Kaieteur News

Dutch, Japanese companies in battle to build Guyana's largest, most expensive oil ship

Floater heavyweights

Dutch, SBM Offshore and Japanese, Mitsui O c e a n D e v e l o p m e n t & Engineering Company (MODEC) areexpectedtoengageinanewprefront end engineering and design race to supply US supermajor ExxonMobil with the seventh floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) for the prolific StabroekblockoffshoreGuyana.

This is according to Upstream Online,aleadingglobaloil,gasand energynewsresource.

The media entity reported that ExxonMobil has already greenlighted five projects to produce massive recoverable resources of 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent inStabroek.

Two floaters the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity — are already producing close to 400,000 barrels per day of oil from the giant Liza field. The Prosperity FPSO is set to enter operation later this year in the Payara field, to be followed by the One Guyana FPSO in the Yellowtail field in 2025 and the Errea Wittu FPSO in the Uaru field

in2026.

Netherlands-based SBM is responsible for the first four floaters, while Japan's Modec is in charge of building the unit that will be installed at Uaru. ExxonMobil has selected SBM to supply the FPSO that will produce from Whiptail, the sixth development at Stabroek, but a final investment decision is only expected to take placebytheendoftheyear

Over the past few months, ExxonMobil and project partners Hess and CNOOC International have been conducting appraisal work near the Fangtooth-1 discovery in an attempt to gather more data from the area, with rumours suggesting the find will be the seventh development in Guyana.

“I am hearing it will probably be a new pre-FEED competition between SBM and Modec but there is nothing set in stone yet,” one floater source told Upstream “There is the normal engagement these days but nothing too specific oradvanced.

I imagine it will warm up

towards the end of the year, when and if they confirm the seventh FPSOisago.”

Besidesdefiningthelocationof the unit, ExxonMobil is also working on project specifications with sources suggesting the FPSO could be as big as recent floaters ordered for Stabroek, such as the onesforYellowtailandUaru.

The Errea Wittu FPSO will be thelargestunittoenteroperationin Guyana and will feature a p r o c e s s i n g capacity of 250,000 bpd

and 540 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. Another source recalled that SBM and Modec competed for similar pre-FEED studies when ExxonMobil was making plans to contract its fifth Guyana FPSO before the deal signedwiththeJapanesecompany.

On top of running appraisal

h-1, ExxonMobil earlier this year made a nearby discovery called Lancetfish-1, which could result in

a joint development Both Fangtooh-1 and Lancetfish-1 were drilled to deeper horizons than previous probes in Stabroek and proved the existence of hydrocarbons at Campanian and Santonian-agedreservoirs,opening up a new frontier in the licence. Additional exploration work is planned around the Fangtooth-1 discovery in the second half, including drilling of the Basher-1 andLanternfish-1prospects.

Bank of Guyana issued $1.2B in coins during first quarter –Report

Bank of Guyana recently revealed that many individuals and businesses are still using coins, so much so that it issued $1.2B worth of the metal currency during thefirstquarterof2023.

In its report, the financial sector regulator said coins issued during that period amounted to $1,235 million, an increase of 2.5 percent above the $1,205 million issued for the corresponding periodin2022.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the share of the $1 coin accounted for 14.3 percent, the $10 coin was 45.2 percent of the total value of coins in circulation and was 7 5 percentage points more than that of the $5 coin which was 37.7 percent. The $100 coin also accounted for 2.8 percent of thetotalcoinsincirculation.

With respect to the total value of currency notes in circulation (including notes held in the vaults of commercial banks), at the end of the first quarter of 2023, Central Bank said this amounted to $211.4 billion, an increase of 20.1 percent when compared with a circulation of G$176 0 billion in the first quarter of

2022.

Central Bank's report said the G$5,000 note accountedfor89.3percentin the share of total value while that of the $2,000 notes accounted for 1.3 percent.

The financial regulator said theshareoftheG$1,000note decreased to 6 7 percent from 7.6 percent while that oftheG$500notesdecreased to 0 9 percent from 1 0 percent.

Additionally,theshareof the G$100 increased to 1.1 percent from 1 0 percent while that of the $50 fell to 0.2 percent from 0.3 percent.

As for the $20, this remained

at0.5percent. The bank also said that the policy of ensuring that onlyacceptablequalitynotes are in circulation continued.

It said this was achieved through regular withdrawals of mutilated, defaced or otherwise poor-quality notes and replacing them with new notes The financial institution said mutilated, defaced and poor-quality notes amounting to G$217 million were submitted for replacement in the first quarter of 2023 compared with G$225.9 million for the corresponding period in 2022.

An FPSO offshore Guyana

‘Court revoking approval of Gas-to-Energy Permit a waste of time’

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the operator of the Stabroek Block that was awarded a Permit by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to construct the 12-inch gas pipeline has told the High Court that revoking the authorisation would be a waste of time and resources.

The Permit granted to the operator and subsidiary of oil giant ExxonMobil was challenged by two citizens, Elizabeth Hughes and Vanda Radzik who argue that the company failed to prove ownership for the lands through which the pipeline passes, contrary to the Environmental Protection Act.

EEPGL, commonly referred to as ExxonMobil Guyana, in its defence application filed in the Court on July 13, 2023 said that the basis of the application is misconceived. Further, the company argued that the applicants have no locus

standi or lack sufficient interest as required by Section 4(1) of the Judicial Review Act and Rule 56.01(4)oftheCPR.

According to the company, “The grant of the reliefs sought is in any event discretionary. The land acquisition process for the Project has been completed, andtorequirethequashingof the Permit, and its reapplication,incircumstances in which it would almost automatically be reissued would be a waste of public timeandresources.”

Radzik and Hughes contend that ExxonMobil in itsapplication,datedJune24, 2021 includes details of the project site, the proposed route of the pipeline and the areas to be used and affected by the project, which includes residential properties, commercial properties and state-owned properties. Be that as it may, the application did not include or provide any proof ofownership,aleaseorother agreement with the land

ownersofthesaidarea.

Notwithstanding, the EPA granted EEPGL a Permit to undertake the project on November 25, 2022. Subsequently, the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill in January 2023 passed various orders to acquire lands for the purpose oftheproject,pursuanttothe Acquisition of Lands for PublicPurposesAct,Chapter 6 2 : 0 5 R e g u l a t i o n

Regulations provides: “An a p p l i c a t i o n f o r a n e n v i r o n m e n t a l authorization…shall contain t h e f o l l o w i n g information…(c) proof that the applicant either owns the facilityorhasaleaseorother agreement with the landowner or occupier to enable the applicant to conduct the activity on the facility or has legal rights or abilityto conductthe activity without the consent of the

landowneroroccupier.”

Exxon has told the High Court that the applicants are “mere busy bodies” and that the company is unaware of anyproceedingsinstitutedby any landowner or occupier to challenge the acquisition by the Government of Guyana of the former private lands fortheproject.

The oil company said, “The Applicants having assertednorightorinterestin the land subject of which the environmental permit was granted and having failed to show that they, or indeed any other person, have been adversely affected by an alleged breach of Regulator 7(2)(C)(ii), I am advised by the Second Respondent's Attorneys-at-Law and verily believe that the Applicants have not established locus standi or a sufficient interest tobringtheseproceedings...”

Exxonfurtherarguedthat the applicants have failed to establish that the reliefs beingsoughtarejustifiablein the public interest as is required by Section 4(1 )(b)

of the Judicial Review Act, 2010. On March 27, 2023, two citizens filed a legal proceeding in the High Court, challenging the Environmental Permit granted to ExxonMobil for the pipeline component of theGTEproject.The12-inch pipeline, some 225 kilometers will be used to transport gas from the Liza One and Two fields in the Stabroek Block to the Wales Development site, West BankDemerara. Through their lawyers, MelindaJanki,AbiolaWongInniss, and Joel Ross, the citizens are seeking an Order of Certiorari to quash the decision made by the EPA to award an Environmental Permit to ExxonMobil Guyana to undertake the GTEprojectactivities,onthe grounds inter alia that the decision was in breach of the p r o v i s i o n s o f t h e Environmental Protection Act (Cap. 20:05), and more p a r t i c u l a r l y , t h e Environmental Protection (Authorisation)Regulations.

Exxon contractors operating in Guyana post soaring profits ...say international strength is led by the Latin America, Middle-East

The Big three oilfield s e r v i c e s ( O F S ) companies all of which are operating here: Baker Hughes (NASDAQ:BKR), Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) and Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB) are set to post a combined second-quarter adjusted profit of US$2 04 billion, compared with US$1.27 billion in the year-ago quarter, thanks to robust demand for their services as well as a surge in offshore oil and gasdrilling.

"International strength is led by theMiddle-EastandLatinAmerica and is powered by a multi-year pushtogrowoilandgasproduction capacity, near-term OPEC+ cuts notwithstanding," BofA analysts saidthismonth."(OFS)Companies with International/equipment exposure have strong visibility to multi-year volume growth and orders," TD Cowen analysts said earlierthismonth.

Norwegian energy intelligence firm, Rystad Energy, has predicted that offshore oil production will surge 35% in the current decade. According to Rystad, offshore production will jump to 3.3 billion barrels per year by the turn of the decade from 2.5 billion in 2021.

Surging offshore production in Brazil has significantly improved the utilization of shuttle tankers, with activity soaring by 55% from 695 million barrels in 2013 to 1.07

billion in 2021.Afurther increase of 72% is forecast by the end of 2030, when total volumes handled by shuttle tankers in the country will hit1.84billionbarrels.

"Thereisaneedforanewinflux of shuttle tankers to meet the increasing demand and replace someoftheagingcapacitythatwill betakenoutofservice.

Crude oil extraction will continue for many years to come and, given the robust economics andcompetitivenessoftheoffshore industry, new investments in offshore production are likely to continuebuilding,ensuringabright future lies ahead for the shuttle tanker industry," says Oddmund Føre, senior vice president of energy service research with RystadEnergy

Hardly surprisingly, OFS stocks are soaring: the sector's popular benchmark, VanEck Oil Services ETF (OIH), has returned 14 3% in the year-to-date compared to -3.7% return by the energy sector's Energy Select SectorSPDRFund(XLE).

Meanwhile, OilPrice com reported that Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) reported on Wednesday second-quarter earnings beat analyst expectations asstrongglobalupstreamactivities and the return of offshore drilling more than offset a recent market

softness in North America. Baker Hughes, one of the three biggest energy service providers in the world, reported adjusted diluted earnings of US$0.39 per share for thesecondquarter

The earnings beat the analyst consensus estimate of US$0.33 per share compiled by The Wall Street Journal.

Orders and revenues both jumped by double digits compared to the same period of last year Baker Hughes's orders surged by 28% year-over-year to US$7 5 billion, while revenue jumped by 25% year-over-year to US$6 3 billion for the second quarter Despite lower oil prices in the first half of 2023, Baker Hughes remains optimistic on the outlook for this year and maintains a constructive outlook for global upstream spending in 2023, Baker Hughes chairman and CEO LorenzoSimonellisaid.

Subsea and surface pressure systems orders boomed in the second quarter, as offshore activities and exploration are accelerating.

Theworld'stopoilfieldservices provider, SLB, said last month that offshore is the fastest-growing market globally “Offshore is experiencing a renaissance, with significant breadth and anticipated

durability,” SLB's chief executive Olivier Le Peuch said at the J.P Morgan Energy, Power & Renewables Conference 2023 Baker Hughes is optimistic about offshore drilling and exploration, too, but it flagged today “market softness in North America,” which itexpectstobe“morethanoffsetby strength in international and offshore markets.” For its part, Halliburton (NYSE: HAL), the

world's top fracking services provider, also signaled a weaker North American market despite its earnings beating analyst estimates. Total revenues at Halliburton increased by 14% year-on-year to US$5 8 billion in the second quarter However, revenues from North American operations dropped by 2% compared to the first quarter, to US$2.7 billion. (OILPrice.com)

...EPA would almost automatically grant second authorisation - Exxon says

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

GUYANA’S NEW PSA: IF NO RING FENCING, PCG, WINDFALLTAXES - IT IS

WRITTEN ON WHEN SECRECY IS THE STATUS QUO

The PPP/C Government had several choices when it returnedtooffice.Thefirstwaswhethertobeaboutsecrecy orstraighttalk.Thesecondwaswhatisbest:secrecyorgive theGuyanesepeoplesomesubstancesthatwouldbeproof positivethattheirgovernment,leaders,ministersaredoing their best to deliver the best that evidence frankness, cleanness. The third option was this: stay with chronic secrecy, and then move powerfully and vigorously to shut up and shutdown those who stand up and cry: why the secrecy?

In eachof thechoicesthatthePPP/C Governmentand itsleadershipcabalfaced,thedecisionwasthatsecrecybest serves the ambitions and manipulations of those with a certain kind of governance in their minds. They had a specialkindoffeelingintheirpockets.Whenpressedabout the secrecies of his government, the record accumulated under his watch, the President insists that he is about transparency,andthatitrulesthedayinGuyana.Wepitythe President, for the record of his government is his record, evenifhemeansdifferentandbetter,evenifhisownhands areunsulliedbydarksecretsanddarkerdeeds.Asidefrom theusualpolitics,wethinkthatthePresidenthasaccounted wellforhimself,thistimearound.

Whatisnotsoappealingisthesecrecyprovisioninthe newproposedoillawthatlocksExxonMobil’sexpensesin adungeonthatisdeeper,moretightlysealedthanAmerica’s Fort Knox, where the gold reserves are kept. When something as routine as oil project expenses are locked in secrecyas(tobe)mandatedbylaw,thenthatcanneverbeto thebenefitofGuyanese.

What does ExxonMobil want to hide, and why would Mr Alistair Routledge, the noble man that he is wants to hide expenses behind impenetrable veils of secrecy?Why would any Government of Guyana, any President, any leader in charge of this national patrimony, ever think up, dreamup,andthensendupsuchaprovisioninaproposed lawtoparliamentforpassage,forsomethingasroutine,but ascostlyasbillionsinexpenses?

GuyanesehaveseenthesamethingwiththeOilFund. We say it again: there is legal provision to deal with those whospeakoutaboutwrongdoingwiththepeople’smoney, but there is none for those who actually steal the money, mismanage the fund, and make themselves into multimillionaires. Why is there such a determination for secrecy that potential whistleblowers are given advance warning: hold peace, don’t say a word about what is seen, known about malfeasances with money from the oil patrimony? There can be no good intentions when things likethesecomefromagovernment,whenapresidentsees nothingaboutwhichheshouldbeconcerned.

Even before the PPP/C Government’s protective arrangementsembeddedintheOilFund,therewassecrecy withthedisposition(giveaways)oftwooilblocks. Yet,the governmenthadthebrassfacetodefendwhathappenedby saying that no law was broken. When the provisions that would protect citizens, or expose elected scoundrels, are leftoutoflaws,thensuchbald-facedclaimscanbecasually made. Now,theproposednewlawleavesthedispositionof precious oil blocks in ministerial hands, and something aboutcabinetoversight,asifthatgivesanycomfort. What selectionprocesswouldbeusedtoawardoilblocks? Who wouldbetherecipientscomingouthighandhandsome,and whotoointhePPP/CGovernmentlikelybehindthem?

Whenpotentialinvestorsfromallaroundtheworldlook athowgovernmentandleaderssetthingsup,withsecrecy andotherloopholes,theyareoverjoyed.

For they believe that they can do business with Guyanese politicians under the name of investment, and everybody would be happy They salivate when the expenses they can claim are hidden from the people who havetopaythem,Guyanese. Secrecybuiltintoouroillaws makes such possibilities enticing and irresistible. At the endofitall,theGuyanesepeople,ownersandshareholders of the nation wealth lose, and lose big. Secrecy is a barefaced government holdup, secrecy is now a PPP/C Governmentspecialty,secrecyisaPPP/Cregimeweakness andsickness.

NOT WORTH THE PAPER

DEAREDITOR,

I write with reference to an article titled, “How companies can win in the upcoming oil auctions in Guyana” by Arthur Deakin in the Guyana Chronicle datedMay2,2023.

I have converted Deakin’s comparison table ofOldPSAandNewPSAto barrels of crude. Every item is denominated in barrels of crude out of every hundred barrels.

Isummarizeasfollows:

(1) Govt of Guyana’s take:OldPSAvsNewPSAis 14.5barrelsvs28.25barrels. Thisisanalmostdoublingof Guyana’stake.

(2) According to the G u y a n a R e v e n u e AuthorityCommissioner, Godfrey Statia, royalty is paid out of Oil Companies’ (OC’s) share of profits. Oil Companies’ net take in Old PSA is 10.5 barrels vs 6.75 barrels in New PSA. [Profit Share 17.5 minus 10 barrels for Royalty minus 0.75 barrelsinprofits’tax(taxrate of 10%). How can anyone argue with this? GoG’s take goes up from 14.5 to 28.25 barrelsoutofevery100.This is great. However, there are twocaveats:

· Does the new PSA come with Ring Fencing?

Arthur Deakin made no mention of Ring Fencing in his article. Once a project begins, the total CAPEX (capital and estimated Operating Cost) must be reported to GoG. There can benoadd-onsofCAPEXfor other wells/projects (No commingling of CAPEXes from other projects).Absent Ring Fencing and the new PSAisnotworththepaperit iswrittenon.

New PSAs made no mention of Windfall Gains

If the world market price shouldgoabovesay,$75,for a sustained period of 3months,GoGshouldsharein the Windfall profits in the proportion75:25(75%ofthe windfall to GoG, 25% to OCs). Guyana is the owner of the resource. Guyana has an inherited right to share in any Windfall gains. OCs havedonenothingtodeserve the whole of the Windfall gains, said the president of theUnitedStates,JoeBiden. AndtheUKgovernmenthas levied taxes on the Windfall Gains of Oil Companies in the UK. Is it not reasonable forGoGtoshareinWindfall Gains?

L o o k i n g a t t h e comparison of oil companies’take: 10.5 in old PSA vs 6.75 in New PSA, these numbers only serve to highlight what a sweetheart deal Exxon got on the old PSA New companies coming in to bid in the auctiononnewoilblocksare bound to feel envious of Exxon’s sweetheart deal This in itself makes for a compelling argument for renegotiating Exxon’s PSA on the Stabroek block to make it a little bit more equitable with new PSA, to make it more appealing to, not driving away, new investors/bidders in new oil blocks. On the royalty item alone, comparing the old PSA (2%) with Suriname’s PSA (6 25%) Guyana is losing/foregoing $35 billion on11billionbarrelsofcrude. [11 billion barrels times 4.25% times average price

$75=$35billion].Guyanais a small country of 750,000 people, Sovereign and Independent, there is absolutely no reason why it c a n n o t d e m a n d Renegotiation with Exxon. Thirty-five billion dollars is too much money to cede to Exxon.Theoilcontractdoes provide for re-negotiation. Exxon came to Guyana and found a racially-divided country and they found something else – pliable leaders on both sides of the divide.

Arthur Deakin’s article promoting the new PSA makes no mention of PCG, Parent Company Guarantee. Who picks up the tab in the event of a major oil spill? This is a pivotal issue that must be covered in any new PSA One question for Deakin. oil companies’ net take in the new PSAis 6.75 barrels out of every 100

barrels. (These numbers are extrapolated from Deakin’s table. Godfrey Statia’s dictum: Royalty is paid out of OC’s profit share) Something is hidden here. It is hard to believe that OCs would invest in oil drilling for a paltry 6.75 barrels out of every 100. The answer to this question makes the argument for a comanagement Board that must include directors from the GoG. No requisition for equipment and supplies can be approved without GoG’s consideration GoG’s customs officers must be present on the Drill Ships to monitor and record how many barrels are extracted everyhour/dayinrealtime.

Maybe Arthur Deakin has seen the new PSA. Do the Guyanese people have accesstothenewPSA?

Yourstruly, MikePersaud

“geopolitics” Professor Narayan Persaud?

DEAREDITOR,

A rather pitiful response astowhetherPresidentAli’s numerous overseas trips can benefit Guyana was penned by no other than a professor but the mere fact that he did not name the institution where he teaches is no surprise. In my letter, titled: “This government cannot be trusted”,Imentionedthatthe President trips to several countries have cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars, but they yield very little results to compensate for the enormous costs. The professor was not only criticalofmyletterbutinhis response, he said: “Anyone knowledgeable about geopolitics is astutely aware that international travel is extremely essential in e s t a b l i s h i n g a n d formalizing relationships with other heads of state.

WhatSuch travels, especially by President Irfan, is crucial if Guyana, a micro-state, and former colony, is to be integrated into the competitive arena of global economicrelations.”

The professor ’s statement is hogwash. What geopolitics is he talking about? To my knowledge, President Ali was not involved in any geopolitics discussion with heads of states The learned or unlearnedprofessoroughtto knowthatinallthepresident trips, his primary focus was on climate change, food security, renewable sources of energy etc And the countries he visited are Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, all of which are undemocratic and has not held national elections.Theprimaryfocus of the leaders of those

countries is not geopolitics but how to suppress their populations and hold on to power For example, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, people are regularly physically abused by the religious police for any minor dress code infraction, not to mention frequent beheadings!

The mere fact that Professor Narayan Persaud sees nothing wrong in the spending of such huge sums of Guyanese dollars on overseas trips without any tangible benefits, and worse yet, does not know what the meaning of the terms ‘chief honcho and de facto’shows thatheisanuttyprofessorin fool’sparadise.Godhelpthe students he teaches and the institutionthatemployshim.

Yourstruly,

DEAREDITOR,

The exploration and extraction of oil reserves in Guyana by ExxonMobil havesparkeddebatesonhow to strike a fair deal that benefits all stakeholders involved. In assessing the situation, it is crucial to consider ExxonMobil’s profit motives, the United States’ global welfare responsibilities, the wellbeing of the Guyanese people,andtheimperativeof globaleconomicgrowthand production.

Achieving a fair and balancedagreementrequires careful deliberation and consideration of these factors.

1. ExxonMobil’s Profit Motives:

As a business company, ExxonMobilhasalegitimate goal of making profits. It invests substantial resources in exploring and developing oil reserves, assuming financial risks and operationalcosts.

Afairdealacknowledges the company’s need to generate returns on its investments while ensuring that these profits are not excessiveorexploitative.

Negotiations should aim for a reasonable profit margin that allows ExxonMobil to sustain its operations and incentivizes further investments while safeguarding the interests of otherstakeholders.

2. United States’ Global WelfareResponsibilities:

Given the United States’ significantinfluenceandrole in global affairs, it is essential to consider the broader impact of any agreement on the world’s welfare.

As the largest consumer ofoil,theUnitedStateshasa vested interest in ensuring a stable and affordable energy supply However, this interest should not come at t h e e x p e n s e o f environmental sustainability or the well-being of other nations.

A fair deal should strive forresponsibleoilextraction practices, environmental conservation, and equitable distribution of benefits to promoteglobalwelfare.

3 Well-being of the GuyanesePeople: The people of Guyana are rightful stakeholders in theoilcontractsanddeserve to reap the benefits of their naturalresources.

A fair deal should prioritize the well-being of the Guyanese people by fosteringinclusiveeconomic growth, reducing poverty, and improving social infrastructure.

It is crucial to establish mechanisms that ensure transparency,accountability, and effective governance of oilrevenues.

I n v e s t m e n t s i n education, healthcare, and sustainable development projects can enhance the quality of life for all Guyanesecitizens.

4 Global Economic GrowthandProduction: The world’s increasing energy demands necessitate a balance between oil productionandthetransition torenewableenergysources. While acknowledging the need for sustainable development, a fair deal should also consider the importance of oil in global economicgrowth.

A gradual shift towards

renewable energy should be pursued, accompanied by investments in research and development of alternative energy sources This approach allows for a smooth transition while ensuring a reliable energy supply for the world economy

Conclusion:

Striking a fair deal with ExxonMobil regarding the oil contracts our country Guyana requires a delicate balance between profit motives, global welfare responsibilities, the wellbeing of the Guyanese people, and the imperatives of global economic growth. Negotiations should aim for a reasonable profit margin f o r E x x o n M o b i l , considering its investments and operational costs, while safeguarding the interests of otherstakeholders.

The United States, as a global leader, should prioritize responsible oil extraction practices and equitable distribution of benefits.

Additionally, the wellbeing of the Guyanese people should be prioritized through inclusive economic growth and investments in socialinfrastructure.

Finally, a fair deal must also consider the imperative of sustainable development and the gradual transition to renewable energy sources.

By addressing these concerns,afairandbalanced agreement can be reached, benefiting all parties involved.

Regards, PT Ubraj Narine, JP, COA Mayor CityofGeorgetown

DEAREDITOR,

Pleaseallowmespaceto respond to a letter by Guyana’sAmbassadortothe US, Samuel A A Hinds titled, ‘speed bumps help us to protect ourselves from ourselves”.Idon’tthinkMr Hinds grasped all the points raised in my letter I don’t think he has analyzed the advantage of speed bumps v e r s e s t h e m a n y disadvantages in Guyana’s contexts. I am not sure how long he left Guyana but to say most of the 55,000 bumps mentioned came about since the PPP/C came backintooffice.Themassive road infrastructure development is evident everywhere and most of them are riddled with speed bumps. Only today, I was in Windsor Forest, WCD and observed a street with speed bumps 60 feet apart. Mr Hinds is lucky to drive on streets in the US with speed humps (not bumps) which are 6 feet long and 4 inches high. He is lucky to encounter 3 humps in a mile and not three bumps every 120 feet. He said he can empathize with me, but showed scant regard for our hurt, property damages, economic losses, health risk and equally important, the effectiveness of our emergency services such as the Fire, Police and Ambulanceservices. Where Mr Hinds lives now have helicoptersandsophisticated

rescuecapabilities.Ifwehad those capabilities, all those lives lost in the Mahdia fire could have been saved Those two children in the Mahaicafirewouldhavehad a helicopter descending in minutesratherthanhavinga fire tender hopping several speed bumps to a building that was almost flattened whentheyarrived.Mr Hinds admittedthatformuchofthe time he headed the Ministry of Works, he was reluctant aboutinstallingspeedbumps and rightly so I rather suspectedheknewwherethe problem of recklessness on our roads originated from. Since then, the problem of corruption in the Guyana Police Force in relation to issuanceofadriver’slicence was obvious and what did Mr. Hinds who was part of governmentdidaboutit?Mr Hinds couldn’t expect his fellowGuyanese(thosewho bought their licence) to display knowledge which they didn’t acquire through our driving classes In another part of his letter he stated, “If I were to suggest onethingthathasstruckme, moving at a senior age to a developed country, it is the greater need for regulation and order, self-discipline, and responsibility in this more developed location So, I have myself been observing and learning to l e a v e e a r l i e r f o r appointments.

What has struck Mr

Hinds at this particular time arethingsIlearnedrighthere in Guyana when I went to driving classes in the late 80’s Police Instructor, SergeantAdams of Leonora Police Station taught us to plan our journey and leave early enough so you don’t have to hurry or speed. I haveoutlinedinmyletterthe greater need for new regulation to ensure only those who display c o m p e t e n c e a n d responsibility on the road to continue be in position of a driver’s licence. I will urge Mr Hindstolookbackatmy letter and place himself in my shoes going through those streets daily and witnessingharmdonetoour people.

I have made suggestions toHisExcellencyonwaysto solve this problem without harm To Mr Hinds’ colleague, Mr. Edghill, flooding our roads/streets with speed bumps will not solve Guyana’s road problemsormakeusintothe Dubai we all dream of. The last bit of information I received was that Minister Benn has several works in progress plans to stem the madness on our roads. I am anxious to learn more about themsoon.BothMr Edghill and Mr Benn need to collaborate for a successful outcomeinourcountryifwe aretogetitright.

Sincerely,

C.Woolford

Mr. Sam Hinds: speed bumps are not the answer, fixing the GPF is

Striking a fair deal with ExxonMobil: Balancing profit, welfare, and sustainable development

Guyanese too submissive to foreigners, local politicians, and others in high society

DEAREDITOR,

During the days when England’sBookercontrolled the sugar estates, a union leader at the sugar estate close to my hometown, was leading strikes against the estate’s management for more for the workers r e g u l a r l y A f t e r nationalization when the PNC controlled the sugar estatesandworkerscalledon the same union leader to fight for more for them, he said he would fight the foreigners but couldn’t go againsthisown,himbeinga pro-PNC and staunch Burnhamsupporter

Twothingscanbesaidof this union leader’s statement,beinghestoodup to foreign exploiters, but he

gave the local leaders the licence to exploit Guyanese, but today Guyanese are exploited by both foreigners and locals, yet for the most part, they continue to be too obedient and submissive to their exploiters losing themselves and Guyana in theprocess.

Theunionstodayseemto be submissive to both local andforeigncompaniesabuse ofworkersandstayingsilent on the sidelines. It’s the obedient and submissive nature of Guyanese to political parties, foreigners, andthoseinhighsocietythat has this country and its poor where they are, mind you, there is nothing wrong with being courteous and respectful to anyone, but

‘eye-pass’ must stop when one is being exploited, whether by locals or foreigners.

How do Guyanese, particularly Lindeners feel about the signboard at the bauxite mine changing from “GUYMINE-Owned and Operated by the People of Guyana” to now “BOSAI Mining Company” of China? Those who say Guyanese were better under colonial rule should know, the British studied and practised colonialism at the universitylevel.Hence,they were the best at this and the good life Guyanese enjoyed under the British was paid for by Guyana’s sugar, bauxite, and Guyanese labour Whatever infrastructure and institutionswerebuiltbythe British were more for exploiting Guyana than to benefitGuyanese.

Today’sExxoncontinues thesamepracticebyfunding small projects, supporting sports, and bringing cricket, yet how many Guyanese understand it’s a pittance from their oil that is paying for this and not Exxon? The daily garbage spewed by MPs, both leaders and juniors is so embarrassing, when it comes to important issues of Guyana is so nauseating. I can’t bear to watchandhearthem,yetthe leaders can behave like this

because of the obedient and submissive Guyanese population, I don’t know if Guyanese know what is going on or know but plays uniformed, especially the diaspora who have been educated overseas in advanced educational institutions. What else are the likes of Glenn Lall supposedtodo?

The press conferences andvillagevisitsdonebythe President and VP, which their mouthpieces applaud, seem to be designed to misinformagatheringofthe obedient and submissive, I don’tknowiftheseattendees are handpicked, but the attendees usually look on with glazed eyes, staring in awe,lifelesswhiletheVPor the President rants about opposing dissidents to the nonsense that these Guyana’s leaders call good governance.

E x a m i n i n g t h e president’spressconference, which was designed for him to dodge questions on the things he boasts about, like Guyana received an enormous amount of carbon credits,buthedidn’tsaythis was from increased flaring which is detrimental to Guyanese.

He said he is now committed to protecting Guyana’s forests, but didn’t say more large extractive companies are currently in and coming to Guyana to destroytheforests.

He said he is committed to the party manifesto and fulfillingpromisesmade,but hedidn’tsayrenegotiationof the oil contract was also an election campaign promise whichhebroke.

He said Guyana will be

providing food security to other countries, but didn’t saywhichcountrydependon Guyana for their food security He said he is making investments in healthcare but said nothing on prevention of sickness, like environmental protectionforGuyanese. He said Rome wasn’t built in a day, but he didn’t say the foreign exploiters have targeted 30 years to empty Guyana’s wealth and leave.

He boasts of investments, but didn’t say that these are fundedbyloansfromforeign banks and not taxes from foreigncompanies.

TheVPwasatCrabwood Creek with his usual rants againsttheAPNUandGlenn Lall,sayingonlymentallyill peoplecanbelieveGuyanese households can receive a million Guyana dollars monthly from Guyana’s wealth, but didn’t say the amountofmoneyExxonand others take monthly from Guyana.

Whenever an attendee raises an issue, it’s never aboutoilornaturalresources wealth and affairs, not even full cover insurance for oil spillsorflaring. It’sallabout thingslikeabagoffertilizer they didn’t get, potholes, roads, bridges, kokers, culverts, cash grants, drainage,etc.

This is what is called progress and transformation fromthisgovernment,which shows the level where Guyana is since you would never see the leaders and oil ministers of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and otheroilrichcountriesdoing thiskindofnonsense.

If the president and VP have to address these minor

issues,thenwhyboastabout gains in Local Government Elections? What’s the purposeoflocalgovernment and the RDC anyways? The VPthen urged the gathering to continue voting for his party Can the VP tell Guyanese why he wants to continue leading Guyana after all these years? Does he want to sell out every square mile of Guyana? Does he want to give away every drop of oil? Every ounce of gold and other minerals? Every ton of bauxite? Every piece of timber? Looks like the VP still wants to be in charge to finish off Guyana after the death blow was handed to Guyana by Trotman and the PNC.

Credible geopolitics experts have concluded, one oftheaspectsoftheUkraine war is that the US will become the energy supplier to replace Russia charging 3 times as Russia currently does, since the US is currently clamping down on itsdomesticproduction,then whose oil do you think will be part of this supply chain? Will Guyana be receiving 3 times for oil it is currently getting?

ThecurrentUSSecretary ofState,whoisshunnedand gets no respect from leaders worldwide, visited Guyana and was revered as a god by the leaders of both governmentandopposition. Even the foreign exploiters are surprised and bewilderedbyhoweasyitis toexploitGuyana. Theyjust throw pittance around and they get the key to the treasure chest from the leaders,whowithabowand a smile along with their o b e d i e n c e a n d submissiveness, then help the exploiters to carry the wealth away Guyanese, I repeat, there is nothing wrong with being courteous andrespectfultoanyone,but your total obedience and submissiveness to both foreign and local exploiters will only bring eye-pass to you and your country, remember the words of a famous actress, “Those who like going down on their knees will eventually not be able to stand on their feet again”, when will you Guyanese stand-up and stop this‘eye-pass’fromboththe foreignandlocalexploiters?

Yourstruly, R.David

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WHAT THE OIL DOING FOR YOU GUYANESE?

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The PPP/C Government, from leadersAli and Jagdeo to ministers make it their duty and put on a show about how much the government has done to boost the lives of citizens, and give them a taste of what being a recipient of the nation’s oil money means.

Guyanese have heard with numbing regularity about cash grants, Because We Care, pension increases, increase in the minimum wage, and more.

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To be fair, those have their merits and have made a slight difference for short periods.

But they are far from enough, get gobbled up by higher and higher prices for most of the basics of a decent living.

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It is also beyond debate that leadersAli and Jagdeo have taken good care of their friends in the private sector, and considering how much that group has benefitted, there is simply no comparison to what the ordinary citizen has received.

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One way to make this possible is through enormous budget allocations for infrastructure projects, in the transportation, education, health, and security sectors.

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It has been drummed into any Guyanese who would listen that the immense spending on infrastructure works is to prepare for the century ahead, and to improve the standards of Guyanese.

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Without saying a word about corruption, there are elements of substance to those representations.

EU -Latin America and Caribbean partnership key to solving regional and global challenges

BRUSSELS – The European Union's new investment strategy can strengthen the role of Latin America and the Caribbean asakeypartofthesolutionto regional and global challenges,includingclimate change,biodiversityandfood insecurity,IDBPresidentIlan Goldfajn said at a historic summit between the two regions, which brought together governments from the European Union and the CommunityofLatinAmerica and Caribbean States for the firsttimeineightyears.

The “New Agenda to strengthen the EU's partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean” lays out Europe's goals for reinvigorating political and economic ties. The Agenda includes boosting investment though the EU's Global Gateway program to narrow theexistinggaps.

“Latin America is now

perfectly positioned to be part of the solution to the world's biggest challenges, including climate change, food insecurity and biodiversity protection. By working closer together, the public and private sectors of Europe and of our region can make this opportunity a reality,” President Goldfajn said.

Latin America is key to the clean energy transition. Thirty percent of LAC's total energy supply is from renewable sources – double the world average – and if properly harnessed, this number could grow exponentially It is home to two-thirds of the world's lithium and 38% of its copper, both of which are critical to producing clean energy and electric vehicles, i n c l u d i n g t h o s e manufactured by European automakers. The region is also the world's top net-

- says IDB President

exporter of food, but could produce eight times more with the right reforms and investment, alleviating food insecurity

In addition, the region is home to 40% of the world's biodiversity The Amazon aloneabsorbsaquarterofthe world's carbon emissions, so protecting it is key to achieving global climate goals. For this reason, the IDB is launching the holistic umbrella program Amazonia Forever

Europe's new agenda comes as foreign direct investment in Latin America and the Caribbean is rising. Last year, it hit a record $225 billion, according to a new report from the United Nations. Europe's own direct investment in the region now surpasses its direct investment in India, China

President Ilan Goldfajn

andJapancombined.

“Thisinvestmentbenefits not only Latin America and the Caribbean, but also the European Union, at a time of many shared priorities. The IDB has been the partner of choice of Europe and European companies to scale financing and maximize impact, including through our new and innovative financial tools,” said PresidentGoldfajn.

To promote closer ties

and investment in the region, the IDB co-organized a Business Roundtable at the summit, attended by privateand public-sector leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, Brazilian President LuizInácioLuladaSilvaand CAF Executive President SergioDíaz-Granados.

While in Brussels, the

IDB delegation met with leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe, including from k e y p r i v a t e - s e c t o r companies, such as Nokia and Siemens President Goldfajn also met with heads of state from the region and with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, who has been promoting stronger, more strategictiesbetweenthetwo regions. He also met with Jutta Urpilainen, the European Commissioner for InternationalPartnerships. ThirteenEuropeanUnion countries have been members of the IDB for almost half a century They havepartneredwiththeBank on a vast array of projects, rangingfromdigitalizationto climateadaptationand (Continuned on page 9)

IDB

ABSENTEEISM AT SCHOOL

There are a great many children each day who are not attending school. When someareaskedwhytheyare not at school, they lie by claimingthattheirparentsdo nothavemoneytosendthem to school. The blame is rightlyplacedontheparents, butforthewrongreasons.

Itisnotforlackofmoney that these kids are not in school They are not attending school because either the parents do not appreciate enough the importance of an education, donotcareenoughorsimply are unconcerned about their parental obligation to send theirchildrentoschool.

No matter how difficult your circumstances, there is alwayshelpavailabletoany parent who wishes to find moneytopackalunchkitfor their kids’school. There are still a great many caring persons in this society who would jump to assist any parent who cannot afford a meal for their kid. But they arenotgoingtodosoifthey

see that parents squandering money on unnecessary thingssuchasphonecredits.

A child who faces no sanction for not attending school would eventually believe that he or she is not under any lawful duty to go to school and therefore is free to stay at home or to wander on the streets, aimlessly

Thereisaunitwithinthe MinistryofEducationthatis actively going around certain communities, with sections of the media surprisingly in tow, picking up children who are not in school during school hours. This unithas beenknown to arrestdelinquentparentsand takethemdowntotheoffice forabriefing.

But what guarantees are there that these children, after they would have been released, would consistently attend school? There are no guarantees.Theparentcould sendthechildtoschoolfora couple of days and then reverttothehabitualneglect

Dem Boys Seh...

ofthisduty

Then there are some parents and guardians who taketheirchildrenwiththem to work and have them sitting there with them all day There are many selfemployed parents who would have their school age children with them all day This is especially visible aroundthemarkets.

There are also cases where parents send their children to school and after school, the children have to sitandwaituntiltheparentis readytoleaveforhome.This happens a lot around the markets.

Any campaign to deal withthisproblem,therefore, has to begin around the markets where many school agechildrenaretobefound. But once the campaign is over, there is the additional problemofensuringthatthe children continue to attend school.

This is where the Ministry of Education should intervene. Every

People now asking fuh dem invitation

Dehusedtohadatimewhenifyuhnah get invite to an event, yuh used to swallow yuh pride and stay yuh distance. Yuh does see de host and not even mention de noninvite or de event. That was de social etiquetteofdetime.

Dem hosts used to mek sure that dem invite de crème of society De gatherings were as exclusive as a politician promise. But sometimes even some of dem close friendsusedtogetleffoffdeinvitationlist. But while it hurt dem friends, dem nah complainopenly

Of course when it comes to weddings, sometimesyuhdoeshaveagroupofpersons wahnahmekdeinvitationlistbutwhostill turnupfuhgetapeepofdebride.Evensome of de bridegroom ex-partners does turn up outoffastnessjustfuhseewahdebridelook like,wahdressshewearinghowhighareher shoeheels.

Buteventhoughtimeissaidtobelonger than twine, things are changing. Nowadays people wah nah get invite to an event does call up de host and demand dem invitation. Armed with a phone, a cheeky grin, and a completedisregardforinvitations,theynow dialuphostsasiftheywerecallingforpizza delivery

Dem nah gat no pride and self-respect; dehonlyinterestedinbeingpartoftheevent andconsortingwiththesocialites.Sowhen dem nah get invite, dem does invite themselves.Whybotherrespectingpersonal boundaries and the sanctity of guest lists when one can simply harass the host into submission? It’s all about appearances, darling,notsubstance!

De only thing dem nah gat to invite themselves to is funeral.And some of dem frightenfuneralmorethanjumbie. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

EU - Latin America and Caribbean partnership key...

Frompage8 mitigation, gender equality, water and sanitation, infrastructure, community development and trade, all aimed at promoting sustainabledevelopment. Overthepastdecade,the IDB and the EU have collaborated on regional policy dialogues, cofinanced projects and implemented 49 joint initiatives. T

includes examples such as Spain’s contribution to a water and sanitation fund that has directly benefited over 3 million people. The IDB has also partnered with the French Development Agency to jointly finance $6 3 billion in social, climate, infrastructure and digitalization projects. And Germany helped the IDB launch the Green Bond Transparency Platform, which now covers well over

three-fourths of the region’s green bond issuances. Over the past year alone, the European Commission has allocated $35.5 million in grantsforIDBprojects,from health to trade. European countries are also key contributors to the IDB’s new Amazonia Forever program, which will protect this extraordinary natural space and facilitate investment in sustainable development.

class teacher should have a registerofallthechildrenin the class. If one day a child does not turn up to school, the teacher should call the parentandfindoutaboutthe whereaboutsofthatchild.

Thechildmaybesickor may be unable to attend school for some legitimate reason. But the child may havealsoskulkedorisbeing kept away from school for someotherreason.

Most teachers, however, donotbothertoimmediately enquireabouttheabsenceof a child from school; some wait until the next day to demand an excuse while otherssimplydonotbother

There may be cases where a child leaves for school but finds himself or herself in bad company and therefore does not attend school.

The next day that child canproduceaforgedexcuse forhisorherabsence.Thisis why it is important that if a child is absent from school for one day, that the teacher makes an inquiry from the parent.

If such a rule is implemented, there is likely tobeastormofprotestsfrom teachers who will ask ‘Who willpayforthecall.’Well,if

teachers who are miserly to make an issue of something like this, that teacher should really not be teaching in the classroom or in the teaching profession.Itisnotasifthere are twenty or thirty students per class who go missing each day At most, only two orthreegomissing.

However, if the cost of thephonecallsisaproblem, then the teacher should simply prepare a list for the head teacher by 10 am each day as to which children are not in school, and that head teacher should call the parents using the school’s phone (if there is one) or delegate such responsibility tosomeoneelse.

If the cost of providing their service is a problem, giventhelimitedBudgetsof schools, the parent-teachers associations should be approached to pick up the tab. Checking on children will assist in identifying when a child has left for school but skulks from classes. It will also aid the schools in identifying those parents who are not making an effort to send their children to school. If it is found, however, that there are genuine cases in which parentssimplycannotafford

to send their children to school because they do not have anythingto put in their lunch kit, then this can be addressed by the school’s welfare division after a thoroughinvestigation.

It is therefore important that there be an ongoing campaign to ensure regular attendance by all children. This requires a key role for classteachers,sincetheyare in contact with the children and be best able to indicate whether a child is absent. There are high social costs attributable to school dropouts,andthesecostsact as a drain on critical resources which can be better deployed to improve educational standards As such,inordertoreducethese costs, it makes sense for a systemtobeputinplacethat allows for proactive monitoringoftheattendance ofchildrenatschool.

(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.)

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

GUYANA HIGH-INCOME ECONOMY

Guyana is moving up in theworld. TheiconicWorld Bank has raised Guyana from a middle income to a ‘high income’ economy, with numbers to match. In the scale that the World Bank uses, any country that has above US$13,845 per capita in Gross National Income(GNI)isonethathas earned the distinction of being classified as a “high income” economy When a super entity like the World Bank puts something like that out in public, I take off my scrimmage headgear, and bow in agreement. The Bank of Guyana is also

asserting so, with The Magnificent [Oil] Province now joining the ranks of Barbados and the Bahamas, according to the BoG’s governor It is good to see that for the first time in a longtime,theBoGgovernor isonthesideofangels. For good measure, I throw in that Guyana is now thought ofinthesame‘highincome’ manner when the US, the UK,andtheUAE,arepartof theconversation.

Now that everybody is onthesamepage,whatdoes this elevation to a ‘high income’mean? Wheredoes it leave the little citizen,

peoplelikeme,nowthatwe have progressed from ‘middle income to ‘high income’? Regrets are in orderbecauseIhavetoprick the euphoria, collapse the bubble,inhighquarters.

First of all, when Guyana was identified as ‘middle income’ (between US$4466 and US$13,845), per capita, as in per person, or per head, there were a huge number of citizens here,whohadnoideahowto get to that lower number, howtoexperiencewhatitis like to be in the milliondollar range using local money. They were not

earning anything near to US$4466 a year, nor was any kind of total stipend bringing them to that rung ontheladder Inbrief,when Guyana was in the World Bank’s prior categorization of ‘middle income’ a great many here were outside of that righteous financial circle. Like the largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP)andrichestcountryin theworldandnowGNI,the citizens who found themselvescrowdedintothe bottom floor of the local economic house, missed all those buses, including this last one from the World Bank. To put things rather crudely, Guyana is calculated and add up to these astronomical sums, but most Guyanese are nothing but bums Oil bums Statistical bums Financial bums without a dime to their account. I am sorryifIoffendedanyone. We are leading the pack with the best numbers, with the hallowed World Bank justchippinginwithanother bright one, and our people (save for the fewest of the few) are in a slumber, with more sentenced to a grim national economic chamber by the day That was when Guyana was ‘middle income;sonowthinkofthis. To cross that magical highincome threshold of US$13,845, Indigenous communities, out of favour political communities, and outlier communities in the

environmenthaveto dieandbebornagain. No economic miracle is touching their lives. By the way, I am not speaking of 10,000 Guyanese on the outside, but likely hundreds ofthousandsofcitizens.

U S $ 1 3 , 8 4 5 i s a p p r o x i m a t e l y GY$2,800,000 in GNI per personperannum. Tomake matters simple, I squeeze this to GY$2,500,000 per personperyear. Howmany in Guyana are kissing that lovely figure, able to wrap their loving arms around it?

Even if I were to take the liberty of messing around with the augustWorld Bank figures and scales, and reducetheGNIperpersonto GY$2,000,000 a year, how many Guyanese can raise their hand and claim that t h e y a r e e a r n i n g GY$150,000-165,000 a month? Toaskandrespond, this is the severe problem with averages and generalized figures that, indeed, connect to the panoramic (35,000 feet) reality of Guyana, but still donotcapturetheworldthat isgoingoninthebushesand weeds. That is where the hurting and struggling and agonizing in Guyana are living and licking their wounds, with due regard to the World Bank highincome flag in which this countryisnowwrapped.

Yes,wearegettingmore money flowing into this

country from oil related activities. ButsinceIamthe one putting the nasty, dirty, questions on the table, at whose door does the cream and cow of those activities stop, park, and fill up the registers and vaults? It the same set of people all the time: the less than 1% in Guyana’s population that that kind of World Bank money stick to in some shape of form. When the countless multiples of the World Bank’s US$13,845 go to a few only in this society, then the floor sweepers and bottom feedersdon’tfeatureaswell inthefigures.

Things distil to this in today’s Guyana: money flooding in. Interest rates will be going up. And the little Guyanese people, the masses, going down. When my brothers and sisters in the congested lower middle andlowlevelsknowwhatit is to taste, to be actually high-income, (even middle income)thenthatwouldbea causeforcelebration.

(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.)

Health Minister urges public to get HPV vaccinated to reduce risk of developing cancer

With low vaccination rate being recorded currently, the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony onMondayencouragedboth maleandfemaletogettheir Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as it would help reduce their risk of developingcancer

The minister was at the timespeakingattheopening ceremony of the Regional Health Officers (RHOs) conference at the ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown office. He was at the time listing some key areas that need to be addressed in the regions and plans moving forward in terms of improving healthcare servicesacrossthecountry

The minister said one of

their focuses right now is getting the increased uptake of the HPV vaccines. “We alsowanttoencourageboth male and female to have their HPV vaccination,” he noted The minister mentioned to the gathering of Regional Health Officers that the uptake of the HPV vaccines must be a prominentprogrammeinall the regions. “Right now the numbers are very low and we need to increase the uptakeofHPVvaccination,” he said. According to the minister, this is necessary because when they look at their cervical cancer rates among women, it is the second most prominent cancer “Cervicalcancerrate amongwomenisthesecond

most prominent cancer or more prevalent cancer that wehave,breastcancerbeing thenumberoneandcervical beingnumbertwoandthisis something we need to pay attention to and we can preventcervicalcancerfrom happening if we have a wider coverage of HPV vaccination,” the minister mentioned. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that HPV is the most c o m m o n s e x u a l l y transmitted infections (STI) and can cause health problems including genital wartsandcancers.

HPV vaccines are administered to prevent some of the health effects HPVcauses.

U.S Govt. warns citizens to reconsider travelling to oil-rich Guyana

...saysviolentcrimes,includingmurderandarmedrobberiescommon

...tellsalltheircitizenstobeextracarefulwhenwalkinganddrivingatnightsinthecity

The United States of America on Monday warned its citizens to reconsider travelling to Guyana, a country rich in oil resources due to rampant crime and the country's lackofresourcestosuppresssame.

Guyana is dubbed the fastest growing economy in the world, but its crime rate is high. A travel advisory issued by the US Department of State's- Bureau of ConsularAffairsplacedthecountry in the level three category, that is just one level away from a “Do not Travel” warning. “Violent Crime, including murder and armed robbery, is very common, especially at nights”, the US State Departmentsaid.

The US Government also pointed out that Guyana Police Force lacks the resources to

respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and warned its citizens desirous of visiting the country to be extra vigilant when visiting banks and ATMs. “Avoid walking or driving at night, do not physically resist any robbery attempt, do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watchesorjewellery”,theUSState Departmentwarned.

travel advisory, accused the Police Force of being highly politicised and without a crime plan. “… I wishtolamentthedangerouscrime situation which presently engulfs thesociety

Police, Clifton Hicken told his th ranks at Police Force's 184 AnniversaryAwardsceremonythat that they should give themselves a round of applause for reducing serious crimes in the country Whileboastingthatthereductionis because of the force's 2022/2023 strategic plan, Hicken said, “…we have some successes compared to previous years some of those successes for 2022 to date include but not limited to an overall reduction in serious crimes by 12.6

percent.Ithinkyoudeservearound ofapplauseforthat.”

Hicken added: “with the exception murder that would have increased by 37 percent by 85 as against 62 for the same period comparatively, all other categories of serious crimes are at a negative or minus give yourself a round of applauseforthat”.

There is nothing being done at the policy level that can induce confidence among the people”, she said, while adding that “oil and gas investors have resorted to issuing internalsecuritymemosthatadvise their employees on the dangerous security situation in the country.

The travel warning was published just days after the Guyana's Acting Commissioner of

Newlawtomakelocalcourtjudgmentsenforceablein

in the lead, at least in the CARICOMregion,”headded.

Meanwhile, Guyana's Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Geeta Chandan-Edmond in a statement on Wednesday in response to the

Attorney General

Amendment Bill is expected to be passed at today's sitting of the NationalAssembly

This Bill will make way for decisionsfromthelocalcourtstobe enforceable in at least 60 foreign territories. This is according to Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC. Speakingontheimportanceof the bill during a hearing of his weekly social media broadcast

'Issues in the News', Nandlall explained that the bill seeks to revampthe1961Act.

According to the Attorney General,theBillwillbereadforthe second time. He noted that once passed, it allows for judgments or court orders from Guyana to be enforceable in some 60 countries globally “Simply put, this Bill allows judgments from Guyana to be enforced in 60 jurisdictions listed in the schedule,” Nandlall said. “This Bill is very significant to the commercial community It w i l l i n s p i r e i n v e s t o r s ' confidence…and will put Guyana

Once passed and made law, the Foreign Judgment (Reciprocal Enforcement) Amendment Act which will help Guyana recover repayments from international companies on the successful completion of litigations if no assets are available locally. According to theAttorney General the 60 countries in which the law willbeenforceableincludethosein the English-Speaking Caribbean and Commonwealth as well as majorjurisdictionsinEurope,Asia, NorthAmericaandAfrica.

He explained that “Litigation is expensive, so if you receive judgment in Guyana, you don't havetore-litigateifthepersonflees to another country You can take your judgment for enforcement in that country,” theAttorney General explained.

According to Nandlall, Guyana took guidance from the Commonwealth model and consulted countries like Singapore andothercommercialjurisdictions.

“The legislation will allow judgments from one country to be enforced in another country And oncethatcompanyhasassetsinthat country, then you recover the proceeds of your judgment in the same way as if the company had assets in the country in which the judgmentwasgranted,”headded.

60countries

“Coupled with this, the United States had no choice but to issue a general advisory to US citizens on the crime situation in Guyana”, Chandan-Edmond stated while pointing out that Guyana “cannot boast of any prosperity or development if it is all premised on thelackofsecurity”. T

claimant to Davis Ecolife Ltd for which there were no works done.

The Attorney General previously spoke on the issue of having the bill revamped following a judgment Guyana won against a Trinidadian company Last February, the Attorney General's chambers revealedthattheysecuredanexparte judgment against

Trinidadian company, Davis EcolifeLimited.

Trinidadian Company, Davis Ecolife Ltd in an application brought by the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) through the Attorney General's Chambers. However, the company and its owners had reportedly vanished without honouring its obligations.

On the 31st January 2023, NDMA filed an amended Fixed Date Application (FDA) seeking several reliefs including an order for restitution in the sum of $6,159,325, constituting an advance payment made by the

The Trinidadian company failed to file an Affidavit in Defence to the application and failed to attend court on two occasions. The Court therefore granted judgment in the sum of $6,159,325.00 and costs in the sum of $500,000 in favour of NDMA.

The NDMAis a body corporate establishedundertheNationalData Management Authority Act Cap. 27:13, Laws of Guyana and is responsiblefordataprocessingand information systems in the Public Sector

At that juncture, the Attorney General emphasized that there has been a push to update and modernise several pieces of legislation given Guyana's economic trajectory due to the boomingoilandgassector

The matter at reference has to do with the non-delivery of three mobilemotionscalesboughtbythe APNU+AFC government for a whopping $72.264 million back in December2016.

Screengrab from a man being choke and robbed in Guyan

Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken

US State Department

Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Geeta Chandan-Edmond

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC

United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken

Media blanked as Govt.inksUS$160million contract with Indian firm for Wales Gas project

T h e I n d i a n H i g h

Commission in Guyana on Wednesday announced the signing of a US$159 9 million contract with the Government of Guyana (GoG) to facilitate the transmission lines and substations for the Natural GasLiquids(NGL)plantand 300-megawatt combinedcycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant for the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) Project.

Though an official statement from the GoG was not issued up to press time, the Indian High Commission said that agreement was signedatthePrimeMinister's Camp Street Office on 19 July 2023. The media was not invited to the event. The contract was signed by Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, D e r r i c k C u m m i n g s , Chairman of Guyana Power and Lights Inc , Maurice Gajadhar and General Manager (International Projects), Kalpataru Projects

International Limited (KPIL),MainakMajumdar

Prime Minister, Brig (Retd) Mark Philips who is currently performing duties of the President observed the signing, along with High Commissioner of India Dr K J Srinivasa, Minister

Prime Minister and Acting Head of State, Mark Phillips (center in first row) watches on as officials from the Indian company inks the agreement with the Guyanese representatives. Also in the image are High Commissioner of India Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, Head of Guyana Gas to Energy Task Force, Winston Brassington, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Joslyn McKenzie and other officials. (Photo credit: Indian High Commission)

within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, Head of Guyana Gas to Energy Task Force, Winston Brassington and other officials.

The Ministry of Natural Resources had invited proposals for the 'provision of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Services for the Installation of Transmission Lines and Substations for the integration of the new 300 MWe CCGTPower Plant' on December8,2022.

Three bids for the project were opened at the National Procurement and Tender

Administration Board (NPTAB) on April 11, 2023.

Chinese firms, Shanghai Electric Power Constr Co. Ltd and TBEA Co Ltd with TVChinaRailwayandChina Railway Intl. had submitted bids along with the KPIL for the project. Bids received were US$209,455,297; US$151,764,311 and US$ 175,530,325,respectively

Kalpataru Projects

International Limited (KPIL) is amongst the leading Engineering, P r o c u r e m e n t , a n d

Construction (EPC) companies with proven experience and expertise spanningoverthreedecades.

KPIL is part of the Kalpataru Group established in 1969. It is a diversified

Refresher training held for Master Trainers on renewed curriculum for the nursery level

T h e M i n i s t r y o f Education will pilot the G u y a n a R e n e w e d Curriculum in Year Two of the pilot schools as of September2023.

BothYears One and Two classes are now required to pilot this curriculum As such, the Ministry of Education's Nursery Sector is currently hosting a workshopformastertrainers at the National Centre for Educational Resource

Development(NCERD).

According to Assistant Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Nursery Education, Mr Devendre Persaud, the workshop is a refresher training in preparation for the training of Nursery Year

Two teachers that will be held soon, the ministry said inapressrelease.

He said that the refresher training is crucial as it reduces mistakes and errors

by an incredible margin. He said that such engagements enable stronger memory retention and help to achieve better compliance. Persaud explained that the objectives ofthetrainingexerciseareto reinforce key learning

c o n c e p t s , a d d r e s s knowledge gaps among participants, ensure master trainers' knowledge is up to date, update master trainers on new and updated

(Continued on page 16)

conglomeratewithinterestin Real Estate, Power Generation, Agri Logistics a n d E P C i n m a j o r infrastructure segments like Power Transmission and Distribution, Buildings & Factories, Roads &

Highways, Water & Irrigation, Railways and Oil andGas.

According to the company, it has an annual production capacity of over 240,000 MT of transmission towers at its state-of-the-art

Some of the homes under construction at Hampshire, Region Six

manufacturing facilities in India and an ultra-modern towertestingfacility,making it amongst the largest power transmission EPC Company globally Ithasestablishedits transmissionanddistribution

(Continued on page 16)

Govt. aims to fast-track occupancy of low-income homes in Hampshire

Croal with group who have been allocated low-income homes at Hampshire,RegionSix(East Berbice-Corentyne).

During the outreach held at the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), Minister Croal facilitated and expedited the process for the allottees, i n c l u d i n g y o u n g professionals, to complete their Agreements of Sale. “So, once you sign your agreement, you will make your payment because we w a n t t o c o m p l e t e everything within two weeks, ” he told the beneficiaries

The Hampshire housing development consists of 100 homes, 28 of which were previously handed over to families. Each unit measures 20×30 feet (600 square feet) and includes two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and sanitary facilities. This project is being executed at a cost of $750 million under the supervision of the Ministry's Central Housing and Planning Authority

occupancyinthearea.

This comes even as there are plans to construct an additional 50 homes in the area.Another 100 homes are under construction over at Ordnance/Fortlands, 75 of which are almost completed.

“Because of the geography oftheregion,becauseofthe employment opportunities in that cluster, you will realise that there is a heavy demandforhousingthere,” theministerexplained.

He also highlighted the significant transformation taking place in Region Six, including plans to transform Palmyraintoacity

To this end, locations were identified for the construction of hospitals, shopping mall and the construction of a National Stadium.

The next phase of development for Palmyra w i l l f o c u s o n t h e construction of homes for young professionals, commercial lots, and a regional airstrip, Minister

l u

d e r s c o r e d

rise. at if you behind,” he stated.

Further, the housing and water minister revealed that by 2025, the entire coastland is expected to have access to treated water Construction of seven treatment plants are in progress, with plans to tender another 12 soon. In Region Six, construction has already commenced on the Port Mourant treatment plant, which is currently 30 percentcompleted.

A massive well was also drilled at Chesney Meanwhile, other housing and water related matters were addressed during the activity Chief Executive Officer of CHPA, Sherwyn Greaves and Regional Chairman, Mr David Armoganandothertechnical officers were also present andassistinginthisregard.A number of banks including the New Building Society (NBS) and Republic Bank Limited (RBL) were also engaging the allottees on p a y m e n t / m o r t g a g e arrangements for loans (DPI)

Master Trainers participating in the refresher training at NCERD on the nursery renewed curriculum

Digicel plugs $5.9M into training persons to attend to special needs children

ofindividualswithspecialneeds.

An additional $4 16M was donated to support 40 Guyanese professionals in attending an autism training programme offered by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This includes occupational therapists, speech therapists, special needs teachers, and social workers, who will all be equipped with specialized knowledge and skills to better understand and support individuals on the autism spectrum,ensuringtheyreceivethe highestqualitycareandassistance.

These contributions are part of Digicel Guyana's larger commitment of $60M to enhance the skillset of professionals dedicatedtosupportingindividuals withspecialneeds.Commentingon these donations, Deonarine Gopaul, the CEO of Digicel

Guyana, expressed the company's enthusiasm and dedication to making a positive impact He stated, "At Digicel, we are deeply committed to supporting the development of professionals who work tirelessly to enhance the lives of individuals with special needs. By funding the Master's degree in Physiotherapy and providing support for the autism training program, we aim to empower these professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a

lasting difference These contributions reflect our ongoing commitment to fostering excellence in the healthcare and educationsectors."

Crosse said that this commitment to funding her studies helps to support her passion for helping children with special needs and will enable her to serve with excellence.

Meanwhile,commentingonthe 40 trainees at IBCCES, Director of the Disability and Rehabilitation

Services Department, Dr Ariane Mangar noted that over 2000 children will benefit from this investment. “This has been a great commitment from Digicel Guyana. We've recently had four speech therapists attend the University of North Carolina and the University of San Hosea where they spent two weeks submersed in programs to upskill their supervisory skills and learn the best practices, new ways and ways we don't have here in

Guyana,toworkwithchildrenwith autism and other children with disorders. So this will impact so many lives as these staff members were selected from across the various regions,” she said. By investing in the development of professionals specializing in various areas related to disabilities, Digicel Guyana aims to contribute to a more inclusive society and improve the overall well-being of thepeopleofGuyana.

Pres. Ali raises visa-free Schengen status with EU member

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday raised the issue of Schengen visa for Guyanese when he engaged in bilateral discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European AffairsoftheRepublicofSlovenia, Tanja Fajon on the sidelines of the European Union—Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU—CELAC) in Brussels, Belgium.

According to an Office of the President update, the talks centred on exploring potential trade collaboration between the two countries, especially in agriculture, clean and renewable energy President Ali also discussed Guyana's nomination letter for visa-free Schengen status and the possibility of an interim in-country processing of Schengen visa applications.

Guyanese passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa to enter any European country in the SchengenZone.However,thereare some categories of people residing in Guyana that are exempted from the visa requirement, as follows: Nationals of Schengen countries living in Guyana; Nationals of

countries that have established visa-free regimes* with the EU; Guyanese citizens that hold dual citizenship: Guyanese citizenship andofoneoftheSchengenmember states (These persons will have to travel with their European passport) Guyanese citizenship andoneofthecountrieswithavisafree regime with the Schengen Zone (These people will have to travel with their Schengen-visaexempt-countrypassport).

Back in 2022, then European Union(EU)Ambassador,Fernando Ponz Canto had told a gathering that consideration was being given to have the travel document providedin-countryperiodicallyby consular officials as to ease the hassleofGuyanesehavingtotravel to Suriname for permission to access European nations The Ambassador's statement came shortly after President Ali had joined local stakeholders in registering the importance of the visa being delivered in-country, given the strong relationship the country has with its European partners.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GGCI)

had reiterated its long-standing call for the removal of the visa requirement that exists for Guyanese who wish to travel to the UK following the return of British Airways' service to the country President Ali had said back then that it is “nonsense” and “absolutely ridiculous” that in this modern world where Guyana is strategically positioned with sophisticated investors coming here, that local business people must spend days in neighbouring Suriname to access the visa to Europe.

The President said that “it's not aluxuryfortheEUanymoretotake theirtimeandgrantusthatfacility”, since the bloc must understand that itisintheirstrategicinteresttohave that facility here in Guyana as soon as the next three months. The

President suggested that the parties have to find a way to get the visa issue resolved; that is which embassy is in a position to get it done in the next three months and whatGuyanamustdotogetitdone.

“We can't have our business people going to Suriname to spend three days and then get a travel document…it's“nonsense”thatitis absolutely ridiculous” he told the gathering.

The President also suggested that within the next 48 hours, the government and the envoy can “double down” on the issue, and “maketheappropriatenoiseandget itdone”.

The EU Ambassador in a side interview had told media personnel that work has been ongoing in relationtothevisamatter Henoted however, that the existing problem,

“…isthatthisisnotaresponsibility oftheEU,butoftheEUmembers.” In other words, he continued, “the delegation of the EU doesn't have the mandate to deliver any visas.” He said it is the competency of the member states and in this case, it is the Netherlands that delivers visas toGuyanese.

Ponz Canto had said he understands the frustration associated with having to go to Suriname for the visas, “but we are working hard to find a solution”, and facilitate change of the system. “Who knows perhaps, of course without any commitment, but one possibility could be that some officials could come periodically and deliver the visas. We are exploring that possibility, we don't know whether it will work,” the Ambassadorrelated.

(l-r) CEO of Digicel Guyana, Deonarine Gopaul, Kerianne Richards, Dr. Ariane Mangar, Latoya Crandon and Jemima Crosse

(l-r) CEO of Digicel Guyana, Deonarine Gopaul, Scholarship recipient, Jemima Crosse and Director of the Disability and Rehabilitation Services Department, Dr. Ariane Mangar

President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaged in a bilateral discussion with Deputy, Tanja Fajon

Govt.s must guard regulators from undue influence of oil companies

Economic Advisor attached to the Commonwealth Secretariat's Ocean and Natural Resources Advisory Division, Naadira Ogeer believes it is imperative that governments implement a suite of measures that would shield the decisions of its regulators from the undue influence of companies across oil and other industries This was specifically noted in a handbook she prepared for governmentofficialsonField DevelopmentPlans(FDP).

That handbook dedicated to helping government officials understand FDPs was prepared following discussions with officials from Belize, Ghana, Guyana, K e n y a , M a u r i t a n i a Mozambique, Namibia, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania and Uganda as well as a number of individuals and organizations with expertise inthesubjectarea.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, Field Development Plans are craftedbyoilcompaniesafter theyhavemadeacommercial discovery That plan outlines in great detail, how a companyintendstodevelopa petroleum field, manage the impact on the environment and society, as well as offer forecasts for production and costs. The FDP is therefore the company's blueprint for how this oil or gas will be optimally developed. It is consideredacriticalroadmap

– Commonwealth Secretariat Report

for both the company and the country to maximise value and minimise risks from an oilandgasproject.

Foradevelopingcountry, the expert noted that a single FDPcaneasilybeequalto,or double the size of, the entire economybecauseofthescale of investments and potential government revenues. “It is therefore of paramount importance that the government is able to reviewtheseplanstoensure that the economic, social and environmental issues are effectively addressed,” herhandbooksaid.

Since the government's regulators would have a key roletoplayinreviewingsuch documents, the expert noted that authorities should take steps to minimize the risk of “regulatorycapture.”

In her handbook, the Economic Advisor said this referstoasituationwherethe positions taken, and decisionsmadebyregulatory authorities, are unduly influenced by the industries or interests they are charged withregulating.

The expert said “the result is that an agency, charged with acting in the publicinterest,insteadactsin ways that benefit incumbent firms in the industry it is supposedtoberegulating.”

The Commonwealth Secretariat official said this could occur due to several factors including corruption, lack of information or expertise and the inability of

government institutions to carry out tasks effectively (e.g. due to insufficient resources such as funds or staff).

To avoid or minimize the risk of “regulatory capture” by oil and other interests, the Commonwealth Secretariat officialsaidgovernmentscan ensure a robust regulatory framework is in place to govern how FDPs are to be doneandreviewed.

Ogeer said it is important for a country to have clear rules for FDPs given the farreaching impacts on the economy, environment and society She explained that these should be effectively

addressed as part of the regulatoryframework.

Expounding further, the official said, “The government's policy positions and international obligationsshould,asfaras reasonably possible, be written in law This provides clarity to companies and a basis for government agencies to plan ahead. It also allows for a nondiscriminatory a p p r o a c h t o w a r d s investors and avoids a situation where a contract (the petroleum agreement) serves as the primary legal instrument regulating the sector”

While revising or modernizing the regulatory framework is a complex m a t t e r t h a t t a k e s considerable time, Ogeer stressed that it is essential for effective management of petroleum resources. “It is the key tool to empower government officials facing challenges associated with the political economy and large asymmetries with operators,”theofficialsaid.

In closing, she asserted that a robust regulatory f r a m e w o r k , o n c e implemented effectively, can be helpful in minimizing administrative burdens and avoidinginefficiencies.

HANDBOOK'S ORIGIN

The Commonwealth Secretariat, through the Oceans and Natural ResourcesDivision,supports member countries in the sustainable development of theirnaturalresources.

The Secretariat also works in collaboration with other organisations to deliver on its mandate. The New Producers Group (NPG or Group) is one such partnership. The NPG was established in 2012 by Chatham House, the Natural Resources Governance I n s t i t u t e , a n d t h e CommonwealthSecretariat.

The NPG's aim is to achieve lasting and inclusive development outcomes in emerging producer countries andtohelpthempreparefora worldbeyondoilandgas.Itis

a network and community of practice bringing together over 30 countries (Guyana included) which are new to theoilandgassector,andhalf of which are Commonwealth countries(CWC).

NPG activities are centred around holding Discussion Meetings, including the Annual Meeting, National Seminars, publications which are focusedonissuespertinentto emerging producers, and capacity-building initiatives (e g training, mentoring, technical teleconferences, workshopsandwebinars).

At the 2019 NPG Annual Meeting, government officials identified Field Development Plans (FDP) as an area where support was needed.Inresponse,theNPG conducted a seven-day training workshop during O c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 o n “Government Review and A p p r o v a l o f F i e l d Development Plans” which was attended by almost 100 officialsfrom11countries.In 2021, the Group has facilitated several countries to develop internal government processes which enabletheeffectivereviewof FDPs.To complement the foregoing, the handbook was p r e p a r e d b y t h e Commonwealth Secretariat to address key challenges faced by regulatory bodies in member countries in reviewing, approving (and m o n i t o r i n g t h e implementationof)FDPs.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud with villagers from St. Monica

Region Two residents get free spectacles

Mo r e t h a n 1 2 0 residents from the Region Two villages ofSt.MonicaandLimaSandshave benefitted from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security'sEyeCareprogramme. With testing conducted just

over a month ago, subject Minister, Dr VindhyaPersaudreturnedtothe communities to engage the residents and present them with their new spectacles. According to a press release by the ministry Dr Persaud commented: “this is a very impactful programme in the sense

thatifyouarenotabletoseeaswell as you should, reading becomes a challenge, work becomes very difficult and school becomes tough so bringing the spectacles here, we hope this can help you manage better

We want to make sure this

programme gets to every nook and cranny of this country and since 2021 to now we have managed to distribute just under 3,000 spectacles at no cost to the beneficiaries. We are doing this because our government believes that people must have a good

qualityoflife.”

Head of the Difficult Circumstances Unit, Jashudra Seeram, who spearheaded the outreaches, noted that the programme targets vulnerable persons,primarilyschoolchildren,

(Continued on page 16)

Economic Advisor in the Commonwealth Secretariat's Ocean and Natural Resources Advisory Division, Naadira Ogeer

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Media blanked as Govt. inks US$160 million...

From page 13 networks in Africa, Commonwealth Independent States (CIS), the Middle East, South Asia, Asia-Pacific, Europe and America.

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips and Minister Indar in their remarks, according to a statement from the Indian High Commission “empha-

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sized the transformational nature and importance of the mega Gas to Energy Project and how it was part of a comprehensive plan of the Government of Guyana to realize the development potential of Guyana. The Guyanese dignitaries also alluded to the critical association of two Indian companies in the project – KPIL as the EPC Contractor for Transmission Lines and Substations and Engineers India Limited as the Project Management Consultant to the NGL Plant plus 300 MW CCGT Power Plant.”

Meanwhile, High Commissioner Dr. Srinivasa in his remarks underlined the growing and diversifying IndiaGuyana relationship and the entry of premier Indian companies both from the Indian public sector like RITES (currently supervising the Ogle Road project), GRSE (which manufactured the ferry for Region 1), REIL (for the 30,000 solar energy systems) & Engineers India Limited, along with private sector companies like Ashoka Buildcon, and now KPIL being the newest

entrant to Guyana. The High Commissioner expressed hope that the Indian company will be able to execute the project well within the timeframe and guidelines prescribed and specified by the Government of Guyana. The two countries have forged ties and are already cooperating on infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy, oil and gas and capacity building.

The High Commissioner’s office said KPIL is one of the largest specialized EPC companies from India, with an annual turnover of around US$2 billion and is currently executing 250 projects in over 30 countries, with a global footprint in over 70 countries.

It highlighted that KPIL has so far globally executed orders worth over US$ 14 billion and has maintained a leadership position in all its major businesses. Further, the Company’s presence in Europe and South America has been further strengthened by the acquisitions of Linjemontage, Sweden and Fasttel, Brazil. Linjemontage

offers power supply solutions and services for electricity networks up to 400 kV. It operates in three core business areas of substations, transmission and local networks and electricity network services. Fasttel has presence in more than 20 states in Brazil, with primary focus on EPC of substations, transmission lines and power distribution services.

Gas-to-Energy project

The GTE project features three components, a pipeline to transport the natural gas, along with a NGL plant to treat the gas and a 300-megawatt power plant to generate electricity.

Government has indicated that the project is pegged at some US$1.7 billion. The cost of the new transmission and distribution network to facilitate the gas project will however increase the cost of the project to a whopping US$1.86 billion.

Notably, a feasibility study for the project has not been conducted to analyze the viability of the initiative based on its new cost.

Region Two residents get free spectacles...

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From page 15 pensioners and single parents who, for one circumstance or another, cannot afford spectacles despite needing them.

Eve Samuels, Toshao of St. Monica, which sits 40 miles from Charity on the eastern bank of the Pomeroon River expressed: “this exercise has never been done in St. Monica and I am very happy for this exercise. I know the residents benefiting from it are excited.

What you find is that it is very costly, and it is not easy to go out and get it and today they are getting it free so thank God for the Ministry for looking at us.”

Nicholas Portman, headmaster of St. Monica Primary school related: “I must say it is a very good initiative for the Ministry to come to this village. Indeed, I think it is important for us to have eye care, it is costly for us to reach the

eye clinic and for them to come, we are happy for the Government to come help the people of St. Monica and the children will benefit.”

“I am happy to be treated by this Ministry, unlike years ago under former governments who never gave us assistance for our eyes so thanks to the Ministry for making sure the citizens are well kept,” said pensioner Garvin Edwards.

Refresher training held for Master...

From page 13 procedures in the curriculum, and reduce mistakes while improving the performance of master trainers.

at the end of the 2023 – 2024 academic year.

Vacancy exists for Bond Clerk and Inventory Personnel to work for a Construction Company. WhatsApp application to 656-0603 or amconguyana@gmail.com

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He said that the refresher training is timely because very soon, the Year Two teachers and headteachers from the pilot schools will be trained to deliver the curriculum countrywide. The ACEO (N) said that based on reports, the master trainers did a splendid job monitoring the teachers in the pilot schools across the country over the last year.

He encouraged them to have the same zeal and enthusiasm to monitor the Year Two teachers so that there can be successful outcomes

A total of one hundred nursery schools across the eleven education districts will be required to participate in the pilot. The office of the ACEO (Nursery) in collaboration with the Guyana Education Sector Project Programme will organise training for head teachers, Year Two teachers, and Year One teachers in the pilot schools who were not previously trained to pilot this curriculum.

This training will be conducted from July 24th to July 28th, 2023 for Regions One, Two, Five, Nine, 10 and Georgetown in their respective districts. However, teachers from Kamarang in Region

Seven will be joining the training scheduled for the Georgetown district.

From August 7 to August 11, 2023, teachers in Regions Three, Four, Six and Seven (Bartica) will be trained within their districts.

However, teachers from Region Eight will be joining the Region Four group. Master trainers will be responsible for these training sessions.

A good curriculum makes space for the recognition of each student’s personal, social and cognitive capacities and respects differences in how children learn. It will support teachers in leading, assisting and encouraging each child to achieve their potential.

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CDB to invest US$1.8M in the Region’s creative sector

T h e C a r i b b e a n Development Bank (CDB) has committed USD1 8 million to support the developmentoftheregion’s creativeindustries.

The Bank’s Board recently approved the injection into the institution’s Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF), a multi-donor endowment, established in 2017 to encourage innovation,jobcreationand improved enterprise sustainability within the sector,apressfromtheCDB said.

AccordingtoMr Daniel Best, CDB’s Director of Projects “We are pleased to

supportthisinitiative.Given the challenges faced by our creatives, this fund will continue to fill a prevailing voidbyprovidingresources to create an enabling environment for the sector We anticipate support for tradeandexportfacilitation, marketing and distribution, h u m a n r e s o u r c e development and research as well the development of legalandpolicyframeworks in our 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).”

Globally, the creative economy is recognised as a growth sector and a meaningful contributor to Gross Domestic Product

(GDP), having the capacity to spur innovation and knowledge transfer across allsectorsoftheeconomy It is a critical sector to foster inclusive development, possessingbothcommercial and cultural value, while presenting opportunities for human imagination and spreading important social andculturalvalues.

Commenting on CIIF, Ms Lisa Harding, the Bank’sActingHead,Private Sector Division, added that “Caribbean cultural entrepreneurs,Micro,Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and B u s i n e s s S u p p o r t Organisations (BSOs),

US sanctions Guatemalan officials over ‘undemocratic’ activity

US State Department accuses Guatemalan judicial officials of targeting journalists and undermining democracy.

(Al Jazeera) The United States government has slapped sanctions on 10 Guatemalan officials, includingseveralaccusedof underminingdemocracyand targeting journalists, as the country contends with an ongoingelectoralcrisis.

The sanctions come as part of a report issued on Wednesday, which names individuals accused of antidemocratic activity and corruption in Central America.

Those identified in the report have become ineligible to enter the US, and any visa they have from thecountryisrevoked.

“This list identifies individuals who have knowingly engaged in acts that undermine democratic processes or institutions, in significant corruption, or in obstructionofinvestigations into such acts of corruption

in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua,andElSalvador,” readsapressreleasefromthe USDepartmentofState.

The State Department’s report includes 13 officials and public figures from Nicaragua, 10 from Honduras and six from El Salvador, as well as the 10 fromGuatemala.

They include Mauricio FunesandSalvadorSanchez Ceran, two successive presidents of El Salvador who served in office from 2009to2014andfrom2014 to2019,respectively

Anelectionincrisis

The report amplifies existing concerns over Guatemala’s fragile democracy, which has faced scrutiny in recent weeks as the country prepares for the

secondroundofvotinginits presidentialelection.

Last week, Guatemala’s top prosecutor successfully pushed to suspend a progressive political party that had defied expectations inthefirstroundofvotingon June25,securingoneoftwo spotsintheAugustrun-off.

The party, known as MovimientoSemillaorSeed Movement,hadcampaigned againstwhatitcharacterised as a corrupt elite working to rollbackdemocracy

G u a t e m a l a ’ s Constitutional Court has since intervened with an injunction against the Seed Movement’ssuspension.

But the order to cease campaigning drew scrutiny andprotestoverthepotential for election interference

Some human rights observersspeculatetheSeed Movementanditscandidate, Bernardo Arevalo, are perceived as threats to Guatemala’s political establishment.

On Wednesday, the Organization of American States (OAS) issued a statement alleging that “actors unsatisfied” with June’s election results had abused legal pathways to introduce a “high degree of uncertainty in the electoral process”.

Those efforts, it said, “put at risk the country’s democraticstability”.

The public prosecutor’s office, however, has since defendeditsactions,denying that it is interfering in the electoralprocess.

Accusations of eroding democracy

which support the Creative Industries will benefit from grantsandcapacitybuilding a i d t o i n c r e a s e competitiveness and improve data intelligence andanalysisas we continue to construct programmes to enhance the creative economy ” Beneficiary MSMEs and other eligible entities are expected to contribute a minimum of 10%ofprojectcostsincash andorin-kind.

CIIF, which is governed by a cross section of regional organisations and administered by CDB, has since inception financed approximately USD 1 2 million in a variety of

initiatives spanning music production, distribution, sales and events, audio visual, film, animation and gaming, festivals and carnivals, fashion, and

contemporary design through non-reimbursable grants. Of note, were the pilotingofadedicatedCIIF Haiti programme that

s e r v e d 9 0 d i r e c t beneficiaries through the implementation of three Accelerator partnership grants;thedevelopmentofa Community of Practice

model to increase collaborative learning and sharing between creative stakeholders; the development of online

resources, toolkits and learning materials and over USD100,000inprizegrants builtintoAccelerators.

The Bank’s continued investment in the fund will lead to the increased contributionbytheCreative Industrysectortoeconomic outputs and foreign exchange earnings by improving the enabling environment, enhancing data collection and reporting, and improving the competitiveness of beneficiary MSMEs. This will build social resilience by ensuring no-one is left behind and contributes to economic resilience for inclusivegrowth.

Wanted man nabbed in Bartica with unlicensed gun

however, extend beyond the electioncycle.

Wednesday’sreportfrom the US State Department listed several judges and prosecutors accused of “authorizing politically motivated criminal charges against journalists for exercising their freedom of expression as protected by Guatemalanlaw”.

Prosecutor Cinthia Monterroso is among those included She helped prosecute Guatemalan journalist Jose Ruben Zamora on what are largely believed to be politically motivatedchargesofmoney laundering.

In June, he was sentenced to six years in prison.

Judges Fredy Orellana and Jimi Bremer, who were both involved in Zamora’s trial and detention, are also listed.

El Periodico, an investigative outlet founded by Zamora in 1994, closed itsdoorsinMayduetowhat it termed a campaign of government“harassment”.

It had reported on government corruption and abusesofpower

Most of the other individuals listed in Wednesday’s report are accused of acts such as briberyandcorruption.

Guatemalan politics are still shaped by the repercussions of a brutal civilconflictthatendedafter 36yearsin1996.

Isaacs was wanted for felonious

Unlicensed 32 Pistol that was found

wounding by the police and was arrested at the Bartica Stelling at about 09:45hrs. The police ranks told him of the offence he committed and he admitted to ownership of thesaidfirearm.Heremainsincustodyatthe Bartica Police Station pending charges for bothmatters.

s

u t Guatemala’s democracy,

Itstemmed,inpart,from aUS-backedcoupthatledto a series of dictatorships, accused of carrying out widespread abuses and an anti-Indigenousgenocide.

A34- year-old man- Michael Isaacs of Dazzel Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was arrested on Wednesday after police ranks searched him and found an unlicensedfirearminhispossession.

to support technical studies across Guyana

Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) has announced the launch of its Technical Scholarship, which is aimed at supporting educational opportunities for persons between the ages of 16 and 25 at the various Technical Institutesacrossthecountry

These scholarships will beavailableattheEssequibo

Technical Institute, Government Technical Institute, Linden Technical Institute, Mahaicony Technical Institute, New Amsterdam Technical Institute, and the Upper C o r e n t y n e Technical Institute for the 2023/2024

Academic year, GYSBI said in a pressrelease.

The initiative will cover expenses such as travel, uniforms, study materials, registration, and examination fees, among others, the company added.

According to GYSBI, the programme is designed to offer internships to successful applicants during their semester breaks so that they can gain valuable hands-on training and knowledge transfer. At the endoftheirstudies,theywill also be afforded the opportunity to be fully employed within the company

Robert Albiez, General Manager of GYSBI, in an invited comment, said that

the company wanted to create a programme, which willbenefityoungGuyanese andensuretheyareequipped with valuable life skills and positively engaged. “This initiative is simply our investment in the young people of Guyana so that they can benefit from the bountiful opportunities existing in this country It is our intention to offer a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 0 scholarships per year in any area of study selected by the successful applicants at the identified Technical

oftheeconomyaswell.

“What we have found is that a lot of persons who are working in Operations have 10 or 20 years of experience b e c a u s e t h e y w e r e informally trained or they worked in the mining industry, etc. but they do not have formal education certificates. So, we want to beabletocreateanddevelop a workforce, which will be both experienced and certified three or five years from now GYSBI, as a Guyanese company, has always focused on creating t a n g i b l e opportunities for Guyanese and this is just another one of our initiativesgeared at doing that,” he said.

Institutesandwearelooking forward to having our first cohort come September 2023,”hesaid.

Albiez noted that the initiative was birthed after realizing that while many possess the experience and technical skills needed to fill the positions on the Operationssideoftheoiland gas sector, they lacked the p r o p e r a c a d e m i c certificates It, therefore, aims to build a cadre of q u a l i f i e d w o r k e r s , supervisors, and managers not only for the Oil and Gas industrybuttheothersectors

As it relates to eligibility, anyone who is between the ages of 16 and 25, has been accepted for a programme at anyoftheinstitutes(newand current students), and is willingtoserveaninternship at GYSBI during semester breaks, can apply Each beneficiary of this initiative will have their yearly academic expenses up to the sum of GYD$500,000 fully paid.

To access the application form and list of documents required, please visit Gysbi.gy/scholarship-form/.

The deadline for submission of applications is August 18th,2023.

Distribution of first batch of solar PV home systems to begin soon

Therolloutofthe30,000solarPVhomes initiative will begin in the coming weeks as the first batch of solar photovoltaic home systemshasarrivedinthecountry

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma confirmed to the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Tuesday that the first 3,780 systems are expectedtobeunpackedandtransportedthis week.

Healsoconfirmedthatthedistributionof the systems will begin in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Berbice), and Eight(Potaro-Siparuni).

Additional batches of systems to form the full complement of 30,000 systems are expected to arrive between now and November of this year The government's '30,000 solar home systems' project will see some 30,000 homes in hinterland communities receiving 150-watt solar PV systems as they become available. The project was launched to bridge the energy gap between urban and rural areas of the country, while continuing the shift to sustainable, environmentally- friendly

electricitysources.

It is expected to be completed by the end of this year From 2020 to 2023, solar PV systems were installed at several public buildings across the hinterland regions. These included health centres, community centres, food processing, and educational facilities. In October 2020, Guyana's first solar farm, which generates 0.4 megawatts (MW)atpeakcapacitywascommissionedin Mabaruma, Region One, emphasising the commitment to the shift to renewable energy

Following the operationalisation of that farm, a one-megawatt solar PV farm was also commissioned at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) in 2022, and another, generating 1.5 MW at Bartica, RegionSeven(Cuyuni-Mazaruni)in2023.

This year, a 0.5 MW solar PV farm is eyed for completion at Wakenaam, Region Three, and a 0.65 MW solar farm has been eyed for completion in Mahdia, Region Eight. These, along with the installation of solar PV systems in government buildings over the years will take Guyana's solar capacity from 5.35 MW in 2020, to an estimated 17.2 MW by the end of this year (DPI)

Guyana continues to shine in Doubles and Mixed Doubles events at 2023 CASA

The ongoing 2023 Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships continued in St Vincent on Tuesday with Doubles and Mixed Doubles leg of the championship, featuring some fierce competition among the region’s top junior players. Guyana took center stage early on in the championship secures four titles, at the closing of the draws, it was evident that

Guyana had asserted its dominance in the tournament, securing an outstanding nine medals, including three gold medals. They continue their prowess in the Doubles and Mixed Doubles events, providing spectators with thrilling matches and impressive displays of talent.

On Tuesday, Guyana had a strong presence in the Boy’s and Girl’s Doubles as well as the Mixed Doubles event. In

Thursday July 20, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Social events and group activities could bring new interests your way that provide a rich field of knowledge for you to delve into, Aries. Someone could recommend books on the subject.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

A number of people involved in the healing professions could cross your path today, Taurus. You might hear news about recent discoveries in those fields that sparks your interest.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

A potential new love partner could show up, Gemini, perhaps someone from a distant state or foreign country or in a field like law or education. You could have a lot of interests

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Family members could spring some surprising news on you today, Cancer. This news may concern people you know or perhaps a family member has some interesting plans of his or her own.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Invitations to some exciting social events in your neighborhood could come today, Leo. You might hear from some friends who are planning to attend.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Good news involving a small, extra sum of money could come today, Virgo. You might receive a check in the mail. Take a friend out to lunch.

a thrilling Boy’s Doubles match, Guyana’s duo, Michael Alphonso and Mohryan Baskh, took on the formidable pair of Neil McComb and Brodey McComb. The Guyanese team emerged victorious with a commanding 2-0 victory (112, 11-4).

Avery Arjoon and Safirah Sumner demonstrated unwavering determination against the Vincentians Ciara George

No need for excuses, Brazil changes work hours for Women’s World Cup

and Nadira Morgan in the Girl’s Doubles category. The Vincentians put up a valiant fight in the first game, ending with a close 11-9 in favour of Guyana. However, Arjoon and Sumner elevated their performance, leaving no room for error and securing their first win with an impressive 11-4 scoreline.

(Reuters) - Civil servants in Brazil will not have to worry about being late for work because of the Women’s World Cup after a government minister announced a change to office hours to let them catch the action in Australia and New Zealand.

are held at 7:30 am, the working hours will start at 11 a.m. Brasilia time,” an ordinance read.

“On days when the games are held at 8:00 a.m., the working hours will start at 12:00 p.m. Brasilia time.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Bonding is today's keyword, Libra. Relations with close friends should be enhanced by increased communication, perhaps some fascinating conversations about new ideas.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

A lot of unfinished tasks may need doing around the home today, Scorpio. You might decide to ignore some of the work that desperately needs to be handled in favor of a project that you think you will enjoy more.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

A potential new love partner could show up, Sagittarius, perhaps someone from a distant state or foreign country or in a field like law or education. You could have a lot of interests in common with this person.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Family members could spring some surprising news on you today, Capricorn. This news may concern people you know or perhaps a family member has some interesting plans.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

A new fascination with history or an exotic culture could drive you to learn more about it, Aquarius. It could become an obsession, for today at least.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may find that your instincts are right, Pisces, particularly where other people are concerned. You and a friend could come up with the same words at the same time,

The Mixed Doubles category brought another triumph for Guyana as the champions Nicholas Verwey and Kirsten Gomes joined forces. The pair faced off with St Vincent duo, Naira-Skye John and De Vere James. Displaying excellent coordination and skill, the Guyanese players dominated the court, trouncing their opponents 20.

The championship continued yesterday with nine matches scheduled for the day’s play, Guyana is penciled to participate in three events. However, the Friday edition will provide in-depth coverage of Wednesday’s matches, including all the exciting action and results of the final stages of the Caribbean Junior Squash Championship.

With Brazil’s group stage matches in Australia being broadcast in the early hours of the morning back home, minister of management Esther Dweck has told civil servants they can report for duty up to two hours after the final whistle.

“On days when the games

Brazil have won a record eight Copa America Femenina titles but their best finish at a Women’s World Cup was in 2007 when they lost to Germany in the final.

Brazil are in Group F and begin their campaign on Monday against Panama in Adelaide before taking on France in Brisbane and Jamaica in Melbourne.

Honours even in fourth Ashes Test as Broad joins 600 club

AFP - England’s Stuart Broad became just the fifth bowler to take 600 Test wickets, as Australia ended yesterday’s opening day of the fourth Test at Old Traffordon299-8.

Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh each made 51 after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss in a match the hosts must win to maintain their hopesofregainingtheAshes at2-1downwithtwotoplay

Chris Woakes led England’s pace attack with 4-52 in 18 5 overs while Broad took 2-68 in 14 en route to his landmark

James Anderson was the only change to the England side that won t h e t h i r d Te s t a t Headingley by three wickets

On his Lancashire home ground a fortnight short of his 41st birthday, Anderson had a frustrating day.

England’s all-time leading Test bowler with 688 wickets, had figures of 0-43 in 17 overs

History is against England No side has won a Test at Old Trafford after winning the toss and bowling

Broad was aiming to heap further misery on David Warner, having already dismissed the

Australia opener 17 times in Tests including twice for a total of just five runs at Headingley.

But from Wednesday’s first ball, Warner thrashed a wide delivery from Broad forfour

Broad, however, moved to599Testwicketswhenhe had Usman Khawaja, Australia’sotheropener,lbw

forthree.

-WoakesstrikesWoakes struck next to end a second-wicket stand of 46 when he had Warner caught behind off an edged drive, following an assured32

The next delivery saw star batsman Steve Smith top-edge a pull off Woakes that just cleared Mark Wood at fine leg before going for four

An increasingly confident Smith drove

off-spinner MoeenAli for astraightsix

Having made 41, on a ground where four years ago his double century helped seal a 185-run win over England, Smith was lbw to express quick Wood Head was struck on the helmet by a Wood bouncer early in his

innings and again looked uncomfortable against theshortball.

B u t h e b a t t l e d through. Both Head and Labuschagne unfurled severalfinedrives

L a b u s c h a g n e , however, fell one ball after completing his fifty, lbw to Moeen the only specialist spinner on either side after Australia droppedToddMurphy Australia were 187-4 at tea only to lose Head five balls after the resumption as Broad took his600thTestwicket

Left-hander Head had made 48 when he hooked at a Broad bouncer and Joe Root held a low catch as he ran in from the boundaryatfineleg

Marsh, who had marked his first Test since 2019 with a hundred at Headingley, again drove strongly and madeEnglandpayforany loose deliveries as he led the way during a partnership of 65 with fellow all-rounder CameronGreen.

Their stand was broken whentherecalledGreenwas lbwtoWoakes.

Australia’s 254-6 became 255-7 when Jonny B a i r s t o w , w h o s e wicketkeeping has proved fallible this series, held a one-handed diving catch to remove Marsh from an outsideedgeoffWoakes.

The crowd roared in celebration as Marsh departed after hitting seven fours and a six in a quickfirestayof60balls

Alex Carey almost made it through to stumps but fell to the new ball, caught behind offWoakes trying to withdraw his bat

Mitchell Starc was 23 notoutattheclose England have won 13 of their last 16 Tests at Old Trafford but have not enjoyed an Ashes victory at the Manchester ground since Ian Botham hit a celebrated hundred in 1981

Scores:Australia299for 8 (Labuschagne 51, Marsh 51, Woakes 4-52, Broad 268)vsEngland.

Western Tigers, Santos cap off season victorious KFC Elite League 2023…

Both Western Tigers FC andSantosFCfinishedtheir KFC Elite League Season 5 campaign on a high note on Tuesdaynight,withvictories at the Guyana Football Federation’s(GFF)National Training Center (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara(EBD).

Western Tiger’s clash withAnn’sGroveUnitedFC, who were also playing their 9th and final game of this year’s league, was up first, on a night where another double header had been scheduled.

Malachi Grannum opened Western Tigers’ account in the 27th, following a promising start from Ann’s Grove defensively Just a minute before the half ended, William Europe found the back of the net, to push the scoreto2-0.

Itwasonceagainanother goodstartfromAnn’sGrove, but it fell away quickly as Daniel Wilson looked hungry to add a third. After several offside calls and awry attempts, Wilson finallyfoundthebackofthe net in the 71st minute and againinthe77thtocomplete his brace Second half substitute, Raushan Ritch eventually added the cherry on top with Western’s fifth strike in the 86th minute, to end the season with a 5-0 win In the following encounter between Santos FC and former Champions Fruta Conquerors FC, Bevo Markswasthemarksmanon show, as his hat trick led Santos to a comfortable 3-0 victory

Fruta Conquerors managed to hold off Santos for the entirety of the first half, which ended in a

deadlock, but Marks would havenoneofitinthesecond. He first beat the goal keeper in the 61st minute and then againinthe75thand90th+4 forthehattrick.

Thisyear’s5theditionof the Elite League is set to conclude this Saturday, July 22nd 2023, at the same Providence venue There, Fruta Conquerors will take on Den Amstel FC from 18:00hrs, followed by the featureclashoftheseasonat 20:30hrs.

Withbothteamshavinga chance to clinch the 2023 title, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)FCwilllockhornsin the highly anticipated ‘final’ of the league. While the Police men will need a victory to clinch their first title,allthesoldierswillneed isadrawtosealthetopspot.

Chris Woakes nicked off David Warner for 32. (Getty Images)

All eyes on Australia, New Zealand as co-hosts kick off Women’s World Cup

AUCKLAND, (Reuters)

- The ninth Women’s World Cupandbyfarthebiggestin the tournament’s history kicksofftodaywithco-hosts New Zealand and Australia in action, with record attendancesexpectedatboth theirmatches.

Whatbeganasa12-team tournament in 1991, the Women’s World Cup has steadilygrowninstatureand expanded to 32 teams - the same as the men’s tournament.

It also marks the first time two countries are cohosting the tournament as the quadrennial event arrives in the southern hemisphere for the first time.

New Zealand kick things off in Auckland against former champions Norway while Australia host Ireland, with both matches set to welcome more than 100,000 fans in total.

“Itwillsetthetonefora Women’s World Cup that I expect to become a watershedmomentinglobal

women’s sports,” FIFA Chief Women’s Football OfficerSaraiBaremansaid.

The 2015 edition in Canada welcomed a record 1 3 million-plus fans at stadiums but the 2023

tournament is expected to beat that mark with nearly 1 4 million tickets sold so far

The pressure is on New Zealand, however, not just as co-hosts but

George slams unbeaten 81 for GT Bannas in OMSCC’s competition

Kevin George, a former Guyana youth player, hit an impressive, unbeaten 81 to lead GT Bannas to a comfortable five-wicket win against Pegasus last Sunday at St. Bedes facility in thecontinuationofthe2023OntarioMasters Softball Cricket Clubs’(OMSCC) Over-40, T20BDivisioncompetition.

Theright-handedGeorgestruck11sixes and two fours as his team safely reached 166-5 in the 16th over replying to Pegasus’ challenging163-2fromthe20-overs

George occupied the crease for 39 balls and got decent support from opener Abid Aly who made 23 as ex-Guyana first-class player Krishna Arjune and Ken Itwaru grabbedtwowicketseach.

Pegasus had earlier won the toss and optedtobat.

The experienced and Canada-based Guyanese Ken Itwaru hit a top-score of 61 not out while Khem Singh and Arjune weighedinwith34and26respectively

The eight-team competition is slated to continuethisSundaywithfourmorematches atvariousvenuesacrosstheGreaterToronto Area.

GT Bannas will meet up with United Cricket Club at the same venue while PegasustakingonAll-StarsatLittlesground.

Meanwhile, Leguan Warriors are sitting at the top on the points table while United Cricketisatnumber2.

also because they have never won a match at the World Cup in five prior appearances They are long odds to beat Norway, who have a Ballon d’Or winner in t h e i r m i d s t A d a Hegerberg returned to the national team last year after a five-year exile and she is looking to put their disappointing group stage exit at the European Championships in the

rear-viewmirror

“We must play every match as if it’s our last,” she said “We need to really bleed for each other and bleed for our uniform, because nothing comesfree ”

Australia will be led by Sam Kerr, a Golden Boot favourite and an icon in the sport after the Chelsea forward became the first woman to grace the global cover of the

highly-popular video gameFIFA23

With 55 goals in her last 72 internationals,Australian fans will hope to catch a glimpse of her trademark cartwheel-backflip goal celebration.

On the biggest stage, on homesoil.

“It’saboutentertainment andhavingfunandshowing what football is about Maybe it might (happen), maybeitwon’t,”Kerrsaid.

GTBannasoccupyingthenumber5spot with Pegasus struggling at 7. Carr Tec Masters Sports Club is the defending champion and they holding the number 4 position.

Kevin George

A general view of a sign outside the Perth Rectangular Stadium. (REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez)

Wounded West Indies eye fightback in 100th Test against India

ESPNcricinfo - It’s a historic occasion The second Test between West Indies and India, in Port-ofSpain,willbethe100thTest between the two teams. Of the 99 played so far, West Indieshavewon30andIndia 23, while 46 have been draws.

In the last 21 years, however, West Indies have not managed a single win againstIndia.Theirprevious victory came in 2002, when Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Player oftheMatchinthefirstTest ofthecurrentseries,wasnot

evenfivemonthsold.

Sincethen,thetwosides have met 24 times, with India winning on 15 occasions and drawing on the other nine. Given how the first Test went - India winning by an innings and 141 runs - West Indies will havetoputinaseriouseffort toendthatstreak.

Having said that, this could be one of their better chancestodoso.Thepitchat the Queen’s Park Oval has been, traditionally, conducive to fast bowling, and West Indies have a far

They haven’t won a Test against India in the last 21 years but the Queen’s Park Oval pitch could help them change that

more experienced seambowlingattackinthisseries.

Neither West Indies nor India play another Test for thenextfivemonthsatleast. So both teams will be looking to make the most of this opportunity, apart from pocketing some World Test Championship points. West Indies will be looking to achieve some stability with the bat, and India will hope thatShubmanGillandIshan Kishanspendaconsiderable timeinthemiddle.

Inthespotlight

The world first took notice of Alick Athanaze when he topped the runs chart at the 2018 Under-19 World Cup Last month, againstUAE,hesmashedthe joint-fastest fifty by a batter on ODI debut. Then on his Testdebutlastweek,against R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadejaandaturningtrack,he showed he had the temperament for the long formataswell.Withwickets tumblingattheotherend,he top-scoredforWestIndiesin each innings with knocks of 47and28.IanBishopsaidhe could be “a leading light in theyearstocome”,andWest

Indies will hope he proves Bishopright.

At the same U-19 World CupwhereAthanazewasthe leadingrun-scorer,Shubman Gill was second on the list, andwasnamedthePlayerof the Tournament. While it took Athanaze five years to makehisinternationaldebut, Gill is already seen as the heir apparent toVirat Kohli. InthefirstTest,byaskingto bemoveddowntoNo.3,he took another step in that direction - experts believe the middle order is his naturalhome.Butafailurein India’s only innings in Dominica meant he now averages 31 96 after 17

Tests. The good thing is he has all the time in the world and the backing of the team management.

Teamnews

With Raymon Reifer out ofthesquad,left-handbatter Kirk McKenzie could be in line for a debut. West Indies mayalsobetemptedtobring inShannonGabrielforeither JomelWarricanorRahkeem Cornwall Meanwhile, uncapped offspin-bowling allrounder Kevin Sinclair will be on standby as a likefor-like replacement for Cornwallincasethelatteris yet to fully recover from his chestinfection.

Two days out from the

Test, India captain Rohit Sharma said he was not lookingtomake“anydrastic changes”. He also backed IshanKishan,sayinghewas “very impressed” with the wicketkeeper’s glovework. Soitwillnotbeasurpriseif IndiafieldanunchangedXI. Pitchandconditions

While the Queen’s Park Oval has not hosted a Test since 2018, fast bowlers have always enjoyed the conditionshere,registeringa much better average (27.39) and strike rate (61.0) as comparedtospinners(36.57 and88.7).Rainisforecaston all five days of the Test, though.

SportsMax - Former India opening batsman

Aakash Chopra has called forWestIndiestobestripped of their Test-playing status. Hebelievesthattheteamhas been doing nothing in international cricket for a few years now and that they should be replaced by associate member teams fromindividualislands.

“They won’t be playing intheWorldCup.Inallthree formats, they are lagging behind in the rankings Eventually, there has to be a threshold,” Chopra argued duringaquestionandanswer sessionwithSportsekeeda.

“I have been talking about that tier systempromotion and relegation. Just because they are an erstwhilechampionside,till when can you carry on with them as a Test-playing nation?Theteam,assuch,is

doingnothing.”

Chopra says that West Indies’ lack of unity and coordination has been a major factor in their downfall, and that many top players prefer franchise cricket over representing WestIndies.

“Their case is unique because they have separate islands. Their pitches are so slow.YousawitinDominica andyouwillseeitatPortof Spain as well. It’s not a bad idea. May be the island teams might play with more pride. All said and done, West Indies’state of cricket isquitebad.

“Thefivefingersaresplit and everyone is thinking about themselves - be it Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua or Guyana. There is hardly any coordination During theirprime,CliveLloydkept them together This team

needs leadership, because it’s a scattered side. Every island nation has them own anthem.

As it is, things were difficult and then players became T20 journeymen

TheprideinplayingforWest Indieshasreduced.”

Chopra’s comments come at a time when West Indiesarestrugglingbothon and off the field. The team was recently hammered by India in the first Test in Dominica, and they are currentlyrankedninthinthe Test rankings Chopra believes that the team needs to be shaken up, and that stripping them of their Testplaying status would be a wake-upcall.

Chopra played 10 Tests for India between October 2003 and October 2004 scoring 437 runs at an averageof23.

Zhang Shuai retires from match in tears after opponent erases ball mark on court

USA Today - China’s Zhang Shuai retired from her match against Amarissa TothintheHungarianGrandPrixTuesday visibly shaken and in tears after her opponent appeared to erase a ball marker onadisputedcall.

During the first set of their match, Zhang hit a forehand that appeared to hit the line, but the line judge ruled the ball was out. The chair umpire then came to lookattheballmarkandalsoruledtheball wasout.

However, Zhang still disputed the call and asked to speak to a tournament supervisor The match continued for another point, but afterward, Toth walked up to the ball mark and erased it with her shoes.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Zhangsaidafter seeingTotherasethemark.

Aftertrailing6-5inthefirstset,Zhang looked distressed as she spoke with tournament officials on the bench. She woundupretiringfromthematch,andafter shaking hands with her opponents, Toth

celebratedthevictorywithherhandsinthe air

‘Alleffortsonpracticewaswrong’ Zhang addressed the situation on Instagram while posting a clip of Toth erasingtheballmark.

“All efforts on practice was wrong , becausewhenyouwantedhittingcloserto the line, even touched the line, but still calledOUT,”Zhangsaid.“Iloveyouguys and all girls who supporting me and standingmyside.”

OthertennisstarsdefendedZhangover what happened. Ons Jabeur, the 2023 Wimbledon women’s single runner-up, tweeted“thisisnotacceptable.”Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka tweeted Toth’s actions were “anotherlevelofunsportsmanlikeconduct Justwow.”Australia’sAjlaTomljanovic called it “absolutely disgusting behavior” fromToth.

“Shuaiisabetterpersonthanalotofus for shaking the ref and that girls hand,” Tomljanovicsaid.

Former Indian batsman calls for Windies to be stripped of Test status

- “The team is doing nothing... pride has been reduced,” he says

In Dominica, Athanaze was impressive on a pitch that offered turn and bounce to spinners. (Associated Press)

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal laid the foundation for India’s win in the first Test. (Associated Press

GCB UNDER-13 INTER COUNTY Round 2…

Berbice tackle Essequibo today, after rain interrupts Round 1

-Essequibo/DemeraraopeningRoundpushedtoSaturday

Round 2 of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)

U13tourneybowlsofftoday with Berbice and Essequibo doing battle at the GCC Ground,Bourda.

Yesterday’s opening round between the EssequibiansandDemerara, will now be played on Saturday after heavy showers rendered the Ground unplayable followingtheinitialopening

round. Today’smatchwillbowl off at 10:00h, weather permitting.

Meanwhile, Friday’s scheduled final round will see arch rivals Berbice and Demeraradoingbattle.

This is the first official U 1 3 i n t e r - c o u n t y competition since last year, whichwasbadlyaffectedby rain; resulting in matches being played indoors at the National Gymnasium

Gymnasium.

DemeraraU13team:

KhushSeegobin,Nathan Bishop, Brandon Henry –Captain, Makai Dowlin, Reeaz Latiff – Vice Capt., Joshua Bollers, Patrice Fraser, Theiry Davis, Kyle Gibson, Kristoff Tracy, Joshua Williams, Shakar Ramesh, Lomar Seecharran, Jermaine Grovesnor, Hezekiah Hohenkirk, Junior RuelDindyal

Stand By: Mario Singh,

Milex National Junior Chess Championship… Sandiford dominates heading into final round

Amit Shivdarsan, Caleb Basham, Nathan Suknanad, Nicholas Rukhdeo and NavinNarine Manager–KevinRoss

Coach – Kumar

Bishundial

ESSEQUIBOU13teamMakayaHomes,EthanSilas (Capt ) Ravid Frederick, Usain Frederick, Darrius Pearson, Arav Sukran, Bomeshwar Lall, Joseph Bolo, Justin Dowlin, Zaheer Ramkissoon, Nathaniel

Nurse,JadenFrederick,Arif

Singh, Mark Daniels, Justin

Henry,TyreseStephen

Reserves:MarcAnthony

Obermuller, Otis Roberts, Aron Decosta, Kevin

Denjimin,JonathanBarry Head Coach-Rayon

Decosta

M a n a g e r - Wayne

Holder

Berbice U13 team:

Richard Ramdehol-

(Captain), Tameshwar Deonandan- vice, Arif

Marimutoo, Nathaniel Ramsammy, Farhan Ballee, Leon Reddy, Rafell

McKenzie, Balraj Narine, Kemar Joseph, Dinesh Singh, Dev Seepersaud, Rajesh Singh, Arif Bacchus andRicardoDhanessar Standbys-A.Nabbie,D. Newland, A Hemraj, R Lallbeharry, L. DeJonge, K. KistenandS.Gajnabi. Manager- Ameer Rahaman

Coach-LeslieSolomon

An eighth-round victory

against

d e f e n d i n g

Junior Chess Champion RicardoNarinebringsKeron Sandiford to the top of the scoreboard heading into the final round of the Milex National Junior Chess Championship.

Sandiford now has 7 points after eight rounds. Yesterday, he was to face KishanPuran.

Sandiford’s closest challenger is Under14 Champion Kyle Couchman, who has trailed him closely throughout the tournament. Couchman has 6.5 points currently and faces young Nicholas Zhang in round nine.

Depending on the outcome of these two decisive matches for the front-runners, there is still

hope for Couchman to edge Sandiford to claim the victory This is only if Sandifordlosesordrawshis matchagainstPuran.

Couchman lost his point advantage in round eight when he drew his match against Matthew Singh.The two played a tense match which ended with an almost symmetrical end position, with both players having connected rooks on open filesandfourpawnseachon theking’sside.

Qualifying champ Ethan Leehas5.5pointsfollowing victories over siblings Alexander and Nicholas Zhangondayfour

Oluwadare Oyeyipo and MathewSingharebothon5 points.

RicardoNarineisnowon 4 points, having defeated

Tuesday and subsequently losing to title challenger KeronSandiford.RonanLee has 3.5 points and will face Singh in the final round. Alexander Zhang has 1.5 points.

Gamesarelive-streamed on livechesscloud.com and youtube com The final match yesterday was schedule to bring to a close the National Junior Championship where a new National Junior Champion for2023willemerge.

The Guyana Chess Federationisfieldingateam totheU-18XIVYouthChess Festival in Trinidad next month. Official players for the tournament were selected from the junior competitions which were heldthisyear TheGCFalso issued an open invitation to itsmemberstoparticipate.

Rain disrupted the GCB U13 tourney at the GCC Ground, Bourda yesterday.

Ronan Lee and Keron Sandiford contested an intriguing match.

-“Theteamisdoingnothing... pridehasbeenreduced,”hesays