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24 Israeli NEWS soldiers killed in Gaza in one day AIETEUR

January 24, 2024 - Vol. 19 No. 04

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 (VAT Inclusive) readership yesterday, 49,847

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

No patriotic Govt. would refuse to show evidence of Exxon’s US$2 billion guarantee for oil spills – Opposition MP

Parents of Mahdia dorm boys protest …28 students out of lack of care by Govt. school since deadly fire $4B allocation for GOAL programme

could have transformed UG into “world class institution”– McDonald

Cyclist crushed to death in Den Amstel accident

Linden shallow grave murder…

‘ISWE Boss’ remanded for murder of girlfriend

Remanded: Shaquawn Alleyne called ‘ISWE Boss’

MP calls for repeal of Petroleum Activities Act ...says law disregards Free Prior Informed Consent of Amerindians for oil and gas activities

Wednesday January 24, 2024

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Govt. Ministers hurl derogatory names at Opposition female MPs ...Speaker called out for sitting silent The Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir was again on Tuesday called out by Opposition Parliamentarian, Amanza Walton-Desir for sitting silently while government Members of Parliament (MPs) hurled derogatory remarks against her female colleague.

The female was reportedly verbally abused in the National Assembly, shortly after Alliance For Change (AFC) member, Khemraj Ramjattan wrapped up his contribution to Budget 2024 in the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Lilliendaal, Georgetown.

Walton-Desir kicked off her presentation noting her discontent with the derogatory remarks made

by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy. “From the outset I want to condemn in the strongest possible

terms the verbal abuse that continues to be meted out to female members of this house by members of the other side. Mister Speaker, the disrespect of our women in politics must stop. Mister Speaker we have to be determined to develop a better culture in this National Assembly,” Walton-Desir said.

The Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs said she was particularly disappointed that the female government MPs did not see it fit to upbraid their colleague while he abused a female member of the Opposition.

In an invited comment, WaltonDesir told this newspaper, “The Speaker of the House has the mandate to protect women legislators in the National Assembly from the type of verbal abuse that continues to be meted out to the female Opposition Members of Parliament by Ministers of the Government.

Crude, sexist remarks and the objectification of our women should have no place in our

Parliament.”

Meanwhile, Fernandes in an interview with Kaieteur News said the students who were in the gallery in the chambers were visibly appalled by the behaviour of the government MPs. Moreover, she pointed out, “They were allowed by the Speaker to shout their abusive words over and over in clear view of him and not once did he reprimand them.”

Similarly, the Shadow Finance Minister who made her contribution to Budget 2024 on Monday said the government’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, also sat in the National Assembly and did not utter a word as the verbal abuse continued against the MP.” In a public statement she said, “When a female member of parliament has to face the indignity of extreme verbal abuse in what should be the hollow halls of the National Assembly, it shows the level to which Parliament has disintegrated.”

Fernandes continued, “History would recall generations of women

Shadow Finance Minister, Juretha Fernandes who fought for their voices to be heard. Today I was subjected to a level of abuse in the National Assembly that I have never experienced before, I was repeatedly called several derogatory names by Kwame McCoy and Anand Persaud, without any protection from the Speaker.”

The Parliamentarian said she believes the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is provoked by her strong constructive critique of Budget and her role as an

Indigenous woman in Parliament.

“They believe that the Indigenous people should be contented with mediocrity. So, when I stand in the National Assembly, as the Shadow Minister of Finance, and constructively critique the PPP budgets they get angry, because how dare I step up as an Indigenous woman, rather than staying in the box they believe that Indigenous people should stay in,” she said.

Fernandes however made it clear that she will not be intimated

by McCoy and Persaud in their attempts to silence her. This is second time that a government MP has been accused of verbally abusing a female Opposition MP in the National Assembly under Nadir’s watch.

During the 2022 Budget Debates, disgraced former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall told one of the Opposition’s females MPs: “Is a dildo you want, that is what you looking for.”

During the same sitting Dharamlall had launched a further attack on the MP. Dharamlall later withdrew his statements and no further action was taken against him.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

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No patriotic Govt. would refuse to show evidence of Exxon’s US$2B guarantee for oil spills - Opposition MP Opposition Member of Parliament, Shurwayne Holder yesterday launched a sharp attack on the government’s mishandling of the oil and gas sector during his contribution to the 2024 budget debates.

One of the key issues which Holder expressed grave concern about was the administration’s refusal to show evidence for ExxonMobil’s US$2B parent company guarantee for oil spills in the Stabroek Block.

The issue dates back to September 2022, when two Guyanese, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte filed a case through their Attorneysat-Law Seenath Jairam, SC, Melinda Janki, and Abiola Wong-Innings.

Their aim was to compel the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to obtain from ExxonMobil Guyana, unlimited liability coverage for oil spills, ensuring full protection for Guyana from any unforeseen costs related to spills.

On May 3, 2023, High Court Judge Justice Sandil Kissoon ruled in favor of the litigants, ordering the EPA to secure an unlimited parent and/or affiliate company guarantee. Following an appeal by Exxon and the EPA, the decision was stayed.

Subsequently, Appellate Court Judge, Justice Persaud mandated Exxon to provide a US$2 billion guarantee by June 8, 2023. The legal teams for Exxon, as well as the EPA, have insisted that the court order was complied with, though the litigants have since struggled to access the document for review. This forced the citizens to file for a summons on November 1, 2023, so

company guarantee serves as one of Guyana’s first defenses in the event of an oil spill.

“More than that, however, what patriotic government would refuse to provide evidence that Guyana is in a safer position, especially after the Court has ordered that this document be established? This demonstrates a lack of respect for the judicial process and a woeful

Opposition Member of Parliament, Shurwayne Holder that the EPA and Exxon would produce evidence of the guarantee. At a recent hearing, the EPA said the court had no jurisdiction to direct that this document be released.

Vice President and chief policymaker for the oil sector, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo recently expressed no objection in principle to having the document released but noted the EPA’s legal constraints. “I can’t override the institution,” he stated, adding that the EPA fears setting a precedent for an avalanche of similar requests across various sectors.

Referencing the foregoing sequence of events, Shadow Minister for the Natural Resources Sector, Shurwayne Holder said the government’s refusal to provide proof of Exxon’s US $2billion parent company guarantee in the event of an oil spill, as first ordered by Justice Persaud, risks putting the entire country in jeopardy. While the case on full liability coverage is being decided in the Appellate Court, Holder argued that this parent

disregard for transparency and accountability,” the politician said.

He added, “For Vice President Jagdeo to claim that he has no say in ensuring the EPA provides this documentation, and to take the position that there is no obligation to provide it in the course of this court case is equally troubling.

He claims that his government believes in transparency and

accountability, but at every turn they demonstrate that their real loyalty is to secrecy.”

Holder also expressed his disappointment with the fact that government joined with Exxon to appeal a decision handed down by Justice Sandil Kissoon that the operator provide full liability coverage.

“We labeled that action what it was—unpatriotic,” he said, adding, “We

reiterate now, the importance of a parent company guarantee as well as oil spill insurance so that Guyana does not bear the brunt of an oil spill’s costs, if we are unfortunate enough to face one.”

Holder said this state of affairs is troubling, especially when one considers the fact that government is accelerating oil sector developments at an unprecedented pace.

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

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

EDITORIAL

Jagdeo: a leader of glaring contradictions “We are not a rich country as yet…” The speaker was Vice President Jagdeo. We absorb that sentence, and the weight of those words from the Vice President, and see a leader of conspicuous contradictions. For here is the chief national policymaker saying one thing, and there is a litany of actions that put to shame his words.

“We are not a rich country as yet”, Jagdeo asserted, and we could roll with that position. But only partially, given the circumstances that have come to dominate the decisions and actions of his PPPC Government. Since we are not rich (as yet), then it is the essence of common sense that there is less spending. Considerably less would be the hallmark of prudent economics and sensible leadership. But it has not been so, with Guyana appearing to be competing to spend, at times, with Middle Eastern kings and princes. There is the barrage of expensive projects, some of which would not suffer from being put in the right order, and in their rightful place on the calendar, viz., a little later. But the opposite is what has happened in Guyana with spending at a blistering pace. This is part of the baffling contraction of the PPPC Government and the master economist, Jagdeo.

“We are not a rich country as yet”, as he said, but there is all of this borrowing to finance the spending covered above.

The borrowing has not been the wisdom of a trickle, as in with an eye to restraint, but of binge proportions. To facilitate the extravagant borrowing sprees, the government had repeatedly moved to parliament to raise the debt ceiling.

Of this one substance all Guyanese can be sure: lenders extend loans knowing full well that there is plenty of oil as rich collateral. In other words, the oil is being hocked and locked to reckless debt. So, since being rich is a prospect for the future, then we advise the Vice President that he should be borrowing in alignment with current financial status, which is not rich yet, but not far from poor, either.

“We are not a rich country as yet…”, said Jagdeo, and there is a beautiful political word that leaders relish using when talking about poverty among the people. 'Pockets' of poverty is what is favored by politicians, in that it minimizes the number of struggling citizens. The reality in Guyana is that the pockets of poverty are long and wide and deep.

Jagdeo and others may like 'pockets' when forced to say something about poverty in Guyana, while what we see are the stark circumstances: small populations dotted about Guyana that grapple with impoverishment. Elimination of poverty is not an overnight development, but there should not be so much of it, and with so many political cronies reaping rich financial harvests. If ever there was a contradiction, this is it. “We are not a rich country as yet…”, according to Jagdeo, but the little comfort money in the Natural Resources Fund has been drawn down and withdrawn like a drunken sailor on shore leave, and bent on having a grand time. A country not rich as yet would be better off with less withdrawn from the nation's rainy day Oil Fund, and more left in it for real contingencies, such as a prolonged slump in oil prices, or natural disaster. Prudent leadership dictates such a course of action. Saying what Jagdeo said about national richness, and then operating in this irresponsible manner is as sharp a contradiction as there can be.

“We are not a rich country as yet…” is where Jagdeo stands. The ugly contradiction is how he refuses to challenge (or work with) ExxonMobil to get more benefits for Guyana from the nation's wealth now. Darren Woods is inspiring his shareholders with dazzling visions of richer returns now, and more rewards for them now. But in this poor man country, Guyana chief policymaker is selling maximizing oil revenues in the future. We agree that Guyana is not rich yet, but it is mandatory that Jagdeo lead the battle for more from ExxonMobil now. Of all the contradictions in Bharrat Jagdeo, this is the biggest one, the most blinding one.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

THE NEXT COALITION GOVT. MUST RAISE THE TAX-FREE THRESHOLD TO $500,000/MTH Dear Editor In his 'Address to the Nation' on Republic Day 2021, Leader of the PNCR, Aubrey Norton announced that a government he leads will abolish income taxes for low-wage workers. More recently, in January this year, the main Opposition, likely in an effort to respond also to the concerns of the middle class, publicly promised to extend the ban on income tax to workers in the middlewage bracket.

To so abolish taxes would simply require raising the tax-free threshold.

Currently, the threshold stands at an unserious $100,000/mth. I would advise the main Opposition to raise it to around $500,000/m ... within its first 100 days in office. A tax-free threshold of $500.000/m would move the needle in the lives of over 210,000 workers: approximately 54.000 in the public sector, approximately 150,000 in the private sector, and several thousand selfemployed persons. The i m p a c t o n p o v e r t y, inequality, opportunity, and economic energy would be almost immediate. Sure,

such a proposal prompts several questions. First is the question of cost and affordability. To estimate those, we note that the government received $72B in 2023 in personal income taxes. Raising the tax-free threshold to $500,000/mth would cost several billions less – for a total that would be under 4% of government expenditure. In oil-rich Guyana, cost and affordability are within our reach. Second is the question of financial sustainability.

Can a government afford this expenditure every year in an uncertain future?

Financial sustainability is a function of both sustainable revenue and priority setting. In terms of sustainable revenue, the interest payments alone into the Natural Resource Fund from 2026 would surpass $100B annually. With prudent financial investments in equity, etc (as opposed to receiving only bank interest on our deposits, as currently the case), interest payments can cover the proposed scheme as well as a sizable chunk of other government spending. In terms of priority setting,

governments allocate their spending in line with their development philosophy and strategy. APNU, with its stated agenda of putting people first and at the centre of development, is already telling us where its priorities lie.

Third is the question of, as VP Jagdeo likes to put, "eating the budget out." In other words, the VP and other critics of such spending proposals see them as "consumption" by the grasping masses and not as economic investment in the people. They see such proposals as having a finite and wealth-destructive impact, and not as having a self-perpetuating wealth creation impact.

They see such proposals as unjust rewards to undeserving people, and not as a government's moral duty to ensure the welfare of citizens and to guarantee their rights to a decent life.

Fourth is the question whether such a large increase in the tax-free threshold would trigger inflation and the Dutch Disease. These concerns, often deployed by the PPP as bogeymen, have been put to rest by the

Opposition and newspaper editorials. In passing, let's ask: where are these concerns of the government in raising public expenditure by over 40% in each of the last few years? One does not need an economics degree to realize that the Opposition's emphasis on putting people first is not only morally superior, but also a better economic development model than the PPP's obsessive spending on infrastructure, where most of it is lost through waste and corruption and —critical to note – will do little to nothing to expand the productive capacity of the economy.

So, I encourage APNU to put a number to its proposal to abolish personal income tax. Put that number at a taxfree threshold of around $500,000 a month. Along with a salary top-up for lowincome workers, such a proposal is a targeted but sweeping approach to effectively transform the lives of many households and to add dynamism to the economy through increased spending, saving, and investment by citizens.

Respectfully, Sherwood Lowe

Members of the GPSCCU are quite frustrated and disappointed in the present state of affairs DEAR EDITOR, In the Sunday 21st January edition of Stabroek News, an article was published, entitled "Special meeting of Public Service Credit Union called as battle continues for control".

The article refers to an advertisement that was placed in the said newspaper.

This piqued my interest.

A close relative of mine is a longstanding member of the Credit Union, and has expressed concerns to me about the way the majority of the Committee of Management (CoM) members are treating with the orders of the court with respect to the holding of the Special General Meeting (SGM).

It is my understanding that this is the second order of the court in under two years.

The first being September 30th, 2022 and the most recent December 15th, 2023. On both occasions the CoM was

essentially non-compliant.

Are court orders being treated seriously?

On the first occasion, the CoM held a sham SGM on October 24th, 2022. The SGM was devoid of any of the actions ordered by the court.

In its most recent order, the court held that the CoM did not comply with its order.

New orders were issued,

including, but not limited to: 1) SGM to be held on February 5th, 2024, 2) IT Company used by the CoM in 2021 for its AGM to be hired to provide support for the virtual component of the meeting and for voting purposes.

3) Advertisements for the SGM must be placed in at least two newspapers no later than January 21st, 2024.

4) Locations to be set up in all ten administrative regions for the hosting of meeting; and 5) Committee members, Patrick Mentore, Rajdai Jagarnauth and Trevor Benn to administer all arrangements for the SGM. Since the last order was passed on December 15th, 2023, it is my understanding (Continued on page 6)

Neither government can claim superior conduct in Mahdia fire Dear Editor Finally, the awaited CoI Report into the deadly fire is out and from all accounts two officers, in the main, are being held responsible, one moreso than the other, their actions, or lack thereof, being deemed dereliction of duties.

So, does these dereliction of duties constitute cause for further investigation?

But reading further, the dereliction of duties is not

attributed to one government, since both governments are guilty of dereliction of duties based on the findings and recommendations on investigations commissioned and reports submitted.

Neither government can claim superior conduct in the core issue of taking and doing all that was necessary to avoid the devastating outcome in the Mahdia fire.

The political tit-for-tat

pointing of fingers and countering accusations is unhelpful and achieves nothing.

A comprehensive, holistic approach to the CoI's f i n d i n g s a n d recommendations into this dark day in our country is what is needed to ensure such an occurrence is never seen again.

Sincerely Shamshun Mohamed

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Kaieteur News

A nation is on its death bed when decent and hardworking citizens have to live in fear of gun-toting criminals Dear Editor I go hard on the Guyana Police Force because its head is politicallycompromised.

However, it would be remiss of me not to recognize the many professional policemen and women who are doing an excellent job in law enforcement.

The soul of a nation is eaten away and the rest of it becomes a stinking rot when the police allow illegal guns to be on our streets and in our communities in the hands of criminals.

A nation is on its deathbed when decent and hardworking citizens have to live in fear of gun-toting

young men who would not hesitate to rob and murder, in the most senseless, appalling and shocking manner, even women in our society.

I will continue to stand up and fight for the rights of Black youths in Guyana. I will continue to go hard against a racist government and its police that oppresses them but I cannot and will not defend anyone who picks up an illegal gun and cause terror in our society.

I note the GPF has been doing professional work in apprehending criminals, charging them and placing them before the courts.

I noticed that the GPF is not wantonly executing

young Black men of recent. I g e n u i n e l y a n d wholeheartedly laud the police and would like to go on record to show my appreciation for the work being done.

Ye s , p o l i t i c a l complexities will not allow the police to go after the big fishes in Guyana but the onus is on us to bring down a regime that protects them and to see crime fighting not narrowed down to the arrests only of street criminals.

The incompetent Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn has made it public that there will be no 'guns' amnesty'.

Why not? Let us begin by asking criminals

(especially the young) to come forward and hand in their illegal guns and in so doing let us have in place immediate programmes to reform them so they can become equipped to capitalise on opportunities that will see them become meaningful and productive citizens.

And please have all police vehicles; vans, cars, bikes and bicycles in proper working order. We are no longer a banana republic.

Kudos to the good police men and women doing a great job in Guyana.

Sincerely Norman Browne Social and Political Activist

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Is the US-EXIM Bank loan really necessary?

Dear Editor, Further to the national revelation that US EXIM Bank is conducting its own due diligence before approving the loan application for the offshore pipeline, NGL and power plant in the Gas to Energy project, I write to enquire whether it is in fact necessary for Guyana to increase its burgeoning loan portfolio?

In last year's budget some G$43.3B was allocated for the Gas to Energy project which is in addition to the start-up injection of G$24.6 B earlier allocated.

Making this a total of G$147.9B with this year's budget allocation of G$80B. This does not take into account any funds which made have been used to top up the total from the deductions taken from the National Resource Fund (NRF).

It is at this point difficult

to ascertain if any such top up occurred as the NRF deductions go into the Consolidated Fund thereby becoming untraceable.

Requests in response to the Auditor General's invitation for civil and/or civic society to ask for an investigation remain unanswered by the O ff i c e o f t h e A u d i tor General.

Prima facie it seems Guyana is quite capable of funding the Gas to Energy project without the additional expenses of any loan.

Why is the government choosing to incur the additional expenses of interest, loan application fees inter alia, when it appears not to be a necessity in one of the fastest growing economies in the world?

Merely questions from one of the happy "loonies"!

Yours sincerely, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes

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Wednesday January 24, 2024

GCCI pleased with budgetary measures Dear Editor, The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) wishes to congratulate the Honourable Dr. Ashni Singh and his team at the Ministry of Finance on the presentation of the National Budget 2024.

This National Budget of G$1.1 trillion, being the largest budget prepared by

the Government of Guyana, represents an increase in support for the citizenry, social services, infrastructure, and opportunities for the private sector.

The GCCI is pleased to see the budgetary measures being centered around the thematic areas of an ease in the cost of living, support for

the vulnerable, increase in disposable income and addressing National Insurance Scheme (NIS) issues.

Of continued importance to the private sector, are the measures to contain the cost of fuel, reduce the freight charges.

These policy measures are timely as they ensure that there is a mitigation in the global inflationary pressures which can have damaging pass-through effects to Guyanese enterprises and

citizens at large.

The policy measure to collaborate with financial institutions in Guyana to lower the interest rate on loans up to G$5M represents a critical lifeline for the support for micro and small enterprises.

This an important measure to assist in access to finance for micro and small enterprises and the Chamber of Commerce looks forward to its implementation.

Notably, the G$7B buffer which is allocated to contain

the impact of price increases is a measure which offers support that can be tailored to emerging inflationary issues in the economy.

On the point of building the capacity of Guyanese, the measure which commences support to University of Guyana graduates, is a welcomed move; one which is a step in the right direction to build the skillset of the Guyanese people.

The GCCI anticipates full programmatic execution

of the National Budget 2024 which will see significant opportunity for the private sector o f G u y a n a t o participate in Government spending for the fiscal year. The Chamber of Commerce continues to stand as a critical development partner in Guyana's growth agenda and welcome the National Budget of 2024.

Regards The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Members of the GPSCCU are quite frustrated...

From page 4 that the three court-appointed committee members have been prevented from carrying out their responsibilities.

The CoM has instructed the Chief Executive Officer to disregard instructions from the three members.

The staff has also, purportedly, been

instructed not to give any support to the three members.

The result is that no arrangements except the advertisement of the SGM has been put in place.

The IT company is yet to be retained, no venues in the regions identified, and no budget allocated for the meeting. Members of the Credit

Union are quite frustrated and disappointed in the present state of affairs, and would like urgent action to be taken to ensure that the petition of the members and the orders of the court are implemented without delay.

Yours truly, Joshua Luke

Wednesday January 24, 2024

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Wednesday January 24, 2024

Key Parliamentary Oversight Committees in four-year coma - Jones flays Govt. for stymieing work

Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones on Monday expressed concerns about the government’s accountability and oversight while pointing to the dormancy of key Parliamentary Oversight Committees.

Jones said, “Parliamentary Committees play a crucial role in enabling the thorough examination of various aspects of government policy and administration.”

The Opposition Chief Whip was at the time addressing the National Assembly on the first day of Budget 2024 debates. The Member of Parliament (MP) reminded that the Committees provide a platform for MPs on both sides of the House to engage in discussions on matters of national

importance through rigorous dialogue.

Jones said that it is disheartening and unacceptable that numerous parliamentary committees, including Sectoral Committees, remain comatose or are yet to be established even as they enter the fourth-year of the 12th parliament.

The MP noted that at the most critical juncture in Guyana’s history, when the oil and gas sector has been rapidly expanding, the country’s Natural Resources Committee did not meet in 2021 and 2022 under the Chairmanship of Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat.

“I am now happy to report to the House that in 2023, under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Member,

former Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, the Natural Resources Committee for the year 2023 have had six meetings,” Jones continued.

Amid the gravity of the G u y a n a - Ve n e z u e l a b o r d e r controversy, Jones highlighted that the Foreign Relations Committee is hardly functioning.

“Especially in light of the ongoing case in the International Court of Justice, the recent significant military build-up by Venezuela along the border, and Venezuela’s announcement in October and subsequent hosting of a referendum on December 3, 2023, with the alarming objective of annexing two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. It is deeply concerning

that, in the year 2023, the Foreign Relations Committee, responsible for addressing such critical matters, convened only twice,” the Chief Whip stated. That Committee is chaired by the Minister of Foreign Relations and International Relations Cooperation, Hugh Todd.

Jones also criticized the Constitutional Reform Committee, highlighting the failure to meet in 2 0 2 3 d e s p i t e t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) 2020 manifesto commitment to continuous constitutional revision.

He highlighted that the Constitutional Reform Committee chaired by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandllal, for the year 2023 has never met.

Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones Addressing the escalating crime situation in Guyana, Jones expressed dismay over the Security Sector Committee’s failure to meet in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector has responsibility for examining the Disciplined Forces of Guyana.

The Committee has the power to co-opt experts or enlist the aid of other persons of appropriate Continued on page 11

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 24, 2024

PAGE 09

The Budget debates have become an extension of the Thursday Press Conferences

T

he things that I remember the most about school is not so much about the education, but the things we did during school hours: the friends made, the games we played, the fun we had, and especially the extra curricula activities.

Schools in those days helped to shape a round character. You learnt in the classroom and you acquired skills in the ball field and the clubs and activities outside of the classroom.

Today, the standard of education has fallen so much that students have little time to participate in the religious societies, choirs and clubs in schools.

They are forced to attend extra-lessons to compensate for the deficits in the delivery of education. No time is available to learn to play the violin, or piano or even the steel pan.

Education is now about drilling facts into the heads of our children. Students are being prepared almost exclusively to pass examinations rather than becoming rounded individuals.

It is against this background that the present Budget debates on the education system are so shocking. Instead of addressing what it will doing to improve the quality of education and allowing children more time to become

rounded individuals, the government is castigating the Opposition for not have allegedly, done anything in the education sector over the period 2015 and 2020.

The government should not find any comfort in claiming that secondary school access was 78% in 2014 and was at the same level when the PPPC returned to office in 2020. It should ask itself why after all the investments in education between 1992 and 2014, could universal secondary education not be guaranteed.

Massive sums were expended on education during these 22 years. It is an indictment against the PPPC government that for 22 years, more than one in every five students of secondary school age were deprived of a secondary education.

The government is now claiming that it is building schools, something that it is said was not done under the APNU+AFC. But this is not entirely true. The focus of the APNU+AFC was on expanding facilities at existing schools. For example, the Bashaizon Primary was commissioned in January 2020. This was an annex to Achawib Primary.

Extensions were also done to three schools in Region 2.

Zeeburg Secondary School was opened in 2016 (the contract was signed under the PPPC) and Haiwa Nursery school was constructed in

2017. Bot quite a lot of work was also done on rebuilding and maintaining schools.

There is a reason why, however, the PPP is so obsessed with building new schools. It is because it has a poor track record of maintaining existing schools.

If the PPPC had been allocating more monies to maintenance there would have been no need for having to close schools as the Brickdam Secondary School and the Arthurville Primary School in Wakenaam.

The government believes that building new schools translates to increasing access.

But one of the problems plaguing the education system is a high dropout rate of students. The Ministry of Education has admitted in its Education Sector Plan 20212025 to problems with the completion rate for secondary education and high dropout rates.

This is one of the reasons why the David Granger administration made certain interventions. Recognizing that many parents could not afford the cost of transportation to send their children to school, a programme was launched to provide free transportation by buses.

But when the smallminded PPPC came into office it downgraded this initiative. It is believed it did so because it was an

DEM BOYS SEH

When politics come between friends You ever hear 'bout dem two women who used to be tighter than peas in a pod?

Man, dem was like bread and butter, salt and pepper, or rice and curry – inseparable!

Back in the day, they used to share secrets, recipes, and laugh and smile. Dem used to hug up and embrace like long-lost sisters when dem reach up.

But then politics came knocking on their door, and guess what? Instead of friendship, it brought the hurricane of political discord.

Now, these two former comrades-inarms have turned into rivals-in-words, thanks to the ever-enticing world of partisan politics. One can't help but wonder if they're practicing for a new reality show: "From Besties to Frenemies”.

Gone are the days of cheek-kissing greetings; instead, they throw shade at each other like they're auditioning for a

role in a political drama. It's like watching a soap opera, but instead of dramatic close-ups, we get political jabs and sassy soundbites.

It's a classic case of "politics make former bedfellows strangers," and boy, are these two ladies putting on a show. You'd think they were auditioning for a Shakespearean play with all the verbal acrobatics and political fencing. To be or not to be friends – that is the question, and the answer seems to be a resounding "Not anymore!"They used to swap family stories; now, they swap political barbs. It's a real-life soap opera, and the plot twist is that the only reason they're at odds is because one wears red and the other green – talk 'bout choosing sides like they're in a fashion showdown.

The tragic comedy of friendship is now lost to the whims of political loyalty. It's a cautionary tale – beware, ye friends, for politics can be a fickle, and what was once a warm friendly embrace can turn into a cold political shoulder.

Talk half. Leff half.

APNU+AFC initiative. But it should have considered its own numbers, which showed a shockingly high number of secondary schools students not completing up to the last grade.

There are serious problems to be fixed within the school system. These problems are not going to be fixed simply by building new schools. A broader approach is needed including ensuring that children can get to school.

The 'Because We Care' one-off annual cash grant is not going to solve the transportation woes of children.

Building new schools is also not going to

address the serious deficiencies which result in more than half of the secondary school graduates failing to gain five or more subjects at the school leaving examinations.

This is why the exchanges in the Budget debates – which is like an extended episode of the PPP's Thursday Press Conferences - focusing on who did what and who did not do what, are not helpful in finding a solution to the crisis in education. It is time for a more matured and less cantankerous debate in the N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y, especially when it concerns education

The government now has the money to do what Granger could not afford to do.

P r o v i d e f r e e transportation to all school children in Guyana and to spend more money on maintenance of schools so as to avoid having to rebuilding them every few years.

(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

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Wednesday January 24, 2024

PANDER BEARS I mean exactly that: PANDER Bears. There are pander bears and then there are panda bears. Where the national patrimony is concerned, Guyana’s political leaders have now dedicated their effortsto being pander bears. Their hope is that in so doing, they will be embraced as panda bears by those who help themselves to Guyanese riches.

To pander is to cater to the needs of some specific interest, person, or entity. It is to appreciate what that other party or entity desires, and then to bend one’s knees, to bend oneself double, to bend oneself in any and every way imaginable to satisfy the priorities, visions, and lusts of that person or entity.

When pandering gets very highly pitched, there can be significant difficulty separating it from actual prostitution. Those are my definitions of pandering, now try this, fellow Guyanese. When used in a political context (which I am doing), pandering is working without interruption to ensure that views expressed, positions taken, and issues treated curiously, or left alone, fit smoothly and unerringly into those of the people (or entity) being pleased.

With this extended background

painfully presented, I have a simple question for fellow citizens: PPP citizens, PNC citizens, AFC citizens, and all other citizens of Guyana. What is it that we have here for leaders where this enormous oil patrimony is concerned? Have we not had pandering of the most naked and ugly, if not obscene, sort?

Pandering by Guyanese leaders-elected and selected and self-appointed-to Exxon and the likes of Alistair Routledge, he with his billboards, and cricket bats, and m o u t h f u l s o f s w e e t Te x a s molasses. With his silky speeches about unprecedented revenue stream, and future revenue maximization?

These foreign sophisticates think that all Guyanese are still up in treetops and as dumb as shovels. But this is what our guys, my brothers, pander to, kowtow before, as though Guyana is now the ancient Orient, where prostration was the ritual of the begging class.

I encourage citizens to listen to their own. Listen to the tortured circumlocutions of the Chief Oil Strategist, the Champion Oil Warrior, and whose interests come first, those of this country, or those of

the people from the Texas badlands.

When there has been enough of the circumlocutions (pandering), then try the truths that are invisibly slender and qualify for the borderline only, because they are so riddled with patented deceptions.

No Guyanese should be so dense that they require a name, or a title. On each occasion that this fine chap struggles with some simple oil question, I shudder, want to scream, and then run for the washroom. It is time to upchuck. I mean is this what the wealth of the Guyanese people has come to, this sorry state?

Of course, pandering houses lash and backlash. Those are consequences of struggles like these. The venomous, vile, and vicious reign. See skipper, the unruly, the noisy, and the unfriendly are checked. By any means necessary. By any dirty trick that has to be employed. Dirty tricks is the middle name of some leaders.

It is for the craven satisfaction of the men calling the shots in today’s Oil Guyana. I give ahelping hand: he is not Guyanese.

These are not noble Americans.

Just goddamned pillagers of the hopes of poor, hungry, hurting

Guyanese.

Then, there is the other fellow, a one-time mean machine, who is now a machine from which three of the four wheels have fallen off. In this country, leaders pretend to be Dirty Harry, where this oil is concerned, only to end up being the worst of comedies. Whereas one is about laughable circumlocutions, this leader is about evasions that are so transparent that the blind could discern what is going on through a volcanic shower. The first banna is about holding on to power at all costs, and whatever pandering must be, will be. Guaranteed. This leader is all about how to get a grip (hold) on power, and if it means that words have to be spliced together to get closer and closer to Objective State House, then then is what will have to be. It has been so, just consult with the record.

I trash this nonsense about ballot box power.

While all of this is going on, there is that other leader sailing along. When he should be furious, he is dubious. When he must be serious, he is frivolous. One not only curious, but spurious. But there is rhyme and reason to all this pandering by Dicky, Tricky, and Mickey to the powers of oil.

There is that other vision held dear: to be seen as panda bears.

Imagine this our political brothers saddled with the sacred duties of brave leaders have one ambition: to be held as panda bears by the men from Texas (and Washington).

Quick digression, it would be heartening to hear from those Guyanese who once railed against imperialism.

Panda bears, I remind everyone, are cuddly, lovable, and,oh,so adorable creatures. They pose and smile languidly; impotent, immobile creatures. In sum, this is how our leaders wish to be viewed by the Americans: nonthreatening, nonaggressive, and none-toopressing on the patrimony of the Guyanese people. When Guyanese masses need pit bulls, they get panda bears and pander bears.

Good luck, Guyana.

(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.)

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Vreed-en-Hoop man charged with human trafficking A construction worker of New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was on Monday charged with Trafficking in Persons when he appeared at the Vreed-enHoop Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, 45-year-old Asif Mohamed Abrahim was arrested on January 18, 2024.

During his first court appearance before Magistrate Faith McGusty, Abrahim who was charged with Trafficking in Persons contrary to Section 3 (1) (i) of the Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act No. 2 of 2005, pleaded not guilty.

Abrahim was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to February 5, 2024 for statements.

Monday’s hearing was done virtually, via Zoom.

Key Parliamentary Oversight Committees...

From page 8 expertise, whether or not such experts or persons are Members of the National Assembly.

“The crime situation in Guyana is out of control now more than ever. Coupled with our local challenges is that of the influx of migrants which have now added its own challenges for law enforcement authorities,” Jones said.

He added that the crime situation in Guyana had prompted the United States Embassy here in Georgetown on the July 17, 2023, to publish a warning to U.S. citizens to reconsider travelling to Guyana because of high crime rates.

The Opposition Chief Whip said it is alarming that a committee of such importance does not convene at all. The Security Sector Committee is chaired

by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips.

Jones said while the C o m m i t t e e o n Appointments met three times in 2023, there is a need for further meetings and submission of nominations for the Rights of the Child Commission to Parliament. This Committee is chaired by Minister of Governance, Gail Teixeira.

Additionally, he said the Statutory Instrument Committee and Standing Orders Committee were never convened for the period 2020-2023.

Jones also voiced concerns over the declining frequency of parliamentary sittings, excluding the meetings for budget, highlighting the crucial role of Parliament in a functioning democracy.

Drawing attention to international standards, the Member of Parliament pointed to the United

Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s assertion that robust parliamentary engagement is pivotal for good governance.

Jones underscored the important role of parliaments as democratic institutions, while urging the House to consider its duty in promoting democracy and ensuring government accountability.

The Opposition Chief Whip juxtaposed these expectations with the current state of affairs in Guyana’s National Assembly.

Reflecting on 2021, Jones pointed out a significant lapse in parliamentary sessions, with only 10 meetings held throughout the year. He expressed dismay over a 97day hiatus during which the Opposition submitted over 470 questions without response. The subsequent approval of supplementary papers totaling $49.9 billion raised concerns about financial transparency.

Jones noted that the situation worsened in 2022, with a mere eight parliamentary sittings despite a substantial budget increase to $552.9 billion.

He questioned the rationale behind such infrequent sessions, especially when dealing with the nation’s finances.

For 2023, Jones criticized the government’s handling of democracy, highlighting a meagre eight parliamentary meetings amid a fiscal plan outlining expenditure of $781.9 billion.

He contrasted this with t h e A P N U + A F C government’s track record, where parliamentary sessions were more frequent, even without the influx of “Oil Money.”

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Wednesday January 24, 2024

MP calls for repeal of Petroleum Activities Act ...says law disregards Free Prior Informed Consent of Amerindians for oil and gas activities Member of the Guyana Action Party (GAP), Vincent Henry has called for a repeal of the Petroleum Activities Act, passed in the National Assembly only five months ago.

The legislation, according to Henry disregards the right of Indigenous citizens to free prior informed consent for oil and gas activities that may affect their communities.

The Member of Parliament (MP) made this comment during Day Two of Budget 2024 Debates in the National Assembly.

While raising his concerns on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, he said, “I wish to bring to the nation and all Indigenous Peoples that the Petroleum Activities Bill recently passed by the PPP’s slim majority in Parliament gives the Minister of Natural Resources and by extension, the PPP, supreme powers to identify areas for

petroleum exploration, negotiate and allow such exploration and production in any part of Guyana.”

He continued, “This act disregards any Free Prior Informed Consent by affected communities.

This act strikes against the fundamental rights of the Indigenous peoples of Guyana.”

Henry urged that the Act be repealed as he went on in his presentation to address the revision of the Amerindian Act. The MP pointed out that while monies have been allocated for the review to be conducted, little has been done to see its completion. He said, “As per normal, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs feels that only they should manage the process and do so without the involvement of key Indigenous groups.”

Still on the point of Indigenous rights in the mining sector, the Opposition Parliamentarian said

the original owners of the land have been left off of the Protected Areas Commission. Henry contends that this constitutes a glaring deficiency in the management of the body.

“Mr. Speaker, there is no Indigenous Peoples’ representative on the management board of the Protected Areas Commission. If this injustice cannot be corrected by this installed government then the next Coalition Government will correct this on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana,” Henry stated in the National Assembly.

The Minister of Natural Resources under the legislation has significant authority over a spectrum of activities related to petroleum — from exploration and production to transportation and storage, encompassing even the geological storage of carbon dioxide.

During the debate in the

National Assembly in August last year before the law was passed, subject Minister Vickram Bharrat acknowledged the powers granted to him.

He said, “The Bill gives the minister the power to grant geological and geophysical survey permits such as those that would be needed for the Gas-to-Energy Project.” He lauded the Bill as being a comprehensive document that touches on several aspects of the growing industry.

The law says the minister shall be empowered to administer the licensing of petroleum exploration, production, storage and transportation operations; cooperate with the relevant government agencies regarding environmental and safety aspects of petroleum operations; and oversee the conduct of petroleum operations to ensure compliance with the new law, and the terms of

Opposition MP, Vincent Henry the respective licences and petroleum agreements.

The minister is also empowered to inspect petroleum operations, seek corrective action, and impose sanctions for non-compliance, develop terms of reference and qualification criteria for the grant of exploration and production rights, and grant geological storage licences for natural gas and longterm storage of carbon dioxide.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Wednesday January 24, 2024

Linden shallow grave murder…

‘ISWE Boss’ remanded for murder of girlfriend Twenty-four-year-old Shaquawn Alleyne called ‘ISWE Boss,’ was on Tuesday morning remanded to prison for the April 2021 murder of his girlfriend Shonette Dover.

Alleyne appeared via Zoom before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleges that between April 3, and April 30, 2021, at Canvas City, Linden, Region 10, he murdered Dover.

In his address, Alleyne told the court that he is the father of a 4-month-old baby and a barber by profession.

Police Prosecutor Pinda-Whittaker, told the court that the police have launched an investigation into the firearm that Alleyne

allegedly used to shoot his girlfriend. She stated that the accused reportedly sold the firearm to another person.

Prosecutor Pinda-Whittaker also mentioned that the police have one person in custody, while they are actively pursuing to have the other person arrested in relation to the firearm. She noted too that the ballistic report is outstanding.

The prosecutor asked the court for two weeks adjournment. Alleyne did not have any legal representation. He is expected to make his next court appearance on February 27, 2024 for report.

Alleyne had been on the run since 2021 and was only last week apprehended by Suriname authorities who later handed him over to Guyanese authorities. While in

MURDERED girlfriend, Shonette Dover custody, he reportedly confessed to the crime, saying that it was an accident.

According to reports, Dover’s body was discovered on Friday, April 30, 2021, in a shallow grave at the back of Alleyne’s Canvas City, Linden residence, where the two lived before she died. The woman was missing for 28 days. She was reported missing on Sunday, April 4, by Alleyne who had told her relatives that he had no idea where she was, and assumed that she had left

REMANDED: Shaquawn Alleyne called ‘ISWE Boss’ for work.

Dover’s then 15-year-old relative, who had admitted to helping Alleyne to bury the young woman’s body and who later led police to the site, has since been charged with accessory after the fact of murder, and remanded to the Juvenile Detention Centre.

A post-mortem examination that was subsequently conducted on Dover’s remains revealed that she died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Cyclist crushed to death in Den Amstel accident Police on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), Region Three are currently investigating the death of Joel Castang, a resident of Blankenburg, WCD who was reportedly crushed to death in an accident at Den Amstel, WCD on Monday night.

According to reports, the fatal accident occurred around 20:19 hrs Monday on the Den Amstel Public Road, and involved motor lorry (GTT 4953) which was driven by a 24-year-old resident from Meten-MeerZorg, WCD, and Castang, who was riding a bicycle at the time.

Police reported that information reaching them revealed that the truck was heading west along the southern side of the public road, when the 34-year-old pedal cyclist rode from south to north across the road causing the lorry driver to swerve right.

In the process of doing so, the front of the lorry collided with Castang who fell under the truck and was dragged some distance away. Police said the motionless body of the pedal cyclist was picked up and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was officially pronounced dead.

His body is at the Ezekiel

The pedal cyclist lying on the roadway at Den Amstel, WCD.

Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Investigators reported that a breathalyzer test was conducted on the truck

driver and no trace of alcohol was found.

The truck driver is in police custody assisting with investigations.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

$4B allocation for GOAL programme could have transformed UG into “world class institution” – McDonald Manickchand said that any person in Guyana, whether young or old, who wishes to pursue an education, the government would try to

Opposition Member of Parliament, Coretta McDonald

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand The $4 billion budgetary allocation set aside by the government for the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme could have been used to transform the University of Guyana (UG) into a “world class institution.”

This was suggested by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Coretta McDonald on Monday during the ongoing budget debate in the National Assembly.

As reported, this year the government allocated a whopping $135.2 billion to the education sector in the budget and of that sum, $4.1 billion has been set aside to support the University of Guyana operations while $4 billion has been allocated for the GOAL programme.

Speaking on these budgetary allocations, the Opposition MP said that the university is “under attack”.

“Could you imagine our University of Guyana, sixtyyears-old, has been given $4.1 billion, while a threeyear- old GOAL Scholarship programme has been given $4.1 billion, we have our own university and we don’t seek to promote and build what we have,” a visibly disturbed McDonald said.

McDonald deemed the move by PPPC government as a “travesty and unpatriotic,” claiming that the current regime do not want the university to grow, because “they are fearful that it poses a threat to their control freakism.”

According to McDonald, who is also the Shadow Minister of Education, over the years the university has

emerged as an important institution that indirectly checks the government and its excesses.

She added that the physical attendances lead to the congregation of students in societies, and they discuss the world and invariably, students leave the university conscious and more educated. “Added to this Mr. Speaker they sit in classrooms with lecturers who teach them how to think critically. This is the fear of the PPP, that they cannot control the university and what they cannot control they do not fund,” McDonald continued by saying.

The Opposition MP went onto to state that the government’s push for online education, should be coupled with the university.

She noted that the two objectives should be combined; on one hand the government can develop UG and at the same time move to online learning.

“It is unacceptable that the university’s funding is now equaled to an academy of learning that is under direct political direction.

This would have been the perfect opportunity Mr. S p e a k e r, t o f u n d t h e University of Guyana and make it into a world class institution,” the MP said.

She added that there is no monitoring and evaluation of the GOAL scholarship programme and research by the Opposition has uncovered major issues with the programme.

Meanwhile, in her presentation on Monday, Minister of Education Priya

facilitate this as best as it can.

She said the PPPC’s late leader Dr. Cheddi Jagan started the University and at the time, it was the “PNC

who called it Jagan’s night school.”

“It is now our University of Guyana and we will fund it and continue to fund it and

it is very precious to us, it is very precious to us,” the Minister argued.

The Education Minister Continued on page 20

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday January 24, 2024

Fourth victim in Ruimveldt smash-up succumbs A fourth victim in the recent vehicular accident outside the Ruimveldt Police Station has succumbed to his injuries, police have confirmed.

Dead is 58-year-old

Lennox Clementson of Guyhoc Gardens. His death was confirmed by Division ‘4 A’ Commander, Simon McBean when contacted by this publication. It was reported that Clementson

was one of several persons injured in the accident which had occurred around 05:30hrs on January 8 along the Ruimveldt Public Road.

The accident involved a motorcar and minibus.

The other persons who died in the accident are: Rawle Mckenzie, his wife Sarah Wilson and Pream Seecharran. The minibus was reportedly driven by Rawle Mckenzie of Grove,

East Bank Demerara (EBD) and had occupants Sarah Wilson (driver’s wife) of Samatta Point, Grove, 31year-old Javon Bowen of Samatta Point, Grove, Clementson, and 56-yearold Jones McKenzie of Grove Housing Scheme.

The car was driven by 29-year-old Pream Seecharran of Belle Vue, We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a (WBD). Police had said that 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.

The 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 minibus which was heading in the opposite direction.

Dead, Lennox Clementson It was reported that Mckenzie could not slow down in time and ended up crashing into the already mangled car. The crash left the driver of the bus and his wife, 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, East Bank Demerara. It was recently reported that following the crash, Seecharran succumbed to his injuries on January 21.

$4B allocation for GOAL programme could have...

From page 19 went on to state that there is a difference between UG and the online learning programmes being offered. She said that, “Coursera is different from GOAL, GOAL is different from the University of Guyana, it is important that we understand what they are.”

As she elaborated on the GOAL programme, the Education Minister said thus far, some 21, 442 Guyanese have been afforded study opportunities through the programme. Additionally, she said that through a programme called GROW, which falls under GOAL, allows people who dropped out of school or did not get a chance to finish school to further their education, will now have an opportunity to enter a university. Some 1,430 students have graduated from this programme, she briefed.

The minister made it clear that UG and GOAL are not in competition and that the government will continue to fund the two. She said that the PPPC government will continue to offer opportunities to the populace whether short courses, certificate programmes, degrees, or masters programmes to as many people as possible who wish to be qualified, “and we will not apologize for that.”

She continued that Coursera is a series of short courses offered to the people, to up skill or re-skill themselves through various and renowned universities like Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Princeton, and Oxford.

According to the minister, the PPPC government introduced the online programme shortly after it assumed office in 2020. She said that the, “Commonwealth of Learning was begging the APNU/AFC to offer Coursera in 2020, in March, but they didn’t.”

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

New found oil wealth demands robust foreign policy to counter looming threats - Shadow Foreign Minister While foreign relations are always key to a country's development, Guyana must place specific emphasis on strategic endeavours, as now more than ever, the country requires a sober, steady and studied approach.

Highlighting the importance of a robust foreign policy during the 2024 Budget Debates was the Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amanza WaltonDesir.

In her presentation on Tuesday, she pointed out that with a small population, a new found prominence on the world stage as a Petro-State and with a threat to the country's territorial integrity ever looming, Guyana needs a studied approach to foreign policy.

The Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) was keen to note that the new found interest in Guyana is not because of anything the country has done, but rather, because of the light sweet crude being pumped 120 miles offshore.

She cautioned, “That resource however, is not a renewable one, when it is gone it is gone. Cognizant of this reality, we must therefore soberly and vigilantly navigate these troubling times so that our children, and future generations of Guyanese are able to inherit a Guyana great and free.”

To achieve this objective, she listed five proposals that should be urgently addressed, these include: 1) Identifying and effectively articulating Guyana's Foreign Policy, in the context of the protection of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity; 2) Reshaping and enhancing relations with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries; 3) Employing astute diplomacy; 4) Education and Training and Development of the Diplomatic Corps and finally, monitoring international migration into Guyana with particular emphasis on the impact of the Venezuelan migration crisis.

While elaborating on her point for the astute d i p l o m a c y, s h e s a i d diplomacy is the vehicle through which a state advances its foreign policy.

The MP was keen to note that while diplomacy is a broad concept that encompasses the general practice of international relations, Guyana must now go one step further.

She charged, “We must

employ astute diplomacy.

Astute diplomacy involves a higher level of skill, strategic thinking, and adaptability, and will allow us as a nation to navigate the complexities of the global stage with a more nuanced and effective approach. It goes beyond routine interactions to include insightful and strategic decision-making in pursuit of our national interest.”

On this note, WaltonDesir pointed out that Guyana must urgently examine its representation at foreign capitals.

According to her, “It is inconceivable that four years into the new government we have yet to appoint an Ambassador to Brazil.

Brazil- our strongest continental ally and member of BRICS. The sloth in this regard, is unacceptable Mr. Speaker and must be remedied forthwith.”

Equally unacceptable the Shadow Foreign Minister said is the fact that Guyana does not have missions in Africa, except South Africa which is but a consulate. In the meantime, she noted that Venezuela continues to court African States.

Walton-Desir argued, “Since the disastrous departure of the former High Commissioner from New Delhi, a new High Commissioner is yet to be appointed, and we have no high level representation in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Russia, Switzerland, Belgium, Kuwait the United Arab Emirates and Suriname.”

Additionally, the MP made the case for Guyana to examine its approach to international economic cooperation. She reasoned that the European Union (EU) has been Guyana's major development partner since 1975 under successive African Caribbean-Pacific (ACP-EU) Lome and Cotonou Partnership Agreements.

These partnerships are centered on the objective of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty consistent with the aims of sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP countries into the world economy.

Walton-Desir told the National Assembly that in November 2023 in Samoa, the Member States of the Organisation of African and Pacific States (OACPS), a collection of 79 States and

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd

the European Union (EU) signed the Samoa Partnership Agreement that would govern relations

between the two groups for the next 20 years in the first instance. The provisional application of the Agreement

Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amanza Walton-Desir commenced on January 1, 2024.

She argued that despite

Guyana's Carl Greenidge playing a leading role in the negotiation of this new Agreement, Guyana was not represented at the signing of the Samoa Agreement and to date the Government of Guyana has not signed the Agreement.

According to her, “By not signing onto the agreement we will be severely limited in the area and scope for cooperation with the EU. It also robs us of an important forum for us to canvass support against Venezuela's illegal claim.”

“Selling Guyana” Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh (Continued on page 23)

PAGE 22

24 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza in one day

WANTED

VACANCY

FOR RENT

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

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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.

Customer Service Representative & Driver needed. Apply in person with application & relevant documents at Sandy's Funeral Home.

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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.

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

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

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Experienced Jet and Marack men to work in the Interior.

Call: 677-2385.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Kaieteur News

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.

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

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One furnished 2 bedroom apartment for rent. Call: 6732484.

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

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Israeli soldiers carry the casket at the funeral of one reservist killed in Monday's attack (BBC NEWS) The Israeli army says 24 of its soldiers were killed in Gaza on Monday - the deadliest day for its forces since their ground operation began.

That includes 21 reservists who died in an explosion likely caused by mines that Israeli forces had placed in two buildings to demolish them, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

It is thought a missile fired

by Palestinian armed fighters hit a tank guarding the troops

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just beforehand. The IDF is investigating what happened.

According to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry, 195 Palestinians have been killed in the past day. The IDF's chief spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said the reservists were killed in central Gaza at around 16:00 (14:00 GMT) on Monday close to the kibbutz of Kissufim on the Israeli side of the border. They were involved in an operation to allow for residents of southern Israel to safely return to their homes after tens of thousands were evacuated after the Hamas attack on 7 October.

The first funerals for those killed in the explosion have been held at Mount Herzl in a rainy Jerusalem.

Many of the mourners wore military uniforms and the scene was full of blue and white Israeli flags. Israel's military had already confirmed that three officers were killed in a separate attack in southern Gaza on Monday.

The country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that despite its suffering, his country would push on with its offensive until it had "absolute victory."

Elsewhere in Gaza, there has been fierce fighting by three hospitals in Khan Younis in the south, which is crowded with displaced people. The IDF announced it has completely encircled the city, which has been a main focus of its ground offensive targeting Hamas.

Israel believes that the group's leaders may be hiding there and that it may also be where some Israeli hostages are being held. According to the IDF, dozens of local gunmen were killed in its operation and its forces found rockets in rocket-launchers ready to fire, as well as tunnel shafts and a large number of weapons.

The Palestinians said that women and children have been killed in the latest fighting in the city. They added that Israeli blockades and the storming of hospitals since Monday had left the wounded and dead beyond the reach of rescuers.

The dead were being buried inside the grounds of Nasser hospital because it has been unsafe to leave in order to reach the cemetery.

It is said that Israeli forces stormed another hospital, AlKhair - which is in the alMawasi area to the west - and arrested staff.

Israel launched the war with the declared aim of destroying Hamas after waves of its gunmen killed 1,300 people - mostly civilians - and took about 250 others hostage in the unprecedented attack.

According to the IDF website, 217 soldiers have been killed since the beginning of Israel's ground invasion on 27 October out of a total of 552 killed since 7 October. At least 25,490 people mainly women and children have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza since then, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

New found oil wealth...

From page 21 Todd during his contribution to the 2024 Budget Debates on the previous day (Monday) touted this year's fiscal plan as a visionary map for prosperity, with sheer, unadulterated potential to propel Guyana's economy to new heights.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that Todd stressed the $1.146 trillion budget is necessary for the building out of a robust economic framework, a key focus of the government's development plan.

“When we are speaking on the international stage, and we are talking about Guyana and the progress that Guyana is making, we are able to sell Guyana and position Guyana in the global environment where we can attract the kind of investment needed to build this country out…We cannot do it alone.

We have to have an economy that we can present to the people of this world,” Minister Todd underscored.

Stemming from this tremendous growth, the country's international standing has also improved, positioning Guyana as a coveted partner in development.

According to Minister Todd, Guyana's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and promote its trade and economic interests will advance with the implementation of the budget.

“The visits of His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, representing Guyana and advancing our foreign policy, has resulted in more than 40 MoUs, agreements, road maps all across the world, from Ghana to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, Saudia Arabia, Rwanda, Pakistan, Tajikistan…When you think about the rewards in terms of our representation in the multinational, international, and regional levels, we have been ensuring that we put the people of this country first,” he said.

Since assuming office, the government has also undertaken 44 accreditations, from countries interested in engaging Guyana in dialogue spanning several areas.

This extensive list includes the Republic of Angola, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Republic of Philippines.

“We have been very busy working in the interest of the people through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,” Minister Todd stated.

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Wednesday January 24, 2024

Emily Dodson appointed Chair of Law Reform Commission

Chair of the Law Reform Commission, Attorney Emily Dodson

A

ttorney Emily Dodson was on T u e s d a y appointed the Chair of the Law Reform Commission by President Irfaan Ali. Dodson took the oath of office at the Office of the President located on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive,

President Irfaan Ali (center) with members of the Law Reform Commission. Also photographed are Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George (third left), Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC (second right) and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP,) Shalimar Ali-Hack (fourth left).

Georgetown.

Dodson previously served as a member of the commission u n d e r t h e chairmanship of Retired Justice of the A p p e a l C o u r t , Beasraj Singh Roy w h o r e s i g n e d before the end of his tenure.

She will serve as Chair for three years.

Meanwhile, President Ali also administered the Oath of O f f i c e t o former Member of Parliament and indigenous rights advocate, Lenox Shuman, who will

Indigenous rights advocate, Lenox Shuman

a lso serve the Law Reform Commission for three years.

The other members, who were sworn in August of 2021, are Teni Housty, Deenawati Panday and Clarissa Riehl.

Their three-year tenures are expected to conclude later this year.

Blinken hails Ivory Coast fight against armed groups on West Africa tour (ALJAZEERA) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday praised the Ivory Coast for choosing a less militarised approach to security during his fournation tour to rally African democracies as crises engulf the region.

In the capital Abidjan, the top United States diplomat hailed the Ivory Coast's stand against last year's coup in Niger and its approach of “building security together” by investing economically to combat rebel violence in northern areas bordering Mali and Burkina Faso.

“I have to applaud the approach that's been taken by Cote d'Ivoire – working with communities, listening to communities, making sure that their security forces understand the needs, the concerns of communities,” Blinken said alongside the Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara. “I think that can serve as a very

powerful model for other countries.”

The Ivory Coast has not experienced a major armed attack in two years, despite being bordered by Sahel countries fighting insecurity.

Blinken nonetheless promised to boost cooperation on the ground with the Ivory Coast, largely the training of security forces. He said the US would provide an additional $45m to West African nations as part of a plan to battle instability, bringing total funding under the year-old programme to nearly $300m.

Ouattara, a veteran leader who has won US praise for consolidating democracy, expressed appreciation for the US assistance and voiced alarm over a spate of coups in West Africa.

“Like the United States, we are very committed to democracy and justice,” he said, promising that his government would do

“everything possible to improve people's day-to-day lives.”

Blinken met with Ouattara before heading to Abuja to see Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, elected last year on a platform of economic reforms.

B o t h We s t A f r i c a n nations have largely stood by the US – as has another key partner, Kenya – despite unease in much of the continent over the Western focus on arming Ukraine and, more recently, US support for Israel's war with Hamas.

Their stance stands in contrast with another heavyweight, South Africa, which the US has accused of allowing arms shipments to Russia and which most recently annoyed Washington by bringing a genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Kaieteur News

Wednesday January 24, 2024

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BCB Premier T20 Cup...

Pestano and Hooper power RHT NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour into another BCB first division final A brutal innings of 60 not out from Rose Hall Town NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour first division captain Clinton Pestano and a fine bowling spell from former senior national player Eon Hooper powered their team to an easy eight wicket victory against Blairmont in the semifinal of the BCB Premier T20 tournament. Playing at the Area H ground in blazing sunny conditions, the Berbice powerhouse booked their place in another final after winning the BCB Ivan MadrayT20 tournament last week against arch rivals Albion at the NO.69 ground.

Blairmont led by veteran Shameer Baksh won the toss and elected to take first strike. They lost opener S. Bissoondyal caught behind the wicket by Jason Sinclair

Eon Hooper

Clinton Pestano

off Hooper for 0 at 9 for 1 in the second over. Former national under19 player Javed Karim was left caught at long on off Troy Matterson for 20 at 29 for 2 in the 5th

over. The Blairmont team never recovered as the home team's bowling attack tightened the screws. A. Balman scored 24 with two boundaries but apart from Farouk Subhan with 16, none of

Wednesday January 24, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19 Tasks of any kind are all likely to seem like the labors of Hercules today, Aries.

Overwork and nerve strain could have you feeling a little bit under the weather today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A temporary setback with regard to your career might have you feeling a bit disoriented right now, Libra.

Modern equipment of some kind might be involved.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Money matters might be weighing on the mind of a close friend or lover and your advice could be sought. A creative project of some kind may require a larger expenditure of money.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today may start out being a very frustrating day, Scorpio.

Be prepared! Some equipment with which you work might suddenly go out of order and it could take a while to get it fixed.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You might have visitors, Gemini, or even a hot date scheduled for tonight, but by mid-afternoon you might be feeling too tired to go through with it and wondering if you should cancel.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Yo u r l e v e l o f a r t i s t i c inspiration is very high today, Sagittarius. Dreams or meditation may have brought up some spiritual insights and revelations for you, and you may have promptly forgotten.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Deliveries you may be expecting could be delayed or held up. Today you might learn something shocking about a neighbor or relative.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A delivery of some kind that you were expecting to come from far away might be delayed, causing you to wonder if it might have been lost.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Some good but surprising news about a group with which you may be affiliated could come your way today, Leo. Perhaps fundraising activities have been more successful than you thought.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today you're likely to be feeling especially passionate, sexy, and desirous of a romantic encounter, Aquarius.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some upsetting news regarding money could throw you into a bit of a dither today, Virgo. Perhaps a check you've been expecting .

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A female visitor who might have a few problems might come to your door wanting a d v i c e a n d s y m p a t h y, Pisces.

the other batsman reached double figures. Nigel Deodat 9, Seon Glasgow 0, Sameer Baksh 0, D Mickle 0, Clive Harry 6, A. Ragbheer 5 were all dismissed cheaply, while A. David was unbeaten on 1 as Blairmont were bowled out for a meager 94 in 19.3 overs. Hooper claimed 3 for 23 from 4 impressive overs while Keith Simpson continues to impress with his left arm spin by claiming 2 for 18. National under17 off spinner Matthew Pottaya took 2 for 8 from 2 overs while Troy Matterson 1 for 8, Jeremy Sandia 1 for 14 and Jonathan Rampersaud 1 for 12, all bowled well.

Needing to score 95 from 20 overs to book their place in the final, Rose Hall Town lost opener Matthew Pottaya bowled for 8 at 29 for 1 by Nigel Deodat in the 3rd over.

Pestano started with a sweetly time boundary as he batted aggressively

from the start but lost fellow national player Kevlon Anderson at 39 for 2 when he pulled Seon Glasgow into the hands of deep mid wicket. Jonathan Rampersaud joined his captain and they added 60 runs for the third wicket to lead their team into the final.

Pestano ended on 60 NO from 30 balls with 6 boundaries and 6 sixes in his brutal innings, while the elegant Rampersaud ended on 16 NO. Left arm spinner Nigel Deodat took 1 for 31 from 4 overs, while Seon Glasgow claimed the other wicket to fall for 27 runs from two overs as Rose Hall achieved victory off 11.2 overs at 99 for 2.

Rose Hall Town NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour would now await the other finalist. Albion and Port Mourant would play in the first quarter finals, while Tucber Park and Rose Hall Canje would clash in the second.

The winning teams would then play in the semifinal to decide the other finalist.

Ancient County hops...

From page 33 and away from the school and we are cautious about opening up a sport that doesn't have a full support structure behind it since we have been disappointed that way before. We are now confident that Golf is here to stay and with the dedication shown by Mr. Hussain and the commitment from MoE, we want Berbice High to excel as always. " GGA president Aleem Hussain said, "We made a bold prediction in 2021 that within three years, golf would challenge the traditional sports to become one of the most played sports in Guyana.

Today, only two words are necessary- Mission Accomplished.”

GBA to stage...

From page 30 by the association in the advancement of its pugilists.”Ninvalle explained, “This event serves as the start of our calendar of activities and initiatives, and in a similar vein to the previous year, 2024 is programmed to mirror and exceed the expectations and objectives set forth by our administration.”

“As an association, our emphasis will always remain on our nursery, which has provided us with the resources and human capital to dominate the Englishspeaking Caribbean. That is where the sustenance of boxing unquestionably occurs. However, our seniors are of great interest and importance as it provides a window into what can be achieved at the international stage when that transitional phase occurs from the junior realms," the further added.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

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'One Guyana' Premier Basketball League Action heats up in 'One Guyana' Premier Basketball League Conference Playoffs.

Bounty Colts and Stabroek Eagles take early lead in Jaguar Conference Playoffs The 'One Guyana' Basketball Premier League witnessed an exhilarating start to the Jaguar Conference playoff series on Saturday last as the Colts and Eagles secured convincing 1-0 leads against the Kobras and the University of Guyana (UG) Trojans, respectively. The action unfolded at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

In a highly anticipated matchup, the Colts dominated the Kobras with a final score of 66-51. The quartet of Shane Webster, Shelroy Thomas, Carmelo

Mon-Sing, Domitri Rankin, and Quacey Lindo showcased their prowess on the court, collectively contributing 40 points to the team's victory. Webster led the charge with 10 points, closely followed by Thomas with nine, Mon-Sing with eight, Rankin with seven, and Lindo with six.

Despite the Kobras facing a setback in the series, Elijah David emerged as a standout performer, recording an impressive game-high of 17 points.

Drexel Aaron and Trevor Smith provided valuable

support, contributing 10 and nine points, respectively.

In the parallel matchup, the Eagles showcased their dominance against the UG

Trojans, also secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The game unfolded with intense moments as both teams vied for supremacy on

BCB/Ricky Moore and Sons under 11 tournament...

Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy claim historic under 11 title by defeating Albion The Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy under11 cricket team under the inspirational leadership of Darvish Narain created history in Berbice cricket when they won the first ever under11 cricket tournament sponsored

by Ricky Moore and sons enterprise. Playing at the Chesney cricket ground, Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy was spearheaded by a brilliant all round performance from Akeem Fraser. The two teams have played each other twice before in the said tournament and Albion had won both matches.

Rose Hall Town won the toss in extremely hot conditions and elected to bat first. They lost opener Julian Hicks, bowled by Shahid Gajnabi for one in the 1st over of the final. The other opener Dilchan La Cruz and skipper Darvish Narain added 20 for the 2nd wicket before La Cruz was run out for 10. The highly talented Akeem Fraser batted with maturity beyond his age and ended unbeaten on 35 with four boundaries as the Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy ended their innings on 130 for 6 off their allotted 20 overs.

Skipper Narain supported with 16 while extras contributed a healthy 56 runs. Wides bowled in the first 15 overs resulted in two runs for the

Pharmacy's confidence was lifted when the dangerous Shahid Gajnabi, younger brother of West Indies player Sahabeka Gajnabi, was caught off the bowling of his opposite number Dharvish Narain for 12. Albion slumped to 61 to 6 in the 11th over before Royston Crandon Junior and Ganesh Shivdyal then added 30 crucial runs for the 7th wicket to bring Albion back into contention. Ganesh was run out for 10 at 91 for seven. Albion were eventually bowed out for 120 off 18.4 overs. Akeem Fraser took the final wicket to spark celebrations by the Rose Hall Town team and their supporters.

Bowling for the Champions were Khemraj Bharrat 3 for 15, Man of the finals Akeem Fraser Darvish Narain 2 for 17, Akeem Fraser 2 for 6 and Joshua Dhanraj 2 for 11. batting side while the ball is not Fraser was named man of the bowled back. The best bowler for Albion was their captain Shahid final for his crucial innings of 35 not Gajnabi who took three for 18 from out and his two wickets.

Chairman of the BCB cricket his four overs bowling pace. competitions committee, Leslie Needing to score 131 of their allotted 20 overs, Albion were given Solomon, hailed the success of the a solid start of 31 by openers tournament which unearthed several Nicholas Madramootoo and Daniel exciting talents for the future.

Johnson before Madramootoo was Solomon also expressed thanks to caught off the bowling of left arm Ricky Moore for his sponsorship of spinner Khemraj Bharrat for 3. the under11 tournament. He stated Johnson was also dismissed for 11 to that the BCB was also looking to leave Albion at 38 for two in the 6th host an under9 tournament in 2024 as part of its overall developmental over.

R o s e H a l l To w n P o o n a i programme.

the court.

The resumption of the 'One Guyana' Basketball Premier League playoff series provided fans with a

thrilling display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Action continues this Saturday at the same venue.

Powerlifting Federation lauds the Guyana Govt. on its historic Budget allocation for Sports The President and Executive of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), Franklin Wilson, is energised by the Government of Guyana's continued investment in building the foundation for sports and its development for this and generations to come with the historic allocation of $4.6 Billion in the 2024 National budget.

This allocation, with an emphasis on infrastructure development throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, will see Guyana setting itself apart from the rest of the region on and off the competitive field of play. It will also allow our athletes to compete at home against regional and internationally acclaimed athletes as we position the country to host many international competitions and tournaments given the quality of our facilities.

Another exciting and commendable feature of this year's budget is the announcement of the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) and duties on the importation of sports equipment. This will allow associations and federations to do more to outfit and equip athletes, an important component for our development, performance, and setting a high standard.

Franklin Wilson While the sport of Powerlifting is not a core sport, we applaud the government and by extension, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission for their continued investment in our athletes which has resulted in noticeable improvements.

We have benefitted from significant financial support from the Ministry and the Sports Commission which enabled our athletes to participate and medal at three World Championships in 2023 as well as the FESUPO South American Championships.

We look forward to building an even stronger partnership with the Ministry and Sports Commission in 2024 for our athletes' continued development, Wilson stated in a release.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

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Prison Officer steals show to take top prize in East Canje cross country event Veteran athlete Adrian Thomas out ran his younger competitors to take top honours in the second edition of the Lochan 'Barry' Singh cross country road race.

The event, which was held last Sunday along the East Canje public road, saw Thomas, easily winning the three miles race from his competitors. Thomas, a member of the Guyana Prison Service, improved on his second placed position last year to take top honours.

Trophies and cash incentives were distributed to the first four finishers and other outstanding runners.

Running in second was Kheron Bissondyal with 68 years old Kissondyal Bhemar placing third and Darren Persaud 4th.

The race was held from the Rose Hall Estate in East Canje to Gangaram Village also in East Canje, covering villages such as Rose Hall, Reliance, Adelphi, Goed Bananen Land, Betsy Ground and Gangaram.

There were special sprit prizes up for grabs. The prizes

were available for the first three runners to reach the Side Line Dam at Reliance about a mile from the starting line. Kheron Bissondyal took first place with Javin Roopchand second and S. Bhowandin third.

There were also a number of incentives for other outstanding athletes with Kissondyal Bhemar taking the award for the oldest finisher and 15 years old Rovin Persaud getting one for the youngest finisher.

Lochan sponsored and organized the event along with his family and Anil Karim.

Lochan, who was a former distance athlete in his younger days, resides in Gangaram and works at the Rose Hall Estate.

He stated that he along with his family and Karim decided to organize and sponsor the event so as to return athletics to some semblance of what it was before.

The route from Rose Hall Estate to Gangaram, was chosen because of where the organiser lives and work. The event was open to all interested. (Samuel Whyte)

Sandiford stars in Century 21 Grand Prix Chess tournament

J

prize after 8 rounds of action.

Kyle Couchman, another of Guyana's top junior prospects, finished in 2nd place (GYD$10K prize) and veteran Loris Nathoo finished 3rd amidst the young bunch (GYD$5K prize), to cap off the top performers, exceeding Senior national champ Anthony Drayton and others.

The ladies category was dominated by Shazeeda Rahim who 8 wins from 8 games. Aditi Joshi secured second place, while current Women's champion Jessica C a l l e n d e r finished 3rd.

A c t i o n continues, the GCF will be hosting its annual U n d e r - 1 4 National Chess Junior chess champ Championships at Keron Sandiford Queen's College mulls his next move on January 27th, prior to his victory lap.

2024.

unior chess wiz Keron Sandiford ate up the competition as he starred in the recently concluded Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) /Century 21 Grand Prix Chess tournament.

The National Junior Chess champ dominated proceedings at the School of the Nations, copping the GYD$20K cash

The outstanding performers display their prizes following the presentation.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

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GBA to stage senior developmental boxing championship Friday at National Gymnasium - Event heralds the start of Olympic qualifying

W

ith Guyana set to participate in several Olympic qualifiers ahead of the 2024 Paris Games, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will stage a senior d e v e l o p m e n t a l championship on Friday at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue which serves as part of the preparatory process, a release from the association disclosed.

The event, which is expected to feature

representation from the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Forgotten Youth Foundation, a n d R o s e H a l l To w n Jammers, will conduct its official weight-in at the same location tomorrow. The tournament is also expected to feature international flavour in the form of four Surinamese pugilists.

Participation from Trinidad and Tobago is also being explored by the GBA. Te r r e n c e P o o l e , Technical Director of the

GBA, said, “This is an important event because it will provide valuable minutes in the ring for several of the elite boxers who have impending Olympic qualifiers and have not been competitively active.

The event essentially caters to the elite boxers that have not been competing, and it's also necessary because we didn't get to run off the national open last year, and that was initially pencilled for this weekend.”

According to Poole, "We will not get the full c o m p l e m e n t o f representatives from several gyms because of issues I would prefer not to disclose at this time. Some of our largest gyms are not inclined to field teams and after a meeting with all coaches and the GBA President, a decision was made.

That's why we opted against doing the Terrence Ali National Open and decided to host a developmental event.”

Terrence Poole, Technical Director of the GBA

Steve Ninvalle, GBA President

Meanwhile, Steve Ninvalle, GBA President, said, “While the decision to suspend the staging of the Terrence Ali National Open is unfortunate, the silver

lining is the staging of another developmental programme that adds to the structured and systematic apparatus that is employed (Continued on page 27)

Batting sensation Adrian Hetmyer is among the talents set to headline the BCB's Junior 50-Over trial.

Over 30 players selected as BCB bowl off Junior 50-Over trials

A

lmost 40 players were named as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) bowled off trials for their junior crop of players across the Ancient County.

Hitting the ground running after their recent elections and new executive body, the BCB's junior selection committee, arranged the 50 over trial match at the Chesney Cricket Ground.

Players will engage in their trials, where the best crop of players will be selected following the end of the trials, as the BCB continues to target the next generation of cricketers.

List of players called to Junior 50 - Over trials: Adrian Hetmyer, Lakeram Singh, Sohail Mohammed, Arif Khan, Gibran Yacoob,

Ravin Boodwah, Fiaz Baksh, Gilbert Griffith, Christopher Baldeo, Farhan Balle, Nicholas Lepps, Chamesh Seenauth, Shahid Shamshudin, Matthew Perriera, Vikash Roopnarine, Ahil Hemraj, Antonio DePaul, Arif Bacchus, Jetin Thakurdin, Ariane Singh, Jayhayden Rohleher, Kurt Micheal's, Lemuel Dejonge, Anthony Persaud, Geovani Amsterdam, Nathaniel Ramsammy, Rovin Beharry, Arif Marrimottoo, Akeem Edwards, Omesh Bridgelall, Doodnauth Shiv Mangal, Sumit Samaroo, Munesh Rampersaud, Tameshwar Deonandan, Rafael McKenzie, Komalchand Ramnarace, Richard Ramdehol, Michael Newland jnr. Damian Hope, Sean Asphalt and Akash Sookhlall.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

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Pooran, Matthews featured as ICC reveals teams of the year in ICC Awards 2023 SportsMax - Nicholas Pooran and West Indies Women's ODI and T20I Captain Hayley Matthews were the only West Indians selected as the International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday completed announcements of the five ICC Teams of the Year across formats for men and women as part of the ICC Awards 2023.

Pooran and Matthews were named in the ICC Men's and Women's T20I Teams of the Year.

The announcement of the five teams - the ICC Men's and Women's T20I Teams of the Year, the ICC Men's and Women's ODI Teams of the Year and the ICC Men's Test Team of the Year – were made in a staggered manner over Monday and Tuesday and feature players from 11 teams selected on the basis of international performances through the calendar year.

Teams were identified from selections submitted by the specialist panel of media representatives that make up the ICC Voting Academy. The esteemed panel made their selections based on player performances during the calendar year, nominating their playing eleven to include a captain and a wicketkeeper.

The ICC Awards 2023 announcements will continue Wednesday and Thursday, when 13 individual award winners will be declared.

ICC Men's Test Team of the Year: 1. Usman Khawaja (Aus) 2. Dimuth Karunaratne (SL) 3. Kane Williamson (NZ) 4. Joe Root (Eng) 5. Travis Head (Aus) 6. Ravindra Jadeja (Ind) 7. Alex Carey (WK, Aus) 8. Pat Cummins (Capt, Aus) 9. R Ashwin (Ind) 10. Mitchell Starc (Aus) 11. Stuart Broad (Eng) Pat Cummins has been named as the captain of the ICC Men's Test Team of the Year after leading his side to t h e I C C Wo r l d Te s t Championship (WTC) title and finishing the year with 42 wickets at an average of 27.50 with three five-wicket hauls.

His fellow fast bowler Mitchell Starc has also been picked, as have been three other Australians, making

them the most represented nation in the Test team.

Opener Usman Khawaja, the only player to pass 1,000 Test runs in 2023 walks into the Test side for a second successive year with 1,210 runs at an average of 52.60 and three centuries. Travis Head, Player of the Match in the WTC Final, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey are the other Australia players named in the team.

India spinner R Ashwin, the No. 1 bowler in the ICC Men's Test Player Rankings, and former England captain Joe Root, who are in the running for the ICC Men's Test Player of the Year award along with Khawaja and Head, are also in the team.

England and India have two players each with the selection of Ravindra Jadeja and Stuart Broad.

Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne partners Khawaja atop the order, with New Zealand star Kane Williamson claiming the number three batting spot, as five international teams have representation in the Test team.

ICC Women's ODI Team of the Year: 1. Phoebe Litchfield (Aus) 2. Chamari Athapaththu (Capt, SL) 3. Ellyse Perry (Aus) 4. Amelia Kerr (NZ) 5. Beth Mooney (WK, Aus) 6.Nat Sciver-Brunt (Eng) 7. Ash Gardner (Aus) 8.Annabel Sutherland (Aus) 9. Nadine de Klerk (SA) 10. Lea Tahuhu (NZ) 11. Nahida Akter (Ban) The Australian dominance in Women's ODI cricket is reflected in the team with five players featuring in it including rookie Phoebe Litchfield.

Not having played an ODI before 2023, the 20-year-old opener made a huge impact in her first 13 matches, scoring 485 runs at an average of 53.88 and a strike rate of 81.92.

She is a strong contender for the ICC Emerging Women's Player of the Year award.

Ellyse Perry and wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney make the team after scoring over 400 runs each during the calendar year while Ash Gardner and

Annabel Sutherland make it on the strength of performances with both bat and ball.

Left-handed opener Chamari Athapaththu, for long the batting mainstay for Sri Lanka, has been named captain of the side after scoring 415 runs in just eight matches at an average of 69.16 and a strike-rate of 125.37. Nat Sciver Brunt's batting average of 131 in six matches earns her the number six slot.

New Zealand are the only other side apart from Australia to have more than one player in the Women's ODI team as all-rounder Amelia Kerr and fast bowler Lea Tahuhu have both made it. All-rounder Nadine de Klerk of South Africa and Bangladesh's left-arm spinner Nahida Akter complete the team.

Men's ODI Team of the Year: 1. Rohit Sharma (Capt, Ind) 2. Shubman Gill (Ind) 3. Travis Head (Aus) 4. Virat Kohli (Ind) 5. Daryl Mitchell (NZ) 6. Heinrich Klaasen (WK, SA) 7. Marco Jansen (SA) 8. Adam Zampa (Aus) 9. Mohammed Siraj (Ind) 10. Kuldeep Yadav (Ind) 11. Mohammed Shami (Ind) Top-ranked ODI side India had a superb run last year and won all their matches in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup before losing to Australia in the final. Their consistency is reflected in the selection of six players in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year including both openers and a pair of fast bowlers.

The top three ODI run accumulators in 2023 – Shubman Gill (1,584 runs), Virat Kohli (1,377) and Rohit Sharma (1,255), who are currently ranked from second to fourth in the batting rankings - have been picked for three of the top four batting positions.

Head, who was named Player of the Match for a 120-ball 137 in the World Cup final in Ahmedabad, gets the number three position while New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell is the number five batter. South Africa wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen is selected

after notching 927 runs and accounting for 20 dismissals.

Wrist spinners Adam Zampa of Australia and Kuldeep Yadav of India have been named along with a seam attack that consists of Mohammad Shami (43 wickets in 2023) and Mohammad Siraj (44 wickets) of India and allrounder Marco Jansen of South Africa.

Women's T20I Team of the Year: 1. Chamari Athapaththu (Capt, SL) 2. Beth Mooney (WK, Aus) 3. Laura Wolvaardt (SA) 4. Hayley Matthews (WI) 5. Nat Sciver-Brunt (Eng) 6. Amelia Kerr (NZ) 7. Ellyse Perry (Aus) 8. Ash Gardner (Aus) 9. Deepti Sharma (Ind) 10. Sophie Ecclestone (Eng) 11. Megan Schutt (Aus) Athapaththu has the distinction of being named captain of both the ODI and T20I squads while Mooney, Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner are other players to make both women's squads for the year.

Fourth in the list of batting aggregate with 470 runs at a strike rate of over 130, the Sri Lankan captain also grabbed eight wickets

with her off-spin to take the first spot in the team with Mooney named to partner her at the top of the order.

Two more international captains – Hayley Matthews of the West Indies and Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa – also make it after remarkable years. Matthews was the most prolific with 700 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 132.32 while also grabbing 19 wickets. Wolvaardt scored 586 runs in 19 matches at a strike rate of 108.51.

To p - r a n k e d S o p h i e Ecclestone's 23 wickets in the year and third-ranked Deepti Sharma's 21 wickets see them clinch the two spinners' slots while Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt, ranked second, is the fourth Australian in the team, also having 21 scalps to show from last year.

Men's T20I Team of the Year: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Ind) 2. Phil Salt (Eng) 3. Nicholas Pooran (WK, WI) 4. Suryakumar Yadav (Capt, Ind) 5. Mark Chapman (NZ) 6. Sikandar Raza (Zim) 7. Alpesh Ramjani (Uga) 8. Mark Adair (Ire) 9. Ravi Bishnoi (Ind) 10. Richard Ngarava (Zim) 11. Arshdeep Singh (Ind) Top-ranked India have four players in the Men's

T20I squad with flamboyant batter Suryakumar Yadav named captain. Yadav topped the runs chart with 733 runs in 18 matches at a strike rate of 155.95 to consolidate his position at the top of the rankings.

The next three in the list of run scorers the past year – Mark Chapman of New Zealand (576 runs), Zimbabwe star Sikandar Raza (515) and upcoming India batter Yashasvi Jaisal (430) – were automatic choices while Phil Salt of England and Nicholas Pooran of the West Indies too had enough to stake claims.

Uganda's Alpesh Ramjani became the first from his country to be named in an ICC Team of the Year when the left-handed allrounder made it this year after scoring 449 runs and grabbing 55 wickets with his slow bowling. Ramjani is in contention for the Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year award as well as being eligible for the ICC Men's Associate Cricketer of the Year.

Ireland have a representative in Mark Adair as do Zimbabwe in Richard Ngarava. India's leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and left-arm seam bowler Arshdeep Singh also make the team on the back of some fine international performances during 2023.

GCB Harpy Eagles practice game…

Adams, Sinclair star on Rain-affected opening day Spin twins Anthony Adams and Junior Sinclair shared 8 wickets as the opening day of the Guyana Harpy Eagles ongoing practice game played at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Ground.

The Kemol Savory XI and Kevlon Anderson XI had their opening morning session ruined by rain, before taking a later start in the afternoon as they anticipate better weather ahead of day 2.

Adams himself snapped up 4-15, while his spin partner Sinclair duly supported with 4-21, keeping Anderson's XI to 97 all out on the first day.

Skipper Anderson (29), Brandon Jaikaran (22) and 13 apiece from Richie Looknauth and opener Rampertab Ramnauth, highlighted an ordinary opening day for Anderson and his team.

Action continues today.

Anthony Adams continued his form with the ball.

Wednesday January 24, 2024

PAGE 32

GCB extols Government's massive support for the continued development of sports …as record $4.6 billion allocated for Sports The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is bowled over by the muchheralded announcement made by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh in his 2024 budget presentation of the impressive allocation of $4.6 billion dollars for sports.

With cricket being the leading sport in Guyana, the GCB is particularly pleased that this allocation will contribute significantly to the projects which are earmarked for development in partnership with the Government of Guyana.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Government has begun the task of upgrading and constructing respectively multi-purpose sports facilities throughout the regions including a spanking new cricket stadium at Palmyra, Berbice and the enhancement of the Guyana National Stadium which will be completed in time for the T20 World Cup Tournament in May and June 2024.

The Government has signaled its intention to use the Providence Stadium for the National Cricket Academy which when launched will be the premier Cricket Academy in the Caribbean.

The establishment of stadiums at Anna Regina and at Linden by Government will ensure that the GCB can take first-class matches to those areas, which in turn is expected to increase the interest of cricket and enhance the development of the game in those communities.

With the GCB's recent decision to launch nineteen (19) Cricket Academies in the three counties, the need for more first-class cricket facilities was realized with Government's further commitment to upgrade many other grounds including those at Lusignan, Enmore, Meten-Meer-Zorg, Tuschen, Moruca, Barima/Waini, Lethem, No.69 Village, Skeldon, Onverwagt and

Anna Regina Stadium

President Irfaan Ali

Hon. Charles Ramson Jr

Bissoondyal Singh

Wakenaam. Government's assistance will be extended to the employment of over one hundred groundsmen to be deployed throughout the regions after a period of training.

The GCB is also tremendously pleased that Government, in a further indication of its commitment towards the development of sports, has

removed the duty and value-added-tax on sports equipment.

Head of the GCB Mr. Bissoondyal Singh, in an invited comment, stated that the GCB has recognized that His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali is a keen cricket fan and has on several occasions expressed the desire to see the development of cricket continue apace.

In this regard, the GCB takes the opportunity to express profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Government of Guyana and the Hon. Charles Ramson, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport for the great work being accomplished in the development of cricket in particular and sports in general.

Albion Community Center Ground Architectural impression of Palmyra Stadium

Wednesday January 24, 2024

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

Ancient County hops on board GGA's train, as golf expands

T

he ancient County of Berbice, known for traditional sports and in particular cricket, has seemingly switched to the new Super Sport, Golf.

With eight Secondary Schools now offering the sport to Grades 79 and four schools preparing learners for CSEC, that means over 3,000 Berbicians are now actively participating in Golf.

A comprehensive approach to introducing Golf to Guyanese began in 2022 when Aleem Hussain, President of the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf

GGA president Aleem Hussain alongside students from the Berbice High School.

From left - GGA president Aleem Hussain REDO Satesh Oditt and REO Vishal Narine.

Academy partnered with the Ministry of Education Unit of Allied Arts to train 155 PE teachers from eight regions how to teach the sport at CSEC level.

Today, that approach is paying off as the Ministry of Education's Priority Programme under the guidance of Mr. Saeed Zameen is being rolled out to thousands of Grades 7-9 learners across the country and to no-one's surprise, golf is at the top of the list of sports being welcomed by learners.

With over 50

Secondary Schools across the country now engaged in the game, Berbice is racing to catch the other regions and maintain their previously dominant performance in production of national athletes.

Recently, more equipment was presented to the Region Six REDO and Berbice High School,

the top ranked school, has committed to ensuring that all their learners will be exposed to the sport this year.

Berbice High HOD Mr. Zahir M o a k a n s t a t e d , " We o n l y introduce our learners to sports that we feel will benefit them in (Continued on page 27 )

Pooran, Matthews featured as ICC reveals teams of the year in ICC Awards 2023 Nicholas Pooran and West Indies Women's ODI and T20I Captain Hayley Matthews were the only West Indians selected as the ICC named five ICC Teams of the Year across formats.

BCB/Ricky Moore and Sons under 11 tournament...

Cross Country race winner Adrian Thomas collects his reward from organiser Lochan 'Barry' Singh.

Prison Officer steals show to take top prize in East Canje cross country event s t r o Sp

Cross Country race winner Adrain Thomas collects his reward from organiser Lochan 'Barry' Singh.

Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy Under 11 team.

Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy claim historic under11 title by defeating Albion 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.