KAieteur News

EPA served Exxon with notice for unlimited parent guarantee since May 9 -

At t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Sanjeev Datadin told the Appellate Court yesterday that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an order to ExxonMobil Guyana requiring the provision of an unlimited parent and/or affiliate company guarantee for oil spills in t h e S t a b r o e k B l o c k

Datadin confirmed with Kaieteur News that the order was issued on May 9, 2023 as expressly stated by the order issued in the ruling by Justice Sandil Kissoon.

The order states that the EPA must issueanenforcementnoticetoEsso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) to provide the “unlimited liability parent company guarantee and or

unlimited liability affiliate company guarantee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Government of Guyana and the agency against all such environmental obligations of Esso and its Co-venturers within the Stabroek Block together with environmental liability insurance from an insurance company with standing and repute that equates to Grade A Plus”, failing which the Liza Phase One permit would be s u s p e n d e d

While the notice has been issued, the EPA has also filed an appeal against the entire judgment b y J u s t i c e K i s s o o n

Submissions pertaining to an application by the EPA to stay the parentguaranteeorder untilthe full

case is heard was presented to Appellate Court Judge, Justice Rishi Persaud yesterday Datadin who represented the agency, said the case before the court boils down to a matter of interpretation of the financial assurance obligations in the environmental permit for the Liza P h a s e O n e P r o j e c t WhileitistherulingoftheHigh Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kisson that the permit requires an unlimited parent and/or affiliate company guarantee for oil spills, Datadin said there are other clauses in the permit which prove this to be

He noted that clause 14 of the permitdoessaythepermitholderis responsible for all costs associated

Attorney-at-Law, Sanjeev Datadin

spill,

keeping with the

Datadin said however that the parameters of those costs are outlined by Condition 14.3 of the permit which states, “The forms of financial assurance shall be guided by an estimate of the sum of the reasonablycrediblecosts,expenses and liabilities that may arise from any breaches of this permit Liabilitiesareconsideredtoinclude costs associated with responding to an incident, clean-up and remediation and monitoring ” The clause further notes that, “the estimation is not expected to a

ss u

identifiable or inestimable costs which may be associated with compensation for loss and ongoing damage to other parties which are able to be pursued through civil

Attorney-at-Law, Sanjeev Datadin

presented by Datadin and other lawyers representing EEPGL, and respondents, Godfrey Whyte and Frederick Collins, Justice Persaud said his decision on the application for a stay would be issued before J

‘Rambo’todo communityservice forganjapossession

An East Coast Demerara (ECD)manknownas'Rambo' was on Tuesday sentenced to two months community service for marijuana possession.

Rambo whose correct name is Ramesh Ramlakhan was charged with illegal possession of narcotics and appeared at the Cove and John's Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

He reportedly pleaded guilty to the offence and was ordered to pay a $5000 fine and sentenced to community service.

Ramesh Ramlakhan better known as ‘Rambo’

Majority of Exxon Shareholders unconcerned about oil spills in Guyana ...AsGovt.acceptsUS$2Bparentguarantee

The majority of E x x o n M o b i l

Corporation's shareholders yesterday voted against two motions that c a l l e d f o r a b e t t e r understanding of oil spill risks and related litigation from the Stabroek Block operations. According to a Reuters report, shareholders overwhelmingly rejected the two proposals brought by separategroups.

The first shareholder proposal was filed by Mercy Investment Services Inc. The group sought to understand theimpactsofaworstcaseoil spill scenario on Guyana and 12otherCaribbeanterritories thatcouldbeaffectedfroman unmitigated oil spill at the LizaPhaseOneProject.

The second proposal was filed by Anna Marie Lyles of Lot 253 Jefferson Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, the beneficial owner of 60 shares for at least three

years. Her proposal sought thesupportofshareholdersto request an actuarial assessment, omitting confidential information and preparedatareasonablecost, of the potential cumulative risk to Exxon Mobil Corporation from current environment-related litigation against the company and its affiliates. Her proposal followed on the heels of Justice Sandil Kissoon's ruling on May 3, 2023 ordering Exxon to provide an unlimited parent and /or affiliate company guaranteeforoilspills.

The failure to do so by June 10 would see the Liza Phase One Permit being suspended. That project is currently producing 151,000 barrelsofoilperday

The shareholder in her proposal said, “Clearly, ExxonMobil is not immune to risks of environmentrelatedlitigation.However,it

discloses what we believe is insufficient information on these risks, leaving shareholders with an inadequate means to assess the future value of their investments.”

She added, that the company should take the steps necessary to provide additional disclosure regarding these risks so that

the shareholders are able to properly evaluate potential impact such risks may have ontheshareholdervalue.The shareholder also argued that environment-related litigation poses an increasing risk to oil and gas investments. As an example, she said BP paid more than US$60bn in criminal and c i v i l p e n a l t i e s a n d

remediation costs following the Macondo blowout, while Shell, another oil major, has been ordered by a Dutch court to reduce its carbon emissionsby45%by2030.

In addition she said, “We have observed a recent trend of courts cancelling energy production permits (e.g. in Australia, South Africa, Brazil), which poses a p a r t i c u l a r r i s k f o r investments in new p r o d u c t i o n T h e s e cancellations allegedly result from non-compliance with environmental laws and the incompatibility of new production with climate goals.”

The shareholder said it is agreed by many Exxon investors that courts may now use as a point of reference the International Energy Agency's assessment inits2021reportNetZeroby 2050 that no new oil, gas, or thermal coal projects can be

approved by relevant licensing authorities in order to meet Paris Agreement emissions goals. She said, “These environment-related lawsuits are often lengthy and we believe that the direct andindirectrisksposedtothe business and shareholder value in case of losing some of these lawsuits appear substantial, and shareholders deserve proper disclosure of theserisks.”

In the meantime, ExxonMobil's affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and the Government of Guyana have finalised discussions for a mere US$2B parent/affiliate company guarantee for oil spills.Bothhavealsofiledan appeal against Justice Kissoon'sorderforunlimited financial coverage The decision on their application for a stay of the order will be issuedbeforeJune7,2023.

Oil spill could set back Guyana to the

If Guyana does not secure unlimited liability coverage for ExxonMobil's oil operations in the Stabroek Block then it leaves itself at risk of being set back to the ice age in the eventofanoilspill.

This was one of the key arguments presented yesterday by Senior Counsel, Seenath Jairam before Appellate Court Judge,JusticeRishiPersaud. Jairam appeared alongside Attorney-at-Law, Melinda Janki for Guyanese activists, Godfrey Whyte and Frederick Collins Both gentlemen are responsible for bringing a case last year which saw Justice Sandil Kissoon issuing an order for unlimited parent/affiliate company guarantee for oil spills.

The Environmental ProtectionAgency as well as Exxon's affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has up to June 10, 2023 to complyorfacesuspensionof the Liza Phase One Permit. Both EPA and EEPGL appealed the judgment. Part of their appeal called for a

...Exxon's US$2B parent guarantee is a drop in the ocean –T&T Senior Counsel tells Court of Appeal

stay of Justice Kissoon's order until, the full case is heard by the Appellate Court Yesterday, Justice Persaud heard oral arguments regarding the applicationforastay

During his submissions, Jairam said it is imperative that the order issued May 3, 2023 by Justice Kissoon be complied with since, “an oil spill could set back Guyana totheiceage.”

He said too that the law requires compliance with a ruling/order until it is set aside by the Higher Court. The Senior Counsel said therefore that the appeals by EPA and EEPGL should not beheardatallsincetheaimit appears, is to avoid compliance. Jairam also drewattentiontothefactthat EEPGL and the EPA could have asked the lower court for an extension of time for compliance.

But they did not. Given this state of affairs, “We say they are in contempt and should not be heard,” the SeniorCounselstated.

Jairam further noted that it would not cost the EPA a cent to issue a notice to

EEPGL for the parent guarantee to be provided, as instructed by the May 3 order The EPA's lawyer, Sanjeev Datadin at this point told the court that it was issued Jairam challenged this, noting that no supporting evidence was provided to the court. Jairam also noted that no parent

guarantee, and particularly, not even the US$2B parent guarantee that was recently negotiated between the EPA and EEPGL, has been provided to Guyana. Jairam said this still leaves EEPGL inbreachofthepermitwhich was renewed in 2022. He was keen to note that in any event, US$2B is an

inadequatesum.Jairamsaid, “Accidents on the high seas cost billions upon billions, a US$2B (parent guarantee) would be a drop in the ocean…”

I n t h e w r i t t e n submissions to the court, lawyers for Whyte and Collins noted EEPGL's claim that if the Liza Phase One Permit is suspended, it is at risk of losing US$337 5M per month unlessthereisastay

The respondents said, “Even if that claim could be substantiated,itisirrelevant. If Esso loses money it is a direct consequence of Esso's own failure/refusal to comply with its permit and produce the financial

assurance” as ordered by the court. They added, “Esso's behavior is reminiscent to the mythical child who kills itsparentsthensayshelpme, Iamanorphan.”

The Liza Phase 1 is currently producing approximately 151,000 barrels of oil per day. Exxon has said it has more than US$21B in financial assets tocoverforanoilspillevent. This includes a US$600M per oil spill occurrence insurance policy, a US$2B parent guarantee for which documents are being finalized, and US$19B in assets.

Justice Persaud's ruling on the case is expected to be issuedbeforeJune7,2023.

ExxonMobil's Houston, Texas headquarters

‘ice age'

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

Police shooting of accomplice

OnewouldthinkthatwhenanarmoftheStateputsouta report it would meet some of the criteria of what could be considered credible. In terms of trust, confidence, and overallsafetyandsecurity,thisbecomesevenmorerelevant whentheGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)istheStateinstitution involved,andafatalshootingistheresult.Whatcameoutas the initial GPF report of the shooting of Neon Howard, an ‘accomplice’, as he is now officially labeled, of escaped mass murderer, Mark Royden Williams, is the ludicrous taken to new depths, and causes numerous anxieties, regarding how the GPF operates, and the regard that is manifestedforcitizens.

The first report from the GPF spoke of a ‘shootout’ between the accomplice and ranks. Notably, there was nothingaboutagunfound.Thefirstphotooftheaccomplice, whothepublichadneverheardofasWanted’,hashimlying onhisbackwithhishandsbehindhim,hintingatsomelevel of restraint, a heavy foot firmly planted on his chest, and a firearm pointed most authoritatively at him. The still shot shows two other pairs of feet around this corralled and captive accomplice. So, there are three people, likely law enforcement, plus another doing the videotaping, which totals to four individuals.Yet, through some miracle, some magical manoeuvre, Guyanese have since been informed thataccompliceHowardwassomehowabletoovercomeall those restraints from a prone position, and even more strangely manage to relieve a member of the GPF of his firearm.

Something is missing in the narrative released by the GPF Thingsarenotaddingup;infact,subsequenteventsin this blur of tense activity only makes the GPF’s story fall apartsomemore.ForMr Howard,havingfreedhimselfand seized a firearm, raced in from the vehicle that was transportinghim,turnedaround,andisengagedincranking his illegally obtained weapon, which is all captured in anothervideo.TheofficialreportrelaysthatMr Howardis shotatinasmallvolleyoffire,isstruckbyoneroundfrom anAK-47. Thereafter,heisshotandstrucksomemore,and the encounter is over, with accomplice Neon Howard now deceased.

Whattomakeofallthis?Isthisanotherofthosemurky murdermysterieswheredeadmentellnotales,andsilencing was always the first order of business? The haziness regardingwhetherthisaccomplicewashandcuffedornotis compounded by the issues surrounding his inexplicable, incredible, escape from the custody of the GPF ranks in attendance. Then, there is the matter of his running to the front of the machine that was taking him somewhere, and then turning around to confront his pursuers. Even more mysteriously,theaccompliceishitbyaroundfromahighpowered assault rifle and is still supposedly in full combat mode. The round that struck him has plenty of penetrating power when coming into contact with substances such as wood and steel. The flesh and bone of accomplice Neon Howard must be made of some special texture for him to withstand that hit, and still be committed to cranking his weapon.

ThepointofallthisisthatiftheGPF,oranyGovernment agency,isgoingtoissueastatementbeforethepublic,there should be some self-respect in the entity itself as to the quality of what is released and, more importantly, some regardfortheintelligenceoftheGuyanesepeople. NoState agency, no Government, should be so dismissive of the interestandconcernsofcitizensastoattempttoshovelthis kind of drivel at them. This is not accountability but arrogance that is cavalier to the extreme, and reveals an unacceptablelevelofincompetenceandunprofessionalism.

Clearly, there are those in charge who do not care how they are perceived, then this is what transfers down into manyinstitutions,andtheattitudesthataredisplayedbefore the public. When this development about a fatal encounter withanaccompliceishandledinthisshoddyway,thenonly the same garbage, perhaps worse, is to be expected in the futureonthisandothermatters,andfromallover

There are more questions than answers surrounding the Mahdia tragedy

DEAREDITOR

It is with deep sadness and overwhelming shock that we write to offer our condolences to the grieving families who lost beloved children and whose children w e r e i n j u r e d a n d hospitalized.All the Mahdia Secondary School students areaffectedandtraumatised. Allthecommunitiesthatare home to the students are grieving Our country, Guyana, continues to mourn and express our collective griefandshock.

Wejoinheartsandhands with the Patamuna people andIndigenousPeoplesinall regions – especially those most directly affected in Karisparu, Micobie Mahdia, Campbelltown, El Pasoand Chenapou. We stand in full solidarity with Chenapou and their righteous protest and demands for answers and support in their time of grief.

We applaud the UG statement and its most appropriatevigil,whichwas also wonderfully made available by Zoom for those who could not be physically

present.

Werecognisetheprompt and necessary actions taken by the President and the Administration’s support efforts.

There are more questions than answers surroundingthistragedyand itsaccountability

For decades and over successive governments, there have been criticisms and calls for improved designs and modern infrastructure standards for schools and dormitories in thesehinterlandareas.There currently exists an appalling lack of such standard safety measures built into the design and construction of t h e s e d o r m i t o r i e s everywhere. In the Mahdia dorm, there was no fire escape structure, no fire extinguishers, no smoke alarms or water sprinklers, and no precautionary requirement specifying the useoffireretardantmaterials inconstruction.Additionally andbizarrely,therewerethe extremelydangerous,highly flammable and toxic PVC plastic tiles installed as the

ceiling. This plastic ceiling coupled with the zinc roof aboveitwouldtogetherdrive anintense,furnace-likeheat. While the windows were barred, it was said the doors were not – but that the keys w e r e a p r o b l e m

Significantly, it is also reported that fire drills were not at all carried out as a regular safety precaution

feature of dormitory management By all accounts, this was a disaster waitingtohappen–andthat ought to have been prevented!

President Ali is calling for a COI into the Mahdia fire: All well and good. But we suggest that an independentinvestigationbe done to ascertain the quality and safety of ALL of the dorms and schools in the interior

Equally disastrous is the utter lack of full time professional services and trained personnel employed at the dorms attached to Secondary Schools in the interior Children from the agesof12to17arehousedin these neglected institutions.

In their need for basic secondary education, these children must leave the security, safety, love, comfort and support of their families and communities and move away to distant places These institutions employ no trained psychosocial professionals, no guidance counselors. or social workers who are trained in the care and support of adolescents. The “dorm mothers” and “dorm fathers” or “matrons”or “caretakers” employed are, no doubt, good community people,tryingtheirbest–but who are, generally, without the skill-sets, training and experience to professionally support the students under their care This is a stupendous failing on the part of relevant authorities and administrations. It is wellknownthatmanyadults prey on and groom these vulnerable teenagers with impunity, often resulting in inappropriate relationships and high levels of teenage pregnancies This bad situationhasbeenoccurring

(Continuedonpage06)

Minister Dharamlall Must Be Held Accountable for the Mahdia Inferno

DEAREDITOR

I write this letter with great concern and a burning desire to shed light on the appalling state of our Local Government and Regional Development system. The recent tragedy in Mahdia, aptly described in yesterday’s Stabroek News a r t i c l e t i t l e d “Recommendations for removal of grills from Mahdia dorm were made to ReDO – source,” has exposedtheabysmalfailures of Minister Dharamlall and demandsurgentattention.

ItisevidentthatMinister Dharamlall, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, h o l d s s i g n i f i c a n t responsibility within this system However, his negligence and lack of leadership have resulted in catastrophic consequences, aswitnessedinMahdia.Itis his feet that we must lay the blameatforthisinferno.

Under the current government structure, the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) are tasked with five crucial programs, including Administration and Finance, Agriculture, Education Delivery, Public

Works,andHealthDelivery

The individuals responsible for managing these programs report directly to the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) in their respective regions, who in turn are accountable to MinisterDharamlall.During the David Granger era, REOsregularlymetwiththe Minister of Communities to provide updates on their regions.However,itappears thatMinisterDharamlallhas abandoned this practice, leaving the system in disarray

The Mahdia incident reveals a startling chain of n e g l i g e n c e a n d

irresponsibility

It has come to light that the fire service flagged the grills on the dormitory not once, but twice – in November of the previous year and again in February Shockingly, despite receiving a report with recommendations, the Regional Education Officer, viatheRegionalDemocratic Council, failed to take appropriateaction.

T h e R e g i o n a l Administrative Committee, headed by the Regional Executive Officer, was

supposed to be briefed and ensure that necessary m e a s u r e s w e r e implemented. Yet, it seems that the Regional Executive Officer and their team did not take the matter seriously butreportedittotherelevant authorities, including the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development.

This incident serves as a clarion call for Minister Dharamlall to be held accountable for his failures. It is time for him to come forward and address critical questions regarding the functionalityoftheRegional Disaster Risk Management Committees and the Regional Administrative Committees.

Are these committees functioningasintended?Are the REOs faithfully executing the decisions of the Elected Councils? Are regular meetings taking place between the Minister and the REOs, facilitating properbriefingandguidance forgovernmentpolicies?

The Local Government and Regional Development systeminourbelovednation is in utter chaos, with no respect for the elected

Regional Democratic Councils The politically appointed REOs have proventobemoreinterested in political gain than in serving the people. Minister Dharamlall’s lack of respect fortheinstitutionswithinthe system is palpable, and his failure to lead such an important ministry is unacceptable.Hissilenceon the Mahdia tragedy speaks volumes, as he attempts to divert attention to other ministers However, the responsibility lies squarely onhisshoulders.

Iimplorethegovernment and our fellow citizens to demand accountability from Minister Dharamlall. If we allow this broken system to persist, we will only find ourselves lamenting over futuredisasters.

Guyana deserves competent and responsible leadership. It is high time Minister Dharamlall is removed from his position and held accountable for his failures.

Yoursfaithfully

Hon.GaneshMahipaul, M.P Shadow Minister of Local Government and RegionalDevelopment

Tara Singh - try some humanity, stop the callousness

DEAREDITOR, I did not intend to write again about the murder of those 20 innocents souls but when I read Tara Sngh’s shamelesspoliticizingofthis great tragedy, I could not stayquiet(“Whytherushto b l a m e t h e P P P / C administration for the Mahdia tragedy? -KN May 31st.2023).

He chastises all of us whohavevoicedouroutrage andgriefasheaccusesusof politriks,whenheshouldbe lookinginthemirror

I have asked all the b e n c h w a r m e r s i n Parliament to vacate their seats and let competent people do the job they obviously have not been doing or else those 20 young children would not be dead Tara in case you cannot comprehend simple words I said both

G o v e r n m e n t a n d OppositiOppositionthatly sit in Parliament should resign.Samjhe?

Tara Singh wants us to believe that the proverbial buck does not stop at the person who is enjoying ALL the privileges of beingHeadofState

TaraSinghistellingthe First Peoples of our Nation that their lives and welfare is not the concern of the ruling party/Government and that basically, it was the locals (meaning they themselves) who should take the blame for the wanton ending of their 20 youngchildren’slives

I am at a loss to find words to express my utter furyatthegallofthisman.I

was at the vigil where the representativesofGuyanato theUSspoke.

I could not believe my ears when from those lot we mostly heard of how t h e P r e s i d e n t responded how he was at the airstrip early in the morning to pack the plane etc etc In case our president (and Tara) do not know what his job is...It is NOT to be a physical labourerbutanadministrator who must ensure that the lives of ALL citizens are secured.

That the children of the Nation are our greatest assets and thus care must be taken to protect and prosper every child of Guyana’s soil! That you do not wait till they punish and dead then youwillact

Our President has a youngsonsothatshouldnot berocketsciencetohim.

That 20 young kids’ lives were literally snuffed out in the most horrendous manner have not seemed to awaken those in charge and now we have kochars like Tara tellinguswhathisidols in the Government are doing, what smacks of propaganda.

Had those names he m e n t i o n e d f o r commendation, been doing their respective duties properly, the families of those 20 kids would not be having 20 empty spaces in theirhearts.

Tara Singh simply does notcaretostepintotheshoes of the parents, siblings and all those who were close to

those20kids.

No one with an iota of conscience will say that “While we would never knowthemagnitudeoftheir pain,wedoknowthat“every cloudhasasilverlining.”

What “ silver lining” Tara?

Doyounotknowthatall the “silver” in the Universe cannot compensate for even oneofthosechildren’slives. You have grossly insulted those families with your wretched words.I have lost our beloved father and our youngest sibling and I can tellyouTaraSingh.

had you lost someone deartoyoursoul,youwon’t ever write those horribly callous,crudeandinsensitive words.

You have not only insulted the families of all those 20 kids, but you have also wantonly chastised the entire community of our First Peoples. Maybe it is time,theytakebacktheland and “‘silver” that rightfully belongtothem.

I am pretty sure, they would not have placed their kids to live in a fire hazard jail.

Shame on you, Tara Singh. You have done the verythingthatyousoughtto accuse the rest of us who have not only stepped into the shoes of those grieving families but have been walkingaroundsharingtheir grief.You should try that sometimeTara,itwillmake you a better human than the one that you are presently imitating.

Yourstruly, N.Sahadeo

To where have Govt. defenders disappeared?

DEAREDITOR, I have read the Stabroek News editorial where Mr R o h e e a n d M s Manickchand were quoted ascallingfortheresignation of Mr Ramjattan following the jailbreak and the fire. Now we have 20 children gone and many others injured,andMr Roheeisyet to speak, and Ms Manickchand is yet to resign.

I have also noted the deafening silence of the Private Sector Commission and their oft times spokespersons like Gerry G o u v e i a a n d K i t Nascimento Where are thesevoicesthatarequickto

comment when they are ready to praise this Government? These voices have been absent since the journalist was abused at Leonora, the escape of ‘Smallie’ and now this inferno.Mr KianJabourwas quoted as saying that this infernoisasbadastryingto rig the elections, but all the sanctimonious voices that werecorrectlyloquaciousat that time, are now mysteriouslystilled. These organizations and individuals have to understand that the people are not fools. They know who are getting the contracts, who are getting the consultancies, who are

DEAREDITOR, The recent arrival of the pipe for the pipeline was very surprising, especially when you consider the recently confirmed weakness of the country’s safetyrecord.Apipelinecan be a serious safety issue in the current political climate and the increasing risk of domestic terrorism The country has suffered several domestic terrorist incidents along the coast, and the elimination of the threat is stilltooccur TheMinistryof HomeAffairshasalsoshown thatitisstrugglingtoensure complianceandadherenceto the current safety regulations.

The recent tragedy has confirmed this, and the continual inability to bring road safety and crime under control does not give confidencethatanexplosive gas pipeline will be well protected The risks are tremendous,andthelevelof the investment is equivalent towhatusetobethelevelof the country’s hard-earned GDP We are discussing the risk of $3Billion US dollars going up in flames. That is not an insignificant amount ofmoney

In addition, the pros of using these funds for a safer renewable solar energy option are extremely strong vs. the current weaker gas pipeline option The expectationhasalwaysbeen that the strength of a better investment once confirmed, will ensure that our country makesthecorrectdecisionto secure both the energy and thefinancialsecurityneeded for the future. Laying a path for our nation to be stronger as we develop is a must and not an option To do otherwise and to continue to go forward with an energy option that is extremely unsafe,notfinanciallyviable and that does not meet our country’s future energy needs is very irresponsible. We must also remember the importance of our Nation’s roleintheGuianaShieldand our role of championing the planet’s urgent need to changethecurrenttrajectory ofclimatechange,whichcan have devastating effects on our Region.As a memberof Caricomitisalsoourdutyto be a good and responsible partner This also echoes the commitment we must have toensurethattheimpactofa major oil spill will not be

uninsured, and that unlimited coverage will secure the economies of our partners from any negative consequences of a major oil spill.Todootherwiseisalso irresponsible.

Those in Government must show that they are capable and committed to acting responsibly by making responsible decisions for the betterment ofourNation,theregionand the planet The recent tragedy is a clear indication that a significant gap exists between what is expected and what is actually occurring.Nowisthetimeto act on safety by showing voters that our children and citizens, our roadways and homes, our finances and sustainable development, ourregionalpartnersandthe planet, will all be in good hands as Guyana becomes a stronger global leader by alwaysmakingaresponsible choiceinourendeavours.

To do otherwise would be to the detriment of our Nation!

Withconcern,

Mr.JamilChanglee Chairman T h e C o o p e r a t i v e RepublicansofGuyana

We must move past Mahdia

DEAREDITOR

getting the duty frees and who are living larger than life.So, next time they raise theirvoices,theymustknow that we have seen through themandhavenorespectfor whattheysay Yourstruly, VigilantCitizen

, Over the past week following the horrific Madhia fire much has been said and written about systemsorabsenceandlack thereof with calls for a c c o u n t a b i l i t y , responsibility and heads to roll. Anationingriefinfull flow Nothingcouldprepare families, relatives, friends, communities,oranationfor theenormityofatragedywe have just experienced and continues to, with the grim reaperclaimingitstwentieth victim. My condolences are extended to the family in

particularandcommunityof Micobie in general on this latest demise of one of their daughters.

Much has been said aboutwhoisresponsiblefor the fire and its ensuing devastating consequences, never mind who allegedly started it. The constant badgering and hammering withrhetoriclacedwithrank accusations, blame and finger pointingdoes nothing to answer the burning, searing question: can we move past it or are we forevertomovewithit?Will thereevercomeatimewhen

we can say this too shall pass?

As an aside, as the authorities move to inspectfacilities and holdings, the video circulating of school children paddling canoes, t h e i r m e a n s o f transportation, sends a veiled message The children using this mode of transportation should be equipped with life jackets. Whatever became of the boats from the 5 Bs Initiative?

Trulyyours, ShamshunMohamed

Why persist with this gas pipeline when so many safety concerns abound?

In other countries, ministers would immediately resign on principle

DEAREDITOR, There are 2 kinds of TRUTHS — Truths of Reasoning and Truths of Fact.

Permit me to remain in concord with you albeit in a somewhat delayed manner When news of the horrific fire in Mahdia reached the ears, and gripped the hearts and minds ofthose in the diaspora and beyond, especially the prevailing circumstances and conditions under which they perished , I immediately activated digits and electronicdevice

Ititledmyarticle:TOTELLTHE TRUTH—GUYANA GOVERNMENTFAILEDTHEIR INDIGENUOUSYOUTH.

Such a title not only spoke for itself but also spelt out volumes Insteadthearticlewasretitled Mahdia School Fire, Part of a Pattern of Failure Changing the narrative does not alter the truth TRUTH is not for comfort it is for

LIBERATION

Now along with the seismic shift towards culpability, comes a persistent call for the rolling of heads of those tasked with oversight ability, namely Home

Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

In other countries, on grounds ofprinciple,theseministerswould have had their resignation letters prepared or announcement of stepping down made immediately following notification of the death toll.

The students were in the care and custody of the government in order to receive secondary education not available in their partofthehinterlands

Instead of receiving the education, they were treated like prisoners and educated at the very best in the incompetencies of the government and the level of esteem in whichtheoffspringsofthe genusof Guyana’sfirstinhabitantsare held.

Murder charges have been laid against the student who allegedly set the fire to the building, and rightfully so, if she is indeed the perpetrator

There are however a few more unknowns, that need to be exhumed andbroughtintothebier

Thistragedywithallduerespectto the deceased and their grieving families and relatives, has served to further highlight the continued incompetencies of those elected both pastandpresenttoservethepeopleof Guyana.

During their first time working visit conducted in Guyana from September 21 to 23, 2016, The InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) examined issues concerning poverty, respect and guaranteeoftheeconomic,social,and cultural rights in the country, especially education for the Indigenouspeople.

Werechangesmadeandifso,what were they?May this tragedy remain forever etched in our memories, and serveasreminderoftheoccasion,and alsothemessagebeing sent toserve as a stark deterrent. —The Mahdia Fire in the Dorm — Start of a New Norm No pretense governmental ministers were severely punished for theirdisplayedincompetence.

Yoursincerely, Y.Sam

THEJAGUAR–asavage beautyofabeast,savaged bymoresavageman

DEAREDITOR,

The majestic big cat sleepinginthesavannah.

Apictureoflanguidease andperfectlaziness.

Butbewarelestyoudare tofeelwhatmightysinews lie beneath its tawny yellow coat of black spots androsettes.

In a moment it’s a machinesuper-charged:

a lean elegant express trainonthegrassyplain. Itsjawsandteethrender intoaheartymeal

a prey fashioned with fleshofgraniteandbonesof steel.It’sdeathtoalonedeer, buffaloorcapybara whenthegroundstartled by one ferocious leap of the jaguar

And to think that Nature stampssuchsavagery into the heart of an elusive creature of such breathtakingbeauty

There was a time when the jaguar prowled

unfetteredinthehinterland. But now a savage beast watchesforthatmoresavage beastinhumans that roams with an unadulterated cruelty and a heartthatseesnobeauty, but the profits when clawsandteethofthejaguar soldinfar-flungmarkets. Shouldwenotprotectthe puissantjaguar that defines our strength and resilience as a young nation?

In ten thousand years whoknowswhattheseawill reclaim, butIamcountingonMt. Roraima to still watch over thisblessedland, and for the savannahs to still hear the roar of the mightyjaguar— drowned only by the unceasing thunder of old Kaieteur

Sincerely, Haimnauth Cecil Ramkirath

Therearemorequestionsthananswerssurrounding...

Frompage4 for years and yet, it is not effectivelyaddressedandno consistent or meaningful preventiveactionshavebeen putinplace.

It is therefore with utter horror and shock that we learned from a “News Room”reportonMay28that ”Police have received legaladvicetochargethe15year-old girl who allegedly set the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary Schoolonfirewith19counts of murder…”We now know that this instruction came directly from the DPP Yet, thisisachildinobviousneed of psychological help, mental health counselling, guidance and appropriate discipline aimed at helping hertakeresponsibilityandto understand correction and self-correction What on earth is to be gained by branding this misguided childamurderer?Wecallon DPP to lift these unreasonable charges on a child.Wearelegallyadvised that the charge of arson is more lawful at this juncture. Andthatthemostimmediate action is fore her to receive the required psycho-social traumacounseling.

There are many factors and circumstances that are root causes of this tragedy and which, together, share equalblame.Therearemany hard lessons to be learned

fromthistragedy

Our recommendations include:

1 Uphold SDG 4: “Invest in Quality Education” Build Secondary Schools in villages and clustered local communitiessothatchildren can go to school and come home daily, after class, to their families like school children do in Georgetown andonthecoast.

2 Reinstitute and revitalize “PrimaryTops” in the schools in the communities, so that the young 11, 12 and 13 year olds do not have to be wrested away from their familiesattheseyoungages.

3. Institute daily School Bus or School Boat services where Secondary Schools exist that are easily accessiblebyroadorriver–and in relatively close proximity to villages and communities.

4 I m p l e m e n t psychological therapy and trauma counselling This situation will not be a quick fix and we urge that this therapy continue for as long as it takes, as we acknowledge all the efforts being made toward this by the State and from the University of Guyana specialized units and the long-term strategies being developedbytheAPA.

5.Implementthetraining

of community-based counsellors on a consistent and long-term basis using the techniques, methods, approaches and materials successfully used and produced by NGOs who are equippedandexperiencedin deliveringtheseprofessional services and training programmes – such as Help & Shelter, Blossom, Red Thread, ChildLink and others.

6. The Patamuna people andRegion8residentsmust also be given all the necessary support and continuous training in trauma counselling for it to be sustainable The community must be integrally involved in decisions, oversight and supportoftheseefforts.

7.Immediatelycarryout a n i n d e p e n d e n t , andcomprehensivesurveyof all dormitories and schools in the hinterland and ALL residential institutions in Guyana that must be led by professional civil engineers, and have their findings publicly disclosed and their r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s expeditiouslyimplemented.

8.BanallPVCtilesused forceilingsoranywhereelse in these buildings and immediately replace any other such ceilings in schoolsanddorms.

9. Stop awarding construction contracts for

sub-standard designs and stopapprovingsub-standard works, which do not have fully modernized safety and security measures and mechanisms in place Employ independent, professionally competent monitors to review all d e s i g n s , contracts/contractors and construction.

10. Immediately lift the murder charges brought against the teenage girl in question and placeher in the professional care of trained a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l psychologists, mental healthcounsellors and ensurethatsheisnotisolated from family members who care for her and who themselves are benefitting from professional trauma counselling.

Aswemournasanation, thisisalsoatimeforallofus in Guyana to pause, reflect and to do all within our power to ensure such a terrible tragedy never happensagain.

As we do this, let us ensure, that as a nation, we participate as leaders, individuals, families, communities and civil society organizations to build resilient communities where every child is valued, lovedandprotected.

Weclosebyjoiningwith allGuyanaacrossrace,class, religion, culture and politics

i n m o u r n i n g t h i s immeasurable loss and in collectivelyreflectingonthe hard lessons learned from thistragedy

We share this universal Apache blessing dedicated tothevictims,thesurvivors, the families, communities andallthestudentsandstaff oftheMahdiaschool.

MAY THE SUN bring you new energy by day: MAY THE MOONsoftly restoreyoubynight:

MAY THE RAINwash away your worries: MAY THE BREEZEblow new strengthintoyourbeing:

M A Y Y O U WALKgently through the world and knowits beauty, allthedaysofyourlife.

Yoursfaithfully,

1.VandaRadzik

2.DanutaRadzik

3.AyodeleDalgety-Dean

4.JosephineWhitehead

5.JanetteBulkan

6.LeilaJgdeo

7.HalimaKhan

8.WintressWhite

9.SusanCollymore

10.VanessaRoss

11.JoyMarcus

12.KarendeSouza

13.RedThread

14. Salima BacchusHinds

15.AlmaO’Connell

16. Kathleen RodneyScott

17.AlfredBhulai

18.ChristineSamwaroo

19.MayaTrotz

20.EmilyAllicock

21.GaietriBaron

22.NicoleCole

23.ErnestineLogan

24.KarenVanSluytman Corbin

25.CherylSampson

26. Renata Chuck-ASang

27.IvorMarslow

28.JacquelineAllicock

29.ColinKlautky

3 0 . G u y a n e s e Organisation of Indigenous Peoples

31.AlissaTrotz

32.JocelynDow

33.LisaThompson

34.MosaTelford

35.RusselLancaster

36.IsabelledeCaires

37.MellissaIfill

38.Abbyssinian

39. Rev Pat SheerattanBisnauth

40.NeshaHaniff

41.SandydeFreitas

42.KarenNaidoo

43.KathleenWhalen

44.IngridSarabo

45.WazirMohamed

46.NigelWestmaas

4 7 . I m m a c u l a t a Casimero

48.MichelleKenyon

49.JosesSolomon

50.ArlyneRamdatt

51.PaulaMohamed

52.GeraldAPerreira

53.CharleneWilkinson

54.PamelaRodney

55.OmattieMadray

56.VirgilHarding

57. Bina Hill Institute –YouthLearningCent

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

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

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

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

The right time for the Opposition

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

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

Will there ever be the 'right time' for the Opposition?

Based on its record, we don't think so.

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

Now is the time to get up and get.

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

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

But the Opposition still talking about the right time.

The oil will come to an end.

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

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

It will find the Opposition still talking about right time.

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

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

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

God help us!

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

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

Govt.’s youth empowerment efforts get support from USAID

Th e P P P C government has taken a significant steptowardsempoweringthe nation's youths, particularly those who have encountered thelaw,withthelaunchofthe USAID Youth Resilience, I n c l u s i o n , a n d Empowerment (Y-RIE) programme.

This initiative by USAID aims to provide support, opportunities, and resources to help young individuals steer from a life of crime and build a brighter future

During the launch hosted at the Marriott Hotel, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud emphasised the

government'scommitmentto addressing the challenges faced by youths “The government is deeply committed to the young peopleofthiscountryandwe have collectively spared no effort in developing programmes in ensuring that andeveninlookingatthatthe legislative arm in ensuring thattherearestrongpiecesof legislationthatprotectyoung people in this country,” she said.

Minister Persaud expressed the government's pleasure in partnering with USAID, along with Grenada andSt.Lucia,toimplementa programme that aligns with existing national and

strategic interventions. She further underscored the efforts made by the government to develop comprehensive programmes and robust legislation to protect young people, while p r o v i d i n g a m p l e opportunities and support to effectively counter violence andcrime.

The Y-RIE programme will play a vital role in strengthening both national a n d s u b - n a t i o n a l government-provided social services by improving the quality of support available tovulnerableyouth.

It will also promote evidence-based approaches within the public sector,

Driver dies after car ploughs into trench

A45-year-old man of Ruby

Backdam, East Bank

Essequibo (EBE) was killed on Wednesday after the car he was in ploughed into a trench along the Ruby AccessRoad.

Dead is Ravindra Ali. According to police, Ali met his demise around 08:10 hrs. Reports received detailed that the car

wasspeedingsouthalongtheeasternsideofthe RubyAccess road when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car turned turtle and ended upinthetrench.

When the car was removed from the trench by public- spirited persons, Ali was found unconsciousinthebackseat.Theytookhimout andrushedhimtotheLeonoraCottageHospital wherehewaspronounceddeadonarrival.

ensuring that interventions are effective and tailored to the specific needs of the youth population. Moreover, Y-RIE will facilitate coordination between social services and justice institutions,creatingefficient referral pathways and fostering partnerships with both public and private s e c t o r s t o b o l s t e r community-based crime and violencepreventionefforts. Additionally, it will support entrepreneurial and small business pathways, enabling young individuals to explore self-employment opportunities by creating a supportive ecosystem for youth empowerment Meanwhile, the minister revealed that the initial focus oftheY-RIEprogrammewill be on training the ministry's officers, who work with juveniles. They will receive specialised training to

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud at the launch of USAID's Y-RIE programme hosted at the Marriott Hotel

recognise and address

t r a u m a , s h o c k responsiveness,andeffective engagement strategies with the aim of preventing at-risk youth from falling into a life

of crime and violence

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and other dignitaries were presentatthelaunch.(DPI)

School cash grant for June 5 roll out

The distribution of the 'Because We Care' per child for the year 2023 will commence on June 5, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand announced yesterday

Inabriefvideopostedon the Ministry's Facebook page, the Minister said that, “We will begin the distribution of the 2023 cash grant 'Because We Care' on th the 5 of June, so next Monday we begin to distribute to families across this country, financial assistance for their children schooling. As you know we had promised that we would give every family a financial assistanceeveryyear.”

The minister mentioned that this year each child would be given a cash grant of $40,000. She noted that this year more than 214,000 children are eligible to receivethegrant.

A t t h i s y e a r ' s presentation of the national budget, the Senior Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh hadsaidthatthe'BecauseWe Care' School Grant has been increased to $35,000 per child He noted that in Budget 2021, the grant was increased from $15,000 to $25,000 in Budget 2022 and the grant was further extended to accommodate students attending private schools.

“This will benefit over 214,000 school children in public and private schools, and will place an additional $2.1 billion in the hands of

their parents,” the finance ministerinformed.

He continued, “that the newly increased grant of $35,000 together with the uniform grant of $5,000 per child will see parents receiving $40,000 per child in total.” The two grants, he said, will transfer some $8.6B to parents of schoolagedchildren.

Minister Manickchand went on to explained that the grant is for children attending both public and private schools. A child is eligible for the grant having been registered at their respectiveschool.

“What makes you eligible, your child would have to be going to a private or public school and be in nursery all the way up to Grade 10 or at Caribbean

Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) eligibility really means that you are on the register of a public or private school, and thatyouareattendingschool and that we got your name from your school,” minister explained.

She mentioned that as it relate to students at the CAPE level, once they are registered for the new academic year, they will receive their cash grant in or aroundOctober.

The Minister concluded that the schedules would be posted on social media as to where and when parents would have to uplift their child's grant She asked parents and guardians to look out for the schedules as the distribution will be from June5toJune9.

Major fires always seem tooccurinGuyanawhenfew personsarearound.Fromthe destruction of the Guyana Rice Development Bond in Kingstoninthe1990’stothe alleged arson of the Christ Church Secondary School earlier this year, most of the major fires at government buildings took place when therewerenotmanypersons around who could have betterrespondedtothefire.

The presence of persons is important to fire safety

Fire safety systems are only effectivewheninresponding to fires in their early stages and where there are personnelinplacetoactivate those systems. In 2017, it was observed that electrical wireswithinQueensCollege weresparking.Schoolwasin session and the children were quickly evacuated, the Fire Service alerted and a majorcatastropheaverted

Incontrast,thefirewhich destroyed the St. George’s School in Georgetown was saidtobeelectricalinorigin. Ittookplacethenonlyafew students were in the building.Itquicklyrazedthe wooden structure No amount of fire extinguishers would have averted the destructionofthatfireunless the cause of the fire was identified quickly and acted upon. By the time the fire was noticed it has already a substantialblaze.

Thefirewhichdestroyed theChristChurchSecondary School was said to be the work of an arsonist. No one concerned with the security of the school saw when the

Talk is cheap!

fire was set Fire extinguishers would not have helped much in that instance. Some persons are saying that schools and schooldormitoriesshouldbe equipped with sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems can be effective when they are activated in the early stages of a fire. But they are of limited use when a fire is raging as anyone who has beentoacremationknows.

Sprinkler systems are effectiveincontainingsmall fires thus preventing extensivefireloss.Butthese sprinkler systems also cause extensive water damage when activated. Many propertyownersarenotkeen on having sprinkler systems because they can do more harmthangood.Infactwhen sprinklers are inadvertently activated, they can result is extensive water damage And who is going to pay to install such systems in the hundreds of schools in

Guyana? Guyana is borrowing money now for roads, for education and for health.And what is going to prevent some wicked child from activating the system anddamagingallthefixtures andequipmentintheschool?

How many buildings in Guyana have sprinkler systems?Ask those who are blaming the authorities for not having fire safety measures in place whether theyhavefireextinguishers, sprinklers and other fire safety systems in their homes and businesses. Fire system can hardly prevent arson In 1997, a fire

Dem boys seh...

believedtobetheworkofan arsonist – a disgruntled school child – destroyed a large section of Queen’s College. No one spoke then abouttheneedforfiresafety systems at the school. The fact is that if someone deliberately sets fire to a school, there is little can be done unless the fire is interceptedatanearlystage. Who was there to intercept the fire at an early stage at Queens College in 1997 and who would have been able to do something about the fire at the dormitory at Mahdia last week?

Thechildren?Theywere asleep in the dark and based on a responder even when the door was open the childrenwerescreamingand instateofpanicnotknowing what to do. The one thing thatwearecertainthatcould have prevented the deaths, was if the fire was not, as alleged,setinthefirstplace. AndifthefireatMahdiawas theworkofanarsonist,then the primary and principal blame has to be laid at the feetofthearsonist.

A t r a g e d y o f unimaginable proportions has occurred and it is only right that person or persons be held accountable. But those making such demands must be rational. At present there is a group protesting and demanding that certain Ministersresignpendingthe o u t c o m e o f t h e investigation So who is going to take the place of these Ministers? And if the ones who resign are

Who to blame?

Three (3) cars are cars merrily cruising along the East Coast Highway, each snugly tucked behind the other. Little did the drivers realize that fate had a wicked sense of humor in store.

The third car careened into the second car, which then collided with the first car And so, like dominoes of despair, they tumbled intoachaoticsymphonyof bent bumpers and broken tail lights and bickering drivers. But who was to blame? Who along the chain would take responsibility? The argumentsbeganwitheach driver passionately laying outhiscasebeforethelarge crowd of onlookers The ownerofthefirstcarsaidit wasnothisfault.Hedidnot

hit anyone.The second car said he was hit from behind The third car claimed both of the other cards slowed down suddenly. The onlookers toohavetheiropinion.One even said that it was the fault of the road engineer; speed bumps should have beeninstalled.

Beneath the layers of thisridiculousspectaclelay amorallesson.Oursociety, much like this unfortunate highway trio, often

indulges in the art of evading responsibility We have become experts at pointing fingers, playing the blame game, and absolving ourselves of any culpability for the consequences of our actions. It’s a troubling paradox We yearn for

exonerated in the proposed inquiry what next? Will the replacements have to then resign to allow the present incumbentstoreturntotheir positions? Where in the world this sort of musical chairstakesplace?

Moral responsibility is not a personal indictment. It does not imply direct responsibility It is a means o f d e m o n s t r a t i n g

magnanimous leadership

and an example of accountability and moral integrity Persons should assume moral responsibility for the tragedy and resign. Those persons know who theyareandtheyshouldstep asidepermanently Butaswe know that is not likely to happen!

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.)

justice and democracy.Yet we do not abide by the established conventions inherentinboth.

Our public officials demand privileges but shy a w a y f r o m t h e responsibilities. Like the driversinthataccident,we steerourliveswithreckless abandon, expecting others to bear the brunt of our mistakes.

Responsibility is a burden that each one of us must shoulder We must recognise that being in society comes with an inherent duty to act responsibly

Blaming others may offertemporarysolace,but it is a deceptive escape from the truth that lies within. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

H@RD TRUTHS

The Ray Daggers fast stopped by PPP before it started

Ray Daggers upped the ante on the Exxon oil contract, but the PPP Government promptly shut him down. He tried to raise the stakes in the face of the leaders of this country who have been verbally slippery withthisdestructivecontract, and mere shadows of themselves. The Guyana Police Force was sent out repeatedly: clear the area in front of the Office of President of all obstacles, including human ones, even if it is only one, Citizen Daggers.

Ray Daggers, fresh from his long walk against the leprous Exxon oil contract,

had to stop the daily fasting hehadinmindinfrontofthat primelocation. Infairnessto the government, there has to be a security perimeter around the Office of the President, which must be unbreachable. It is why smallgroupaftersmallgroup ofGPFprofessionalscamein a parade of inquirers (what is this about?) and pleaders (please move). I spoke to three of them, and told them not to say a word, just listen. All I repeat here is this: it is ruff day when our own Guyanese are turned out against our fellow Guyanese on behalf of foreign interlopers, foreign invaders,

and foreign exploiters. They musthavethoughtoftheman from Mars, plus one with manyheads.

But if a simple fast against an oil contract that both the grand President Ali and the grander Vice President Jagdeo condemned in the harshest terms could result in such a show of official force, then Guyanese cork duck Now the indomitableRayDaggershas to recalibrate his relentless struggle against this Exxon contract that hemorrhages this country of its rich destiny,itsbirthright.

I laud this man, this citizen, this stranger that I

barelyknow.Theragethathe shares is mine. The pain that he feels from this contract causes bleeding here. His unmatched, palpable patriotismdeliveredinaces;I hopeIcanclaimasmyownat sometime.

Ray Daggers puts our leaders to shame His actions-the walk, now this curtailed fast-exposes them, insults them, and humiliates them. It is well-earned and due; because what he does fearlessly from the front, is what our leaders in the PPP Government and the combined Opposition have slunkawayfromdoing.

Whereistheall-powerful Dr Jagdeo, Guyana's Chief Oil Minister now reduced to pitiable impotency? Where is Mr Norton, Guyana's onetime all muscular, the yearned for, formidable Opposition Leader, now drained of the pressures that he should apply? Where is Mr Ramjattan, astute political leader and legal practitioner of note, now languishing in embarrassing captivity?

WhereisHisExcellency, thesupposedlyperspicacious Excellency Ali, now condemning himself into exile with his oil guile? All

w h o h a d a problem with the Exxon contract from hell, now suddenly shelter under it, as though reborn with this gift from heaven.

It is why President Alistair Routledge of Exxon smirks and comes up with one hocus pocus after another to kerfuffle

Guyanese over any contract change About investor interest and security About the cascade of goodies that his company's abominable contract makes possible for Guyanese. And about the financial consequences for Exxon.

This crafty corporate captainarticulateshishollow platitudes, and there is none better than Guyana's own Dr Jagdeo to parrot, echo, and tout them. The other leaders in the national political spherearealsosubservientto the contract, and the caprices of this ugliest of American enterprise.

It takes this rare figure, someone like Ray Daggers, towalkfirst. NowwhenRay Daggers presses himself into a fast against this villainous contract on behalf of G u y a n e s e , t h e P P P Government was ready Not here! Go over there. I understand that brother Jagdeo has to deliver his side of the bargain with America (andExxon),butsoblatantly, so shamelessly comrades? Okay,tryfellowcitizens.

Guyanese will have to make clear where they stand.

Theycanchoosetoliveunder an Exxon contract that puts a yoke on their necks that

forces their heads to their knees, like beasts of no account. Or they can throw off the shackles from their wrists and ankles, peel away the duct tape from their mouths, and struggle for what is their inheritance, fight for a rightful share of therichlegacyoftheirland.

There has been a walk. There was to be a fast, but that has been slowed. There will have to be more Guyanese must gird their hips, tighten their gut, and let the fire in their souls flare, andbeseenandheardandfelt around the world. This contract is a vise and a vice. It locks and imprisons Guyanese. Thiscontractisof the vicious and violent waged against Guyanese This contract poisons and paralyzes hopeful citizens of this country; it is a vice of a vulgar and revolting nature. This contract must go to its death. The Guyanese people mustburyit.

Guyanese must get their shovels ready, do their part. If not, then they themselves will be buried by Exxon. I ponder the thinking in high PPP circles: send the police on me, or their goons. Oh, well….Something tells me RayDaggerswillbeback.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Residents

Hill Foot residents protest demolition of homes ordered by Court

Scores of Hill Foot,

Soesdyke Highway residents on Wednesday night blocked the Soesdyke Highway with burning debris after their homes were bulldozed by authorities.

The demolition reportedly took placejustaftermidday

Residents alleged that they were assaulted by police ranks and dragged out of their homes during the demolition exercise. Others claimed that police fired shots to scare them away and had them runningforcover,leavingthemand theiryoungchildrentraumatized.

Kaieteur News was shown videos of persons screaming as police ran to pull them out of their homes while the excavator prepared to knock the wooden structures to the ground with its boom. There were also videos of policemen using force to restrain someoftheresidentsastheytriedto stopthedestructionoftheirhomes.

The ranks seen in the video, however, appeared as if they were trying to get the residents out of harm's way as the excavator operator swung the boom without concern for the human lives still insidethewoodenstructures.

Nevertheless, the residents maintained that some of them were brutally assaulted by the ranks in the process. Claims were made that

ranks kicked a pregnant woman in her tummy and allegedly broke the noseofanother

Some were also detained by the ranksandtakenintopolicecustody Asked why their homes were being destroyed, the residents said that a man who goes by the last name 'Lawrence' is claiming ownership of the lands they had built their homeson.

The man, they claimed, told them that he bought the property spanning hundreds of acres for millions of dollars but reportedly failed to show them documents to backhisclaims.

Meanwhile, in seeking clarity on the matter surrounding the demolition of the residents' home, police issued a statement claiming thatitwasorderedbythecourt.

“Following a court order and the subsequent demolition of a property located at Hill Foot, Soesdyke, several persons armed themselves with missiles and offensive weapons before piling and lighting debris and tyres across the Linden/Soesdyke Highway,” the Guyana Police force stated late lastnight.

Residents, however, are contending that the demolition of their homes was sudden and withoutanypriornoticegiven.

“Henevercomeandgiveweno notice but he say that he bring

papers and show people,”one womanalleged.

The residents said that they have been living there for years unbothered- some for three years and others for 20 years- and have even planted fruit trees on the property

As Kaieteur News conducted interviews at the scene it was painful to see scores of residents without a place to spend the nightsome with with babies in their arms. Some even were unaware that their homes were destroyed. "Peoplecomehomefromtheirjobs to find their houses flat on the ground,"onemancommented.

While a few of the residents were able to find lodging, others wereforcedtosetupmattressesand sleep with their children on the roadside.

They are demanding that PresidentIrfaanAlipaythemavisit and resolve the situation that has leftthemhomeless.

“We need the President here to come look at this here where what we going through,” a female resident shouted. Kaieteur News understands that more than a hundredhomesweredestroyed. Meanwhile joint services ranks were able to restore the smooth flow of traffic after calming down the irate residents and clearing the highwayofalldebris.

Suspected thief caught with shotgun

An unlicensed firearm found by police while investigating a simple larceny allegation at Morowah Backdam, Region Seven

Police in Region Seven on Tuesday captured a suspected thief withanillegalshotgunandtwolive 12 gauge cartridges at Morowah Backdam.

Police have identified him as a 23-year-oldminer

According to investigators, ranks at the Bartica Police Station

hadreceivedareportthattheminer had stolen some items from a 61year-oldbusinessman.

Ranksweresenttothebackdam to investigate the report and when theyturnedupatthesuspect'scamp they found the cartridges in “drawstring bag” while searching for the stolen items. It led them to believe

Elderly man drops dead on Sheriff Street

thathemightbeinpossessionofan illegal weapon too and they enquiredfromhimwhetherhehasa gun.

The suspect took ranks to an areainthecampwherehesleptand gave them a 12 gauge shotgun. He wascautionedandthenarrested. Investigationsareongoing.

An elderly man on Wednesday afternoon reportedly collapsed and died at the corner of Sheriff Street and CampbelleAvenue, Georgetown. The identity of the man up to press time was unknown. Residents of the area said it appeared as if the man suffered a heart attack while walking along the roadway When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene, police had just wrapped up their investigation and waiting for undertakers to remove the body The dead man has been described as slimly-built and dark in complexion. He was clad in a dark- blue jersey with pink stripes and a pair of long black trousers.

Last September another man had collapsed and died from a massive heart attack on Sheriff Street. He was on his way to visit his sister That person was identified as a 60-year-old butcher, Rampaul Mohan known as 'Bowdoo' of Lot 2 Cove and John, East Coast Demerara (ECD). He had collapsed and died a few meters away from where the elderly man dropped dead on Wednesday afternoon.

Residents in a stand-off with police along the Linden Soesdyke Highway

without a place to spend the night, speaking with Kaieteur News

Undertakers covering the dead man's remains.

Ranks restraining one of the residents during the demolition process

Decomposedbodies ofmother,daughter foundinhome

Thedecomposingremainsofa woman and her daughter, 13, were on Wednesday afternoon found by her husband inside their rented home at New Providence, East BankDemerara(EBD).

Police identified them as 38year-old Petrous Latchman-Ross and Gabrielle Ross. The woman's husband, Hemanchal Latchman a

58-year-old mechanic, told police that he found them dead around 14:00hrs.

Latchman reportedly said that he had moved out of the house last Septemberafterheandhiswifehad parted ways but continued to pay therentandmakevisits.

The man claimed that he had lastseenhisfamilyaliveinJanuary

this year He decided to visit yesterday to check up on them. Latchman alleged that after calling out for them several times and getting no response, he became suspiciousandbrokeopenthedoor withthehelpofaneighbour

A strong stench, he said, came out of the house as soon as they entered and when they ventured in

a little further he saw the decomposing remains of his wife anddaughterlyingonthefloor Policewerereportedlycalledin immediately and crime scene detectives found three plastic bottles and one glass bottle containing liquid substances along with two cups next to their bodies. Two other small glass containers

with whitish substances were also found in the refrigerator and a note was recovered from the living room.

Bloodsamplesweretakenfrom the remains to test for poisonous substances before removal by undertakers to the Memorial GardensFuneralHome. Investigationcontinues.

Dead: Petrous Latchman-Ross and her daughter, Gabrielle Ross.

Trio found guilty of murdering Soesdyke Highway vendor

Three men were found guilty of the 2017 murder of the Soesdyke/Linden Highway vendor, Dhanpaul Dookie,called'Pauline.'

Chandrapaul Persaud, also called 'Raju' or 'Duffy'; Harrilall Ramdhan, also

back in April for the murder trial, returned with three guilty verdicts. The trio is expected to be sentenced on June27,2023at09:30hours.

The men had denied the charge which stated that between July 24 and 27,

$255M hydraulic platform handed over to Fire Service

around 08:00 hours with multiple stab wounds on Thursday, July 27, 2017. It is believed that he was killed three days earlier. The vendor was stabbed twice to his abdomen, once to his lower back, once to his hip,

The Ministry of Home Affairs on W e d n e s d a y handed over a $255 million hydraulicplatform,abusand an ambulance to enhance to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

The hydraulic platform can reach a height of 150ft making it ideal for high-rise buildings.

This asset was purchased from Angloco Limited at a cost of $255, 600,000. The ambulance was purchased from RRT Enterprise at a costof$9,827,500,whilethe bus was purchased from Car Clean Enterprise at a cost of $8,000,000.

From left: Chanderpaul Persaud, Harrilall Ramdhan and Jageshwar Ghanie

called'Baba'or'Roshan';and Jageshwar Ghanie, also called 'Toto', were on trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in the DemeraraHighCourt.

Recently,the12-member jury that was empanelled

2017,atUitspaVillageinthe Demerara River, they murdered Dookie. The 51year-old vendor was reportedly stabbed to death duringarobbery

According to report, Dookie's body was found

once to his forehead, and once above his right eye. It was stated that after committing the act, the trio raided the vendor's home, carting off with cash, jewellery and other items, beforeescaping.

The assets combined are valued at $273,427,500 million and will be used to lendsupportandimprovethe firefighting capabilities of theFireService.

The $225 million hydraulic platform

The ambulance and the bus

Miller, the Permanent

ecretary, Ms Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas, representatives from Angloco Limited, Chief Fire

Officer, Mr Gregory Wickham, members of the Fire Service and other officialsfromtheMinistryof HomeAffairs.

New CID headquarters to cost $198M

Withapproximately30 percent of works already completed, the new Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters building is currently being reconstructed to the tune of $198 million.

Kaieteur News had reported last yearAugust that 10 contractors had applied for the Ministry of Home Affairs project when it was opened for tender At that opening it was revealed that $225,010,721 is estimated to reconstruct the headquarters.

This publication had reported that the move to reconstruct the headquarters is to properly house the operations of the unit, giving the old building had reportedly been in a dilapidated state for some time.

In a statement on its Facebook page, the Ministry disclosed that the CID Headquarters is currently atthefoundationstage,progressing moderately with works ongoing on the curb wall and columns. The ministry noted that over G$198M will be expended into a new threestorey building which will house the Crime Chief, his Deputy, a Finance Department, Cold Case Unit, Major Crimes Investigation Unit, Trafficking in Person Unit, Fraud Section, Crime Lab, Interpol Section, Statistic Unit, Cybercrime Unit,ForensicVideoAnalysisUnit, Firearms Unit, Criminal Record Office,andaNarcoticsBranch.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat out of the ten contractors, it was Avinash Contracting and Scrap

Metal Inc. who won the contract to rebuild the building to the tune of $198,236,062.

The Ministry shared that on Tuesday Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas visited the project site

it was noted that the TSU Headquarters is progressing smoothly. According to the ministry, the old structure was demolished, and works have commencedonthefoundation.The sum of over G$296M will be used

building which will consist of admin offices, barrack rooms, lecture room and a recreational area. Currently, this project is approximately 25 per cent completed.

In relation to the works to the S p e c i a l C o n s t a b u l a r y Headquarters, they are at the ground floor stage. The foundation has been cast and the contractor is currently working on erecting columns and the curb wall, the ministry detailed. This project is currently at a 25 per cent completion and over G$146M will beexpended.

General rehabilitation is being done to the Police Training School at Eve Leary to the tune of over G$19M, the ministry mentioned. Rehabilitation works are currently at 30 per cent and include painting, electrical works, changing windows,amongotherrepairs.

The ongoing works on the new CID building.

Works ongoing on the re-construction of the Special Constabulary Headquarters.

The old Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters building which was located at Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Mutually reinforcing crises have worsened the global employment divide

GENEVA (ILO News) –

Mutually reinforcing crises, including rising debt levels, are disproportionately affecting developing countries, worsening the global employment divide between high-income and low-income countries and w i d e n i n g e x i s t i n g inequalities exacerbated by theCOVID-19pandemic.

Thisisaccordingtoanew report by the International Labour Organisation. (ILO).

While global unemployment in 2023 is expected to fall below pre-pandemic levels –to191million,corresponding to a global unemployment rate of 5 3 per cent –estimates show that lowincome countries remain far behind in the recovery process,accordingtotheILO Monitor on the World of Work–11thedition

ILO projects that lowincome countries in Africa and the Arab region are unlikely to recover to prep a n d e m i c l e v e l s o f unemployment this year For N o r t h A f r i c a , t h e unemploymentratein2023is projected to be 11.2 per cent (10.9 per cent in 2019); for

Sub-Saharan Africa, 6.3 per cent(5.7in2019);andforthe Arab States 9.3 per cent (8.7 in 2019). Other regions have managedtoreducetheirrates substantiallybelowpre-crisis levels, with 6.7 per cent in Latin America and the Caribbean (8.0 per cent in 2019), 6 3 per cent in Northern, Southern and Western Europe (7.0 per cent in 2019), and 7.8 per cent in centralandWesternAsia(9.2 percentin2019).

Growing employment divide

Beyond unemployment rates, a new indicator developed by the ILO, the jobs gap, offers a more comprehensive measure of the unmet demand for employment, especially in developing countries It captures all persons who wouldliketoworkbutdonot have a job. Variations in the jobs gap point further to a global employment divide.

Low-income countries face the largest jobs gap rate at an alarming 21.5 per cent, while the rate in middle-income countries stands slightly above 11 per cent. Highincome countries register the

lowest rates, at 8.2 per cent. Furthermore, low-income countries comprise the only country income group that has seen a long-term rise in the jobs gap rate, from 19.1 per cent in 2005 to 21.5 per centin2023,saysthereport. Rising debt levels constrain policy responses to multiple crises

Fordevelopingcountries, rising debt levels add additional challenges, considerably narrowing the s c o p e f o r p o l i c y interventions. Financial and fiscal constraints hamper responsestocomplexthreats, which include conflict, natural disasters, and economic crises that tend to reinforce themselves (a polycrisis), worsening the jobs gap. According to the r e p o r t , l o w - i n c o m e developing countries that are in debt distress are facing a significantly higher jobs gap, reaching 25.7 per cent in 2023, compared with 11 per cent in developing countries atlowriskofdebtdistress.

Expand social protection to achieve social justice

Thereportalsohighlights

Ronald Burch-Smith new President of Bar Association

Attorney-at-Law

M r R o n a l d

Burch-Smith wasonWednesdayelectedas the new President of the GuyanaBarAssociation.

B u r c h - S m i t h w a s unopposed. He previously served as President of the association from 2013 to 2015. He was elected at the 44th Annual General Meeting of Bar Association of Guyana via Zoom Online Platform.

A s p a r t o f t h e proceedings, the Bar Council for the 2023-2024 fiscal year was elected Ms Pauline Chasewho,bytherulesofthe association was ineligible for re-electionhavingservedtwo

Ronald Burch-Smith

consecutive terms, was elected unopposed as VicePresident. Mr Teni Housty

significant social protection policy gaps in developing countries and provides new evidence that increasing investmentwouldbringlarge economic, social, and employment benefits and narrow the global jobs divide.Itexaminesbasicoldage pensions, especially in lower-middle-income and low-income countries where just38.6percentand23.2per cent of older persons receive a pension respectively, compared to 77.5 per cent globally The Monitor finds that introducing universal basic old-age pensions in developing countries would increase their GDPper capita by 14.8 per cent within 10 years and reduce extreme poverty (share of people who live on less than 2.15 USD a day)by6percentagepoints–a drastic reduction from the currentrateof15.5percent.

protection is challenging, but not unattainable, says the report. For developing countries, the annual cost of providing old-age pensions at the level of national poverty lines would be the equivalent to 1.6 per cent of theirGDP

Coordinated financial support needed

t h e r e f o r m o f t h e international financial architecture. “Investing in people through jobs and social protection will help narrow the gap between rich andpoornationsandpeople."

was re-elected as the second Vice-President.

Ms. Ashely King who served during the last term as Assistant Secretary was elected, also unopposed, to the post of Secretary Ms. Trevona Weekes was elected as the new Assistant Secretary and Ms. Yashmini Singh was returned as Treasureroftheassociation.

The other elected members of the Bar Council areMr RobinStoby,SC,Ms. Jamela A Ali, SC, Mr Keoma D Griffith, Mr Kamal Ramkarran, Mr Naresh Poonai and Mr Horatio Edmonson Ms Sandia Ramnarine served as theReturningOfficer

l

The analysis provides a strong case for global financial support for job creationandsocialprotection during a time of multiple crises and shocks, to ensure t h a t r e c o v e r y a n d reconstruction will leave no one behind and support longt e r m s t r u c t u r a l transformation. The report stresses the critical importance of creating fiscal space for social investments in low-income countries This needs to be considered with urgency as part of the current global discussion on

“The findings of this report are a stark reminder of growing global inequalities. Investing in people through jobs and social protection will help narrow the gap between rich and poor nations and people. This is why the ILO is launching a Global Coalition for Social Justice. The Coalition will bring together a wide range of multilateral bodies and stakeholders. It will help to position social justice as the keystone of a global recovery, and make it a priority for national, regional, and global policies and actions,” said ILO Director-General, Gilbert F Houngbo.

WANTED VACANCY

Canter Drivers needed, must have car, van & lorry license and atleast 3 yrs experience. Call: 644-7088/ 624-7248.

Hauler Drivers required, must have atleast 3 years experience. Call: 644-7088/ 6247248.

Taxi Drivers needed at Princess Taxi Service, Ramada Hotel. Must have hire car licence. Call: 265-7075/ 76 or 616-5419, 690-2242.

Cooks and Domestic Workers needed. Preferably from East Coast Demerara. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

One female needed for domestic work, residing on WCD/WBD. Call: 624-0239.

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

Two able-bodied Porters needed, $5,000 per day. Call: 223-9677.

Male & female needed to work at supermarket in the Interior. Must be 18 years & older. Call: 674-9999.

One Housekeeper needed. Must be 18 years & older. Call: 637-6846.

One Handyman needed. Must be 18 years & older. Call: 699-8486.

One Cook needed to work at restaurant in the Interior. Must be 25 years & older. Call: 686-2201.

One canter Driver needed between Diamond and Grove. Call: 644-5957/ 645-4043.

One able- bodied male or female to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 226-1497.

One Clerk needed for TSI Eccles office. Must have English & Mathematics. Email application:techserigy@ yahoo.com or call 615-9132.

Garment factory Worker needed. Attractive benefits offered and no experience needed. For more information Call: 226-2621.

Accounts Clerk needed. Must have a sound secondary education and 1-2 years Accounting experience. For more information Call: 2262621.

Male Engineer needed, Must have atleast 10 years experience in road & building construction. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

1 Male Project Supervisor (construction field), ages 35-50 years. Must have atleast 5-8 yrs managerial experience. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

Bobcat Operators and Truck & Canter Drivers needed. Ages 30 years & older. Must have atleast 5 years experience. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

Male Personal Assistant needed. Must have atleast 5 years experience, driver's license & diploma in Business Management. Email CV: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com, Call: 613-0855.

Driver needed @ Beacon Cafe, 127 Quamina Street, Georgetown. Must have a valid driver's license, police clearance & 5 years experience. Call 225-9409/ 655-8944.

$468M estimated to reconstruct St. Mary’s High School

$78,230,000, Lot3 is $16,183,900, Lot4 is $31,787,000, and Lot5 is $31,927,250, while Lot6 is $63,129,700.

ground, “wherever you are, you are going to be able to access education because we are bent and we insist that we are going to build that out.”

universal primary education according to the United Nations Standards.

Below are the companies and their bids:

TO LET

Fully furnished 2 bedrooms apartment in Albert Street, Alberttown. Preferably students, no smoking and no pets allowed. Call 231-5695/ 611-9134.

The project which is being undertaken by the Ministry of Education has been divided into six lots.

According to the Ministry’s invitation for bids: Lot1 consist of works on the superstructure of the building, Lot2 includes the block works, Lots 3 is the plumbing works, Lot4 is the electrical works, Lot5 is for the external works, while Lot 6 consist of the finishing works.

At the opening of tenders, it was revealed that works at Lot 1 is estimated at $247,080,900, Lot2 is

In terms of funding to rebuild the school, this year the government had allocated some $12.4B for the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilities across the country.

It was reported that one of the reasons the ministry is building a number of secondary schools across the country, is in keeping with its goal of achieving universal secondary education in the country.

According to the minister, Guyana has already achieved

Reconstruction of the St. Mary’s High School.

LAND FOR SALE

Prime land for sale at No. 78, Corriverton, excellent location for business. Call: 6445072/ 690-4139.

SERVICES

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

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.

For all land clearance (grubbing), sand fill, housing plan and estimates. Call K. Lakeram Building Contractor: 692-8464 or whatsApp: 622-0267.

At the National Science Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair which was held back in April, the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand had stated that, “We are focused on making sure every student has access across nursery, primary and secondary. So we are looking to achieve universal access to education in this country, universal means all over Guyana,” she said.

The minister noted that regardless of one’s social circumstances or their back-

Thieves rob family while preparing birthday celebration

A

TOURS

Suriname tour "Bold Caricom weekend trip" to Suriname. June 30th (Fri) - July 3rd (Mon),2023. Call: 639-2663/ 673-2348.

Kaieteur News understands that the family had saved up cash and had already begun purchasing items for the party when the thieves struck and almost left their child without a birthday.

man and his wife had their home at Soesdyke Junction, East Bank Demerara (EBD) invaded by thieves on Monday night amidst preparation for their young son’s birthday celebration.Soesdyke Junction.

Pure honey, wholesale and retail quantity. Call: 621-4273.

FOR RENT

Business place for rent at Vreed-en-hoop junction. Call: 603-6400.

Bachelor apartment for rent. Call: 602-6734.

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

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Wednesday, the father Daniel Dookram said that the thieves waited until they decided to secure their premises around the 20:30 hrs that evening. They retired to bed early so that they could wake up the following morning to finalise the preparations. Dookram recalled feeling uneasy that night but decided to brush it aside and went to bed.

The following morning, he got up very early to start the new day but when he applied for his cell phone it was missing.

His wife called it but strangely it was off. Dookram began looking for his phone until he noticed that the doors he had secured before going to bed was opened.

It was then he realised

that they were robbed. Dookram began making checks and soon realised too that cash and other items were stolen. His weeding machine and a number of electrical tools were also missing.

Dookram said that thieves even tried to steal his car but because it was a hybrid (electrical vehicle) they were unable to do so and resorted to stealing $25,000 from inside along with some documents.

“Normally I does go in 8:30 until I fall in a dose 7:30 next morning. They took the

car keys and shied it under the car wheel and carried away $25,000 from inside and all the documents,” Dookram told Kaieteur News.

The matter was reported to police but to date the thieves remain at large. His son’s birthday celebration almost fell through but luckily he was still able to keep a small party for the child on Wednesday.

Dookram said that this is the second time that thieves have robbed his family. Investigations are ongoing.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

During a recent opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was revealed that $468 million is estimated for the reconstruction works of the St. Mary’s High School.

Judge to rule next week whether Exxon's operations should be suspended for failing to provide unlimited parent company guarantee

The Guyana Court of Appeal is one step closer to determining whether a stay would be granted in relation to the High Court order issued for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to direct Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) to provide a parent company guarantee or financial assurance to safeguard Guyana in the event of oil spill disaster at theStabroekblock.

Appeal Court Justice Rishi Persaud on Wednesday heard arguments in relation to the order to suspend Exxon's permit to operate in the Stabroek block if it does not provide Guyana with the guarantee.

HighCourtJusticeSandil Kissoon had issued the order for EEPGL to provide a parent company guarantee to Guyana failing which the company's operation permit would be suspended by June 10,2023.

The EPA and EEPGL have appealed the decision. During the hearing, attorneys for the EPA, Sanjeev Datadin andFrancisCarlyleaswellas Attorneys for EEPGL, Edward Luckhoo, SC and Andrew Pollard, SC presented arguments calling for a stay of the order After listening to the arguments, Justice Persaud told the parties that he will provide a ruling on the issue of the suspension order before next Wednesday

The appeal case is p r e m i s e d o n a n application filed in the High Court on September 13 by Attorneys Seenath Jairam, SC, Melinda Janki, and Abiola WongInniss. Inthecase,Guyanese activists, GodfreyWhyte and Frederick Collins said, “an oilspillwouldbedevastating forourcountryandRegionas many Guyanese and Caribbeanpeoplesdependon the ocean for their livelihoods. That is why we have decided that the time has come to take matters to thecourtforrelief.”

The litigants said that their resort to the court is to make sure that the company takes full financial responsibility in case of harm,loss,anddamagetothe environment.

Noting the failure of the EPA to carry out its statutory functions,JusticeKissoon in a strongly worded ruling had

issued an Order of Mandamus directed to the agency to issue an

Enforcement Notice pursuanttoSection26(1)and (2) of the Environmental Protection Act, on or before 9/05/23, directed to EEPGL to perform its obligations under Condition 14:10 and 14:05 of the Environmental Permit to provide, within 30 days thereafter, on or before 10/06/23, the unlimited liability Parent Company GuaranteeAgreement and/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee to indemnify and keep indemnified the Government of Guyana and the Agency a g a i n s t a l l s u c h environmental obligations within the Stabroek block, together with Environmental liability insurance as is customary in international petroleum industry in accordance with the Conditions at 14:05 (i), (ii), (iii),(iv),(v)and(vi)froman insurance company standing and repute that equates to GradeAPlusasenvisagedby Condition 14:05 failing which the permit stands suspended.

Narrowcase

In his capacity as lead attorneyfortheEPA,Datadin argued in reference to the Order of Mandamus that the issue of the stay is a narrow one that hinges on the interpretation of the permit. Datadinexplained,“Thecase relates simply to statutory

applied whenever the disasterstrikes.

“Tospeakofanassurance or a guarantee to be a shield or protector of some event god forbid befalling our dear country is without proper basis,” Datadin continued. The lawyer also argued that the quantum of the assurance should have nothing to do with how much money the company makes but the risk thatisimminentifanyatall.”

“How much money the company makes has no bearing on the interpretation of the permit it has absolutely no place if you take that in logical conclusion… because you making so much you should offersomuch…”hestated.

the permit the court has usurped the authority of the EPA.

“Discretion is something that was granted to EPAfor it to exercise within the parameters of the agency, under those circumstances, the EPA would be bound to exercise discretion and grant Esso a chance to be heard,” theattorneystated.

Similarly, Senior Counsel Luckhoo submitted that condition 14 of the

permit does not require an unlimited parent or affiliate guarantee.

The formula for arriving at a finite sum in regard to financial assurance is set out in Condition 14.3 of the permit there is a clear indication that the assurance is a finite sum and not unlimited Luckhoo noted t h a t i n m a k i n g a determination to grant the stay the court must consider whether the appeal has a goodprospectofsuccess.

He said while the argument proffered by the respondents that the company providing the assurance must have the financial capability to do so, itisabaselessargumentsince Essohasbillionsofdollarsin assets.

In his view, the attorney saidhedoesnotbelieveinthe necessity of a parent company guarantee as Esso is capable enough to handle its own cleanup. In response to the arguments, Senior Counsel Jairam of views that the trial judge correctly interpreted the terms and conditionsofthepermit

“Ifthereisanoilspill-we have seen examples in the

world, the Court can even take judicial notice of the kind of devastation it will cost. I dare say, and I say this with reluctance, an oil spill can set Guyana back to the ice age if there is no assurance…. Accidents on the high seas cost billions upon billions, a US$2B (parent guarantee) would be adropintheocean…”

As such, Jairam pointed outthatcondition14.1states thatthepermitholderisliable forallcostsasitrelatestothe clean-up or damage to the environment as a result of an oilspill.

He emphasized too that the permit holder is liable to provide forms of financial assurance to cover all the legitimate liabilities under the permit. In the meantime, Senior Counsel Jairam said that while the EPA is requesting a stay, they have made no attempts to comply withtheorder

“They did not seek to comply with the timeline given by the court not even by asking for an extension of time… We say they are in contempt and should not be heard,” the Senior Counsel stated.

interpretation and the interpretation of the permit.

R e s p e c t f u l l y y o u r honour…the ills that may befall Guyana or the catastrophe that may result areirrelevant.

The overarching issue is what the parties meant when theyintendedatthetimethey enteredtheagreement.”

The lawyer said the likelihood of a disaster that may befall the country should not be considered.

“The existence of insurance has never ever prevented s o m e t h i n g f r o m happening…Insurance is to compensate when the event occurs.”Dataadded.

In this regard, the attorney said that he found the call for unlimited parent company guarantee orassuranceflaw “Condition14.3 of the permit provides for an estimate which means this is an average or finite sum, not unlimited assurance 14:3 says that forms of financial assurance shall be guided by an estimate of the sum of reasonable credible cost, expenses, and liabilities that may arise from any breaches ofthepermit. Youcan'thave an estimate that is unlimited thatwouldpreposterous,”the lawyersaid.

He

that the insurance

He claimed that the option of litigation is always an avenue that is open to the GovernmentofGuyanaifthe amount is not satisfactory In any event, when someone would have suffered a loss, theycanalwaysapproachthe court. Datadin reasoned too that by its order to suspend

Appeal Court Justice Rishi Persaud

Tickets for the Stage of Champions will go on sale, starting next week

Bodybuilding fans get ready to witness the fifth edition of the Stage of Champions Bodybuilding Championship penciled for July 9th at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence. With sanctioning and approval granted by Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) earlier this year, the team at Stage of Champions’ brings to you the 2023 edition of the abovementioned championship.

Be part of the excitement, witness the greatness, and support our local strongmen as they strive for glory. So far eight countries inclusive of

Guyana have already registered to participate in this year’s competition, which is dubbed as a thrilling spectacle of strength, grace, and determination.

The event promises to be fiercely competitive, featuring top bodybuilders from across the Caribbean vying for the coveted titles of Mr. Bodybuilding, Ms. Bikini, and Men’s Physique.

Tickets for this prestigious event will go on sale early next week at the affordable price of $3000.

Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot in the audience and experience the

adrenaline-pumping atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the Stage of Champions team have brought on board several heavyweight sponsors such as New GPC Incorporated, Camille’s Academy, Masterpiece Rentals, Prem’s Electrical, West Indies Sport Complex, E-Master Incorporated, Unity Cabs and Gym, Frontline Restaurant, Ele’s Hardware and Trading, V-Fitness, Lyft Gym, Western Scientific, IPA Health Care, Innovative Electronics, Crown Mining and Supplies, and Guyana Outdoors Sportsman.

The majority of the spon-

Hetmyer, Motie, Shepherd among stars retained by Guyana Amazon Warriors ahead of the 2023 CPL

The Guyana Ama zon Warriors have confirmed their Caribbean player retentions ahead of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), with a few of their Guyanese stars returning for action this season.

The tournament gets underway on 16 August with the final taking place on 24 September.

This edition features games across Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis,

Thursday June 01, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A large weight should lift from your shoulders today, Aries. The air has started to clear, and the winds of communication have started blowing again. Listen closely to the buzz in the air.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

People may be abrasive today, Taurus, but you will find after careful assessment that they don't mean any harm. More than likely they aren't fully informed.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Don't criticize the situation until you've come up with a better solution, Gemini. Be creative. You can accomplish much if you approach the situation confidently.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Your thoughts may have a dreamy quality today, Cancer. You will find that things are less stable than they have been for the past few days. Don't get discouraged by pessimistic people.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Your emotions are soaring, Leo, and you should feel free to indulge in your greatest fantasies. Take a break from reality for a while. Let your inner child play.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Reward yourself with two desserts today, Virgo. Take a bubble bath. Share your fantasies with others and express yourself fully. Don't feel like you have to say yes.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The weightiness of the past few days seems to be lifting. You will find a slight breeze building that will help fuel your fire, Libra. By building a solid foundation, you've created a reliable.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Now that you have a solid grip on your situation, unexpected things may come along that change the rules again, Scorpio. It may feel like the chair you just got comfortable.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Use gadgets and electronic devices to make life easier today, Sagittarius. Why take the time to chop food by hand when you can use the food processor.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The

Be careful of the information that comes your way today, Capricorn. People may make unwarranted claims and false accusations. The day has a dreamy, innovative quality to it that asks you to venture out on a limb.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Maintain an air of detachment, Aquarius. Feel free to delve into your fantasy world and let your emotions carry you to another realm. Today is one of those days when you might come up with a new invention.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may find that things are much lighter than they were the past couple days, Pisces. This is a good time to let your physical body take a rest.

sorship funds will go towards the financial awards that the champion athletes will earn on Championship night.

MCYS and NSC...

From page 23 period. That is essentially for its success and its continuation.”

Ninvalle further stated, “This event is simply the template or beginning for the enactment of a national programme. We are currently in the planning stage of rolling out the initiative to other parts of the country. Enquires have already been forthcoming by interested parties and regions but the process will be done in a structured manner. It will be undertaken one step at a time but an expansion is definitely on the cards for a programme that has all the ingredients of a national platform.”

Meanwhile, Mahaica during brief remarks said, “This is a very important programme. The numbers that are registering and we are starting in Georgetown indicates the eagerness for the opportunity. People are excited and can actually do something that they would have wanted to learn which was only afforded to their children. Now they also have the opportunity to learn a life skill for free.”

He further said, “We are utilising 32 coaches during this programme. I am seasoned to this programme and the coaches are individuals that worked on the previous camps and are very experienced and ready to work.

Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago.

The Caribbean players the Warriors have retained are as follows, Shimron Hetmyer, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope, Keemo Paul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Nandu and Junior Sinclair. Meanwhile, the overseas players and draft picks will be announced during the Republic Bank CPL draft show which will be broadcast at the end of June.

Flashback! Darious Ramsammy after winning the Mr Guyana title.

East Berbice Corentyne wins GVF Inter Region Corentyne Independence Volleyball Tourney

East Berbice Corentyne (Region 6) came out on top whentheGuyanaVolleyball Federation (GVF) held an Inter Region Independence Volleyball competition. The competition,whichwasheld at the National Gymnasium in Georgetown, saw six regionsparticipated.

The teams were divided into two zones with the respective regions playing against each other in the zones The participating regionswereRegions1,3,4, 6,7and10.

Zone “A” saw Region 4 emerged winners with Region 3 the runner up.The zoneBsegmentsawRegion 6 toping that zone with Region7therunnerup.

The semifinals saw Region 4 rebounding to defeat Region 7 by a 2-1 margin;thescoresbeing1925,25-21,15-7.Intheother semifinal Region 6 whipped Region3-0.Thescoreswere 25-10,27-25,15-10.

The final saw Region 6 winning 3-1 in the best of 5 finals The East Berbice Corentyne lads won by the score line of 25-17, 25-23, 22-25and29-27.

At the presentation ceremony Region 6 were

presentedwiththefirstprize of G$100,000 while Region 4 received the second place G$50,000.

Daniel Joseph of Region six was adjudged MVP and receivedG$20,000.

Gratitude was extended totheGDF,FloresMaritime and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for their assistance.

The next upcoming activity for the GVF is the selectionofmaleandfemale squads for a border game participation in Brazil, sometimeinAugust. However,theGVFstated that the availability of the National Gymnasium was a major setback for the executionofthetournament.

(SamuelWhyte)

Kevin Sinclair stars with bat and ball as West Indies make 445, restrict Bangladesh ‘A’ to 157-7

SportsMax -West Indies ‘A’ took full control of the thirdandfinalunofficialTest against Bangladesh ‘A’ yesterday on the back of strong performances from theirbatsmenandbowlersat the Syhlet International Stadium.

Carrying on from their overnightscoreof320-6,the West Indies eventually scored 445 all out. Their bowlers then combined to reduce the hosts to 157-7, still 288 runs behind with only three wickets remaining.

The hero of the day was Kevin Sinclair, who scored 60, the sixth half-century of the innings to help push the West Indies ‘A’ past 400 runs. Sinclair was 22 not overnight in a 60-run partnership with Raymon Reifer, who failed to add to hisovernightscoreof56.

With only two runs added to the team score,

Reiferwasoutcaughtbehind offinthesecondovertheday toShorifulIslambutSinclair andAkeemJordanputon87 for the eighth wicket that took the score to 407 when Jordan, who has been showing off his potential with the bat, was dismissed byMahmudulHasanJoyfor 47.Ten runs later, Sinclair’s stay at the crease ended whenhewastrappedlbwby Nasum Ahmed, who also

snared Veerasammy Permaul in similar fashion for18toendthelower-order resistance. Anderson Phillip was not out on 13 when the innings ended after 116.2 overs

Nasum Ahmed finished with figures of 5-133 from 38.2 overs. Shoriful Islam took2-80andMusfikHasan 2-59insupport.

Bangladesh‘A’struggled with the bat as Sinclair took 2-51andPhillip2-36ripped through the line-up that offeredlittleresistance.

Captain Saif Hasan was the top scorer with 32 and opener Zakir Hasan was run out for 29. Nurul Hasan contributed 28 but the hosts wereunabletoestablishany significant partnerships whiletryingtocopewiththe visitors’attack.

Atr stumps, Tanzim Hasan Sakib was not out on 17withNasumAhmedatthe otherendonseven.

Kevin Sinclair starred with bat and ball.

Daniel Joseph of Region 6 East Berbice Corentyne receiving his MVP award.

Queens Shark win New York National Cricket League

Guyana Cup

Queens Shark defeated Berbice Lions by five wicketstowintheNewYork National Cricket League GuyanaCuponSunday

Batting first at Baisley Pond, Berbice Lions made 136 all out in 17.5 overs.

Jonathan Foo struck seven fours and five sixes in a top scoreof78off45balls.Dino Choo-wee-namgabbed5-21 andTelsonJohnson2-28.

QueensSharkresponded with 139-5 in 17.5 overs. Raymond Ramrattan made 56 not out with four fours and one six off 44 balls, while Bhaskar Yadram scored 22, Gajanand Singh 1 7 a n d R o n a l d o Alimohamed13notout.Foo had2-33.

Torchbearer Dharry continues to shine

Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry quietly honours a rich history of IndoGuyanese fighters; an actuality that is often overlookedandmorestarkly, disregarded.

Traditionally, especially in boxing, Indo-Guyanese fighters have been unfortunatelyoverlooked.

His continued existence in the squared circle, the actuality of which could produce, as a by-product or occupational hazard of this dangerous exercise and e n d e a v o u r , g r i m consequences, builds on a tradition that is concretized and valued by the a f i c i o n a d o s b u t underappreciated by the uninformedmasses.

Though no ethnic contemporaries of an equivalent degree of importance presently exist, the Enterprise native is the current torch bearer of a convention that started with prominent personages such as Motee ‘Kid’ Singh, Ramesh Bess, Lalta Narine, and Robin ‘De Albion Prince’ Lall, a quartet who areofsequentialimportance in the Indo-Guyanese Boxing history and fraternity Reputable fighters in their own right and period, their presence within the ‘sweetscience’wentbeyond the results of their individualistic talents and

records. After all, they are local sporting icons, and examples to emulate, whose influences shouldn’t be assigned to a minimalist strata.

Dharry, 37, is the flag bearer of such an undervenerated institution and immutablelegacy!

Possessing a record of 26-6-1, the orthodox prize-fighter is arguably the most important of the lot,thoughthatdiscourse, and eventual debate, is f u n d a m e n t a l l y underpinned by a subjective rationale, especially for those of the c o n t e m p o r a r y inducement

However, what is indisputable is that he is the most talented owing to his world-rated status, and remains the only boxer of an IndoGuyanese persuasion, to challenge for a world championshipstrap

Dharry, who fought for the WBA Super flyweighttitlein2019but suffered a controversial ninth-round stoppage defeat to Australian

Andrew Maloney in Melbourne, descended on local shores yesterday, May 31st, to continue his storied journey in pursuit ofthatelusiveaccolade.

An extraordinary feat that if accomplished will further solidify his status in theannalsoftime,andplace

him amongst revered company such as the late Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis, Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Brathwaite, Vivian Harris, Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil, and Gary St.Clair Boxing, unlike other sporting escapades, significantly goes beyond thelabelofaGuyanesepass time. Itisinnatelyrootedin our cultural DNA. No other discipline, individual or otherwise, has provided a comparable semblance of international repute for our

nation.

The aforementioned world champions, all of whomwerecrownedinthe previous quarter of a century, serve as empirical evidence.TheonlyOlympic medal, a reality of the 1980 showpiece,furtheraddstoits evidentiarytruth.

Dharry, as a student and ambassador of the game understands that simple but very significant premise. That immortality, which is only afforded to a few,iswhatconsumeshimto be the first of his ethnic

makeuptoaccomplishsucha remarkable feat, which was unconsummated by his iconicpugilisticforefathers.

That is his sole mandate Dharry is the most successful IndoGuyanese boxer in the history of our emerging republicandhisreturntothe squared circle is confirmed for June 3rd against Colombian Ronald Ramos in an eightround Bantamweight f i x t u r e o n t h e impending ‘Return of the Scorpio’Pro/AmCard.

The encounter, which willprovideanexhibitionof Dharry’s talismanic abilities that have led to 15 victories via the knockout route, serves primarily as a warmupforhis July encounter on local shores with Hugo Hernandez of Mexico for the WBC Silver Belt

His representation as the premier Guyanese professionalboxer,aswellas one of two celebrated international combat sports practitioners [MMA’s CarlstonHarris],servesas a paragon and role model for all boxing aspirants and emerging talents especially those from t h e Indo-Guyanese communityanddiaspora.

Dharry has helped to shatter the perception that boxing as a discipline is entitledtoaspecificcreed,a reality, and an initial

objective which was commissioned by the preceding quartet of Motee ‘Kid’ Singh, Ramesh Bess, LaltaNarine,andRobin‘De AlbionPrince’Lall.

Inthesamespirit,hehas emerged as a bridge and unifying force within the sport’s community despite the incongruous local undertones associated with social, political, class, and gendernorms.

Multiplicity in sports is essential as it promotes creativity, unique perspectives, novel opportunities,andultimately ideal sportsmanship. Sports, and all its glorified and relevant history, must be representative of the respective society for bonds and social discourse, and cohesiontofoster

Dharry is a natural creationofthatconcept;and a repercussion and result of anesteemedbutundervalued footprint.

For ages, the perception is that boxing was not associated with IndoGuyanese, but that unapprised and possibly intentional notion is not rooted in verity and gospel.

Dharryisthetorch-bearerof an exemplary and unappreciated assembly that has contributed vastly to the rich history of the nation’s boxingculture.

Longmayitcontinueand u l t i m a t e l y b e acknowledged!

The victorious Queens Shark.

Elton Dharry (Twitter.com)

CB/AliBakeryInter-clubUnder17tournament...

RHT Bakewell and Albion to clash in final after winning semi-finals

Arch rivals Albion and Rose Hall Town Bakewell would shortly clash in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board Ali Bakery Under-17 Inter Club 50 overs tournament.

The two teams reached the final after winning their semifinals with Albion defeatingCottonTreeby184 runsattheJaiHindGround, while RHT Bakewell squeezed past Rose Hall Canje by two wickets. The tournament is being sponsored by Ali Bakery of Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice and is being organized by the BCB Cricket Committee headed byLeslieSoloman.

At the Jai Hind Ground, Albion batting first amassed 225 for 9 from their allotted 50overswithAfrazBudhoo

top scoring with 57 and he received support from Damion Cecil 45 and Nicholas Ishack 34 not out. Bowling for the visitors, National U15 fast bowler

ArifKhantook3for55from nine overs while there was one wicket apiece for Tameshwar Adin, Shoaib Gafoor and Arif Bacchus at the cost of 39, 36 and 34 respectively

In reply, the first time semifinalists were bowled out for 41 off 22 overs as onlyRohanSarjoonreached double figures with 11

Tameshwar Mangal claimed fourwicketsfornorunsfrom two overs while left arm spinner Kumar Deopersaud took 3 for 3 from five impressiveovers.

At the Area H Ground, Rose Hall Town Bakewell

won the toss and invited the visitors to take first strike. RoseHallCanjewasofftoa brisk start reaching fifty for one in 12 overs before collapsingto84alloutoff31 overs.

SanjayAlgoo top scored with24andhereceivedgood support from Avinash Persaudwith21whileextras contributed a healthy 30 runs. National off spinner MatthewPottayabowledten overs to claim 2 for 8, KumalchanRamnarace3for 12 while Khemraj Tika and Deeraj Ramjit had one wicketapiece.

RHT Bakewell in reply, needing 85 runs from 50 overs reached 87 for 8 from 39 5 overs with Pottaya returning with the bat to score34.

Clifton Moore receives IBA certification

Clifton Moore, the head trainer of the Vergenoegen Boxing Gym in Region #3, became the latest technical officer of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) to be globally certified, as he successfully completed the International Boxing Association (IBA) Online 1 Star Coaching Course.Moore’ssuccesswasconfirmedand communicated by an official release from IBA Development Officer Chris Roberts OBEtoGBAPresidentSteveNinvalle.

Coach Moore is the second coach under theumbrellaoftheGBAtoparticipateinIBA certification training, after three-star trainer SebertBlakewasaffordedtheopportunityto partake in the IBA Cutman Technician Course,whichwasconductedattheWomen’s World Championship in New Delhi, India fromMarch15–31.

Moore was among 39 participants at the prestigious forum. The countries that were represented included Bermuda, Iran, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, England, Cape Verde,Belgium,Italy,Namibia,Netherlands, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zambia.ThecourseoccurredfromApril4–12viatheonlineplatformZoom.TheIBA1 Star Coaching Certification begins the pathways for emerging trainers to ascertain international accreditations under the governingbody

GBA President Ninvalle said, “This is another developmental chapter in our playbook,andrepresentsanotherinvestment in the long-term growth of our proud sport. Asanassociation,ourmandateistodevelop our technical officers. This decree is an unwavering pledge as better equipped and knowledgeable officials will produce talented students and the only way we can equip our trainers with the required

knowledge in an ever-evolving environment is through international certification and trainingwhichisanimmutablebestpractice ofthemodernworld.”

According to Ninvalle, “The GBA understandsthatthedevelopmentofthesport isacollectiveeffort,andcanonlybeachieved withtrainersthroughcertificationandboxers via international competition Guyana, evidencedbyitsperformancesintheregion, is a leading light in the English-speaking Caribbeanandinorderforustomaintainthat edge and dominance, we must strive to empower the personnel that is pivotal in sustaining and maintaining that reality Trainers are an important cog and we will continue our developmental agenda of developing their requisite and respective faculties, which only benefit the discipline.

Congratulations to Mr Clifton Moore. May this be the first of many international glories!”

contributions came from Ramzan Koobeer 12 and captain Romesh Bharrat 20.

Ramdihal was Canje best bowler with 4 for 8 from 10 very tight overs while left arm pacer Nicholas Hall

took 2 for 10 from 8 overs. The date and venue for the final would be announced shortlybytheBCB.

Campbelle, Munisar among stat leaders following end of CWI Women’s T20 Blaze

Guyana finished in second place, strong behind champs Barbados, while slightly dominating batting and bowling categories thanks to a few of their players,followingasolidrun in the recently concluded CWI Women’s T20 Blaze CupplayedinSt.Kitts.

Although Barbados followedupthe50-Overtitle win with theT20 Blaze Cup in their possession, Guyana, who were tied on 16 points alongside Barbados for their 2nd place spot, managed to churn out some individual performances which will likely carry on as they progressandgeltheircurrent squad.

Senior batter Shamaine Campbelle finished as Guyana’s leading run-scorer and one of 6 ladies to cross the100-runmark,playingat least 4 games. The West Indies all-rounder ended 5th inrunwith106from5games played and a top score of 50*, also finishing the tournament as one of 4 women to make a halfcentury; capitalizing on her experience and class. With thegloves,Campbelleended the T20 Blaze leading the tourneyindismissals(8).

Campbelle and her countrywoman Shabika Gajnabialsotoppedthestats chart for the highest partnership for the 3rd

wicket,anunbrokenstandof 100, which is also the only century partnership of the tournament. Veteran spinner Afy Fletcher of Windward Islandendedwith10wickets to head up the leading wicket-takers list, however Guyanastillmanagedtoland afewspotsinthecategoryas two of the bowlers managed to have good showings during the recently ended competition.

West Indies U19 skipper Ashmini Munisar finished 3rdwith6wickets,3behind seasonedT&TspinnerAnisa Mohammed who ended in 2nd place with 9 wickets; as the pair capped off the top three spots alongside Fletcher Munisar, the offbreak spinner, is one of 5 bowlers who concluded the competitionwithatotalof6 wickets,onebeingteammate

Flaffianna Millington who occupiedthe6thposition.

Millington had been one of Guyana’s key pieces during the Super50 and transitioned nicely into the T20’s as her bowling and veteranpresenceallowedher fellow bowlers to work collectively with much success.

Despite not winning the title,Guyanaexhibitedsome late but good form as they won the majority of their matches in the T20 Blaze, following a topsy-turvy 50Overcompetition.

The Guyanese women will be keen on capitalizing ontheirgoodformupontheir return home where it is expected they will continue toputinworkweeklyasthey further prepare for their calendar of activities both locallyandoverseas.

Clifton Moore

Tameshwar Mangal, Damion Cecil, Afraz Budhoo and Nicholas Ishack of Albion.

The Guyanese duo of Ashmini Munisar Shamaine Campbelle were among the stat leaders for their countryfollowing the end of the T20 Blaze. (Getty Images)

crowned male and female Independence TT champions National player Joel Alleyne and 12 years old Jasmine Billingy 12

The curtains recently came

Guyana Table Tennis

on (GTTA), NationalSportsCommission (NSC) 2023 Independence

Table Tennis competition which was played at the NationalGymnasium.Inthe end, National player Joel Alleyne and up and coming youngster Jasmine Billingy were crowned senior male

andfemalechampions.

In the male division, Alleyne battled back from a game down to defeat the resurging Nigel Bryan 3-2. Bryanwonthefirstgame119,beforeAlleyneevenedthe clashwithahard-fought1210win.

The eventual winner pulled ahead 11-7 in the third clash before Bryan stormed back with an 11-8 win to draw the clash even at 2-2 In the final game, it couldhavegoneeitherway, but Alleyne pulled off a v i c t o r y . Both Alleyne and Bryan won their semifinal encountersby3-1.

Alleyne won from Elishaba Johnson after four hard fought games 11-5, 1012, 12-10 and 11-5 Bryan got past Ebo McNeil 11-6,11-13,11-6and11-7. Billingy, not yet a

teenager, was dominant in thefemalesectorwhichwas played on a round robin basis.

Competing against some of the top young female playersinthecountry,the12 years old Billingy, played unbeatenafterfourgamesto taketophonoursinthesenior female category Second placewenttoSamaraSukhai with three wins with Akira Watson third. Billingy, also won the U13 and U15 girls’ titles.

Her march to a clean sweepinthefemaledivision was thwarted by Sukhai whentheyclashedintheU19 division losing 3-1 after winning the first game, the scores being 7-11, 11-8, 119,14-12.

Watson and Seona Barker were declared joint thirdplace.The‘B’Division segment was won by Niran Bisshu who defeated Levi P e r c i v a l 3 - 1 .

The Boys U19 division saw Jonathan Van Lange

defeatingUmarPercival3-0 i n t h e f i n a l

TherewasaNovicecategory which saw Jaden Trotman being crowned the champion.

Other results in the boys segments saw Moore returned to take top honours in the U15 category with Kayden Meusa winning the U13division.

Darius Daniels won the U11 crown and Zion Hickerson the U9 division.

(SamuelWhyte)

Following the incredible success of the annual Easter Vacation Swimming Programme in April, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, will start its inaugural adult ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative on Saturday

The programme, which will be conducted every SaturdayandSundayduring the month of June, will be conducted at two facilities. They are the National Aquatic Centre, Lilliendaal, andtheColgrainSwimming Pool,Georgetown.

The initiative will occur from 14:00hrs-15:00hrs and 15:00hrs-16:00hrs respectively during the aforementioned period. The NationalAquaticCentrewill be utilized on Saturdays while the Colgrain Swimming Facility will be used on Sundays An opening ceremony is penciled for Saturday at the National Aquatic Centre from13:15hrs.

Experienced national coach, Paul Mahaica, will serve as the coordinator and lead trainer The initiative is

being formulated to be introduced to other parts of the nation, namely Linden and Berbice, during the monthofJuly Todate,more than 1200 individuals have registeredfortheimpending project.

Director of Sports Steve

is an understatementwithregards to the response to the

programme We have received over 1200 applicants and counting, which is on the heels of the historic 2200 participants garnered for the recently conducted Easter Vacation SwimmingProgramme.The success of the Easter programme clearly aided in the response to this novel initiative and once again highlights Government’s commitment in charting a developmental agenda and path for the development of its most important resource, the human capital Once again,theprogrammeisfree of cost and will be financially undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission.”

,

According to Ninvalle, “Safety will once again be our guiding light. We are cognizant of the huge turnout and will employ the requisite safety standards and protocols to ensure an incident free venture. An environmentthatisnotonly safe but conducive to learningiswhatwestrivefor andwillachieveduringthis

(Continuedonpage19)

MCYS and NSC to start inaugural adult ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative on Saturday

Steve Ninvalle Director of Sports

Some action at the Independence Table Tennis competition.

Senior male champion Joel Alleyne in action.

Senior female champion 12 years old Jasmine Billingy

The winning East Berbice Region 6 team after winning the competition.

Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie and Shimron Hetmyer are amongthe local stars retained by the GuyanaAmazon Warriors ahead of the 2023 CPL. (CPL)