Kaieteur News

Exxon paid almost half of what Guyana

earned in 2022 to rent oil ships

Esso Exploration and $111,761,974,019 or K a i e t e u r N e w s

In its 2019 annual report, Production Guyana Limited approximatelyUS$558.8M. understands that SBM, the SBM had indicated it would (EEPGL),theoperatorofthe The financial statement Dutch ship builder based in recover the full cost of its Stabroek Block and disaggregated the amount, Netherlands was contracted investments on the two subsidiary of American oil i n d i c a t i n g t h a t to operate the leased Liza vessels, through a sale to the giant, ExxonMobil in 2022 $89,821,181,301 was Destiny (FPSO) for a period client, ExxonMobil. In the recovered a total of US$7.4 allocatedtodepreciationand of 10 years, while the Liza meantime, significant billionincoststodevelopthe amortization fees for the use Unity(FPSO)andProsperity interests are being paid to crude discovered in the of the vessels, while the (FPSO) contracts cover a support leasing and StabroekBlock. balance of $21,940,792,718 maximum period of lease operatingarrangements.

A whopping US$558.8 wasspecificallydueonlease and operate of two years, Drill ship rentals million alone was expended interestortherentalfees. within which the FPSO It must be noted that on the rental of the Floating Guyana currently has ownership and operation Guyana is also paying Production Storage and two FPSO’s operating in the will transfer to the client, hundreds of thousands of Offloading (FPSO) vessels Stabroek Block namely the ExxonMobil’s affiliate, US-dollars daily to rent the and drill ships among other Liza Destiny and Liza Unity EEPGL. Both ships were drill ships being used by equipment to support the that started producing oil in built by the world renowned Exxon in its exploration offshore activities This 2019 and 2022 respectively shipbuilder campaignoffshore.AUnited accounts for almost half of The third FPSO, Prosperity The Liza Destiny was Kingdom firm, Noble the total revenue Guyana is expected to start built to the tune of US$1B Corporation was hired to earned last year for the production activities later while its sister, the Liza leasethevesselstoGuyana. petroleum production this year. It is likely that this Unity was built for Notably, in May last, activities. During 2022, the will also further balloon the US$1 2B Both vessels N o b l e a n n o u n c e d country benefitted from lease costs being charged to operate within the Liza field ExxonMobil Guyana has US$1.4B from the revenue Guyana. and produce approximately extended their contract for Noble Corporation

Anew report from Wood generated in the Stabroek ExxonMobil in its 400,000 barrels of oil per therentaloffouroftheirdrill earned significantly from Mackenzie,aglobalresearch Block. financial statements have day ships at an average day rate Guyana last year It was and consultancy group, has

This information is indicated that in 2021, the Just last month, it was of about US$420,000 reported that the drilling however signaled that the contained in the recently total expense for lease reported that ExxonMobil (GYD$84 million) for each. company generated some daily rental fees are likely to released2022AnnualReport charges amounted to just Guyana’sVice President and With the new extension by US$1 4 billion in total increase to $100 million. by EEPGL- ExxonMobil over $41 billion If one Business Service Manager, Exxon, drill ships Noble revenues for the year ended According to the report, rig Guyana. considers the approximate Phillip Rietema confirmed Sam Croft, Noble Don December 31, 2022, with a utilization has returned to

According to the $112billionchargesin2022, that the company is

Taylor, Noble Tom Madden, plurality of the revenue pre-COVID levels, driving document seen by this it would mean that the progressing with plans to and Noble Bob Douglas will coming from its operations rates up by 40 percent in the newspaper,theleasecostlast expense increased by a purchase the Liza Destiny work in Guyana until second in Guyana – US$469 pastyear,withanexpected year amounted to a total of whopping$71B. andLizaUnityFPSOs. quarterof2027. million.

(Continued on page 9)

Linden

Nation robbed of understanding

Govt. plans as Pres. Ali limits media houses to one question

-GPAHeadcomplains about

arrangement

President of the Guyana and free press to repeat what were not interested in asking times, he has indicated that Press Association (GPA), was said by the Consultant. questions about the he cannot speak to certain Nazima Raghubir has called The Journalist however development and progress, issuesbecausehedoesnotsit out Public Relations n o t e d , “ F r o m t h e or lack thereof of the at Cabinet and or reporters Consultant, Kit Nascimento announcement of the country, which should have should reach out to the for robbing the nation of P r e s i d e n t ’ s p r e s s been their primary concern. subject minister and we understanding President engagement on July 11th, Instead, the majority of the know where this is going,” Irfaan Ali’s plans for the mediahouseswererestricted questions were solely on the Raghubirasserted. country as reporters were to sending only one reporter matter of former Minister In conclusion, the only allowed to ask one a n d v i d e o g r a p h N i g e l D h a r a m l a l l ’s Journalist noted that question, at his most recent er/photographer One media resignation and the presidential and other media engagementonWednesday house despite arriving early circumstancessurroundingit engagements are vital in the

In a letter to the media, was not allowed at the press and on the recent Mahdia absence of post-Cabinet and Raghubir, a journalist conference while three other tragicfire.” other press engagements attached to Loop Caribbean media workers were turned To this end, the GPA She was also keen to note said she was not surprised awaycloseto10am.” President said, “Kit knows thatalongwiththedisrespect that the Consultant in a Raghubir went on to this more than anyone that meted out by the Consultant, separate letter intimated that remind that one reporter per the press will prioritise more media workers have been the “the media have nothing media house was allowed to pressing issues when subjected to a series of really to complain about and ask a question and a follow- engaging a senior official insults over the past few media workers are not while some ignore calls or themselves failed to fulfill up, however when this was like the Head-of-State.” As months, including the merely a group of people, as host one-way social media their responsibility to the challenged by a sole press such, Raghubir contended, limitation of the wider press they interact and face the andtelevisionprogrammes. nation.” worker, she was berated for “The fact that the media to certain events such as public every day and beyond “Imagine being asked to Raghubir said her doing so. Nascimento, who could not engage the yesterday’s appointment of the propaganda peddled by send questions to a comments on the matter moderated the President’s President beyond Kit’s rule t h e P u b l i c S e r v i c e politicians.

WhatsApp number for a were not in her capacity as press conference on July 12, has robbed the President and Commissionmembersandat

In fact, she used the seniorgovernmentofficialto the President of the local 2023, in his letter seemed the nation of understanding the press engagement with opportunity to highlight that respond to. This is what the press body She made no disgruntled over the line of many of his government the United States Secretary there has been little media has been relegated to? mention of Nascimento’s questionsthatwereraisedby plans and programmes and of State, Antony Blinken engagement between the The Vice President hosts narrative in her missive, as themedia. critical issues facing every when where only two media mediaandthegovernmentas pressconferencesasboththe she pointed out it was an H e s a i d : “ n o t dayGuyanese.” houses were handpicked to Ministers choose to speak General Secretary of his insult to the media workers surprisingly, the reporters Raghubir reminded that askquestions. with selected media houses, party and VP and many

Police Force entrance exams now above CXC level

Acting Commissioner of

- Top Cop

required for becoming a Force is rising We are Police Clifton Hicken on policeman. looking for at least three Thursdayannouncedthatthe

Previously, only a CSEC subjects with passes entrance examination for the primary education was fromgradesonetothree.” analysis”, Hicken said Guyana Police Force (GPF) needed for one to enter the King had noted however, during his speech. He added has been adjusted “to just Force but last year in May, that if someone has a that the Force now has an aboveCXClevel”. the Force’s training officer particular skill that is needed academy with accredited

Not only have the exams Senior Superintendent for certain departments of courses and upgrading the being redesigned to suit a Keithon King disclosed that the Force that individual still entrance exams is necessary higher level of education but passes in three CSEC haveachancetobeaccepted. f o r a ‘ c o n d u c i v e the pass mark to enter will subjectsisnowneeded. “If you have a special skill, atmosphere.’ “…we are increase. King during a podcast minus the CXC (CSEC), we trying to set the foundation

Speaking at the Force’s hosted by GPF’s Deputy are still going to accept you, so that they (aspiring 184th Anniversary awards Communication Director, a special skill that fits some policemen and women) can ceremony on Thursday, Stan Gouveia had said, “The department”, King had told copewhenevertheyenterthe Hicken said: “ We have Bar for acceptance into the Gouveia.

Guyana Police Force with (Caribbean Secondary “Redesigning of the police adjusted the entrance the overall objective of Education Certificate- entrance exams - we have exams, the pass mark of creating a conducive CSEC)” been bombarded with course is 50 so the pass atmosphere,” the police

AccordingtoHicken,the reportswhenmembersofthe mark will increase, the type chiefsaid. Force decided to redesign publichaveinteractionswith of exam you are doing now Inrecenttimes,theForce the exams after conducting the police at a lower level to come into the Force is hasbeenraisingthebarwhen some “internal analysis” and so we did some internal just above the CXC it comes to education level

GPA President, Nazima Raghubir

Acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

GOVT. PRESS CONFERENCES

PPP/C Government press conferences have

degraded into perversities. When there is an occasionalpressconferenceheldbyPresidentAli, Guyanese hear their leader parroting lines perfected by ExxonMobiltoleadthepeopleastray Thereisapremiumin this country by the government that emphasizes accentuatingthepositives,whilethereispretendingthatthe manynegativesdonotexist.

To begin with, whenVice President Jagdeo holds what helabelsapressconference,hehasmadeithispracticetodo sofromhispartyheadquarters,FreedomHouse. Guyanese arenowforcedtodependforinformationontheirbusiness and interests from Freedom House. It is revealing about howmuchthepartyisparamount,withapagefromForbes Burnham’sbook,whenJagdeocouldeasilymakeuseofhis ownoffice,orOfficeofthePresident,ortheArthurChung ConventionCenter

No!vitalmattersoftheStatemustnowemergefromthe bowelsofFreedomHouse,whichisaninsulttoallcitizens. Also, Jagdeo deals with oil matters with those in backdoor media whom we would charitably categorize as people barely literate in business, finance, or similar such disciplines, sometimes even poorly equipped with the nuancesoftheEnglishLanguage.

When President Ali does descend from his Olympian throne to share information with Guyanese, it is as if he blessesthemwithwhattheydonotdeserve. Wewillignore for now the restrictions that the President placed on the media in his last press conference. If that was a press conference, then the effluence of the sewer has overtaken Guyana.

Forthelongestinterval,duringthemostdemandingtime inGuyana’shistory,PresidentAlihasshiedaway,slithered away,andhopped,skipped,andjumpedawayfromholding press conferences where there is an open field for frank, probing questions. Now, when he did hold one, it was a mockery of democracy’s liberties, and the leadership accountability,whichheclaimsforhimself.

The President, likely acting on orders, chewed out a good chunk of the clock, which limited bona fide media professionals from putting what he said under the microscope. Thefixwasin,andthePresidentandhispeople sawtothat,inthefarcethatmasqueradedunderthenameof pressconference.

President Ali spoke bountifully about the national economy,andhowmuchbetteritisdoingthansomanyofits peers,somanyanywhereonearth. Onecannothelpbuthear echoes of the public relations stunt that ExxonMobil’s Country Head, Mr Alistair Routledge, had pulled on Guyanese. According to the clever Mr Routledge, the horrendous 2016 oil contract is the best thing that ever happened to this poverty plagued country, since it gave Guyanathegreatestrevenuestreamthatthisplacehasever known.

WhenweheardPresidentAlispeakingglowinglyabout Guyana’sGDP(GrossDomesticProduct)athisWednesday press conference, there was the sense of having heard that before.Itwasanotherversion,withpresidentialsubtitles,of prior ExxonMobil’s public relations artfulness, and Mr Routledge’s skillful propaganda. The President can talk himself to tears all over the world, but he cannot bring himself,ororderhisoilchampion,VicePresidentJagdeo,to talk about renegotiation of the 2106 contract with ExxonMobil’s Mr Routledge. Moreover, President Ali makes a nice living informing everyone how his PPP/C Governmentiswiseandprudentinhandlingthebusinessof Guyanese. When either the president or Government is aboutwhatiswiseandprudent,Guyanesewillknow,andthe resultswillshow Forone,thereisagrowingbundleofdebt, and just servicing the debt load could be a drain on the national purse. For another, the government has splurged extravagantly on a variety of infrastructure projects, while too many Guyanese do not have enough to eat. Frankly, PresidentAli, should hang his head in shame, which could be one of the explanations for his constant hiding from the independentpress,hismediahandcuffs.

IT

IS FALSE TO CLAIM THAT GUYANA MADE NO INVESTMENTS IN THE OIL SECTOR

WHEN IT IS THE PRIMARYINVESTOR

DEAREDITOR,

Not so long ago, a highranking official of Exxon Mobil took time to simplify forGuyanesefactsoralleged factsaboutthedistributionof net oil revenues from their operations in Guyana. In effect, the message was that Guyana was earning far more money from the enterprisetodatethanExxon Mobil and other investors, whereas, according to this high official, Guyana had investednothing.

In brief, these investors, these people from abroad who came to extract the oil,

weredoingalltheinvesting, putting their assets at risk, andcommittingtodate,ifnot forever, Guyana to be the chief beneficiary Point of order, I raise this point of order:whenthisinvestorfelt that Guyana made no investment, can he answer thefollowingquestion:Were it not for the deposits of oil, whichhavebeenexclusively Guyana’s patrimony and possession, placed at the disposal of these self-styled investors,whywouldtheybe here?Itis,therefore,falseto claim that Guyana made no investments when it is the

investor Unfortunately, I have seen no denial of this neocolonial claim from those empowered to manage Guyana’s assets in the interest of their ultimate owners, the Guyanese people. This attitude is no different from that of Otto Von Bismarck and the other colonialraidersattheBerlin conference in 1884 when they declared themselves free to exploit the resources oftheAfricancontinentand, as they thought, bring modern benefits to the peopleofthatcontinent.

primary

ThoughIamablindman oftheripeoldageofninetyeight and have so far expressed no views on the same patent and visible effect of fossil fuels, I call upon Guyana’s guardians whohavetakentheiroathof office to defend Guyana from the insolence and unfounded, false theories calculated and designed to disarm our people psychologicallyandmakeus seeourselvesaspeoplebeing patronized by charitable investors.

Yourssincerely, Eusi

Kwayana

PRESIDENTALIAND PM PHILLIPS HAVE TRANSFORMED GUYANA

DEAREDITOR, President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister

Brigadier Mark Phillips must be commended by all for their exemplary and committedleadershipforthe rapid economic growth and development that is currently taking place in almost every village, town, and region of the country Not only have they invested heavily in modernizing the infrastructure, renewed technology, transforming education, updating health care, expanding the agriculture sector and improving the lives of the people, especially the poor, but since taking office in 2020, they have travelled to every region of the country topromotetheirpoliciesand tomakesurethateveryoneis involvedinthedevelopment process, regardless of race, ethnicity,orpartyaffiliation.

Withproperandefficient management of the oil revenue, and with a GDP hovering around 45 percent, Guyana, under the leadership of President Dr Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips is destined to move from its underdeveloped status to a developing or developed country

Simply put, Guyana will advance from its Third World(GlobalSouth)rankto aFirstWorld(GlobalNorth) country. This is largely due to its huge oil resources, its enormous minerals such as

Guyanaisonthetopofworld statistically On the basis of this alone, President Ali should be about what has credibility

gold, and its immense agriculture production whichaccordingtoPresident Dr Ali, could make it the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

In the past, Guyana as a member of CARICOM and the United Nations was hardlyrecognizedbymostof the leaders from the developed countries of North America and Western Europe.

For the longest period, these leaders were more familiar with Barbados and Jamaica for a Caribbean vacation on their pristine beaches and Trinidad and Tobago for its oil, carnival celebrationandhigh-income economy Today, that has changed with the discovery of huge oil reserves in Guyana and its robust development under the leadership of President Dr AliandPrimeMinisterMark Phillips.Regionally,Guyana isrecognizedastheleaderof the Caribbean and internationally, it is considered among the top countries in the world. The recent visit by the U S Secretary of State, Mr Anthony Blinken and Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Maninder Sidhu is solid proof of the country’s recognition and importance tothedevelopedcountries.

Since becoming President, His Excellency has on several occasions

Instead, President Ali has satisfied himself with the sneaky, the tricky, and the slippery with the media and Guyanese.

accentuated some serious high-level issues including poverty, inequality, food insecurity, energy security andclimatechangetobolster the United Nations global initiatives to protect the global environment and its eight billion inhabitants. He stressedtheinterdependence oftheseissuesandcalledfor theformationofanewglobal coalitiontoaddressthem.

Thepresident’scallcame atacriticaltime,astheworld facesincreasingthreatsfrom the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, the loss of biodiversity, food shortages, rising poverty and worsening energy security He also called for the diversification of the economy, fair trade policies and the transfer of technology from the d e v e l o p e d t o t h e underdevelopedcountriesas well as the establishment of relations at all levels, economic, political, social, andcultural.

Dr Ali has stated that food and energy security have become pressing concernsinthatastheworld population grows, poverty andstarvationincrease.

He intoned that today, more than 800 million people, mostly in SubSaharan Africa and in some parts in India are living on less that US$2.00 per day and some 2.5 million are livinginextremepoverty

He alerted the leaders of theworldthatduringthepast twoyears,globalpovertyhas increased from 7.4 to 9.6 percent, which is the worst theworldhaseverseenand1

in3childrenwillexperience stuntedgrowthbecausethey are not getting enough food, or not getting the vitamins theyneedintheirfood.

To support his claim, several health experts have asserted that stunted growth alsoaffectscognitiveability, making it more difficult for childrentolearnandexcelin school.

While President Dr Ali has made it quite clear that the developed nations are responsible for most of the problems mentioned above, he,however,offeredanolive branch.

Hetoldtheworldleaders thathisgovernmenthasbeen leading a massive food security programme in the Caribbean Community ( C A R I C O M ) w i t h heightened efforts to reduce the region’s US $5 billion food import bill by 25 percent by 2025 and that Guyanaisreadytoleadinthe areasofclimatechange,and energy and food security to alleviatetheriseinpoverty

In three years, both Dr Ali and Brigadier Phillips have taken Guyana to new levelsofregionalandglobal recognition and admiration neverseenbefore.

Today, they have transformed Guyana into a highly respectable country not only among its

CARICOM and Latin American neighbours, but also in the international community

Ourleadersarededicated and devoted to increase the well-beingofthepeopleand make Guyana a prosperous country

Sincerely,

Dr AsquithRose

Justicemustgohand-in-hand:A remindertoMinisterRobesonBenn

DEAREDITOR,

It is with great concern that I address the recent remarks made by Minister Robeson Benn of the Ministry of HomeAffairs at the Guyana Police Force, 184 Anniversary, Wreath LayingCeremonyforFallen Heroes.

While his call for peace within the nation is commendable,itiscrucialto remind the minister that peace and justice are inseparable.

The recent case of the Indigenous schoolgirl who was subjected to a heinous crime highlights the urgent need for justice in our society Itisonlythroughthe pursuit of justice that true and lasting peace can be achieved.

The Importance of Justice:

Justice is not a mere concept;itisthebackboneof anycivilizedsociety

It ensures that every individual, regardless of their background, is treated fairly and protected from harm.

The case of the Indigenous schoolgirl is a stark reminder of the injustices that persist within our society It is a tragedy thatsuchaheinousactcould occur, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that justiceisserved.

AddressingInjustice:

The PPP Government

Laws and systems being manipulated, abused

and Minister Benn, must takeimmediateanddecisive action to address this injustice.

Itisnotenoughtosimply call for peace without simultaneously demanding justiceforthevictims.

The failure to hold perpetrators accountable sends a dangerous message totheentirenationthatsuch crimescangounpunished.

Thisnotonlyperpetuates a culture of fear but also undermines the faith of the citizensinthejusticesystem.

Restoring Faith in the JusticeSystem:

To restore public trust in the justice system, Minister Bennmustworkdiligentlyto ensure that all cases of injustice are thoroughly investigated and the culprits broughttojustice.

This includes providing appropriate support to survivors, implementing necessaryreformswithinthe Guyana Police Force, and ensuring that swift and fair trialsareconducted.

Furthermore, efforts should be made to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of justice to foster a collective commitmenttowardsasafer society

The Link Between JusticeandPeace: Peace cannot flourish in the absence of justice. It is the duty of the government to create an environment where justice is not only

soughtbutalsodelivered.

When individuals feel secure in their rights and confidentthattheruleoflaw will prevail, they are more likely to contribute positively to society. Conversely, when injustices are allowed to persist, it breeds resentment, tension, and further acts of violence.

Minister Benn must recognize this crucial link and take immediate steps to address the prevailing injustices.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Minister Robeson Benn’s call for peace is undoubtedly important.

However, it is essential to emphasize that peace and justice are intrinsically connected. The recent case of the Indigenous schoolgirl serves as a poignant reminderthatjusticemustbe at the forefront of our collectiveefforts.

It is only through the pursuitofjusticethatwecan hope to achieve true peace andcreateasocietywhereall citizens feel safe and protected.

Minister Benn must act swiftly to address the prevailing injustices and restore the faith of the Guyanese people in the justicesystem.

Regards,

Pt. Ubraj Narine, JP, COA

Mayor CityofGeorgetown

DEAREDITOR, Is Guyana a real place? TheConstitution,structures, systems, checks, and balances have all been abused under the Ali Regime.

Editor, you may recall that the Coalition Government was careful to respecttheruleoflawandwe allowed systems to work w i t h o u t p o l i t i c a l interference.Thisnewlowin our nation has impacted all of Guyana negatively as can be seen from the issues raisedbelow

1.THEGUYANA POLICEFORCE ANDTHEDPP Justiceisyettobeserved regarding the recent allegationslevelledagainsta former sitting Minister, now resigned, Mr Nigel Dharamlall The system failed a 16-year-old Indigenous, vulnerable femalestudent,whosuffered excruciating physical and psychologicalpainallegedly at the hands of Mr D h a r a m l a l l M r Dharamlall’s accuser was madetofeellikeacriminalin thismatterwhich“hastaken a toll on Dharamlall and his family” She was denied access to an attorney and no serious consideration was given to the healing of the deep trauma she is experiencing.

God and history will judge every state and other official for this grave

injustice.

Editor, the system was viciously manipulated against colleagues of mine, who served as Ministers in the Coalition Government, Mr Paul Slowe, Tacuma Ogunseyeetal.

Some of whom were arrested and charged even before the files were completedbytheDPP.Italso nowappearsthatthe“system was not allowed to work” to bring the murderers of the Henry boys to justice Ironically,Mr NigelHughes did not get the co-operation from the Guyana Police Force to facilitate the investigation of the murders of the Henry boys by international specialists Editor,aretheGuyanaPolice Force and the DPP’s office guiltyofpervertingjustice?

Meanwhile, I publicly applaudeveryright-thinking personwhostoodindefense ofthisstudent.

We must continue to stand, until justice is served. Everysinglecitizenisatrisk of having their basic rights abused because the rule of law is no longer in effect in our beleaguered Republic. NO ONE IS EXEMPTED. MayGodhelpourNation.

2.COSTOFLIVING

The PPP/C regime during its 2020 Elections campaign, promised Guyanese improved living conditions.

At the time of me penning this letter (July 12,

2023) prices are as follows: one tray of eggs $1,700.00$2,000 00; plantains $260.00 per pound; cabbage $380.00 per pound; bora (3 parcels) $300.00; tomatoes $600.00perpound.

Editor,inFebruary2022, amotiontoaddresstheCost of Living was tabled by me on behalf of the Opposition. The uncaring Ali Regime ensured the motion was never debated, despite it being approved by the Speaker with amendments and placed on the order paper

Editor,itisnecessaryfor metoremindreadersthatDr Ashni Singh’s request for $500M to assist in addressing, “cost of living measures.” was approved in Budget2023.

To date, as a Member of P a r l i a m e n t w i t h Constituents, I am oblivious as to how this sum is being disbursed and which communities or regions are benefiting I have since tabled several questions in the National Assembly regardingthisallocation.

Editor, the Ali Regime continues to ignore the cries of the people and have abused the systems put in placetoprotectus.

They have FAILED the people of this nation so the entire government must follow Dharamlall and stepdown!

Yourstruly, AnnetteFerguson,MP

DEAREDITOR, I have so far avoided public comment on the unfolding travesty of justice and the appearance of low morals in our society as it relates to allegations of rape andsodomy againstFormer MinisterNigelDharamlall.

I e x p e c t t h a t notwithstanding the DPP, that in keeping with this much talked about transparency and One Guyana,PresidentAlihaslet

medownbystatingthatheas Presidentcontinuestoregard Dharamlall as worthy of his support and that of the PPP Amazing but true and it is t h i s P r e s i d e n t i a l pronouncement letting the cat out of the bag that is of greatconcern.

PresidentAli has said to us cheat, rape sodomy or indecency and acts of impropriety are irrelevant. Hemayjustaswellhavesaid “well done thou good and

faithfulservant.”

AsfarasIamconcerned, coupled with his dildo remark in Parliament, Dharamlallinanysystemor society driven by morality ought to have been shunned bythePresidentandthePPP

IntheUK,aprominentBBC presenter is in hot water for allegations related to photographsoverafour-year period beginning with a young person at seventeen.

IntheUS,aGymnastDoctor

was sentenced to one hundredyearsinprisonover sexual offences against youngpeople.

In Guyana, the President andthepoliceshouldbynow beabletoascertainwhopaid the travel expenses to bring the female child to Georgetown and was she at anytimeaguestatthehome of the Minister and third whatwerethecircumstances thatleadtotherevocationof his firearm licence? Mr.

President, you don’t require either Sherlock Holmes or Scotland Yard to provide answers to the simple questionsabove.

This Statement that Dharamlall will not face charges is an absurdity In Guyana and elsewhere, persons have been hauled before the Court based on Statements and allegations made, it is then up to the Presiding Magistrate or Judge to determine whether without the aggrieved person’stestimony inCourt, whether there is insufficient evidence to convict the alleged miscreant. Here we see the whole concept of justicebeingbrutalized. If the President was serious, that would have been a good start to determine possible culpabilityandthecharacter of the Hon. Gentleman but what we see unveiling in Guyana is a disdain and disrespect by the incumbent administration for the other people.Today,welearntthat theMinistryofLegalAffairs is seeking a Consultant to assesstheprogressionofthe C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e Programme, with the aim of monitoring and evaluating itssuccess.

DearEditorandCitizens, this is a shameless waste of taxpayers’ money It is like building a house without a proper foundation. Waste of timeandmoney We’reshort of Judges, Magistrates and the inability to appoint a Chancellor and Chief Justice, so who are we foolingorisitasIwillsetout below, the administration regardless has a bunch of morallydepravedcreatures.

There are other matters which suggest that the PPP Government has lost its moral rudder, has lost its sense of justice, has lost its senseofdecency,haslostits senseofdecorum,haslostits respect for an important branchofgovernancethatis the Judiciary, has lost its respect for the fourth estate, thatisthefreepress.,haslost its respect for girls and youngwomeninneedofour protectionandaffection.

Haslostitsrespectforthe sacrificeandsufferingofour noble ancestors who came

here thousand of years ago, who were brought here and enslavedandwhocamehere asimmigrantstotillthesoil.

In the Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Volumes 5 and 6) Moral Sense defines “In the first half of the eighteenth-century certain Britain philosophers argued that the moral sense is the faculty by which we distinguish between moral rightandmoralwrong.

The deliverances of this faculty are feelings or sentiments hence, it is counted as a sense. Our observationofaninstanceof virtuous action is the occasion for a feeling of sentiments, hence it is counted as a sense. Our observationofaninstanceof virtuous action is the occasion for a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction, which enables us to distinguish that action as virtuous.”

Dear Editor, my Mentor would say it is pellucidly clear that the President and thePPPhavelostthisfaculty to distinguish between what is right and wrong and between what is good and bad. The President and his merry-money men, mirth and vicarious pleasure have lostorperhapsneverhadthis senseofmorality,justiceand plaindecency

It is therefore up to this generation to use whatever legal, constitutional or historicalmeansavailableto inject this moral sense into the bloodstream of those who now govern our country We must act and remember the old people saying ‘ Nah tek fiyah stick ah night for look fuh whah youcanceeahday.’

Too much is at stake to afford silence and a detachment from the devastation taking place in oursociety

Alldecentcitizenscanbe consoled that throughout human history people have expressed in several ways their abhorrence to greed, injusticeandimmorality We can be consoled. Human history is punctuated with expressions of this abhorrence.

Sincerely,

HamiltonGreen

Pres.Ali has let me down by stating that he continues to regard Dharamlall as worthy of his support and that of the PPP

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NEW GOVT. PR CZAR IN TOWN

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The calamity that attended Wednesday’s forgettable presidential press conference is perhaps as a result of the advice from the new PR Czar of the Government.

Who in this century would turn to such a person who Jagdeo would describe as a fossil to emcee a news conference?

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The arrangement for the presser perhaps was on advice from this man.

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

One reporter per media house, one question per reporter, one follow-up per reporter.

This is insanity coming from a President who has been dodging the press since assuming office.

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

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

Was it the PR Czar who advised President Ali to speak for 78 minutes, reading out the so-called achievements of the government?

Was it the PR Czar who told the President to intermittently lecture the reporters on what should be headline stories?

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

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

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

And finally, was it the PR Czar who advised that the conference be held in a cramped room?

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

Police sleuths get over $4M in cash for solving 15 serious crimes in 2023

Ranks attached to the Criminal Investigation

D e p a r t m e n t ( C I D ) headquarters received a total cash award of over $4M for solving 15 serious crimes withinthefirstsevenmonths of2023.

The cash awards were handed out at the Force’s 184th Anniversary Awards Ceremony held at the Police Officer’s Mess Hall, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Thursday

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus, the crimes solved range from murders, to trafficking in persons and armsandammunition.

Sgt. Hinds, Sgt. La Rose, Lewis went missing in

“Of 15 serious crimes Woman Corporal Bailey, 2020 but CID ranks solved we’re awarding here Corporal Joseph, Corporal managed to crack the case in today various cash awards, Felix, Corporal Ragubir, last April after arresting two however a total of $4, Corporal McKenzie, suspects, 25-year-old 365,000 is for CID Constable Brown, Beepat, Shafeek Vernon called headquarters”,Brutussaid. Evans, Chung, Forde, “Profit” of Ogle, East Coast

The policemen receiving Cuthsbert,Bob,Kissoonand Demerara (ECD) and 35the awards were listed as, Narine. year-oldJamelVanLewis,of “Superintendent Caesar, Some major crimes D ’ U r b a n S t r e e t , ASPN Stephen, J Blair solved include the murder of Georgetown. Inspector M. Smith Sergeant missing police officer,

Thetwoarepresently (Sgt.) Laundry, Adolphus, QuincyLewis.

(Continued on page 18)

Assessment being conducted to determine possible impact of El Niño

Works including an impact assessment resources. According to the United States are currently being carried out by the Geological Survey (USGS), it aims to Ministry of Agriculture to ascertain what maximise economic and social welfare preparations Guyana needs to withstand the equitably, without severely affecting the effectsofElNiño. sustainability of vital ecosystems and the

El Niño is a climate pattern whereby environment. unusually warm ocean temperatures occur, Early in June, the Hydrometeorological influencing global weather patterns and Service forecast that below-normalamounts causing shifts in precipitation and of rainfall are expected across Guyana from temperature patterns in different parts of the July 2023. While typically, continuous world. It is estimated that the phenomenon wetness and localised flooding persist until could cause losses of some US$3-trillion theendofJulyinmanyregions,theadvisory aroundtheglobethisyear issued by the Hydrometeorological Service

During a press briefing held at his office stated, “The country is expected to begin on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown on transitioningintodryconditionsbymid-July Wednesday, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan duetotheinfluenceofElNiño.Atthisstage, Ali stated that the assessment will help it is expected that El Niño will be the main Guyana to determine how to keep the driver of local weather for the remainder of country’swaterstoragefacilitiesatoptimum theyear levelinpreparationfortheevent.“Oneofthe “All of Guyana can expect warmer than things that we have to do is what we call usual (above-normal) day and night-time Integrated Water Resource Management. temperatures over the coming months. So, water resource management becomes Temperatures are expected to be warmer very important in situations like this, but it’s when compared to the same period of a very thin line between keeping the storage previous years (and recent months). Dry facility at an optimum level and having a days will be significantly warmer than wet one-off event where the intensity of rainfall days.”The advisory further noted that water is so high that we have seen, that being at an supply in conservancies, reservoirs, and optimum level, creates other problems for inlandriversacrossallregionsisexpectedto flooding,”Dr Aliexplained. decreaseafterJune.Theongoingassessment Integrated Water Resources will assist in determining to what extent Management (IWRM) is a process Guyana will be hit by adverse weather promoting the development and conditions and mechanisms that can be put management of water, land, and related inplacetomitigatelosses.(DPI)

Inspector Blair receiving the cash awards from Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum.

PREPARE FOR 2 DAYS OF MADNESS!

The main cause of the EastBanktrafficwoesisthe movement of traffic to and from the Demerara Harbour Bridge The number of vehicles using the bridge eachdayisestimatedatmore than 22,000 and if the authorities were observing, they would notice that 7o% of the motor cars using the bridge have less than 2 passengers.

When the Demerara Harbour Bridge is operational, the traffic situation to and from West Demerara becomes a daily nightmare Imagine the ensuingchaosthatwillresult as a consequence of the closureofthebridgeforfour daysfromJuly24.

The purpose of the closure is to replace a span onthebridge.Thatprocessis expected to take a full four days during which time, the bridge will be totally closed tovehiculartraffic.

The Ministry of Public Works and the Demerara Harbour Bridge Inc are reportedly planning for this

3-day closure. Among the planswhicharebeingputin placeareatwenty-four-hour service of speed boats and ambulances, free shuttle between the Vreed-en-Hoop junction and the stelling. Thoseplansarenotgoingto bringrelief.Theyaremerely attempts to alleviate the chaos that will result. A twenty-four-hourspeedboat service raises serious safety concerns.And a free shuttle from the Vreed-en-Hoop junctiontothestellingisnot goingtoeasethecongestion thatwillresultatthestelling. No number of plans is going to be of much relief unlessthereisareductionin the number of pedestrians using the speedboat crossings. What has to be managed is the number of persons using the river crossing.Withtheclosureof the bridge for days, the almost 40,000 persons who crisscross the bridge each daywillberequiredtotravel by speedboat It is impossible for the present fleet of speed boats to take

Dem Boys Seh...

offthisincreaseintraffic.

Permission has reportedly been given for a second crossing with the possibility of a third boat crossing. The objective here is obviously to avoid the overcrowding at the Stabroek and Vreed-enHoop Stellings But a second and a third crossing are not going to bring much relief because there are simply not enough boats to take off the increase in the number of persons who will have to now cross the river by speedboat. You will still have overcrowding at the Vreed-en-Hoop and StabroekStellingsbecauseit willmeanfewerboatsplying thoseroutes.

Assuch,thereislikelyto be a serious back-up of persons waiting to cross the river Thisisgoingtopresent problems for human safety Very few speedboats are going to be able to work for twenty-four hours. This suggestion shows the flaws intheplanningprocess.

The boat operators are

A US visa saved Guyana’s democracy

Three years ago, de Coal-a Shun government did skedaddling over the elections. Dem bin playing all kinds of games to not come out of power and to try to steal an election dat demlose.

Dem thought dem would have ride out de storm.

But a man named Pompeo decide fuh fire a warningshotoverdembow Andwhenhedid,ifyuhsee how dem duck fuh cover All de man do was to announce visa restrictions pon anyone who sought to frustratededemocraticwill ofdepeople.

It was as if the heavens had parted, and the Coal-aShun suddenly found its

senses, albeit driven by the fear of visa restrictions. W i t h a s i n g l e announcement from Pompeo, dem wah bin trying fuh hijack de elections were jolted back to reality from their alternative universe. The terrifying announcements of those visa restrictions struck like lightning, scatteringplanslikeaflock ofpanickedparrots.

Suddenlypersonsbegan tofindtheirmoralcompass and claim how de government should do the right thing. Dem overseas folkswahbinbeenpushing false narratives, hastily called their relatives back home, issuing strict instructionstoabandonany

mention of deceased and migrant persons casting votes. Dem tell dem family to not put any such information pon Facebook becausedeminAmericatoo couldgetdeport.

Whattheworldfailedto achieve, the US visa threat solved Guyana’s democracy was saved not by international pressure but by the fear of visa revocation.Butnowpeople settlebackindemoldways and claiming how Guyana gat an ‘installed’ government Dem boys hopethatsomeofdemwah pushing dis narrative read how de visa of a former President of Panama get pullyesterday.

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

ExxonMobil paid almost half of what...

Frompage2 increaseof18percent.Wood MacKenzie anticipates before the end of the year, rates of US$500,000/day or abovemayreturnforhighlyprized, advantaged ultradeepwater rigs Benign ultra-deepwater rigs have averaged US$420,000/day inthefirsthalfof2023,with utilizationat90percent.

ExxonMobil just last week received a green light from the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) to

commence another 35-well drilling campaign in the StabroekBlock.

This means that the rental fees will significantly increase as the new drilling programme is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year and conclude by the fourth quarterof2028.

It must be noted that the

Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana inked with ExxonMobil and its partners allow the

not machines. They have to rest and their boat engines will have to be serviced. There are also not enough boatoperatorstoallowfora 24-hour shift Even increasing the number of landings for river crossing will not help because the numberofvesselsplyingthe river cannot increase sufficient enough to take off the traffic That is why numbers planning is so important; it would have revealedthattheplansbeing put forward by the governmentandtheHarbour Bridgewillnotwork.Chaos willresult.

What is needed is for a reduction in the numbers of persons crossing the river during the closure of the bridge.Buttensofthousands havetogettowork.Butwhat ifthosetensofthousandsdid not have to get to and from

work? T h i s i s w h e r e government intervention is needed The government employs thousands of workers who reside in West

Demerara Even the PresidenthasahomeinWest

C o a s t D e m e r a r a Government can provide its workers who live on West Demerara with paid special leavesothattheydonothave to come to work for those three days Schools are closed so this will help becauselesschildrenwillbe usingtherivercrossing. Theprivatesectorshould be encouraged to chip in. Unless the private sector is providing an emergency service,theytooshouldgive their workers residents in WestDemerarathreedaysof special leave The government cannot manage the increased river crossing

traffic that will result from theclosureofthebridge.The only thing they can do is to reduce the need for persons to travel and the best way to dothisistograntafour-day work holiday for workers from West Demerara. But since these suggestions are emanating from outside of government, they are not likely to be adopted. The alternativehoweveris4days ofbedlam.

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

consortium to recover 75 percent of the revenue each monthtowardscostrecovery while the remaining 25 percent is then shared equally between the two sidesasprofit.

In the absence of a ringfencing provision, the oil giant has commenced recovering costs from projects that are yet to commence oil production, thereby shortening the profitsinagivenmonthtobe dividedwithgovernment.

HARDTRUTHS

BYGHKLALL

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

EXCELLENCY ALI OUTDID THEM ALL

America needed 100 hours of Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait in 1990.

ThemightyIsraelisrequired 90 minutes at Entebbe to freeitshostagesin1978. In 2023, Guyana’s President

Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

deftly dispatched with the state of this country in the mere matter of 78 minutes.

If I were to assign one minuteforeveryhourthatit tookAmerica’sarmedforces andLt.GenSchwarzkopfin the desert, Guyana’s almighty Ali outmatched, outpaced, outdid, and outflew the vaunted AmericanEagle,thissideof the Tropics. It must be the advance of technology

Perhaps,ithassomethingto dowiththesizeofthebrain, the packaging of words crammed into canned formations I wonder if Exxon used its good offices to recruit the Pentagon to guide Guyana’s Head-ofState as to what must come outofhishead.

Thanks for nothing, Mr President This is the sorceryofDr Transparency, his imperial majesty

ExcellencyAli. Foraman,a national leader, who could be garrulous with the frivolous, 78 minutes was nothing if not what is mischievous. Something has gone to the President’s head; perhaps, it can be tracedtowhowhispersinhis ear, what Exxon told to him that has to be said, done. C’mon, Dr President, one reporter per media house? Inthisdemocracy,andplace of free expression, one question only, Mr. President? I detect presidentialmuzzlingofthe right of the people to know what is happening in this “fastest growing economy in the world.” Tell the world, I exhort respectfully Dr President about all the hungry people in Guyana, andthosewhocan’tbuythe fare at the markets, maybe don’tevenhavethebusfare to get there Indeed, Excellency Ali Guyana’s GrossDomesticProducthas tripled, but an illiterate could have done the same with what is below the seabed,itisonautopilot,sir As the economy is tripling Mr President,howandwhy

is almost half of the population in Guyana struggling?

IhearorreadaboutGDP r e g i s t e r i n g t h e s e astronomical numbers (and they are), but the secret, sir, is where does upwards of 90% of it goes? In whose hands, Mr President, if not those fabulous few, the less than1%ofthepeopleinthis country?

President Ali, the man markedly developing a gift for the gab, made doubly surethathisspinwouldgrip and drip in his choice of emcee for the royal occasion. IwonderwhatDr Cheddi is thinking Dr Ali (wherever he is, political or dental heaven), given the bestialities that were his lot fromsuchhumanresources. I notice that the president’s peoplegotslackandlazy,for there were their cut and paste jobs now regurgitated by the presidential academician turned statistician. Statistics is a dime a dozen, and can be rented from U-Haul or haul your you know what President Ali was in full RyderTruckform,intaking

Guyanese for a ride

‘ P r u d e n t f i s c a l m a n a g e m e n t ’ a n d ‘progressive policies’, lord, why even in a donkey cart economy, the donkey could be discarded, given the super steroids Guyana has strived on in the last few years. In other words, any jackrabbit, any joker, any jack-in-the box government couldn’tdoworse,giventhe presence of what the Arabs call the ‘black blood of Allah.’ ThanksbetoGod.

For President Ali’s enlightenment, the world knows that his so-called progressive policies are what strengthen the stranglehold of Exxon and HerrAlistairRoutledgeover Guyana.

His prudent fiscal management is what empowers foreign storm troopers to swagger around likegothicmedievalmasters over this dark sea of oil called Guyana. We have gone from the land of many waters to the land of many slaves,arguablythegreatest many serfs to be found anywhere, including in paranormaldomains.

W e h a v e a government and a politicalleadershipthat limit its appearances before the people, then limit them regarding when they can open their mouths and then how often. One question only, Mr President? Is that the best that the presidential gastric system, the presidential cranial capacity, can handle in Guyana’s glorious revolution, the span of 78 minutes? Andforthosewho have persisted before with i n c o n v e n i e n t a n d uncomfortable questions, there always is the Gestapo outfit, PPP owned, controlled, and protected, online predators going by the lascivious name of Live in Guyana to maim them.

Perhaps, both His Excellency Ali and the fabled emcee of Guyana’s political antiquity can stoop togiveGuyaneseananswer tothatissue.

Themoreimpressive(in hisownmind)thatPresident Ali believes he is, the more evasive, the more destructive, he strikes citizens to be whenever it is

theinterestsoftheGuyanese people that are involved. A word of appreciation is giventothePresidentfornot being his usual aggressive and abrasive side this time around One hour and eighteen minutes were all that 750,000 Guyanese merited. Thanks for the time,Mr President. Aword of objection for the patronization and the paternalism Guyana’s President Ali learns at the feet of the best. Guyana’s Ali learns from America’s AlistairRoutledgeonhowto chainGuyanesetothefeetof Exxon. Ifthatwasagenuine national press conference, thenallGuyanesehavebeen condemned to Exxon’s fossilfurnace.

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

Members of Public Service Commission sworn-in

as Opposition objects to two nominees with close ties to PPP

Defyingobjectionsfrom the opposition, President Irfaan Ali on Thursday swore in the new members of the Public Service Commission.

The six members of the commission include:

ManniramPrashad,Maurice Rudranauth Gajadhar, Melcita Agatha Bovell, Chandrawati Leila Ramson, Mohandatt Goolsarran, and JaniceIsabellaBowen.They all took their oaths before PresidentAliattheOfficeof the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.

L e a d e r o f t h e Opposition, Aubrey Norton had questioned the independence and politicalneutrality of Ramson and Bovell. Ramson is the wife of former Legal Affairs Minister,CharlesRamsonas wellasthemotherofCulture Youth and Sports Minister, Charles Ramson Jr Bovell for her part, a former assistant chief education is said to have cozy relationship with a sitting

government minister and this the opposition says render these two candidates ineligible for the posts PresidentAlihaddispatched a letter with the names of Bovell, Ramson and Maurice Rudranauth Gajadhar to Norton back in June for his approval and consultations.

Norton however, while supporting Gajadhar’s nomination objected to Bovell and Ramson. In his response to Ali, Norton shared: “In the case of Ms. Melcita Bovell and Mrs. Leila Ramson, they have a history of involvement in partisan politics or close linkstoapoliticalpartyand or political party senior operatives.” In responding to Norton, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira said both Ramson and Bovell had served the country with distinction

“Mrs. Leila Ramson served onthe

the

Constitution as a member thereof for 12 consecutive years commencing in the year 1994, and then served as Chairperson of the said Commission for another 10 years – all without legal challenge,” Teixeira stated. Speaking about Bovell, Teixeira said although an allegation of political association was made against her no details were provided that would permit either an interrogation or a consideredresponse.

“Pleasebeinformedthat His Excellency maintains that the three candidates proposed have provided distinguished public service

to our nation as reflected in their curriculum vitae, and are persons of good s t a n d i n g . I n H i s Excellency’s opinion, they are qualified to serve as members of the Public Service Commission,” Teixeira said in the letter dated June 27. Despite this the Opposition maintained itsobjectionstoRamsonand Bovell pointing out: “It is noted, particularly, in the instance of Mrs Leila Ramson, that you have failed to offer any comment

or position on the indisputable fact that Mrs. LeilaRamsonisthewifeofa former Attorney General

Minister of Legal Affairs under a PPP/C government and mother of the current MinisterofYouth,Sportand Culture of the Current

PPP/C Government, ”

APNU MP Roysdale Forde SC writing on behalf of Norton had said, while adding that Bovell is “known to be a close associateofaseniorpolitical partyoperativewhichbrings into question her ability to beindependent.”

T h e P S C i s a constitutionalbodyoutlined inArticles200to205ofthe Constitution of Guyana. Its primary responsibility is to oversee Guyana’s public

service.Inhisaddresstothe newly appointed members, President Ali emphasised the crucial role of the constitutional body, stating thatthePSCassumesitsrole during a significant period oftransformativechangefor Guyana The president s t a t e d t h a t t h e transformation necessitates a shift in the cultural composition, specifically emphasisingtheimportance o f t r a n s p a r e n c y, accountability, efficiency, reliability, and credibility within the public sector “It is our benefit as a country andasapeoplethatwenot

(Continuedonpage16)

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali along with members of the newly appointed Public Service Commission

Charity vendors to be relocated for market demolition

Vendors at the According to the Regional Charity Market Chairperson of Region Two, will soon be Ms. Velma Da Silva, all

relocated to vendors, affected or not, alternative areas following a should relocate to facilitate major fire at the facility last clean-up efforts and week Thursday that complete demolition of the damagedanumberofstalls. market.

This decision to relocate, In an invited comment however, is not going down the Regional Chairperson well with vendors, and even said, “the fastest thing we sparked a picketing exercise can try to do is to find an onWednesday area that we can relocate

The centre of the market you guys to They don’t had suffered extensive want that; they want a shed damage from the fire immediately Becauseofthe According to the Fire amount of work done, we Department, some twenty- have to disconnect the five of eighty-five stalls electricity to remove and weredestroyed. clearthatarea ”

Stall holders, who She went on to say: “the suffered little to no damage roof was burnt and thechairpersonsaid. One vendor who has been stalls.” He added: “They western section of the during the fire, are everything has to come Kaieteur News learntthat plying her trade within the ain’t talking about market, vending should contending that they should down. They want to vend; displaced vendors will be Charity Market for the past compensation or nothing if continue. This publication be allowed to vend in the we have to cater for their accommodated on the 25 years said: “at the back they’retobreakdownallour observedthatquiteanumber area, as their livelihoods are safety because of the work market tarmac, which is street stalls breaking and investments. All they keep ofstallsinthewesternendof atstake. that has to be done; we have anotherlocationinCharity entering every night. The saying is the place gotta do; the market indeed were

Regional authorities on to break. If you’re vending This nonetheless raises tarmac and the back does they gotta clear This is our untouchedbythefire. the other hand, have a and all these machineries additional concerns for floodalltheytalkingaboutis only source of income; we A small section of the completely different have to go on the ground, it vendors, particularly in the bulldozing this place and are pleading with President roof above this location, perspective on the matter. will not be safe for them…” areaofsecurityandflooding. putting up a double-decker Ali to come and have a first- however,waspartiallyburnt. market. All these stalls, hand look…” the vendor While plans for a new people build them privately, related. facility had been announced, we paying rent to the spot to Vendors believe that no timeframe has been given the NDC. All these tables, since little to no structural on when works will people build from tables to damage was done to the commence.

Top flat of El Dorado Trading gutted by fire

An overhead view of the affected and unaffected areas

AfireonThursdayguttedthetopflatofEl limiting the damage to the top flat of the twoDorado Trading located on Da Silva Street, storey wood and concrete building NewtownKitty,Georgetown. Investigations are ongoing to determine the The fire reportedly started close to causeofthefire. 17:00hrs. Firefighters arrived promptly on El Dorado Trading is a popular gold the scene and managed to contain blaze tradingcompanyinGuyana.

Firefighters containing the fire at El Dorado Trading.

Pres. Ali gives no timeline for Petroleum Commission

…but says Govt. should not strong-arm oil sector

Three years after taking is a complex one which has accountability That is why office the Irfaan Ali tobecarefullyexamined. we have taken an arm’sGovernment is yet to fulfill “The new bill has to be length approach in terms of one its elections campaign very comprehensive. That’s many aspects, whether it is promise- to establish a to take a lot of new the Sovereign Wealth Fund Petroleum Commission. c i r c u m s t a n c e s i n t o and different aspects of the This commitment to consideration. It’s very industry itself, ” the Guyanese in the PPP/C’s important that every Presidentsaid. manifesto should have been stakeholder and every view He explained that in done shortly after taking is taken on board, so the bill much of the government’s office. And after being in willbeonethatisresponsive work, it has sought the have such commissions to office for three years it of the whole national view counsel of international manage the oil sector Even cannot provideanytimeline that surrounds the sector consultants. He stressed that as he steps over the fact that forthistobedone. itself,”thePresidentsaid. these are people who have it was the governing PresidentAliheldapress He was also asked the experience. “So I don’t administrationthatpromised conference on Wednesday, whether he believes, in the seethegovernmentastaking and argued for a Petroleum during which he spent over early stages of the oil a strong arm, even in our Commission in the run-up to a n h o u r o u t l i n i n g sector’s development, that normal course of business. I the 2020 General and achievements of the the government should have see the government as a Regional Elections, the administration. However, no a strong arm in the facilitator of growth and government continues to mention was made of the management of the sector development.” evade calls to provide a Petroleum Commission in beyond a policymaking He expressed that t i m e l i n e f o r t h e his opening statement. The level. This strong arm has government should not be in establishment of this institution would provide a been the practical effect of the “business of business”, commission. much needed layer of t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’ s but only in the “business of Kaieteur News has protection, guarding the oil slothfulness in establishing facilitatingbusiness”. demonstrated that with the and gas sector from the theCommission. Meanwhile, when the configuration of the tentacles of political control. Ali refused such same question is put to Vice Petroleum Activities Bill, When asked what has held insinuations, arguing that he President Dr Bharrat which vastly expands the the government back from does not believe the Jagdeo, he is often powers of political hands in e s t a b l i s h i n g t h e government should have a dismissive, arguing that the oil sector, the PPP/C Commission, the President strong arm in anything. “We there are countries around government’s promise of a said there have been no want high levels of the world that are still Petroleum Commission is humbugs, but that the issue t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d corrupt even though they nothingbutapipedream.

achieves second

Texila American University international accreditation

Te x i l a A m e r i c a n curriculum design, faculty University (TAU) has qualifications, research announced its dual opportunities, clinical accreditation from the training facilities, and Caribbean Accreditation student achievements, the Authority for Education in university said in a press Medicine and Other Health release.

Professions (CAAM-HP) T h i s r e m a r k a b l e and the Accreditation achievement demonstrates Commission on Colleges of TAU’s dedication to Medicine (ACCM) in a delivering unparalleled singleyear m e d i c a l e d u c a t i o n , CAAM-HP and ACCM solidifying its position as a are renowned accreditation preeminent institution in the bodies known for their field Mr Saju Bhaskar, rigorous evaluation PresidentofTexilaAmerican processes, ensuring that University, expressed his medical schools meet and t h o u g h t s o n t h e exceed global standards in accreditation, stating, areas such as curriculum, “Earning accreditation from faculty qualifications, ACCM required leadership facilities, and student and support from the outcomes. The accreditation executive team, medical process involved a faculty, and staff Their comprehensive assessment combined efforts exemplify o f TA U ’s m e d i c a l teamworkandcommitment, programme, including (Continued on page 16)

President Irfaan Ali

Police Force to roll out new plan to tackle increase in road fatalities

Within the next two to AwardsCeremony accidents thus far “We plan host a symposium that will three weeks, the Guyana W h i l e p r o v i d i n g to address that in a holistic address some of the issues Police Force (GPF) is statistics on crime for the way with our partners, raised at their officers’ looking to roll out a plan year thus far, Hicken said stakeholders and other conference “So, we which would address the that as it relates to the traffic ministries and so within the understand that we have increasing number of deaths numbers, in the year 2022, next two to three weeks, we challenges in relation to occurring on the country’s they recorded 54 road are going to see a traffic plan trafficandroadusers,butwe roadways. fatalities between the period rolling out focusing on have a plan which will

This was announced by January to July. Comparing education, signage along the i n c o r p o r a t e o t h e r

Commissioner of Police, that period to this year, he routes and enforcement of stakeholders so the police Clifton Hicken on Thursday. disclosed that the Traffic course,”Hickensaid. will not be working in He was at the time speaking Department has recorded He added that within the isolation in that regard,” he TH at the GPF 184 Anniversary approximately 68 fatal next week, they will also mentioned.

Two horrific accidents which occurred earlier in the year where six persons were killed.

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken

WANTED VACANCY

Porters, Driver and Salesman needed. Attractive salary offered, experience will be an asset. Call: 226-9800.

Driver with MV licence, ages 25-40 years. location: R.M Bhaichandeen Inc, 78 Church st, G/town.

Honest Driver and Saleman needed. Must have experience in sales and Lorry licenses. Contact: 233-3512 Email-prestigefoodsguyana @gmail.com

Office Clerk needed, ages 1725 years. Must have CXC Maths & English and must be computer literate residing on WCD or WBD. Call: 2540087.

One Cook needed to work in the Interior. Interested person can Contact: 698-4064/ 680-4868.

One general Domestic needed to work 3 days per week in Campbellville, Georgetown. Must know to cook. Call: 616-8842.

Qualified Welder and Mechanic, Wanted for mining operation. Call: 688-6575.

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

1 Concrete pump truck Driver /Operator and 6 Mixer Driver. Contact: 650-0402/ 665-3880.

One experienced low bed Driver needed. Must be able to load and off load equipments. Call: 644-7088.

Domestic (ages 35 years and older) and Handyman. Call: 623-6383.

One Cashier/ Clerk to work in an electrical and hardware store. Must have experience. Call: 619-0900/ 712-2736.

Wanted urgently Electricians. Must be able to work in both domestic and industrial settings. Call: 619-0900/ 712-2736.

One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

Wanted: Experienced Puri Maker, Cashier, Counter Person, Labourer and Cleaner. Apply at Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts.

Kitchen Assistant, Supervisor, Chef and Salesperson needed. Call: 659-5559.

Vacancy exists for one Driver, ages 20 - 60 yrs. Must know to drive Manual and must have car, van & motor lorry License. Contact: 679-7391.

Vacancy exists for Sales Representative at Innovations America. Contact: 679-7391.

Vacancy exists for Junior Book Clerk at Innovations America. Contact: 679-7391.

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

One Salesman, 3 subjects cxc, experience in writing bills, stocktaking & cashing. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office.

General Domestic needed to work 4 days per week, must know to cook. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office.

Aulicio Mining Inc is hiring Accountant, Database Administrator, Hr Assistant, Truck Driver, Human Resource, Operations and Security Manager. Email: ve@officegy.com

Sales Clerks, Delivery Clerks and Porters needed. Apply at Lens 136 Sheriff St, next to Buddy's/ Pizzahut. Call: 227-2486/227-1511. Email: lensgy@outlook.com

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

Experienced Sales girls needed. Apply in person to Alabama Trading at 65 Robb street Bourda.

Counter Clerk needed. Call: 697-8160.

Receptionist, Room Attendant, Maintenance Guy, Laundry Attendant & Security Guard needed at 233, South Road Lacytown, ages 25-50 years old. Call: 225-2304.

Vacancy exists for male Bond Clerk to work for a Construction Company. Contact: 225-5818 or WhatsApp: 6249505.

Bike Rider needed to work in Georgetown. Call: 2237301-3 or email: info@ splashmins.com

CNQC is now hiring Construction Workers. Email resume: xu0wying@163.com

VACANCY

Accounts, Office & Bond Clerks, Lorry Drivers, Sales Rep & Supervisor, Cashier and Porters needed @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Call: 609-2995, survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Members of Public Service...

From page 10 only hold public officers accountable…but very important in this process of transformation, that productivity and delivery become an important output of the public service,” he said.

EDUCATION

Enroll Now! Classes 26th July,2023. Cake, pastries and cake decoration. Contact Sharon: 612-4193/ 609-9671.

On the other hand, President Ali said the government is responsible for ensuring public servants are proficient by ensuring they possess the appropriate skills through access to quality educational opportunities. Additionally, the public service is transforming in response to technological advancements and the evolving global landscape, the president noted.

is staffed with individuals who have the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to effectively serve the people and drive the country’s development. Moreover, he stressed that the government remains committed to creating an environment where the commission can discharge its function without fear or favour.

FOR RENT

1-8000 sq ft Modern Warehouse/Manufacturing facility located in the Eccles Industrial site. $10,000 US per month. Telephone: 695-0333.

One bottom flat and storage space available in Vreed-enHoop suitable for clinics, salon/ barber shop, taxi service, office, etc. Call: 683-4281.

One and two bedrooms furnished apartments for rent in Providence and Diamond. Call: 604-6664, 682- 6238 or 216-2299.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Newly renovated building with 2 sections, ac and 3 bedrooms each, located at Norton Street. Call: 223-6218, 656-5544, 623-7805.

Importantly, he said the administration is taking aggressive steps to implement a range of measures aimed at improving the standard of living for public servants. This will include a comprehensive remuneration package. “Not salaries alone, but a package that allows them to enjoy a higher quality of life here in Guyana,” he outlined.

Within this context, the president underscored that the commission is tasked with the important responsibility of ensuring that the public service

“The Government of Guyana recognises and respects the need for an independent and impartial Public Service Commission. The commission can be assured that there will be no political interference in the discharge of this mandate,” he said. According to Article 200(1), the PSC is composed of six members. Threemembersareappointed by the president after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. Two members are nominated by the National Assembly, and the remaining member is nominated by the president at his discretion. The PSC’s powers include making appointments to public offices and exercising disciplinary control over individuals in such positions. These functions are outlined in Article 135(1) of the Constitution.

Texila American University...

LAND FOR SALE

Ideal for apartment building or residence, located at Vlissengen into Lamaha street. Call: 223-6218, 6565544, 623-7805.

From page 13 which have been hallmarks of all our medical programs throughout the years.

Mrs. Chithra Saju, the Univer sity’s Executive Vice President added, “We are proud to achieve this goal and look forward to working with our faculty, staff, and community partners to strengthen our academic program for the benefit of the lo-

LEGAL NOTICE

cal community, region, and the world.”

SERVICES

Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040.

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One CRV Honda, $3.3M negotiable and 1 Toyota Allion, $3.350 M, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage . Contact: 649-0956.

Mahdia, Pataro Siparuni, Region 8 for a Certificate under the Money Lenders Act authoring to grant us a Money Lender’s Licence to Carry on the Business of Money Lender under the Title of BESS’S JEWELLERY & PAWNSHOP located at Lot 111 Miles Mahdia, Pataro Siparuni, Region 8.

Mrs. Saju added, that through the accreditation, not only has the university met specific standards of excellence but Texila will continue to deliver the highest quality education to its students. Dual accreditation offers a multitude of advantages to students and graduates of TAU, including enhanced recognition and opportunities. Graduates also gain the confidence and competitive edge needed to pursue residency and fellowship programs, both on a local and global scale. Furthermore, this accreditation serves as a catalyst for fostering collaborations, research partnerships, and exchange programs with acclaimed medical institutions across the globe.

LEGAL NOTICE APPLICATION FOR MONEY LENDER’S CERTIFICATE

FOR SALE

Good quality parkay and vinyl with glue. Please Call: 693-1071/ 232-0269.

For sale rice farmers-132 laverda rice combine, 290 Massey tractor, 110-90 fiat tractor. Call: +592695 2220/ 9544648614.

Pure breed Huskies for sale. For more information Call/ WhatsApp: 626-0679.

Pure honey, wholesale and retail quantity. Call: 6214273.

Dear Sir/Madam, This letter serves as a request to advertise our trade name in your daily newspaper in occurrence with the requisite criteria and law in obtaining a Money Lender Certificate. Pursuant to section 4, Money Lenders Act) Osafa Bess of Lot 111 Miles Mahdia, Pataro Siparuni, Region 8 and Athoya Ramsarran of Lot 15 Rahaman’s Park East Bank Demerara, hereby give notice that WE have applied to the Magistrate of Essequibo District to be held in

NOTICE of any objections to this application should be sent forthwith to the CLERK OF COURT OF THE ESSEQUIBO MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT, and a copy of any such Notice should be sent to the Subscriber Osafa Bess and Athoya Ramsarran.

As TAU continues its journey, we are committed to continuously improving our academic offerings, promoting research and innovation, and actively engaging the community to empower students to excel. Our faculty consists of seasoned professionals who are passionate about imparting knowledge and guiding students on their transformative journey toward becoming competent and compassionate healthcare practitioners.

TAU offers a comprehensive Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, aimed at cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals. By cultivating a culture of compassion, TAU strives to empower its graduates to make substantial contributions to healthcare, thereby enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

PEN PAL

Indian male seeking female for serious relationship. Call: 691-0391.

Two guard huts for High Court to cost $15M

-whilehouseandlandunderGovt.housingprogrammepeggedat$13.5M

During the recent

opening of bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)officeitwasrevealedthat theSupremeCourtofJudicatureis lookingtoconstructtwoguardhuts in its compound for an estimated

costof$15,715,910. Accordingtothedescriptionof the project, a guard hut will be constructed at the South Road EntranceoftheSupremeCourtand this is estimated at $7,848,955, while at the Charlotte Street Entrance, works there is estimated

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids

ProtectedAreasCommission

Lot1:ProcurementofDesktopComputer,Lot2: ProcurementofUninterruptiblePowerSupply

at$7,866,955.

It should be noted that the cost estimatedtobuildtheguardhutsis even more than what it cost for a plot of land and a house under the Ministry of Housing and Water Young Professional Housing programme. In an article on its

website the Housing Ministry stated that the young professional, singleflat units are being sold at atotalof$13.9millioninclusive of the cost of the land- $1 million. These units each sport three bedrooms, one selfcontained room. At the opening

also, bids were read for the Improvement of Water Supply System at Bamboo Creek, RegionEight.

Thiscontractisexpectedtocost around$33,255,000.

The Guyana Water Inc. is the procuringentityofthisproject.

EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA) SupplyandInstallationofOne FireAlarmSystemfortheEPA.

OfficeofthePrimeMinister RentalofOfficeBuilding.

MinistryofHealth SupplyandDeliveryforthePrinting ofPromotional&MedicalRecords.

SupremeCourtofJudicature ConstructionofGuardHutatSouthRoad EntranceatSupremeCourtofJudicature.

ConstructionofGuardHutatCharlotte EntranceatSupremeCourtofJudicature.

GuyanaWaterInc. ImprovementofWaterSupply SystematBambooCreekRegionNo.8.

GuyanaRevenueAuthority RehabilitationofIntegratedRegional TaxOfficeatParikaRoof&Ceiling.

Police sleuths get over $4M...

Frompage8 behind bars on remand for allegedly murdering the policeman and had reportedly led police to unearth Lewis’ skeletal remainsfromashallowgrave atMadewiniSandPit,LindenSoesdykeHighway

Twomoresuspectsimplicated inthekillingremainatlargeand wereidentifiedasacouple

ThePoliceForcehasidentified them as Thakurdial Samaroo, 56,ofLot7OgleFrontRoad, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and his wife Naqueeba Zahid Zafarali also known as “Naqueeba Zafarali” of the sameaddress”

CIDrankswereawarded for solving a double murder ofanelderlycoupleinsidea Supermarket at Black Bush Polder, Berbice, Region Six

Thecouple,Subnauthand Sarasuattie Budraj murdered on Tuesday January 17, 2023 Their alleged killers had set their home on fire to divert investigators attention from them but CID ranks were not fooled and were able to track them by following a blood trail Two men, Harichan Persaud, 22, a labourer of Lot

73YakusariSouth,BlackBush

Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, andEmanuelWhittington,27,a labourer, of Lot 177 Yakusari South, Black Bush Polder are currently before the court for allegedly murdering the couple CIDwasawardedtoo for solving the recent murder oftheGuyanaDefenceForce (GDF) Coast Guard, Rondel Anthony Douglas who was shot dead last month while fighting off carjackers from stealing his car at Cul-de-Sac Street,NorthRuimveldt Apart from murders, CID received awardsforrescuinganumber of trafficking in persons victims and charging the allegedhumantraffickers One of the trafficking and persons cases involved a 45-year-old pilot and businessman, OrlandoCharles

The ranks found that Charles was trafficking a number of Venezuelan nationals from interior locations In June, he was slapped with 16 counts Trafficking in Persons charges at the Bartica MagistrateCourt. Charles pleaded not guiltyandiscurrentlyouton $1.3Mbail.

Man gets life for raping girl, 13

Child rapist gets life imprisonment

Thirty-two-year-old

Singh to impose a light Mark Samuels who was sentenced so that he can be found guilty last month for able to be a part of his two raping a 13-year-old girl, minordaughters’life. was on Thursday sentenced

However, in response, tolifefortheoffence. Justice Singh asked Samuels

Samuels was sentenced “How can you be sorry for by High Court Judge Justice somethingyouclaimyoudid Navindra Singh at the notcommit?” Demerara Sexual Offences

The judge added that he Court. thinks Samuels will say

According to reports, on anything to secure his January 27, 2021, Samuels freedom. It should be noted t o u c h e d t h e g i r l that according to Samuels’ inappropriately before probation report, he raping her After she was maintained his innocence of raped, the child told her thecrime. mother and the matter was

At the sentencing reportedtothepolice. hearing, the judge sentenced

The victim impact that Samuels took her S a m u e l s t o l i f e statement was read to the confidence away before imprisonment, adding that court by the victim. The callinghim“dirt.” he is only eligible for parole child told the court that what For his part, Samuels afterserving30yearsbehind Samuels did to her has pleaded with the court to be bars. scarred her and changed her lenientwithhim,aftersaying In this matter, the State lifesignificantly Thevictim, that he is sorry for what was represented by Tiffini whoisnow16,toldthecourt happened.HebeggedJustice Lyken.

Trafalgar/Union CDC seeks government’s intervention to resolve land, other issues

- not eligible for parole

Wesley Bazil called “Trappy”, a shopkeeper, was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a15-year-oldgirl.

Afterhewasfoundguilty of the crime, last month, Bazil had attempted suicide in court. On Thursday, he wassentencedbyHighCourt Judge Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara SexualOffencesCourt.

At the sentencing hearing, the court also heard that Bazil was convicted of a similar crime in New Jersey, United States, and after serving his time, he was deportedtoGuyana.

Also, the victim impact andrapedher the victim going to trial. The statement was read to the Two months later, the judge called Bazil a court. The victim said that child’s parents found calculated predator who being sexually assaulted was messages in her phone with showed no remorse for what the most traumatising her confiding in a friend he has done to the child. experience which has about being sexually Justice Singh then imposed impactedherlife.Thevictim assaultedbyBazil. the life sentence on Bazil, also told the court that being Inthiscase,theStatewas noting that he is not eligible sexually assaulted affected represented by prosecutors forparole. her to the point where she Nefeeza Baig, Tiffani Lyken Last month, a 12dropped out of school and and Praneta Seeraj. In her member jury found Bazil engaged in self-harm. The address to the court, State guilty of two counts of rape. court also heard that she Prosecutor, Tiffani Lyken, The jury returned with the frequently ran away from reminded the court of the verdict some three hours home. nature, gravity and afterdeliberating.

According to reports, prevalence of the offence. After the verdict was during the month of She even asked the court to announced, Bazil attempted December 2020, the child imposeasentencethatwould suicide. He took out a razor would visit Bazil’s shop send a strong message to blade, and attempted to slit where he sexually assaulted deterlike-mindedoffenders. his own throat. However, her During the month of For his part, Justice swift action by the court January 2021, the child was Singh in his remarks officers averted a tragedy sent to Bazil’s shop and highlighted that Bazil Bazil was rushed to the when she arrived, Bazil took pleaded not guilty to the hospital in an unconscious her to the back of his yard charges, which resulted in stateformedicalattention.

to discuss the issue.

A group of farmers was initially leased to the time now and are bullying r e s i d i n g i n t h e Trafalgar/UnionCDC. the people,” Ms Angus Trafalgar/Unionareaandare She further stated that explained. After listening to m e m b e r s o f t h e under the previous theissue,MinisterMustapha T r a f a l g a r / U n i o n APNU/AFC government, said that the matter was Community Development the then Neighbourhood disturbing. He noted that Council (CDC) are seeking Development Council since the issue needed legal the intervention of the (NDC) chose not to attention,theministrywould government to reclaim lands recognise the established have to engage the Attorney theysaidwereillegallytaken CDC after which another General and Minister of fromthem. CDC, the Trafalgar/Tempe Legal, Anil Nandlall on the Agriculture Minister, CDC was formed. This new matter

Zulfikar Mustapha and CDC, she explained, Inadditiontolandissues, Minister of Public Service, permitted the NDC to erect Minister Mustapha also Sonia Parag met with the houses on the land although committed to assisting the farmers to discuss some of the lease which was issued farmers with pursuing their the issues faced, the most by the MMA listed the agricultural activities He urgent being the land issue. Trafalgar/Union CDC as the noted that a team from the Prior to Thursday’s meeting, lessee. She also told the Fisheries Department will the group met with Vice ministers that members of visittheareatodeterminethe President, BharratJagdeoto thecurrentNDCaredenying feasibility of developing discuss the matter m e m b e r s o f t h e i n f r a s t r u c t u r e f o r

According to the CDC’s Trafalgar/UnionCDCaccess aquaculture. representative, Lloyda tothoselands.

Minister Mustapha also Angus, the land which falls “I have two members saidhewouldvisittheareato under the control of the here After the Local further discuss how the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Government Elections, government can assist with Agriculture Development when they went to the lands, developingagriculturethere. Authority (MMA-ADA) the NDC saying it is their (DPI)

Wesley Bazil

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha (left) and Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag (right) met with the farmers

Jailed: Mark Samuels

Jamaica win West Indies Men’s Rising Stars

Under-19 50-over Tournament despite 75-run loss to Barbados in fifth round

- Trinidad & Tobago, Windward Islands also get fifth round wins

SportsMax-Off-spinner

Saurav Worrell was the star oftheshowwithabrilliantsixwicket haul as Barbados handed Jamaica their only defeat of the West Indies Men’sRisingStarsUnder-19 50-over Tournament in St Vincent&theGrenadines.

Worrell ripped through theJamaicanbattingatArnos ValeonWednesday,finishing with figures of 6-28 off 20 overs, to restrict the Jamaicansto106allouttocomplete a75-runwin

Captain, Nathan Sealy, alsochippedinwith3-13off

9.4 overs. Adrian Weir (33) and Brian Barnes (32) were theonlyJamaicanbatsmento scoremorethaneight

Earlier,JoshuaDorne hit 64andZionBrathwaitehit40 as Barbados posted 181 all outoff45overs MichaelClarketook4-34 toleadtheJamaicanswiththe ball and got good support from Deshawn James who took3-32offeightovers.

Jamaica, despite the defeat,finishedthetournament topofthetablewithfourwins outoffivegames.

The Windward Islands

Friday July 14, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today your brain is supercharged, Aries If you've been thinking about doing somewritingorhaveputoff analyzing a particularly trickyproblem,thiswouldbe the perfect day to get started

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

With today's planetary energy,you'llfindyourselfa little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally beabletosaywhatyoureally think about things.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Today you're unstoppable! You'reaveryhardworkerby nature,andwiththecurrent planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even morethanusual.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Discardthoseitemsfromthe pastforwhichyoureallyno longerhaveuse.Asmuchas youliketosurroundyourself with objects of sentimental value.

LEO(July23–Aug 22)

Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days Loved ones suddenly want tospendmoretimewithyou, and you'll want to invite friendsovereverynight!By allmeans,do.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Feelingunusuallyadventurous,Virgo?You'reoftenmotivatedbyyouridealisticexpectations, and the planetaryconfigurationstoday

finished second after their thirdwininfivegameswitha 56-runwinoverGuyanaatthe Park Hill Playing Field in Colonarie

The Windwards posted a formidable285-5offtheir50 overs batting first, the highesttotalinthetournament Divonie Joseph led the waywith thefirstcentury of the Championship, an unbeaten110off132ballsincludingninefoursandfoursixes, while Tarrique Edward providedgoodsupportwith64 Jonathan Rampersaud took2-49forGuyana.

Petersslams126forRedemption inEtobicoke40-overscompetition

Rampersaud also showedgoodformwiththe bat, reaching 58* off 46 balls as Guyana reached 179-7off38 5oversbefore rain ended proceedings withGuyana56-runsshort of where they needed to be

Earlier, Mavendra Dindyal made 37 and Rampertab Ramnauth 33 as Edwardendedwith4-40from his10overs

The day’s third match saw Trinidad & Tobago pull offanail-bitingthree-wicket winovertheLeewardIslands atSionHill

Opening batsman and former Guyana youth player Ricardo Peters fashionedabrilliant126retiredout for Redemption against Brampton Baazs in the continuation of the 2023 Etobicoke District Cricket League40-overscompetition

Playing at Keele Top in North York, recently, the EssequibianPetersbelted11 sixesandfourfoursfrom111 balls to help team set up a massive 354-2 from the 40overs.BramptonBaazs,inresponse,onlymanaged111all outinthe30thover,losingby agigantic243-runmargin.

The elegant Peters also gotsolidsupportfromYakub Ahmedwhocrackedanenter-

prising 102 which including ninesixesandfivefours They two featured in an entertaining 217-run opening stand while Kyobe Arthur stroked 45 not out and an unbeaten 30fromKerryHolness.

When Brampton Baazs batted,onlyskipper Pradeep Hayerwith24aspacerAdams Fritz grabbed 3-9 from four probing overs and former Trinidad and Tobago fastbowlerAtibaAlertwiththree wicketsaswellbutconceded 12 runs from seven stingy overs

The action is set to continueSundaywithaseriesof matches in this 14-team round-robin tournament that is expected to run until midSeptember

GFC clash with Vengy tonight

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Thecelestialenergysignals a pleasant change for you today, Libra Finally, the overpoweringemotionsthat havebeensurgingfromyour relationships will subside You are now beginning a morecontemplativephase

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Thisisagooddaytodevote timeandthoughttospiritual pursuits,Scorpio.Dosomething inspirational that instillsasenseofwonderdeep inyoursoul

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Anew phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius The previous phase could be interpretedashavingtaught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Today'saspectsmightclear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn If youlongforachange,such as daring to undertake a moreartisticpursuit.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself,Aquarius Nowitistime for you to show everyone elsebyactuallyputtingitto useinyourlife

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Today's planetary energy shouldcompelyoutocommitcertainactsofself-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights

The Leewards were bowledoutforjust94in34.3 overs batting first The bulk of the damage was done by Ronillster Perreira who took 4-21fromhis10overs Vasant Singh took 3-15 from eight overs in support

The Trinidadians then struggled to reach their target, eventually losing seven wicketsontheirwayto95in 34.3overs.

Kimani Nisbett and Michael Palmer took two wickets, each for the Leewards.

All teams will now turn their attention to the threedayformatstartingonSaturday

West Indies Cricket system needs...

From page 20 system, theCaribbean countries can lay the foundation forsuccessacrossallformats ofthegame.

This approach has been proveneffectivebyIndia,as theirstrongfirst-classsystem hascontributedsignificantly totheirsuccessinbothlonger and shorter formats of cricket

It is important to note that transforming the cricketing structure is a complexandlong-termprocess that requires collectiveeffort fromvariousstakeholders, including cricket boards, administrators, coaches, players, and the Guyanese/Caribbean diaspora

This will involve implementing sustainable developmentprogrammes,identifying, and nurturing talent, and creating opportunitiesforplayerstotransitionfromdomestictointernationalcricketseamlessly

The3rdroundencounter between GFC and Vengy FC in the Georgetown FA’s Senior Men’sLeaguecouldresult inthewinnermovingtothe topof thepointstable

The aggregation of Venezuelannationalsliving inGuyana,havehadaperfect start after 2 outings while the ‘Bourda Blues’

haveawinandadraw The 8 pm meeting at the GFC ground tonight is the biggest test for both sides in the9-teamLeaguecompetition.

The opening game of today’s double-header set for6pmwillbringtogether apoint-lessBlackPearland CamptownFCon1pointaftertheir2gamesplayed

West Indies Cricket system needs complete overhaul

ByM.Ramcharitar

For the first time in 48 years, two-time Champions West Indies will not be part of the 50 Over (ODI) World Cup – India Oct/Nov 2023. The need for a complete

overhaul of the current development structure of first-class cricket in countries that make up the West Indies is essential to have a strong foundation at the domestic level.Arobust

first-class cricket system helps in the development of talented players and providesaplatformforthem to gain experience and showcase their skills in the whiteballformats-50overs

andT20respectively

After losing their way over the last view decades, due to lack of proper developmental and preparationsystemofyoung players, this results in poor batting/bowlingandfielding techniques. Go back in time and take a page out of India book(firstclasscricket),that has led to constant success and sustainability as world powers in all formats of cricket.

HowandWhenitStarted forIndiaCricket

The India tour of the Caribbean in 1971 holds great significance in the historyofIndiancricketasit marked India’s first-ever Test series victory against the West Indies, the most dominant cricketing side in the world (at the time). The series victory was a significant milestone for Indian cricket and helped

(eventually becoming

p Champions).India’ssuccess inlimited-overscricketsuch as the T20 and One-Day Internationals(ODIs)canbe attributed, in part, to the strength of their first-class cricket structure. A strong first-class domestic system has allowed players to hone their skills in the longer format of the game, which helps in developing a solid technique,temperament,and overallcricketingacumen.

With this series victory, India made history, and players like Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Sardesai, and Erapalli Prasanna played crucial roles in their success that proved to be a turning point for Indian cricket, boosting their confidence and setting the foundation for future success.

During the series, Gavaskar showcased his batting prowess and had an outstandingperformance.

He scored heavily, including four centuries and adoublecentury Gavaskar’s impressive run in the series made a significant impact and established his reputation as a batting maestro right from the start of his career His consistent a n d i m p r e s s i v e performances in that series laid the foundation for a remarkable career that followed Sunil Gavaskar wentontoachievenumerous records and milestones, including becoming the first

player to reach 10,000 runs inTestcricket.

Heiswidelyregardedas one of the greatest opening batsmeninthehistoryofthe game.

West Indies Notable Performers

There are a few notable performers for the West Indies during the 1971 Test seriesagainstIndia.

The West Indies team hadaformidablelineupwith severaltalentedplayerswho m a d e s i g n i f i c a n t contributions to the game.

S i r G a r r y S o b e r s (Barbados), one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, was the captain of the West Indies team during the series. Although he didn’t have a standout series with the bat, Sobers’ leadership and experience were crucial for theteam.

Despite not reaching significant individual milestones, Rohan Kanhai’s presence and expertise providedstabilitytotheWest Indies batting lineup. As an experienced campaigner, he played a crucial role in guiding and mentoring youngerplayersintheteam.

Openingbatsman,thelate RoyFredericks(Berbice, Guyana)playedakeyrolein the series, especially in the second Test at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica He scored a magnificent century, smashing 105 runs in the second innings, helping West Indies set a challenging target for India.

Sir Clive Lloyd (Demerara, Guyana) displayed his batting prowess during the series. In the first Test, he scored 76 runs in the first innings, contributing significantly to West Indies’ total. This West Indies team was a formidable side and had several legendary players who made significant contributions to thegame.TheIndiancricket teammembersforthetourof theWestIndiesin1971were asfollows:

Ajit Wadekar (Captain), Srinivas Venkataraghavan (vice captain), Sunil Gavaskar, Farokh Engineer (Wicketkeeper), Dilip Sardesai, Gundappa Viswanath, Eknath Solkar, AbidAli,BishanSinghBedi, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar Salim Durani. Madan Lal, Sudhir Naik. SyedAbidAli. Ashok Mankad. Govindraj

hok

Gandotra Krishnamachari

SrikkanthandJagjitSingh. The West Indies cricket team that played against India in 1971 included the followingplayers: Gary Sobers (Captain), Rohan Kanhai (vice captain), Roy Fredericks, Clive Lloyd, Alvin Kallicharran, Deryck Murray (Wicket-keeper), Lance Gibbs, Vanburn Holder. Bernard Julien, Charlie Davis, Joey Carew Grayson Shillingford, Inshan Ali and Easton McMorris

The series consisted of five Test matches, and here aretheresultsofeachmatch:

1st Test: June 11-16, 1971 - Sabina Park, Kingston,Jamaica

Result:Matchdrawn

Scores: West Indies 360 and97/2,India387

2nd Test: June 23-28, 1971 - Queen’s Park Oval, PortofSpain,Trinidad

Result: India won by 7 wickets

Scores: West Indies 214 and261,India352and124/3

3rdTest:July2-7,1971Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana

Result: India won by 7 wickets

Scores: West Indies 214 and261,India352and124/3

4th Test: July 16-21, 1971 - Queen’s Park Oval, PortofSpain,Trinidad

Result:Matchdrawn

Scores: India 352 and 427/8d,WestIndies526

5th Test: August 18-22, 1971 - Sabina Park, Kingston,Jamaica

Result: India won by 4 wickets

Scores: West Indies 214 and261,India352and124/3

WhatMustbeDone?

For Guyana and other Caribbean countries to reclaimtheirstatusasoneof thegreatestcricketingsports teams, it is crucial to focus on rebuilding and strengthening their firstclass cricket structure. This involves investing in grassroots development, providing adequate infrastructure, ensuring quality coaching, training programs, and fostering a competitiveandprofessional environment for players, by offering scholarship programs with Test playing countries. India would be a great start. By prioritizing the development of talented cricketers at the domestic level and nurturing their skills through a wellstructuredfirst-classcricket (Continuedonpage21)

Centuries by Jaiswal and Rohit drag India to 162-run lead in Dominica

India’s captain Rohit Sharma plays a shot against West Indies on day two of their first cricket Test match at Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica, Thursday, July 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

ROSEAU, Dominica

(AP) Centuries by newcomer Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma launched India to a 162-run lead against the West Indies on day two yesterday of a draggingfirsttest.

Jaiswal carried his bat throughthedaytobe143not out on debut. He and Rohit moved their opening partnership from 80 overnightto229.

Evenso,Indiacrawledto stumpson312-2.ViratKohli was with Jaiswal at 36 not out.

West Indies could prise out only two wickets on a typicallyslowWindsorPark pitch despite bowling tight, waiting 20 overs to take the new ball, and employing nineplayerstobowl.

Another playing his first test, West Indies middleorder bat Alick Athanaze, earned his maiden test wicket when he got Rohit and broke the massive openingstand.

Athanaze’s 13 overs of off-spincompensatedforthe absence of Rahkeem Cornwall, who bowled his third maiden over then walked off in the morning session due to an apparent chestinfection.

Jaiswal and Rohit were

restricted to 66 runs in 32 oversinthefirstsession.But they were enough to post India’sfirst100-runopening partnershipinnearlyayear

After lunch, Jaiswal and Rohit showed more intent without really getting their timingright.

TheypassedWestIndies’ total of 150 about six overs quicker, marking the first time India took a firstinningsleadinatestwithout losingawicket.

After the opening stand reached200,Jaiswalbecame the17thIndiamantoscorea test century on debut, matchingRohit,whowasthe 14thin2013.

From the 215th ball he faced, Jaiswal paddle-swept a single to fine leg off Athanaze and celebrated exuberantly,raisinghisarms andleapingtopunchtheair.

Soon after, the batters owned India’s highest opening partnership outside Asia when they eclipsed the 213 by Sunil Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan in 1979 againstEnglandattheOval.

Rohit finally posted his 10th test hundred with a cover drive to the boundary, then was out next ball when he gloved Athanaze off his thightowicketkeeperJoshua Da Silva. Rohit scored 103

off 221 balls with 10 boundariesandtwosixes.

Shubman Gill requested to drop in the order from opener to No. 3 and made only 6 when he was caught byAthanaze at short second slip off spinner Jomel Warrican.

Indiaadded99runsinthe middle session but after tea only67runsin32overs.

West Indies used up its thirdandlastreviewtryingto get Kohli out on 9 but he didn’ttouchtheball.

Without a review, West Indiesruedwhatmighthave been when pacer Kemar RoachhitJaiswalonhisback pad on 133. West Indies appealed for leg before without success Ball trackingshowedithittingleg stump.

Kohli, content to help Jaiswal grind things out, took 81 balls to hit his first boundary and punched the air.Bystumps,he’dusedup 96 balls to make 36 without anytrouble.

But Kohli was playing second fiddle to Jaiswal, whohadthehighestscoreby an India man on debut outsideAsia,andcounting.

Scores: India 312 for 2 (Jaiswal 143*, Rohit 103) leadWest Indies 150 by 162 runs.

GCB Under-17 Inter-county Super50 Tournament…

Wilkinson fifty guides

Demerara to 5-wicket victory -Demeraranamedchamps

Abrisk halfcentury from V i k a s h Wilkinson gave Demerara justenoughedgeastheygot the better of Berbice by 5 wickets during their Under17 Inter-county match played at Everest Cricket ClubGroundyesterday

Berbice were good enough to end on 214 after opener Rampersaud Ramnauth led with a classy 66 with six fours and a maximum. His partner, Kevin Kisten scored 38 as the openers shared a 59-run stand.

Romesh Bharat (37) and captain Matthew Pottaya (18) were the next best contributors as Demerara bowlers, Shane Prince (2-31), Alex

Datterdeen (2-28) and Neeran Bani (2-30), kept their team in the game throughouttheirspells.

D e m e r a r a t h e n launched a vicious counterattack, led by Vikash Wilkinson, the Inform opener, who slammed 84 off 82 with 11foursand3sixes

Player of the match, Wilkinson, along with Nicholas Shioprasad who

Tobago Open 2023 commences today

-Four to represent Lusignan Golf Club

was run out for 46 (5x4), skipper Jonathan Van Lange (26) and 22 runs from Sachin Balgobin, was all it took to see Demeraraovertheline Berbice bowlers toiled as four bowlers including Pottaya, Raj Tika, Justin Doobay and Salim Khan could only snap up a wicket eachintheirteam’sloss.

The victory earned the title for Demerara having

defeated Essequibo, the GCB Select XI and Berbice.

At the presentation ceremony, Jonathan Van Lange was awarded most runs with 186 runs, Matthew Pottoya had the most wickets 7 while wicketkeeper batsman Vickash Wilkinson earned theMVPtrophywithatotal of168runsand6dismissals withthegloves

As the Tobago Open 2023 tees off today, the Lusignan Golf Club will be represented by four of their seasoned players at the Tobago Plantations Golf Course,Magdalena,Tobago. These players are Pope Emmanuel London, Hardeo Ghanpat,RackeshHarryand Shanella London The tournament will run until July16,2023.

The format of the tournament for the men will beBetterBall,whilethelone female format will be Stableford The LGC contingentwillbecompeting in the following categories: Championship 5 0 and Lower,1stFlight5.1to10.0, 2nd Flight 10.1 to 17.5, 3rd Flight 17 6 and over andLadiesAnyHandicap.

Heading into the tournament,hereis whatthe

playershadtosay…

P o p e E m m a n u e l London: “I have an open mind going into the tournament,Icanonlydomy best. I am confident in my ability to swing, I can play according to my handicap. Concerning the course, I have never seen it, but I am hopingthatitisfriendly.”

Rackesh Harry: “I am looking forward for this tournament since this is the first time I am going to Tobago.

I am focusing on the basicsofgolfingandhoping to get a positive result. I am very confident that I will do wellsinceIamingoodform and hope to take away a prize. I am hoping the course will play like millenniuminTrinidadsince I have played there a few timesthere.”

“Heading into the tournament,mymindsetisto play to win. I am 100% confident and while I have not played there, I am optimisticofmychances.”

Shanella London: “My mindset is to do my best by thegraceofGod,Ihavefaith inmyabilitiesasIhavewon the Guyana Open five times andtheSurinameOpenthree times. I know I can do it, I have no idea of how the coursewillplayasthisismy firsttimeinTobago.”

:

T h e G u y a n e s e contingent has stated that feeling great to be representing the country They have also touted that everyone is excited to try theirhandsatthecourseand regaintheirfeelofthegame, as they are all really excited and looking forward to participating in the Tobago Open.

Shanella London, Pope Emmanuel London, Hardeo Ganpat and Rackesh Harry are representing the LGC at the Tobago Open.

Matthew Pottaya received the award for most wickets.

CWI Rising Stars U19 Womenʼs Tournament... Guyana suffer 8 wicket defeat at the hands of T&T

DCB U13 action continues with exciting round of matches

Trinidad and Tobago inflicted a huge 8 wicket win on the Guyanese yesterdaywhenactioninthe ongoing CWI Rising Stars Women’s U19 tourney continued.

Batting first, the Guyanesewomenonlycould muster80runsin29.1overs, with Realeanna Grimmond

Trinidad and Tobago’s Samara Ramnath led herteam home with some runs

theopener,hittingatopscore of 26 with CaptainAshmini Munisar scoring 12 as the nextbestscore.

The Trinidadian pair of Kirah Manapaul (3-21) and DjenabaJoseph(3-18)sliced throughGuyana’sorderwith accuracy, setting up an easy chasefortheirside.

In reply, T&T would stroll to 81-2 in 21.3 overs.

Josephreturnedtohit18but it was openers Samara Ramnath (32) and Shunelle Sawh (16) who guided their team home with wickets to spare.

InotherGames: Barbados U19 Women beat Leeward Islands by 8 wickets Windward Islands beat Jamaicaby4wickets

The Demerara Cricket Board (U13) Franchise Tournamentcontinueswitha tie between the Crows and theFalconswhiletheEagles humbledtheHawks.

In the first match on pitch one, the Falcons won the toss andelectedtobowl

TheCrowstookthecrease scoring 140 all out from 38 overs OpenerKhushSeegobin scored 31, while middle-order batsmanKyieGibsonscoredan unbeaten 44 Nataniel Sukhanandan and Satandra Shivdarson claimed 3 for 22 and 30, respectively, while Kristoff Tracy collected 2 for 20 Inreply,theFalconscored 140 all out from 38 overs

Captain Brandon Henry top scored with 29, while opener Lamar Seecharran scored 13 Mickel Johnson and Cabel

Bastian collected two wickets each Thismatchendedinatie

Over at pitch two, The Eagleswonthetossandchoice to bat, scoring 133 for 9 from their allotted 40 overs Nathan Bishop scored 24, Shekar Ramesh2,2,andRiyadLatif26 JoshuaBollersgrabbed2for23, whileNathanPurantook2for 12 In reply, The Falcons struggled to reach their target after falling for 102 in 282 overs

Joshua Bollers came back withthebat,andtopscoredwith 34, while Patrick Frazer contributed 17, and opener JermaineGrovesnorchippedin with 14 Joshua Williams, Hezenkieh Hohenkirk and RiyadLatifcollected3wickets for 10, 7 and 11, respectively The Eagles won the match by 31 runs In a previous match,

Hawkssecurea29-runwinover the Crows The Hawks scored 174 all out in 384 overs Jermaine Grosvenor made 41, andJoshuaBollers,52,ledthe battingfortheirside Bowling for Crows, Akeem Persaud grabbed 2-28 and Khusa Seegobin2-20

Inreply,theCrowsscored 145, with Seegobin scoring 64 runs in the bowling department; Patrice Fraser took 4 for 8, with Bollers claiming 2 for 7 as the other supportingbowler

In the third and final round of the DCB U13 Franchise Tournament, The FalconwillfacetheHawkson pitch 1 at Qc Ground while The Eagles will battle the Crowsonthesecondpitchat Qc Ground Both matches willcommenceat10:00hrs.

Ons Jabeur reaches her second consecutive Wimbledon final and will face Marketa Vondrousova

W I M B L E D O N , England (AP) Ons Jabeurcamebackfromaset and a break down to defeat Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 64, 6-3 yesterday and reach the Wimbledon final for the secondconsecutiveyear

Thiswillbethethirdtitle matchinthepastfiveGrand Slam tournaments for Jabeur

The 25-year-old from Tunisiaalreadywastheonly ArabwomanandonlyNorth African woman to get to a majorfinal.

So far, she is 0-2 at that stage after losing to Elena Rybakina at theAll England Club last July and to Iga SwiatekattheU.S.Openlast September

The sixth-seeded Jabeur’s victory yesterday, whichcamebycollecting10 of the last 13 games, preventedthesecond-seeded Sabalenka from replacing Swiatek at No. 1 in the rankings. Sabalenka came

into the match with a 17-1 record at majors in 2023, including a trophy at the AustralianOpen.

Jabeur’sopponentforthe championship on Saturday w i l l b e M a r k e t a Vondrousova.

Vondrousovabecamethe first unseeded women’s finalist at Wimbledon since Billie Jean King in 1963 by eliminating Elina Svitolina 6-3,6-3earlieryesterday

Jabeur trailed 4-2 in the secondsetwhenshebeganto turn things around. But not before Sabalenka came within a point from leading 5-3 after Jabeur put a forehandintothenetandfell ontoherbackonthegrassof CentreCourt.

She dusted herself off and broke to take that game andbeginherbigcomeback.

When she delivered a backhand return winner to forcethematchtoathirdset, Jabeur held her right index finger to her ear, then raised

it and wagged it as she struttedtothechangeover Sabalenka’sshotsmissed the mark repeatedly down thestretch:Shefinishedwith 45 unforced errors to 14 for Jabeur

AbreakputJabeurup4-2 buttherewasstillsomework to be done. Sabalenka, as powerful a ball-striker as there is on tour, erased four match points before Jabeur converted her fifth with a 103mphace.

In the first semifinal, Vondrousova reeled off seven consecutive games in one stretch. She is ranked 43rdandreachedthesecond Grand Slam final of her careeraftergettingthatfaras ateenageratthe2019French Open.“Iwascrazynervous,” said Vondrousova, who bowed her head and knelt at thebaselinewhenthematch was over “I was nervous, actually,thewholematch.”

Ranked No. 76 and

recipient, Svitolina returned to the tour from maternity leave just three months ago. After surprisingly beating Swiatek in the quarterfinals, shewastryingtobecomethe firstwomanfromUkraineto makeittothetitlematchata majortennistournamentand received loud support from thousands in the crowd, the applause and yells echoing off the closed Centre Court roof. “She’s such a fighter,” said Vondrousova, who compileda22-9edgeintotal winners,“andshe’salsosuch agreatperson.”

Svitolina has said that she is playing more freely and more calmly nowadays, something she attributed to having the dual motivations of playing for her baby daughter, who was born in October, and of trying to bring happiness to people in her home country, where an ongoing war began with R

February2022.

Realeanna Grimmond top scored for Guyana despite the loss.

Nathaniel Sooknanad

Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur celebrates beating Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus to win their women’s singles semifinal match on day eleven of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Thursday, July 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Jermain Grovesvenor