Kaieteur News

Guyana’s contract with Exxon must be described as theft; would not have happened in USA-ProfessorPLO Lumumba

Given his understanding of the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between GuyanaandanExxonMobilled consortium, Kenyan LawyerandAnti-Corruption Legend, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba believes the deal can only be described as “theft.”

Professor Lumumba made the foregoing comment during an appearance on the Glenn

LallShow

There he was asked about politicians’ constant use of the principle “sanctity of contract” to avoid renegotiating the Stabroek Block deal Professor Lumumba was quick to note that the law must not be used in such a manner that it legitimizes theillegitimate Professor Lumumba said, “…It is improper to have a contract which legitimizestheftandIhave

some idea of the contract that the Government of Guyana has entered into with Exxon Mobil; it is theft and it must be describedastheft.”

The lawyer said it is incumbent upon the people of Guyana to invoke the jurisdiction of their courts and if they cannot, they can turn to the jurisdiction of other international tribunals to ensure that such an unfavorable contract is nullified.

ProfessorLumumbasaid in America, the home of ExxonMobil,suchacontract would not have been allowed.

“ and what must therefore happen is that the government and your Parliament must come out clearly, and the people of civic organizations in Guyana must come out and send a clear message to ExxonMobil. If it cannot be done in Guyana, you must also get attorneys in the

United States ofAmerica to

filesuitsintheUnitedStates so that you enter into an arrangement that makes sense , ” Professor Lumumbaarticulated.

He said if unfavourable contracts are left unchallenged then countries suchasGuyanaareatriskof fallingintothesamestateof plunder as Nigeria, Gabon, andAngola.

The lawyer warned that companies, particularly those in the oil sector, and because they monopolize technology, they do not care about the impacts of their exploitation.

“They don’t have a conscience.Theyarethereto rape and rape and they must be stopped by clear and unequivocal voices, ” Professor Lumumba said while noting that politicians cannot be relied upon to serve in the best interest of the people. Falling prey to such a belief he said, would leave generations upon generations to suffer under the diabolical machinations ofmultinationals.

The 2016 Stabroek BlockPSAhasfacedyearsof criticisms since its release

intothepublicdomain.Ithas been described as being highly unfavourable to the peopleofGuyana.

In the absence of ringfencing provisions for example, billions of US dollars in costs associated withfuturedevelopmentand exploration projects in the block are charged against profits of producing projects. This would have been avoided had those contractual provisions been implemented.

There is also a mere two percent royalty and a taxfree ride for ExxonMobil Corporation’s affiliates and partners.

ThePSAalsohasseveral loopholes which allow for expenses in the block to be incurred over budget and w i t h o u t n e e d f o r government’sapproval. Despite the wave of criticisms and even its own members calling the contract, the worst on the planet, government has refused to renegotiate the deal.Ithasarguedthatdoing sowouldkillthemomentum of the industry and open the administration to a wave of lawsuits.

Professor PLO Lumumba

Oil rich Guyana borrows six times more than last year

...nationaldebttoclimbby$79Bcomparedto2022

Although Guyana has been repeatedly advised to keep watch on its ballooning public debt, even as it increases oil production, the Government of Guyana (GoG)believesithasthecapacitytotakeon moreloans,thankstothethrivingoilandgas sector

With a tripling of the country’s Gross DomesticProduct(GDP)overthepastthree years, thanks to oil productioncommencing in 2019- the leaders are on routetoborrowsixtimestheamountittook in 2022 to fund projects in its national Budget.

This information is clearly outlined in thisyear’sBudgetdocuments.VolumeOne oftheEstimatesindicatethatthelatestloan estimates in 2022 was $14,968,838. This year, government plans to borrow a whopping$94,080,000.Thisamountstoan increase of $79,111,162. It also means that the country’s loans this year to finance capitalexpenditureissixtimesgreaterthan thepreviousyear

Kaieteur News understands that there are 11 creditors the GoG will be engaged with for financing. The list of creditors include the: Inter-American Development Bank(IDB),CaribbeanDevelopmentBank (CDB), International Fund forAgricultural Development (IFAD), India, China, International Development Association (IDA),CaricomDevelopmentFund(CDF),

Islamic Development Fund (IsDB), United Kingdom, United States of America and SaudiArabia.

While some of the loans have already been approved and signed, there are loans thatarestillpendingapproval.Forinstance, the loan agreements from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were inked on Monday, however government’s application to the US Bank for the Gas-to-Energy project is stillpending.

Additionally, it was reported last week thattheGoGsignedanotherloanagreement withQatartoextendtheSchoonordtoCrane four-lane road to Parika.This loan was not mentionedinthisyear’sBudgetEstimates.

The 2023 Budget was approved in the National Assembly on February 2, to the tune of $781.9 billion. The Ministry of Finance said that a total of US$1.002 billion- approximately GYD$200 billionfrom the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) or the oil account will go towards this year’s Budget.

Meanwhile, Budget 2023 indicates that some $9.8 billion in grants from 10 institutions and countries were expected to provide support to Guyana as well. These includetheCDB,IDB,Japan,WorldBank, China, IFAD, Kuwait, CDF, Global Fund andGermany

Oil-richGuyanaisamongfivecountries

Continued on page 25

Table in the Ministry of Finance Budget document, depicting the loans Guyana will be adding this year as well as the country’s previous two-year history.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

CHANGING TUNE

Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, the lead manager of this nation’s oil wealth, is a study in the crafty worldoftheatrics.TheVicePresidenthassooftenchanged his tune about renegotiating the ExxonMobil oil contract that he is now a combination of Mohamed Rafi, Sundar Popo, Lata Mangeshkar, and Beyonce, all rolled into one. When the Vice President should take a position, hold the line, and say this is where everything stands, he is like a wave-upanddown,andallaround.

A former President should have the self-respect, the thoughtfulness, to not do this to himself, to represent his people better, all those who trust him so much. A Vice President who is in charge of a country’s riches cannot be this wishy-washy, so cleverly creative, engage in such contortions of himself. No oil minister, which Jagdeo is, should go to the lengths that he does to evade taking any action that has to do with renegotiating the 2016 ExxonMobil oil contract that the company dumped upon thiscountry,andwhichnowrubsthenoseofGuyaneseinto theground.

He has been a fine example of verbal innovations that weighdownthepeopleofthiscountrywithgreatinjustices. First, he came up with the sacred power of sanctity of contract,whichmeansthatnoapproachthatwoulddareto touch the ExxonMobil must ever surface. Suddenly, Bharrat Jagdeo has found religion, is a true believer about what is sacred, what should stay in that immaculate state. Thisisamazingfromsomeonewhosevocabularyneverheld wordslikesanctityandsacredinit. Itisbecomingcrystal clear in the skills and strengths that the Vice President deploystoshieldExxonMobilanditsprofits,andhowmuch he exposes his own Guyanese, and contributes to their ongoingimpoverishment.

When sanctity of contract ran into turbulence, Jagdeo regrouped and came up with another gem that he thought was so glittering it would blind Guyanese, and drive fear into them. It was that if the ExxonMobil oil contract is changed,foreigninvestorswouldgetasskittishasahorse, andboltfortheexits;orthosethatwerethinkingofcoming would change their minds, and sit on their money The realityisthatsavvyinvestorswouldhaveheardallthenoise coming out of Guyana about the one-sided nature of the contractandfactoredtheprobabilityofitbeingchangedinto theirriskmatrix.Theywouldhavealsoheardthecriticisms andcautionsofforeignexpertsandpeopleinreputablethink tanks,andfoundaplaceforthoseintheirownconcernsand considerations.

Withthatbeingsaid,foreigninvestors,whetheralready hereorpotential,wouldstillconcludethatGuyanaisagreat place to put their money, and among the safest of bets, so richandsureitsprospectsare.So,whenJagdeodigsdeep, andcomesupwiththeseproductions,allhedoesisdeliver another dud, a loser of low standing. This is another revelation of how hard the Vice President labours against going anywhere near the ExxonMobil contract, and doing somethingaboutit.

WhenhefailedtoscareGuyaneseaboutwhatsensitive, andmuch-needed,investorswoulddo,hechangedhistune, and composed a new song. His newest symphony is that changingtheExxonMobilcontract,eventouchingit,would destroythemomentuminplace.Ifanon-Guyanesehadsaid this,onewouldunderstand.Ifitwassomeonewhoispoorat readingandwritingandisoutoftouchwithreallife,there couldbesomesympathy ButJagdeoisneither,andknows betterthantoengageinthedistortionsthatdigadeeperhole for himself, that inspire ExxonMobil to assault Guyanese with more economic brutalities, and that leave hopeful citizensindisgustanddespair

JagdeowastheOppositionLeaderwhocursedthesame oilcontractthathenowcherishes. Jagdeowasthepolitician whosangharsh,bittersongsabouttheExxonMobilcontract that has no place, no standing, among civilized people. Today,BharratJagdeosingsdifferentsongs,histuneshavea sicklysoundaboutthem.HowandwhyisExxonMobilable to bend him six ways to Sunday where this contract is concerned?

Heed Glenn Lall’s suggestion

DEAREDITOR, HatsofftoGlennLallforhisidyllic suggestion that Guyanese should boycott the Local Government Elections and demand change to the lopsided Exxon Contract before voting on June 12. What a brilliant ideasimpleanddirect.

We,thepeopleofGuyana,aretired ofourleaders(bothpresentandpast)lip service and pussy-footing around Exxon. The time is now to let our leaders know “enough is enough” we will no longer tolerate their shenanigans. My fellow Guyanese, if you care about the future of your

DEAREDITOR,

Ireadwithsomesadness thespiritedresponsebyHon. Oneidge Walrond, MP related to the presentation at a United Nations by AttorneysNigelHughesand Darren Wade, dealing with the issue of the PPP Government’s unfair treatmenttoAfroGuyanese.

Ms Walrond, who I believe is a recent inductee, ifnotaproselytéofthePPP, is blissfully unaware of the attitude of the heartland of thePPP

Her efforts to serve are commendable but certainly misguided and myopic. Through this media, I invite thegoodladytocommenton herParty’shistory,justafew ofwhichfollows.

First, Let her say who encouraged the use of the Hindu phrase ‘Apan Jaat,.” which in our circumstances means vote for your own race, so that in the 1957 Elections, a popular figure ontheEastCoastlosthisseat to Balram Singh Rai for no otherreasonofracialvoting, ofwhichthePPPbasedona demography were the beneficiaries.

And as a corollary, there was the other destructive phraseof “ awe pun top.” I am not aware that her Party did anything to subdue the above. In the Post 1961

GeneralElections,whichthe PPPwon, the PPPhad made arrangements to have thousands of Indians from the State of Kerala, the tropical malabar coast of India to be brought to settle inGuyana.

Second, only a stout Opposition prevented this, pointing out that there were similar numbers of West Indians willing to settle in Guyana.

Does this recent PPP supporter - Minister know why the PPP Party did not support Guyana’s being part of the proposed West Indian Federation?

Afterthe1964Elections, Burnham led a crusade to bring previously warring Indo and Afro Guyanese communities together by building self-help schools, health centres and police stations. The PPP activists persuaded the IndoGuyanese supporters to boycott these efforts. The self-help building project wasintendedtoobliteratethe many maginot lines along ourcoastalbelt.

Next, when National Service was introduced, intended among other things,togetGuyanesefrom every region and every ethnic background, to live, buil and work together in a controlled environment, the

country and the future of all Guyana’s children, now is the time put aside our differencesandputastoptothosewho sidewithourenemies.

Remember: An opportunity once lostcanneverberegained.

Regards,

GloriaHolder

PPP hierarchy opposed this national harmonizing project.

Next, when Carifesta, a great success story, the PPP activists worked behind the scenes to keep the IndoGuyanese away but we still had the likes of Nesbit Changurand Prince Nero, Indo-Guyanese singing calypso,aculturalareainthe West Indies dominated by Afros.

I t w a s t h e P P P administration, which argued before the ICJ that there should be ethnic balanceinallofoursecurity forces. This philosophy is today alive and well and Officers responsible for recruitment, I’m reliably informed have been given thisdirective.

Mind you, some of us argued, since in the 60s, if youbelieveethnicbalanceis a solution, it must permeate every strata, where the Government exercises control or influence to land distribution,etc.

The PPP has in this area ignored our history, particularly, the Post Emancipation period, which in essence determined the complexion (no pun intended)ofoursociety The Manumitted Africans showed a greater interest in the public and security

PPP

services, while the majority of Indo-Guyanese showed a preference for agriculture, business and importation of goods These were all voluntarily Attend any of our Remembrance Day Parade celebrating the sacrifices of those who volunteered to fight in the WorldWarandthosemaking up the contingent of the war veterans were the vast majority of Afro-Guyanese. Factnotfiction.

She would observe that with few exceptions, those whovolunteeredtoserveour country were AfroGuyanese.Beyondthatsome of the illustrious, efficient, soldiersandpolicemenwere Indo-Guyanese who emergedafterIndependence. In the military, I think of Major General Joe Singh, a Citizen and soldier par excellence, and a man who has made us all proud of great credit to our Nation. For the Police Force, Commissioner of Police, BalramRagubir I will not burden this letter with many other examples but only two may helptobringthoseconsumed withMs.Walrond’snarrative to their senses. When the Berbice Bridge was proposed,Iexaminedreports thatbecauseofsoil

(Continuedonpage6)

Just some thoughts on oil and gas insurance

DEAREDITOR,

The Supreme Court decision of ‘Collins, Whyte and others v the Attorney General of Guyana’, the Environmental Protection A g e n c y a n d E s s o Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd has many ramifications for local businesses and local content planning The decision, while reaffirming judicial commitment to the environment, is heavily criticised for failing to accountforcertaindeficitsin the legal and fiscal infrastructure governing the oil and gas industry of Guyana. This lacuna of consideration in the decision, essentially is the

primarybasisofthepending appealinthiscase.

The insurance sector of Guyana was historically centered on vehicles, home, fire, cargo and merchandise protection.

Withthediscoveryofoil and gas of commercial quantity in 2015, this industrywaspoisedtoplaya vital role in the provision of indemnityofdifferentclass.

Seven years later, and in the advent of a local content regime, the insurance sector isstillreliantonaregulatory framework promulgated since 1998, when bauxite, gold, timber and sugar were a m o n g t h e m a i n commoditiesoftrade.

The total insurance bill

for the entirety of the Stabroek Block productive areas is said to be US$900 million.

The problem faced by Guyana is that the local insurancecompaniesandthe legalframeworkarenotable to provide the standard of service of the world’s leading players in this field toExxonMobil,whichis,the world’s largest traded international O&G company The insurance market for oil and gas indemnity is dominated by big players such as AIG, Travelers, Zurich, Allianz, ChubbandLibertyMutual.

Theinternalstandardsby which such companies manage insurance contracts

and claims, are far ahead of the extant Insurance laws applicableinGuyana.

Fifty-six pages of legal analysis and reasoning, led to what can be considered a sound decision of the Hon. Mr Justice Kissoon; and arguablyisaheadofitstime.

Notably, key players in Guyana, together with the country’s fiscal and legal frameworks are not in sync with the reality and commercial demands of the terms of the Stabroek Agreement, and the instant legal instrument issued pursuantthereto.

KevinMorgan FormerLawyer PetroleumProgramme GovernmentofGuyana

Ms. Walrond is blissfully unaware of the attitude of the heartland of the

Rohee toAlexander:You are wrong

DEAREDITOR, Commissioner Vincent Alexander’s claim that GECOM disenfranchised some 900 or 10 per cent of Disciplined Services’ memberswhowerequalified to vote on June 2, ‘because their names were not on the list’is mystifying to say the least.

C o m m i s s i o n e r Alexander’s claim was probably meant to; 1) denigrate the hard work put in by senior technical managers and supporting staff at the Secretariat in readiness for June 2; 2)discreditmonthsofcareful planning and preparation at theleveloftheCommission; and 3)generate discontent andsowdistrustamongstthe ranks of the Disciplined Services as regards the electoral process in Guyana under the PPP/C and the current leadership at GECOM.

C o m m i s s i o n e r Alexander’s false flag is not onlyhighlyirresponsibleitis fraught with consequential implicationsconsideringthe potential political and legal ramifications, and the effect itcanhaveatatimelikethis, when the nation is still making efforts to avoid any backsliding reminiscent of the difficult period the country experienced during the March to August 2020 period. Fortunately for the good of the country and the populace in general, such claims do not gain traction. The APNU has such a discredited track record when it comes to elections that, notwithstanding its attempts to be a ‘born again champion’ of free and fair elections, those who take themseriouslywouldnotbe large in number and can be seated comfortably in a 45 seater minibus But that beingsaid,itistheattemptto instill a sense of distrust in the electoral system within theDisciplinedServicesand to undermine the efforts of the current management at GECOM that should be consideredasdangerousand a disingenuous piece of subterfuge.

Long before a date for the holding of LGE ‘23 was announced, it became a favorite pastime of

CommissionerAlexander to accuse GECOM of everything under the sun so much so that he openly expressed his opposition in variouswaystimeandagain, to the holding of local government elections. Take for example, the following unfounded accusations that

made headlines in sections of the media from time to time:

*Alexander accuses GECOM of contriving to appoint a PPP/C preferred candidate;

(S/N5.9.’23)

*Alexander accuses GECOM of spreading propaganda;(S/N30.9.’22)

*Alexander accuses GECOMofbeinglaidback in cross-matching for LGE;(S/N22.6.’22)

Without providing any evidence whatsoever, the long-serving Commissioner came up with the number of 900 ranks belonging to the GDF, GPF and GPS who he wrongly claimed were ‘disenfranchised because their names were not on the list.’

W h a t l i s t w a s Commissioner Alexander talkingabout?Isn’theaware that a list containing the details of army, police and prison service ranks who would vote on June 2, was generated by GECOM in collaboration with the GDF, GOF and GFS while those who would vote on June 12 will remain on the final voters’list enabling them to voteonEday?

C o m m i s s i o n e r

Alexander apparently forgot to remember that first of all, alistofelectorsregisteredas ranksbelongingtotheGDF, GPF and GPS, who are qualified to vote must be extracted from the National Register of Registrants ( NRR)andthatthoseelectors mustberegisteredinspecific LAAs ie; constituencies or municipalities where they reside.

Following that ‘joint tabletopexercise’,GECOM would then prepare sealed envelopes containing a ballot for each rank who would vote at balloting stationsonJune2,2023.The sealedenvelopeswouldhave thenamesofeachrankasper electoral district, as well as

t h e c o n s t i t u e n c y / municipality where the rank was registered If as Commissioner Alexander c l a i m s , G E C O M disenfranchised of 10% or 900 ranks belonging to the Joint Services, then it followsthatGECOM,under t h e A P N U + A F C , disenfranchised791.7orten per cent of the 7,917 ranks whowerequalifiedtovotein the advanced voting for the 2018LGE.

But Alexander’s claim makes no sense because we know that for both the 2018 and 2023 LGE respectively, a substantial number of ranksbelongingtotheGDF, GPF and GPS, did not turn out to vote for advanced voting because they are listed to vote in their respectiveLAAsonJune12.

Iftenpercentofatotalof 7,917 ranks on the 2018 DisciplinedServiceslistwas 791.7,andiftenpercentofa total of 5,979 ranks on the 2023 Disciplined Services listis579.9,thebigquestion is; where did Commissioner Alexander’s 90O come from? Could this be another c a s e o f a f l a w e d mathematical calculation reminiscent of the Appeal Court’sofMarch22,2019?

Lastly, there cannot be any question about ‘what if the person is at an interior location’onJune12sinceall the agencies concerned had workedtogetherandreached understandings as to where eachrankwouldbeonJune2 and June 12 so that they can enjoy their constitutional righttocasttheirvote.

Yoursfaithfully,

ClementJ.Rohee

Aresponse to FarahAli

DEAREDITOR,

I read the letter of Ms. FarahAlitoyournewspaper on27May2023.

May I respond to her concernsaboutthestatusand role of the ‘Guyana Institute of Historical Research’, in theacademicsphere.

It is important that I establishfromthebeginning, thattheroleoftheInstituteis to promote the history of Guyana. The Institute is a partner of the IndoCaribbean Cultural Center, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, the Pan African Movement, and IPADA-G. This year, as we observe the bicentenary the East Coast Demerara rebellion, the Institute has invited presentations on the 1823 Demerara rebellion. Over the years, the Institute has always advertised the annualconference.

We have also contacted, aswellasinvitedindividuals irrespectiveof race,politics, religion and, sexual orientation. Depending on the response, we then identify the chairs, and presenters. I must say that these conferences are organised along the historical events of the period Hence, the observances of the presence of Amerindians, the termination of Indian indentureship, the arrival of the Chinese, have been coveredthroughtheyearsin theconferences.

As yet, there is no response to some of the themes, which we had

advertised.

Therewasnoresponseto the request to organise panels around the following themes:

PANELS

1 Memorializing an eventinhistory

a 1763 Berbice revolution.

b 1823 Demerara rebellion.

c.1853.Thearrivalofthe ChineseinBritishGuiana.

d.1913RoseHalllabour protest.

e. 1953 The suspension of the Waddington constitution

2. The Diasporas: H i s t o r i c a l a n d

Contemporary

a.Twicedeceived.

b.Illegalimmigration.

c.LittleGuyana.

d The Caribbean nationals and colonials and theBritishgovernment.

e.KamlaHarris,Jamaica andModi.

4.ChristianityandIndian immigration

a The Presbyterian church.

b.BerbiceHighSchool.

c.TheLutheranchurch.

d Christian school teacher in the class room, practicing Hindu priest at home.

e. The plantation owner andthereligionoflabourers

7 Main trends in education

a.Educationpolicy

b. Teaching Caribbean historyinapluralsociety

c. Adult education and learning.

d.Futurelearning.

e.Politicsandeducation.

f.Ethnicstudies.

g.Caribbeanstudies

8.Businessandethnicity

a. Plantation economy andbusinesses.

b Portuguese and businesses.

c.YesuPersaud.

d.Theteaplantationsand theIrish.

e.Industrialization.

f History of the oil industryinGuyana.

g. Food and nutrition security

h.Paralleleconomy

i.Cashtransfers

j. Socio economic transformation in Guyana andtheCaribbean.

k. Guyana National CooperativeBank.

9. Politics, trade unions and,Indians.

a.JungBahadurSingh

b.JainarineSingh

c M o h a m m e d AyubeEdun

d.CheddiJagan

e.J.P Latchmansingh.

I do hope that my response to Ms. Farah Ali, willhelptoansweraswellas alleviate her concerns. She is invited to visit the GIHR website to view past c o n f e r e n c e s , http://hazelwoolford wix co m/gihr

Yourssincerely, Mrs.HazelWoolford GIHRRegistrar

Empowering Guyana’sYouth for STEM Success: The Key to a Transformed Nation

DEAREDITOR,

Guyana’s oil and gas industry is flourishing, presenting a unique opportunity for growth and development. However, it is crucial to understand that a nation’s true strength lies in investing in human and social development. In this regard, empowering and engagingtheyouthbecomes paramount The young population of Guyana representsnotjustthefuture butalsothepresent,anditis essential to equip them with the necessary skills and opportunitiestocontributeto t h e c o u n t r y ’ s transformation.

One initiative that is pivotal in empowering Guyana’s youth is STEM Guyana which aims to prepare the next generation of innovators and intellectually curious individuals by combining scientific explorations and cultivating literary skills

Over the past seven years, STEM Guyana has established42learningpods nationwide,bridgingthegap between academics and technology A notable example of their work is the production of the television series “Robin the Robot,” which showcases the integration of innovation, literacy interventions, and the importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). In addition, STEM Guyana trainees are developing AI capabilities and coding skills as Guyana continues progressing, positioning the country for globalengagement.

STEM education is not merely about restoring

literacy and numeracy skills amongtheyouthofGuyana; it is also crucial for national development. In this regard, t h e n a t i o n a l underperformance in core s u b j e c t s s u c h a s Mathematics and English in theCaribbeanExaminations is a reason for concern.

Despite an increase in the number of subjects students choose to take at CXC over the past decade, 80% of Guyanese youths need help withMathandEnglish.This underminesthepotentialofa fully functional labor force. Furthermore, this lack of foundational literacies excludesjobopportunitiesin theoilandgaseconomyand beyond Innovative educational approaches to national development are crucial for transforming the nation The Math and Englishcompetencycrisisis anopportunitythatallowsus to take a proactive approach to stimulate educational reform and innovation. By focusing on curriculum redesign, teacher training, technology integration, collaborative learning, and communitypartnerships,we canworktowardsimproving students’ math and English skillsandpreparingthemfor success in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Cardinal Warde, leader of the Caribbean Science Foundation, has often highlighted two significant o b s t a c l e s t o commercializing science and technology for economic development in Caribbean countries. First, he points to the inadequate cultural emphasis on “engineering” within the

region and a lack of c o m p r e h e n s i v e understanding and appreciation for the mathematics curriculum required for most engineers. Tobeprecise,thecurriculum for aspiring engineers must encompass essential subjects such as singlevariable and multi-variable calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, vector calculus, probability theory, statistics, and functions of complex variables.Thismustbebuilt on a strong Primary and Secondary curricular foundation Furthermore, incorporating computer programming is crucial as modern engineers and scientists extensively employ this tool to model and simulate the problems theyaimtosolve.Wardehas emphasized the importance of nurturing such expertise to foster technological development and economic growth in the Caribbean region Unfortunately, students who struggle with mathematics will find it challenging to pursue careers in engineering, computer science, and computer engineering. The implications of a 20% success rate for Guyanese youth in mathematics are clear Inthe2023budget,the government has allocated

$94.4billiontotheeducation sector, reflecting the infusion of oil and gas proceeds back into supporting the local economy, which is almost a 30%increasefromthe$72.8 billion allocation in 2022.The budget laudably d e m o n s t r a t e s t h e government’s commitment to expanding access to education for all citizens, including universal primary and secondary education, increased access to tertiary education, technical and vocational education, and enhancing overall educational quality R e c o g n i s i n g t h e significance of curriculum reform in delivering highquality education, the government must also be commended for developing new curricula for nursery and primary levels. These curricula are expected to be rolled out in 2023, accompanied by training programs to facilitate effectiveimplementation. We must prioritize transformative educational investmentstodaytocreatea modern, world-class education system that provides improved access, quality, and relevance

Investing in STEM education equips young learners with the necessary skills, knowledge, and

mindset to excel in fields related to the oil and gas industry and other STEM

disciplines STEM education cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills, essential for addressing complex challenges in the energy sector and beyond.

By engaging students in hands-on activities, projectbased learning, and realworld applications, STEM education inspires curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning. It also fosters collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills, preparing students to thrive intheglobalworkforce.

Initiatives like STEM Guyana provide platforms foryounglearnerstoexplore STEM fields and participate in robotics competitions, coding camps, and other STEM-focused activities These initiatives expose students to the practical applications of STEM and promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities in STEM education Transformative educational investments must also address access issues, ensuring all students have equal opportunities for quality education regardless of their background or location This can be a c h i e v e d t h r o u g h educational infrastructure

development, providing necessary resources and technology, and supporting teachers with professional developmentandtraining.

Additionally, it is essential to emphasize the relevance of education by connecting it to the needs and opportunities of the oil and gas industry This will necessitate collaboration between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to align curriculum and training programs with industry requirements Doingsowillcreateaskilled workforce ready to contribute to Guyana’s sustainable development and economic growth. By investing in STEM education, improving access, quality, and relevance, and promoting transformative educational initiatives like STEM Guyana, we can empower the youth of Guyana to become active participants in the nation’s sustainable development This will advance Guyana’s human capital and foster economic and social growth, positioning Guyana as a global leader in the oil and gasindustryandbeyond.

Regards, Dr Terrence Blackman andDr CarolynWalcott

Frompage4 conditions, less ferocity of the tide and a shorter distance that the bridge shouldbeconstructedonthe eastfromeitherStanleytown orRotterdamtoIthacatothe west.Allbeingcommunities where Afro-Guyanese settled.Whywas thissound engineering and economic

proposalignored?

R e c e n t l y , t h e Government announced the building of a State-of-theArt Hospital at Bath Settlement, even though there is one at Fort Wellington that could be expandedorrebuilt.

When the likes of the good lady speak and write,

theyshouldonlyclingtothe truth and context of our history

Inapluralsocietyagood government must deal with persons based on their competence and trustworthiness , not ignoring thosewhosufferedthemost.

I can remind the good MP about two things which

wouldhelpher What the Hon.Minister should recognize that the Statements by Attorneys Nigel Hughes and Darren Waderepresenttheconcerns of the majority of AfroGuyanese. Recall, no less a person than Dr Cheddi B. Jagan once said that AfroGuyanese are at the bottom of the ladder. Minister Walrondshouldseektohave her Government address these concerns, real or perceived she might think, instead of her verbal assault on concerned patriots. My further advice to the good ladyistodowhatshecan,if she can, to make a reality of her National Motto – “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”andperhapsremind herofourPre-Independence Motto “honi soit qui mal y pense.” taken from the MottooftheBritishchivalric OrderoftheGarter HamiltonGreen Elder

Ms. Walrond is blissfully unaware of the...

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WHY AREN’T THE REAL CRIMINALS BEING PUT BEHIND BARS?

The 15-year-old girl who allegedly set ablaze the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory killing 20 children has been charged with 20 counts of murder.

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What about those ministers and other state officials who were responsible for the safety of those children?

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When would we see them in handcuffs?

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There is also no justice for the rest of the country whose God-given resources are being shipped away daily by foreigners under the watchful eyes of our leaders in Government and Opposition.

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When will the rest of Guyana get justice for this daily rape of country?

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ActionInvest launches internationally recognized diploma to boost tourism product

...as Guyana records highest passengers in-bound for March in 10 years

Guyana’s tourism product has been struggling over the years due the unavailability of training programs to aid in boosting the service provided by hotels, lodges and restaurants, among others. With the advent of oil and gasthe“timeisnow”forthe countrytoupitsgame.

Thischargewasgivenby Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond at the launch of a new one-year diploma programme that seeks to upskill the local serviceprovidersinGuyana, to create a memorable experience for visitors and evenlocals.

She was keen to note during her address that visitorstoGuyanahavebeen increasing, with the country recordingitshighestnumber

of in-bound passengers in month of March this year

While analyzing the March figuresforthepastyears,the

Ministerrevealed,“Wehave seen the highest figures for March visitors’ arrival in 2023- the highest we have

everseenin10years.”

The diploma program was launched yesterday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel by ActionInvest Caribbean Inc (ACI) The learning institution has teamed up with the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality ( C T H ) , a B r i t i s h organization which offers vocational qualifications for the hospitality, culinary and tourism industries, worldwide.

It is understood that this program will provide students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic hospitality and tourismindustry

The CTH training will provide not only technical skills but other work-related skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, s e l f - r e g u l a t i o n , communicationanddecision making.

At the end of the oneyear programme, students willbegivenanopportunity to continue their education for a Bachelor’s Degree, or can join the work environment.

Chairman of ACI, Dr Vishnu Doerga while delivering remarks underscored the importance of the programme He explained that with the oil sector rapidly expanding it

has attracted more businesseshere,creatingthe need for recreational facilities. In addition, Dr DoerganotedthatGuyanese too are now looking to experience their country as well.

As such, he said, “We want to make sure that we present our tourism product in such a way that they can leave with really fond memories and then they becomeambassadorsaswell for everything that we have toprovidehereinGuyana.”

ActionInvestisnowinits 10th year of providing business education and has now extended and upgraded its standards to those requiredbytheInternational AccreditationCouncil.

In an interview with this newspaper,heexplainedthat the programme is pegged at US$2,500 for the complete course. The diploma programmewillbeofferedat ACI’s McDoom, East Bank Demeraraoffice.

It will not be held virtually as the trainers will engage in a hands-on experience on managing hotels, etcetera There is presently only one training location but requests have alreadybeenmadeforittobe expanded to Bartica and Region Nine The ACI Chairmansaidtheremustbe

at least groups of 25 for the programmetobefeasible.

Interested persons must have passes from the Caribbean Secondary Education Council (CSEC). However, persons that did notpassMathorEnglishwill still be given an opportunity toparticipate.

Dr Doerga explained, “This is mainly for middle management, so the Ministrydoesafantasticjob at running trainings for bartenders,forwaitressesbutat the moment in the market there is nothing much that requires them to do a degree.”

He noted that the diploma programme will target the middle managers in the organization where veryoftenthetrainingatthis level becomes responsible for the poor product presentedatthesefacilities.

“If people haven’t been trained on how to run a tourism entity you can have the best bar-tenders and the bestwaitressesbutiftheyare not managed well you don’t get the performance out of them so that is why we are doing these courses,” he pointedout.

Before completing their diploma, students will be required to complete an internship at tourism and hospitality businesses During yesterday’s program launch, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Guyana Tourism Authority and the RamadaandMarriottHotels for these businesses to provide the required internship.

There are also a number of other tourism and hospitality businesses that haveanexpressedinterestin retainingthestudents.

Chairman of ActionInvest Caribbean Inc, Dr. Vishnu Doerga (second from left) with Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond along with other stakeholders from the tourism industry during the launch of the diploma programme yesterday. (Photo credit: Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce)

GUYANA IS ALREADY SUFFERING FROM THE RESOURCE CURSE

As expected, the Private Sector Commission (PSC)cameoutwithabatin hand for the government. In its most recent statement, concerning the judgment in the case of Collins & White v s E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection Agency, the PSC said that is profoundly concerned over the controversy surrounding the matter

While the PSC did not state specifically where it stood on the judgment it is notdifficulttohazardaguess as to which side it supports. ThePSCwasneverexpected to have joined the chorus of i n d i v i d u a l s a n d organizations that have hailedthejudgment.

The PSC is an interested party in this controversy ExxonMobil is a corporate memberofthePrivateSector Commissionanditwastobe expectedthatthePSCshould have declared this interest when making this recent statement.

ThePSCoptedtosaythat it wants the legal issues clarified and an amicable settlement The two are mutually exclusive The clarification of the legal issues can only mean one of two things: either the oil companies have to provide fullindemnityintheeventof an oil spill or the existing status quo will prevail. In such circumstances, there can be no amicable settlement. This is a clear case of either the citizens of

Guyana winning or they losing.

The PSC then was reported as asking all Guyanese to give serious consideration to where Guyana is today in terms of infrastructure and t r a n s f o r m a t i v e developments. The PSC is tryingtolinktheseso-called t r a n s f o r m a t i v e developments to the oil and gassector

It needs to be reminded thatoilmoneyisnotadriver of infrastructural investments, at least not as yet.

Themajorinfrastructural investments including the bridge across the Demerara River and the gas-to-shore project will involve Guyana borrowing money And the bypass roads were being planned and executed long before the first drawdown from the Natural Resource Fund.

The Bank of China had proposed to lend US$172M to help finance the bridge. Thatarrangementappearsto have been either shelved or adjusted with the governmentannouncingthat ithasenteredintoafinancing arrangement for the bridge. The onshore infrastructure, we are told, is likely to be financed by the American ExximBank.

Oil revenues have not been transformative as yet. Guyana is on a borrowing spree to finance roads, hospitals and other projects. The revenues have not yet

Dem Boys Seh...

filtereddowntothepoor,and even small businesses cannot boast about a bonanza. It is a handful of companies whose principals belong to the bourgeois class,bothlocalandforeign, that are reaping the hog’s share of the procurement of goodsandservicesfortheoil sector.

The PSC should be ashamed to be mentioning the billions that are being spent by Exxon in the local economy

Thebulkofthespending is going to a handful of foreign multi-nationals who secured contracts before local content legislation This column did a piece on thisissueshowingwherethe largecontractswent.

The PSC cannot be myopic It needs to appreciate also that the absenceofadepletionpolicy is creating a nightmare for thiscountry

Inthiscontext,itistheoil companies that are dictating the pace of exploration and production, and Guyana is granting approvals for the field development plans without considering the implications for the c o u n t r y ’s l i m i t e d infrastructure.

Guyana’sportsandroad network are much too small and non-modern to effectively service this burgeoning oil and gas sector Andthisiswhythere is such a mad scramble for riverside and ocean-front lands. And this is why so

The land that almost had it all!

There is land just off de Atlantic. This land was bestowed with bountiful natural resources, from shimmering oil reserves to precious minerals hidden deep beneath its fertile soil It has bauxite and vast agricultural lands. It should have been the jewel of the sea. Yet, despite its abundant wealth, the people of this land found themselves trapped in the clutches of poverty

Now, you may wonder how such a paradoxical situation could occur Well, let meenlightenyou.Inthisland,literacyrates weresky-high,asalmosteverycitizencould read and write. Oh, what a joy it must have been to have such an educated population! But the sad reality was that even with their impressiveliteracy,onlyhalfofthestudents managed to pass their school-leaving examinations. It was as if the exams were designed to baffle and confuse, a neverendingriddle.

To make matters worse, the land was cursed with a peculiar breed of leaders. These leaders, if you could even call them that, were like puppeteers who relished in

pitting the good-hearted citizens against eachother Theywouldwavetheirrhetorical swords, spewing venomous words that fueled divisions and stoked the fires of hatred. While the people suffered, these leaders basked in the glory of their twisted games,oblivioustotherealissuesplaguing theland.

Oh, what a tragic comedy it was to behold! A land so full of potential, yet crippled by its own contradictions. The people, with their kindness and resilience, yearned for a brighter future, while the leaders, with their short sightedness and self-interest,dancedonthecrumblingstage oftheirownmaking.

Andso,dearreader,wearelefttoponder thefateofthislandacrosstheAtlantic.Will its people rise above the folly of their leaders? Will they harness their collective strength and unlock the treasures hidden within their grasp? Only time will tell, but onethingisforcertain:thislandwillforever be a captivating tale of irony and missed opportunities Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

manytrucksareonourroads and creating havoc Guyana’s internal economy cannotcopewiththepaceof the development of the oil and gas sector And this is why the roads are being destroyed and people are spending hours in traffic eachday.

There is a terrible cost which has to be borne for these effects. The cost of fixing the infrastructure, looking after people’s health, and loss of productive hours is going to exceed what is being earned fromoil.

The Private Sector

Commission, therefore, needs to see the bigger picture. Oil is becoming a curse on this nation. But don’t rely only on the opinion of this column Recall what a Jamaican academicsaid.

He said Guyana is not going to go anywhere. He predicts Guyana will become a victim of the oil curse because of the weakness of its institutions. But it is not only the weaknessofourinstitutions, it is also the fact that our economy and infrastructure aremuchtoolimitedtocope with the oil sector’s rapid

paceofdevelopment.

And unfortunately, our financial gurus do not know better

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

BYGHKLALL

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP: PARROTS, PUPPETS, PRIMITIVES

Shame and pain sweep over me in waves. It is the worstsicknessforthepeople of a country, when national leadersacrosstheboard,and without exception, have transformed into the grotesque,thedistorted,and the pitiful right before the eyes. By their own hands, through their own words, they have mutated into selfmade caricatures and

effigies of themselves. I contend that there is no greater resource curse than what is unfolding in the bright light of day before disaster prone Guyanese, before a laughing world. DisasterproneforGuyanese whonevergetanevenbreak, in the parade of leaders that have lost their grip on reality, distance from where their first duty lies, on what straight talk is about. The

world laughs because it absorbs the circus of national leaders twisting themselvesintobarbedwire, but ending up as limp, soggy, worm-infested noodles.

One leader has lost any vestiges of self-respect that he may have had. The explanations he offers, the excuses he makes, the v a c i l l a t i o n s a n d obfuscations in which he

engages, hold him aloft for thewholeworldtomockand markas contemptible When there are public presentations on issues of substance, at least have the dignity to articulate what possesses some elements of logic, of reason, off fraternity with honesty and reality No man, no leader, could be so lacking in selfregard, so porous and impoverished where principle is concerned, that any bilge, any verbal garbage,canbedelivered,so shamelessly Asassessedby anylistener,anythinker,any follower, what is verbalized inadvocacyissolusciousin the camouflage of vagabondage, so devoid of floorsoftruthandwallsofa profound leadership ethos, that cringing comes from whatcrumblesatthemerest gaze.

Interpretation is not called for, for there is nothingtointerpret. Ifthere isn’t dirty dealing, there is double dealing. When the shortest of straight lines is required, there are oral circles tangled in ovals and spheres.

Spheres of decay, of darkness, of what is diabolically clever So putrid leadership has become, that simple questions, honest opinions, unleashsecretivehenchmen to assassinate the character of women and men found objectionable Ergo, Guyanese live with the ethically derelict, the nationally dilapidated Another leader decided that silence is virtuous, and that absenceanddistancearethe best recommendations in challenging circumstances of the broadest, deepest import. Oneleaderisheard and makes an utter fool of himself, each time he opens hismouth;theotheriswiser,

keeps his mouth closed, since he has nothing of significance to offer Guilt by omission

Then, there is crime by association. This is what the poor, the trusting, the dependent, and the vulnerableofGuyanagetfor their votes. Betrayals by bonding tightly with those who build bastions of prosperity for themselves from the richness of the voters’patrimony Thus,the legacy is squandered, the endowment bartered, becauseofleaderswholack the essential character traits to be of anything that approaches simple, basic honesty When Guyanese were yearning for, and seeking, transformational leadership, this is what resulted There is transformationalleadership, but certainly not of the principled and patriotic kind, and definitely not by the side of citizens, the people who put them where theyareandrelyuponthem tostandontheirbehalf. Itis a repugnance, isn’t it? There all are in the sum of theirsubstances.

Stillanotherleaderatthe national heights can’t find his feet, can’t find what he stands for, can’t find the direction toward which he mustventure,makehisown defining attribute. What have the foreigners done to our brothers? Make no mistake, they are mine, whichiswhyIstillhaveitin me to be concerned about the blinding spectacles they make of themselves. For what, the favor of the covetous foreigner, the rapacious exploiter, the contemptuous divider and arbitratoranddeciderofour destiny? This is what governing and governance have come to in Guyana:

dependentonthecapricesof outsiders, and the calculations of locals Somewhere nearby, there are some people who once hadhopeandsomesmidgen of confidence. Today they start the day with their perennialdisappointments.

I think it is time that we run these racists and corporatesupremacistsback to China and America, and wherever else they come from with a smile on their face and a brace of daggers in their hands. It was Muammar Gaddafi who said, we have existed for thousands of years, and we will manage. Ours have only been for not even a couple of hundred, and already our knees turn to jelly, and our guts are gone.

When our national leadership character turned into ashes, it incinerated kneesandgutsandspineand mindalongwithit. Andthe Guyanesepeople,too.Ifthis is what the national patrimony represents, then grass and leaves and mud possess infinitely greater appealandattraction. What more of the staggeringly stupefying will our leaders deliver to Guyanese?

Crying shame and wounding grievances are now endless in the accursed leadership baseness abounding. Who is not traitorous is treacherous. A hardreckoningisinevitable.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

HARDTRUTHS

Unlicencedmotorcyclistwhocauseddeath ofSophiaschoolgirl,jailedthreeyears

Twenty-two-year-old Glenton

Redmond, an unlicenced motorcyclist, was on Tuesday sentenced to three years in prison for causing the death of Makida Quick,aformerstudentofTucville Secondary School, by dangerous driving.

Redmond, of 1584 ‘E’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was found guilty by Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool at the SparendaamMagistrates’Court.

Redmondhaddeniedthecharge which stated on April, 10, 2022 whileon‘E’Fieldmainaccessroad inSophia,hedrovemotorcycleCK 7840 in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of 14year-oldQuick,formerlyofLot668 ‘D’ Field Sophia. He was also charged with being an unlicensed driver, and driving the motorcycle

withoutinsuranceandfitness.

On Tuesday, Redmond was found guilty of the three offences and was sentenced to three years imprisonment. The matter was prosecuted by Police Sergeant VisramRamjattan.

KaieteurNewshadreportedthat on the day in question sometime around noon, Quick and her youngersisterwereontheirwayto their grandfather’s residence, which is located in the same area, when she met her demise.The two were travelling separately on their bicycles when the accident occurred.

Police in a report stated Quick was riding, south along the eastern sideofthemainaccessroad,whena motorcycle, CK 7840, driven by Redmond, crashed into her The police revealed that the

motorcyclist was speeding in the same direction. He was allegedly doing a stunt when he lost control andcollidedwiththeteen.

As a result of the collision, Quick was flung some distance in the air before falling into a nearby drain,whileRedmondfellontothe roadway.Theywerebothpickedup in an unconscious condition and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where the young girl was pronounceddeadonarrival.

In an interview with this publication,thedeadteen’smother, Melissa Vossey had said Quick is hersecondchildshehaslostinjust underthreeyears.Shesaidthatback in 2019 her eldest child, Olijah Chesney,aformerGuyanaDefence Force rank, was murdered during thecourseofarobbery

Thegrievingwomanshared,her daughter,whowaswithQuickatthe time of the accident, had visited the grandfather earlier that day and the man had requested to see Quick becausehehadnotseenherrecently. The woman stated that she had just reached home from work that day when she heard about the accident. Whatwasrelatedtothewomanwas thatherdaughterwasstandingonthe corner of the road with her bicycle waitingforthemotorcyclisttofinish doing his “stunts” before she continuedherjourney

“The boy was lying on his motorbike while riding when he knock she down,” Vossey related. Shesaidherdaughter,asaresultof theaccident,sufferedabrokenneck and leg, among other injuries. The womandescribedherdaughterasa jovialandmannerlychild.

Dead: Makida Quick

Thurston Semple to face judge, jury for two other rape matters

Alleged serial rapist, Thurston Semple, who was jailed last year for raping a Venezuelansexworker,ison the list of accused persons scheduled to stand trial this month.

Semple will go before a judge and jury in relation to twootherrapematters.

Thirty-nine-year-old Semple,aformertaxi-driver of Lot 5A, Tucville Terrace, Georgetown,isscheduledto be arraigned before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara Sexual Offences court.

Thefirstallegationisthat between November 30, 2017, and on December 1, 2017, at Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration of a woman withoutherconsent.

The second allegation is that between January 3, 2018,andJanuary4,2018,at Georgetown, he sexually assaultedanotherwoman.

According to reports, on January 12, 2018, Semple appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before formerChiefMagistrateAnn

McLennan for allegedly tyinguptwosexworkerson separate occasions and havingsexwiththem.

Semplewasnotrequired to plead to the indictable charge.

It is alleged that Semple pickedupthesexworkerson separate occasions and took them to his home, where he agreed to pay them $10,000 eachforperformingsexacts onhim.

However, after the sex acts with the sex workers, Semple tied their hands and feet, placed them in his car and took them back at the location where he met them without paying for their service.

The Chief Magistrate McLennan had granted Semple bail in the sum of $400,000.However,Semple wascommittedtostandtrial in the High Court during March 2018, for the rape of thetwosexworkers.

In July 2022, Semple was handed an 11-year jail sentence by Justice by Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for rapingasexworker

Semple had denied that between February 24 and February 25, 2021, at Tucville, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration with a 30-yearold Venezuelan woman without her consent. He had alsodeniedthatonthesame dayandatthesamelocation, he caused the woman actual bodilyharm.

However, on March 25, 2022, after two hours of deliberating, a mixed 12member jury returned with two guilty verdicts, finding Semple guilty of battering and raping the woman, who atthetime,wasasexworker Despite this, he maintained hisinnocence.

Justice SewnarineBeharrythenhandedSemple an 11-year sentence for the rape charge and four years for the assault charge – his chargesrunconcurrently Kaieteur News had reported that according to the victim, on the February 24, 2021, she was on the corner of Jenny’s Family store in front of the Nova International Hotel, Georgetownwhenataround 22:30 hours, Semple drove up in his vehicle and spoke withher.

He eventually made an agreement with the woman for$10,000andassuch,she left with him and they went to his residence Upon

Thurston Semple

arrival, she went into his house, sat on his bed and smoked a cigarette.Thetwo then engaged in sexual intercourse.

However, during the sexual intercourse, the condom broke, and she replaced it but informed Semple that he only had 15 minutes remaining and if he does not finish within that

time,shewillleave.

Inresponse,Sempletold the victim ‘ok’ and walked intothekitchenandreturned with a knife while the woman was getting dressed. He then told her, inter alia, that she is “not going anywhere.”

Assuch,thewomanthen toldSempletokeepthe

Continuedonpage20

Nortoncallsforspeedyestablishment ofCOIintodeadlyMahdiadormfire

TheleaderoftheAPartnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), Aubrey Norton is calling on President IrfaanAlitoestablishwithurgency a Commission of Inquiry (COI) intotheMay21MahdiaSecondary Schooldormitoryfire.

The deadly fire claimed the lives of 19 girls and a 5-year-old boy Inastatement,Nortonsaidthat PresidentAliis,“utterlyfailingthe grieving families and the nation of Guyanabyshamefullydragginghis feet on the establishment of the COI.”

APNU+AFC said that being fully aware of the gravity of the situation, has unequivocally expressed its unwavering support fortheestablishmentofaCOIthat involves all stakeholders, adding

that it must be credible and acceptabletoallstakeholders.

Additionally, the coalition said they have indicated their intent to actively participate in shaping the TermsofReferencefortheCOI.It was explained that by doing so, they aim to ensure that the commission adequately addresses thepressingconcernsofthenation and leaves no lingering doubts or unansweredquestionsintheminds ofcitizens.

“We stand ready to collaborate with the current regime to ensure that the commission comprises distinguished national and international individuals of impeccable repute, who will fearlessly delve into the heartwrenchingtragedyandunearththe truth,”Nortonsaid.

Moreover, the Opposition

Leader questioned why President AliisneglectingtoaccordtheCOI the urgent attention it rightly deserves.To this end it was stated, “This baffling mystery has left

everyonebuttheAPNU+AFCside bewildered.Wefirmlybelievethat this crucial COI must be made a priority without delay Therefore, we emphatically call upon the government to cease their indecisiveness and act responsibly by swiftly initiating the process to addressthisparamountissue.”

Additionally, Norton said it is time for President Irfaan Ali to cease his dithering and political maneuvering,highlightingthatitis imperative that the president hurtlestoestablishtheCoI.

Meanwhile,PresidentAliinhis addressinobservanceofGuyana’s 57th Independence Anniversary said, “We are… committed to establishing a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the causes andcircumstancesofthefirewhich destroyed the dormitory, and to

inquireintorelatedissues.Thiswill be done soonest. The findings of that inquiry will inform the way forward.”

The Head of State’s commitmentfollowedseveralcalls fromcivilsocietyforaCoIintothe devastatingfirethatsweptthrough the Mahdia Secondary School’s female dormitory and claimed the lives of twenty children while injuringothers.

President Irfaan Ali

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

$66MHealthCentreforMonRepos

OfficialsoftheMinistry of Health and the Region FourCouncilturnedthesod fortheconstructionofa$66 healthcentreatMonRepos, EastCoastDemerara.

The new facility will benefittheresidentsofMon Repos and neighbouring communities Delivering remarksattheceremonyon Monday,MinisterofHealth, Dr FrankAnthonysaidthat the nearest health centre is some distance away from Mon Repos, hence the initiativetobuildthecentre.

“The next health centre that we have here is at Lusignan, which is some distance away Mon Repos isaverybigareaandthisis something that a lot of peopleintheareahavebeen asking for many years, so welookedatitandwemade ananalysisthatthere’sagap hereandweneedtofillthat gap So, based on that assessment, we went ahead

and developed the project,” theministerexplained.

MinisterAnthonyadded thatdoctorsandnurseshave been identified for the facility and upon completion, the newly developed health facility willprovideservicessuchas modern child care, immunization for children, treatment for chronic diseases, point of care laboratory, and other specialised services such as dental services, among others.

The Minister mentioned thathehopesthefacilitywill be completed in a timely manner so that persons can accesstheservicesasearlyas next year This year, some $84 billion was allocated from the national budget towards infrastructural development of the health sector and also ensuring the public have access to primaryhealthcare

Manfounddeadin boatatEteringbang

A21-year-oldlaboureridentifiedas HerculesJohn was on Tuesday morning found dead in a metal boat at Eteringbang,CuyuniRiver,RegionSeven.

KaieteurnewslearntthatJohn’slifelessbodywasfound lyingintheboatwhileitwasdockedatoneofthelandingsat Eteringbang Police were called and according to investigators no marks of violence was seen on the man’s body

Policebelievethatthemandiedofnaturalcausesandhas sincehandedoverhisbodytohisfamilyforburial.

John was reportedly last seen alive on Monday while drinking high wine with some friends. Kaieteur News understandsthathewasfinewhenhelefthisfriendsfromthe mainlandingatEteringbanginametalboatforhishome.

Itisbelievedthatafterdockinghisboat,theyouthmight havecollapsedanddiedintheboat.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony joined by Attorney General, Mr. Mohabir Anil Nandlall, on Monday turned the sod at the site earmarked for the construction of the $66 million health centre at Mon Repos.

(Photo courtesy, Ministry of Health)

Guyanaelectedtotwo-year termonUNSecurityCouncil termonUNSecurit

GuyanawasonTuesdayelected asanon-permanentmemberofthe United Nations Security Council fortheperiod2024-2025.

Inastatement,PresidentIrfaan Ali aid is Guyana is honoured and humbledbytheconfidencethathas beenexpressedbytheinternational community in electing it to this most important position of responsibilityontheglobalstage.

“Guyana has now been accorded the opportunity to serve on the Security Council, which is chargedundertheUNCharterwith the responsibility for the maintenanceofinternationalpeace and security It is a responsibility that we will assume with utmost seriousness and dedication, mindful of the complex and challenging times in which we live,”PresidentAlisaid.

The theme of our candidacy, ‘Partnering for Peace and Prosperity’ serves as a guide to Guyana’s approach to service on theSecurityCouncil.“Weintendto be a constructive and engaged

partnerwiththemembersof the Council and the wider international community in the search for solutions to the myriad of momentous challenges that beset our human family I express our nation’sdeepgratitudetothe MemberStatesoftheUnited N a t i o n s f o r t h e overwhelming support extended to Guyana’s candidature I wish to express my thanks in particular to the dedicated staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to our Permanent Representativeandherteam at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New Yorkfortheirtirelessefforts i n a d v a n c i n g o u r candidatureandsecuringthe resultwhichwewitnesswithgreat pridetoday,”Alisaid.

Ali said the Government of Guyana looks forward to

continuing our nation’s contributiontothestrengtheningof multilateralism and the rule of InternationalLaw,tothepromotion ofpeace,sustainabledevelopment, human rights and respect for international law both for the people of our own country, and forpeoplesacrosstheglobe.

Meanwhile, in addition to Guyana the UN General Assembly also elected Algeria, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and South Korea to the U N SecurityCouncil,whileBelarus - allied with Russia in its invasionofUkraine wasdenied a spot, Reuters reported

According to Reuters, Algeria, Guyana,SierraLeoneandSouth Korea ran unopposed for a spot on the 15-member body, which is charged with maintaining internationalpeaceandsecurity

In the only competitive race, Slovenia beat out Belarus. The five elected nations will replace Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana andtheUnitedArabEmirates.

The Security Council is the only U.N. body that can make legallybindingdecisionssuchas

authorizing use of force. It has

five permanent veto-wielding members: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. To e n s u r e g e o g r a p h i c a l representation, seats are allocated to regional groups. But even if candidates are running unopposed intheirgroup,theystillneedtowin thesupportofmorethantwo-thirds oftheGeneralAssembly

Guyana received 191 votes, SierraLeone188,Algeriareceived 184 votes, South Korea 180. “The Russianshavealwaysarguedthata lot of states support Ukraine in public at the U.N., but sympathize with Russia in private. But this secret ballot does not support that claim at all,” International Crisis Group U N Director, Richard Gowan said. Russia moved ahead last month with a plan to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. It is the Kremlin’s first deployment of such weapons outside Russia since the 1991 fall oftheSovietUnion.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the A Partnership For National Unity +Alliance For

(

welcomed the announcement that Guyana has once again secured a

non-permanent seat on the UN SecurityCouncilfor2024-2025

“The international security landscape presents complex challenges that require concerted globaleffortstoaddress.Weinthe APNU+AFC believe in managing thesechallengesthroughtheruleof international law and constructive dialogue among nations. Guyana’s appointment to the Security Council provides us with an opportunity to advocate for these principles and contribute meaningfully to the Council’s work,” the political opposition said.

The party expressed gratitude to the dedicated Foreign Service personnel for their efforts in this regard as well as to the international community for their support throughout Guyana’s bid forthisprestigiousseat.

“We are proud to note that this willbeGuyana’sthirdtimeserving on the Security Council, having served in 1975-1976 and 19821983 We also extend our congratulationstotheotherelected states, Algeria, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia,” the party said in its statement.

The Security Council Chamber (UN photo)

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd was joined by Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday

Lindenresidentsbenefitfrom U.S.Embassy,NGOmedicaloutreach

The United States Embassy in Guyana hascollaboratedwithHumanityFirst,anongovernmentalorganisationonJune5,2023to conduct a medical outreach for residents in Linden,Region10.

In attendance were the U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Adrienne Galanek, the Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell, and eightmedicalstudentsfromtheUniversityof Maryland.

In a statement, the Embassy said that in furthering its humanitarian assistance partnershipwithGuyana,itcollaboratedwith

HumanityFirsttoprovidemedicalassistance forover180residentsofLinden.

“The individuals received general health care, as well as ophthalmology care, dental care,andbloodtesting Theseserviceshelpto improve the quality of life for residents by providingthemwithsafeandaccessiblecare,” theEmbassysaidnotingthatthecollaboration highlightstheUS Embassy’scommitmentto strengthen partnerships between the United States and Guyana and to work with the Government of Guyana to support enhanced publichealthforGuyanesecitizens

Medical professionals caring for residents of Linden

Thurston Semple to face judge, jury for two other rape...

Frompage13 moneyandshewillleaveinpeace.However, he grabbed her hair, placed the knife to her neck, removed the condom and inserted his penisintohermouth.

The victim recounted that Semple then ordered her to perform oral sex on him and shecomplied.

Sometimeafter,shestopped,andSemple slapped her The woman then asked Semple for some water and as he turned his back to getthesaidwater,shescrambledherclothes andjumpedthroughaglasswindow However, Semple ran behind her and grabbed her by her hair The woman recounted that she was naked when he held

onto her and stabbed her She then managed toholdontotheknifebutSemplethenarmed himselfwithaplastictubefilledwithcement andcontinuedtobeather

The woman then gathered strength and jumped the fence. Semple’s neighbours promptlywenttoherrescue.Thepolicewere subsequently alerted and arrived some time

after. The victim was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was examined.

When Semple was cautioned by the arrestingofficerhesaid,“Officer,Ididhave sexwithher;Ipayherfortheservice,andshe refusetodowhatIaskedandIassaultedher inherfacewithaPVCpipe.”

Police find businessman's stolen money in washing machine

Region Three Police on T u e s d a y f o u n d a businessman'sstolenmoney stashed inside a washing machineatHubu,EastBank Essequibo after a suspect confessed.

The businessman had reported to police that thieves had broken into his business place at Hubu and stole $2.3M. One of his employees discovered the break-inwhenhearrivedfor

workonTuesdaymorning.

Investigators reviewed footage from security cameras in the building and arrested a 23-year-old suspect.The suspect's home was searched but police came up empty handed After holding out for hours, the man finally told police that they were searching in thewrongplace.

T h e s u s p e c t l e d investigators to an old

Pensioner kills intruder

Apensioner on Monday night reportedly killed a man who allegedly entered his Chalmers Place and Brickdam, Georgetown home withouthispermission.

The dead man has been identified as 31-year-old Christopher Gonsalves called 'White boy' of Lot 291 Independence Boulevard, Georgetown.

Police are calling his killing an alleged murder and has named the pensioner and another man as prime suspects Both the men reportedly sustained injuries duringanallegedknifescuffle with the intruder and are presently under police guard at the Georgetown Public HospitalCorporation.

One of the men, however, is alleging that he was watching television when he heard screams from his bedroom. He got up and went to see what had happened causing someone to scream a n d w a s r e p o r t e d l y confronted by Gonsalves in thekitchen.

He claimed that the man was armed with a knife and stabbedhimtothechest.

It was at that point the

washing machine in his bathroom and it was there the cash was found stashed

Dead: alleged home intruder, Christopher Gonsalves

pensioner arrived and saw him on the ground with Gonsalves over him.The man claimedthathethengrabbeda knifefromthekitchen.

Gonsalves then rushed at him and they ended up in a scuffle during which he stabbed the alleged intruder several times. Gonsalves fell to the floor and remained motionless after which the pensioner called an ambulance. Gonsalves was pronounceddeadatthescene. Investigations are ongoing.

inablackplasticbag. A total of $2.1M was recovered.

The washing machine where the cash was found.

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City constable walks free of rape charge …as complainant discontinues case

Aformer City Con stable was on Tuesday freed of a rape charge after the complainantinformedthecourtof his desire to discontinue the case. The former Constable, CliftonPellewwasaccusedof rapingajuvenile.

When the matter was calledbeforeJusticeNavindra Singh,thevirtualcomplainant told the court that he has since moved on with his life and does not want the matter to proceed.

As a result, Justice Singh directed the jury to formally return a verdict of not guilty, freeing the former city constable of the rape charge.

Pellew had allegedly forced the then 15-year-old boy into a sex act on August 15,2018.

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Pellew,whowasattached to the City Constabulary, had appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was committed to the High Court to stand trial forrapewhichreportedlyoccurred at the Regent Street Enquiries Outpost at City Hall.Accordingtothefactsof the case, Pellew engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of sixteen after he was detained and held in custody at the constabulary outpost.

According to reports, on the day in question, the juvenile was arrested and taken into custody for loitering and

Lance Corporal, Clifton Pellew placed on a bench to sit.

It was reported that around23:00hrs,amaleconstable woke the juvenile and told him to lie on his back, which he did.

Shortlyafterthemalerank returnedandtoldhimtostand by the washroom.

It was reported that the male constable identified as Pellew, a Lance Corporal at thetime,returnedandunbuttoned the juvenile’s pants, placed a condom on the juvenile’sprivatepartsandlet the teen have sex with him.

It was also reported that anothercityconstablewhowitnessed Pellew in the act with the juvenile, failed to report whathesawuntilthefollowing day

An investigation was then launched and he was alsodismissedfordereliction of duty

At the time of the incident,therankclaimedhewas sitting at his desk when he heard someone moaning. He peeped through a vent and sawtheLanceCorporal,havingsexwiththejuvenile.

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$61M estimated for construction of Eteringbang health post

Four contractors have submitted bids for the constructionofahealthpost at Eteringbang, Region Seven. The contractors are: Ceraturium, QA Civil Works, Harry Enterprise, andAmy'sEnterprise. This was disclosed recently at the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

According to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development,theprojectis estimated to cost some $61million.

This year $84.9 billion was set aside for the country's health sector The sum is aimed at expanding both primary and tertiary healthcare, improving management systems across health facilities as well as deploying more medical personnel throughout the regions to ensure access to quality healthcareservicesforall. Out of that allocation, some $667 million was approved to roll out a number of projects for RegionSeventhisyear

B e l o w a r e t h e companiesandtheirbids:

TeachingServiceCommission

MinorRepairstoShedandCeiling atTeachingServiceCommission.

RelocationandExtensionofPeterandPaulPrimarySchool.

OfficeofthePrimeMinister Supply,InstallandCommissionof17.5KVMetal-Clad SwitchgearforLECIDistributionLoadCentre.

RehabilitationofBridgeatMatthew'sRidgeRegion1.

MinistryofHomeAffairs

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RehabilitationofMabarumaPowerHouse.

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ConstructionofHealthPostatEteringbang,Region7.

ExtensionofAdministrationSub-OfficeatMoruca.

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Mother, daughter found dead at Providence …Autopsy unable to determine cause of death

The autopsies conducted on the remains of the mother and daughter found dead on May 31, 2023 at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were unable to determine the duo's cause of their death, police statedonTuesday

The autopsy, according to police, was done on June 2, 2023. Upon completion the cause of deaths for 38-yearoldPetrousLatchmanandher 13-year-old daughter, Gabrielle Ross was listed as "Undeterminable".

According to Police, the cause of deaths could not be determined because of the

state of decomposition

Latchman and her daughter were found dead after her husband went to check up on them.

He had told police that he and the woman had separated last year and he had moved outofthehousebutcontinued topaytherent.

The last time he saw them

alivewasinJanuarythisyear

On May 31, he visited the location and after calling out for Latchman and Ross and getting no response, he broke openthedoorwiththehelpof aneighbour

When he entered the house he found the duo's decomposing bodies lying on thefloorinthelivingroom.

Black Entrepreneurs Association launches Emancipation Business Pitch Competition

Members of the Black Entrepreneurs Association (BEA) yesterday launched an Emancipation Business Pitch Competitionwherethewinner walks away with as much as $2Mtosupporttheirventure.

The contest which will see eight finalists pitching their ideas for the grand prize would be held on August 5, 2023 at the Herdmanston Lodgefrom1pmto4pm.

TheAssociationexplained that the Emancipation Pitch presents a remarkable opportunity for individuals from various sectors to showcase their revolutionary business plans to a distinguished panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and industryleaders.

It said the competition seeks to inspire the next generation of business leaders by providing the seed capital required to transform their unique ideas into successful enterprises Kaieteur News

understands that applicants are required to submit a onepage business summary in PDF format of their business proposal that encapsulates the business name, concept, model, target market, and competitive advantage in order to be chosen to pitch t h e i r i d e a Applications will remain open until July 10, 2023, and

willundergoreviewbyapanel of business experts Selections will be made based on the novelty of the business concept, the viability of the business model, potential market size, and the competitiveedge.

Successful candidates will also receive invitations to present their pitch at the EmancipationBusinessevent. Applicationscanbesentto emancipationpitch@bea org gy

The association was in place since 2020 and has over 300members.

Dead: Petrous Latchman and her daughter Gabrielle Ross

OilrichGuyanaborrowssixtimes...

Frompage3 in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Region that were listed as heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) in an April 2023 report by the International MonetaryFund(IMF).

In the report titled, ‘World Economic Outlook: ARocky Recovery’, several tables were published showing emerging market and developing economies by Region, net external position, heavily indebted poor countries, and per capitaincomeclassification.

Under the LAC table, Guyana along with Bolivia, Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua were listed as HIPCcountries.

Only yesterday it was reported that the GoG inked a new loan agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaforaUS$150million loan, to develop the housing andinfrastructuresectors.

By the end of last year, Guyana’s total stock of publicdebtincreasedby16.9 percentcomparedto2021.It was the Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh who said during the Budget presentation that the nation was US$3 654 billion in debt.

It must be noted that 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 manage and reduce the debt toGDPratiooverthepast30 years. He explained, “Those of you who have been following Guyana for long enough, would know that therewasaperiodjustabout maybe 30 years ago when Guyana’spublicdebttoGDP exceeded six times the size of the economy In 1991/ 1992thepublicdebttoGDP ratio exceeded 600%…we havebeenableovertheyears to bring public debt down and today Guyana’s public debt to GDP ratio stands at 24.6percent.”

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 thismeansGuyanaisnowin a better position to take more loans “I didn’t put a chart up with international comparators but if you; I

mean many of you are familiarwiththesenumbers around the World You will no doubt recognise that the debt to GDPratio of 24 6% infactplacesGuyanaahead of almost every economy, certainly in this hemisphere and puts us in a position where we actually have fairlysignificantheadroom toborrow,”heshared

FormerAuditorGeneral, Anand Goolsarran had warned that while Guyana’s medium-term economic prospects appear very favourableduetoanticipated oil revenues, government shouldneverthelessexercise restraint in spending, given the volatility of oil prices. Goolsarran had made the comments in his Column, published in the Stabroek News.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Volda LawrenceandformerHealth Minister during this year’s Budget Debates expressed worry over the nation’s growing public debt. She said that the country was fallingintoadangeroustrap, quite similar to the one that ensnared oil-producing states like Nigeria and Ghana.

ShetoldtheHouse,“Sir, thegovernment’seschewing the use of the burgeoning natural resource funds, in preference to borrowing fromanyandallsources,on theassumptionthatoilprices will remain high, thus allowing easy repayment of loans taken today, is falling into the same trap as did Ghana and Nigeria, for example.”

Lawrence pointed out that external public has grown steadily since the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) took office in August 2020. The figure ballooned from US$1.321 billion in 2020 to a projected US$2.146billionin2023,or 62%sheflagged.

Assuch,shenoted,“Any collapse in oil prices Mr Speaker, will leave the country dangerously exposed to situations not unlike what happened to Sri LankaandUganda.”

LESSONSFROM GHANA

Kaieteur News reported that oil-rich Ghana was dubbed fastest growing economy on earth in 2019, but now that African nation isdrowningindebt.

The glory days of Ghana’s offshore oil operations can be traced backtoDecember2010.The West African nation began pumping oil from its first commercial discovery in its

Jubilee Field Those operations delivered US$1B in earnings annually to the State.

Nine years later (in 2019),Ghanawasdubbedto have the fastest-growing economy Itwasalsopraised for the steps it took to improvetheregulationofthe industry In fact, Ghana was seen as a champion of growth for other nations within the continent and furtherafieldtofollow.

But in a matter of three years, this glimmering picture of marvelous economic management was unexpectedly obliterated Ghana moved from riding a wave of meteoric growth to now wallowing in the abyss ofindebtedness.

From 2019 to 2022, the countrythatwasoncepaired withGuyanaasamodelstate ongoodgovernanceisnowa lessonontheperilsoftheoil curse.

International media reports released in December 2022 said Ghana isinsuchaworryingstateof debtdistress,thatithasbeen forced to suspend payments on most of its external debt. In fact, its Finance Ministry said it will not service selected external debts including its Eurobonds, commercial loans and most bilateralloans.

Ghana’s Ministry said, “Ghana is today faced with major economic and financial crisis and its attendant social challenges. In2020and2021,theCovid19 pandemic negatively impacted our fiscal and economic situation. Global risk aversion triggered large capital outflows, a loss of external market access and rising domestic borrowing costs.”

NIGERIADROWNING INDEBT

Similarly, after more than six decades producing oil, Nigeria, thanks to the decisionsofitspoliticians,is drowning in US$108B of debt.

But in order to survive the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, Africa’s biggest oil producer needs US$11B infreshloansfromfinancial institutions such as the InternationalMonetaryFund and the World Bank to purchase basic medical and foodsupplies.

In 2021, this newspaper reported that some financial institutions are hesitant to providetheAfricannationof more than 200 million people with more loans due to rampant corruption by politicians.

Be that as it may, the

N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e Governance Institute (NRGI) which is closely following the crisis in Nigeria opined in one of its analyticalpiecesthatoil-rich countries such as Nigeria have clearly found themselves stuck between the “rock” of economic ruin and the “hot place” of environmentalcatastrophe.

But NRGI, one of the world’s leading non-profit organisations in improving countries’ governance over their natural resources, firmlybelievesthatallisnot lostforNigeria.Itpositsthat the future of Nigeria lies in weaning itself off of fossil fuels and preparing its economy for the energy transitionthatistakingplace theworldover

TheInstitutewaskeento note that some countries which are rich in oil are alreadyheadedinthewrong direction. In this regard, it noted that politicians in some countries are intent on proving that their country

can become a world-class profit-making machine, just as international oil companies did in the 20th century It warned however, such lofty dreams come at a price.

NRGI said, “The difficulty of navigating transitionishardlyexclusive to Nigeria… From Mexico to Mongolia, from Ghana to Guyana, governments must

address the unknown future of energy markets. As the world recovers from the pandemic and continues to transition toward renewable energy, city skies may remain relatively clear But how resource-producing countriesmanagethedecline in fossil fuels is critical, especially after the shock of the economic and health crisis.”

RHTYSC Cricket Teams to host GBTI Inter Secondary School 'Say Yes/ Say NO' cricket tournament

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), will be hosting another cricket youth tournament as part of the club cricket development programme.

The club on an annual basis prior to the covid pandemichadhostedaseries a cricket tournament including the popular Busta Champion of Champions

First Division 40 overs tournament and the launching of the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry SayYes/Say NO tournament is the restart of the programme to assist the Berbice Cricket Board in the development of youth talent inthecounty

R H T Y S C Secretary/CEO Hilbert

Foster stated that the tournament would be contested by four secondary schools in the Lower Corentyne area - Lower Corentyne Secondary, JC Chandisingh Secondary, Port Mourant and Corentyne

Comprehensive at the Area H Gound onThursday 7th of June.

The tournament would be played with two semifinals been played at twelve overs per side while the finals would be a fifteen overspersideevent.

Foster, who is also the president of the active Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) stated that the

tournamentmainobjectiveis to get youths to say no to drugs, suicide,racism,crime and yes to education, life, religionandnationalunity

The winning team would take home a total of fifty thousand dollars worth of educational materials while the runner up would get thirtythousanddollarsworth ofitems.

T h e t w o l o s i n g semifinalists would each get fifteen thousand each. The Man of the Finals would get five thousand dollars while several attractive financial prizes would be shared out during the presentation ceremony

Foster further disclosed thatthetournamentwasbeen organised by the Rose Hall

Wednesday June 07, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19

You may be pushed around by two very powerful camps today,Aries. Since you're the kind, diplomatic, and sensitive type, you make the perfect target for the more abrasiveandopinionated.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

You're apt to feel a bit wilder today,Taurus.There'sawave of powerful energy working to strengthen your ego and self-confidence Use this boost to the best of your ability

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Agoodtactictodaywouldbe to convert your fears to motivation for positive action. You have a great deal of energy at your disposal, Gemini.Don'twasteit.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

You'relikelytobefacedwith conflicting reports today, Cancer Information may be tainted with emotion, so be careful about going with the choice that shouts the loudest.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You may be seduced by fantastic promises that offer wonderful rewards. Beware of lots of bells and whistles, Leo.

VIRGO

People are apt to be quite emotional when it comes to the image they wish to project today, Virgo Be carefulwhereyoustep.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Libra, don't be surprised if some of your fantasies and dreams are put on trial by a harsh force that cuts right to thetruthofthematter People maybeextrapassionate.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You're at an emotionally climacticpointnow,Scorpio, and you might find that harsh opposition is coming at you for no clear reason. There's a stubborn,strongforce.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Be careful to not be too cavalier today, Sagittarius. It would be wise to adopt a more serious tone than usual. You might be inclined to say words carelessly, but people aregoingtotakeyouliterally

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You have the sensitivity to pick up on what's going on in every situation today, Capricorn Powerful emotions may conflict with extremelystrongopinions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Thefantasyworldthatyou've built for yourself is a pleasure, Aquarius. People frolic in it and have a grand time. Your presence delights people. Today, however, this worldmaybethreatened.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

It may be difficult to stay grounded today with all the information flying around and all the emotion roiling in yourheart.

Town Namilco First Division, Farfan and MendesUnder-15,Bakewell under 17, Metro Females, Poonai Pharmacy and Pepsi U19teams.

The RHTYSC,MS for this year would host at least four tournament including a first division 20/20 tournament involving the eleven teams from the ancientcounty.

Foster,hailedthesupport of GBTI, describing them as a true friend of cricket in Berbice and the RHTYSC.

H e r e a s s u r e d t h e managementofthebankthat the tournament would be well organised and would achieveallofitsobjectives, Branch Manager of the GBTI Port Mourant Bank Andre Yhap expressed confidence in the organising skills of the RHTYSC and stated that the bank was delighted to be on board as thesponsor

Thesponsorshipwaspart of the bank social responsibility to the general public and part of guiding youths on the correct path of life.

The launching was also attended by RHTYSC Executives Keith Hicks, Tyrone Pottaya and GBTI Officers Radha Ramdihal andAveetaGuyapersaud.

(Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Andre Yhap of the GBTI Port Mourant Branch hands over sponsorship to RHTYSC Secretary Hilbert Foster in the presence of RHTYSC AND GBTI officials.

Digicel School's Football Championship returns!

...128 schools to compete; tournament kicks off June 24

By Rawle Toney

After a six-year hiatus, theDigicelSchool'sFootball Championship is set to make a return on June 24 for its eighthseason.

The tournament, which was one of the most prestigious school's football titles during its seven-year run, will see 128 schools from across the country participating and culminates onAugust13.

Following the playoff in the 10 Administrative Regions, the top-placing schools will compete in the Round-of-32.

Digicel's out-going Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gregory Dean, said his company is elated to usher the return of the riveting rivalry in football at theschoollevel.

At a gala launching held at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, it was announced that the Petra Organisation would be administering the tournament, as Co-Director

Troy Mendonca, highlighted the importance of the tournament for the development of football in Guyana.

Mendonca thanked Digicel for showing confidence in the Petra Organisation which had taken up the mantle to administer schools football atvariouslevelssince2012.

A former national player himself; coming out of L i n d e n ; M e n d o n c a encouraged the students to play within the spirit of the BeautifulGame.

Dion Inniss, member of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Executive Committee, praised Digicel for their commitment to the development of football at schools and for ensuring that the tournament reached almost every corner in Guyana Inniss spoke profoundly of the exposure that the tournament gives to players, particularly those fromthehinterlandregion.

Meanwhile, president of

the Guyana Olympic

Association (GOA), Godfrey Munroe, hailed Digicel for the return of the tournament and emphasized the importance of allowing students to have a balance of academicandsports.

He said the GOA is e n t h u s e d b y t h e development and return of the tournament, especially since they're in an Olympic cycle.

The Digicel School's Football Tournament has a rich history in Guyana, with o n l y o n e s c h o o l , Christianburg Wismar Secondary dominating the event.

The school from Linden, more popularly known as 'Multi' played in six consecutive finals, winning four titles and twice in the runner-upposition.

T h e G e o r g e t o w n Technical Institute (GTI) w o n t h e i n a u g u r a l tournament. However, every other edition, except 2016 and 2017 which was won by

Chase Academy, went to Christianburg Wismar Secondary

Several players who have represented Guyana at the senior level have come through the Digicel School's tournament.

Jeremy Garrett and Curtez Kellman, who are currently with the Golden Jaguars in Miami preparing for the CONCACAF Gold

Cup, are products of the tournament with Chase

A c a d e m y W h e n t h e tournament was last played, a hat-trick from Stephon Reynolds, along with a double from Nicholas McArthur and a single strike from Ryan Hackett were enough to hand Chase Academy their second title, after playing in their third consecutivefinal.

The win saw Chase Academypocketing$1Mfor a school project of their choice, while Annai Secondary collected $700,000.

Waramadong defeated arch-rivals Christianburg Wismar Secondary (Multi) 3 – 1 to finish third. The Lindeners, for the first time in the tournament's history, didnotfeatureinthefinals.

Students representing teams from all ten Regions at the launching of the Digicel School's Football launching. (Rawle Toney photo)

BCB/BrianRamphalUnder17interzonetournament

Lower Corentyne defeat

New Amsterdam/Canje to emerge champion

-WestBerbicecopthirdplace

Power house Lower Corentyne emerged as champion of the Berbice Cricket Board/Brian Ramphal under17 inter zone tournament last Sunday with a crushing eight wickets victory over arch rivals New Amsterdam/Canje attheAreaHGround.WestBerbice defeated Upper Corentyne by nine wickets to gain third place at the No48 Ground as the active BCB successfully hosted another final despitethecurrentrainyseason.

At the Area H Ground, the visitors won the toss and were bowledoutforameagre88from30 overs. Top scoring were Zadeen LaRose with 24 and he received support from Avenash Persaud 12

overs as West Indies youth player Rampertab Ramnauth scored 29 and his younger brother Rampersaud reached 31 unbeaten. Romesh Bharrat was also unbeaten on 10 when victory was achieved. The wicket takers for the runner up were D. Wharton and A. Beharry with one apiece for 39 and 20 respectively

At the NO48 Ground, Upper Corentyne were bowled out for 95 from 31.4 overs with only G. Yacoob 16 and Mohan Baichan 12 reaching double figures. Bowling for West Berbice-Guyana under15 fast bowler Arif Khan took 2 wickets for 16, Rashad Gaffoor 2 for 12 and Jerrel Hemerding 2 for

and Devan Wharton 11. Bowling for Lower Corentyne national player Matthew Pottaya took 3 for 17 from seven overs, while Kumar Deopersaud and Afraz Budhoo tookthreewicketsapiecefor15and 16runsapiece.

Needing to score 89 from 50 overs to take the title, Lower Corentyneracedto90for2from21

18. Gaffoor returned with the bat to complete a brilliant allround performance to remain unbeaten with 46 when victory was completed at 96 for 1 in the 20th over He was well supported by Tulsiram Ramcharran who was 24 notoutattheend.

BCB President Hilbert Foster described the tournament as

another successful one for the board and hailed the work of the Leslie Soloman led Competition Committeefortheirhardwork.The BCBPresidentalsohailedthework of the junior selection committee headed by former national junior playerBalramSamaroo.

The selectors were present at the matches in the tournament and

would select the Berbice under17 team based on performance in the matches.FosternotedthattheBCB is currently hosting junior tournaments with the next set been at the Under11 and Under13 levels duringtheAugustholidays.

BCB Competition Chairman Leslie Soloman disclosed that the board would be hosting numerous

finals at the primary and secondary schools level during the course of the next few weeks He also announced that the annual cricket academy would be hosted in early August at the Port Mourant Ground.

Specialthankswereextendedto Brian Ramphal for his sponsorship ofthetournament.

Djokovic into French Open semi-finals for 12th time

AFP - Novak Djokovic closed in on a potential blockbuster French Open semifinal against Carlos Alcaraz after beating Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2, 6-4 yesterdaytoreachthelastfour Djokovic, chasing a third French Open crown and record 23rd men's Grand Slam singles title, advanced to a 45th major semi-final and his 12th at RolandGarros. He will take on world numberoneAlcarazorStefanos Tsitsipas, the player he beat

from two sets down in the 2021 final, for a place in Sunday's championshipmatch.

Djokovic dropped his first set of the tournament but dominated the second-set tiebreak against Khachanov before putting his foot down to secure a ninth win in 10 meetings with the Russian 11th seed.

"I think he was a better player for most of the first two sets,"saidDjokovic.

"I was struggling to find my rhythm. I came into the match

quite slow but played a perfect tie-break and from that moment onwards played a couple levels higher

"It's a big fight, something you expect in the quarter-finals. You're not going to have your victories handed to you, you havetoearnthem."

Djokovic improved h record at Roland Garros to 9016 after denying Khachanov his spot in a third successive Grand Slam semi-final. He will return tonumberoneifhewinsthetitle inParis.

The winning Lower Corentyne team.

West Berbice team

Afraz Budhoo, Matthew Pottaya and Kumar Deopersaud.

Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over Karen Khachanov.

ISKF Guyana annual National Karate Tournament the beacon for Showmanship and Standards

Oth n Saturday May 27

the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) - Guyana held their annual National Karate Tournament at the Marian's AcademyAuditorium on Carifesta Avenue.

The tournament kicked off at 4pm sharp and the capacity crowd of spectators comprising of parents/guardians, invited guests and other supporters had a refreshingexperience.

These annual national tournaments help to select the premier performers who go on to represent ISKF - Guyana annually in the USA and the upcoming ShotoCup World Tournament in 2024 which will be held in London. The World tournament is heldevery4years.

As customary, the Country Director and Chief Instructor –Sensei Chaves opened this year's tournament with remarks that welcomed their distinguished guests,judges,competitors,family members, and spectators to their 2023 ISKF Guyana Independence GoodwillTournament.

Sensei Chaves graciously thanked his operating committee along with those dedicated parents and volunteers who's input supported the tournament's preparation.

This year, Sensei Chris enlightened the audience on the virtues of ISKF Being an inclusiveorganizationthatvalues diversity, and recognizes the human dignity of all individuals, treating all with fairness and respectatalltimes.

Sensei Chaves went on to highlight four (4) areas of specific emphasisforISKF-Guyana:

1. Integrity: Where they commit to maintaining the highest ethical standards, honoring our commitments and fostering an environmentofmutualrespectand trust.

2. Innovation: Where they strivetomaintainthefoundationof our founding masters while being able to adapt and improve our technical instruction and organization.

3. Excellence: Where they work continually to attain the highest level of performance for each individual, dojo and our organizationasawhole.

4. Collaboration: Where they value working in collaboration with all martial artists and is committedtosharedlearning.

As he closed, Sensei encouraged each participant to have a successful tournament and reminded all that this is an excellent opportunity to test their preparation, dedication, and hard work. And that, regardless of the outcome,whatismostimportantis to continue training, to improve self first, and to follow the Dojo Kun.

Thereafter,iswasapparentthat

Sensei's words set the stage as the events commence with alacrity. The noted efficiency of the tournament was due to the points and flag system employed, the sagacity and decisiveness of the judges,andtheevidentplanning.

The main highlights of this year'stournamentsaw:

16+ years old Female black belt Kristalia Chaves emerged the winner in the Kata Contest by doingkataChintewith21.7points. Second place went to Tempest Katchay and third to Talitha Kissoon. In the Kumite rounds TempestKatchayreignedsupreme st bydefeatingTalithaKissoonfor1 place.

In the 18+ Male black belts contest Kristian Chaves emerged the winner by doing kata Enpi earning 22.1 points, second place rd went to Storm Katchay and 3 to Alex Rodrigues. In their kumite division, Alex Rodrigues emerged st totake1 placeoverShermonBest

in a tense and closely contested match.

Officials for this year's tournamentwere:

- Chief Judge: Sensei

ChristopherChaves

- Referees: Sensei Marvin Singh,SenseiMarlonGeorge

- Judges: Shermon Best, Shankar Singh, Christina Chaves, Storm Katchay, Alex Rodrigues, KristianChaves,KristaliaChaves

WhatmadeISKF–Guyanathe beacon was their evident level of organization. It was distinctive taking the format of an international one with seating clusters, mat preparation, and an officials section. This aided the aesthetics and efficiency throughout the events right up to themedalpresentation.

Complementing ISKF's tournament were their sponsor who deserve special thanks Guyana Beverages Inc's, Oasis

ISKF guyana 2023 national independence national tournament results

Water,Mrs.MelissaAlphonso,AD Tech Printing Establishment and Dr. Shekeila Ramsammy of the Ministry of Health who stood in as the tournament doctor ISKF extends their heartfelt gratitude to them.

In their follow up report to the media, they were pleased with this year's tournament outcome in all areas. They have since met with their members and brainstormed ways to improve next year's tournament as part of their continuousimprovementprocess. Training continues per normal at the Thomas Lands – National ParkHQDojo.

A team is currently training daily for their upcoming attendance at this year's ISKF Camp & Goodwill tournament in Philadelphia, USA later this month.

Full tournament details can be foundbelow:

karate students – The competitors and officials take time out for a group photo.

GCB Girls U-19 Switched to Port Mourant

...Persistent rainfall in the capital City forces change

In an effort to have some form of cricket for the Girls under-19 the GCB has decided to switch the matches to Port Mourant, Berbice.The three (3) rounds of matches will now be played on Thursday, June 8 and Friday, June9,2023.

OnThursday,Berbicewill face Essequibo from 12:00 noon. On Friday, Demerara will take on Essequibo from 09:30 hours followed by the Berbice versus Demerara clash starting 14:00 hours. The tournament has been changedtoaT20Format.

Squads:

Berbice squad: Ashmini Munisar (Captain), Relanna

Grimmond, Lakshmi Mahadeo, Daniela Hicks, Jamie Campbell, Chrystal Durant, Denillie Lindie, Darshanie Subramanie, Tiea Isaacs, Tamera George, Renata Liverpool, Leah Kamala, Sadraha Ramdass, Danielle Mann and Kianna

King, Charles hit fifties as West Indies beat UAE by 78 runs to secure series win

Leitch The Coach is

Tremayne Smartt while the ManagerisErvaGiddings.

Demerara squad: Naomi

Barkoye (Captain), Sarah Amin, Nyia Latchman, Tamica Simon, Sheniya

Mangra, Areah Ally, Anessa

Chetram, Shoba Harnaraine, Canna Barkoye, Tilleya

Madramootoo, Chelsea

Latiff, Melanie Dover, Emalissa Whyte and Alliya

Clarke. The coach is Heema

Singh while the Manager is AbenaParker

Essequibo squad: Cyanna Retimiah(Captain), Lavina Ragobeer (Wtk), Nickesha Narine, Roxanne Hendricks,LaureneWilliams, Neesa Samuels, Qzel

Sampson, Aliah Da'Silva, Jayara Rodrigues, Engrid Gouveia, Anasia Mangra, NikefaAllen,ThaliaHackand Ashanti Mohamed The CoachisParmeshwarPersaud while the Manager is Navika Narine.

Two Chinese players handed life bans for match-fixing

(Reuters)-ChineseplayersLiangWenboandLiHanghave been handed lifetime bans for match-fixing by the World Professional Billiards and SnookerAssociation (WPBSA), the governingbodysaidyesterday

The pair has been found to have fixed snooker matches, persuadedorencouragedotherplayerstofixmatchesandbeton matches,amongotherrulebreaches.TheyhaveuntilJune20to appealagainstthedecisions.

EightotherChineseplayershavebeensuspended,including former UK Championship winner Zhao Xintong who was banned for one year and eight months, and Yan Bingtao, the 2021Masterschampion,whowasbannedforfiveyears.

"It has been heart-breaking to see some young talented players fall foul of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations through pressure exerted by two senior players," WPBSA chair Jason Fergusonsaid.

"This behaviour has been recognised as wholly unacceptable by the imposition of two lifetime bans from participatinginrecognisedsnookerinanyway."

Li Hang in action during his Third Round Match.

(Action Images / Craig Brough/File Photo)

S p o r t s M a xBrandon King and Johnson Charles both struck fifties as the West Indies took an unassailable 2-0 lead overtheUAEwitha78run win in the second ODI at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The day started brilliantly for the West Indies as the opening pair of King and Charles put on 129 for the first wicket after West Indian captain Shai Hope won the toss andchosetobatfirst.

In the process, Charles brought up his fifth ODI half-century before being dismissed for a rapid 47-ball 63.

The St. Lucian hit eight fours and three sixes in hisknock.

King, who brought up a maiden ODI hundredonthewaytoa man of the match performance in the first encounter, continued his good form with 64 off 70 balls including four fours and as many sixes. The tourists then got solid contributions fromOdeanSmith(37), Keacy Carty (32), Kavem Hodge (26) as they were eventually bowledoutfor306with oneballtospare.

Zahoor Khan led the waywiththeballforthe UAE with 3-44 from 9.5 overs while Aayan Khan (2-45), Ali

Naseer (2-69) and Sanchit Sharma (2-69) also provided good contributions.

The UAE reply looked to be coming to an end quickly at 95-5 th in the 24 over before a f i g h t i n g 8 0 - r u n partnership between Basil Hameed and Ali Naseer brought some respectability to proceedings.

Hameed batted valiantly, facing 84 balls before he fell for 49. He hit a boundary and three sixes in his knock.

Meanwhile, Naseer, who struck a fifty in the series opener, got his second straight halfcentury with a 53-ball

57 including six fours andthreesixes.

Vriitya Aravind also contributed 36 and Aayan Khan 23* as the UAE eventually made 227-7offtheir50overs.

Kavem Hodge (2-46 from 8) and Roston Chase (2-49 from 10) were the day's best bowlers for the West Indies while debutant, Akeem Jordan, Odean Smith and Yannic Cariah were the other wicket-takers.

Scores: West Indies 306 (King 64, Charles 63, Smith 37, Zahoor 344) beat UAE 227-7 off their 50 overs (Hameed 49, Naseer 57, Aravind 36, Khan 23*, Hodge 246, Chase 2-49).

From page 32 stance in the grass court season which culminatesinWimbledonnextmonth.

"Iwon'tsellmycountryforthelikes of people," she said.Svitolina said Sabalenka should also be fined for refusing to attend two mandatory press conferences following her third and fourth round matches.Two years ago, former world number one Naomi Osaka was fined $15,000 for not

honouring her French Open media commitments Sabalenka said she boycottedhermediadutiesbecauseshe didn't feel "safe" in an atmosphere where she faced a barrage of questions overthewarandherlinkstoBelarusian PresidentAlexanderLukashenko.

BelarusisacloseallyofMoscow.

"It should be equal for everyone. For example,Naomi got fined last time and this time there is no fine for the

player, who also skips the press conference,"saidSvitolina.

"I faced difficulties, I faced difficulty also with the question about Novak, about his statement about Kosovo.SoI'mnotescaping.

"I have my strong position, and I'm vocal about that. I'm not going try to win likeness of the people by betraying my strong belief and strongest position formycountry.”

Liang Wenbo (Action Images

Brandon King prepares to scythe one away. (Emirates Cricket Board)

Zahoor Khan celebrates a dismissal. (AFP/Getty Images)

SvitolinaaccusesSabalenkaof'inflaming'tensions...

BCB obtains sponsorship from Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh for Berbice Cricket Academy 2023

T h e r e m a r k a b l e development of Berbice cricket continues to expand with the support of long time sponsorDrTulsiDyalSingh, who has renewed his support forthehostingoftheBerbice Cricket Board annual cricket academy

Dr Singh, an outstanding medical practitioner who was born in the ancient county but lives in Texas, USA, has been sponsoring Berbice Cricket since the election of Hilbert Foster as Presidentin2018.

Foster, stated that Dr Singh in 2023 has invested over three million dollars worth of his own funds to support Berbice cricket and stated that the popular Doctor is one of the main reasons for the success of his presidency

Theacademywillbeheld at the end of July at the Port Mourant Cricket Ground for a total of seventy of the county finest players for a period of one week while some mini academies would also be organised for youths in the West Berbice and UpperCorentynearea.

The BCB Academy would be headed by Level Three coach Winston Smith, while other coaches like Ryan Kissoonlall, Nicky Latchman,TravisHardcourt, RyanAlgu,TremayneSmartt and Balram Samaroo are

Fowler headlines strong Sunshine Girls squad to Vitality Netball World Cup

expected to be a part of the coachingstaff.

Special emphasis is expected to be placed on improving the defence of batters,thecontrolofthefast bowlers and getting spinners to spin the ball instead of bowlingfast.

Emphasis would also be placed on wicketkeeping, physical fitness, mental strength, captaincy and the historyofthegame.

S e v e r a l f o r m e r outstanding national players would be invited to visit the academy to talk to the players and conduct sessions.

The BCB academy would also see the usage of batting cages and bowling machinesforthefirsttimeby coaches The pro-active board has invested millions of dollars to purchase six bowling machines and also construct five batting cages in a massive programme aimedatyouthdevelopment.

Foster expressed thanks

toDr Singhforhiscontinued support of the game and noted that in 2023, he has sponsored two inter zone tournaments and purchase two of the bowling machines alone.

In the past, Dr Singh has invested heavily to restore the BCB Office, purchase water pitchers for clubs, sponsor a pitch covers , publish the historic coaching manual and co sponsor the purchasing of grass cutters forclubsamongothers.

Dr Singh stated that he was a proud Berbician who was passionate about the development of cricket as a means of supporting youth development.

Henotedthathewasvery impressed with the way how the Foster led BCB was leading a revolution of the game in the county Additionally, he was i m p r e s s e d b y t h e communication skills of the board, it accountability and regularreports.

SportsMax - Jhaniele Fowler, one of the most imposing and skillful shooters in Netball, headlines a strong 15member Sunshine Girls squad to the highly anticipated Vitality Netball World Cup in South Africa laterthisyear

The Jamaicans, ranked number four in the world, will be hoping to improve on their disappointing fifthplace finish at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool, with 10 players from that squad being retained for this year's showpiece, scheduled forJuly28toAugust6.

Expectations are high that the formidable mix of seasoned veterans, including Romelda Aiken-George, who recently returned from giving birth, and rising stars, such as Crystal Plummer, Kimone Shaw, Abigale Sutherland and Latanya Wilson, who have proven their mettle on previous occasions, will deliver exceptionalresults. They will seek to add a goldorsilvertothecountry's three World Cup bronze medals won in 1991, 2003

and2007.

Head coach Connie Francis, who will be assisted by Keyan Murdock, is anticipating a successful campaignwithherteam.

“All the players have been doing their work and are presenting well The strengthindepthofqualityof players we now have at our disposal, fighting to get on court for the Sunshine Girls makes the selectors job very challenging and makes Jamaicaabigthreattothetop threecountriesgoingintothe World Cup this summer,” saidFrancis.

“We have seven ladies currently playing in the Suncorp League and dominating the statistics at both ends of the court and locallywehaveourattacking core which includes three playerswhoaremakingtheir t h i r d W o r l d C u p appearance,”shenoted.

Specialist Coach Rob Wright, who will spearhead the team's strategic preparations, is also a part of thecoachingstaff.

N e t b a l l J a m a i c a President Tricia Robinson expressed sincere gratitude

to all sponsors for their invaluable contributions in ensuring $41 million of the required $51 million for the team's participation, is alreadyinthebag.

T h i s , s h e s a i d emphasizes the critical role they play in helping Jamaica's netball team preparefortheWorldCup.

“The support of our sponsors enables the team to focus on achieving greatness and represents our collective effort to elevate the sport to itsrightfulstatuswithanelite worldrankedteamwithinthe Nation's sporting greats,” saidRobinson.

The team will depart for their final training camp in South Africa on July 14, before bowing into World CupactiononJuly28.

Squad: Romelda AikenGeorge, Shanice Beckford, Jhaniele Fowler, Shimona Nelson, Rebecca Robinson, Nicole Dixon-Rochester, Crystal Plummer, Abigale Sutherland, Adean Thomas, Khadijah Williams, KadieAnn Dehaney, Kimone Shaw, Shamera Sterling, Jodi-Ann Ward, Latanya Wilson

AFP - Elina Svitolina accused Aryna Sabalenka of deliberately "inflaming" the tense stand-off betweenUkraineandBelarusplayers at the French Open yesterday by staringherdownatthenet.

Sabalenkawontheirquarter-final 6-4, 6-4 and then approached the net in expectation of a handshake which Svitolina had already insisted she wasnotgoingtooffer

All Ukraine players refuse to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian rivals in protest at the ongoingwar

Svitolina was as good as her word, ignoring the world number two, who was leaning on the net, and calmlywalkedbacktoherchair Svitolina,however,wasbooedby theCourtPhilippeChatriercrowd.

When asked if Sabalenka had inflamed the situation by standing at the net, Svitolina replied: "Yeah, I thinkso,unfortunately."

"I don't know why she was

waiting,becausemystatementswere clear enough about the handshake," addedSvitolina,28,whosaidshewas not shocked by being jeered by a Paris crowd who had taken her to theirheartsfollowinghermarriageto FrenchplayerGaelMonfils.

"Iwasexpectingthat.Whoeverin this situation loses, I guess, gets booed,soIwasexpectingthat.Itwas notasurpriseforme."

When she saw Sabalenka coming into the net on Tuesday, she thought: "What are you doing? I made my positionclear."

Sabalenka had defeated another Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in the first round. Kostyuk also refused to shake handsandshetoowasbooed.

"Maybe she's (Sabalenka) not on social media during the tournament, butitisprettyclear SheplayedMarta as well the first round. So is quite simple."Svitolina said she and her compatriotswillcontinuetheir

(Continued on page 31)

Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh

SvitolinaaccusesSabalenkaof'inflaming'tensionswithnetstand-off

Inflaming situation': Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus waits at the net to shake hands with Ukraine's Elina Svitolina.

Team of Bajan boxers arrive in Guyana ahead of training camp

Th e B a r b a d o s

B o x i n g

A s s o c i a t i o n (BBA) has dispatched a team of four skilled boxers to a pre CAC Games Training Camp beingheldinGuyana.

The purpose of this training camp is to prepare the fighters for their upcomingparticipationinthe Central American and Caribbean (CAC) games later this year The team, consisting of Kimberly Gittens, Charles Cox, Tyreec Taitt, and Jusean Shepherd, accompanied by coach Mark Innis, arrived in Guyana on Saturday to participate in a 10-day training camp which commencedonMonday

Impressively, three out of the four boxers in the team hold world rankings in their respective weight classes Kimberly Gittens, Charles Cox, and Tyreec Taitt are ranked 10th, 19th, and 36th, respectively, in their weight divisions.

This highlights the caliber of the Barbadian fighters participating in the trainingcamp.

The training camp is led by esteemed coaches Terrance Poole and Sebert Blake, both possessingThree Star coaching credentials. Also assisting with the training of the athletes are Cuban coach Francisco Roldan and Lennox Daniels. Additionally, the camp provides an opportunity for the Barbadian fighters to engage with local boxers, including Olympian Keevin Allicock, American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) bronze medalist Desmond

Amsterdam, local super heavyweight champion Troy Glasgow, and Emmanuel Pompey,amongothers.

The training regimen over the next eight days encompasses weight training exercises, sparring routines, as well as the technical aspectsofthesport.

The camp aims to enhance the skills and abilities of the Barbadian boxers through rigorous and comprehensive training sessions.

The fighters will benefit from the expertise and experience of both their coaches and the local boxers, as they work towards their goals.

Barbadian coach Mark Innis expressed his gratitude to the Guyana Boxing

Association for hosting his teaminGuyana.

He acknowledged the significance of the training camp in preparing his boxers for the upcoming CAC games.

Coach Innis commended the efforts of the Guyana Boxing Association to elevate the standard of boxing in the EnglishspeakingCaribbean.

He also acknowledged the contrasting conditions in Guyana compared to their home country, emphasizing that this experience would greatly contribute to their growthasfighters.

Heisalsohopefulthathis boxers would acquire the necessary skills from the training camp to excel in the forthcominggames.

Campbellre-electedas presidentoftheGTA

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of theGuyanaTennisAssociation(GTA)which took place on Monday at the National Racquett Centre, Woolford Avenue. During themeeting,ChristyCampbell,thePresident of theAssociation and Vice Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), was reelected for a second consecutive term as President.

Campbell will lead the Association for the next two years, supported by a capable team of individuals who have contributed to the sport in various roles over the years. The executive members include Nigel Niles as theFirstVicePresident,SurrendraKhayyam as the Second Vice President, while Ramesh Seebarran serves as the Treasurer, and AmadaJaisinghastheSecretary

The Committee Members appointed are Harry Panday, Jamal Goodluck, Delon Fraser, and Romela Forde. Additionally, Grace McCalman, the

former president, was honoredwithLifeMembershipoftheGTA.

Furthermore,thenewlyelectedexecutive members of the GTA are returning officer Sharon Small, as well as Harry Panday, RomelaForde,andAmadaJaisingh.

The new executive of the GTA after the AGM. Campbell is seated 2nd from left.

Boxers and Coaches pose for photo following yesterday's training session.

Team Barbados at the Andrew 'Six Head' Lewis Boxing Gym yesterday from left Tyreec Taitt, Charles Cox, Jusean Shepherd, Coach Mark Innis and Kimberly Gittens.

Christy Campbell President of GTA

Akeem Jordan picked up his first wicket when he removed Muhammad Waseem. (AFP/Getty Images)

(Sitting L-R) Petra Organization's Troy Mendonca, Digicel CEO Gregory Dean, GFF's Dion Inniss and president of the GOA Godfrey Munroe. Also in photo are students from participating schools. (Rawle Toney photo)

Johnson Charles scored a brisk 66. (AFP/Getty Images)