Kaieteur News

Pres. Ali is open to examining India's proposal for long-term agreement for oil sales

...despite VP Jagdeo, Natural Resources Minister signaling preference for open auction

As Guyana continues to accelerate the development ofoilprojectsoffshore,India has raced to the front of the line with a request to enter into a long-term agreement foroilcargoes.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali told media operatives on Tuesday at State House that nodecisionwasmadeonthis frontjustyet.Healsomadeit clear that there is no inclinationtoeitheracceptor decline India's offer The Head-of-State said the government's only move thus far is to inform Indian authorities that they can submittheirproposalandthe country will scrutinise this document accordingly, weighing the pros and cons forthenewoilproducer

Alialsopromisedtokeep the country informed every step of the way, as he noted that his government is a transparent one Ali was keen to note that India has always expressed interest in buying oil from Guyana. He said the South Asian nation even purchased a lift of one millionbarrelsofoilin2021. Sincethen,AlisaidIndiahas been desirous of having more oil but through a longterm agreement. Ali said both nations have agreed to set up technical working teamstoexaminethisroute.

Further to this, President Ali said India is desirous of helping Guyana develop various aspects of its oil and gas ecosystem whether it is for technology transfer, training for human resources, building capacity in terms of value added services required for the oil sector, purchasing of crude, or participating in the country's maiden oil blocks

auction.

He said too that Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo will be in India for a forum next month, and while there, he is expected to follow up on these and other issues.At the press conference, Kaieteur News called on the Head-of-State to explain what prompted the move to now examine the proposal whentwoofhisofficialssaid in previous interviews that the country was not interestedingoingthisroute.

I n a n O i l N O W publicationonJuly21,2021, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat is quoted as saying that “Guyana not in favour of bilateral agreement with Indiaforoil,thatitprefersan openprocess.”

During the interview with OilNOW, Bharrat said the government prefers to have an open process, which prompted it to issue a Request For Proposals (RFP)foracrudemarketerin 2021.

He had said, “Indeed there is great interest from India through the High Commissioner here Dr K.J. Srinivasa. He has been in constant contact with us. He met with President, Irfaan Ali; the Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; and myself concerning a long-term arrangement to purchase Guyana's share of crude. However,wearenotreallyin favour of any bilateral agreementespeciallywhenit comes to the oil and gas sector.”

Mr. Bharrat added, “We prefer it to be a more open and transparent process.” (See link for more details: https://oilnow gy/featured/

Clippings

guyana-not-in-favour-ofbilateral-agreement-withindia-for-oil-prefers-openprocess-bharrat/)

In a separate publication, this time by Argus Media, the Vice President is quoted saying, “India should bid along with other companies if it wants to secure a longterm oil contract with Guyana,” adding, “Guyana does not want to go into a bilateral arrangement.” (See l i n k f o r d e t a i l s : https://www argusmedia c om/en/news/2242765i n d i a - s h o u l d - b i d - fo rlongterm-oil-contractguyana)

In light of the foregoing, Kaieteur News asked President Ali to say why India's proposal is not being

channeled through a bidding process. The Head-of-State also confirmed that India is the only country thus far that hasregistereditsinterestina

long-term arrangement for Guyana's oil. India is seen as a critical partner in a number of areas for Guyana, especially on oil and gas. It

stands as the world's third biggest oil importer and consumer,shipsinmorethan 80% of its oil needs from overseas.

Two international consultants vying to review ExxonMobil's FieldDevelopmentPlan(FDP),for the Company's fifth project at the Uaru oil field in the Stabroek Block,bidalmostUS$1Mtodothe job.

This was revealed during Tuesday's opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, which disclosed that

Bayphase Limited and Stratoil Energy Services are now the two consultants bidding for the contract. In December last, when the initial bids to see who had applied for the contract were opened, the two consulting firms along with DeGolyer & MacNaughton (D&M) were the consultantsthatbid.

According to information released from Tuesday's opening, Bayphase submitted a bid of

US$797,480, while Stratoil bid US$709,470, to carry out the review Theprocuringentityforthe project is the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Bayphase is an international oil and gas consultancy, based in the United Kingdom, which has decades of auditing experience, and is a well-known client of Exxon. It has previously been awardedcontractshere.

Stratoil Energy Services which

is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, claims to offer unique solutions to supportorganizations,whilenoting that its experts cover the full spectrumofcurrentindustryissues, trends and best practice The MinistryofNaturalResourcesinits advertisement had stated that the contract would be funded through the US$20M World Bank (WB) loan, for the Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project (GPRGMP).

According to the Ministry, the money would be used to pay the successful consulting firm to provide advisory services, technical support and training, as well as for capacity strengthening services.

It said too that the consultant willberequiredtoprovideadvisory services to professionals attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission(GGMC),andother (Continued

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS

Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210

EDITORIAL

MARTIN LUTHER KING

OnMonday,Americaobservedafederalholidayto

honour civil rights icon, Rev Dr Martin Luther King. ComeApril4th,itwillbe55yearssince this valiant fighter for his people-the underdog, was assassinatedinMemphis,Tennessee.

The world lost a warrior, a wise man, and a figure of worldlyproportions.

Dr Kingstandsasthebenchmarkforonededicatinghis life, his work, to a struggle and a cause that looked impossible. Insomewaysortheother,hedidovercome,his dream partially progressing, his people lifted up through doors opened that were previously slammed in their faces. Hisisthestuffofinspiration,ofrareheroism,ofwhatcould be achieved, despite the legions of human obstacles that blockedhispath,thatweredeterminedtobringhimdown.

Dr Kingfoughttheodds,andekedoutseminalvictories. The Civil RightsAct that came into being in 1964, and the Voting Rights Act stand as two landmark achievements creditedtohistirelessefforts. Bothhavecomeundersevere andcontinuingchallenges,andwhittlingdown,throughthe efforts of adversaries determined to hold onto a longstanding way of life of discrimination and inequality The Civil Rights Act has a special meaning for thousands of Guyanese, who were able to enter the United States, and buildanewlife.

Though not spoken of much, this is one of the enduring legacies of King, which impacted not just African Americans,buthopefulpeopleglobally.Aswecelebratehis life and legacy, Guyanese should think of what came about through his energies and fearlessness, and the differences thatweremadeinGuyana,andAmerica.

ItwouldhavebeentheeasiestthingintheworldforDr King to study the forces arrayed against him, throw up his hands,andretreatindefeat. Chancesarethathewoulddone well for himself: an obstacle neutralized, the status quo remaininginitsuntouchedandbarbaricstate. Butthatwas not how Martin Luther King was made, how he saw the world,howcametorecognizehisrole,whatmustdetermine hisactions,hisfightforbetter

For sure, he was human, and one with the normal weaknessesofmen,butstillhelabouredforward. Forsure, hisenemiesmadeittheirdutytoerecteveryblockade,every trapandpitfall,inhispath,ifnottodeterhim,thentodestroy him.

Still,hemovedforwardunflinchinglyandcourageously, knowingthatsomewhereinhisfuture,therewillbeanApril 4th, and his fatal fall in Tennessee. Prophets and revolutionariescanbekilled,andthatwouldcontinueaslong asmenconfronteachother,andafatefulcollisioncourseis allbutinevitable. BeforeKing,therewasGandhi;andafter him, a man who languished in jail for decades rose to the pinnacleoftheworld. IntheshadowandfootstepsofGandhi andKing,therecameMandelainSouthAfrica.

In Guyana, in this time of oil and grand developments, there is this struggling, this clawing for recognition, inclusion,andoneness,agenuinelylevelplayingfield. Itis an elusive and uphill vision and objective that have been undermined by what is said to be sincere and authentic, but arenowhereclosetoeitherstate.

Thereisfear,skillfulpickingapartandweakening,with fewpresencesandfewervoicessteppingforwardtospeakfor those deceived and misled, those hurting but still hopeful. Men mention Martin Luther King in awed breath, but then theyshrink,ortheysell,theylosesightofthesufferingand the challenges that turn the world of the powerless upside down.

InAmerica,somethehandiworkofDr Kingisreversed through the court system. Hard-earned gains achieved at great sacrifice, that made equality of opportunity law and practice, that protected those at the margins, fall under the gavelofUSSupremeCourtJustices. Still,thestoriedbattles startedandrefinedbyDr Kingcontinue.Itistheindomitable will of man that resists injustice, that never bows down before bigotry, no matter the degree of subtlety Thanks to Martin Luther King inspiration flourishes. Guyana should finditsownKingwhenthetimeisright.

There are issues affecting Afro-Guyanese, which are peculiar to them and require the State‘s attention

DEAREDITOR,

Two dailies recently carried my letter, which sought to establish the relevance of the United Nations‘declareddecadefor PeopleofAfricanDescentto the Afro-Guyanese. There were varying responses, to the missive Among the respondentsweremanywho failed to address the content ofthemissive.

Instead, they sought to malign the author by claiming that I lack credibility Those responses reek of intellectual laziness or the deficiency to read, comprehend and analyze Sincewhenthecontentofan article is judged by the attributes of the author, rather than the facts, logics of the argument, and conclusions?

By no means am I conceding that their contention about credibility is worthy of attention. I am highlighting their consistent failure, or inability to addressissues,intellectually.

One of the respondents, Mike Singh, sought to address the problematic and in so doing sought to juxtapose the African Guyanese condition to that of the Indo-Guyanese. He concluded by posing the question: “Why special treatment for AfroGuyanese.”

My letter was not intendedtojuxtaposethetwo e t h n i c g r o u p s I particularized the state of Afro-Guyanese from the universal perspective, as articulated by the United Nations.

A perspective which led the United Nations to conclude that People of African Descent need attention, hence the declaration of the decade. Since I was speaking from, and about, the AfroGuyanese perspective, I could not have been expectedtospeaktotheissue of the lived experiences of Indo-Guyanese, albeit a pertinentissue.Mikecreated

and destroyed a straw house and in doing so falsely sought to portray what I should have done Sorry Mike, I did not set out to go there That was not the purposeofmyletter

It is however important, by way of an example, to reinforcethepointthatthere are issues affecting AfroGuyanese, which are peculiar to them and require the State‘s attention since they were occasioned by policies, actions and facilitation of the state, and require state intervention, if theyaretobefixed.

The manner in which lands acquired by AfroGuyanese, by way of their hard work, thriftiness and postemancipationpurchase, have been transferred into the hands of the State, and can be, or have been further transferred into the hands of others without reference to the rightful inheritors; or compensation for the rightfulowners/inheritorsis a peculiar circumstance of

the Afro-Guyanese. It has nothing to do with the land tenure status of the other ethnic groups, where they justlyacquiredlands.Itisbut an example of an issue affecting Afro-Guyanese, which needs attention. It flies in the face of

Recognition, Justice and Development of a people. It epitomizes what the decade isintendedtoaddress.

May I close by stating thatotherethnicgroupsmay also have their issues and reserved the right to champion them. However, the fact is that the United Nations has declared a decade for the People of African Descent, similar to what was previously done for the Indigenous peoples.

As a leader of an organisation which was established to pursue the goals of the decade, I am obligated to identify and champion the cause of the PeopleofAfricanDescent.

Yourstruly, VincentAlexander

Emphasis on pro-people policies evident in 2023 Budget

DEAREDITOR,

TheGuyanaAgricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) believes that the 2023 National Budget, presented under the theme “Improving Lives Today, Building Prosperity for Tomorrow”, will further extend and enhance the ongoing efforts of the Government to advance the welfare of all Guyanese.We recognized that the policies and programmes being elucidated offers several benefits and improvements toourcitizens.

And it is clear to us that the lives of our people were at the center of the policy making process In that regard, our Union joins several organisations and individuals in welcoming Budget 2023 which has muchinstoreforournation. We also congratulate the Government and its prodevelopment vision which articulates an exciting and prosperousfutureforall.

PRO-PEOPLE’S POLICIESWILL ENHANCENATIONAL WELL-BEING

The nation’s largest ever budget has providedsupport toeveryareaofnationallife. Itindicatesthatconsiderable

thought and effort was paid to ensure that every Guyanese man, woman and childbenefitsandenjoysthe economic development takingplace.

Wehavetakennoteofthe emphasistoensureequitable a n d s u s t a i n a b l e development, greater access to resources to enhance our well-being, and improved attentiontopromotingsafety and security Additionally, the building of a strong, robust, and diversified foundation clearly demonstrates that the future willbeexciting.

In addressing workers and our ordinary people, we have taken note of several measures advanced by Budget 2023 to improve disposable income, bringing theaspirationsofourpeople within reach, and to ensure that our people are safeguarded.

Againstthatbackground, our Union welcomes the improvement in the income taxthreshold.Whilewehave heard some views, in the context of the challenging macro environment it is a laudableadvancement.

The GAWU, however, doesnotseethetaxthreshold in isolation but takes into

account several other initiatives advanced and sustained by Budget 2023.

The extension of the freight charges computation for imported commodities and the undertaking that the gains from this relief are passed on to our ordinary peopleissignificant.

Similarly, we note the extension of the excise tax waivers on fuel mitigating the full effect of rising fuel prices. Those two measures togetherwiththeincometax adjustment equate to several billion dollars. Moreover, continued support to the electricity and water sectors to maintain tariffs despite rising operating costs are serious measures aimed at curtailingthecost-of-living.

Additionallyconsidering improvements to the school child grant, old age and public assistance, reduction indutiesonvehicles,among other things it is recognized that our people have secure substantialgains.

Apart from those measures,theinvestmentsin health, education, housing, water, and social services enhancesourcollectivewellbeing Similarly, the substantial provisions for infrastructure we hold will

go a far way in reducing infrastructural deficits Considered in aggregate Budget 2023 offers to our people many benefits and substantialgains.Itprovides unlocked resources that will make our lives better and buildastrongerGuyana.

SUPPORTFORSUGAR REVERSESASSAULTS OFTHEPAST

Our Union has also recognised the Budget’s focus to return the sugar industry to a viable and sustainableposition.

Againstthatbackground, the Budget has appropriated the sum of four billion dollars ($4B) towards the ongoingeffortstomodernize and enhance the industry’s capitalstock.Itisappositeto recognize that the support comes after there were clear efforts under the former Government to paralyze the industry to the point of no return which, we believe, was in execution of its narrow, biased political agenda.

This year, we note investments will be focused on improving the industry’s packaging capacity and furthering mechanization togetherwillplaya

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd.

Fighting for change calls for innovation, cooperation

DEAREDITOR,

As the nation continues to deal with political drama, and the world reels under a now-three-year-long assault by a virus, the Earth continues to evolve into a dangerously inhospitable environment. Temperatures are increasing, climate change-driven wildfires scorched the Earth’s surface from Australia to the American West — to the evenlargerpile-upoftrashin theocean—totheArctic,all adding more greenhouse gasestotheatmosphere.

I look around and I see litter as a part of a long continuum of anti-social behaviour Is there no pride

inhavingacleancity?Inmy previous article I mentioned environmental issues within itself are challenging, but when politics, bigotry and racism is thrown in the mix, it can be disastrous. The Mayor of our city Pt. Ubraj Narine has proved exactly this.

Hisbigoted,arrogantand cowardly behaviour is evidence to how we as a ‘progressing’ community have been left staggering behind.Integrity,insightand inclusiveness are the three essential qualities of leadership, none of which the mayor of our country possesses.

Hisrecentbehaviourhas

been shameful and appalling, more so, the influencethatcomeswithhis stature is extremely dangerous to his followers. Not only is he misleading them, but he is also inciting Islamophobia, hate and racism.

I have been living in Guyana all my life as a Muslim and I never faced religious hate crime or Islamophobia, nor would I think in a million years, this would have happened in such a respectful and openminded society To see an ‘influential’ leader spewing hate that Guyana is an Islamic state due to the religiousbeliefsofPresident

2023 budget is the heist of the century

DEAREDITOR,

The $ 781 9 billion budget for 2023 is dubbed the largest budget in Guyana’shistory Lastyear’s budget stood at $552 9 billion yet the poor in Guyana felt the brunt of inflation People went hungry like never before. The price of local produce was unaffordable: bora and pumpkin were fit to be only consumed by the wealthy I willnotelaboratebecauseall Guyanese are aware of last year’ssuffering.

Guyana is an oil rich nation and the world sees it as the fastest growing economy Its population is way under a million people but the reality of life in Guyana, even today, is that ofadirt-poorcountrywhere the majority of people are poor and live off of $1200 dollars a day (US$5.73). This year’s budget is primarily about building infrastructure and that’s where the con is; where the hustle will enrich PPP oligarchs, their families, friendsandcronies.Guyana, under the PPP is the most corrupt country on this planet.

The poor man’s dismal reality will worsen in 2023 while government officials willbuildmorecasinos,lush hotels, apartment buildings and resorts in the names of unknown businessmen Billionsincontractstobuild roads etc , will go to handpicked PPP contractors with huge cutbacks that will go directly into the pockets of Jagdeo, Ali Nandlall, Dharmlall and other PPP government ministers. The PPPsycophants,lackeysand cronies will take to social media to ‘cuss’about us not appreciating progress while they themselves live in squalor This is the biggest budget ever to enrich a selected few in government. It will be the heist of the century where by the time

we are ready to go into the next elections, one Minister will be able to secretly fund the entire election campaign and another will have enough money to offer to buy every one of our supporters.Arevolutionwill happen in Guyana as the poor of all ethnicities shout enough is enough. We have to save Guyana from these glorifiedthieves.

Regards,

Sincerelyyours NormanBrowne Social and Political Activist

IrfaanAli,ismerelypathetic. Additionally,Iamevenmore shocked and hurt at those who agree with his Islamophobicstatement.

One of the biggest problemsforGuyaneseisthe direction in which our countryisheadedduetopoor leadership of our past government. This problem hasbeenaffectingourpeople deeply over the last few yearsandisonlygoingtoget worse. The leaders of the CityHallcreatedacultureof deception and promotes misconduct that can take yearstoundo.

It is disgraceful that the City Council has had our country like this and what is more shameful was the Mayor’s decision to boycott it.Adaptingtotherealitiesof climate change will be expensive, but not

confrontingthishead-onand in as unified a manner as possible will endanger lives and disrupt food chains and biospheres The world cannot afford that, Guyana cannotaffordthat.

Astheseasonoftourism beckons, guests will come, and they will see us with all our shame. We are trashy people To see His

Excellency, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Honourable Sarah-Ann Lynch tourists, diplomats a n d a m b a s s a d o r s , expatriates and important officials from the Private Sector,cleaningupourmess isliterallyhumiliating.

They must be applauded for their efforts, because while we are ignoring or contributing to the mountainsoftrashthatstains our city, they took the

initiativetocleanupafterus from their own good-will. Thisisnottheirhomeandto see strangers and outsiders doing what citizens are meanttodoisembarrassing.

Letusresolvetosolvea problemthatcouldbeeasily corrected if only people just metsomeoftheirmostbasic obligations.

Whatissodifficultabout waiting to find a trash receptacle rather than tossing garbage out? Or putting out one’s trash for collection rather than dumping it somewhere and making it someone else’s problem? Fighting for change calls for innovation, cooperation and will power tomakethechangesthatthe worldneeds.

Respectfully, NazarMohamed Businessman

Domestic violence, sexual harassment in the workplace and representation

DEAREDITOR,

We are just seventeen days into the new year, and both news letter articles and letters within the letter column are clear indicators thatourwomenarenotsafe.

The home which is supposed to be the safest spacefortheaveragewoman

has turned into a war zone: insecurities, unemployment, drug abuse to name a few have been some of the root causes of the woman being abused within her household.

At work, be it a professional setting or otherwise, supervisors,

managers, overseers or the employer for reasons only they can answer, use the authority they possess to subdue and manipulate the woman-forthosewhodon’t understand, the simple tugging, constant belittling or inappropriate touching is alsoclassifiedasharassment

andabuse.

The questions though that always baffle one are: why are people afraid to speakoutandeveniftheydo, why is representation and immediate interventions deserted? After having a conversation with a woman’s right activist, just

yesterday, I was left speechless: put simply, she implied that unless the organisationiscontactedora victim speaks out, there can benopronouncement! This infuriated me. As a woman, themerewhisperofabuseis enough to launch an investigationbeitahusband

or relative or a manager, supervisor or “boss man” w i t h i n t h e w o r k environment I call her response ‘bull’, and would hereby like to advocate for other bodies, NGOs and groups to speak out Additionally,acalltoa

(Continuedonpage16)

Plant some lawn grass and plants Min. Edghill

DEAREDITOR,

Thisisletterisaddressed to Minister Edgehill. I am awarethatthegovernmentof Guyana is on a path to a greenGuyana.Isthisgreen? I have travelled to many countries and efforts are madetobeautifytheroadsby planting trees and flowers. However, it seems that Mr Edgehill is taking us in the

oppositedirection. The Eccles by-pass road has a concrete median instead of grass and plants. Not satisfied with that, he proceeded to take out the grass on the East Coast mediantoreplacesamewith concrete and this is now being extended Please Minister cease and desist. Plant some lawn grass and

plants. Employ those parttimeworkerstomaintainthe plants by allocating certain sections to them. Or if you plant, then have a water vehicle traverse when necessarytowatertheplants.

Please do not concrete any more of the median. It looksugly

The plants would also blocktheglareoflightsfrom oncoming vehicles. Also, I do not think this is urgent necessary infrastructure and I question such expenditure when the Berbice Georgetown road is in a terriblecondition.

Maybehedoesnotnotice thisandthestressassociated withdrivingonthesaidroad as he travels in a big State vehicle and is chauffeur driven. Any damage to the vehicle is repaired with taxpayerdollars.

I wrote to the press before but there was no response and no action. So many vehicles have their tyres and rims damaged

becauseofthepot-holes.The potholes are numerous also on the East Bank Public Road. The holes can also cause accidents and may have. Don’t you have a maintenance crew or we waiting for the road to be fully damaged so we can giveoutbigcontracts?

There are no lines to guide drivers and very little signs indicating turns. It is a nightmare especially when driving at nights It is exceptionallystressful.

Iwroterequestingtraffic lights where the Canje Branch Road intersects with the N/A Corentyne public road It is a dangerous intersection. I do not think Berbice nor Essequibo has any traffic lights. This is neglect.

All sort of money is beingspenttobeautifyGTto the neglect of more important and necessary services to the Guyanese people.Iknowinfrastructure is important and some vital,

butIcannotunderstandwhy concreting the median buildingpathwaystothesea wallisbeingprioritized.

At Eccles, Mr Minister those brush lines, maybe thereisatechnicalname,ifI am correct should not run alongtheroadbutacrossthe road.

As it is it accumulates waterinsteadofdrainingthe water and in my opinion, damagevehicletyres.

Regards, RajendraBisessar

Emphasis on pro-people policies...

Frompage4 meaningful role in enhancing efficiency, augment revenue and diversifying the product base.

These we hold are essential elements to safeguard the industryandundoubtedlythe thousands of Guyanese who dependsonitsoperations. Additionally,theGAWU

has noted His Excellency President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali disclosure that experts from India and Guatemala are being solicited to enhance the capabilities of GuySuCo Our Union in the past has advanced the need for the industry’s technical and managerial capacity to be enhanced.

We, at this time, look forward to learning more aboutthesedevelopments.

The GAWU recognised too known enemies of the industry have called for its further minimization. Such contentions we hold are clearly misguided and intended to create mischief.

The absence of any recognition of the wider socio-economiccontribution of the industry has largely been ignored. Similarly, the efforts to improve productivity, reduce costs and enhance revenues have possibly been conveniently anddeliberatelyignored.

CONCLUSION

In the GAWU’s view, Budget2023isevidentlyone crafted and geared to bringing about betterment fortheGuyanesepeopleand tangibly realizing the Government’s vision of a One Guyana by improving lives today and building prosperityfortomorrow

Italsokeepsaneyeonthe future as it proposes investments that will augment our infrastructure, expand our economic base, andbuildamoreresilientand cohesivesociety

Takenintotality,welaud Budget2023andbelievethe programmes will enhance the well-being of all Guyanese.

Regards, Guyana Agricultural andGeneralWorkersUnion

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

PRESIDENT TO INDIA, NOW VP ALSO TO JET OFF

The President went to India and finalised some national business. Now the Vice President will soon be jetting off to India to ‘tie up oil deal’.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

The President is quite capable of doing business for Guyana.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

So, what is this business about the VPnow flying off to India to close oil deals?

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Guyana’s President does not need a babysitter, or a second guesser.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

So, what is it that the President can’t do that the VPcan?

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

'No

in budget to monitor, audit oil sector'

By Davina Bagot

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton is stunned at the Government's failure to appropriate funds in this year's Budget to help the country improve its auditing and monitoring capabilities, as oil production activities continuetoaccelerate.

On Monday evening, following the Budget presentationbyMinisterwith Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh, Norton said he expected that this year's fiscal plan would have made specific provisions to improve the country's human resourcecapacity

“I would have thought that in a Budget like this, the minister would have been speaking in terms of human resource development, that we have put resources there to improve our capacity to auditcostoil.Wewouldhave put resources there to be able to monitor what is happening offshore. There is none of thatandtherefore,youarenot increasing our capacity to

ensure we get what we deserve in terms of profit oil,” the Opposition Leader pointedout.

Inasubsequentinterview yesterday, Norton explained that Guyana must be able to determinecostoilonitsown, rather than await reports from the developer of the resource.Thismeans,putting measures in place to be able to monitor the expenditure Norton said. “For you to determine what is cost oil, you need to have people with the requisite skills to know what the actual cost of production is and therefore if you are serious about ensuring Guyana benefits, one of your first tasks is to develop the institutional capacity and capability to monitor first and audit what ishappening.”

According to him, this Budget should have not only streamlined resources towards this objective, but also clearly outline the kinds ofskillsthatwouldbeneeded for Guyanese to monitor the operation and conduct its

....Opposition Leader says this spells danger for Guyana

ownauditstoensuretheright figures are being presented. Hewaskeentonotethatsuch a simple step would have aided in ensuring Guyana gets it rightful share of the profits.

The Opposition Leader said that the failure to implement such measures spell danger for Guyana and leaves the country at the hands of the oil companies, whichcanverywelldecideto inflatethenumbers.

“If you do not know exactly what is happening, you can be given any figure andyouneedtolivewiththat figure, rather than being able based on your capability to be able to analyse, audit and knowthatthesearetheactual figures and therefore determinethatthisisthekind ofprofitthatexistsandthisis the profit we are sharing,” he explained.

The Leader said that the Government has decided to sit back and assume that the oil companies are presenting Guyana with the correct figure as it relates to

Leader, Aubrey Norton

expenses to develop the oil resource. To this end, he argued, “I don't think any businessshouldbeorganized in a way that you are dependent on the people you aredoingbusinesswithtotell you how much you actually spent to explore and how muchisprofit.”

The Leader of the Opposition said he plans to raise these issues with the G o v e r n m e n t a t t h e Parliamentary level during

the Budget Debates over the nextfewweeks.

Norton argued that this year's Budget is the largest ever and more worrying is the fact that no investment is being made to strengthen Guyanese oversight in the industry that is responsible for bringing in the largest amountofrevenue.

Delving into this year's allocation for the Ministry of Natural Resources- the agencyresponsiblefortheoil and gas sector- this newspaper found that a programme that commenced under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition is slated to continue.

The objective of the 'Oil andGasSectorDevelopment Programme' is to, among other things, enhance the legal and institutional framework for management and oversight of the local oil andgassector

It is being funded by a loan from the International Development Association

– a confluence of circumstances

By GHK Lall

Guyana's fifth oil project, Uaru, could turn out tobeakiller Idon'tseehow it can't be, when the local environment is considered, andthenowsettledculturein which Exxon operates is studied,andthenatureofthe main people that the company deals with at arm's length.

There is a 3178-page Environmental Impact Assessment, which I have. It has an extensive table on page 98 that is titled EIS-8: Summary of Residual Impact Significance Ratings, Residual Risk Ratings, and Cumulative Impact Priority Ratings, which is reproduced in part below

or conclusions. But I use them alongside the record of oil companies in weak countries, and Exxon's own torridhistoryofrisk-taking.

Innormalcircumstances, the ratings of “moderate” and “medium” would prompt a pause, some pondering. Butthetheaterin Guyana is anything but what couldbecalled“normal.”

Our relationship with Exxon, our inarguable reality,islopsided.Lopsided deal, one-sided partnership, and which blindsides Guyanese unceasingly There is a weak, likely c o m p r o m i s e d , n o w undeniably ineffective PPP Government standing as our oil stewards; leadership is frail and fearful The

i n s t i t u t i o n a l , t h e Environmental Protection Agency, embodying a watchdog that shrinks from growling, confronting, and lunging at the excesses and abuses of Exxon. Guyana's EPAhasbuiltadoghousefor itself, and locked itself safely inside. Considerable assistance was rendered by the PPP Government to ensure this impotent condition. Welivewith,and Exxon prospers from, an absence of any degree of constant,robustscrutiny

This is the Guyana's side of Exxon's bargain, through what is this perfect confluence of local c i r c u m s t a n c e s , a r r a n g e m e n t s , a n d developments, and it is

restraining margins of operation, no maritime borders that it cannot cross no tides that stand against or swirlarounditssprinter'srun for numerous finish lines. Oneisprofits.

Another is speed. Still another is corporate thrift, viz.,costminimization. One more is squeezing the clock to extract the most out of every working minute Under Exxon's aggressive regime, 24/7 is turned on its head,torntoshreds. Timeis tight, with no speed limits, like the outer lane on the Germanautobahn.

A s i f i n u n h o l y acquiescence,andshameless confirmation, Guyana's PresidentAliwenttoIndiato remind all of the swiftness thatGuyanaproducesoil.

the catastrophic failures at the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil rig in the Macondo prospect. Matters reduced to this: cut corners to earn, and deep burns result Or, to employ presidential verbal coinage: step on the accelerator Just ensure that a defibrillator is around.

(IDA) - an international financial institution which offersconcessionalloansand grants to the world's poorest developingcountries.

This project does not directly cater to developing capacity to monitor the offshore operations and conductaudits.

In the meantime, Norton said billions have been allocated to other sectors, while a major priority area hasbeenleftwithnofunding.

This year, a whopping $136.1 billion has been set aside for the development of roads and bridges in the country Last year, government spent $95 7 billioninthisarea.

T h e M i n i s t r y o f Education is poised to receive$94.4billionthisyear while $54.4 billion has been allocated to the Housing sector Another$84.9million is budgeted for the Ministry of Health Notably, Government has also set aside US$43.3 billion this year for its Gas-to-Energy projectaswell.

Note that these resource areas were self-selected, meaning handpicked, to highlightafewpoints. Iwill not question methodology,

attitudes and actions of national leadership are hands-off and highly helpful to Exxon's interests. We have our most crucial

fabulouslyrichforExxon.

In terms of an operating environment, Exxon has an ocean as its unlimited playground. Exxon has no

That is worrying. Too many wells are clustered too tightly, with Guyana having no say We could be in for a seismic shock beside the normal ones. The concentration of Exxon's network of wells may be unprecedented, and unequalled, anywhere in oil exploration and production realms. Regarding costs and the compression of the clock into the unrecognizable, I recommend that Guyanese reacquaint themselves with

Presently, we have this all but officially approved, and publicly announced, fifth oil project, Uaru. The EIA has informed that mitigating measures are in place to minimize risks. Yet we have had repeated gas compressor failures, excessive flaring, and a reported single barrel oil spill,stillanationalmystery In sum, we don't know what wedon'tknow Exxonisnot famous for precautions, or confessions, when disaster strikes.

TheExxonValdezoffers raw testimony. Otto Harrison, Exxon's man in Alaska told the Coast Guard Commander sent by George W. Bush and John Sununu that “This is going all the way to the White House” when he didn't get his way The White House recalled Commander Yost. Captain Joseph Hazelwood never was penalized, and Exxon

exhausted the American court system, to drain damagesoriginallyawarded.

Given our government, institutions, and Exxon's unchecked freedoms, its risk-taking readiness, its corner cutting (to profit slyly), I have news for Guyanese Moderate and medium risks/impacts have sharper, more alarming complexions when Exxon is the operator, and offshore Guyana is the playing field. Because moderate and medium, with Exxon piloting the way forward, has the great probability of seamlessly extending into high risk and impact for Guyana. We could be in for trouble, and not of the moderateormediumvariety, given Exxon's predilection for cheapness, risk-taking. It is a perfect confluence of circumstances.

Opposition

GHK Lall

AN ACCOUNTANT’S RATHER THAN AN ECONOMIST’S BUDGET

A Budget is a one-year financial programme of the government It provides projections of estimates of expenditure – what the governmentintendstospend – and it revenues – what it intendstocollect.

H o w e v e r , a n d notwithstanding that the Budget is a one-year programme of the government, it should be informed by a larger vision ofthegovernment.Itshould be anchored in the government’s national developmentstrategyand,at least,inamediumtermfiscal plan Regrettably, the government does NOT have a national development strategy The Low Carbon Development Strategy is an environmental strategy, and to borrow a term on which the President is now hooked on, it does not represent an economic“ecosystem”.

The Minister of Finance in his Budget Speech spoke aboutthevisionoftheLCDS becomingareality Andwhat was this vision which became a reality? It was pointedoutthatduring2022, 33.5 million carbon credits were issued and the agreementforthesameof37 millioncarboncredits.There was little mention in the Budget Speech as to how, apart from revenue flows from the sale of carbon credits, the LCDS informs the economic programmes for 2023 The LCDS is essentially therefore a financing mechanism and not a national development strategy

As such, there is overarching or underlying

economic strategy which shouldguidethepreparation of the Budget. What the governmenthasbeentabling since2020isanaccountant’s Budget rather than an economist’s Budget No wonder the Budget Speech andthepublicrelationsblitz which followed it were dominated by figures about thetotalspendingwhichwill take place in the various sectors. We have heard, for example, about $2B allocated for establishing a regionalfoodhub,hinterland agriculture and harnessing technologyinagriculture.

We have heard about G4B to be injected this year into GUYSUCO The corporation is now on the brink of collapse. We have heard about $300M for rice production and productivity, Wehaveheardabout$19.7B for drainage and irrigation, two years after the expenditure on drainage could not prevent the disastrous floods of 2021. Wehavebeentoldthat$584. 2Mwillbeallocatedtosmall businessdevelopment.

Theeducationsectorwill receive $94 4B in 2023; sport, youth and culture will receive more than $4B. The health sector will receive some$84.9B;almost$150B has been allocated for transport infrastructure and sea defence. It is all a numbers game. But how were these numbers determined?This is where a medium-term fiscal plan assumesgreaterimportance. What the country needs is a medium-term fiscal framework and a mediumterm fiscal plan to guide the

government’s annual spending and revenue plans. But the 2023 Budget is not linked to any such f r a m e w o r k T h e InternationalMonetaryFund had emphasised the importance of such a framework to anchor fiscal policy Inits2022Article1v Consultationreport,theIMF had recommended that Budgets be set within a m e d i u m - t e r m macroeconomicframework.

The Inter-American Development Bank has offered similar advice. A June 2018, Policy Brief had underscored that the magnitude of the country’s oil revenues not be understated and that work should commenceon a rulebasedfiscalframework.The Natural Resource Fund with its formula for withdrawals represented a start in this direction. That policy paper made some damaging assessmentswhichweretrue then as they are now. Referencing IMF and IDB sources dating back to the Jagdeopresidency,thereport noted that the existing medium-term framework was weak and NOT correlated to strategic goals. In terms of the Budgetary process, the report observed that there was limited monitoring of budget execution, “evaluations of impacts are rare, and contingent liabilities are not explicitlyaccounted”for

The 2023 Budget therefore has been framed outsideofanymedium-term fiscal framework and is not linked to any national development strategy since

Int'l firms bid almost...

Frompage3 attendantministries,withthe aim of enhancing the country's core capacity to review, authorize, oversee, and report on the implementationofFDPs.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the assignment is expected to include a detailed assessment of the Uaru concept selection process and Field Development Plan; FDP management, oversight, monitoring and reporting; a detailed assessment of the Environmental and Social

Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Proposed Uaru FDP; and ESIA management, oversight, monitoring and reporting.

In its project summary that was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this year, ExxonMobil subsidiary,EssoExploration and Production Guyana Limited (EPPGL) which operates the Stabroek concession said, the Uaru Projectwillbelocatedinthe eastern portion of the block, approximately 200 km from Georgetown and amid

previousStabroekProjects.

Current plans include drilling via drill ships to p r o d u c e o i l f r o m approximately 40-76 wells. Production is expected to begin between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the secondquarterof2027,with an expected field life of at least20years.

Further,theMinistrywas keentonotethataconsultant will be selected in accordance with the

“Quality-And-Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method set out in the procurement Regulations.

thereisnone.TheBudgetisa hodgepodge of measures manyofwhichcontradictthe government’s stated objectives. For example, the government had promised 50,000jobswhichweretold would include thousands of jobs created by the housing drive.Yet the government is now moving to create thousands of part-time jobsanunsustainablemeasure.

An examination of the

Budgetestimateswouldalso reveal another major shortcoming of the Budget. The economy simply does not have the capacity to absorb the massive capital expenditure which is being projected for 2023, and continued expansion of current expenditure will be inflationary The absence of a medium-term economic framework and a mediumterm, rules-based fiscal

framework will result, inevitably, in the misallocation of resources. But that is nothing novel whenitcomestoGuyana!

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

DEATH OF AN INDIAN FAMILY SHOULD CIVILIZE GUYANESE

Canadian police found the Patel family of fourhusband, Jagdish 39; wife Vaishaliben; 37; daughter, Vihangi,11 and son, Dharmik, 3 - huddled together,frozen,inanempty field on 19 January in ManitobainCanada.

Theydiedliterallyyards away from the US border whichwastheirdestination. We here in Guyana who have never travelled to Alaska,Russia,Scandinavia

and Canada do not have an imagination of what a cold climate is. This country can have non-stop rain for an entire day, with high winds and a cold temperature but yet on that very day, if you go on the Eve Leary beach, you will see lots of folks dressedintropicalwear You willseepeoplewithT-shirts andshort-trousers.

The scientific fact about Guyana is that given where geography placed it, the country may never have

weather at 20 degrees Celsius (C); we are always in the day time between 27 and31degreesCelsius.Ona cold day, we may drop between 25°C and 26°C. I live alongside the Atlantic where on a rainy, cold night we may descend to 24°C. My bedroom faces the Atlanticyetwhenitis24°C, I go to bed with a T-shirt. Our weather in Georgetown does not necessitate bulky clothesevenonacoldday

Now imagine what 35 degrees Celsius below freezing is. That was the kind of weather the Patel familywalkedinandindeep snow I always tell people when we talk about Canada

beingcold…aboutahorrible experience my wife and I had in Canada. It was Old Year’s Night and we were going from downtown Toronto to North York to visit my wife’s brother In the subway, we were freezing. It was below 40 degrees Celsius below freezing. Even in the train, therewasnorelief.Wecame off and caught another train headingbacktoToronto.

The Patel family contacted backtrack con artists in Gujarat to take them through Canada to the US. They perished in what theBBCwrotewas“aworld away from home.” The cruel death of the Patel family made headlines acrosstheglobe.Ilookedat the family photograph and tearscametomyeyes.

I hate, and I repeat, hate any Guyanese that does not want refugees to come to this country I find any Guyanese that says too many foreigners coming to Guyana and Guyana must stop them as despicable

humans. I grew up in dirt poverty in Wortmanville. I went hungry many days. You try tokillthepangsofhungerby raidingthefruitstreesinthe neighbourhood I know what it is to want to live beyond existence. I know whatitistodreamofabetter life Deep down in my psyche, there is no other human I can easily identify withthanarefugee.Itisthus ahorriblehumanthatwould refuse people coming to Guyanaforabetterlife.The Patel family left Gujarat because they wanted to provide for those two children.Iknowwhatitisto wanttogiveachildalovely, enjoyablelife.Mychildwas once 11 years like the 11year-old Patel daughter I wantedtogivehertheworld.

I remembered there were a Pocahontas cup, plate and towel that my small daughter wanted because she saw it on television. I looked at every conceivable placeinGeorgetowntofind thosethings.

I kept asking parents at schooliftheyknewwhereto findit.Ilocateditinaplace where no human in Guyana would have looked at – the giftshopintheMedicalArts Centre Hospital on Thomas Street. I don’t know if that shopstillexistsbecausethat was a long time ago. You maynowfindthelinebelow an exaggeration but I swear it is not. The Patel 11-yearoldgirlthatperishedlooked just like my daughter when she was at that age. Last week in the US, a man was charged with beheading his wife. She was illegal in the US She traveled from NicaraguatoUSforabetter life. She married a drug addictsoshecanbelegalin theUS.Thedreamdiedina pool of blood. To think that Guyanese (my God, Guyanese of all people!) could want to deny people fromcomingtothiscountry for a better life is beyond words. This nationality that goes by the name of Guyanese is an unfit species Marx is dead Gandhi is dead Martin Luther King is dead, Mandela is dead Gorbachev is dead. And I am not feeling too well myself.

(Theviewsexpressedin this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

FrederickKissoon

'Secrecy of contracts continues to endanger Guyana's pockets'

Ha r m f u l provisions in G u y a n a ' s

P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g

Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil and partners, is one of the key reasons why stakeholders have increased their call for the disclosure of the resource contracts Guyana governments have been signing with foreign companies.

TheExxonoilagreement, which was revealed through public pressure, highlighted s e v e r a l f a v o u r a b l e exemptions and allowances that caused Guyana to sacrifice billions of US dollars to allow the Exxon

consortium to work here. Former Presidential advisor Ramon Gaskin believes that Guyana is heading for more danger if the resources are continued to be handled in a casualmanner

Heindicatedthatwiththe exposureprovidedtoGuyana through its world class oil finds, and the government's drive to sell the country as a major business investment destination, “we are headed for more danger if we continue to treat our resourcesinthismanner.”

Gaskin, a transparency advocate, economist indicated that the current politicians seem not to be

- Former PresidentialAdvisor

l earning from experiences as they fail to insulate the country from the clutches of potentially harmful corporations. “Do you know thatOmaiworkedherefor10 years and never declared a profit, ” the advisor questioned He explained that when the foreign gold company worked in Guyana, having commenced in the early 90s and leaving in mid 2000s, it continuously declared losses allowing them to not pay their rightful

US$20M budgeted to strengthen river, river sea defences

taxes to the country He said having perused the gold company's finances, he found that the parent company converted the investment into a loan and charged high interest rates. “Normally you are supposed tomakeaprofit,declareyour dividendandpayitover That didn't happen, they took the money with this investment andconverteditintoaloanat ahighinterestrate…andthat interest killed the company profits ” He said the company used the loan to declare losses every year despite mining 300,000 ounces of gold per annum, except for the year it experienced a chemical spill, and for which, Guyana was nevercompensated.

lower profits and less money forGuyana.

Rip-rap sea defence in the Mahaicony area.

Gaskin opined that Guyana was lucky to have been exposed to the 2016 Exxon contract to actually s e e t h e s t a r t l i n g compromises. For example, he asked, “How is it that the biggestcompanyintheworld does not pay taxes but an ordinary Guyanese worker, a teacher, a nurse, a police inspector got to pay taxes making $150,000, $200,000 amonth?”

These are some of the unfortunate situations Guyana faces with its resources, Gaskin said ThesearemattersthattheTax Commissioner and other relevant state offices should be looking into, but since no information exists, Gaskin said it's hard to say what is happening He said the Parliamentary Opposition is not doing enough to confront the government on these types of issues. He opined that the tactics they are employing “just ain't mekking it.” In other cases, theadvisorsaidprofessionals who understand what is goingonarenotspeakingout because they are closely aligned with the governing party

River and sea defence this year will be further strengthened as the Government allocated in its National Budget, a total of $4.9 billion (US$20M) to repair and maintain those areas.

This is according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh who presented this year's budget on Monday in the National Assembly Thebudgetwhich is deemed the largest ever is setat$781.9billion.

During his presentation, Minister Singh told the Assembly that to ensure that coastalandriverainresidents and farmers are protected from the threats of climate change, the Government has already undertaken several interventions comprising the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of sea and river defence structures acrossvariousareas.

Heexplainedthatseveral

geotextile

groynes at Anna Regina, Devonshire Castle, Reliance and Non Pariel were constructed, along with the planting of mangroveseedlings.

“Mr Speaker,in2022,an amount of $5.5 billion was e x p e n d e d o n t h e construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of sea and river defence structures at areas, including La Resource/Maria's Delight, Leguan, Good Success/New Hope, Bygeval, Bengal, and Glasgow,”henoted.

Kaieteur News had reported in December that a $339 million contract was awarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board office to construct a rip-rap sea defence at Mahaicony between Essex andConcord.

It was reported that the contractor is contracted to construct 350 meters of riprap sea defence at Mahaicony between Essex andConcord.

This publication was informed that it would be an elaborate rip-rap structure which would have berm (the flat strip of land bordering a riverorcanal).

During a visit to the area in November, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill had announced that works will continue aggressively since the area is being threatened by the sea, especially with the increasinghightides.

He said that sea defence is an expensive venture, but his Ministry is committed to facilitatinginterventions.

In the 2023 budget however, an amount of $4.9 billion has been allocated towards the protection and preservation of the country's seaandriverdefences.

To this end, rip-rap sea defence structures will be undertaken in areas, includingAbramsZuil,Anna Catherina, Zeeburg, Better Hope, Belvedere, Joppa, Eversham and Speightland, theMinisterlisted.

Guyanaislosingmillions of US dollars because it agreedtopaycertaintaxeson behalf of the oil companies. The PSA revealed among other things that Exxon can recover interest on loans and there is no cap to the amount that could be reclaimed as cost oil. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned Guyana to close the loophole as it could lead to abuse by the oil companies who would finance their projectsagainstloansinstead of money from their pockets. These uncapped loans and interest repayment lead to

The Government was pressed since last year to make contracts public; those that were signed with foreign companies. Guyana's third Extractive Industries Transparency (EITI) report in 2022 asked government to make the mining contracts public, but they have not. Since becoming a member of the global body, the report said that the Government agreed to adhere to several requirements including EITI requirement 2.4 (a) of the 2019 Standard which states that Guyana should publicly disclose all mineral agreements entered into force prior to the reporting p e r i o d W h i l e t h e administration is aware of this requirement, it remains unfulfilled.

Vice President Jagdeo was asked repeatedly about the contracts at press conferences last year At one point, he said the resource contracts did not lie with the

President's office and directed reporters to engage relevant agencies such as the Natural Resource Ministry, the Guyana Revenue A u t h o r i t y a n d t h e C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information; none of whom haveprovidedinformationso far.

During Kaieteur News' publisher, 'The Glenn Lall Show', last September, the VP undertook to finding out where the contracts were and why GRA was so “cagey” about releasing the documents. He said, “I don't think these agreements should be secret Right, because the concessions are standard ” “I will undertake that anything that is non-propriety that you get it released. I will personally now see that this happen,” Jagdeo said Yesterday, President Irfaan Ali said that he would explore if it is possible. He said that his government is transparent but it “…does not mean that there is no confidentiality in anything.WhatIamsayingis the contracts in the mining sector and those contracts that exist that you want to be released and those are things that the sector has to

tube

Former Presidential Advisor and Economist Ramon Gaskin

Man wanted for selling motorcycle and then reporting it stolen

Georgetown police are looking for an Albouystown man who sold his motorcycle during the Christmas holidays last year and then reported it stolen for the new year

Themanbeingaccusedof making a false report was identified as Randy Smart. Smart is no stranger to the law and was among two persons remanded to prison in April 2020 for allegedly robbing a man of his cellphone.

It is unclear if Smart was ever convicted for that crime but a man who was unaware of his rap sheet agreed to purchase a motorcycle from him on December 23, last. The man told Kaieteur News that he paid $220,000 for the bike and had even signed a legal sales agreement with Smart in the presence of a JusticeofPeace(JP).

A few weeks later, on January 4, 2023, while scrolling through Facebook, the man learnt from a post made by an online media house that the motorbike he had purchased was a stolen one. Believing that the bike was indeed stolen, he rode it down to a police station that

same day and lodged it there.

He assured ranks that he was not the thief and his story made the headlines Kaieteur News had reported, “Man scrolls through Facebook to discover he boughtstolenbike”butitwas later found out that the bike wasneverstolen.

In fact, there is no record of an official report made to police that the bike was a stolen one However, investigators found out that Smart's girlfriend had contacted the online media house and told them that the bike was stolen from their home inAlbouystown.Afew days later, she reportedly contacted the buyer (victim) and told him that her boyfriend, Smart, was arrested at the Diamond Police Station, East Bank Demerara,forthestolenbike.

“She tell me that Smart didn't know the bike was stolen whenhesellmeitandnowhe get lock-up at the Diamond PoliceStationandhowImust ride the bike up there and lodge it there,” the victim said.

Realising that they might be trying to set him up, the victimhungupandcalledthe

Diamond Police Station only to find out from the ranks there if they had a Randy Smartincustody

“Thepolicesehthemain't gotnobodyincustodybythat a name so I called her back and asked her wa name he really gave the police at Diamond and she she, Kevin Smith”continuedthevictim.

The man then reportedly informedherthathewilltake the bike to the Brickdam Police Station and they can come there and uplift. He

recalled that the woman kept insisting that he take the bike to Diamond and reportedly said that he will be refunded the money he paid for it as soon as he arrive at the station.

The victim refused and maintained that he will lodge the motorcycle at Brickdam. It appears the Smart and his girlfriend later found out that the victim had already taken the bike to the Brickdam Police Station and have stopped calling him since

then. He believes that Smart probably wanted to rob him twice, first by selling him the bike for cash and then concocting a story that it was stolen so they can lure him to the East Bank and perhaps violently robbing him of the

motorcycle. The bike in question is presently lodged at the Brickdam Police Station and police ranks are hunting Smart. Anyone, who knowswhereheis,isaskedto contact the nearest police station.

Local shipping companyJohn Fernandes Limited has secured a US$4M corporate loan from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) to purchase a new mobile handlinecrane-aimedatincreasing its capacity to handle international cargo at its port facilities operated here.

The loan was facilitated through IDB's private sector armIDB Invest. The entity finances projects to advance clean energy, modernize agriculture, strengthen transportation systems and expand accesstofinancing.

IDB Invest is owned by its 47 member countries, 26 of which are in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Each country's voting power is proportional to the number of IDB Invest shares it holds.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance, the IDB noted that currently, all port operations in Guyana rely on crane vessels for loading and discharging containers and that thesearelessefficientandhaveless cargo handling capacity than an

MHC As such, with the incorporation of the MHC, JFL would be able to service gearless vessels that can carry a substantially greater amount of cargo and do so more efficiently duetotheMHC'sabilitytoloadand discharge containers at a higher rate.

According to the IDB, the transaction will not only support increased cargo handling capacity from the current 33 thousand twenty-foot equivalent unit (“TEUs”) containers per year to 100 thousand TEUs per year in 2032 but also improve the port infrastructure in Guyana and contribute to timely and efficient handling of rising international commerceinthecountry

ChiefExecutiveOfficerofJohn Fernandes Philip Fernandes and other team members including Mr Michael Xavier, Legal Officer and Mr Suresh Singh, Senior Accountant were present at the signingceremonyfortheloan.Last month, during his year-end inspection of GRA's operations at wharves, Minister Singh had highlighted that clearance of

consignments would further be improved with the addition of two mobile cranes to be operated by John Fernandes Limited and Muneshwers.

“These pieces of equipment will form part of the further modernization of operations at the wharves,”Dr Singhhadsaidthen.

Meanwhile, during remarks at the ceremony, Dr Singh expressed his appreciation to IDB-Invest for showing commitment in investing in this private sector project which not only allows for development of port facilities generally in the country but is also a sign that the financial institution is showing

serious interest in quickly and aggressively assisting in Guyana's development in more ways than one. He recalled that it was the same institution that only in October signed a similar loan agreement of the same cost with Muneshwers Limited for the procurementof Guyana's first mobile crane. He therefore commended both John Fernandes'ChiefExecutiveOfficer (CEO) Mr. Philip Fernandes and the IDB Group's Country Representative, Guyana (Acting) Lorena Solorzano Salazar for the fast pace at which the agreement wasfinalized.

Attending the signing ceremony were Ms Lorena Solorzano Salazar IDB Group Country Representative, Guyana (Acting) along with other team members including Mr Robert Le Hunte, Executive Director for The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago IDB Group, Ms Jaiwattie Anganu Ramroop, Alternate Executive Director and Mr JamesScrivenChiefExecutive OfficerofIDBInvest.

John Fernandes Limited has secured a US$4M corporate loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to purchase a new mobile handline crane.

The bike that was sold and then reported stolen

A recent photo taken of Smart.

A photo of Randy Smart when he was charged for robbing a man of his cellphone

Jumbo Jet hands over brand new Sinotruk heavy-duty dump trucks to Kris Jagdeo Contracting

Chinese power house, China National Heavy Duty TruckGroupwhichis100% responsible for Sinotruk has now entered into a franchise deal with local magnate Nasrudeen Mohamed and JumboJetAutoSales.

The first shipment of 8 x 4 twin-steers and 6 X 6 HOWO heavy-duty dump trucks were convoyed to J u m b o J e t ' s O g l e Showroom. Contractors and interested persons can view and discuss financing possibilities, after sales service and maintenance,

Jumbo Jet said in a press releaseonWednesday According to the company, Guyanese contractor, Kris Jagdeo and twoofhisdriverswasamong the selected few to receive keys from the first batch of units which arrived in GuyanaonJanuary1st2023.

Kris Jagdeo Contracting is responsible for multiple constructionprojectsandhas developed a dire need for largequantitiesofaggregate.

Jumbo Jet said that the units have been tested and proven to be the ideal choice for

durabilityandfuelefficiency allowing the owner to enjoy at least eight years usage t h r o u g h t h o r o u g h preventativemaintenance.

“Sinotruk and Jumbo Jet Auto sales pay attention to maintaining and developing the long-term relationships with customers. Kris Jagdeo hasbeenaloyalcustomerfor the past 20 years and continues to pledge support and business to the Jumbo Jet family,” the company addedintherelease.

Meanwhile,Jagdeois (Continued on page 16)

$2B budgeted to assist GRA with baggage processing, other improvements

Th e G u y a n a R e v e n u e

Authority (GRA) has been allocated an additional $2B dollars from this year's budget to help bolsteritsoperation.

On Monday, the Minister within the Office of the P r e s i d e n t w i t h Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh divulged that the funds will facilitate the non-intrusive cargo examination capability, and baggage scanners procured fortheMolesonCreek,Ogle, andotherportsofentry

Dr Singh noted that this willfacilitatetheexpeditious processing of passengers' baggage and cargo at these twolocations.

Without specifying, the Finance Minister noted that for these and other interventions, $1 3B was spent in 2022. He noted that $2B has been allocated in 2023tofurtherassistwiththe improvements.Inadditionto this, the Minister with responsibility for Finance noted that GRA commenced the construction of a modern functional office space for Licensing Operations at Princess and Smyth Streets

andtheconstructionofanew bondatEccles.

He said these are both expected to be completed in 2023 In regard to the construction, he said work also began for a new branch OfficeatOnverwagtandwill soon begin for a new Branch office at Mabaruma as well as the remodeling of existing Branch Offices at Anna ReginaandBartica.

transactions, the Finance Minister said the design of the Electronic Single Window (ESW) for trade transactions was completed and integration with ASYCUDAhas commenced and is expected to go live by theendoftheyear

“A new office is earmarked for Mahdia during 2023, thereby providing relief to the hinterland regions. All of these will better serve the taxpayingpublic.Issuanceof Provisional Driver's Licence at the Branches commenced in 2022 and this service is being expanded to all branches countrywide Internationaldrivers'permits are also now issued at all of GRA's regional branches,” Dr Singhexplained.

In order to facilitate easier customs and trade

Additionally, he noted this will be supported by drafting and review of the legislative framework for implementation 2023 of the Harmonized Tariff 2022. Dr Singh disclosed that “The adoption of Harmonised System (HS) 2022 will replace HS 2017 and will facilitateharmonizationwith regional and international n o m e n c l a t u r e a n d procedures ” The Finance Minister said further that the Government will continue to support the GRA in its mandate to ensure that tax laws are administered in a fair and transparent manner “...Its pursuit of a simplified tax system so that there is a level playing field for all taxpayers; citizens and businesses alike are on an equal footing with no one being unduly privileged or disadvantaged,” Dr Singh asserted.

SmallIslandDevelopingStatesaccelerateactiontotacklebiggestkillers

The Government of Barbados, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization are holding a high-level technical meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health with Small Island DevelopingStates(SIDS).

The discussion focusses on progress, challenges, and opportunities to scale up multi-sector actions on NCDs and mental health and to set out recommendations to scale up actions that save and improve lives. For this occasion, WHO has released a data portal on NCDs in SIDS highlighting some of the highest prevalence rates of NCD and mental health risks in the world. The data shows that over half of the people in SIDS are dying prematurely from NCDs and the rate of hypertension is over 30% in almost all of the countries.

Ten of the countries with the highest rates of obesity worldwide are small island states The highest prevalence of diabetes among adults in the world is also projected to be in SIDS.

Rates of mental health conditions reach as high as 15%intheCaribbeanandthe Pacific.

“Countries are facing multiple overlapping crises. The climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with poverty, unemployment, inequality and the marginalisation of minority communities are fuelling an increase in noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, DirectorGeneral of WHO “To address these challenges, we need to hear from affected communities about the challenges they face and the solutionsthatworkindiverse settings. We look forward to working with SIDS to achieve ambitious outcomes onNCDsandmentalhealth.”

SIDS countries are disproportionately exposed to the impact of the climate crisis on both physical and mentalhealth.

The high prevalence of riskfactorsforNCDssuchas tobacco use, low physical activity, unhealthy diet and obesity, coupled with weak

integration of NCDs and mental health services in Primary Health Care (PHC) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), left populations vulnerable to becoming severely ill with COVID-19 This placed further pressure on already strained health systems Progress and investment in NCDpreventionandcontrol, as well as mental health promotion and care, remain inadequate “SIDS have a history of dealing with outsized challenges, shaping solutions and influencing the world agenda to advance development,” said the Minister of Health and Wellness of Barbados, the Honourable Dr Jerome Walcott. “We have identified the issues and drivers, while committing to action, mobilizing resources, and collaborating with nontraditionalpartners.

We must critically examine the initiatives that address NCDs and that have the potential to positively impact and improve the health and well-being of our citizens.”At the high-level meeting, countries have

i d e n t i f i e d k e y recommendations to scale up action on NCDs and mental health to achieve the SDG targetofaonethirdreduction in premature mortality from NCDs and suicide before 2030.The recommendations include concrete actions to accelerate collaboration for the early detection, prevention and management of NCDs and mental health conditions across SIDS; strengthening health systems in the face of the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic; promoting health and preventing NCDs with a focus on tackling obesity; providing adequate, sustainable resources (financial and human) for NCDsandmentalhealth;and strengthening information systemsforhealth.

These recommendations will also inform the outcome document to the Ministerial MeetinginJune2023.

The meeting also heard that SIDS are at the forefront of rolling out low-cost, highimpact solutions to reduce themostcommonriskfactors of NCDs and mental health. Examples of successful

prevention and treatment interventions in SIDS countries include the use of health taxation; including health into climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts; campaigns on physical and mental health and wellbeing; expanding treatment coverage for NCD and mental health as a part of the national UHC effort; and maintainingNCDandmental health services during health emergencies.

The meeting also provided a platform to address commercial drivers of NCDs. Trade agreements and policies, through their influences on price, availabilityandpromotionof foodproducts,cigarettes,and alcohol, have accelerated the transition away from traditional diets and nutrition. This process has contributed to the alarmingly high levels of obesity, food insecurityandNCDsinSIDS countries.

People living with NCDs and mental health conditions in several SIDS countries shared their experiences Healthcare professionals, civil society representatives,

academics and development partners also joined the meeting.

“Achieving UHC and building climate-resilient societies will be critical in tackling the risk factors of NCDs and mental health, as well as ensuring people living with these conditions can access the treatment and support they need,” said Dr BenteMikkelsen.

“Based on the outcomes of this meeting, the forthcoming Ministerial MeetinginJune2023willset out an ambitious agenda to accelerate the capacity of SIDS countries to deliver life-saving NCD and mental health outcomes and to provide the global leadership for the NCDs and mental healthagenda.”

This agenda will also inform and contribute to preparations for the HighLevel Meeting of the UN General Assembly on UHC in 2023, the Fourth HighLevel Meeting of the UN General Assembly on NCDs to be held in 2025 and future global health summits on mental health and climate change.

Contractor Kris Jagdeo received keys to three of Sinotruk branded heavy-duty dump trucks from Jumbo Jet Auto Sales on Wednesday

WANTED

Driver, Salesman & Porters to work in warehouse. Must have experience, attractive salary offered. Call: 6964444.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wanted: Experienced Supervisor, Cashier, Counter Person , Cooks and Labourer. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts. Two able-bodied Porters needed to work in grocery store, $4000 per day six days a week. Call: 223-9677/ 677-3406.

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

Driver and Expediter Security required. Call: 2235273/ 223-5274.

Welders and Security required. Call: 687-5814/ 688-0417.

Dump Truck Driver required. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

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

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

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

WANTED

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

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

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

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

VACANCY

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

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

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

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

VACANCY

Start a career in the hotel industry! One General Worker needed at Guesthouse in Land Of Canaan. Call: 6680306/ 676-0506.

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

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

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

Domestic violence, sexual harassment ...

From page 6 social worker attached to the government said it’s difficult for persons who are abused to get representation when they refuse to openly bring their perpetrators to justice. Now how does an abused victim publicly stand up among strangers to talk about abuse.

Who comes up with the ideas that confrontations at stations are the only way to bring relief, whatever happened to covert investigations?

Our society is too small to endure so much, our women have progressed from the traditional roles of homemakers and are now embarking on being leaders and household heads, the draconian ideologies that they are worthless or that their words have to be justified via confrontations on order for justice to prevail is wrong on so many levels.

who when taking a report offers no amount of privacy in a crowd-filled station.

Some families even force their abused family members to stay because of the societal stigma that would be attached when they leave. This in itself is painful. Guyana is moving forward in terms of technology and economic development, the echos of “One Guyana” fill the air. I think however we think of it as a country of diverse ethnicities uniting, I’d like to suggest that one includes women too - Make us feel included.

FOR SALE

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

Six Black & Tan German Shepherd pups, fully vaccinated. Tel# 650-9998/ 6260953.

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

Ton and a half - Dragline hammer, steel Traylor 16ft, 2ft, 8ft. CAT 215 excavator parts. Call: 275-0367/ 6837225.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Western Union CSR'S required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street. Call: 609-2995. Email: survival.humanresources@ gmail.com

Supermarket AM & PM Sales Representative required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street. Call: 609-2995, Email: survival.humanresources @gmail.com

Most women who are abused will never want to speak out openly because of their “Stockholm syndrome”, most won’t speak out because to discuss abuse especially if it’s sexual, will make them feel ashamed especially if it is to strangers or law enforcement

Men, stand up for us! Madam First Lady, please intervene, many headlines have plagued the media with abuse and harassment of our women: our procreators, the backbone of our nation and the moulders and first teachers of our children. Please I ask of you to intervene, to the minister responsible for social protection, I know you’ve been doing your part to stamp out do mestic violence among our population. However, please I ask you to extend it to the workplace, to every office, to every bar, to every factory to every institution. Please intervene.

FOR RENT

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

12 self-contained rooms, 2 bedrooms bottom flat, 8000 sq ft and 900 sq ft for business. Call Ray's Realty: 6279685.

And to the authorities that be, listen to your women, hear their cries, do not for the sake of saving face conceal and protect the monsters within your body, for the parents, the relatives, the friends do not be afraid to speak out against the abuse you see inflicted on your loved ones.

Together, we can achieve greatness, oneness, together we can protect our women from the hands of abusers and predators: both at home and those who dress with suits and ties.

Yours respectfully, A woman dying to see change

EDUCATION

CSEC online maths classes are provided by qualified Teacher for January 2024 exams $10,000 monthly. Call: 603-9085

First Aid/ CPR/ AED: Home Nursing courses and First Aid Refresher course starting soon. Call St.John Association:225-9082 or email: stjohnguyana@yahoo.com

ACCOMMODATIONS

Aracari hotel located at WBD (Versailles, Vreed-enHoop)- A/C, all amenities and breakfast included, from $63 US. Call: 264-29469.

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

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

Room Attendant and Receptionist needed at 233 South Road Lacytown, ages 25-50. Call: 225-0198.

One live-in Housekeeper to work in Providence. Call: 680-3678.

Experienced Accounts Clerk required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street. Call: 609-2995, Email: survival.humanresources @gmail.com

Vacancy Exists For two Experienced Dispatcher At Confidential Cabs. Call: 6951961 /231-5784.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One CRV Honda, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage $3.3M negotiable. Contact:649-0956.

From page 15 quoted in the release as saying: “As contractors, we cannot afford downtime due to issues with equipment.

When Jumbo Jet announced that the option was available to purchase new trucks and equipment we jumped at the offer.

ENTERTAINMENT

SERVICES

Visa Application: Canada and UK & U.S.A. Graphics design & advertisements. Wedding decorations & elderly grooming: hair, nail etc. Call: 626-7040.

Swimming pool, family fun, crystal clear pool, kids and adults sections at Aracari Resort, Call: 264-2946-9.

PEN PAL

Indian overseas male seeks female, age 35-40 and must be educated. Call: 602-9975.

As you all may know construction and road building requires a solid foundation and aggregate has to be laid down in stages or layers and once this is not done in a timely manner, it compromises the layers beneath. We are happy to be the first to receive these much need units and we can attest to the reliability of Jumbo Jet and by extension Mr. Mohamed and his team.”

Jumbo Jet hands over brand new...

'Even if it's quarter of a barrel or less, oil spill report must be made public'- Pres. Ali

Gu y a n a ' s Environmental

P r o t e c t i o n Agency (EPA) is yet to release a report on the one barrel oil spill reported by oil giant ExxonMobil since last September; but the Head-ofState's position is that details oneachsuchincidentmustbe madepublic.

President Irfaan Ali was at the time responding to a question from Kaieteur News on Monday at State House whenhesaidhewasunaware that the Government did not release a statement on the incident.

He explained, “As you said, it's one barrel, in an operation, the size of Exxon's, but I agree with you that even if it is quarter of a barrel, or less than a quarter of a barrel, whenever the investigation is done and whenever the report is done that elements of it can be madeavailable.”

But even as the public awaits word from the EPAon

the issue, President Ali said he will be looking into it as well.

Exxon in a statement to the media explained that a team on the Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel observed a sheen on thewaterinthevicinityofthe vesselonSeptember9,last.

According to the oil c o m p a n y , i n i t i a l investigations indicate that aboutonebarrelofcrudewas r e l e a s e d d u r i n g a maintenance activity on the vessel. Further, the activity was immediately halted and theleakwascutoff.

Exxon said, “Additional surveillance by helicopter confirmed that there was no sheen in the area; only a light sheen was perceptible approximately 20 km (13 miles) North West of the vessel By midday on September 10, a support vessel in the area confirmed nofurthersignofasheen.”

Executive Director of the

EPA, Mr Kemraj Parsram had confirmed that the regulatory body had received the report and were investigating. He explained that the EPA was still trying todeterminewhetherthespill was just limited to one barrel ofcrude.

Since the incident was reported, four months have already elapsed with no official update from

Bomb scare shuts down Bishops High School

government. Only last week thisnewspaperreachedoutto Parsram seeking information on the investigation but text messages were ignored and phone calls were not returned.

Meanwhile, Minister BharratonSeptember16told this publication that the EPA issued a press statement on the matter and that was 'Government's position '

WhentheMinisterwasasked to share a copy of that statement with this newspaper, he too never responded.

In the meantime, former head of the EPA, Dr Vincent Adams said this occurrence s h o w s h o w g r o s s l y underprepared Guyana is for petroleum production even asitembarksonanambitious campaign to speed up these operations.

In an invited comment, Dr Adams, a Petroleum Engineer explained that the agency's failure to make a pronouncement on the spill days later paints a gloomy pictureofwhatthenationcan expect should a spill of greater scale occur Nonetheless,hesaid,“It'snot about the size of a spill it's just the culture. It reflects on theconductofoperationsand the safety culture, and if you missonthesmallthingsthat's how you get all of these majorspillsanddisasters.All of them that we've had in the

world they occurred because of missing just simple things.”

When he was asked if he b e l i e v e s t h a t t h e investigations should have been completed by now, Dr Adams responded in the affirmative In fact, he argued,“Theverynextdayor as soon as possible, you have to send a team out there. It's of high urgency and to me, if it is what they say it is, it shouldn't be complicated so that shouldn't be taking any time…all it takes is a single day's visit on the FPSO. You conduct your interviews with all the employees and you make your assessment Based on what they tell you then you come up and confirm whether it's one barrelorwhetherit's100.”

The former EPA head believes that Guyana is in fact telling Exxon that it is not serious about oil spills and being accountable to the people by failing to provide itsownreport.

Suspect admits to stabbing North West teen with Guinness bottle

The suspect held in connection

Classes were cancelled at the Bishops' High School on Wednesday followingthreatsthatabomb wasplantedinthebuilding.

Theadministrationofthe school was forced to summon parents to collect their children from the s c h o o l l o c a t e d o n C a r m i c h a e l S t r e e t , Georgetown.

Students and staff had to beevacuatedfromtheschool around 09:00hrs after Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received a call that a bomb was planted in the building.

“The Fire Department

responded to a report received at 9:09 AM which alleged that a bomb was planted at the Bishop's High School” GFS Public Relations Officer Syline Griffith had told the press. Firefighters were sent to the scene immediately to assist with the evacuation and Kaieteur News understands that students were told that it was just an ordinary fire safety drill to prevent them frompanicking.

Classes were suspended forthedayandabombsquad was sent in to search the building but no explosives were found. It is believed

that it could have been another false report Nevertheless, investigations are ongoing. According to GFS,hourspriortothebomb scare, it had received a call that the school was on fire. Fire trucks and personnel were dispatched to the location around 22:15 hrs on Tuesday night but when they arrived,nofireorsmokewas seen in or around the building.

Last week the Christ Church Secondary School was destroyed by fire and i n v e s t i g a t o r s h a v e concluded that it was an act ofarson.

with the murder of 18-year-old RyanHenryofBaramita,North West, Region One has confessed that he stabbed the teen with a broken Guinness bottleduringanargument.

Kaieteur News had reported that Henry, a porter of Log Hill, Baramita died on Monday after he was taken to the hospital nursing a stab wound Information reaching Kaieteur News revealed that on Monday morning, ranks went to the suspect's home where he was asked to go to the Baramita Police Station

forquestioning. Kaieteur News understandsthat on the night of January 15, he was seen in the companyofHenry

While at the police station, investigators learned that he and the now deceased had an argument and he claimed that Henry punched him to his face and he (suspect) broke a Guinnessbottleandstabbedhimwithit.

This publication had reported that Henry was taken to the Baramita Health Centre on Monday morning with a stab wound to his abdomen. He died at 06:25h from the injuries received. Investigation into the fatal incident is ongoing.

President Irfaan Ali (Office of the President photo)

Students being evacuated from Bishops High School on Wednesday

Commander of Region One, Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh (left) alongside Henry's family and other officers of the Police Divisional in that region.

Matthew Nandu 50 as Gudakesh Motie XI dismisse

Imlach XI inside the first day - Motie grabs 3-8

Guyana Harpy Eagles’ com menced their second practice match between Gudakesh Motie XI and Tevin Imlach XI yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium (GNS), Providence. This will be the last of the two practice matches before the Harpy Eagles head off to Antigua for the first round of the Regional First-Class four day competition starting February 1.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles will play defending champions Barbados Pride in their first round match in Antigua

starting February 1. Meanwhile, at Providence, Imlach XI won the toss and chose to bat first. Chanderpaul Hemraj and Matthew Nandu opened the batting for Imlach XI, with both batters posting scores over forty. Hemraj got off to ‘a high flyer’ scoring 46 runs off 36 balls, hitting seven 4’s before he was out caught by Junior Sinclair, off the bowling of Nial Smith.

Imlach XI score at lunch were 97-3 with Johnson and Nandu still at the crease. The young left-hander, Nandu, registered an even half-cen-

tury in the first innings yesterday, making this his second half century of the two practice matches.

After the break Matthew Nandu and Leon Johnson looked to play themselves in. Unfortunately, Nandu got himself out trying to cut through the off-side, edging a delivery from Ronaldo Ali Mohamed into the hands of Ramnauth standing at fourthslip.

However, Aksahya Persaud joined Johnson with the score on 140-4. Johnson was next to go, trying to hit

one over extra-cover. He was out caught, off the bowling of Richie Looknauth (Looknauth and J. Sinclair took 2 wickets a piece).

Shemar Yearwood got off the mark straight away hitting a lofted on-drive over mid-off for 4 runs. The score was 1875 at the end of the second session.

After the break Motie XI took two early wickets putting Imlach XI under some pressure. Motie later brought himself into the attack to get the job done, striking with his first ball of the over; dismissing Yearwood for 37 runs in the seventieth over of the day. Imlach XI were all out for 226 runs in the third session with Motie taking 3-8 runs off of 8.4 overs.

Thursday January 19, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Things are flowing your way, Aries, and you should find a great deal of pleasure in the company of others. There may be an element of fantasy about the day that causes you to lose track of time and space.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Don't try to nail down any answers today, Taurus, because you will probably end up feeling frustrated. The less you try to force your will on others.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

A chance to earn a small amount of money, perhaps by doing a little extra work at home, could come your way today, Gemini.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Take a break from the routine and get off the beaten path, Cancer. This is a day to forge ahead with ideas and dreams rather than commitments and answers. Question things and debate the facts.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

It may feel like something has suddenly clicked into place for you today, Leo, because you've found the missing piece of a puzzle you've been working on. The answers may be subtle.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Things may seem surreal today, Virgo, so don't take other people's chatter too seriously. This is a day to reach out and touch someone, so pick up the phone. It's a good day to share your dreams,

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

You may find it hard to take a realistic approach to your emotions today, Libra. A sensitive issue may pull on you, leaving you feeling like you're out in left field in the way you relate to others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Question the validity of anything you come in conflict with today, Scorpio. You might find that people act on incomplete information, and that they're falsely accusing you of something you didn't say or do.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Today is a great day for you. You should enjoy a great deal of playful conversation, Sagittarius. Fantasy is likely to play a big role in events, and you may daydream as you walk down the street.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

There may be a rather confusing element to the day, Capricorn. You feel tempted to act, but some of the pieces seem to be missing. It could be hard to make a decision.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Be the star of your own movie and proud of the role you play, Aquarius. You might find yourself taking on many different characters, depending on your mood of the hour.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Take a break from your daily routine and get off the treadmill today, Pisces. The world will turn without you for one day, so tune out for a while. Remember that whatever path you take.

In reply, Gudakesh Motie XI got to 46-2 at the end of the third session with Shamar Joseph picking up both of the

wickets for his side, taking 215 off of his 5 overs. Play resumes today with Tagenarine Chanderpaul not out on 12 runs and Mavindra Dindyal

not out on 6 runs.

Day 1: (Close of Play)

Tevin Imlach XI 226, lead Gudakesh Motie XI 46 for 2 (12.0 overs) by 180 runs.

From page 24

the first set with a spray of forehand errors that allowed Gauff to break for 4-2. It seemed as though she might go quietly when she was broken again early in the second set, donating a couple of sloppy double-faults. She also seemed to be feeling out her side or stomach as if she was in pain. Still, rather than capitulating, she squared her shoulders and began playing with greater accuracy.

For much of that second set, Raducanu was the one forcing the pace. She even had a couple of set points when Gauff served at 4-5. Again, though, Gauff went into defensive lockdown mode, and it was Raducanu who missed – first with a backhand drive and then a drop-shot that just caught the net-tape.

Such is Gauff’s extraordinary sprinting speed – which could probably have made her a track-and-field star had she so wished – that she would probably have made it to the ball anyway.

Instead, Gauff completed her 6-3, 7-6 victory, and thus became the first woman to chalk up 100 WTA Tour wins before the age of 19 since Caroline Wozniacki in 2009. She might be younger than Raducanu but in tennis terms she is more experienced, having played almost 200 competitive matches at various levels to Raducanu’s 130odd.

‘Unbelievable ball-striking’...

Matthew Nandu after his knock of 50.

Rafael Nadal ‘mentally destroyed’ as Australian Open defence ends in injury

PAMedia-RafaelNadal admitted he felt “mentally destroyed” after the defence of his Australian Open title endedininjuryanddefeatby American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round.

Thetopseedwasalready introubleatasetandabreak down to unseeded McDonald when he crouched down in obvious pain clutching his left hip after chasing out wide for a forehand.

Nadal called for the trainerafterlimpingthrough the rest of the game and headed off court for treatment.

A retirement seemed on the cards, with the Spaniard’s wife Maria crying in the stands, but he optedtocontinuedespitehis movement clearly being impeded.

Nadal managed to hold hisserveuntilthe11thgame, roared on by fans still believinghecouldsomehow turnthingsaround,butitwas a case of when not if McDonaldwouldfindaway throughandhefinishedoffa 6-46-47-5victory

Nadal revealed he had comeintothematchwithan issue in his hip that then became significantly worse. Hesaid:“Ithasbeenacouple ofdayslikethis,butnothing liketodayinthatmovement. We’re going to start talking about that now, but I don’t knowwhat’sgoingon,ifit’s muscle, if it’s joint. “I have historyinthehip.Ihadtodo treatments in the past, address it a little (but there) was not this amount of problem.NowIfeelIcannot move.

“I tried until the end. I don’t know if in good conditions I will win the match, I will have better chanceswithoutadoubt.But at the end, that’s it. I just tried.Itwasnotpossible.”

It was a hugely sad way for Nadal to exit the tournament a year after his near-miraculous run to the title when he feared his career may have been over because of a chronic foot problem, and there must be serious doubt over whether he will play again at MelbournePark.

Hewentontowina22nd

The 36-year-old said: “I don’t need to talk and explain the feelings. It was nottherightmomenttohave somethinglikethisnow

“At the end, you need to keep going. Sometimes it’s frustrating. Sometimes it’s difficult to accept Sometimes you feel super tired about all this stuff in termsofinjuries.“Intheend, I can’t complain about my life at all. Just in terms of sports and in terms of injuriesandtoughmoments, that’sanotherone.Ijustcan’t say that I am not destroyed mentally at this time, because I will be lying.

“Hopefully it’s nothing too bad. In the end it has been threepositiveweeksinterms of practice. So I really hope that this doesn’t put me out of the court for a long time, because then it’s tough to makealltherecoveryagain.

“I went through this process too many times in my career and I am ready to keep doing it, I think, but that’s not easy, without a doubt.”

Nadal went into a firstround clash with Britain’s Jack Draper having lost six of his previous seven matches and, although he scrapped to a four-set victory, he was some way belowhisbestlevel.

Thesamewastrueinthe early stages against

McDonald, a 27-year-old ranked65andlookingforhis first victory over a top-five playeratagrandslam.

The match was played undertheroofonRodLaver Arena on a wet day in Melbourne and the indoor conditions certainly suited theflat-hittingMcDonald.

He caught Nadal cold andbroketheSpaniardtwice to lead 4-1 before the top seedduginandmadeafight oftheopeningset.

McDonald moved ahead again at the start of the secondand–althoughNadal responded with three games inarow–theAmericanhad justbrokentolead4-3when the contest effectively ended.Askedwhyhedidnot retire,Nadalsaid:“Iwasnot able to hit the backhand at all. I was not able to run for theball.ButIjustwantedto finishthematch.

“I didn’t want to retire being defending champion here. Better like this at the end. I lost. Nothing to say Congratulatetheopponent.”

Daniil Medvedev, the man Nadal beat in the final 12 months ago, fared better, beating Australian John Millman 7-5 6-2 6-2, while third seed StefanosTsitsipas ruthlessly dispatched anotherhomehopeinRinky Hijikata6-36-06-2.

T h i n g s w e r e significantly more difficult for sixth seed Felix AugerAliassime, who found himself two sets down to Slovakia’s Alex Molcan before fighting back to win 3-63-66-36-26-2.

grandslamtitleattheFrench Openbuthasfoundthegoing tough since suffering an abdominal tear and pulling out of Wimbledon ahead of thesemi-finals.

Rafael Nadal received treatment in Melbourne (Dita Alangkara/AP)

Gill’s ODI double century puts India 1-0 up on New Zealand

HYDERABAD, India (AP)

Shubman Gill became the youngest batsman to score an ODI doublehundredyesterdayas India beat New Zealand by 12 runs in a thrilling first gameofathree-matchseries.

The 23-year-old Gill hit 208 off 149 balls, his third ODI hundred, and became the fifth Indian batsman to scoreadoublecenturyinthe format after Sachin

Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma and IshanKishan.

His innings helped India amass a huge 349-8 on a slow pitch before Michael Bracewell struck New Zealand’s third-fastest ODI hundred off only 57 balls as hissidealmostchaseddown thetarget.

Bracewell smacked 140 offonly78deliveriesasNew Zealand was bowled out for 337. With 20 needed off the

lastsixballs,ShardulThakur (2-54) held his nerve as his slow yorker trapped Bracewelllbw.

Earlier, opting to bat, Indiamadeagoodstartwith Gill and Sharma putting on 60forthefirstwicket.

But after Sharma went for 34, Mitchell Santner bowledViratKohliforeight and Kishan was caught behindforfive.

Suryakumar Yadav (31) thenadded65withGill,who

reached his second ODI hundred in consecutive innings, after scoring 116 againstSriLankaonSunday.

Gill went to his 150 off 122ballsbeforeaccelerating to strike another 58 off 27 deliveries, including five monstersixes.

Overall, he clubbed 19 foursandninesixestohitthe highest ODI score against NewZealand.

Player of the match Gill said: “I wasn’t thinking of the 200 but once I hit the sixesattheendIdidfeelthat I could get it. It definitely gives me a sense of satisfaction but the game went much closer than I expected.”

In reply, the Black Caps struggled for momentum Finn Allen made 40 off 39 balls but Devon Conway (10), Henry Nicholls (18) and Daryl Mitchell (9) fell cheaply Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav took 2-43 while Mohammed Siraj (446) bowled an incisive spell asNewZealandslidto131-6 in28.4overs.Bracewelland Santner then came together tostunthecrowdattheRajiv Gandhi International Stadium.They added 162 in only 102 balls, the thirdhighest seventh-wicket partnershipinODIs.Santner

made 57 before falling to Siraj, who also bowled Henry Shipley for nought, but Bracewell kept going as he smashed 12 fours and 10 sixesinapersonal-bestODI innings.

Bracewell said: “Once Mitchell and I settled we startedbelieving.Wewanted to take it deep to give us a

chance. Unfortunately we fellshortrightattheend.”

The second ODI is in RaipuronSaturday

Scores: India 349 for 8 (Gill 208, Mitchell 2-30, Shipley 2-74) beat New Zealand337(Bracewell140, Santner 57, Siraj 4-46, Kuldeep 2-43, Thakur 2-54) by12runs.

India’s Mohammed Siraj celebrates the dismissal of New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner during the first one-day international cricket match between India and New Zealand in Hyderabad, India, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

‘Unbelievable ball-striking’ in Emma Raducanu’s defeat to Coco Gauff

The Telegraph - Emma Raducanu’sAustralianOpen campaign has come to an end, but not before a match which had the former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker saluting “the future ofwomen’stennis”.

This first meeting

between 20-year-old Emma Raducanu and 18-year-old Coco Gauff on Rod Laver Arena was the sort of captivating occasion that could boost the WTA Tour out of its current slump.

A n o t h e r l e a d i n g commentator, Channel

Nine’sRennaeStubbs,wrote that“Ihopeweseethosetwo play each other for another decadeatleast!”

Intheend,itwasGauff’s retrieving skills that made the difference, as she defended like Djokovic throughout the second-set

tie-break.Youhadtofeelfor Raducanu, who kept firing theballintothecornerswith her scudding groundstrokes, onlyforGaufftostretchouta long arm and chip it back intoplay

In a nervy finish, Gauff brought Raducanu forward

with a drop shot, and then outwitted her with a crafty lob-volley, before erupting in a leaping celebration that revealed how much she wantedthiswin.

“We both started off rocky,”saidGauffinheroncourt interview, “but I think the match was good quality for the most part. I imagine we were both nervous. This was a long anticipated match-upbasicallysincethe drawcameout.I’mgladboth of us handled the pressure pretty well.” The statistics don’t look all that pretty on paper, with Gauff clocking up 41 unforced errors and Raducanu 42 – more than twice as many as their winnercountsinbothcases.

But then, it is hard to hit winnerswhenyouropponent covers the court like spidercam I can’t recall watching a match between two such mobile women. They seemed to float over the court, barely touching it with their sneakers. Yet the constant squeaks of rubber on acrylic betrayed the

intensityofthefootwork.

Another reason for the high unforced error count wastheambitionondisplay Both women were throwing haymakerafterhaymaker,in adeterminedefforttobethe oneshapingthepatternofthe rallies.

This fitted with Gauff’s pre-match confession that she had spent a good chunk of her off-season learning to box. Admittedly, there was the odd point where Gauff switched to looping her forehand rather than hitting through it, but for the most part she was eager for the quick kill. Gauff was comfortably the bigger server,averaging103mphon her first delivery to Raducanu’s 94, but it was Raducanuwhohadthemore aggressive return. Had she been able to practise more thoroughlyinthebuild-upto this event, rather than being disruptedbyanankleinjury, shecouldhavegiventheNo7 seed an even bigger scare. Raducanurathergaveaway

Coco Gauff ensured Emma Raducanu exits Australian Open in battle which shown ‘the future of tennis’. (GETTY IMAGES)

Britain’s Emma Raducanu in action during her second round match against Coco Gauff. (Loren Elliott/Reuters)

Young Achievers, GDF secure wins in DVA League

Young Achievers volleyball club m a d e a triumphant return to the court on Tuesday evening when they defeated Castrol Strikers 3-0 when the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) League continued at the National Gymnasium.

Young Achievers dominated Castrol Strikers to win the first set 25-17. Theythenwentontowinthe second and third sets 25-19 and25-14.

The top scorers of the youngAchieverssquadwere Creston Rodney, Klondyke RodneyandGenoCarrol,all witheightpoints.

Stephon Norah and Nicholas Karello had seven points each for Castrol Strikers, while Corwyn Richardshadfourpoints.

Itshouldbenotedthatthe Young Achievers volleyball clubwasinactiveforthepast 11 months and is now seekingtoregainthenumber one spot on the volleyball ladderinDemerara.

The DVA league will continue tonight at 8:30 pm, astheAlphasVolleyballclub battle against the Guyana DefenceForce(GDF).

TheGDFwillbehunting theirsecondconsecutivewin in the DVA league after openingtheircampaignwith a 3-2 victory over Premier EaglesVolleyballclub.

Havingwonthefirsttwo games 25-21, 25-17, GDF went down in back-to-back

games, as the Eagles soared to21-25and19-25.

However, the GDF Volleyball Club held their composure to win the final game17-15.Thetopscorers fromthewinningGDFwere Jahleel Roberts (13), Omari

Joseph (11), and Michael Adolph (9). Trevon McRae had 24 points, Quacy Matheson 16, and Domonic Bowen scored 10 points for the losing Eagles team. The DVA League will conclude onMarch9.

Young Achievers Volleyball Club

India’s Shubhman Gill celebrates scoring a double-century during the first one-day international cricket match between India and New Zealand in Hyderabad, India, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (APPhoto/Mahesh KumarA.)

GDF Volleyball team