Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR NEWS

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

US$183M estimated

to reconstruct

Thursday Edition January 11, 2024 - Vol. 17 No. 02

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 53,434

Soesdyke/Linden Highway

For his strong views on renegotiation and ring-fencing of Exxon projects Norton boots Patterson from oil portfolio AFC Member of Parliament, David Patterson

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

Global unemployment rate set to increase ...as growing social inequalities in 2024 raise concerns, says ILO report

Figueira kicked out of Norton's shadow cabinet Cop dies in Demerara Harbour Bridge accident Weekly PAC meetings not always possible for ministers – Teixeira Govt. given until next Friday to respond to

summons demanding proof of ExxonM’s US$2B parent company guarantee

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 11, 2024

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 11, 2024

PAGE 03

Govt. given until next Friday to respond to summons to produce ExxonMobil’s US$2B parent company guarantee T he Court of Appeal on Wednesday held a case management conference and granted time for Attorney for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Sanjeev Datadin, to file an affidavit in response to the summons to see the US$2B parent company guarantee lodged oil giant, ExxonMobil Datadin was instructed

by Justice of Appeal, Rishi Persaud to file an affidavit in reply on or before this Friday.

The Court therefore adjourned the hearing until next week Thursday at 11:15am.

The summons was filed b y A t t o r n e y s - a t - L a w, Seenath Jairam, SC, leading Ms. Melinda Janki and Mrs. Abiola Wong-Innings on behalf of Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte.

The litigants had filed a case back in September 2022 so that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be ordered to secure from Exxon Guyana, unlimited liability coverage for oil spills.

In so doing, Guyana would be fully protected from any hidden costs associated with an unmitigated spill from one or

more projects in the Stabroek Block.

On May 3, 2023, High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kisson ruled in favour of the litigants and ordered the EPA to secure an unlimited parent and/or affiliate company guarantee for oil spills. To circumvent compliance with that order, Exxon and the EPA through their lawyers, appealed and were successful in staying Justice Kissoon's decision.

Pending the final outcome of the appeal, Justice Persaud ordered Exxon to lodge a US$2 Billion parent and/or affiliate company guarantee.

Since that order was issued on June 8, 2023, the litigants said their lawyers have been unable to secure a copy of the said guarantee for perusal.

A summons was s ubs equently filed on November 1, 2023 for orders directing the EPA and Exxon to produce a copy of the US$2 billion guarantee.

Attorney-at-Law, WongInnis confirmed with Kaieteur News that the hearing would be on January 9, 2024 at 10:00hrs.

Apart from filing the case as a means to securing full oil spill protection for Guyana, Collins and Whyte were not pleased with the

Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam of Trinidad and Tobago existing US$600M insurance package the EPA accepted from Exxon to cover per oil spill incident.

This matter was also addressed by Justice Kissoon when he had issued his landmark ruling back in May. In fact, Justice Kissoon found that the country does not have an insurance package from Exxon that meets international standards.

This is despite the fact that Exxon tried tirelessly to

convince the court that Guyana was in receipt of a credible insurance package from ANCON UK Ltd., an ExxonMobil subsidiary. The Energy Package Policy covers the Liza Phase One and Phase Two Projects.

Justice Kissoon was keen to note that such a policy, which is noted in the press to be US$600M per oil spill event, does not satisfy the stipulation and obligation set out at Condition 14:5 of the Environmental Permit

(Renewed and issued on May 31, 2022).

Justice Kissoon said the permit for the Liza Phase One Project imposes an express and specific obligation on EEPGL to obtain environmental liability insurance of a certain criteria.

Justice Kissoon said, “It does not constitute what is considered environmental liability insurance 'as is customary in the international petroleum industry' and for the petroleum production operations under this Permit.

Further, the insurance has not been obtained by the Permit Holder from an insurance company of standing that equates to Grade A Plus.”

The Judge further noted that Condition 14.05 of the permit stipulates as to the type of insurance mandated under this Permit, i.e. “environmental liability insurance of such type and such amount as is customary in the international Petroleum Industry for Petroleum Operations in relation to this Permit… It shall include but may not be limited to insurance in respect of: loss or damage to all assets used in the project; environmental damage

caused in the course of the project for which Exxon will be jointly and severally held responsible; loss or damage to property or bodily injury suffered by any third party in the course of the project for which Exxon is liable; the cost of removal of wreckage and clean-up operations required as a result of an accident occurring in the course of permitted activities; Exxon's liability to its employees engaged in the project; and any other requirements made by the agency.

Justice Kissoon said too that the EPA failed and/or omitted to take any step to hire an independent insurance consultant to guide its actions and conduct as it relates to the quality, type and nature of the insurance demanded by the permit. He said, “The Agency has further abrogated its function by simply issuing a letter to Esso and to acknowledge receipt of the copy of the insurance.

The business of the agency is not a clerical one.”

Given the EPA as well as Exxon's disagreement with the said findings of the court, appeals were promptly filed.

Hearings on their appeals are also set for 2024.

AG: Procurement penalties to be updated to include blacklisting of errant contractors The Procurement Act is set to be updated to include powers that will allow for blacklisting of errant contractors, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall has said.

Nandlall told reporters on Monday during a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Georgetown, that the government is looking to update the almost two decades-old Procurement Act to ensure that contractors do quality work in a timely manner. As such, a review, he said, is important to guarantee transparency and accountability in the execution of contracts, and to ensure that quality work is delivered on time.

“There is a regime of penalties that will be imposed when there is breach of those obligations. There will also be a mechanism that will allow for a fair and transparent

system of blacklisting of contractors who are guilty of repeated breaches of contract and delinquency in the discharge of their contractual duties,” Nandlall said.

He noted that any such revision of the existing law would only cover public contracts and not any private business. Last year, the government made a resolute decision to take robust measures against contractors who fail to fulfill their contractual obligations.

Nandlall had previously explained, “These are contractors who are issued with contracts from the government and, for whatever reason, have been breaching those contracts causing tremendous delays in the execution and completion of public works across t h e c o u n t r y, s t a l l i n g t h e government's infrastructural development drive.”

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC In order to tackle this problem, he stated that the Ministry of Finance has been given instructions to expeditiously carry out an audit to identify contractors who are not in compliance.

Once identified, this

information will be transferred to his office, noting that he has been explicitly instructed to inform the errant contractors of actions to be taken, enforce liquidated damages as permitted by contract terms, and commence legal proceedings for contract violation.

“We cannot continue to have contractors not discharging the contractual obligations in accordance with the contractual specifications. Government will not tolerate substandard work and breach of contracts from contractors who are paid billions of d o l l a r s t o d i s c h a rg e t h e i r contractual obligations,” the AG explained.

He continued: “Contractors who are performing well and who are discharging their contractual obligations have no reason to worry. The delinquent ones, however, that delinquency will

attract certain legal consequences and the government intends to move strongly and swiftly in that direction.”

The Government of Guyana has been working to hold contractors accountable for failing to finish their projects within the allocated period. One such project is rehabilitation of the Leguan Ferry Stelling.

The Ministry of Public Works accused the contractor, Sattrohan Maraj of S. Maraj Contracting Services, which was contacted for undertaking works to the Leguan Stelling, of attempting to extort money from the government for the project.

The ministry said the entity missed another contractual deadline to complete the structure, six years after the contract was signed under the previous APNU+AFC government.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

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

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

EDITORIAL

Opposition and Budget 2024 The Opposition has come out early, and taken a big swing for the fences on the 2024 budget, which will be presented on Monday.

Money must be set aside in Budget 2024 for expenses related to settling the disputed US$214 million in audit expenses, as submitted by ExxonMobil. We agree, and give a hand to Opposition Economic Adviser, Elson Low for pointing out the necessity of doing so. This audit dispute is too big to be allowed to end up in the dustbin of could have, should have, would have, but with nothing being done to make that possible.

We have no issue with the Opposition identifying the US$214 million disputed amount, and commend its insight.

As Mr. Low noted, “ It would be typical of the PPP to say that they are going to go after returning that money for the Guyanese people and to take virtually no step to actually return the money to the Guyanese people.”There is no denying this, for it has been part of the now established standard practice of the government and its leaders. Lots of impressive talk, and then silence, which means nothing was done, and when the issue is raised, then a new round of finger-pointing and quarreling begins all over again. This US$214 million in disputed audit expenses already has given off the whiff of a soap opera, with several twists and turns, coverup and a slap on the wrist, and this is only from what became public. Now it is being readied for arbitration.As an aside, it was interesting how ExxonMobil’s Guyana Country Head, Mr. Routledge, felt empowered enough to venture into the kind of employee that Mr. Bobby Gopinath is, and utter what we interpret to be a plea for him. The Country Head feels free to step into the puddle of Guyana’s bureaucracy, but he does not have the partnership instinct to do right on US$214 million in tricky expenses from his company.

US$214 million is a huge sum for Guyana, and one that it cannot afford to relinquish. It is approximately GY$42 billion, which is about 5% of the 2023 national budget. For this reason alone, it ought to be pursued through the arbitration process with the appropriate vigor. When we think of how much of a difference that GY$42 billion can make in the lives of Guyanese struggling to make ends meet, then it is worthwhile for the PPPC Government to earmark proper funds in Budget 2024 to take a stand for Guyana’s position in this matter. The fact that this US$214 million in disputed expenses has to go through this lengthy process, should emphasize to all Guyanese, regardless of their political beliefs, the kind of partner that this country has in ExxonMobil. This company and its people are not partners, they are predators of the meanest sort. This is where every inch of flesh and every drop of blood (all related to money) must be extracted from Guyana’s side and must be had by ExxonMobil.

To repeat: what kind of partner is this? What kind of people are these? What kind of tricks did they employ throughout the actual audit process? What kind of arrangements were made under the table for a reduction in the disputed amount, only for one man to be identified to be the fall guy, and about which not a single citizen of this country is fooled? It is why we laud Opposition Economic Adviser Low for pinpointing this issue, and calling for it not to be lost in the big budget shuffle, but to be a conspicuous item in it. In the event that Guyanese may have forgotten, we urge them to recast their minds to all the high-level back and forth, and shenanigans, that were part and parcel of the US$214 million in disputed expenses. It would not be surprising at all, given how this government and its people operate, if heading to arbitration is not part of one big farce.

There is not much space left to think otherwise, when all the talk about policy and process are done, when the chatter about technical this and technical that makes its way into the public domain.

Thursday January 11, 2024

Opposition Leader evasive on ring-fencing DEAR EDITOR, Recently, there was uproar condemning the percentage given to public servants. The government and especially the Vice President received many harsh criticisms over this decision. Suggestions were made regarding where

additional funds could have been obtained to afford a higher salary increase. One such suggestion discussed was ring-fencing as it relates to petroleum extraction.

However, I was surprised when a reporter asked the Opposition Leader his views on ring-fencing as it relates

to petroleum extraction. He was very evasive in his response to a simple question. The nation was and still is awaiting to hear a precise response to this issue given that national and regional elections are on the horizon. Perhaps we will hear of his election

programmes for the country, if elected. It begs the question why wait until a looming election to state your position? In my opinion, the evasive answer provided by the Opposition Leader tells another story.

Kind regards, Marlon Innis

President has let people down, government has blundered with appeal of NIS case DEAR EDITOR, Last year the president ordered the NIS to process all NIS backlog of cases by year end. This was seen by many as the president being a compassionate leader caring for poor victimized NIS pensioners. But now, the president’s government has filed an appeal against Judge Damone Younge’s decision in favour of a poor worker waiting 12 years for his NIS benefits. The Government has blundered. The president was badly advised. This makes him look like a hypocrite pretending to care about older workers not getting their benefits, but then sommersaulting when the Court ruling in favour of workers would have given the government the leverage it needs to right the wrongs committed by NIS. The AG’s Office and the Ministry of Finance most likely would have had to discuss and agree to file an appeal of Judge Damone

Young’s decision in favour of a poor, working class man.

The AG and Finance Minister who appear to be angling to be the PPP’s presidential candidates in 2030 would have much explaining to do as to why would a government that claims to be for the working class appeal a case that would have helped poor sugar workers and similar workers victimized by the NIS over the years. Civil society activists such as Mr. Roshan Khan and Dr. Jailall had written much to highlight the plight of workers and the incompetence at the NIS. The Unions and Opposition m u s t s p e a k o u t n o w.

Recently Shamshun Mohamed, Gerald A. Perreira, Faiyaz Alli, and others have castigated the NIS. As Roshan Khan has warned, the government risks alienating people that can cause them to lose two seats because of NIS

problems. The reason offered by the AG that the Government appealed Judge Younge’s decision because that decision would open the floodgates for NIS to pay people their benefits is so pitiful for someone considered to be a smart man. The floodgates should have been opened long ago for NIS to pay people what is due to them. Instead, many have died and not received a cent from NIS which gave them the run around until they give up. So instead of having a floodgate of payments to people who deserve their benefits, it seems as if the Government wants to prevent people from being paid what is due to them. They open the floodgates for Exxon to rob us in every way but shut the gate for poor people to be paid NIS benefits due to them!

There was already a court ruling that NIS must still pay benefits if an

employer collected NIS dues but did not turn them in, since that was not the fault of the employees. The government seems to be deflecting blame to employers only, when the real blame lies on successive governments under which an errant NIS failed to do their jobs in monitoring and ensuring that employees contributions are submitted in a timely manner. The president has let people down with this appeal, and trust is lost. Paying people their benefits is not what would bankrupt the NIS. The bad investments in CLICO and the Berbice Bridge is what has done it, plus corruption within the NIS, and a failed Finance Ministry unable to come up with creative ideas to revamp the NIS. Can the government make quick amends before elections in November 2025?

Sincerely, M. Singh

Coalition is duplicitous on free UG education

DEAR EDITOR, In the past few days, both the President and the VicePresident, confirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to educational advancement, by reintroducing free tuition at the University of Guyana as promised in the PPP/C’s manifesto for the 2020 elections.

However, instead of embracing and applauding this progressive stride, the cowardly nature of the APNU+AFC has brought to the fore: it’s bareface,

duplicitous behaviour through a negative campaign to undermine this pivotal initiative. During the 2020 election campaign, the PPP pledged to eradicate university tuition fees within their first term, should they emerge victorious. True to their word, the party has not only won the election but is also on course to fulfill this promise by 2025.

For those who might not recall the wolf now masquerading in sheep’s clothing, let’s remind ourselves of the stark reality.

In stark contrast, the APNU + AFC, during their 2015 election campaign, deceitfully pledged to eliminate university fees, a promise they brazenly broadcast across Guyana through various mediums.

Yet, upon achieving power, the Coalition, a mere facade for the PNC with David Granger at the helm, reneged on this promise. Under the APNU + AFC coalition’s reign, there was not only a blatant disregard for their promise of free university tuition but an active

escalation in educational costs. They increased UG tuition fees and other educational expenses.

Their audacious imposition of VAT on education, data & and internet services was a direct assault on the academic welfare of students. The c o a l i t i o n ’s e g r e g i o u s decision to revoke the “Because We Care” cash grant, a vital support for school children, further underscores their callous indifference to the (Continued on page 06)

Thursday January 11, 2024

Kaieteur News

Brindley Benn was the inspired soul behind the National Motto DEAR EDITOR, I am writing in response to Sean Ori, who on Jan. 7 wrote, “I also wonder about the inspired soul who came up with our National Motto.”

That inspired soul was Brindley Horatio Benn, CCH, who served the nation of Guyana variously as Chairman of the People’s Progressive Party, Minister o f C o m m u n i t y Development and Education, Deputy Premier,

Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Agriculture, Forests and Lands, High Commissioner to Canada, and Chairman of the Public Service Commission, and also of the Lotteries Commission.

In October of 1958, at the opening of History and Culture Week, Minister Benn is quoted in the Guyana Graphic as declaring: “British Guiana can make a unique contribution to history only

if we weld ourselves into “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”

My wife Lena and I are the authors of The Ants Will Come and Tell Me: A Chronicle of the Benn F a m i l y i n G u y a n a ’s History’. Lena is the third daughter of Brindley Benn.

This January 24, we invite you to join us in celebrating his 101st birth anniversary.

Regards, Daniel Platt Los Angeles, California

Ubraj Narine has got it wrong, the APNU+AFC failed in many ways DEAR EDITOR, I am compelled to address the recent commentary by Ubraj Narine, former Mayor of Georgetown, concerning the c u r r e n t P P P / C Government’s approach, and his attempts to draw parallels with the past administration of the APNU + A F C . M r. N a r i n e ’s assertions not only misrepresent the truth but also display a profound disconnection from the current socio-political realities of Guyana.

Mr. Narine’s critique, centered around the idea that the PPP/C Government is out of touch with national concerns, is ironically devoid of any supporting statistics or factual substantiation.This approach is not just a matter of political disagreement but a deliberate distortion of the truth.

For instance, his claim about Guyanese lacking access to healthcare starkly contradicts the reality of state-provided, free healthcare services that have been a mainstay for decades.

Such blatant inaccuracies in Mr. Narine’s narrative point to either a gross misjudgment or a calculated misrepresentation of facts.

Maybe Mr. Narine could analyze the reasons why voters chose to distance themselves from the APNU + AFC which tried to steal

the 2020 elections, yet claiming victory and withholding the Statements of Poll (SoPs) to support their case.This stance, coupled with their recent relegation from government, reflects a public repudiation of their governance style and policies.It is crucial to recall the significant and often regressive policies enacted during the APNU + AFC tenure.

The imposition of over 200 new taxes, the removal of the ‘Because We Care’ subsidy for school children, and the unapologetic increase in their own salaries by 50% during a period devoid of significant oil revenue to support public spending, all point to a governance model that was heavily burdensome to the average Guyanese.The decision by Mr. Narine’s party to sign the current oil agreement with ExxonMobil and its partners represents the most significant burden for today’s Guyanese and future generations, a move that stands as a shameful and globally criticized blunder.

In stark contrast, the current PPP/C Government, despite facing global challenges such as rampant inflation, has initiated numerous relief measures for the populace.

These include a significant reduction in the excise tax on fuel, a

budgetary allocation of $5 billion to ease the impact of rising living costs, and the absorption of increased costs in electricity and water services. Additionally, the introduction of initiatives such as part-time job programs, increased income tax thresholds, and the restoration and enhancement of cash grants for school children demonstrate a commitment to public welfare.

The adjustment of freight charges to prepandemic formulas, a billion-dollar annual increase in public assistance, a significant rise in old-age pensions, and the introduction of subsidies for first-time low-income homeowners reflect a government working to support its citizens in tangible ways. Considering these proactive steps taken by the current government, one can’t help but acknowledge the positive impact of detaching from the policies of the previous APNU-AFC administration.

The thought of the hardships and challenges the Guyanese people would have continued to endure under the previous government’s policies is indeed disconcerting.

The difference in governance styles and their impact on the nation is clear.

Sincerely, Ryan Newton

PAGE 05

Amaila Falls project represents progress DEAR EDITOR, The retrograde governance policies of the PNC stink to the high heaves, theirs is a politics I would call “tenement yard politics,” with no vision or futuristic approach, this shows their backwardness at every turn. A pertinent factor I would like us to focus our attention is power generation.

Power generation and energy use has increased four-fold since the modern era, newer businesses have gone up which require more energy consumption by the local industrial community.

Even domestic usage has tripled, so to speak, as more and more households are going up. Guyana is in an upward trajectory which

logically means that the present energy generation system is outdated and has to be increased.

What the previous administration did was, what I again refer to, tenement yard policies, continue the patchwork of the old dieselpowered systems to generate power in a period where local consumption gobbled up all that there is with a vacuum remaining. This backward mentality has left us battling with the sustainability with what exists, while renewing our plans for an affordable and reliable power source for the future. No government will succeed if it continues to plan for the here and now with no futuristic planning to move the country into an

enlightened tomorrow, and the area of power generation is crucial to any discussion where development of one’s country is concerned. With this in mind, we see the visionless move by the PNC when they struck down The Amaila Falls HEP Project.

That move was the embodiment of that administration’s reversal of any plans to move this country forward, and this could not continue. This was one factor why they lost the election. With no vision or the lack thereof, we were on a downward spiral. Amaila represents progress, it is power generation in a renewable way into the future.

Respectfully yours, Neil Adams

Being denied a US visa can be traumatic

DEAR EDITOR, I suppose most travelers have had to get a ‘difficult’ visa at some point. Today, I watched a 70-year-old man cry after being denied a U.S. Visitor’s Visa. Jose, not his real name and his wife traveled from Cuba to Guyana to get a visa. They spent months planning the trip. They spent over a year’s salary to pay for visa, airline tickets, hotel accommodations and taxi fares.

They flew four hours to get to Guyana.

They stood for hours in the line at the embassy to get their interview. And in less than five minutes, less than 10 questions, they were denied a visa. And their world came tumbling down. Their hopes and dreams were crushed. They may never see America. The land of the free and the home of the brave.

They will never get to live the American’s dream. They will never get to see these words inscribed on a plaque on the Statue of Liberty pedestal: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses …”

These sacred words are used to promote unfettered and

unrestricted immigration.

Something they will never experience. They will never get to visit the Statue of Liberty, Big Apple, Time Square or Disney Land. They will never get to eat at a MacDonald’s Restaurant.

They will never get to experience the American’s way of life. They will never get to “feel” or become American.

In less than 10 minutes, their lives were changed by one word: Denied. The American’s Embassy should provide counseling for people who are denied a visa. It’s not something that people will get over quickly. Watching a senior citizen crying because of being

denied a visa was heartwrenching and heart-breaking.

You would think his child died.

A part of him died. After the interview, I was worried Jose may hurt himself. He asked for alcohol and went on the balcony. He was devastated.

He wasn’t prepared for the denial. After traveling so far, spending so much money, time and to be denied would break any man. Sometimes, people like me take for granted our American citizenship because we never have to worry about being denied a visa to America or experience the pain of being denied.

Yours truly, Anthony Pantlitz

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Thursday January 11, 2024

Similarities of Guyana’s Cheddi and T&T’s Bas

DEAR EDITOR, Basdeo Panday died on New Year’s Day. A state funeral was held for the former Prime Minister last Tuesday. His funeral rites (Hindu) and tributes to him brought back memories of the funeral of Cheddi Jagan who passed away in March 1997 as well as of their lifelong political struggle.

The duo shared several similarities in life and in death (accorded state funeral and cremation).

Both Cheddi and Bas, as Panday was commonly known, were widely venerated in their respective countries, at first when they launched their movements by their entire ‘nations’.

After racial divisions ensued, they were cheered by and viewed as heroes within their own ethnic groups; others also accepted them as heroes. They were also widely respected throughout the rest of the Caribbean region for their left-wing politics and for championing the rights of the downtrodden and the working class.

Bas and Cheddi were

remarkable men born in different decades – Cheddi in 1918 and Bas 1933.

Cheddi was some 15 years older than Panday, but their paths intertwined in politics and (ethnic) culture. They both came from the bosom of the sugar plantations and rice fields. Their parents came from India from the same sugar growing state of Uttar Pradesh. They both experienced abject poverty at birth and while growing up in secondary schools.

They walked bare feet until secondary school. They both were extremely bright, did well in school, and won scholarships for studies.

They received support from family members to pursue higher education – Cheddi to USA and Bas to England.

Panday returned as perhaps the greatest orator produced in the region. Cheddi was also a great speaker. They were charismatic and charming personalities.

They also had at least one commonality — loyal to a cause to uplift the lives of the poor. They were engaged in somewhat different political journeys but joined in a

common struggle for construction of fair, just, and equitable society. They had their strengths, differed in some ways, and yet shared common goals (for the working class) as well as the kind of society they would like to build.

They met several times, discussing strategies and viewpoints. They would first come into contact in passing in the 1950s in Trinidad where Cheddi visited for political support for his struggle for restoration of self-rule independence of then British Guiana. After Panday left for tertiary studies in London in 1957 and returned to Trinidad in 1965, engaging in political struggle against the PNM for a racially equitable and just society. He would meet Cheddi again in Trinidad where the Guyanese political leader repeatedly visited lecturing around the island to build support for free and fair elections in Guyana. Panday and Cheddi would become close friends sharing political views and positions, and when Jagan visited the island, they

repeatedly met particularly after Panday became Opposition Leader in 1978.

The duo also met in Guyana whenever Panday visited.

They also engaged in talks in New York at various IndoCaribbean events.

Guyanese Americans who supported Jagan coincidentally organized fundraisers for Panday.

Cheddi and Panday were friends, political associates, and colleagues at CARICOM for a short period. In their intertwined lives and in their relationship, amid all their differences, is a story of deep friendship, affection, and respect for one another. They founded and led political parties and they defined their parties’ future. And they were both involved in hard work to build their party. Bas helped build five parties (Workers and farmers, ULF, National Alliance, NAR, and UNC) whereas Cheddi cofounded only one (PPP).

While their party became ethnic in nature, they remained consistent with the mission on which the parties were founded, that is building a nation in which the multi-ethnic and multireligious people of all stripes and colour would be proud to call home although multiracial unity eluded the parties. It should be noted

that when they returned home, they initiated or engaged in socialist movements. Though they fraternized at first with ethnic parties or movements, they founded their own multi-ethnic working-class parties that became ethnic because of the division of the society. They helped build the party organisation from scratch. And they also groomed an entire new generation of leaders in their respective party – UNC and PPP. Both owed their loyalty to sugar workers and to Indians who supported their political struggle, causing them to win elections. They were the leading light of Indians in their respective society. And they were undoubtedly de facto leaders of Indians in their respective society. They both had interests in economics, literature, journalism, and the arts (Bollywood, pan, etc.); Panday loved Chutney and Indian classical songs and music. Panday was also an instrumentalist playing dhantaal and tabla.

They had deep respect for each other although they had political differences on ideology. Panday was a moderate, democratic centralist socialist while Jagan was a radical Marxist.

Their political beliefs led

them to a somewhat common struggle on behalf of the working class and the poor. Coincidentally, they led sugar workers unions in their respective nations and were loved like no other labour leader. Their political struggle was somewhat similar – Cheddi was mostly fighting for free and fair elections while seeking betterment for the working class. Panday was also pursuing electoral reform while committed to the struggle for the betterment of the working class. In their intertwined lives lies the history of Indian people’s struggle for equality in their countries of domicile and the politics of the left as well as the story of how Indian parties came into government. Coincidentally, PPP and PNC would become the majority parties in terms of popular support.

In government, they became economically practical. Though groomed in socialism, they ran moderate liberal, capitalist economies. There have been complaints that their party’s dreams and visions and their struggle for a more equitable, just society and the gains they made while in office are on the brink of reversals.

Yours respectfully, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Oil Cash Transfers: “You have to work for it!”

DEAR EDITOR The Ghanian oil expert, Mr. George Owusu rejects the idea of cash grants and contends: “I do not believe in subsidies and giving people cash. You have to work for it.

I would rather spend the money on training so that their income level will go up.” Notwithstanding, there is a feeling/perception among many Guyanese, including opposition politicians, that oil money is spilling over the country’s treasury, and they therefore wonder why a substantial portion of the wealth is not being shared among

Guyanese.

Despite claiming that cash handouts “promote corruption and political favoritism,” PNCR political Leader Mr. Aubrey Norton advocates for huge cash grants of $(US)5,000 per household per annum (Demerara Waves: 6/3/23) without evaluating if the NRF could afford this massive payout. I hope that Mr. Aubrey Norton is not deluded by his assertion: “oil wealth is only benefitting PPPC elite, friends and family,” (SN: 1/1/2024) and seeking comfort in Reuters News Agency’s hype: “Oil

money is flooding into Guyana.” (8/29/22).

If Mr. Norton’s dream should ever see the light of day, that would lead to a huge depletion of the NRF account in the sum of $(US) 1.2 billion annually (an amount that would equal to 37.1% of Guyana’s 2023 budget), but more significantly, it would throw into disarray the purpose of the NRF account by torpedoing its foundational principles that ascribe funds to be used for budget support, inter-generational equity, and national (Continued on page 16)

Coalition is duplicitous on free...

From page 04 educational needs of the nation’s youth.

Today, these same political actors dare to demand the immediate removal of tuition fees at UG, a demand that reeks of hypocrisy and political opportunism.

Their current stance is a stark contradiction to their previous actions, a clear demonstration of their unprincipled and

duplicitous nature. The stark contrast between the PPP’s steadfast dedication to educational progress and the APNU+AFC’s history of unfulfilled promises and disregard for education underscores the divergent approaches of these parties on numerous issues.

Sincerely Brian Azore

Thursday January 11, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 07

For his strong views on renegotiation and ring-fencing of Exxon projects Norton boots Patterson from oil portfolio F

ormer Minister of P u b l i c Infrastructure, David Patterson, who was assigned Shadow Minister of Natural Resources in the National Assembly has been reassigned by Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton reportedly over his views on the lopsided ExxonMobil contract.

Patterson confirmed his reassignment to the public infrastructure portfolio by Norton with Kaieteur News on Wednesday. He said the decision was made following a virtual meeting with Norton on Tuesday. Patterson was assigned to the oil and gas portfolio in September 2020.

He said he is still unsure of w h at h is n ew s h ad o w portfolio would be though he suspects he would be placed in Public Works. He said the Leader indicated that he would be formally updated soon via a correspondence.

The National Assembly is expected to resume on Monday for the presentation of Budget 2024. Shurwayne Holder, Chairman of the PNCR is tipped to be the new Shadow Minister of Natural Resources. He became a

Parliamentarian in 2020 and was assigned to the Energy, m i n i n g a n d Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s portfolio along with two other MPs. Patterson said he was not informed of a reason for the shift but is awaiting the official announcement to share his thoughts. When asked if he believes his comments do not align with the position of the Opposition Leader, Patterson stated: “no matter what happens, I will remain speaking on oil and gas on behalf of the Alliance For Change.”

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) was asked whether the Opposition Leader had previously expressed concerns over statements made by him on the sector. To this end he noted, “We always had a bit of contention, he never raised it with me, he raised it with Khemraj Ramjattan (AFC Leader) about my questioning renegotiation which were all agreed previously, but he never raised this with me personally, he raised it with

AFC Member of Parliament, David Patterson Khemraj.”

Patterson said about four other MPs will be reshuffled.

Contacted on the issue, Ramjattan said he does not believe the changes will affect the MPs ability to scrutinise any of the sitting ministers or MPs. “I do not regard it in any event that someone from his (Norton's) party is going to speak on oil and that is going to deny in any way, or we must expect Patterson not to speak on oil.

We are there, and our points can be made; if questions have to be asked, they will be

asked,” he said. Ramjattan reasoned that even though he was not assigned to Public Security, he would still ask questions to the subject minister occasionally in the House.

Regarding concerns raised by Norton pertaining to statements made by Patterson, Ramjattan noted: “he may have been concerned. Sometimes he gets concerned about statements I make we are always concerned sometimes about each other's statements. We might want to

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton disagree on how it is put, the tone it is put and so on but we have to allow a liberality of views and that is how I draw it out to my AFC people and also that is the distinctness I want to bring out in the partnership…where there is an organisation of men and women you will have disagreements.”

The AFC has publicly stated its support for a renegotiation of the 2016 oil contract with ExxonMobil.

The APNU however has a different view on the matter.

While Norton believes in

engaging the company for greater benefits for the country, he previously expressed reservations about the term 'renegotiation'. The APNU and AFC also share different views with regard to ring-fencing the Stabroek Block projects. Be that as it may, Ramjattan told this newspaper he does not recall the Leader raising any concerns with him in this regard.

Efforts by this newspaper to contact the Leader of the Opposition on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Nine petitions filed against Govt. for human rights abuses – Minister Teixeira The Government of Guyana (GOG) is currently addressing nine human rights petitions filed against it by local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to international bodies, Minister of Governance Gail Teixeira has said.

Among these, eight petitions were submitted between 2020 and 2023, marking a significant increase compared to the period between 1999 and 2015 when only four cases were brought forward by NGOs to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the United Nations (UN).

M i n i s t e r Te i x e i r a disclosed this information during a press conference held on Wednesday at her office located in Queenstown, Georgetown.

Minister Teixeira explained that the rise in petitions does

not necessarily indicate an increase in human rights violations but signifies a positive trend. “I take this as a reflection of the confidence of those organisations to feel that they can have a complaints mechanism that they can report…,” she said.

Between 2015 and 2020, there were no petitions filed with the UN or its affiliated bodies, but from 2020 onwards, eight petitions have been submitted by various NGOs, including the Guyana Press Association (GPA), the Amerindian People's Association (APA) and the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G). Minister Teixeira noted that, while eight petitions are recent, the government is also responding to one filed in 2012. “So I expect there will be more of that coming from

various NGOs,” Teixeira said.

M o r e o v e r, M i n i s t e r Teixeira emphasised the importance of factual accuracy when filing petitions with international bodies. She encouraged a fact-based approach, stating, “I would believe from a social conscious point of view that if one makes a complaint on your country, you should at least be factual.”

According to the minister, it was found that some of the petitions were not grounded in fact. “In many of the cases, we found the cases that have been brought they are not based on fact, they are on misrepresentation and we have to prove that that is so…” Teixeira highlighted.

She added that it is the government's responsibility to counter such claims with

Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira

evidence, including video, audio recordings, and other substantiating materials.

“This is a country that is committed to implementing human rights and expanding our human rights framework; but also in terms of making

sure we present our cases as best as we can. It does not mean that we will win but it does relate to the importance that we must respond and respond the best way we can with factual information,” Teixeira said.

In acknowledging the shift towards resorting to international bodies, M i n i s t e r Te i x e i r a emphasised individuals' rights under ratified conventions to approach international or regional entities to file petitions.

To t h i s e n d , s h e underscored the significance of exhausting domestic remedies and local avenues before turning to international bodies. She said: “The constitutional bodies that are available in Guyana need to be used, they are there to be used in terms of looking for redress…I would hope that the NGO's here would use more of the domestic remedy that are available.” Minister Teixeira urged the utilisation of constitutional bodies within Guyana, like the Human Rights and Ethnic Rights Commissions.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8 10

Thursday Monday January May 02, 11, 2024 2022

Chancellor unveils ambitious 7-year plan to revolutionise justice system The Supreme Court of Judicature earlier this week unveiled a transformative seven-year strategic plan designed to revolutionise and elevate the standard of justice and judicial administration.

During her address at the launch of Law Year 2024, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) emphasized that the plan aligns with universally accepted core values such as independence, i n t e g r i t y, f a i r n e s s , competence, transparency, accessibility, certainty, timeliness, and equality. She highlighted that this strategic initiative is not merely about having a plan but focuses on execution and accountability.

“So the strategic plan and the management of it will help us to meet our performance goals. It will help us to be more efficient and effective in the work we do and the service we deliver. It

underscores accountability and it engenders public trust and confidence in the justice system when a judiciary is accountable to the people,” she said.

“We have set targets to be achieved, and you will be able to judge us you will tell us how well we are doing or not doing, what needs tweaking and you will provide necessary feedback because we are accountable to you. For me, it's not just having the plan only it is the strategy and the execution of the plan. You will be given copies of it and it will be on our website, you will be able to see it, read it embrace it,” the chancellor said.

Outlined in the Strategic Framework for 2024-2031 are eight comprehensive objectives, ranging from strengthening court leadership and enhancing access to justice to optimizing the use of

financial and material resources. The Chancellor, in a message within the document, expressed the honour of presenting the first Strategic Plan for Guyana's Judiciary.

The overarching theme, “Pursuing Service Excellence Through Investment in Human Resources, Management Systems and Technology” underscores the need to align court performance with internationally recognized standards, she said. "The plan reflects our commitment to universally accepted core values and aims to join the ranks of esteemed courts as a member of the International Consortium on Court Excellence," asserted the Chancellor.

Acknowledging the contributions of key individuals and the Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST)

The Hon. Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, OR, CCH, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag.)

Project for funding the plan, the Chancellor emphasised the Judiciary's unwavering dedication to pursuing excellence.

Delivering featured remarks at the event, Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the Caribbean Court of

Justice (CCJ), praised the meticulousness and care embedded in the strategic plan. “Fortunately, I have every confidence that given the present leadership of the Guyana's judiciary, this strategic plan will be used as an important guide to action.

Moreover, I've looked at the document, and I've seen the care and thoroughness that went into its preparation,” he said.

He highlighted its significance in guiding future actions and shaping the trajectory of Guyana's j u d i c i a r y. “ I t i s a comprehensive assessment of where the judiciary is at this time and where it wants to be in seven years and the steps it will take to arrive at that destination. I therefore, warmly congratulate Chancellor, the members of a strategic planning team and everyone was played a part in contributing to and in shaping this excellent plan,” Justice Saunders said. He stressed the pivotal role of a strategic plan in measuring public trust and confidence, emphasizing its necessity for a systematic approach and likening its absence to a ship adrift without direction.:

Online appointments Weekly PAC meetings not to cut waiting time at Health always possible for ministers public hospitals -Minister Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony has announced that his ministry is currently narrowing down proposals submitted to facilitate the digitalization of the country's health sector, as well as implementing online appointments that will significantly cut down waiting time at the public hospitals. The appointments will be done through a mobile app.

The minister said on Sunday at the sod turning for the new multimillion dollar New Amsterdam Hospital that: “this thing about waiting time, you will be able to have an app on your phone where you can then make appointments with the hospital. And when you go in there you should not be able to spend more than 15-30 minutes before you are seen by a medical professional.”

He noted that President Irfaan Ali had made several mentions of digitalizing the health sector in order to save time and be more efficient in the delivery of healthcare across Guyana. “Last year under the instructions of the President, we went out to tender to have an electronic medical record and we are

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony currently evaluating 16 proposals that were submitted to us.”

Ta g s : d i g i t a l , a p p , waiting, hospital, time Lead: The Minister of Health Dr. frank Anthony has announced that his Ministry is currently narrowing down proposals submitted to facilitate the digitalization of the country's health sector, as well as online appointments that will significantly cut down waiting times at the hospital. The appointments will be done through a mobile app.

M i n i s t e r o f Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira on Wednesday debunked claims by the Opposition that meetings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are stalled due to the absence of government members.

During a press conference at her Queenstown office, the minister said the data pertaining to the number of meetings held for the Tenth, E l e v e n t h a n d Tw e l f t h Sittings of the National Assembly show a range of 40 to 50 meetings each.

Teixeira said, “Look at the facts, look at the number of meetings that were held...

That is what you call a red herring being used (by the Opposition); the fact is that the PAC in most countries generally meets once a month. The members in the Opposition want to meet every week. That is not always possible.”

The minister added, “And we have to remember that when you go to meetings and you are not a minister you get accommodation, housing, travelling, meals etc which may be an incentive (for the Opposition) to have weekly

– Teixeira meetings.” With respect the reports before the PAC, Teixeira recalled that there was a pile up of reports to be examined from the Auditor General for the years 2015 to 2021. She said in the 11th Parliament where President, D r. I r f a a n A l i ' s h a d functioned as Chairman, he was able to conclude the PAC's review of the 2015 report.

The existing PAC, of which Teixeira is a member, has concluded its examination the 2016 and 2017 reports. She noted however that it is more than a year that the draft report c o n t a i n i n g t h e PA C ' s f i n d i n g s a n d recommendations is yet to be concluded by its Chairman, Jermaine Figueira so that it can be tabled in Parliament.

Teixeira said a review is ongoing for the 2018 and 2019 AG reports.

The minister posited that the Opposition members of the PAC want to rush through this process to remove as quickly as possible, the spotlight that is on their poor track record in government.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira On the otherhand however, the Opposition is claiming that the government wants to prolong the review of the 2018 and 2019 reports to avoid scrutiny of its performance in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 AG reports. “… We are not going to stop the review of our years…But we have to get through their reports first,” said the minister.

She further noted that d u r i n g t h e Tw e l f t h parliament, there were 59 sittings of PAC, 40 in the Eleventh and 54 in the Tenth.

“So in terms of the functioning of the PAC, there has been no big difference in the way it

functions now versus previous times…,” the minister said.

In addressing concerns that the review process of the reports seems to be a slothful one, Teixeira said it is not because the members of the PAC are not being diligent.

She explained that both Government and Opposition members are allowed by the Chairman to grill various agencies and their representatives, sometimes at the cost of painstakingly repeating their questions to get the facts. In other instances, Teixeira said Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officer (REO) appear with inadequate information or totally unprepared.

There are even cases where they are asked to return with the relevant documentation only to say that they have not found same or are simply unavailable.

“This is part of the slow up in the PAC which the Opposition doesn't want to talk about,” the minister said. She concluded that the PAC will have to examine these matters carefully with a view to finding the right solutions.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 11, 2024

PAGE 09

The new Skeldon Sugar Factory ruined the sugar industry From the moment the European Union began to phase out its preferential regime for sugar, Guyana should have begun the process of downgrading the production of sugar. Instead, former President Bharrat Jagdeo embarked on a highly questionable plan to increase sugar production and reduce costs.

The decision to build the factory was a reckless gamble. The numbers were not in Guyana’s favors following a decision in late 2005 by the European Agricultural Council to reduce the guaranteed price of sugar by some 36% from 2006 to 2010.

At the time the decision was announced, half of Guyana’s sugar production was being exported to Europe and 70% of its revenues came from these sales. As a result of the reduction of the guaranteed price of sugar, the Guyana Sugar Corporation estimated that it would lose annually US$22M for 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 and an additional US$M 37M the following year.

Instead of moving away from the production of sugar, the Jagdeo administration pursued the pipe dream of building a new costly factory on the presumption, as the World Bank noted, that even without preferential prices, the sugar industry could survive if operational efficiency was improved and production costs lowered.

The result was the construction of a calamity, the Skeldon Sugar Factory, into which US$187M was sunk. The malfunctioning factory effectively sunk any

hopes about the viability of sugar, increasing, rather than decreasing costs. Guyana accrued debt on the costs for the construction of the factory, having borrowed from the Exxim Bank of China and the Caribbean Development Bank. These debts have to be repaid. A report in this newspaper in 2017 gave the annual debt payments (principal plus interest) at some US$3.8M. A number of private cane farmers also suffered losses.

These farmers had believed the promise of increased production and lower costs and had borrowed from the banks to expand private cultivation. What is also not highlighted was the effect of the failed factory on the Guyana Bagasse Cogeneration Project. Using bagasse waste from the factory this project was supposed to supply some 10MW of power to the Berbice area thus assuring residents of a stable supply of electricity. With the collapse of the factory, it was inevitable that this project would go into remission.

Jagdeo’s project had a run-off effect on other sugar factories. Because it deprived the other factories of essential financial resources, the Skeldon Modernization Project had a debilitating effect on the overall industry. As the COI reported noted, the contagion effect of the project led to declining yields, reduced factory efficiencies, and the loss of experienced staff. The loss of the experienced workers meant that “the quality of leadership at all levels was compromised.”

T h e S k e l d o n Modernization Project ended up being a calamity. It worsened the liquidity and financial problems of the sugar company. As the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Sugar Industry unearthed, the government had ignored the warnings of Booker Tate about the financial woes of the corporation as a result of this investment.

The COI was critical of the decision to contract the Chinese firm that built the factory. It argued that sourcing a contractor from Brazil or India may have been a better choice. The COI reported that when Booker Tate urged that the contract with the Chinese contractor be terminated this suggestion was ignored. To date, no one, including in the political directorate, has been held responsible this calamitous state of affairs.

The PPPC has not failed to highlight the fact that it was the APNU+AFC which sent home 7,000 sugar workers. However, it has n e v e r a c c e p t e d responsibility for the fact that it was the Jagdeo administration that contributed in no small measure to the ruining of the industry and the eventual decision to downsize and right-size the industry.

Under the right-sizing of the industry, the APNU had planned to produce 150,000 tons of sugar annualy.

Despite pumping billions of dollars into GUYSUCO since it resumed office in 2020, the PPPC government is only producing about 60,000 tons annual. The government is now

DEM BOYS SEH

What about de parking?

Dis new police skyscraper on Brickdam gat people more confused than a goat trying fuh cross a highway. De government building dis 12-story thing, and nobody sure if it’s a police station or a VIP club.

Dem boys nah know if de police gan eventually gat to divest some land at Eve Leary fuh de new hotel. But it strange that de government can be centralzing some services at Brickdam rather than decentralizing police services.

But what really bun dem boys’ minds is dis catering fuh 2,000 police

ranks in de new building. It nah look as if de planners considered parking, both fuh de police and de public.

In dis modern age, even dem young constable gat a car – some even got fancier rides than de politicians!

Now, de big question is, where dem 2,000 staff members gon’ park dem fancy wheels? Maybe dem cars gan fly and land on top of de mini-skyscraper. And where will be public get parking? Inside de miniskyscraper Dem boys seh it’s nice de police getting a mini skyscraper, but if yuh building a 12-story

paradise, yuh better make s p a c e f o r d e m f o u rwheeled metal horses. It’s like throwing a party and forgetting to invite de DJ. You can’t have a police headquarters without parking – it’s like having pepper without salt, bread w i t h o u t b u t t e r, o r a politician without a scandal. It just ain’t right!

So, dem boys want tell de government “Build it, but build it right – with parking space for every officer wah own a car. After all, yuh can’t catch de bad guys if yuh can’t find a parking spot!”

Talk Half! Leff Half!

considering expanding the mechanizing of harvesting since enough works are not available. Well, if it was the employment of worker that was the main rationale for resuscitating the industry and if employment is not forthcoming, perhaps the government needs to take a hard look as to whether the industry should not be closed. During last week’s

press conference Jagdeo was asked about his government’s plan for the assets of the now defunct Skeldon Sugar Factory. He dodged the question by claiming that the President would deal with this issue.

He forgot that he had once promised to fix things.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not

necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday Monday January May 02, 11,2022 2024

US$183M estimated to reconstruct Soesdyke/Linden Highway A section of the Soesdyke- Linden Highway

The rehabilitation and reconstruction works scheduled for the SoesdykeLinden Highway is estimated to cost US$183,567,095 (or more than GY$30B).

The estimated figure was revealed on Wednesday during the opening of bids for the project at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. At the reading of bids for the

Ministry of Public Works project, it was revealed that four companies who are from China, India, and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) are vying to execute the works.

These contractors are China Road & Bridge Corporation (China) who submitted a bid of US$142,709,7889; China Railway First Group Company Limited (China) whose bid stood at

US$169,961,928 (excluding d i s c o u n t ) a l s o US$161,463,831(including discount).Other companies which submitted bids for the project are Namalco Construction Services (T&T) in joint venture with GuyAmerica Construction Inc. (Guyana) whose bid was US$159,934,239.54 (excluding discount); and Ashoka Buildcon Limited (India) whose bid was

US$174,578,687.52 (excluding discount).

Kaieteur News understands that two of the contractors vying for the highway project are currently executing the construction and rehabilitation of two main thoroughfares in the country. They are Ashoka Buildcon, the firm which is building the new bypass road from Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) to Eccles, East Bank Demarara (EBD) and China Railway who is undertaking the ECD railway and highway expansion projects.It was reported that the repairs to the SoesdykeLinden highway is being funded by a loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

This publication had reported that in May 2023, the Government of Guyana and the Islamic Development B a n k , s i g n e d a US$200Million Framework

Agreement for the reconstruction of the highway. The project will see the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 73 kilometres of the highway, with two lanes undivided, nine bridges, six culverts with improved design, quality and standards.

The project also includes ancillary works and road corridor improvements providing essential public administration support, improved connectivity with communities, roadside and other facilities. The Soesdyke-Linden Highway is a 73 kilometres-long, twolane highway that runs between Soesdyke and Linden in Guyana. The East Bank Public Road connects Soesdyke with Georgetown.

In relation to the project, the NPTAB in October last year awarded a contract to a consultancy firm to provide supervision services for the

project. Kuwaiti firm, AlHabshi Engineering Consultants in joint venture with Guyanese company – CB& Associates Inc. was given the contract to the tune of US$1,775,000.

The Kuwaiti consultant would be responsible for the design review, construction supervision and general project management of the reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and contract administration throughout the project implementation process and thereafter, during the defects liability period.

It was highlighted before that, the importance of rolling out this project was that the highway is in dire need of repairs. While the Government has spent millions repairing the roadway due to exhaustive use, it has returned to a dilapidated state in most sections.

Chief Justice urges alternative resolution to help ease case load Acting Chief Justice (CJ), Roxane George Wiltshire, is urging citizens to explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) more to help ease the increasingly heavy case load.

Speaking at the opening of Law Year 2024 on Tuesday, Justice George said that lawyers should advise their clients to explore Alternative Dispute Resolution.

ADR refers to the different ways people can resolve disputes without a trial.

Common ADR processes include mediation, arbitration, and neutral evaluation. According to the CJ, ADR is the only way to bring down the high number of cases currently before the Courts. “We remain an extremely litigious society especially in the civil jurisdiction.

So, I urge our Bar, especially the Demerara Bar, to persuade their clients to focus on Alternative Dispute Resolution, to be more

opened to mediation, and settlement of cases, thereby allowing for the timelier disposition of matters,” Chief Justice said.

“Settlement of cases is the only way to manage the high volume of matters. So, I urge, let 2024 result in greater settlement of cases, more so, through the court mediation services,” she urged. President of the Guyana Bar Association, Attorney Ronald Burch-Smith, noted, “One of the greatest impediments to our efficient judicial system is the number of cases that are filed by attorneys.

“There is no way under ideal circumstances and with all of the resources that could be reasonably being made available that we can reasonably expect that the judges can dispatch with all of those cases effectively. The number has to be reduced. The only way in which that can be done is if there are consequences for attorneys persisting in cases that don't belong in court,” Burch-Smith added.

Thursday January 11, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Attorney General makes appeal for JSC to fill judicial vacancies Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall has called on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to complete the process of appointing new qualified judges.

The AG told reporters of the need to increase the complement of judges while speaking at a press briefing on Monday. “During my last stint as Attorney General, we were able to increase the complement of High Court judges from 12 to 20. We have less than 12 now so we are anticipating a large number of appointments that will meet this new demand….”

The AG explained that steps were taken to have advertisements soon published seeking suitably

qualified persons to apply for the post of Justices of Appeal.

“This is so that we can have a sufficient number of judges to have two Court of Appeal sittings at the same time. We already have expanded the facilities at the Court of Appeal building to accommodate two courts so it is our hope that you can have two appeals heard by two differently constituted courts either simultaneously or one after the other,” Nandlall added.

Last October, the JSC advertised vacancies for several posts to be filled with the judiciary. The vacant positions include those of magistrates, puisne judges, and for a Commissioner of Title/ Land Court Judge within the local court system.

Smuggled alcohol, contraband items seized by GRA, CANU in Berbice The alcohol and other contraband items which were seized. (Photo: CANU)

Following a joint operation which was carried out on January 9, 2024, at N u m b e r 6 5 Vi l l a g e , Corentyne, the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) in collaboration with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) confiscated several cases of uncustomed alcohol and other contraband items.

CANU stated that the

goods were found in a vessel within the vicinity of a koker channel. They were escorted to a GRA location for processing. Investigations are ongoing. CANU said the agency continues to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to prevent the trafficking of narcotics and the smuggling of contraband goods.

Members of the JSC – Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Chief Justice Roxane George, Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Manniram Prashad, former Chancellor, Justice Carl Singh, and Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Justice Beasraj Singh Roy – alongside President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister. Mark Phillips, Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira, and Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack.

PAGE 12

Thursday January 11, 2024

Kaieteur News

Figueira kicked out of Norton's shadow cabinet ...in major reshuffle ahead of budget debates Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, has removed Region 10 Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira from his shadow cabinet and also stripped him of the Sports, Youth and Culture portfolio in a major reshuffle of his shadow cabinet ahead of the budget debates.

Figueira has been replaced by Nima-Flue Bess, several MPs told Kaieteur N e w s o n We d n e s d a y.

Kaieteur News understands that Figueira was stunned by the decision of Norton who made the announcement at a meeting with his MPs on Tuesday.

“It's a tendency of some when holding Opposition Leader Norton accountable to see those who do so as anti-Norton not holding ourselves to a standard that demonstrates to the world, we are better than and is the only alternative to the PPP. Mr. Norton has unilaterally removed MP Jermaine Figueira from the portfolio of Youth, Sports and Culture.

Jermaine is the person who recently distributed over 5000 toys to children,

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton football gear to many organisations, bicycles to the needy and so on which made the Opposition looked good,” one of the sources commented.

According to the source, what is more striking about the situation is that Norton did not follow custom and practice where the Opposition Leader would engage MPs before removing/reshuffling them,

thereby catching many by surprise.

“Can we afford disgruntled MPs who would rightly be concerned about being treated with disdain or as though they are children- a behaviour considered unacceptable in the 21st century?” the source asked rhetorically.

“How long more must we, the people, ignore these unilateral and autocratic behaviours and

Region 10 Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira during last year's budget debates disregard for customs and practice that are holding back the Opposition and making us similar or a worse alternative to the PPP? To those who thrive on enabling Mr. Norton, stop and think what you're enabling and the consequences to us all.”

The source said Norton's venom and victimization towards Figueira –an outspoken central executive

member and chairman of Region Ten, the PNCR's strongest constituency, know no bound. Figueira who is the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of National Assembly and the leader have had heated exchanges in the past after the former was strongly in opposition to Norton's nohand shaking policy and publicly defied the party leader's position by shaking

the hand of President Irfaan Ali on several occasions.

“Since then Norton has been making moves to oust Figueira, firstly by making the regional Chairman, Deron Adams, the campaign manager over Figueira and now this move several days before the country's largest budget. It is important to note, that Figueira was the most prominent MP who endorsed and campaigned for Norton to be the Leader of the PNCR,” the source added.

Other changes Meanwhile, according to the source, Norton also made other changes to his shadow cabinet moving Coretta McDonald from the labour to education sector. David Patterson was also moved from oil and gas and shifted to public infrastructure while Shurwayne Holder takes over the natural resources shadow portfolio. Geeta Chandan-Edmond was also moved from Home Affairs to governance, while former Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan takes on the home affairs shadow portfolio.

Woman granted bail for Court frees woman stealing 'Old Navy' accused of poisoning allegedly jacket, cash from vendor husband with energy drink A woman accused of poisoning her 43-year-old husband with Turbo Energy Drink was freed last Friday by the Berbice Magistrate's Court because of an incomplete case file against the woman.

The woman Leila Bacchus, 42, of Timmers Dam, Angoy Avenue was remanded to prison in May 2023 for the murder of a carpenter, Andy Junor. She had reportedly committed the offence on May 16, 2023.

T h e m a n w a s hospitalised and died four days later. Presiding over the case at the Berbice Magistrate Court, Magistrate Renita Singh was forced to dismiss the case after the police prosecutor failed to produce a complete case file against the defendant on more than one occasions.

Dead, Andy Junor

Freed, Leila Bacchus

Kaieteur News understands that the police file was incomplete.

The prosecutor was given time to prepare the said file but after several court appearances, the

magistrate was forced to dismiss the case. According to reports, Bacchus told law enforcement officers that she shared a relationship with the carpenter for 12 years and they have three children.

A 38-year-old security guard was granted bail in the sum of $60,000 on Wednesday, after she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court and was charged for stealing an 'Old Navy' brand jacket and cash from a vendor.

Rushelle Richards, a mother of one, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman who read the charge of simple larceny to the accused.

It is alleged that on December 23, 2023, at Croal Street, Stabroek, Georgetown, Richards stole an 'Old Navy' brand jacket valued $25,000 and $450,000 in cash, totaling $475,000, property of Dion Daly.

The defendant entered a not guilty plea.

Prosecutor Quincy Laton, related to the court that the victim is a vendor who sells breakfast at Croal Street, Stabroek, and she would usually be contacted by persons, who are known to her, and they would ask her to keep items in her motor car for them.

On December 23, 2023, Daly placed the cash mentioned in the jacket and subsequently put the items in her vehicle.

Around 07:00 hrs, Richards reportedly approached the victim, who is known to her, and subsequently placed her market bag in the victim's car.

At about 09:00hrs, Richards went to Daly's car and took the market bag out of the

Bail granted: Rushelle Richards vehicle with the victim's permission.

At 10:00hrs, Daly decided to check for the money in the car however, upon searching she noticed the jacket was missing. Several calls were made to the accused, but they went (Continuned on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 11, 2024

PAGE 13

Man accused of stealing Man who allegedly attempted to from storeroom, cash $800,000 forged cheque tells court he went at Republic Bank granted bail to “pick up” something A thirty-eight-year-old unemployed man, who is accused of stealing items from a storeroom at Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg earlier this month, said he went to “pick-up” something from the entity, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

Raul Ramsawak, a repeat offender, who has no fixed of abode, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate's Courts on Wednesday before Magistrate Judy Latchman, when the charge of breakand-entry-and-larceny was read to him.

It is alleged that between January 6, 2024, and January 8, 2024 at Thomas Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, whilst in the company of others, Ramsawak broke into the storeroom of Ryan Singh, and stole, one drill valued $60,000, one 10 gallon container of orange-chip paint valued $80,000, and one five gallon container of yellowchip paint valued $40,000, totaling the sum of $180,000.

In court on Wednesday, an unrepresented Ramsawak entered a guilty plea, but due to his explanation, the magistrate placed it as a not guilty plea. He explained to the court in frustration that he did not steal the missing items read in the charge. The man claimed he only went to the entity to pick up something.

The prosecution objected

Cop dies in Demerara Harbour Bridge accident A 52-year-old motorcyclist died on Wednesday following an accident on the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB).

Dead is Premdat Govinda, whose address was listed as Belle Street, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara.

Govinda was a corporal attached to the Guyana Police Force. The man died after he fell off of his motorcycle as he rode across the bridge.

After allegedly attempting to commit fraud against a staff at the Republic Bank (Guyana), by presenting a forged cheque valued $800,000, a 33-year-old West Ruimveldt man was granted bail in the sum of $60,000, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate's Courts on Wednesday.

Rollot Rowley, a father of two of 258 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, when the charge of fraud was read to him. It is alleged that on March 1, 2022 at Republic Bank

Raul Ramsawak at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court to bail on the grounds that the defendant has many antecedents with offences of similar nature. It was also highlighted that the accused was caught in the storeroom by its owners. In addition, the prosecutor was keen to note, that since Ramsawak doesn't have a fixed address, if bail is to be granted, it would be difficult to locate him.Upon hearing the facts presented in court, the Magistrate refused bail and the defendant was remanded to prison. He is scheduled to appear before the court on January 31, 2024.

Dead: Premdat Govinda The management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge said the incident occurred at approximately 12:55 hrs on Wednesday as the rider was proceeding west on the bridge.

“Thus far, there is no evidence of a collision, or that any other person or vehicle was involved in the incident," the DHB said.

Police are also investigating the matter.

(Guyana), Rowley intended to defraud a staff at the bank after he presented a forged cheque, valued $800,000.

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

Rowley was represented by a lawyer, who said in his client's defense, that the accused had no knowledge that the cheque was forged.

The accused allegedly told his lawyer, that the cheque was not good.

The attorney also said that the date the court said the offence was committed was different from what his client informed him.

According to the accused, the offence was committed on October 7, 2022. The lawyer then requested of the court, bail in reasonable sum for his client.The prosecution had no objection to bail, but requested that bail be granted in a substantive amount. It was requested by the prosecution also that the accused should be bonded and be required to report to the Brickdam Police Station every two weeks, until the conclusion of the matter.

The Magistrate then placed Rowley on $100,000 bail. The matter was adjourned to January 31, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday January 11, 2024

Early morning fire guts supermarket at Timehri …13th building razed by fire this year

As an upsurge in fires continues stretch the capabilities of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), firefighters were called to quell a blaze which engulfed the Church Hill Supermarket at Hyde Park, Timehri , East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Wednesday morning.

The Fire Service noted that at 04:28 hrs on Wednesday, it was alerted today, the Fire Service was alerted to a fire at Track 'K' Hyde Park, Timehri.

In response , 10 firefighters from the Timehri Fire Station were immediately dispatched to the scene with fire and water tenders.

The GFS said the structure involved was a twostorey wooden and concrete building owned by Rabindra Kalnarine, which he operated as a supermarket. As a result of the blaze, the building and its contents were destroyed.

In addition, the GFS said a two-storey house at the same address, where Kalnarine and his family resided, was also affected by

the fire.

“Radiated heat from the building of origin caused a quantity of polyvinyl chloride ceiling, a wooden panel door, three (3) sash windows, and some paint work all on the first floor to be destroyed,” the Fire Service said.

Firefighters were able to quell the blaze. Fire officials are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

The incident occurred less than 24 hours after two houses were destroyed by fire in separate sections of Georgetown.

On Tuesday January 9, at around 14:05 hrs, firefighters were dispatched to put out a fire at Lot 126 “C” Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The GFS said upon arrival, a two-storey wooden and concrete house was observed engulfed in flames and smoke. The building, which was occupied by 39year-old Latoya Alexander and her three family members, was completely destroyed, leaving them homeless.“The purported

In this screen grab, firemen and members of the public attempt to extinguish a fire which gutted the Churchhill Supermarket at Timehri Base Road, East Bank Demerara on Wednesday morning.

cause of the blaze is an overloaded electrical circuit, which resulted in arcing and sparking and the subsequent ignition of nearby combustible materials,” the Fire Service said.

Also on Tuesday, at approximately 14:37 hrs, firemen responded to a fire at Lot 480 Kiskadee Drive.

South Ruimveldt Gardens.

The GFS said fire gutted a two-storey wooden and concrete building owned by 46-year-old Abigail Lynch, who lived there with her family of four; they were left homeless following the blaze.The fire reportedly started after a child was playing with a lighter which led to naked flames coming into contact with an exercise book. The book fell and ignited nearby combustible materials, the GFS said.

On Monday January 8, around 17:45hrs, a fire gutted a home at Lot 2114 'B' Field Sophia, leaving 64-year-old David Williams, along with 49-year-old Shannon Dover homeless. The GFS said the fire of unknown origin,

Fire engulfed in a home at Lot 126 “C” Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown on Tuesday. (Photo: GFS)

engulfed the house in flames, destroying the building and its contents completely.

On Saturday January 6, the Fire Service responded to a fire at Lot 262 South Vryheid's Lust, East Coast Demerara. The inferno destroyed a two-storey wooden and concrete building owned by 42-yearo l d Va n e s s a L e w i s , displacing her and five others. Electrical circuit overload, triggered arcing and sparking, leading to the ignition of nearby combustible materials, is suspected as being the cause of the inferno.

Earlier on January 6, a team from the Eccles Fire Station rushed to Lot 16 New Providence, EBD, where a two-storey wooden and concrete building, owned by 80-year-old Florence Ramsaroop and occupied by 28-year-old Seth Persaud, was engulfed in flames. The house which also belonged to former Chairman of People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), Bishwaishwar 'Cammie' Ramsaroop, was razed within minutes.

Also on January 6, a fire gutted home at Lot 66 Remus Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD). A distressing scene unfolded as a two-storey wooden and concrete building, belonging to 45-year-old Howard Samuels, was razed by fire.

Occupied by 36-year-old Tenefa Samuels and her family members, the inferno left them homeless.

In addition, on January 6 during the morning hours, fire crews from various stations –including Central, Campbellville, and Alberttown – rushed to the 'C' Field Sophia Reserve in Georgetown, in response to a devastating fire that engulfed a one-flat, wooden building under construction. Owned and inhabited by 21-year-old Isaiah Thomas, the blaze obliterated the structure and all its contents, rendering Thomas homeless.

Investigators suspect the fire was deliberately set by unidentified individuals.

On January 5, 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 January 3, a fire which was said to be electrical in origin gutted a house at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.

On January 2, 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.

Later that evening, fire at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice resulted in the death of schoolteacher , Tokant Deokharran. The man's house was completely gutted.

Tokant's neighbour also lost her house after the fire razed her home.

On Wednesday, the Fire Service advised citizens to equip homes with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire alarms.

Do not leave children unattended or at home without adult supervision, the GFS said while calling on parents and guardians to educate children on the dangers of fire starters matches and lighters- and warn them about their use or misuse.

The GFS also advised that children should be kept away from the cooking area, and ensure matches and lighters are out of their reach at all times.

“Be vigilant, exercise caution and practice fire safety and prevention to avoid home fires,” the Fire Service said.

Thursday January 11, 2024

Global unemployment rate set to increase in 2024 ...as growing social inequalities raise concerns, says ILO report GENEVA (ILO News) – Labour markets have shown surprising resilience despite deteriorating economic conditions, but recovery from the pandemic remains uneven as new vulnerabilities and multiple crises are eroding prospects for greater social justice, according to a new International Labour Organization (ILO) report.

T h e I L O ' s Wo r l d Employment and Social Outlook Trends: 2024 (WESO Trends) finds that both the unemployment rate and the jobs gap rate – which is the number of persons without employment who are interested in finding a job – have fallen below prepandemic levels. The 2023 global unemployment rate stood at 5.1 per cent, a modest improvement from 2022 when it stood at 5.3 per cent. The global jobs gap and labour market participation rates also improved in 2023.

However, beneath these numbers fragility is starting to emerge, the report finds. It projects that the labour market outlook and global unemployment will both worsen. In 2024 an extra two million workers are expected to be looking for jobs, raising the global unemployment rate from 5.1 per cent in 2023 to 5.2 per cent. Disposable incomes have declined in the majority of G20 countries and, generally, the erosion of living standards resulting from inflation is, “unlikely to be compensated quickly”.

Furthermore, important differences persist between higher and lower income countries. While the jobs gap rate in 2023 was 8.2 per cent in

high-income countries, it stood at 20.5 per cent in the low-income group. Similarly, while the 2023 unemployment rate persisted at 4.5 per cent in high-income countries, it was 5.7 per cent in low-income countries.

M o r e o v e r, w o r k i n g poverty is likely to persist.

Despite quickly declining after 2020, the number of workers living in extreme poverty (earning less than US$2.15 per person per day in purchasing power parity terms) grew by about 1 million in 2023. the number of workers living in moderate poverty (earning less than US$3.65 per day per person in PPP terms) increased by 8.4 million in 2023.

Income inequality has also widened, the WESO Trends warns, adding that the erosion of real disposable income, “bodes ill for aggregate demand and a more sustained economic recovery.”

Rates of informal work are expected to remain static, accounting for around 58 per cent of the global workforce in 2024.

Labour market imbalances The return to prepandemic labour market participation rates has varied between different groups.

Women's participation has bounced back quickly, but a notable gender gap still persists, especially in emerging and developing nations. Youth unemployment rates continue to present a challenge.

The rate of people defined as NEET (Not in Employment, Education or (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 11, 2024

Woman granted bail for allegedly stealing...

From page 12 unanswered. As a result, the victim made a report to the police station and an investigation was launched.

The defendant was detained and charged with simple larceny. Following the facts presented in court, the defendant refuted the allegations made against her. According to the prosecution, WANTED

VACANCY

VACANCY

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

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

Female bilingual Cleaners needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

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

Looking for a honest & reliable single female, ages 40 years & older. Must be working to live in. Call: 227-2321.

One Maid/Helper needed, Must be able to wash, cook & clean and work Mon-Sat. Call: 645-5008.

Female Bartender, Cook & Domestic and male Workers needed to work in Interior.

18 years & older. Call: 6609093/ 661-5992.

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

Excavator & Bobcat Operators, Live-in farm Workers, Cleaner, Labourers and Maintenance Workers required.

Call: 621-6969, 615-7784.

Office Assistant, time keeping & tool issuing Clerk and Welder/ fabricator required.

Call: 621-6969, 615-7784.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

Driver, Salesman, male & female factory Workers and plastic extruder Operator.

Apply to RP'S Enterprise Area "K" Le Ressouvenir E.C.D. Call: 220-2818.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics.

Email: techserigy@ yahoo.com or Call: 615-9132.

Domestic and Cook needed.

Call: 223-5273/74.

Maid needed to clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

One Operator needed to work in the Interior. Interested person can Call: 6984064/ 680-4868.

Receptionist, Deskstaff, Room & Laundry Attendant & Security Guard, Handyman and Supervisor needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

Female office Staff with computer knowledge to work at Luke's Seafood. Call: 6969854/ 691-6081.

Male Cleaner for Eccles. Call: 615-9132/ 645-8443.

Kitchen assistant, chef, Salesperson and housekeeper needed. Call: 659-5559.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Sales Clerk needed to work on delivery truck. Apply in person to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda.

Toyota diesel bus PXX series, no reasonable offer refused.

Call: 644-6551/ 661-3608.

Security Personnel with exmilitary experience. Call SAB Mining: 503-0359, 608-2443.

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 649-0956.

Priced to sell, owner leaving.

Leyland DAF single Axle, model m with winch, Nissan 4 door Pathfinder. Call: 6446551/ 661-3608.

Experienced Salesperson, knowledge in writing bills, stocktaking and cashing & 1 General Domestic. Apply at Keyfood Mc. Doom Village.

Live-in Housekeeper needed to cook, clean and do laundry in Virgina, USA. Free room and boarding offered.

Call: 845-325-8241.

Vacancy exist for water delivery Drivers at Non Pareil.

Preferably from ECD. Call: 692-6768/ 676-1363.

SERVICES Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

Business/ residential PFSGYD$58M, Visa Application, advertisements, graphics design, passport application forms & i130 application.

Call: 626-7040.

FOR SALE/ RENT All sizes loaders, excavators & rollers, concrete pump & mixer trucks, mobile crane and Howo 30 ton dump trucks. Call: 650-0402/ 652-0251 Pipeline handlers, forklifts 3.5 tons diesel truck weigh scales -(60 tons,40 ft) Low bed trailers-60 tons,triple axle. Call: 665-3880.

House lots & commercial plot for sale available at Blankenburg W.C.D. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402.

Security Officers and Cleaners needed at Empag Inc. Must have secondary education and experience. Call: 664-3716/ 226-4364.

PROPERTY FOR SALE 25 acres chicken farm with 6 pens, newly constructed.

Call: 644-6551/ 661-3608.

Receptionist and Hotel Attendant needed at Hick's Ville Hotel. Call: 231-0951/ 2310952 or Email: info@ vegeworld.net

LAND FOR SALE 44X80 located at Policeman Street, Dairy. 2 minutes away from Harbour Bridge, $11 mil neg. Call: 677-4286.

call, and that was when she was told of the allegations made against her.

The prosecutor did not object to bail. The magistrate then granted bail in the sum of $60,000 and the matter was adjourned.

The defendant is scheduled to appear before the court again on February 7, 2024 for statements.

Oil Cash Transfers: “You have to work...

From page 06 emergencies. Also, huge cash transfers would serve as a dis-incentive to work; put the economy at risk of overheating with attendant inflationary pressures, as well as, have a high probability of laying down the pre-conditions for the onset of the “Dutch disease,” whose vortex is waiting to gobble up the spoils.

The Opposition forces believe that hefty cash handouts should take precedence over the implementation of transformative development projects in education, health, agriculture, transport, and other sectors.

Additionally, do they really care on how huge annual amounts of handouts would be sustained in the medium and long term?

Given the narrow window of opportunity to exploit this oil resource combined with price

EDUCATION Reading and writing is the gateway to succeed in all other subjects. Call: 663-4654.

First Aid/ CPR/ AED & Home Nursing courses will commence in January 2024. Call St.John Association: 2259082.

Hotel and bar located at Soesdyke. Call: 644-6551/ 661-3608.

FOR SALE

Richards said at no time she collected the items mentioned in the charge. However, Richards admitted that she placed her bag in the vehicle.

The accused noted in an oral statement that on the day in question, when she checked her phone, she noticed seven missed calls from the virtual complainant. Upon seeing this, she returned a

FOR RENT 2 bedroom apartment in residential area located at New Market St, parking available.

Call: 663-5429, 614-7357.

WhatsApp: 718-564-3909.

1 bedroom house to rent with kitchen & living room for single person at ECD. Price $30000. Call: 234-0965/ 706-8908.

Place to rent for business at Vreed-en-Hoop junction.

Suitable for church, lessons, storage bond, office & other.

Call: 603-6400.

2 new 2 bedrooms apartments both self-contained.

Located Western end of Eccles over pass. Call: 2271813.

volatility of crude oil (between 2020-2023, oil prices fluctuated from $US 70pb to $US 111 pb to $US78pb and to &(US) 78 pb in 3rd Qtr. 2023), not only would the risk be too high to consider huge handouts but also such measure would defeat the foundational principles (stated before) of the NRF. Here are some vital facts for consideration. Oil production commenced on the Stabroek block on December 19, 2019. From then to September 30, 2023, Lisa Destiny FPSO and Lisa Unity FPSO produced 283,209,117 barrels of crude oil. The total inflows (royalty and profit oil plus interest) for the period (12/19/ 2019-9/30/2023) were $(US)3.135 billion. The government withdrew a combined

51.3% of this sum in 2022 and 2023 ($US1.609 billion) for budget support in 2022 and 2023 in accordance with the First Schedule and Section IV, paragraph 16(2) of the NRF Act 19 of 2021.

The balance of $(US) 1.525 billion as of September 30, 2023, is in the NRF account and not in politician pockets, as recklessly asserted by some critics.

Finally, I observe that oil production tends to vary with the price movements of Brent crude oil.

A Pearson ‘r’ was calculated and there exists a positive moderate correlation between production and price levels (r =0. 658) which is significant at the p<.05 level.

Sincerely Dr. Tara Singh

Global unemployment rate set...

From page 15 Training) remains high, especially among young women, posing challenges for longterm employment prospects.

The report also found that those people who have reentered the labour market post-pandemic tend not to be working the same number of hours as before while the number of sick days taken has increased significantly.

Productivity growth slowed After a brief post-pandemic boost labour productivity has returned to the low level seen in the previous decade. Importantly, the report also finds that despite technological advances and increased investment, productivity growth has continued to slow. One reason for this is that significant amounts of investment were directed towards less productive sectors such as services and construction. Other barriers include skills shortages and the dominance of large digital

monopolies, which hinders faster technological adoption, especially in developing countries and sectors with a predominance of low productivity firms.

Outlook uncertain “This report looks behind the headline labour market figures and what it reveals must give great cause for concern.

It is starting to look as if these imbalances are not simply part of pandemic recovery but structural,” said ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo. “The workforce challenges it detects pose a threat to both individual livelihoods and businesses and it is essential that we tackle them effectively and fast. Falling living standards and weak productivity combined with persistent inflation create the conditions for greater inequality and undermine efforts to achieve social justice.

And without greater social justice we will never have a sustainable recovery”.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 11, 2024

CCAC resolved complaints worth $305,788,496 for consumers last year The Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) said it resolved a number of complaints by consumers last year valued at $305,788,496. The agency said in a press release that it received 492 complaints last year to the value of $481,370,392. Eighty-five percent of the complaints were resolved to the value of $305,788,496. The other 15% are ongoing cases, the CCAC said in a press release.

The value of and number of complaints received represent an increase of 84% and 20% respectively when compared to 2022.

Complaints against the auto industry dominated followed closely by the electronics and construction industries. The auto industry accounted for the highest value of complaints at the tune of $280,399,901.

The highest number of complaints came from Region 4, - 339, followed

by Region 3 with 82 and Region 10 with 31. The Commission inspected 1283 businesses in 9 regions, for their compliance with the Consumer Affairs Act, NO. 13 of 2011. Businesses are inspected for conformance with the issuing of receipts and warranties, display of

current and accurate prices, return policy for both nondefective and defective items, no display of no return/no refund signs, and their obligations under layaway sales.

Non-conforming businesses were provided an excerpt of the Act which refers to the “Duties of The Supplier”, and were coached on the areas they need to remedy. Awareness sessions were held with schools and communities in 9 of the 10 Administrative Regions.

“The Commission reminds consumers to always demand their receipts since it is their main proof of purchase, ensure warranties of no less than six months are provided, and thoroughly scrutinize every contract before affixing a signature.

Aggrieved consumers are encouraged to file their complaints with the Commission via the website ccac.gov.gy or call 2194410-3. The services of the CCAC are free of charge.

The CCAC is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce and is mandated to manage and enforce the Competition and Fair-Trading Act, NO. 11 of 2006, and the Consumer Affairs Act, NO. 13 of 2011.”

PAGE 17

$45M set aside to rehabilitate Skeldon Market roof, stalls

D

uring a previous opening of bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), it was disclosed that the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has set aside approximately $45 million

to repair the roof and stalls at the Skeldon Market in Region Six. At the opening event, it was stated that works to rehabilitate the roof was pegged at $35,152,150, while the works to the stalls was estimated to cost $10,000,155.

Below are the companies and their bids: Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Lot 1: Rehabilitation of Skeldon Market phase 1- roof.

Kaieteur News had reported that in November last year, a fire destroyed sections of the market facility.

The Guyana Fire Service had reported that preliminary investigations revealed that the origin of the fire was from an electric fan

that was left plugged into the wall of one of the stalls.

The fan was switched on, leading to overheating, which subsequently ignited nearby materials.

The fire had destroyed a number of stalls as well as a section of the roof of the market.

Rehabilitation of fence, roof and extension of office space at Night Shelter

Lot 1: Rehabilitation of Skeldon Market phase 1 – stalls.

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Supply and delivery of one reconditioned 4x4 double cab pickup

Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Construction of juvenile processing facility

The Skeldon Market in Region Six which was gutted by a fire in November.

Govt. asked int’l human rights body to withdraw precautionary measures over allegations of abuse of Amerindians at Chinese Landing – Teixeira

T

he Government of Guyana (GoG) has formally asked the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to withdraw its precautionary measures issued over the alleged abuse of Amerindians at Chinese Landing, Barama River, Region One. Last July, IACHR issued precautionary measures, in relation to claims of human rights abuses against Indigenous people living at Chinese Landing, by largescale miners, specifically Mr. M.V, the legal holder of mining licences for their titled lands.

M i n i s t e r o f Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, on Wednesday during her press conference told reporters that in December 2023, the government wrote to the IACHR asking for a response to their submission which responded to the human rights petition filed by the Chinese Landing

Vi l l a g e C o u n c i l , t h e Amerindian Peoples Association of Guyana (APA), and the Forest Peoples Programme, against the government.

“In fact, what we did with Chinese Landing we asked for a withdrawal of the precautionary measures as they are not based on facts and it’s a misrepresentation, so we asked formally to the IACHR to withdraw the petition against Guyana.”

Minister Teixeira noted that since responding to the petition the government has only received an acknowledgement of receipt from the Human Rights body, but not an actual response in relation to the submissions. However, she acknowledged that from previous engagements, she is aware of the process when dealing with human rights petitions.

“They were certain sensitivity with the documents that we do have, they are very, very important in terms of the health

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira findings, in terms of the findings to do with mining and very interesting,” the minister added.

She noted that the government’s submission to the IACHR was done by reputable technical officers of the government. “We attached all the appendixes including all the fact-finding mission documents of mining, health, tests that

were done on urine for mercury, blood for mercury etc.,” the minister said.

Moreover, she said too, “My view is that it would have been good to see a response from IACHR to our submission before releasing the documents. However, it is now from earlier last year we have not received anything.”

Following the issuance

of the IACHR precautionary measures, the Government had sent in a “fact finding team” to Chinese Landing on August 6 2023.

According to the Commission, the Carib community which has approximately 210 residents is currently at serious risk of suffering irreparable harm to their human rights by miners and even some members of the Guyana Police Force.

Details of those risks were outlined in a petition to the international body.

The IACHR had also requested that the government implement a number measures to protect the Indigenous people from harm.

Those requests are: for the government to take the necessary measures to protect the rights to life and personal integrity of the members of the Indigenous Carib Community of Chinese Landing with a cultural, gender-based, and age-appropriate perspective to prevent threats,

harassment, and other acts of violence against them, to consult and agree upon the measures to be adopted with the people of Chinese Landing and their representatives and to report on the actions taken to investigate the events that led to the adaptation of this precautionary measure, so as to prevent such events from reoccurring.

It is believed that the miners have polluted the waterways and this has severely affected the health of residents.

Kaieteur News had reported that Toshao Orin Fernandes has already tested positive for mercury poisoning, according to the IACHR Resolution.

Statements were also taken from villagers regarding the alleged collusion between police ranks and the miners, threats to their lives and terrorizing of them for the disputed lands.

Water samples were also taken to test for possible mercury contamination.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 11, 2024

Thursday January 11, 2024

Steve Smith replaces David Warner as Test opener against West Indeis BBC Sport - Steve Smith will replace David Warner as Australia’s Test opener despite never batting in the position in his 16-year first-class career.

Smith, 34, will open alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test against West Indies in Adelaide from 17 January.

Smith has never opened in 167 first-class games, which includes 105 Tests.

“There were plenty within the team who were pretty keen to go on record and say that they weren’t keen to do it,” said selector George Bailey.

“So it was refreshing that Steve had come forward and said he wanted it.

“It was something that

we’d been chatting about in the background as a selection panel with the coaches as well.

“It’s selfless that someone who’s had such success in one position or a couple of positions in the middle order is open and willing and hungry to go and have a crack at something new and something different.”

Smith began his career as a leg-spinner and number eight before becoming a prolific middle-order batter. He has scored 9,514 runs at an average of 58.01 in Tests.

He has batted at number three in 17 Tests - most recently in 2017 - although he has opened twice for Austra-

lia in T20s.

Smith’s move up the order will allow all-rounder Cameron Green to return in Smith’s current position of number four, after losing his place to Mitchell Marsh during last summer’s Ashes in England.

Established openers Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft, the leading run-scorer in Australia’s Sheffield Shield in the past two seasons, have been overlooked in a 13-man squad.

Australia play two Tests, three one-day internationals and three T20s against West Indies before a tour of New Zealand in February and March.

Thursday January 11, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might be extremely busy now. Invitations to large parties, small gatherings with close friends, and intimate evenings with romantic partners might come up today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

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

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

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

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

Warner, Australia’s most prolific opener, retired after the victory - and 3-0 series clean sweep - over Pakistan last week, having scored 8,786 runs at 44.59 in 112 Tests.

Australia Test squad against West Indies: Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.

Smith’s record by batting position Tests Runs Average Three 17 1,744 67.07 Four 67 5,966 61.50 Five 19 1,258 57.18 Six 11 325 25.00 Seven 2 121 60.50 Eight2 88 29.33 Nine 1 12 12.00

GMR&SC announce...

From page 23 through enhanced media coverage.

Boodhoo also emphasized a robust developmental plan for 2024, both locally and internationally, with increased participation from overseas drivers indicating a burgeoning global interest in their (Guyana) events. According to him, “This anticipates a larger international presence, signaling an exciting trajectory for the racing calendar.”

U.S. boxer Johnson, Canadian ice hockey player Leipsic get Russian citizenship

Kevin Johnson during the weigh in. (Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/ File Photo) (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has granted Russian citizenship to U.S. boxer Kevin Johnson and Canadian ice hockey player Brendan Leipsic under a decree published on a Russian government website on Tuesday.

Russian newspaper Izvestia reported in September that heavyweight boxer Johnson had asked Putin for Russian citizenship, shortly after Johnson adopted the Russian-style patronymic Vladimirovich - a decision he said he took in honour of the

Russian leader. Leipsic, who was sacked by the Washington Capitals in 2020 after making misogynist comments and inappropriate remarks about other players, has since played for Russian ice hockey teams. In July, Russian media reported that he had written to Putin asking for citizenship.

Russia has previously given citizenship to a string of Western celebrities who have requested it and publicly spoken out in support of Russia, including U.S. actor Steven Seagal and French actor Gerard Depardieu.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 11, 2024

Horseracing action continues on January 28 at Rising Sun Fazal Habibulla

T

he second horserace meet for 2024 is set for Sunday January 28, at the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) with a seven-race card which will be promoted

by RSTC’s promoter, Fazal Habibulla.

According to organizers, the new racing season should have an average of one race day each month. This has been fast tracked as there is now two race days in the month of January. Therefore, the amount of race days could increase.

The outspoken ‘Uncle Faz’ reported, “All the promoters are focusing on satisfying the request of owners of Guyana-bred horses. They are the mainstay of the industry. We

have some challenges coming as word is out that Rules and Regulations to govern the sport should become law soon. We are trying our best to get everybody on the same page for this transition.”

Uncle Faz continued, “The organizers of horseracing got together, and announced a 12-day racing programme this year. It could probably have more race days, if the weather permits.

We have an increasing racing population. More horses have been bought and will be entering the country this month or very early next month.

This is very big boost for the industry, as it creates more employment.”

“The clamour by owners to increase purses for Guyana-bred horses have been answered by as much as 50%. My race card caters for very competitive racing.

The feature event will be a 1,100-metre E & Lower event. The card also caters for Guyana-bred three-yearolds and Guyana-bred horses in the lower class. “ “This race day is a preview of what is to come on Mashramani day on 25th February also at Rising Sun. Come out and support an industry that caters for employment of over 1,000 people direct and indirect,” Habibulla explained.

The opening day of the 2024 season was held on New Year’s day with a seven-race card.

Brathwaite, Greaves, Hodge post half-centuries but WI stumble on first day of warm-up match S p o r t s M a x - We s t Indies’ batting frailties were again exposed, as they stumbled against an inexperienced Cricket Australia XI on the first of a three-day warm-up match in Adelaide. Despite getting some positive starts, West Indies batsmen were unable to push on against a CA XI that does not feature any p l a y e r s w i t h Te s t experience, which basically underscores the Caribbean side’s chances, or lack thereof, heading into the first Test against Australia next week.

Scores: West Indies 251 for 8 (Greaves 65, Hodge 52, Brathwaite 52, Haskett 3-57) vs Cricket Australia

XI) After opting to take first strike on a dry Karen Rolton wicket, Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who showed class in their previous Test Down Under last summer, led from the front with his 52 at the top. Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves, both showed Head coach Andre Coley that they are ready for a Test debut, as they scored 52 and 62 respectively.

But amidst the positives, were also concerns for the Regional side. Top-order batters Kirk McKenzie (23) and Alick Athanaze (zero) were both bounced out, in dismissals that will no doubt catch the attention of A u s t r a l i a ’s s e a m e r s .

Brathwaite’s dismissal also

raised eyebrows. He was caught trying to paddle-sweep Doug Warren in a half-hearted shot that capped a collapse of three wickets for three runs.

Another collapse of four wickets for eight runs came late in the day around the second new ball, after Hodge and Greaves steadied the innings and took the score to 223 for 4.

Liam Haskett led the CA XI’s bowling attack with three for 57, while rising New South Wales talent Jack Nisbet finished with two for 50, and Victorian spinner Warren claimed two for 47. Between them, the three bowlers have played a total of nine first-class matches.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 11, 2024

PAGE 21

Everybody wants to do well: Coley pleased with WI build-up to two-Test series Down Under SportsMax - West Indies Test head coach Andre Coley says they will be using the opening practice match on their tour of Australia to tighten up in both the batting and bowling departments, as they brace for what will be a tough two-match Test Series Down Under.

T h e C a r i b b e a n s i d e ’s preparations for the series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), hit another gear when they engage a young Cricket Australia XI in a three-day, practice match at Karen Rolton Oval, yesterday.

Coley, working with a fairly inexperienced 15-man squad, which boast seven uncapped players, expressed pleasure with how things are coming together, and is optimistic that his team can find success on this occasion. It has been well over 20 years since West Indies last won a Test series in

Australia dating back to a 1992-93 series, which they won 2-1.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite is one of only five members of the squad returning to Australia, along with long-standing pacer Kemar Roach, vice-captain Alzarri Joseph, wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva and opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul. The seven debutants are opener Zachary McCaskie, Tevin Imlach, all-rounders Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Kevin Sinclair, Akeem Jordan and Shamar Joseph.

“Everybody wants to do well here, whether they have had experience of playing here in the past, or it is their first trip. It has been a good experience watching them get over the jetlag and then get into the work, whatever it has been on a specific day, and the focus has been good,” Coley shared in a Cricket West Indies (CWI)

Andre Coley interview ahead of the warm-up game.

The practice match does not have first-class status, which means both teams can rotate more than 11 players through their line-ups, and this provides Coley the opportunity

Former selectors Browne, Baptiste yet to be fully paid by CWI; pursuing futher legal action SportsMax - Having moved to settle their legal dispute with former selectors Courtney Browne and Eldine Baptiste, Cricket West Indies (CWI) is yet to fulfill its payment obligation to both men and, as such could be headed back to court.

This latest development was revealed by cricket commentator and broadcaster Andrew Mason, who during his recent Mason and Guest show, disclosed that Browne, Baptiste and their lawyers are back in the industrial courts of Antigua and Barbuda, hoping to enforce an order against CWI. The two former West Indies players received letters of termination on April 10, 2019, shortly after Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow won the C r i c k e t We s t I n d i e s presidential elections in March that year.

The termination letters made reference to a task force that was being established to review the selection system.

The task force that was chaired by Shallow –now the CWI president –was expected to make recommendations.

Notwithstanding that the task force had not yet met,

Courtney Browne (left) and Eldine Baptiste.

CWI fired the selectors a h e a d o f a n y recommendations that would have come from the task force. The matter has been before the courts for the past four years, with CWI now seemingly backtracking on its decision to settle and pay all legal costs and 15 months’ payment of the contract to Browne and Baptiste.

Top lawyer Anthony Astaphan, who is working on behalf of Browne and Baptiste gave the latest on the situation.

“No, the matter with Courtney Browne and Eldine Baptist has not been fully settled.

There were negotiations between the parties attended by counsel, not me. Mr. West appeared on behalf of Mr. Browne and Mr. Baptiste.

I couldn’t make it and I think the president of Cricket West Indies was either

present or participated and an agreement was arrived at to pay Eldine and Courtney a specific sum,” Astaphan, who was Mason’s guest, shared.

“That agreement on the sums was crystallized into a consent order or an order of the industrial court. Some sums were in fact paid but the full amount was not paid, as a result of which correspondence was sent over to Cricket West Indies.

“I don’t believe there was a response, or at least a constructive response.

So, Mr. West is in the process now of registering the order of the industrial court in the High Court for the purpose of having to enforce the order against Cricket West Indies by whatever means he may think the most expedient, including executing on the assets of Cricket West Indies,” he added.

to better observe the new players in action. “When you think about Test matches, it’s really important that you are able to bat a day to be able to set up the game from a batting standpoint. On the flipside of that it’s pretty simple for me, if you can get the opposition out before the end of a day’s play, so for me, those are easy markers,” he said.

“How we go about it as a batting and bowling group is where it becomes more specific as it relates to the roles and the different skill sets that each player brings to the table. But we are looking to keep it really, really simple, and these are some of the markers that we are looking to get out of the game,” Coley added.

That said, Coley pointed to the progress made in their build up to the Test match. The first Test is scheduled for January 17 in Adelaide, with the second set to

take place on January 25 at The Gabba.

“I am happy with the progress we have made. It has been a gradual adjustment (to the conditions), but at the end of the day, regardless of how the pitch plays and what response we get from the pitch when bowling, each player has to adapt to what is in front of him,” Coley declared.

He continued: “Sometimes the pitch has little to do with it, as opposed to being locked in to what is in front of you. I think we have covered that pretty well in the batting, and similarly, adjusting to bowling lengths and what we want to achieve.

“The ability to hit specific areas has been good, as well as getting a general feel for how the ball moves around in the atmosphere from a fielding standpoint, we have been able to spend some time on that.”

Novak Djokovic stands on the brink of more grand slam history at the Australian Open Independent - Novak Djokovic resumes his quest for grand slam supremacy at the Australian Open, where the seemingly invincible Serb will be the firm favourite to claim his 25th major singles title and eclipse a record that has stood for half a century.

The 36-year-old enjoyed one of the most dominant seasons of his career in 2023, winning a record-extending 10th crown at the Melbourne major before triumphs at the French and US Opens to go level with Margaret Court on 24 grand slam singles titles.

Australian Court won the last of those trophies in 1973 and Djokovic is poised to go past her on his happiest hunting ground, where 12 months ago he braved a political row involving his father and battled through a torn hamstring to prevail.

Barring a blip in a thrilling Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz and a couple of late-season defeats by another youngster in Jannik Sinner, the world number one was virtually unbeatable last year with little to suggest he will slow down in 2024.

“You’re not really meant to play tennis like that at 36,” Djokovic’s former coach Boris Becker said in a recent

Novak Djokovic

Eurosport podcast.

“When does the guy get tired, or when does he run out of motivation?”

Djokovic has not got off to the best of starts in the new season, suffering his first defeat in Australia in six years at the United Cup mixed team tournament after being hampered by a right wrist issue against Alex de Minaur.

“I think I’ll be okay,” Djokovic said. “It did have quite an impact, particularly on the forehand and serve. I have plenty of time, I think enough time to get myself in the right shape for the Australian Open.”

Wi t h h i s 4 3 - m a t c h winning run in Australia ended, Djokovic will be fired up to get a head start in his quest for the Golden

Slam - winning all four majors and the gold medal at the Olympic Games - to match Steffi Graf’s rare feat in 1988.

“I’ve have always the highest ambitions and goals.

That’s not going to be different (in 2024), that’s for sure,” Djokovic said after outclassing Alcaraz and Sinner in back-to-back matches to secure the yearend top spot at the ATP Finals in November.

“The drive that I have is still there. My body has been serving me well, listening to me well. I have a great team of people around me.

The motivation, especially for the biggest tournaments in the sport, is still present.

“It still inspires me to keep going.” (Reuters)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Thursday January 11, 2024

BCB/Dr Amarnauth Dukhi 50 over Under15 tournament...

Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Limited remain unbeaten - Matthew Pereira hits 2nd century

Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under15 team remains on course to win another Berbice Cricket Board title as they continued their unbeaten run in the 2024 D r. A m a r n a u t h D u k h i Under15 tournament. The team has won all of its five matches to date in the preliminary rounds. They first defeated Upper Corentyne and Whim, while they also easily got past archrivals Albion, Kildonan and Kennard Memorial. The final match before the quarterfinal shall be against Port Mourant.

The Rose Hall Town Area H ground is currently undergoing rehabilitation work on its outfield and as such the team is forced to play all of its matches away from home. Inform opening batsman Matthew Pereira,

nephew of former national and Under19 Captain Shauan Pereira, scored his 2nd century of the tournament when he struck 116 versus Kildonan following his unbeaten 101 against Upper Corentyne.

Akash Sookhlall and Munesh Rampersaud also struck half centuries, while Komalchan Ramnarace, Akash Sookhlall, Leon Reddy and Rafael McKenzie all enjoyed success with the ball.

At the Port Mourant ground, Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes defeated Albion by 6 wickets. Albion batting first were bowled out for 84 in 30 over, Tamesh Seenauth 16 and Farhan Bali 16 the top scoring. Off spinner Akash Sookhlall took 3 for 26, from 8 overs, Komalchan Ramnarace 4 for 27 from 8 overs and Dinesh

Singh 2 for 7 from 6 overs.

In reply Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes reached 85 for 4 in 22.1 overs with Sohil Mohammed finishing on 25 not out, while Matthew Pereira 20 and Munesh Rampersaud 15 also batted well. Left arm spinner R. Singh took 2 for 9 for Albion in a losing cause.

At the Kildonan ground on Thursday, Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes defeated the home team by 248 runs.

They amassed 290 for 2 from 45 overs after the match was reduced due to a late start.

Matthew Pereira struck 9 delightful boundaries in his 116 while Munesh Rampersaud 50 and Akash Sookhlall, was unbeaten on 54. Kildonan in reply were bundled out for 42 in 15 overs as national under13 pacer Rafael McKenzie 2 for 13,

Jits and Neelam 40-Over West Demerara Cricket continues with win for Zeelugt Pameshwar Ram

Host Zeelugt beat Goed Fortuin by 5 wickets in latest action in the Jits and Neelam 40-Over West Demerara Cricket.

Batting first, Goed Fortuin made 110 all out in 22.2 overs with Extras contributing 34. Bowling for the host, Khandiya Ramkarran took 3 for 8, Tameshwar Dass 2 for 22 and Mahendra Persaud 2 for 18. Zeelugt in reply made 115 for 5 in 17.4 overs, Tamesh Mohabir hit 37 with five fours and Khandiya Ramkarran 25.

At Meten Meer Zorg Community Center Ground, the host lost to

Krishna Singh

Zeeburg. Batting first Meten Meer Zorg scored 181 all out in 39.4 overs, West Demerara under15 Captain Pameshwar Ram top scored with an attractive 62 with 6 fours and one six, Dinesh George 18 and Navindra Sankar 15.

Bowling for Zeeburg, Malcolm Hubbard took 3 for 18, Mark Jeffrey 2 for 8 and Sheldon Alexander 2 for 26.

Zeeburg in reply reached 182 for 6, Arshad Azim 51 with six fours and one six, Vishal Persaud 33 with five fours and Nick Mustapha 18.

Bowling for Meten Meer

Zorg Surendra Lakeram took 4 For 24.

At Bellevue, the host, beat Cold Fusion by 7 wickets.

Batting first Cold Fusion scored 112 all out in 21.5 overs.

Diquan Campbell made 24 and Rollen Ramdeen 21. Bowling for Bellevue, Veteran Krishna Singh was impressive with figures of 5 for 8 in 3.5 overs.

Bellevue replied with 13 for 3 in 24.4 overs.

Ryan Seecharran made 34 not out, Randy Ramrup 26 and Robin Seecharran 22.

Leon Reddy 3 for 13 and skipper Komalchan Ramnarace 5 for 8 all bowled well.Batting first at the Kennard Memorial ground the home team were bowled out for 60 in 15 overs as the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes bowlers continued their good work. Only Devon Hart with 11 reach double

f ig u r es as K o malch an Ramnarace claimed 3 for 6, Akash Sookhlall 3 for 15 and Rafael McKenzie 3 for 8.

Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes in response moved to 64 for 2 off 5.3 overs with national player Sohil Mohammed top scoring with an even 50. Rafael McKenzie 6 and Balraj Narine

2 were the unbeaten batsmen at the crease when victory was achieved. Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes limited are the only unbeaten team in zone C of the Dr Amarnauth Dukhi countywide tournament.

They along with Albion are expected to reach the quarterfinals from the Zone.

Sabonis records triple-double in Kings’ win SportsMax - Domantas Sabonis notched his ninth triple-double of the season with 37 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 131-110 win over the lowly Detroit Pistons.

Sabonis shot 16 of 21 from the field, made his only 3-point attempt and was 4 of 4 from the free throw line. He moves within two triple-doubles of Denver’s Nikola Jokic for the league lead.

Keegan Murray scored 32 points on 13of-17 shooting and De’Aaron Fox added 26 for the Kings, winners of five of seven.

Bojan Bogdanovic led Detroit with 26 points as the Pistons dropped their fifth in a row since ending their NBA-record 28-game losing streak.

Sacramento trailed by 20 points in the first quarter, led by 15 in the third, were tied in the fourth and then pulled away with a 9-0 run in the fourth.

Anunoby helps Knicks stay hot OG Anunoby scored 23 points and Julius Randle added 20 with eight assists and seven rebounds as the New York Knicks won their fifth in a row, 112-84 over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Anunoby scored 16 points in the first quarter to help the Knicks open a 19-point lead. He shot 6 of 7 from the floor – 4 of 5 from 3-point range – and might have approached his season high of 29 points but the starters played sparingly in the second half.

New York is unbeaten since acquiring Anunoby from Toronto on Dec. 30.

Quentin Grimes had 17 points and Miles McBride had 16 as the Knicks moved a halfgame ahead of Miami, Orlando, Indiana and

Domantas Sabonis

Cleveland for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Davis shines in Lakers’ win Anthony Davis scored 20 of his seasonhigh 41 points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 132-131.

Davis was 13 of 17 from the field and 13 of 14 from the free throw line while adding 11 rebounds and six assists. He made all eight free throw attempts in the final minute as the Lakers held on despite late 3-pointers by Toronto’s Dennis Schröder and Gary Trent Jr. LeBron James had 22 points and 12 assists to help the Lakers win their second straight after a four-game skid.

Scottie Barnes scored 26 points and RJ Barrett added 23 with 10 rebounds for the Raptors, who had won three of four.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 11, 2024

PAGE 23

GMR&SC announces RHTYSC, Albion to clash full schedules for in BCB/Ivan Madray T20 Final this Sunday 2024 calendar The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) announced an exhilarating lineup of events for 2024 on Tuesday, signaling a strong return for the 2024 calendar. With an ambitious agenda planned, the racing authority is set to unfold more thrilling motorsport events throughout the calendar year.

The 100 Endurance Series’ first round will take place at the South Dakota Circuit on January 28, kicking off the list of events.

Shortly after, on February 18, the Drag Racing Series’ first round will also take place at the same location.

This clever plan intends to enthrall fans with a calendar of events that takes place all year round The adrenaline continues to surge as the Circuit Racing Series returns to South Dakota on April 12 with

GMR&SC President, Mahendra Boodhoo round #1, while May 19 marks the spectacle of round #2 of the Drag Racing Series.

The excitement escalates with back-to-back events on June 30 and July 14, hosting round #2 of the Circuit Racing and Endurance Series, respectively.

The crescendo of the Drag Racing Series arrives with the international flair of

round #3 on August 4, culminating in the thrilling finale of the Endurance Series on September 29 at the South Dakota Circuit.

Steering toward Lake Mainstay Airstrip, the GMR&SC will present the Essequibo Drag Racing event on October 6, culminating the year with a grand display of Circuit Racing at their International event on November 10.

Meanwhile, Mahendra Boodhoo, the head of GMR&SC, reflects on the past successes, acknowledging minor setbacks but celebrating a year of remarkable achievements. Looking ahead to 2024, he shares a vision of taking the sport to greater heights by expanding event numbers, engaging with the public, and providing heightened visibility to sponsors (Continued on page 19)

Veerasammy Permaul

T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) /Ivan Madray T20 will be hosted this Sunday January 14, between Albion and Rose Hall Town Sports Club (RHTYSC), set for the No. 69 Vikings Ground.

R e c e n t l y, A l b i o n defeated Port Mourant thus advancing to the upcoming final.

Albion posted 131- 8 off

Junior Sinclair

Kevlon Anderson

20 overs, with 33 runs apiece from Damien Cecil and Verasammy Permaul.

Port Mourant were shot down for 96 in response, with Rampertab Ramnauth (45) and his younger brother Rampersaud (28), putting on the half-century opening stand which was the highlight of their team’s innings.

National spinner Permaul returned with the

ball to snag 4 wickets for Albion, setting up a huge match with RHTYSC. A number of national and international players will be on show this Sunday with stars like; Anthony Bramble, Devendra Bishoo, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson and others battling for the title.

Action is expected to bowl off from 11:00hrs.

Swiatek targets Australian Open glory as Osaka returns AFP - Iga Swiatek is in scintillating form as she seeks a maiden Australian Open crown, but she could face a stiff test from defending champion Aryna Sabalenka while two-time winner Naomi Osaka is making her comeback.

Wo r l d n u m b e r o n e Swiatek has won 17 of her 18 matches since she lost in the fourth round of her US Open title defence, going on to win the China Open and the WTA Finals.

The Pole has started the new season with a flourish, winning all five of her singles at the United Cup last week.

But the four-time Grand Slam champion knows Sabalenka, who last year became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach at least the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams, is a huge threat.

The Belarusian overtook

Swiatek for the top ranking in S e p t e m b e r a n d appeared on course to finish the year as number one until the Pole won the season-ending WTA Finals in Mexico to return to the summit.

The best previous result at Melbourne Park for Swiatek, 22, was reaching the semi-finals in 2022.

The 25-year-old Sabalenka was on a 15match winning streak in Australia before S u n d a y ’s 6 - 0 , 6 - 3 Brisbane International final defeat to Elena Rybakina in a rerun of last year ’s Australian Open championship match.

The 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina, ranked third in the world, will also be one of the favourites for the year’s first Grand Slam, which will start on Sunday in a bid to reduce the amount of late-night finishes in the

Eyes on the prize: Iga Swiatek is chasing a first Australian Open title. (David Gray)

early rounds.

“We always push each other and I think that’s great,” said the Russian-born Kazakh, 24. “We improve this way, so hopefully we continue.”

- New mums return Japan’s Osaka and G e r m a n y ’s A n g e l i q u e Kerber are among a number of mothers returning at the event after giving birth, a

group that includes the 2018 winner, Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark.

Another recent mum, Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, is seeking to build on her impressive form after coming back in April last year.

She was in great touch in her Auckland warm-up last week, beating former Grand Slam champions Wozniacki and Emma Raducanu before

losing a tight three-set final to American Coco Gauff.

Nineteen-year-old Gauff, who won her first major at the US Open in September, rounds out a powerful group of four at the top of the rankings.

Two-time Australian Open champion Osaka returned to the court last week after taking a 15month break from the game, initially for mental health concerns. Last year she gave birth to daughter Shai.

The 26-year-old stayed upbeat after her secondround loss to Karolina Pliskova in Brisbane last week.

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

“I know that if I keep training and if I keep putting in the work, then I’ll eventually get to where I

want to be.”

- ‘ Wo n d e r f u l memories’ Wo z n i a c k i , 3 3 , who reached the fourth round at last y e a r ’ s U S Open, is playing at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2020, having had two children while away.

“I have so many wonderful memories of Melbourne and, of c o u r s e, winning the Australian Open is an alltime career highlight,” Wozniacki, who was given a wildcard to compete, told the AO Show Podcast.

B r i t a i n ’s R a d u c a n u i s a l s o o n t h e comeback trail after a n i n j ury-blighted 2023.

The 2021 US Open champion, who boasts a huge media profile and lucrative endorsement deals, has only played twice in Melbourne and has never been past the second round.

rt s Spo

Brathwaite, Greaves, Hodge post half-centuries but WI stumble on first day of warm-up match

Smith is fourth on Australia’s list of all-time Test run-scorers. (Getty Images)

Steve Smith replaces David Warner as Test opener against West Indeis

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite.

Horseracing action continues on January 28 at Rising Sun Horse racing action will continue on January 28.

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.