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Thursday Edition January 18, 2024 - Vol. 17 No. 03

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Govt. announces plans to survey potential resources With Exxon due to relinquish 20% of Stabroek Block in October...

in offshoreGuyana blocks now a target Minister Benn:

for money laundering,

other organised crimes Man drives New $172M through locked gate, elderly home kills mother for Enmore

More Venezuelan men going to jail than other foreign nationals in Guyana - Min. Benn IEA director:

World banking on Guyana to help keep oil supply stable this year

Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 18, 2024

Taxi driver in 'hot water' after passenger escapes from police, leaving $280,000 in fake money behind A 31-year-old taxi driver has found himself in 'hot water' after a passenger who he reportedly picked up, escaped from police during a traffic stop, leaving $280,000 in counterfeit notes behind on the Helena Public Road at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to the police, on Tuesday during a roadblock exercise on the Helena Public Road at Mahaica, traffic ranks observed a car bearing registration number PAB 5371, proceeding off the Mahaica Bridge.

The car then turned north onto the Mahaica Old Road. The ranks became suspicious and a police corporal pursued the car, which was stopped and escorted back to the roadblock.

A search was then conducted on the vehicle and a male passenger, who was the lone occupant seated in the front passenger seat of the said vehicle, was asked to declare the property he had in his pocket. He took out a

The counterfeit notes found

quantity of Guyana currency, comprising $5000 notes as well as $1000 notes, $500 notes, $100 and $20 notes.

After the suspect observed the police making physical checks of the c u r r e n c y, w h i c h w a s suspected to be counterfeit, without hesitation, the man made a sudden dash into a nearby street. The ranks

chased after him, but luck was on his side as he managed to escape.

A s e a r c h w a s subsequently conducted on the taxi driver, but nothing of evidential value was found.

He was then arrested and placed in custody, pending investigations, and the car was lodged. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Thursday January 18, 2024

Kaieteur News

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With Exxon due to relinquish 20% of Stabroek Block in October...

Govt. announces plans to survey potential resources in offshore blocks Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh announced on Monday during his 2024 budget, that the government will be undertaking key survey studies on the offshore blocks to better assess the potential petroleum resources available for development and production.

It is likely that this survey will target a 20 percent portion of the Stabroek Block which the government said ExxonMobil and its partners must relinquish in October.

Notably, this deadline is well beyond the contractual timeline of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which, according to its provisions, stipulate that a portion be returned to the State since last year October.

It would be recalled that Exxon had approached the David Granger-led administration back in 2020 for an extension of the timeline, claiming that it would be facing debilitating effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Granger had granted the extension on the condition that a review would be done to ascertain if the extension is indeed warranted. When the PPP/C Government took the reins of power in August 2020, its Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo subsequently said authorities were satisfied that Exxon's operations for the Stabroek Block were affected and allowed the extension to

remain intact.

While the Finance Minister did not state which blocks would be subjected to this review, it is unlikely that it would include those blocks which companies previously returned to the State such as the Kanuku Block by Repsol, and the Demerara and Berbice Blocks by CGX. Those offshore concessions, by virtue of the work programmes outlined by their PSAs, benefited from seismic surveys, the data for which was shared with Guyanese authorities.

Speaking to other developments in the oil sector, Minister Singh said Guyana's oil and gas sector expanded by 45.9 percent last year with the production of 142.9 million barrels of oil compared with 101.4 million in 2022.

This he said is the result of improved performance from the Liza Destiny and Unity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in the ExxonMobil-operated Stabroek Block. Minister Singh also said that the commencement of production from the Prosperity FPSO in November of last year, was also a contributor to this output.

Expounding further, in 2023, Minister Singh said the Liza Destiny FPSO produced crude oil at a rate of approximately 142,000 barrels per day (bpd), and the

Map of Guyana's Stabroek Block

Liza Unity FPSO produced at a rate of 235,000 bpd.

Minister Singh said encouraging accelerated production is integral to government's plan to, among other things, secure more revenue from the sector to accelerate its development agenda. Towards this end, he said 2023 saw a ramp-up in volumes from the Destiny and Unity production platforms, while the Prosperity FPSO achieved first oil in November 2023.

These three facilities are

expected to continue their momentum in 2024.

M o r e o v e r, M i n i s t e r Singh said advancements at Exxon's fourth project in the Stabroek Block called Yellowtail Project is on track for start-up in 2025. With another oil project on stream for 2027 and a sixth in train for 2027, pending regulatory approval, Minister Singh said production could climb well above 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2027. This he said would make Guyana the single largest non-OPEC

contributor to global supplies.

It would be recalled that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is an intergovernmental organization of 13 oilproducing nations, founded in 1960.

Its members include countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and Venezuela, among others. OPEC's primary objective is to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among its

member countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers and a reliable supply of oil for consumers.

While Guyana is not a member of OPEC, its oil production is becoming increasingly influential in the global supply of petroleum.

This prominence in oil production, outside the influence of OPEC's policies and decisions, underscores Guyana's growing importance in the global energy sector.

Budget shows Govt. priorities are mixed-up - AFC ...says billions pumped into GuySuCo could have gone to UG

L

eader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan believes that budget 2024 is evidence that the Government is not interested in enriching the population but in pumping monies into projects that will benefit its agenda to remain in power Ramjattan shared his views on the official Facebook page of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU AFC) opposition on Monday night moments after the budget

presentation of $1.146 trillion was made by the Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

According to Ramjattan, while citizens would have anticipated more from such a large budget, particularly in terms of tertiary education, the government has once more proven that it is not interested in uplifting citizen's living standards.

To this end, the AFC leader pointed out to budgetary allocation granted to two State-supported

Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan institutions—the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) and the University of Guyana (UG).

Making a comparison between the two, Ramjattan noted GUYSUCO getting a larger chunk of the budget--

$6 billion while the University of Guyana given a mere $4 billion shows that the Government does have its priority right.

“Look, we need more people in the service sector and that will require educated people and the same sugar workers and their children would benefit from a University Education that can take them out from that kind of fetching cane to the punt but the PPP wants its support base to remain like that because they could go and fool them by talking bad things about the Coalition

and get them to vote for them… And those fortunate enough to acquire a tertiary education or higher training…most times you find that as soon they get qualified, they seek employment beyond these shores and the country loses its capital in human resources,” the AFC Leader asserted.

He continued: “So they don't care about that. The more kind of illiterate or uneducated the people are the better for them because they then will go to the (Continuned on page 9)

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

A

Fires

number of Guyanese families, mainly in Demerara County, are beginning the New Year in a terrible place. In the small span of 10 days, a total of 13 buildings have been either completely destroyed, or severely damaged, by fire. Thirteen buildings in 10 days is one trauma after another in quick succession, with lots of loss and grief left in the wake of these fires. It is going to be a difficult year for almost all of these citizens, now forced to cope with homelessness, loss of precious belongings, and forced to pick up the pieces anyway that they can.

Three buildings were completely destroyed in Sophia, three in the Timehri and Yarrowkabra areas, two on the East Bank Demerara, two on the West Demerara, one on the East Coast Demerara, one in South Ruimveldt, and one in Corentyne, Berbice. As can be seen from this quick sketch, the disasters covered a wide arc, and then there was the tragedy of two lives lost.

The sources have been traced so far to overloaded electrical circuit, an exploding kerosene stove, a child fiddling with a lighter, and even one case of suspected arson.

Regardless of the origins, a number of individuals and families are alive, but a long and hard road is ahead for them.

One would have expected that some of the fires, the bulk of them, to occur during the holiday season when alcohol flows in abundance, and inhibitions are at their lowest, meaning that accidents are more likely to happen during the celebrations. The reality is that none one of these fires took place during the extended Christmas and New Year’s weekends, but shortly afterwards, with the first fire on January 2ndin the Soesdyke-Linden Highway area, and a second fire later that day in Berbice. In the latter instance, a schoolteacher died.

How to stop the frequency of these fires? How to put oneself in a position to slow one down once it has started?

Smoke alarms could help by giving early notice of danger, enabling putting out a small flicker before it spreads, or stopping a fire before it gets out of control, or saving some belongings. Fire extinguishers can come in handy and be an invaluable presence in a bind. Also, we all need to be aware that power strips and electrical circuits can only take so many demands for energy before something gives (overloading), and the worst happens.

Far too often, we have heard and reported about disastrous fires and that not uncommon element, the little ones. Adults can never be diligent enough, and spend enough time, either with their children, or educating them about the serious consequences of playing with matches, or as happened, a lighter.

To rewire a home is expensive, even obtaining a fire extinguisher can be a burden on many. As much as we would like to mention building codes and such, it would be adding insult to injury to talk about that in the face of the present spate of individual and family disasters. Some are barely eking out a living, so to raise some of the necessary things that should be present in the house, as a safety precaution, would be the height of insensitivity. We do not think that in recent times, there has been such a concentration of fires in under two weeks. None of these fires seems to have alcohol as a contributory factor, or some errant lit cigarette. Some of them are of unknown origins (at least one), and a couple of them are under investigation.

An abundance of precautions is among the best remedies, with constant vigilance when there are children in the home a recommendation that makes a difference. Some things, like matches, have to be secured, meaning, out of reach, and each parent or guardian has to make the decisions that are most appropriate for their homes. What works for one family may not necessarily fit another as well. The adults have to take charge, and set the standards as to what must prevail in their homes. To restate the obvious, like domestic violence, these fires are taking a harsh toll on Guyanese, and good sense must carry the day.

Thursday January 18, 2024

The GOAL scholarship programme and the opposition DEAR EDITOR The effort by some to engage in a disinformation campaign, for the sake of political gain or some other misguided agenda, is baffling – if for no other reason than the time and energy such activities demand. During the presentation of Budget 2024, it was announced that $4 billion will be allocated to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and $4.1 billion to UG. The allocation to GOAL seems to have triggered the Parliamentary Opposition and their acolytes operating from behind screens on social medial platforms.

First, the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition’s leader, Aubrey Norton, and Parliamentarian, Amanza Walton-Desir, jumped into the news cycle with the bizarre claim that the GOAL funding is going to someone close to the PPP/C government.

Editor, is the Coalition so triggered by the fact the P P P / C g o v e r n m e n t ’s accomplishment of 20,000 scholarships to Guyanese youths that it resorts to wild, unfounded claims?

So, what are the facts?

The fact is that GOAL offers the following: · Pre-University Foundation Programmes available from three different institutions: Amity University (A minimum of 4 passes at CXC), JAIN (Completed Grade Nine) and International Skills Development Corporation.

UG does not offer anything of this sort.

· Certificates where no formal education is required, only the student must be functionally literate. These programmes are from UWI Global Campus, JAIN and Amity; and cover over 107 programmes. UG has a Managing Communities in Emergencies programme that doesn’t seem to have an academic requirement as a pre-requisite. · Undergraduate Certificates from UWI Global Campus and the University for Peace (UN Costa Rica) and they offer more than 10 different programmes. ·Associate Degree Programmes where five CXC passes are needed from AA Maritime & Offshore Training Institute ( G U YA N A ) a n d t h e Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science (SIFS) and they offer forty-four different programmes; none of these programmes are available at the University of Guyana. The University of Guyana offers 7 Certificate programmes and about 10 Diplomas. They also have 24 associate degree programmes.

Bachelor’s Degrees from A m i t y U n i v e r s i t y, Universidad del Caribe ( U N I C A R I B E ) , International University of Applied Science (Germany), JAIN, Texila American University (Guyana), University of Southern Caribbean, UNICAF Malawi, UNICAF Zambia, ISDC in partnership with Staffordshire University (UK) and they cover over 185 programmes – some of

which not available at the University of Guyana. The University of Guyana offers roughly 80 programmes at the undergraduate level.

Post Graduate Certificate Programmes and Post Graduate Diploma Programmes from Universidad del Caribe (UNICARIBE) and JAIN and they cover over twenty different programmes, not all of these programmes are offered at the University of Guyana. The University of Guyana has a singular Executive Certificate Programme.

Masters’s Degrees from Amity, University for Peace, International University of Applied Science (Germany), Texila American University (Guyana), JAIN, Structuralia - Universidad Isabel, I, (Spain), UNICAF (East London University), UNICAF (University of Suffolk), UNICAF (Liverpool John Moores University), UNICAF University (Zambia and Malawi), Universidad del Caribe (UNICARIBE), ISDC in partnership with Staffordshire University and these schools cover over 200 masters’ programmes. The University of Guyana offers around 20 different Master’s programmes. · Four PhD programmes from two different schools; whereas UG has three PhD programmes.

Also, Guyanese options is what the government has done. UG does not have the capacity to support as many students. They do not offer as many programmes as we can get if we expand the

offerings to schools out of Guyana. The current budget for GOAL is to support 3,967 continuing students and bring on 6,000 new students.

Secondly, the Coalition’s acolytes have jumped onto social media to claim that the allocations for GOAL since ‘a Google search would show that the Coursera certificates’ do not have the same recognition as University of Guyana. So, what are the facts? GOAL and Coursera must not be confused. They are separate programmes.

Separate from GOAL, an allocation for $350 million was included in Budget 2024 for the bulk licensing arrangement with Coursera to train up to 450,000 persons in a wide range of areas where skills gaps exist.

Further, a simple Google search would have explained Coursera to those keyboard warriors. According to ‘Coursera Impact Report 2020’, the top five most popular courses that people learn from Coursera were contact tracing, digital marketing, project management, Python programming, and social psychology. As of 2017, Coursera offered complete master’s degrees. Google, IBM, Meta and other wellknown companies, launched various courses for professional certificates, allowing students to fill the workforce in various sectors, such as data analytics, IT support, digital marketing, UX design, project management, and Data (Continued on page 06)

The cruelty being meted out to the people of Palestine DEAR EDITOR, When I learnt about the cruelty being inflicted on the people of Palestine by the Israeli administration, I wondered what has happened to the concept of justice, decency and humanity.

Bombs by the dozens indiscriminately are being dropped on schools, homes, places of worship and hospitals and except for a few muted voices in the west, it is business as usual when Israeli military are preventing humanitarian aid

like food, water and medicines to which people in the West Bank who have not yet been killed need urgently to avoid famine. It makes the situation unbelievable.

I studied wars and conflicts and remembered the horrors of World War I, the attack on Pearl Harbour, the assault on Stalingrad by the Germans and the atomic bombs dropped on two cities in Japan, examples of horror and inhumanity. But what is taking place in Gaza today is the worst of all, but this

disdain, this disrespect is seen as part of the vicious cycle of injustice.

In Guyana, we face a situation where the people of Guyana are not the beneficiaries of our massive natural resources and this is happening under the cover by great nations preaching to us about democracy where every day we witness the cardinal aspects of principles being replaced with savagery of power. The absurdity of this crisis is that in response to this carnage, Israel is asking other nations

to take the Palestinians. In other words, to continue the denial of these people from their homeland. I ask the question: must my children and their children live in a world where principles and humanity are replaced by those who have power?

Military power demonstrated by military might and awesome power of the mass media.

As an optimist, I look forward to an attitudinal change.

Sincerely Hamilton Green

Thursday January 18, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Let the debate game begin DEAR EDITOR The lion-hearted Finance Minister, feisty Dr. Ashni Singh, stood firmly, as he fearlessly faced a rowdy, rumbustious and raging Opposition who tried all the underhand, low blow and below the belt attitudes, as they annoyingly attempted to disrupt, interrupt and prevent the unperturbed but smiling Minister, to deliver the unprecedented budget which only gets bigger and better yearly, as the PPP/C Government weather the herculean task of propelling G u y a n a ’s e c o n o m i c

development through growth, sustainability and empowerment. Building on a Caribbean’s leading GDP 33 percent growth for 2023, the mighty adventurers will again travel on a path where only eagles dare, to conquer the possible mission of attaining a blooming and booming economy with a projected 34 percent GDP growth for 2024.

The mammoth $1.146 trillion-dollar budget which is almost twice the size of last year’s budget, will be financed without the Government levying any

new taxes. Instead, Guyanese will see a reduction in taxes and VAT while there will be increases in allowances, grants, payments and services. Not dissuaded by arrogance and heckling, the Honourable Dr. Ashni Singh was coerced by taunted intruders trying to taint his image and presentation, to mesmerize his attackers and lofting them out of the arena which is not conducive for immature politicians.

Perhaps, such expected incidences will only galvanize a much-prepared

Berbicians are elated about the construction of the new Level 5 New Amsterdam Hospital DEAR EDITOR: The SN article of Jan 14, 2023 caught my attention when the headline stated, “Ministry defends need for Level 5 Hospital in New Amsterdam.” As a Berbician, my first reaction was why does the Ministry need to “defend” such a good thing that will benefit Region 6? My second reaction was why did we not have a Level 5 (high quality) before? Are we less deserving than Region 4 and the Georgetown folks?

I am a Berbician and would welcome any initiative by the Government to bring about equity across the regions.

The President used the word “parity” in his speech.

Parity should be the foundation on which national development projects are conceptualized and undertaken.

As my friend Suresh would say, “what happen, goat bite we in Region 6?” It is good that the Government is seeking to bring about equitable services across the country.

I attended the event for the sod turning for the new hospital. Berbicians are excited to know there will be an upgrade of services at

New Amsterdam. The building of a new Mental Health facility here and medical training centre are also commendable. Projects such as these must be celebrated by all. This is progress!

Over the years, key services are placed in New Amsterdam or near to New Amsterdam. I wished this new hospital was located in Central Corentyne or Lower Corentyne, close to the Port Mourant Hospital area, where there is a large population.

In emergencies, when patients from the upper Corentyne, Central Corentyne, or Lower Corentyne have to travel by ambulance to reach the New Amsterdam Hospital or Georgetown Hospital, they could die before they get there.

What would compensate is to also do massive upgrades to the Port Mourant Hospital so that it functions as a real hospital, not an outfit that refers people elsewhere. More needs to be done to that aged, outdated facility. Also, have a larger fleet of ambulances stationed on the Corentyne and available to transport emergency cases to New

Amsterdam.

With the number of new hospitals and health care facilities to be built, it is clear that the government is on the right track, and the health care delivery system is rising. What the SN article sought to do was to ask appropriate, reflective questions about all the investments made at the current hospital. The questions posed were fair questions. The press has a role in promoting accountability in national affairs.

I am speculating that the buildings and space there can be repurposed for medically related activities or services. Extra space is always useful. Berbicians can’t wait for the new Level 5 (high quality) facility to be completed.

With the large numbers of new hospitals and facilities to be built, we must also have a plan for the related personnel needs.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

Cabinet Ministers to unshackle their armored prowess as they look forward to debate a poor, porous and panicking Opposition.

Already in a state of disarray and working overnight to fabricate frivolous and vexatious arguments in order to counter the Government Ministers’ budgetary presentations, the weakened and wobbling Opposition members will find it impossible to shade their bitter resentment for the well-deserved PPP/C’s pride in concluding their election manifesto on a winning note.

Not characterized by deceit, the house hold name for the PNC, the PPP/C Government’s programs have unveiled their careful planning to incorporate all the necessary increases for social benefits which will improve the life style of Guyanese.

Putting more money in the hands of Guyanese will increase their spending power and uplift their standard of living. Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, whose advice is still influential and greatly discussed, remarked, “The right of nature is the liberty each man hath to use his own power, as he will himself, for the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life.” The Government will not fall prey to the PNC’s million-dollar oil cash transfer. Like Dr. Tara Singh said, “You have to work for it.” Guyana is a proud nation of hardworking people who maintain their dignity from earning and living by working honestly and earnestly. Guyanese will always maintain their selfrespect and avoid the pitfalls on depending on hand-outs as clamored by some who want to eat, drink and be merry today and not cater for

the morning after challenges.

The astute PPP/C Government has embraced dynamic economic strategies in the budget to finance the application of addressing specific and holistic issues and problems which will translate into: higher levels of education, greater employment opportunities, more social programs to enhance challenging needs, strengthen the defense of the country, provide greater protection and security for the people, improve the life style with advanced technological and medical facilities, expand on infrastructure, build more houses and supply water, sustain a growing culture of young people in sports, improve the hinterland life style, taking care of the pensioners and seniors, fertilizing the seeds of agricultural growth and a host of associated services which will boost economic and social development.

Since coming into office, The PPP/C Government has dominated the scene and managed to eradicate the unheralded blemishes created by the former dictatorial and devious administration which has tarnished the reputation of Guyanese and plunged the nation into economic bankruptcy in 2020. From 2015 to 2020, the polluted PNC managed to eradicate and wipe off all the gains accumulated by the PPP/C Party from 1992 to 2015.

The PPP/C Government has quickly moved the country from a traditional economy to launch the nation on a

solid platform which is engineered to take off into maturity as one of the richest nation per capita. This is evidenced from successful and successive economic, political and social performances for the past three years, led by a determined and influential leader, President Dr. Irfaan Alli, backed by a hard working Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, an everwatchful Vice-President, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo and of course, studious and eagerly engaging Cabinet Ministers and their loyal assistants.

A budget which is seasoned with the ingredients to promote political stability, reform the distribution of equitable resources, account for public borrowing and spending, promote education, empowering women and protecting children and building on healthy foreign relations and good governance, will definitely remove any hindrances for economic growth and corruption and avoid trade deficits and the Dutch Disease. The PPP/C Government do plan their work and work their plan.

They are not like the PNC (Continued on page 06)

Kaieteur News

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Budget 2024 enables prosperity for all Guyanese - places money into the pockets of people DEAR EDITOR, The Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) commends the visionary budget of $1.146 trillion presented by Senior Minister Dr. Ashni Singh for the Financial Year 2024 under the theme “Staying the Course: Building Prosperity for All.” The budget, reflecting the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government’s commitment to national development, outlines a comprehensive strategy to overcome challenges and propel Guyana towards prosperity.

The steadfast leadership demonstrated by the government under the guidance and leadership of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in the face of overlapping crises has not gone unnoticed.

Further, the R3PSInc acknowledges the transformative budget agenda which boosts disposable income, stimulate spending, and also addresses cost-of-living concerns.

The measures below are some of the direct and indirect benefit Guyanese will experience: Individuals with a monthly income of GY$100,000 or below will be eligible for an income tax exemption, resulting in approximately 13,000 individuals enjoying a combined disposable income of GY$4.8 billion which is returned to the working class.

It has been stated by the Finance Minister that the 2024 Budget encompasses allocations of GY$121.4 billion for central government employees’ wages and salaries, with an announcement regarding a salary increase to follow later this year.

An increase in the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) minimum pension has raised it from GY$35,000 to GY$43,075, resulting in an allocation of GY$2.6 billion to benefit 27,000 individuals.

A revised minimum invalidity pension amount of

$43,075 has been determined, while persons with NIS contributions ranging from 700 to 749 will be asked to consider a full and final settlement that could benefit over 3,800 persons at a cost of $550 million. The 76,000 old-age pensioners will experience a rise in their monthly income from GY$33,000 to GY$36,000 compared with the previous year.

The estimated number of public assistance recipients receiving an increase will exceed 35,000. The monthly amount will be raised to GY$19,000, up from GY$16,000.

Each child will receive a GY$3,000 voucher to cover the expenses of an eye test.

This initiative aims to benefit over 205,000 schoolchildren, with a total expenditure exceeding GY$100 million dollars. To help offset the expenses related to spectacles, a voucher worth GY$15,000 will be granted.

Additionally, in the context of health, women between the age range of 21 to 65 will benefit from enhance cervical cancer screening and will receive a voucher worth $8,000.

To realize President Ali’s vision of having a worldclass education system here, $135.2 billion has been allocated.

To make this a reality several primary schools in various areas across the country will see $3.1 billion being injected into constructing schools while some $16 billion has been allocated for the construction and works on secondary schools across the country and some $3 billion has been allocated for nursery school buildings.

Further, one of the many benefits include the cash grant offered through the ‘ B e c a u s e We C a r e ’ programme which has been raised from GY$35,000 to GY$40,000 per child, benefiting a total of 205,000 students enrolled in both public and private schools.

This is an additional amount to the uniform voucher allowance of GY$5,000.

Added to this, the sum of $4.9 billion has been set aside for the continued rollout and expansion of the school feeding programme set to benefit some 126,000 children across the country.

In addition to significant investments in the education sector, a budget of $4.1 billion has been allocated to support the operations of the University of Guyana, along with an additional $4 billion reserved for the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme.

There has been a decrease in the interest rates for small and medium sized businesses that are looking to secure loans of up to GY$5 million.

Moreover, an earmarked amount of $97.6 billion will be utilized to expedite the transformation of the agriculture sector under President Ali’s food security initiatives.

In accordance with the government’s objective of e l e v a t i n g G u y a n a ’s healthcare system to a global standard, substantial funding is earmarked totaling approximately $129.8 billion. Also, in order to modernize the nation’s public safety and security $90.6 billion was allocated.

Further, GY$7 billion has been allocated to address cost-of-living issues, furthermore, Guyana’s real economy is projected to experience a growth rate of 34.3 percent, with an anticipated inflation rate of 2.5 percent for the current year.

The Region Three Private Sector Inc. looks forward to actively participating in the realization of President Ali’s vision for a prosperous Guyana.

The organization commends government’s leadership, competence, integrity, discipline, focus, and candor, characteristics that resonate with the values upheld by the Guyanese people.

Sincerely Halim Khan Head of Region 3.

Private Sector Inc.

Thursday January 18, 2024

New $172M elderly home for Enmore Part of its plans to continue to care for the elderly, this year, the government is looking to spend $172 million, to build a new care home for senior citizens at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

This was announced on Monday by Senior Minister with the responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh who presented the 2024 national budget at the National Assembly.

S i n g h i n h i s presentation said that having invested in a number of services for the elderly in the past, this year a number of specific interventions are targeted at improving the quality of life enjoyed by those who have already contributed their more active years to the country. Speaking of the elderly, the minister said that they provided homebased care to 6,167 elderly persons in Regions Two, Three, Four, Six, Nine and 10 and in 2024, they plan to target 8,500 individuals who will benefit from this service.

Providing care for them also, he highlighted t h a t l a s t y e a r, 7 3 6 persons w e r e t r a i n e d through the Women’s Innovation and

Investment Network (WIIN) Programme to provide care services to the senior population in all 10 regions.

That and more initiatives will continue this year to care for the elderly he added. It was presented on Monday that the sum of $48.3 billion is budgeted to continue ongoing and new initiatives in social services.

Of this allocation, money will also go towards initiatives targeting better facilities, services, and jobs to improve the well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs), including children.

Minister Singh briefed that in 2023, 98 PWDs received training in Job Access with Speech and computer skills at the newly constructed Mahaica Disability Complex and, in 2024, an additional 396 PWDs will receive training.

Last year too, he said 465 PWDs were provided with assistive aids and another 600 PWDs will benefit in 2024. Also, nine buses which were procured in 2023 to facilitate transportation of PWDs will be delivered this year.

Additionally, in 2023, 797 children received special needs services and 2,299 teachers were trained

in Special Education Needs/Disabilities at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

This year, the service will continue and target more persons.

Another area the allocation would address he highlighted, is victims of Domestic Violence. He mentioned that the government will continue to expand access to legal aid services for persons across the country, and strengthen and enforce legislation on trafficking in persons.

Already he explained, two domestic violence shelters were upgraded and expanded in Regions Two and Six to accommodate additional women leaving abusive relationships.

He noted that in partnership with NonGovernmental Organisation (NGOs) over 385 survivors were provided with shelter and counselling services, and over 2,451 persons including victims of domestic violence were provided with legal aid services. According to the Senior Minister, having passed the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act in 2023, a Family Violence Bill and a Protection from Harassment Bill have been drafted and will be placed for consideration on the legislative agenda this year.

Let the debate game begin...

From page 05 illusionists, trapped in a wonderland of dreams. In the ‘Lessons of Experience’ expounding on Development Planning, Sir Arthur Lewis asserted that, “we are all planners now.” Guyanese can once more

indulge in long-term planning for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous life in Guyana under the management of a meticulous PPP/C Government. Let the debate game begin!

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

The GOAL scholarship programme...

From page 04 science. According to Google, their courses are equivalent to 4-year degrees.

They also offered 100,000 scholarships.

Google and its 20+ partners will accept those certificates as 4-year degree equivalent.”

Also, in 2020, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of the Public Service and the Private Sector Commission signed an MoU agreeing to recognise the certificates earned by students who have completed online courses via the Commonwealth of Learning and Coursera.

This means that undertaking any of the Coursera

programmes is not a waste of time.

Editor, Guyanese recall the PNCR-led Coalition’s efforts via its ‘whisper campaign’ in certain communities to dissuade young Guyanese to not take advantage of the education and training programmes being offered and supported by the PPP/C government.

They would rather see young Guyanese not benefit from advancement opportunities, just to be able to say to those youths, come elections time, that the PPP/C government did nothing for them.

What kind of leadership is that?

It would be my humble advice to these brave

keyboard warriors, hiding behind computer screens, to: one, recognise that their disinformation campaign does nothing for the country and the people they claim to care so much for; and two, take advantage of the GOAL or Coursera programmes to educate themselves on ‘how to conduct research’.

To the Parliamentary Opposition, I would advise that they have a duty to Guyanese to elevate their leadership, since our people deserve more from those in the Opposition camp, who deign to allocate to themselves the tile of national leaders.

Sincerely, Nalinie Singh

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday January 18, 2024

Kaieteur News

The PPP/C Government may pride itself on its GY$5,000 per annum increase for children, and think that that kind of assistance represents big money for poor people. Similarly, a meagre GY$3,000 per month increase for 76,000 old age pensioners is more than shaming the elderly, it is a vulgar insult that does not have much by way of comparison.

Which leader with any self-regard, any decency about him, would even think about Guyanese who are fixed income, sometimes one income only, and increase it by an obscene $3,000 in a more than trillion-dollar budget?

Which national government of pride, with some degree of purity about it, would think a $3,000 increase for the elderly and another $3,000 per month increase for the disabled is a bonanza for those in dire need?

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

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Thursday Monday January May 02, 18, 2022 2024

World banking on Guyana to help keep oil supply stable this year G

uyana is listed as one of the countries that will help keep oil output stable this year despite tension in the Middle East and a slowing demand growth outlook.

This is according to Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol. "If we don't see any major geopolitical surprises, I expect this year a comfortable oil market, a more balanced oil market," Birol said on the sidelines of the WEF's annual meeting in Davos, according to a Reuters report. Birol added that the Paris-based IEA expects a significant increase in oil output from the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Guyana this year, just as global demand growth slows.

It must be noted that the extremely generous fiscal terms in the lopsided Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) have been attributed to ExxonMobil and its partners unlocking what is now the most low-cost, high-return resource base of the decade.

Speaking at the Bank of America Securities 2022 Global Energy Conference, Chief Executive Officer of Hess Corporation, John Hess had indicated that the economics of the contract allows for the recovery of exploration costs before the corresponding production phase kicks in.

The Stabroek Block PSA has faced significant

criticism from various stakeholders.

Major concerns raised include the paltry two percent royalty which many a rg u e d o e s n o t f a i r l y compensate Guyana for exploitation of a nonrenewable resource; the costly absence of ringfencing provisions which allows costs from one oil field to be deducted against the revenues of another; and the permanent stability clause which forbids Guyana from introducing new laws adverse to the oil companies until 2056, barring any extensions.

Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday during the reading of the $1.146 trillion budget said encouraging accelerated production is integral to government's plan to, among other things, secure more revenue from the sector to accelerate its development agenda. Towards this end, he said 2023 saw a ramp-up in volumes from the Destiny and Unity production platforms, while the Prosperity FPSO achieved first oil in November 2023.

These three facilities are expected to continue their momentum in 2024.

M o r e o v e r, M i n i s t e r Singh said advancements at Exxon's fourth project in the Stabroek Block called Yellowtail Project is on track for start-up in 2025. With another oil project on stream for 2027 and a sixth in train

- IEA director for 2027, pending regulatory approval, Minister Singh said production could climb well above 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2027.

This he said would make Guyana the single largest non-OPEC contributor to global supplies.

Meanwhile, according to the Reuters report, attacks by the Houthis on ships in the Red Sea have forced many companies to divert cargoes around Africa, adding to journey times and costs.

The Iran-aligned Houthis say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians during Israel's ongoing war with Gaza. Birol noted that so far production has not been impacted by these disruptions. He said that he did not expect a major impact on oil prices, unless one or more major oil producing countries were to get directly embroiled in the conflict.

"I don't expect a major change in the oil price because we have an ample amount of oil coming in the market," he said. Brent crude futures /LCOc1 were trading 1.4% lower on Wednesday at $77.21 per barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures (WTI) CLc1 were down 1.0% at $71.69.

O/R. The IEA expects world oil demand to grow by 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024. It expects non-

Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol OPEC supply growth to reach 1.2 million bpd next year.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), forecasts demand growth of 2.25 million bpd in 2024.

"Moderate oil prices" would be good for economic growth in the context of high inflation rates, he said. Birol highlighted elections in the United States and India, Middle East tensions, and climate and the clean energy transition as some of the key risks in the year ahead.

D r. S i n g h a l s o o n Monday revealed that there were 142 lifts of crude oil from Guyana's three producing oil ships, which amounted to 142 million barrels of oil produced from the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity and Prosperity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels

More Venezuelan men going to jail than - Min. other foreign nationals in Guyana Benn Third from left) Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and other officials at the press conference on Wednesday

During a press conference on Wednesday, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, stated that Venezuelan men are the fastest-growing foreign demographic in Guyana's prison system.

Addressing the media at the m i n i s t r y ' s B r i c k d a m o ff i c e i n Georgetown, Minister Benn acknowledged the challenges Guyana face —the ongoing border controversy, while grappling with the increasing influx of migrants, particularly from

Venezuela. The country is currently home to more than 21,000 Venezuelan migrants.“We have (our) work cut-out, dealing with the migrant situation…” the minister said.

He stressed the need for thorough vetting to ensure migrants enter Guyana for legitimate reasons.

Expressing concern over the rising number of Venezuelan men in the prison system, Minister Benn hinted at a possible connection with the growing

Venezuelans presence in the country.

“We have 23 in the prison system; there are a range of issues which they are in the prisons for. I know that there were a couple who were arrested for carrying a firearm in Arakaka, couple for murder, disorderly of course,” the minister said.

Minister Benn provided too, an overview of the country's prison demographics, revealing approximately 70 female prisoners and around 2,240 male prisoners are incarcerated.

being operated by the ExxonMobil-led consortium in the Stabroek Block.

Minister Singh said Guyana received 17 lifts or 17 million barrels. Minister Singh said six lifts were from the Liza Destiny while 11 were from the Liza Unity. Speaking to the revenues for 2023, Minister Singh said the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) received US$1.4B from the sale of Guyana's 17 lifts. In providing a breakdown, he said US$576.6 million was from the Liza Destiny while US$822.3 million was made from Liza Unity. With respect to royalty payments from ExxonMobil and its partners, he said US$218.1 million was received.

Overall, he said US$1.6 billion in petroleum revenue was deposited into the Fund.

At the end of the year, Minister Singh said the

overall balance, inclusive of interest income, stood at US$2 Billion.

With three oil ships in operation, Minister Singh said it is projected that there will be 202 lifts of crude oil from the Stabroek Block, 25 of which are estimated for government. Consequently, Minister Singh said earnings from the government's share of profit oil are estimated at US$2.1 billion in 2024, while royalty payments for the year are projected at US$319.9 million. Guyana is therefore expected to earn a total of US$2.4 Billion in oil revenue for 2024. Additionally, based on 2023 deposits, Minister Singh said an estimated US$1.1 billion or $240.1 billion can be withdrawn from the NRF in 2024 and transferred to the Consolidated Fund to support the country's development agenda.

Guyana now a target for money laundering, other organised crimes – Minister Benn In the wake of Guyana being dubbed as the fastestg r o w i n g e c o n o m y, primarily due to the b o o m i n g o i l s e c t o r, concerns are mounting as the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, warns that the country's newfound prosperity is making it a target for money laundering and other organised crimes.

Speaking at his ministry's press conference on Wednesday morning, Minister Benn expressed unease about the vulnerability Guyana faces due to its rapid economic g r o w t h . “ We b e c o m e perhaps, a country and area of target for criminal activities, money laundering and so on…” the m i n i s t e r s a i d acknowledging the challenges associated with the changing of the country's economic landscape.

“We are faced with new challenges, again with respect to our new positioning in terms of income and money and economic activity. The type

and shapes of crime that we are faced with… money laundering, cybercrime, financial crime, trafficking in person and all of those issues,” Minister Benn said.

Minister Benn underscored the expanded scope of criminal activities, noting that Guyana has become an attractive destination for those seeking to engage in nefarious activities. In relation to the new challenges as well as an increase in gun related crimes, he said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will work in collaboration with other agencies to address those activities.

This cautionary statement from Minister Benn follows an optimistic economic outlook shared by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. Dr. Singh projected that Guyana is expected to achieve another year of robust economic growth in 2024, estimating a remarkable 34.3% growth in the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Thursday January 18, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Eteringbang school boat back in operation following news report

O

ne day after Kaieteur News reported that six Eteringbang Primary School students almost drowned in the Cuyuni River while paddling home in a canoe, the school boat is back in operation. Police in a press release on Wednesday said that the children were rescued by public-spirited citizens and identified them as, “nine-year-old Keysha S a n c h e s , s i x - y e a r- o l d Keithy Sanchez, eight yearold Elizabeth Camping,11year-old Enio Random , e i g h t y e a r- o l d E l i a n i Random, an eight-year-old and six-year-old Ashili Random”.

Kaieteur News learnt that the child who was reportedly receiving medical attention at the San Martin Ambulatario (Health

Centre) is in a stable condition and was discharged from the health centre. In a video seen of the rescue mission, one of the rescuers could be heard shouting that the child has “drank water”. Parents are not only grateful that their lives have been saved but also satisfied that school boat provided by the Guyanese Government to transport students to and from school is back in operation. One them related that the boat picked up her child early Wednesday morning. Confirming that the boat was also back in operation is the individual in charge of the community’s affairs, Laurenzo Valenzuela.

In a text message that was forwarded to all parents, Valenzuela said, “Good morning

The Eteringbang Primary School

Eteringbang, the school transportation is back in operation. We apologize for

Budget shows Govt. priorities are mixed-up...

From page 3 people to give them some handouts and buy the votes.

It is essentially that because the more educated population you have, you going to have people making demands and arguing the case that you are not delivering for us...When you have that type of money being spent but half only on education then where are we?” Ramjattan went on to note that though the sugar industry is no longer economically viable, the government is resolute on pumping revenues into it.

“That money could have definitely gone to UG because GUYSUCO will continue to be a black hole

because here is something that is supposed to bring in revenue; we are now taking monies out of the Treasury to ensure that they operate and it’s not going to get better.

They (GUYSUCO) recently came out and indicated that they are not getting the workers, the labour is short but the government will continue to put monies there because it’s to keep its support base.”

Turning his attention to the public security sector, Ramjattan, a former Minister of Public Security under the Coalition government lamented the lack of provision within the budget for better wages and

salaries for those employed within the sector.

“The Government’s budget caters for infrastructural upgrades but the people who are responsible for manning the security of citizens are not getting anything. Police officers especially need a better salary, how are they going to carry out their work, and do proper investigations, interrogations, and forensic studies if you don’t spend adequate sums on giving them a better income…The police now are impoverished in the context of a budget that is trillion dollars and more,” the AFC Leader reasoned.

our delay due to fuel”.

The boat was reportedly out of operation for a while

and the parents had alleged that the captain assigned by Valenzuela to operate the

vessel was using the outboard engine to make trips for himself and earn.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday Monday January May 02, 18,2022 2024

BY GHK LALL

H@RD TRUTHS Palestine - a searching indictment of the so-called free world S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

O

h, they like to tell us coloured people about human rights. But only when it suits their plans. Just as sweetly, they fall over themselves to educate us about the Rights of the Child.

But in Palestine that has been thrown out of the top floor window, with all the dead babies and deceased infants, and toddlers who are no more.

Indeed, they, the people of the great and noble civilizations, are the best at informing us, the backward wretched of the earth, about the beauty of modernity, and the ideals of democracy, and the enduring power of selfdetermination. But not when their interests are under siege, or their allies and friends are on the warpath.

I absorb the battering and devastations that are piled on the Palestinians with ruthless efficiency, and I say why not them, why not there? How come not for those people (yes, those people) for all those lustrous essences, those inspiring imperatives, that are inseparable from the

conduct of men of morality, leaders with some semblance of truth in them, and people who know what it is to suffer for age after age? Why do the Palestinians not count in p r i s t i n e We s t e r n considerations? I want to s c r e a m a n d c r y, b u t something peculiar crept into the psyche, something that has been banished for the longest time now. There is the impulse to strike at something, at somebody; to shake some fairness out of them.

I come to my senses and retreat. Calm returns, and it is a preternatural one.

What is going on over Palestine is more than hypocrisy of the rankest kind.

It is a vulgarity powered by an obscenity that has metamorphosed into the grimmest of tragedies.

The Rwandan genocide of 800,000 dead took all of 100 days, but there was a difference. There were some elements of the obscure about it. After all, as our white brothers have indoctrinated us, it is the

Dark heart of Africa, isn't it?

So, what else was there to expect from people whose eyeteeth were cut on savagery. Well, I would be grateful for the enlightenment-any kind and any amount-about what to call what is happening in Palestine.

It is butchery and barbarity rolled into one, plain and simple.

The Guardians of Guyana's Democracy should hold up a placard or two in the face of those US military men when they come here with their selling points on how to save us from Venezuela and Maduro.

America has the key to contain the rampaging Israelis. America has seen it fit to toss that key aside slyly, when it believed that the rest of the world is not paying attention.

Unlike the machete butchery of Rwanda, the savagery of Israeli brutality is a military magnum opus, one that is being played out in full view of a knowing world.

A silent world. A shameless

world.

Not one global citizen can claim illiteracy on what has unfolded and now rages in a most one-sided battle between the Israelis and Palestinians.

The Old Testament has been turned on its head: look who is David, and check who is Goliath. In this instance, the Palestinians have some defenders, but they themselves are without so much as slingshots.

Meanwhile, the Israelis have transformed into an extension of the American war machine.

They have also mutated into an expression of that same war machine of my adopted brothers. I must check my hands to see if I can smell the blood of people like me on them. In Guyana, they used to delight to tell me that I don't understand local politics.

I suppose in America, the word would be that he doesn't understand big power politics, with its big visions and big games. Who is used, and who is abused?

While all of this makes

the rounds in one form or another, and from one small Third World voice or the other, the likes of Secretary Blinken comfort themselves and their consciences with platitudes and inanities.

Perhaps, I should go the length of the field and say with their copyrighted asininities.

My conclusion is that at times like these, those who ascribe the best in civility to themselves are as primitive as those with grass skirts, who still relish the practice of cannibalism, and whose linguistic development is as guttural and one-dimensional as a frog.

UN Security Council, and now the ICJ, have been hauled into the maelstrom and quagmire that is Palestine. Do not expect any resolution from the latter in favour of those being victimized and brutalized.

Ah, we must learn to manage our expectations, not to set them too high.

For then, the fall is too long, and all the more unbearable for the drop. A

Son drives through locked gate, killing mother Police are searching for a 38-year-old man who fled the scene after he fatally struck down his mother when he drove through the gate at his parents' home at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Tuesday.

Dead is Ena Seecharran of Cane Grove, Mahaica, ECD. According to police, the accident occurred at Lot 8 Saywah, Crane Grove, Mahaica, ECD, at about 16:40hrs on Tuesday.

The accident involved a motor car bearing registration HD 1726, driven by the son of Seecharran.

According to the police, the distraught father of the driver and husband of the deceased related that the car was reportedly parked on the bridge in front of his yard, facing south, whilst Seecharran was standing in the yard behind the gate, which was locked at the time.

The father added that his son started the vehicle and drove forward, crashing through the gate and collided with Seecharran, who was standing behind the gate directly in front of the vehicle. Following the collision, she fell onto the ground.

Police said the left side of the car ran over Seecharran, which caused her to sustain injuries about her body. Following the collision, the vehicle reportedly crashed into a concrete wall in the yard and came to a standstill.

Seecharran was picked up by her husband and placed into another vehicle and was then rushed to the Mahaicony Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

Police highlighted, “It is so far unclear if the act was deliberate on the part of the driver.”

The investigation continues.

little while back, the chic chatter was about the 'Clash of Civilizations.' I wonder what kind of convenient label the Israeli-Palestinian special military operation would end up being called.

We have been told again and again about the vast gulf that separates the First World from the Third.

I urge one and all to peer closely into Palestine, and tell the world who is barbarian, who operates a killing machine. Study how Gaza and its surroundings have deteriorated into a killing field of innocents, a testing ground for the outpouring of primeval i n s t i n c t s .

T h e sophistications that separate First from Third have all evaporated. The revelations are that all are savages in the flesh.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

A section of the Marudi Mountain

Miner reportedly buried in accident at Marudi Mountain Search efforts were ongoing yesterday for a miner who was reportedly buried under the rubble at a mining site in the Marudi Mountain, South Rupununi.

While details are sketchy, reports are that the man, whose identity is still being ascertained, was 'punting' in the area at the time of the incident. He was discovered missing by his colleagues during the early morning hours on Wednesday.

A source in the area noted that “bag men,” as the miners are called, would sneak into the mountain at nights or

during the wee hours of the morning and fill a half bag of sediments. They would then sift through the sediments in search of gold.

He said operators of excavators would crush and scoop earth from the area. It was noted that the areas in questions are on claims owned by small and medium-scale miners.

“The crusher owners are guarding the mountains with guns, someone also said that they overheard that one of the crusher owners once said that they would bury down any person if they ever find them in the tunnel,” a source in

the area told Kaieteur News. “They are digging presently, looking for the man,” the source said.

Police are investigating the incident.

Several small and medium-scale miners, including the Rupununi Small Miners Association, have been granted permission by the authorities to mine for gold in the Marudi Mountain area.

Mining in the area has been controversial as environmental concerns have been raised by stakeholders about the destruction the economic activity has caused to the area.

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Two months after early premature release of Neesa Gopaul's mother, investigation still ongoing Two months after early premature release of Neesa Gopaul's mother, investigation still ongoing Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn at a pressconference on Wednesday said that investigations into the early release of Neesa Gopaul's mother, Shareema Gopaul are still ongoing.

Responding to question on the matter from a reporter, Benn said, “…no, a review is still on underway and as it relates to the issue, we noted when I became a minister that surprisingly persons were being given 90 days remission for work done in the prison system”.

Shareema was found guilty by the High Court in 2015 for the murder of her daughter.

She was sentenced to 45 years imprisonment after appealing a 106-year jail sentence by the High Court but a ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in 2022, further reduced her sentence to 25 years.

Shareema had already served 13-years in jail for the crime and was not eligible for parole until serving 15 years so when news surfaced

Neesa's Gopaul's mother, Shareema Gopaul

Murdered, Neesa Gopaul in November last year that she was released early from prison, it took the country by surprise because “it was not adding up”. According to media reports, Gopaul's mother was released from prison around July/August 2023.

Days later, Shareema was back in jail and the Guyana Prison Service claimed that it had miscalculated her prison term. Benn hinted that the miscalculation could have been because of a mix-up of the number of days granted

as remission for good work done in prison before he took office. “…When I became minister, I said that it would be no more than 28 and that we will have to review as we went along,” Benn said before adding that the number of days granted has been reduced to 28 from 90 when he took over the reins of the now Ministry of Home Affairs. “…But (like) I said what (the days granted as remission) was running originally (Before I took office) created the problem

at the time (of her early release)”, Benn continued during his explanation. Benn notified the reporters that when the ongoing review is completed, his ministry will make a release on its final position on the matter.

On October 2, 2010, the partially decomposed body of the teenager who attended Queen's College was found stuffed into a suitcase, which was anchored in a creek with several dumbbells at the Emerald Tower Resort at Madewini, SoesdykeLinden Highway.

Mechanic granted bail for possession of ammo A 46-year-old mechanic who was in a wheelchair. A of Melanie Damishana, East search was subsequently Coast Demerara who was conducted in the kitchen busted by officers of the where police found 11, 9mm Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit rounds of ammunition. A (CANU) with several types further search was conducted of ammunition last weekend, on the accused and police was granted bail in the sum of found on him, one .223 $100,000, when he appeared round. Notably a total of, 12 a t t h e G e o r g e t o w n rounds of ammunition were Magistrates Courts on discovered.Fletchman was then escorted to the CANU's Wednesday.

Ron Fletchman, a father Headquarter along with the of two, appeared before ammunition; the ammunition Acting Chief Magistrate was then sealed and lodged.

In court on Wednesday, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Wednesday when he was Fletchman entered a not charged with possession of guilty plea. Counsel for the ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence. accused refuted the claims During the court made against his client. proceedings, the The attorney pointed prosecutor related that on out that his client was January 13, 2024, at visiting a friend at the about 12:45hrs, CANU time of the incident. He o ff i c e r s a c t i n g o n was keen to note also, information received, that from his knowledge, conducted an operation the CANU officers found at a house on Norton 'all' of the ammunition on Street, Wortmanville. a table in the said house, and Upon entering the said no ammunition was found building, police met with the accused and another Granted bail: Ron Fletchman on the accused. The

The ammunitions that were found

lawyer also highlighted to the court that his client is walking with the aid of crutches due to injuries he sustained to his foot.After considering the facts presented in the court room, the Magistrate placed Fletchman on $100,000 bail, and the matter was adjourned. The accused will make his next court appearance on February 21, 2024.

Bibi and her lover, Jarvis 'Barry' Small were found guilty of the teen's murder following a trial before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in March 2015.

She was initially sentenced

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn in the High Court to 106 years in jail while Small, was sentenced to 96 years. At the initial sentencing, Justice Singh took into consideration the gruesome (Continued on page 16)

Teen remanded after claiming 'Big Cousin' gave him ammo to sell A 19-year-old man, who claimed that the ammunition police found on him over the weekend was given to him by his 'big cousin' to sell, was remanded to prison on We d n e s d a y w h e n h e appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts on a possession of ammunition charge.

Hossein Phillips, a waste m a n a g e m e n t w o r k e r, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus when he was charged with the offence, possession of ammunition without being a holder of a firearm licence.

It is alleged that on January 14, 2024, at the route 48 bus park, Stabroek, Georgetown, police acting on information, contacted Phillips. Upon meeting him, ranks conducted a search on him, when they found ammunition in the right-side pocket of his pants.

When Phillips was asked if he is a holder of a firearm licence, he reportedly responded 'no.' The accused was cautioned and escorted to the Brickdam Police Station. The ammunition was lodged by the lawmen.

In court on Wednesday, the defendant entered a guilty plea with an explanation. He alleged that the ammunition, that was found on him by police ranks, was given to him by

Remanded: Hossein Phillips his 'big cousin' to sell.

Notably, the prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that the defendant was charged three to four times in the past. The charges included the offence of break-and-enter-and-larceny and simple larceny. Bail was also objected on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.

On those grounds, bail was refused and the man was remanded to prison. Phillips is scheduled to appear before the court on February 7, 2024.

PAGE 16

Thursday January 18, 2024

Kaieteur News

WHO: Tobacco use declines - despite industry’s efforts to jeopardize progress

WANTED

VACANCY

FOR RENT

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

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

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

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

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics.

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

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

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

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

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

Domestic and Cook needed.

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Qualified Welders, Mechanics and utility operators (excavator, bulldozer, ADT) wanted for mining operation.

Call: 688-6575.

Experienced male Cooks and dredge Crew wanted for mining operation. Call: 688-6575.

Customer Service Representative & Driver needed.

Apply in person with application & relevant documents @ Sandy's Funeral Home, Lodge Georgetown.

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Transportation service is seeking experienced Chauffeur with mini bus & hire car licence & also contract vehicles needed. Call: 6450025.

One Painter needed. Call: 615-9132.

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Geneva, 16 January 2024 — Globally, there are 1.25 billion adult tobacco users, according to the latest estimates in the World Health Organization (WHO) tobacco trends report out today.

Trends in 2022 show a continued decline in tobacco use rates globally. With about 1 in 5 adults worldwide consuming tobacco compared to 1 in 3 in 2000. The report shows that 150 countries are successfully reducing tobacco use. Brazil and the Netherlands are seeing success after they implemented MPOWER tobacco control measures, with Brazil making a relative reduction of 35% since 2010 and the Netherlands on the verge of reaching the 30% target.

“Good progress has been made in tobacco control in recent years, but there is no time for complacency. I’m astounded at the depths the tobacco industry will go to pursue profits at the expense of countless lives. We see that the minute a government thinks they have won the fight against tobacco the tobacco industry seizes the opportunity to manipulate health policies and sell their deadly products,” says Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of WHO Department of Health Promotion. WHO urges countries to continue putting in place tobacco control policies and continue to fight against tobacco industry interference.

Currently, the WHO South-East Asian Region has the highest percentage of population using tobacco at 26.5% with the European Region not far behind at 25.3%.

The report shows that by

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2030, the WHO European Region is projected to have the highest rates globally with a prevalence of just over 23%.

Tobacco use rates among women in WHO’s European region are more than double the global average and are reducing much slower than in all other regions.

While the numbers have steadily decreased over the years the world will make it to a 25% relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025, missing the voluntary global goal of 30% reduction from the 2010 baseline. Only 56 countries globally will reach this goal, down four countries since the last report in 2021.

The prevalence of tobacco use has changed little since 2010 in some countries, while six countries are still seeing tobacco use rising: Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, and Republic of Moldova.

WHO urges countries to accelerate efforts for tobacco control as there is still much work to be done. “The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023”, published

by STOP and the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, show that

efforts to protect health policy from increased tobacco industry interference have deteriorated around the world. Country surveys consistently show that children aged 13–15 years in most countries are using tobacco and nicotine products.

To protect the future generations and ensure that tobacco use continues to decline, WHO will dedicate this year’s World No Tobacco Day to Protecting children from tobacco industry interference. Next month countries are set to meet in Panama for the 10th Session of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Conference of Parties where the tobacco industry will try to influence global health policies by offering financial and in-kind incentives, interfering with countries rights to protect the health of their populations.

Strengthening the WHO FCTC is a global health priority outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

WHO stands ready to support countries in defending evidenced based tobacco control measures in the face of industry interference.

West Bank strike: Israel accused of targeting civilians in deadly attack (BBC NEWS) Israel is accused of having targeted a group of Palestinian civilians with no links to armed groups and who posed no threat to Israeli forces, according to witnesses in the occupied West Bank.

Seven men - four of them brothers - were killed in an Israeli air strike early on 7 January, as they sat around a fire next to the road through al-Shuhada village, 10km (six miles) from the city of Jenin. The BBC has spoken to relatives of the men killed, witnesses in the area at the time, and a para-

medic at the scene.

All provided strong evidence that the men were not members of armed militant groups, and that no clashes with Israeli forces were taking place in the location at the time.

Khalid al-Ahmad, the first paramedic to arrive that morning, is convinced the men were doing nothing wrong.

“One of them was wearing slippers and pyjamas,” he told the BBC. “Don’t you think that someone who wants to resist [the Israeli occupation] would at least wear proper shoes?”

Two months after early premature...

From page 15 manner in which the victim who was only 16 when she met her demise, this included the extent of the injuries she received, the manner in which her body was disposed of and the fact that she was killed by persons close to her.

The pair then filed appeals against their convictions and sentences.

Gopaul’s sentence was later reduced to 45 years and then further reduced to 25 years with the possibility of parole after 15 years, fol lowing appeals to the Guyana Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice in 2022.

The CCJ rejected her ap-

peal to have her case dismissed but directed that her co-accused, Small, be freed due to lack of sufficient evidence to link him to the teen’s murder.

In 2022, the CCJ overturned the conviction and sentence of Small calling the evidence proffered against him in the lower courts “greatly prejudiced”.

Small was freed of the 2010 murder, some eight years after he was found guilty of the crime.

CCJ’s Justice Denys Barrow said that the case against Small should have been dismissed since there was no case for him to answer due to the lack of evidence.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 18, 2024

PAGE 17

Bids open for two generators for Lethem Power Company, apartment building at Ebini farm The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has tendered for a contractor to construct a four-apartment building at its farm located at Ebini on Region 10.

This was revealed during the opening of bids on Tuesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. At the reading of the bids, it was stated that five contractors

have submitted proposals for the project which is estimated to cost $23,999,400.

Also during the opening of bids, it was disclosed that the Office of the Prime Minister had tendered for the supply and commissioning of two new KVA generators for the Lethem Power Company Inc. A total of eight companies bid for the contract.

Office of the Prime Minister Supply and commissioning of two new KVA generators for Lethem Power Company Inc.

Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Supervision of infrastructure development works in Regions Three, Four and Six.

Below are the companies and their bids: Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) Construction of a four apartments building at GLDA Farm located at Ebini in Region 10.

Man critical after Gary: No to SoE hit by shotgun pellet ...It should be last resort, says former CoP - had applied home remedy before seeking medical attention A 35-year-old farmer of Phillipai Village, Mazaruni, Region Seven is in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he struck to the chest by a shotgun pellet during a hunting trip on Sunday with another farmer close to his farm.

Police identified the injured man as Jeroam Toney and said that the other farmer, Darrick George is in custody for questioning because he is the owner of the licensed shotgun and the one that fired the shot while reportedly aiming at a team of wild hogs near to a farm.

George claimed that one of the pellets had ricocheted and struck Toney. Instead of seeking immediate medical attention, Toney went home and applied some home remedy but two days later ( Tu e s d a y ) h e s t a r t e d vomiting blood and complained of feeling severe

The wounded farmer showing the area where the shotgun pellet entered his body. pain in the area where he was hit. Police said that he went to Phillipai Health Post and the health worker noted that his condition was too serious and referred him to the

Georgetown Public Hospital. A plane was charted to airlift him to the city on Tuesday afternoon.

Investigations are ongoing.

( T R I N I D A D EXPRESS) DECLARING a state of emergency (SoE) should be the last resort to fight crime in this country.

This is the opinion of former commissioner of police Gary Griffith following public discussion on the call for a state of emergency by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Monday night to deal with crime.

At the time, PersadBissessar was speaking at the first United National Congress (UNC) AntiCrime Town Hall meeting at the La Joya Complex, St Joseph. She noted that while the measure was widely criticised when it was implemented in 2011, from her point of view it did achieve results.

Griffith said yesterday while the 2011 SoE may have been needed at the time, he did not believe that the current situation warranted another one.

He noted the 2011 SoE

Gary Griffith

resulted from several factors, including law enforcement and intelligence agencies bringing to the attention of the National Security Council “a c l e a r and present danger of a deliberate attempt by subversive elements, with an agenda to destabilise the country, inclusive of plans to commit mass killings around the country.”

He continued; “The government was left with no choice other than to call a state of emergency.

And if you recall, this action came very early

into the leadership of the new PP government, and it came after nine years of national security failure by the PNM government, w h i c h s a w a n un p r e c e d e n t e d escalation in crime at all levels.

“Over the last eight years, we have seen a similar neglect from this present Rowley-led PNM administration which has seen thousands lose their lives as well, as they seem to be totally unable to find any policies or any type of procedure to

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 18, 2024

Trauma replaces joy for mothers giving birth in Gaza (ALJAZEERA) Jabalia, Gaza Strip – In Jabalia, the joy of welcoming a newborn is marred, to say the least.

Marred by the pain of displacement, by mothers having to give birth as fighter jets streak overhead and by the uncertainty of what kind of future these babies will have. Al Jazeera spoke to three women sheltering in a United Nations school in Jabalia in northern Gaza about their pregnancies and births, the losses they have suffered and whether they are able to derive joy from the arrival of their babies. Aya Aya Deeb sits in a corner of a room in a school run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). She speaks softly while her baby, Yara, sleeps beside her. The area around her is neat and tidy, and Yara is well looked after, covered tenderly with a pink blanket in the repurposed carseat she is sleeping in.

Adjusting her blue patterned isdal robe, Aya tells Al Jazeera how she feared losing Yara before she was born on Christmas Day. For weeks leading up to the birth, Aya – who had long been displaced from her home in Bir an-Naaja in the northern Gaza Strip – had been moving from one precarious shelter to another, trying to outrun Israeli bombs.

“In the early days of the conflict, we had moved to my husband’s uncle’s house in Zawayda for safety. But then they targeted the house next door, and my husband died in that attack,” she says.

After that, the pregnant woman took her toddler son, Mohamed. back up north to stay with her family and kept moving from one spot to

Aya Deeb gave birth to Yara in a Gaza clinic about two months after she was widowed by an Israeli bomb, leaving her alone to take care of their son and her then-unborn child [Sanad/Al Jazeera].

another until she and her parents ended up in the school with thousands of other displaced people. “I was so depressed during those last months of my pregnancy. There’s so many things a pregnant woman needs in her last trimester, but there wasn’t enough food or clean water even,” she says, her face exhausted as she held back emotion. “But the worst was my grief over my husband and not having him there with me during the birth.”

Aya’s labour started on Christmas Eve, escalating through the night until her parents took her to the shelter’s clinic at 2am and ran everywhere trying to find a midwife to help her with the birth. Yara arrived shortly after, about 5am, Aya estimates – born on the floor of the clinic behind a sheet stretched across a corner of the room, the only privacy the clinic staff could provide.

“I was in labour, and all I could hear was the warplanes roaring overhead, the shelling. There was fear everywhere,” Aya says. Yara

did not get a birth certificate, and she has not received any vaccinations. Her mother has had no medical attention either.

Asked what she wishes for her daughter, Aya responds: “A long life, lived in peace without war. They see so much from such a young age.”

Aya is one of thousands of women in Gaza forced to give birth and care for their newborns under Israel’s war in retaliation for Hamas’s attacks on October 7. The war has devastated Gaza’s healthcare system at a time when 180 babies are born each day, according to UN figures. From October 7 to January 5, the W o r l d H e a l t h Organization documented 304 Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza, which have also killed more than 300 medical personnel. Dire shortages of medics and midwives, coupled with Israel’s siege on Gaza, threaten the lives of countless pregnant women

and babies. Raeda Raeda alMasry also wears an isdal, the ubiquitous garment that the women of Gaza wear to preserve their privacy. She sits cross-legged on the floor of a classroom where she has taken shelter, holding her baby in the burping position, patting his bottom lightly as she speaks animatedly to Al Jazeera. Raeda is from Beit Hanoon and was displaced to Jabalia in the early days of the war.

“The block we were sheltering in was bombed, and I was pulled out from under the rubble by the rescuers, me and my older son, who is 14 months old,” she says, explaining how they came to move to the school.

“Moath was born right here in the classroom about two months ago. When my labour started, we called for an ambulance or something, but there were no resources.

Nobody came to help. “Oh my goodness, it was such a difficult birth. There’s nothing here that can help during a delivery. I didn’t even have any clothes.

People had to rummage around to find something for me to put Moath in.” While Raeda managed to get to Kamal Adwan Hospital after Moath was born for checkups for both of them, there were no vaccines available. He remains unvaccinated.

“They told me there were no vaccines, … but look at where we are. The baby is here in the school where there are all sorts of diseases spreading. Right now, he has something happening with his chest. He’s having a hard time breathing, but there’s nothing I can do. “I’m not eating enough either to be able to nurse him.

Some people helped me by bringing me some formula. “My wish for my son is that he lives, that he has safety, that he has food, diapers even. I don’t want him to grow up in want.” Um Raed Um Raed also sits holding her baby boy, swaddled in a fuzzy blanket and sleeping soundly, perhaps reassured by the sound of his mother’s voice and her rocking motions as she holds him. He has been sick often since his birth, Um Raed says, her eyes wide and serious, the frustration of not being able to do more for her child apparent on her face.

“I reached full term here in the school shelter,” she recounts, “but my labour wasn’t starting, probably from the fear I was living in. “So I would walk from here to the Kamal Adwan Hospital to get checked every day. I did that for three days – couldn’t understand why my labour wasn’t starting.”

Like thousands of other

mothers in Gaza, when her labour did begin, she had to give birth in rudimentary, unsanitary conditions with no safety precautions in place simply because Gaza’s healthcare system has run out of everything.

“Since the birth, I’ve not known whether I should be focusing on my contractions or on the sound of warplanes overhead. Should I be worrying about my baby, or should I be afraid of whatever attacks are happening at that moment?

“You know, for such a young baby, he’s learned to recognise the sounds of bombing. Whenever there is bombing here, he startles and is frightened. I don’t think babies this young should recognise danger in this way.”On October 9, Israel strengthened its siege over Gaza, denying food, water and medicines to its people, including one million children, about a third of whom are under the age of five. Newborns are the most vulnerable because their mothers often are not getting enough calories to be able to nurse them and baby formula is in short supply.

Asked what she wishes for her baby boy, Um Raed replies “vaccines”.

In the longer run, she says, she wishes what any mother would wish for her child, that Raed grows up in a healthy environment, in peace and not suffering from want and not learning about war at such a young age.

However, the three mothers agree: This is the reality of war that thousands of babies are being born into, with no end in sight.

As much as they wish for the best for their babies, they also fear what may happen to them as Israel continues its assault on Gaza.

King Charles to be treated for benign prostate condition (BBC NEWS) King Charles III is set to attend hospital next week for treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Buckingham Palace said the King’s condition is benign but he will undergo a “corrective procedure”. The 75 year old’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation, the Palace said.

The announcement comes shortly after it was revealed the Princess of Wales is in hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery. It is unusual for medical updates about two senior royals to

be released on the same day, but it is understood it was necessary because the King had to cancel engagements scheduled for Thursday.

He had been due to meet foreign dignitaries and cabinet members in Scotland on Thursday, but those meetings have been cancelled on medical grounds. It is also thought the King was keen to share his diagnosis with the public to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked. “In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an

enlarged prostate,” the statement said. Benign prostate enlargement - which is non-cancerous - is common in men over 50 and is not usually a serious condition, according to the NHS website.

Around one in three men over the age of 50 will have some symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which is a gland that sits just below the bladder. While it is not usually a serious threat to health, it can cause symptoms and problems, including difficulty passing urine or emptying the bladder. The condition does not mean the patient has an increased risk of

developing prostate cancer. The NHS has published guidance on how it is treated. While it is unclear what corrective procedure the King will undergo, there are a few ways of managing it including surgery, lasers and even a steam treatment.

The announcement from Buckingham Palace was the second significant piece of health news about senior royals to emerge on Wednesday.

The Princess of Wales will spend up to two weeks in hospital recovering from abdominal surgery on Tuesday. Her procedure

was planned and successful, Kensington Palace said.

Further details about her condition were not disclosed, but it is understood not to be cancerrelated.

Details about the health of senior royals are rarely disclosed, so it is striking for two updates about two separate figures to be released on the same day.

Buckingham Palace does not routinely provide a commentary on health conditions and releases limited information on the occasions when it does provide public updates.

Thursday January 18, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 18, 2024

Thursday January 18, 2024

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Kaieteur News

Novak Djokovic struggles past home favorite Alexei Popyrin to reach Australian Open third roundc

CNN - It wasn’t pretty, but Novak Djokovic booked his spot in the 2024 Australian Open third round yesterday, beating Australian home favorite Alexei Popyrin in four sets 6-3 4-6 7-6(4) 6-3 in a hard-fought affair.

Djokovic, 36, looked far from his dominant best, but the No. 1 seed was able to race away during the second half of the match to continue his run for a record-extending 11th Australian Open men’s title.

The match seemed to hinge on the 10th game in the third set with Djokovic saving four set points which would have seen Popyrin go

into a 2-1 lead and holding all the momentum.

But the 24-time grand slam singles champion showed all his experience to stave off the 24-year-old and save the game, before winning the set in a tiebreak and keeping his foot on the pedal in the fourth set to clinch the victory.

The Serbian talked about the crucial moment in their encounter afterwards, explaining how he had to capitalize on what was offered to him.

“He had quite an easy forehand and he missed it,” the world No. 1 said in his oncourt interview. “I didn’t do

anything special, and I was lucky on that point, on that game, to get away. He was the better player I think for a set and a half. In the second set and third set, he was the better player.

“Things changed around, and the momentum shifted in the tie-break. I managed to put the ball more in the court than he did. I don’t think I played at the highest level. In some instances, yes, but also credit to him for tactically coming up with the right game plan and serving big.

He deserves a big round of applause.” During his opening two matches at the Aus-

Thursday January 18, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A heightened level of intuition and understanding of others might catapult you to the center of attention at a gathering, Aries. Knowledge combined with experience results in wisdom today.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Communication with friends who have traveled widely could have you hankering to make a future visit to a distant place that you've always wanted to experience.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Dreams or visions could put you in touch with deep feelings that you may not have been aware of before, Gemini.

This could enable you to release traumas from your past and give you a new sense of lightness.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Relationships of all kinds are likely to be strengthened by an increased level of understanding today, Cancer. Your thinking is greatly enhanced by your emotional intuitiveness.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Dealing with the ups and downs of other family members could be easier for you today than usual, Libra.

You're less inclined to be logical and more apt to identify with what other people feel.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today your mind is strongly influenced by feeling and intuition, Scorpio, so you'll be able to communicate especially well with others.

You might sense what they need to hear before. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You generally like to think of yourself as someone who faces life logically and rationally, Sagittarius, but today your intuitive side could prove a valuable resource.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your intuition is usually very strong, Capricorn, and your level of empathy enhances your relationships. Today, however, a burst of logic could enable you to see many things.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today your emotional intuition intensifies your mental abilities, Leo. Friends and family members are likely to grow closer to you.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your intuition is heightened almost to the point of telepathy today. Aquarius, you may be able to sense what others want and need even before they know it themselves.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Relationships with those closest to you, particularly friends and love partners, should be enhanced by an increased understanding of their emotional world, Virgo.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Getting in touch with your closest friends could bring about some intense communication, with many revealing some of your deepest concerns, Pisces.

Djokovic hits a return against Popyrin.

(Lillian Suwanrumpha/ AFP/Getty Images)

tralian Open in Melbourne, Djokovic hasn’t played at the imperious levels we’ve come to expect from him.

He dropped a set in his opening round match against Dino Pri•miæ and he struggled for consistency against Popyrin.

Djokovic hit 32 unforced errors while Popyrin hit 58 over their four sets.

According to CNN contributor and tennis journalist Ravi Ubha, this is the first time in Djokovic’s Australian Open career that he has dropped a set in his first two rounds at the grand slam.

Djokovic will now face Argentina’s 30th seed Tomás Martín Etcheverry in the third round.

When asked if he expected to raise his level for his next match, Djokovic said he “sincerely hopes so.”

“That’s what it’s going to take for me to go deep in the tournament. I haven’t been playing my best, I’m still trying to find my form.

“Particularly in the early rounds, you play players that have nothing to lose really.

They come out on the center court and try to play their best match, their best tennis, and I think both my first and second-round opponents were great quality tennis players. I managed to find a way to win in four.

That’s what counts in the end, and hopefully, I’ll be able to build as this tournament progresses.”

Gauff sets up an all-American clash Elsewhere on Wednesday, Coco Gauff set up another all-American clash in the third round of the Australian Open as after she beat compatriot Caroline Dolehide 7-6(2) 6-2.

The world No. 4 continued her unbeaten start to 2024, improving her record to 7-0. She has dropped just one set over that run.

Gauff will now face world No. 82 Alycia Parks after the 23-year-old beat 32ndseed Leylah Fernandez in straight sets to reach the third round of a grand slam for the first time in her career.

Following her victory, Gauff explained that she’s known Parks since they were nine years old and is familiar with her game.

“Used to practice with her and her sister,” Gauff said. “ We b o t h l i v e d i n Delray Beach, or in that area. I know her very well.

I always root for her – obviously not for the next match.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 18, 2024

Guyana Badminton Association hails the 2024 Budget The Guyana Badminton Association has hailed the 2024 National Budget under the theme “Staying the Course: Building Prosperity for all” as transformative for Guyanese and a timely boost to the Sports sector.

The historic budget of $1.146 trillion demonstrates the current administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all Guyanese citizens.

The Guyana Badminton Association is particularly happy with the $4.6 billion that has been set aside for sports and the elimination of VAT on sporting goods. This is a positive development for sports in Guyana because it relieves parents’ and sports clubs’ financial burdens related to purchasing essential equipment inter alia. The emphasis on enhancing and expanding athletic facilities as well as funding for the sports academy will help to improve the state of sports in Guyana. Additionally, it s h o w s t h a t t h e administration recognizes the value of sports in promoting physical fitness and public health, both of which can eventually lower healthcare expenditures.

Sports also encourage social inclusion and community involvement, as well as pride in and unity within the c o u n t r y. T h e G B A h a s

demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the development of badminton in Guyana. We achieved great heights in 2023 by competing in several local and international events, winning three silver medals at the T&T International and a medal at Junior Carebaco.

Additionally, numerous players from the Nursery Badminton Academy competed fiercely in both local and international tournaments, contributing to the association’s amazing results. The Guyana Badminton Association also wants to emphasize the solid relationship it has built with the National Sports Commission and by extension, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

This cordial relationship has assisted the GBA in accomplishing its objectives and has made it possible for our Executives to work with greater ease and assurance.

The GBA would like to convey its sincere gratitude to The Honorable Charles Ramson, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, the Director of Sports and the National Sports Commission for their ongoing support and commitment as we continue to promote stronger partnerships in 2024.

Coco Gauff avoids Australian Open upset as Ons Jabeur, Carolina Wozniacki are eliminated MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Coco Gauff avoided the early Day 4 upsets at the Australian Open when she advanced to the third round with a 7-6 (6), 6-2 win over fellow American Caroline Dolehide. Gauff battled through a tough first set before pulling away in the second.

Dolehide served for the opening set at 6-5 before U.S. Open champion Gauff took control in the tiebreaker.

Gauff will next play another American, Alycia Parks, who reached the third round of a Grans Slam singles tournament for the first time with a 7-5, 6-4 win over 32nd-ranked Leylah Fernandez. Sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur and former topranked Caroline Wozniacki were eliminated from the Australian Open by two

young Russian players in the second round. Jabeur, the runner-up at Wimbledon last year, made 24 unforced errors as she was beaten 6-0, 6-2 by 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva in 54 minutes. It is the second successive year that Jabeur has lost in the second round in Melbourne.

Wozniacki, the winner at Melbourne Park in 2018, was beaten 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 by 20-year-old Maria Tomafeeva, who is making her main draw Grand Slam singles debut this year.

Wozniacki, who had two children before returning to the WTA Tour last year after 3 1-2 years away, led by a set and 2-0 before Tomafeeva turned the match around with some devastating hitting, including 40 winners.

Thursday January 18, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

KARCC Cross-Country Group ride set for January 25-29

Flashback! Scenes from 2023 Guyana/Suriname Group ride, as riders journeyed to the Berbice Bridge.

T

he Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) is gearing up for its 5th edition of the prestigious GuyanaSuriname Group Ride, slated to take place from January 25 to 29. Cyclists will kick off the 2024 cycling calendar with an epic cross-country journey from Kitty (roundabout) in Georgetown to Albina, Suriname.

Get ready to witness some of Guyana’s top riders

in action as they embark on a challenging route covering a total distance of 105 miles in the first leg.

The ride includes a strategic stop at the Berbice Bridge.

Following this, cyclists will then cross via vehicles the first overnight rest point at Tejmohall Hotel in Skeldon, priced at G$4000 per stay.

The adventure continues on Friday, January 26, starting at 0600, with the

group gathering at the Guyana/Suriname Ferry Service at Moleson Creek.

The riders will commence their journey around 11:00hrs for the second leg, covering 75 miles and crossing to Nickerie.

The crossing fee is set at G$3000, and participating Surinamese cyclists will then join the group for the onward journey to the second stop, Coronie, Suriname.

Accommodation await at

the Totness Palace Hotel for G$3000.

On Saturday, January 27, starting at 0700hrs, the third leg spanning 85 miles will take the group from Totness Palace Hotel in Coronie, Suriname, to Paramaribo, Suriname.

Riders have the option to stay overnight at the Royal Breeze Hotel, NV, for two nights at a cost of G$5,500 per night, inclusive of breakfast.

Sunday, January 28, the

fourth and final leg commences at 07:00hrs, the journey will cover approximately 90 miles from Paramaribo to Albina, Suriname, located on the French Guiana/Suriname border.

Following this leg, the group will return to the hotel via transportation.

On Monday, January 29, riders choosing to return to Guyana will convene at the Parimarbo Suriname (ferry crossing), incurring a cost of

G$3000 per person.

Interested individuals must possess a valid passport or travel document and a yellow fever card.

Foreign participants need the relevant visa to enter Suriname, and all passports should be valid for at least six months before the expiration date.

For more details regarding this cross-country group ride, please contact Kwame Ridley at 592 698 8845 or karcc@gmail.com.

Shamar Joseph steals the show but Australia on top on opening day of Adelaide Test SportsMax - It was Shamar Joseph’s dream debut in Test cricket, and little did he know that his extraordinary performance would become the talking point of the opening day at the historic Adelaide Oval.

The West Indies, however, found themselves in a precarious position against hosts Australia.

Sent into bat, the Caribbean men struggled to put up a decent total, managing only 188 runs. The top order collapsed, with the team reeling at 133-9, courtesy of the relentless pace duo of Australia’s captain Pat Cummins, who took 4-41 and Josh Hazlewood’s 4-44. The lone resistance came from Kirk McKenzie, playing in only his second Test, who scored a gritty half-century amid the crumbling wickets.

It was then that Shamar

Joseph, the West Indies’ No.11, strode to the crease with determination. The Guyanese player showcased unexpected resilience, smashing 36 runs and contributing significantly to a 10th-wicket partnership of 55 runs alongside fellow bowler Kemar Roach, who remained unbeaten on 17. This unexpected lower-order resistance helped the West Indies reach a somewhat more respectable total.

Buoyed by his batting heroics the debutant carried his positive momentum into the bowling attack. In a stunning turn of events, he dismissed the dangerous Steve Smith, who had been promoted to open the innings following David Warner’s retirement. Smith, who had been in sublime touch, fell to Joseph’s clever bowling for just 12.

Joseph’s dream debut

continued as he followed up with the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne, who made 10, further denting Australia’s innings. He finished the day with figures of 2-18 from his six overs as the hosts ended the day at 59-2, with Usman Khawaja (30) and Cameron Green (6) at the crease.

Notably, Joseph’s dream debut wasn’t just about his allaround performance. He etched his name in history by becoming the 23rd player in Test history, and the second from the West Indies, to take a wicket with his very first ball in Test cricket. And it wasn’t just any wicket.

“Getting Steve Smith, I’ll remember this for the rest of my life,” Joseph exclaimed after the day’s play. “I’ll actually take a picture and post it up in my house.” He had already predicted to his teammates

that he would get a wicket with his first ball, and when it happened, he credited his positive mindset for the success.

“I didn’t know it was Steve Smith,” Joseph admitted. “That went well for me. You’re coming up against the best team in Test cricket. So I just came with a positive mindset and did what I do best.”

The West Indies could have been in an even stronger position had Joshua da Silva, who managed only six runs in the West Indies innings, held onto a catch after Alzarri Joseph found Khawaja’s edge when the Australian opener was on three, during the second over of the hosts’innings.

Scores: Australia 59 for 2 (Khawaja 30*, Joseph 2-18) trail West Indies 188 (McKenzie 50, Cummins 441, Hazlewood 4-44) by 129 runs.

Shamar Joseph used the long handle well in his maiden Test outing.

(AFP/Getty Images)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Thursday January 18, 2024

Inaugural Regional Anti-Doping Educator Instructor Training Hailed as a Success Participants in the Regional Anti-Doping Educator Instructor Training.

(Oranjestad, Aruba) There are now eleven new Anti-Doping Educator Instructors in the Caribbean, following the successful completion of the first ever Regional Anti-Doping Educator Instructor Training. The workshop, held in Aruba, was a joint partnership with the Caribbean Regional AntiDoping Organization (RADO), the Aruba Olympic Committee and the Aruba Anti-Doping Commission.

The course was facilitated by instructors from United Kingdom AntiDoping (UKAD) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), following strategic discussions held with both anti-doping organizations over recent years.

We n d y H e n d e r s o n , UKAD National Trainer, says the partnership between the two organizations is an

invaluable one.

“This train-the-trainer course was a hugely important opportunity to bring together ‘Clean Sport’ Educators from across the Caribbean RADO, and with the support of UKAD, be able to develop their delivery techniques, as well as their trainer and mentor skills to train and empower more educators, building capacity across the Caribbean. The representatives’ knowledge, expertise and openness to learn produced many fun and creative ways to educate athletes in key topics.

UKAD and all of the CARRADO countries represented at the train-thetrainer course have taken away a huge amount of knowledge, skills and learning from each other.”

Ta m m y H a n s o n , USADA Director of Elite Education, who delivered the modules on athlete outreach and engagement has had high praise for the

participants.

“I was so impressed by all of the participation from the members of the group, and their eagerness to learn more, and grow their education programmes. It’s a very special group of people; and it was my absolute pleasure to get to spend time with them over the last

couple of days.

Their questions on outreach, engagement and athlete resentations were so insightful, highlighting their willingness to learn and to deliver effective education, as well as to train the next generation of educators.”

Caribbean RADO Chairman Patrick Werleman is eagerly looking forward to the contribution of the new instructors.

“For the first time in our h i s t o r y, w e g a t h e r e d experienced anti-doping education personnel together with facilitators from UKAD and USADA to be trained to become antidoping educator instructors.

This is a necessary step in ensuring all of our Member Countries implement an education plan.

The newly trained educators will return to their

home countries and work together with the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO), the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Member Country Representative to further develop their education programmes, define their education pools if necessary, and start working.”

Caribbean RADO Executive Director Dr. Sasha Sutherland says continued collaboration with UKAD and USADA will have far reaching benefits.

“We anticipate that the region is better – having trained, skilled and knowledgeable educator instructors. We also hope that after our debrief with UKAD and USADA, we can continue to chart the way forward for the regional education programme,

where we can continue to train education officers, doping control officers and other support personnel in the ‘Clean Sport’ arena because our athletes depend on it.”

The training began on January 12th and ended on January 14th 2024.

The Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization is based in Barbados and acts as the secretariat for antidoping issues for 18 members countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands and Virgin Islands (US).

GCB Harpy Eagles practice game…

Rain washes out Day 2, following entertaining opening sessions

R

ain spoiled action for the Guyana Harpy Eagles, washing out Day 2 at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Ground, following an exciting first day of action.

Mother Nature again had the final say when the floodgates opened up across parts of the country yesterday, making no exception to what was supposed to be a highlycompetitive second day between the Anthony Adams XI and the Matthew Nandu XI.

A recap of the opening day, was headlined by Malcom Hubbard and Akshaya Persaud who laid the foundation, with 54 and 44 respectively.

As a result, Adams XI posted 144 in the first innings. But by stumps, Nandu’s XI were solidly placed on 119-2 in reply, 25 runs behind their target.

Skipper Nandu himself sought to get into form with a good knock of 43 while another in-form batsman, opener Raymon Perez chipped in 41.

Should play be permitted today, wicketkeeper Kemol Savory will resume on 21* while his partner Shamar Yearwood restarts on 9*.

A few of the Eagles key bowlers from the opposition, most notably spinners, captain Adams, who had (1-26) and Junior Sinclair with (1-23).

The spin pair of Richie Looknauth (4-41) and Steven Sankar (3-19), earlier dominated the innings with ball in hand for the Nandu XI.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 18, 2024

PAGE 25

New York venue to host T20 World Cup matches unveiled SportsMax - As the excitement continues to build ahead of this year’s ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup, West Indies’ co-host United States has started construction of a new modular stadium, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

The 34,000-seat stadium, a first of its kind for cricket, is expected to be completed within a mere three months, and is scheduled to host eight matches, including the highprofile fixture between India and Pakistan on June 9.

The stadium will feature an array of seating options including premium and general admission, VIP and hospitality suites, as well as a unique party deck and cabanas.

Sustainability is at the forefront of this project. The grandstands, previously used for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, are being repurposed for the T20 World Cup venue.

The design team behind

this ambitious project is Populous, renowned for creating some of the most iconic stadia worldwide, including the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

In New York, they are the architect of record for both the New York Yankees and New York Mets.

“We are excited to be unveiling the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024,” ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said. It is an incredibly important milestone in the lead up to the biggest ICC event ever, with work commencing on the stadium which will be able to accommodate 34,000 cricket fans.” “We are partnering with world-class suppliers to deliver the modular stadium to ensure that players and fans can enjoy an unforgettable experience across the eight matches in New York in June this year.”

The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York is a 34,000-seat stadium that will host several high-profile games during the ICC T20 World Cup.

The stadium will not only cater to cricket enthusiasts but also promises a world-class experience for all guests.

It will feature a dedicated fan zone, a variety of food and beverage outlets, and

TPCC congratulates Shamar Joseph on Test debut …becomes first male player from the club to play Test cricket

T

ucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) congratulates Shamar Joseph on making his Test debut in the First Test match versus Australia at the Adelaide Oval, Australia.

Joseph who hails from Baracara, Canje Creek, Berbice, has made a rapid rise to the pinnacle of cricket after only one First-Class season. He made his First-Class debut during the 2023 West Indies Championship claiming a 5-wicket haul against Windwards Volcanoes in just his second match.

He later made his T20 debut last year for Guyana Amazon Warriors team in the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) as a replacement for the injured Keemo Paul.

In November, Shamar toured South Africa with the West Indies ‘A’ team where he ended the tour as the leading wicket-taker for West Indies ‘A’ (12).

This performance and his extreme pace ensured he continued his rapid rise in cricket, which has now been capped off with his Test debut, when just over 12 months ago, he was a security officer in Berbice.

Joseph joins current West Indies white ball all-rounder Romario Shepherd as the second player from TPCC to be named in a West Indies male team.

The New Amsterdam based club, also produced three female West Indies cricketers in former players Candacy Atkins (Test and ODI), Tremayne Smartt (ODI and T20I) and Subrina Munroe (ODI and T20I). Joseph is

Shamar Joseph delivers during his impressiveTest debut against Australia at Adelaide. (Getty Images and Cricket Australia) also the second male cricketer from the New Amsterdam area to play Test cricket after Clayton Lambert. The Executive members and players from TPCC wish Shamar Joseph much success as he now begins his journey as an international player.

state-of-the-art media and broadcast areas. The wicket, a drop-in square similar to those used at Adelaide Oval and Eden Park, is currently being curated in Florida. It will be transported to New York in early May. The

venue, 30 miles east of Manhattan, will have good transport and parking facilities, with three train stations also available in the vicinity.

Fans will have their opportunity to be a part of

history by attending a festival of cricket and seeing the world’s best players in action, with eight T20 World Cup matches hosted at the venue, beginning with the clash between Sri Lanka and South Africa on June 3.

Shamar Joseph dismissed Steven Smith with his first ball in Test cricket. (AFP/Getty Images)

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rt Spo

Shamar Joseph steals the show but Australia on top on opening day of Adelaide Test Inaugural Regional KARCC Anti-Doping Educator Cross-Country Instructor Training Group ride set Hailed as a Success for Jan 25-29 Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.