Kaieteur News

Parliament names library after longest serving clerk, Frank A Narain

US ATF team conducts evaluation of Mahdia fire site

Th e A l c o h o l , Tobacco, Firearm and Explosive

Unit (ATF) of the United States Department of Justice is currently in Guyana to support the investigation into the Mahdia Secondary School’s femaledormitoryfire.

DPI - The name of the

through that of the past and Parliamentary Library at current events…everything

P u b l i c B u i l d i n g s , that we do in the National Georgetownwaschangedon Assembly becomes carved Friday to honour Frank A in our history at one time or Narain who is the longest- another And the library will servingClerkoftheNational house those important Assembly documents that chronicle

Thefacilityisnowcalled everything that we say and the Frank A Narain do in this House,” the ParliamentaryLibrary ministernoted.

In a press statement on Friday,theMinistryofHome Affairs reported that Deputy Fire Officer Mr Dwayne Scotlandandhisteamvisited the scene of the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory on Thursday to collect samples and conduct anevaluationofthescene.

Narain,whoservedinthe

Plaques were presented position for 36 years, has to former Speakers of the m a d e i n v a l u a b l e N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o including Raphael Trotman, parliamentary democracy in Dr Ralph Ramkarran, Dr thecountry Barton Scotland, and current

The library is the hub of speaker,ManzoorNadir the Parliament’s capability

Meanwhile, Nadir stated to deliver competent, timely, with distinction and the that the naming ceremony non-partisan information repository of information forms part of several services to all Members of and knowledge when it activities to commemorate Parliament, staff, and the comes to parliamentary 70years of parliamentary general public. It is part of practicesandprocedures.He democracy the research division of the has taken the effort to “We have 70 years of ParliamentOffice. compile so much that we, as parliamentary democracy

During the simple the newer parliamentarians and 70 years of challenges ceremony at the Public learn and look back at our with many hurdles that are Buildings, Minister of history,”sheemphasised. the successes And the Human Services and Social Minister Persaud noted parliamentary library is one Security, Dr Vindhya that everyone can look of the successes…So, our Persaud said Narain has forward to the hybrid system democracy is a work in providedinnumerableexpert of digital services and progress. Our library is the contributionstoGuyana. mounds of paper found in storehouse of all that we

“Narain has not only everylibrary havedoneandother been serving this Parliament “We’ll be happy to go

(Continued on page 9)

Frank A Narain

Parliamentary

The ministry stated that the team used sieves to sift through the debris at and around the location where the fire is believed to have Research Laboratory in the submittedtotheGovernment b e e n s t a r t e d A UnitedStates. ofGuyanaforreview reconstruction of the scene Further, with the use of Twenty children – 19 of was done, and several computer fire modelling them school girls and one 5samples were collected, the technology, simulation year-old boy died as a result ministrysaid. analyseswillrecreatethefire ofafirewhichsweptthrough

According to the event. This will provide a a heavily-grilled dormitory ministry, the collected predictor of the fire’s growth whichhousedstudentsofthe samples are expected to be and behaviour Upon Mahdia Secondary School evaluated at the Fire completion, a report will be onMay21,2023.

Man remanded for allegedly killing niece’s fiancé

Forty-eight-year-old Hamid Amin called ‘Peppy’ was on Friday remanded to prison for the murder of his niece’s boyfriend, 23-yearold Shivram Mohabir called ‘Vickash’.

Amin, a carpenter of Block 8, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court before MagistrateAlishaGeorge.

Remanded: Hamid Amin also called ‘Peppy’

Dead: Shivram Mohabir also called ‘Vickash’

He was not required to pleadtotheindictablecharge which alleges that on May 29, 2023 at 5th Street, andattackedhim. Martyr’s Ville, ECD he A fight ensued and murdered Mohabir, a escalated after the suspect mechanicofLot40,Triumph that Mohabir and his alleged armed himself with a knife SidelineDam,ECD. killerhadadisagreementand from the kitchen, and Magistrate George the suspect had reportedly stabbed the victim to his remanded the accused to made a police complaint chest The accused after prison and the matter was against him (Mohabir) on reportedly committing the adjourned to July 2, 2023 for Sunday, one day before he act,madegoodhisescape. report. allegedly killed him with a Mohabir’s fiancé then Kaieteur News had knife. r u s h e d h i m t o t h e reported that Mohabir’s According to police, an Georgetown Public Hospital decision to visit his fiancé’s investigation was launched Corporation (GPHC) He home on Monday night into the allegations made by was still alive when doctors proved fatal after her irate the suspect but he reportedly admitted him but he died uncle rushed into her house took matters into his own whilereceivingtreatmentfor andallegedlykilledhim. hands. The man reportedly hisstabwound.

According to police, visited his niece’s home on Hisdeathwasreportedto Mohabir was stabbed by the Monday evening and police and ranks arrested the woman’s uncle at about discoveredthatMohabirwas suspect later that evening at 19:00hrs. Investigators said there. He ran into the house hishome.

The ATF team and local fire officials at site of the Mahdia dormitory fire.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, and Former Clerk of the National Assembly, Frank Narain examining the documents in the library (DPI photo)

Library (DPI photo)

Former Clerk of the National Assembly, Frank Narain (DPI photo)

PUMP IT!

VP Jagdeo not worried if over US$40B oil projects overwhelm Guyana’s monitoring capacity

Vice President, Dr investments go abroad with day

recoverable resources of Bharrat Jagdeo does not small elements of it retained A sixth development, more than 11 billion barrels share concerns that the here. This is the case since Whiptail, is expected to be ofoilequivalent. government’s speedy Guyana does not have the submitted for government The Stabroek Block is approval for oil projects in technical nor technological andregulatoryapprovallater 6 6 m i l l i o n a c r e s the Stabroek Block could expertise and industries to thisyear

ExxonMobil affiliate Esso outstrip the country’s support the development of Intotal,sixFPSOswitha Exploration and Production already thin monitoring the oil sector on its own. He gross production capacity of Guyana Limited is operator capabilities. According to noted however that the morethan1.2millionbarrels and holds 45 percent interest the chief policy maker for government remains ofoilperdayareexpectedto in the Stabroek Block. Hess the oil industry, authorities mindful of the impact of be online on the Stabroek Guyana Exploration Ltd h a v e a n i m p l i c i t investmentsontheeconomy Block by the end of 2027, holds 30 percent interest and understanding with Exxon Mobil and its with the potential for up to CNOOC Petroleum Guyana ExxonMobil and its partners partners currently have five 10 FPSOs to develop the Limited holds 25 percent thatitwillhaveasmuchtime sanctioned projects in the estimated gross discovered interest. as may be need to scrutinize Stabroek Block which are and contest any and all costs worth over US$40B. The associatedwiththeblock. most recent project that was D u r i n g a p r e s s approved was for the Uaru conference on Thursday, Project. It will have a Jagdeo reminded that since production capacity of the government is not a co- approximately 250,000 manager, the Stabroek gross barrels of oil per day Block’s expenses are looked with production targeted to at ex-post. He noted startupin2026. howeverthatthereisnotime T h e U S $ 1 2 7 B limit for the examination of development will target an costs though the Stabroek estimated resource base of Block Production Sharing more than 800 million Agreement (PSA) ascribes a barrels of oil and include up two-year deadline for this to 10 drill centers and 44 exercise. Dr Jagdeo said, production and injection “There is no time limit for wells. MODEC, a Japanese remedial action and for firm, is constructing the recovery for expenses that floating production, storage may have not gone towards and offloading (FPSO) cost recovery under the PSA vessel for Uaru, which will that don’t fit the definition be called Errea Wittu, under youcanrecover.” a n E n g i n e e r i n g ,

Given his government’s P r o c u r e m e n t a n d pushforlocalcontentaswell Construction (EPC) as its refusal to rely heavily contract. on foreign help on this front, As for ongoing Stabroek he admitted that the audits Block projects, the Liza are not up-to-date. He noted Phase 1 and Liza Phase 2 howeverthatthisisaworkin developments produce progress.

150,000 barrels of oil and

K a i e t e u r N e w s 220,000 barrels of oil per previously reported that dayrespectively there are two audits that The third sanctioned remain in the finalization development on the stage: one for the pre- Stabroek Block, Payara, is contract costs totalling targeted for startup early in US$1.6B and another for the fourth quarter, with a US$7 3B in expenditure gross production capacity of incurredfrom2018to2020. approximately 220,000

With respect to concerns barrelsofoilperday that the pace of investments The fourth sanctioned could lead to an overheating development, Yellowtail, is of the economy, the Vice expected to come online in President said for the time 2025withagrossproduction being,thisisnotthecase.He capacity of approximately argued that most of the 250,000 barrels of oil per

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

APNU and courts over elections

The Opposition APNU has to come to its senses sooner thanlater,oritrisksmakingitselfintoabiggerlaughingstock than Guyana and its oil management. If the APNU Opposition is going to be of any relevance, any value, to its own supporters, and to the wider Guyanese society, then it is going to have to come awake in a hurry, and show that it is alive. To the disappointment of many observers, the Opposition has failed to do any of these things. In fact, it couldbeaccuratelysaidthattheOppositionhasnotpulledits weight, and has increasingly taken on the appearance of a dinosaur,andalostcause.

Though it has been said often enough, we must say it again: democracy works well when there is a viable and a credible political Opposition. It is one that knows when to engage the government of the day, and when to put up a spirited resistance against policies and programs that have a high probability of heaping devastating consequences on citizens, and the national Treasury also in so doing. The citizens of a country benefit immensely, when there is the check and balance of a vigorous Opposition, one that is visibleandaudibleandsensible. Wedonotthink,andthereis the belief that a great many Guyanese would agree, that the APNU Opposition has manifested these attributes to any convincingdegree.

Take the instance of the recent High Court case filed by theAPNU Opposition relativeto the voters’list published by GECOM for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE). The Opposition has long held the contention that voters’ lists are inherently flawed because they are loaded with dead people, and thousands who have left these shores and taken up permanent residence overseas. Whatever the merits of the Opposition’s position that drove its filing in the HighCourt,itcannotbeonthebasisofopinion,orconjecture. ortheanecdotal,howeversuchwascompiled.

This was the position of Chief Justice (ag) Ms. Roxanne Wilshire-George, who was rather scathing, and to some degree impatient. The words of her ruling on the matter broughtbytheAPNUOppositionareclearandhaveacertain ringtothem. “The document has unsubstantiated jottings on it that speak to persons being deceased or not living in the area. This is inadmissible evidence that cannot be relied on by the court. Even if the evidence was admissible, its content was unreliable as there is no evidence of the source of the information mentioned in the jottings.”

TheOppositionhastoknowthatcourtscannotanddonot makedecisionsbasedon“unsubstantiatedjottings”andwhat wasdescribedascontentthatwas“unreliable.” Itisonething to harbor beliefs of tricky political schemes and shenanigans by political adversaries contesting LGE polls. It is quite anothermattertoapproachthebarforreliefwithoutfactsthat possess some solid foundation and enough credibility to move adjudicators towards the kind of decisions sought. Factsthatcanbesubstantiatedandwhichstanduptoprobing and rigorous scrutiny are what usually compel courts to cure the deficit claimed. Substance and strength in filings are whatregularlyswaythejudgepresidingoveracase.

As the acting Chief Justice made clear, “Litigants must appreciate that courts rely on evidence, not unsubstantiated opinions or conjecture.” Evidence is tangible, evidence is provable, and evidence is believable. Indeed, there may be electoral mischief in action, for that has been a norm in this countryfromthebeginning. Butconjectureonlygoessofar, and is of zero utility when such comes up for any degree of proper scrutiny Conjecture falls apart and, to be frank about this, it wastes the precious time of a court system that many knowisheavilycongested.

The Opposition has to get its act together, and pick its battles wisely If it has evidence that is substantial, and not marginal, then there is every reason for tough court challenges to what is happening. On the other hand, if it is clutching at any straw that is floating in the wind, then the grouponlyopensitselftomoreridiculeanddismissal.

Tara Singh moves to remove misconceptions of N. Sahadeo

DEAREDITOR, other forms of support. “Ms. to vacate their seats and let party/Government and that It has never been my Sahadeo, my work among competent people do the job basically....” Where did I intention to respond to s o m e A m e r i n d i a n theyobviouslyhavenotbeen write or say those words people who deliberately communities for decades, is doing or else those 20 young suggesting insensitivity? misleadanddistortmyviews wellknown.” children would not be dead.” Why does Ms Sahadeo about events. My views are I never chastised Ms. Isn’t this arrogant to the methodically seek to always guided by reason and Sahadeo, whom I do not highest order? Did the substitute the simple evidence Sadly, other know, nor anyone else for benchwarmers in Parliament meanings of my statements people’s views tend to their comments on the setthebuildingonfire? with her own minted words deviate from this pattern and Mahdia fire. Rather, I differ Ms. Sahadeo continues and meanings to suit her culminateinalackofcivility withtheiropinions.Asstated with her tirade: “Tara Singh corrugated style of anddecorum. before, it was my belief that wants us to believe that the narrative? This is a classic

A person by the name of if some basic facts/evidence proverbial buck does not case where she bastardizes N Sahadeo has launched a about the Mahdia Secondary stop at the person who is theEnglishlanguage. writtenassaultonmeandmy School dormitory are enjoying ALL the privileges I want Ms. Sahadeo to views as expressed in a letter known, this could lead to ofbeingHeadofState.”Ican know that I have done more dated June 1, 2023, and b e t t e r discern Ms Sahadeo’s for the Amerindian titled:‘TaraSingh–trysome understanding/conversation subliminal remarks here. I community in Guyana than h u m a n i t y, s t o p t h e of the situation. It was in no hope the reader does too! most Guyanese When I callousness.’It is perplexing way intended to minimize The Mahdia dormitory falls founded the Guyana Watch that this individual has taken the grief, excruciating pain, under the authority of the Inc. in 1992, Amerindian so much time to totally trauma of victims, and their M i n i s t r y o f L o c a l communities have always mischaracterize and distort families To suggest government and Regional been a priority of our my views.The central theme otherwiseisdisingenuous. Development. Once again medical and humanitarian of my letter was to establish My letter was not filled f o r M s S a h a d e o ’s mission. My work in the some basic facts about the with acrimony, and I did not edification, the Minister of humanitarian area is well Mahdia Secondary School allow my emotions to Education does not manage known and I do not need to dormitory My views about conquer my judgement school dormitories, except elaborateonthis. the victims’families are well Unfortunately, Ms. Sahadeo, thoseinGeorgetown. Furthermore, when the known and described supposedly a fountain of W h a t a c o l o s s a l news broke out of the elsewhere.Sufficetosaythat morality, has proven that she distortion of reality by Ms. Mahdia fire and its a p a r t f r o m u r g i n g is not short of a litany and Hello Sahadeo! “Tara Singh destruction known, I community and religious often misplaced expletives. is telling the First Peoples of immediately called upon leaderstoinitiatevigilsinthe For example, she states: “I our Nation that their lives community leaders to victims’ honor, I have have asked all the and welfare is not the organizeavigil,including organized a group to render benchwarmers in Parliament concern of the ruling (Continued on page 5)

Celebrating Independence,

mourning

the loss of the Mahdia children

DEAREDITOR, exited and thrilled to Corentyne and was an all- celebrate as “One people, On February 22, celebrate Mashramani for day gala family celebration One nation with One thousands of children, the first time. It was indeed starting at 7:30 AM with a destiny”. Independence is a accompanied by their the largest Mashramani two-and-a-half-mile male, true celebration of our parents, relatives, and celebrationinCorentyneand femaleandchildrenfootrace diversity, culture, elegance friends from the Macedonia was sponsored by the from No. 36 Village to the and maturity of the nation Joppa district in Eastern Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Eversham Community and the power and strength Corentyne took the Committee (MJVC), a non- Center Over $300.000 in of Guyanese in every roadways to celebrate profitable group whose prizes were awarded to the community. It is a testimony d Guyana 53 Republic mottois“Upliftment.” winners of each category toourenrichedsocialculture Anniversary It was a vibrant Three months later, the This was followed by a vigil and shared heritage as a and flamboyant celebration MJVC (comprised of 11 to honor and respect the nation The Macedonia never seen before in the executive members and five tragicdeathofthechildrenat Joppa Voluntary Committee, district of the Corentyne. sub-committee members) the Mahdia Secondary onceagaintheproudsponsor The celebration began at did it again when its School Dormitory for of the celebrations, thanks 7:00 AM with a two-mile members organized and females, and a Karaoke everyone for being part of road race for adults, both sponsored the biggest and competitionandadance. the activities and looks males and females from No. m o s t s p e c t a c u l a r For the residents of the forward to greater and wider 36 Village to Eversham independence celebration on district, Independence is participation and bigger and Primary School It was Friday May 26, 2023, to much more than partying, brighter independence followed by a road march mark the country’s 57th eating,drinking,anddancing celebrations in 2024. The from Brighton to Eversham Independence Anniversary in the streets, rather it is a members of the MJVC Village.Residentsofallages The celebrations took place celebration of Guyana extend their deepest and from all walks of life in the Macedonia Joppa becoming an independent sympathy and condolences from the Macedonia Joppa district in region 6 in East nation on May 26, 1966, to to the parents, relatives and villages of No. 35, Brighton, Corentyne under the theme manage its own affairs. It friends of the children who Kiltearn, Eversham, Epsoml “Uplifting the People and was the end of centuries of perished in the deadly andBengalcameoutinlarge Celebrating One Guyana.” colonial rule, domination, inferno and to let them know numbersandlinedbothsides The celebration attracted and enslavement of our thatwesharetheirgrief.May of the roadways to see the hundreds of people in and people by Europeans, their precious young souls colorful costumes worn by out of the region from as far especiallyBritain. restpeacefully the participants The as West Coast Berbice to Independence has Sincerely, onlookers were ecstatic and Mara on the East Bank of become a symbol of unity, Dr. Asquith Rose, MJVC charmed by the dancing and Berbice and to Crabwood strength and togetherness Chair the gorgeous, rich and Creek on the Corentyne and and a time for all Guyana Ms. Vanessa Rosscolorful outfits worn by the elsewhere. It was the only nearandfartoputasidetheir Albert, MJVC Public children. Many were visibly celebrationofitskindinEast differences and biases and Relations Director

Guyanese can breathe a sigh of relief, while keeping an eye on mischief makers

DEAREDITOR, that is, a restoration of peace to society From information expose. Mass murderer, prison andtheruleoflawinsociety gathered, they wanted the Tothisend,someonewas escapee, Royden Williams Our country could now escapees to have created tempted to ask the question, and accomplices have been breathe a sigh of relief that m a y h e m , b e f o r e would this recent killing of a eliminated from society, such persons are no longer surrenderingtothelawmen- criminal fugitive see another something all peace-loving withus. something akin to The Linden London episode, peoples of Guyana had so Now, while the nation FinemanDays. whereby the political long awaited. His slaying breathes a sigh of relief, we So, while we breathe opportunists are going to marks the close of a dark are still not too comfortably some fresh air of peace, we step in to make a hero of the chapter in our nation’s set, in that there are some in must also keep a watchful killer by draping his coffin history,itmarkstheendofan this country who are of the e y e o u t f o r t h o s e with our national flag? The era where mass murderers belief that the criminals sympathizers of criminals point is, we might never killed innocent people at exited in too peaceful and criminal activity know,butsuchisthemindset will. circumstances. Though they are a miniscule of these wicked souls in our

Being part of The In their view things few, they are nonetheless the country Fineman Gang, Williams should have been more remnants of a criminal I close by saying, was associated with mass chaotic,asituationwherethe cheerleading gang who are Guyana will move forward killings at Lusignan and lawmen should have been supportive of chaos and in peace and togetherness

Bartica among other running for cover from the confusion in society These free from the intimidating atrocities, so the removal of criminals, a situation where aretheindividualswetotally violenceofourdetractors. such individuals marks a the criminals should have condemn and would do Respectfully submitted, step in the right direction, inflicted maximum damage everything at our disposal to NeilAdams

Early distribution of ‘Because We Care’ cash grants a vote buying gimmick

DEAREDITOR, parents of low- and middle- the rush to hand out of cash intouchwiththestrugglesof T h e M i n i s t r y o f income households will grantsjustbeforeelectionsis the ordinary Guyanese. If Education is making a grave spend the cash grants anattempttoinfluencevotes they are in touch and still mistake in handing out household maintenance and in favour of the government. continue with the handing children cash grants long not on education Many This poor perception of outofthe‘BecauseweCare’ before reopening of school parents with little to no G u y a n e s e b y t h e cashgrantthenitisplainthat for the new academic term. moral upbringing will spend government is distasteful. If they care more about buying As a teacher who is on the the cash grants on the Government really votes with taxpayers’money ground and interacts with entertainment and vain ‘Cares’ about the Guyanese more than they care about parents of all walks of life, I things. children more than they care the preparation of children know that when the The decision of the about votes then they should forschoolandlearning. September term approaches Ministry to give cash grants give the cash grants after Respectfully, many children will be ill j u s t b e f o r e L o c a l elections.

What helped the occupants at Karasabai fire to escape?

DEAREDITOR,

Still reeling and not recovered from the horrible and devastating Mahdia fire, comes another fire, another girl’s hinterland accommodation up in flames, in the region which just hosted our toned-down Independence observances. This time while no deaths have been reported, no doubt scars and trauma exist. It must be wondered how the students housed there were able to escape the burning building unscathed. Maybe better fire/emergency plans were in place than at the other burnt building. Will the cycle of rushing to blame and finger pointing start all over again or will we heed decorum and allow the investigation to say exactly what led to this disaster? My regrets at this latest destruction with untold consequences. Can we move past this or are we forever to movewithit?

Shamshun Mohamed

Tara Singh moves to remove...

From page 4 statement, ‘a silver lining,’is the exploring of other ways a metaphor which is a in which we can help the reminder that whatever victims’families. excruciating pain victims’

I hope that Ms. Sahadeo families endure, they must is not lost in an ocean of never lose hope.” What is confusion. wrongwiththisstatement?

What is her motivation I stand by my position. I f o r e x c e s s i v e l y would not allow my misinterpreting and emotions to run havoc with distortingmyviews?Finally, my power of discrimination. she asks; ‘what silver lining Reasonisnotmyenemy Tara?’ “Ms. Sahadeo every Sincerely, life in precious and the Dr Tara Singh

S.

Persaud preparedforschool.Manyof Government Elections is an Furthermore, they them will even be wearing insult to the intelligence of should return to issuing their old uniform from the the Guyanese public It vouchers to curb the previous year, which affects seems that the Ministry does spending on items unrelated their self-esteem and more not believe that the to school supplies and importantlytheirlearning. Guyanese people are education. It is sad that the A great number of intelligent enough to realise Ministryappearsasifitisnot

Dr. David Hinds should remember Dr. Jagan’s example in difficult times

DEAREDITOR, Party, many of whom defected to the PNC, Dr David Hinds’ shows on YouTube are the Party had little funds for expense, and its predictable - he dutifully carries on about membership were the few: parliamentarians marginalization and Apartheid on Afro- and a small number of poor, illiterate Guyanese. On Tuesday 30/5, he was peasantry The intelligenceAgencies and all different. Hetalkedaboutthedeclineandfall otherswaitedbytowitnessthefinaldemiseof of the PNC/APNU party, of how all forces theparty werestackedagainstit,howitwasimploding But Dr and Mrs. Janet Jagan had a from the inside and how PNC members and remarkable faith in Guyana, the Party and supportersaredefectingtothePPP/Candthat themselves. Theyhadnomoneyexcepttheir thePNCwashopelesslyexpiring. parliamentary pay and had to live

To exorcise this hopelessness, I would abstemiously They kept working suggest Dr Hinds puts on his Historian and assiduously among people and went into Political Scientist Professor’s mortarboard rigged elections well knowing they would andlookatthe1960’swhenthePPPpartywas only be allotted 20% of the members. After on the verge of being wiped out forever.The 28 years, the Party was intact and was ready PPP party and Dr Jagan was caught in a toassumepower pincer:TheforeignintelligenceAgencieshad Dr Hinds and the PNC’s leadership could their operatives on the ground relentlessly learn from Dr Jagan: Have faith in the tiny fighting a weak PPP, which was shorn of any remnants of your membership, work support from the Army, the Police, the Civil tirelessly among the people, in parliament Service, the Trade Unions, the Media both work hard, do your research, and local and foreign, fraudulent elections where constructively criticize the Government’s thethenDictatorBurnhamallowedonly20% programs and go into elections though you of Parliamentary members to the PPP, and knowyouwilllose,butkeepthePartyalive. where PPP supporters could not find jobs or I hope Dr Hinds assimilates this historic haveeducation. exampleandhelptoresurrectthePNC.

Theendresult-ThePPPdisintegrated:Its

Yours sincerely, wealthierandmiddle-classsupportersleftthe Paul Validum Ramlochan

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Govt.mustoutlineoilsector safeguardstobeadopted fromQatar,UAE,SaudiArabia

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President Dr. IrfaanAli and Commission so that the Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo industry may be extricated appear to be striking up strategic from political bosoms. partnerships with nations like Qatar, UAE, and SaudiArabia. Most importantly, the country These countries are known still wants to hear how this powerhouses on efficient government will slice out more governance of their respective benefits from that abomination oil and gas industries. of a contract that shackles current and future

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It is our hope that these bilateral generations to the parasitic efforts see the adoption of critical machinations of ExxonMobil. safeguards that can elevate Guyana on the same plane. We hope the government is not waiting until 2025 to reveal these Let it not be forgotten that the plans alongside its comrades in the country still awaits the political opposition. establishment of an independent body such as the Petroleum The clock is ticking!

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GEA pursuing new solar project for Leguan with IDB US$1.8M loan

The Government of the new solar farm will cost component. a c c o m m o d a t e t h e Guyana (GoG) has received anestimatedUS$1,785,452. The third and final completion of the additional a loan from the Inter- Back in 2018, a component caters to the s o l a r f a r m A n e w American Development US$21,160,000 loan was institutional strengthening transmissionlinewillalsobe Bank (IDB) to diversify its approved by the IDB to and governance of the established to facilitate energy matrix with support Guyana’s evolving Department of Energy to the interconnection with the sustainable and cleaner energy sector The Energy tune of US$4.5 million. It project. The total cost of the sources Part of the Matrix Diversification and was explained that this project is estimated as USD US$21,160,000 loan will be Institutional Strengthening component seeks to finance $1,785,452.” used to set up a 0.60 MW of the Department of Energy capacity building initiatives

It is understood that the solar PV farm at Leguan, (EMISDE)isgearedtowards a n d b e s t p r a c t i c e projectsumincludesthecost framework, and improve electricity generation. The RegionThree. ( i ) i n v e s t i n g i n organizational structure, of a battery energy storage institutional capacity and installation of a 1 5

The Guyana Energy sustainable/cleaner energy including high level training system as well as the governanceoftheoilandgas megawatt (MW) solar plant Agency (GEA) will be solutions to diversify the andcoachingofGovernment construction of a new sector within 3.03 hectares (7.5 executingtheprojectandhas energy matrix in the staff and technical support transmission line The The loan has three acres) of land is planned in sinceinvitedeligiblebidders h i n t e r l a n d w h i l e for the development of the projecthasalifeof20years. components with the first Bartica,1 MW within 2.02 to submit proposals for the contributing to climate design of a new oil and gas Finance Minister, Dr US$8.6 million allocated to hectares (5 acres) of land is procurement, construction change mitigation, (ii) legislative and regulatory A s h n i S i n g h w h i l e renewable energy solutions planned in Lethem, and 0.65 a n d i n s t a l l a t i o n , i n v e s t i n g i n t h e framework. The GEAis also presenting this year’s for the hinterland This MW within 4.65 hectares commissioning and turn-key r e i n f o r c e m e n t o f the executing agency for this Budget revealed that in 2022 component entails the (11 48 acres) of land is delivery of a solar PVPower transmission infrastructure Component. governmentcommissioneda installation of solar planned in Mahdia The plant, inclusive of battery to improve reliability and The Leguan solar project 1 MW solar farm in Lethem, photovoltaic (PV) plants in electrification of the Dagg energy storage and stability of the Demerara- was not initially catered for while work advanced on three hinterland townships Point community in Bartica transmission lines at Berbice Interconnected under the loan but is being another 1.5 MW solar farm of Bartica (Region 7), and the titled indigenous Leguan. S y s t e m , a n d ( i i i ) funded through savings in Bartica and 0.75 MW in Mahdia (Region 8) and village Campbelltown in Based on documents s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e accrued under the EMISDE Wakenaam. He also noted Lethem (Region 9) all of Mahdia are also expected from the IDB, this Department of Energy to programme.TheIDBproject that tenders were launched which currently rely underthiscomponent. newspaper understands that develop a regulatory documents indicate that for the completion of a total exclusively on fossil fuel for Under the second part of under components one and of33MWsolarphotovoltaic the loan, Guyana will be three, US$0.97 million was (PV) system to be connected looking to reinforce the saved, while US$0 23 totheGPLpowersystemand transmission infrastructure million was saved under the atLinden. at a cost of US$9.95 million. projectmanagementcosts. The Finance Minister According to project

According to the Bank, explained that a total of documents, this component

“The Government has 166 82kW of solar PV entails reinforcements at requested the support of the systems at 39 locations three substations of

IDB to finance an additional across the regions were Kingston, Old Sophia and 5 0.60MWsolarPVfarmwith installed at the household km single circuit overhead a 0.80 MW storage capacity level last year This year, he 69 kV transmission line on a land area of 1 hectare saidgovernmentplanstoroll between the Kingston and (2.48 acres) on the island of out a 30,000 solar PV home Sophia substations and Leguan located in the lighting systems to the installing reactive power EssequiboRiverinRegion3. hinterland and riverain compensation at New I f n e c e s s a r y , t h e areas. A total of $1.8 billion Sophia. The Guyana Power Government will request an wassetasideintheBudgetto and Light Inc. (GPL) is the extension of EMISDE to financethisprogramme. executing agency for this

Local footballer killed in Mandela Avenue accident

The local football fraternity is mourning the death of local goal keeper, Leon Sealey Yaw who was killed in a motorcycle accident Thursday evening alongMandelaAvenue,Georgetown.

According to information reaching thispublication,26-year-oldYaw,awellknown footballer lost his life after the motorcycle he was driving collided with another motorcycle along Mandela Avenue.

The other driver of the motorcycle is said to be in a critical condition at a medicalinstitution.

Kaieteur News understands thatYaw, upuntilhisdeath,wasthegoal-keeperfor theFrutaConquerorsFootballClub.

In a statement on Friday, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) expressed condolences to the family and friends of Yaw

“Yaw’s love of the game made him a phenomenal football player and role model on and off the pitch. The football fraternity mourns his untimely passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his familyandfriends,”theGFFexpressed.

Killed, Leon Sealey Yaw

The people have the power!

With rights come responsibilities. One of the responsibilitiesofcitizensis to hold their governments accountable.

Thispointwasreiterated by Patrick Lumumba, the iconic Kenyan anticorruption activist

AppearingontheGlennLall Show last Saturday, Lumumba said that often citizens sit back and the lay theblamesolelyatthefeetof their elected leaders for mismanaging their resources;however,theytoo haveadutytoensurethatthe nation’s patrimony is protected for the sake of the nextgeneration.

Even in democracies government can exercise tremendous and coercive powers over citizens Governments can pass laws which curtail citizens’ freedom or impose regulations that can affect citizens. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can make citizenssusceptibletoarrest, finesandimprisonment.

Governments also have power to levy taxes Taxation can be used as a punitive measure against citizens. But the greatest

form of control by governmentsisinrelationto the law enforcement agencies.

Even under a under a democratic Guyana, there were never any guarantees that governments would necessary exercise their powers in a manner that would be transparent, accountable and responsive totheneedsofcitizens.Asis now known, important information such as the signing of the oil contract and the signing bonus were kept hidden from the population for almost 18 months.

The same thing is happening under the PPPC. The public is not aware of what is the interest that is being paid to the oil companies for their investment. So on major issues, the public remains in the dark just as they were in relationtotheidentityofthe syndicated investors in the MarriottHotel.

How then can citizens p r e s s f o r g r e a t e r accountability? The first approachistodemandmore transparency and access to information. Glenn Lall has been relentless in asking

abouttheinterestratewhich is being paid on the oil companies’investments.Itis the public pressure for information which has forced the government to m a k e p u b l i c t h e environmental impact assessments and permits relating to the field developmentplansoftheoil companies.

Mr Ramon Gaskin, a socialactivist,hassubmitted an application for information on the gas-toshore project. This is one way of pressing for accountability – by demanding access to and information.

The second way of holding government’s accountable is by advocacy

This is why it is important more Guyanese come forwardandsupportpersons likeGlennLall,RayDaggers and the Transparency International who are fighting for a better deal for Guyana. Were it not for Glenn Lall, there would not havebeenanewdraftmodel Production Sharing Agreement nor would the Environmental Permit for Liza1havebeenamendedto provideforfullindemnityin

Parliamentnameslibraryafterlongestserving...

Frompage2 parliamentarydemocracy,”Nadirstated. Opposition Member of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan expressed similar sentiments about the renaming exercise. He encouragedparliamentarianstomakefulluse of the book room which contains invaluable information.

Additionally, Narain extended gratitude to everyone who has helped him during and after his time as a clerk. He also lauded the eventas“thegreatesthonourinhis91years.”

In 1992, Narain wrote a letter to then President, the late Dr Cheddi Jagan

requesting an entire public building to be made available to be utilised by the ParliamentOffice.

ItwasdecidedthatPublicBuildingswill be made available for parliamentary matters only and that the clerk of the National Assemblywillhaveadministrativecontrol.

Narain’s position as deputy clerk was madepubliconMay25,1966,thedaybefore thenationattainedindependence.

In September 1966, that appointment wentintoeffect,andhewasappointedClerk oftheNationalAssembly,apositionheheld until2002whenheretired.

Dem boys seh...

for

Two men meet underneath de Clock and were discussing why it is that nobody nah voluntarily tender their resignation following de disaster in Mahdia. De second one claim how that is so because dem did not feel demwasresponsible.

Dem two fellows continued to talk and talk and in de end, one of dem sehhowhegatasolutionto de problem. He seh just as howdehgattermlimitsfuh de President, dem should gat term limits fuh dem

Minister Deotherfellowturnand askhewhattermslimitsgat to do with the fire. De man respondbyexplainingdatif dem had term limits some of dem wah get stuck to Ministerwuklikeifdemsit down in glue, gan be more preparedtoresignwhenthe need arises because dem know dem only deh in de wukfortwoterms.Soitgan beeasierfuhdemfuhwalk away and nah get too attachedtodesweetnessof dewuk.

Itmeklilsense.Dehgat nuffofdemwhousedtodo

the event of an oil spill. Glenn Lall is keeping the governmentonitstoesandis pressing for public d i s c l o s u r e o f decommissioning costs. He also is advocating for ring fencing.

Through advocacy,

p u b l i c a w a r e n e s s campaigns, and legal actions, civil society

organizations and individualsarecanshedlight ongovernmentwrongdoing, promote accountability, and amplify citizens’voices. By engaging with civil society

organizations and supporting their work, citizens can collectively challenge government power and influence public policydecisions.

Public advocacy is a process. It is not an event. It takes time and it requires sustained effort. Results do not happen overnight. As Patrick Lumumba says, the

struggle is a marathon not a sprint.

The third method which the people can use to ensure accountability is through peaceful protests. Peaceful protests can be a powerful tool to bring about accountability By gathering in numbers and expressing their grievances and demands peacefully, protesters draw attention to social injustices or governmentmisconduct.

Protestsarealsoameans ofbuildingpublicawareness and to apply pressure on the government to address issues.Peacefulprotestscan also attract media coverage, providing publicity and drawing attention to social concerns. Even though the mainstream media, apart from Kaieteur News, and most social media news outfits failed to provide coverage for the walk undertakenbyRayDaggers,

it was streamed live. Every day more than 40,000 persons in Guyana and overseastunedin.Itwasalso heardonKaieteurRadio.

Peaceful protests have been effective in Guyana. Theprotestsovertheparking meter contract were sustained and it forced the government to have the initiativewithdrawn. Citizens therefore s h o u l d n o t f e e l disempowered. They have thepower Theyjustneedto take a stand and to it for a sustained period. Not only will they be holding their government accountable but they will be bringing about change, and more importantly become the instrumentofthatchange.

better before dem did get big wuk in de government. Someofdemhaddemown big wuk outside de government and dem used todowell.

Demboysdoeswonder ifdemusedtodosowellin private practice, why dem holding on to de lil government wuk. It gat to be the status and importance.

Sodemboyssupportde term limits fuh Ministers. But there is still a major problem; Wah yuh gan do withdeVeePee? Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Term limits

Ministers is a good thing

institutions and organs We welcome the opportunity to meet through this annual consultation to take stock of where we are and to

Guyana, UN body assess progress on Sustainable Development Goals

The Government of Guyana quality education and universal articulate our vision in relation to and the United Nations (UN) health coverage, the achievement howwemoveforward.” System here recently convened the of gender equality and the The Senior Minister also Joint Steering Committee of the empowerment of all women and pointed out the peculiarities and UN Multi Country Sustainable girls, and an end to environmental vulnerabilities of the region due to Development Cooperation degradation. the climate change phenomena and Framework(MSDCF). Notably, the Joint Steering other externalities as he lamented ThatmeetingassessedtheUN’s Committee is part of the thefailureofrichcountriestoassist response to regional development governance mechanism of the poorones. priorities during the first year of implementation of the Caribbean Yeºim Oruç, UN Resident implementation of the UN Multi- MSDCF and comprises ministerial Coordinator in Guyana, Country Sustainable Development representatives of the 19 country highlighted that a regional Framework(MSDCF). signatories to the Cooperation cooperation framework delivered

The MSDCF is the most F r a m e w o r k , a s w e l l

fortheircontinuedpartnershipwith at national levels that is fit for important instrument for planning representatives from 23 UN Development Goals and agreed on theUN. purpose resulted in the UN and implementation of the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes strategies for strengthening this As for Senior Finance Minister, responding to the calls of Small development activities towards the that implement development mechanism. Dr Ashni Singh who Co-Chaired Island Developing States, fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda in projectsintheregion. In his welcome remarks, the meeting with the UN Resident especiallytheCaribbean,todeliver the Caribbean Kaieteur News The hybrid meeting saw Roberto Valent, Regional Director Coordinator in Guyana, Yesim more tailored support to countries understands that the 2030 Agenda discussions on food systems, data for th

he said, “We, in the andterritories. envisions a secure world free of and digitalisation, and how the UN Coordination Office for Latin Caribbean, are proud members of The UN official said the global poverty and hunger, with full and can support countries across the America and the Caribbean the United Nations and active body is eager to continue works in productive employment, access to region to accelerate progress thanked participating governments participants in its various thisregard.

Yeºim Oruç, UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana and Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh

Govt. pledges turn-key homes, house lots for Hill Foot residents

...as protest on Linden Highway continues

The Government McCoy further assured the and urged them to ignore damagingofproperty attempttoavoidarrest. and burned tyres after their of Guyana has s q u a t t e r s t h a t t h e suchallegations. K a i e t e u r N e w s Subsequently, the homes were demolished just pledged support government will work with In the meantime, understands that the citizens Guyana Human Rights after midday by the legal

to the residents of all those who are displaced. governmenthascalledonthe returned to the Linden Association (GHRA) in a owners of the land, Ashley

Hill Foot, Linden Soesdyke He assured that the residents of Hill Foot to Highway on Friday again statement condemned the and LawrenceAl-Meen.The Highway, whose homes government was not refrain from the unlawful setting fires to block the violence by the GPF The couplehadtakenranksofthe were demolished on responsible for the eviction blocking of roads and roads. They had vowed to organization said, “Brutal GPF to accompany them Wednesdaybythelegitimate remain there until President enforcement of this nature is during the demolition ownersoftheland. Irfaan Ali visit to address indefensible regardless of exercise, as they were Central Housing and theirconcerns. the validityof a Court Order reportedly attacked by the Planning Authority (CHPA)

In videos circulating on Apart from the direct trauma squatters during two in a statement on Friday said socialmedia,membersofthe visited on the affected previous visits to the it engaged with a number of Guyana Police Force (GPF) families, the nation was location. personswhowereresidingat were seen brutally beating a shocked by the graphic Ashley Al-Meen in a the location. Minister within protestor It is unclear what social media of mayhem statement shared with the Office of the Prime triggered the abuse by the generated by the supposed Kaieteur News on Thursday Minister, Kwame McCoy, officers. forces of law and order.” clarified that she acquired CHPA Chief Executive In one video, two GHRA said it understands the 17-acre plot after taking Officer, Sherwyn Greaves uniformed cops along with that over 40 children were over a bank payment from and CHPA Director of another male in an orange left homeless as a result of the original owner, Fred Community Development, jersey were holding a male the action taken on Hylton. Gladwin Charles were part protestor, while another Wednesday where about 17 She shared documents of the discussions held at the uniformed officer fired homesweredestroyed. with this publication to Housing Authority’s several lashes on the “Reports provided to the verify that the land was Brickdam, Georgetown civilian’s hands The GHRA stated that the police transferred to her and her headquarters. protestor was hugging a post and Court Marshals had husband.

During the meeting, the planted along the Linden visited the community when The woman explained squatters were told by the Highway and repeatedly most people were at work that the citizens who had CEO that each affected screamed “ow officer” in and children at school already been living on the household will be offered a what appeared to be an Peoplereturnedhometofind lands when she acquired it plot of land or a turn-key their houses flat on the were given over a year’s house, based on their ground and possessions noticetomove. preference. strewn around. A young Thispublicationreported

He also indicated that all woman was shot, her that the citizens were left to the applications will be fast- wounds seen by all on social sleep on the Linden tracked and urged the media, another claimed her Highway following the squatters to work with the arm to be either broken or demolitionoftheirhomeson agency The Guyana Lands fractured, along with blood Wednesday Some parents and Surveys Commission and beatings Another were forced to hold their (GLSC) is also offering the woman was allegedly babies in their arms as they squatters land at Long Creek assaulted by six male contemplated their next ontheLindenHighway officersandshotsfiredinher move. T h e g o v e r n m e n t direction because she S o m e e v e n w e r e statementaddedthatpersons

refusedtomove. Amanwas unaware that their homes also have the option of detained for videoing the were destroyed “People remaining at the Hill Foot scene,”thebodynoted. comehomefromtheirjobsto land and applying for

On Wednesday evening, find their houses flat on the prescriptiverights. the residents of Hill Foot g r o u n d , ” o n e m a n

Meanwhile, Minister blockedtheLindenHighway commented.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy engages with displaced residents of Hill Foot on Friday

Police officers beating a civilian during the protest on the Linden Highway yesterday

Batavia man feared dead after boat mishap in Essequibo River

A29-year-old BotaviaVillage, Mazaruni River is feared deadaftertheboathewasdrivingwashitbyafiberglassboat onThursdayintheEssequiboRiver

ThemissingmanhasbeenidentifiedasGavinCox.

According to the police, they were told that Cox was the lone occupant in his boat which was hit by a fiberglass boat operated by Mark Gonsalves at around 19:45hrs on Thursday Due to the impact of the collision, Cox was flung intotheriverandhasnotbeenseensince.

Gonsalvestoldpolicethatheattemptedtosearchthearea for Cox but the search has proven futile. Subsequent to his search, Gonsalves visited the Bartica Police Station and madeareport.

He is presently in custody and is assisting with the investigationasthesearchcontinuesforCox.

Quartet charged for wounding man at bar

Charged:

FourmenwereonFriday Magistrates’ Court before mattertoJuly8,2023. said right hand causing him charged for allegedly Magistrate Alisha George. According to the police, toreceiveinjuries. unlawfully wounding a man They were charged with the at around 19:00 hours Motie Motie managed to run at an East Coast Demerara offence of Unlawful and a colleague were at the away and went to stand on (ECD)bar Wounding Contrary to 592 Bar when he was the road in front of the bar It

The accused have been Section 50 of the Criminal attacked by the four accused wasreportedthatwhilethere identified as 24-year-old Law (Offences)Act Chapter who pelted him with bricks. he saw the defendants

Avinash Mahabal called 08:01 The defendants Thereafter one of the beating his colleague for ‘Ball’of Triumph, ECD, 19- denied the charge which accusedapproachedhimand about two minutes before y e a r - o l d D h a n r a j alleges that on May 14, at dealt him a stab to his right escaping. Ramlochan called ‘Tyron’, 592Bar,SecondStreet,Mon shoulder and cut him on his Withtheassistanceofhis 1 9 - y e a r - o l d S u r u j , Repos,ECDtheyunlawfully right hand while another sister, Motie was taken to Ramlochan called ‘Leon’ wounded 28-year-old rushed towards him with a Georgetown Public Hospital and 24-year-old Lakeram Sudesh Motie of Martyr’s cutlass and dealt him a chop where he was admitted as a Ramlochan called ‘Troy’ of Ville,MonRepos. tothebackofhisneck. patientinastablecondition. Martyr’sVille,ECD. Magistrate George

The fourth one then The matter was reported Thedefendantsappeared placed the men on $150,000 collectedthesaidcutlassand and the suspects were later a t t h e S p a r e n d a a m bail each and adjourned the dealthimanotherchoptothe arrestedandcharged.

Pilot on $1.3M bail for allegedly trafficking 16 Venezuelans

Forty-five-year-old Orlando Charles, a pilot and businessman,ofLot45Main Street, Georgetown was slapped with 16 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) charges and placed on a total of $1.3 millionbail.

Charles made his first a p p e a r a n c e b e f o r e Magistrate Christel Lambert on Friday at the Bartica Magistrate’sCourtviaZoom where he pleaded not guilty to the charges that were read tohim.

On bail, Orlando Charles

An arrest warrant was

The charges allege that issued for the pilot on between March and May Tuesday after the alleged 2023 he trafficked 16 victims reported the matter Venezuelan nationals totheGuyanaPoliceForce. between the Mazaruni River M e m b e r s o f t h e in Region Seven and Trafficking in Persons Unit Georgetown, Contrary to oftheCriminalInvestigation Section 3(1) (i) of the Department, launched an Combating of Trafficking in investigation Thereafter, PersonsActNo.2of2005. legaladvicewasgivenbythe Magistrate Lambert D i r e c t o r o f P u b l i c granted bail in the sum of Prosecutions (DPP) for $85,000 for each of the 16 Charles to be charged with charges.Thematterwasthen 16 counts of Trafficking in adjourned to June 14, 2023 Persons. forstatements.

Charged: Suraj Ramlochan

Charged: Avinash Mahabal

Charged: Lakeram Ramlochan

Dhanraj Ramlochan

Return of the Scorpion epic showdown happens tonight

Boxingfanswillwitness an unforgettable night of electrifyingboxingactionas thestageissetforthehighly anticipated Return of the Scorpion boxing event, happening tonight at the National Gymnasium on MandelaAvenue. Prepare to witness four exhilarating elite bouts alongside a packedamateursegmentthat promises to keep you on the edgeofyourseat.

The intense weigh-in segment took place yesterday, at the Everest Cricket Club pavilion, setting the tone for the thrillingfightstocome.Asof press time, all fighters have successfully weighed in, with the exception of the formidable Jamaica Britney MacFarlane, who is expectedtoarriveinGuyana at11:00PMlastevening.

Headlining this spectacular event is the talented thirty-seven year old Guyanese-born Elton Dharry, hailing from the United States. Dharry is set to unleash his lightning-fast fists against the formidable Ronald Ramos from Colombia, in a clash that promisestobenothingshort of epic. Co-headlining this

exhilarating event is the sensationalDexterMarques, whoisgeareduptodelivera jaw-dropping performance that will leave the crowd in awe.

Tonight, have the privilege of witnessing a Caribbeanrivalryreigniteas TerrenceAdams is expected tofaceoffagainstBarbadian Ricardo Blackman while Anthony Augustin will matchskillswithEmmanuel AndersonfromBarbados,an additional,asix-roundSuper Flyweight female bout

between Natalya Delgado and Darianis Garcia will captivate the audience followed by the Jackman Sisters’ clashs, Alesha and Abiola, will step into the squared circle for the first time on local soil since become the first female boxers from Guyana to attain world ranking. These remarkable women have recently earned their place among the world-ranked female boxers Abiola Jackman,currentlyranked

(Continuedonpage21)

Dexter Marques (left) and Colombian Luis Carrillo

West Indies Women to host Ireland Women in Saint Lucia

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua –Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announced the match schedule and venue for the West Indies Women’s international home series against IrelandWomen.The highlyanticipatedserieswill featurethreeCGUnitedOne Day Internationals (ODIs) and threeT20 Internationals (T20Is)attheDarenSammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia from26Juneto9July

The first two CG United ODIs will bowl off at 10am (9am Jamaica Time), with the third being a day/night game, starting at 3pm (2pm Jamaica). The three T20Is willcommenceat5pm(4pm Jamaica).

T h e O D I s h o l d significant weight in this series, as they contribute crucial points to the ICC Women’sChampionshipand the results will therefore directly impact qualification

fortheICCWomen’sCricket WorldCup2025inIndia.

C W I ’ s H i g h

Performance Manager

Graeme West said: “The Ireland Series is the only engagementintheregionfor the Senior Women in 2023 and its critical we maximize ‘home’ advantage in the threeCGUnitedODIsaswe continue our qualification campaign towards the ICC Women’sCricketWorldCup in2025.ThethreeT20Iswill kick start the preparation towards the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup which the team hasalreadyqualifiedfor.” West added, “Ireland have shown great improvementinrecenttimes and the game between the two sides in February at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa was a thriller We will need to prepare well for both series with very clear game plans,

the squad will get time in St LuciapriortothefirstODIto establish the key roles and focus areas that each player willberequiredtoexecutein order to play winning cricket. It’s exciting to be taking international Women’s Cricket back to St Lucia, the island is developing a number of exciting young female

players and we hope the Ireland games can inspire more girls to get involved and start their own cricket journeys.”

Fans worldwide can join the excitement as all eight matches will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel Furthermore, live ball-byballscoringwillbeavailable

on the Match Centre at www.windiescricket.com, ensuring fans do not miss a singlemomentoftheaction.

Fullmatchschedule:

All matches at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, GrosIslet,St.Lucia

Monday,26June:1stCG

United ODI – 10am (9am JamaicaTime)

Thursday, 29 June: 2nd

CG United ODI – 10am (9amJamaicaTime)

Sunday, 2 July: 3rd CG

United ODI – 3pm (2pm JamaicaTime)

Wednesday, 5 July: 1st T20I – 5pm (4pm Jamaica Time)

Friday,7July:2ndT20I–5pm(4pmJamaicaTime)

Sunday,9July:3rdT20I –5pm(4pmJamaicaTime)

Hayley Matthews bats against Ireland during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup South Africa 2023. (Photo credit: ICC- Rodger Bosch/ AFP)

2023 KFC Elite League… GDF sink Santos to remain stainless - Double header on tonight

Th e G u y a n a Defence Force (GDF) FC kept their record clean while the likes of Ann’s Grove and Buxton United had to settle for a draw when the KFC Elite League resumed on Thursdaynight.

At the Guyana Football Federation’s(GFF)National Training Center (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), an all-

East Coast clash was scheduled first between Ann’s Grove and Buxton United.

Ann’s Grove United foundthemselvesinthelead earlyon,bywayofaKevon Barry strike in the 20th minute.

Theymanagedtoholdon until the second segment, where a set piece got Buxton’sfootinthedoor

Similarlytohisfreekick

conversion in their last contest against Wester Tigers, Samuel Johnson pulled off the stunt once again, steering the ball into thecornerofthenets,tolevel thescoresinthe55thminute. From there o out, the battle between the two became moreferocious,withBuxton creating and squandering more chances than their opponent.

However, a win was not

to be as regulation time expired with the scores lockedononeall.

In the following game, Santos FC tested the mettle of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, but the latter eventually emerged victoriousinthe2-0affair

Theteamswenttoetotoe withintensityfortheentirety ofthefirsthalf,butwhenthe whistlesoundedneitherside had a goal to show for their efforts.

In the second, however, twoquickfiregoalsstunned Santos,whocavedunderthe pressure. GDF’s goals came off the boots of Delroy Fraser and Ryan Hackett in

the 69th and 75th minutes respectively

The KFC Elite League 5th edition action will continuetoday,withanother double header under floodlights at the GFF’s National Training Center

First, Milerock FC will look tobagtheirfirstpointsofthe league as they take on defending champions Fruta Conquerors from 18:00hrs. Then at 20:00hrs, another all-EastCoastclashwillsee Victoria Kings FC and Buxton United FC heading intobattle.

Jamaica encampment to tailor Jags’ squad for Gold Cup prelims

The Senior Men’s National Team, Golden Jaguars, issteadfastinpreparingfor the upcoming Gold Cup preliminaries in Miami, Florida.

The Golden Jaguars have been at the Jamaica Football Federation Technical Centre in Kingston since May 26 for a training camp to allow players to stake a claim for selection to the 23-man squad for the all-important clash against Grenada on June17from21:00h.

Management has scripted a detailed training schedule of rest, recovery, nutrition, and two practice matches against top premierclubsinJamaicato createastrongbondforthe squad.

AssistantCoachWayne Dover commented: “This training camp is geared to getting the players back up to match readiness and assessingwhattacticswork best in the transition of defenseandoffense.

Many players would have ended their season, some are in season, and some are now starting a season, so we are working to get everyone up to one

level.Ithasbeengoingwell so far, and I am confident we will be ready for the matchonJune17.”

Dover added, “It is pleasingtoseeplayersgive their best effort as they are consciousthisisachanceto impress before we trim to ourfinalsquad.”

Afterthiscampendson June 5, the team’s managementwillselectthe finalsquad.

There will be another encampment period in FloridafromJune5toJune 15, and some additional players, currently active in NorthAmerica,will join to fortify the strength and depthinpositionsfurther

Should Guyana defeat Grenada, they will play the winner of Guadalupe versusTrinidadandTobago onJune20foraspotinthe group stages (Round-of16).

All preliminary matches are being held at the DRV PNK Stadium in Miami.

In 2019, Guyana created history by qualifying for the group stage of the Gold Cup for the first time since the competition started in 1991.

The GFF Elite League continues tonight at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence.

ExxonMobilBoys&GirlsU14 Tournament… Boys’ Round-of-16 elimination begins today - Girlstorestaheadofquarterfinals

Today will be a joyous day for eight Boys’ Teams, however,thatwillnotbethe case for their opponents as the 2023 ExxonMobil Boys andGirlsUnder-14Football Tournamentcontinuestoday with the Round-of-16 elimination stage in the Boys’Division.

The action is set to get underwayfrom12:00hrsatthe National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Ground on Carifesta A v e n u e w i t h t h e simultaneously-run format of the Petra-organised tournament According to a releasefromPetra,“Therewill not be any girls’ games this weekendbutwillcontinuenext week when both boys’ and girls’ quarterfinals will be played.”

In today’s first two matches, Bush Lot Secoondary will lock horns with East Ruimveldt while Patentia and Cummings

collide with Dora and MackenziemeetBarticathen at14:00hrs,Westminsterwill battle Marian Academy as Waramuri Top challenges FortWellington.

In the final two matches of the day that kick off at 15:00hrs, Chase’s Academic FoundationwillbattleDolphin while New Central High meetVegenoegen.

Thetournamentservesas a platform for identifying talented players who can potentiallyrepresentGuyanaat theinternationallevel.

This tournament is sanctioned by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) withsupportfromtheMinistry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI) and MVP Sports.

2023RepublicBankCaribbeanPremierLeague…

St Lucia Kings, Trinbago Knight Riders confirm retentions

The Trinbago Knight RidersandSaintLuciaKings have confirmed their Caribbean player retentions ahead of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League(CPL).

The tournament gets underwayon16Augustwith the final taking place on 24 September

There will be matches in Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia andTrinidad&Tobago

The Caribbean players the Knight Riders have retained are Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hosein and JaydenSeales.

The Knight Riders have also secured the services of Dwayne Bravo who will be returning to the franchise from the St Kitts&NevisPatriots.

They will also have MarkDeyalaspartoftheir setup in 2023 with the batter joining the Knight

Hosein, Jayden Seales, and Mark Deyal, we have some of the best young talent from Trinidad representing TKR

“ We ’ r e l o o k i n g forward to the remaining international signings, and I am excited by the player draft coming up soon to completetheroster and put together a strong squadforCPL2023 ”

Kings announce retentions

The Caribbean players the Kings have retained are Johnson Charles, Alzarri Joseph, Roston Chase, Roshon Primus, Jeavor Royal, Matthew FordeandMckennyClarke.

The Kings have also secured the services of KharyPierrewhohasbeen transferred to the team from the Trinbago Knight Riders

Theoverseasplayersand draft picks will be announced during the Republic Bank CPL draft show which will be broadcast at the end of June 2023.

The Boys’Quarterfinalists will be decided at the end of today’s proceedings

Riders from the Saint LuciaKings Phil Simmons, TKR Head Coach, said: “We are

very happy to be able to retainmostoftheCaribbean playersfromlastyear’sTKR squad.

The experience of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Nicholas Pooran coupled

withDwayneBravo’sreturn gives our squad a very strongcore InyoungsterslikeAkeal

The Knight Riders have also secured the services of Dwayne Bravo who will be returning to the franchise from the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.