Kaieteur News

CGX Head hints that daily rental for rigs as high as US$1.5 million

Executive Chairman for CGX (Guyana) Energy, Professor Suresh Narine

Executive Chairman for CGX (Guyana) Energy, ProfessorSureshNarine,has hintedthattoday’srigprices ranges from a staggering US$1MtoUS$1.5M.

The CGX Head made that comment during a virtual panel discussion last Wednesday

The discussion was hosted by Ghana Petroleum Commission in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of CommerceGuyana(GCCG) and ALA Strategic Consult Ltd, and focused on opportunitiesforGhana’soil & gas service companies in Guyana’s petroleum industry and how they can add value to developing localcontentinGuyana.

Professor Narine is the HeadofCGX,aCanadianoil and gas exploration company that holds an interest in the Corentyne blockintheGuyanaBasin–a proven petroleum basin. Since 1997, CGX has been an active explorer both onshore and offshore Guyana and now have two discoveriesundertheirbelt.

Professor Narine in his address advised Ghanian investors who are looking for opportunities in Guyana’s oil and gas industry to first establish a presenceincountry “We meet with a tremendous amount of people wanting to locate in Guyana because of the pregnant opportunities. So naturally many of those companies are seeking to secureacontractbeforeeven establishing a presence in country,”hesaid.

He continued, “There is anonusonthoseinvestorsto take the risk to partner properlyincountryandhave apresence;it’sverydifficult for operators to be in a discussionwith‘what-ifs’.If the numbers are convincing enoughandtheyarepresent, and there are fertile

opportunities for companies in Ghana, my advice to you is to be present on the ground.”

ProfessorNarinewenton to explain that very few companies are able to give contracts to companies that arenotincountry

“Andyouwillloseoutto those configurations already ontheground,”headded.

In making his point, CGX Head explained that even if a company can promise better economics likecheaperservices,oiland gas operators will still go to those they know they can relyon.

“When you are drilling offshore with today rig prices, generally every 24hours will cost between a millionand1.5MUS,soyou want your services to be closetoyou,andyouwantto know that they have the capacity on the ground,” he said.

Professor Narine continued, “You don’t want tohavearelationshipwithan oil spill response company that have to mobilise from

acrosstheAtlanticyouwant to make sure they have inventoryincountry.”

As such he added, “So that’s the key to business partnerships its get on the ground have that visibility makethosecommitments.”

CGX Head comments aboutrigspricesbeingabout US$1M daily, comes on the heels of a report by Wood Mackenzie, global research and consultancy group, whichsaidthatrigutilization has returned to pre-COVID levels, driving rates up by 40%inthepastyear,withan expectedincreaseof18%.

Wood MacKenzie anticipatesbeforetheendof the year, rates of US$500,000/day or above may return for highlyprized, advantaged ultradeepwater rigs Benign ultra-deepwater rigs have averaged US$420,000/day inthefirsthalfof2023,with

utilizationat90%.

“Higher oil prices, the focusonenergysecurityand deepwater’s emissions advantages have supported deepwaterdevelopmentand, to some extent, boosted exploration,” said Leslie Cook, principal analyst for Wood Mackenzie, adding, “Active supply is now more in line with demand and rig cash flows are positive. We expect demand to continue torise.”

“With increasing demand and rates, we are approaching the tipping point for new builds and reactivations,”saidCook.

“We haven’t reached it yet, but for new builds, it’s not a question of if, but when The need for d e c a r b o n i s a t i o n , technological advancement, more efficiency and, ultimately,fleetreplacement willdriveanewcycle.Ifrig

economics remain robust and rig companies see contractual risks abate, this could be sooner rather than later,”headded.

Wood MacKenzie also reportedthatthedemandfor rig utilization is forecast to increase another 20% from 2024-2025.

The report questioned, “Are we at the tipping point of the deepwater rig market?” as active floater utilisation has rebounded fromalowof65%in2018to over 85% in 2023, the number of contracted ultradeepwater (UDW) benign rigs has returned to preCOVID levels and day rates for best-in-class floaters havedoubledinthepasttwo years.

Much of this expected growth will come from the “Golden Triangle” of Latin America,NorthAmericaand Africa,aswellaspartsofthe

Mediterranean. Wood Mackenzie projects that these areas will account for 75% of global floating rig demandthrough2027.

A few months ago, Kaieteur News reported that American drilling company, Noble Corporation is being p a i d o v e r $ 8 4 M (US$420,000)dailyforeach of its four drill ships that is beingutilisedintheStabroek Block, by ExxonMobil Guyana. Notably, CGX is alsoutilizingoneofNoble’s drill ships for their operations in the Corentyne OilBlock.

Owing to the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Guyana signedontowithExxon–all of the company’s expense willberecovered.Underthe deal, Exxon receives profits after75percentiswithdrawn to cover operational expenses.

Nochoicebutto‘lickhisownvomit’

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

BOSAI blocking Guyanese

Why is it that people think that they can come here and shoveastickatGuyanese? Ifitwasastickintheface,that may have been shrugged off, despite its offensiveness, but, whenitisastickshovedinotherpartsoftheanatomyoflawabiding citizens of this country, then all Guyanese should haveaseriousproblem. ThiswaswhatBOSAIMineralsdid during the commissioning ceremony for its new US$150 millionprojectinRegion10.

Guyana’s PresidentAli was there, so were ministers of thegovernment,andtheChineseAmbassador Tothinkthat BOSAIwouldevenattempttohumiliateGuyanesebyblocking themfromattendingandreportingonsuchanexpensiveproject, indicatesthearrogancethatitharbors,confirmsitsconfidence that the PPPC Government led by the same President Ali (present) would do absolutely nothing to correct the outrage, whatGuyanesecall‘eye-pass’

Theseforeignersarenotonlymakingtheireyespassus, they are dropping their pants publicly and mooning this wholenation.

RespectisnotduejusttothePresidentandhisministers. EveryounceofrespectthatBOSAIcansummonisduetoall Guyanese Fromtheworkerstheyallegedlysqueezeandthen penalizefortalkingtothepress

From the independent private media reporters locked out from attending the US$150 million Maz project From the electedrepresentativesoftheresidentsofRegion10thatwere either not invited or were dissed by the actions of BOSAI Where is President Ali when he should be pronouncing sharply on what BOSAI did? When he says nothing, the perceptionisthathemaybegivessilentapprovalforBOSAI tobehaveasitdid.

The President cannot pretend that that was a private occasion, and that BOSAI could pick and choose who attendsandwhoispreventedfromenteringbeyondthegates.

WhathastobesaidalsoisthatwheneitherPresidentAli, orVicePresidentJagdeo,restrictstheindependentGuyanese media, especially by inviting only State-owned media, to theirpressconferences,theforeignerstakenote. Theytake thataslicensetodothesamewithmembersofthefreeand independentmedia.

AsmuchasthelikesofBOSAIshouldbetoldtocleanupits act,orriskthewrathoftheGuyanaGovernment,itisasadday, whenPresidentAlicouldbeatafunction,andhisownpeopleare barred as though they are lepers or criminals The PPPC Government and its agents insult, attack, and embarrass Guyanese

Now outsiders take it upon themselves to do the same, knowing all the time that a sick PPPC Government is wholeheartedlyontheirside AnyPresident,anynationalleader, withasmidgenofself-respect,withcompleteregardforthe rangeofhisresponsibilities,anyconcernforthedignityand rights of the Guyanese people can never agree to what BOSAIdid.

WewaittohearwhatisgoingtocomefromtheOfficeofthe President, or what farce will emerge from the Department of PublicInformation,astowhatisgoingtobedonetoBOSAIto impressuponthecompanyanditsseniormanagementthatwhat happenedmustnotberepeated

Wepaykeenattentiontoobservethat,intheabsenceofany actionorposturefromgovernmentquarters,whoelseandwho nextisgoingtobelievethattheycanspituponandkickaround Guyanese and be allowed to get away with such barbarous attitudes.

Foreign companies come here with sweet words for conniving, and collaborating, political leaders, and with the priority of the sweet deals they workout with them. Whathasbecomeobviousisthatlurkingrightbelowthe surfaceisthescaleofexploitationstheyhaveinmindfor Guyanese.

They are doing so more and more openly now, and when the exposure of the press is sought, Guyanese are

seemingly been unbolted, and one, named Freddie Kissoon, is now ‘let-loose’ andrunningwild.InhisJuly 15, 2023, Chronicle relegation, he asks “Where does Ms Raghubir’s methodology leave journalism?” Freddie detailed that “I will ask readers to read this quote fromMs.Raghubir,andthen juxtaposeitwithmyposition on Ms. Raghubir I called Ms.Raghubirforacomment on what I considered the endangerment of the press when one of the country’s leading newspapers, the Stabroek News (SN), refusedtocarrythelettersof a highly-rated Guyanese scholar, Professor Randolph Persaud,whoisanadviserto thePresidentofGuyana.”

Well,hereismytake.

SincewhendidProfessor Randolph Persaud become “…ahighly-ratedGuyanese scholar,whoisanadviserto thePresidentofGuyana.”

I ask Freddie this question,becausebackinJul 24, 2010, he titled a piece:

“Where does the PPP get these people from?” And whoisoneofthesepeople?

Readon.

“One of the common questions asked about the PPP, and I hear this from their own supporters, is “Wherethegovernmentgets these people from?”The list is long. Randy Persaud comes to mind. Brought to Guyana to do propaganda work, Persaud couldn’t string together a series of concepts, wrap them up in soundanalysisandproducea final package of intellectual ribbons.

School boys could have debated Persaud and made him look shallow. While going through his comical rituals, Persaud produced a curriculum-vitae that was longer than the Essequibo River, but to many it resembled Andy Capp’s certificate he used in an argument with Fred Flintstone.

Wow!Wow!

Freddiewentontoberate and belittle Randy, saying that, “While he was in Guyana, Persaud made you

laugh alright. I like the one he threw at me. That will remain in political debate in thiscountryforalongtimeto come.Persaudrepliedtoone of my KN pieces and accused me of being disrespectfultothePresident because I wrote a column about Mr Jagdeo’s third termambition.

Raging with anger, Persaud yelled out: “Didn’t you hear the President said heisnotinterestedinathird term.You must apologise to thePresident.”

Persaud is gone (of courseheisbacknow).This month,hepackeduphisbags andlefttoaddupmoreyears onthefortyyearshehasbeen outsideofGuyana.

While here, Persaud refused to state his designation.

Todate,hehasn’ttoldus why he left. (However)This writer (Freddie Kissoon) knows and did promise to publish the reasons. Some delicacy and sensitivity are involved so I will have to know how to frame my paragraphs.ToFreddie,Isay that we are still waiting.

Also, what took place to metamorphose Randy Persaud into such an esteemed scholar that he is no longer a lackey doing ‘fluff propaganda’ not worthy of a high chook audience?

Andinclosing,since“… it is downright unacceptable thatMs.Raghubir,whoisthe headofthepressassociation, cannot offer a comment to a fellow media practitioner, whohasbeeninthebusiness for35years.Shehadtohave andatthemoment,shemust have an opinion on why a presidential adviser could not get his letters published intheStabroekNews.

Answer first, Freddie about your U-turn on Randy Persaud, and also why the Chronicle, now your refuge, butonceyourgutterpaper,is not publishing anti Governmentletters.

By the way, will Freddie Kissoon be on the PPP/C campaign trail come next elections. I can imagine the risibility he will provoke whereverhesurfaces.

Yourstruly, Gaylord

Riley

My take on Nazar Mohamed

DEAREDITOR

,

I refer to a salacious articleintheStabroekNews, July 14, 2023, captioned ‘Nazar Mohamed, son deny accusations of drug, gold smuggling...’ That piece, Editor, relied heavily on a spurious Reuters special report, unnamed U.S. officials, and well-seasoned w i t h r e g u rg i t a t e d accusations, anecdotes and innuendoes.

Itseemsverystrangethat a f t e r a t h o r o u g h investigation into Mr Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and his companies, by reputable corporations, mostly Americans: Exxon, Halliburton, Champion X, Stena Drilling, Peterson Energy Logistics, Aramco and Baker Hughes, not a shred of evidence has been uncovered to implicate Mr Mohamed & Companies in drug dealing, money laundering or gold smuggling.

Further, the U S corporations have all continued to do business

punished.

withMr Mohamedandtheir business relationships have been growing exponentially

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e governments of Guyana and the United States of America,theyareallingood standing.

Onaseparateissuethatis being conflated is whether Mr. Mohamed is eligible for anon-immigrantUSvisa.As a lawyer who practices I m m i g r a t i o n a n d Naturalization Law in the UnitedStates,it’sabsolutely clear that the issuance of such a visa is entirely at the discretionofaU.S.Consular Officer

Nothingnefariouscanbe inferred from a denial of a non-immigrant visa application other than the adjudicating Consular Officerchosenottoexercise his/her favorable discretion atthemoment.

It was unethical of those advising Mr Mohamed to pushhimtoretainaPRfirm inWashingtonD.C.tolobby the U.S. State Department foraremedy

The independent media is punished for publishing wrongsthatGuyaneseexperienceatthehandsofforeigners. All the while, politicians pretend not to see, don’t want to know

Citizensmustdecidewheretheystand,iftheylikehow their government allows abuse to be poured on them, and theirwatchdogstobemuzzled,andthenkicked.

Editor, it’s important for yourreaderstoknowandfor metodeclarewhetherIhave either a professional or friendly relationship with Mr Mohamed.

Ihaveknown“Shell”for many years even before he became wealthy and wellknown.

He was from a poor family from the Essequibo Coast He came to Georgetown, like many others from the Essequibo Coast and the Essequibo Islandsinthe1980s.Theyall hawked pants length and socks on the sidewalks on L o w e r Wa t e r S t , Georgetown. It’s without any question that the American Gov’t. is seeking to get its hands on Mr Mohamed. However, it’s not for drug dealing, money laundering or gold smuggling.AndhisU.S.visa applicationswerenotdenied because of complicity in thoseillegalactivities.

There are allegations of alien smuggling against Shell. However, no formal charges have been filed naming him in any Federal CourtintheUSandtherefore noextraditionorderhasbeen soughtbyanyU.S.Attorney forhisextradition.

If there was a mustard seed of evidence that Mr M o h a m e d a n d h i s

companies were engaged in drug dealing, money laundering and gold smuggling,theU.S.Dept.of Justicewouldhavemovedto charge and have him extradited.

On the other hand, Mr. NazarMohamedis“guilty”of association with the ruling Gov’t. and has established long-standing business relationships with many wealthybusinessownersand corporations in Guyana Those relationships, Editor, once mined, gifts a treasure trove of intelligence to any foreign Gov’t. seeking to influence policy makers in thissovereignnation. Ihave no professional relationship withMr Mohamed,whomI stillconsiderafriend.

This letter, Editor, was written because I still respect him for his honesty, humility and unquestionable integrity InconclusionIchallengethese unnamedU.S.officials.

IfyourJusticeDept.has an iota of evidence that this gentleman and his companies are engaged in drug dealing, money laundering and gold smuggling, then present it before a grand jury in the Southern District of New York and charge him with a crime.

Sincerely,

FuadRahaman

NeverawordfromProf.Randolph Persaudaboutthelopsided contract;onlygrovelingdefenses

DEAREDITOR

Presidential Consultant

Prof. Randolph Persaud and pro-Govt. letter writers and bloggers want Guyanese to believe Exxon is taking extraordinary risk to invest their money in Guyana to do oil extraction Inthis way Guyanese must get distracted from - and not focus on the question of whether or not Guyana gets fair value for our nonrenewableoilresource.

Consider these bullet points

(1) We forever read Oil Companies plunge $30 billion into Guyana. Is this $30 billion put at great r i s k , s o t h a t w e G u y a n e s e m u s t literally grovel at Exxon (lead operator) for coming to our rescue?

Actually, only the initial $460 million exploratory cost was real risk money

Once oil reserves of 11 billion barrels were discovered,therewasnorisk at all for their $30 billion investedinGuyana.

Oil not discovered: their only risk/loss was the exploratorycost.

There is still great demand for oil in the world today - and demand is guaranteed for the next 30-years, despite the transition to clean energy sources (wind, solar, nuclearpower)

T h e P S A w a s designed in such a way that every dollar invested is recovered rapidly at 75% CR, Cost Recovery rate, profit’s tax waived for life of contract, royalty at 2%scandalously low And, in the event of a Windfall Gain like the UkraineWar(oilpricesshot up to $150 a barrel), Exxon keeps the whole windfall gain GoG, owner of the resource, is not entitled to shareinthewindfallgain.

(2) Our real problem in Guyana is that we have a very lopsided contract Guyana gets a mere 14.5 barrelsoutofevery100. Thepro-govtwritersand bloggers want to brainwash us into believing we should be happy with 14 5/100 barrels.

(a) They tell us Guyana did not invest One Fat Dollar So, be happy with what little we get

This is the stupidest, nonsensicalpush-backwe g e t f r o m g o v t defenders/supporters

We are not Indians fromColumbus’timewho did not have a concept of valueformineralresources.

Not natives from

Joseph Conrad’s 19th century novel We are a S o v e r e i g n a n d Independent nation with a right to demand fair value forouroilresources.

And, if a former govt left us with the “shittiest contract”

k n o w n t o m a n , a Sovereign nation has the right to demand renegotiation

(b) These bloggers argue against the Royalty c o m p a r i s o n w i t h

Suriname (6 25%); Guyana 2%

On this low royalty compared to Suriname, Guyana loses/foregoes $33 billion on 11 billion barrels

Theycounterbytelling us Suriname has yet to extract a single barrel, hence we should be happy with 2% Such ignorance is unfathomable ©

These bloggers tell

us it is ok for Exxon to keep the whole of

the Windfall Gain, this way we pay out CAPEX faster, and then we get the whole of every third lift They refuse to accept that Absence of Ring Fencing will effectively work to

prevent CAPEX from being paid down, and they don’tunderstandtheconcept ofDiscountvalueofmoney

A billion dollars today is worth more than a billion dollars five or ten years from today There are dozens moreofthesethings-trying to insult the intelligence o f t h e G u y a n e s e people One wonders whether Dr Randolph Persaud (Prof from American University) is directing the pushback propagandaoperation from a desk out of the presidentialsecretariat.

Never a word about the unfairnessofthe2%royalty, orthehigh costRecoveryset at75%.VPJagdeobemoans andintones:“You(PNC)left us the shittiest contract”. This is such an ignorant statement.

Badenough:PNCsigned the contract w/o reading or negotiating

Worse: that VP Jagdeo occupiestheseatofgovtand chooses in s t e a d t o defend the contractrather than demanding renegotiation

(3) One fool defending thecontractcomparedittoa contract i n v o l v i n g tomatoes

Tomatoes went up in price, he argues, since you signed the contract, are you nuts to come back now and demand a higherprice?

This distinguished fool could not differentiate between perishable tomatoes and the world’s most valuable commodity, oil

His whole idea was to offer up a defense, any defense of the oil contract

Such ignorance the Guyanese people have put up with - all from folks trotted out by the govt to defendtheoilcontract

Regards

MikePersaud

DEAREDITOR

, When I examine the facesandornamesofcurrent PPP/C Ministers and officialsandIdelveintotheir f a m i l y h i s t o r y o r background, I hardly see anyone who is from ‘real’, deep PPProots. People with no experience and kinship with PPP have become Ministers, CEOs, State Directors, Commissioners, andothertitleholders.Many ofthemjustafewyearsback were with the PNC orAFC. Those who fought for and defendedthepartyduringthe darkdayswhenitwasnotin governmentareoutoffavour with the current leadership andoralienated. The party has become a figment of itself as founded by Dr Jagan. It is no longer thepartyofthosewhohelped to build it and of those who were in the forefront in the trenches combating authoritarianism Clearly, non-PPP folks dominate the party–drawnfromthePNC of yesterday and more

recently too. Also, the party has also moved away from itsworkingclassmooring.It has been in bed with the opportunistic bourgeois class during a time period when the party relies on the votes of the working class and true PPPites to retain power The party has given up sure votes for non-sure votes. Billions of dollars were spent to capture nonsure votes while a few millions were spent on getting the certain votes resulting in the latter blankingtheelections.

Only a few current Ministers have roots in the PPP;theothersinonewayor another, or their family members (parents) were associated with the PNC duringthe28yearsplusfive yearsofAPNUinpower The hard core PPPites like Clement Rohee, Donald Ramotar, Hydar Ally, Indra Chandrapal,andahandfulof others have been sent into oblivion Those who defended the party and

helped it regain power in 2020arealsoblanked.Apart fromVindyaPeraud,Bharrat Jagdeo, Frank Anthony, Seeraj Dharamkumar, Neil Kumar,andafewothers,one can hardly identify a strong PPPiteintheparty’slineup.

One may feel that some of theothershadPPProotsand were raised in PPP families. Their families were in the PNC camp. They enjoyed benefits under the PNC and now they are feeding off the PPPtrough.

They aligned themselves opportunistically with whoever is or will be in power IfPPPlosespowerin 2025 or whenever that happens, they will be gone. Thiswasobservedduringthe PNC tenure and again after 2015.

The true PPPites should seek to reclaim their party from the usurpers and those who abuse their power to alienate stalwarts and embraceopportunists.

Yourstruly, Rudesh

Jodha

MJVC plans huge Emancipation Day celebrations in Berbice

DEAREDITOR

On Tuesday August 1st 2023, the Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee (MJVC), a non-profitable organization located at Eversham Village, East Corentyne, Berbice, has p l a n n e d a h u g e c e l e b r a t i o n t o c o m m e m o r a t e t h e abolition of slavery in 1834 The commemoration of Emancipation Day on August 1, 1838, is an important day for Guyana, especially in Berbice where the first slave revolt led by Cuffy Badu began on 23 February 1763, and lasted until December S o , w h e n G u y a n a became a republic in 1970 the state declared 23 February as a day to commemorate the start of the Berbice slave revolt

Tohonortheslaverevolt

and our freedom, which Cuffy and the slaves fought and died for, the Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee has planned the largest E m a n c i p a t i o n celebrations that will be ever seen in Berbice to mark 189 years since slavery was abolished Like last year, this year’s celebration is expected to attract thousands of people in and out the region from as far as West Coast Berbice to Skeldon and elsewhere It will be the only celebration of its kind in Berbice, T h i s y e a r

E m a n c i p a t i o n extravaganza will be an all-day gala family and friends’ festivity packed with entertainment a c t i v i t i e s t o accommodate all ages It will start at 7:30AM with a one, two- and threem i l e s r o a d r a c e s

respectively for preteens, teens, and adults bothmalesandfemales.

The races will start from No. 36 Village, Brighton Village and No 43 and will end at the Eversham Community Center

Prizes will be awarded to the first three winners in each category This willbefollowedbyatwomile road march starting at 11:30 AM from Brighton VillagetoEpsom Village and back to the Eversham Community Center where lunch will be served and the day’s activitieswillcommence.

Sincerely, Dr

AsquithRose

DEAREDITOR, T h e u n i v e r s a l acknowledgment of education as an indisputable pathway to a country’s development is ascertained throughout history.And, for centuries, developed countries–England,France, the U.S.A, Germany, etc.capitalized on education to advanceeconomic,political, and social progress, while utilizing it in the promotion of societal control and stability Thus, the PPP/C’s focus, and intent, on improving primary, secondary and tertiary education indicates a strong commitment to Guyana’s progress.

Given the PPP/C’s commitment to improve the educational system, it warrants emphasis that this process necessitates prolongeddedication,given: (i) the complex nature of delivering and assimilating education and training, (ii) the immediate

almost instantaneous - and growing demandsforawell-qualified Guyanese labor force, and (iii) the failings of an unequally underdeveloped colonial educational structuredeeplyrootedinthe country, one that the PPP/C governmentinherited.

Within Guyana, of the three sectors of education, thetertiary,orpostsecondary educational sector has experienced minimal growth, a symptom of oppression imbedded in the country’s colonial past Colonizers granted elementary education to the descendants of slaves and indentured servants –familiar to Guyanese as

primary school education. And while they provided high school – secondaryeducationtoalimitedextent, this they did, primarily to produce an adequate supply of clerks, teachers, postmasters, and Christian ministers. The provision of secondary education contributed to the formation of a Guyanese middle class, notwithstandingtheabsence of post-secondary education withinthecolony With the acquisition of secondary education, a few individuals proceeded to complete post-secondary education abroad. But, as Walter Rodney (1981) explained, when qualified

Afro-Guyanese, in particular, began to successfully compete with the colonials for jobs, the Colonial Government curtailed the availability of postsecondary education For instance, they closed Bishop’s College, and restricted investments in the building of other secondary schools (Rodney 1981) Regarding Indo-Guyanese, they initially resisted conversion to Christianity, an employment prerequisite which prohibited their appointment into middleclassjobs.

It was not until April 1963, that the tertiary postsecondary educational sectorbeganinearnest,with the founding of the University of Guyana under the Premiership of Cheddi Jagan Determined to provideindependentGuyana with a well-qualified labour force, Cheddi, with assistance from Dr Harold Drayton, influenced

Britain’s world-acclaimed b i o l o g i s t a n d mathematician,Dr Lancelot Hogben, to accept the Vice Chancellorship in the launching of the University ofGuyana(UG).InOctober 1963, UG, housed in Queen’s College, opened its doorstothefirstbatchof164 students Mocked by Burnhamandhissupportsas Jagan night school, the university currently stands a s t h e b e a c o n o f undergraduate and graduate educationforGuyanese.

Within Guyana today, educationranksasoneofthe most vital resources necessary in the country’s development.Thediscovery of oil, and rapid pace of development hastened the demand for knowledge and skills political leaders had hardly predicted, or adequately prepared to accommodate.This,coupled with the increasingly complex technological a d v a n c e s , a n d modernizationthatdemanda highly educated citizenry, Guyana’s political leaders find themselves wrestling with how to educationally prepare the population for p r o d u c t i v e a n d meaningful labor force participation.

Given Guyana’s restrictive educational history, and today’s increasing demand for a highly educated and skilled workforce, the PPP/C Government initiated improvements in the educational system with urgency Thus far, it has undertaken significant strides in improving

education from primary school to university levels, and in planning for continued educational growth. For example, the establishment of SMART classrooms, the opening up of training schools for hospitality, oil-andgas, and just a few days ago, announcements to construct vocational training facilities in New AmsterdamandCorriverton, in addition to the establishment of a law school, stand testimony to theinitiatives.

While the establishment of a law school would benefitGuyanese,ofgreater importance is the necessity to produce qualified individuals in the disciplinary areas of Science, Technology, E n g i n e e r i n g , a n d Mathematics (STEM) Technologicaladvances,and economic development strategies necessitate such skillsandexpertise,somuch so, that even the most developed countries of the world, such as the U S, Canada, U K, Saudi Arabia, Dubai etc , constantly import qualified individuals in the STEM fields from wherever they are available

The emphasis on STEM education is age-old, and, given Guyana’s fast paced coursetowardsdevelopment and modernization, the PPP/C would find it beneficial to focus on the production of qualified individuals in these academic areas Quite understandably, educationunlikedevelopmentprojects

Is our money being well spent?

DEAREDITOR, Guyanese got excited immediately after the announcement of the oil discovery.Quiteafewother discoveries after, the excitingnewsoftheamount expected from each discovery

Since May 2015, after thefirstannouncementofoil discovery in Guyana, some 8-oddyearsago,thecitizens of this country sit in hope, waiting to run like beggars for handouts as this government continues to squander our wealth out using various schemes, all because their glorious plans forthecitizensistoseethem continue living below the

breadline.

Oneofthemosteffective methodsbeingutilizedisthe construction of roads and failed projects. Like the BerbiceBridge,theSkeldon Sugar Factory, and the Timehri airport expansion project amongst others, no doubt the new harbour bridge is expected to be another milking cow for severalleechesthatarehellbentonmilkingGuyanadry, even though they already accumulate more than they could send in many lifetimes.

Editor, realizing the best means to squander money from its citizens, government orchestrates a

schemewhereastheystarted giving all of their associates lucrativecontractsunderthe guise of development. Throughout the country, they embark on massive road projects, telling the country that the village needstheroad,andmakinga glorious presentation to the country using the various media available Whilst everyone is happy, the residents would wake to discover that the glorious roadpresenttothemisonlya piece of garbage riddle with all sorts of faults. Their cronies built inferior roads from the inception, which fail to last a fair amount of time, but they continue to

- cannot be hastened, for it takes years to acquire requisite knowledge and skills essential for proficiency and competency in the various academic disciplines – especially competencies that facilitate employment in the highly p r o f e s s i o n a l i z e d occupational fields For instance, technological advancesinthemedicalfield require both doctors and medical engineers to work together in order to provide patients with optimum treatment and care - one knowledgeable about the operations of the diagnostic equipment, and the other knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, and medicine. Such interlocking expertise facilitates a country’s development.

Since education takes years to acquire, and additional time for the benefits to materialize, the government may find it worthwhile to transform the structure and delivery of education The following simply serve as suggestions on the possibilities to quicken the delivery of education to residents nationally In fact, it would not be surprising that these initiatives may already underway

(i) D e v e l o p a Junior College system of educationwherebyfirst-and second-year university level courses can be taught to studentsresidingintherural areasofthecountry

improvedailylives.

The above initiatives the PPP/C can undertake at minimal cost, utilizing existing government school buildingsinsteadofawaiting years for the construction of specializedfacilities.

T h e c o n c e p t o f decentralizing education is familiar to many Guyanese. The PPPgovernment, under the Premiership of Cheddi Jagan decentralized the Teachers Tr a i n i n g Certificate programme making it accessible to teachers in various parts of the country This enabled teachers in rural areas to acquire their certificates of completion while remaining gainfully employed. That is, without moving to Georgetown for training and incurring additional living expenses. Upon catapulted to political power, Burnham disbanded theprogramme.

provide them with more contracts.

InUitvlugt,oneroaddid not last 4 months, but a massive hole already developed.Whywastemoney on failed projects? The last time I checked, everyone is complaining about bills, cost of living, and low wages Couldn’tthegovernmenttake a little break from their barefaced raping of this countryandhelpthecitizens? There are many oil-rich countries,wherethecitizens wereforcedtotakeactionin their own hands. Guyana should only hope that we don’t evolve to that out of utterfrustration.

SahadeoBates

Utilize existing primary and high school facilities to offer postsecondary evening classes by employing qualified local residentsprofessionals and teachersasadjunctinstructors.Tailor curriculum to the needs of the country, either as terminal degrees, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts which qualifies recipients desirous of entry into the University of Guyana for completion of thebachelor’sdegree.

(ii) P r o v i d e Technical Education to students utilizing the same approachastheabove.

(iii) Provide Adult Education classes to residents with emphasis on computer literacy, money management, preventive health and health management, lifeways improvement, childcare, carefortheelderly,andother essential skills necessary to

C u r r e n t l y , t h e government’s task of educating Guyanese to meet the developmental needs of the country would be difficult to accomplish without the transformation o f t h e c o l o n i a l l y embedded structure that p r o v i d e d u n e q u a l education to urban and ruralresidents Unless educational policy architects make all levels of education equally available to every eligible Guyanese,thegapsbetween haves (rich) and have nots (poor)wouldwiden,thereby contributing to the destabilization of the country In this regard, the government may find it advantageous to explore possibilities of constructing a decentralized system - as mentioned above - that makes education accessible toall.

Overall, President Irfaan’scommunityoutreach campaigns symbolizes his r e c o g n i t i o n a n d acknowledgment that Guyana’s developmental transformation cannot be accomplished by the government alone, or by the people alone, but by both working together in harmony with dedicated commitment and solidarity In such cognizance of reciprocal cooperative relationship resides hope, a hope that manifests itself througheducation.

Regards, NarayanPersaud,PhD. ProfessorEmeritus

The transformation of Guyana’s educational system is essential to the country’s developmental needs

will not be intimidated or bullied into silence”

-MellyMelrespondstocybercrimecharges

In response to several cybercrime charges being initiated against her by the Guyana PoliceForce(GPF),Melissa Atwell popularly known as ‘Melly Mel’ has responded saying, “I will not be intimidated or bullied into silence.”

WhileAtwellisoutofthe jurisdiction, Kaieteur News understands that whenever she enters Guyana she will be arrested as a wanted bulletin is expected to be issued.

The charges against Atwell come following reports made by a former Government minister, a privatehospitalandothers.

When contacted by this publication, Atwell noted that her comment will be brief as her lawyers are looking into the purported allegations.

However, she said, “We live in a country where citizens are not allowed to criticize this regime or their associates. This government

preaches about democracy yet they trample on the democratic rights of their citizensdaily.”

Atwell continued, “I’ve done nothing but work tirelessly to help the people inmycountry,especiallythe poor Ifspeakingoutagainst victimizationandinjusticeis

FireeruptsatBrickdam lock-upsafterinmate smokedoutmosquitoes

A prisoner at the Brickdam Police lockups is claiming that he accidently started a fireinhiscellonSundayafterlightingapiece oftoiletpapertosmokeoutmosquitoes.The firereportedlystartedaround06:40hrs.

The inmate identified as Stephan Howard, reportedly told police that when he entered the lock-ups on Saturday he found a lighter and a piece of toilet paper inside his cell. Heallegedthatmosquitoesbeganbiting himduringtheweehoursofSunday,sohelit thetoiletpaperandplaceditonhiscelldoor tosmokethemout.

About ten minutes later, the suspect reportedlyrealizedthatthelittoiletpaperhad

fallen onto a mattress on the cell floor and ignitedafire.

Kaieteur News understands that other inmateshadseentheflamesinhiscellraised andalarmbyshoutingfire,fire,fire. Howard, however, claimed that he managed to extinguish the fire with water fromaplasticbottlehehadwithhim. After making his verbal statement, Howard reportedly told police that he had nothing more to say and refused to put his claims in writing or facilitate a video interview

The fire resulted in no major damage to thelock-ups.Investigationsareongoing.

The Brickdam Police lock-ups

acrime,thenarrestme.”

Atwell is a human rights and political activist, known forherworkinGuyana.She isthefounderofYouAreNot A l o n e ” ( Y A N A ) Foundation.

RecentlyAtwellreceived theCaribbeanImpactAward 2022,inNewYork.

Pilotsbeingtrainedoverseasas GPFseekstoestablishairwing

As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to work persistently on crime reduction, the improvement of the quality of police service delivery and the enhancement of its professional image, it is looking to establish an air wing.

This new unit will augmenttheworkoftheGPF while modernizing its services, to more contemporary policing, whileenhancingitscapacity

This was announced by Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken during the force’s 184th

Anniversary Awards Ceremony held Thursday last, at the Police Officers’

Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Accordingtothetopcop, two pilots attached to the GPF are currently

undergoing advanced traininginMiami,USA.

“They have completed a single engine and they are now going and complete the double engine and we’re doing well in that regard,” the commissioner reported. The air wing, he said, will either be established in

Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken

conjunctionwiththeGuyana Defence Force (GDF) or separately Additionally, aeronautical engineers are beingtrainedtocomplement the pilots for the force’s air wing.

DeputyCommissionerof Police for ‘Administration’, Calvin Brutus had disclosed that these ranks are being trained at the Art Williams a n d H a r r y We n d t

Aeronautical Engineering

School, Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

“ W e h a v e t w o engineers… a male and a female at an advanced stage of completing their p r o g r a m m e t o o , ”

Commissioner Hicken disclosed.

This will bring the GPF up to par with its counterparts within the Caribbeanregionandfurther afield.(DPI)

“I

Melissa Atwell called ‘Melly Mel’

Aninclusivesocietyrequiresinformeddecision-making

Inarecentop-edpiecein The Washington Post, Fareed Zakaria illustrated thedeepdivisioninAmerica over the government’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine He pointed out, for example, that while almost 8 out of every 10 Democrats want America to help Ukraine regain lost territory, almost one in every 2 Democrats wouldliketoendtheconflict quickly even if it involves allowingRussiatoholdonto territoryseized.

The assumption has always been that while the Democrats and Republicans m a y b e d i v i d e d , ideologicallyandintermsof practicalpolicy,ondomestic issues, when it comes to foreign policy, there is c o n s e n s u s a m o n g RepublicansandDemocrats. That is clearly not so and it shows how increasingly divided America is becoming.

Meanwhile, here in Guyana, the President has said that under the ‘One Guyana’ banner he is constructing an inclusive society But to build an inclusive society requires adopting policies that enjoy national support either through consensus, or by being responsive to various sectarian interests? What mechanism would the President use to determine that his policies are so responsive?

The President’s recent press conference showed just how out of sync he is with the public interest. He went on and on about the achievements of his government, while the media were more interested

in topical issues such as the COIintotheMahdiadisaster andtheresignationofoneof hisMinisters.

Opinions polls are an effective means to allow for government to be in touch with the pulse of the nation. But such polls are nonexistent in Guyana and therefore the government cannot claim to be acting in the interests of the people, whentheconcernsandviews of the people are not known orcannotbecanvassed.

Opinion polls are valuable tools in developing inclusive policies By gatheringandanalyzingdata from diverse populations, p o l l s t e r s e n a b l e policymakers to make informed decisions that p r o m o t e e q u a l representation, address societal disparities, and create a more inclusive society.

Opinion polls also provide a good means to allow minorities to have their voices heard. The mediaisoftendominatedby the views of the mainstream sections of society, especially vested class interests.Butwhospeakson behalf of minorities – and Guyanahasbecomeanation ofminorities.

Opinion polls can allow f o r m a r g i n a l i z e d communities, particularly our indigenous peoples and other groups that are underrepresented or excluded from decision making, to ventilate their perspectives and demands. A r m e d w i t h t h i s information, policymakers canmakemoreinclusiveand equitable decisions, ensuring that the needs and

Dem boys seh...

concerns of all citizens are takenintoaccount.

Opinions polls can also be an effective tool for identifying and addressing societal disparities By conducting targeted surveys and opinion polls, r e s e a r c h e r s a n d organizations can provide policymakers with insights into specific challenges faced by different segments of society In turn, this information knowledge can inform policy initiatives, social programs, and interventions that aim to reduce inequality and provide equal opportunities for all members of society, and thus help to create a moreinclusivesociety

Inclusive policies that c o n s i d e r d i v e r s e perspectives are more likely to gain widespread support and have a positive impact onsociety.Throughongoing feedback and continuous polling, policymakers can adjust and refine their approachestoensurethatthe implementation of policies aligns with the evolving needs of a diverse population.

Unfortunately, in Guyana we do not have a cultureofopinionpolls.The few that are said to be conducted are either often flawed or created with skepticism because of the perceived political affiliation or biases of the personsconductingthem.

Andevenwhenpolitical parties commission such studies, the findings are oftenquestionedwhenthese findingsconflictwithvested political interests. Just after the 2019 no-confidence motion, an opinion poll

Bring back de potholes fuh teach dem drivers some discipline!

Dem oil monies flowin’ like water, and we gettin’ somesmoothroadsandfour lane highways. Dem fancy, smooth highways bringin’ moreaccidentsthanabullin a china shop. De smoother and wider de road, is more accidents tekking place because people using dem roadsasaracingtrack.Some people even treating dem roads like a runway Some of dem drivers driving as if dem deh in a Fast and Furious movie. But dem boys gat de solution; bring backdempotholes Datisde onlywayfuhslowdowndem drivers. Back in di day, we used to dread dem potholes

likewedreaddentistvisits It usedtobrukupyuhvehicles. And a half-hour journey to de airport used to tek more thantwohoursbecausedem drivers used to have to deh dodging potholes like a solidercaughtinacrossfire.

When yuh gat pot hoels, yuhgattokeepyuheyesonde road and concentrate Yuh can’t be wild and reckless

Nothingslowsyuhdownlike apothole

Soletwesaygoodbyeto dem smooth roads and welcome back dem potholes with open arms Dem potholesgoin’beweteacher, teachin’weallsomesenseon di road We goin’ be drivin’

suggested that had elections been held immediately, the APNU+AFC would have had a slender majority But those findings were dismissed, and the rest of nowhistory

If Guyana is to build a truly inclusive society, then provision has to be made to accommodate the views, concernsandtheneedsofall sections of society But who speaks for all segments of our society? Society is a complex amalgam of classes, races, groups and interests. The only effective

means of gauging these views,concernsandneedsis throughopinionpolls.

If there is any priority support which theABC and E countries should provide to high-income Guyana, now and in the future, it would be to provide support to credible organizations willingtoundertakeopinion polls.

International financial organizations now demand environmental impact

assessments before financing major projects

They should equally

commissionopinionpollsto determine whether the projects they finance enjoy nationalsupport.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author

They do not purport to reflecttheopinionsorviews ofKaieteurNews.

likewegotsomesenseinwe heads, with caution in we hearts Di potholes goin’ be wefriendlyremindertoslow down, pay attention, and stop actin’ like we own de road.

Dis idea might sound like a joke, but sometimes, yuh need a lil nonsense fuh wakeyuhup.Andrightnow is too much accidents deh pun we road and people gettingkilled.

So let we bring back dem potholes. Let we turn dechaosintoacruiseandde madness into moderation. Dem boys seh potholes gan fixderoadaccidentrate. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

Guyana’s lunatic centre, local lunatic universe

Who are the biggest thievesinthiscountry? Who are the biggest liars in Guyana? Who are the biggest deceivers and con actors in this society? Always, the answer is the same: PPP comrades and cronies. The sources of answers,authorsofthesame positions to all three questions(andsimilarones), haveashockingparent.

TheyarePPPsupporters. Cool-eyed, sober headed, tempered loyalists of the People’s Progressive Party. These are not of the wildeyed, foaming variety of fanatics, but citizens who know lunatics when they see, hear, and are around, them.

Ihavefrequentlywarned this nation, lunatics in Guyana are not a fringe element. Rather, the local lunatic fringe is the broad center, huge unclosed circle of the population. It cannot be closed because there are new arrivals every day, armedwithoneintention:to outdothelunaticswhocame

before them Political retardation,itis.

Truthbeknown,thePNC hasitsownplentifulshareof lunatics. Though abundant, thePNClunaticscannothold acup(nopun,slurintended) to the number of their counterparts in the PPP, and the degree of lunacy that belongstothem,inthelocust blights that they have for leaders and heroes; in the crookedcabalthattheymake intotheirrolemodels.

Theyareeverywhereand into every aspect of Guyanese life. Need a distorter of facts and circumstances,gonofarther than the newspaper, broader media.

Need acquaintance with the fanatics in the teeming cesspoolthatisGuyana,then j o u r n e y i n t o t h e battlegroundsofcyberspace, and there they are; societal Cyclops and political Attila(s) and ayatollahs Plus, there is the army of unreconstructed retards that populatetheelectroniccaves they have reserved for

themselves. To witness a national lunatic uprising or parade, say one word Elections! Try another: PPP! Orthis:PNC!

BothconfirmedPPPand PNClunaticsarepresent,but for every PNC lunatic in Guyana, there are a half dozenPPPones. Reasoning dropped dead; logic is a lost cause. The first, worst hit casualtywastruth;regardfor temperance and textured conversation collapsed into the latrine. Guyanese have looked, laughed (and cringed)atthelastAmerican PresidentthatlosttheWhite House in ignominy, and patented madness, only for many craven imitations of the same paranoiac and lunatictotakeupvociferous residencerighthere.

Here is the standing classic, the number one hit from PPP lunatics. When pressed and cornered about confirmed banditries and land piracies by PPP big dogs, there are two responses. Thefirstisthere isnolawonthebooksunder

which blatant wrongdoings canbecategorized.

Thisistheleveloflogic, of morality, of lunacy that has come down from the higher elevations to the foot soldiersontheground. PPP (and PNC) fundamentalists make the fellows from the other side of the world look likepacifistsandpunks. The second defense of the PPP malfeasances by their own tribalists is that the PNC usedtodothat,too.

Ifthisisnotlunacy,then all Guyanese need psychotherapy. Do these people ever stop to think about what they are saying? For, if the corrupt was what the PNC made a killing doing, then the so-called clean and transparent and accountable (per the president) PPP would never want to follow in such criminal footsteps. How could previous PNC thieverybeusedasthebasis to justify today’s PPP thievery?

Isthattheextentoflocal wisdom, ethics? Where is

the truth in anyone?

Why should any supporter of any party with any morsel of honesty and decency in him or her condone the dirtiness of mortal political foes, and then uphold same in their owngroup?

It is unbelievable that lunatic minded supporters, some well-schooled, would applaud,whenitistheirown party and own stalwarts that arenowemployingthesame tricks, cons, and brigandage that were used to such criminal advantage before bypoliticaladversaries.

This is a reversal of all thatisnormal,whichisnow culture and religion in both the PPP and PNC today Lookatone,andthereisthe mirror image of the other Thedifferenceisthescaleof wrongdoing.

With the influx of massivemonieshavingtodo with oil and other natural resources patrimonies, the PPPis in the driver’s seat to capitalize on unending crimes, and its people do.

The first law is that there is nolaw,otherthanwhatthey makeuptogiveaglossover crookedness.

The first rule is that the only rules that apply are the ones that the PPP brass say have traction, and it doesn’t applytopeopleintheruling party

It is what has now become part of the binding covenants they make with one another, to protect one another One precious fellow loves to speak about reform,whenallthatisdone ismisinform.

In this upside-down country, lunacy is now a call to party duty; lunacy is no longerasickness InGuyana, lunacy is considered to be close to godliness It is the national religion, like personalcorruption

D i s c l a i m e r : T h e opinions expressed in this column are those of the author They do not purport to reflect the opinions or viewsofKaieteurNews.

Foulis man killed in hit and run accident

A29-year-old man of Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Sunday killed in a hit and run accident along the FoulisAccess Road.

The dead man was identified as Amir Bassalut.ItwasreportedlythatBassalutwas struckdownaround01:30hrs.Policesuspect amotorcyclemighthavestruckhimdown.

According to police, Bassalut was walking north along the eastern side of the road when an unknown vehicle struck him down in the vicinity of 15th Street, Foulis. Instead of stopping to render assistance the driverorridercontinuedontheirjourney

Police said that they picked-up Bassalut in an unconscious state and took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police launched an investigation and wereledtoarresta23-year-oldmotorcyclist for questioning after learning that he had a damagedbike.

“His motorcycle,which had damages to the left side front and traces of blood, was taken to the Cove and John Police Station, where it was lodged to be examined by a certifyingofficer,”policestated.

Man drowns on way to meet girlfriend

Police believe that a minermighthavefalleninto anoldminingpitatPuttering Backdam,MiddleMazaruni River, Region Seven and drownedwhileonhiswayto meetagirlfriend

Thedeadmanidentified as Jerome John, 53, reportedly left his boss’s camp around 18:00hrs on Friday and was never seen again until his remains floatedupintheoldmining pitonSunday Policesaidthathisboss,

Sebastian Chase told them that John had left the camp togomeetagirlfriend.

“According to Chase, on Friday at about 18:00 hrs,Johnleftcamp,heading to ‘Top Side’ to see his girlfriend (identity unknown at this time) Thereafter, the victim did notreturn,”policestated.

At around 08:00hrs on Sunday another miner reportedly contacted Chase and told him that his worker’s body was seen

floatinginanoldpit.

The discovery was immediately reported to police and ranks arrived at thescenearound11:00hrs.

Police reported that John’s body was seen floatingface-up

“The body bore no visible wound, and due to the state of decomposition, the rank was unable to determineiftherewereany marks of violence”, police said Investigations continue.

Manfoundmurderedafterbarfight

Investigators at the crime scene.

A 40-year-old labourer identifiedasYoelValenzuela of Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Sunday found brutally murdered at the Soesdyke Junctionafterabarfight.

Valenzuela’s body was reportedly found around 05:30hrsbyamanwhowent tourinateattheJunction.

Police were notified and crime scene investigators were sent to the location. TheynotedthatValenzuela’s bodyboreawoundabovethe left ear and another to his back.Bloodstainswerealso seenatthecrimescene.

An investigation was launched which led to the arrest of a suspect. Police learnt that Valenzuela was

killed by three men around 04:30 hrs following an altercationatabar

Valenzuela, his 17-yearoldsonJohnValenzuela,and twootherrelatives,Johnand Ameria Campo ages 21 and 34 respectively had gone to bar around 20:00hrs on Saturdaynight.

They reportedly began drinking and one of the suspects who are acquainted with Valenzuela approached him and began arguing with him over a grievance they had.

Valenzuela’s son reportedly intervened in the argument and allegedly cuffed the suspect to his mouth.

It escalated into a bar

fightwiththesuspectandhis friends attacking Valenzuela andhisrelatives.

Eyewitnesses recalled that the victim and his relatives retreated from the fight by running from their attackers.

“Yoel Valenzuela ran south of Soesdyke public road and turned up the S o e s d y k e L i n d e n Highway while John Valenzuela,AmeriaandJohn Campo ran further south along Soesdyke Public Road,”Policestated.

Valenzuela’s alleged killers and their friends allegedly chased after him andhisrelatives.Hourslater Valenzuela was found dead attheSoesdykeJunction.

Theparentsofathree-year-oldboy,Shiv Thompson is in dire need of financial assistancetosavehislife,afterheaccidently fellintoapotofboilingwaterathishomein Mabaruma,NorthWestDistrict,RegionOne. Theaccidentoccurredthreedaysago.

Thompson sustained severe second degree burns to 50 percent of his body and had to be quickly transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Doctors there have managed to stabilizehiscondition,butduetotheextentof hisinjuries,hehastobeairliftedtotheUnited States of America (USA) for an emergency surgery

An international charity foundation, ‘SavingHandsEmergencyAidInc.(SHEA)’ is providing assistance for Thompson, but duetohiscriticalcondition,hecannottravel onacommercialflight.

SpeakingwithKaieteurNewsonSunday, SHEA’s local representative, Rita Sugrim said that the air ambulance needed to transporthimtoUSAcostssomeUS$60,000.

SHEA has started raising funds for the medevac,buthaveonlymanagedtogetclose to US$5000 so far However, with Thompson’s life at stake and because of the good working relationship SHEA has with theUSAirambulancecompany,ithasagreed tomakethetripandcollectthepaymentlater

“Theyhavedeferredthepayment,butwe willstillneedthemoney”,Sugrimsaid.

TheAirambulancelandedinGuyanalast night to transport Thompson to the US for emergencytreatment.

To assist Thompson’s parents in paying

Shiv Thompson

offthecostforhistransport,personscanvisit S H E A ’ s w e b s i t e , https://savinghandsemergencyaid org/shiv, forinformationonhowtodonate.

Person can make donations via MMG to 650-8658 or deposit cash in Lori Narine’s savingsaccountatDemeraraBank.Thename oftheaccountisLoriNarineandtheaccount numberis2041325.

If anyone is desirous of making a wire transfer,theycandosotothesameaccountat theDemeraraBank’sLeRessouvenirBranch. Donations can also be made via cash apps, Venmo- to @SheaCharityGY and Zelle- to shea@sheacharity.org.

Parents need help to save his life

Boy, 3, reportedly falls into pot of boiling water

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Health ministry receives testing equipment for school health programme

The Ministry of Health recently received a quantity of testing equipment and other materials that will be utilised for the Comprehensive Child and Youth Health Programme (CYHP) to be rolled out shortly.

Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony accompanied by Director of Primary Health Care, Dr. Ertensia Hamilton received the equipment from Mount Sinai Country Director, Josuè Alcàntara and Mount Sinai Programme Manager, Guyana Country Office, Dr. Niccollette TamayoJimenez.This forms part of consultancy facilitation between Mount Sinai Health Systems and Hess Corporation.

the initiative among children entering the nursery level.

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According to the ministry, the school health programme will be rolled out over the coming weeks and will facilitate oral health, hearing and vision screening for children in schools.

It is intended to improve the health of school children ages five to 15. The ministry has partnered with the Ministry of Education, to launch

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Minister Anthony said the comprehensive programme will later be expanded to primary and secondary levels.

“We have established a set of measures to be implemented at the nursery level which will include visual, hearing, dental and physical check-ups to address any conditions and prevent longterm issues”, the minister pointed out.

The ministry aims to screen at least 27,000 nursery-level children.

Minister Anthony extended appreciation to Mount Sinai Health Systems and Hess for the equipment, which he said will help the staff to commence screening effectively in all regions. Meanwhile, the Mount Sinai Country Director said both organisations are pleased to support the health ministry with the screening in schools across Guyana. (DPI)

Ukraine reports casualties in Russian shelling of city of Kharkiv

(Reuters) - One man was killed and several people were injured on Sunday in Russian shelling of a district of Kharkiv, the biggest city in eastern Ukraine, local officials said.

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Oleh Sinehubov, Kharkiv’s governor, said on Telegram that one civilian man born in 1999 was killed in the attack on a southern part of Kharkiv. I

n an earlier post he said a fire had broken out at the site, and medics had hospitalized three men with shrapnel wounds and

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a total of seven people were injured in the shelling of the southern Osnovyanskyi district of the city.

Reuters could not independently confirm details of the attack and casualty figures.

Ukraine recaptured much of the eastern Kharkiv region in September, with Russian forces occupying now only a small strip of land there.

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Five media workers win big at Digicel’s Summa Promotion

Digicel Guyana on Saturday launched its Summa Promotion at the Theatre Guild, Parade Street, Kingston givingcustomersanexcitingchancetowin.

Aspartofthelaunch,fivemediapersonswoncashprizes rangingfrom$50,000to$200,000afterplaying ‘Here is the Deal’

The winners are Paul Vanvield from The Evening News ($50,000), Stacy Rahaman from Visit Guyana ($100,000), EricMoorefrom NCN ($200,000),DwayneRoss($100,000) fromBigSmithNewsWatch,andChristalYongfromKaieteur News($90,000).

Thegamemirrorsclosely ‘Deal or No deal’,anAmerican game show where contestants were required to choose numbersprintedonbriefcases.

For customers to participate, all of Digicel’s prepaid customersarerequiredtotopup$1000ormoreandcollectthe lettersspellingD-E-A-Ltoautomaticallywinaprize.

Lucky customers will be contacted by Digicel and told howtoclaimtheirprizes.

Contestants that won prizes

Hosts for the show

Britton and Barker shine at latest Mike Parris U16 Boxing programme

The Mike Parris Pepsi Under 16 Schoolboys Boxing programme continued with its July event yesterday at the Andrew ‘Six head’ Lewis Boxing Gym in Albouystown. The one-day card featured an exciting lineup of eleven bouts, including one female bout. Keyon Britton emerged as the dominant boxer of the day, while the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) and Sebert Blake secured the Best Gym and Best Coach award with four points.

The card commenced with an entertaining bout between Khumile Alexander and Malichi Greenidge from FYF boxing gym. After three

intense rounds, Greenidge claimed victory based on the judge’s scorecard. Later, thirteen-year-old Keyon Britton from Vergenoegen Boxing Gym (VBG) then faced Nickoli Hinds (P&P). The match was stopped by the referee after one minute and twenty seconds into the first round, resulting in an easy win for the well-groomed fighter.

Match #3 showcased Travis Sancho of the Rose Hall Jammers (RHJ) taking on Jayden King, also of RHJ. Sancho punched his way to victory in the final rounds of the contest. In the other match, Ken Harvey (P&P) abandoned the bout one

Monday July 17, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Sometimes, it's amazing to see how your relationships can spin so easily out of control, Aries. Today you may have to deal with a lot of tension within your group. You'll almost feel as if no one understands the situation.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You sometimes have difficulty making up your mind. You don't always know exactly what you want. Today, Taurus, you'll be at peace with yourself.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Sometimes we all feel a little lost, Gemini. We often want to move mountains and use all our energy and enthusiasm to try to do so.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

You have a natural ability to accomplish a great deal rather easily, Cancer. But today you may feel snowed under with projects. Things around you might be moving quickly.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Your day has finally come, Leo. You have your own vision of life and you like sharing it with others. You're far from thinking that you're any sort of new messiah.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Today you'll have the strange feeling that something is floating in the air. The time is right to try to understand the different needs of your family circle.

minute and twenty-four seconds into the first round, awarding Matthew Thomas (RHJ) the victory in bout number four.

The most thrilling fight of the event was between Tiquan Sampson (FYF) and Shemroy Wintz (RHJ), displaying a sublime exhibition of classic boxing. Sampson wore down his opponent and secured another amateur victory for FYF Boxing Gym with an impressive display in the final round. Likewise Omari Woodroffe, in his first amateur fight for FYF boxing gym, Woodroffe emerged victorious over P&P’s boxer Jermain Poole in an exciting contest,

winning by way of a split-decision.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

As the dawn of another quiet and peaceful day appears, Libra, you will be in the best disposition to observe and appreciate the lightness of things. Life can seem so beautiful on some days.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You will find a clean page on the agenda today, Scorpio. You should try to think only about yourself. This will allow you to meditate about your life and be at peace with yourself.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

You will wake up today on cloud nine, Sagittarius. Your morale is at a peak. You will feel totally free and be able to clearly perceive the essentials of life.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The

The astral energy will have you reminiscing all day long over childhood memories, Capricorn. These memories will take you to the houses and places where you were raised.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You love interacting with people others might consider eccentric. You can't help it. You're simply attracted to them. You will probably encounter one of these people today, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You have always tried to build up your health using traditional methods, and you take great care of yourself.

Match #7 saw Raheem Peters (RHJ) emerging victorious against Jones Jackson, claiming the win based on the judge’s scorecard. Seon Albert and Shaquan James on the other hand, dominated their opponents, Clinton Jackson (P&P) and Garfield Hyman (VBG) respectively, securing victories for their respective gyms in a delightful manner. James eventually won the contest; one minute and fifty-nine seconds into the third round, while Joel Hinds of VBG defeated Kenion Hamilton (RHJ) by way of a split-decision.

Meanwhile, in the lone female bout between Ongelia Rogers and Tifina Barker (P&P), the bout started off a bit slow, with both fighters carefully setting up their jabs to launch their attacks. After

From page 22 leading players have established a strong lead, they must keep their wits about them and stay focused to maintain their advantage until the end of the event.

Coming out of round 4: The Championship is still wide open, with five rounds to go. Kyle Couchman and Keron Sandiford are the two players to watch in the Championship.

The players must keep their wits about them and stay focused if they want to win the title. The reigning junior champion, Ricardo Narine, is still in contention for the title, but will need to improve his performance in the remaining rounds.

The qualifying champion, Ethan Lee, has struggled so far, but still has a chance to make a comeback.

The Guyana Chess Federation extends gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for once again providing the venue for the tournament and to the event title sponsor De Sinco Limited under their Milex brand.

the three rounds, Barker would have landed a few more body-shots on her opponent to earn a well-deserved victory. Police Boxing Gym made their first appearance at the schoolboys programme,

showcasing an excellent spar between the two gym mates Osois Prince and Chance Niles. The two young fighters put on a great show, providing an exciting close to the evening’s events.

Participants of Mike Parris Schoolboys programme gathered for group photo at the closing of the July edition.

Couchman, Sandiford...

President Ali, PM Phillips endorse Kares One Guyana T10 Blast

the championship match where the winning side will be rewarded $200,000, which will be donated to a charityoftheirchoice.

The celebrity match could feature President Ali, former national and international cricketers, entertainers, sponsors, media members, athletes, former and current Ministers, and other influential persons in Guyana.

Theorganisersreminded that players will not only walkawaywiththeirpockets filled as there will be numerous instant prizes for the fans who participate in cricketnoveltyactivities.

09:00h 1. EcclesAll Stars v Hero Riders – Queen’s College Ground 2. Ministry of Human Services and Social Security v Bartica Bulls – Queen’s College

Ground 3.AvinashAll-Stars vPBContractors–YMCA4.

Continental Transport v Moruca XI – Guyana

Defence Force Ground 5. Eastsye v Airport XI –

President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Friday, met with the organisers of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, which will be played in Georgetown on July 29 and 30.

President Ali, the tournament’s patron, recommitted his support for the tournament, noting it is aneventthatwillbringmany people together from varying communities under the‘OneGuyana’banner

The President also unveiled the specially-made hand-crafted winner’s trophy Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips was also present,

and he, too, pledged his support towards the tournament.

The tournament features 32teamsdrawnfromvarious geographical locations

Preliminary matches will be staged at the Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence Force, Queen’s College

Ground, YMCA, and TransportSportsClub,while the finals will be held at the Everest Cricket Ground on July 30. To progress to the championshipmatch,ateam must win three matches on day one and their semi-final ondaytwo.

Theywillthenqualifyto competeforthefirstprizeof

$1M cash and the specially craftedOneGuyanaTrophy

The organisers are grateful for the support of Kares Engineering, who quickly committed to being the title sponsor, and Mohamed’s Enterprise, who funded the first-place prize and offset the transportation costforteamMoruca.

More so, Banks DIH, through GTBeer for fueling the weekend, Star Rentals, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc , ENet, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, V-Net Communications, Trophy Stall, Premier Insurance, Cricket Zone USA, Beacon

Café,ContinentalTransport, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports

Commission, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Jacobs Jewelry & Pawn Shop, First Change Builder Inc. Impressions Inc. and SickoMode.

Thefirst-everchampions will pocket $1M, while the losing finalist will collect $300,000.

The two losing semifinalistswillwalkawaywith $100,000each.

There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.

Additionally, there will be a celebrity match before

At the same time, the children will be pampered with free rides, games, and treats in the Banks DIH Fun Zone.

There was a change in fixturestoaccommodatethe usage of normal mud pitches, as unanimously requested by participating teams.Roundof16matches commences at 13:30h at all five venues, while Super Eightmatchesstartat16:00h andwillbeatQC,Policeand Guyana Defence Grounds only The semi-finals and finalareonJuly30atEverest CricketGround.

Roundof32fixtures: Matches starting at

Former Guyana U-15 spinner Ramesh grabs five wickets for Schenectady Jaguars

Former Guyana under15left-armorthodoxspinner Gaurav Ramesh grabbed five wickets for 13 runs to lead Schenectady Jaguars to ahandsome85-runwinover Upstate Eleven last Saturday when action continued in the 2023 Capital District Cricket A

0 competitioncontinued. Playing at New York Oval, Ramesh delivered three overs to help his team

stranded at 64-8 when the 20-oversranout.

SchenectadyJaguarshad earlier won the toss and talliedupaformidable149-8 from the allotment of 20overs.

n l y o p e n e r

Ghazi offered a token of resistance for the losing combination with 22

fours and a six from 49 balls while he got contributions from Captain Kumar Joseph a n d T e r r e n c e Madramotto with 25 and 21 respectively. S e a m e r N a v e e d Ahmed Nooristani snatched 4-31 from his maximum four overs to be Upstate Eleven leading bowler on a responsive pitch

His skipper and quickie Nisarullah Ghazi

took 3-39 from four expensive overs to be in the wicket-column The 11-team roundrobin competition is slated to continue this Saturday with a series of matches.

Schenectady Jaguars will clash with Albany

Highlanders Cricket Club at Grout Park facility while Upstate Eleven and Jet Albany will do battle at New York Oval.

Guyana Defence Force Ground 6. The United Crew v Spartan Strikers – Guyana Defence Force Ground 7. Village Rams v Young Steppaz – Transport Sports Club8.MinistryofHousing & Water v Central Stars –PoliceSportsClub Matches starting at 11:00h9.

Ariel XI v Movements

Family – Queen’s College

Ground 10. Big B’s Blairmont Blazers v MS 13 XI – Queen’s College Ground11.TeamCorruption v Upsetters – YMCA 12.

Guyana Power & Light v

Laluni – Guyana Defence Force Ground 13. 1Name Brand v Storm Chasers –GuyanaDefenceGround14. TarmacTitansvECExpress – Transport Sports Club 15.

Diamond Gunners v Region ThreePolice–PoliceSports Club 16. Avery Lounge v VNet Vipers – Police Sports Club

Gaurav Ramesh

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips along with organisers Yusuf Ali (far left) andAkeem Greene (far right) at the Office of the President on Friday. (Photo: President. Dr. Irfaan Ali)

Milex National Junior Chess Championship 2023…

Couchman, Sandiford take the lead

While it is still far too early in the tournament to determine whether the Junior Champion will be abletoholdontohistitleor haveittakenawaybyanyof themanyskilledcontenders, Kyle Couchman and Keron Sandiford are off to a brilliant start, leading the tournament after four rounds.

The Milex-sponsored National Tournament is a round-robin event with ten players vying for the title of National Junior Champion. The time control is 90 minutes with 30-second increments.Gameswillplay between July 14th and 19th at the Guyana National Stadium,Providence.

Couchman, a student of Queen’s College, has won three of his four matches, defeating qualifying

champion Ethan Lee, Alexander Zhang, and defending champion RicardoNarine.Hedrewhis match with Oluwadare Oyeyipo.

Couchman’s signature Ruy Lopez did not fail him when he faced Oyeyipo in round 3 as neither young man allowed the other any chancetogainanadvantage. As is typical with such an opening when played well, thegameendedinadrawby agreement when both players surmised that they saw no advantage to be gained from the equally matchedendposition.

Couchman went on to play white against the defending champion who conceded defeat and resignedaftermove26.

Sandifordstartedtheday with1.5pointsashewentto

face Alexander Zhang. Zhang fought valiantly but wasdefeatedintheend. Sandiford then came up againstqualifyingchampion Ethan Lee. The duo had faced each other in the qualifiers, at which time the matchcametoadraw

However, Sandiford was victorious today Couchman and Sandiford are both on 3.5points.Theotherplayers

in the top five are Matthew Singh on 3 points, Oyeyipo on2.5points,andRonanLee on2points.

The reigning junior champion Ricardo Narine and qualifying champion Ethan Lee are on 1.5 points. Alexander Zhang has 1 point, and Kishan Puran is yettoearnapoint.

Theplayershaveamuchneeded and well-earned rest

day yesterday before they return to the board today

With five rounds to go, the championship is still wide open.Goingintoroundfive, both the reigning junior champion and qualifying champion are down on points, but can still make a comeback if the leading playersarenotcarefulinthe remainingfiverounds.

Sandiford is a seasoned

competitor with many years of experience and trophies under his belt but may risk being surpassed by up-andcoming Couchman who has displayed solid and consistent prowess in the game.

With five rounds to go, there is still room for surprises on who will take homethetitle.Whilethe

(Continuedonpage19)

AAG accusing Hutson of deliberately accusing stymieing investigation

The transfer of documents was initially scheduled to be completed byJuly8,2023.

The AAG emphasised that a Board of Inquiry was establishedtoinvestigatethe mismanagement of the Association from 2013 to 2023.

TheAAGalsonotedthat Hutson had refused to surrender the chequebooks, claiming that the 2nd Vice President had signed off on allblankcheques,althoughit is known that Hutson and PaulArthurweretheprimary signatoriestotheaccount.

Audit are concluded, the Association would have a clear understanding of its financial position and the pathforward.

Meanwhile, due to the lackoffinances,Guyanawill not participate in this year’s S o u t h A m e r i c a n ChampionshipinSãoPaulo, Brazil.

National Senior Track and FieldChampionship,butthis is contingent on the completion of the surface relaying at the National TrackandFieldCentre.

Alternatively, the AAG stated that the National Stadium at Providence wouldbeused.

ByRawleToney

T h e A t h l e t i c s Association of Guyana (AAG) is accusing their suspendedpresident,Aubrey Hutson, of deliberately attempting to stymie the advancement of Track and FieldinGuyana. Respondingtoaseriesof questions asked by Kaieteur News,theAAGwasbluntin their response, pointing to the slothfulness of Hutson’s cooperation with the h a n d i n g o v e r a n

investigation of the Associationunderhistenure.

In April, the AAG’s Executive Council unanimously voted to suspendHutsonasPresident forthreemonths,pendingan independentinvestigation.

The AAG stated that d e p e n d i n g o n t h e investigation’s findings, a special Annual General Meetingwouldbeconvened toelectanewPresident. Hutson’s suspension followed a series of

embarrassing incidents, primarily involving the Guyana team at the 50th edition of the prestigious CARIFTAGamesinNassau, Bahamas.

Since then, theAAG has engaged a Chartered Accountantfirmtoconducta Forensic Audit of its Finances However, the AAG informed Kaieteur News that the Audit has stalled due to Hutson’s alleged refusal to hand over allFinancialRecords.

Despite the absence of chequebooks and Financial Records, the Executive Council of the AAG continued to strive towards ensuring that all planned calendar meets and championships were conductedonschedule.

Stakeholders came forward and made significant pledges which alleviated the impact of the financialconstraintsthusfar

The AAG expressed confidence that once the Board of Inquiry and the

In the previous championship in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Guyana won five medals, including a silver in the men’s 100m (Emanuel Archibald), bronze in the women’s 100m (Jasmine Abrams), bronze in the women’s 800m (Andrea Foster), bronze in the women’s 100m hurdles (Jenea McCammon), and bronzeinthemen’s4x100m relay The AAG explained that without knowledge of the financial status and with the exhaustion of funds collected as donations from stakeholders, they were unable to support Guyana’s participation in the South AmericanChampionship.

The AAG’s technical committee proposed August 11-13 as the dates for the

The AAG’s Executive Council is resolute in its commitmenttoensuringthat the sport of Track and Field in Guyana progresses despitethechallenges.

Despite the difficulties, the AAG stated that they continue to hold their monthly meetings as requiredbytheirstatutes.

They highlighted their athletes’ participation in the U20 championships in Bogota,Colombia,theCAC games in El Salvador, and theCaricom10kRoadRace.

T h e A A G a l s o m e n t i o n e d t h a t communication has significantly improved, with coaches and stakeholders being better informed about events, training seminars, and other relevant information.

Keron Sandiford and Alexander Zhang during their battle.

Flashback! Noelex Holder, Akeem Stewart, Jeremy Boscombe and Emanuel Archibald after finishing third at the South American Championship. Guyana will not be present at the event this year in Brazil

Digicel Schools Football Championship… Dolphin, Excelsior to battle for Georgetown title

On Wednesday, July 19, another Regional Champion will be crowned when the eighth edition of the Digicel S c h o o l s F o o t b a l l Championship continues with the culmination of Region Four (Georgetown) at the Ministry of Education (MoE)Ground.

Dolphin Secondary and Excelsior Academy are pitted in the finale of the Georgetown zone, which will take place at 17:30 hrs, inthedouble-headerthathas West Ruimveldt going up against Charlestown in the third place showdown at 16:00hrs.

On Saturday, the semifinal round unfolded at the same venue, where Dolphin squeezed past West Ruimveldt 2 – 1 while Excelsior prevailed 4 – 2 on

penalty kicks against Charlestown, after the sides were tied at 1 – 1 when the regulationwhistlesounded.

In the opening match, Dolphin assumed the lead after 14 minutes of play, compliments of Gerry Burnette; a slim lead that lasted the entire first half. However, five minutes into the second half, Elijah Marcus leveled the scores when he found the back of thenetforWestRuimveldt.

But,Dolphinwerenotto be denied as Burnette completedabraceinthe61st minutetoonceagaingivehis sidetheupperhand.

Theothersemiwasalsoa closely contested battle as Excelsiordrewfirstbloodin thesecondminute.Thatlead also lasted until the second half as Tyler Lyle mimicked

the opening match to equalizeinthe50thminute.

That goal was well defended too since Excelsior’s forward, Antonio McArthur, was dealt a red card in the 72nd minute, leaving his side to fendofftheoppositionwitha 10-man battalion The penalty shootout was where the eventual winners held theirnervetosealthedeal4–2.

In the other Georgetown matches on Saturday’s card, Tucville dismantled St Winifred’s7–2andRichard Ishmael gained a walkover from Tutorial, both at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Ground. At the MoE venue, North Ruimveldt trouncedNewCampbellville 7 – 0 while East Ruimveldt sank North Georgetown 6 –

TTCB wins legal battle with former players, administrators

Sports Max - Daren

G a n g a , D i n a n a t h

Ramnarine, and a group of other cricket administrators were dealt a major blow on Tuesday when the Trinidad and Tobago High Court ordered them to pay over TT$1milliontotheTrinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB).

The administrators had been challenging the TTCB’s constitution, arguing that it was unfair to incumbent officers They specifically took issue with the fact that incumbent officersstartwith12votesin the election of executive officers, giving them a significant advantage over challengers However,theHigh Court ruled that the administrators’argumentswere “fundamentally flawed” and that the TTCB’s constitution was“notunfair”Thecourtalso ordered the administrators to pay the TTCB’s legal costs, whichamountedtooverTT$1

million

The defeat is a major s e t b a c k f o r t h e administrators, who have been battling the TTCB for manyyears Itisalsoavictory fortheTTCB,whichhasbeen underfireforitsgovernancein recent years The

administrators have said that they will appeal the decision, butitisuncleariftheywillbe successful The High Court’s

0. Meanwhile, this season’s Regional Champions are Santa Rosa (Region 1), Charity(Region2),Leonora (Region 3), Region 4 (East Coast) – Buxton, Region 4 (East Bank) – Soesdyke, Mahaicony TI (Region 5), BEI (Region 6), Kato (Region 8), St Ignatius (Region 9) and Mackenzie High(Region10).

After Georgetown’s champion is crowned, the focus will shift to Region Seven,whereBarticaandthe KFC Goodwill Champion, D C Fox (Waramadong), collide on July 27 to decide theRegionalChampion.

This edition of the tournament is organised by thePetraOrganisation.

rulingisamajorvictoryforthe TTCB,anditislikelytodeter otherchallengestotheboard’s constitution

Thedefeatisalsoablow to Ganga and Ramnarine, who are both former West Indies cricketers. They had hopedtousetheirexperience and influence to reform the TTCB, but the High Court’s ruling has made that task muchmoredifficult.

Gerry Burnette

TTCB President Azim Bassarath

Britton and Barker shine at latest Mike Parris U16 Boxing programme

President Dr. IrfaanAli, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips display the winning trophy along with organisers YusufAli (far left) andAkeem Greene (far right) at the Office of the President on Friday (Photo: President. Dr. IrfaanAli)

Tifina Barker (left) in action, keeping Rogers at bay with her swift left-jab.

Spain’s CarlosAlcaraz celebrates with the trophy after winning his final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. (REUTERS/ Toby Melville)