Kaieteur News

Policy Forum Guyana joins call for urgent action to halt deep-sea mining and protect oceans

Wi t h t o d a y being World Oceans Day 2023, Policy Forum Guyana, in collaboration with prominent regional and international bodies, is spearheading a collective effort to urge all Caribbean organisations to endorse a suspension on activities that promotedeep-seamining.

World Oceans Day is being observed today under the theme Planet Ocean: Tidesarechanging.

The day is observed to remind everyone of the importance of oceans in the lives of human beings and raise awareness of the importance of the ocean and theneedtoprotectit.

In a statement, the organisation noted that the suspension of deep seamining is a crucial step seeks

to protect the oceans and marine ecosystems from potentially irreversible damage. “On this World Oceans Day, we call upon governments, citizens, and industryleaderstojoinforces in safeguarding the future health of our oceans and preserving the delicate balance of our planet,” PolicyForumsaid.

It was disclosed that a joint Statement is being prepared by an alliance of esteemed organizations, including the Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council, the Jamaican Environmental Trust, Sustainable Ocean AllianceCaribbean, and Greenpeace (USA).

The statement will highlight the urgent need for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, and will be widely

circulated in the coming days, rallying support and encouraging governments to takeastandforoceanhealth.

The organisation stressed that deep-sea mining poses a significant threat to oceans and the fragile ecosystems thatresidewithinthem.

“We must prioritise the protection of these ecosystems over the profitdriven interests of mining companies. Scientists have warned about the potentially irreversible damage that deep-seaminingcancauseto c r i t i c a l e c o s y s t e m s responsible for regulating climatechange.

While the extraction of minerals used in green technologies may appear enticing, we cannot overlook the potential consequences that outweigh short-term gains,”itwashighlighted.

Policy Forum explained that the assumptions about future demands may no longerbeaccurateinthenear future.

For instance, they said, the battery technology industry is rapidly evolving and moving away from utilizing minerals found in the deep sea. Notably, they gaveTeslaasanexamplethat has already developed a battery that contains no nickelorcobalt(Lithiumiron phosphate).

Given the limited data available on deep-sea ecosystems and species, the o r g a n i s a t i o n s a i d , conducting a thorough analysis of the potential damage caused by mining activities is challenging However,theynotedthatitis imperative that people prioritize the preservation of biodiversity and nature over immediate economic benefits.

To this end, it was highlighted that the deep sea plays a vital role in

mitigating climate change by storing substantial amounts ofcarbon,andanydisruption totheseprocessescouldhave far-reachingconsequences.

Moreover, it was revealed that the existence and extensive powers of the International Seabed Authority which is based in Jamaica remain largely u n k n o w n t o m o s t governments and Caribbean citizens.

As such, the organisation said that it is crucial that they raise awareness about the International Seabed Authority and its authority to permit deep-sea mining activities.

Additionally, it was also stated that it must be emphasize that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) not only allows for a moratorium on deep-sea mining but actually requires it.

According to the organisation, although the International Seabed Authority has yet to receive any applications for actual mining, the issuance of exploration licences and the

imminent possibility of provisional licenses starting from July 2023 pose significantrisks.

It was explained that the lack of established and approved rules and regulations raises concerns about the potentially irreparable harm that could result from a rush to exploit thedepthsofouroceans.

“Over a dozen countries, including France, Germany, Chile, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic stand united on this issue and our aim is to have the majority of the ISA Council member countriesjointhem.

Leading global brands, such as Samsung, Google, Volvo, and BMW, have also joined the chorus of opposition against deep-sea mining.

Itisimportanttonotethat this list may not be exhaustive, as there may be other companies or brands thatsupportthecallforaban, pause, or moratorium on deep-sea mining,” it was noted.

PolicyForumcalledupon the International Seabed Authority Council to reject

any applications for provisional licences until a comprehensive regulatory framework is established They said, only with a d e q u a t e s c i e n t i f i c information can we develop robust legislation to protect our oceans adding that there is a need to pause or moratoriuminordertogather more information and ensure the implementation of effectiveregulations.

Theysaidtoothatprompt action is vital, as the longterm consequences of deepsea mining are simply too significanttooverlook.

Policy Forum said too,

“On this World Oceans Day, we implore the International Seabed Authority and its member states to prioritize the protection of our oceans and the preservation of biodiversity Let us not sacrifice the health of our planet and its delicate ecosystems for short-termeconomicgains.It is time to halt deep-sea mining and explore sustainable alternatives that do not compromise the wellbeingofourenvironmentand futuregenerations.”

Policy Forum Guyana has called for a halt in deep-sea mining

Judge to decide today whether Exxon can operate after Saturday without unlimited parent company guarantee

Justice Rishi Persaud will determine today whetherhewillputaholdon the order to suspend the operating permit of Exxon Mobil's Subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) forfailingtoprovideaparent company guarantee to Guyana in the event of an oil spillherebyJune10,2023.

Therulingontheorderto suspend the permit will be handed down at 11:00 am today Justice Persaud heard arguments last week, in relation to the order to suspend Exxon's permit to operateintheStabroekblock ifitdoesnotprovideGuyana with the guarantee. High CourtJusticeSandilKissoon had previously issued the order for EEPGL to provide a parent company guarantee to Guyana failing which the company's operation permit would be suspended by June 10,2023.

The EPA and EEPGL have appealed the decision. During the hearing, attorneys for the EPA, Sanjeev Datadin and Francis Carlyle as well as Attorneys for EEPGL, Edward Luckhoo, SC and Andrew Pollard, SC presented arguments calling for a stay oftheorder

The appeal case is premised on an application filed in the High Court on September 13 by Attorneys

SeenathJairam,SC,Melinda Janki, and Abiola WongInniss In the case, Guyanese activists, Godfrey WhyteandFrederickCollins said, “an oil spill would be devastating for our country and Region as many Guyanese and Caribbean peoples depend on the ocean for their livelihoods. That is why we have decided that the time has come to take matters to the court for relief.” The litigants said thattheirresorttothecourtis to make sure that the company takes full financial responsibility in case of harm, loss, and damage to theenvironment.

Noting the failure of the EPAto carry out its statutory functions, Justice Kissoon in a strongly worded ruling had issued an Order of Mandamus directed to the agency to issue an Enforcement Notice pursuant to Section 26(1) and(2)oftheEnvironmental Protection Act, on or before 9/05/23, directed to EEPGL to perform its obligations under Condition 14:10 and 14:05 of the Environmental Permit to provide, within 30

days thereafter, on or before 10/06/23, the unlimited liability Parent Company GuaranteeAgreementand/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee to indemnify and keep indemnifiedtheGovernment of Guyana and the Agency a g a i n s t a l l s u c h environmental obligations within the Stabroek block, togetherwithEnvironmental liability insurance as is customary in international petroleum industry in accordance with the Conditions at 14:05 (i), (ii), (iii),(iv),(v)and(vi)froman insurance company standing and repute that equates to Grade A Plus as envisaged by Condition 14:05 failing which the permit stands suspended.

In his capacity as lead attorney for the EPA, Datadin argued in reference to the Order of Mandamus that the issue of the stay is a narrow one that hinges on the interpretation of the permit. Datadin explained, “The case relates simply to statutory interpretation and the interpretation of the permit. Respectfully your honour…the ills that may befall Guyana or the catastrophe that may result are irrelevant The overarchingissueiswhatthe parties meant when they intended at the time they enteredtheagreement.”

In this regard, the attorney said that he found the call for unlimited parent company guarantee or assurance flaw “Condition 14.3 of the permit provides for an estimate which means this is an average or finite sum, not unlimited assurance 14:3 says that forms of financial assurance shall be guided by an estimate of the sum of reasonable credible cost, expenses, and liabilities that may arise from any breaches ofthepermit. Youcan'thave an estimate that is unlimited that would preposterous,” thelawyersaid.

He claimed that the option of litigation is always an avenue that is open to the Government of Guyana if t h e a m o u n t i s n o t satisfactory In any event, when someone would have suffered a loss, they can always approach the court. Datadin reasoned too that by its order to suspend the permit the court has usurped theauthorityoftheEPA.

He said while the argument proffered by the respondents that the company providing the

assurance must have the financial capability to do so, it is a baseless argument since Esso has billions of dollarsinassets.

In his view, the attorney said he does not believe in the necessity of a parent company guarantee as Esso is capable enough to handle itsowncleanup.

In response to the arguments, Senior Counsel Jairam of views that the trial judge correctly interpreted the terms and conditions of thepermit

“If there is an oil spill –we have seen examples in theworld,theCourtcaneven take judicial notice of the kind of devastation it will cost.Idaresay,andIsaythis

with reluctance, an oil spill can set Guyana back to the ice age if there is no assurance Accidents on the high seas cost billions upon billions, a US$2B (parent guarantee) would be adropintheocean…”

As such, Jairam pointed outthatcondition14.1states that the permit holder is liableforallcostsasitrelates to the clean-up or damage to the environment as a result of an oil spill He emphasized too that the permit holder is liable to provide forms of financial assurance to cover all the legitimate liabilities under the permit. In the meantime, Senior Counsel Jairam said that while the EPA is

requesting a stay, they have made no attempts to comply withtheorder “Theydidnot seek to comply with the timeline given by the court

not even by asking for an extension of time… We say they are in contempt and should not be heard,” the SeniorCounselstated.

Justice Rishi Persaud

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

A MILKY SITUATIONA VERY SOUR ONE

Guyanese businessman Saeed Rahaman Alladin is staringatahugeloss.Unlesshegetssomelegalrelief,this longstanding milk importer is facing a loss of close to GY$22M (US$109,000) due to a European company allegedlyfailingtoholdupitsendofamilkdealfinalizedin May,2022forthesupplyof1400cansofmilk.

The facts are simple, as furnished by the Guyanese businessman. French-based Dana Diary Group Limited assuredMr Alladinthattheirproductwastopnotch,andsent himsamples,whichpassedhistastetests. Furtherassurance was given that the May 2022 contract would be filled in a few months. The reality for Mr Alladin proved to be different,andnowheliveswithanightmare.

First,themilkarrivedinGuyanainlateDecember,seven monthsfromthetimeofthesigningofthecontract. Second, themilkoriginatedinIndia,andnotFrance,aswaspromised toMr Alladin. Third,itwaslessthanthe1400cansofmilk powderthatthesalesagreementspecified. Meanwhile,Mr AlladinhadspentGY$100,000toadvertisethisDanaMilk to the Guyanese public. In good faith, and trusting in his foreign milk partner, Dana Diary, the company’s milk was soldthroughwell-knownsupermarkets,suchasMattai’sto Guyanese. Some buyers got sick, Mr Alladin lost money, and now he fights to save his reputation, and recover his US$109,000fromDanaDiary

Thisstoryispresentedtohighlightseveralpoints. What is currently being experienced is a fact of commercial life, especially when there are foreign partners. Even in the closeness of local participants and local agreements, one sidecouldbeshaftedandloseheavily Asindividualonline shopperscanattest,sometimeswhentheproductisreceived, manythingscouldbewrongwithit. Recourseisusuallyout ofthequestionrelativetoreturnsandrefundswhenforeign sellersareinvolved. Mr Alladinhaschosentheonlycourse of action open to him, which is to initiate legal steps to recoverhismillions.

The first thing that has to be said is that foreign companies have their share of rotten apples, and time will tell whether Dana Diary is one of those. It is our position that, given what happened, Mr Alladin should be made whole,andtothepenny Whatcouldhappeninthecaseof food products (or any other) also is present in the world of oil. Foreign oil companies do not enjoy the best of reputations for fair dealing, principled partnering with oil producing nations, and clean and careful managing of operator-hostrelationships. Therearesomeoilcompanies thatareaheadofsomewhenbalancednegotiationsarewhat provide the fairest and the best outcome for all the parties involved.

Itisinthiscontextthatthevoraciousandcutthroatnature offoreignoilcompaniesmustberecognised.Theyarenot, andshouldnotbefound,defensiblebyanyclearheadedand right-thinkingpoliticalleader,beheorsheingovernmentor opposition,civilsocietyortheprivatesector. Thegreatest of vigilance is called for, and with the sharpest sensitivity regarding the limitations of the host country versus the proven sophistication, and troubling historical character of thisorthatforeignoilcompany Ifnot,thereisthehighest riskthatacountrycouldbekeptinthedarkastowhatittruly has,andwhatitshouldbegettingforitswealth.

ItshouldbeobviousbynowthatGuyanawastakenfora costly ride in 2016, when the APNU+AFC Coalition Governmentsigneditsoildeal. Misledisnottheword,nor is it taken advantage of most callously We were always suffering from the effects of what is called ‘asymmetrical information’, which means that we didn’t know anything closetowhatweshouldhaveknown. Todaywepayaharsh price,withtheworldlaughingatus. Guyanacouldgetsome relief,butitwillhavetofighttoothandnailforwhatbelongs to its peoples, what is right, fair, and just. Just as it should have been in the instance of Guyanese businessman Saeed RahamanAlladin. Wehopethathesucceedsinhisquestfor fullrecompense.

We will not simply move on after Mahdia, move ahead with properly constituted CoI

DEAREDITOR,

Our worse tragedy in recentmemorytookplaceon March21,2023atMahdiain Region Eight, and after milkingeverydropofpublic relations from the heartbreaking event, the Irfaan Ali government now seemsanxiousforGuyanese to move right along and returntobusinessasusual.

Wewillnot.Wecannot.

Loud calls from the parliamentary opposition a n d c i v i l s o c i e t y

DEAREDITOR,

Peoplesaycrowdsdonot matter, that big crowds at political meetings do not necessarily indicate anything positive I guarantee that you wouldn’t say that if you were at Port Kaituma yesterday where the PPP/C held a massive publicmeeting.

The crowd braved a heavy downpour of rain to listen to an impassioned speech by Prime Minister MarkPhillips.

The Brigadier General (rt’d) pumped-up the crowd by reminding them that the PPP/C colors represent democratic values, and that thisLGEisaboutthedefence of Guyana’s democratic institutions.

Prime Minister Phillips enthusiastically called for thedissatisfiedsupportersin APNUtojointhePPP/C.

An earlier speech by the young and talented Jason Ramjohn, who recently crossed over fromAPNU to thePPP/Cticket,hadalready set the stage for a stinging rebuke of PNC/APNU incompetence.

The young Ramjohn received sustained applause when he belted out – “the PPP/C does not fight characterattackpolitics.”

The comment was made because numerous PPP/C candidateswhohappentobe Afro-Guyanesearecurrently being harassed with foul name-calling by APNU operatives in the area. Ramjohnwentontosaythat the PPP/C fights “policy politics.”

Sarah Browne Shadeek, currently Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of

undoubtedlyplayedarolein t h e P r e s i d e n t ’ s announcement that it is his government’s intention to establish a Commission of I n q u i r y i n t o t h e circumstances surrounding the deadly fire which extinguished twenty of our young, bright lights. This wasonMay25,2023.There hasbeenadeafeningsilence fromtheGovernmentonthis mattersincethen.Thelackof urgency and accountability demonstrated by Mr Ali in

addressing such a critical matterthathasleftnumerous lives shattered and several Indigenous communities in despair, stands in stark contrast to the haste with which the State moved to charge the minor with 19 counts of murder The child continues to maintain her innocence. Irfaan Ali must presenttothisnationwithout further delay, Terms of Reference for the Commission of Inquiry into theMahdiafireandappointa

COI comprised of suitably qualifiedpersons.Thisisnot just a matter of addressing past mistakes but also ensuring the safety and security of our citizens moving forward. Guyanese, and more particularly the bereaved families deserve closure, justice, and the reassurance that steps are being taken to prevent such tragediesfromrecurring.

Yoursfaithfully,

AmanzaWaltonDesir, MemberofParliament

LGE

Amerindian Affairs, delivered a powerful speech callingforPPP/Csupporters fromMatthewsRidgetoPort Kaituma to turn out in their numbersandcasttheirballot for economic development andPresidentAli’s One Guyana initiative. The people of Fitzburg, Arakaka, 4 Miles, Matarkai, andsurroundingareas,byall indications,arereadytoroll.

Minister of Housing and Water, the indefatigable Collin Croal, was in his element Like Prime Minister Phillips, Croal remindedtheaudienceofall the good works done by the PPP/Csinceittookofficein August2020.

The list was so compelling, it would have made any listener from APNU afraid, very afraid. The audience went into overdrive when Minister Croal spoke about the restoration of the “Because we Care Cash Grant” that had been snuffed out by the APNU+AFC.

The programme which startedunderthePPP/Cwith $10,000, then wantonly c a n c e l l e d b y t h e APNU+AFC,isnowpaying $40,000 to every child of schoolageinGuyana.

What the APNU should trulybeafraidofisthesheer diversityofthePPP/Clistof candidatesfortheLGE.

They span decades by age, come from different social backgrounds, and most poignantly, come from m u l t i p l e e t h n i c backgrounds.

If ever anyone doubted that Guyana is a land of six ‘races,’ they should have beenatPortKaituma.

The diversity of candidates is visible, authentic, and real. There is notokencandidate.

The PPP/C has a track recordofkeepingpromises.

This was a central point for numerous speakers Consistent with this, Minister Croal declared that immediately after the LGE on June 12, the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, will be in Port Kaituma and surrounding areas to discuss how the regioncancontributetoselfsufficiency in local food supply, and to the food securityofthecountry

Prime Minister Phillips drew an ‘Atlantic’ applause

when he noted how many APNUsupportersinLinden, Bartica, Georgetown, and New Amsterdam have crossed over to the PPP/C. Heissuedanopeninvitation to the good folks of the Barima-Waini region to comeovertothePPP/C.

The Local Government Elections are now only days away The PPP/C ‘showing’ at Port Kaituma should be seenasashotacrossthebow ofAPNU.

Too many people are switchingfromtheAPNUto the PPP/C and it is too late nowtoattemptanyreversal.

Sincerely,

Dr. Randolph (Randy) Persaud

Election to UN Security Council is a big boost to Guyana

DEAREDITOR,

The election of Guyana as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council is indeed a bigboosttothecountryfrom the standpoint of its own national security interests and that of the wider international community It provides the country with a voiceatthehighestdecisionmaking body of the United Nations as it relates to the maintenanceofinternational peaceandsecurity

Guyana is taking its seat at a time when there is a devastating war in Ukraine. In addition, there are deadly conflictsinaseveralpartsof theworldsuchasSudanand Yemen There is also growingtensionintheSouth Pacific region, all of which

poses a serious threat to worldpeaceandstability

The Government of Guyana has already indicatedthatitstenureinthe United Nations Security Council will be guided by a firmadherencetotheruleof international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Congratulations are in order for President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the ForeignAffairsMinistryand all those countries that supported Guyana’s candidacy to that important UN body It has certainly enhanced Guyana’s internationalprofileasakey player on the international stage.

Regards, HydarAlly

Many have switched from the APNU-AFC to the PPP/C for

Tara Singh worships his idols in the PPPGovt. too much to see straight

DEAREDITOR,

It was no surprise to see Dr Tara Singh making sure that he replied to my letter (“Tara Singh moves to remove misconceptions of N. Sahadeo”, KN -Iune 3rd 2023).Mywordshavereally strucksomenerves.

ALL Guyana/anyone with an iota of conscience, will be filled with emotions at the wanton and needless death of 20 young souls. Regardless of what anyone says, it is difficult to avoid emotions, preconceived bias, and perhaps a touch of distortion from seeping into ourwork/psyche.Ifourlives wererunonlyonthebasisof data,logicandinference,the human species would not have survived to this day, would it? (Read the strange butreal-lifestoryofPhineas Gage, neuroscience’s most famous patient and you will understandmypoint.)

But as he continues to worship at the altar of his Idols in Government, Dr Singh implies that it is not the “benchwarmers in parliament” who are responsible for what happened to those 20 kids.

(Looks like the word benchwarmer must have struck some chords, too!)

Why then, do we have these people wasting our taxpayers’ money, warming the seats of Parliament even as they and their near and dear ones revel in extreme privileges, while these young kids could not even enjoy a proper/safe dorm to sleep in? None of those that sits in Parliament presently own Guyana nor did their family (even if some seriouslyseemtobehavelike they do, ‘imho’.) Dr Singh says that my holding the head of state responsible for the lives/welfare of each of those 20 dead kids in particular and all of Guyana’s children is— ‘’I can discern Ms. Sahadeo’s subliminal remarks here.”

Subliminal? Surely you jest, Dr Singh? Or are you justbeingplainobtuse?And he does not seem to register that it is both the G o v e r n m e n t a n d

Opposition that I hold accountable for this great tragedy It is mind-blowing that Dr Singh implies that a P r e s i d e n t i s N O T responsibleforthewelfareof every citizen more so its kids. Can he explain then whydowehaveaPresident?

Is it to cook, feed, fetch and carry/load planes? Guyana does not need a labourer in

State House/Office of the President, we need an administrator to run the country so that we will not have a single child’s life s n u f f e d o u t PREMATURELY,muchless 20 at one GO. (I am not knocking any labourer in case he jumps on this; though,fromthewaythislot in present day Parliament is operating (not), we may be better off with labourers in Government.).

IHAVEASIMPLEAND

STRAIGHTFOWARD

QUESTION: WHY DID THEGOVERNMENTAND

ITS APPROPRIATE AGENCIES did not ensure that the dorm was not a fire disaster waiting to happen when they were warned it was by the Fire Dept ? Where is the Minister of Amerindian Affairs? Does she visit her constituencies? Surelyifshehadvisitedthat particular dorm, she would have noticed that it was unsafeincaseofafire?And then there are Cabinet Meetings where issues are supposed to be discussed. My late uncle was at one time the Scribe to Mrs Jagan’sCabinetandhemade itapointtobringup/include topics that are affecting the ordinary folks. (Mrs. Jagan gavehimaspecificofficeto meet regular folks with problems,thenwhensheleft Office, this position was cancelledbyhersuccessor).

Dr Singhdoesnotlivein Guyana; he was not an investigator to know the detailsofthisdisaster;yethe tookituponhimselftowrite about something he was not anauthorityonthenchastise therestofuswhohavebeen carrying the grief of those families who have empty spacesintheirheartsforever If as he says that he wrote based on the facts available atthetimeandthathisletter is devoid of emotions, how did he see a “silver lining?” The data at his disposal did notpermitsuchaninference. How did he arrive at those

Guyana Country or Plantation?

conclusions? Is he a c l a i r v o y a n t ? H i s unwarranted conclusion does not support his view thathisletterisbasedondata andreason.Ibelievethathad his intention been kindness and empathy, he wouldn’t have used an insensitive metaphor He would tell the families and those grieving toNOTLOSEHOPEwhich is plain English. But to say that there is a “silver lining” to be had from this tragedy...what on earth do youmean,Dr Singh?Again, explaincoherentlyinsimple English.

NOTHINGcanreplacea life, in case Dr Singh does not know He should go and tell those grieving families about“silverlinings”andsee what he will get. I can rememberwhenministersof the government went to see the families at Lusignan the day after the massacre. The local television station was live and all of us looking, saw when one of the ministers (he is still one today) was slapped in the face, people even spat on others. Such was the anger andgriefofthepeople.Isaw young Indian girls burning tyres in the streets to protest and a huge wave of people m a r c h i n g t o w a r d s Georgetown.Isawwhenthis car came and stopped them by the Triumph Pumping station,andIsawwhoitwas that came out and told them toturnbackandgohome.

Dr Singh, left Guyana, long and went to seek bettermentinotherlands.He musthaveforgottenwhatlife is in Guyana. Intermittent Sewa does not make one aware of the angst and sufferingsofordinarypeople else he would not have chastised anyone in the first place.

Lastly, FROM A

V E D I C / H I N D U STANDPOINT,Sewaispart and parcel of our Dharma andtoboastofwhatonehas done, negates the very essence of Sewa.And as the

saying goes...Charity does begin at home, if he knows whatImean.Myfatherdied 30 years ago and a day does not pass when I do not miss/grieve for my beloved parent. Wouldn’t your child grieve when you are gone one day, Dr Singh? Much less those parents and siblings, right now merely days after losing their loved one in such a horrendous manner Imagine the horror of those kids as they were trappedinthatdeathtrap,Dr Singh. Take a moment and putyourselfintheirshoesfor just a millisecond and then tell me if all of us are not justified in our grief and anger. The rest of the rambling questions Dr Singhaskedme,Isay—look in the mirror and ask yourself, if you cannot find theanswers,thenputthemin chronological order and I willseektoanswerthem.As it is, your letter is too convoluted to answer in one go.As I was about to hit the ‘send’ key, the SN piece on the U N I C E F report, poppedup.Well,Dr Singhwhat say you now? The “blood” of 20 innocent young souls, stains whose and whose hands now? You and your idols can pass the buck as much as you want, however Karma does not differentiate which you as a Hindu should be well aware of.

( Maybe you can edify your idols at Robb Street on KarmaPhala.)Andfinally,“ “Silencebecomescowardice when occasion demands speakingoutthewholetruth and acting accordingly.” ¯ MahatmaGandhi.

Yourstruly,

N.Sahadeo

DEAREDITOR,

Folks, ‘kit and caboodle’,beingmowedout of their dwellings! No genuineeffortstoresolvefor the sake of our common humanity Where did all the land go? Seems that what a country needs are folks to occupy empty spaces way outthere.ShouldbegoEast, West, North and South! Perhapsallthelandisowned by private individuals! And when it’s needed for more private benefit, just get the policetoremoveunknowing folks.Ifthelandisprivately owned why is Police so involved.

Private land evictions should be done with private funds and security Government of the day coming up with the most unoriginal slogan – ONE GUYANA!Seemsanational

motto was not developed years ago – “ONE PEOPLE ONE NATION & ONE DESTINY”.

A bunch of folks who ought to know their history chose to ignore the original motto So, we have a government that has its hands in all aspects of life. Imagine a Ministry of Sport & Culture! Why would government be involved in these two life areas which belong to the people? Government has a robust presence in the media. Why would government be actively involved in the media? Okay, we must be dealing in an environment that is different from a fully functioningfreecountry Aha plantation has now swallowedupacountry!

Sincerely, PhilEdwards

Organisers must be commended

DEAREDITOR, The BEA ‘Business Pitch’Competitionisaclear i n d i c a t i o n o f t h e Organisation’s seriousness to uplift businesses and business persons in this section of the populace With strands of similarity to thebusinesssharktankinthe US, except no sharks in the tank,but‘sharks’intheform of an esteemed panel to

assess, evaluate and analyse thepitchforthegrandprize. It is advancing, beneficial and stimulating. The organisers must be commendedforthisboldand enterprising endeavour whichIhopewillbecomean annual feature during Emancipation Month observances.

Regards, ShamshunMohamed

DEAREDITOR,

Now that the cash grant will get all the focus and soon,wewillforgetMahdia, it would be remiss of me in this entire sad ordeal not to join with the others and call foracabinetreshuffling.

This nation had enough ofMr Dharamlall.Itisclear thatheisasacredcow From the many transgressions, now to a clear dereliction of duty, this minister, his REO andothersmustgo.

This nation is still hurt andtheonlyjusticeforthose 20 students is holding those who are responsible for systems accountable. We cannothaveitasanotherday, anotherfire.

Thenationhadenoughof these Ministries managed in a very incompetent manner While generally, the PPP/C is scared to shuffle the Ministers,thetimehascome forittotakestock.

MINISTRYOF EDUCATION

No amount of flowery language from this subject Minister can hide the i n c o m p e t e n c e o f performance. As Minister, who spends a lot of time on Facebook always reacting, orblastingAPNU+AFCwill not distract the nation from herperformance.

Under her watch, fires took place at Chase Academy, North Ruimveldt Secondary, Mabaruma Secondary, St George’s

The rule of law in Guyana

DEAREDITOR,

High, Church Christ Secondary and Mahdia dormitory While she bears no direct blame, in management,thebuckstops attheMinister’soffice.Year after year, she presents budgetsforherMinistryand then goes on in a theatrical m a n n e r t o b e r a t e APNU+AFC, but fails to b r i n g f o r t h a n y recommendations that address the unprecedented occurrence of fires. Clearly, the system she supervises suffers a breakdown As such, the nation needs to know

1. How often is fire drill done?

2 How many fire extinguishersareworkingin schools?

3. What system is in place to prevent students fromaccessinginflammable items?

4. How many schools havesmokealarms?

5. How many schools haveautomaticsprinklers?

6. What is the ratio of houseparentsupervisionper student?

7. How many security guards were on duty on the nightoftheincident?

The issue at Mahdia leaves more questions than answers.Whatisclearisthat the Minister has lost control ofherministryandtherefore needs to do the honourable thing.

The‘feralblast’Minister

needs to go Under her watch, teachers were attacked, students - teachers relations worsened, compensation for teachers remain poor, working conditionsareatrocious,and teachers have to still continue take money out of their pockets for teaching aids.Itseemsthatthere’sno end to this. The Ministry of Education is an important ministry since it molds our nation’s children and as such,attimespropercarefor all must be a priority It was not one act but several fires thatcameafterandafter The ministry led by a minister clearly reminds clueless on matters of children safety and wellbeing. The ministry needs a minister who can adequately manage this sector

MINISTRYOF HOMEAFFAIRS

The list piles up for this ministry From the Mae scandal to the gross incompetenceinfirefighting and crime management Someone has to take the blame. It has to be the minister Many fires, the story remains the same. Yet annually,thisministerbrings no innovation to the floor to embrace modern crime and firefighting approaches Roadaccidentsareatanalltime high, yet no positive reinforcement strategy is anywhere near, only traditional, out dated punitivesolutionsexists.It’s timeforanewminister

MINISTRYOFLABOUR

With an increase of construction, the likelihood of accidents is possible. An entire ministry that is empowered to look after safety at the workplace simply is unable to do so. Only recent, a construction workerdiedfromabuilding. What protocols are there to preventthis?Whatpenalties are employers enduring for failingtocomply?

Many workplaces lack the basics, yet as a whole in this ministry, these are not addressed.

Another failure. What recommendations is he making to make safety a priority?Nothing! These ministers should do the honourable to President Ali. The list goes onandon.

Regards, A.Singh

Inademocracy,thethree branches of government the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial branches MUST be kept separate, to ensure that the checks and balances necessary to maintain a healthy democracy,ismaintained.

With the 1980 Burnham constitution,makingthethen politicized Guyana Appeal Court the highest legal decision-making entity of Guyana, all pretense that Guyana had any semblance to the rule of law, which it enjoyed as a British Colony, disappeared. The Judges were appointed and promoted and their remuneration, including their duty-free entitlements etc.setbythepoliticalruling entityi.e.theexecutive;soto all intents and purpose, their method of appointment and their remuneration put them squarely under the influence of the political Executive ruling even now In such a scenario, there could not possibly be an independent Judicial branch of Government In addition when Guyana was changed by the British from having elections based on the Constituenttypeelectionsto t h e P r o p o r t i o n a l Representation method where a party and not individuals in a party are running for legislative positions, it changed something fundamentally opposedtokeepingthethree arms of government separate, in the case of the Burnham government one was even required to offer one’s resignation before accepting being placed on theparty’snationallistbythe leader,thustheperson’sfirst loyalty was to his Party, and in Burnham’s government thePartywasparamount.

S o e v e r y o n e i n Parliament, both the ruling Party and opposition Party the members are loyal only

to the party which put them there; there are no individualsinourparliament responsible to the people, only representatives of one partyortheother,whichthey were required to support unquestionably. Despite numerous attempts at constitutional reform not muchhaschanged. Fromthe membersofParliament,who were sitting there, compliments of their party leaders’ SELECTION, the executive members, i.e. the Ministers, are selected. In such a scenario there can clearly be no separation of power between the legislative branch of government, or the Executive branch. And also lays the foundation for the selection of ministers with no competence whatsoever, the only criteria of selection being their loyalty to their partiesanditsleaders.

This laid the foundation of the Burnham dictatorship from 1966 to 1992. Which continues to this day Becauseonachievingpower in 1992, no attempt was made by the PPP to change anything This situation continued until 2005 when something important happened, there was established a Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)and Guyanabecameamemberin that year. It has changed everything for us, and has at least, to some extent, diminished the executive branch from controlling our judiciary Years ago Sir Fenton Ramsahoye had told me that he would never practice law here, since the Guyana legal system is perverse due to the fact that theAppeal Court of Guyana wasthefinalcourtGuyanese had access to in search of justice and it was controlled by the executive, his comparison was Trinidad and Tobago where the Trinidadians had access to thePrivycouncilinEngland

ROHEEAND HISANTICS

DEAREDITOR, Commissioner Rohee canjumphighorjumplowas he has done in his diabolic letter in Kaieteur News on the question of members of theDisciplineServicesbeing affected by the omission of their names on the list for balloting/voting at their place of assignment on ballotingdate.Thefactofthe matter is that names were omitted.

Persons were unable to ballot and there is no record of such occurrences and no

provisionforsuchpersonsto bereleasedtoreturnhometo vote. It is precisely because theywillnotbereleasedthat arrangements should have been made for them to vote on ballot day at their work sites/locations. That is the crux of the matter Such persons are likely to be disenfranchised as GECOM shirks it responsibility to ensure that every voter is given the opportunity to vote.

and since the Privy Law Lords had no compunction ofreversinganyandallpoor rulings made by the Trinidadian Judges, they even criticized them and the poororperversejudgements rendered by them, this was thesameformostifnotallof the English speaking Caribbean which continued tousethePrivycouncil.And so for them, the rule of law survived. For two decades accordingtoRamsahoye,we have bred a legal system more dependent on bribery and cronyism than by practisingtheruleoflaw,and it had rendered justice in Guyana unobtainable with a weak judiciary and jurisprudence After the 2020, elections for six months,wesawthattheCCJ played a very important part in halting, what can only be described as an attempted coup in Guyana. The rule of law is important Editor, VERY important, I recall that Lord Paddy Ashdown the British Politician put in charge of introducing democracy in Bosnia and Hercegovina after the civil war there, in an interview with Reuters said that; we made a huge mistake here, we thought that democracy came first and we held as many elections as possible, but nothing changed, becauseDemocracydoesnot come first, the rule of law comes first, without it, you can’t have a democracy or decent politics or decent business, nothing works And so because of the CCJ andourfearlessChiefJustice R o x a n e G e o r g e Wiltshire(acting),theRuleof Law has finally emerged in Guyana, and this is what the Guyanese people and the government, to its chagrin, a r e s e e i n g n o w Astonishingly Justice George Wiltshire has been ACTING as chief justice since2017!!Infact,sincethe then Chief Justice Desiree Barnard was elevated to Chancellor in 2001!! 22 yearsago!!Wehavenothad asubstantiveChiefJusticein thiscountry! It’sadisgrace!! And finally, I would like to say to all the judges in Guyana, keep up the good work, what you are doing is the right thing, in helping to restore the Rule of Law in Guyana. To the people of Guyana, I say this, those of youwholikemecherishThe RuleofLaw,mustnotrestin our efforts to nourish it and makeitgrowevenstronger

Faithfully, TonyVieira

Cannot be another day, another fire, ministers and others must go

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

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

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

BORROWINGSIX-TIMESMORE

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

Despite several warnings from the World Bank, the IMF and the IDB the Guyana Government continues to borrow big to fund its many projects.

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

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

We reported on Wednesday that the Irfaan Ali administration is on course to borrow six times the amount it took in 2022 to fund projects in its national Budget.

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

This information is clearly outlined in this year’s Budget documents.

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

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

Volume One of the Estimates indicate that the latest loan estimates in 2022 was $14,968,838.

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

This year, government plans to borrow a whopping $94,080,000. This amounts to an increase of $79,111,162.

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

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

And while all of this happening, our Vice President continues to dream that one day we will achieve first world status by borrowing more and ‘prudent management of our oil resources.’

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

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

Exxon, partners took out $347B for depreciation, amortization, while Guyana for same period received the exact amount in royalties, profits

...Guyana still to see audit of companies' asset register

Ex x o n M o b i l

C o r p o r a t i o n t h r o u g h i t s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) along with its partners in the Stabroek Block, recovered $347B for depreciation and the amortization of assets from 2021 to 2022. In the same period, Guyana made just approximately $380B in royaltiesandprofit.

For a breakdown of the costsrecoveredbyExxonand its partners, Kaieteur News reviewed the financial statements for the companies which form part of court documents recently filed by

EEPGL. EEPGL recovered $132 7B and $38 8B in d e p r e c i a t i o n a n d amortization costs for 2022 and 2021 respectively bringing the total to $171.5B in two years. Its total assets are valued at $2.3 trillion. This amount includes intangible assets, wells and facilities, Liza production assets, other assets including motor vehicles, office equipment, non-residential buildingandITequipment. Withrespecttointangible assets, EEPGL said this represents the acquisition costs for interests in the offshore Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur deepwater blocks

net of depreciation. As of January 2022, EEPGL said it had about $1.3B worth of vehicles, wells and facilities (work in progress) worth $733.6B, producing assets worth $265.3B, right of use for drill rigs and others totalling $203.1B. EEPGL financials were signed off by the company's head, Alistair RoutledgeonMay17,2023.

As for Hess Corporation, the partner with a 30 percent stake in the Stabroek Block said its total assets were

worth $679.6B in 2021 and movedto$904.9Bin2022.

In terms of depreciation, depletionandamortization,it recovered $78.8B in 2022 and $20.9B in 2021, giving a totalof$99.7Bintwoyears.

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) said its Guyana assets totaled $626.7B in 2021 and 841.3B in 2022 while depreciation, depletion and amortization recovered stood at $18.9B in 2021 and $57.1B in 2022. This gives a total of $76B.

Exxon and partners have therefore recovered $347B for the 2021 to 2022 period.

According to the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Guyanese authorities have therighttobepresent,atleast once annually, when inventoriesarebeingdoneon the companies' assets to ensure inflated sums are not being recovered. Guyanese are notably in the dark about the company's register as well as if authorities have utilized this inspection right inthecontract.

According to the financials, EEPGL was incorporated in Bahamas on

October16,1998.Itwasthen registered in Guyana on June 29,1999.

ExxonMobil Global Holding Investment B.V has a 100 percent holding in EEPGL.

HessGuyanaExploration Limited-Guyana was registered here as a branch of Hess Guyana Exploration Limited (HGEL) on October 28, 2014 HGEL is incorporated and domiciled inCaymanIslands. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hess Bermuda Holdings Limited which is owned by Hess Corporation, an entity incorporated in Delaware,USA.

SHOULD YOU STAIN YOUR FINGERS NEXT MONDAY?

Next Monday’s local government elections represent a moment of truth for the Guyanese people. If the PNCR does well, it will be a moral indictment of the nation given its role in the attempt to benefit from rigged general and regional elections.

IfthePPP/Cdoeswell,it sends the wrong signal. It will embolden them to continuetobetraythepublic trust by selling out the country’s patrimony for a pittance. The main political parties are mobilizing their supportbasestoturnoutnext Monday And in the process the smaller political parties and individuals are being sidelined and rendered ineffective.Thishasbeenthe tragedy of Guyana, including at the local government polls in 2016 and 2016 when the individual candidates and smallpartiesfaredpoorly Citizensarebeingwooed tovote.Buttherearecitizens who will reflexively vote also because they feel that they have to keep opposing factions out. Hatred and dislike for the PPP/C is no reasontovoteforthePNCR. Similarly, dislike and hatred forthePNCRisnoreasonto supportthePNCR.Thereare in fact more reasons not to vote next Monday than to castyourballotinsupportof either of the country’s two main political parties. Not

voting will send a strong signal to these two political titans that they should not take their support bases for granted. It will also be a demonstration of people’s power Next Monday, the citizens of Guyana can send apowerfulpoliticalmessage to the country’s political leadersthatthey,thepeople, are not powerless and will notbetakenforaride. Our political leaders need such a wake-up call. Theyneededtobereminded that their duty is first and foremost to the citizens and not to themselves, friends and cronies. A boycott of next Monday’s local governmentelectionswillbe themostpowerfulsignalyet from citizens that it can no longer be business as usual whenitcomestothemanner in which the country is governed and in which the interested of citizens are safeguarded.Theseelections will change nothing. The same old rigmarole will continue. Citizens will not enjoy any appreciable benefits in the quality of services officered. In the past, the electorate was promised improvements W h e r e a r e t h o s e improvements?

Boycotting the elections

can help break the stranglehold the country’s two main political parties have had on the country’s politics, including its

Dem Boys Seh...

municipalities and neighbourhood democratic councils. For too long, this stranglehold has held this nationinavice.GECOMhas beenrunningadvertisements encouragingcitizenstovote. In these ads, GECOM has been emphasizing that these elections will allow citizens to have a say in matters that affect them. But how true is this? How many citizens actually get to play a role in the decision-making of their communities? People’s landsweresoldinoneareato corporateentityandithadto take protests for the transaction to be reversed. How many town hall and community meetings are heldtoallowcitizenstohave a say in how their communitiesaregoverned?

C i t i z e n s e l e c t representativesbutthenhave little say in what happens. Did the citizens of Georgetown approve of the parking-meter contract which was signed? Boycotting the elections would represent a protest against citizens’ alienation from decision-making Boycottingtheelectionscan alsobeseenasademandfor the system to be revamped. The local government systemdoesnotwork.Inthe towns,theconstituenciesare toolarge.Everywardshould be represented on the council There also have been calls for a return to

CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS ARE NO LONGER SAFE ON OUR PUBLIC ROADS

Ourpublicroadsareno longer safe for pedestrians andcyclists.

They are getting struck down cycling, trying to cross our public roads and even when standing or walking on the said thoroughfares.

The increasing number of pedestrians and cyclists fallingvictimtoroadtraffic accidents on our main public roads serves as an alarming reminder that our roadwaysarenolongersafe h a v e n s f o r t h e s e individuals.

Themassivenumberof vehicles using our roadways and the speed with which some of

motorists are driving all combine to make it dangerous for pedestrians andcyclists.

As the pace of life quickens, patience diminishes, and this impatience translates into dangerous driving. People are hurry to get to their destination even though thereisnoneedforspeed.

Theadrenalinerushhas become ingrained. People speed for no reason and when you are driving slowly, they pass you and look at you as if you are crazy The improvements in the roads have led many to be used as motor racing

village councils rather than poolingvillagestogetherand calling them neighbourhood democratic councils Staying away from voting next Monday can send a signal that the system does not work and needs to be revamped. Boycotting the elections will also send a messageabouttheerosionof public trust. It will remind our politicians that they are there, not to feather their ownnestsandambitions,but to serve the public. In this way a boycott will help to restore public trust and redefine the relationship

between citizens and their electedrepresentatives.

If, however, you don’t wishtoboycotttheelections, ifyoufeelsomehowthatitis amoralobligationtovote,at least send a signal that you are tired of the political divisions and political polarization. Vote for the small parties, vote for the independent candidates. In so doing, you will be fulfilling your moral duty whileissuingawake-upcall to the country’s two main political parties that they should not take you for granted,thattrustneedstobe

restored, change needs to be pursed and that citizens demand and expect better fromthem.

(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.)

circuits. Even horse cart racing has switched to the EastCoastPublicRoadona S u n d a y m o r n i n g . Sometimes you wonder whetherwewerenotbetter off when there were potholes.

At least, that forced drivers to go slowly The simple law however is that with more vehicles using our roadways, public roads will no longer be safe to walkandrideon.

In most metropolitan countries, walking and riding on the highways is prohibited Guyana will soonhavetofollowsuitifit istostopthecarnage.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

THE OLD BHARRAT JAGDEO IS BACK

The old Bharrat Jagdeo is back, and he is now bigger and ‘badder’ than when he was Guyana’s President. Hehasnowtaken off the gloves, and shed the new skin that he had put on because it fitted so abrasively

Itisbacktotheoldways: abusive and aggressive, hostile and hard headed. I regret saying this, but it is clear that Vice President Jagdeo has a great distaste for civility, probity, and sincerity

This may not have matteredinthewilddaysof

thepast,butnowthatthereis oil, and there are all these eyes focused intently on Guyana, and every development here, there is the urgent need for Guyana Vice President, a former head of state, and now Oil Presidenttogetabettergrip onhimself.

I give him a helpful hand, and though he is sure to brush it aside angrily and impatiently,Imustpersistto savehimfromhimself.

The PNC might be his enemy, but I am not Certainly not of my brother Bharrat Jagdeo, or the PPP Despite he and his people

wishing, working, coercing many to kowtow to their self-dealing narratives and postures, they must learn that there are some who remain unmoved by overtures, assaults, and otheroutrages.

AllGuyaneseareasking forarestraightanswers,and there are more and more in Guyana, who see through Dr Jagdeo.

His herky-jerky pronouncements in public are unpersuasive; in fact, they are perverse because thesullytheexpectationsof citizens,whiledegradingthe commonsense of the

ordinary, educated, and experienced in the population.

Guyanese are not that stupid brother Bharrat that they fail to see through the schemescrafted,thepoisons that they hold for them. Guyanese are nowadays even more sensitive than brotherBharratbecausethey discernhowtruthgetsunder his skin and unravels him, how his nerves are rubbed raw,leadinghimtoresortto his old culture of hysteria andinsecurity

All this becomes obvious when brother Bharrat lashes out at

Guyanesehefinds objectionable, when he condemns and contemptuously discards those who have onlyoneplea,onedemand that I present in different ways, so that there is the fullest understanding of what would be of supreme benefit to all Guyanese Truths, not deceits. Facts, not fakeries. Accuracy, not makebelieve.Transparency, notsecrecy

Where is the error, sin, seditions in those brother Bharrat? Whatissoleprous in the few who put those on the table for fellow citizens to dissect and decide for themselves? How can such ever amount to what is leprous,when theissues are about who is a fraud and falsifier, who is a concealer andacreatorofoilandother fables, in that they struggle with straightness, with openness?

It would be infinitely more advantageous to brother Bharrat if he could only humble himself to recognize and accept some Guyanesearegivinghimthe tools, ammunition, and backing to faceoff before Exxon, and fight for all citizens.

IwantBharratJagdeoto getanycredit,anyencomia, that is due When he succeeds, Guyanese are victorious, get a taste of what oil means. So, I illuminate the errors and weaknesses of his ways, without one personal ingredient infused into the offeringsthatIlaybeforehis eyes. He can rail and rant, and that is his prerogative, even though it makes him into a much lesser man and leader than he is, that he couldbe,andmustbe.

O n t h a t , I a m immovable My roleindeedmydutyasacitizenistoshedlight,andtodoso with the grooming and raising that have been my ownprivileges.

Brother Bharrat must rememberSaddam,andhow

he was used and then vanquished. Hemustrecall Muammar and how he did notfear,evenifhislifeitself was the price. Brother Bharratmustlookacrossthe border, and heed how leadership extravagance, and disparity in the distribution of patrimony, has transformed the once richest country in the hemisphere,Venezuela,into a desolation of desolations. I go to the pain of repeating that old maxim of history: the foreigners for whom he fights so ferociously (even cursingandkickinghisown) havenopermanentfriends.

They have only permanentvisionsofwhatis to the permanent benefit of their people, their own coffers, and their own prosperity

I ask-I go so far as to beseech-my brother Bharrat to look at himself in the mirror He is not even a shadowanymore;suchishis shrinkage.

I recommend that he listens to himself, and he is sure to come to the same conclusion of hundreds of thousandsofGuyanese.

The man, this Guyanese leader, is splitting hairs, is selling snowflakes, and is runningawayandseparating himself from the mandate and expectations of the people who put he and his group where they are. I implore brother Bharrat to l i s t e n a n d a d j u s t accordingly He will be a bettermanforit. Oneother parting thing: as I embrace him as my brother, I rememberCain.

(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.)

Two sisters burnt to death in Mahaica house fire

Twosisterslosttheir lives tragically on W e d n e s d a y afternoonaftertheirLot60-61 Belmont,Mahaica,EastCoast Demerara home went up in flames.

The two children have been identified as three-yearold Shameena Hardat and nine-year-old Anamika Hardat. Information reaching this publication revealed that the fire started just around 13:00hrs yesterday and quickly gutted the two-storey buildingwhichatthetimehad onlythetwogirlsinside.After hearing screams, residents from the area rushed to the scene to help extinguish the blaze but could not reach the children in time as the fire quickly spread through the building.

Inastatement,theGuyana Fire Service said it received a call at 13:07hrs and was alerted to the fire Water tender#106andcrewfromthe Mahaica Fire Station was immediatelydispatchedtothe location The building involved was a two-storey woodenandconcretebuilding owned by Ayube Mohamed Khan and occupied by 79year-old Zaman Khan and his familyofeleven.

According to the Fire Service,thecauseofthefireis undetermined at this time and investigations are being carried out by the Fire Prevention Department. As a result of the fire, the building and its contents were

destroyed and two children lost their lives. One of the children, 9-year-old Anamika Hardat, was suffering from a disability which made it difficult to exit the house.The other child was her sister, 3year-old Shameena Hardat. Thechildrenwereleftathome without adult supervision Two jets working from an open water source were used toextinguishthefire.

“The Guyana Fire Service is saddened over the loss of these two young lives and continues to advise citizens to exercise caution and follow safety measures to avoid home fires Additionally, children should be educated on the dangers of fire starters (matches and lighters) and warned about their use. DO

NOT leave children unattendedorathomewithout adult supervision Keep children away from the cooking area, and ensure matchesandlightersareoutof their reach at all times. Equip your homes with fire prevention and firefighting devices like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; these willaidinalertingtoafireand putting it out quickly,” the statementconcluded.

M e a n w h i l e , a s investigation continues, the children's mother said that on Wednesday sometime around 11:00hrs, she had left home andwenttotheCoveandJohn Police Station to uplift child support for her children but was told to return on

Thursday She said that after that, she went to Georgetown to purchase school supplies forthem,whenshegotthecall that her house was on fire. According to the grieving woman, she could not believe what she was told and asked the caller to help out the fire since she was in the city and couldnotreachthereintime.

She related that the two girlswerelefthomealone,but the yard had two other apartments - one housing her brother and his family and the other, her father The woman saidherbrotherwashomeand couldnotsaywhatmighthave causedthefire.

On Wednesday morning, she said she had sent her two sonstoschool.Shesaidoneof thetwogirlswhoperishedhad adisability

The woman recalled that earlier in the day before tragedy struck, she had carried her two girls to take out their passport size photographs since the little 3year-oldonewasabouttostart schoolinSeptember

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

The aftermath of the fire which gutted the Belmont, Mahaica home where two young children were killed.

Three-year-old Shameena Hardat and nine-year-old Anamika Hardat

Fire Department in countrywide inspection of school dorms, hostels

In wake of the devastating fire at Mahdia that killed 20 children and causing injuries to several others, the Guyana FireService(GFS)saidithas e m b a r k e d o n a comprehensive inspection campaign targeting school dormitories and hostels countrywide.

Public Relations Officer of the GFS, Silyne Griffith toldtheDepartmentofPublic I n f o r m a t i o n ( D P I ) Wednesday that the dorms and hostels are also equipped with the necessary fire safety equipment However, this was not the case at Mahdia where it was found that there were no fire extinguishers and the facility was heavilygrilled.

According to the DPI to date, inspections were conducted at locations including the University of Guyana, President's College, Dennis Irvine Hall of Residence, as well as the Mahaicony, Paramakatoi and Anna Regina dormitories, Essequibo Technical Institute, Aurora Secondary, Charity Secondary, Three Miles Secondary, and the Bartica Secondary School dormitories.

Hostels including the Supenaam, Suddie, Anna Regina, and Charity hostels were also examined. Similar exercises will be conducted at other facilities to ensure they have fire prevention equipment.

The GFS has also conductedseveraloutreaches at various markets to educate persons on fire safety and prevention Several

outreacheswereconductedat the Kitty, Mahaica, and Mon ReposMarketstodate.

On Saturday last, over 500 Mon Repos residents benefitted from this public awareness programme In addition, 136 individuals received free blood pressure and blood sugar testing, that was administered by the service'sEmergencyMedical Technicians (EMTS) on the ground at the Mon Repos market. Persons also had the opportunity to interact with senior officers including Chief Fire Officer (ag), Gregory Wickham to learn aboutfiresafety

“The Guyana Fire Service will continue to conduct outreaches at markets as we strive to reach as many citizens as possible, both young and old, and educate everyone about the dangers of fires, thus

preventing them from happening,” the GFS said. Following the Mahdia fire school boys allegedly burned down the St.Angela Girls' Hostel located in Karasabai Village, Region Nine.

The South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) in a statement recently urged everyone to support and advocate for dormitories with proper infrastructure and safety procedures for children seeking education.

T h e c o u n c i l s a i d , “numerous concerns have been made regarding the dormitories, including the availability of healthy and sufficient food, access to fresh and clean water, electricity, security, proper utilities and furniture, layout and design of the buildings,andoverallliving arrangement of the

Child rapist attempts suicide after guilty verdict announced

Moments after he was found guilty on two counts of raping a child under the age of 16, Weslyn Bazil called “Tappy” attempted to takehisownlife.

Bazil had denied the charges which stated that between January 1 and 31, 2023,

he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 However, on Wednesday, after hours of deliberating the 12-member jury returned with guilty verdicts. After he was found guilty, Bazil attempted suicide, but this was prevented duetotheactionsofthecourtmarshals.

students.”

They also called for a thorough investigation of all

dormitories and for prompt remedial actions are taken to improvethesituation.

T h e c o u n c i l recommendedthefollowing:

1) The occupational, health and safety standards be vastly improved with emergency plans and equipmentbeinplace.

2) Replace all steel grills with less hazardous constructionmaterials.

3) Improve sleeping conditionsforstudents.

4) For every dormitory, a welfare officer be stationed to provide the necessary supporttothestudents.

5)Increasethenumberof caretakers at the dorms and carryouttrainingsothatthey can adequately carry out theirduties.

6) Appropriate and adequate food supply for students.

7) An enhanced team be established to monitor the dormitoriesacrossthehinterland.

$1.3B in contracts signed for road works in Yarrowkabra, Kuru Kururu, Swan

Eighteen contracts totallingover$1.3

billion were signed on Tuesday for road w o r k s i n t h e Lamaha/Yarrowkabra and Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), on the Soesdyke-LindenHighway

The contract signing was spearheaded by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs,KwameMcCoy

President Irfaan Ali had committed to facilitating infrastructural interventions during an outreach to the communities earlier this year, the Department of PublicInformationsaid.

MinisterMcCoy saidthat these developments in the community are indicators of visionary leadership by the PPP/C government. “This government is a visionary government, a government that has planned and has set outtoworkwiththepeopleto set our country on a footing that will match any other country in the world, and to lift the standards of its people and this is the

ssive

government,” theministersaid.

Further, Minister Indar

urged contractors to cooperate and communicate with the residents during the execution of the project, as well as to employ residents from within the community “What we have today is a contract being fulfilled by a government that is working for you. These projects are intended for good. The way communities and contractors communicatewitheachother isveryimportant,”hesaid.

Additionally, the public works minister pointed out that the majority of the contractors for these projects are new contractors, and this diversity indicates that new persons are being awarded opportunities to contribute to their communities as well as to gain employment. “This country is building at an

Minister Deodat Indar and Minister Kwame McCoy on Tuesday at the contract signing

explosive rate, and a lot of contractors are required to build out this country This is the opportunity for new p e o p l e t o c o m e onboard—many of them bid, and many of them got work,” Minister Indar noted. The rigid-pavement concrete roads will be designed to last for decades and will benefit residents in the communities of Swan, Kuru Kururu, and Ya r r o w k a b r a M a n y residents expressed gratitude to the government for the interventions Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman for Kuru Kururu, John Raphael, said, “I want to say thank God for the growth that is going on. Through this government, I am witnessing a miracle, and Iseethevision.”

The aftermath of the fire at the female dormitory at the Mahdia Secondary School

$688.1M in contracts signed to rebuild Christ Church School

Having been completely destroyed by a fire back in January,theGovernmentwill now be rebuilding the Christ Church Secondary School to thetuneof$688.1million.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Education signed seven contracts at its Brickdam office for the reconstruction of the school. The new structure, according totheministrywillbebuiltat the same location and is expected to be finished in seven months as per the contract.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand at the signing ceremony stated that the reconstruction will not be u n d e r t a k e n b y o n e contractor She said that the project was divided into seven lots and companies were invited to bid for each lot.

That invitation for bids was published in March 2023.

She said that there is a consultantontheprojectwho was also selected following a competitive bidding process. That consultancy firm is Innovative Engineering ConsultancyServices.

The seven lots and companies awarded are as follows: Lot -1 Construction of Sub-Structure - BM Property Investment Inc ($303,595,000 00); Lot -2

Super-Structure - Zeco Group of Services Inc ($295,137,706 00); Lot -3

Installation of Electrical Infrastructure&Fixtures-N. Balgobin&SonsContracting Service&ElectricalSupplies ($41,938,500 00); Lot -4

Installation of Plumbing Infrastructure and Fixtures -

BMPropertyInvestmentInc.

($17,600,000 00); Lot -5

I n s t a l l a t i o n o f A i r

Conditioning Infrastructure and Units - A. Ograsein & Sons General Contracting

($10,745,000 00); Lot -6

Installation of Fire

Prevention Units - A

Ograsein & Sons General

C o n t r a c t i n g

($6,759,000.00); and Lot -7

MasonryandFinishingWork - Pantheon Construction Inc.

($12,385,800.00).

The minister added that after the destruction of the school by arson, the children have been accommodated at the Cyril Potter College of Education.

She said that she is grateful to the teachers who rose to the challenge led by their headteacher and deputy headteacherwhowereableto produce and perform as though they were under familiarcircumstances.

The Education Minister explained to the contractors and the consultant that this project is very important to the Ministry. She reminded them to be aware of the penalties that can be activated if there is a failure todeliverontheircontractual obligations.

Meanwhile, Special Projects Officer at the Ministry, Ron Eastman detailed that the new Christ Church Secondary School building will feature fire prevention and retardant m e c h a n i s m s a n d components. Some of these include but are not limited to fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and some materials that will be used that are not highly

flammable.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alfred King added that among the seven lots which the project has

been divided into, there is a dedicated lot that deals with the installation of fire prevention units as recommendedbytheGuyana

FireService.

The ministry explained that the new building will measure 209 feet x 70 feet and will have 20 classrooms to accommodate 450 to 520 students.

The school will also feature all the science l a b o r a t o r i e s , T V E T laboratory, electrical and Woodworking laboratory, Information Technology laboratory,HomeEconomics laboratory, and Art and Musicrooms.

W h i l e d e l i v e r i n g r e m a r k s , M i n i s t e r

M a n i c k c h a n d a l s o mentioned that before September 2023, the construction works at Queen's College, The Bishops' High School, St. Rose's High School, Good Hope Secondary School, Yarrowkabra Secondary

School, Abrams Zuil Secondary School, East RuimveldtSecondaryandSt. Winefride's Secondary will be completed. She said that

the North Ruimveldt Secondary School should be completedbyOctober2023.

Kaieteur News had reported that on January 12, 2023,thefiredeemedtobeas a result of arsonists, gutted the Christ Church Secondary School. This was the second fire at the school in eight days.

The first had erupted in the school's science laboratoryandwascausedby c h e m i c a l r e a c t i o n combustion.

Firefighters had saved the building from burning then and had removed all chemicals from the building topreventarecurrence.

Takingintoconsideration thetimeofdaythatbothfires occurred (16:29 p.m. and 17:22p.m.),coupledwiththe fact that the second fire had several points of origin (seats), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) determined thatthefirewas“maliciously set by person or persons unknown.”

An artist impression of what the new Christ Church Secondary School would look like when completed. (Photo courtesy, Ministry of Education) courtesy

Scene from the contract signing ceremony

The fire which gutted the school back in January.

Hydromet Service predicts severe dry weather from July

...says water supply in conservancies, reservoirs across regions to drop

The Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Agriculture is forecasting that below normal amounts of rainfall are expectedacrossGuyanafromJuly2023.

Typically, continuous wetness (often accompanied by localised flooding) persists to the end of July in many Regions. However, these conditions, in general, are not expected topersistbeyondtheendofJune.Thecountry is expected to begin transitioning into dry conditionsbymid-Julyduetotheinfluenceof El Niño, the hydromet service said in a press release.

According to the hydromet service at this stage, it is expected that El Niño will be the maindriveroflocalweatherfortheremainder of the year Water supply in conservancies, reservoirsandinlandriversacrossallRegions are expected to remain adequate until the end of June and decrease thereafter Additionally, the potential for flash floods due to heavy rainfall remains high for June, with the highest amounts of rainfall expected in Regions7andNorthern8.

All of Guyana can expect warmer than usual (above-normal) day and night-time temperatures over the coming months

$2.8B in contracts signed for Region

Three

Temperatures are expected to be warmer when compared to the same period of previous years (and recent months). Dry days willbesignificantlywarmerthanwetdays.

The Hydrometeorological Service recommends that rain fed agriculture and large-scale water users harvest rainwater duringthelatterpartofJunetocompensatefor deficiencies in the coming months. As heat anddustwillbeofconcernfromlateJuly,itis recommended that shelter be provided for animals, while citizens should stay hydrated and where possible; outdoor activities should belimitedduringthemid-dayhours.

The Hydrometeorological Service will provideupdatestoitsseasonaloutlookasnew information becomes available and recommends that special attention be paid to short-range forecasts emanating from the National Weather Watch Center to plan daily activities For short-range forecasts and weather analyses, stakeholders are advised to follow the daily weather briefs, outlooks and advisories produced by the National Weather Watch Centre or visit www.hydromet.gov.gy The forecast desk could also be reached at 261-2284or261-2216.

The Government of Guyana (GoG) on Wednesday signed 58 contracts for road works across Region Three for a total cost of $2.8 billion.

The roads will be constructed in Parfaite Harmonie, Rec Dor Zee, Cornelia Ida, Vergenoegen, Hubu, Naamyrck, De Kindren, MetenMeer-Zorg, Zeelugt, De Willem, Ruby Backdam, Leonora, Den Amstel, Blankenburg, Anna Catherina, Zeelandia (Wakenaam), West Minister, Stanleytown, Onderneeming and Bendoff to Maripa.

In the coming months, the communities will be enhanced with the construction of rigid pavement and asphaltic concrete-surfaced roads, the Department of Public Information has said. Speaking at a contract signing ceremony, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar Minister noted the projects will overhaul many community roadsthatareinastateofdisrepair

The DPI reported that the contractors, many of whom are relatively new to the industry, lauded the bidding process and are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their communities. One such contractor was

Jason Atkins, who said the bidding process was a smooth one. “I think the government is giving a lot of small contractors like me a fair chancetogetintothesystembytenderingand ensuring that we have our registration intact sothatwecanqualify.”

Another contractor, Neil Dookhan noted, “Putting in the bids was very simple. Once you follow the simple procedure, it is very simple.I'mgladIgotacontract.Ididtry,andI finally got one, and I'm very happy about that.”

Minister Deodat Indar at the signing ceremony on Wednesday

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EU to forge greater partnership with Latin America and Caribbean

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With the aim to create a stronger, modernised strategic partnership by boosting trade and investment for more sustainable, fair and interconnected societies, the European Commission on Wednesday adopted a joint communication, setting out a new agenda for relations between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean.

A press release from the EU noted that Latin America and the Caribbean are key allies to defend and strengthen a rules-based international system.

The EU noted that “together, the two represent almost one third of the membership of the United Nations (UN);” while adding that, “they are strong supporters of international law and the UN Charter.”

mix has the largest share of renewables in the world, amounting to 61% in 2021.

President of the EU, Ursula Von der Leyen was quoted as saying “Today, the EU–LAC strategic partnership is more important than ever. We are key allies to strengthen the rules-based international order, stand up together for democracy, human rights and international peace and security. “

“We also have an interest in strengthening our political partnership and engagement, fight climate change and to take forward an inclusive, human-centred digital transformation. Our Global Gateway will also boost investment and closer cooperation.”

Sub-regionally, the release said the Caribbean merits increased political attention through the finalisation of the post-Cotonou Agreement, in addition to engagement with other sub-regional groups such as Mercosur, the Central American Integration System (SICA) and the Andean Community or the Pacific Alliance.

Meanwhile, at the bilateral level, the release said that the new agenda eyes relaunching summits with strategic partners Brazil and Mexico, as well as establishing political dialogue mechanisms with a number of countries that do not currently have them; are other priorities.

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Additionally, it was noted that the Region is vital to the ecological balance of the planet, with over 50% of the planet’s biodiversity and is also a major food producer, accounting for 14% of global food production and 45% of net international agri-food trade, and a renewable energy powerhouse as its generation

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The new agenda communication also proposes increased cooperation at multilateral level to address jointly regional and global challenges in line with shared values, interests and objectives; noting that “both regions have an interest in working together for a reform of the global financial architecture, in particular multilateral development banks, and forging a new global financing pact.”

El Salvador slashes size of Congress ahead of elections

(Reuters) - El Salvador’s Congress passed an electoral reform in the early hours of Wednesday to reduce the lawmaking body’s size by nearly a third, a move the ruling party says will reduce spending and critics say consolidates power ahead of elections.

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The reform, announced last week by President Nayib Bukele in an address marking four years in government, cuts the unicameral Congress’ size from 84 lawmakers to 60.

Bukele also proposed a reform to consolidate the country’s 262 municipalities into 44 districts.

Opposition parties say they will reduce smaller parties’ political participation to a minimum.

“This decision has an electoral interest, which is precisely to continue concentrating power, concentrating resources,” lawmaker Anabel Belloso of

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele delivers a speech to mark his fourth year in office, in San Salvador, El Salvador June 1, 2023.

REUTERS/Jessica Orellana/File Photo leftist party FMLN said.

Presidential and legislative elections will be held in February, with municipal and regional Central American Parliament elections scheduled for March.

Bukele is highly favored for re-election, despite the constitution appearing to clearly prohibit consecutive terms.

The reform proposals are part of a larger “war on corruption” announced by the president.

Bukele said last week he would also build a prison for white-collar criminals, similar to the “mega prison” opened earlier this year for gang members.

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In 2021, El Salvador’s top court, whose members are appointed by Congress which is controlled by the president’s party, ruled that Bukele could stand for reelection, a decision that drew international condemnation.

He launched a harsh crackdown on gangs last year, suspending some constitutional rights as part of a state of exception. That move garnered widespread support among Salvadorans, though human rights groups say innocent people have been caught in the dragnet.

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Qatar team in Guyana seeking opportunities

AQ a t a r i Government delegation is presently in Guyana for discussions about seeking developmental opportunities inthecountry

In a statement, the Ministry of Finance disclosed that Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Thursday led a Government team in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for a meeting with a visiting Qatar delegation led by Head of the Caribbean and South American Division, from the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs in Qatar, Shafi NewaimiM.N.Al-Hajri.

The delegation visit serves as a follow-up to President Irfaan Ali's recent visit to Qatar, where he met and held discussions with Qatar's Emir, His Highness SheikhTamimbinHamadAl Thani, and members of his Cabinet, at the Amiri Diwan PalaceinDoha.

In Qatar, President Ali and HH the Emir held discussions on co-operation relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop them, especially in the investment field and energy, in addition to

discussing severalissuesof commoninterest. Guyana recently opened

anembassyinQatar

Moreover,alsopresentat Wednesday's engagement

National Toshao's Council Secretariat completed

$100M

Body of man missing in Aruka River boat mishap, found

The body of Terry LaCruzwhowentmissingon Sunday after his boat had crashed into his father's boat along the Aruka River, North-West District, Region One, was found on Tuesday night.

A relative of LaCruz related to this publication on Wednesday, that around 19:30hrs on Tuesday Terry's body was found drifting up the Aruka River, some distance away from where theaccidentoccurred.

Kaieteur News had reported that according to LaCruz's father, Percy Thomas, the accident

The new $100 million National Toshao's Council (NTC) Secretariat is completed. The Executive Members of the NTC on Thursday visited the new building to inspect the work thatwasdone.

The new building is located at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown.

The building will soon b e o c c u p i e d o n c e procurement of office equipment and furnishings are done The building consists of an administrative

section, and a dome, which willbeusedtohostmeetings a n d o t h e r e v e n t s Additionally, the admin building has four selfcontained rooms that will provide accommodation for Toshaos travelling for meetingsinthecity

Notably, the artwork on the building was done by CourtneyDouglas.

T h e N T C i s t h e representative body of all Toshaos.

I t e n g a g e s w i t h Government and other stakeholders on behalf of all

villages; promotes good governance practices; advocates for sustainable management of natural resources; and prepares implements and supports policies, plans and projects to enhance the lives and livelihoods of Guyana's IndigenousPeoples.

An injection of $100 million in the 2022 National Budget, paved the way for the Secretariat to be relocated from its Hadfield and Cross Streets location to a new building at the NationalExhibitionCenter

occurred just around 21:20hrs on Sunday, while he was heading home with hisfamilyfromchurch.

Thomas, who was drivinghisboatatthetimeof the accident, said that as he was traversing the river, he saw a speeding boat approachinghisdirection.

The distraught man said that upon seeing this, he shone his light to alert the driverofthespeedingboatof hispresenceontheriver But accordingtohim,itappeared thedriverdidnotseehisboat and ended up crashing straight into his (Thomas) boatbow

As a result of the collision, that driver of the speeding vessel was flung intotheArukaRiver

Following the collision, Thomas discovered that the boat that crashed into his vessel belonged to his son, who was the lone occupant. At the time of the accident, Thomas said that he was transportinghiswifeandtwo daughters to their home Luckily, they did not receive seriousinjuries.

Subsequently, an alarm wasraisedandpersonsinthe

area responded with boats and they began to comb the riverinsearchforLaCruz. A report was made at Mabaruma Police Station where an investigation was launched.

After his body was recovered,itwastakentothe Mabaruma Hospital mortuary awaiting a post mortemexamination.

Dead, Terry LaCruz

LaCruz's relative shared with this publication that up untilhisdeath,heusedtosell fuel at the Kumaka Water Front area to help maintain his family This publication understands that he has a daughter and another child on the way LaCruz was described as a good person and was always willing to helpothers.

The front of the building

The back of the building

The Qatar delegation and Guyana government officials

International Boxing Association to be stripped of recognition - IOC

PARIS, (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee executive board yesterday recommended withdrawing recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) over its failure to meet a set of reforms, the Olympic body said in a statement.

The IOC has also decided to have the sport as part of the Olympic Games programme at Los Angeles 2028, which was confirmed in a decision proposal, seen by Reuters.

The IOC suspended the IBA in 2019 over governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues and did not involve it in running the boxing events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. It also provisionally excluded

the sport from the Los Angeles Games. The IOC executive board’s decision proposal, which was approved by the members, recommends the IOC Session decide “that the IBA should not organise the Olympic Games LA28 boxing tournament.”

The decision now needs the rubber-stamping of an extraordinary IOC session, to be held remotely on June 22.

The IOC has in the past removed from or included new sports in the Olympic Games programme, in order to refresh the Games and make the competitions more relevant to younger audiences.

However, stripping the recognition of a sports federation is extremely unusual.

“This decision is based on the IOC Comprehensive Report on the Situation of the IBA dated 2 June 2023, which the IOC Executive Board discussed and approved today,” the IOC said in a statement.

“The report establishes that the IBA has failed to fulfil the conditions set by the IOC... for lifting the suspension of the IBA’s recognition.”

‘TRULY ABHORRENT’

The IBA hit back with a statement threatening “retaliatory measures” and decrying the move as “truly abhorrent and purely political”.

It said its efforts had been largely ignored and not taken into consideration by the IOC.

“We accepted the process and the rules, but in the

Thursday June 08, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

You'll notice that your emotions are coming to a monthly climax today, Aries. Don't be alarmed but do be cautious about lashing out at people for no reason. You may feel on edge.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Extremes is the name of the game now, especially for you, Taurus. Today the emphasis is on action. You're the one to call to get the job done. You won't wait another second to simply go for it.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Be adventurous and strike out into new territory, Gemini. Be a pioneer. Work to make some new discoveries in the world. Today isn't a day to worry about consequences.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Certain situations may be difficult to deal with today as they take an emotional spin, Cancer. You're getting anxious.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

You should find that the general mood of the day is favorable to your personality style, Leo. Take this opportunity to present more of your thoughts and ideas to the world.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

The fog has lifted and you're ready to take off, Virgo. The dreaminess you may have experienced lately has been nice, but now it's time to get moving again.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

This is a terrific day for you, Libra, and you'll find that there is a great deal of power at your disposal. This is a day of new beginnings. You have the opportunity now to start over.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

The fire is raging today, so be careful, Scorpio. Try not to be too impulsive in your actions. Your natural tendency may be to lash out against others without really thinking about the consequences.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Go for the gold, Sagittarius. Today marks the beginning of the rest of your life. Treat it with respect. You may be on a crusade and your combative instincts could be working overtime.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

You may feel as if someone is poking you today, Capricorn, urging you to get up and get moving. Don't be surprised if someone seems to be picking on you for no reason.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

This is a great day for you to get up on stage and make your presence known, Aquarius. Let people know that you're the leader of the pack.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

This is a good day to add spark to your life, Pisces. If things have seemed boring and stagnating lately, you may need to infuse a bit of excitement into the situation.

end, we were not assessed fairly. Now, we are left with no chance but to demand a fair assessment from a competent court,” said IBA president Umar Kremlev.

The Russian said it was a “watershed moment” for all international federations and warned stripping the IBA’s recognition could set a precedent for others.

Boxing is part of the Paris 2024 Olympics but the qualifications and the competition are being run by the IOC and not by the IBA, as was the case for the Tokyo 2021 Games. In an IBA report sent to the IOC recently, the association blamed the Olympic body for intransigence and false statements.

But the IOC had repeatedly warned the IBA, whose head since 2020 is Russian businessman Kremlev, that it had not done enough.

Other issues such as a sponsorship deal with Russian energy giant Gazprom that has since been terminated further complicated the IBA’s position, with Russia invading Ukraine last year.

The IBA’s actions have led to the creation of a breakaway group called World Boxing recently with several countries having left the IBA to join the new organisation.

The newly formed boxing

Sri Lanka secures ODI series...

From page 20 and Dimuth Karunaratne shared an 84-run stand.

Nissanka raced to his seventh half-century in just 32 balls with eight fours and two sixes. He was trapped on 51.

Karunaratne required 43 balls for his eighth half-century that included seven fours. Karunaratne was unbeaten on 56 when Sri Lanka secured the win with 34 overs to spare.

It was a good comeback from Sri Lanka after losing the first game by six wickets. The host won the second game by 132 runs and sealed the series with a nine-wicket win. It was their first come-from-behind series victory since 2014.

After successive halfcenturies in his first ODI series in more than two years, Karunaratne appears to have secured a spot for the World Cup qualifiers that begin in Zimbabwe next week.

Afghanistan was already through to the Cricket World Cup in India in October.

Scores: Sri Lanka 120 for 1 (Karunaratne 56*, Nissanka 51, Naib 1-19) beat Afghanistan 116 (Nabi 23, Chameera 4-63, Hasaranga 3-7).

body includes the United States and Britain as well as New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden, who joined the Swiss-registered World Boxing in April.

World Boxing said it welcomed the clarity provided by the IOC statement and hailed a “very significant moment” and an opportunity for the

sport to move on.

“Boxing is at a crossroads and we urge every National Federation that cares about boxers and boxing to think about how they can help to deliver a better future for the sport and support World Boxing in its efforts to keep boxing at the heart of the Olympic Movement,” it added.

International Boxing Association (IBA) president Umar Kremlev reacts as he speaks to media at the opening ceremony (REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/File Photo)

SriLankasecuresODIseriesfromAfghanistanafterChameeraheroics

HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka

bowled out Afghanistan for 116andreachedthetargetin only 16 overs to win their one-day international series 2-1 at Suriyawewa yesterday

SriLankamade120-1to winbyninewickets.

FastbowlerDushmantha Chameera, sidelined for eight months by an ankle injury,tookaleading4-63to be named player of the third match, and six wickets in two matches to be named player of the series in his

comeback. He missed the firstODI.

Fellow quick Lahiru Kumara, recovered from a hamstring strain, dismissed both openers and Chameera took out four of the top six batters.LegspinnerWanindu Hasaranga finished with three wickets after Afghanistan chose to bat first.Afghanistanwasallout in 22.2 overs. It was a poor effort on a good batting surface. Only three batters managed 20-plus runs amid toomanysoftdismissals.

Afghanistanlostopening

batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz early again, trying to hook Kumara in the second over andtop-edgingtofinelegon 8. Chameera got Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidioutinthesamefifth over, both to nicks, and Afghanistan was reduced to 77-6 with little resistance from the tail against the spinners.

Mohammad Nabi topscoredwith23.

SriLankawastednotime in chasing down the target.

OpenersPathumNissanka

(Continuedonpage19)

Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League Fixtures announced

The 2023 Massy Women’sCaribbeanPremier (WCPL) League will take place from 31 August to 10 September 2023. There will be an expanded tournament with increased number of matches this year, giving moreopportunityforthebest playersfromtheWestIndies and beyond to showcase their talents in front of the vibrantcrowdsattheBiggest PartyinSport.

Massy Group has confirmed that they will be returning as title sponsor for the tournament in a threeyear deal that renews their commitment to support and grow women’s sport in the region.

In 2023 there will be seven matches played in Barbados and Trinidad. The three teams who will be taking part are the Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago KnightRiders.

The teams will be announcedattheendofJune with the squads made up of nine senior West Indies players, two emerging West

Indies players and four overseas players The emerging players will be under the age of 21 and chosen from a list provided byCricketWestIndies.

PeteRussell,CEOofthe Caribbean Premier League, said: “We were delighted with the reception the first WCPLreceived in 2022 and wecannotwaitforthestartof anexpandedtournamentthis year. These hugely talented players deserve the best chance to showcase their talents and the WCPL is the perfect stage for this Women’s cricket is growing rapidly,anditispleasingfor CPLtoplayasignificantpart inthatgrowth.”

Dr Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, said: “CWI is committed to greater investmentinthegrowthand development of women’s cricket. Consistent with this is the expansion of the WCPL2023 to feature more matches and playing across venues in the region. This opportunity for our regional cricketers is invaluable

Additionally, there is no doubt that the spectacle of the tournament will inspire more young female cricketers to take up the sport It is certainly an exciting time for all parties involved.”

Ambikah Mongroo, Senior Vice President –Massy Group, said: “Last yeartheMassyGroupshared its new Vision - A Global Force For Good, An Investment Holding Company with a Caribbean Heart This Vision is underpinnedbyourbeliefin the unique advantages that the warmth and vitality of our Caribbean identity lends usontheglobalstage.

As Massy celebrates our 100th anniversary in 2023, supporting the WCPL exemplifieswhatwebelieve to be truly representative of ourCaribbeanheart.

It’s the passion for the game of cricket, it’s the energy of our Caribbean women and the combination of both to have global reach through the CPL platforms. (CPL)

‘I’m going to Miami’ - Messi confirms move to MLS

LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) - Lionel Messi yesterday announced that he intendstojoinMajorLeague SoccersideInterMiamiasa freeagentafterpartingways withFrenchchampionsParis St Germain and snubbing a lucrative contract offer in SaudiArabia.

Messi, who played his final game for PSG over the weekend, was also linked with a return to Barcelona buttheSpanishclubhashad their hands tied due to LaLiga’s financial fair play rules. “I made the decision that I’m going to go to Miami,” Messi said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo and Sport newspapers.

“I still haven’t closed it 100%.I’mstillmissingafew things, but we decided to go ahead. If Barcelona didn’t work out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more aboutmyfamily.”

Messi,wholedArgentina toWorld Cup glory in Qatar in December and has earned a record seven Ballon d’Or

awards,wontheLigue1title inhistwoseasonswithPSG as well as the French Super Cupin2022.

“After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it was timetogototheU.S.league to experience football in a different way and enjoy the day-to-day,”Messisaid.

“Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to want to win and to always do things well. But withmorepeaceofmind.”

OWNERSHIPSTAKE

The MLS said it was pleasedthatMessiintendsto join Inter Miami this summer “Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatestsoccerplayersofall time to our League,” MLS saidinastatement.

Messi had wanted to go to a club where he could eventually have an ownership stake, a source with knowledge of the negotiationstoldReutersthis week. He also wanted to maximise his existing deal

with Adidas and MLS’s relationshipwithApple.

MLS earns a flat fee of around$250millionperyear fromAppleuntilitreachesa certain threshold of subscriptions, after which point it will earn a share of the revenue from those subscriptions.

Messi’s move to MLS is expected to drive viewers to the Apple TV streaming platform,astheworld’smost recognisablesoccerplayer

The forward was also

linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal after hereceivedaformaloffer

The Gulf country has been looking to bring the game’s biggest players to its leagueandwassuccessfulin convincing Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo tojoinAlNassrsoonafterthe World Cup. French striker Karim Benzema joined Al Ittihadthisweek.

Inter Miami are coowned by former England captain David Beckham,

who was one of the first major European stars to movetotheUnitedStatesto playintheMLS,winningthe MLS Cup twice with Los AngelesGalaxy

Messiwillhavehiswork cut out in Miami, however, withtheclubrockbottomof the Eastern Conference standings — six points from ninth place, the final spot which would give them a chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

The team sacked coach PhilNevillelastweekaftera dismalrunof10defeatsand fivewinsthisseason,astark contrast to last season when they finished sixth and qualified for the MLS Cup playoffs.

PSGEXIT

Once the crown jewel of Europeanfootball,Messihas effectivelybeenletgobytwo super clubs in two years — forfree.AtBarcelona,Messi has several records to his name at the club he did not wanttoleave,inacityhehad called home since he was a teenager But Messi had no choice in the manner of his

exit from Barcelona in 2021 as the club failed to make it financially feasible to retain hisservices.

His move away from PSG,however,isofhisown volitionashefelttheFrench club lacked a project for the future while fan unrest only hastenedhisexit.

The highs after winning Argentina’s first World Cup in 36 years were quickly offset by the lows he experiencedinParis.

Evenbeforehecouldrest on his World Cup laurels he foundhimselfintheeyeofa stormwhen,forthefirsttime in his illustrious career, his club’s fans turned against him amid PSG’s troubling form. Supporters of PSG, owned and funded by Qatar Sports Investments, have become accustomed to winning domestic titles in the past decade. They won theirninthtitlein11seasons lastmonth.

But the holy grail — the Champions League remains elusive after yet another meek exit in the last 16.

Head and Smith turn tide for Australia in WTC final against India

AFP - Travis Head’s dashing century was the centrepiece of an Australia fightback against India on theopeningdayoftheWorld Test Championship final at TheOvalyesterday

Australia were in a commanding position on 327-3 at stumps after losing the toss, with Head 146 not out and Steve Smith 95 not out.

Smith brought up the pair’s 250 stand off the last ball of the day when he guided Mohammed Shami through the covers for a sweetlytimedfour The fourth-wicket duo had come together with Australia in trouble at 76-3 after being sent into bat in bowler-friendlyconditions.

But as the sun burst through the clouds in south London, the runs started to flow Headhadhismoments of good fortune but by counter-attacking from the start of his innings — 24 of his first 27 runs came in boundaries the lefthanderputthepressureback onthebowlers.

With Smith, who before this match averaged nearly 98 in Tests at The Oval, battinginmoreconventional

fashion it gave the 29-yearold Head freedom to keep playinghisshots.

By the time India tested Head with the short ball, he was well set and a pulled singleoffShamitookhimto a sixth Test hundred in just 106balls,including13fours andasix.

By contrast, Smith took 144ballsforhisfifty

But a superb driven four off Mohammed Siraj saw Smithintothe90sasheeyed a31stTesthundred.

Indiatookthenewballas soon as they could, with Australia301-3off80overs, butitmadelittledifference.

India captain Rohit Sharma would have been looking for many more wickets after opting to bowl first.AndasSmithandHead repelledIndia,hemightalso have wondered about the wisdom of leaving out offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin, the world’s topranked Test bowler, who could have been a threat against anAustralia top five featuringthreeleft-handers.

Indiahadstartedstrongly in what was their second WTC final after losing to New Zealand in the inaugural2021showpiecein

Southampton.

Siraj removed Usman Khawaja for a duck with an excellent wobble-seam deliveryandAustralia,tothe raucous delight of an overwhelmingly pro-India crowd,were2-1.

But David Warner, who had managed just one century in his previous 32 Test innings, dug in before

Travis Head plays a moustachelicking-good shot. (ICC/Getty Images)

Steven Smith did not compromise on helping himself to cover drives. (ICC/Getty Images)

the increasingly assured opener struck Umesh Yadav for three fours in successive deliveries.

The 36-year-old lefthander’s promising innings ended on 43 when a gloved pull off medium-pacer Shardul Thakur was well caught down the legside by diving wicketkeeper Srikar Bharat.

Marnus Labuschagne, the world’s top-ranked Test batsman, fell early in the second session for his lunch score of 26 when he was bowledbetweenbatandpad byaShamiinswinger

Head was troubled by Ravindra Jadeja but then drove the left-arm spinner for four — one of nine boundariesina60-ballfifty.

The WTC is the only major men’s cricket trophy Australiahaveyettowin.

The fixture also marks thestartofapackedschedule ofsixTestsineightweeksfor Australia, including a fivematch Ashes series against England.

Scores:Australia327for 3(Head146*,Smith95*)vs India

Lionel Messi has played many games in the United States over the years. Now he’s coming to MLS. (Photo by Lev Radin/PacificPress/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Ramcharran (121), Legay (5-28) inspire Apollo Sports Club to victory

Sharaz Ramcharran

s t r o k e d a n authoritative 121 and left-arm orthodox spinner Dennis Legay grabbed five wickets for 28 runs to help Apollo Sports Club whipped Jazba Cricket Club by 147 runs last SaturdayatKeeleTop,North York,Toronto.

Apollo Sport Club have got three wins now from as many matches since the commencement of this y e a r ’ s C a n a d i a n Commonwealth Cricket Association of Toronto 40overscompetition.

Ramcharran hit seven fours and three sixes to see his team piled on a formidable 264-6 from the 40-overs while he returned with the ball snaring 4 wickets to support Legay as Jazba Cricket Club tumbled outfor117inthe25thover

The right-handed

Ramcharran, a former Guyana youth player, occupied the crease for 119 balls while he received impressive support from Ian John with 43 and

Kandasammy Surujnarine who made 41 Seamer Manpreet Singh took 2-40 fromsevenovers.

When Jazba Cricket

Sharaz Ramcharran

Kitt stands strong at AAU NY Met. District Championship

On Sunday last, young Guyanese-based Track and Field athlete, Sean Kitt, painted another chapter in his 2023 season when he competed at the Amateur Athletics Union (AAU) NY Metropolitan District Championship.

Kitt gained podium finishes in the three 9-year oldeventshecompetedinas he represented the Dashing DonsandDivasTrackClub.

In the Boys 800m, he copped Gold with a time of 2:43.48stotriumphoverthe only other opponent, Xoan Achigbu, who ended with a timeof3:24.23s

After that, the 1500m race saw Kitt claim silver with a time of 5:40.59s behindCyrusBoschen,who stopped the clock at 5:19.63s. Additionally, Kitt won another silver when he participated in the Long Jump.

Club batted, Omar

Nooristani scored a fighting 40 and Dwight Nelson with 25.

They two started the chase with a promising 56runstandbutoncetheywere separated, things went downhill.Legay,anotherexGuyana Under-19 cricketer also, delivered 71 overs while Ramcharran bowled 5 off-spin overs conceding 13

runs.

Apollo Sports Club will be back in action on June 18thagainstCricketClubof Canada but this time at Norfinch venue Jazba Cricket Club will confront Team Tigers Saturday at KeeleTopagain.

Meanwhile,14teamsare currently participating Melbourne Sports Club is defendingchampion.

Iga Swiatek beats Coco Gauff at French Open; U.S. major drought now longest in history

NBC Sports – OlympicTalk - Iga

Swiatek swept Coco Gauff in the French Open quarterfinals, rolling toward a possible third Roland Garros title while extending the U.S. major singles title droughttothelongestinhistory

The top seed Swiatek won 6-4, 6-2 in a rematch of last year’s French Open final Swiatek has beaten theAmerican in straight sets in all seven of their meetings

In Thursday’s semifinals, Swiatek gets 14th seed Beatriz Haddad Maid, the first Brazilian woman to reach the last four of a major since Maria Bueno at the 1968 U.S. Open. Haddad Maia, who never made it past the second round in 11 previous majors, overcame No 7 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 3-6, 7-6 (5),6-1inanearlierquarterfinal.

The other semifinal pits No. 2 Aryna

Gobin (108*), Arjune (105*) strike centuries in OMSCC competitions

Last Saturday, Troy Gobinslammedabelligerent 108 not out for Pegasus StormagainstDirtyDozenin the continuation of the 2023 Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Over-50, 20-overs competition at Dean Park facility in Scarborough, Ontario.

And on Sunday, Krishna Arjunestruckanimpressive, unbeaten 105 for Pegasus versusRamblersSportsClub at Littles Park also in Scarboroughbutintheover40, 20-overs Division 2 tournament.

right-handed Arjune occupied the crease for 70 balls while his partner Jai Singhchippedinwithawellcalculated 52 which contained six sixes and a four

For Ramblers Sports Club, Ravi Ramotar topscored with 72, an innings characterized with six fours and four sixes spanning 72 balls Skipper Patrick Shivrattan also batted beautifully to make 46 as Bobby Ramlagan grabbed two wickets for 11 runs off twotidyovers.

Sabalenka against 43rd-ranked Czech KarolinaMuchova.

Gauff was the last American left in eithersinglesdraw

The U S has now gone 12 consecutive majors without a men’s or women’ssingleschampion,breakingthe record for its longest drought in history (datingto1877).Thepreviousrecordof11 in a row spanned between Chuck McKinley‘swinat1963Wimbledontothe firstofBillieJeanKing‘s12majorsingles titlesat1966Wimbledon.

The 12-major drought for U.S. womenaloneisthelongestsince Monica Seleswonthe1996AustralianOpen.

The last American woman to win a major singles title was Sofia Kenin at the 2020 Australian Open. The last American mantowinwasAndyRoddickatthe2003 U.S.Open.

The right-handed Gobin, a former Guyana youth player, clobbered ten sixes and four fours as Pegasus Storm surpassed Dirty Dozen’s challenging 185-6 from20-overs.Gobin’steam achieved victory with 21 balls to spare. Gobin got good support from Ramo Malonewhosmashedafiery 33tohelpformalizethings.

Earlier,DirtyDozenwon the toss and opted to bat. Their innings was built around Charlie Yakub’s steady 62 while the experienced Suresh Persaud and Khemraj Budhai contributed 37 and 34 respectively Khem Singh

was the pick of the bowlers forPegasusStorm,snatching three wickets for 26 runs from his maximum three overs.

Thefollowingday,itwas also batting entertainment fromanotherformerGuyana batsman. Arjune flayed the attackwith13sixesandthree fours to see Pegasus also accomplishing victory in attractive fashion. Set 172 for victory by Ramblers Sports Club who lost eight wickets,Pegasusreachedthe target with only three deliveries remaining The

Details from the other gamesinbothcategoriesina subsequent post, but the action is set to resume on Saturday with the over-50 guys. Pegasus Storm will meet up Tropical Rebels at Littles Park while Dirty DozenwilltackleFriendship MastersatSt.Bedes.

Andtheover-40menwill be out on Sunday. Pegasus will engage with defending champion Carr Tec at St. Bedes while Ramblers Sports Club will do battle with United Cricket Club at Littles.

Meanwhile, the reigning champion in the Over-50 division is Toronto Blizzards.

Sean Kitt displays his hardware obtained at the recently held Championship.

Krishna Arjune

Team Guyana falter at Pan Am Squash Qualifiers

Guyana’s senior squash Men and Women team have hadatoughstartatthe2023 Pan American qualifiers in Cartagena, Colombia. The tournament commenced on the 4th June and will run until June 10th; however Guyana’s men and women campaign ended early at the round of 32 stage of the tournament.

Team Guyana opened their campaign with contrasting results on the first day of the tournament. However, they managed to secure two victories while facing three defeats to close off the opening day Despite the mixed outcomes, Nicolette Fernandes and Jason Ray Khalil had solid performancesintheroundof 64 to earn their spots in the roundof32.

In a thrilling start to the tournament, Jason-Ray

Khalil triumphed in the roundof64,securinghisfirst victory of the qualifiers

Khalil displayed remarkable skills as he defeated Darien Benn from Barbados in a closelycontestedmatch(116, 1-11, 9-11, 1-11), which booked him a spot in the round of 32. While JasonRay Khalil showcased his determination, the other

members of the team faced tough challenges Alex Arjoon fought hard but was unable to overcame Peru’s Rafael Galvez (11-4, 11-6, 11-7), ending his campaign in the round of 64 stage.

Similarly, Samuel InceCarvalhalandAshleyKhalil

both suffered losses against Gabriel Torrez (11-6, 12-10, 13-11)andMarinaStefanoni oftheUSA(6-11,5-11,2-11) respectively,intheiropening matches.

Despite his well deserved win against the Barbadian, his journey was

short lived after being defeated by world number one,DiegoElias(Peru),who proved to be a formidable opponent. Jason Ray Khalil waseliminatedafteravaliant effort against Elias in the round of 32 Elias demonstrated his prowess,

overpowering Khalil (11-3, 11-0,11-3).

Nicolette Fernandes, on the other hand, had a challenging round of 32 encounter as well against Giselle Delgado (Chile) Despite putting up a strong fight, Fernandes was unable

to secure the win, with Delgado emerging victorious (8-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5) Taylor Fernandes was also quieted byatough,NikkiToddfrom Canada,shetoowereunable toadvancetothenextround, aftersuffering11-5,11-8and 11-6defeat.

H o w e v e r, t h e i r campaign turned out to be even more disastrous at the this year’s tournament as both the men and women recorded losses on Tuesday; the men’s team of Khalil, Ince-Cavalhal and Arjoon lost 3-0 to Argentina,whilethewomen consisting of Nicolette Fernandes,TaylorFernandes andAshleyKhalillostbythe identical scoreline to Ecuador

The Men’s team lost to Brazil 3-0 on Wednesday; Khalil lost to Diego Gobbi 1-11, 6-11 and 4-11, while Arjoon went down to Guiherme Farnezi De Melo (5-11, 9-11, 5-11) and Ince-Carvalhal was defeated by Rhuan Sousa 2-0

Meanwhile, action continues today with the GuyanaWomen’steamsetto battlewithBolivia’sWomen at8:00am.

One Guyana Breeders Cup pushes forward to get facilities ready ahead of this Sunday’s race

The President of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee has issued a statement that preparations are moving along smoothly for this

Sunday’s One Guyana Breeders Cup Horse race

Meet Although the facilities at the Bush lot United Turf Club are theirs, the JJTRC has plans to continue its earth works to ensure patrons are treated to seatingandanelevatedview

W e l l k n o w n

businessman Nasrudeen Mohamed, who resides in Bush Lot area, contributed significantly to the refurbishment of the allweather track through the introduction of a new aggregate mix design and irrigationsystem. The seating area or stands, which were originally built for the facility, was torn down becauseofstructuraldamage duetothewoodbeingrotten.

Similar to the previous race held at the same facility, the

JJTRC will provide fabricated metal stands and trailers so patrons can enjoy an aerial view of the entire track.

Four trailers would be brought in and placed alongsidethetrackwherethe standsoriginallywere.

The trailers would be covered to provide much needed shelter from the sun and a quantity of chairs would be available for additionalcomfort.

When contacted Mr. Mohamed explained, “A venture of this size and naturehastobecollaborative one. We need to see more corporate support for Horse Racing, because we often forgettheamountofjobsand revenue that is created through horseracing. This is a community facility with roomformajoradvancement and I Jumbo can only do so much How many more successful businesses are

From right Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, Alex Arjoon and Jason Ray Khalil pose with the Argentines ahead of their contest on Tuesday

One of the visiting Surinamese horses being taken through its paces at the Bush Lot United Turf Club.

Guyana Women’s Squash team from center Nicolette Fernandes, Taylor Fernandes andAshley Khalil with team Ecuador at the 2023 Panam qualifiers.