPUNUNI’S FIRST FEMALE POST MISTRESS

carrying out her duties mainly on foot, she decided to save her money and later bought a bicycle.

“I used the bicycle for many years,” she added.

Then, as she started to save more and grew in the job, she decided that she needed to upgrade. As such, she learnt to ride the motorcycle and subsequently, in 2015, she bought one of the bikes.

This made her job much easier, and she was able to cover more ground as a post girl. In addition, she has been able to explore the region on her bike.

She said she enjoys the job since she can interact with various people daily. “Well I get to interact and communicate with a lot of people in and out of the region on a daily basis and I’m happy serving my region,” she said.

NEW APPOINTMENT In July last year, Abraham was appointed Post Mistress. It was a feat which she worked hard to achieve, and she told the Waterfalls Magazine that she felt proud about her new post. “Well, I feel very proud to take up this huge responsibility, in serving the people of this region. Since Region Nine being the largest region in

Sherolyn Abraham during a ride into the savannah lands of the Rupununi. She said she fulfilled many of her duties on her bike.

I

Abraham stands by a tree and takes some fresh air

n 2009, when Sherolyn Abraham moved to Lethem from Annai in the North Rupununi, she had mixed emotions about taking up her new job as a casual postal apprentice with the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC).

“I was scared, anxious, mixed emotions. I didn’t know anyone in Lethem at that time,” Abraham said. She hails from the village of Aranaputa at Annai but according to the ambitious woman; her move was hinged on her hunger for better work opportunities. She said prior to working with the GPOC, she worked at a shop.

According to Abraham, when she first started out working, it was a tiring task to move around Lethem, especially since she did so on foot.

In 2010, one year after she commenced working at the post office, she was promoted to the post girl status.

Abraham covered several areas as a post girl at the border town, delivering mail and other duties.

The areas included Tabatinga Housing Scheme, the town of Lethem, Culvert City, Culvert City Housing Scheme, and the village of St. Ignatius.

The mother of three said after

Guyana, indeed it’s challenging, but I’m here to serve to the best of my ability in promoting the GPOC and their mission which is to help p e o p l e , o rg a n i z a t i o n s a n d communities grow by keeping them connected through the transfer of mail,” she said.

As she regards memorable moments the job, Abraham said they are too many to mention. She noted however that during the floods of 2012, she still managed to carry out her duties despite the area being inundated for days after the Takutu River overtopped, due to persistent rains. The waters flooded Lethem and other communities for several days.

She said she only worked in the areas which were not under water.

RECOGNITION Last December, the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce recognized Abraham in her new role as post mistress. “Let’s welcome her to our town as she serves our region diligently,” the chamber noted.

Abraham said she has learnt a lot from her 13 years at the GPOC. She said she still has a hunger and drive to continue serving the town of Lethem and the Rupununi as a whole.

Rupununi’s first post mistress, Sherolyn Abraham

Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Works on Linden-Mabura Road project only 25% completed – Public Works Minister Progress on the construction of the Linden to Mabura Hill road is approximately 25 percent completed. This was revealed by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill at his end-of-year press conference.

The Minister told reporters that he had expected the works to have been further

A section of the Linden to Mabura Hill road project

along.

“Linden-Mabura Hill Road, another transformational project, physical progress is at 25 percent, we expected that they would have been further, the time elapsed is 50 percent. So, half the time for the construction but they only at 25 percent,” he said.

The contracting Brazilian firm for the road project, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A, “have to get on with the job” the minister remarked.

Edghill disclosed that the contractor has completed 2,845 meters of drains on the project, 18,960 meters of cement stabilized sub-base, 16,900 meters of cement stabilized base, and 16,330 meters of asphaltic concrete along the roadway.

The minister stated that this year, he expects that work will accelerate.

“When I told you our expenditure was at 87 percent, this is part of the short comings because we budgeted for more (money), because we had anticipated for more works being done but the contractor did not perform,” he added.

It was noted that the works on the new road is slated to be completed in 2025.

Kaieteur News reported that in December 2020, the Government of Guyana, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Government of the United Kingdom partnered to fund the US$190 million project.

The CDB funded US$112 million, while a grant of £50 million (US$66 million) from the Government of the United Kingdom via

the CDB- administered United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund, along with US$12 million provided by the Government covered the cost of the project.

In 2022, following a thorough evaluation process by the CDB and Consultant Mott MacDonald and other specialists, Construtora Queirozñ Galvao S.A, (Bid No 5) was determined as the most responsive bid. This is in terms of full compliance with all Safety, environmental, social, and health requirements, in upgrading the 121 kilometres of road from Linden to Mabura Hill.

The project forms part of a wider development of the Georgetown to Lethem corridor.

The project will consist of two main highways; the width of each lane is approximately 3.6 metres, some hard shoulders both sides measuring 2.4 metres, cyclist and pedestrian lane of two metres, a utility corridor, about 10 bus stops, and nine rest areas just to mention a few.

The Linden to Mabura Hill road project is just the first phase that will ultimately lead to a completed Linden to Lethem Road link that will then complete an overland link to Brazil.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 07, 2024

Kitty residents to benefit from more security, major drainage and road works - Pres. Ali

This main alleyway in Kitty is obstructed by someone’s makeshift ochro plot as well as overgrown vegetation behind it.

Five of the clogged drains in the Kitty area

By Kiana Wilburg Following an early morning roadside meeting on Saturday at Dowding Street, Kitty which culminated in a walk-through of surrounding areas, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali pledged that there would be several transformative changes within one week.

After listening to the concerns of several residents, the Head-of-State committed to ensuring sewage issues are promptly addressed as well as a number of clogged drains and alleyways cleaned.

Ali also assured that there would be imminent road refurbishments and new streetlights installed. Also, part of his commitment was the clearing of overgrown vegetation on derelict plots, thereby removing potential concealment zones for criminal elements.

To address security concerns, he said a containerized police outpost would be placed in the community.

President Ali made the foregoing promises while in the company of Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag; Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jnr.; Minister within the

Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; key officials from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and several PPP Councillors.

In his opening remarks Ali said, “The reason we are here today is part of our agenda to ensure that we uplift the lives of people in every community; that we invest in improving the conditions under which you live and addressing directly, the challenges people are facing in the different wards and sections of our city and all across Guyana.”

The Head-of-State said over the last year especially, his government has been focusing on big infrastructure projects to be implemented in the city which would bring massive improvement.

He said these include new highways and roads. “...when the councillors here and ministers campaigned in the Local Government Elections, we promised that we would have a strong and robust community-oriented strategy…The councillors that we have elected are doing an enormous job and they are out there, day and night and that is the type of leadership we want,” he said.

The President also noted the importance of the outreach as a mechanism for involving residents in devising the solutions to their problems.

Upon noting some of the concerns of scores of Continued on page 49

President Ali engaging residents during his walk through

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

PAGE 43

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

SUNDAY – DECEMBER 31, 2023

Progressive Party/Civic continues to pick and choose when it adheres to 'sanctity of contract.'

They have refused to pay the taxes of the oil companies as mandated by the Petroleum Agreement, ordered audits after the stipulated timeframe outlined in the contract and refused to conduct a feasibility study for this country's largest financial venture in history, the Gasto-Energy project.

When will this government step up to the table and fulfill its promise to renegotiate that abusive deal? Will Guyanese ever enjoy the benefits from the vast oil resources?

Guyana's Agriculture Sector Flourishes in 2023 In 2023, Guyana's agriculture sector, under Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, saw remarkable progress.

The sugar industry received a substantial $8.1 billion investment, leading to a revitalized GuySuCo with a 22% decrease in government funding reliance. Production soared to 60,204 metric tonnes, a 28% increase.

Additionally, 52% more land was replanted, and 54% of sugar was sold as packaged products. The sector also welcomed the Albion Gem and Demerara Gold brands, with GuySuCo poised to open new packaging plants.

In the rice industry, paddy production increased by 7%, yielding 653,706 metric tonnes and earning $45.2 billion, $3 billion more than in 2022.

Infrastructure developments included the construction of 17 pump stations and the first conservancy in Region 10.

The Mahaica Mahaicony Abary-Agricultural Development Authority upgraded its fleet, and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority enhanced its excavator and dredge capabilities.

Region Five saw significant drainage and irrigation works, benefiting 28,500 acres of land.

In the Hinterland, a rainwater harvesting project was completed, and a Hinterland Department was established to support local communities. Finally, the government distributed 228 farming leases from 2022 to 2023, boosting agricultural productivity.

These accomplishments highlight Guyana's unwavering commitment to becoming a regional agricultural powerhouse.

The sacredness of Guyanese lives vs Exxon's contract Guyanese want more for their oil. Guyanese need more from their wealth.

Guyanese know that they should get more, are due more, and they know this with the most absolute of convictions.

Renegotiation of the 2016 ExxonMobil contract will not dishonour its sacredness. Instead, it will enhance ExxonMobil's and America's reputation for doing what is fair and just and, could not be more right.

The goodwill of the Guyanese people would be immeasurable, something of priceless value to ExxonMobil, American companies, and America itself.

The ExxonMobil contract must be renegotiated, in some shape or form, for more for Guyanese. The lives and interests of Guyanese are also sacred. America and ExxonMobil must manifest now how much the sanctity of Guyanese prosperity and Guyanese lives mean to them.

MONDAY – JANUARY 01, 2024

THURSDAY – JANUARY 04, 2024

Govt. picking and choosing when to break sanctity of contract A starving population is forced to remain in poverty, with the leading child malnourished rates in this hemisphere, as the People's

Momma hungry, poppa hungry, bredda hungry sista hungry President Irfaan Ali spoke about the many infrastructural projects to adorn their budget this year, when he issued a two-page

WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 03, 2024

speech for the New Year.

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

W h o s e p r o s p e r i t y, certainly not the many citizens living in poverty, and often hungry? Guyanese learn of more loans taken, and more millions borrowed for building road and educational and health capacity, and they wonder what about the yawning, gnawing capacity in their stomachs that cannot be halffilled almost daily.

Why is it with all the sweet political speeches from leaders that citizens

still live at the same standard (perhaps worse) as eight years ago, when the first announcements came about oil discoveries?

FRIDAY – JANUARY 05, 2024 Jagdeo monument: The Skeldon Sugar Factory 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.

SATURDAY – JANUARY 06, 2024 Pray for Aubrey Norton Almost two years since becoming Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton is yet to outline what concrete plans he has for ensuring

more benefits are retained for citizens from the oil and gas sector, as well as how he intends to prudently manage and spend those revenues.

On a simple matter like ring-fencing, Norton is bobbing and weaving; telling reporters that he has to weigh the pros and cons.

This blatant reluctance to take a firm stance on such a pivotal issue, is more than just laughable – it's a slap in the face to every conscientious Guyanese.

Norton's inability to embody the qualities of a true leader, especially in an opposition role, is becoming painfully clear.

The nation's hopes and prayers seem to be the only support left for him in these trying times.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 44

From page 14 hearing the commotion, she made a check in the living room where she saw her reputed husband lying motionless in a chair with a wound to his left side chest while he was still holding their baby. She related that the teen was at the time standing over Haynes with a handgun in his hand.

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

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

Reports are that Haynes and his baby were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where the man was pronounced dead by medical staff. His daughter was treated for a wound to her right side shoulder.

FRIDAY Jagdeo 99% sure no Govt. official has shares in Exxon Vice 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

Sunday January 07, 2024

projects.

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

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

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

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 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 ringfencing 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 ringfencing 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

Amid the fallout over the 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).

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 Opposition Leader said.

The Opposition Leader emphasized the need to navigate this situation carefully, acknowledging the lack of authority for Ve n e z u e l a t o d i c t a t e 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 (Continued on page 45)

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Sunday January 07, 2024

From page 44 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 a r e n o t a n 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, non-state players illegal fishing and drug dealers and part of the mission of this is to look at that…” Jagdeo said.

According to reports, the H M S Tr e n t h a d b e e n 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 H M S Tr e n t a n c h o r e d offshore Guyana. In a statement, the Venezuelan Government condemned the arrival of HMS Trent in Guyana waters, terming it a hostile provocation and a b r e a c h o f t h e A rg y l e 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.

SATURDAY Indian Govt. approves MoU to explore Guyana’s oil blocks The Government of India has given its approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed with Guyana for collaboration in the hydrocarbon sector. In a statement that was issued by the Indian administration on Friday, it said the proposed MoU covers the sourcing of crude oil from Guyana, participation of Indian companies in the exploration

and production sector of Guyana, and cooperation in the areas of crude oil refining and capacity building.

It also covers the strengthening of bilateral trade, collaboration in the natural gas sector and developing a regulatory policy framework in oil gas sector for Guyana. It is also expected to pave the way for cooperation in the area of clean energy including biofuels as well as the renewables sector.

The statement said the MoU shall enter into force on the date of its signature and will remain in force for a period of five years. It shall be automatically renewed thereafter on a five year basis unless either party gives the other a written notice, three months in advance, of its intention to terminate the understanding.

In recent times, Guyana has gained significant salience in the oil and gas sector, becoming the world’s newest oil producer. The new discoveries in the Stabroek Block represent 11.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent and amounts to 18% of total global oil & gas discoveries and 32% of discovered oil.

According to the 2022 World Oil Outlook report by OPEC, it’s expected that Guyana’s oil production will increase substantially.

The production is predicted to grow from 0.1 million barrels per day in 2021 to 0.9 million barrels

Kaieteur News

per day by 2027.

OPEC, which stands for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is an international group consisting of several oil-producing countries. Its main purpose is to coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets.

Further, as per BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2022, it notes that India is the world’s third largest energy consumer, third largest consumer of oil and the fourth largest refiner.

It is also the fastest-growing major economy with rising energy needs.

BP’s Energy Outlook and the International Energy Agency estimate that India’s energy demand would grow at about 3% per annum till 2040, compared to the global rate of 1%. Further, India is likely to account for approximately 25-28 per cent of the global energy demand growth between 2020-2040.

With a view to give a further impetus to ensure energy access, availability, affordability to citizen underpinned by energy security of the country, India is focusing on fostering new partnership in hydrocarbon s e c t o r, b o t h t h r o u g h diversification of crude oil sources and through acquiring quality overseas assets.

T h i s d i l u t e s

PAGE 45

dependencies on a single geographical/economic unit and increase India’s strategic maneuverability.

Govt. will not be bound by recommendations outlined in Exxon’s Gas Utilisation Strategy - VP Jagdeo The Government of Guyana (GoG) will not be bound by recommendations contained in ExxonMobil’s Gas Utilisation Strategy, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday.

The Vice President was at the time speaking at his weekly press conference

held at the Office of the President.

Jagdeo acknowledged that the government missed the year-end deadline for its own National Gas Strategy but assured that it will be forging ahead with the U S $ 2 B G a s - t o - E n e rg y project.

“We will finalize the Gas Strategy, and we will make that public. We will take into account, the Exxon Gas Utilization Strategy but we are not going to be bound by that strategy,” Jagdeo said.

“Our strategy, our goal is clear. We want to advance investment in gas development as early as possible. And so, clearly, that has to be,” he added.

The Vice President did not provide a new date for the strategy to be finalised.

Jagdeo had announced that with help from India, a National Gas Strategy is being developed. Exxon is currently conducting a number of gas-related studies, and is expected to produce a Gas Utilization Plan.

He warned that should the company fail to effectively utilize the gas; the Government will be left with no other choice but to relinquish it.

The Vice President went on to state that even in the absence of the strategy, the Government will test the market.

“Even before the completion of the strategy, because we know what the goal is, even before that, to test the market, because we are told that there aren’t

many people right now, who may be interested in funding because of the magnitude of the fund. We believe that based on bilateral contacts with us, people making specific proposals… which we don’t want to go through directly, that we just test the market,” Jagdeo explained.

The Vice President had previously expressed enthusiasm about the PPPa d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’s g a s strategy, emphasizing its role in the government’s larger plan to monetize some 17 trillion cubic feet of gas found in the Stabroek Block.

“We’ve made it clear; we want to monetize our gas assets. This strategy will outline our approach to the industry,” he said.

Moreover, Guyana is actively pursuing the use of natural gas in the Liza One and Liza Two fields for the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, under construction a t Wa l e s , We s t B a n k Demerara (WBD).

ExxonMobil Guyana is set to fund a 12-inch pipeline to transport the resource to Wales, where a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant will process and separate the gas for use in a power plant.

This power plant is expected to generate 300 megawatts of electricity for the national grid and produce products like cooking gas for sale, aligning with the government’s goal of energy self-sufficiency.

Despite some expert concerns about the projects’ nearly US$2 billion cost, the government remains resolute about its viability.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

Kaieteur News

PAGE 46

Sunday January 07, 2024

Norton avoids being tied to any promise to ring-fence Guyana’s oil projects Aubrey Norton, the Leader of the Opposition, tactically refrained from committing to the ringfencing of ExxonMobil’s oil projects offshore Guyana, during his press conference last Thursday.

This comes amid vibrant debate in the press about mechanisms to prevent revenue losses.

Ring-fencing, a financial safeguard mechanism in the oil and gas industry, has been a focal point of discussion, concerning ExxonMobil’s operations in the Stabroek block. Advocates for ringfencing assert that it could mitigate potential revenue losses by ensuring that costs from one project are not transferred to another.

However, Norton’s remarks convey a reluctance to fully endorse this approach.

When asked pointedly about the matter, Norton said, “We do not see dealing with any company as a fixed, static situation. One has to, over the period as things evolve, deal with them in the particular context. It is easy for somebody to ask us, Are you going to ring-fence?

And you expect a yes or no answer.

For us, there is a rule for ringfencing, but it can only be determined as you have the figures and all the information at your disposal.”

While the Opposition Leader exercises caution about the necessity for ring-fencing, five of Exxon’s projects have already been approved by the government.

To Norton’s mind, there are other mechanisms to prevent revenue losses, like auditing.

“Because you could ring-fence, and if you don’t have the mechanisms to audit, it becomes another avenue for you to lose resources. So we need to, in a very structured way, develop our capacity to audit, develop our capacity to monitor.

We probably might be losing more from not having those mechanisms than from ring-fencing. You have to analyze your situation and deal with the fixed situation on the ground, rather than this hard and fast approach to one tool that might be well-recommended, but not perfect in every situation.”

Norton also said that ringfencing may not even be relevant at some times.

Elson Low, Norton’s advisor, commented that it is important to have the right “structures” in place

for decision-making, and that as more information becomes available, a clearer picture of the industry will emerge to adapt strategies.

As there is no ring-fencing in place for the five Stabroek block oil developments approved by the government, costs not directly related to specific projects can be charged against ongoing production, a situation that stakeholders see as detrimental to Guyana’s financial interests.

The issue of ring-fencing has gained renewed attention as the government reviews the proposal for ExxonMobil’s sixth project, Whiptail. Government expects to approve the project in the first quarter of 2024. Advocates believe that this is an opportune moment to

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton implement ring-fencing and rectify imbalances in the current fiscal arrangement.

While often acknowledging the potential benefits of ring-fencing, Norton now refuses to endorse it.

Thousands protest in Israel demanding captive release, government to resign

A person in prison clothes wears a mask depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a demonstration against the Israeli government in Tel Aviv. [Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters] Aljazeera - Several thousand supporters, friends and families of the Israeli captives taken by Hamas on October 7 rallied in Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square” on Saturday, Al Jazeera reporters on the ground said.

“This is unprecedented because, throughout the beginning of this war, everyone had agreed, including the antigovernment protesters, that they needed to be unified at a time when there is war, at a time when captives are still being held in Gaza,” said Al Jazeera’s Sara Khairat, reporting from Tel Aviv. The turnout of people in the square was much higher than in recent weeks when a

Supporters and families of captives held in Gaza shout slogans as they protest to call for their release. [Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters]

few dozen to a few hundred people gathered.

“Now, quite a few thousand people [are] gathered here,” our correspondent said.

Protesters shouted: “Bushah bushah, bushah”, meaning “shame, shame, shame” in reference to the government, with some also blaming Netanyahu and other officials for the events of October 7.

“This just gives you a sense of how angry some of these people are,” Khairat said.

In Jerusalem, people gathered in front of the house of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to demonstrate, demanding the return of the more than 100 captives still held in Gaza.

People hold signs of protest as they call for the release of hostages held in Gaza. [Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters

Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 47

PAGE 48

Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur News

Japan earthquake: Woman in 90s found alive under rubble five days later

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At the same site, rescuers also found a woman in her 40s in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest, reports said.

The first 72 hours of a rescue operation are considered critical because after that, the chances of finding people alive drops substantially.

The two women were found days after that window closed.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are using helicopters for rescue operations and deliver supplies to isolated areas, as several roads remain blocked.

According to public broadcaster NHK, rescue efforts could be hampered by wet weather forecasted for Sunday in some quake-hit areas, with authorities warning

that even a small amount of rain could trigger more landslides.

They also warned that a cold front is expected on Sunday, which could bring snowfall through Monday in mountainous areas of the quakehit Ishikawa prefecture.

More than 30,000 people are being housed in government shelters.

From page 43 wanted those responsible to be named.

“It’s about accountability,” Castleton told Times Radio on Saturday. “Let’s see who made those decisions and made this happen.”

The long-simmering scandal stirred new outrage with the broadcast this week of a TV docudrama, “Mr. Bates vs the Post Office.” It charted a two-decade battle by branch manager Alan Bates, played

by Toby Jones, to expose the truth and clear the wronged postal workers.

Post Office Chief Executive Nick Read, appointed after the scandal, welcomed the TV series and said he hoped it would “raise further awareness and encourage anyone affected who has not yet come forward to seek the redress and compensation they deserve.”

A lawyer for some of the postal workers said 50 new

potential victims had approached lawyers since the show aired on the ITV network. “The drama has elevated public awareness to a whole new level,” attorney Neil Hudgell said. “The British public and their overwhelming sympathy for the plight of these poor people has given some the strength to finally come forward. Those numbers increase by the day, but there are so many more out there.”

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From page 16 text-to-win competition, which saw customers text for a chance to win a million dollars. The lucky winner of the text-to-win was Bibi Shanaze.

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BBC - A woman in her 90s has been found alive under rubble five days after a devastating earthquake struck central Japan.

Rescue workers discovered her in the wreckage of a two-storey building in the town of Suzu.

The 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Japan Sea coast on Monday, flattening towns on the remote Noto peninsula.

More than 120 people have been confirmed dead, and 200 are missing.

According to the newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, 100 rescuers were sent to the town of Suzu after learning that two women were buried alive.

Citing local police sources, the newspaper reported that the elderly woman was responsive, but believed to be suffering from hypothermia.

Pipeline handlers, forklifts 3.5 tons diesel truck weigh scales -(60 tons,40 ft) Low bed trailers-60 tons,triple axle. Call: 665-3880.

From page 28 unwavering spirit in the face of adversity constitute the pillars of her guidance.

Harnessing the power of social media and online platforms, Tanuja engages with her audience, gathers feedback, and steers her brand’s growth. These digital avenues play a pivotal role in marketing, consumer insights, and product development.

Tanuja envisions LIT evolving into a prominent candle-making entity, striving for excellence within the local industry. She remains commit-

ted to exploring new avenues within her current product line while continuously refining her craft. For Tanuja, the most rewarding aspect is witnessing her creative ideas materialize into tangible products and seeing her business flourish, resonating with the freedom and satisfaction of pursuing her passion.

“The satisfaction and freedom of being able to do what I love. To literally turn my creative ideas into tangible products and simply watch it and my business grow.”

Born and raised in

Guyana, 28-year-old Tanuja holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management. Alongside managing LIT, she works in collaboration with her parents in the service industry.

Discover LIT’s creations at RUBiS mini mart in LBI, East Coast, and the SACH Store on Carmichael Street.

Connect with LIT - Facebook: Lit Guyana - Instagram: Lit.gy Email: lit.gy@hotmail.com - WhatsApp: +592 644 9644

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2023

PAGE 49

Panday lies in state at Red House Crowds line streets of PoS to view body of former PM...

Time seemed to have stood still as members of the Defence Force bore the body of the late former prime minister Basdeo Panday in a coffin, draped in the national colours of red, white and black, through the streets of the capital city of Port of Spain, on Friday.

Poised, they moved like a well-oiled machine to the strains of iconic calypsonian the Mighty Sparrow’s (Sling e r F r a n c i s c o ) “Memories”—an eternal tribute to those who have gone to God’s acre. At 8.45 a.m., the procession began promptly outside RBC Royal Bank, Independence Square, moving north towards Independence Square and then west onto Abercromby Street, and then north to the Red House.

As the sun rose in the m o r n i n g s k y, c u r i o u s onlookers and wellwishers, some with breakfast in hand, gathered to pay their respects to the country’s fifth prime minister who passed away on Monday at age 90.

Several people didn’t know Panday’s body was being taken to the Red House, among them Independence Square newspaper vendor Marlene Mohan, who said: “I saw the procession but I did not know it was Panday.

I t ’s o n l y a f t e r I realised what was going on. Panday was a good man.” A few people complained about the

inconvenience and traffic pile-up. Patriotic dress The procession having arrived at the Red House, Panday’s body, dressed in a dark suit, a diamondpatterned tie in the national colours and a red silk pocket square, was taken to the august Rotunda of the nation’s Parliament.

The recessional song was the late crooner Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”.

Opposite, at Woodford Square, dubbed “The University of Woodford Square” by the late first prime minister and historian Dr Eric Williams, knots of people had also gathered.

Inside the Red House, a colourful portrait of a beaming Panday found a place of honour next to the condolence book on the desk.

A second condolence book was opened at the podium. In the background, the coat of arms and two red, white and black national flags stood like sentinels.

Bouquets of pure white and royal purple ginger lilies enhanced the decor.

Rows of potted plants added to the natural scenery.

Panday’s open casket was also cordoned by miniature green plants.

Reverently, people bowed, nodded and made their way past Panday and signed the condolence book.

Misty-eyed crowd Resplendent in a black flowing dress, President

LYING IN STATE: The body of former prime minister Basdeo Panday lies in state in the Rotunda of the Red House in Port of Spain yesterday during the public viewing of his body. —Photo: ISHMAEL SALANDY Christine Kangaloo and her spouse, Senior Counsel Kerwyn Garcia, greeted a group of children in the Rotunda. Garcia proceeded to sign the condolence book.

On hand to greet her were Senate President Nigel DeFreitas, Deputy House Speaker Esmond Forde, Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Amery Browne.

Also present were Panday’s daughter Mickela, an attorney-atl a w, h e r s i s t e r s a n d former United National Congress (UNC) government minister Carlos John, who described Panday “as my mentor and inspiration”.

When the party exited, Mickela blew a

kiss to her father, made her way across the corridor and gently touched his photograph as she exited the Rotunda.

Basking in golden sunshine, she and her siblings proceeded to greet hundreds of people who had gathered to pay their respects to the deceased ex-PM. Upon seeing Mickela, people hugged, kissed and a few grew mistyeyed as they declared their love and adoration for Panday, fondly known as “Bas”. Some people shared their special memories etched in their historical archives.

Sadness tinged with celebration pervaded the atmosphere. Meandering

back to the car, Mickela, dressed in a floral blouse and dark trousers, quickly tied her bow which had become undone during the “ h e r o ’s w e l c o m e ” .

Panday cared Longdenville resident Shariff Thomas, 55, was the first person to sign the condolence book.

Having made the trek since 7 a.m. to the capital c i t y, T h o m a s s a i d : “Panday was the best prime minister this country ever had. He came from humble beginnings (St Julien Village) and he remembered humble folks. He cared about them.

“He cared about whether

they could afford food to feed their children. He ensured their children had an equal opportunity to get an education. Although he walked with kings, he never lost the common touch.

“That is why I love him so much. Poor and oppressed people had a voice in Parliament.

He listened to the cane cutters (Dora Bridgemohan) and the farmers.” Echoing a similar sentiment was Las Lomas classical singer Manmohan Gosyne, who said: “Panday came from humble roots. He never lost sight of that. He always looked out for poor people.

He never forgot country people. He was born into struggle. He liked rural people. He inspired a lot of country people to do well.”

Remembering Panday’s love for culture, including classical Indian music, he said: “Panday loved classical music. He loved the sound of the dhantal and the dholak (musical instruments). He would say, ‘This is my true love.’ He was a patron at our events.” Gosyne also said that a concert is being planned for Monday night at the Fun Splash Water Park, D eb e, w h er e H an u man Chalisa songs will be sung in Panday’s honour.

E v e n m e d i a professionals reflected upon Panday’s effusive charm.

Assuming a military stance, former journalist Richard Lord remembered Panday greeting him as, “My Lord”.

Kitty residents to benet from more security, major drainage...

From page 42 residents, most of which were about drainage and irrigation woes, the President proceeded on a walkthrough of Dowding Street and other flanking areas. During the inspection, Ali engaged with residents, gaining direct insight into the numerous drains clogged and teeming with mosquitoes, which appeared undisturbed even under the bright morning light. In several areas, the President also observed drains cluttered with discarded bottles and various plastic debris. Recognizing these issues, Ali promptly directed the NDIA to not only

undertake a thorough cleaning of these drains but to also devise a design strategy that effectively prevents the accumulation of waste while maintaining ease of access for necessary cleaning and maintenance.

Speaking to his officials he said, “Tomorrow or M o n d a y, l e t ’s h a v e a meeting with the residents (and explain that) when we are cutting the concrete, let us not break up the concrete; let’s do it in a proper way and then we must also give to them a suggested design. A simple thing I see is being done now is that you dont concrete over the drain.

They put a strong enough lip

and you put these grills over it and that helps everyone,” he said. Ali also recommended that when the drains are cleared, a bobcat would be used to grade the shoulder of the drains. He also instructed for the Public Health Ministry to fog the area and for there to be resurfacing of all roads where needed. “We will start that, I would say, in one week,” the President said.

As President Ali continued his walk, he was guided by councillors and residents to the central alleyway in Kitty, which was found to be entirely obstructed due to two primary factors. Firstly, the front section of the

alleyway was heavily congested with compacted sand, mud, and even a concrete structure, elements that had been repurposed by an individual for a makeshift ochro plot. Secondly, this portion was succeeded by a dense, overgrown thicket of bushes, further contributing to the alleyway’s impassability. The President was also told that there are 15 alleyways in the area and many of them are either in the same condition or even worse. He instructed his team to have this addressed immediately as it often leads to the yards of many homes being flooded with diseasecarrying water. Apart from

addressing drainage and irrigation issues, the President also engaged several youths on the need to be part of gainful employment opportunities.

In this regard Ali said, “I want all of our skills, all our talent and all our people deployed to national development…We want all of you to be registered in a training programme and we will get you employed after that training. We will talk to the companies to give you a stipend whilst we are training you guys.”

For those persons who can do masonry or carpentry he said, “...we need you badly. Right away you can

be absorbed in the housing d e v e l o p m e n t programme…” Ali assured that a team led by Ministers Ramson and Indar will meet with about 60 young men on Monday to commence the registration process for the skills development programme.

At the conclusion of the outreach, Minister Indar assured desilting works will be completed for all drains and alleyways throughout the area and all other commitments made by the President would be honoured. He said too that the outreach in Kitty would be done in other parts of the country.

PAGE 50

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

PAGE 51

‘Upgrade to Assistant Master/Mistress’ – Education Min. tells newly graduated teachers The Ministry of Education on Friday appealed to the newly graduated teachers of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) to upgrade to Assistant Master/Mistress.

The ministry in a Facebook post on Friday stated that in November 2023, close to 1800 teachers graduated from the CPCE and that they are now eligible to upgrade to Assistant Master/Mistress.

According to the ministry, as of January 4, 2024, fewer than 200 teachers have applied for this upgrade. “The Ministry of Education wishes to appeal to those teachers who have graduated to apply for their upgrade,” the ministry posted.

It must be noted that the Education Ministry has simplified the upgrading process from eight steps to two steps. The ministry shared that the previous eight-step process has now been reduced to two. Teachers are now required to complete the Teacher Upgrade/ Improved Qualification Application Form and either hand deliver or email the form along with their last Letter of

Appointment to the Department of Education in the respective region.

The agency explained that the Department of Education will submit printed copies of all forms and appointment letters to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) or School Boards Secretariat (SBS) on a weekly basis. The TSC or SBS will issue a new Letter of Appointment or Letter of Improved Qualification which will be emailed to the teacher, the Department of Education, the Ministry of Education, and the official email address of the teacher's school.

“It should be noted that only teachers who attended the University of Guyana (UG) are required to have their forms signed by the Headteacher of the respective school. If a university other than UG or those under GOAL was used, then the teacher is required to have his or her qualification accredited by the National Accreditation Council (NAC) of Guyana before applying for an upgrade or the addition of an allowance,” the ministry related.

The Teacher Upgrade/ Improved Qualification Application Form

Police probe UK Post Office for accusing over 700 employees of theft, the culprit was an IT glitch LONDON (AP) — U.K. police have opened a fraud investigation into Britain's Post Office over a miscarriage of justice that saw hundreds of postmasters wrongfully accused of stealing money when a faulty computer system was to blame.

The Metropolitan Police force said late Friday that it is investigating “potential fraud offences arising out of these prosecutions,” relating to money the Post Office received “as a result of prosecutions or civil actions” against accused postal workers.

Police also are investigating potential offenses of perjury and perverting the course of justice over investigations and prosecutions carried out

by the Post Office.

Between 1999 and 2015, more than 700 post office branch managers were accused of theft or fraud because computers wrongly showed that money was missing. Many were financially ruined after being forced to pay large sums to the company, and some were convicted and sent to prison.

Several killed themselves.

The real culprit was a defective computer accounting system called Horizon, supplied by the Japanese technology firm Fujitsu, that was installed in local Post Office branches in 1999.

The Post Office maintained for years that data from Horizon was reliable and accused branch managers of dishonesty

when the system showed money was missing.

After years of campaigning by victims and their lawyers, the Court of Appeal quashed 39 of the convictions in 2021. A judge said the Post Office “knew there were serious issues about the reliability” of Horizon and had committed “egregious” failures of investigation and disclosure.

A total of 93 of the postal workers have now had their convictions overturned, according to the Post Office.

But many others have yet to be exonerated, and only 30 have agreed to “full and final” compensation payments. A public inquiry into the scandal has been underway since 2022.

So far, no one from the publicly owned Post Office

FILE - A Royal Mail Post Office is seen in London, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013.

U.K. police have opened a fraud investigation into Britain’s Post Office over a miscarriage of justice that saw hundreds of postmasters wrongfully accused of stealing money, when a faulty computer system was to blame.

The Metropolitan Police said late Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, that it was investigating “potential fraud offences arising out of these prosecutions,” relating to money the Post Office received “as a result of prosecutions or civil actions” against falsely accused postal workers. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, File)

or other companies involved has been arrested or faced criminal charges.

Lee Castleton, a former branch manager who went bankrupt after being pursued

by the Post Office for missing funds, said his family was ostracized in their hometown of Bridlington in northern England. He said his

daughter was bullied because people thought “her father was a thief, and he'd take money from old people.”He said victims (Continued on page 48)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

Sunday January 07, 2024

PAGE 53

Kaieteur News

When will this horse racing conundrum end? …Awards ceremony held before season culmination

By Samuel Whyte When one thinks that the horse racing fiasco which has been ongoing for years might be coming to an end. You have to think again.

With the legislation at a standstill and financial issues swirling overhead, hopefully legal intervention is on the horizon.

The latest saga is an Awards Ceremony to announce top performers in the horse racing circles for 2023/2024. This was done even though the racing season was finished.

Apart from that abnormality, several persons have reached out to the media with a heap of burning questions which they would

like to be answered.

Among questions asked were, ‘Under whose auspices was racing being held?’

‘Who were the persons involved in the selection, who appointed those persons and what criteria was used to select winners?’

One that stood out was the selection of the horses of the year. It was reported that Spankhurst was adjudged as the top as against Bossalina.

Spankhurst raced twice.

Bossalina on the other hand raced seven times in 10 months.

Winning thrice, placing second twice and third once.

All Bossalina’s races were in feature events. Where is the logic?

Bossalina scored its first big win in Guyana on March 19 at KMTC. On the 30th of July at PMTC, it placed second to Alado.

The animal was in winner’s row on the 3rd of September with a resounding victory at the RSTC against another top-class field.

On the 10th of December, Bossalina was able to avenge its loss to Alado when it destroyed the field at the PMTC. The dark bay top trotter of the Deleep Esreepersaud Stable of Mahaicony was again in action in a few days on the 26th (Boxing Day) at the PMTC losing a close battle with Spankhurst in their first meeting.

According to Knowledgeables, the racing season doesn’t end in December and starts in January. It starts in February and ends in January.

So the New Year’s meet at PMTC which was won convincingly by Bossalina has to be credited with the season being 2023/224. In that event, Spankhurst finished third.

According to punters, before one is declared champion, a number of factors must be taken into consideration including other placings, the category and class of the races, distance, prize money and the competition in a race among other factors.

2023 a record for Regal...

Sunday January 07, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Aries, right now you could be overwhelmed by conflicts among your own needs, the needs of your family, and your responsibilities toward your job.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Aries, right now you could be overwhelmed by conflicts among your own needs, the needs of your family, and your responsibilities toward your job.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A close relative may be ill or otherwise troubled, Taurus, and you might worry a bit too much today because of a lack of communication from this person.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Excesses in food and drink yesterday may force you to cancel a social engagement today, Scorpio. You probably aren't feeling up to it. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Tension between a married couple who are both your friends could have you situated in the most uncomfortable place of all.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) This is not the day to make financial investments of any kind, Gemini, although someone may present you with some possible opportunities.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You should be looking especially attractive today, Cancer, but you may feel that it's wasted because your beloved isn't around to appreciate it.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your ingenuity and imagination may seem to have deserted you today, Leo, and this isn't making it easy for you to produce the high level of quality you're used to at work.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Money matters might require your attention today, Virgo.

Unusual expenses may have depleted your reserves, so you might have to cut a few corners.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Gloom over the absence of a family member or romantic partner could come upon you today, Capricorn, and your usually exuberant nature could be far more subdued than is normal for you.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Too much food and drink could have you feeling a little out of s o r t s t o d a y, Aquarius. Some friends might have taken you out and exposed you to the most tempting of food and drink.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Right now you might be in the process of moving from one job to another, Pisces.

This might even be a total change in career. Your hard work is paying off, though it may not show up in your bank account for a while yet.

From page 57 lost in the final of the Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup under the lights at DCC but bounced back to end the year with the Vice President’s Cup which they won at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary where a large crowd turned up.

With a similar calendar set for 2024, the Regal sides will be working hard to sweep all tournaments to consolidate their position as the best softball teams in the arena in and out of Guyana. Look out for the guys in the uniforms sporting the colors of the Golden Arrowhead as they head to a tournament near you.

Even without the New Year’s meet Bossalina was way ahead.

When those rationales are taken into consideration Bossalina wins hand down.

In terms of victories, Bossalina is ahead while other factors also show that horse is in front. So, who made that decision and how that decision was made is a mystery.

Bossalina was also announced as the horse of the year at the Boxing Day meet at Port Mourant by announcer Amernauth, only for it to be changed with the horse racing season incomplete.

It’s like cricket or any other sport. A cricketer or a

sportsman playing just two matches and performing well would not be rated better than one who has played for years and performed as well or even better.

To be rated, your performance must be sustained over a specific period and not just from two appearances.

According to Horse Racing Matriarch Mrs. Chan Kennard, the KMTC was not a part of the riddle.

It was one of the strangest things she has seen in her almost 60 years of the sport.

She intoned that although she has made suggestions and overtures, things seem to be getting dire.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 54

Sunday January 07, 2024

RHTYSC cricket team launches 2024 calendar of activities …725 activities planned for the New Year THE cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth Sports Club, MS on Tuesday last launched their 2024 calendar of activities with a donation to the therapy unit of the Port Morant Public Hospital.

The teams, Rose Hall Poonai Pharmacy Under 11 and Under 13, Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell under 17 and second division, Pepsi Under-19 and intermediate, Metro female and the Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Power Under 23 and first division sides handed over a donation to the management of the unit headed by Yonette Yaw. The donation, which included an office chair, clock and cleaning materials along with other items, was the first of 725 activities that the management of the club has planned for the year.

Club secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the Port Mourant public hospital was very special to the club because of the care it provides to its membership.

Foster pledged the club’s continued assistance in the future as he was very impressed with the professionalism of the staff in dealing with patients.

He recalled that the therapy unit has already benefitted from several donations by the cricket teams including physical exercise equipment, food hampers, office furniture,

Members of the RHTYSC led by under-19 captain Matthew Pottaya, handed over the donation to the Port Huron therapy unit sanitary materials and stationery among other needed items.

The teams also honored outstanding staff at the public hospital under its tribute to medical workers program.

Ms. Yaw expressed thanks to the cricket teams for their kindness and wish them success on the cricket field.

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club which was founded in 1990

by Saint Francis Xavier Roman Catholic youth club has produced over 130 players for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies while it

has won over 100 cricket tournaments at all levels.

Additionally, it won three national tournaments winner of the first Guyana cricket board club of the year award and is only Youth and Sports club in Guyana to ever receive a national award from the government of Guyana.

Foster who recently stepped down from the presidency of the Berbice cricket board after a successful six years disclosed that the Rose Hall Town Youth and sports club was able to successfully complete a total of 717 activities under this sub

Defending Regional 4-day champions GHE begin preparations with 4-Day practice matches The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) announced on Saturday that Anthony Adams and Matthew Nandu had been selected as the captains for the respective b o w l o ff s d u r i n g t h e Regional 4-Day 2024 preparations. Match 1 is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 9 at the GCC in Bourda.

Adams and Nandu will lead respective XI’s when they GCB commence preparations for this year’s Regional 4-Day tournament, with a pair of warm up games set to bowl off from January 9-12 and 16-19. Team B led by the young batting star, Nandu, features a number of highprofile players such as Kemol Savory, Shamar Yearwood, Nial Smith, Veerasammy

Permaul and other top Guyana senior/junior players.

Over on Team A, the veteran left-arm spinner Adams will lead his troops, as players the caliber of Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Quentin Sampson, Akshaya Persaud, Zeynul Ramsammy and others will feature in a star-studded battle. Game 1 bowls off on Tuesday January 9 at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC). The two sides will engage in competition from next week with the Regional 4-Day tournament, bowling o ff ear ly n ex t mo n th (February); with defending Champions Guyana Harpy Eagles looking to mirror/top last season’s performance.

Anthony Adams XI (Team A) - Anthony Adams (Captain), Sachin Singh,

Rampertab Ramnauth, Kevlon Anderson, Akshaya Persaud, Zachary Jodah, Zeynul Ramsammy, Joshua Persaud, Aryan Persaud, Junior Sinclair, Quentin Sampson, Rivaldo Phillips, Sylus Tyndall, Malcom Hubbard, Adrian Hetmyer, Bruce Vincent and Clinton Pestano.

Matthew Nandu XI (Team B) - Matthew Nandu (Captain), Raymon Perez, Shamar Yearwood, Kemol Savory, Richie Looknauth, Brandon Jaikaran, Jonathan Rampersaud, Johnathan Van Lange, Gulcharran Chulai, Veerasammy Permaul, Nial Smith, Thaddeus Lovell, Ronsford Beaton, Ashmead Nedd, Ronald Alimohamed, Ushadeva Balgobin and Steven Sankar.

headings of sports coaching, education, charity, awards, community development, youth development, social and religious.

The original target was 750 activities but several problems including Fosters five-month illness affected the hosting of several activities between February to May. The club produced a total of 15 national players at all levels, Under 15 Sohil Mohammed and Ramzan Kubir, Under 19 Jonathan Rampersaud and Jeremy Sandia, Under 17 Matthew Pottaya, Under 13 Tameshwar Deonandan and

Raphael McKenzie, female senior Shemaine Campbell, Sabika Gajnab, Sheneeta Grimmond, Phuffiana Milllington and senior and Amazon warriors player Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Anderson and Clinton Pestano. A total of 31 of its members also represented the county during 2023.

Jonathan Rampersaud, Jeremy Sandia and Matthew Pottaya were all outstanding with the ball for Guyana at the junior level during 2023.

The following members played for the West Indies senior team, CWI cricket Academy or A teams Kevin Sinclair, Sherman Campbell Sheneeta Grimmond, Sahabeka Gajnabi,Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair.

Campbell was appointed as the vice-captain of the female team while Kevin Sinclair is currently on tour in Australia with the test team.

Among the numerous programmes hosted by Club in 2023 were tributes to heroes, tributes to law enforcement officers, tribute to postal workers, tribute to town council workers, GBTI ‘say no to drugs’ inter secondary school cricket tournament, Republic bank grade 6 summer camp, Bakewell/Busta cricket Academy, Basil Butcher trust fund, youth information booklet, region six sports award, ‘say no to drugs’ campaign, clean-up campaign, Walter Nero tribute to fathers, Jessica

Sandia tribute to mother, Christmas concert, feeding the poor, Dolphin Award of Excellence, educational scholarship, tribute to medical workers, evening of music, medical outreach, clinic annual youth magazine, single parent assistant fund, the fire victims and a back to school assistant program.

Additionally, the cricket teams also hosted a massive Christmas outreach program which included the popular Christmas village in the compound of the Rose Hall primary school from the 21st to the 24th of December.

Other projects undertaken as part of the Christmas outreach were the distribution of hundreds of food hampers, concert, special packages for senior citizen, toys distribution and Christmas breakfast for the elderly.

The teams also undertook major repair to the internal fence of the area H ground and constructed a concrete pathway with the assistance of Parthera solutions.

The club also provide assistance to several of its members with a wide array of items including bicycles, uniforms, educational material, cricket gears, food hampers and educational grants.

The cricket section of the club also was able to obtain a batting cage, bowling machine and a pitch cover with the assistance of the Berbice Cricket Board.

Australia climb to the top of WTC points table after SCG win (ESPN Cricinfo) - Australia have reached the top of the World Test Championship 2023-25 points table with their eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Sydney.

They now have 56.25% points from eight Tests. Pakistan, who lost the series 3-0, are now sixth with 36.66% points.

India were on the top after their sevenwicket win over South Africa in Cape Town, but their stay lasted just two days.

They are now second with 54.16% points from four Tests. South Africa, meanwhile, have moved down to joint-third with New Zealand and Bangladesh. All three teams have 50% points from their respective two games.

There were four teams in action in the Boxing Day and New Year’s Test - India, South Africa, Pakistan and Australia. It was South Africa who came out on top in Centurion hammering India by an innings and 32 runs inside three days with Dean

Elgar leading the way in his farewell series.

India, however, came back strongly as they dismantled South Africa in Cape Town in what turned out to be the shortest completed Test ever.

The two Australia-Pakistan Tests in Melbourne and Sydney ebbed a flowed a bit more, but it was the hosts who held their nerve. Australia survived a scare at the MCG when Pakistan, chasing 317 in the fourth innings, had moved to 219 for 5.

But captain Pat Cummins came to his side’s rescue and eventually, Australia won by 79 runs. In Sydney, they gave David Warner a fitting farewell from Test cricket with yet another win.

West Indies (16.67%), England (15%) and Sri Lanka (0%) occupy the bottom three spots.

Australia, the current World Test Champions, will have a chance to further strengthen their position later this month when they host West Indies for two Tests.

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

PAGE 55

Junior Chess players impress in Speed Chess to close off 2023

V

ersatile junior chess players Sachin Pitamber and Kyle Couchman outplayed senior and junior players alike and emerged clear winners in separate rapid / blitz chess tournaments contested at School of the Nations during the last weekend of December 2023.

Thirteen-year-old Pitamber amassed eight and a half out of a possible nine points and won the first-place cash prize of $50,000 in the Open category of the Rapid To u r n a m e n t o n S a t u r d a y, December 30th, 2023. FIDE Master Anthony Drayton earned second just under Pitamber with eight points and received the $30,000 cash prize. Veteran player Justino Da Silva came in third with six and a half points; he received the $20,000 prize. The Best Female prize of $20,000 went to 14-yearold junior Ciel Clement. This is a commendable accomplishment for Clement, who continues to improve her game.

In the U-20 category of the same competition, first place went to Ricardo Narine, who scored 7.5 points. The former Junior Champion was awarded a cash prize of $30,000. Reigning Junior Champion Keron Sandiford also secured 7.5 points with second place on the tie-breaker; he was awarded $20,000. The third position went to junior player Alexander Zhang with

7 points; he received $10,000. Best Female in the U-20 category went to up-and-coming 13-year-old Aditi Joshi, who managed to hold her own against rated players; she received a $10,000 cash prize.

On New Year’s Eve, the blitz tournament saw repeated participation by some players.

Young Couchman emerged as the winner, finishing with 7.5 points.

The fourteen-year-old was awarded $20,000. Coming in second place, was Sandiford, who also tied with 7.5 points and received a cash prize of $15,000.

Justino DaSilva defended his spot with 7 points as he earned third place and $5,000. The Best Female Prize again went to Aditi Joshi, who received a $5,000 cash award.

The Guyana Chess Federation executed several tournaments in the 2023 game season for their male and female, junior and senior players to earn, maintain or improve their rankings. The end of the year was no different for the organizers, and as expected, there was an excellent turnout of players to compete. The events saw almost 30 competitive chess players vying for the top 3 rankings in the two One-Day chess tournaments.

For context, rapid and blitz chess games have the same rules as classical chess, but each player has much shorter time limits to score victories. Chess players were each

Rapid Chess in progress

allotted 15 minutes with fivesecond increments and 5 minutes with five-second increments for the respective events. For both competitions, the Open category contested was for First, Second, Third, and Best Female positions.

The Under-20 category contested for First, Second, Third, and Best Female positions. The chess tourneys, sponsored by the Guyana

Chess Federation (GCF), were organized by the Youth Committee of the Federation. The Board and Executive Management of the GCF sincerely thank all players, parents, members, supporters, and sponsors who have made 2023 activities, events, and tournaments possible.

Special thanks to the School of the Nations for their support in providing the venue for

tournaments and the GCF’s chess club.

The Federation looks forward to working with new and existing players to continue building a vibrant community of chess players. For more information on chess in Guyana, please check the website guyanachess.gy and follow the GCF on Facebook and Instagram.

PM Mottley praises Barbados’ achievements after country awarded T20 World Cup final

(SportsMax) - Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Kensington Oval being awarded the final of this year’s International Cricket C o u n c i l ( I C C ) M e n ’s Twenty20 World Cup, is testament to the country’s high level of organisation, as she beamed with pride about the accomplishment.

Mottley, in a statement on Friday boasted about the country’s cricketing feats and the fact that Barbados has firmly established itself as a cricketing mecca, while the storied Kensington Oval had cemented its place among the world’s leading sporting venues.

The ICC on Friday announced that Barbados could host the final of the June 1-29 showpiece, which is co-hosted by West Indies and United States of America. Barbados will also host three Super Eight, second round games and five group stage matches.

“It is with a sense of

Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley (Photo: SportsMax) pride and excitement that I join cricketing fans here and across the region, in celebrating Barbados being selected to host the International Cricket Council 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup Final. That Barbados will host this final, as well as eight other games throughout the tournament, three of which are Super 8 (quarter-finals) games, is nothing short of a privilege

and an honour,” Mottley said.

“It is a historic moment for our country as well, as this will be the third global cricketing final Kensington Oval has hosted, confirming its place among the world’s premiere sporting venues.

As a Government, we believe this is a testament to the high level of organisation Barbados has displayed throughout the years, having

hosted the 2007 Men’s Cricket World Cup Final and the 2010 Men’s T20 World Cup Final,” she added.

Barbados will be one six Caribbean host venues for the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup, with Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines all hosting matches.

Barbados will host its first group stage game on June 2, a clash between Namibia and Oman, and will also welcome two games involving reigning champions England, when they oppose Scotland on June 4, and Australia on June 8.

“It is equally a reflection of the fact that cricket is intrinsically linked to the identity of Barbados. Quite simply, it is in our DNA. Throughout our history, our

nation has firmly established itself as a cricketing mecca, producing some of the greatest male and female players to have played the game, including the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen, our National Hero The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers,” Mottley noted.

She pointed out that the Oval, located on the outskirts of the city, will now undergo a multi-million renovation in time for the T20 World Cup and, as such, a collaboration with all stakeholders would be crucial in order to make the venture a successful one.

“The planned renovation of Kensington Oval is tangible evidence that Barbados has already started its preparations. Over the coming months, we will continue to work with all stakeholders, in and outside of the sporting arena, to

ensure the thousands of fans who gather here from across the world experience a safe, enjoyable and successful tournament and final,” Mottley said.

“On behalf of the Government and all Barbadians, I wish to express sincere thanks to the ICC and Cricket West Indies for selecting Barbados and Kensington Oval as the location of choice to host this ICC 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup Final. As Barbadians, I say let us all work together to make sure this tournament is a resounding success. And in so doing, let us reflect the pride and industry we possess as a people, and share it with the world,” the Prime Minister ended.

Guyana will host the first semi-final on June 26, while Trinidad and Tobago will take centrestage for the second semi-final a day later.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 56

Sunday January 07, 2024

GGA continues aggressive Development of Golf Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) reiterated its commitment to the partnership agreement signed in 2022 with the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy for an innovative programme that will eventually allow all of their 4,000+ Teacher Trainees access to learn how to play and teach golf. The ‘Train the Trainers’ project that was initiated by the GGA/Nexgen Golf Academy with Nicholas Fraser, Head of of Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit in January 2021, has seen the development of Golf in Secondary schools across eight regions resulting in certified PE Trainers and equipment being provided by the Golf Association for learners across the country.

The CPCE programme, which commences immediately, will enhance the i n s t i t u t i o n ’s P h y s i c a l Education course whilst allowing all student teachers access to learning the sport. The partnership between the GGA, Nexgen Golf and CPCE is expected to equip physical education majors with the competencies necessary to teach the sport upon return to their respective school districts.

“With Golf being an elective on the physical education syllabus for CSEC, and the expectation that thousands of learners, through the MoE Priority Programme Initiative, will join the hundreds of students who choose golf as their PE

Aleem Hussain Vice Principal (Registrar) Ms. Kevaun Sears and PE Teachers during distribution of equipment and training at CPCE

elective, we see it necessary that teachers are trained in the sport,” said Vice Principal (Registrar) Ms. Kevaun Sears. “We applaud and commend Mr. Hussain and his team on the astounding progress and dedication to making the sport accessible to all Guyanese, especially in such a short period!” “I have been involved with the CSEC

PE golf examinations since 2022 and I attended the last ‘Train the Trainers’ program at the Nexgen Golf Academy.

The exclusive teaching system developed by Mr. Hussain is easy to implement as evidenced by the results from CSEC results in 2022-23 where we achieved 100% pass rate with over 90% at Grade I.” said Mr. Stanley, CPCE

Sports Coordinator.

President of the GGAAleem Hussain has been the driving force for golf since 2018 as a Coach, Trainer, Golf Course Designer and the sport’s most passionate advocate. He sees this as quite possibly the most impactful step in development of the sport, “in conjunction with thousands of learners being exposed to

the sport through Minister Manickchand’s mandated Priority Programme, we are training student teachers so we will now have the means to reach every learner in the nation. I am confident that Guyana will dominate on the world stage based on the sheer number of persons who will be playing golf by the end of 2025.” Hussain

revolutionized the game when he designed and built the Westside Golf Course in Vreed-en-hoop, a scaled full length golf course that only required 8 acres of land.

Similar courses are planned for Regions 2, 5 and 6 in 2024 and these will be lighted to allow for night play under cool conditions and after hours programmes for children.

CWI President anticipates Economic Windfall for the Caribbean with ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (CWI Media) - Cricket We s t I n d i e s ( C W I ) President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, lauds the unveiling of the highly anticipated fixtures for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The tournament, slated to unfold across the Caribbean and the USA from 01 June to 29 June 2024, promises an unparalleled celebration of cricket excellence and an opportunity to showcase the region’s cultural richness on a global platform.

“Similar to many stakeholders, I share the excitement with the unveiling of the fixtures for the upcoming ICC Men’s

T20 World Cup. This represents remarkable progress with the preparation of this historic event,” stated Dr. Shallow.

He added, “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup holds immense promise for the Caribbean, not just in terms of cricketing fervor but also as a catalyst for economic growth and regional development.”

Dr. Shallow highlighted, “This tournament is projected to yield over USD 300 million in direct economic impact for the Caribbean.

Moreover, it is anticipated to captivate more than a billion viewers worldwide through

television broadcasts, further elevating the global stature of the Caribbean as a sporting and tourist destination.”

“This influx of visitors, heightened tourism, and burgeoning business prospects will create a ripple effect,” emphasized Dr. Shallow. “The impact on jobs, revenue streams, and the overall quality of life for our citizens will be substantial.”

F u r t h e r m o r e , D r.

Shallow reiterated CWI’s unwavering commitment to collaboration, stating, “ C r i c k e t We s t I n d i e s remains steadfast in its collaboration with international partners to

ensure the resounding success of the ICC T20 World Cup. Together, we aim to deliver an unforgettable tournament that not only captivates cricket enthusiasts worldwide but also leaves an enduring legacy of unity, sportsmanship, and economic prosperity across the Caribbean.”

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sets the stage for a significant economic windfall for the Caribbean, providing a unique opportunity for the host nations to showcase their cultural heritage and allure to a global audience while leaving an indelible mark on the world of cricket.

CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow (Photo: Jeff Mayers/T&T Newsday)

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 07, 2024

PAGE 57

USA trainer ignites Rising Sun ...lands 2023 Horse of the year title

D

a m a i n Dharamjit closed the 2023 racing season on a history making note, then he flew out of the gates with ‘jet’ propelled speed to start the new racing season.

Spankhurst trained by Dharamjit was voted Horse of the Year at the first ever hosting of an Awards ceremony to recognise equine and human excellence in the sport.

Trainer Dharamjit then rang in the New Year racing season by igniting Rising Sun Turf Club racecourse with fireworks of another kind, and it started with Twisted Jet in the second race rocketing out of starting gate to score in gate to wire fashion with Colin Ross aboard for Jumbo Jet Stables.

In the third race the aptly named Game Changer crushed importations, Nice Company and Queen Domina comfortably. This was the changer as the naysayers’ condemnation that G-Class horses cannot beat importation was ridiculed. The stage was now set for the battle royale.

Dharamjit missed out on a Hi-5 of wins as his surefire

Damain Dharamjit (left) Jockey Colin Ross and Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr. (right)

winner, Spankhurst’s rider Ross jockeyship saved him from being dislodged from his mount. This incident happened as the six runners negotiated the paddock bend turn where riders were vying for the best position to place their mounts.

Unfortunately there was an infringement that hampered Spankhurst and Ross’ chances of success. As Ross riding skills saved him from being dislodged from his mount, and certain injury.

Dharamjit is a former USA-based trainer not big in stature, but stands very tall in the sport of horse racing in his place of birth - Guyana.

Reliving his early childhood entry into the horse racing arena he recounted, “I have been involved with horses from birth. My family were horse people. When I was about ten years I started to get more active. That is the time a youngster’s love for animal grows. I choose horses.”

The 55-year-old seasoned campaigner shared that his experiences in Guyana from a youth helped him with the success he enjoyed as owner and trainer he when he got involved in horses in America.

H e s h ar ed , “I w as involved in horses’

ownership for close to 20 years in the USA, but only started training five years back.”

Recounting his journey Damain as he is called relived, “I bought young horses. Most of them that I bought were two-year-olds, and not pricey. As you are aware, every trainer dream is to win the Derby, and moreso the Kentucky Derby or English Derby. I was no different, and my humble background, upbringing, and country of birth gave me more confidence.”

He explained “I felt I had that opportunity with a horse named Street Prince 2012.

As a two-year-old - he finished second to the Todd Pletcher-trained Forty Tales, who was one of the favourite heading to the Derby. Forty Tales won in a quick time. I was offered US$1.2 million, but turned down the offer.

Some might argue that I was foolish, but it was the dream, not money.”

He continued, “I started preparing him with the Kentucky Derby in mind.

Unfortunately he suffered an injury, and did not make it to the race. He returned to racing, but did not fully recover his promise. My Derby hope was gone.”

Dharamjit continued, “I bought inexpensive horses, but they proved to be financially lucrative. One such horse was See This Quick, who went on to earn over US$150,000. My exploits in Belmont Park, USA had its share of challenges, but that is what strengthens us, and makes horse racing intriguing - the challenges.”

Switiching leads from an international arena to home Guyana to train horses he declared, “There isn’t anything like home. Two years ago I started to help my nephew, Junior(Nasrudeen

Mohamed). He is very busy with his business enterprise, and has passed on the baton.”

Asked what he has done since he took over the reins from Junior he said, “Nothing really, I was always working with my nephew, so I knew the horses. Now I am fully in charge, but I keeps him informed how the horses are going, as horse racing is Junior’s passion, and his dream to see the sport grow, and become the best in the Caribbean one day.

As you are aware he (Junior and an interim team) are working to get legislation implemented to regulate the sport. So that horse racing in Guyana will be on the international map.”

Sharing advice to the youths who want to make horse racing their career he disclosed, “There isn’t any secret. Do not be afraid to ask question, because every day you learn something about horses. Most of all hard work does pay off. If you don’t believe I think we have have a horse God to take care of everything.

There are instances you do not know what to do, and miracles happen. Isn’t that God’s work?”

2023 a record for Regal Cricket teams In the year 2023, Regal cricket teams have dominated softball cricket in and out of Guyana and are eager to continue in 2024.

On the field there were three teams because in softball cricket there are three categories for competition; Open, Masters and Legends. While the Legends have proven themselves as true champions the other Regal teams were not too far behind.

The Legends, with players 50 years old or older, entered five major tournaments and won all five titles. It was a year of fists for the Regal Legends as they won the Orlando Softball Cricket League title in March for the first time.

Before 2023, it was the only trophy that was missing from their cabinet. With the bat, Rudolph Baker, Ramesh Deonarine and Unis Yusuf

turned up when it mattered most.

David Harper, Khamraj Sumair and Parsram Persaud were consistent with the ball in chilly weather especially in the final against the home side, Orlando Legends where the temperature was as low as eight degrees Celsius.

In April, the Legends copped the inaugural Speaker’s Softball Cup which was organized by the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown. The Mahendra Hardyal-led side won all of their matches in this tournament with consistent performances from Eric Thomas (now deceased), Wayne Jones and Baker.

In July, the champs returned to the United States of America, this time to New York City. When the dust was settled on the Fourth of July weekend, the Regal Legends emerged as the

Regal cricket team captured the Orlando Cup last year as part of their sterling 2023 champions once again.

This was a hard fought tournament and in the final against Toronto, the Regal Legends were pushed but eventually held on thanks mainly to Sumair, Deonarine, Thomas, Throy Kippins and Hardyal.

Then Guyana became the battle field for two major tournaments, with the end of September seeing the Prime

Minister’s T20 Softball Cup being played for the first time right after the conclusion of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) rather than the traditional date of early November.

However, a brand new tournament was launched and played in midN o v e m b e r , t h e Vi c e President’s Softball Cup which was full of hype.

While the Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup attracted overseas participation and the finals were played under floodlights at the Demerara Cricket Club the Vice President’s Cup was made up of local teams.

Again, Regal Legends humbled all opponents to t a k e a w a y t h e championships. The Regal Masters also clinched the championships in the same tournaments on home soil to emulate their seniors.

In Orlando, the Regal Masters (40 years and older) began their year on a winning note and also took the Speaker’s Cup at Everest Cricket Club on May 1.

However, in the Big Apple the Campbellville-based side stumbled at the final hurdle.

Since then the Masters side regrouped to claim the year-end titles but captain ‘Bobby’ Parsnauth is

looking for a clean sweep in 2024. With the likes of Patrick Rooplall, Tyrone Sanasie and Roy Persaud they have the artillery to conquer all tournaments in the new year.

The Regal All-Stars side were not afforded the opportunity to play in every major tournament like the Masters and Legends but gave a fair account of themselves on the rare occasion.

They missed out on participating in the Orlando Cup and in the New York Softball Cricket League Independence Cup while there was no Open Category in the Speaker’s Cup but got their opportunities in the P r i m e M i n i s t e r ’s T 2 0 Softball Cup and the brand n e w Vi c e P r e s i d e n t ’s Softball Cup in Guyana where they made hay while the sun shone. The All-Stars (Continued on page 53)

The top performers of the recently concluded event.

Spo

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Junior Chess players impress in Speed Chess to close off 2023

Defending Regional 4-day champions GHE begin preparations with 4-Day practice matches Guyana Harpy Eagles celebrate reclaiming the Regional 4-day title in 2023

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