Kaieteur News

VP Jagdeo more concerned about filling Exxon’s pockets than ensuring Guyanese eat -GlennLall

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeorecentlymadeitclear thatthegovernmentwillnot e n g a g e o i l g i a n t , ExxonMobil to renegotiate the2016ProductionSharing Agreement (PSA), as this couldimpactthemomentum of the developments currently taking place in the country

Hisresponsecameonthe heelsofastatementmadeby President of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Alistair Routledge who told reporters during a press conferencelastmonththatit wouldnotturnitsbackeasily onGuyanaifitsgovernment demands more from the massive discoveries in the Stabroek Block. See link below for the full article. https://wwwkaieteurnewso nline com/2023/05/21/exxo nmobil-would-not-walkaway-easily-if-govt-

demands-changes-tocontract-exxon-guyana/ Jagdeo formerly argued that asking for a renegotiation could chase investors away He also said his party believes that the

‘sanctity of contracts’ principlemustbeupheld.

Businessman and PublisherofKaieteurNews, Mr Glenn Lall during his Friday radio programme, aired on 99.1 and 99.5 FM,

said he was blown away by theresponsegivenbyJagdeo when asked again about his positiononrenegotiatingthe contract, even after Exxon said it will not turn away easilyfromGuyana.

Hesaid,“AsIlistenedto his answer to this simple question about getting more for the Guyanese people, I was blown away with his answer Aftertellingusabout sanctity of contract and chasing investors, the man now using a new excuse. This time the new one he come up with is that changing the contract will kill the momentum of projects.”

See link for article: https://wwwkaieteurnewso nline.com/2023/06/02/jagde o-changes-tune-to-avoidrenegotiation-with-exxon/

Lall argued, “He is not worried about killing the hopes and dreams of the Guyanesepeople;heismore concerned about killing the momentum of foreign investorswhofetchingaway everything Jagdeo is running out of room to hide and excuses to make, so anything that comes to he head,hespittingout.”

The businessman told listeners of the programme that the Vice President is more concerned about filling Exxon’s pockets,

Vice

thanheisworriedaboutthe hungry Guyanese and their pockets

The Publisher reasoned, “Jagdeo was upset with the two mangoes we getting fromLiza1and2. Hewasso disappointed with the PNC but he still approving more andmoreprojectsgettingthe same two mangoes from all the mango trees and has the nerve to tell Guyana that he don’t want to slow down Exxon to get more…. isn’t thisthehighestcrimeandthe worstbetrayalbyaleaderto hiscountry?”

Lall said that while Jagdeo is preparing Guyana to compete with 85 other countries to attract oil

investors,heisreadytogive away everything from our countrythathasthesweetest and cheapest crude to develop.

A s s u c h , t h e businessmansaid,“Iwantto knowifJagdeodoeslistento himself or if he understands himself when he say things likethese. Uncle,youknow when you find yourself cornered and you are being confronted with facts it’s a difficult thing to speak straight You have to manufacture what you hope fools would accept. This is what Jagdeo is now coming up with. One concoction after another He is getting desperate, he is in a dark place and he has backedhimselfintoa corner with all the lies he told this nation about this oil contract. What other schemewillhecome up with? What new things will he come up with to continue misleadingus? First was sanctity of contract - you can’t break that…then he move to chasing investors away if we askformore.”

Lall believes that the Vice President is misleading Guyana with his excuses, pointing out that these very investors Jagdeo is afraid of chasing away has sold and dropped its operations around theworldtoinvestin the ‘crown jewelGuyana’.

To this end, he asked, “This man shouldstillbesitting there?Doeshereally want what’s best for Guyana? Does he even want anything forGuyana?”

Kaieteur News Publisher and Radio Host, Glenn Lall

President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Strong Govts. will not bow to threats against renegotiation of bad contracts

When countries are saddled with ‘bad contracts’ it is not unusual for their business partners to communicate threats in an effort to prevent the deal from being changed A strong government however will not allow their hands to staytied,butwilldowhatis necessary to get more for theirpeople.

This was essentially the message shared by the profound anti-corruption icon of Africa, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumbawhenhemadehis initial appearance on the Glenn Lall Show, May 27, 2023.

Lumumba is a Kenyan whoservedastheDirectorof the Kenya Anti-Corruption C o m m i s s i o n f r o m September 2010 to August 2011.Since2014,Lumumba hasbeentheDirectorofThe Kenya School of Law Research also shows that Lumumba is well respected for his attempts “to slay the elusivecorruptiondragon.”

During a live discussion onKaieteurRadio(99.1and 99.5FM)withthePublisher ofKaieteurNews,Mr Glenn Lall and one of the newspaper’s Senior Journalist, Kiana Wilburg, the African legend focused hisviewsonthelocaloiland gas industry rapidly developinginGuyana,while referencing the experiences of nations at his end of the globe.

Asitregardsthelopsided deal Guyana inked with American oil major, ExxonMobil, Lumumba explained that such

companieswouldtrytosend threats to avoid that country fromseekingmore,however a determined government will not allow this to halt theirquest.

He said, “They will tell you because you signed, if you now want to get out of thecontract,wearegoingto slap you with damages and that kind of thing, we are going to ensure that you are blacklisted, we are going to ensure (your) oil and gas cannotbesold.Thesearethe threats that they normally use but if you have a strong governmentandIsawitasI said with the government of the United Republic of Tanzania, if you have a stronggovernment,youwill discover that there are so many countries in the world that are suffering the same fateandtheywillfightfrom yourcorner.”

He went on to say that Guyana is very close to Trinidad and Tobago, a country whose contract administration is considered a model around the World. The model is in fact being used by some countries, including Uganda which is gearing to commence oil

BV man chopped over old grievance, suspect in custody

A forty-six-year-old man has been arrested for reportedly chopping 30-year-old Devon Assaye of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, over an old grievance.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement disclosed that the chopping incident occurred on June 3 around16:30hoursatBarticaArcade,EssequiboRiver

It was stated that the suspect attackedAssaye with a cutlass, chopping him to his left hand, which caused severe injuries before making good his escape. The man was taken to Bartica Public Hospital where he was seen andexaminedbyadoctorondutyandadmittedinastable condition.

The matter was reported to the police, who subsequentlyfoundandarrestedthesuspect.

-AfricanAnti-corruption Legend

that Uganda’s pipeline, constructed to transport oil washeldupbytheEuropean Union andTotal Energies as they were against a refinery being built by the African nation.

productionsoon.

Lumumba pointed out

Itisherethatheasserted that sometimes, leaders sit withtheirhandsandlipstied astheyareeitherintimidated into silence or they have

beenboughtintosilence.As such, Professor Lumumba stated, “So it is the duty of organizations outside of government to act like gadflies. It is you who must force the hand of government by way of askingthesequestions.”

The anti-corruption advocate noted that ExxonMobil has been

generating massive profits, whichinsomeinstancescan be greater than the Gross Domestic Product of all the Caribbean countries combined. He said that the skins of these corporations havebecomethickovertime; hence the efforts to secure better terms for a country must be relentless and multipronged.

ProfessorLumumbawas alsokeentonotethatalllegal avenues must be pursued to achievethedesiredresults.

Africa’s Anti-corruption Legend, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba (Photo credit: Daily Trust)

Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it.

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Wisdom of consensus

The United States debt-ceiling bill has passed the contentious and raucous House of Representatives, and made it through the US Senate in a late-night vote of 63 to 36. The time was tight, with the final hurdle now cleared, and the required 60 votes evidence of the seesaw history of this most heated of political issues. Resistance signaled quicklyevaporated,fornosenatorwithanypoliticalacumen remaining would want to be the one who sees his or her name branded in infamy After all the flaming rhetoric and vehement objections in the House of Representatives, the debt-ceiling bill did pass by a reasonably comfortable margin,withtheSenatefollowingsuit.

Considering the progress to this point, and the heavy weatherthatitendured,thepassageofthedebt-ceilingbillin the Congress is a testimony to the wisdom of consensus. It certainly qualifies as a rarity in its bipartisan nature, and especiallywhenthereisanunderstandingofwhatisatstake, from the credit of a country and faith in it, to the programs and people who would have been affected severely. The wisdom of arriving at consensus after many pitched battles is also a tribute to the enduring power of compromise. President Biden said it well, when he gave credit where credit was due, and thanked “Speaker McCarthy and his teamfornegotiatingingoodfaith.”

Good faith represents two words that have much verbal currency in Guyana, but of the sincerity that makes those twowordswork,thereisgreatdoubt. Sincerityfosterstrust, trust feeds into partnership, and it is the kind of partnership that leads to developments that are positive. The groundworkislaidformoreandbettercollaboration,andin the best sense of that word that has become a slur Political adversaries in Guyana are quick to point to each other and hurl accusations of not operating in ‘good faith’and which has contributed to the ongoing stalemates that have left citizens dangling, and wondering about where all this wranglingandsquabblingwilllead.

TherewaswranglingandsquabblingintheUSHouseof Representatives on that much-disputed debt-ceiling bill, withmanyferventvowstostopitinitstracksandkillit. The Freedom Caucus was conspicuously critical and caustic, and the old revolutionary elements of the reengineered Tea Partywereoutinforce,verymuchpresent;evenmembersof the President’s own party voted by the dozens against the debt-ceiling bill. But when cards had to be put on the table, and chips cashed, the debt-ceiling bill made it past the first of its two hard hurdles. Again, it was President Biden who uttered what is now accepted as commonsense wisdom. Agreement on the bill represents the best of what “is a bipartisan compromise. Neither side got everything it wanted.”

Those two words “bipartisan” and “compromise” are noticeably missing from the vocabulary of the major political parties in Guyana in whom so much of the local electorate place their confidence. It is why Guyana lurches in some direction or the other on one foot from one depressing and deplorable condition to another In the domestic political arena, everyone wants everything for himself or his group. This is why we usually end up with what is a mixed bag at best or a poisoned chalice at worst, andmoreoften.

Compromise means that everyone has to give up something to get something. It is not the perfect situation, but one that is characterized by some sensible give and take thatispractical,whenallcircumstancesareconsidered. Itis what makes systems work, what helps to overcome bottlenecks, what sets the stage for relationships to be built, andwhatopensthedoortomoreandmoreworkingtogether For a considerable amount of time passage of the debtceiling bill hung in the balance, with serious doubts on any timely material progress. Yet it is done to a point, and it speaksvolumestothematurityofAmericandemocracy,the art of strong leadership and tough governance. Our own leaders and political groups should learn from America about how to adjust to get national issues done. Putting headstogetherinspirescompromise,empowersconsensus.

Solar energy’s new step change

DEAREDITOR, storage. Secondly, it also the globe, potentially technology

According to Caltech’s reducesthetraditionalenergy eliminating blackouts due to It is in the best interest of announcement on June 1st grid infrastructure required harsh weather conditions our Nation to also partner 2023, the University has forenergytransmission that cause damage to our with Caltech and Japan on made a game changing This will increase the energygrid. further developing and accomplishment in Solar access to energy for remote Given the increasing utilising this game changing Energy The University was regions of the country and volatility of the climate technology that will place able to successfully harvest has the potential to eliminate system and its resulting renewablesolarenergyatthe solar energy in space and the maintenance costs harsh effects on the energy forefront of the global wirelessly transmit it to associated with the current grid, Caltech’s recent energysector earth. The implications are grid by its elimination of the accomplishment is one to be We must be an early tremendous! need for the current applauded and embraced adopter of environmentally

Firstly, the availability of infrastructure. Japan has already embraced s u s t a i n a b l e e n e r g y solar energy is around the Thistechnologywillalso the path which this technologies that will help clock in space making this a make the availability and technology has opened, and secureourNation’sfuture. 24-hour energy source that transmission of electricity is making plans to use this Best regards, reduces the need for energy moredependablethroughout wirelessenergytransmission

Mr. Jamil Changlee

crime

DEAREDITOR, modus operandi, and those persistent rapist and the government must stop Criminality has returned with whom he associated paedophile, detestable as sacrificing the poor class of with a vengeance under the with, leading up to and after those pariahs are, enjoy the peopletocoverthesinsofthe People’s Progressive Party hisescape. fundamental right to a fair moneyed class, the well(PPP) regime We are And whilst the families, hearing and the full connected, their friends and witnessing an escalation in whose loved ones were protection of due process cohorts. white collar crime, murdered at the hands of Persons who are thought to The action of the Joint government excesses and Williams, may find some have committed crimes Services is clear indication extra judicial killings; the solace from his death, all must be arrested, charged they set out to kill ‘Smallie’ return of criminal activities should be reminded of the and tried in a court of law. and others, while the state ontheground,suchasbrazen sageadviceofthelateformer Nothing less can be paraded prison wardens in gun violence much of which Chancellor of the Judiciary, accepted.” the court as accomplices to are associated with the and Attorney General and Incaseoftheescapee,the hisescape. underworld. Minister of Legal Affairs, state had a duty to capture One can conclude, from

Finding the criminals is KeithMassiah,S.C. him alive There is no this exercise, that the demise not just about who In his 2005 Minority additional crime fighting ofWilliamsiscollusionfrom committed the crime but Report on the Gajraj gains killing Williams, the highest political level in finding the engineers and Commission of Inquiry into besidesthesatisfactionsome collaboration with the Joint architectsofthecrimes. the phantom squad killings might feel seeing his dead Services and other interested

The killing of Royden hehadthistosay: bodyontheground. parties.

‘Smallie’ Williams at the “Killings, however Dead men tell no tale We must continue to hands of the police, even reasonable and expedient in and what society has been demand answers from the though a convicted criminal theopinionofmanypersons served to placate concerns J o i n t S e r v i c e s a n d and many may find relief in of goodwill, ought not to be about the escapee’s Government of their crime hisdeath,hasleftusnonethe countenanced Even the whereabouts and how he fighting techniques that only wiser as to his contact, alleged serial killer, the managed to escape, was his add further trauma and head on a platter We are gruesomeness to our society back in the barbaric and with no deep-rooted answers medievaltimes andplantoimproveoncrime

A‘GYAFF’

DEAREDITOR, a week where it’s all serious

We love to gyaff under studyandtalk.

the jamun tree, at street It’s the proximity of corner,orattheseawall. hearts that fetch the joy of a “ H o w y o u d o gyaff. padna?” the sweetest The cold shiny screen wordseverheard. brings the world in one

Cold indeed is the heart room, but each still stranded that moves along the dusty on a lonesome shore— I see lanes, and not a word, a no tap on shoulder, no warm smile, or a raised hand that embrace that tells of a felt could’vebrightenedaface. closeness.

But that’s not the way of And when we begin to the people in the village I count our blessings, we knew We love to gyaff—the extoll and give new greatest thing after paratha meaningstolittlethings. roti.

The joy soon wears off Dreary the day, though from that posh car or house the sun’s awake, that’s in the gated village, but a without a gyaff or two, and gyaff with the boys when the the laughter that makes life day is done, leaves in the worth living, and not the heart the brightness of the feelingit’smerewhiningand sun. hustling. Yours respectfully,

And give me just one H a i m n a u t h C e c i l minute of a good gyaff, than Ramkirat

Weareindeepdangerous prevention and dewater that will spare no one escalation. from its powerful and The Government of treacherouscurrent. Guyana is yet to implement

Wehavenowreachedthe t h e n u m e r o u s point where questions need recommendations, from to be answered as to whether various credible reports, to the government and police improve crime fighting and force have any intention in prevention, suggesting they fighting crime through a are most comfortable process of collecting functioning in a society evidence rather than traumatising the nation and destroyinglivesthatcanhelp creatingfear generateevidence. They ignore the aged-old We are seeing the people wisdom that violence begets who were pulling the levels violence. What the PPP is o f p o w e r, b o t h i n doing is breathing hardened government and private criminals which don’t help sector, during the crime the decent law-abiding spreeofpost-2002jailbreak, citizensinsociety are once again influencing We must hold them outcomes. accountable to manage the

Williams’ escape has all affairs of state in a manner the hallmarks of a well- that would ensure the safety orchestrated crime backed andsecurityofusall. by strong financial support. Sincerely, Thetimehascomewherethe Lincoln Lewis

We are witnessing an escalation in white collar

Why did the PPP/C and the APNU/PNC/AFC both got it wrong

DEAREDITOR, notpremature.

wrong; playing the race card PNC. Most governments can’tgetaconvictionagainst whenever Guyanese Indians

As I pen this missive on I was crucified by the is a losing hand. The PPP/C aroundtheworldarebrought a government MP official or feel insecure or afraid they my native land, it’s with a APNU for saying that, but it will be reelected in 2025, down by corruption not race evenatrialyetagainsttheso- will call the PPP/C home, profound recognition my was one of the missed what the PNC needs to focus baiting. Power and fear called riggers. People have they only way to win them country has a far way to go. moments of the Granger on for 2030 is forensic due always ultimately corrupt. become immunized that over is to expose any and all Yes, we all love our country administration, to seize the diligence on corruption to Apartheid and racism will government officials corruption to generate their andwanttoseethebestforit, moment when the country get enough Indians mad to never get you to the finish regardless of their (Party) disgustandseewhysomeget butinherentlytherearesome wasatacrossroads.Hehada vote against the PPP. linefirst. malfeasance are never held rich while they struggle and serious deficiencies and lotofbargainingpowerinhis Corruption is the Achilles The PPP/C also gets it accountable. remain poor PNC you better challenges ahead. I am not hands for his constituency heelofthePPP/C,butitmust wrong, though with some Both major Parties are hurry, since you are also one of the talking heads but never saw the light, it be substantiated by facts, to groundswellofsupportfrom guilty of this; including a losing supporters who have using big words, though it’s was all about him, he won, g e t e n o u g h P P P / C across all races, you need to potentially corrupt judicial been shown your corrupt in my repertoire. I want no! supporters unhappy, not the bring prosecution and system. tendencies also. Where are everyone to understand my My only meeting with race card Get your dismissalwherenecessaryof In sum, the race card is a yourSOPs? message.

M r N o r t o n a t t h e m e s s a g i n g a n d government official to l o s i n g h a n d f o r Yours Respectfully

Local democracy today

DEAREDITOR, communityplayground.

I usually shop at the Herdmanston Lodge communication in order cement your credibility We A P N U / P N C / A F C , Everton Morris wharf for my Fish, and when (November 2019) was a in short supply or missed the disappointment. He ensured timeline, head to Bourda I knew who he was and his Markettotopup.Ilookatthe Burnham affiliation and the eyes and gills to determine Youth Movement and how fresh the fish is, then I wanted my Manifesto. I was do a quick smell test. My probably more affiliated fellow Guyanese, Blacks, with Burnham in my youth, Indians, Indigenous and since I visited his farm in othersdothesmelltest. Belfield more than Mr

I remigrated to Guyana Norton in the 70’s on in 2018, participated in the Saturday afternoons, having General elections and the lived in Cove and John. recount exercise as a small Burnham’s Buffalo and party I was one of the first greenswereworldclass. Black men on day 13 of the In 2021/22 I packed my recount, to publicly bags, sold my home, and announce to the Media that askedwhatIamdoinginthis APNU lost (based on what I godforsakenNation.Oilwas actually saw in the vote flowing, but it will take recount, Region 4) with about20yearsforittotrickle Caricom members seated down to the poor, both nexttomeandcalledonboth Blacks and Indians. Some the PPP/C and the APNU to will get filthy rich, and most go off and find some form of will remain on the periphery s h a r e d G o v e r n a n c e ofpoverty structure. My behaviour was The PNC/APNU got it

Anger and rage in youths must be addressed

DEAREDITOR, juvenileshowofbravado. In

The headlines read; the latter case, it is noted that ‘Four male students confess the youth were at a drinking to torching Karasabai girls spot in the village, allegedly hostel-police’ (SN June 2), armed, with the intention to ‘Four charged with unlawful mete out violence to the woundingatMonReposbar’ victim Youth whose (SN June 3) In both characters are now dastardly incidents, youth of seemingly damaged, must the male gender are reflect on their respective involved. misguided actions in these

In the first case, youth in matters. The outcomes in the hinterland village, whose these matters speak volumes amorous pursuit of female of anger and rage in the students housed at the hostel young. Itmustbeaddressed. were rejected, allegedly took Regards, matters into their hands in a Shamshun Mohamed

b e l i e v e t h a t t h e relation to local democracy

Lastweek,afriendasked Butletusassumethatthe a d m i n i s t r a t i o n h a s but, more importantly, me for the address of the nature and consequences of arrangements in place to between the parties’ Guyana Revenue Authority t h e s e b u r d e n s o m e prevent its communities and conceptions of governance (GRA). I told him and then r e g u l a t i o n s g r e w supportersfromhavingtogo ingeneral. enquired why he wanted to imperceptiblyandarenotthe through the rigmarole and Ironically, a similar know. He said that a relative machinations of an getoravoidcompliance. differenceexistsbetweenthe of his was planning to hold a autocraticregime:hereisthe For a very long time, talk currentPPPandthatof1992. birthday party, wanted to use rub. During my enquiry, I of local democracy has been Then, the PPP began to the local community center, was told that in a meeting just talk and the changes the organise community groups andneededtogetpermission with a government minister coalition government made in the NDCs to get a handle from the GRA. These are NDCs were informed that duringitsterminofficewere onwhatwastakingplaceand relativelypoorpeopleandso application for permission to essentially cosmetic For win local support by I thought that the friend was build a simple house, that example, it curtailed the cooperating with the NDCs. perhaps very popular and now allows the NCD to keep powers the responsible The present regime is intended to use the occasion asmallpartoftheprocessing minister had to intervene in attempting to undermine and to make some money This fee, will soon have to be local authorities and gave take them over Remember, was not the case: apparently madedirectlytotheMinistry similar powers to a local too, that after blaming the his friend, who works in the of Housing. Since former government commission perceived lackadaisical hinterland, usually comes slaves bought their villages over which the government behaviour of its supporters home on his birthday, and and the national local can easily exert control. It is for it losing the 2011 holdsafreeparty government and planning just that, as former US elections, the PPP claimed I then enquired why he systems were established, President Jimmy Carter t h a t t h e c o a l i t i o n needed to go to the GRA. He local authorities have had observed some time ago, the government rigged the 2015 sucked his teeth in disgust some say in what is being present PPP government is election and filed elections and exclaimed, ‘na only builtintheircommunities. prepared to take ‘full petitions to that effect, but I GRA I gat to go’. He then Onedoesnothavetobea advantage’ of the dictatorial cannot recall the coalition took out his cell phone and genius to design a far less r o o m G u y a n a ’ s government refusing to begantoreadthelistabove.I p u n i s h i n g l o c a l Westminster-type political communicate/cooperate was taken aback. I knew one arrangement, for the system affords. Indeed, the with the opposition in any had to get a police clearance effectiveandsafeuseoflocal issue being discussed here politicalsphere. but how the hell could any facilities that can also build provides one of the clearest Note again, Guyana local authority worth its salt s o l i d a r i t y a r o u n d concrete expressions I know returned to democracy when put this level of burden upon environmental, security and ofthedifferencebetweenthe thePPPtookgovernmentin a poor - or indeed any - otherconcerns.Instead,what PPP and PNC, not only in (Continued on page 6) community member to hold we have here is a system that a simple birthday party at a encourages disunity and community centre. With the administrative corruption as above level of central people traverse multiple government control, the agencies to obtain the centre no longer belongs to required letters. Of course, the community and this, I people at the local level was later informed, applies to all Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), was introduced about two years ago and applies to events that are to be held at the local

What does the Third World want from climate change governance?

Western Energy Alliance and other institutions Thesenaysayersarelikelyto bluntly framed the deal in associated with the invoke the old bogeyman, terms of maintaining a p p l i c a t i o n F o r namely, that the US is A m e r i c a n “ e n e r g y transparency, I should let advancing its ‘national DEAREDITOR, Now, towards the end of for the following: (1) dominance ” By not so you know I do think that the interest.’ Fine, but Guyana

In the early aftermath of the first quarter of the “…expedited approval of all fantastic a co-incidence, Mr US is a force for good in the also has national interests, independence, Third World twenty-first century, we are permits for a West Virginia McCarthy framed the debt- world That does not, andsodoallofthosestatesin countries (Global South if still asking for the same. No natural gas pipeline…”; (2) to-pipeline deal (my however, prevent me or the Third World who have you prefer) agitated for a doubt, the rise of BRICS and r e s t r i c t i o n s o n c o n s t r u c t i o n ) a s anyone else with a basic not for decades, but for NewInternationalEconomic the G20 has created some “environmental reviews “transformational”, the very sense of fairness, to centuries been disciplined, Order Caribbean countries, space for developing under one of the country’s same language employed in acknowledge that there is punished, and ultimately including Guyana, played an countriesto-ataminimum- landmark environmental Guyana by President Irfaan lots of climate change oppressed by those with the important role in that effort. establish a more level laws,” (3) approval of “steps Ali and Vice President bullyingtakingplaceagainst resources to conduct

The call for the NIEO was playing field among to boost fossil fuel Jagdeo, as well as the entire smallcountrieslikeGuyana. hegemonic governance of aimed at getting the most themselves.Yet,itisdifficult production” in the name of PPP/Cleadership.Whenthat In the event you think theinternationalsystem. powerful states in the world to do so because much like American “energy security,” word is used here, however, that the debt-to oil deal is a At times like these, one to democratize international the colonial flight paths for (4) construction and theanti-PPPlobbyistshiding one-off, you should know cannothelpbutthinkbackto institutions and their own air travel, most poor operation of the pipeline in the garb of ‘civil society’ that earlier this year “…the theBandung(1955)moment conduct. countries are forced to through the Jefferson denouncesitaspoppycock. Biden administration in world history when India, Leaders like Nehru, access world markets and National Forest; (5) The gas-fueled debt approved a major and Indonesia and other states Sukarno, Nkrumah, and international capital via the restrictionofjudicialreview, ceiling deal struck by the controversial oil drilling just freed from colonialism, others were particularly paths defined by the most likely on matters such American president and the plan in Alaska, known as issued the call for greater interested in reforming the hegemonic states. China’s aspossiblefutureexplosions Speaker of the House would Willow, just one day after Third World solidarity I use structures and principles One Belt, One Road and contamination; (6) onlyshocknaïvelittleoutfits unveiling protections for ThirdWorldinthatBandung governing multilateral initiative has changed the “ [streamlining of] the like OGGN and their local morethan16millionacresof sense, in that spirit institutions,amongthem,the dynamics in measurable National Environmental counterparts. For its part, the land and water in the p r o g r e s s i v e IBRD, IMF and the GATT ways, but this is mostly PolicyAct(NEPA)…tolimit opposition press will no region.” The plan would internationalism. One can

The NIEO also implied the confinedtoAfricanstates. its requirements ”; (7) doubt find ways to twist and allow Conoco-Phillips to only hope that the local restructuring of the conduct The observations above shortening of the time for defend the deal on the basis produce 600 million barrels collaborators who are of bilateral relationships are occasioned by some environmental impact thatAmerica know best.Yet, of oil during its life span against the economic These lasts were expected to aspects of the recently assessments in order to fast the bigger issue here is the (Newburger, CNBC, development of Guyana correct the fundamentally arrived at debt ceiling deal trackapprovalofexploration duplicity of hegemonic (3/13/2023). would, for once, draw a unequal relations between betweenPresidentJoeBiden anddevelopment. states that have the power to CNBC also reported that lesson from how the world developed countries and House Speaker Kevin

The deal was struck with not only lecture poor Conoco-Phillips will have really works. It is called (especially in the West) and McCarthy. The key issue in the assistance of the oil and countries on climate change, access to “…a 23-million- realism, political realism. the poor or developing the deal relevant to Guyana gas lobbists and industry but to take concrete actions acre area that is the largest This is what the conduct of countries in the Global i s t h e g r e e n l i g h t insiders who heavily fund to impede the development expanse of public lands in international economic South. The Security Council duplicitously given to the oil election campaigns for of Guyana’s hydrocarbon theU.S.”(Ibid). affairs are based on. What of the UN was also called and gas industry in the Republican and Democratic resources.

This writer is keen to Guyana wants from climate upon to do away with the UnitedStates.Accordingtoa candidates alike Further, Mr Biden, you may hear from all those activists change governance is basic privilege accorded to a CNBC report (by Emma and on a different trajectory, recall, essentially vetoed a who are against Guyana fairness defined as equal handfulofstates. Newburger) the deal allows Kathleen Sgamma of $US 182 million loan that developing its natural treatment. has gone through two years resources for the betterment Sincerely, of prior approval at the IDB of its citizens and residents.

Dr Randolph Persaud

Local democracy today

From page 5 parliamentary representatives of the African 1992, and as one expected from a democratic people and is doing all it can to subvert the government, local government elections opposition by attempting to go behind its were held in 1994. However, Cheddi Jagan back and use undemocratic methods to win died in 1997 the PPP and among other support. undemocratic things, failed to hold any more Whentheutopianideologicalfoundations local elections. Politicians look for political of the PPPand PNC fell away with the fall of advantage, but they usually place limits upon worldcommunism,thecausticracistpolitical their use of the permissiveness the reality remained and is still the major Westminster-typesystemallows. problemGuyanafacestoday

But what Guyana is now seeing at the Called upon by the powers that be to end general and local levels is that expression of its drive for political/ethnic dominance and the Westminster-type system that led one adoptamoreinclusivedemocraticvisionand prominent British politician, Lord Hailsham, not wanting to do so, the PPP is seeking to toreferitasan‘electivedictatorship’. pivot out of this dilemma by concocting a

The PPP badly miscalculated and totally ‘One Guyana’vision that allows it to pamper lost the 2015 elections, so it came back in andholdontoitsethnicbaseasitdeliberately 2020 with a vengeance and a dangerous, makes the African people poorer to enable it undemocratic, determination to do whatever to herd the economic and psychologically ittakestoneveragainloseanelection. vulnerableintoitsrank!

The PPP is prepared to state quite openly Regards, thatitwillnotbecooperatingwiththeelected Dr Henry Jeffrey

Govt. banking on future oil money to pay off loans being borrowed to develop country

ByShervinBelgrave

to developthecountry

This was explained by Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference at Freedom House.

KaieteurNewshadasked the VP to explain how his governmentplanstodevelop Guyana with the “meager” revenues it is currently receiving from its vast oil resources.

In his response, the Vice President agreed that indeed theoilmoneyis“notmuchat this time” before highlighting that the government plans to borrow now for development and paybacklaterwhenithasthe “capacitytodoso”.

“...So it’s a combination of spending what we have, and a judicious set of borrowing, where we know based on future capacity we canrepay”,Jagdeosaid.

Although the former President repeatedly agreed

that the contract is not favourable to Guyana, he believes that by allowing ExxonMobil to quickly ramp up production, the country will in the future have a huge spike in oil revenues

He anticipates that the spikecouldoccurasearlyas 2027.Whilethismaybetrue,

it should be noted that the anticipated increase in oil revenues from the Stabroek Block is only because ExxonMobil will be producing more oil in 2027 than it is producing now In otherwords, Guyana’s take from the Stabroek Block remainsmeagerifthe Continuedonpage16

Firminitsdecisiontonot renegotiate a better deal for

thelucrativeStabroekBlock with ExxonMobil, the government is banking on

futureoilrevenuestopayoff loans being burrowed

Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Squatting is a cancer in our society

Imagine you own a land for the proper functioning of remove, the opposite propertyrights. wrong signal to society It and one day you turn up and marketeconomies.Heposits happened: the squatters Squatting is associated undermines the rule of law findthathundredsofpersons that insecure property rights began to make extensions with a range of social ills.As and sends a message that are occupying this property serve as a disincentive for and build permanen

Oneofthereasonswhythere

people can do as they feel. without your permission investment, thus hindering structures, even somehow

You also notice to your utter the development of market managing to obtain water settlements are fertile issomuchlawlessnessinour surprise that they have economies. supply and electricity breeding grounds for all country, is because we have core homes by the erected structures on your Guyanaisnowagrowing service. manner of problems. They allowedsquattingandillegal government.Thismeansthat land. economyandthoseinvestors This reduced property tend to have higher crime vending – which is another those persons who were

When you ask the who are coming and those value indirectly affects the rates, more poverty, more form of squatting – to run eligible and awaiting the squatters to remove, they who are already here want to entire society Reduced school dropouts and drug unchecked. award of these homes, are refuse. This then forces you ensure that their property property values mean use. On the other hand, once The government now now being shunted to the tohavetotakethemtocourt, rightsareprotected.Buthow reduced taxes are collected squatters are regularized finds itself having to address back of the line, while the a process that takes years. In safearetheserights? by the government and this t h e r e i s d r a m a t i c the problems of those squatters are rewarded by the meantime, they are still The fundamental right to in turn can lead to less improvement in the quality squatters on the Soesdyke jumpingthequeue. occupying the place while private property is a government spending on of life and a reduction in Linden Highway who were D i s c l a i m e r : T h e you are spending millions in cornerstone of any health and education It social ills. This is why there displaced after the owner opinions expressed in this paying lawyers to regain functioning society meansalsothatmanyareend should be greater respect for took back possession of his column are those of the yourproperty Allowing squatting to up seeing their net worth property rights and a zero- property author. They do not purport

And when the court continue erodes this shrink year after year toleranceforsquatting. And we are told that to reflect the opinions or issues an eviction order and essential right, diminishing because of the presence of Squatting sends the these squatters will be given views of Kaieteur News. you enforce that order, there theincentivesforindividuals squatters. is unrest and roads are to invest in property

One man acquired blocked.The squatters claim ownership, contribute to landed immigrant status that they were living there economic growth, and overseas. He secured his for years. Obviously they maintain the overall stability home before he migrated. were because that is how of communities When When he returned, he could long it took to get them off squatters are allowed to not believe the sight that theland. trespass on private property greeted his eyes. Unknown

This is one of the with impunity, property to him, persons had invaded dangers posed by squatting owners are left defenseless, his home and taken up in Guyana. And it is one of facing financial losses, residence. He took years to the reasons there should be a emotional distress, and a have them evicted by which zero tolerance for all forms diminishedsenseofsecurity time his house was reduced of squatting. But there are Squatting destroys more toruins other economic and social than property rights It Squatting has become a reasonsalso. erodes the value of real cancer in our society Even

Guyana is moving property Manyhomeowners the rich are now squatting, towards a much larger have seen the value of their just as how they are quietly market economy The p r o p e r t i e s p l u n g e taking over pavement and Peruvian economist, precipitously as a result of roadsidevending. Hernando De Soto, who has squatting. This decline has

Once viewed as a means conducted extensive reached the stage where in to address homelessness or research on property rights, some areas homeowners can societal inequality, squatting including how to integrate no longer find buyers for has taken a detrimental turn, the poor into property their properties. And when morphing into a dangerous markets, has argued that they thought that the practice that threatens the propertyrightsareimportant squatters would eventually very fabric of private

Dem Boys Seh…

Life on de run is no fun

Some people don’t know when dem deh citizens toiled away on de outside like busy good. Imagine a man who enjoying three bees, he lounged in his cozy cell pondering square meals, free health care and special, the mysteries of the universe. No alarm very special visitation rights decided he clocks, no deadlines, just endless hours of needed to take a permanent vacation. He existential contemplation. Sisyphus could made a dash for freedom, only to discover, keep pushing that boulder uphill while he too late, that life on de inside was a golden reveledinhisleisurelyexistence. ticketof luxury compared to being on de run And let’s not forget the special visitation indewildernessofdejungle. rights - Hugs, kisses, and whispers of love

Ondeinside,themanusedtobewell-fed filled his days, like a never-ending family morning,noonandnight.Justlookatdeman reunion. It was a privilege that made his physique. Each meal was a surprise. You heartswellwithgratitude,evenashisfellow never knew what the culinary genius had in inmatesjealouslylookedon. store – tasteless toast or over-boiled eggs But alas the outside world beckoned, with bland vegetables reaped from de farm. promising adventure and excitement and his But that was much better than being on de special taste for terror Little did he know, run and not knowing where yuh next meal that his run for freedom would be shortwascomingfrom. lived.

On de inside, de man enjoyed free Afewdayslater,fatedealtitscruelhand, medical treatment compliments of de state. andhewasshotdead. Hediscoveredtoolate Whenever a sniffle or a cough tickled his that life on the inside was a paradise throat,hecouldsimplypressthemagicalcall compared to the perilous unknown beyond button and summon the medical caregivers thoseprisonwalls. who would tend to his every ailment. Who May his tale serve as a cautionary needs overpriced prescriptions and endless reminder that sometimes, the grass is best waiting rooms when you have a personal enjoyed through the iron bars of a cozy cell. medicalteamonspeeddial? Itisalwaysbettertoserveyuhtime-evenitis On de inside, de man could laze around foralltime. all day. No work for him! While his fellow Talk half. Leff

ThanksforthepublicityJagdeo

The word came to me from several corners that I featured in Guyana’s Vice President of Oil, Bharrat Jagdeo’s most recent press conference held at Freedom House.

Thoughitwasonlyinthe role of a Guest Star, I must still extend thanks to my brother, Jagdeo, for the publicity

As politicians and the marketing people insist, thereisnosuchthingasbad publicity, for publicity is publicity And from what I heard, Jagdeo gave me the equivalent of a Superbowl commercial.

I assure all and sundry that there is no disrespect meant, but I do not listen to brotherJagdeo,nordoIseek opportunity to absorb his rich fare, now that he has abandoned his role as chief steward for Guyana and has developed a love for being the chief advocate and spokesmanforExxon.

Whatever he said, he said,butIwouldhopethathe

rose to the occasion and spoke to genuine truth, and nothisbrandofit.

I am still at a loss to understand what could have unsettled Jagdeo so much, thatheputthespotlightona nonentity like me, when he has the fate and destiny of a whole country in his caring andcompassionatehands.

On second thoughts, I shoulddropdestinysincethe mantraofhisbelovedPPPis now ‘One Guyana’ and nothingmore.

I always suspected that thereweresoundreasonsfor eliminating ‘destiny’ from thatvisionandconstruction, and for the simple fact that the Guyanese people now havenone,andthatitisonly the destiny of foreign investors that matters to brotherJagdeo.

When the PNC executed (a fit and proper word) that oilcontractin2016withthe American supergiant, Exxon, it was a tragedy of Himalayanproportions.

Now,brotherJagdeohas picked up right from where

hispredecessorsinofficeleft off, and engages in one travesty after another, by keepingthecontractintact. I happentohaveacquaintance with a few of Exxon’s American veterans, and none of them can hold a candle to my own dear brother Jagdeo, for energy, effort, and bubbling effervescence.

Clearly, Jagdeo needs to reconfigure his priorities, especially now that he has a whole nation watching how heperforms. Hesimplyhas too much on his plate (and glistening pate) to get bogged down with the likes ofme.

Heshouldfocusmoreon what he does best, which is floating like a butterfly, and flaring[up]morethanExxon doesoutthereinoilland.

While I am at it, may I alsorespectfullysuggestthat herecalibrateshimselfinthe departments of churlish attitudes, petulant emotions, and puerile reactions to citizens seeking to lift him out of the darkness that he

loves so much. Obviously, whatever I am doing has drawn some sandpaper across his skin, and needled deeply into some of his alwayssensitivenerves.

Asitissaid:Truthhurts; and absolute truth strips naked. Howelsetointerpret this volatile behaviour of brother Jagdeo? He must workhardertoberidofthese leadershiptantrums;theyare not good form, and will not do.

After all, there are those visitors that he thinks of so highly and holds so dearly, which would be his prized foreigninvestors.

They do not like to be near to anything or anyone t h a t b r i n g s b a c k recollections of Josef Stalin andVladimirLenin, and the hatreds of those Soviets for deviationists and those declaredtobedegenerates.

Not good for business, very bad for capitalist’s profits. Like the evergreen Sam Cook sang and made many swoon: a change is gonna come. oh yes, it

will….

Ithoughtthatafter his many years as Presidentthatthenow Vice President of almost three years vintage would have matured, grownup, and shed that kind of skin forever

Hemustnotseeenemies where none (at least not this one) are, and not to imagine shadowsthatdon’texist,but which haunt his existence. He would do well to recall that America gave Guyana democracy, and one of its lynchpins is freedom: freedomtothink,freedomto speak, freedom to write, freedom to associate, freedomtodiffer

NowthatGuyana’sown, Bharrat Jagdeo is rubbing shoulders with Americans and Europeans, he has to know that he will have to comport himself better He must cease being such a bundle of uncaring contradictions, and desist with his now patented ambiguities.

Allthisstompingoffeet, andlashingout,atthosewho disagree, has to go. I hope thatJagdeoisnotpushingto have a Guyana where all menthinkalike.

For if that ever becomes the case, then no one would bethinkingatall. Countme outofthat,fortherearetimes when being a contrarian is morethanacalltoduty Itis a closely held, mandatory patrioticobligation.

Now, I trust that better things will come from him going forward Try it, brother Jagdeo, it can be done There is every confidence that higher groundwillbefound,ifonly inthetrying.

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

Foreign company tricks businessman into buying $23 million of spoilt milk

ByShervinBelgrave

A European dairy company reportedly put the health of hundreds of Guyanese at risk by allegedly tricking a local businessman into buying $23M worth of milk not fit forhumanconsumption.

The businessman duped into purchasing the milk, SaeedRahamanAladdin,the proprietor of S.R Aladdin and Sons, identified the

company as Dana Dairy GroupLimited.

AccordingtoAlladin,the company is based in France andearlylastyearitsenthim samples of its dairy products.

One of those products is the Dana Dairy Instant Full Cream Milk Powder After testing and tasting it, Aladdin was convinced that itwasofgoodquality

“Itastedthethingman,It was good,” said Alladin

while adding that he was assured by the company’s sales rep that the milk powder was a French product.

Convinced that the milk was suitable for the Guyanesemarket,Alladinin May, 2022, entered into a sales agreement to purchase over1400tinsofthemilk.

He wired transferred US$109,000 to the company, and was told that hisorderwouldarrivewithin afewmonths.

When a few months passedandtheshipmentdid not arrive, Alladin made contactwiththecompanyto query about the delay To assure him that he will receive the milk, the companysenthimaphotoof theproductbeingpackedina container The photo immediately made him

suspicious because instead of being shipped from France, the milk was being packedfromaportinIndia.

Alladin would soon find out after the product arrived in late December 2022, that not only was it less than the amount he had ordered but the milk was actually being producedinIndia.

Nevertheless, still believing that the French company was not in any shadybusiness,Alladinwent aheadtomarketthemilkand evenspentover$100,000on advertisements.

“I handed out some samples, I contacted Mattai’s and some other stores ” , Alladin told KaieteurNews.

With34yearsinthemilk business,Alladinwastrusted andthesupermarketswasted no time in putting the milk

on their shelves, but his worst fears came through when his clients started demandingrefunds.

Theyreportedlytoldhim customerswerecomplaining that the milk was making themillandthatithasabad taste.

Alladin had no choice but to refund his clients and havethemreturnthemilkto hisstoragebond.Hedecided to try the product himself to see if the complaints were true.

“The milk tasted sour and it did not dissolve properly in water, it was lumpy”,Alladinsaid.

Thebusinessmanrelated that he immediately contactedtheFoodandDrug Departmenttoconductsome testsontheproduct.

Those tests were conducted inApril and May this year and as was suspected, the Food and Drug department found that the milk was not fit for humanconsumption.

Kaieteur News was shown the test results report and it had indeed stated that the milk was of low quality and contained “extraneous particles’ ‘. Those particles were reportedly sent for further testing to see what theymightbe.

In the meantime, the Food and Drug Department, because of safety concerns, moved to destroy all of the milk that Alladin had purchased.

A p a r t f r o m t h e tremendous loss the businessman suffered, his reputationwastarnished. Hislawyerhassincesent a letter to the company demanding compensation but it has been refusing to take responsibility for the spoiled milk and does not want to refund Alladin his money According to the lawyer’s letter, Alladin is threatening to sue the companyifitdoesnotagree toasettlementwithhim.

Local Businessman, Saeed Rahaman Alladin

The milk that Alladin was tricked into buying

The state of the milk after the tin was opened

The Food and Drug Department destroying the milk in Guyana

GuyanatoborrowUS$150MfromSaudi Govt.forhousingandinfrastructureprojects

With the country’s total public debt surpassing US$3 6billionattheendof 2022, the Government of Guyana (GoG) is still continuing to borrow more loans

OnSunday,theMinistry ofFinanceannouncedthata team from the Saudi Fund for Development is in Guyanaforathree-dayvisit and will be signing two “major loan agreements” to the tune of US$150 million for infrastructure developmentprojects

According to the government, senior representatives of the Ministry of Finance, in conjunction with the Ministries of Housing and Water, and Public Works, p r es en ted s ev er al developmental projects in housing and infrastructure, to the visiting Chief Executive Officer of the S a u d i F u n d f o r Development, His

Excellency Sultan AlMarshad, and team, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Present from the

Ministry of Housing were Minister of Housing and Water, Hon Collin Croal, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Mr Sherwyn Greaves,

Permanent Secretary, Mr Andre Ally, Director of Projects, Mr Omar Narine and other technical staff, whiletheMinistryofPublic Works team comprised Permanent Secretary, Mr

Vladim Persaud, Chief Transport Planning Officer, Mr Patrick Thompson, Head-Procurement and Contracts, Mr Andy

Mahadeo, and Finance

Controller, Ms Kumarie John, along with other technicalandsupportstaff. TheMinistryofFinance was represented by Chief Planning Officer, Dr Tarachand Balgobin, Finance Secretary, Mr Sukrishnalall Pasha, Director of Budget, Ms Sonya Roopnauth, HeadBilateral Division, Ms Donna Levi, and other technicalandsupportstaff

By the end of last year, Guyana’s total stock of public debt increased by 16 9 percent compared to

2021 It was the Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh who said during the Budget presentation that the nation was US$3 654 billion in debt

Despitethenewrevenue stream from oil and gas, government has been borrowing to fund almost a l l o f i t s m a j o r infrastructure development projects For instance, the new Demerara River Crossing this year is being funded through a Chinese loan

Guyana’s debt is also likely to almost double this year, as the Gas-to-Energy projecttooisexpectedtobe funded through external partnerships

It must be noted that

Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, along with other senior government officials engage with Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development, His Excellency Sultan Al-Marshad, and team, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Sunday.

during this year’s Energy Conference hosted in February, the Finance Minister announced to the international audience that Guyana is now in a better position to take more loans as the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has tripled in the last three years Dr Singh said Guyana has been able to prudently manageandreducethedebt to GDP ratio over the past 30 years He explained, “Those of you who have been following Guyana for long enough, would know that there was a period just about maybe 30 years ago when Guyana’s public debt to GDP exceeded six times the size of the economy In

1991/1992thepublicdebtto GDP ratio exceeded 600%…we have been able overtheyearstobringpublic debt down and today Guyana’spublicdebttoGDP ratiostandsat24.6percent.”

The Finance Minister paused his presentation as he received a resounding applause for the progress the country made in lowering its debt to GDP rate He however went straight into his point that this means Guyana is now in a better position to take moreloans

“I didn’t put a chart up with international comparators but if you, I mean many of you are familiar with these numbers around the World. You will

no doubt recognise that the debt to GDP ratio of 24.6% in fact places Guyana ahead of almost every economy, certainly in this hemisphere and puts us in a position where we actually have fairly significant head room toborrow,”heshared. F o r m e r A u d i t o r General, Anand Goolsarran had warned that while Guyana’s medium-term economic prospects appear very favourable due to anticipated oil revenues, government should nevertheless exercise restraint in spending, given the volatility of oil prices Goolsarran had made the comments in his Column, published in the Stabroek News

FireatPlaisanceleaves6homeless

It is unknown at this time what caused the fire but investigations areongoing.

Afamilyofsixisnowhomeless after a fire on Sunday destroyed their two-storey wooden house at Graham Street, Plaisance, East CoastDemerara(ECD).

According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, the fire started around 11:30 hrs All of the occupants were home when a roadside vendor saw flames

emanating from the top flat of the house. She (the vendor) alerted the occupantsandtheywereallableto escape unharmed. However, their

house and other belongings were notspared.

When firefighters arrived, the entire building was engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished

but the house was burnt flat to the ground.

The rubble of the house after the fire on Graham Street, Plaisance (Rawle Toney Photos)

(Ministry of Finance photo)

RICE RESEARCHER wins big for Guyana

Rice Researcher, Dr Mahendra Persaud was awarded the Guyanese equivalentofTT$500,000at a gala ceremony in Port of SpainonSaturday,June3,in recognition of his contributiontoagriculturein Guyana.

The Chief Scientist at t h e G u y a n a R i c e Development Board was inducted as the 2023 Anthony N Sabga Awards, Caribbean Excellence Laureate in Science & Technology at the Hilton Trinidad Ballroom before anaudienceof200

H e s a i d , “ M o s t importantly for me, I would like to express my gratitude for the farmers who have participated in my research. They have provided me space and assistance, resources to conduct our research, so we can ultimatelyadvancetheirown lives and those of people aroundtheregion.”

Dr Persaud added that rice production accounted for over 20% of Guyana’s GDPin2020.

DrPersaud,arecipientof a Golden Arrow of

Achievement in 2016, is credited with leading a team of researchers who have developed over a dozen varietiesofdisease-resistant,

AgriprogramatLusignan prisonproducequantityofcorn

TheGuyanaPrison Service (GPS), through its AgriculturalProgrammehas seen the Lusignan Prison farm recently harvesting a quantityofcorn.

In a press statement, the PrisonServiceindicatedthat the agriculture programme have been making massive stridesandisastrategicgoal is to maximise the production from the service’s investment in the agricultureindustry

The large-scale farming initiative is a way to showcase the prison service’s vigorous rehabilitation drive for inmates and to help them to develop their agricultural skillsaswellasdiscovernew ones.

high-yieldricewellsuitedto Guyana’sclimate,increasing yields from a national average of 4 tonnes per hectare to 6. He is also leading the development of zinc-fortified rice and exploring the possibility of growingwheatinGuyana.

Hetoldtheaudience,“At thispointintime,wearevery sure that wheat can grow in Guyana. We still have lots more work to do, but we are verysure.”

His fellow laureates, inducted with him, are Dr Adesh Sirjusingh, Women’s

HealthdoctorfromT&T,and Antiguan author, Joanne C.

The Anthony N. Sabga Awards are administered by the philanthropic arm of the ANSA McAL Group and presented annually to Caribbean nationals in the f i e l d s o f A r t s , Entrepreneurship, Public & Civic Contributions, and Science & Technology Dr PersaudjoinsaCollegeof57 Caribbean Laureates recognised for excellence in humanendeavourthatuplifts theregion.

The programme is also being done at the Mazaruni, New Amsterdam and Timehriprisons.

SeniorSuperintendentof Prisons, Deoraj Gyandat, explained that besides improving the living conditions of detainees, the objective of the agriculture programme is to prepare for

the future reintegration of detainees when they reach theendoftheirsentence.

Moreover, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot said the overall objectives is to

enable inmates to produce what they consume themselvesandtoteachthem newskillsthatwillbeuseful to them when they leave prison.

The detainees and the corn that was harvested.

Hillhouse.

Dr. Mahendra Persaud, Chief Scientist at the Guyana Rice Development Board, holding his Anthony N. Sabga Awards gold medal.

Three laureates from left: Joanne C. Hillhouse – Author from Antigua and Barbuda, Dr. Adesh Sirjusingh – Director of Women’s Health at the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Mahendra Persaud – Chief Scientist at the Guyana Rice Development Board.

Govt.aimingtocommencetelepathology programmeatGPHCwithinthreemonths

technologytofacilitatethetransferofimagerichpathologydatabetweendistantlocations fordiagnosis,education,andresearch.

Minister, Dr Frank Anthony made the announcement Friday last, while outlining initiatives being undertaken by the government to address the issue of noncommunicableDiseasesinGuyana.

“Right now, the turnaround time for pathology slides was probably three months and that's looking at the most optimistic scenario in the public sector We have to change that,” he stated. When implemented, the programme will reduce the time for patientstobediagnosedfrommonthstodays.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

DPI - In an effort to effectively manage cancer patients in Guyana, the Ministry of Health is aiming to implement a telepathologyprogrammeattheGeorgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) within thenextthreemonths.

The ministry is working along with the Mount Sinai Health System to develop this programmelocally Telepathology uses telecommunications

“Instead of waiting three months for somebodytoreadaslide,wecanprobablyget backtheresultsinsevendaysandthatwould makeatremendousdifferencetothatpatient and the outcome,” Dr Anthony explained. Similarly, the ministry is collaborating with Mount Sinai to establish an oncology centre totreatallcancerpatientsinGuyana.

Three additional mammogram machines will be procured before year-end to expand the capacity for early detection of breast cancer The machines will be installed at various healthcare facilities across the country, as the administration continues to implement preventative steps to lower the incidenceofcancerlocally

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Govt. banking on future oil money to pay off...

From page 8 contract is not changed.

Apart from banking on the future spike in revenues from the Stabroek Block to help pay off some of the country’s loans, Jagdeo might also be hoping that more money can be raked in from better terms his government has placed in new contracts for oil blocks that are still to be auctioned and explored. The government might be hoping too that the investment it is making through loans to diversify Guyana’s economy can bring in profitable returns.

With regard to loans being borrowed to develop the country Jagdeo at the press conference said that his government will be investing in key areas such as infrastructure, health care, education and the social wellbeing of the country.

“So you would agree with me that healthcare is very important for people and all of our people quality health care that is why we are investing… Soon you will have free university education in Guyana which we promise in our manifesto but we are investing

a lot in scholarships…We are investing back in children.”

“You heard I said so at the beginning-over 3000 people have seen substantial increases in their disposable income since we got into office - the pensioners the young kids etc. We are investing in the long term infrastructure projects’’, Jagdeo explained while adding that his government’s borrowing plan is “a combination of putting in place, the infrastructure for future social services and the economic areas that would create future wealth.

As the government takes this route towards development, Guyana should take warning from Ghana’s current situation.

On Sunday Kaieteur News reported that despite having a vibrant oil sector, the country was still forced to beg the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a US$3B bailout.

The IMF Executive Board approved a 36month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement for Ghana in May, totalling about US$3 billion.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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LAND FOR SALE

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Brickdam (8000 sq ft office space) East Bank, Modern 5 br Home, Furnished apartments in Houston. Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

TOURS

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

IDPADAG takes complaint over the withdrawal of Govt. subvention to UN

The International DecadeforPeopleofAfrican Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADAG), has taken its complaint over the withdrawal of the Government’s multimilliondollar subvention to the UnitedNations(UN).

Duringapresentationon global reparatory justice b e f o r e t h e U N , Attorney–at–Law, Nigel Hughes who was on the IDPADAGdelegationspoke oftheneedforgreaterequity in Guyana opportunities offered to Afro- Guyanese citizens. These cannot be achieved through photo opportunities,Hughessaid.

The lawyer noted that in termsofthenationalredress forthelastingconsequences ofpastinjusticesandcrimes against people of African Descent, the State has demonstrated only a modicum of progress in this regard, through a Land Commission of Inquiry conducted in December 2018.

“ N o n e o f t h e recommendations has been actioned to date. There has

been no action on the Dutch apology for the benefit of African Guyanese In September 2021, within these hallowed halls, President of Guyana, Dr IrfaanAliregisteredsupport for global reparations and restorativejustice.”

According to Hughes, while the President further stated that his government wouldworktowardsthegoal of eliminating racism, the situation in Guyana reveals

too many instances of State oppressionandexacerbation ofracialtensions.

He explained that, “For example, the State has defunded the IDPADA-G based on its perception that the organisation held an opposing view of the government thereby stymieing its work…It is imperative that the Government of Guyana establishes a national c o m m i s s i o n t h a t

Healthscreeningprogrammetobe implementedinschoolsatendofJune

commences at a minimum two national assessments of the African Guyanese contribution to the development of Guyana w i t h a v i e w t o compensation.”

Herecommendedaspart of the first step to a solution of a National Reparations Commission (NRC) should be a review of the Venn Commission Report of 1 9 4 8 - 1 9 4 9 w h i c h documents the contribution of enslaved people to the development to the British GuianaSugarIndustryunder inhumane conditions withoutcompensation.

In this regard, Hughes made reference to the Venn

CommissionReportof1949, the colonial enterprise required hand labour to transform 15,000 square miles of coastal swampland to lands for sugar cane cultivationandforattending offices and housing for Europeanplanters.

In fact, he said “the vast hydraulic system - threeinvolved moving more than 100 million tons of mud, by hand labor was first carried out by enslaved Africans”, an enormous task for which therewasnocompensation.

As such, he said IDPADA-G calls on the Government of Guyana and International justice mechanisms to use these assessments to determine a national compensation package set aside from national revenues coupled with other forms of affirmativeaction.

“IDPADA-G draws attention to the threat to villages purchased by freed Africans in the postemancipation era, which have been subject to arbitrary possession by the State or other entities under its control and patronage. Thecontinueddispossession of ancestral lands has stymied growth and developmentinourvillages.

Similarly, IDPADA-G drawsattentiontotheareaof

naturalresources,quarrying, mining, forestry, and a g r i c u l t u r e , a n d recommends that the State and international bodies address inequalities in access to permits and titles with alacrity, “Hughes added.

He noted too that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission has been unfairly denying quarrying concessions to African Guyanese with no course of redress.

“IDPADA-G draws attention to the absence of investment in the preservation of African Guyanese history and culture and calls on the Government of Guyana to develop institutions to address loss of culture, enhance public recognition and understanding of the lasting consequences of systemic and structural racismandtheincorporation of that history into textbooks.

I D P A D A - G recommends that states be called on to provide ethnically disaggregated data and to report to the Permanent Forum or UN Special Mechanisms on steps taken towards reparativejusticeforpersons of African Descent in all sectors,”heexplained.

DPI - An expansive health screening initiative will be launched in schools nationwide through a joint effort by the MinistriesofHealthandEducation.

Theprogrammewillberolledoutbythe end of June, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony announced on Friday, at the launching of the national expansion of the HEARTS Initiative for the management of cardiovascular diseases, at the Pegasus Hotel.Theaimoftheprogrammeistoensure thenation’schildrenareofferedpreventative careandopportunitiesforahealthylifestyle, throughearlydetectionofanyhealth-related issues.

“We’re starting that programme this month and we have targeted27,000 nursery school children to be completed before the year comes to an end,” Minister Anthony explained. There will be a package of servicesprovidedtoallschools,whereeach child will be examined. They will receive dentalandeyecare,amongotherservices.

“For persons at nursery, they’ll be

screened once during that nursery period, then during primary we’ll screen again and then at secondary they’ll get another screening. So, over time, we will have the data to compare and to also intervene,” the healthministerstated.

The programme also seeks to tackle the diverse challenges present in classrooms while simultaneously mitigating potential learningsetbacks.Thegovernmentwantsto foster an understanding among young individuals about the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and consuminganutritiousdiet.

The initiative seeks to proactively prevent the onset of diseases and promote overallwell-being.

Meanwhile, Coordinator of the Chronic Disease Unit, Dr Dianielle Drepaul stated thathealthprogrammesaimedatpromoting healthy lifestyle choices have already been rolledoutinRegionsTwoandNine.Theunit aims to target 55 schools in 2023 and eventuallyallschools.

Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes

From left: Director of the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, PAHO/WHO, Dr. Anselem Hennis, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony and PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Dr. Luis Codina

Djokovic, Alcaraz stay on track for French Open semi-final showdown

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in action during his fourth round match against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti.

(REUTERS/

PARIS, (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal in the injured Novak Djokovic and Carlos champion’s absence, blazed Alcaraz inched closer to a past Peruvian marathon man blockbuster semi-final Juan Pablo Varillas 6-3 6-2 showdown with imperious 6-2 in a lopsided last-eight victories at the French Open clash. A two-time champion yesterday as Elina Svitolina in Paris, Djokovic has now continued her sparkling run reached the quarters in Paris after returning from a for a record 17th time, one maternity break to reach the morethanNadal. quarter-finals.

“I’m proud of all the Djokovic,whoischasing recordsbutitalsomeansI’m a men’s record 23rd Grand not young anymore,” said Slam to leapfrog Spaniard the36-year-oldDjokovic.

Monday June 05, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Money matters might be weighing on the mind of a closefriendorlover,andheor she might seek your advice.A creative project may require a larger expenditure of money, time, or other resources than youoriginallythought.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You might have visitors, Taurus, or even a hot date scheduled for tonight. By mid afternoon you might feel too tired to go out and wonder if youshouldcancel.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You might have visitors, Taurus, or even a hot date scheduled for tonight. By midafternoon you might feel too tired to go out and wonder ifyoushouldcancel.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Some good but surprising news could come your way today, Cancer Perhaps a family member or friend will call or drop by with a surprising development that directlyaffectsyou.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today may start out frustrating, Leo. Be prepared! Some equipment might go on the blink and it could take a while to get it fixed A temporary separation from your partner could also be disappointing.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Your level of artistic inspiration is high today, Virgo. Dreams or meditation may bring up some spiritual insights and revelations, and youmaypromptlyforgetthem upon coming out of your dreamormeditativestate.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Some upsetting news regarding money could throw youintoadithertoday.Perhaps a check you've been expecting hasn't arrived on time. Maybe the bank has made an error regardingyouraccount.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

Asetback in your career might have you feeling disoriented, Scorpio. Equipment might be involved. Don't go crazy It's onlytemporary

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

A delivery that you were expecting from far away might be delayed, Sagittarius, causing you to wonder if it might have been lost. It hasn't. Unfortunately, there isn't much youcandobutwait.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Today you may feel especially passionate, and desire a romantic encounter You might evenhaveahotdatescheduled. Don'tbesurprisedifithastobe postponed for reasons beyond anyone'scontrol.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

A visitor with a few problems might come to your door in searchofadviceandsympathy Heorshemightalsohavesome other news that could shock you A professional crisis might make it necessary for you or your partner to spend most of the day away from homeandfamily

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Tasks of any kind are likely to seem like the labors of Hercules today Overwork and strain could have you feeling a little under the weather It might be a good idea to take sometimealonetorest.

“It was the best level of tennis I have played here so I’m very satisfied ” World number one and top seed Alcaraz, another tenacious Spaniard who is backed to take the mantle of 14-times champion Nadal, bulldozed his way to a 6-3 6-2 6-2 win over Italian Lorenzo Musetti A fired-up Elina Svitolina advancedtothequarter-finals for the fourth time with a 6-4 7-6(5) victory over Russian ninthseedDariaKasatkinato stay on track for a maiden Grand Slam in her first major sincethebirthofherdaughter SkaiinOctober

RUSSIANS ROLLON

Earlier, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkovadugdeepto return to the quarter-finals for the first time since her runner-up finish two years ago before fellow Russian Karen Khachanov also fought his way through on a brightSunday

Pavlyuchenkova, who was defeated in the 2021 final by Czech Barbora Krejcikova, skipped last year’s edition as well as the second half of the season to nurse a knee problem and came into the match after three-setters in her last two encounters. She was tested again by 28th seed Elise Mertens but rallied from a setandabreakdowntoseala 3-6 7-6(3) 6-3 victory in a littlemorethanthreehours.

Pavlyuchenkova, who has slipped to world number 333 after being forced to stop playing for five months last year, is the lowest-ranked French Open quarter-finalist in the Open Era Khachanov, the 11th seed, also showed plentyofresolveashebattled past Italian Lorenzo Sonego 1-66-47-6(7)6-1toreachthe lasteightforthesecondtime

“After the first set and a half,Iwasthinking,whatam I doing here, he was hitting allovertheplacesoIdecided allIcoulddowasfight,”said Khachanov, who has reachedthesemi-finalsinhis lasttwoGrandSlamsinNew YorkandMelbourne.

Marques, Abiola Jackman and Dharry...

From page 23 watchful at the beginning of the contest, avoiding giving any chancestotheiropponent.Aleshalandedafewsolidpunches, but the steady Macfarlane kept her at bay; pivoting her way out of Alesha’s reach. After fighting for three rounds, Macfarlane emerged victorious, winning the contest 5-0 as reflectedonthejudges’scorecards.

The final amateur match of the evening, betweenAbiola JackmanandLeeannBoodram,Abiola,thesiblingofAlesha, announced her dominance against Trinidad and Tobago’s champion, Boodram. Abiola defeated Boodram; landed a good amount of body shots on her opponent, she displayed good hands/eyes coordination as well as some dangerous body-shot combinations, which led her to win the contest against the Trinidadian and also securing the Best Female BoxeroftheNightaward.

Moving into the professional bouts, the long-standing rivalry between Anthony ‘Big Six’Augustin and Barbados’ Emmanuel Anderson took center stage. Anderson’s power punches and tactical brilliance robbed the fans of a couple of roundsasheabruptlyendedthematch;oneminuteandthirtyfivesecondsintothefirstround.TheburlyAndersondefeated ‘Big Six’ Augustin by knockout (KO). Later on, Guyana’s TerranceAdamssufferedhisthirdlossinasmanyboutsinthe professional division after being defeated by debutant RicardoBlackmanfromBarbados.

The fight of the evening was a six-round Female Super flyweight clash between Panama’s Natalya Delgado and Venezuela’s Darianis Garcia. The duo were equally poised, each brought their unique style and technique into the ring. Delgado impressed the crowd with her power and finesse, whileGarciadisplayedresilience,herexcellentbobbing,and weaving technique helped her through the six rounds of exciting splendor At the end of the final round, Delgado emerged as the winner of the contest by way of unanimous decision, cementing this international clash as the highlight oftheevening.

Berbice River Bridge

Closure to Road Traffic

MondayJune05,2023

ForOceangoingVessels&Trawlers5:00hrs

TuesdayJune06,2023

ForOceangoingVessels&Trawlers5:35hrs

For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs

Demerara

MondayJune05,2023

ForOceangoingVessels&Trawlers4:15hrs

TuesdayJune06,2023

For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs

Lisi Niesner)

Verstappen wins in Spain to continue Red Bull sweep

Bull’s287andwithAstonMartindroppingto thirdon134.

“Mega job guys, mega job,” said Hamiltonovertheradio.“Thankyousomuch to everyone back at the factory, continuing to push. This is a real showing for all your hard work.Let’skeeppushing.”

Russell went off into the gravel on his

(Reuters) - Max Verstappen won the season, third in a row, third in Spain and the white flag for exceeding track limits late in way to the grid, where he lined up 12th, but Spanish Grand Prix from pole position double world champion’s 40th in Formula the race but the risk of a five second penalty hiscarwasundamagedandhispacestrong. yesterday to stretch his Formula One One. washardlygoingtotroublesomeonesofarup “It definitely feels better,” he said of the championship lead to 53 points and continue Themanwhotookthefirstgrandprixwin theroadfromtherest. car “You are just putting in those lap times Red Bull’s sweep of the season with the ofhiscareerattheSpanishcircuitin2016and “Well done Max, that was mega. Very and comparing it to the guys around you — team’sseventhsuccessinasmanyraces. also triumphed last year, secured the bonus well controlled, even though you went over the Ferraris andAstons — and you are going

Seven-times world champion Lewis point for fastest lap to cap a day of the white lines a few times,” said team boss quickerandquicker.”

Hamilton was second for Mercedes, but a domination. “It’s a big pleasure to drive with ChristianHorner

Mercedes moved up to second in the qualifying left him on the back row, finished

Sainz was fifth with theAston Martins of distant 24.090 seconds behind, with team a car like this. I think it showed again today,” McLaren’s Lando Norris, who started Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso sixth and mate George Russell completing the podium said Verstappen, who fended off Ferrari’s thirdonthegrid,sufferedabrokenfrontwing seventh. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon was eighth, on a cloudy but dry afternoon at Barcelona’s homeheroCarlosSainzatthestartintheonly on the first lap after contact with Hamilton Alfa Romeo’s Guanyu Zhou ninth and Pierre CircuitdeCatalunya. challenge of an otherwise straightforward and had to pit, plunging down the order and Gasly,whoqualifiedfourthbeforeasix-place Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s afternoon. finishing 17th. The form of the Mercedes grid penalty, took the final point for Renaultclosest rival in a season that looks sure to “IhadthehardercompoundsoIknewthe drivers, with a re-designed car after a ownedAlpine. crown the dominant Dutch 25-year-old for a start would be a bit tricky Going around the disappointing start to the season, provided a Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who started third time, finished fourth after fighting back outside at Turn One is always quite difficult maintalkingpoint. from the pitlane after a nightmare in from11thatthestart. butluckilynothinghappened.”

The win was Verstappen’s fifth of the Verstappen was also shown a black and championship on 152 points to runaway Red 11th.

PPP/C $1 million Linden ‘One Guyana’ Beach Football

YMCA and Swag through to men’s final, Superstars and Speightland contest women’s crown

The men’s and crown to be played next goals were recorded by in their other semifinal clash women’s final in SaturdayinLinden. Natasha Headley and ofthenight.

the People’s Superstarsfirstmadeitto JanellaGildery Kevin Gittens and Jamal Progressive Party/ Civic thewomen’sfinalbybeating Swag would qualify for Bentick were responsible for ‘One Guyana’Linden Beach Dynamo 2-1 with their goals the final after taking care of the win by the YMCA side Football Championships coming from Naomi Young Gunners 2-0 in a withbothscoringtwice. were decided on Saturday Williams and Patsy Walker quarterfinals game after Jahu Regis and Jona night as a large crowd forthevictory Donovan Francis got both Simmonsnettedthegoalsfor witnessed the quarterfinals Their opponents in the goalsandthenfacingthemin theR9unit. and semifinals among the final are Speightland who the semifinal where the Inanotherresultsfroman men and the semifinals for blasted their way past a result favoured them again earlier match, R9 gained a the females which were hapless Nurses side with bya4-2margin. solid 4-0 victory against played in the compound of National Under20 football Francis got another Kara Kara United as goals the party’s office in player Sheneesa Cornelius double and Colwyn Drakes were scored by Julian Regis, IndustrialAreainLinden. hitting the nets four times as emulatedhimwithtwogoals Tasha Reich, Andre Mayers At the conclusion of Kyandi Smith got a brace, also for the Swag men. The andJonaSimmons. those clashes YMCA and with Danacia Williams, goals for Young Gunners On Saturday the finals Swag will contest the men’s Nikita Wayne and Lakeisha were registered by Devante will be contested at the finalandSuperstarsgirlswill Pearson getting the other Tappin. compound of the PPP/C m a t c h s k i l l s w i t h goals.

YMCA pulled out the Office in Mackenzie, Speightland for the women’s For the Nurses their stopsandwon5-3againstR9 Linden.

Donovan Francis of Swag

Brandon King hundred seals comfortable West Indies chase

- Keemo Paul three-for helps limit UAE,

were led by teenager Ali Naseer’s debut fifty

ESPNcricinfo - Aclassy untroubledchasingintesting West Indies started the 112 from Brandon King and conditions, on a pitch chase on a brisk note with a three wicket-haul from offering turn and uneven five runs an over and Keemo Paul powered West bounce. The win comes as a maintained the run rate Indies to a resounding boost to West Indies as they throughout their innings victory as they chased down prepare for the ODI World Though it was not a difficult 203 with 88 balls to spare Cup Qualifier later this target on paper, West Indies against UAE, in the first of monthinZimbabwe. had to play on a tough pitch the three-match ODIs in King’s maiden ODI in humid conditions. After sultry Sharjah yesterday hundred came off 107 losingJohnsonCharlesearly

While Paul was playing an deliveries and he also for 24, Brooks played a ODI after almost a year, stitched a crucial 91-run supporting role with his 44 King marked his promotion match-defining stand for the off 58 deliveries. Left-arm to vice-captaincy with a secondwicketwithShamarh spinner Aayan Khan was m a t c h - w i n n i n g Brooks to crush UAE able to keep West Indies at sixes off Meiyappan in the The stand was broken when 200-mark Naseer, 19, performance. Highlights of his innings bay for some time, but it 36th over to seal the deal for Rameez had to retire hurt in showed determination with

Kicking off a new era for includedhisthreecleansixes wasn’t enough to stop King. hisside. the 12th over following a little support from the other West Indies under new against legspinner Karthik With Keacy Carty, he put on DebutantAli Naseer’s blow on his helmet off end and went after the left- captain Shai Hope and new Meiyyappan in the 34th over 54 runs with 47 of those runs fifty steers UAE to 202 Odean Smith’s bowling arm spinner Hodge, head coach Daren Sammy, oftheinnings.Overall,hehit comingoffhisbat.

Afightingfiftyfromteen Aravind hit a few elegant hammering two sixes in the the visitors looked 12foursandfoursixes. Hopehittwoconsecutive debutant Ali Naseer helped cover drives and put on 44 41st over, one over UAEput202onboardaftera runs with Asif Khan for the midwicket and another - a collapseinthemiddleorder fourth wicket before being slog sweep over wide long-

Winning the toss and dismissed by legspinner on en route his half-century opting to bat, UAE lost both Yannic Cariah when he Smith, Drakes and Hodge openers inside the first three nicked the ball to the then kept him quiet for a few overs. wicketkeeper. He also overs before Naseer holed

Paul struck in his second became UAE’s highest run- out to long-off - Paul’s slow ball when he bowled the getter in ODIs with this offcutter from outside off home captain Muhammad knock. stumpdoingthetrick. Waseemforaduck.Left-arm From 100 for 2, UAE His 52-ball 58 knock pace bowler Dominic suffered a collapse of four consisted of five fours and Drakes, who made his West wickets for 29 runs. This twosixes. Indies debut alongside spin included the wicket of For West Indies, Drakes, allrounder Kavem Hodge Rameez, who returned to bat Smith, and Cariah ended yesterday, then picked up his after retiring hurt. Cariah with two each and Roston first ODI wicket by breaking was tough to score off in the Chasetookone. through the defence of middle overs and conceded Scores: United Arab Aryansh Sharma in his just 26 runs in his seven Emirates 202 all out (Naseer secondover overs UAE, though, 58, Aravind 40, Paul 3-34, Vriitya Aravind took his bounced back in the final Drakes 2-29, Cariah 2-26, time but stabilised the phase of the innings, Smith 2-40) vs West Indies innings with a 70-ball 40, courtesyofNaseer 206 for 3 (King 112, Brooks assembling a partnership of Coming in at No. 7, the 44) beat UAE 202 (Naseer 31 off 54 with Rameez left-hand batter provided the 52, Paul 3-34) by seven Shahzadforthethirdwicket. late push needed to cross the wickets.

IsraelshocksBraziltoreach

U20WorldCupsemifinals, ItalyoutsColombia

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) fourminuteslater

Israel shocked favorite Brazil 3-2 and Matheus Nascimento made it 2-1 for advanced to the semifinals of the Under-20 Brazil in the first minute of extra time, but WorldCupinSanJuanonSaturday Hamza Shibi scored Israel’s second two

The tense encounter featured extra-time minuteslaterfromcloserange. goalsandtwopenaltyshotswastedbyIsrael, Dor David Turgeman scored the winner whichwillfaceUruguayortheUnitedStates in injury time of the first half of extra time inthesemifinals. after dribbling past two Brazilian defenders

Italy also reached the last four in the in the penalty box. “What an amazing goal,” tournament in Argentina with a 3-1 win said Israel’s Tay Abed. “It was a Brazilianagainst Colombia. Its next rival will be the style goal. That’s what Dor Turgeman can winner of the match between Nigeria and do. He’s a fantastic player He’s been one of SouthKoreayesterday thebestplayersinthistournament.”

After a scoreless first half, Marcos Israel squandered two penalty kicks in Leonardo netted first for Brazil and Israel thesecondhalfofextratime,whichdrewout equalized with a header by Anan Khalaili thedramatofulltime.

who

Keemo Paul and Odean Smith took five wickets between each other.(Emirates Cricket Board)

Peterson-Griffith set for the World Classic Open

Powerlifting C/Ships

- Promises to make Guyana proud

Currently, Guyana’s most nation but more so as an individual Guyana. We also know that his accomplished strongman, Carlos who has always been willing to performances continue to be an Peterson-Griffith, is set to represent pursue greatness And besides inspiration to young and upcoming theGoldenArrowheadatwhatwillbe pursuinggreatness,Imustsaythaton athletes. The powerlifting fraternity, the biggest annual World Classic this journey, it’s not all about me, but and by extension, Guyana, stands Open Powerlifting Championships more so about the people who have with Carlos and will be repping for slatedforJune11–18,nextinMalta. encouraged me, taught me, and himwhilstinMalta.”

Guyana will be one of the 65 continue to teach me and support me The Federation would like to nations present at these throughout I will endeavor to express profound gratitude to the championships, with over 400 lifters, continue doing my best to make all Honourable Minister of Culture, 37 referees, and 257 other officials, proud.” Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson makingitthelargestandmostdiverse He notes that training has been Jr., the National Sports Commission, participation in any Open Classic great, and it’s time to showcase to the and the Guyana OlympicAssociation WorldChampionshipever world and his home country what he for supporting Peterson-Griffith’s

Peterson-Griffith will be battling iscapableof. participationatthesechampionships. the best in the world in the 93kg class GAPLF President Franklin

The athlete is also expressing and has been preparing for this Wilson commented that he has been gratitudetoFitnessExpress,Superior championship for quite some time. following Peterson-Griffith’s rise in Concrete, MVP Sports, Space Gym, The President, Executive, and the sport for years and, now at the and a few other individuals who have Members of the Guyana Amateur helm of the body, is privileged to be allcontributed.

Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) supporting the athlete at a different “I would also like to thank the would like to wish this marquee level. Guyana Amateur Powerlifting athletethebestinMalta.

“As a Federation, we are well Federation for making it possible for

Peterson-Griffith noted that it is a aware of the passion and dedication me to make this journey to compete greatpleasureandjourneyonceagain that Carlos brings to the platform. He formycountry Thankyouall.” to be representing Guyana at the is devoted to the sport and always Peterson-Griffith is set to wing highestlevelofthesportthatheloves. strivestobethebest.Welookforward out on Sunday and will be competing

“Not just for carrying the entire to him doing well for himself and onJune14.

Marques, Abiola Jackman and Dharry shine at Return of the Scorpion C/ship

In front of a crammed Gymnasium crowd, defeating Ronald Ramos from in the final round, winning the fight by arena, fans were treated to an Colombia by way of a unanimous way of Technical Knockout (TKO) in electrifying fight night at the Return of decision. hisSuperbantamweightclash. the Scorpion International Pro-Am However, both boxers went at each Early on, in the first two amateur Boxing Championship, which other for the first two rounds of the bouts, Gladston Winter and Keyon concluded on Saturday evening at the eight-round Bantamweight match up, Britton from the Vergenoegen Boxing National Gymnasium on Mandela but Dharry took control in the third Gym recorded the first victories of the Avenue. The Briso Promotions ProAm round, landing a favourable amount of evening Britton defeated Curtis cardfeaturedfourintenseamateurbouts straight-jabs and body-shots, while McDonald one minute and fifteen and five relentless professional bouts searchingforhisformidableright-hook. seconds into the third round as that left the hundreds in attendance on The weary Colombian was held against McDonald abandoned the match. The the edge of their seats throughout the the ropes by the fists of “the bully” atmospherewassetwithanelectricstart event. Dharry at regular intervals. The battle as the crowd rallied behind their

To kick off this spectacular fight was intense but Dharry’s strength and favourite fighters, setting the stage for night, filled with raw passion, precision punching led him to a thenight’sexcitement. determinationanddesires,EltonDharry comfortablewinovertheColombian. Next up, Joel Hinds met with headlined Saturday evening’s slugfest. Meanwhile,his co-headlinerDexter Kenroy Hamilton, Hamilton winning The moment Dharry stepped into the “DKid”Marqueswasimpressivewitha the contest by way of unanimous ring, the atmosphere reached a fever convincing victory over Luis Carrillo. decision, a fight which paved the way pitch, with an ocean of passionate fans Marques, who had trained relentlessly for an exciting showdown between waving banners and chanting his name. ahead of the contest, proved his world-ranked Alesha Jackman and Thehomeadvantagewasimpeccableas superiorityoverhisopponent,ashekept Jamaica’s boxing queen, Britney the crowd united to support their local the vocal crowd on their feet; battering Macfarlane. Jackman and Macfarlane warrior Dharry did not disappoint, the slower Colombian through the first startedslow,bothfighterswerevery putting on a remarkable show for the sevenrounds.‘DKid’closedthecontest (Continued on page 19)

Carlos Peterson-Griffith (right) and Romeo Hunter who is preparing for Junior Worlds August-September

Alesha Jackman (left) in battle with Jamaican Britney Macfarlane

Venezuela’s Darianis Garcia (left) with Natalya Delgado from Panama City

Abiola Jackman (right) celebrates her victory against Trinidad’s Lee ann Boodram (left)