Kaieteur News

Pres.Ali,Jagdeodifferonreleaseofminingcontracts

Guyana’s Head of State and Vice President (VP) are notonthesamepagewhenit comestothereleaseoflarge scaleminingcontracts.

While VP Jagdeo publicly committed to the release of the agreements during an appearance on a Kaieteur Radio Programme, President Irfaan Ali, who repeatedly says his Government is transparent, saidhewillexplorewhether thisisapossibility

On the sidelines of a media engagement on Tuesday at State House, PresidentAliwasaskedbya Kaieteur News Reporter when the Government will be releasing the mining contracts given the numbers promisesmadetodoso.

He replied: “The Government is transparent (but) transparency does not mean that there is no confidentiality in anything. What I am saying is the contracts in the mining sector and those contracts thatexistthatyouwanttobe releasedandthosearethings that the sector has to examine.”

The Head of State said thatwasnotgivenabriefso he is not aware of what confidentiality agreements are embedded in the contracts. Furthermore, Ali accused the former A Partnership for National Unity+AllianceForChange (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government of being in office for five years but failed to release the mining contracts.

“Why weren’t the contracts released? I’m sure thecontractswereexamined and there were no questions

asked in relation to those contracts so I don’t know I havetofindoutwhatarethe conditions governing those contracts,”hesaid.

In the absence of those agreements, Guyana remains in the dark regarding the benefits of the multi-billion dollar sector The country is unaware of the royalty rates, what percent Guyana is benefitting from and how muchofitsresourceisbeing extracted by foreign companies.

The Irfaan Ali-led Administration has been repeatedly dodging calls for the release of large mining contracts.

The Government was pressed last year to make public those contracts it has signed with foreign companies but has failed to do so. Kaieteur News, in particular, following the publication of Guyana’s third Extractive Industries Transparency (EITI) report

in 2022 has been asking Government Officials to make the mining contracts publictonoavail.

Since becoming a member of the global body, the report notes that the Government agreed to adhere to several requirementsincludingEITI requirement 2.4 (a) of the 2019 Standard which states thatGuyanashouldpublicly disclose all mineral agreements entered into force prior to the reporting period, in this case, 2019. Although the requirements ar e k n o w n to th e Administration, it continues tomakeexcusesinavoiding the release of these contracts.

Vice President Jagdeo was asked for a fourth time by Kaieteur News about the release of the mining contracts at an event held at State House in December 2022 but he distanced himselffromtherequest.

“Talk toVick about that.

Insuranceagent,bankemployee underinvestigationfor allegedlyswindlingmillions outofwealthybusinessmen

Aninsuranceagentandabankemployee are under investigation for allegedly swindling millions out of wealthy businessmeninthecountry

Investigators at the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Tuesday told KaieteurNewsthatitisacasethattheyhave beeninvestigatingsincelastyear

“It’s something that happened while back”,Investigatorssaid.

No arrests have been made as yet, but according to SOCU Investigators, a number ofpersonswerequestionedandamongthem areaninsuranceagentandabankemployee.

It is being alleged that the duo might be partofaschemeinvolvingmoreplayersthat wasdesignedtorobwealthybusinessmenof millions.

Kaieteur News understands that the duo

allegedly convinced the businessmen that theywereabletosecurecontractsforseveral projectsbutneededfunding.

They promised the unsuspecting Investors that they will receive a 10 percent returnontheirinvestments.

However, the Investors are beginning to believethattheyhavebeenrobbedbecauseto date they have not received any money and there is no evidence suggesting that the duo and others who may be involved, are in possessionofcontracts.

Kaieteur News understands that the suspects have been unable to provide a plausibleexplanationtotheirInvestors.

Thisnewspaperunderstandsthatthetotal investments made could be as much as $400M.

Investigationsarestillongoing.

Vick is more familiar with that. That’s his portfolio,” theVPsaid.Hewasreferring to Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat. The subject Minister, who was also at the event, was nowhere to be found at the conclusion of the interview with the Vice President Calls to his cell phone also wentunanswered.

Guyana’s third EITI report was issued in June 2022.Afteritwaspublished, Jagdeo was confronted about the secret deals at a Press Conference heldatthe Office of the President Then, he explained that the large scale mining contracts in Guyana should be made available to the public should a formal request be made to the Commissioner ofInformation’sOffice.

When asked why the contracts were not made public in the first place,

Jagdeo told Reporters that “these contracts don’t rest withthePresident,ifyougo to GRA [Guyana Revenue Authority] every one of these contracts will be at GRA because they all have duty-freeconcessions.”

He was adamant as long as a request is made to the C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information for one of the mining contracts “and you don’t get it, then that is a differentmatter”.

Later in August of that year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was asked for an update on the release of the mining contracts by Kaieteur News Publisher, Mr.GlennLallwhentheVP again promised to make the contractspublic.

Jagdeo said, “I don’t think these agreements should be secret Right, because the concessions are standard… Many people don’t remember this but the Minister of Finance used to sign every duty-free letter that was when I was there and we changed it. When I became President and even before that, we started moving to change it where

allofthat,theadministering of duty-free concessions would be done by the GRA and not by a political individual and secondly, they would be based on legislation.”

He therefore indicated, “I don’t see the reason why many of these are not in the public domain already I’ll findoutaboutit.”

TheVPlaterappearedon ‘The Glenn Lall Show’, a radio programme aired on Kaieteur Radio, back in S e p t e m b e r W h e n questionedabouttherelease of the mining contracts, he said,“Youarecharacterising it as hiding these contracts. For me personally, I don’t see any reason why you should not have these contracts.”

LallthenaskedJagdeoto ensurethedealsarereleased to which the Vice President replied: “I can undertake to findoutwithyouthere,what provision the GRA is so cagey about that it doesn’t want to release… I will undertake that anything that isnon-proprietythatyouget it released. I will personally nowseethatthishappen.”

President Irfaan Ali Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

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EDITORIAL

THIS OIL COULD COST US DEARLY

Wearebeginningtoaskwhetherthisgreatoilpatrimony ismoreofacursethanablessing. Eachnewdaybringsanew andalarmingdevelopment,whichservesasthebasisforthe preceding sentence, the concern expressed.Today, when all Guyanese should be rejoicing over their rich gifts, there is worrythattheprosperingtouchandtasteofthisoilwouldbe out of reach of most Guyanese. Plenty is coming to the surface from a comprehensive and credible Environmental ImpactAssessment(EIA)commissionedbyExxonMobilfor itsfifthoilprojectinGuyana,Uaru.

First,GuyaneselearnedfromtheEIAforthisfifthproject, that the local fishing sector could be decimated. This is a troublingconsideration,giventhatthefishingsectoristaking its share of licks. Fisherfolk had already complained about poorcatch,andadifferentqualityofcatch,despitespending longertimesandmoremoneypertripinourfishinggrounds. The claims are that there is a direct correlation with the activities of ExxonMobil in existing oil fields. The PPPC Government and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)havesaidlittleonthis. TheMinisterofAgriculturedid take a stab at separating ExxonMobil’s oil activities from what is being experienced by Guyanese fishermen, but he quickly closed his playbook and disappeared into the woodwork of silence. Poor fishing catch means that availabilityofmarineproductsonthelocalmarketsbecomes scarce, and prices skyrocket inflicting still more pain on Guyanese.

Next,thesamevoluminousEIApointedoutthatasevere oil spill could result in incalculable damage to not just Guyana, but extend to several countries in the region, most notably, tourism reliant Trinidad and Tobago. If a huge oil spilldidoccur,thereisthehighprobabilitythatcatastrophic consequences could be felt by Trinidad,Aruba, and others. Our oil wealth of which so much is talked about currently couldbeallbutuseless,andallouroilpotential(earnings)be meaningless, given the deep hole in which Guyana would finditself. Thisnewspaper,andseveralcommentators,have called for full liability coverage by ExxonMobil’s parent company, if only to give Guyana some level of financial protectionshouldtherebeawellblowout. Consideringthat Guyana is bent on pumping oil as fast as it can, which was stated by no less a figure than President Ali himself at the Global Investors Summit 2023 in India, there are always going to be risks attached to working at such breakneck speeds, and with which ExxonMobil would be only too delightedtopushtheenvelope.

There is no local watchdog at our offshore oilfields, whichgivesExxonMobilafreeandclearhandtocutcorners andtakechances. Itisnotthekindofcompanytoletsucha goldenopportunitygobyuntouched,whichisdangerousfor Guyana. Now, the same EIA is pinpointing the woeful, disconnected,hodgepodge,andfreeforallstateofourports (“Accelerated oil development with ad hoc governance, outdated laws, could sink Guyana’s shipping, transport industry -Exxon study” (KN January 13). As if we do not havedeficitsandconcernsenoughalready,nowthereisthis partoftheEIAstudythatpullsnopunches. Ourportscamein forabeating,withtheirconstruction,laborforce,limitations all identified, and none given any decent marks. There are legislativedeficits,withanewgovernancestructureurgently needed.

There are bottlenecks that cry out for corrective action. And there are maintenance issues relative to the ports, and concerns about the need for ongoing maintenance issues regarding the dredging of channels, which have all lagged. Theseareaproblembecauselargershipsarepreventedfrom accessingPortGeorgetowntodelivertheircargoes. Thefifth project, Uaru, will only intensify the pressures and burdens that are part of the norm today In all this, Guyana is many dayslate,andmanydollarsshort. Wecannotcope,yetweare rushing along with more projects. We lack framework, structure, knowledge, equipment, and resolve, but we are hurryingforward. Thisiseitherrankstupidityorunequalled insanity at work. If we are not careful, the oil blessing can mutateintotheworstofcurses.

Budgethaspositives,stillneedssomeretooling

DEAREDITOR,

This year’s budget started unexpectedly with the parliamentary site showing that the budget presentation had ended on January 15th at 3:30pm. A sign of things to come or an error that could be easily corrected? With economic development timing is very important The global economy is slowing, inflation is high and interest rates are skyrocketing. The past budgets were not balanced and excessive spending was driven primarilybyborrowing.This year’s budget should be retooled to ensure governmentreceiptsbalance withexpenditures.

The additional funds available in the NRF should be invested to capitalize on the high interest rates, while allowing inflation to fall as supply chain issues are resolved. Not only will this make our development plan more affordable, but it will also allow the Human Resources and internal capabilitiesofthecountryto further develop to a level where the economy can efficiently and effectively absorb the increased expected future growth. Our CapExinvestmentscontinue to be limited by our internal capabilities. We must allow time for these capabilities to further be developed and enhanced. Paying down our debts continues to be important and will help

ensure favorable future credit worthiness. The local economy is also at risk of overheating and this approach to economic development during this difficult global financial period will allow Guyana to strengthen its long-term position for further development. Having 2023 be a year of focus on electricity, water, drainage and community needs will ensure a strong year of accomplishment that will have a direct impact on our citizens.

The non-oil sector’s growth is promising and should be further encouraged, but we must be in tune with demand and expected price growth. The opportunity with India for theproductionofmilletswas timidandshouldberevisited withabaselineacreageofat least 1000 acres combined with a secured sales agreement.

Our country should also no longer overlook the organicfarmingindustryand theopportunitythatitoffers. Opening markets and ensuring sales should be a high priority alongside our citizens convenience and increasing of productivity within the economy Our sugar production has fallen while prices have increased and our rice production yields has increased while priceshavefallen.

The non-productive sectors that cater to the

health and wellbeing of our citizens continue to be a focus in the budget and should be applauded. The educationofourchildrenand theirsafetycontinuestobea focus of the budget and it is CRG’s hope that the immediate infrastructural needs that are being looked atwillincludethefiresafety needsthathavenowbecome clear to our nation. It is unfortunate that those safety needs were not explicitly mentioned during the presentation.

T h e c o n t i n u e d development of the University of Guyana in Demerara and Berbice is encouraging and we also look forward to an investment in a strong offeringinEssequibo.

Housing growth is also applaudable. However, the opportunity continues to exist for a pre-investment in a s e w a g e s y s t e m , underground electricity lines, the supporting water system; and having the roads, clinics and police outposts in place prior to lot distribution.Thiswillensure the avoidance of the current problems we have with electricity, water, road, security and healthcare needs in established communities We must ensure the correct level of focus is in place for our investments to bring about a strongerandsafereconomy

This also highlights the currentgapsthatareinplace

within the current infrastructure. Let’s make a better effort at improving what we currently have before an aggressive expansion program is pursued.Itisinourcountry’s best interest to secure what we have by completing the improvementofourdrainage a n d s e a d e f e n s e infrastructure. The current proposed budget needs to providefurtherclarityinthis crucial area of our infrastructure. Overall, the budget was in line with the approach taken during previous years and CRG continues to encourage the government to relook at the opportunities that have presented themselves over the recent past and refocus on what is both urgent and aligned with our long-term needs For example, focusing on completing the new Demerara Harbour Bridge may be sufficient for a project of such magnitude for the current project management capabilities available in the country Given the recent complaints around the judiciary, one would have expected an increasedlevelofinvestment beyond what has been allocated in this year’s budget. CRG looks forward totheretoolingofthecurrent budgetproposal.

Bestregards, Mr.Jamil

Changlee Chairman T h e C o o p e r a t i v e RepublicansofGuyana

Corporal punishment should be banned from our schools

DEAREDITOR,

Inmyanalysisofsomeof these school invasions, I alluded to the fact that 90% of these cases stem from blatantactsofprovocation.

You cannot tell me that my child comes home with hands trembling and showing visible marks of violence as a result of a beatingfromateacher,andI sitcalmlybyanddonothing, far from it. Any normal parent is bound to react to thatsituation.OrifaTeacher physically assaults my child under the guise of “disciplining him,” because he pushed ahead of him in a lineatthecanteen.

ThepointIammakingis no one has the right to put his/her hand on another, period! End of discussion! Whichbringsmetothepoint of asking the following question, isn’t corporal punishment abolished from

ourschools?Ifnot,whynot? Tophysicallyputone’shand on another human being constitutes violence and the Ministry of Education in Guyana has to urgently address this matter in a definitive way looking forward to solving it. Like I said, these violent TeacherParentconfrontationsarenot going to cease once that slavishandarchaiclawison thebooks.

Corporal punishment: a slap, a jab, a punch, a firm push, whether done to student, a girlfriend, or a wifeconstitutesviolenceand this is unacceptable. These are all methods used to control, or as we conveniently say in the school setting, the child has tobe‘disciplined’.Thereare verymanywaystodiscipline a child other than the use of violence and these areas need to be explored and not

ignored.

Corporal punishment should be banned from our schools. Let me remind my readers of an experience I had with one of my primary school Teachers That female Teacher opened the morningwithabeatingofall the male students of the class.

It all started after she asked for her math assignment from a known delinquent in the class and when he could not readily produce it, she resorted to that brutal slave method of beating every Tom, Dick, Harry and Beharry, we all sawandfelttheblows. Now, while this was the order of disciplineduringthosedays, the sad result was that Teacher was knowingly or unknowingly promoting the doctrineofviolence,thesure pangs of which is being felt inallstrataofsocietytoday

And lest I forget, that female Teacher was just venting pure anger and frustration at her male students because of the problems she was having at home with her male partner, orreputedhusband.Yousee, sheneverhadahusbandand theguyshewasfriendlywith would physically abuse her, so she came to class that morning in blind fury, the frustration all bottled up inside of her Therefore, all males, whether right or wrong, became a prime target to launch her brutal assault of hate. Teachers, keep your frustrations away from school, because the moderndayparentswhoare descendants of slaves, are notgoingtoputupwiththat sort of behaviour and dire would be the consequences, soTeachersbeaware!

Respectfullysubmitted, NeilAdams

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd.

Roysdale Forde reacts to 2023 budget

DEAREDITOR,

The 2023 Budget was overwhelming in the length a n d d e l i v e r y b u t underwhelming in substance The budget, despite being 41.6 percent largerthanlastyear,isabsent on meaningful measures to arrest the rapid decline and deteriorationinthequalityof lifeoftheGuyanesepeople.

TheBudgetisamazingly uninspiring and profoundly disappointing One clear messageintheBudgetisthat people do not matter; things do.Withanabundanceofoil money the Government has not put in place systems to ease the burden of the high cost of living on the people. The PPPC Government is uncaring and unresponsive to the felt needs of the people. This Budget is a povertytrapintheoilandgas economy This year Guyana’s economy is expectedtogrowby100per centwhencomparedto2022 and2021butthemajorityof Guyanese are left out from the Budget. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC) Government thinks it would be able to fool all Guyana into believing the Budgetcatersforthem.

The 41 6 increase in spending is not designed to address the 48 per cent of Guyanese who live on less than $1200 per day, the 49 per cent of Guyanese who arepoor,thePublicServants finding it increasingly difficulttohavethreesquare mealsonthetable,andkeep aroofovertheirheadswhen inflation has outstripped salary increase, the P e n s i o n e r s , a n d unemployed.

In 2022 the Government gavePublicServantsapaltry increase of 8 per cent and Teachers were paid not one cent. The PPP/C continues to refuse to negotiate with theTrade Unions in keeping with those workers’ right to collective bargaining. The InternationalMonetaryFund (IMF) reports that in 2022, inflation in Guyana rose to 9.4 per cent. Workers who receivepayraisesonlygot8 percent.

At the most basic, the

Budget leaves the poor and vulnerableinaworsestateas the pittance offered as increases cannot allow the majoritytowithstandtherate of inflation unleashed on Guyanese. The economic situation is worse for Pensioners and the Young Uemployed.

Public sector pay increase- The Government has budgeted $3 Billion in salary adjustment for healthcare workers and members of the disciplined services. The allocation is insufficient even for the identified categories The Public Sector workers go beyond the identified workers but they were not catered for TaxationIncreasing the tax threshold by $12,000 is negligible when compared to the PresidentandMinisterswho continue to pay themselves increases when they pay ordinary workers, but their income remains tax free. Agricultural sector- The sum allocated the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and agricultural sector is not for the development of ordinary farmers,fisherfolkandsugar workers but an avenue for Government to channel money to the ‘One Guyana’ beneficiaries, i e the nouveau riche and political elites.GuySuCocontinuesto b e p l a g u e d b y ineffectiveness and inefficiency President Ali must address his mind to fixing the ailing industry Throwing money behind it without a proper plan and allowing for poor managementwillnotdeliver successfulresults.

Education-Educationis a gateway to escape poverty butmanyarebeingdeprived. Theallocated$3.7Billionto the University of Guyana (UG)and$1.8Billiontothe GOAL programme, which representshalfofUG’ssum, is misdirected. The money

given to GOALshould have been directed to the university and local educational institutions like the Critchlow Labour College, the Technical Institutes, and Trade Schools, recruiting local Educators and paying them more. 2023 is another year when Guyanese are being denied free university educationwhenArticle27of the Constitution of Guyana stipulated this as a right and the country can more than afford to pay for its citizens’ education.Achild grant and uniformgrantcouldneverbe a substitution for quality education.

Guyanese know, like the World Bank, the standard of education is subpar to our colleagues. It’s the same for health.TheWorldBankinits October 6, 2022 Report on Guyana stated learning and health outcomes remain low in Guyana when compared with their Latin American Caribbean counterparts

Infrastructure- The allocated sum represents a significant portion of the budget,butthisisdonewith deliberate intent Infrastructure presents avenues for corruption and Guyanesehavenotforgotten VICE News investigate reportsthatrevealedtheugly underbellyofcorruptionand money laundering between Government officials and Chinesebusinessesinreturn for lucrative contracts Peoplehaven’tforgottenMr SuZhirong, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s tenant and friend, the wealth he a m a s s e d t h r o u g h association, what he told VICENewsjournalists,their meeting with Mr. Jagdeo at his house, and what Mr. Jagdeotoldthem.”

Corruption- Corruption has increased under the Ali government, according to t h e Tr a n s p a r e n c y International Corruption Index President Ali has

reversed the hard work to reduce corruption put in by President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other M i n i s t e r s i n t h e APNU+AFC Government Guyana’s image is once againbeingtarnished.There iseveryreasonforGuyanese tofeelthisbudget,thelargest everinthecountry’shistory, could create possibilities for increasing corruption if PresidentAlidoesnotreturn to the anti-corruption policy oftheCoalitiongovernment.

E x c l u s i o n n o t inclusion- Guyanese do not begrudge their fellow Guyanese prospering but Guyanese want to see fairness by Government and many do not feel they are gettingtheirfairshare.Their views are not without justification.

The Budget was not about All Guyana, only about President Ali’s ‘One Guyana’.Mr Alihasignored the calls of United States Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch to be inclusive and ensuresharedprosperity.He has ignored the inclusionary requirement of the Constitution.Hehasignored the input from the political opposition and many stakeholdersinsociety

Sincerely, Mr. Roysdale Forde, S.C.,M.P., Shadow Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairs

Budget 2023 addresses today’s challenges with tomorrow’s opportunities

DEAREDITOR, The Federation of

IndependentTradeUnionsof Guyana (FITUG) having considered the 2023

National Budget believes thatthestageisnowsetfora strongandsecuredfuturefor all Guyanese. The Budget, expectedly, addressed a gamut of policies and touched on every area of national life aimed undoubtedly at enhancing the well-being of the ordinary people This is laudableespeciallygiventhe several challenges that the Irfaan Ali Administration inherited on its assumption to office and the new difficulties that has since arisen.

We note several measures all aimed squarely tobringaboutabetterlifefor everyone. In this regard, the Federation welcomes the improvement in the income tax threshold which are told will see some 12,000 more personsnotbeingrequiredto pay income taxes while putting over three billion dollars ($3B) in the pockets of our working people. We a p p r e c i a t e t o o improvements proposed regarding old age pensions andpublicassistance.

These sums we are sure will undoubtedly aim to reducing some of the burdens faced by our society’s vulnerable The investment in our children with yet another increase to

the Because We Care grant also brings further relief to ourpeoples.Weanticipateas our economy continues to recordsteadyandimpressive expansion in the coming y e a r s a d d i t i o n a l improvements would be forthcoming.

The FITUG in its submission to the HonourableDr AshniSingh had made similar proposals. From what appears in the Budget we believe that the Government had sincerely listenedtooursuggestions.

TheFITUGnotedaswell the substantial investment programmed towards the social sectors Taken aggregately, a substantial proportionoftheBudgethas been earmarked towards improving the our people’s standard of living whether it be education, health, housing, water, and social services.

These are critical investments that will go a long way to ensure our people benefit from our steady developments. The massive infrastructural programme will also enhance Guyanese comfort aswell.Wetakekeennoteof the significant resources allocated to community infrastructure as efforts are hastened to build cohesive and strong communities These are issues we had advancedinourproposalsto theAdministrationandare

Anew political party can be a difference-maker

DEAREDITOR,

It will soon be time for national elections, and our country, once again, may be facingthestalemateofraces with the slightest majority and the continuum of discontent. However, this cycle could be broken by a new party vying for three seats.

This may be realized if the new party comprises three sincere and honorable members from the main ethnicgroups(Amerindians, Africans and Indians) who are willing to serve Guyana anditspeoplewithoutlining theirpockets.

They should be independent of the other parties, united in ideology, committed to equality,

respectful and loyal to all Guyanese and Guyana United in this philosophy, trustworthiness and faithfulness to their constituents,theymaybethe beginning of accountability ingovernance.

Surely, these individuals are there in Guyana, but do notknowit. Itisuptousto show them that they need to embracethiscauseandforus to support them so their sacrificeswillnotbeinvain. Yes, they can influence the changes for Guyana to realize its potential as a single nation – a union of races wanting for others what they want for themselves.

Respectfully, StanleyNiamatali

Justice at last for Babita Sarjou

DEAREDITOR,

Atlast,aftermorethana decade,thefamilyofthelate Babita Sarjou will finally receive justice, they have yearned for and deserve, in the dastardly killing of their loved one This crime gripped the nation and the family can take comfort in knowing nothing goes unpaidnomatterhowlongit takes. Acollective sense of satisfaction and relief is felt

bytheheadlines:“Estranged husband, other man plead guilty to murdering Babita Sarjou” (SN Jan 17), and “Babita Sarjou murder...Exhusbandadmitstopayinghit man to kill wife, changes plea”(KNJan17).

Maybenowthefamily,in particular her mother, can findpeace.Mayshecontinue torestineternalpeace.

Faithfullyyours, ShamshunMohamed

Anew standard for parental leave

DEAREDITOR,

I am writing to express my support for the recent move by Scotiabank to expand paternity leave from five days to four weeks, and maternity leave from 13 week to 16 weeks. This change will greatly benefit many families and I hope to see more companies following in Scotiabank’s footsteps. I also want to commend the Women and G e n d e r E q u a l i t y Commission,whohavebeen advocatingforlegislationon paternityleavesince2015.

Having a balance between family and work is crucial, and the expanded policyallowsnewparentsto support their families without having to sacrifice theircareers.Thishighlights

the importance of a global standard for parental leave. Such a standard would not only retain employees, but also reduce the cost and effort of recruiting and training new staff for companies. Additionally, a global standard would promote work-life balance for parents, leading to happierandmoreproductive employees.Thisisespecially important for mothers, who oftenbearthemajorityofthe responsibility for caring for children,andcanexperience burnoutandstressasaresult. Gender equality is also a crucial factor to consider. Without a standard for parental leave, mothers tend to take the majority of the leave, which contributes to the gender pay gap and

discrimination against women in the workplace. A global standard would ensure equal opportunity for both mothers and fathers to takeleave,promotinggender equality in the workplace. Furthermore, this would improve employee engagement When employees feel their employer values and supports their role as a parent, they are more likely tobeengagedandcommitted to their job, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction for both the employeeandthecompany.

Finally, it is important to consider legal requirements. Many countries have legal requirements for parental leave,andcompaniesthatdo not comply may face

penalties. A global standard would ensure compliance w i t h t h e s e l e g a l requirements. In conclusion, a new standard for parental leaveisessentialforthewellbeing of families and communities, and for the success of companies It would promote employee retention, work-life balance, gender equality, employee engagement, and legal compliance. It is crucial that steps are taken to establish such a standard, to ensure that all parents have the opportunity to provide the best possible care for their children. Adopting such a measurewouldbeapositive step forward for Guyana, joining the list of countries thathavealreadydoneso.

AshraLuKhan

Budget 2023 addresses today’s challenges with tomorrow’s...

Frompage5 heartened to see them taken onboard. Similarly, we note sums earmarked to several flagship projects which in the short and medium term will enhance connectivity and bring further improvementstoourpeople.

The Budget also paints anexcitingfutureaswell.We anticipate that the gas-toshore project will meaningfully reduce electricity tariffs and the cost-of-living.

I n v e s t m e n t s t o consolidate our traditional sectors and expand nontraditional sectors portends improved economic opportunities for our workers.

While enhancing our climate resilience will safeguardourpeople.

T h e F e d e r a t i o n recognizes as well that several policies are maintained by Budget 2023. The removal of excise taxes on fuel and measures to

reduceimporttariffspayable oncommoditieswillassistin minimizing the ravishes of the turbulent economic occurrences taking place beyondourborders.

The Federation is heartened by Budget 2023 more so considering that the substantial expansion of government investments comes against the backgroundofnonewtaxes. Indeed, the Budget, we believe, has something in store for everyone We

anticipate that the investments programmed canbequicklyrolledoutfor our people to secure the benefits envisaged. At this time, the FITUG takes the opportunity to congratulate His Excellency, President

Irfaan Ali and his Government on a well thought-out and forwardthinkingbudget.

Regards, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions ofGuyana(FITUG)

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2023 BUDGET

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For every dollar budgeted for PPP friends, citizens get a penny.

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The PPPGovernment studied how to skin poor Guyanese in this year’s budget.

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US$10 more monthly for public assistance.

US$25 monthly for pensioners.

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Cost of living in Guyana is now the cost of dying.

Budget relief only brings more grief.

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And this is an economy on overdrive, steroids.

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Robb Street Granny’s murder…

CCJsentencesHindsbrotherstolifeimprisonment

TheCaribbeanCourtofJustice (CCJ) on Tuesday reduced the 50year sentence of the two men convicted for the murder of Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris also knownasthe‘RobbStreetGranny’ and substituted it with life sentences.

TheHindsbrothers,Orwinand Cleon, were found guilty of murdering Fiedtkou-Parris for the paymentofmoney Theywereeach sentenced to 81 years imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singhwithouteligibilityforparole before serving 45 years. They appealedtotheCourtofAppealand that court reduced their sentences to50years.

The brothers then appealed to theCCJ,whoinajudgmentwritten by Justice Denys Barrow, noted that the guilty verdicts were

primarily based on the brothers’ written and oral confessions and particularlyinrelationtoOrwin,on theevidenceofaneyewitness,who identified him on an identification parade.

The CCJ recalled the written statementsofthebrotherswhichset outtheplantokillFiedtkou-Parris, the persons who were involved in thatplan,howandwherethekilling was carried out and by whom and, the events which transpired after thekillingincludingthepaymentof moneytothebrothers.

TheCourtfoundthattherewas nothingintheappellants’argument which could undermine the value and weight of the appellants’ writtenstatements.

On the issue of sentencing, the CCJ noted that the murder committedbythebrothersfellinto

the class of the ‘worst’ murders, under Section 100(1) of the Act. Murders are placed in the class of the‘worstmurders’orthe‘gravest kind of murder’ because they are

farmorevolatileofsociety’speace andorder Anypersonguiltyofthis class of murder is, pursuant to Section 100(A) (1) (a) of The Criminal Law Offences Act, subject to either death or imprisonmentforlife.

Where life imprisonment is imposed, Section 100(A)(3) states thatthecourtmustspecifyaperiod which that person must serve before becoming eligible for parole,andinthecaseofthe‘worst’ murders, that period should be not lessthantwentyyears.Innotingthe requirements of the Act, the CCJ foundthatcourtshavenopowerto imposeanydeterminateperiodthat purported or was intended to exceed the sentence fixed by the Act.Also,courtscannotfailtoseta minimum period that must be served before a person could

becomeeligibleforparole.

As such, the 50-year sentence imposedbytheCourtofAppealof Guyana, which did not specify the period after which the appellants would be eligible for parole, must besetaside.

The CCJ sentenced each appellant to imprisonment for life witheligibilitytobeconsideredfor parole after a period of 20 years includingtimespentdetainedwhile awaitingtrial.

The matter was heard by President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, and the Justices JacobWit,MaureenRajnauth-Lee, BarrowandAndrewBurgess.

Attorney-at-Law Arudranauth Gossai appeared for the appellants and Mrs. Teshana Lake and Ms. Diana O’Brien appeared on behalf oftheState.

Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris

BUDGET 2023 WAS CRAFTED IN LA LA LAND

parties, the

PNC/R and the AFC, are expected to oppose the Budget. The role of the Opposition is to oppose, criticize and offer alternatives.

Andsoregardlessofhow good or bad a Budget is, the Opposition can be expected to be critical of it, as it has done in its preliminary reactiontothe2023Budget.

However, this time around, Mr Aubrey Norton has justifiably identified some of the fundamental flaws in this year’s Budget. And he is spot on with most ofhiscriticisms.

Hehassaid,forexample, that the Budget does not addresstheissueofinflation and the rising cost of living, noting correctly that if you are pumping money into the economy without measures to curtail inflation, prices willgoupfurther

The Government has pointed to a suite of measures it implemented to curb inflation These measures include handouts to parents and pensioners and reducing to zero the excisetaxesonpetrol.

Butthesemeasureswere unable to prevent inflation skyrocketing to 7 2% in 2022 The Government offered Public Servants a mere 7.2 increase in wages, meaning that in real terms, wagesincreasedbylessthan 1%.

One can hardly disagree with Norton that the Budget does not address the rising cost of living which is the main problem facing the Guyanese people today While inflation is a global problem,thesortofsquander mania which the PPPC engaged in during the past year has added to the rising costofliving.

The PPPC’s response is that it sets aside monies in the Budget to address this issue. But this only exposes its intellectual bankruptcy since it should have been able to announce measures to address the cost of living ratherthanallocatingablock sumforcostoflivingrelief.

The PPPC appears to havepreparedthisBudgetin La La land because it does not address any of the fundamentalconcernsofthe citizenry

Norton has said that the Budget has been found wanting when it comes to measures to attenuate, alleviate and eventually eradicatepoverty

A Reporter questioned the President about this criticism and the President opted to engage in theatrics ratherthanseriouslydebunk thecriticism.Hespokeabout thedistributionofhouselots and the increases in old age pensions and social assistance.

Poor people cannot afford the price of even low income house lots and the increasesinoldagepensions

Dem Boys Seh...

and social assistance are an insult to the recipients. It is better they had taken the increased allocation for the $10,000 increases in the “Because We Care” cash grant and given it to the pensioners and social assistance recipients. This would have added a further $30,000permonthtooldage pensions.

ThePPPChasnopoverty reduction plan. It has no proper plan to address the cost of living.The President speaksabout25,000persons being given house lots but what he does not say is that the majority of the poor cannot afford to build a house because of the skyrocketing price of construction materials, a development which is being contributedtobythefactthat Government’s road constructionprogrammehas ledtoanincreaseintheprice of cement and sand and an acuteshortageofstone.

The Private Sector in typical reflexive action has welcomed the Budget. But the Government part-time jobs programme has been a nightmare for the private sector Ithasledtoashortage inlabour

The Private Sector is feeling the squeeze because it is experiencing problems infindingworkersandthose who are available are increasing the amount they want to work for The Government’s infrastructure programme and the sugar

DE BUDGET GAT PEOPLE MEKKING SPEECH

A man listen to de Budget Speech on Monday Andwhenhedonehehadanidea. Hedecidedathegangohomeandpreparehe ownBudgetSpeech. Sohecallhefamily–he wife and three children – and tell dem how he gan read he Budget speech to dem fuhdeyear Hetellhewifehowhecangive she$40,000permonthforfood.Hethentell hethreechildren,howhecaneachgivedem $10,000permonth. Dewifetellhehowshe happywithdemoneybecauseisanincrease but since is only a part-time job de gat and which only paying $40,000 per month, wherehegettingderestofmoneyfrom.

Heasksheifsheneverhearaboutloan.

He tell she he gan do like de Government andborrowderestofdemoney Sohewent byafriendandheborrowa$30,000.

Buthewifedidnotdonewithheasyet. Sheaskhewhataboutderoofdatleaking,de window dat break and de step dat falling down.SheaskheifheBudgetcaterfordat. Hetellshehegangotodebankandborrow somemoneyfuhdemcapitalexpenses.

Butdewifeaskheagain,whereyuhgan getdemoneyfuhpaydebank.Demanstill scratchinghehead.Buthetellshedathegan waitandhearwhatdeMinisterofFineAnts gattosayanddenhegantellshe.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

industry is also being affectedbythepart-timejobs programme.

But the problems of the Private Sector are only now beginning. The Government says that it plans to expand the programme which will now not only make it impossible for the Private Sectortosecureworkersand will likely see an exodus of low income workers from thePrivateSector

The part-time jobs programmedoesnotaddress a fundamental problem in theeconomyandtheneedfor

full-time employment opportunities Part-times jobsrevealafaultlineinthe managementofaneconomy And to compound the agonies faced by Guyanese, the President, in answer to a question by a Reporter, said the Budget will not lead to Dutch Disease since what is important is how the oil revenues are spent. Judging from squander mania which thePPPCisengagedinatthe moment, Guyanese have moretoworryaboutthatthe miniaturization of the nonoil sector in growth. They

nowhavetoworryaboutthe oil revenue being s q u a n d e r e d b y a Government that fails to a d d r e s s e c o n o m i c fundamentals.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

DARK DAYS: A REPLY TO YURI WESTMAAS

Iwill never stop replying to people whose prejudice, bigotry, subjective mind, propagandistic intention, false narrative, and alternative facts have found presenceinthesociety

I have argued and will continue to argue that it is incumbent on the public intellectual to offer a counter-narrative because one side of the story is dangerousforsocietyifthat storyisleftunchallenged.

I have lived too long in this country not to be aware ofthatdanger.Mylifeasan activistinthiscountrytakes in more than 55 years and even in 2023, I meet people who would ask me about thingstheyreadabout.

One successful area of discourse is about Forbes Burnham Countless Guyanese have confronted the fictional greatness of

Burnhamsothattoday,there is an ocean of rebuttals available on the demonic and power intoxicating side ofBurnham’srule.

Those responses are filledwithverifiablefacts.I am working on a column a b o u t a f r i e n d l y conversation I had with a veryyoungcashieratoneof theBanksDIHoutlets.

As I spoke to that girl, the power of offering a polemic that ventilates i s s u e s , p r o v i d e s explanations and offer a different narrative forms a rampart against historical distortions.NowtoMr Yuri Westmaas I knew Mr Westmaas’father very well. He was the private researcherofDr Jaganatthe PPP head office- Freedom House Mr Westmass’ brother, Nigel, was my personalfriendforovertwo decades We parted

company over the March 2020 elections. We stopped our correspondence when I publicly revealed that he refused my request to publicly condemn the attempted rigging of the election. My urging was done in March of that year, andbyJulyoftheveryyear, the crystallization of the thoughtsonraceandpolitics by the former WPA leaders like Nigel himself, Eusi Kwayana, Moses Bhagwan, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Dr Clive Thomas and so many others that influenced my ideological shape from the 1970s was a devastating psychicshocktome.Idonot know Mr Yuri Westmass, never read anything he wroteaboutboththesinister or saccharine sides of Guyana. His letter in the Stabroek News yesterday condemning the PPP government for its removal of the three squatters of Mocha together with a panegyricofDavidHindsis repletewithexpressionsofa subliminal and Freudian mind. I cannot elaborate on this Freudian psychology

becauseIdonotwanttoget intoananalysisofclass,race and culture in Mr Westmass’ outlook on things,sufficeittosaythatI seethetrendinhisthoughts andassomeonewhostudies and writes on race, class, culture, I know where he is comingfrom.Mr Westmass has every right to choose which topic he wants to expand on and which ones donotconcernhim.

Mr Westmass has every right to compose his panegyrics on David Hinds. I, on the other hand have a philosophical obligation to thosewhoexpectmetooffer my perspectives on expressions I see in society WhatconcernsmeaboutMr Westmass is not his admiration for David Hinds andhiscondemnationofthe PPP government, but his subtle introduction of the anti-dictatorship politics of hisfatherandbrother

I believe this was deliberatelydonetoenhance theefficacyofhisargument when for me that efficacy does not exist in his presentation.

A person’s p r i o r a n t idictatorship activismcannotbe praised in the context the person’s current support for authoritarianinstincts.

Mr Westmass tells us his brother fought the PNC dictatorship. But his brother in the 21st century refused to condemn the PNC’s old habits in 2020. Mr Westmass’father wouldneverhavecondoned what happened between March2020andJuly2020.

In his letter, Mr Westmass takes umbrage at President Ali using unpleasant language to describe David Hinds I don’tknowifMr Westmass is familiar with Dr Hinds’ description of the president. Mr Westmass claimed that the removal of the squatters have taken Guyana back to darkdays.

Iwouldliketothinkthat many readers would be interestedinknowingwhich point in history those dark days occurred. I could offer my interpretation of dark

days. Three episodes I will endwith.

(1), the retrenchment in one swoop of 7000 sugar workersthusdevastating42, 000 families in the sugar industry

(2), a party wining a generalelectionbylessthan halfofapercentagepointyet never consulted the oppositionandthesocietyin generalonanypolicy

(3),theattempttotakeus back to dark days through riggedelection.

Ihope,dearlyhope,race andculturedonotdetermine Mr Westmass’ thoughts on politics.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

FrederickKissoon

GuyanesejailedinVenezuelaforusingfakeID

AGuyanesemanrecentlyspent45 daysinaVenezuelanjailafterhe was caught using a false identificationcardinthatcountry

The man identified as Chandricka Persaud, 47, is presently being represented by an organisation called “The RepresentativeoftheGuyaneseCommunity inVenezuela”(RCGV).

According to the President of RCGV, Antonio Hamraj, Persaud was detained at a checkpointinVenezuelaaftertheVenezuelan National Guards stationed there found that the identification number of his Venezuelan ID Card was not registered in the country’s legalsystem.

TheRCGVplanstoreporttheissuetothe Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown, GuyanabecausePersaudreportedlyreceived the Venezuelan ID card from a SAIME (A legalAdministrationServiceforImmigration inthecountry)locatedintheCityofTucapita, DeltaAmacuro.

“…Persaud had to spend more than 45 days in prison for the crime of document falsification, when the same Administrative Service for Immigration and Alien Identification issued the said document,” Hamrajsaid.

The RCGV President said that Persaud enteredVenezuelawithaGuyanesepassport and a legal visa and has been living in San Felix,Venezuelafor36years.Heisafatherof

fourVenezuelanbornchildren.

Hamraj said it is unclear why Persaud is unable to obtain citizenship in Venezuela. Nonetheless,heishopefulthatafterreporting the matter to the Venezuelan Embassy in Guyana,hisclient’sproblemwillberesolved intheshortestpossibletime.

Meanwhile, the RCGV President said thatPersaudisnotthefirstGuyanesewithan ‘identity problem’ in Venezuela and related thathecurrentlyhas178clientswithsimilar cases.

Hamrajassuredthathislegalorganisation is available “to listen to the difficulties

Contact can be made with the RCGV in Venezuela on telephone numbers +58 412 1801770and+582869727695.

A census of Guyanese persons living in Venezuela stood at 51, 640. However, in recenttimeasignificantnumberofGuyanese have migrated to other countries due to the economiccrisisinVenezuela.

The RCGV is pleading with the VenezuelanauthoritiestoassistallGuyanese livinginthecountywith“identityproblems” to resolve the issue and grant them citizenship.

Guyanese may face in Venezuela and is willing to work with them in finding solutions”.

Chandricka Persaud (left) and the RCGV President, Antonio Hamraj having a discussion about his situation at the office of a Venezuelan media company

ChristChurchstudentstoresumeclassesatCPCEnextweek

second fire had several points of origin (seats), it is the determination of the GuyanaFireServicethatthe fire was maliciously set by person or persons unknown,” the Fire Service

hadstated.

Meanwhile, the GFS on Monday stated that an electrical inspection was alsodoneatthebuildingand theresultshaveruledoutthe possibility that the second

fire could have been an electricalone.

The findings of GFS have been handed over to police so that the Force can assistinfindingthearsonist (s)

Students of Christ ChurchSecondary School will next week resume in person classes at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), Turkeyen Campus, EastCoastDemerara(ECD).

The decision was made following a meeting of parents on Tuesday at QueensCollege.

Over 500 students of the school were displaced last Thursday when fire completed destroyed the school located on Middle and Camp Streets, Georgetown.

Subject Minister Priya Manickchand, in a post on her Facebook page, said, “This morning more than 450 parents attended a meeting at my invitation to determine the best location for their children They unanimously chose space at CPCE to accommodate the educationoftheirchildren.”

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that at the

meeting very few parents requested transfers for their children but the majority decidedthattheywouldlike the children to stay together at one location, as such CPCEwasdecidedon.

As previously reported, some secondary schools across the city have been accommodating students whoweredisplacedbyfireat theirrespectiveschools.

While the Ministry gets the CPCE ready for the students for next week, the facilitytoohasthenecessary tools and amenities the studentswouldneedfortheir different subjects areas. In themeantimethatthefacility is being prepared, the studentshavebeenattending inonlineclasses.

On Monday, some three days after the fire, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) determined that the Christ Church Secondary School fire was maliciously set by person (s) unknown An investigation has been

launched to find those culpable.

“I repeat each person whodestroysaschooland/or any author of said destruction once found guilty ought to be given life imprisonment. We need to legislate accordingly,” MinisterManickchandsaid.

Kaieteur News had reportedthattheFireService in a statement said that the fire at the school had “severalpointsoforigin”.

Last Thursday’s blaze was the second fire at the school in eight days. The first had erupted in the school’s science laboratory andwascausedbychemical reaction combustion. Fire fighters had saved the building from burning then and had removed all chemicals from the building topreventarecurrence.

“Finally, taking into considerationthetimeofday that both fires occurred (16:29p.m.and17:22p.m.), coupledwiththefactthatthe

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Tuesday engaging parents of students of Christ Church Secondary at the Queens College auditorium. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Education)

The fire that destroyed the school last week Thursday.

PSC, GMSA hail Budget 2023 as ‘transformational and visionary’

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA)onTuesdaypraised the Irfaan-Ali led administration for the presentation of the $781.9B budget.

In separate statements, thetwoentitiesnotedthatthe 2023 budget represents a 41.4 per cent increase from lastyearwithnonewtaxes.

Foritspart,thePSCsaid that the “architecture of

Budget 2023 is wellbalanced and caters to the needsofallsectors,whichis essential in fostering continuous growth and development of our economy,andimprovingthe quality of the lives of every Guyanese.” The PSC said that the presentation made by Dr Ashni Singh, Senior Minister with responsibility forFinance,shouldnotonly beseenfromafinanciallens but rather an “analytical, rational and logical

approach to economic governance.”

“The policies proposed inBudget2023willhavefarreaching positive impacts and implications for every citizen. It is truly a peoplecentered and private-sector incentive driven budget fit for the purpose of growing and developing our economy This is evident with measures aimed at improving peoples’ net salaryandaddressingcostof living rise, such as the

increase in the income tax threshold from $75,000 to $ 8 5 , 0 0 0 m o n t h l y ; maintaining zero excise taxes on fuel to absorb the impactofvolatilefuelprices and the reduction in freight charges by extending the application of freight cost adjustment for the calculation of import taxes for a 12-month period,” the PSCsaid.

Further the Commission noted that it is pleased that therearenonewtaxesinthis year’s budget while adding that when coupled with measuressuchasremovalof the 14 percent VAT with respect to the sale of residential properties, reduction in duty from 45% to35%ontheimportationof new motor vehicles (less than four years old) below 1500cc.;replacementofthe current tax rate with a flat rate of taxes of $800,000 on used vehicles (vehicles 4 years and older) below 1500cc and the removal of the currently applicable 14 percentVATonnewelectric motorvehicles,therewillbe costsavingstoallGuyanese.

“Increased spending in the Housing Sector will translate to more lands & housing being available to the populace; this coupled with an increase in the lowincome mortgage ceiling from $15 million to $20 million makes for an excitingfutureinthissector The provision of digital solutions to ease public interaction with public institutions will also bring much relief to businesses and the citizenry and reduce inefficiencies in the public agencies. The budget 2023 contributestojobcreationby investing in economic growth and promoting privatesectordevelopment,” the PSC said noting that the Government is introducing several measures to create jobs, such as encouraging businesses to invest in Guyana, increasing the availability of credit for small businesses and c r e a t i n g n e w j o b opportunities in the energy and renewable energy sectors.

Moreover, the PSC said the budget also increases funding for skills training and vocational education, which will help to create a more competitive labour force Additionally, the budget includes funding for infrastructure projects, whichwillcreatejobsinthe constructionsector

“Thebudgetincludestax

incentivestohelpencourage businesses to expand and create jobs. Investment in education to the tune of $94.4Billionwillbenefitthe nationinseveralways.First, it increases the number of skilled professionals, which canhelptheprivatesectorto develop innovative technologies, products and services.Second,itprovides a pool of qualified employees that businesses can recruit from. Third, it gives businesses access to a broader range of ideas and perspectives,whichcanhelp to improve business practices and strategies

Fourth,itcanhelptocreatea more educated consumer base, which can lead to increased consumer spending in the private sector.”

The PSC’s statement said too that the injection of $84.9BillionintotheHealth Sector “is a significant leap taken by the Government in achieving a modernized health care system which is p a r a m o u n t i n o u r developmental process.” Further, the Commission said it welcomes the commitment made to create aconduciveenvironmentfor private sector investment in the small business sector by allocatingthesumof$584.2 million towards the Small Business Bureau and the S m a l l B u s i n e s s DevelopmentFund.

“ThePSClooksforward to the engagement with “the regulatorandself-regulatory organizations” to identify practical actions that can be taken to promote capital market development as this would certainly encourage investors in the productive sectortoconsidertheraising of finance on the capital marketasaviableoption.Of critical importance to the Private Sector is the continuous investment by the Government in infrastructure development as this provides the necessary foundation for economic growth and business activity,” the statementsaid.

Similarly, the GMSA described the proposed fiscal measures as “progressiveandvisionary”.

“The GMSA is pleased with the Government’s strategic measures that forecast diversified economic activities while grappling with concurrent challenges that continue to threaten global economic stability AGovernment that effectively harnesses the

resources of the country to gain adequate revenues for sustainable growth and development must be commended. The utilization of revenues from the first Carbon Credit sale in the amount of $31.3 billion, in conjunctionwiththetransfer ofGuyana’soilprofitsinthe amount of $208.9 billion from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), without imposing new taxes is evidencethatBudget2023is people-centered and prodevelopmental,” the GMSA said noting that its recommendations to the Finance Minister were included in the proposed budget.

The following specific measures are key to advancinggrowthwithinthe manufacturing and services sectors in particular, the GMSAsaid:

· $2 Billion in Agri Development which includes the establishment of a regional food hub with cold storage, manufacturing andprocessingcapabilities.

· $300 Million in Rice developmentwhichincludes the provisioning of two new drying floors in Regions 3 and5.

· $150 Million in soya bean cultivation with the constructionofawharfinthe Tacama area to further push Guyana’s targets of food securitywithintheregion. New facilities in Crabwood Creek and Orealla as well as new cold storage in Bartica The acquisition of two new refrigerated trucks to supportthetransportationof agroproducts.

$584 2 Million allocated to Small Business Support.

· Removal of the 14 percent VAT with respect to the sale of residential properties, which will also further reduce the cost of homeownership.

· $1.5 billion for the construction of a new laboratory for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) which will allow them to provide adequate, accurate and timelyservices.

$43 3 billion to facilitate the construction of the integrated natural gas liquids plant and the 300 MW combined cycle gas turbine power plant within the Wales Development Zone and associated facilities. This project will directly cut emissions by 70 percentaswellastriggera

Vreed-en-Hoop fatal accident accused granted $300,000 bail

Theminibusdriver who fatally struck Linden Johnson while he was crossing New Road, Vreeden-HooplastFriday,wason Tuesday charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

The driver, 40-year-old Claude Pilgrim of Lot 11 Market Day Street, Vergenogen, East Bank Essequibo, made his first court appearance at the V r e e d - e n - H o o p Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty wherethechargewasreadto him.

Pilgrim pleaded not guilty to the charge which states that on January 13 on New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop he drove mini-bus BAB 1624inamannerdangerous to the public, causing the death of 56-year-old Johnson a fisherman of Lot F-D New Road, Vreed-enHoop.

Thedriverwasplacedon $300,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court onFebruary13,2023.

Kaieteur News had reportedthataround18:10h on the day in question the minibus was proceeding eastalongthenorthernside ofNewRoadatafastrateof speed.

Itwasallegedbythe Continuedonpage20

Netherlands’ Defence Attaché pays courtesy call to Army leadership

The Kingdom of the Netherlands’ DefenceAttaché for Suriname and Guyana, Commander (Navy) Geordie Klein, paid a courtesycalltoChiefofStaffoftheGuyana Defence Force (GDF) at the Force’s headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna on Tuesday. Commander Klein received by Brigadier Bess and other members of the Force’sleadershipteam.

Commander Klein took up his appointment in September 2022, and this is hisfirstvisittoGuyana.Duringdiscussions, heexplainedtheconnectionwithGuyanaand reiterated that his country stands ready to provide support should the need arise. He noted that the Netherlands is more of a neighbour despite its geographical location and, in view of common challenges continuedgoodrelationsareimportant.

Brigadier Bess thanked Commander Klein for his visit, frank discussion, and invitation to work closely with the GDF GuyanaandtheKingdomoftheNetherlands establisheddiplomaticrelationsin1970.

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess greets Commander (Navy) Geordie Klein, the Kingdom of the Netherlands’Defence Attaché for Suriname and Guyana (Photo courtesy of the Guyana Defence Force)

Linden Johnson crossing the roadway before he was fatally struck.

Dead: Linden Johnson

“I can only tell you what you know”

“WellIcanonlytellyou what you know,” is what President,Dr.IrfaanAlihad tosayyesterdaywhenasked by Kaieteur News for an update on the audit of ExxonMobil’s US$7 3B StabroekBlockbills.

During a press conference held at State House, the Head of State spoke extensively about his recent visit to India and the business opportunities that arose for collaboration in the areas of health and

wellness, agriculture and theoilandgassector.

F o l l o w i n g h i s presentation, and that of other members of the privatesectorwhowerepart oftheGuyanacontingentto India, Kaieteur News asked the Head of State for an update on the audit of ExxonMobil’s expenses for the2018to2020period.The updatewassoughtasitwas hewhoannouncedlastyear that the results would be received from Auditors in

December 2022. This was publishedinKaieteurNews and other media entities.

(Seeclippingsattached.)

The President only said, “Well I can only tell you what you know. So I know that there’s the work that was ongoing, work was received so I don’t know what update I can give you but what I can say to you is that I am very pleased that theauditshavecommenced, thatwehaveauditsnow,and theauditswillcontinue.”

Kaieteur News also reminded the President of his promise that these audit reports would be released forpublicscrutinyandifthe publiccanstilllookforward tothis.Hesaid,“Thepublic can look forward to a lot of things and I’m not a person who walks back on my commitment to this country.”

ItwasonMay24,2022, Government had inked an agreement for a four month reviewofthebillshandedto it by ExxonMobil Corporation’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and ProductionGuyanaLimited (EEPGL).

The consultancy was awardedtoVHEConsulting which is a registered partnership between Ramdihal & Haynes Inc, Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc.The Local Consortium is supported by International firms- SGS and Martindale Consultants for the ‘Cost Recovery Audit and Validation of the Government of Guyana’s ProfitOilShare’.

The audit will cost G u y a n e s e s o m e US$751,000.LikePresident Ali, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat,hadassuredthatthe findings of the audit would bemadepublic.

This is particularly important as the public is alsounawareoftheoutcome of the audit of the US$460 million pre-contract costs, which was done by another firm, IHS Markit The contract to the UK firm had cost US$300,000. It was awardedbackin2019.

Bharrat had told media operativesthatGovernment

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

Clippings of three news entities which carried articles on the audit in question.

Govt.budgets$4.7BforAmerindiandevelopment

TheGovernmentofGuyanahas budgeted $4 7 billion for development programmes and initiatives, specifically tailored to improve the livelihoods of the Amerindianpeople.

SeniorMinisterofFinance,Dr Ashni Singh revealed in his 2023 Budget presentation that since taking office in 2020, the Government was greeted with an array of issues facing Amerindian people.

“ O u r G o v e r n m e n t ’s

commitment, following our Manifestopromises,resultedinthe prioritisation of our first people’s education, health, housing, infrastructure, social well-being, employment, youth development and development of the village economy In achieving these promises, we resuscitated the Community Service Officers’ (CSO) Programme, improved agriculturalsupportbydistributing tractors, boats, engines and allterrain vehicles (ATVs),

reinvigoratedtheAmerindianLand Titling Programme, and invested heavily in hinterland infrastructure,”herecounted.

Inthislight,Dr Singhrevealed that this year, an amount of $500 million has been budgeted to advance the Amerindian Land Titlingactivities.

He shared that in 2022, in fulfilling their obligations to safeguardandimprovethesecurity of land tenure for the indigenous people, five additional

demarcationshavebeencompleted as part of the Amerindian Land TitlingProgramme.

As it relates to the National Toshaos’ Conference which was reconvened in 2022, the Government through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs had started constructionofaToshaos’Council Secretariat building. Continuing this project, part of amount budgeted; some $69.7 million will go towards completing and furnishing the building The

National Toshaos’ Conference, budgeted at $91.8 million, will continuetoaddmeaningful Continued on page 20

“Icanonlytellyou...

Frompage18 will rely on the findings and recommendations of the Report to take ‘appropriate steps’. While qualifying the Government’s decision to use foreign companies on the Review Committee, the Minister explained, “The technical company is needed because our localAuditors might be very familiar with the auditing (of) basic expenses (such as) fuel, meals, transportation, but when we are talking about jumpers and risers and Christmas trees,FPSO(FloatingProductionStorageandOffloading vessel)andthesetechnicaltermsobviously,willneedthat kind of technical knowledge and expertise onboard to assistthemtohaveathoroughexercisebeingdone.”

He added that there will be new arrangements for future audits even as the Government seeks to conduct annualandevenbi-annualcostreviewsforExxonMobil.

After the contract was signed last year, Opposition Economist, Elson Low noted that once completed, the Report on the US$7.3 billion audit of ExxonMobil’s expenses should be made available for parliamentary scrutiny He said that this is particularly important as the four months timeframe to complete the audit, remains questionable.

Infact,Lowsaidthatnotonlyshouldtheauditbemade publicbuttheParliamentaryOversightCommitteesuchas thePublicAccountsCommittee(PAC)shouldbeprivyto thedetailsoftheexpensessothattheNationalAssembly canpubliclydebateitsfindings.

He said that this is the level of transparency and accountability that will leave no question about Exxon’s oilspendingunanswered.

Govt.budgets$4.7B...

Frompage19

transformationalengagements.

With regard to the development of Amerindian communities,the Minister highlightedthat they had spent $4.9 billion through the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF)onPresidentialGrants,theYouthEntrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme, and additional financial support in areas of food security, youth development, tourism,andmicroprojects.

This year, $2.7 billion is budgeted for theADF, which includes continued training in tourism and hospitality, business development plans, garment construction, ATV, and small engine repairs, as well as provisions for PresidentialGrantsto233communities.

Meanwhile,asitrelatestohinterlandroads,theFinance Minister announced that $5 billion is budgeted for roads development. Another $500 million was set aside for the construction and equipping of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) hubs in AmerindiansVillages,hedisclosed.

MinisterSinghinhispresentationalsostatedthatthis year, an additional $93 3 million is budgeted to support 804 students through the hinterland scholarships programme and towards the celebration of Heritage in September Some $124 million has been put aside for thoseactivities

Vreed-en-Hoopfatal...

Frompage15

driverthatJohnsonranfromsouthtonorthacrosstheroad intothepathoftheminibus,causingthefront,leftsideof thevehicletohithim.

Contrary to what the driver reported, the family of Johnson has since claimed that he did not run across the road.Basedonvideofootage,Johnsonhadjuststeppedout ofacarandwaswalkingfromoneendtotheotherwhenhe wasstruckbytheminibus.

As a result of the collision, he fell onto the parapet wherehereceivedinjuriesabouthisbody

Policehad revealedthatJohnson was pickedup in an unconscious state and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrivalbyaDoctor

Before being taken into custody, a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver and no trace of alcohol was foundonhisbreath.

Johnson, who was heading home when the accident occurred,diedofmultipleinjuries.

Elderly couple killed, house set on fire

ByMalisaPlayter-Harry

An elderly couple was on early Tuesday morning found brutally murderedand their two-storey concrete home which also housed an off-licence liquor, beverage and grocery store was partially destroyed by fire at Yakusari, BlackBushPolder,RegionSix.

The murdered couple was identified as 60-year-old Sarasuati Devi Budraj called‘Sita’,and68-year-oldSubnauth Budrajcalled‘Bullboy’.

Reports are that at about 04:00h an explosion was heard coming from the couple’s home Neighbours were alarmedandpeepedtoseewhatcaused the explosion. Through their windows, they saw smoke and flames coming fromasectionofthecouple’shome.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were alertedandarrivedonthesceneshortly after Fire Units from the Skeldon Fire StationResponded.

The fire was put out and the lifeless andpartiallyburntbodiesoftheBudraj’s werefound.

When police arrived, Subnauth Budraj was found motionless on the ground near the door, close to the shop area in an upward position with burns abouthisbodyandwoundstohisneck.

As police scanned the location Subnauth’swifewasfoundinthedining area, face down with an object stuck in her neck and her left arm completely burntoff.

“Thebuildingwassetonfirewiththe perceptiontoderailusfromwhatweare looking at,” Commander Bacchus said disclosing that the couple’s home was ransacked. He said blood stains were seeninasectionofthemarket,locatedat the head of the street leading to the Budraj’shome.

Meanwhile, Satesh Persaud called ‘Black Boy’ Sarasuati’s nephew told Reportersthathereceivedacallatabout 04:00h informing him that the house was on fire. He said when he arrived neighbours were helping to tame the blaze and he was under the impression thathisauntandherhusbandwereokay Persaudwashoweverlatergiventhe tragicnews

DEAD: Subnauth Budraj

“Allthebondwiththerumanddrinks and inside the house at the bottom dem burn. Meh aunty hand burn out clean andmehunclehegotchopponheneck andmehauntyhadaknifeinsheneck,” thedistraughtmantoldReporters.

Thecouplehasthreechildrenwhoall resideoverseas.

Hours later a 22-year-old, who recentlymovedtoYakusariSouth,Black Bush Polder admitted to the brutal double murder Kaieteur News understandsthatthesuspectsworkedat Budraj’s rice field on Monday and had visited the couple’s shop to consume alcohol. It was reportedly while at the shoptheyconcoctedtheplantorobthe couple.Theylefttheshop andreturned earlyTuesday morning to execute their plan.

Additionally, Kaieteur News understands that one of the suspects sustained a chop wound allegedly inflicted by Subnauth Budraj when he entered the premises. Reports are that the suspect allegedly visited the Mibicuri Hospital for treatment but his suspicious behavior caused persons at thelocationtoinformthepolice.

The man then caught public transportation to travel out of the village However, he was apprehended by police at a roadblock.

Additionally, the man told police that he, along with an accomplice,whoisalsoincustody, ventured to the couple’s home to rob them. However, the couple identified them and they killed them before setting the house on fire with the hope of derailing policeinvestigations.

Themandetailedthatheandhis accomplice opened a gas bottle from the kitchen and lit papers around it, causing the fumes to ignite,resultingintheblaze.

Regional Commander, Shivpersaud Bacchus, who joined Crime Scene Investigators, confirmed that jewelry with the namesofthecouplewerefoundat the22-year-old’shomealongwith phone cards from the shop and an undisclosed amount of local currency

The accomplice is a 27-yearold, also of Yakusari, Black Bush Polder

...man confesses, tells police intention was to rob couple but he along with accomplice were identified

DEAD: Sarasuati Devi Budraj

The Budraj’s Yakusari, Black Bush Polder home

The entrance to the bottom flat of the couple’s home

The section of the market where blood was found.

Pres. Ali downplays IMF, and Commonwealth advice on management of oil sector

Guyana, new to the oil and gas sector, has over time receivedadvicefromseveral international agencies and has been the subject of many reports focused on ensuring the country adopts best practices when it comes to the management of the sector

However, the leadership of the country does not seem inclined to heed the advice

general report or was this a administration sets a cap or unlessGuyanaisspecifically report about Guyana?” the limit to prevent the full mentionedinthereports. HeadofStatesaid. interest amount from being The Commonwealth

He was told that while recovered. Secretariat,ofwhichGuyana the Commonwealth report The IMF pointed out that is a member country, was general, the IMF report Guyana not only allows the recently issued a report that was specific to Guyana recovery of the interest but warnsofthevariouswaysoil However, President Ali was also sets no cap. Guyana has producing nations can be adamant that the quote must also waived its right to tax robbed by petroleum besharedforaresponsetobe suchinterestamounts. companies when it comes to offered. The foregoing loopholes decommissioning or

The IMF, one of it said provide enough

cleaninguptheenvironment, Guyana’s key development incentive for the Contractors following the life of an partners and advisors on the to finance their projects with offshoreproject. oil sector, believes loans instead of revenues

Despite this, President authorities should move to fromtheiraccounts. Irfaan Ali said he will not close fiscal loopholes in the M e a n w h i l e , t h e respond to any question on Stabroek Block Production Commonwealth Secretariat advicegivenbytheagency Sharing Agreement (PSA) which spoke specifically to At his first press thatwouldleadtoabuse. developing member conference for the year,

Oneareaithighlightedin countries that have hosted at State House on a technical report prepared burgeoning oil and gas Tuesday, the Head of State Similarly, the President I can’t answer you. You Agreement) PSA, for our for the State is the need for sectors to the need to be wasrespondingtoaquestion w a s t o l d t h a t t h e quote directly for me...quote work in going out to auction immediate attention on weary of the uncertainty of from Kaieteur News when Commonwealth also issued for me what the IMF said in on the new (oil) blocks, so provisions governing decommissioning costs, he gave the startling advice to the country, but relation to Guyana. I will what is it you want? What is interest rates on loans taken which can result in the price response. before the question was answer you directly Then itwewantexactly?”

by ExxonMobil and its tagtorestoretheoceanfloor, He was told that several completed, he interrupted also, the Commonwealth, ThePresidentdeclinedto partners, Hess Corporation easily moving from US- oil experts and international and requested that the direct there are many oil experts respond to the questions and CNOOC Petroleum millionstoUS-billions. bodies have criticized the quote be pulled from the also who are writing about unless he is certain that the Guyana Limited. (Please see A s a r e s u l t , t h e way his administration is reports. the performance of Guyana counsel was directed to photo attached for a section Commonwealth urged managing the oil sector and A Journalist attached to who have lauded the Guyana. “Let’s deal with ofthereport.) Governments to ensure they the International Monetary this newspaper attempted to Government of Guyana for statement of fact. Did they

The IMF said it is an implement policies and Fund (IMF) a Global explain to the President that the way we are handling the saythataboutGuyanaorwas industry norm that the regulations that would Financial Institution, just while she does not have a oil and gas sector for our it a general statement Government of the day require oil and gas warned that Guyana should photographic memory, she workintermsofutilizingthe because I know what it is, so disallows interests from companies to give regular captheinterestrateontheoil canexplainwhatwassaidby administrative mechanisms you tell me. You are asking being recovered on loans. e s t i m a t e s o n companies to avoid them thebody for work in the new me this question now my Even if this is allowed, the decommissioningcosts. robbingthecountry Ali however said, “Well, (Production Sharing friend,youtellme,wasthisa

CARICOM and Latin American officials discuss regional impacts on the agri-food system

the According to a Agriculture Ministry mechanisms to advance the roadmaps engage in actions that foster diverse, globalagri-foodsystems. press release, Mustapha explained that designed to develop a more resilient agri- sustainable, and environmentally sound

This high-level virtual event was efforts are also being made to ensure the food sector This, he said, has seen the innovations that proliferate across the food organised to allow stakeholders to present sector develops resilience which includes government engaging in public-private chain,openingopportunitiesforchange updates on the progress made on the youth involvement along with adequate, agreementswiththelocalprivatesector “This includes experiments with new roadmaps one year after the UN Food efficient,andreliabledrainageandirrigation “In order to transform food systems foods, products, services, and business and Systems Summit, the effects of the current systems. “In 2022, we have launched the despite the many challenges we may governance models. Innovations in efficient situation, and the adaptation of the different A g r i c u l t u r e a n d I n n o v a t i o n encounter, we can employ initiatives or best food supply chains, sustainable agriculture, countries to future challenges, motivating a EntrepreneurshipProgrammethattargetsthe practices to make them more efficient, increased farming, agricultural governance dialogue on the current situation, towards production of high-valued crops while inclusive,resilient,andsustainable. reforms, food waste solutions, and climateraising awareness and reaffirming posing as a climate adaptive solution to crop First,theissueofinadequatefinancemust resilientinitiatives. commitments and measures to transform production. It also targets young persons be addressed as it is a key driver for food The engagement of farmers, consumers, food systems, promoting healthy eating and with an interest in agriculture. With that system transformation Further, to support and other agri-food actors is also crucial. theprotectionoftheplanet. being said, our Government has set out to national efforts to achieve a more balanced Raising farmers’ awareness of their

While speaking on Guyana’s efforts, ensure all future food and agriculture andefficientfoodsystemanddeliverprogress responsibilities and the technical Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, said projects will have 35% youth involvement. on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, possibilities for transforming food systems Guyana has been investing in strengthening In addition to this, the critical importance of investments are required for the development will also be key Technical and financial food security in the region by funding several adequate, effective, and reliable drainage of production, transportation and logistics, support for investments needs to be projects and programmes aimed at expanding and irrigation infrastructure for safety and technology, and infrastructure,” he noted He accelerated if we are to achieve changes in production Inhisaddress,MinisterMustapha security is a top priority for the Government further stated that, in order to promote agri-foodsystems,”headded.

President Irfaan Ali responding to questions during the Press Conference

The section of the report which speaks to interest on loans being capped

Representatives from the Food and noted that the Government remains to reduce the effects of flooding on strategic transformation and contribute to Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the committed to increasing production and agriculturalfoodsystems,”heexplained. sustainability goals such as social well-being, United Nations along with officials from the productivity and easing access to markets for Minister Mustapha also said that the ecosystem health, and food and nutrition CaribbeanandLatinAmericancountriesmet farmersandconsumers Government has been implementing security on a wider scale, governments can virtually to discuss various impacts on

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Driver/ Salesman, Bakers, Pastry Makers, Puri /Roti Makers & Receptionist. Back to Eden Bakery,85 David St, Subryanville. Call: 613-0475/ 613-0385.

Seamstress, Tailor, Block Maker and Carpenter wanted. Call/ WhatsApp: 691-1918.

One Kitchen Assistant and Delivery Boy needed. Call: 223-5021/ 223-1531.

Taxi Drivers needed at Princess Taxi Service, Ramada Hotel. Call: 265-7075/ 76 or 616-5419, 690-2242.

One Puri/Roti Maker and two Kitchen Assistants required. Call: 648-8279/ 2316591.

Linesman required to work in Georgetown. Experience will be an asset. Call: 2332475/6 or 641-1386.

Urgently need one female Cook to work in a fast food shop in the Interior. Call Miss Johnson: 698-5526.

Live-in family, husbanddriving with gas/ arc welding skills and wife (Sales person), free cottage for living. Call: 227-1813.

One experienced Canter Driver and Porter required, 25-45 yrs. Call: 642-9191/ 231-1408 between 8am-1pm.

Wanted: Experienced Supervisor, Cashier, Counter Person , Cooks and Labourer. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts.

Two able-bodied Porters needed to work in grocery store, $4000 per day six days a week. Call: 223-9677/ 677-3406.

Vacancy at People's Choice kitchen for 2 night Cooks, Kitchen Assistant and Counter Staff required. Call/ WhatsApp: 679-9449.

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Handyman and Porters required. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

Waitress and Bartenders required. Attractive salary offered, Call: 223-5273/ 2235274.

Male & Female needed to work in factory. Apply to RP'S Enterprise Area, "K" Le Ressouvenir E.C.D. Call: 220-2818.

One male able-bodied Clerk required. Call: 231-2029, 6706210.

One Female able-bodied Worker required. Call: 2252313/ 658-8559 or 226-1497.

One General Worker, Handyman and Maid required to work at Hilton Hotel. Call: 225-9211.

One live-in elderly female Caretaker for a special needs person. Call: 630-0961 after 5 PM.

VACANCY

Vacancy exists for Salesgirl and Porters at Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot 1 ‘E’ Dennis and Middleton Streets C/ville. Apply in person with written application.

Maid required to cook and clean in East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

One General Domestic needed, must know to cook. Apply with written application at Keyfood, McDoom Village next to the Post Office.

Able-bodied Porter/ Salesman needed, must have CXC Maths & English, with neat handwriting. Apply at Keyfood, McDoom Village or Call: 629-7426.

Delivery Clerk, Office Assistant, Sales Clerk & Labourer needed. Apply @ Lens Hardware, Call: 2271511/ 645-1613.

Office Clerk and Domestic worker required. Live-in facilities available, call: 2237500.

VACANCY

Start a career in the hotel industry! One General Worker needed at Guesthouse in Land Of Canaan. Call: 66 8-0306/ 676-0506.

Payless Variety Store is now hiring Sales Representatives and Porters. Location: 42 Wellington ST, Georgetown. Call: 658-4494.

Administrative Assistant required. Must have CXC Maths & English along with experience using Quickbooks. Send resume to info@rstruckinggy.com

Hotel Attendant required at Hick's Ville Hotel. Call: 6400673, 231-0951, 227-7714, 223-3448. Email: info@ vegeworld.net

Able-bodied Porter/ Driver, Must have Lorry License and Office Clerk, CXC Maths & English required. Call Telles Steel & Hardware: 231-3265, 226-6771.

Applications Open for 2024 YLAI Professional Fellows Program

The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Guyana on Tuesday announced the opening of the application period for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program. YLAI applications are now being accepted at https://ylai.state.gov . The application for the 2024 YLAI Fellowship Program is open from January 18 – February 15, 2023.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, YLAI brings promising leaders representing 37 countries from Latin America, Canada,

and the Caribbean to the United States to expand their leadership and entrepreneurial skills and network through skillsbuilding workshops and opportunities to learn from and exchange with U.S. counterparts. The program will take place in the United States from March – April 2024.

The program is open to young entrepreneurs 25-35 years of age with a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their own business or social venture for at least two (2) years. Applicants must be current residents and citizens of Guyana.

FOR RENT

2 and 3 Bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments for rent, short term and long term. Tel:# 682-2585, 6911432.

Modern, new, one bedroom apartment. Steps away from Eccles over pass exit. Call: 227-1813.

The YLAI Fellowship Program is part of the U.S. continued commitment to the prosperity of Guyana and the region. The YLAI Fellowship Program supports and connects young entrepreneurs across the Western Hemisphere to take on leadership roles that benefit their communities and strengthen their economies.

FOR SALE

Houses for sale. Location: Tuschen, Providence, Diamond/ Little Diamond and Haslington. Call Pacific Development Inc: 6736210/ 227-8274/ 917771-5202.

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CAT 320 excavator Buckets, CAT 320 idler, Road painting machine.Call: 275-0367/ 683-7225.

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Carpenters, Labourers, Masons & Skilled men needed, wages $7,000$10,000 per day & Labourer, 5-6 K per day. Call: 650-1394, 692-7110.

Experienced Cashiers, Kitchen Assistant & roti/ puri Cook. Apply @ Hack's Restaurant, 5 Commerce Street, GT.

Lathe Operator, Welder & Handyman required. Call: 645-9333/ 220-6078.

Driver required, ages 23-50 yrs. Must be able to assist in Workshop at Eccles and must have car and van licence. Call: 645-8443/ 6429823.

Experienced Barber, Hair Stylist, Colourist, Nail Technician and Domestic Helper required. Call: 6495005/ 226-6705.

Manufacturing Company is now hiring. No experience needed, attractive compensation and incentives offered, Mon - Fri, 8am -5pm. Call: 226-2621.

Inventory / Data Entry Clerks required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street . Tel: 6092995. Email applications: survival.humanresources@ gmail.com

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VEHICLES FOR SALE

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First

PSC, GMSA hail Budget...

To date, 21 young Guyanese entrepreneurs were selected to participate in the YLAI Professional Fellows Program. From page 14 series of major economic development initiatives in Guyana as energy costs.

· Increase in the monthly income tax threshold from $75,000 to $85,000 monthly, releasing a total of $3.3 billion into the hands of taxpayers and removing 12,000 taxpayers from the tax net.

The GMSA said while the aforementioned measures represent the progression and transformation of the country’s economy, the Association “is still hopeful for other additional measures to be extended to benefit the manufacturing sector.”

“The direct reduction in the cost of electricity as well as a reduction and removal of taxes on support services to manufacturing will greatly impact the sector, drive production and increase the GDP of our economy,” the GMSA said while expressing its commitment to working with the government on addressing and improving priority areas to aid Guyana’s development.

CSEC online maths classes are provided by qualified Teacher for January 2024 exams $10,000 monthly.

ENTERTAINMENT

pool, family fun, crystal clear pool, kids and adults sections at Aracari Resort,

PEN PAL

$136.1Bsetasideforroads&bridgesin2023Budget

The Government P u b l i c Wo r k s h a d Government had budgeted upgrade of the East Bank this project and according to For these projects, over of Guyana has commenced works and $6B for the road and $4.1B Highway from Prospect to Dr Singh, the project will be $500M has been budgeted. proposed an preparatoryworksonseveral for the bridges there Timehri, preparatory works the first phase of a four-lane Another $218M will be

i n c r e a

o f ma

o

ansfo

ative Already, through the have started including the highway intended ultimately spent to continue the $40 4B to continue its projects. Ministry of Public Works, clearing of the right of way to link the East Coast of construction of the Ituni to building and maintenance of This year’s allocation contractshavebeenawarded between Diamond and Good Demerara (ECD) and the Tacamaroad. the country’s roads and would finance road projects fortheseprojects. Successandtheconstruction Soesdyke-Linden Highway In the hinterland, the b r i d g e s I n 2 0 2 2 , such as the upgrading and Another transformative of an alternate bypass road In 2023, $10.3B has been Minister shared that $3.4B Government expended widening the Corentyne project that money has been through Diamond and allocated to get the project was spent in 2022 on the $95 7B but this year’s Highway from Palmyra to put aside for, is the upgrade Grove. going. upgrading of critical roads, budget as presented by Crabwood Creek. In 2022 of the East Coast Railway Kaieteur News had With regard to the with an additional $5B Senior Minister of Finance, budget, the Government had embankment road into a reported that financing was upgrading of the Linden- budgeted in 2023, for works Dr AshniSinghisproposing budgeted$8.3billionforthis four-lane highway from secured late last year, and Soesdyke Highway which inareassuchasMoruca,Port $136.1B. project. Sheriff Street to Orange according to the Minister the Government had secured Kaituma, Issano, North Minister Singh said that Minister Singh on Nassauandcontinuingtothe Singh this year construction a US$120M Islamic PakaraimasandButakari. in2022anamountof$67.9B Monday said that already Mahaica River bridge, works will begin in 2023. Development Bank (IsDB) Dr Singh said that $5.2B wasexpendedtoimprovethe contractshavebeenawarded continuation of the upgrade Some $4 1B out of the loan for, preparatory works has been budgeted to country’s road connectivity for the widening of the of the East Coast Highway budgeted amount for the have since commenced, and advance the construction across the ten administrative structures along the from Belfield to Orange sector will go towards this in 2023, some $5B has been works on the New Demerara regions. c a r r i a g e w a y t o Nassau, and construction of project. budgetedforthatproject. RiverBridge.

Of this, $39 8B was accommodate a four-lane a second bridge across the

Among the list, is the Meanwhile, other He said too that money expended under the highway and to relocate the HopeCanal. construction of the East projects that the Minister will also go towards the miscellaneous, urban and utilities.An amount of $27.7 Minister Singh stated Coast to East Bank Road listed which fall within the construction of the hinterland roads programme billion is allocated in Budget that financing has been linkage from Ogle to $136B budget are the Kurupukari River crossing for the construction, 2023 to advance these works secured, procurement has Eccles development of the Parika to bridge, the Wismar Bridge upgrading and rehabilitation onthisroadproject. beenadvanced,surveyshave A contract was awarded Goshen route and the Sand and the Corentyne River of roads in several of the Some $11.9 billion has c o m m e n c e d , a n d toanIndianfirmlastyearfor Hills to Makouria road link. Bridgejusttonameafew coastal and hinterland budgeted to continue works construction works will communities. on the first phase of the intensifyin2023.Assuch,in

He disclosed that $27.8 highway to link Linden to 2023anamountof$16.6Bis billion was spent on bridges Lethem, as well as on the 45 allocated to roll out these inthecountry concrete bridges along the projects.

In 2022, the Government route.

The Finance Minister through the Ministry of In the 2022 budget the said that as it relates to the

Security removed from Mayor’s out-of-town home

Town Clerk of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC)

of Georgetown, Candace Nelson, has withdrawn City Constables from Mayor Ubraj Narine’s out-of-townresidence.

Mayor Narine had written to the Town Clerk asking her to explain why security was removed from hisPigeonIsland,EastCoast Demerara(ECD)residence.

In a letter dated January 16, 2023, addressed to Nelson and seen by Kaieteur News, Mayor Narine questioned the authority by which Nelson made her decision to pull the security He said the issue would Island; their lives are at risk fromhisresidence. be taken to the City Council because they should not be

Mayor Narine said he for a decision to be made. “I thereinthefirstplace.” was never informed of the wishtoinformyouthatithas She continued, “I am not decision. put my life and my family’s sure how persons were

“I am eager to know by life in danger at the hands of assigned to the Pigeon whose instructions the yourself and Mr Virjanan Island. This is the second decision was made whether Gafur,”hesaid. time within two years that I it was your instruction or the H o w e v e r w h e n had to instruct that the City Councilinstruction.Iamata contacted, the Town Clerk Police be removed from that loss and need some explainedthatthedecisionto location.” guidance. This is my fifth remove the security from the Nelson said too that year as Mayor and I was property is rooted in the fact Mayor’s personal security is never faced with this type of that the City Constabulary stillinplace. embarrassment,” Narine Officers does not have “He still has his saidinhisletter jurisdiction to work outside bodyguards,” she said As such, the Mayor said theambitofthecity explaining further that the he will be holding Chief Nelson asserted “The Mayor is being provided Constable Virjanan Gafur Council has no jurisdiction security at his Lamaha and the Town Clerk outside of the City, if Street, Georgetown address responsible if he or his anything happens to the staff which was given as his place familyisharmed. while they are in Pigeon ofresidence.

Abusive Parents will be restricted from schools

– Education Minister

Education Minister, Priya ManickchandonTuesdaysaidthat parents who abuse teachers will

not only be dealt with criminally butwillalsoberestrictedfromschoolsacross thecountry

“We are unequivocally saying that any parent who assaults a teacher will be dealt withcriminallyandwillfaceconsequencefor that parent regarding all educational institutions across the country,” Manickchand told reporters on the sidelines ofaneventatQueensCollegeonTuesday

Recently two parents had assaulted teachers at the Graham’s Hall and the St Angela’s Primary Schools respectively - just daysapart.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand

The first assault sparked protest among soon. teachers nationwide and those at the “We have to take realities into Graham’s Hall Primary School called for the consideration. The child might not be able to childtoberemovedfromtheschool. stay within that school environment that

While Manickchand made it clear on might not be best for the child if teachers are Tuesdaythatnochildwillbeexpelledshedid going to ignore the child”, Manickchand said agree that the ministry “might have to look at whileaddingthatshecannotforceteachersto transferring students (with abusive parents) interact with a child who has an becauseteachersarehumanbeings”. ‘uncontrollable’parent.

In fact she disclosed that the Ministry has Sheexplainedthateventhoughtheparent already transferred one of the children whose mightbebannedfromtheschool,theabusive parentwasinvolvedintherecentassaultsand parent can still attack teachers on the will be looking to transfer the other child roadways.

Mayor Ubraj Narine

Town Clerk of Georgetown’s M&CC, Candace Nelson

Jumbo Jet gets franchise rights to distribute Sinotruk brand trucks in Guyana franchise

A s G u y a n a ’ s infrastructural development continues to grow at a rapid pace, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales has diversified its sales by introducing Sinotruk brandedheavydutytrucksto thelocalmarket.

T h e m a s s i v e infrastructural development taking place in Guyana has caused a significant rise in the demand for aggregate in the country, forcing contractors to increase their fleetoftrucksjusttokeepup with rate of supplies needed forprojects.

To fill the gap, Jumbo Auto Sales was able to secure exclusive franchise rights to distribute Sinotruk heavy duty trucks in Guyana.

Sinotruk is a world renowned brand of heavy duty trucks manufactured in China. The brand is known for being “tough and reliable”.

Experts attending the 122nd Canton Fair in 2017, Asia biggest commercial goodsexpositionweretaken aback when they learnt Sinotruk branded HOWO Dump trucks were light weight, low on fuel consumption, and possess greatwearresistance.

The first batch of Sinotruk branded trucks in Guyana arrived on January 1,2023andhasalreadybeen engaging the attention of localcompanies,astatement from Jumbo JetsAuto Sales said.

The first shipment consists of 8 x 4 twin steers and 6 X 6 HOWO heavy duty dump trucks The trucks are on display at the auto sales company newly built showroom at Ogle on theEastCoastofDemerara. Since the truck’s arrival, AJM enterprise, an established Logistics, Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n &

Contracting Company, has already purchased seven to meetthedemandsofrapidly growing aggregate industry inGuyana.

A representative of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales handing over the keys of seven brand new Sinotruk branded trucks to AJM Enterprise.

French federation president Le Graet under investigation for moral and sexual harassment

PARIS, (Reuters) - The ministry, last week “took a Parisprosecutor’sofficesaid step back” from his duties, yesterday it had opened an with Philippe Diallo acting investigation for moral and as interim president, the FFF sexual harassment against said.

French soccer federation Le Graet could not be (FFF) president Noel Le reached by Reuters Graet. yesterday but French media,

Afghan cricket team faces...

From page 28

It’s their life.”The nationalcricketteam’s players and board members have met on multiple occasions with Taliban leaders, including the head of the notorious Haqqani network,andposedforphotoswiththem.

Sirajuddin Haqqani is the current acting Minister of the Interior under the Taliban regime. The FBI has offered $10 million to anyone who can provide information that leads to hisarrest.

Wednesday January 18, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Todayyoumayaskyourselfif you're satisfied. How is your personal life? Do people live uptoyourstandardsorareyou a l w a y s l e f t f e e l i n g dissatisfied? It may be time to make some important decisionsinyourlife.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Nothing is simple where your family is concerned. If you've forgotten that, don't worry Today will remind you. You mayhavetodealwithsomeof your lingering problems with certainfamilymembers.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You like to give people advice andhelpthemfinddirectionin theirlives- whentheyhaven't even asked. But now it's your turntofeelalittlelost.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You may put your integrity under the microscope today We all have deep convictions that we would never let go of. Butsocietypressuresus,andit isn't always easy to live in perfect harmony with our ideals.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Your freedom is more important to you than anything else in your life. It's often very difficult for you to get involved, whether personallyorprofessionally

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Certain very narrow-minded people may get on your nerves. You're lucky enough to be an open, tolerant person, Virgo. You take people and situations just as they come.Today you may find yourself in the middle of negotiations.

Le Graet, who has citing a statement sent to p r e v i o u s l y d e n i e d news agency AFP by his allegations of sexual lawyers, reported he denied harassment during an audit anywrongdoing. commissioned by the sports “In response to a report from the IGESR (General Inspection of Education, Sport and Research) on 13 J a n u a r y 2 0 2 3 , a n investigation was opened yesterday into charges of moralharassmentandsexual h a r a s s m e n t , ” t h e prosecutor’s office told Reuters.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Today you will be able to explore the power of your emotions. Don't try and fight w h a t y o u c a l l y o u r "oversensitivity."Aforce from childhood will permeate you and help you to find out what yourrealneedsare.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21) Scorpio, you feel secure in the warmth and depth of your emotions. Today you will have the opportunity to reenergize and regenerate yourself from theinsideout.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Theatmospheremayseemabit oppressive today, Sagittarius. You like to be free to do what you want to do, and it may bother you that the people around you don't make themselvesavailabletoyou.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You may feel a bit tied down today It won't necessarily be a bad day, but you may wonder about certain aspects of your family life. Don't try and kid yourself.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

There are days when you should take everything with a grain of salt. Today you may realize how important it is to gain the appreciation and respect of a certain person. It isn't worth getting worked up about. You will only make thingsworse.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Pisces, you shouldn't even try to find a reasonable explanation for what goes on around you today There isn't one. Be carried by the tides of emotionsfromthepastthatrun throughyourbodyandsoul.

Last September, the Sports ministry ordered an audit of the federation after the FFF said it would file a defamation lawsuit against So Foot magazine, which reported that Le Graet allegedly harassed several femaleemployees.

Le Graet, 81, has also comeunderfirefromplayers and politicians for criticising French soccer icon and 1998 World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane.

He was also criticised for extending France coach DidierDeschamps’scontract until 2026, two years after his term at the head of the FFFexpires.

The U.S. says his Haqqani network was responsible for the deaths of hundreds ofAfghans and dozens ofAmerican forces, many of them in suicide attacks, acrossAfghanistan duringthetwo-decadewar

Holding meetings with such figures has eroded support forevenAfghanistan’smostbelovedcricketers.

“When the very existence of women of Afghanistan is banned, you should be banned too. Why does your cricket matter when women can’t learn, move, work, under the Taliban?” asked Zubaida Akbar, an Afghan human rights advocate.“InsteadoftakingphotoswithHaqqanisyoucould have used your voice to speak for the rights of half of the population.”

Qatar’s Prime Minister Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani and President of the French Football Federation Noel Le Graet. (REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)

Ronaldo-Messi rivalry set for new chapter in Riyadh

(Reuters) - A new

prospectofwatchingthetwo year-old’s first competitive chapter in the celebrated starsclash. appearance will come in the rivalry between Cristiano

The highly anticipated SaudiProLeagueonSunday Ronaldo and Lionel Messi showdown, which will take when Al Nassr host Al will unfurl on Thursday place at the King Fahd Ettifaq. when they meet in an Stadium in Riyadh, Last month, he signed a exhibition match as the reportedly had more than two and a half year contract Portugal forward gears up two million online ticket with Al Nassr, estimated by for his first game in Saudi requests. The bidding for a media to be worth more than Arabia since joining Al VIP “Beyond Imagination” 200 million euros ($216.28 Nassr ticket to the match has million), but has had to wait

After a glittering career already topped 10 million to play because of a twoin Europe that saw him win riyals ($2.66 million) in an match ban by England’s FA four Champions League auctionthatissettoendlater forknockingaphoneoutofa titles with Real Madrid and onTuesday fan’shandinApril. two Scudettos at Juventus,

The game has also Theexhibitiongamewill RonaldosignedforAlNassr, captivated fans as it comes also feature other key PSG describing it as the “right justoveramonthafterMessi players such as Kylian moment” to share his helped Argentina win the Mbappe, Sergio Ramos and experienceinAsia. 2022WorldCup,themissing Neymar, while Saudi

The Saudi club is the piece in his vast trophy internationals Salem Allatest stop in Ronaldo’s collection Ronaldo also Dawsari, who scored in the career that began in 2002 at made headlines during the shock group-stage win over Sporting CP before the tournament, becoming the Argentina, and Saud forward spent two spells at first player to score in five Abdulhamidwillplaytoo. Manchester United, the last WorldCups,butheendedup French newspaper of which ended on a bitter in tears after Portugal were L’Equipe reported on note as he exited following knocked out in the quarter- Monday that PSG will earn debate about the greatest of December 2020 when and Al Nassr, against his acrimonious split with finalsbyMorocco. justover10millioneurosfor all time (GOAT) for the best JuventusbeatBarcelona3-0. Messi’s Paris St Germain in theclub. While Thursday’s thegame. part of 10 years, will face off Ronaldo will lead the exhibition contest where Ronaldo and Messi, who friendly will be Ronaldo’s ($1 = 3.7556 riyals) on the pitch on Thursday for Riyadh ST XI, a team made nothing is at stake, but fans have dominated football’s first in SaudiArabia, the 37- ($1 = 0.9247 euros) the first time since up of players from Al Hilal are still excited by the

Afghan cricket team faces backlash over perceived support for Taliban

CBS News - For InsolidaritywithAfghan decades, Afghanistan has women and girls, who have been portrayed to the world seen virtually all of their largely through bleak basic human rights erased accounts of daily bombings, u n d e r t h e Ta l i b a n , mass causalities, political Australia’s national cricket turmoil and humanitarian association announced last crises. Perhaps it’s only real week that it would not play success story, has been againstAfghanistan in a precricket. The world’s second- scheduled series of one-day most popular sport has long matchesinMarch. been a national pastime in Cricket Australia said it Afghanistan,andithasgiven hadtakenthedecisiondueto the Afghan people, through the “recent announcement decades of strife, a way to from the Taliban restricting see their nation shine on the the freedoms of women and worldstage. girlsinAfghanistan,”adding Now,astheresultoftheir that it was “committed to draconian human rights supporting growing (sic) the policies, the country’s game for women and men Taliban rulers appear poised around the world, including todeprivetheAfghanpeople inAfghanistan.” of even that last bastion of On Monday, Human joy Rights Watch called on the Afghanistan’s national International Cricket cricket team was formed Council to suspend the participate in education and on social media using the thenIwouldn’twanttomake politics, it’s a fight to be following the U S -led Afghanistan Cricket Board sportinthecountry.” h a s h t a g , anyone uncomfortable with recognized as human beings invasion in 2001, and the from its membership over InDecember,theTaliban #StopPoliticsinCricket. my presence in the BBL,” equal to their male relatives, team rapidly rose to become the Taliban’s regressive and banned women from R a s h i d K h a n , saidRashidonTwitter colleagues and fellow serious contenders in anti-womenpolicies. working for a wide range of Afghanistan’s first global “Fans and people of students. international men’s

Minky Worden, director organizations and from cricket superstar, denounced Afghanistan who have Samea Shanori, who championships But since of global initiatives for attending universities, Cricket Australia’s suffered immensely due to lives in the U.S., replied to the Taliban took the country HRW, said the ICC “should sparking worldwide withdrawal from the match conflict for the past 42 years S h a h i d i a n d t h e back in the summer of 2021, suspend Taliban-run condemnation. and threatened to pull out of don’t want politics brought “StopPoliticsinCricket” the team has faced some Afghanistan from ICC It’snotpolitics,“it’stheir Australia’s Big Bash into sports,” added Hashmat campaign with a tweet serioussetbacks. membership, and from life.” League.

Shahidi, another member of saying “basic human rights Dreams ruined by participating in international Afghan cricket fans and “If playing with thenationalteam,onTwitter of girls and women in Taliban’s ban on women cricket, until women and players on the national team A f g h a n i s t a n i s s o But for countlessAfghan Afghanistanarenotpolitics. at college girls can once again have launched a campaign uncomfortable for Australia women and girls, it’s not

FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in action with Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

In a photo shared widely on social media, members of Afghanistan’s national cricket team and its board meet with Sirajuddin Haqqani (center, back row), the head of the Haqqani network and acting Minister of the Interior under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, in September 2022 at the Ministry of Interior in Kabul.

Jamaica’s U-20 4x100m world record among three ratified by World Athletics

SportsMax - Eliud earlier in 2022, but it could Kipchoge’s 2:01:09 notberatifiedasarecord. marathon world record, D o u b l e O l y m p i c along with world U20 championKipchogewonthe recordssetlastyearby100m Berlin Marathon last year, sprinter Letsile Tebogo and taking 30 seconds off the Jamaica’s 4x100m team, marathon world record he havebeenratified. hadsetinthesamecityon16

Jamaica’s U20 4x100m world record was among three ratified by the World Athletics body

At the World U20 September2018. Championships in Cali, the The 38-year-old Kenyan Jamaican quartet of Serena went out hard, passing Cole, Tina Clayton, Kerrica through 5km in 14:14 and Hill and Tia Clayton teamed 10km in 28:22 – not just up to take the title in 42.59, comfortably inside world taking 0.35 off the previous record pace, but also well record that the same team inside a projected two-hour had achieved on 22 August finish. 2021 at the previous World He maintained that pace U20 Championships in through half way, which was Nairobi. reached in 59:50 – identical slightly from then on, but he but the Kenyan superstar said Kipchoge. “I wanted to going on to dominate the

A similar quartet – but to his half-way split when he was still comfortably inside then gradually pulled clear runthefirsthalfsofast. finalin9.91(0.8m/s). with Brianna Lyston on third producedasub-two-hourrun worldrecordpace. and was out on his own. He After 38km I knew I His winning time took leg instead of Hill – had in an unofficial orchestrated Ethiopia’s Andamlak passed through 30km in would be capable of 0 03 off the world U20 clockedamarginallyquicker race in Vienna three years Belihu had been level with 1:25:40, then reached 35km breaking the world record. record he had set in Eugene 42.58 at the Carifta Games ago. His pace started to drop Kipchoge up until that point, in 1:40:10. By the time he The circumstances were on 15 July in the heats of the passed through 40km in great, and so was the W o r l d A t h l e t i c s 1:54:53, his lead had grown organisation.” ChampionshipsOregon22. tomovethanfourminutes. Botswana’s Tebogo “When the gun went off, Kipchoge went on to successfully defended his IhadtomakesureImadethe cross the line in 2:01:09, 100m title at the World best start of my life – and it making this the eighth A t h l e t i c s U 2 0 wasthebeststartofmylife,” consecutive men’s marathon Championships Cali 22. He said Tebogo. “As soon as I world record to be set in h a d b r o k e n t h e tookmyfirststep,Iknewthe Berlin. championship record in his titlewasmine.Ididn’tworry “I am overjoyed to have heatwith10.00,thenwonhis about the time I didn’t broken the world record,” semifinal in 10.14 before look.”

Gabriel, Motie and Warrrican recalled as CWI names Test squad for Zimbabwe tour

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Hon Dr Desmond Haynes a three-day warm-up match

The Cricket West Indies’ said: “This is the start of the against a local side set for 28 (CWI) Men’s Selection international calendar for to 30 January at Bulawayo Panel yesterday announced 2023 and we will hope to Athletic Club. All matches the15-membersquad for the start with a win We startat10amlocaltime(4am upcoming two-match Test appreciateitwon’tbeaseasy Eastern Caribbean/3am Series in Zimbabwe, starting assignment as Zimbabwe, Jamaica). on4 February TheSelection like most other teams in The last Test Series Panel recalled experienced world cricket, play very well between Zimbabwe and the fast bowler Shannon on their home soil on pitches West Indies was also played Gabriel, as well as left-arm that will support their style at Queens Sports Club in spinners Gudakesh Motie ofplay.” October 2017. West Indies andJomelWarrican.

Haynes added: “We won the two-match Series 1Gabriel has taken 161 looked at the conditions we 0, winning the first contest wickets in 56 Tests, placing anticipate playing in, and by 117 runs with the second him joint 12th in the West have included two left-arm Testendinginadraw Indies all-time wicket-takers spinners who didn’t go to FULLSQUAD list and more recently was Australia in Motie and Kraigg Brathwaite the joint-leading wicket Warrican With our fast (captain) taker in the CG United bowlers, Seales has done

Jermaine Blackwood Super50 Cup for the extremely well for us since (vicecaptain) Trinidad and Tobago Red he started back in 2021, but NkrumahBonner ForceinNovemberlastyear. with him unavailable we TagnarineChanderpaul Gabriel’s last Test Match have decided that Gabriel RostonChase was against Sri Lanka in wouldbebestabletofillthat JoshuaDaSilva November2021. Warrican’s role.

ShannonGabriel last international appearance He (Gabriel) is an JasonHolder was also in Sri Lanka in experienced bowler who has AlzarriJoseph December 2021 when he been at the international KyleMayers playedinbothmatchesinthe level for over 10 years and GudakeshMotie Test Series. Motie made his has knowledge of the RaymonReifer Test debut for West Indies in conditions in Zimbabwe KemarRoach Antigua in June 2022 in the whenwewontherein2017.”

DevonThomas first Test of the two-match West Indies will play JomelWarrican Series victory against both Test matches at the MATCH SCHEDULE Bangladesh. Queens Sports Club in 28-30 January: three-day Jayden Seales is Bulawayo, with the firstTest warm-upmatchatBulawayo unavailable for selection running from 4 to 8 AthleticClub following a knee injury and February, and the second 4-8 February: 1st Test at subsequent surgery; while match from 12 to 16 Queens Sports Club, Anderson Phillip is also February Bulawayo unavailableduetoinjury Ahead of the two-Test 12-16February:2ndTest Lead Selector, The Most Series,West Indies will have atQueensSportsClub

ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup…

James stars again as Windies secure

2nd

victory

- New Zealand still control Group C

West Indies Women’s Rising Her opening partner, Shunelle Sawh, Stars stormed to their second contributed 31 at the top of the order before

consecutive win yesterday shewasdismissedwiththescoreon95while when they faced Indonesia in a Group C Jameslostherwickettworunslater encounter of the inaugural International That brought together the pair of Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Under-19 Naijanni Cumberbatch (24*) and Djenaba T20WorldCup. Joseph (20), that put on a 42-run partnership

Competing at the North West Cricket beforethelatterfellwiththescoreon139. Stadium in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Enough deliveries were left for the new West Indies secured a 77-run triumph to batter, Trishan Holder, to blast an unbeaten claim an additional two points to take their 35 from 14 balls. Her innings included two tallytofourpoints.However,theyarestillin foursandthreemaximums. second behind New Zealand on Net Run The inexperienced Indonesian side were Rate(NRR)comparison. then steamrolled in their reply Opener

NewZealandarealsoonfourpointswith Kadek Kurniartini (15) and number three a NRR of 5.606, after they claimed victories batter, Ni Luh Dewi (14), were the only two against Ireland and Indonesia. West Indies’ players to reach double figures as the West NRRstandsat2.100. Indians picked up wickets at regular

Against Indonesia, the Caribbean unit intervals. Joseph was the star with the ball won the toss and elected to bat first, which asshebagged3–14fromfoursoverswhile saw them post a mammoth 176 – 3, then Shalini Samaroo, Ashmini Munisar and restrict the opposition to 99 – 9 when the James, all claimed a wicket each James oversexpired.OpenerZaidaJamesfollowed was once again named Player-of-theup her magnificent performance from the match opening match with another all-round West Indies now turn their attention to standout performance. James bettered her thefinalhurdleinGroupC,theleader–New first score of 52 with 55, an inning that Zealand, who they face on Thursday, featured eight fours and two maximums January 19, from 7:45am ECT, at the JB from37deliveries. MarksOvalinPotchefstroom.

Murray triumph as weather plays havoc at Australian Open

AFP - Novak Djokovic reception that I could only

Fritz, 12th seed Alexander contender for the first Grand enjoyed a rousing reception dream of,” said Djokovic, Zverev and ninth seed Slamoftheyear on a winning return to the who is chasing a record- Holger Rune all rolled into Sabalenka beat the Australian Open yesterday equalling22ndmajortitle. thenextround. Czech Republic’s Tereza and Andy Murray rolled “I feel really happy that - Jabeur labours - Martincova6-1,6-4. backtheyearstostunMatteo I’m back here in Australia

Thewomen’sdrawthrew The 26th seed Elise Berrettiniinaclassic. andonthecourtwhereIhave upnorealshocks. Mertenswasanotherwinner

On a day of bans on hadthebiggestsuccessinmy Tunisia’s second seed The Belgian outlasted Russian flags and weather- career.” Ons Jabeur, runner-up at Spain’s former Melbourne induced disruption, two of Prior to that, the day had Wimbledon and the US finalist Garbine Muguruza, the sport’s biggest names belongedtoanother35-year- Open last year, was far from who was cramping before belatedly brought the focus old in Murray and herfluentbestbuteventually losing3-6,7-6(7/3),6-1. b a c k o n t e n n i s i n Melbourne’sfamouslyfickle defeated Slovenia’s Tamara - Russian flag banMelbourne. weather Zidansek. Earlier yesterday, Tennis

A heavy title favourite, The Briton saved match The shaky Jabeur won Australia banned Russian the 35-year-old Djokovic point to defeat Italy’s 13th thefirstsetonatiebreak,lost and Belarusian flags after a was back after his seed Berrettini 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, the second 6-4, then finally complaint from the deportationlastyearbecause 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (10/6) in 4hrs found her rhythm to clinch Ukrainian ambassador to of his stance on Covid 49mins at Rod Laver Arena, thedecider6-1. Australia. vaccines. where the roof was closed

“I just tried to follow The red, white and blue

If the Serb was worried becauseoftheextremeheat. what my coach told me to stripes of Russia were seen about how he might be “Iwillbefeelingthisthis do,” she said of her Monday during at least two

The match finished after on outside courts. The roofs received by the Melbourne eveningandtomorrow,”said turnaroundinthethirdset. matches, with Ukrainian 1:00am. were closed on the three Park crowd, he needn’t have the former world number “I wasn’t really doing fans reportedly calling “It’s been a long day,” main stadiums: Rod Laver been the nine-time one, who plays with a metal thatandhe’sgoingtokillme security and police to the saidRuud,afterkickingoffa Arena, Margaret Court Australian Open champion hip after career-saving afterthematch,”shejoked. stands. campaign that could see him ArenaandJohnCainArena. walkedouttoloudcheers. surgery Caroline Garcia and “The ban is effective becomeworldnumberone. Play resumed on the Against the backdrop of “ B u t r i g h t n o w Aryna Sabalenka — fourth immediately,” said Tennis

Earlier, Russia’s fifth outside courts about three chants of “Nole”, Djokovic unbelievably happy and and fifth seeds respectively Australia. seed Andrey Rublev ended hours later, only to be sent Spain’s 75th-ranked proudofmyself.”

—haditeasierastheyswept Since Russia’s invasion the tournament of 2020 disrupted again in the Roberto Carballes Baena Also in the men’s draw, intothesecondround. of Ukraine, Russian and finalist Dominic Thiem 6-3, evening when a storm hit, packing at Rod LaverArena, Norwegian second seed France’s Garcia took just Belarusian players have 6-4, 6-2 in 36 degrees dumping torrential rain that 6-3, 6-4, 6-0, to surge into CasperRuudbattledthrough 65 minutes to overwhelm normally competed under a Celsius (96 8 Fahrenheit) eventually saw some roundtwo. tothesecondroundwitha6- C a n a d i a n q u a l i f i e r neutral flag as independents, temperatures. matches suspended for the “Thank you for giving 3, 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 Katherine Sebov 6-3, 6-0 as is the case at the As the mercury rose, the day me such a welcoming defeatofTomasMachac. and cement her status as a AustralianOpen. heat forced play to be halted Eighth-seeded Taylor

Djokovic gets warm Australian Open welcome, then wins

MELBOURNE, Australia

break points he would face all (AP) The supportive signs and night);whenhebroketolead4-3in dozens of Serbian flags and loud the second; etc., etc., etc. There chants of Novak Djokovic’s were more of those cheers at the nickname filled Rod Laver Arena, end,andDjokovicsmiledbroadly providing a warm welcome Gradinghis play, Djokovicsaid markinghisreturntotheAustralian he found he was “kind of going up Open — a tournament he has and down” in the second set, but dominated in the past but one he didn’tgivehisopponent“toomuch couldnotenterayearago. chance to breathe” in the third. As

Djokovic acknowledged the for his hamstring, Djokovic said he greeting with a quick wave of his was apprehensive about it going left hand when he stepped out onto into the match, but afterward this the court at 10:30 p.m. Yesterday, was his assessment: “The leg is then got down to business by good. It’s not ideal, but it’s getting playing quite well and only briefly there.” This was not necessarily showing a hint of trouble from the Djokovic at his absolute best, and balky left hamstring that was he appeared to show some heavilytaped. frustration early on when he kept

With his parents and brother in glaring and muttering in the the stands at Melbourne Park for direction of coach Goran the first time since he won his first Ivanisevic and the rest of his GrandSlamtitlethere15yearsago, entourage in the stands But Djokovic began the first-round Djokovic did not necessarily need match with an ace at 125 mph (201 and I’m back here on the

kph). He held at love there, took where I had the biggest

certainly produced strong enough control of that set with a 12-point mycareer.” has since relaxed coronavirus- roared for the 35-year-old tennistotaketheinitialsteptoward runandwasonhiswaytoa6-3,6-4, Djokovic’s participation is one related restrictions, allowing Djokovic. A sing-song, soccer- whathehopeswillbea22ndGrand 6-0 victory over 75th-ranked of the chief story lines, perhaps the Djokovic to come to the country, style chant of “Olé, olé, olé, olé!” SlamtitletotierivalRafaelNadal’s Roberto Carballes Baena that MAIN one, of the first Grand Slam and also waived a rule that could followed by the two-syllable recordforthemostintennishistory finishedaftermidnight. tournamentof2023.That’sbecause have stopped him from getting in moniker“Nole!”(pronouncedNO- byaman.

“Unbelievable atmosphere Djokovic never got to play a point for three years following a visa leh) echoed under the arena’s Djokovic, who has spent more Thank you so much for staying this last season at the site of nine of his revocation. He has insisted that closed retractable roof, and would weeks at No. 1 in theATPrankings late,everybody Also,thankyoufor major championships, because his whole episode in January 2022 be repeated over and over: during than anyone, also has a chance to giving me such a welcoming and a visa was blocked and he was deeplyaffectedhimbutthathedoes thewarmupperiod;whenDjokovic return to that spot after the reception I can only dream of,” deported from Australia after a not hold a grudge; there certainly switched sides of the net after the upcoming two weeks; the person Djokovic told the crowd in an on- legal saga tied to his lack of any didnotseemtobeanyhardfeelings first game; when he was in the presently occupying that perch, court interview “I really feel very vaccinationforCOVID-19. towardhimyesterday midst of climbing out of a love-40 Carlos Alcaraz, is sitting out the happy that I’m back in Australia He never did get the shots and Spectators who politely hole in the first set (the only three AustralianOpenwithaleginjury

Andy Murray (Getty Images)

court also missed the U.S. Open because applauded Carballes Baena when to be at his absolute best. He

success in of it. But Australia’s government he entered the stadium stood and

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand return to Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Sports $4.3B allocation to help in talent development

...Govt. to focus on infrastructural development – Pres. Ali

By Rawle Toney

every single region, investing in a fund now to

President Irfaan Ali said develop talent, and the $4 3B allocation for supporting football with an sports in the country’s aim to bring all our national proposed $781.9B National players in a full time camp Budget is a reflection of his for training so that we can Government’s vision for the develop a national team that sector,callingitanimportant can be competitive and can p a r t o f G u y a n a ’ s have a chance to qualify for developmenttrajectory the next football World

TheHead-of-Statewasat Cup, ” President Ali the time speaking on the explained. sidelines of a Press

President Ali pointed to Conference at State House the construction of the new yesterday, and responding to squash court facility, adding Kaieteur News’ question thattheyalsoaimtocreate“a about what would be done whole ecosystem around PresidentAlisaid. at Palmyra, Berbice and the for the country’s premier cricket to train upcoming T h e M i n i s t r y o f establishment of a National

Whileadmittingathletes’ in sports, “One, talent athletes. cricket stars, not only for Finance’s budget summary

support is important, the development Talent

“What are we doing nationalandregionalcricket, broke down Sports’ $4.3B “So we are building Presidentwasadamant,“you development comes if you about sports in terms of but for international budget to focus on stadiums. We are improving can’t develop sports if you have the right infrastructure developmentofourathletes? franchise and so on. So you constructionofmultipurpose all the infrastructure along don’thavetheinfrastructure. to develop the talent. We are First of all, we have to have will see us investing in new sporting facilities in the the entire sports ecosystem, Howarewegoingtodevelop developingtheinfrastructure the infrastructure and the stadiums.” hinterland, construction of whether it’s the gymnasium,

sports if we don’t have the and supporting the talent facilities for them, ”

In 2021, the Government the state-of-the-art stadium building new facilities in stadiums, if we don’t have development at the same allocated $1.5B to sports, the training tracks, if we time. followed by an injection of don’t have the gyms, if we So if you look in the $3.2B in 2022 for a total of don’thavethecourtsthatare budget, you will see specific $4.7B in two years. Once requiredtodevelopsports?” budgetary allocation is there ratified and past in the PresidentAli,throughout for the development of the National Assembly, this his time in office, has been infrastructure and also an year’s allocation will give vocal on the need to do more enhancementofthetalent.” sports a total of $9B under for sports, even highlighting

Azarenka beats Kenin in battle of former Australian champions

OnOctober27,President President Irfaan Ali’s that the Government of Alimadeapublicapologyto administration. Guyana will play an integral the nation’s athletes for the

However, athletes and part in ensuring that basic lackofsupporttheyreceive. sports enthusiasts bemoaned standards are met whenever He also assured athletes the lack of support given to athletes are representing the that under his watch, their national associations and LandofManyWaters. sacrifices and challenges of athletes, particularly those However, he noted that the past, will not be their representingGuyana. thereareseveralcomponents future.

GHE second practice match starts...

AFP-VictoriaAzarenkabeat

Kenin herassheenduredaspateofinjuries. 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) Monday to become the only Her ranking has slid to 203 in the world formerAustralian Open champion left in the andshewasbiddingforafirstwinoveratopwomen’sdraw 25 opponent since beating then number 11 Azarenka, the 24th seed from Belarus, PetraKvitovaatRolandGarrosin2020. won her titles at Melbourne Park in 2012

Nevertheless, the veteran world number and 2013, while American Kenin prevailed 24 Azarenka admitted she had been on edge to lift the champion’s Daphne Akhurst Cup before the encounter on Margaret Court in2020 Arena.

KevinSinclair West Indies Championship

ShemarYearwood (WIC) match against

AntonyAdams Barbados Pride at the Sir

Ve e r a s a m m y Vivian Richards Stadium in

SachinSingh Permaul Antigua from February 1,

AzarenkawillfaceeitherLeoliaJeanjean

With 2022 champion Ash Barty and “It’s high pressure and you wouldn’t Serena Williams both retired, and 2019 and think I’d be nervous, but it means so much to 2021 winner Naomi Osaka missing because me,”saidthe33-year-old. of her pregnancy, it meant Kenin and “I try to work through those emotions but Azarenka were the only two previous theyhappen.” winnersinthewomen’ssingles.

But Kenin has faced a torrid time since ofFranceorNadiaPodoroskaofArgentinain her only Slam triumph with form deserting thesecondround.

ShamarJoseph 2023 to February 4, 2023. (Captain)

Gudakesh Motie

ClintonPestrano On completion of the WIC 8. R o n a l d o A l i

DemeterCameron first round match, GHE will Mohamed

Island Volcanoes

Sofia

Victoria Azarenka

CricketAcademy

President Irfaan Ali during his Press Conference at State House on January 17, 2023. (Office of the President Photo)

during

President Irfaan Ali catching up on a light game of cricket in the National Park. (Office of the President photo)

Part of the action in the 2022 GuyOil/ Tradewind Tanks Under-18 Schools Football League at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Petra Organisation to kick off 2023 Calendar in February P

- To explore Inter University Tournament

After quite a U n d e r - 1 4 F o o t b a l l s u c c e s s f u l Tournament will begin in r e t u r n t o May and is expected to

activities in concludeinJuly 2022, the vibrant Petra Also expected to Organisation has recently commence in May will be released their calendar of the Limacol Senior Round events for 2023, which will Robin/Knockout Football see them attempt to host a Tournament This threetotal of ten grassroots month tournament is football tournaments in 11 projectedtocloseitscurtains months. inAugust.

Petra was able to host six That will make way for tournaments in six months the fourth annual Turbo its tenth edition in October expected to conclude in I n s t i t u t e s F o o t b a l l our partnerships with our yesteryear, but now with a Senior Knockout Football with the culmination set for December Tournament. affiliates and stick to our full year ahead, they will Tournament which begins in November December will welcome They (Petra) have mandate of helping to have the opportunity to August and concludes in The seventh edition of thefourtheditionoftheKFC already identified the period develop grassroots football effectively fulfill their September the Girls Primary School Goodwill International of September to October for inthecountry.” objectives. In September, the Football Tournament is on Secondary Schools Under- the hosting of the event, but “We are thankful that we This year ’s first GuyOil/Trade Wind Tankers the cards to be kicked off in 18 Tournament, the event it is still in its catalyst stage. now have more time on our tournament will be the Under-18 Secondary School October However, Kaieteur that traditionally wraps up The Directors believe, with hands since the return to s e v e n t h U n d e r - 1 8 League kicks off, with Sports understands that this Petra’sseason.

the right amount of the activities, but as I mentioned Secondary Schools Round November set as the closing eventisunsponsored. Additionally, the Co- support, it can become a before, it is not about the R o b i n / K n o c k o u t period.

The fifth Petra Futsal Directors disclosed that they reality amount of tournaments we Tournament, which is Petra’s longest running Community-Based Futsal brainstormed the idea of a Troy Mendonca, one of hold in a year, it is about us scheduled to commence in tournament, the Courts Pee Tournament, a tourney new kid on the block, the the Co-Directors said, “We effectively bridging those February and culminate in Wee Under-11 Primary equipped with male and tournament that completes expect a better year for gaps between age groups to April. After that, the fourth S c h o o l s F o o t b a l l female divisions, will also the 10-count; the inaugural grassroots football. We are helpwiththedevelopmentof ExxonMobil Boys and Girls Tournament, will commence kick off in October and is Universities/Technical hoping to further strengthen ouryouths,”hementioned.

GHE second practice match starts today at Providence Stadium

The second Guyana fast bowler Shamar Joseph Harpy Eagles (GHE) Four- grabbed 4 for 30 from 8 Day Practice match is overs, and left arm spinner scheduled to commence Gudakesh Motie 3 for 38 from 09:30 hours today, from18overs.

Wednesday, January 18, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 2023 at the Guyana National X1 replied with a first Stadium,Providence. innings score of 429 for 10

The first GHE Four-Day from 98 1 overs Wicket Practice match was Keeper and batter played at the same Kemol Savory v e n u e f r o m s t r o k e d a S a t u r d a y , magnificent January 14, 170. He was 2023 The w e l l match which supported by finished one Tagenarine day earlier Chanderpaul t h a n 5 3 , s c h e d u l e d , Chandrapaul w i t n e s s e d

Hemraj 40, Kevin Veerasammy Permaul Sinclair 40, Antony X1 making 261 all out off 86 Bramble 28, Antony Adams overs in their first innings. 23,andClintoonPestano21. Matthew Nandu scored 78, Veerasammy Permaul Shamar Yearwood 36, X1 in their second innings Ronaldo Ali Mohemed 34, onlymanagedtopost186for Tevin Imlach 33, Rampertab 10 from 53 overs. Kevlon Ramnauth 27 and Kevlon Andersonmade40,Matthew Anderson 26. Bowling for Nandu24,AshmeadNedd22 Tagenarine Chanderpaul X1, (Continued on page 31)

Fourteen year old benefits from “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”

Francis Gurahoo, a

young players from all three fourteen year old all rounder counties of Guyana have from Hague, West Coast, already benefited from three Demerararecentlybenefited junior gear bag, two from this joint initiative of trophies, three arm guards, Kishan Das of the USA and nineteen bats, two boxes, Anil Beharry of Guyana in three helmets, sixteen pairs the form of one cricket bat. of cricket shoes, ten pairs of The Uitvlugt Secondary batting pads, one thigh pad, School third former has his one bat rubber and fifteen eyes set on joining City pairs of batting gloves. In based Everest Cricket Club addition, two clubs in the forthe2023season. Pomeroon area benefited

At a simple ceremony from two used bats held recently, young

Pomeroon, Leguan and Gurahoo expressed thanks Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t to the initiative. “I am so CommitteesandCottonTree madlyinlovewiththisgame Die Hard also received one of cricket and will try my box of red cricket balls each utmost best to reach the while RHCCCC received highest level”, he added. two boxes, fifteen white This project is happy to be cricket shirts, one pair of part of the development of junior batting pads, one pair young and talented of wicket keeping gloves cricketersinGuyana. andasetofstumpsandbails.

Total cricket related The Essequibo Cricket items collected so far: Board and the Town of $290,000 in cash, two Lethemalsobenefited. trophies, twelve cricket pads, one pair of wicket

above, $600,000 worth in Anyone interested to boots, twenty pairs of keeping pad, three arm gear was donated by Sheik contribute can contact Anil batting pads, twenty five guards, two boxes, six

on 623 6875 or bats, seventeen pairs of cricket bags and three

Kishan Das on 1 718 664 batting gloves, twenty thigh helmets. In addition to the To date, forty eight 0896.

Mohamed, former National Beharry

wicketkeeper/batsman.

Francis Gurahoo (right) proudly displays his bat in the presence of his dad Joseph.

Garrett heading to Allianz Field for try-out with Minnesota United try-

By

Jdoing my best at this trial to once again prove that eremy Garrett, a Guyana has the talent and former National our players can play on such

Youth Captain and platforms.” currentmemberofthesenior The articulate player is men’s National football having his third outing at team, will have a shot at chasing his dreams, dating playing for Major League back to his 2016 stint at S o c c e r ( M L S ) s i d e Sporting Lisbon as a 16Minnesota United (Next Pro year-old,alongwithashotat team) after receiving a Try- MLS club DC United as an outfromtheclub. 18-year-oldin2018.

departGuyanaonJanuary28 Force (GDF) defender has Garrettsaid.

Jeremy

Garrett in action for Guyana against Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

The 23-year-old will The Guyana Defence actually coming through,” National Junior College

Athletic Association won the GFF/Kashif

for his try-out with the 2019 worked with Bunbury and He thanked the National (NJCAA)level.

US Open Cup Runners-up, hisABSAAentityinthepast, Sports Commission (NSC), T h e c h a r i s m a t i c

which was made possible by with the first time being in Ministry of Culture, Youth defender, who Captained He currently plays

Guyanese Hall-of-Famer, 2016 for his trials in and Sport, the Guyana Guyana at the U15, U17, Guyana Defence Force WhileplayingforLSUat Alex Bunbury through his Portugal. Football Federation (GFF) U19andU20levelswilllook (GDF) after playing all his Eunice, Garrett helped Alex Bunbury Sport and “Again, I’m delighted to and everyone else who to impress the Coaches in St. club career with Fruta guidedtheinstitutiontotheir Academic Academy have this opportunity would’ve helped him along PaulattheAllianzField. ConquerorsFC. historic maiden NJCAA (ABSAA)Inc. Thankful to Mr Alex theway Ifsuccessful,Garrettwill He has played an 2018 Region 23 Men’s Speaking with Kaieteur Bunburyforhisworkandthe Garrett graduated from join his countrymen Omari important role in the defence Championship. In fact, he News, Garrett said the emphasis he placed in the Louisiana State Glasgow (Chicago Fire FC) for Fruta Conquerors and w o n t h e D i s t r i c t opportunity “Couldn’t have getting this done for me. It University (LSU) at Eunice and Curtez Kellman GDF in their run to several Championship twice and been a better timing.And all has been in the pipeline a in 2019 after a stellar outing (Sporting KC) in the MLS localtitles. was named on the best 11 of that I can say is that I’ll be while, so it’s a joy to see it with the Bengals on the NextPro-League. At the school level, LouisianaDistrict.

NSC Commissioners commend 2023 Budget Sports allocation

T h e N a t i o n a l S p o r t s surpassesthepriorallotmentwitha With the largest ever allocation would have commenced

Commission (NSC) commends the substantial increase of $1.1B. This for the National Sports previousyear

2023NationalBudgetpresentedby unprecedented allocation must be Commission, Budget 2023 paves The allocation also

the the distinguished Minister Dr extolled as it highlights, inter alia, the way for Government’s the development of our

and with the Ashni Singh which includes the this H E President Irfaan Ali continued transformation in our andsportswomen

Minister of Culture, largest-ever allocation for the Government’s continued sports facilities – something that is Sports Academy – the first ever in

sports sector, a release from the commitment, vision, and direction criticaltothedevelopmentofworld Guyana and the Region –

on a NSCpointedoutyesterday for the development of sports and class athletes and the hosting last year and has already started to pathwaythatwilltransformsportin The provision of $4 3B sportsmenandwomen. international tournaments – which change the landscape of sports in Guyanaforever

Alex Bunbury

Rawle Toney

Garrett, on January 1, Garrett played for Chase

and Academy racking up many

Shanghai One Guyana titles before accepting a

President’s Cup tournament. scholarship offer to play on

for the theNJCAAcircuit.

in the Guyana The National Sports

Commissionisofthefirmviewand

allows for unshakeable belief, that with

sportsmen presented budget

withtheNational leadership of

Youth and Sport, the Honourable

launched Charles Ramson MP, sport is

Cristy Campbell

Phillip Fernandes

Chateram Ramdihal

Dellon Davidson

Bisoondyal Singh Kashif Muhammad