Kaieteur News

Gaza death toll K NEWS surpasses 25,000 as Israel escalates assault AIETEUR

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

Monday Edition January 22, 2024 - Vol. 17 No. 4

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 61,618

royalty on Exxon would

10% have put US$120M in budget 2024 Govt. borrowing on interest but allowing foreigners to fetch out - Glenn Guyana's wealth Lall Woman killed in Second driver in Ruimveldt Beterverwagting smash-up accident succumbs Mahdia COI report reveals…

Dorm was flagged for fire vulnerabilities; officials did nothing

PNC/R to decide on ring-fencing after it takes office

Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton

PAGE 02

Monday January 22, 2024

Kaieteur News

Govt. borrowing on interest but allowing foreigners to fetch out - Glenn Guyana's wealth Lall Guyana has been blessed with bauxite, timber, gold, diamonds, manganese and oil but these resources are not being used to advance the country's development trajectory. Politicians are instead allowing foreign companies to exploit these resources for their benefit while the country turns to financial lending institutions to fund local projects.

Flagging this unsettling reality on his radio programme was Publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall on Friday evening.

During the broadcast aired on 99.1 and 99.5 FM, the businessman expressed concern over Guyana's rapidly increasing debt.

Lall believes Guyana may be committing the sins of other resource-rich nations by driving up the debt burden on account of future earnings.

At the end of 2023, the country's total stock of debt increased by 23%, climbing from US$3,654.9 million at

the end of 2022 to US$4.5 billion at the end of 2023.

This year, government intends to fund 40% of the country's first trillion-dollar budget from loans, a worrying trend that could be disastrous for the country's economy according to Lall.

The newspaper Publisher explained that the $1.146 trillion budget totals close to US$6 billion.

The 40% to be funded through loans amounts to about US$2.4B, while another US$1B is likely to come from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) or the oil account.

He explained, “Aunty, you borrowing almost half a month of your husband's next month's salary to eat and run the house, and paying whoever you borrow the money from heavy interest.

You already in debt with other neighbours, and now you gone and take more from another neighbour. How you coming out that hole? That is

the hole Jagdeo been digging year after year and continues to dig for all of us…you have wealth in abundance in your back yard uncle, and got debt already, and you still borrowing more fuh pay interest to survive.”

Lall said this leadership style was observed in Africa and Asia and has made its way to Guyana. “Them was living on borrowed money Publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall and spending oil money in advance.

That have many of their countries where they are that $44B is set aside to businessman noted that the government is putting all of today, running with their service the country's debt. its proverbial eggs into one Lall was keen to note that knees on the ground and basket as any drop in oil price this already startling figure, hands stretching to give their or a devastating oil spill s o m e U S $ 2 2 0 M w i l l people a cup of water. The boasters become beggars and continue to balloon as the could change the country's government continues to prospects significantly. losers,” he said.

He reasoned, “You increase the debt burden.

The businessman argued borrowing money fuh buy He said, “Come next that a resource-rich country, car, fix up your house, and year, the US$220M awe a with a US$4.5B debt on its spending wild west with yuh pay now to service the debt, back is still going to increase family this month, and not we will have to add another this burden and pay interest catering if the husband – the US$100M, so you will be to creditors. He pointed out sole provider run into an p a y i n g n o l e s s t h a n that Vice President Bharrat emergency and can't work US$325M to service debts.”

Jagdeo during his Thursday M e a n w h i l e , t h e back, or he drop dead, wah press conference indicated

THE GLENN LALL SHOWS

gon become of the family, the car and the house – them gon be in the streets, just like Africa and Asia.”

Lall pointed out, “This country have wealth that the world boasting about, the world dribbling over it, and this whole nation a dribble from hunger. Ayuh see why them can only give ayuh a 4slice squash as salary increase, yes, you salary increase wha supposed to be in your pockets, going to the overseas banks to pay debts.”

Almost 1M int'l passenger movements recorded at ports-of entry in 2023 By the close of 2023, Guyana recorded 931,450 international passenger movements across its four key ports of entry: the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Eugene F Correia International Airport (EFCIA), the Lethem Border and the Moleson Creek Crossing.

According to a press release from the CJIA, Guyana's passenger movement statistics paint a vibrant picture of a nation on

the rise, with figures placing the country firmly on track to achieve President Irfaan Ali's bold prediction of one million passenger movements by 2025.

The figure represents 93% of the targeted goal set by President Ali, demonstrating the momentum and dynamism within Guyana's travel and tourism sector, the CJIA said.

According to the release, the CJIA led the charge, recording 729,450 international passenger

movements in 2023.

The surge in activity at CJIA reflects the increased global interest in Guyana as a premier travel destination fueled by its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and burgeoning oil and gas industry, the CJIA said.

Meanwhile, it was noted that the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Lethem Border Crossing and Moleson Creek Crossing played significant roles in facilitating (Continued on page 9)

By the close of 2023, Guyana had recorded 931,450 international passenger movements across its four key ports of entry, including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

PAGE 03

royalty on

Exxon would 10% have put US$120M

in budget 2024 H

ad Guyana applied a 10% royalty rate instead of the existing 2% rate on Exxon's oil projects, the country would have had an additional US$120M (GY$25B) to allocate for its 2024 budget.

The government now finds itself in a position, in which, instead of heeding the calls of advocates for a better oil deal, it intends to change the withdrawal formula of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), so that it can spend more of what is there, to help fund its GY$1.1T budget.

In 2023, US$1.617B flowed into Guyana's NRF. This sum comprised approximately US$1.4B in profit oil sales and US$218M in royalty payments.

As per the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), ExxonMobil and its partners

are mandated to pay a 2% royalty on the value of all crude oil produced and sold, which for 2023, translated to the US$218M figure.

Critics have pointed out that this 2% royalty rate does not do justice to Guyana's dignity as a sovereign nation rich in natural resources, while Exxon carts off with the lion's share.

Advocates for a higher royalty rate argue for 10%.

Under such a rate, the royalties in 2023 would not have been US$218 million but a staggering US$1.09B. This increase, when combined with the US$1.4B from profit oil sales, implies that Guyana would have received approximately $2.49B in 2023 – US$872M more than the current figure.

The impact of this hypothetical increase

becomes more pronounced when one applies the withdrawal formula of the NRF. The current formula restricts annual withdrawals to the funds accrued in the previous year, with a tiered percentage applied to different tranches of revenue.

Under this rule, the maximum allowable withdrawal for the 2024 budget based on the actual 2023 inflow of $1.617B is approximately $1.154B. However, had the 10% royalty been in place, applying the same withdrawal rule to the higher inflow of $2.49B would have resulted in a maximum allowable withdrawal of about $1.274B. This scenario presents an additional US$120M for the 2024 budget compared to the current permissible amount.

Despite the potential

benefits of a higher royalty rate, the government has been reluctant to renegotiate the Stabroek Block PSA. The official stance is that the current contract terms incentivize investment and that altering them could jeopardize Guyana's longterm investment prospects in the oil and gas sector.

As it stands, with the US$1.154B in oil revenues available for the massive 2024 budget, the government plans to change the withdrawal formula.

This proposed revision aims to access a more significant portion of the funds in the Natural Resource Fund. If a 10%

royalty rate had been implemented, such a revision to the withdrawal rule might not have been necessary.

Vi c e P r e s i d e n t D r.

Bharrat Jagdeo has not said the exact amount the government seeks to withdraw from the fund.

He said during a press conference last week that the legislation to revise the rule is currently in draft, and details regarding the government's intended withdrawal and the new formula will be disclosed by the Ministry of Finance in due course.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

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

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

EDITORIAL Ministers showing their faces, opening their mouths Once in a blue moon ministers of the PPP/C Government have gotten the green light. It is now a parade of PPP/C Government ministers racing for the podium and microphone. This is how Bharrat Jagdeo has them, like little schoolchildren that have to stand straight and still. That is, until he barks a command like some Master Sergeant, and they all jump to share some canned stories. We wonder if the scripts from which they read will be prepared for them, which would not be surprising.

Who would have thought that in this era of instant communication, that ministers of a sitting government would be kept under muzzle and chain, as though they are some uncontrollable, irresponsible house pet? These are people with doctorates, medical degrees, law degrees, spiritual titles, and other credentials (some not so pure and true), and it’s as if they are all victims of some sort of domestic discipline. We plan to reach out to the appropriate ministry for a position on this, for there it was that these ministers, for the most part, were under what could only be called lock and key. If that is not political domestic abuse, then something is wrong with our understanding of what abuse is, and the signs of it.

So, now the Minister of Agriculture is free to hold press conferences, and we are glad for this development. First question for the minister is what about that Food and Agriculture (FAO) report on the limited study conducted on decline in fish catch, and the resulting plight of fisherfolk.

Perhaps, he is more comfortable not having press conferences, especially with that issue hanging over his head. The Minister of Public Works has had a few things to say to the media about some projects, and always impresses as someone who is full of thunder about some project delay, until he turns out to be doing little about one blunder after another on vital and costly building projects. Contractors love him, and with all the leniency it is obvious why.

The Minster of Human Services and Social Protection must be thankful that the go ahead for press conferences begins in January 2024. There would have been ‘meet the press’ or face the nation’ with explanations (or apologies) for the fiascoes that were part and parcel of the recent Old Age Pension book distribution, and replicated in the one-off $25,000 cash distribution. With no responsibility to face the public for their respective portfolios on a consistent basis, these ministers have enjoyed a long three-year holiday at the taxpayers’ expense.

Then, there is the Minister of Natural Resources. To be frank, the management of the Natural Resources portfolio has been nothing short of unnatural, even out of this world.

For here is this country sitting under an overloaded oil tree, and the subject minister was nowhere around for three long years, other than for some shaky and slippery appearances.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances which were beyond the minister’s control, his role was to be content to sit and be an invisible and inaudible presence. In the presence of the nation’s big oilman, Bharrat Jagdeo, the poor minister was reduced to being seen and not heard. There was this delicious irony of the whole world overflowing with talk about Guyana’s oil (and other riches), and the Minister of Natural Resources was made into the fifth wheel to a coach.

Now that he has been unshackled, one would hope that his press conferences would be regular, and that he would have answers, and not just repeat what the man in charge stuffs into his head. The oil is too precious, and it is too vital for these games to be played, and gone on for so long. In the season before, it was “talk to Vick.” Today, the hope here is that the minister will talk and not pass this around.

Meanwhile, the connection between greenlighting ministerial press conferences and national elections has been clearly established. It is propaganda time. Perhaps, somewhere in their conferences there will be elements of truth and what makes sense. Our hope is that none of them takes a page out of their master’s book, and engages in cussdown and ‘buse-down’ when things get rough.

Monday January 22, 2024

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited profit squeeze DEAR EDITOR, A distinguishing feature of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and the Government of Guyana (GOG) is the contrived way in which total cost is specified in the business.

In particular, the total cost (TC) is specified as: TC = 0.75TR = 0.75PQ, where TR is total revenue, P is the selling price of a barrel of oil, and Q is the number of barrels of oil that are sold.

By including the selling

price of a barrel of oil in the Total Cost equation; and recognizing that the 0.75 factor is an arbitrary factor imposed by EMGL (see Article 11 in the PSA), these two indicators generate a baked-in profit squeeze mechanism that increases (decreases) the cost of a barrel of oil whenever the price of a barrel of oil increases (decreases). For example, since the Total Cost is equal to: TC = 0.75 PQ; therefore, the average cost of a barrel of oil (ACBO) is: ACBO = TC/Q= (0.75PQ)/Q

= 0.75P. Furthermore, acknowledging that the price of a barrel of oil is known, it therefore follows that the ACBO is known, even without examining the quantity and prices of the inputs used in the extraction operation; or even without scrutinizing the paperwork of the wages paid to workers.

Published data by the Bank of Guyana and Oil Now confirmed that during the period 2020 to September 2023, a total of 273.8 million barrels of oil (Q) were sold

(https://bankofguyana.or g.gy/bog/images/research/R eports/ANNREP2022.pdf;;; https://bankofguyana.org.gy /bog/publications/naturalresource-fund/quarterlyr e p o r t s ; https://bankofguyana.org.gy /bog/images/research/Repor ts/September23.pdf;;; https://oilnow.gy/featured/2 023-saw-guyanas-total-oilouput-at-142-9-millionbarrels-finance-minister/).

Also, given that the Bank of Guyana published the total profit and royalty that (Continued on page 06)

Bishop Edghill must come clean DEAR EDITOR, I write to publicly express my dissatisfaction and disapproval of the actions taken by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Manzoor Nadir. MP, at last Monday’s sitting, held on January 15, 2024 during the first sitting of the National Assembly in this year for budget presentation.

Several lingering questions were published on the order paper for that sitting, in my name and colleague, Hon. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, MP, for both oral and written responses. I was taken aback when Mr. Nadir informed the house that Ministers Gail Teixeira and Bishop Juan Edghill have requested additional time to provide information.

Editor, several days ago, I sent a letter to your publication regarding the yet to be seen ‘sod turning and construction’ of the 12storey office complexes through the MOPW, which monies were approved for in budgets 2022 and 2023.

Sixteen questions were put in the public’s domain, calling on the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, MP to come clean and account for the taxpayers’ money of $7B, appropriated by the National Assembly, in budgets 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Additionally, at the sitting of the National Assembly on January 15, 2024, the following

questions were on the Order Paper soliciting oral responses: 1. MEMBERS OF THE D E L E G AT I O N T H AT A C C O M PA N I E D H I S EXCELLENCY DR. MOHAMED IRFAAN ALI ON OVERSEAS TRIPS. Member Asking: Ms. Annette Ferguson, M.P. Minister Answering: The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip a. Can the Hon. Minister provide a detailed list to the National Assembly of the persons who accompanied the President on overseas trips from August 2, 2020, to May 17, 2023?

(Notice Paper No. 322 (Q247 Opp.247) published on 2023-10-30) 2. MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION WHICH ACCOMPANIED HON. BHARRAT JAGDEO. M.P., VICE-PRESIDENT, ON OVERSEAS TRIPS Member Asking: Ms. Annette Ferguson, M.P. Minister Answering: The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance and Government Chief Whip a. Can the Hon. Minister provide a detailed list to the National Assembly of the persons who accompanied Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P., Vice-President, on overseas trips from August 2, 2020, to May 17, 2023?

(Notice Paper No. 323 (Q248 Opp.248) published on 2023-10-30)

3 . * F U L L DIMENSIONS OF THE PLOT OF LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE OFFICE COMPLEX IN THE HOUSTON AREA F O R T H E MANDELA/ECCLES INTERLINKED ROAD Member Asking: Ms. Annette Ferguson, M.P. Minister Answering: The Minister of Public Works “ D u r i n g t h e consideration of Budget 2023 under the Ministry of Public Works, program “Policy Development and Administration, Project code 214800 — Government Buildings, a contract for the sum of $15,874,143,300, was awarded to Caribbean Green Building Incorporated for the construction of an office complex in the Houston area on the Mandela/Eccles interlinked road.” *Can the Honourable Minister inform the National Assembly of the full dimension of the plot of land in the Houston area where the complex is to be constructed?

(Notice Paper No. 298 (Q223 Opp.223) published on 2023-10-30) 4. *PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL ALLOCATED SPENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE OFFICE COMPLEX IN THE HOUSTON AREA, MANDELA/ECCLES INTERLINKED ROAD Member Asking: Ms.

Annette Ferguson, M.P. Minister Answering: The Minister of Public Works “ D u r i n g t h e consideration of Budget 2023 under the Ministry of Public Works, program – “Policy Development and Administration, Project code 214800 — Government Buildings, a contract was awarded the sum of $15,874,143,300 to Caribbean Green Building Incorporated for the construction of an office complex in the Houston area on the Mandela/Eccles interlinked road.”

5 . * C o u l d t h e Honourable Minister inform the National Assembly what percentage of the total, has the sum allocated for the construction of the Office Complex been spent as of June 16, 2023?

(Notice Paper No. 299 (Q224 Opp.224) published on 2023-10-30) 6. *PERCENTAGE OF THE WORK COMPLETED F O R T H E CONSTRUCTION OF THE OFFICE COMPLEX IN THE HOUSTON AREA, MANDELA/ECCLES INTERLINKED ROAD Member Asking: Ms. Annette Ferguson, M.P. Minister Answering: The Minister of Public Works “ D u r i n g t h e consideration of Budget 2023 under the Ministry of Public Works, program – “Policy Development and (Continued on page 17)

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

PAGE 05

Win-win situation where Andre Brandli is wrong about the Jagdeo Doctrine millet is concerned DEAR EDITOR, I am enthused that some 1,300 acres of millet is being cultivated in Guyana. We have the land mass and we should push for things of this nature. I see that millet “… is currently under cultivation at Tacama Mega Farm in the Berbice River, and according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, more lands will be cultivated as the ministry plans to further expand production in Regions Five, Nine, and 10.”

I can hardly wait.

Another note-worthy point is that millet is now the sixth most important cereal grain in the world. In the contemporary United States, millet is often used to feed pets, livestock, and birds, but it is growing in consumer popularity.

This is because it is gluten free and a good source of protein, fiber, micronutrients.

The reading reveals that millet is rich in niacin, which is important for healthy skin and organ function. It also has beta-carotene, especially the dark-colored grains, which convert to vitamin A, help the body fight free radicals, and support the immune system.

So, land-wise and nutritionally, millet must be pursued. In fact, millet is a unique crop that can be grown even in adverse weather and soil conditions.

In terms of inputs, it is quite assuring that “Guyanese authorities, recognising that India was a powerhouse in millet production, were looking to leverage expertise from the

Asian nation to advance Guyana’s food security efforts.” As the dailies reported, “During a virtual address at the two-day Global Millet Conference in New Delhi, India, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, highlighted that India is the largest millet producer globally and is also assuming global leadership in advancing the objective of addressing one of the world’s most foremost challenges which is food security.” Last year was deemed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as the International Year of Millets (IYM). This was what India proposed and it was agreed to.

So, I repeat: “Millet production is really a big thing,” and it is not surprised that millions of people depend on millet as a vital source of food, and it is grown in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and South America.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), millet is grown in over 100 nations throughout the world, with India, Nigeria, and Niger being the top three producers. Thus, I agree w i t h t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic Government that “… the production of millet has the potential to be a game changer in ensuring greater food security across the world.”

As was explained to the public, “Guyana has identified the production of millets as having great

potential towards enhancing national and regional food security. As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) implements vision 25 by 2025 to reduce the food import bill by approximately $US1 billion by 2025, millet is an ideal solution to increase self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported cereal grains.”

Let me sound a little caveat though, as in every good thing, there are precautions to take note of, and millet has its ‘how to use’ guides. Overall, it is best to consume millet in moderate amounts; three or four times a week is ideal.

However, it is not recommended for people with hypothyroidism, people having thyroid disorders should avoid consuming millet because it leads to the enlargement of the thyroid.

Otherwise, millet is a great investment in Guyana. Plus, one variety of the crop, ‘Pearl millet,’ has been shown to be a suitable feed ingredient for poultry diets. Up to 50% pearl millet can be added to broiler diets without adversely affecting performance.

Pearl millet is higher in methionine than corn, alleviating some of the need for synthetic methionine supplementation in organic poultry diets. And since Guyana is big on poultry, then there should be nostopping’ where the millet drive is concerned.

Yours truly, HB Singh

DEAR EDITOR, I write in response to ad hominem attacked against me by one, Andre Brandli (Stabroek News, 1/20/2024).

Brandli’s letter is littered with elementary errors that must be corrected for the record.

Readers should know that despite his very lengthy article, Brandli does not refute a single point I made about either about Bharrat Jagdeo, or about the Jagdeo Doctrine of 2023. Instead, Brandli jumps around from one inaccuracy to another, from one name-calling to another, and from one emotional outburst to a congeries of personal insults.

Brandli states that if someone does not know Guyana, they would, based on my article, think Jagdeo is the president. But unlike Brandli, the reader would have seen from the first sentence that I addressed Jagdeo as the General Secretary of the PPP. Jagdeo’s speech at Babu John, which was the fulcrum of my article, was also in the capacity of General Secretary. Let’s get to the core of The Jagdeo Doctrine of 2023 which Brandli does not address.

I wrote – “The core of the Jagdeo Doctrine is worth restating - We will fight people with all of our strength, whichever quarters they come from who seek to divide our people along ethnic lines and to reverse the progress that we have made and who tried to take away our freedom,” (emphasis in the original).

I made it clear that “[t]he

Jagdeo Doctrine is partly in response to a new variant of political subversion. This strain is composed of an admixture of foreign and domestic social forces who use the global history of Black Oppression to disguise their own virulent strategy of racialized political mobilization. When they do this, they knowingly attempt to divide the people of Guyana into racial enclaves.

Their intended objective is to take state power through a politics of racialization.”

In the above, I clearly state the content of the ‘doctrine.’ I also provide a rationale for its emergence and situate in the historical and contemporary dialectics of Guyanese society. But more than that, I go the extra mile to provide General Secretary Jagdeo’s own reasoning of the doctrine from within the womb of the PPP. On this score, Bharrat Jagdeo did something truly remarkable. He admitted that the PPP had not done enough to diversify the party, and publicly committed himself to fixing the problem. Note that I specifically pointed out that President Ali construction of One Guyana is another form of the same politics of inclusion called for by Jagdeo.

None of these fundamental points is addressed by Brandli.

Instead, this man of research simply cut and pasted parts

of my article without evaluating any of them, or without the most minimal effort at analysis.

Rather than a sober or even passionate engagement with what I argued, Brandli is content to make fantastic and irresponsible connections such as likening Jagdeo to Putin and Xi Jinping. I have bad news for the alienated Professor Brandli, Jagdeo was elected president of Guyana more than once, and he is the only leader in the history of the Caribbean who signed a term-limit which took him out of office.

For a man who does research, Brandli does not have even the most basic information about the object of his emotional outburst.

Let me help him.

First, I hold the title Professor of International Relations, not Associate Professor. Brandli knows the difference between the two is vast, but laziness prevented him from getting my title right. Secondly, the whole of Guyana and even those in the diaspora know that I am employed by the Government of Guyana in the capacity of Adviser in the Office of the President. Yet, Brandli wants to know if I work pro bono!

Brandli says he has worked at several universities and “…never came across such a clumsy (Continued on page 17)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Monday January 22, 2024

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited profit squeeze...

From page 04 Guyana received; and recognizing that Guyana received 14.5 percent of total revenue, it can be derived that the total revenue for the period 2020 to 2023 amounted to US$25.1 Billion, with the average selling price of a barrel of oil equal to US$79.83, along with a low price of US$50.28 in 2020 and a high price of US$96.02 in 2022 (Table 1).

From the information presented in Table 1, it is obvious that whenever the price of a barrel of oil increases (decreases), the ACBO increases (decreases).

For example, when the price of a barrel of oil is US$50.28, US$66.13, US$96.02, US$78.04, or U S $ 7 9 . 8 3 , t h e corresponding average cost of a barrel of oil is $37.71, US$49.60, US$72.02, US$58.53 or US$59.87.

This outcome of the fluctuating ACBO when the selling price of a barrel of oil changes is the baked-in profit squeeze mechanism of

total cost being 75 percent of total revenue: ACBO = 0.75P; and in this regard, whenever the price of a barrel of oil increases (decreases), the average cost of a barrel of oil increases (decreases).

This is wrong, and it must be terminated.

It is also important to point out that oil price data will show that the selling price of a barrel of oil is highly volatile (See the Oil c h a r t a t : https://oilprice.com/oilprice-charts/), due to factors related to world demand and supply conditions; oil supply decisions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC); political unrest; environmental concerns or wars, such as the case of Russia and Ukraine; and the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea that increase shipping costs.

Therefore, including the selling price of oil in the cost equation is a programmed profit transfer mechanism to EMGL that facilitates the urgency for looking at

unauthorized opportunities to spend revenue up to the ever-changing absolute value of the total cost amount.

And what reinforces the incentive to spend up to the 75 percent of total revenue are the limited auditing arrangements that curtails access to all the extraction and financial data; the unfortunate requirement of going to arbitration in the USA to resolve cost challenges, knowing that Guyana will have to pay the expenses for the lawyers hired by EMGL to defend EMGL positions; and the open gateway to engage in unauthorized spending in unapproved projects, given the absence of ring-fencing.

Incidentally, when a project is ring-fenced, the breakeven quantity is established and the correct estimate of profits can be determined.

Not surprisingly, the

breakeven quantity under the existing PSA will be much larger; and this will significantly reduce profits and the profit share that Guyana receives.

In a 2020 study on oil in Guyana prepared by Global W i t n e s s (https://nextcloud.a193.ca/s /saLx2sDiDBbm4Lb), it was reported that the average cost of a barrel of oil was US$23.50, consisting of exploration cost (US$0.94), development cost (US$11.58), and operating cost (US$10.98). Obviously, when this low cost per barrel of oil is compared with ACBO = 0.75P, profits will be much larger than previously discussed.

Table 2 contains the comparative financial data and the profit levels, using the average cost of a barrel of oil in 2020. While noting that the total revenue (US$1.4 Billion) and royalties (US$27.4 Million)

under the two methods (PSA compared with Global Witness) are the same, the profits and the shares of total revenue are different, due to the lower total cost in the Global Witness approach, which has a much lower average cost of a barrel of oil.

In particular, Guyana’s share of total revenue is no longer 14.5 percent (US$198.3 Million), but it would be 28.6 percent (US$391.5 Million), an increase of US$193.2 Million.

Undoubtedly, this is a measure of the hidden profits from Guyana for just one year. Imagine what it would be for 20 years with more Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) ships coming on stream?

I therefore contend that equity and fairness must be the basis for using all of our non-renewable resources

(oil, gold, diamonds, bauxite, manganese, sand, clays, other).

In fact, the expectation that in the future, Guyanese will receive a higher share of revenue is a false hope; for the currently used oil reservoirs will in the future only have unprofitable quantities of oil remaining, and these reservoirs will be decommissioned.

And only new reservoirs will keep the oil flowing, but the PSA shares will remain the same: 14.5 barrels out of every one hundred barrels of oil for Guyana. Editor, I conclude by stating: please policymakers, standup for Guyana, do your job, and protect our patrimony for our current and future generations.

Sincerely, Dr. C. Kenrick Hunte Professor and Former Ambassador Pics save as table 1, table 2

Bishop Edghill must come clean...

From page 04 Administration, Project code 214800 — Government Buildings – the sum of a c o n t r a c t f o r $15,874,143,300, was awarded to Caribbean Green Building Incorporated for the construction of an office complex in the Houston area on the Mandela/Eccles interlinked road.” *Could the Honourable Minister inform the National Assembly what percentage of work has

been completed as of June 16, 2023?

(Notice Paper No. 300 (Q225 Opp.225) published on 2023-10-30) Editor, though I have provided the questions verbatim for your readers to appreciate what is before the National Assembly; what is noteworthy is that the questions standing in my name were tabled in August of 2023 and published on Notice Paper on October

30, 2023.

Editor, I view, this recent act by Speaker Nadir as unacceptable and r e e k s o f n o n Parliamentary democracy, where members are e x p e c t e d t o b e accountable. I am convinced by this act; that the Speaker is complicit with the Ministers to hide corrupt practices.

E d i t o r, f u r t h e r, I conclude that this twelvestorey office complex seems to be a phantom

project.

Two years since monies were allocated, Guyana taxpayers are yet to see the sod turning of the site, the design, and the feasibility study of this project.

Finally, I am calling on Bishop Edghill to come clean. What is there to hide? Where is the $7B? I await his responses to my previous letter, published by your publication on Friday, January 12, 2024.

Yours sincerely, Annette Ferguson

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N T B .

U .

L .

L T B .

N .

U .

N U T L N B .

U .

T .

L N T U N B .

N U .

L U L LUNT. B .

T . .

T T N N B U B .

U .

L .

L T B .

B . .

N . . .

T U T L N TELL THE N T U U L N L B U .

B . .

L . . .

T B T . .

N .

N T U L N LU B U . .

L N .

TRUTH, ASHNI! T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . .

B .

U . .

T L .

N T B . .

U N .

L N T B U N . .

L .

U T L B . .

N B . . .

T U .

L N T B U . .

L .

UN T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L B U UN .BLUNT. . .

L .

T B . .

N .

T U .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . .

L N .

T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU .

T .

N .

N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B .

L .

N .

B T . . .

N T U N N N L U U U B L .

L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Monday January 22, 2024

Kaieteur News

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh proudly announced how much money Guyana is expected to get from oil this year. But what he failed to mention was how much in comparison ExxonMobil and its co-venturers in the Stabroek Block will cart off with.

Tell the truth, Minister! How much is Guyana being shafted?

The largest budget in the country's history is basically one-and-a-half times the size of the one before it. Oil can fund Guyana's budget to an even greater extent if Guyana had a fair deal. But you politicians continue to sit on your tushes while ExxonMobil plays us like fiddles.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8 10

Monday Monday January May 02, 22,2022 2024

PNC/R to decide on ring-fencing after it takes office I

n the absence of the required well data from the Government of Guyana (GoG), the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R), led by Mr. Aubrey Norton said it will wait until it is in office to make a decision regarding ring-fencing.

The party did not host its usual media conference on Thursday; as such this newspaper reached out to Norton's Oil and Gas spokesperson, Elson Low for clarity on whether the Opposition has officially requested the well data from government or how it plans to

access the information to make a decision on ringfencing.

A ring-fencing provision will mandate each oil project to pay for itself and would allow Guyana to enjoy 50% of the revenue generated at each project after the costs are repaid.

At its last press conference, the Opposition said it required information on the wells to determine whether ring-fencing would be feasible or deter the investors.

Over the weekend, Low told this publication that numerous requests for

information were made through press statements to no avail. To this end, he assured that when the party takes office it will examine the data to make the right decision in that regard.

“We have on more than one occasion requested information, in press releases, from the administration on oil operations, including quarterly reports on expenses and developments. We want to be clear, however, that in office we will seek appropriate expertise to examine all the data available, so that we can

make the best decision. We need to be able to closely examine the costs of wells to determine whether ring fencing will potentially deter or otherwise affect investment into the field,” Low explained.

Given the party's approach to examine the data after it takes o fice to make a decision on ring-fencing, Kaieteur News asked if the Opposition will not be taking any further action to get the information it needs.

To this end, Low said, “We will continue to press the government whenever dealing with issues that relate

Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton

Economic Advisor and Spokesperson on Oil and Gas for the Opposition, Elson Low

to information access.”

Guyana has already approved five projects in the Stabroek Block without this key provision to safeguard its earnings.

In the absence of a ringfencing provision, ExxonMobil has been using the revenues earned from the projects in operation to fund other projects and its exploration activities across the block.

Only last week this newspaper reported that ExxonMobil in its Corporate Plan Update recently informed its shareholders that its capital expenditure is expected to be repaid in less than 10 years.

It said, “The company now anticipates total annual capital expenditures and exploration expense of $23 billion to $25 billion in 2024 and $22 billion to $27 billion annually from 2025 through 2027, generating an average return of approximately 30%.” It was keen to note, “Greater than 90% of the capex has payback periods less than 10 years.”

The oil company assured its shareholders that its capital allocation approach

prioritizes competitively advantaged, high-return, low-cost-of-supply, valueaccretive investments that enable ExxonMobil to lead the industry now and through the energy transition.

ExxonMobil is the operator of Guyana's lucrative Stabroek Block.

The company holds a 45% interest, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

Each project has an estimated life of 20 years. In normal circumstances, the repayment of a project would commence after oil production starts, however, ExxonMobil Guyana has been shortening Guyana's share of profits in order to finance projects in the Stabroek Block before they start oil production.

It was reported in July 2023 that ExxonMobil deducted millions of USdollars in decommissioning costs, to clean up the third and fourth developments in the Stabroek Block, even though these projects were yet to commence oil production.

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

PAGE 09

Time for a moratorium on the importation and breeding of pit bulls Some persons do not accept the label of pit bull dogs as dangerous. But the number of reported attacks on persons by these dogs, the frequency and the deadliness of these attacks do not support the view of pit bulls being benign.

Just recently, a man was killed on the Corentyne, following an alleged attack by 3 pit bull dogs. The man was reportedly intoxicated and sleeping at the side of a street when the alleged attack took place.

In September 2018, a 58year-old woman was brutally attacked by a pit bull. She suffered severe injuries to her mouth, other

parts of her face and her hands, all of which required some 70 stitches.

One year earlier, a pit bull attack resulted in the death of a 52 -year-old man and injuries to two other men at Para Field, Leonora.

In November 2015, a 4year-old child was attacked by a pit bull owned by his family in Plaisance. A family member was so upset at the incident that he reportedly stabbed the dog to death in the presence of police investigators who had gone to the scene to probe the canine attack on the child.

In August 2014, a 51year- old woman bled to death following a pit bull

attack in Lamaha Springs.

Two months earlier, an 11year-old boy from Linden sustained injuries following a pit bull attack.

In February 2012, an elderly man was severely injured in Campbellville following a pit bull attack. A dog was also believed to have been killed by the said pit bull around the same time.

In 2011, a New Amsterdam woman lost an arm following a pit bull attack in Stanleytown, Berbice. One year earlier, a plumber was mauled and disfigured as a result of an attack by a pit bull.

So bad were things that in

Almost 1M int’l passenger movements...

From page 2 international passenger arrival and departure. The EFCIA registered 78,035 international passenger movements, highlighting its growing importance as a regional service provider.

Similarly, the Moleson Creek Crossing, with 97,408 passengers, and Lethem Border Crossing, with 26,557 passengers, served as vital links for travel between Guyana and neighbouring Suriname and Brazil, respectively.

Overall, these ports of entry recorded 134,124 or a 17% increase in international passenger movements in 2023 compared to 2022. “These figures are a testament to the immense progress Guyana has made in

recent years under the leadership of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Government,” declared, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill Edghill noted that, “Our commitment to infrastructure development, improved air connectivity, and enhanced tourism promotion is paying off, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.”

The government remains steadfast in its dedication to exceeding the one million passenger target by 2025. Ongoing initiatives to expand airport capacity, diversifying tourism offerings, and strengthening strategic partnerships with airlines are expected to fuel continued growth in the sector.

DEM BOYS SEH

“If wishes were horses beggars would ride” De annual Budget is like Christmas fuh some people. De public servants lining up like children waiting fuh Santa; de business class expecting more gifts than a greedy toddler; and de average man and woman hoping fuh a hamper and a handout to magically appear in de Budget.

But me seh, me friends, dis Budget obsession is like expecting a mango tree to bear watermelons – utterly fruitless.

Government is not a genie ready to grant wishes.

Dem public servants, dey want higher pay like it’s a divine right.

Well, maybe if dey could magically turn paperwork into gold, dey might have a case. As fuh de business class, dey looking fuh more contracts

like dey hunting fuh hidden treasures. But leh me tell yuh, if wishes were contracts, we’d be swimming in paperwork by now.

And oh, de average man and woman, dem looking to de Budget like it’s a magic potion dat will turn dey pockets into bottomless pits of wealth. But folks, if money could be conjured like rabbits from a hat, we’d all be living in mansions made of dollar bills.

But here’s de real kicker, – relying on de government to make yuh fortune is like expecting a cow to lay eggs. It just ain’t happening. Instead of eyeing de Budget like it’s a golden ticket, maybe we should be looking at how we can hustle and flow in dis crazy economic jungle.

Opportunities deh out

deh, like ripe mangoes ready to be picked. We shouldn’t be sitting by de roadside waiting fuh de Budget bus to drop bags of prosperity in we lap. We need to be the architects of we own destiny, seizing opportunities and creating wealth.

So me fellow Guyanese, stop expecting de government to be yuh fairy godmother. Dem Budget wishes might as well be shooting stars – dazzling but elusive.

Instead, let’s put on we boots, grab life by de horns, and hustle like it’s nobody business.

Because when it comes to making yuh fortune, waiting for de Budget is like waiting for rain in a drought – disappointing and downright foolish.

Talk half. Leff half

2008, a magistrate was forced to order that a pit bull be put down after its owner was charged following an attack by the dog on a jogger.

The incident occurred in Oct. 2007 in North Ruimveldt.

During 2008, a man was scalped, leaving his skull exposed, following a pit bull attack in Queenstown. The man was said to be a vagrant.

Two weeks earlier some pit bulls turned on their caretaker in Oleander Gardens.

In a highly publicised case of the same year, a 53year- old security guard was killed and a woman injured following a pit bull attack in Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

Despite what the doglovers may say, a strong case can be made out that these dogs are dangerous and a decision has to be made about their continued breeding in Guyana. The facts are incontrovertible, these dogs are ferocious, their attacks are not infrequent – there is hardly a year in which persons have not been seriously injured by these dogs – and the elderly

and children are the main victims of pit bull attacks.

They leave their victims either dead or seriously maimed.

It is no longer enough to call on owners to secure their dogs. These dogs are fierce and not easily constrained.

No one doubts that many pit bull dogs are friendly and do not attack anyone… at least not as yet. But these dogs can and have been known to be ferocious.

Years ago – not sure whether the practice still continues – there were villages on the East Coast.

Millions were gambled in these contests. The dogs involved were not trained to be pets; they were trained to kill. The police must have had intelligence about these Sunday dog fights in specially made pits.

The government has not done anything to control the breeding of these animals.

One of the reasons why is it has to do with the fact that these animals are mainly owned by persons with financial means. It takes a lot of money to maintain a pit bull. Poor people don’t have

that type of money. The cheapest you can buy a pit bull for is G$30,000. Some pups go for as much as $100,000. Dog breeding is big business in Guyana and there will always be a push back against any attempt at banning the breeding of pit bulls.

However, in a number of countries, there are partial bans on pit bull terriers.

Guyana needs to address this problem urgently by at least placing a moratorium on the importation and breeding of pit bulls.

Let us not wait until the next person loses an arm, a leg, an ear or his or her life before action is taken. It is time for the government to address this issue and put it to rest once and for all.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10 S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

Monday Monday January May 22, 02, 2024 2022

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Expansion of conflict in Gaza The farther East that one visits via global communication networks, the more menacing and volatile the circumstances confronted. I discern a broad region, with a swath of countries, locked in a tense embrace.

In addition to countries, there are those that I would call irregulars, be they in the form of aggressive adversaries, hostile tribes, or bands of paramilitaries. All are armed to the teeth, and all backed to the hilt by one or the other sponsor, usually a power of considerable strengths. Though all the way over there, the world is in a tricky, shaky, slippery place. I recall how some shots fired in Sarajevo at a Crown Prince over a hundred years ago resulted in the conflagration that became the first so-called Great War. Though there is appreciation for the nuanced meaning of great in the context of conflict, there is still trial with how there can ever be

anything that is great about war on a scale that killed and maimed millions.

The world is on tenterhooks. A powder keg it has been since that fateful border crossing on October 7th that led to the deaths of over 1200. The Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and that vital canal are under assault, with the angles of possible attack and configurations of numerous approaches being calibrated. Shipping is an even more hazardous operation; the seas are slick with peril. It means risk, which means insurance premiums, and which means, most of all, supplies of the commodity on which the world floats. Puncture a hull, and more than crude oil rushes out. Hopes deflate, for hard times could be in the making. There is something else that everybody knows, but almost all are fearful of whispering. Prices.

One missile striking, one boat bombarded or boarded, one mistake, and there would be

mayhem the world over. I am focused on Guyana.

I read that Guyana's output is of great sensitivity to the world. Even if it was not, it still would have been part of the considerations in the schemes and games worked out in hypothetical developing and difficult scenarios.

In the event of things going over the top, over a hundred dollars for 42 gallons looks like a bargain.

But how many can afford that on an extended basis? What started out as a one-on-one battle is now sucking in players who were thought to be on the periphery. There are those airstrikes from Pakistan. There is another strike that killed five senior advisers of Iran. As if Syria and Lebanon were not enough, there is now Iraq drawn into the vortex, and Israel always at the apex.

The centrifugal forces are pulsating, almost irresistible to some itchy combatants, and prospective ones. In

cultures where martyrdom is the essence of the heroic, I think that the world is poised on the cusp of some serious trouble.

Vengeance is always a stirring proposition in hearts and preoccupations in that part of the world, what propels beyond the brink.

Who can contain what then?

Since nobody is talking to anybody, the tripwires are begging for any kind of movement.

In all of this all the way over there, I am thinking about dear old Guyana. First, there is the economics of the situation.

Supplies come under pressure and prices head for the roof, and there would likely have to be a new budget, many challenges.

One is enough, given its stings and thorns. But all the calculations and visions could come under siege should there be a showdown involving a host of participants in that edgy section of the world. The environment is crowded, the

t a rg e t s i n v i t i n g , a n d everybody has what it takes to inflict some grave damage.

Second, there is that fine gentleman next door, who has to be monitoring the situation in the territories where he has some brotherhood, and friends of the same spirit.

Let's hope that while the world is engaged that he doesn't get any ideas. Think something sneaky, rich with the intrusive and the aggressive.

Third, considering the vital interest that Guyana has become in the eyes of its new benefactors and protectors, I guarantee that the product from under the seas will be secured.

My concern is who will secure the circumstances of the Guyanese people to manage with what could be, should all hell break loose past the Rock of Gibraltar.

This conflict has all the signs of a disaster waiting to break loose.

I am deliberately

presenting today in a different manner: tempered and tailored, as a way of keeping a lid on potential fears, ever-present alarms.

Guyanese should have been harvesting the upside of their discoveries, but there is no such reality. Should matters get out of hand across the oceans, then they will be forced to coexist with a different degree of steep economic downside. In the delights and drooling over rich budget provisions for the well-favored, this effort is more of an inconvenience, a definite wet blanket. To one and all in the domestic habitat, I limit myself to two words. Be careful. If that fails to inspire, here are two more: be sensible.

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

1600 prisoners to undergo Flyover bridge to connect rehab training this year East Bank and East Coast on ...450 prison officers to trained the horizon – Min. Edghill A sum of $140.2 million has been set aside in this year's budget to be expended on the rehabilitative training of 1600 inmates in the prison system in Guyana, in preparation for their reintegration into society.

This was announced

by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh in his budget speech last Monday.

In addition to reintegration, Dr. Singh said the monies will also cater for the Last year $111.9M was expended to facilitate the training of 1,520 inmates and 348 officers in the areas of agriculture, block making, carpentry and joinery, culinary arts, information technology and prison management among others in an effort to support rehabilitation and social transformation upon exit from the prison system.

In June last year the

Kaieteur News reported that 309 ranks of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) completing training in several courses in the first half of 2023.

The training was geared towards promoting greater efficiency in the prison system.

According to a release from the Prison Service, ranks were trained by internal and external

facilitators. They completed almost 50 courses including Prison Management, Human Rights and Supervisory Management.In May last year, 172 inmates of the New Amsterdam and Mazaruni Prisons were trained to be equipped with skills to aid in their reintegration into society.The batch of inmates completed training in areas such as electrical insulation, c a r p e n t r y, j o i n e r y, welding, plumbing, culinary arts, horticulture, a n d w o m e n empowerment.Several female inmates also g r a d u a t e d f r o m rehabilitation programmes offered by the Prison Service. The move is in keeping with the government's commitment to ensure prison reform, which allows inmates to acquire basic incomegenerating skills and improve their education, while they serve prison time.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has said that the government intends to construct a flyover bridge that will link the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) with the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) in a bid to ease traffic congestion.

This was disclosed recently by the minister at his year-end press conference.

He was at the time s p e a k i n g o f transformational road projects being undertaken by the government that would help citizens travel from one place to another in a timely manner.

“Today (December 29) myself and Minister [Collin] Croal and my team from the Work Services Group visited the location where we will also be doing a new flyover which will join from where the New Demerara Harbour Bridge comes in at Peter's Hall, there would be a flyover of the new

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill Hero's highway and that would be connecting with the road that is being built from Ogle to Eccles,” he told reporters.

Upon completion, it is expected that pers ons t r a v e l i n g f r o m We s t Demerara over the new bridge would not have to

travel to Georgetown to get to other locations; instead they will use the flyover to connect to Ogle, ECD. “You would be able to get to all the way to the Corentyne without having to come through all this busyness in Georgetown and work is ongoing on that,” the minister disclosed.

China Railway C o n s t r u c t i o n Corporation (CRCC) and its partners, are currently constructing the new US$260 million Demerara River Bridge (DRB), which is scheduled to be completed at the end of the year. The modern four-lane structure would be linking Regions Three and Four.

Currently too, through the Ministry of Public Works, a road link is ongoing

by Ashoka Buildcon Limited, an Indian firm, to build a US$106.4 million four-lane road between Ogle, ECD and Eccles, EBD.

Monday January 22, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

Murders increased by 21.4% in 2023 While overall serious crimes have seen a decline, a 21.4% increase in murder cases was recorded in 2023, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Addressing the increase in murders, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, during a press conference held on Wednesday outlined that most are in relation to disorderly murders.

“It seems as though murders occur perhaps because we don't want to separate ourselves from situations that can escalate.

Men have the bravado and want to engage in issues which can result in harm,” the minister said.

He also pointed to a possible correlation with substance abuse. “It relates to either drinking or smoking.

Imbibing to such an extent that reason escapes one and then not taking the proper measures in terms of personal safety when an argument comes up,” Benn added.

Dead: Parbattie Amanda Persaud Minister Benn did not shy away from acknowledging the role of domestic violence in contributing to the rising murder cases.

He said, “Not to escape the fact that we have issues in relation to domestic violence this (also) results in murders.”

In light of these concerning trends, Minister Benn proposed a multifaceted approach to

Dead: Eusi Bobb

address the root causes. He stressed the importance of community awareness in relation to conflict avoidance, conflict awareness, and conflict resolution without resorting to violence.

In 2023, 49.1% of murders in Guyana resulted from disorderly behaviour, while 28.3% were domesticrelated. The statistics indicating that 49.1% of

m urders resulted from disorderly behaviour highlights the impact of social disorganization on crime rates.

The ministry said that implementing communitybased programmes that focus on addressing social disorganization, promoting positive youth development, and providing support services to at-risk individuals

Dead: William Montrose can help reduce the likelihood of violent behaviour.

Earlier this week, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for nineteen-year-old Siyani McFarlane called “Biggs” in relation to the murder of 26year-old William Montrose, a miner of Victoria, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The police listed McFarlane's last known address as Lot 51

Victoria, ECD. According to reports, Montrose and Eusi Bobb, 23, a mason also of Victoria Village, both succumbed to chop and stab wounds they sustained on December 17, 2023, following a gold chain brawl at a party in that village.

Two residents of Victoria were remanded to prison for the capital offence of murder in relation to the deaths of two men. Those on remand are Emperor Emanuel Chung, a 25-year-old painter and Ruel Ward, a 23-year-old labourer.

Chung was charged in relation to the death of Bobb, while Ward was charged in relation to the death of Montrose.

According to reports, Montrose and Bobb died as a result of chop and stab wounds, while 25-year-old Delex Skeete, a plumber, and 19-year-old Siyani sustained injuries during the brawl.

McFarlane was also injured during the brawl. However,

Top Cop:

More small farmers need to participate in Farmers' Market

Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken has issued a call to small farmers to participate in the Force's Farmers' Market.

Hicken made this comment on Saturday at the Guyana Police Force's (GPF) latest Farmers' Market held at Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

The Top Cop said he plans to visit communities across the country and encourage farmers and producers of crops and livestock to take full advantage of the benefits the Market has to offer.

“The atmosphere is more conducive, you can see members of the public

interacting with each other, members of the public interacting with producers.

What is good for us…is we are building momentum, like I said, we started from 90 [and] we are now 93 and we have people selling out of the container trucks,” Hicken said.

T h e P o l i c e Commissioner is hopeful that by the next quarter, there will be 150 farmers/ producers participating in the Farmers' Market.

“They can only benefit from that. They are going to create an atmosphere where they can broaden their scope in terms of customers but more importantly, they

are going to interact with the Commissioner and other senior ranks of the force.

So, we can only win from this,” Hicken added.

Saturday's Farmers' Market was dubbed a success with farmers preparing their stations from as early as 03:00h to be able to welcome customers at 05:00h who bought fresh, organic fruits and vegetables as well as eggs and poultry.

Scenes from Saturday's Farmers' Market. (Photos courtesy, Guyana Police Force)

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

PAGE 13

Activist takes EAB to Court for upholding waiver of impact assessment R Wales Gas-to-Energy project…

ights activist, Danuta Radzik has filed legal proceedings in the High Court, challenging the Environmental Assessment Board's (EAB's) decision to uphold a waiver of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the two gas plants to be constructed at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The EAB had issued a decision in May 2023, upholding a decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exempt the gas facility from an EIA. Radzik is seeking an Order of Certiorari to quash the decision to exempt the gas facility from a thorough impact assessment. She argues that the decision of the EAB is flawed and/or contrary to, or in breach of the law.

In court documents seen

by Kaieteur News, Radzik through her attorney Mohamed Ali is asking the Court to declare the decision a nullity; is void and of no legal effect; was made without or want of or in excess of jurisdiction; is ultra vires; is unreasonable or irrational, arbitrary, capricious or erroneous at law; is illegal; disproportionate; in defiance of logic; without any legal foundation or basis or authorization or authority;

and/or contrary to or in breach of the provisions of the Act and/or the regulations.

In addition, the Court is being asked to issue an Order of Mandamus directed to the EAB, that the board reinstate the appeal against the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exempt the gas facility from an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and to hold new hearings in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act. The grounds of Radzik's application outline that the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) is empowered

by Section 18 of the Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05 to conduct hearings into appeals lodged.

The document notes further that the composition and operation of the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) is set out in the Third Schedule of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05.

The application outlined that, “…The disclosure of interest and recusal of any m e m b e r o f t h e Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) is set out in the section 8 of the third schedule of the Environmental Protection

Act (EPA) Cap. 20:05…It was via Application for E n v i r o n m e n t a l Authorisation dated the 14th day of November 2022, Guyana Power and Gas Inc., a company incorporated under the Laws of Guyana Companies Act Cap. 89:01, with its registered office at Lot 116-117, Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown (hereinafter called the Company), sought an environmental permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the construction and operation of a 300 MW Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant (the project).”

It noted that, “The project is strategically aimed at utilizing piped natural gas from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSOs), which will be processed by a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility which will generate lean gas that will be used to fuel a power plant that will generate and deliver electricity into GPL's existing power grid.

The completed project is expected to deliver every month 187.56 GWh of electricity into the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System to support Guyana's current and projected economic development.”

Meanwhile, touching on the appointments of

Rights activist, Danuta Radzik members of the EAB, the application seeks to highlight the conflict of interest by its members as a ground for the request.

According to the application, three public servants, i.e., Dr. Mahender Sharma, Head of the Guyana Energy Agency and member of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Mr. Joslyn McKenzie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and Dr. Garvin Cummings, Chief Meteorological Officer were appointed members of the EAB. The application noted

that Sharma has direct and indirect interests in the Project which he failed to declare and he participated in deliberations and decisions regarding the exemption of the power plant from an environmental impact contrary to paragraph 8 of the Third Schedule of the Environmental Protection Act. “Mahender Sharma is a director on the Board of Directors of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) reappointed on the 27th day of August 2021. Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) is a company that is essentially a Co-applicant

along with Guyana Power and Gas Inc., for a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) for the construction and operation of a 300 MW Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant (the Project), a power generation facility to be located at Wales, West Bank Demerara, Guyana.

The document points out that Sharma as a director of GPL owes and performs fiduciary duties at the Guyana Power and Light Inc., duties which conflict with his duties as Chairman and member of the EAB as he cannot act in the best interest of both entities.

As it relates to Mc Kenzie, he is said to have direct and indirect interests in the project which he failed to declare and he participated in deliberations and decisions regarding the exemption of the power plant from an environmental impact contrary to paragraph 8 of the Third Schedule of the Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05.

In his capacity as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, McKenzie has been party to the Gas to Energy Project and specific power plant components from its inception and continues to actively administer parts thereof.

$900M spent in 2023 on 97 vehicles for Police Over the last three years, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has acquired a total of 493 vehicles to bolster its land and water transportation fleet. This was revealed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing mobility, response capabilities, and overall effectiveness of the force in carrying out law enforcement duties across diverse terrains.

With a budget allocation of $900 million for land and water transportation, in 2023 the GPF further expanded its fleet. The allocation encompassed 97 fleets, comprising various vehicles and vessels, including motor vehicles, motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), boats, an ambulance, and specialized vehicles for crime scene investigations and high-risk operations.

The GPF's investment included 33 motor vehicles, 36

motorcycles, 12 ATVs, and 28 boats, catering for a range of law enforcement needs.

In 2020, the GPF acquired a total of 109 vehicles, including 50 double cab pick-ups, 48 motorcycles, 5 motor cars, 2 minibuses, two 4x4 Nissan X-Trails, 1 Toyota Land Cruiser, and 1 ATV. This strategic procurement was aimed at improving the mobility and response capabilities of the police force, enabling effective law enforcement across diverse terrains.

Building on that momentum, the GPF continued its efforts in 2021 by acquiring an additional 188 vehicles for land and water transportation. This included 72 motorcycles, 56 double cab pickups, 45 motor cars, 4 long-base canter trucks, 1 long-base pick-up, 7 ATVs, 2 mini-buses, and 1 boat.

This expansion facilitated the force's ability to cover a wider geographical area and respond

Several pick-ups which were acquired for the Guyana Police Force in 2021

promptly to incidents requiring police intervention.

In 2022, the GPF sustained its commitment to modernization, acquiring 99 more land and water transport assets. This included 40 pick-ups, 26 motorcycles, 20

ATVs, 10 motor cars, 1 horse trailer, and 2 (22 ft.) wooden boats.

These additions reflected the force's dedication to providing officers with reliable and suitable vehicles for their operational needs.

This comprehensive acquisition of vehicles and watercraft signifies a significant step forward for the Guyana Police Force, enhancing its capabilities to address the evolving landscape of law enforcement challenges.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

UG Welcomes back 32 PhD's under Donor Funded Advanced Scholar Programme

– VC Says “Blessing to the Six scholars who could not attend the December ceremony in Pheonix Arizona are not captured in this photo.

University and the Nation” The University of Guyana (UG) has received a substantial shot in the arm after 31 of its faculty members who were studying for their PhDs and Ed.Ds graduated in December 2023.

The scholars from across UG's 8 Faculties and several service units are already back at the University carrying out teaching, research and administrative functions, a press release from the university said on Saturday.

The Advanced Scholar Programme, which began in the 2018/2019 academic year, was funded by the ExxonMobil Foundation and was developed by the University of Guyana in a close collaboration with Arizona State University.

The project also funded three Masters students. Six more doctoral scholars are expected to complete in the coming months.

The project was designed b y t h e n D e p u t y Vi c e Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Prof. Paloma Mohamed and Prof. Gary Dirks of Arizona State University in the United States primarily to increase the number of teaching staff at the University who had terminal degrees (doctorates), by 30% by 2024, and to power up UG's research capacity.

Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, now Vice Chancellor has said the programme is “a blessing to the University, our students and the country since it will immediately increase the research output of the University, the quality of teaching, and also the fundamental levels of administration and service.

This experience for these dedicated staff was meant to be more than an academic exercise. It was an experiential one which was critical to operating UG's Blueprint 2040. This goal has been achieved.”

Similarly, Prof. Dirks said “the programme with UG was absolutely critical to ensuring

that the University of Guyana is able to deal with the tsunami of developments which are about to descend upon the country. I was honoured to be part of this very, very important moment for UG and Guyana.”

The University of Guyana's Advanced Scholar programme focused on action research on key problems located in all 10 regions of Guyana as well as the University of Guyana itself as a community of interest.

Dissertations on sustainable agriculture and forestry, e n e r g y, e d u c a t i o n a n d indigenous communities, water and pollution, biodiversity, chemical and mechanical innovations and technologies, computing, labour economics, education, educational administration and support systems to name a few, were produced over four intense years of study and research.

“Scholars under the project have so far published over 60 research papers. Two books and a conference on their work are currently in preparation and the project itself is being studied as a model system for rapid results use of the academy in sustainable development. The University of Guyana will be featuring one scholar and their work every week starting February 2024,” the statement from the University of Guyana said. The country's premier tertiary institution congratulated the scholars.

“The University wishes to congratulate its scholars and their academic support teams and to thank ASU, ExxonMobil Foundation, the University of Guyana's support team, including all who contributed, covered teaching and administrative duties for their colleagues while they pursued their studies.”

A full report on the programme can be found on the University's website: www.uog.edu.gy.

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

PAGE 15

Mahdia COI report reveals…

Dorm was flagged for fire vulnerabilities; officials did nothing Aftermath of the fire that killed 20 children

T

hree months before the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory fire in May last year, which claimed the lives of 20 children, Sub-Officer in Charge of the Mahdia Fire Station, Mr. Ryan Scott did an inspection of the facility and flagged it for its fire vulnerabilities. This was revealed in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report which was made public on Saturday.

The Commissioners, Major General (Ret'd) Joe Singh, Attorney-at-Law Joycelin Kim Kyte-Thomas, and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Derrick John, concluded that the cause of the May 21, 2023 fire was arson.

While it was stated that even a better equipped facility would not have provided a different outcome, the commissioners also highlighted other issues that were uncovered during the inquiry into the deadly fire.The Commissioners said that the country's Chief Fire Officer

(CFO), Gregory Wickham and former Regional Education Officer (REDO) Region Eight, Annesta Douglas neglected their responsibilities when they failed to act on Scott's report which cited that the dormitory facility was a fire hazard.

Dormitory inspection The Commission heard that on February 7, 2023, an inspection was carried out at the Mahdia Dormitory facility by Sub-Officer Scott.

Following this inspection, Scott prepared a report which he addressed to the CFO and copied to the REDO. Sub-Officer Scott report highlighted a list of deficiencies associated with the Mahdia dormitories. It cited that for the dormitory buildings, there was a complete absence of any fire prevention system.

He said there were no fire alarm system, no fire detection system, no exit signs and no smoke detection system. The report also highlighted that there were only three fire

extinguishers provided in the buildings and grills were seen on all the windows.

Scott's report provided a list of 12 requirements/recommendations to address fire prevention at the facility. These included: 1. A suitable fire alarm system which can give sufficient audible warning throughout the premises

must be provided.

2. All final exits (doors) must be constructed to open outwards along the line of exit travel.

3. Suitable exit signs red in colour on white background not less than 100mm in height, must be conspicuously displayed over all final exits.

4. Precise instructions with

actions to be taken in the event of a fire must be prominently displayed on the walls throughout the building.

5. Suitable storage facilities (racks, shelves, cupboards, etc.) must be provided for all items.

They must be constructed or situated in such a way that allows (Continuned on pge 16)

Man fined $49.6M, jailed for 4 years for ‘Greens Man’ who crashed into pick-up possession of $20M worth marijuana at Aranaputa dies

Thirty-nine-year-old Latchman Sankar also known as 'Jack' was sentenced to four years imprisonment and fined $49.6M on Friday by Magistrate Zamilla AliSeepaul, for possession of $20M worth of marijuana.

Sankar pleaded guilty when he appeared at the Leonora Magistrates' Court to answer the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Sankar, a resident of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD), along with 36-year-old Sanya Ramrattan called 'Shena' was nabbed by the Customs AntiNarcotics Units (CANU) with 55.2 kilograms of marijuana valued $20 million.

He pleaded guilty to the offence.

According to CANU, on Monday (January 15, 2024), ranks acting on information visited Block 1 Unity Hubu, Parika. Upon their arrival at the house, and a search was conducted which led to the arrest of two persons, Sankar and Ramrattan.

CANU related that during the search, ranks discovered several large bags

The 55.2 kilograms of Cannabis that was found

containing brick-like parcels of suspected cannabis.

Notably, the duo was arrested and taken to CANU's Headquarters along with the suspected narcotic.

The 120 parcels of narcotics tested positive as cannabis and weighed 55.2 kilograms, with a total street value of approximately $20 million.

Meanwhile, in considering Sankar's plea, the Magistrate sentenced him to four years imprisonment and fined him $49,685,000.

Jailed: Latchman Sankar also known as 'Jack'

One week after he collided with a pick-up at Aranaputa Valley, North Rupununi, Region Nine, vegetable vendor Randy Gilbert succumbed to his injuries in Brazil.

Gilbert, called 'Greens Man' and 'Uncle Randy,' was taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital with multiple injuries to his body, including a severely damaged right leg last Sunday following the accident. He was then transferred to a hospital at Boa Vista, Brazil.

Relatives related that he suffered three heart attacks before he died. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Kaieteur News learnt that Gilbert, who is around 60years- old, and who is well known in the North Rupununi, was riding his bike to deliver greens to a customer at Aranaputa,a satellite village of Annai, when he met with the accident last Sunday.

According to reports, Gilbert, attempted to overtake a truck in front of him while blinded by a cloud of dust and he ended-up riding into the path of a pickup travelling in the opposite

Randy Gilbert called ‘ Greens Man’, ‘Uncle Randy’ direction.

Some eyewitnesses said that Gilbert's bike clipped the “front side” of the approaching vehicle reportedly driven by one Ralfton Jacobus who also lives at Aranaputa.

The crash resulted in Gilbert sustaining severe injuries to his body. He was rescued by onlookers and rushed to the Annai Health Centre.

The accident led to Annai Village suspending a games day which it had planned for last Sunday.

PAGE 16

Monday January 22, 2024

Kaieteur News

Murders increased by 21.4% in 2023...

WANTED

VACANCY

FOR RENT

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

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

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

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

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

Call: 603-6400.

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

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

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics.

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

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

Domestic and Cook needed.

Call: 223-5273/74.

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

Customer Service Representative & Driver needed.

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

Call: 223-5354/ 227-7178.

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

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

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

Sales and Delivery Clerks needed. Apply at: Lens 136 Sheriff Street next to Buddys/Pizzahut. Call: 2272486/ 227-1511, Email: lensgy@outlook.com Warehouse Manager/Forklift Operator and Truck Driver (Part time or Full Time). Apply at Lens Call: 227-2486/ 227-1511, Email: lensgy@outlook.com Welder needed. Living accommodation provided. Call: 627-5043/ 639-1315.

2 Porters needed in grocery store. $5000 per day. Call: 223-9677.

Professional teacher required for tutoring Grade 2 pupil in Math, handwriting & assisting with homework. Call: 6236383.

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

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

Call: 845-325-8241.

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

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

Vacancy exist for water delivery Drivers at Non Pareil.

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

Pump Attendant/Cashier, shifts (6am-2pm & 2pm10pm). Shell station, Providence, E.B.D. Email: Shellramsburg@gmai.com.

One Painter needed. Call: 615-9132.

One Bodywork man needed.

Call: 675-9988.

Drivers, Porters and Salesman needed, experience will be an asset, Attractive salary offered. Call: 673-7373.

Female Cleaner for office.

Call: 645-8443.

General Manager Needed for the Interior at 6th Dredge.

Call: 696-9854 or 223-7165.

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

sonal dynamics, power imbalances, and unresolved conflicts within relationships.

It was highlighted that efforts to address domestic violence require comprehensive strategies that encompass support services for victims, perpetrator intervention programs, and public awareness campaigns aimed at changing societal attitudes toward domestic abuse. Strengthening resources for domestic violence prevention and intervention, including shelters for victims, counseling services, and legal support, is essential for addressing the prevalence of domestic-related murders – the ministry said.

On January 5, 2024, 39year-old Gurudeen Lalaram, a mason of Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo, was remanded to prison for the murder of his reputed wife 25year-old market vendor,

Parbattie Amanda Persaud.

Persaud was allegedly beaten to death by Lalaram on December 31, 2023 at Parika Façade. According to reports, during the early hours of Sunday, December 31, 2023, Persaud was heading to the market when a confrontation arose between her and Lallaram.

The argument escalated quickly, resulting in Lalaram attacking Persaud with a piece of wood, causing severe injuries. Despite the efforts of nearby residents to summon the authorities, Persaud suffered grave wounds to her head and face. She was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

The couple shared a common-law relationship for six years which resulted in the birth of a three-year-old daughter.

Dorm was flagged for fire...

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

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

Call: 626-7040.

From page 11 free and adequate passageway to be maintained.

6. All items stored in the building must be neatly arranged leaving a minimum clearance of at least 30cm from ceiling level and 15cm in any other direction.

7. No fuel must be stored on the premises without permission from this department.

FOR SALE

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

Accounts & Bond Clerks, W/ Union CSR'S, Cashier, Sales Rep and Porters needed at Survival. Call: 609-2995.

Vacancy exists for one truck Driver to work for a Construction Company. Contact: 656-0603/ 624-9505.

An Afro- Guyanese male is interested in a single middle age woman. Call/ text: 6622018.

Land development Hyundai R140 long reach excavator & 1.5 sack ransom cement mixer. Call: 657-9237/ 6155669.

Receptionist and Hotel Attendant needed at Hick's Ville Hotel. Email: info@ vegeworld.net or Call: 2310951/ 231-0952.

Babysitter needed to work Monday to Saturday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Call: 623-6383.

PEN PAL

Executive 3 bedroom house in Lamaha Gardens, fully furnished US$4300. Ideal for expats. Call: 622-2010.

From page 12 police have not disclosed the teen’s role in the brawl.

Police said investigations revealed that Bobb, and two others allegedly attacked Montrose at the party and took away his 30-pennyweight gold chain. During the attack, Bobb and the men reportedly stabbed Montrose several times about his body.

The wounded man reportedly left the party but returned shortly after with a cutlass and unleashed a brutal attack.

During the brawl, Bobb was fatally chopped.

Moreover, the Home Affairs ministry said that the significant percentage 28.3% of murders being domestic-related underscores the prevalence of domestic violence as a contributing factor to the increase in murder cases.

Domestic violence often stems from complex interper-

John Deere 7300 combine, Lavarda 132 combine, 11090 fiat tractor & 290 Massey tractor. Call: 644-9512.

Tundra for sale, GKK5670.

1.8 Mil neg. Call: 668-5034.

House lots for sale in gated community, no down payment. $50,000 monthly. Call: 622-1957.

VEHICLES FOR SALE Toyota diesel bus PXX series, no reasonable offer refused.

Call: 644-6551/ 661-3608.

Priced to sell, owner leaving.

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

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

1 Toyota, late 2011 model, low milage, hardly used.

Excellect condition. Call: 649-0956.

EDUCATION First Aid/ CPR/ AED & Home Nursing courses will commence in January 2024.

Call St.John Association: 225-9082.

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

Call: 644-6551/ 661-3608.

8. A high standard of housekeeping must be maintained throughout the building at all times.

9. Grills must be removed from all windows immediately.

10. Six (6) fire extinguishers along with six (6) smoke detectors must be provided and all Fire Extinguishers must be hung on brackets with their handles 1.4m from floor level to facilitate handling by persons of any height.

11. Efforts must be made for all staff to be trained in the use and operation of firefighting equipment (fire extinguishers) and evacuation procedures.

12. Hydrants must be installed. Note: the water main leading to the dorms is 2" in diameter.

The female dormitory housed 59 girls as well as the House Supervisor Carleta Williams, and her 5-year-old son, who also perished in the fire. The female dorm had six bedrooms for the girls, each room had windows, about 4 in number, which were all grilled from the inside of each room.

Sub-Officer Scott reported that the situation of the dorm facility was considered as high risk due to it being occupied by a large number of children, there were no water hydrants installed at or in close proximity to the facility.

From the evidence, the Commissioners concluded that the female dormitory was not in a state of readiness in the eventuality of a fire.

Dereliction of Duty – CFO The Commissioners found it unfortunate that out of the 12 recommendations provided in Scott’s report, the CFO only action was taken in relation to the fire hydrants.

“This we consider to be bare minimum action and certainly not a fulfillment of the

duties bestowed on the most senior fire officer of this country,” the Commissioners said.

The Commissioners also found it regrettable that in all circumstances and even with all his experience as the most senior fire officer in Guyana, the CFO did not see the need, nor did he take the initiative, to communicate to the Permanent Secretary of his Ministry, the said emergency recommendations.

“It is expected that the head of the fire service of any country, being in possession of reports such as these, would go beyond the bounds of duty and service to ensure compliance therewith. This we feel, in all circumstances, was lacking from the Chief Fire Officer,” the Commissioners said.

REDO dereliction of duty and neglect “The conduct of the REDO was not far from that of the CFO,” the Commissioners said.

The REDO’s timeline of the dates she received the report and her unconfirmed information about her reassignment, was rejected by the Commissioners.

The COI report said that nothing prevented the REDO from acting on the recommendations Scott made or bringing it to the attention of other authority.

“We rejected the excuses proffered by Ms. Douglas to justify her inaction and found them to be spurious and vexatious. She gave no attention and showed complete disregard for the report,” the Commissioners said.

In all the circumstances, the Commissioners consider the actions and inactions of the REDO to be careless, negligent, a complete dereliction of duties and falling far below the standard of officers serving the Education system of this country.

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

PAGE 17

Second driver in Ruimveldt Woman killed in Beterverwagting accident smash-up succumbs The death toll of the January 9 deadly smash-up which occurred in front of the Ruimveldt Police Station in the city rose to three after the second driver involved in the accident died on Sunday morning.

Romel Pream Seecharran, 29, of Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara (WBD), never regained consciousness after the accident and eventually succumbed to his injuries, relatives told Kaieteur News.

They recalled that on the day of the tragedy, Seecharran was on his way home and they were all waiting for him to arrive safely. Instead they were greeted with the news that he met with a tragic accident and was rushed to a city hospital.

Seecharran sustained severe head injuries and was in a coma-like state.

Relatives spent the next 12 days visiting the hospital each day with hope that he will recover and greet them with his warm smile again.

However, on Sunday morning their hopes were shattered when they learnt that he will never be coming home again.

Seecharran was the driver of a Honda Vezel sports utility vehicle (SUV) which toppled and careened into the path of a minibus around 05:30hrs on January 9 in front of the Ruimveldt Police Station.

The crash left the driver of the bus, 54year-old Rawle McKenzie and his wife, Sharon Wilson, 51, who was seated in the front seat beside him, dead. They were reportedly heading to Georgetown that morning to buy “greens” to sell at Grove,

The second driver in the deadly Ruimveldt crash, Romel Pream Seecharran East Bank Demerara. Three other passengers in the bus were also injured.

Police said, “Preliminary investigations revealed that Seecharran’s Honda Vezel was proceeding south on the eastern lane of the Ruimveldt Public Road, allegedly at a fast rate of speed.” Police continued that while in the vicinity of ‘Top Point Store,’ the driver of the car, Seecharran, “came into contact with a pile of sand on the eastern side of the road” while “negotiating a slight bend.” His car then crashed into a bridge and flipped several times before finally landing in the path of the couple’s minibus which was heading in the opposite direction.

Mckenzie could not slow down in time and ended up crashing into the already mangled car.

Andre Brandli is wrong about...

From page 05 and ingratiating propaganda…” Well, had Brandli only read what has come out on the Iraq war from places like Yale and Harvard on international affairs or comparative politics he would never have so publicly embarrassed himself.

For my part, I have spoken at University of Guyana, UWI (T&T); University of Toronto; McMaster; Guelph U n i v e r s i t y, C a r l e t o n University, City University of New York (Graduate Centre), UCLA, Georgetown University, New York University, University of Kentucky, University of Connecticut, Vi r g i n i a Te c h , T u f t s University, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, Brown University, Johns Hopkins

University, Wake Forest U n i v e r s i t y, Q u e e n ’s University (Belfast), University of Sussex, City University of London, London School of Economics, University of Nottingham; University of Kent, University Trento (Italy), International Institute of Social Studies (The Hague), Chubu University (Nagoya, Japan), University of Science and Technology (Tokyo, Japan), Korea University, National Chengchi, (Taiwan); and The American University of Sharjah, UAE. I have also consulted with the World Bank, US Department of State, Council on Foreign Relations, Carnegie E n d o w m e n t f o r International Peace, Center for Strategic and International Studies, and inter alia, the United Nations

University.

I can tell you despite my wide-ranging international experience, I have never seen something as mediocre as Professor Andre Brandli’s response to my arguments about the internal transformation of the politics of the PPP. What is particularly sad about the alienated Professor Brandli, is that rather than join the fight against the racialization of politics, he has chosen to be a foreign rabble-rouser, all for a little of attention.

Sad! Brandli should know that the Jagdeo Doctrine of 2023 is emancipatory and here to stay. It is the new social ontology of the PPPC. Sincerely, Dr Randy Persaud Adviser, International Affairs, Office of the President

A 53-year-old woman died on Sunday morning after the vehicle she was travelling in crashed and toppled around 02:00hrs on the public road at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The woman was identified as Denese Paul of B a r e r o o t , B a c h e l o r s Adventure, ECD. According to reports Paul was in t h e f r o n t passenger seat of the vehicle when it crashed.

Paul was on her way home when she met her demise.

Police are investigating the accident.

Dead, Denese Paul

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Monday January 22, 2024

Gaza death toll surpasses 25,000 as Israel escalates assault A Palestinian woman reacts at the grave of her son killed in an Israeli strike, in Khan Younis [Arafat Barbakh/Reuters] (AL JAZEERA)-The Palestinian death toll in Israel’s assault on Gaza has surpassed 25,000, according to the Ministry of Health in the territory.

Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra said on Sunday that 178 people had been confirmed killed in the previous 24 hours, with the death toll in more than three months of Israel’s war on Gaza reaching 25,105.

The Israeli bombardment began after Hamas’s surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7 killed at least 1,139 people, according to an Al Jazeera tally based on official Israeli statistics.

Around 250 other people in Israel were taken hostage by Palestinian armed groups.

Reporting from Rafah in southern Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud said there

was intense ground fighting near a key hospital in Khan Younis on Sunday.

“Snipers have taken positions in high-rise buildings, shooting people on the street below. People in [Nasser] hospital have no place to go,” said Mahmoud, adding that “It’s street-tostreet, house-to-house fighting.”

The previous day, Israeli shelling east of the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza killed four Palestinians and injured 21 others, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

‘Heartbreaking’ deaths: UN chief United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres denounced Israel for the “heartbreaking” deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

“ I s r a e l ’s m i l i t a r y operations have spread mass destruction and killed civilians on a scale unprecedented during my time as secretary-general,” Guterres said at the opening of the G77+China summit in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

Guterres told Al Jazeera that the resolution to the decades-long IsraeliPalestinian conflict lies in “the acceptance of the right of the Palestinians to statehood and the acceptance of a two-state solution”.

The comments come a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on his opposition to Palestinian statehood.

At least 62,681 people have been wounded in the

Wounded Palestinians treated on French warship off Egyptian shore A French naval officer stands next to Palestinian children playing cards. [Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters]

(AL JAZEERA) - The Dixmude, a French helicopter carrier, has been docked in the Egyptian port of El Arish, 50 km (30 miles) west of the Gaza Strip, since November.

The vessel is equipped with wards, operating theatres and 70 medical staff.

Nearly 120 injured people have been hospitalised on board, while hundreds more have been seen for outpatient consultations, including follow-ups on injuries and psychiatric issues, said Captain Alexandre Blonce, c a l l i n g i t a n “unprecedented mission”.

Israeli forces launched all-out war to eliminate Hamas, the Palestinian group that governs Gaza, after its fighters carried out a surprise attack on southern Israel.

At least 1,139 people were killed in the October 7 attack, according to an Al Jazeera tally based on Israeli statistics, and some 240 others were seized as hostages and taken back to the enclave.

More than 25,000 people have been killed in the Israeli assault on Gaza, mostly women and children, according to Palestinian authorities.

Palestinians in Gaza have struggled to get medical care at home as tens of thousands have been wounded, with most of Gaza’s 36 hospitals no longer functioning, and those remaining operating at far over capacity, the World Health Organization says.

Israel has targeted the largest remaining hospitals, saying Hamas fighters are operating there, something Hamas denies.

Those lucky enough to cross into Egypt, like 16year-old Ahmed Abu Daqqa, who was injured on November 1, faced long waits for medical care.

Israeli assault on Gaza, according to Palestinian authorities.

Some 85 percent of the territory’s population has been displaced, with thousands sheltering in UNrun camps in the southern part of the coastal enclave in squalid conditions.

The UN has said there are “famine-like” conditions in Gaza as around one in four of the population of 2.3 million people face extreme hunger.

Only a fraction of the aid needed has been delivered due to fighting and severe Israeli restrictions on shipments.

Women and children are the biggest victims in the war, according to the UN. Netanyahu has vowed to keep up the offensive until Hamas is wiped out, with Israel also ramping up fighting on other fronts, sparking fears of tensions boiling over regionally.

Indonesia’s Mount Merapi unleashes lava as other volcanoes flare up, forcing thousands to evacuate ( A P ) - I n d o n e s i a ’s Mount Merapi erupted Sunday, spreading searing gas clouds and avalanches of lava down its slopes as other active volcanoes flared up across the country, forcing the evacuation of thousands.

On the densely populated island of Java, Merapi unleashed clouds of hot ash and a mixture of rock, and lava that traveled up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) down its slopes, said Agus Budi Santoso, the h e a d o f I n d o n e s i a ’s Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center. A column of hot clouds blasted 100 meters (about 109 yards) into the air as ash blanketed several villages without casualties, he added.

Merapi is the most active out of more than 120 volcanoes across the country. Sunday’s eruption is the latest since authorities raised its alert level to the second-highest in November 2020 after sensors picked up i n c r e a s i n g a c t i v i t y.

Residents living on the

slopes were advised to stay 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) away from the crater’s mouth and be aware of possible threats from flowing lava.

In 2010, an eruption killed 347 people and displaced 20,000 villagers.

The 2,968-meter (9,737-foot) mountain is about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Yogyakarta, an ancient center of Javanese culture and the seat of royal dynasties going back centuries. About a quarter million people live within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of the volcano.

Several other active volcanoes also blew up this weekend, prompting authorities to evacuate thousands of residents, said Indonesia’s Center for Vo l c a n o l o g y a n d Geological Disaster Mitigation in a statement released on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

No casualties were reported, it said.

The agency said Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in East Nusa Tenggara province spewed hot clouds as high

as 700 meters (2,300 feet) into the air on Sunday, as more than 6,500 people fled to shelters.

Also on Sunday, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra province erupted again, its third biggest flare-up this month, albeit without discharging lava. About 500 residents living near it were evacuated. Last month, it erupted, killing 23 climbers and injuring several others.

Mount Semeru in East Java province released searing gas clouds and rivers of lava on Saturday, as did Mount Ibu on Halmahera Island in North Maluku province which shot a column of hot ashes as high as 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) into the air.

In December 2021, Mount Semeru, the highest volcano on Java Island, erupted, leaving 48 people dead and 36 missing.

Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

Rice production increase by 43,000 tonnes in 2023 ...$1.3B allocated for growth of sector in 2024 budget D

espite EL Nino weather conditions having an impact on the rice sector, production increased by 43, 000 in 2023 when compared to the previous year.

As the sector expands, Guyana is expected to earn US$595 per metric tonne in the year 2024.

This was noted by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh during his budget speech last Monday.

The minister said that, “The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) in 2024 will see a $1.3B allocation to support continued growth and enhancement of the rice growing sector.”

The GRDB reported that for the year 2023 rice production increased since the sector produced 653,706 tonnes for 2023, in comparison to the 610,595 tonnes in 2022.

The minister said that this can be attributed to significantly better yields which improved from 5.9 tonnes per hectare in 2022, to an estimated 6.3 tonnes per hectare in 2023.

The minister said that, “our aim to expand and develop the rice industry is being realised through a number of interventions including: introduction of new high yielding varieties; providing adequately for improved drainage and irrigation systems and farm to market roads; and the securing of new markets and introduction of new technologies.”

Last year the government had introduced a new rice variety which was said to be high yielding, biofortified, zinc enriched rice variety.

They also established a seed processing facility at Black Bush Polder and a biocontrol laboratory for addressing the paddy bug infestation naturally.

Additionally there was the introduction of nano-fertilizer as an alternative to conventional fertilizers.

Minister Singh said, “The G14-10 high yielding variety will be evaluated in farmers' fields in 2024.

We will continue to invest in the improvement of the quality and quantity of seed paddy available to the rice farmers and provide enhanced best practices in the cultivation of paddy. We continue to research and develop highyielding varieties with good milling and cooking qualities and varieties that are both salt tolerant and resistant to major rice diseases.”

The use of technology in the cultivation of rice increased and it was noted that two drying floors were constructed in Regions 3 and 5.

Singh added that rice manufacturing is expected to expand by 22.7%, as farmers will benefit from continued training in a variety of areas which include mechanised sowing, fertilising and application of agrochemicals to increase production and improve productivity.

The minister noted that, “the rice growing subsector is expected to grow by 6.2 percent this year, with production increasing to 710,000 metric tonnes, driven by an expansion

Rice harvesting in West Coast Berbice in acreage cultivated, the deployment of new and more productive varieties, and

improved research and development.”

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

Monday January 22, 2024

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

GTTA pleased with 2024 Budgetary allocation and plans for Sports “As President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) I wish to say that budget 2024 is unprecedented and a step in the right direction for the sector. I therefore wish to applaud the Government, the Hon. Minister Mr. Charles Ramson Jr., the Director of Sports Mr. Steve Ninvalle, the Commissioners of the NSC and their team for their visionary leadership and in taking on board the aspirations of national athlete’s, associations, coaches and administrators and the sector as a whole,” noted Godfrey Munroe President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association in a release.

“While the nation and

government has priorities in the other sectors, Budget 2024, has again demonstrated the Government of Guyana commitment and plan to placing sport on a higher priority and trajectory, by progressively allocating more resources and in investing and building the key pillars necessary for advancing the prospects for our future sporting success as a nation.

It’s a caring and direct response to the demands and engagement of actors in the sector, premised on an unprecedented and new approach of constant engagement with national federations and associations by the Hon Minister, by you in your

capacity as Director of Sports and the National Sports Commission geared at ensuring strategic direction and planning becomes part of the culture of operation, establishing and identifying areas of support and collaboration , the platform for the resolution of challenges finding solutions and identify areas for synergies among other areas of benefit all become enshrined.”

More Specifically for the Sport of Table Tennis “The investment in a Home for the Sport of Table Tennis, with the near completion of the National Table Tennis Centre at the National Racquet Centre Wooldford

Monday January 22, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're feeling especially loving, attractive, and romantic, so romance is likely to be on your mind. Romantic novels and movies could seem especially appealing. If you're currently involved.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A new friend could arrive today, Libra. You're probably going to like this person very much. He or she probably shares many of your interests. You could become close friends.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) An increased level of ESP and imagination could have you feeling more creative and artistic. You might want to channel this energy into writing, painting, or adding touches to your living room.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If you've been thinking about a job change or even a new career, a chance interaction could provide the opportunity. However, Scorpio, remember, "If something seems too good to be true.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) An attractive neighbor with whom you seem to share a bond could become a friend.

A group you're affiliated with could be expressing highly idealized goals and purposes.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A journey by air to a distant place might be on your mind, though you might not make it for a long time. Knowledge is important to you, and you can be insatiably curious.

This is likely to be one of those days.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Dreams of a new career could fill your mind today, perhaps because of too much stress in your current one. You might even think of becoming a movie star.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The desire to beautify your home could hit you full force today, Capricorn. Perhaps you're expecting future visitors or house guests and want to make a good impression.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Spiritual goals may be at the top of your priority list now, Leo. You may be looking for online metaphysical seminars or meditation workshops, perhaps taking place in a distant state or foreign country.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A new neighbor could arrive who you feel especially drawn to, Aquarius. You might have high hopes for a friendship with this person.

He or she may seem especially congenial and share a lot of your interests.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Lovely dreams could spark your imagination and get your artistic abilities going.

You could learn a lot about yourself and whatever has been limiting you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You could be feeling especially sociable today. Maybe there's a virtual party of some kind you want to be invited to. You could hear some good news.

Avenue G/town, this after many years of advocacy and after a mere few engagements with the Hon Charles Ramson exemplifies demonstrates and is a testimony to the genuine commitment, leadership and vision of the Minister, the government, the Director of Sports and the NSC in investing and advancing Guyana’s table tennis and sporting prospects.

Additionally, the (1) Support for players to compete at the local and international levels and for our elite athletes (2) Support for our association in hosting and unprecedented three major ITTF international events in 2023, (3) Support for our national academy programs plans for additional support to coaching development and elite athletes more particularly Shemar Britton Chelsea Edghill among other support,

truly allowed the GTTA to make advancement in our developmental and strategic priorities, creating a platform for growth.”

“A more in-depth review of the budget would show that while it is weighted on infrastructure development an essential platform and pillar for sporting development and success. It undertakes a systematic, ground up, focus approach to creating the critical pillars and key developmental structures needed in our sports architecture, required to achieving sporting success based on and when evaluated against several proven scientific models of sporting success.

The budget details also show a clear plan and direction towards creating equity accessibility and opportunities for all citizens, mass participation and a decentralized

model based on the many projects to be implemented across the region.

Further, these plans projects programs investments and support being made across the sector which includes 1. Building of regional facilities 2. Nursery Academy establishment of talent identification programmes nationally 3. Coaches development training and support 4. Student athlete development and support 5. Community based Investment Sport for All (Grounds and facilities activities programs projects 6. Support for Competition Programmes Truly lays the foundation and creates the framework for the GTTA and other national sports organizations to have more places for their activities, in addition to having more persons become actively involved, engaged in sporting activities. It allows sports to become decentralized, NSO’s to establish and build out talent identification and mass participating programs, develop human resource capacity, organize nationwide national competitions and international competitions, synchronized plans with International federation.”

While the fruition of these investments are already yielding benefits, the full efficacy of the 2024budget lays the ground work for a healthier and fitter nation and a more sustainable and higher performing sector in all dimensions in the near future.

The GTTA looks forward to our continued harmonious synergistic and close working relationship and with the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and by extension, the Government of Guyana.

Tucber Park Cricket Club youth...

From page 23 Raj Bharrat, Latch Mohabir and family, Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Nagamootoo, Moses Nagamootoo, Regal Sports Store, Omkar Singh, P a r m a n a n d Dhaniram,Denanauti Singh, Krishna Rengensamy, Ishwar Singh, Ricky Deonarain of 4R Bearings, Terry Mathura, Kennard Verapen and NY Pioneer Cricket Club and Derek Kallicharran. We thank the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture. Distribution will continue.

Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

PAGE 22

Monday January 22, 2024

Kaieteur News

GCB Harpy Eagles practice game…

Perez unbeaten fifty helps Nandu XI secure 6-wicket win over Adams XI - Anderson hits 122 in losing effort for Adams XI

K

evlon Anderson cracked a scintillating ton in vain for the Anthony Adams XI as Raymon P e r e z ’s u n b e a t e n h a l f century helped set up a 6wicket win for the Matthew Nandu XI on Saturday at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Ground yesterday.

Rain interrupted this past week’s action but both teams still managed to get some good time in the middle, as both Adams XI and the Nandu XI had strong individual performances by some of their key players.

Adams XI posted 232 all out, highlighted by Anderson’s ton. The middleorder batsman stroked an impressive 122 with support coming from Akshaya

Kevlon Anderson hit 122 as he got himself into some batting touch ahead of the upcoming 4-Day Championships.

Persaud (28), Rivaldo Phillips (27) and Rampertab Ramnauth (20).

Spinner Steven Sankar continued his bowling form, snapping up impressive figures of 6-52 while speedster Niall Smith returned 2-52, bowling for the Nandu XI. However Adams and his men would come up short, as Nandu XI ended on 143-4 to

secure a comfortable victory.

P e r e z ’s p u r p l e - p a t c h continued with more runs flowing off his bat, ending on match-winning 76 not out.

Shamar Yearwood (19) was the next best scorer as Adams led the bowling for his team with returns of 2-13, while a few of his men grabbed a wicket each during their spells.

Mash Street-Style Football C/ship set for Feb. 18 After a hiatus caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, fans and lovers of streetstyle football will get the opportunity to once again witness the best teams in Georgetown go toe to toe for over $1million dollars in prize monies and bragging rights for the title of the best team in the Capital City.

The date is February 18, and the venue is the legendary National Park, famous for the hosting of Mashramani, the festival for the celebration after hard work. According to Organiser Edison Jefford, the winning team will receive $500, 000, while second, third and fourth place finishers will collect $250,000, $150,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Jefford in an exclusive interview said that the one-day competition is expected to attract the 16 best teams in Georgetown, and he disclosed that among some of the teams already confirmed are Sparta Boss, Bent Street,

Gold is Money, Back Circle, Stabroek ballers, Team Cruel, Five O, Family, North East La Penitence, Sophia among others. The Organiser further revealed that because of the popularity of the tournament and the request of teams previously excluded he was left with no choice but to increase the number of participants from eight to sixteen to accommodate the appeal of the teams who were previously omitted.

“I was left with no choice since team representatives were calling me asking to be included in the tournament and because these were teams that previously supported my past tournaments, I felt compelled to accede to their request,” Jefford said.

According to the experienced organizer, the event brings the weight of six years of hosting similar tournaments across the country, adding that what they’ve done is simply consolidate an event that

previously ran for six nights into one night of exhilarating action.

“We believe that that the teams will welcome that new format because of its brevity.

This is the direction sports are taking right now, you must look at the popularity of Twenty20 cricket to understand what is taking place right now,” Jefford stated.

Jefford informed that he is hoping to create the ambience associated with Mashramani celebrations during the one-day event which is associated with colour and intense rivalry that he assured will be replicated with on-court competition as teams battle each other for the ultimate top prize. The Organiser extended thanks to all the corporate entities that have pledged their support, while Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken was also singled out for his unwavering support.

The date for the launch of the tournament will be announced shortly.

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

PAGE 23

Guyana Police Force East Coast Division helps Youth and Sports clubs in division T Youths after an interactive session with member of the GPF.

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to place emphasis on youths and sports development for young Guyanese in the various parts of Guyana.

According to a release from the GPF, “Youths are the heartbeat of a community and the GPF is prepared to play a pivotal role in shaping their future, while ensuring they make a positive impact at the present time.”

As such some divisions are making a huge effort to maximize the availability of youths in their divisions. One such division is Division 4C East Coast Demerara.

A number of youth and sport groups in that division

are engaged in positive engagement. These groups have recommended a series of activities for this year.

The activities are not only aimed at enriching the lives of young individuals but also to contribute to the betterment of their community.

Among the groups are H a s l i n g t o n Yo u n g Ambassadors, Mahaica Young Achievers, Foulis Yo u t h G r o u p , Beterverwagting Young Empowerment, and Plaisance Pace Setters.

By engaging in diverse activities that range from community service to cultural celebrations, the youths can actively contribute to the betterment of their community.

A number of sports and community activities within and among the groups

throughout the divisions have been planned to help make the area a better place.

Tucber Park Cricket Club youth benefits from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” Young and enthusiastic cricketer Dakshanarainsamy Narainsamy of Tucber Park Cricket Club is the latest to benefit from this project. He benefited before. At a simple ceremony held recently, he was the recipient of one pair of cricket shoes. Narainsamy expressed thanks to the project and promises to do his best and remain discipline.

The joint initiative between Kishan Das of USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana is also happy to support the young players in Guyana.

The project highlighted the excellent work of the Tucber Park Cricket Club and the recent success story of Shamar Joseph who is currently in Australia representing West Indies.

Romario Shepherd and Nial Smith names were also mentioned.

Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $370,000 in cash, thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two trophies, seventeen pairs of cricket boots, thirty one pairs of batting pads, thirty three cricket bats, twenty nine pairs of batting gloves, twenty four thigh pads, three pairs of wicket keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest

Dakshanarainsamy Narainsamy

guards, two boxes, ten cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one softball cricket bat and ten boxes of white balls. In addition to the above, over $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket keeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.

To date, sixty nine young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from five gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, twenty nine bats, three boxes, six helmets,

twenty five pairs of cricket shoes, seventeen pairs of batting pads, twenty three thigh pads, one bat rubber, twenty nine pairs of batting gloves and three pairs of wicketkeeping gloves. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats.

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wa k e n a m C r i c k e t Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club thirteen color uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. Other beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem and youth coach, Travis Persaud, softball teams in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65 Young Titans, Just Try CC, Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Academy, National fast bowler Shemar Joseph and Nehemiah Hohenkirk.

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important

characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent.

Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth program, will also benefit.

We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of We s t I n d i a n S p o r t s Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru and Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies, Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul, Davo Naraine of UK, Dr Cecil Beharry, Raj Mathura, (Continued on page 21)

Deputy Commander of the Division, Deputy Superintendent Jermaine

Dufu is in charge of the extra curricula activities in the area. (Samuel Whyte)

Coco Gauff into Australian...

From page 25 first U.S. teen to win a Grand Slam since Serena Williams won her first major title at the 1999 U.S. Open.

Gauff has reached the second week of a Slam in six consecutive years dating to her breakout fourth round run at 2019 Wimbledon at age 15. Williams is the only other American man or woman to have a streak that long in the last 12 years.

“I feel like 16 was like forever ago. ... For me as a teenager, I feel like I’ve been one too long,” Gauff, who turns 20 on March 13, said o n E S P N . “ Yo u g u y s mention my age a lot, so eventually it’ll come to the point — I guess when I’m 20 — people won’t talk about it as much.

“When I’m looking at the

other girls on tour who are 16, and now coming up, 16, 17, like they just feel so young, and I just feel so old. I know I’m not that old.”

The highest seed left in the top half of the draw is No. 12 Zheng Qinwen of China.

No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland and No. 3 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan were upset in week one.

Also Sunday, Novak Djokovic tied Roger Federer’s record by reaching a 58th Grand Slam quarterfinal, routing 20thseeded Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.

Djokovic next gets 12thseeded American Taylor Fritz, who scored his first win over a top-10 player at a Slam by taking out seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3, 6-3

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Monday January 22, 2024

NZ brush Nepal aside; SL beat Zimbabwe in rain-hit game Snehith Reddy smash unbeaten 147 off 125 balls to lead New Zealand to a comfortable win Snehith Reddy hit 11 fours and six sixes. (ICC/Getty Images)

ESPNcricinfo - New Zealand Under-19 302 for 8 (Reddy 147*, Jackson 75, Bhandari 3-60) beat Nepal Under-19 238 for 9 (Kumal 90, Clarke 3-25, Jackson 225) by 64 runs.

Snehith Reddy slammed an unbeaten 147 off 125 balls, the highest score of the 2024 Under-19 World Cup so far, as New Zealand began their campaign with a comfortable win over Nepal in East London.

Reddy, who turned 17 last November, hit 11 fours and six sixes during his knock.

Captain Oscar Jackson gave

Reddy good company, contributing 75 in a 157-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

The stand, however, ended in the 42nd over when Jackson was bowled by Aakash Tripathi. Lachlan Stackpole and Zac Cumming then fell for ducks, but Reddy’s knock took New Zealand past 300.

In response, Nepal had a shaky start with Deepak Bohara being dismissed in the first over for a duck. Arjun Kumal, the other opener, led Nepal’s fight with 90 off 104 balls, including 12 fours, but

Dinura Kalupahana produced a Player-of-the-Match performance for Sri Lanka.

(ICC/Getty Images)

he lacked support from the other end - the next-best score in Nepal’s chase was captain Dev Khanal’s 36 off 34 balls. Jackson was impressive with the ball as well, returning 2 for 25 in his seven overs. Mason Clarke was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, taking 3 for 25 in his eight overs.

At 176 for 8 in the 38th over, and 201 for 9 in the 44th, Nepal were in danger of being bowled out, but the tail frustrated New Zealand and helped their team bat out full 50 overs.“To get off this competition with a win is

Rose Hall Jammers dominate GBA/Pepsi U16 Boxing programme

something we were trying to do,” Jackson said after the game. “It’s very exciting to be one from one and looking forward to the next game.

“Being three down for 5060, it was never ideal. It was just a reassessment phase in the middle, just acknowledging it was tough and just working around that. I think the way we set up the back end of the innings is our strength and owning the middle period was important for us.”

Sri Lanka Under-19 204 (Kalupahana 60, Shammuganathan 41*,

Eksteen 3-40) beat Zimbabwe Under-19 89 (Tharupathi 417, Perera 2-2) by 39 runs (via DLS method). Dinura Kalupahana followed up his punchy half-century with a top-order wicket to help Sri Lanka trump Zimbabwe in a rain-hit fixture in Kimberley.

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 129 in 22 overs, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 89 in 21.2 overs.

Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe had dominated the early exchanges, reducing Sri Lanka to 88 for 5 in 31 overs. Kalupahana and wicketkeeper-batter

Sharujan Shanmuganathan, a prodigy, then counterattacked to help their side regain some lost ground.

They added 80 off only 71 balls for the sixth wicket to give Sri Lanka’s bowlers something to bowl at.

Kalupahana wasn’t done yet.

He took the new ball and removed Zimbabwe’s No.3 Panashe Taruvinga for 8.

Legspinner Malsha Tharupathi damaged Zimbabwe’s chase even further with 4 for 17 in his four overs. Captain Matthew Schonken was the only Zimbabwe batter to pass 25.

Golf continues to attract national attention due to GGA and MoE efforts

- Kennard Harvey takes Best Boxer, while Rose Hall cart off with Best Gym

T

he Guyana B o x i n g Association (GBA) kicked off its Pepsi Under16 School Boys/Girls Boxing programme with a bang on Saturday at the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis Boxing Gym in Albouystown. The first youth development initiative of the year showcased a total of nine exhilarating bouts, featuring seven official contests and three exhibition matchups.

The highlight of the event was the recognition of Kennard Harvey as the Best Boxer and the Rose Hall Jammers as the Best Gym. Rose Hall Boxing Gym stole the spotlight on Saturday, securing three wins and clinching the top spot in the tournament.

Pace and Power Boxing

Gym emerged as the runner-up with two victories, while Six Head Gym and Forgotten Yo u t h F o u n d a t i o n Boxing Gym secured third and fourth place with 2 wins and 1 win, respectively.

The tournament also c e l e b r a t e d t h e contributions of individuals behind the scenes, with Arthur Scipio earning the title of Best Referee/Judge and Gregory Kurt received the Best Coach award.

The School’s Boys/Girls Boxing programme, conceived by the indefatigable President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, continues to be a cornerstone of youth development in the sport.

T h e p r o g r a m m e ’s significance goes beyond

the boxing ring, playing an integral role in the holistic development of the sport.

Not only does it raise the bar for athletic performance, but it also fosters a sense of camaraderie and purpose among the youth involved in boxing, not only in Guyana but also throughout the region.

The School Boys/Girls Boxing programme serves as a vital platform for young talents in and around communities, contributing to character building and imparting valuable life skills.

The event stands as a testament to the GBA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of boxing enthusiasts while promoting the positive impact of sports on the lives of young individuals.

CPCE teachers and coaches engaged in Putting contests during training on Saturday at Nexgen Golf Academy.

The rapidly expanding sport of golf continues to gain traction around the country as the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit Priority Programme and Cyril Potter College of Education combined with Nexgen Golf Academy to train more teachers and coaches on the game’s fundamentals.

Vice Principal and Registrar Ms. Kevaun Sears said, “This programme is soon to expand to our other centers and the response emanating from our Trainers has been extremely positive.” According to Head of the Unit of Allied

Arts Priority Programme Mr. Saeed Zameen, “We are pleased with the uptake by learners in the 56 schools that Golf has been introduced so far and we are currently seeking to reach out to Region 1 and 9 to complete our nationwide coverage for a sport in Grades 7-9 in all regions.”

“The ‘Train the Trainers’ programme has now exceeded 200 coaches and PE teachers who will in turn teach the sport to thousands of young Guyanese students in the hopes of achieving massive success at regional tournaments in the coming months,” said Aleem

Hussain, President of the GGA. Golf has evolved in the past two years from being a sport for the elite to challenge traditional sports such as cricket, football and basketball and the GGA is confident that with the support of its sponsors and donors, it will become one of the most played sports in the country by end of 2024.

Many activities and events are planned for 2024 including the grand opening of the Westside Golf Course for residents Region Three to have the first ever golf course available for their use.

Kaieteur News

Monday January 22, 2024

PAGE 25

NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League...

The quarter-final stage is set for Saturday following the final group matches The battle for supremacy and a place in the final of the National Sports Commission/East Bank Football Association Ralph Green Under-11 League is set for this Saturday at the Agricola Community Ground.

This competition was set to conclude last year but due to several unforeseen challenges, and the unavailability of a suitable venue, it was postponed on numerous occasions.

Nonetheless, the young players have been getting warmed to the challenge and with the group stage now out of the way, the business end of the competition will get cracking this weekend.

Booking their places as the top two teams from group A. B, C, and D, are: Santos, Friendship All Stars; Kick

Start Academy of Den Amstel, Pouderoyen; Eagles, Vengy, Eagles (Stewartville); Fruta Conquerors, Swan.

Kick Start Academy, Santos, Eagles, Vengy, Fruta Conquerors, and Swan have all played undefeated so far but that will change on Saturday as only the winners will advance to the semifinals.

In the final round-robin matches, Vengy were 5-1 winners over Diamond United, thanks to a double off the boot of Kael Beckles, with a goal each from Santiago Gonzalez, Jimmy Carpio, and Samuel Mota.

Swan and Fruta Conquerors battled to an e x c i t i n g 3 - 3 d r a w, Conquerors coming from two goals down to earn an

Kick Start Academy of Den Amstel and Pouderoyen (green) locked in action on Saturday at the Agricola Ground.

equal share of the spoils.

Kevon Charles hammered in a brace for the Linden Soesdyke Highway-based Sawn with the other goal coming from Elcon James.

Conquerors responded in like manner with goals from Fabio Kowless ar, D a n e Va n c o o t e n , a n d

Coco Gauff into Australian Open quarters NBC Sports - Coco Gauff hasn’t dropped a set en route to her first Australian Open quarterfinal, rolling while many other top seeds were upset in the first week.

The 19-year-old American swept 69thranked Magdalena Frech of Poland 6-1, 6-2 in the fourth round, her 11th consecutive Grand Slam match win and ninth consecutive match win on tour to start 2024.

She has spent three fewer hours on court through the first four rounds than she did in the first four matches of her run to the U.S. Open title last summer.

The No. 4 seed Gauff hasn’t faced a seed yet in Melbourne and won’t in Tuesday’s quarterfinal. It’ll be 35th-ranked Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine.

“U.S. Open I did play higher-ranked people earlier,” said Gauff, who is averaging 1 hour, 12 minutes on court. “That’s also another reason why I had so many long matches. “I don’t feel uncooked at all. I would

Fourth seed Coco Gauff surged into the Australian Open quarter-finals. (Martin KEEP) love for every match to go pretty easy.”

Gauff has had more free time in Melbourne than in New York City. She’s not playing doubles at a Slam for the first time since 2022 Wimbledon.

She’s filled the space by hitting balls after matches and even doing a mini cardio session after Sunday’s 63minute match. She has also talked about catching “The Iron Claw.” “Luckily the

movie theater is not too far,” she said. “There’s nothing else to do in my hotel room besides do that.”

Gauff could get defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the semifinals.

As Gauff finished Frech, Sabalenka began her 6-3, 6-2 sweep of American Amanda Anisimova. Gauff rallied past Sabalenka in the U.S. Open final to become the (Continued on page 23)

Kando George to keep their undefeated record intact.

Kick Start Academy kept their intent to go all the way with a cli nical 4-

0 win over fellow West D e m e r a r a FA side, Pouderoyen, which despite the loss, still booked a quarter-final place.

Kick Start Academy got

their goals from Isaiah Allicock who score d a double, and Kaderee Trotman while an own goal from Pouderoyen, which added to their tally.

Rose Hall Town Jammers won the Under-16 boxing competition held at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym on Saturday last.

Spo

rts

Rose Hall Jammers dominate GBA/Pepsi U16 - Kennard Harvey takes Best Boxer, Boxing programme while Rose Hall cart off with Best Gym NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League...

The quarter-final stage is set for Saturday following the final group matches

This Swan player is in control of proceedings against Fruta Conquerors in their exciting clash at the Agricola Ground.

NZ brush Nepal aside; SL beat Coco Gauff into Zimbabwe in rain-hit game Australian Open Snehith Reddy smash unbeaten 147 off 125 balls to lead New Zealand to a comfortable win quarter-final Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.