Kaieteur News

Slow and low voter turnout in Reg. Six

…butofficialsreportsmoothprocess,minorhiccups

“inlessthanfiveminutes”he that “we don’t have a wasoutofthepollingstation. problem with that We

Amid slow and low k e e n l y c o n t e s t e d Juanita Burrowes who believe in the ballots being turnout Region Six residents municipalities- held for jumped ship from theAPNU securedandasaresultofthat voted in the Local decades by the People’s and contested as a PPP/C we support the initiative to Government Elections National Congress, but candidate for Constituency 5 remove a box from New yesterday during a process facing stiff challenge by the in NewAmsterdam also said Amsterdam and replace that described by officials as ruling PPP/C. A few old that the process was smooth. intheUpperCorentyne.” smoothwithminorhiccups. PNCR members had While at the time her vote A d d i t i o n a l l y, a n

With polling stations switched to the PPP/C prior was cast, there was a low independent candidate for openedfrom06:00amsharp, tothepolls. turnout, she said she Constituency 4, Dr Mark persons trickled in slowly Armogan said that expected throughout the day France said that based on throughouttheday Atotalof polling stations received voters would venture out to engagements with the 61,870 persons were b a l l o t b o x e s a t cast their ballot A Returning Officer on the expected to cast their ballots approximately 05:00 am but Partnership for National ground “things are going throughout the region.At the one ballot box was damaged Unity (APNU) Election smoothly” As the day New Amsterdam Primary while being transported to agent Jevaughn Stephens progressed voters were seen School, Regional Chairman the Corentyne. “Apparently also reported briefly that the slowly trickling in to the David Armogan along with when they collected the box process was smooth and various polling sites. One his wife and son cast their the box fell down, and it’s simple. greens vendor in New votes at just around pretty fragile so that box was

Contesting constituency Amsterdam said she had to 08:30hrs. subsequently replaced,” he 3 in NewAmsterdam for the vote in Bath Settlement, New Amsterdam which said. However, despite this APNU was Kirk Fraser, he West Coast Berbice and that comprises of seven Armogan reported that the said he was informed that a she would ensure that she constituencies is one of the voting was “very quick” and box was damaged but noted headsovertocastherballot.

Independent Candidate Mark France

Jevaughn Stephens, APNU, Elections Agent

Regional Chairman of Region Six, David Armogan

A polling site on the East Bank Berbice

Guyana would be left to foot costs of over US$20B yearly compensating

Caribbean islands for an oil spill

...nation could be slapped with further charges for impacts to fishing industries

Pre-pandemic statistics

ExxonMobil.” available for 10 Caribbean The US$2 billion islands that can be affected guarantee she referred to is by a devastating spill in the the guarantee Exxon has Stabroek Block shows that been ordered to lodge, Guyana would have to foot pending the outcome of the costs of over US$20 Billion Appeal Court decision. On a year for affecting the Thursday, Appellate Judge, beaches these countries rely Justice Rishi Persaud largelyonfortourism. granted a stay of the High

This point was shared by Court ruling for the activist, Janette Bulkhan in a unlimited parent company letter to the Editor of guarantee to be supplied by Kaieteur News. Bulkhan has June 10, 2023. Failure by been championing calls for Exxon to comply with this good environmental order would have resulted in management practices, the suspension of the Liza especially in the petroleum One Permit. Justice Rishi sector Sheisamemberofan Persaud has now given the advocacygroup,OilandGas company 10 days to lodge Governance Network the US$2 billion parent (OGGN) that was formed to guarantee. hold government to account

Inthisregard,theactivist periodofninemonths. available for 10 of the 12 inthesector reasoned, “In the absence of The slick traveled across Islands signal that close to Bulkhan in her missive the parent company letter oceans to adjacent countries US$29billionalonecouldbe prefaced her argument by from ExxonMobil to cover w h i c h r e s u l t e d i n needed annually to highlighting the ongoing completely the liabilities, devastating effects on compensatethesenationsfor matter before the Appeal our Caribbean Island friends coastal communities impacts to their tourism Court in which a ruling by may be asking in a quite Locally, the activist pointed sectors. the High Court, ordering the unfriendly letter for USD 27 out that the Environmental Bulkhan was keen to Parent Company of Esso billions of dollars of Impact Assessments (EIAs) note that this cost does not Exploration and Production compensation for oiled for the Stabroek Block consider likely damages to GuyanaLimited(EEPGL)to beaches, to be paid by the projects conducted by thefishingindustriestoothat supply an unlimited Guyanese taxpayer; and that EEPGL- ExxonMobil willbeaffected. guarantee to cover the costs would be just for one year.” Guyana- indicate that 12 S h e s a i d , “ T h e of an oil spill beyond the She noted, “Add more for Caribbean islands can be Government as represented limited US$600 million loss of income over the impactedbyaspill. by the Environmental policy, has been challenged several-to-many years to Bulkhannotedthatwhile Protection Agency can see by the Environmental cleanandrestorethebeaches Guyana’s “muddy shores” from this table that loss of Protection Agency (EPA), and fisheries. Such a claim are not associated with theannualtravelandtourism the Government of Guyana would bankrupt Guyana.” beach-based tourism, these value of nearly USD 29 (GoG)andtheoilcompany Bulkhan believes that nations which rely on their billions is nowhere near She explained that a spill Guyana should not be made beaches to contribute to the covered by a collateral in the Gulf of Campeche to wait any longer for growth of their economies security of only USD 2 back in 1971 released three adequate protection in the canbeseverelyimpacted.To billion from EEPGL and/or millions barrels of oil over a extractionofitsoilwealth. this end, she said that data its parent company

Local insurers want to get in on oil sector

...say being ignored, bypassed for contracts

Thelocalinsurancecommunity them as “inaccuracies and has made it clear that there is much misconceptions” being peddled value and expertise it could add to while “the role and importance of the management and oversight of the insurance regulatory authority, experience is new to the whole of insurance pools further cut up and tool.” They said too that with over the growing oil and gas industry, and the governing insurance law is Guyana, the local industry was transfer portions of the risks 700 years of experience, the but their involvement in the sector beingdismissed.” among the first to train and certify globally to reinsurers who take a industry “is quite capable of continues to be overlooked. Both The group said that the its technical staff in oil and gas commensurate share of the underwritingall the oil and gas risk the Insurance Association of capability of any company to insurance following oil discovery premiums while reinsurers also currently emanating and expected Guyana and the Guyana Insurance provide professional insurance announcements in 2015, with spread their risk globally in a from Guyana.” It is this capability, Brokers Association have insisted services is assessed via three main programs conducted by the world’s process called retrocession. The they continued, that convinced the that they have the capacity and criteria; technical, financial and leadinginsurancebrokers. financial capacity of an insurer to Guyana Government “to rightfully capabilities to cover the insurance regulatory That is, the relevant On the financial end, the underwrite a particular risk, is provide in the Local Content Act needsoftheoilsector skill and experience; financial industryexplainedthatinsuranceis therefore primarily a function of 2021 that the local insurance In a public missive, the group capacity to underwrite risks; and a risk transfer mechanism whereby how well the insurer could spread industry ought to receive 100 fiercely dismissed claims that the having passed the relevant persons pay a premium (sum) to the risk through reinsurance, the percent of all oil and gas insurance local industry lacks the financial assessment by regulators, being transfer their risk of loss to the group said. They added therefore, business.” capacity and necessary skills to licensedandregulatedaccordingly, insurance company The insurance that “The small part of the risk that On the regulatory aspect, the handle the massive ExxonMobil andoperatingwithinthelaw company spreads the risk among is actually retained by the insurer group said that the insurance projects underway at the Stabroek Fromatechnicalstandpoint,the many others whose premiums on their own account would in our environment involves the Block.InreplyingtoaJune7,letter industry said it prides itself on constitute an insurance pool, case be relatively small due to the governing and oversight of the titled “Just some thoughts on Oil employing insurance professionals allowing the possible loss of a few size of our industry, but that in no insurance industry, primarily for and Gas Insurance,” and unofficial that meet the highest global tobebornebythemanywhowould way hampers the local industry the protection of policyholders. claims about the industry’s standards in all key positions. It not suffer similar losses.The group from undertaking the largest risks Theysaidthat“Regulatorswantto inabilities, the group described said that while in-house oil and gas saidthatinsurerswhomanagethese viatheaforementionedreinsurance (Continued on page 16)

The table used by Bulkhan depicting the 2019 contribution of tourism to the GDP of 10 Caribbean islands.

- Environmental activist, Janette Bulkhan

Environmental activist, Janette Bulkhan

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

FIRE INSPECTIONS

InourlastThursdayedition,wecarriedthreefire-related stories. Theyrangedfromthewrenchingtotherestorativeto the remedial. In the same order, the first was of the latest horror involving the fiery deaths of two little girls in Mahaica,thentherebuildingoftheChristChurchSecondary Schooldestroyedbyfire,andtheracebytheFireDepartment to conduct inspections of school dormitories and hostels, bothofwhichhavebeenvisitedbythecommondestructive denominatoroffire.

The first thing to be said is that arson is a moving occurrence, one with enough inflammatory energy to cause instantaneous and utter devastation. Also, arsonists do not give notice of their destructive, sometimes deadly, intentions. It is helpful that we have these countrywide inspectionsofbuildingsthathousetheyoungandvulnerable ofGuyana. Muchmaybesaidofhowitisafterthefact,and that these inspections should have been the first order of business, and before one foot was allowed to cross the threshold of those buildings. With the perfect vision of hindsight, and hard, bitter experience, there have to be periodic inspections following to ensure the presence of functioningequipment,awarenessofpersonnelinpositions of responsibility, and that there are detailed contingency plans and exit strategies. These cannot be allowed to diminishafterthememoriesoftherecentconflagrationsease intothebackground.

Our officials, elected and selected, are all energy and passiontoday,withwhatweinterprettobegenuineconcern andsinceritytogetthingsdone,todothemright. Wefurther urgethatthereisnodilutionofpresentdevotiontotheheavy responsibility in their hands, in the hope of thwarting or preventing recurrences of what came about in Mahdia and elsewhere before. It is easy to callout and criticize, but neitherwillbringbackonechild,restoreoneroominasingle building. The call is for us to be vigilant, aware of our surroundings, and the gaps and limitations. Given all the money that we are spending on schools and other public structures, and the great proclamations over such developments,theremustalsobethereadinessandhonesty totakeresponsibilitywhenthingsgowrong.

What was not anticipated? What could have been avoided, especially loss of life, given past experiences, and therestlessnatureofyoungcharges? Whatbettercouldhave resulted if there was more focus on the details that can be admittedlydevilish,andlessonthepoliticsofeachsituation, the appearance of being people of action, and leaders who care?

AsidefromtheChristChurchSecondarySchoolinferno, therewasacommonrestrainingpresenceinbothMahdiaand Mahaica. Padlocks and locks of every size and shape and varietynowstandasapowerfullycomfortingfeatureofour personalsecurity,thepeaceofmindofmanyacrossGuyana. Thentherearesteelgrillssecuringpadlocks,ashavecometo lightfromtheMahdiatragedy Grillsandlocksarecagingus like animals, and children left on their own, are lethal ingredients in a bitter stew from which only the disastrous flares. Iron grills and steel locks are now part of our environment, and closely correlated to our feared criminal culture. Muchhayismadeofhowmuchisbeingallocated forpolicing,sothatGuyanesecanfeelsecure,yetthegrills goup,sincethereisnottheproperlevelofconfidenceinthe officialsecurityapparatus. ItiswhatGuyanesefeelthatthey mustresortto,ifonlytosecurethemselves,theirlovedones, andtheirproperty Oftentimes,suchprecautionscomeback tohaunt,andintheworstwaypossible.

We hear endlessly about the many corruptions and collusions involving officials and criminals This necessitateslocksandpadlocksandgrillsingreaternumbers, as citizens look to protect themselves in the best ways that theycan. Withoutadoubt,locksandgrillshavetheirplace, but when they are all over the place (every window, every door, every entrance, ad every exit), the odds multiply againstshouldfierydangerappear

More confidence in official crime prevention could translate to more confidence without so much ironwork, steelwork,andgrillworktosecureourselves.

Complete liability coverage for oil spills to indemnify our Caribbean Island neighbours

DEAREDITOR,

Our angelic lawyers and appellatejudgesaredebating in medieval terms whether ‘assurance’or ‘insurance’or ‘full liability coverage’ or ‘completeindemnity’canall sit on the head of a pin. Meanwhile, let us consider why we need such security instruments.

Since the PEMEX oil spillattheIxtoc-Iwellinthe GulfofCampechein1971(3 million barrels and nine months of uncapped flow), slicks travelling across oceans to adjacent countries have sometimes had devastating effects on coastal communities. The more recent Environmental Impact Assessments by ERM for EEPGL (Esso Exploration and Production (Guyana)Limited)pointout the possibility of Exxon spillscontaminatingupto12 of our Caribbean Island colleagues/sistercountries.

Our generally muddy shores are not associated with beach-based tourism but for our Caribbean friends, travel and tourism can be huge parts of their economies.

For10ofthe12countries for which I could find comparable data for preCOVID2019travel,hereare thenationalvaluesandwhat each represents as a percentage of GDP; table in alphabetic order of country name.

It is a legal oddity that there are international conventions about avoidance, mitigation and controlofspillsfromoilfield vessels and oil tankers but not from subsea oil wells. The EIAs show the low probability/veryhighimpact of a worst-case disaster, a

Tier III loss of well control, that is, a massive blow-out. We need to cover our sovereign responsibility over Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone – where Exxon has the 2016 PSA over the Stabroek Tract and contracts to operate other Tracts.

The Government as represented by the Environmental Protection Agency can see from this table that loss of the annual travel and tourism value of nearly USD 29 billions is nowhere near covered by a collateral security of only USD 2 billion from EEPGL and/or its parent company ExxonMobil.

In the absence of the parent company letter from ExxonMobil to cover completely the liabilities, ourCaribbeanIslandfriends may be asking in a quite unfriendlyletterforUSD27 billions of dollars of compensation for oiled beaches, to be paid by the Guyanese taxpayer And that would be just for one year

Add more for loss of income over the several-tomany years to clean and restore the beaches and fisheries. Such a claim would bankrupt Guyana Surely our legal eagles can understand the need to enforcetheEPArequirement for complete indemnity to cover liabilities in the oil sector? – see EPA’s firm statementon11April2022–‘Should EEPGL or its coventurers default on their self-insurance, the Yellowtail Permit, like the Liza 2 and Payara Permit, demands a guarantee from the parent company ExxonMobil, that fully

indemnifiestheGovernment

o f G u y a n a ’ , https://oilnowgy/featured/y ellowtail-permit-armedwith-most-superiorprovisions-for-insuranceoil-spill-preventionmanagement-epa-officials/

Editor,hereisanexcerpt from an exchange between Rod Henson of EEPGL and meinJuly 2018, as reported intheGuyanaChronicle:

‘“Mightwebeliableasa country if Caribbean countries then sue us for potentially messing up their waters?” asked Bulkan. In response, the EEPGL Country Manager made it clear that if his company is found liable in any such circumstance, it would have t o p a y .

”At the end of the day, we would enact procedures we alreadyhaveinplaceforspill management,” he stated Meanwhile, Executive D i r e c t o r o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Khemraj Parsram, noted that transboundary liability, “Discussions are being held

with regard to agreements and partnerships with c o u n t r i e s l i k e Trinidad…those discussions are ongoing and we are not readytopresenttheresultsof t h a t ”

Several questions were askedinlightoftherecentoil spill in the Gulf of Paria, Trinidad and Tobago, and according to Henson, Guyana is prepared to deal with any such eventuality.’ (Guyana Chronicle, 2018, July10.LizaPhase2topose only ‘minor risks’ to environment – EIA http://guyanachroniclecom/ 2018/07/10/liza-phase-2-topose-only-minor-risks-toenvironment-eia).

Editor, almost 5 years have passed since Mr Henson of EEPGL gave his word at a public meeting on the EIA for EEPGL’s Liza Phase 2 Project. Why is Guyana still waiting for a one-sentence Parent Company Guarantee, as r e q u i r e d i n t h e i r EnvironmentalPermit? Regards, JanetteBulkan

PPPusing tricks and propaganda

DEAREDITOR,

There are interesting letters written by Hon Minister responsible for Finance, Ashni Singh and Minister of Local Government Nigel Dharamlall and one by Ravi Dev. All assailing and attemptingtodebunkaletter written by His Worship the Mayor, Ubraj Narine, referring to the PPP’s deliberate (my words) suffocationofCityHall.

Briefly, the Minister of Finance quotes the many millions spent on roads, bridges, etc blissfully, ignoringthefundamentalsof decency and what we

understand to be a democracy $1 6 Billion dollars to enhance work along Independence Boulevard, cemetery Road, internal roads and Albouystown.Wow!

For the purposes of this letter,Iwillnot,DearEditor, question how these millions and billions were spent, whether there was an appropriate process of tendering, who were the successful Contractors, who received the bulk of these billions referred to in the Hon. Minister’s letter Both the Minister of Local Government and Ravi Dev seem to have their own

versionofourhistoryandthe genesis of the racial conditions which have been a blithe to the people of our country

I reminded one friend of mine who expressed a concern about my response to Minister Waldrond’s versionofourhistory Unlike those who speak secondhand or from documents prepared by persons who havetheirownagenda,Iwas presentandprivyatmanyof these events and thank God, whatever disabilities the agingprocesshasbroughton me, my memory and recollection of those events areinprettygoodshape.

I shall conclude by bringing to the attention of the enthusiastic writings of the two Ministers and Ravi Dev, that notwithstanding the laws and the Fiscal Transfer Act that the gravamen is that you cannot criticize the persona of the Mayor and Councillors When from the time I was elected Mayor, the PPP had soughttocontrolastheydid andnowtheChiefExecutive Officer at City Hall (that is the Town Clerk) appointed bytheMinistersothatifasit isallegedtheM&CCfailsto account for monies spent or tosubmitfinancial

The transformation of Guyana from dependency and underdevelopment to development

DEAREDITOR, Guyana’s existence in a stateofdependencyisoneof immense struggle and deprivation.Itisonemarked by hardships and atrocities including colonial domination, brutality, oppression,exploitation,and persistent poverty, followed by externally orchestrated race riots, looting, murder, strikes,andvariousformsof hostilities and violence

Today, under the PPP/C’s governmental leadership, thecountryhasembarkedon a fast-paced course out of dependency towards d e v e l o p m e n t a n d modernization.

While desirable, d e v e l o p m e n t a n d modernization are not achievable in just a few years Underdevelopment experts and students alike would readily admit that development does not occur orfollowasingularuniform path They would also a c k n o w l e d g e t h a t development does not occur at an even pace along a

sequential timeline. That is, starting from a particular historical point of d e p e n d e n c y , underdevelopment, and backwardness, and ending with the development of metropolitantypemodernity with technologically advanced urban industrial centers.

Hencetoguardagainsta disruptive and chaotic societal transformation, the Guyana government needs to be alert to the negative trappings associated with a hastened exit out of dependency – a dependency fashioned by colonials and deeply imbedded in the c o u n t r y ’s c u r r e n t institutional structures, its relations of domination and underdevelopment.

Undeniably, the PPP/C government’s policies have helped in improving the dailylivesofGuyanese.Yet, suchimprovementshavenot deadened many elderly Guyanese recall of decades of oppression and discrimination under

PPPusing tricks and...

Frompage4

Statements that is the responsibility of the Town Clerk as head of the administration.

That Town Clerk, from m y o w n p e r s o n a l experiencescanandinmore often than not ignore the request and decisions of the MayorandCityCouncil,and sees themselves only responsibletothewishesand machinations of the PPP administration through the two Ministries in particular, Finance and Local Government. So using the well-oiled and heavily fundedpropagandamachine, tie the hands and feet of the Mayor and City Councillor, throw you overboard in shark-infested waters and then come along with their resources, cameras, etc. and proclaim to the world that they saved you This in

Burnham-D’Aguiar’s PNCUF governance, and shortly thereafter Burnham’s PNC autocratic domination Duringtheseperiods,people regularly gathered to protest the harsh discriminatory conditionsofanindependent Guyana, chanting such phrases as “Lining for soap and butter,” and “Licenses for scarcity and black marketing” to illustrate the absence of daily essentials and severity of deprivation.

In addition, plantation laborers found Burnham’s motto“EatLess,SleepLess, Work Harder,” insulting especially since they, the majority of working poor, became poorer due to subsistence wages and the high cost of essential food products.

Drained physically and emotionally, many turned to the underground market

economy to survive. Others legally and illegally sought refugeabroadwhichresulted in labor shortages and brain drain.

The totality of PNC’s draconian policies drove the country further into underdevelopment as the government seized control over the rice and sugar industries, the mainstays of the country’s economy The PNC’s orchestration of relations and conditions of hardship and deprivation continued under the Hoyt’s leadership.

In1992,withitselectoral victory and ascent to governmental power, the PPP initiated changes to foster the country’s development.Revivalofthe sugar and rice industries c o m m e n c e d , a n d repatriation of Guyanese fromabroadencouragedand

accommodated.

Many repatriates, with their newfound wealth, begantoinvestinthecountry which stimulated the stagnated economy towards a course of development. Today, the investments of repatriated Guyanese have visibly contributed to the country’schangingeconomy andlandscape.

With income accrued fromthediscoveryofoiloff Guyana’s coastline, the current PPP/C government has undertaken numerous nationwide projects to change the dynamics of underdevelopment placing the country on a course of remarkable development

I n v e s t m e n t s i n infrastructure, education, health, social services, citizenspensionsetc.,arenot onlychangingthefaceofthe nation but also contributing

toimprovementinGuyanese standardofliving.

A s t h e P P P / C government seek to move t h e c o u n t r y f r o m d e p e n d e n c y a n d underdevelopment towards development,itappearstobe addressing problems associated with internal inequality and unequal development.

However, the deep rooted socio-economic and politicalscarsofdependency and underdevelopment cannotbeeradicatedwithina shortperiod,andarelikelyto influence and impact developmental policies for severalyears.

Notwithstanding the PPP/C government’s strides in addressing socioeconomic and political issues,policymakersneedto beattentiveandalerttothe (Continuedonpage6)

IndecentAdvertisements displayed by Rude Boy

DEAREDITOR,

essence is the trick that has been played on Georgetown and other Municipalities where the PPP has not by regular means been able to secure dominance and control.

With this bounty of money, one would have thought that a caring government would promote goodwillinsteadofillwill.I recall my favorite, the ProphetKhalilGibran,“Pity the Nation that acclaims the bully as hero, and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful. Pity the Nation that despises a passion in its dream, yet submits in its awakening.”

Pity the Nation whose Statesman is a fox, whose philosopherisajuggler,and whose art is the art of catchingandmimicking.”

HamiltonGreen Elder

Through the columns of your recognised newspaper, I would like to draw your attention to the lack of consciousness in the people regarding the inappropriate content displayed by the company,‘RudeBoy’,tothe public. The intent of this letter is to portray a clear pictureoftheissuesothatthe people become aware of s u c h i n d e c e n t advertisements.Bannersand postersofatrociousandfoul images are publicised

throughoutourcommunities whichcommitabreachinthe law titled: Indecent Advertisement,Chapter805, subsection 159-160 This company, Rude Boy, driven by profiteering, shows m a n i p u l a t i v e a n d disgraceful displays to push their products These sexually imprinted advertisements are not appropriate in terms of qualityasitisaslowpoison tothemindsofthepeoplebut most importantly, the children who are exposed to

theseimages.Theproblemis indeed grave, so to find a solution is a crying need. Therefore, we charge the concerned authorities, government,religiousleader andthepublictoreportthese vulgar publications and for

the police department to uplift the law and take effectively restrictive measures to the stop the poison before it pervades further

YoursCordially, Anonymous

We stand ready to serve the oil and gas industry

DEAREDITOR,

A letter appearing in the Kaieteur News, June 07, 2023, edition, from a Kevin Morgan, self-described as a former lawyer, petroleum programme – Government of Guyana, entitled, “Just some thoughts on Oil and Gas Insurance,” gives the local industry this opportunitytoclarifycertain i n a c c u r a c i e s a n d misconceptionstherein.

In his letter, Mr. Morgan unfortunately misguides the readershipinmanyrespects, notably, first, in describing the local insurance companies as not able to provide the standard of service of the world’s leading player ExxonMobil; and secondly, in scanty dismissal of the role and importance of the insurance regulatory authority, and the governinginsurancelaw

We are unaware of any scholarly or technical assessment that Mr Morgan could have relied upon to arrive at his conclusion

Unlessheiswillingtodirect us to the same, we would have to proceed on the assumption that his conclusionwasbasedonhis own ill-informed opinion.

We would appreciate, therefore, that you publish this response in your

esteemed newspaper so that we may set the record straight. The capability of any company to provide professional insurance s e r v i c e s c o u l d , appropriately, be assessed via three main criteria, namely Technical, Financial and Regulatory Technical, meaningbeingabletosupply the relevant skill and experience; Financial, meaninghavingthefinancial capacity to underwrite the risks; and Regulatory, meaning having passed the relevant assessment by the regulators, being licensed and regulated accordingly, andoperatingwithinthelaw

Onthetechnicalside,the local insurance industry prides itself on employing insurance professionals that meet the highest global standards in all key positions. Indeed, in-house experience in Oil and Gas like the whole of Guyana, would be new to our industry; however, the public would be happy to know that the local industry was among the first to train andcertifyitstechnicalstaff in Oil and gas insurance as soonaspossibleaftertheoil discoveries were announced in2015.Amongstitstraining programmes were those conducted by none other

than the world’s leading insurance brokerages, who were so satisfied therewith thattheyhaveindicatedtheir full willingness to do businesswithus.

With respect to financial capability, it would do the likes of Mr Morgan well to understand that insurance is a risk transfer mechanism whereby persons pay a premiumtotransfertheirrisk of loss to the insurance company. The company spreads the risk among the many others whose premiums constitute an insurancepool.

Thus, the probable loss of a few would be borne by the many who would not suffer similar losses Insurers who manage these insurance pools further cut up and transfer portions of the risks globally to reinsurers who take a commensurate share of the premiums. Reinsurers also spreadtheirriskgloballyina process called retrocession. The financial capacity of an insurer to underwrite a particular risk, is therefore primarily a function of how welltheinsurercouldspread theriskthroughreinsurance. Thesmallpartoftheriskthat is actually retained by the insurerontheirownaccount would in our case be

The transformation of Guyana from...

Frompage5 socio-cultural dynamics of societal transformation Opposition forces, intent on obstructing, or disrupting developmental changes, would not hesitate in mobilizing discontented segments of Guyana’s culturally and ethnically pluralistic population to foment strife and promote instability- as evidenced in the case of Belladrum’s unrest Community resistance to developmental policies could also result from the government’s failure to inform residents who perceive proposed changes as a threat to their social-culturalandeconomic existence-asexperiencedin theclosingofWalesEstate.

Today’s architects of Guyana’s developmental transformation cannot ignore the reality that infrastructuralchangesalone do bring about societal stability, development, and modernization. They must be cognizant that an ethnicallypluralisticGuyana simply cannot be culturally h o m o g e n i z e d , o r economically developed, simply through the

p r o m u l g a t i o n o f government’s policies of modernization.

To promote unity and steer the country from its d e p e n d e n c y a n d underdevelopment to

development, active participationofthepeoplein the promulgation and articulation of change polices must be encouraged and accommodated Inasmuch as change is important to Guyana’s d e v e l o p m e n t a n d modernization, so too the cultural beliefs, practices, and relations of the people whomostlikelywouldresist changesthatinfringeontheir customs,values,andbeliefs.

For example, the Burnham led PNC government’s initiative of National Service as a prerequisite for continued enrollment at the University of Guyana, and for Civil Service employment, resulted in many Indo Guyanese females withdrawing from the University,andfromseeking governmentemployment.

National Services agricultural experimental programs, located primarily

relatively small due to the size of our industry, but that in no way hampers the local industry from undertaking the largest risks via the aforementioned reinsurance tool.Wecansafelystatethat the local industry, with over 700yearsintotalexperience is quite capable of underwriting all the Oil and gasriskcurrentlyemanating and expected from Guyana.

Tothisend,ourindustryhas alreadyengagedprospective world leading reinsurers. It was an assessment of this capabilitythatconvincedthe Government of Guyana [GOG] to rightfully provide in the Local Content Act 2021 [LCA, that the local insurance industry ought to receive100percentofallOil andgasinsurancebusiness.

commissions and fees, and brokerage commissions

Added to this, the local industry stands capable and ready to advise the GOG on insurance and Risk Management matters regardingoilandgas.

income base for the indigenousbrokerages.

3.TheLocalContentAct gives the industry 100% of allrisksdomiciledinGuyana and that includes all risks in Guyana’sterritorialwaters.

withinthehinterlandregions

of Guyana required participantstoliveandwork under harsh conditions similar to that of plantation laborers.Insecureandpoorly s u p e r v i s e d l i v i n g arrangements subjected female participants to various types of abuses by males, especially the PNC’s handpickedsupervisorswho oversaw the programs. In sum, the requirement of national service stymied the preparationofwellqualified labor force Currently, President Irfaan and membersofhiscabinetseem to be aware of the complexities of Guyana’s transformation from dependency to development and have accommodated to citizens participation in change initiatives- as evidencedinthedistribution ofhouselotsandbuildingof homes.Towhatextentwould the PPP/C’s efforts of citizens participation continue? And, would such participation include most areasofdevelopment?

The answers are evolving.

NarayanPersaud,PhD.

T h e r e g u l a t o r y environment involves the governing and oversight of the insurance industry, primarily for the protection ofpolicyholders.Regulators want to know that insurance companies are technically capable, have the right reinsuranceprogrammesand have the financial capability to pay claims on insurance policies In Guyana, the regulator, The Bank of Guyana[BOG],usesseveral measures to make such assessments. Once satisfied that all benchmarks have been met, the regulators license the insurers to operateinGuyana.TheBOG is empowered by virtue of the InsuranceAct 2016, and not 1998 as quoted by Mr Morgan.The2016Insurance Actalsoprotectstheinterests of this nation and the insuranceindustrybystrictly prohibiting the direct placement of insurances to foreign non-admitted carriers unless by engagement through a local ‘fronting’Insurer or through a Local Insurance broker in possession of a Special BrokersLicense.

T h e r e f o r e , t h e appearance of a cover note issued by a U.K. broker, evidently unlicensed to operate in Guyana, during the judicial process of the case to which the writer refers, brings sharply into focus, what appears to be a circumventionofourlaws.

The Local Content Act provides a mechanism whereby the oil and gas insurancepremiums,thatare deductible as Cost Oil, would be remitted to the benefitofthelocaleconomy

The indigenous industry

Unfortunately, the local insurance industry has, so far,mostlybeenbypassedin providingtheservicesthatit isfullycapableandprepared to do, for reasons that will partiallybediscussedherein. Thelocalindustryhasmuch tobringtothetableandisin f a c t a n i n t e g r a l , underutilized part of the Government’s natural mechanisminnegotiationof coverage and management and oversight of oil and gas risk The local industry knows and understands the intricacies of insurance and shouldbeplayinganintegral role on behalf of our government.

We firmly believe that ourcountryremainsatriskas long as it is unable to verify the particulars of every placement, in particular the financial ratings of every insurer utilized, its relationship to the insured and the particulars of cover includingrelevantclausesin relation to Guyana’s exposuretoliability

We therefore remain deeply concerned that our economy is not yet benefiting from the industry’s expertise, which would allow us to provide it with documentation and management of all oil and gascoveredassetsdomiciled inGuyana,documentationof all liabilities including specifics on limits, documentation and oversight of exposures, risk management concerns etc. We are also concerned that placements may have been made outside of the requirementsoftheLCAand I A , o r m a y h a v e circumvented the intent and spiritthereof.

Thus,wesubmitthat:

1. The local industry is professional, capable and trained.Ithasfortheentirety of its history always dealt extensivelywiththeLondon Markets, Lloyds of London and international insurers andreinsurersworldwide.

2. Reinsurance gives the localindustryalltherequired gross underwriting capacity to underwrite Oil & Gas risks, and provides for the industry the opportunity to e a r n r e i n s u r a n c e commissions when they reinsure; while the Local Content Act directed brokerage provides an

4 The Insurance Act requires that all insurance business in Guyana be insured with Insurers approved by the Bank of Guyana (BOG). 5. The international Oil and Gas insurancemarkethasalready affirmed its readiness to do business with the local industry; both insurers and brokers.Thecombinedlocal industry has long furnished the regulator with a comprehensive consortium proposal in conformity with the publicly stated preferred approach of the highest levels of Government of Guyana.

The industry, by appointed committee, has andcontinuestorespectfully meet with and represent its position to every relevant levelof regulatorybodyand Government of which it is able Our representative committee has left no stone unturned.Theindustryisnot unaware that legal recourse is available to rectify illegal breaches of our laws However, it is committed rather,tocontinuetoplaceits faith in the integrity of the Government of Guyana and the Central Bank, to enforce the Laws of Guyana as is indeediswithinitsmandate; and to cause the restoration of the considerable loss of revenue(asisacknowledged bythewriter)sufferedbythe industry as a result of the evident continued circumventionofthelawsof Guyana;andtorepresentthe interests of an industry which has served our nation faithfully from its very inception.

While currently nothing prevents locals from doing oil and gas insurance business, we also anxiously awaitthepassageofrelevant legislation and regulation thatwouldfurtherstreamline and strengthen the industry, and reinforce the requirements for oil and gas contractorstoplacebusiness locally

Theindustryreiteratesits faith in the integrity of our Government and Office of the Commissioner of insuranceandstandsreadyto serve the oil and gas industry YoursFaithfully, Insurance Association ofGuyana Guyana Insurance BrokersAssociation

Alleged Ponzi schemer slapped with 17 fraud charges …accused of falsely

Phylicia Jallim, a former Branch Manager of North American Fire and General

Insurance Company (NAFICO), has been fingered in an alleged Ponzi scheme involving $288 8 million Jallim of 22 Welcome Street, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice (WBB) and103ThomasStreetKitty, Georgetown, was slapped with 16 counts of obtaining $283 million by false pretense and one count of fraudulent misappropriation amountingto$5.8million.

Thechargeswerelaidby

obtaining $288M

theSpecialOrganisedCrime Unit(SOCU)onMonday,an arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Jallim made her first court appearance at the Blairmont Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Peter Hugh. The accused was without legal representation.

The 16 indictable charges were read to her as wellastheothercharge.

The police prosecutor objected to bail being granted However, Jallim was placed on $1.7 million bail and the matter was adjourned to June 19, 2023

forstatementsinonematter

According to both the Guyana Police Force (GPF) inDecember2022,anumber ofpersonsreportedtoSOCU that the accused was operatingaPonzischeme.

Investigations revealed that Jallim cunningly deceived victims into believing that she is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dream Chasers, a legal investment where she borrows money from investors and lends the money to government contractorsandfarmerswho are having financial

problems.

The woman allegedly informedthevictimsthatshe would pay them 5 to 20 percent interest weekly on theircapitalinvested.

Reportsarethatbetween July 2022 and November 2022, 16 victims from Berbice invested their monies with her but never received any money as per heragreementwiththem.

It was stated that Jallim never returned their capital and the company ‘Dream Chasers’ investment never existed.

Also, the farmers and contractors’ names she mentioned to the victims as her ‘clients’ denied doing anybusinesswithher

Rice

farmer stabbed to death, suspect arrested

A25-year-oldricefarmeroflot169Well Rank Dam, No 57 Village, Corentyne, Berbice was on Sunday morning stabbed to deathatQueenstown,Corriverton.

Dead is Pursoram Ganpat. Reports are that Ganpat and the suspect, 18-year-old Kevin Somrah of 101 Queenstown, Corriverton, were imbibing at Queenstown when an argument ensued. The argument escalated into a fight and Somrah armed himselfwithaknifeanddealtGanpatseveral stabsabouthisbody

The incident occurred at about 02:30h. Ganpat was taken to the Port Mourant Hospitalwherehesuccumbedtohisinjuries. Police have since arrested Somrah for Ganpat’smurder

Investigationsareongoing.

Youngbusinessmanfound deadinRegentSt.apartment

A young businessman was on Monday found dead inhisRegentandCummings Street, Georgetown apartment.

Dead is 39-year-old

Nakema Dimitri Deonauth who managed his family’s b u s i n e s s N e s h a ’s Flowerland.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that Deonauth was found dead Monday morning by his father who visited his apartment with the intent of taking him to breakfast, a frequent practice.

Reports are that

Deonauth was unreachable and his father, Rajindra

Deonauthsolicitedthespare keys to the apartment from the landlord. Upon entry to the apartment he found his son’s lifeless body in the apartmentandhesummoned thepolice.

Upon seeing the young businessman’s dead body,

Businessman Nakema Dimitri Deonauth was found dead in his Regent Street apartment (Facebook photo)

the elder Deonauth behaved disorderly causing police to detain him. The 39-year-old washisfather’sonlyson.

h’s body reportedly bore multiple

Moreover,investigations also revealed that the accusedwasamemberofthe NewLightAssemblyofGod Church Located at No. 4 Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) and was entrusted with the safe custody and c o n t r o l o f t h e Congregation’s Penny Bank

Account.

She converted the amountof$5.8millionofthe Church’s Penny Bank money to her own use and

benefit.

The SOCU is currently conducting a number of other investigations of similarnatureagainsther

marks of violence. He was last seen alive on Sunday eveningafterclosingupone ofthefamily’sbusinesses. Investigations are ongoing.

Arrested: Kevin Somrah

Charged: Phylicia Jallim

New GWI office at Mabaruma estimated to cost $43 million Pensioner beaten to death during argument

With plans to establish more offices across the region thereby improving countrywide, the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) customer service and improved water is slated to construct its Mabaruma, Region infrastructure resulting in a more reliable One office soon, at an estimated cost of supply of water Additionally, the company $43,063,200. said that the execution of this project will

GWI had recently issued an invitation also allow for increased access to clean for bids (IFB) for contractors to undertake water, enhanced water systems the project. Eight contractors have management, more economic submitted bids in response opportunities for Region One the water company’s IFB idents, and improved constructthenewoffice. health and sanitation of At the opening of householdsandbuildings tenders at the National intheregion.

Suspect: Mohamed Khan

Police are investigating the death of 62-year-old Dharamdeo Singh, a resident of Dharamshala, Fort Canje, New Amsterdam, BerbicewhichoccurredonSunday atapproximately21:00h.

Singh was reportedly beaten to death by another resident of the institution, who has since been arrested.

Procurement and

Back in 2021, at the Tender Administration site of the construction Board (NPTAB) office of the $23 million GWI it was revealed that JR Lethemoffice,Minister Civil Works bid of Housing and Water $39,465,850; Supreme Collin Croal had Contracting & Supplies mentioned that move to $41,828,350; Alv nstruct these offices

Chowramootoo Construction forms part of a bigger plan to Service - $42,994,200; Morris consolidate the offices that fall Jeffrey Enterprise - $36,614,800; M & underthepurviewoftheMinistry D Investments - $80,492,050; Small’s “As you’re aware, GWI has a number of Enterprise - $46,603,400; R Kissoon Regional offices for which we’re Contracting Service - $135,999,500; and renting…sointhelongtermitisintendedfor Singh&SonConstruction-$42,743,850. us to have permanent Regional offices and Kaieteur News understands that upon sowe’llhavesavingsinouroperationalcost completion GWI would be in a better but more importantly, the staff will be position to connect with its customers comfortable,”hehadstated.

Thesuspecthasbeenidentified as70-year-oldMohamedKhan. According to a resident of the Dharamshala ,the suspect, who also stays there, approached the victim in the male ward and an argument ensued. The argument escalated and the suspect reportedly dealt Singh several lashes with a piece of wood he had in his possession. Singh received several injuries about his body and was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospitalwherehewaspronounced deadonarrival.

Investigationsareongoing.

Soldier shot dead by colleague at Timehri base

…after lashing him to head with AK-47 magazine

AGuyanaDefenceForce suspect is in police custody (GDF) rank was on Monday “This appears to be an shot dead by a colleague isolated incident and does during a fight at Camp not reflect the overall Stephenson,Timehri. d i s c i p l i n e a n d

Dead is 24-year-old professionalism of our Tevon Daymon, a Private ranks,”GDFsaid. attached to 21 Artillery and It noted that a Board of of Lot 198 Block X Cornelia Inquiry will be convened to Ida, West Coast Demerara i n v e s t i g a t e t h e (WCD). He had allegedly circumstances that led to the lashed his colleague to his fatal shooting of Private head causing severe injuries Daymon “The Chief of before he was shot down in a Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, the victim to receive injuries hailofbulletsfromanAK-47 Officers and Ranks extend andfalltotheground. rifle. condolences to the parents The victim was escorted

According to the Guyana and family of the late Private to the Diamond Diagnostic Police Force (GPF), the 25- Tevon Daymon and will Centre where he was year-old suspect was armed ensure that all necessary pronounced dead by Dr with the AK rifle and 30 supportisgiventothefamily Wilson at 07 09hrs The matching rounds and had atthistime,”theyexpressed. body was escorted to discharged 27 rounds in For its part the Guyana Memorial Gardens Funeral Daymon’sdirection. Police Force said Damon Home awaiting PME. The

In a statement, the GDF was attached to 21 Artillery suspect was handed over to expressedcondolencestothe Company and resided at police and is assisting with family of Daymon who died Block X Cornelia Ida, West furtherinvestigations at 07:45hrs at the Diamond Coast Demerara The K a i e t e u r N e w s Hospital. The GDF said the suspect the police said has understands that the two incident occurred at since been arrested soldiers had an argument approximately 04:51hrs at Enquiries revealed that the which led to him being Base Camp Stephenson, victim and the suspect lashed to his head by Timehri. became involved in an Daymon. Reacting to the

According to the GDF, argument and the victim assault, the rank opened fire preliminary investigations allegedly removed the on Daymon, hitting him revealed that Private magazine from the rifle he several times as he tried to Daymonwasshotbyanother was carrying and hit the flee the bullets Video rank while the two were suspect to his head, causing recording which appeared performing security duties. himtoreceiveinjuriesbefore online showed several bullet He was rushed to the running away The suspect, holes in a wall at the army Diamond Hospital where he who was armed with an AK base. later died. The GDF noted rifle and 30 matching A photograph also that the matter is presently rounds, discharged 27 appeared with a gaping being investigated by the rounds from his rifle in the wound at the middle of the Guyana Police Force and the victim’s direction causing shooter’shead.

Guyana Defence Force rank, Private Tevon Daymon

NO RIGHT TO SMALLIE’S BODY!

The last time the gallows were prepared for the hangman’s noose was in 1997 A fair crowd, includingfamilymembersof those being executed, gathered in a somber mood on Durban Street, outside of theGeorgetownPrisons.

Inside the prison there was silence, a show of respect by the prisoners that one of their inmates was beingsenttohisMaker The moment the sentence of death was carried out was known only by the sound of thefly-dooropening.Itmade

a noise that carried to those assembledonDurbanStreet, most out of curiosity and to bepartofsomethingthatdid not happen often in the country

The bodies of those executed were not handed over to the families. The bodies were removed and whiskedawaybythehearse. It was reported that the bodies were interred in unmarkedgraves.Therewas no viewing, no funeral service and no possibility of placing a ‘spliff’ in the coffin. The State retained controlofthebodies.

Dem Boys Seh...

Rockliffe Ross was hanged on June 4th 1996 at 8:00hrs.Hehadkilledaboy who was on his way on his first day to work at noon, Ross’s body was whisked outoftheprisonsandhewas buriedinanunmarkedgrave. Thathasalwaysbeenthe tradition since colonial times. The Rev John Smith who was sentenced to death for his alleged role in the 1823 Slave Uprising died beforehissentencecouldbe carriedoutorbeforenewsof hisreprievereachedGuyana. He died allegedly from a medical condition and even

De hustle is real!

Why should a man with agoodjobnotmoonlightto earnanextradollar?Whatis wrongwiththat?

There are many doctors working in public hospital who does moonlight at private hospitals and some of dem does moonlight duringdemlunchhour

But some of we finding fault with a soldier who hustling a lil taxi wuk at nights.

Whyshouldamanhave toplayhide-and-seekjustto earn some extra money? Once the job is not competing with his normal employment,allowtheman towork.

People have needs

Peoplehavebillstopayand even though their salaries can pay the bills, the more moneytheymake,thefaster they can pay off their debts and acquire things which theyneed.

Dehgatpeopleworking in government office and driving duty-free car And when dem going hom in de afternoon, dem does wuk a lil special hore in order to obtainsomegasmoney

Is a different story if de manworkingtoolateandhe notabletowakeupontime togotohis8to4jobdenext day Now that is a problem that needs addressing. But what is wrong with a man hustlinganextrabuthonest

dollar

Some of de most successfulpeopleinlifeare peoplewhousedtodomore than one jobs. Deh gat nuff peopleworkingmorningan 8to4shiftandthengoingto do an extra hustle in the afternoon Dem nah begging nobody fuh money and dem are no burden to anyone.

So let us hail the nocturnal heroes and heroines of capitalism, the hustlers as we like to call them who prefer doing two jobs to one. They are the oneswhowillendupbeing successful while others makeexcuses.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

Biker killed in Mandela Avenue accident

A motorcyclist was on Sunday night killed in an accident along the Nelson M a n d e l a Av e n u e , Georgetown.

Dead is 47-year-old Lakeram Etwaroo of Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) in a statement disclosed that the fatal accident occurred in the vicinity of John Fernandes about 23:50hours involving a truck GDD 3729 and the motorcycleCH2546.

The driver of the truck, 52-year-old Mohan Ramnarine, of Airy Hall Public Road, Essequibo Coast,toldthepolice,hewas proceeding east along Nelson Mandela Avenue on thesouthernsideoftheroad. He alleged that as he

approachedthetrafficlightit was showing green in his directionbutthelighttoturn south was red so he stopped and waited as the turning lightchangedtogreen.

It was stated that the driverofthetruckwasinthe process of making a right turntoheadsouthontoJohn Fernandes Access Road while the motorcyclist was proceeding west along the centre of the said road, at a fastrateofspeed.Thepolice reported that Etwaroo collidedintotheleftsiderear wheel of the truck. As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist fell onto the road where he sustained injuriestohisheadandother partsofhisbody

thoughhewasnothangedhe was buried in an unmarked grave.Thispointstothefact that the bodies of death row prisoners were not handed overtotheirfamiliesevenif capital punishment was not carriedout.

Thereareseveralreasons why death row inmates are buried in unmarked graves. The first of these is to discourage the glorification or martyrdom of these individuals. The Americans dumped the body of Osama BinLaden’sbodyatseaeven though he was never even tried for the offences for which his manhunt was launched. There is also the risk that persons who had reason to dislike the deceased would desecrate hisgrave.

Unmarked graves for death row prisoners can be seen as a symbolic way of indicating that their crimes weresoheinousthattheyare unworthy of a named and marked grave. It reflects society’s judgment and

disapprovalofthecrimesfor whichtheywereconvicted.

There is therefore a tradition that the remains of death row inmates are not handed over to families and are buried in unmarked graves It was therefore surprising to read that the body of RoydenWilliams, a death row inmate and massmurder convict, was placed onviewforalimitednumber of family and other members.

So was his family entitled to a viewing and wouldhisremainsbehanded overtothefamilyseeingthat he was a death row inmate? ThePrisonActallowsforthe bodies of persons who died incustodytobehandedover totheirrelativesprovidingit isnotinjurioustodoso.

But by convention, this rulesurelydoesnotapplyto death row prisoners. For hundreds of years, it has not been the practice to hand over the remains of death row prisoners to their relativesforburial.

While the capital punishment was not carried out, he was on death row The fact that he had appeals pending was immaterial sinceitisonlyacourtwhich could vacate his conviction. Until this happens, he remained a death row prisoner

The fact that Royden Williams escaped does not negate his status as a convicted death row prisoner Hewasnotentitled to the sort of funeral that he received and his family had norightstohisbody (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.)

in an unconscious condition andtakentotheGeorgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver of truck and he had no trace of alcohol in his breath. Police have seized the truck and motorcycle and the driver is incustody

Dead, Lakeram Etwaroo

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

Black Rock comes to Guyana, VP Jagdeo must burnish his standing

Thebigleaguesare forming a line and coming to primetime (“Major fund managers eyeing oil $$”SN, June 11, 2023). The former includes Bank of America and Black Rock, with a couple of second-tier companions completing the posse Guyana is primetime, except that its investment moment has another five years before it engage the attention of the heavyhitters.

Firstthingsfirst. Asmall bucket of cold water is dashed on that SN caption, andthepostquotedfromone B. Jagdeo’s Facebook page. WiththeexceptionofBlack Rock and maybe BoA making the cut, the others are middle level fish; “major” is a major overstatement.

According to the SN article, Guyana had free cash of US$257 million in January for investment purposes, and they had better be the safest thing anywhere. There are two hiccups right away that it is

my painful duty to identify publicly First, US$257 million is small change for the top-of-the-line hitters, and safe investments ain’t the name of the game for moneymanagerswho make their money with outstanding performance Just doesn’t cut it. Both small amount and investment options limitation fall into the categoriesof‘thinkingabout it’ and ‘getting back later’, as in 2028. It is to keep options open, keep the conversation going, and keeping from not insulting anyone in Guyana, which could be a source of rich investment manager earnings.

Bottom line: the Black Rocks of the world need multiples of that quarter billiontosnaretheirinterest; also, fund returns, and fund manager earnings, are not propelled upwards by having to stick to safe investmentbets. Lowreturn bets they are, and managers havetojustifytheir20-25% fundfees. Treasuriesout.

Forwhateveritisworth, and this is also lamentable, the Black Rock people would not have been overly impressed with honorary doctorates; and harbor only concealed contempt for graduates of Patrice LumumbaU,Russia;smalltimers, they are. Still, the Guyanese political leader and brother Jagdeo was ecstatic in his praise: “We met with an impressive investmentgroup.

They probably have maybe US$1 trillion in management.” I havenews for brother Bharrat, Black Rock alone is in the neighborhood of almost nine times that majestic amount he mentioned. The Vice President must do his homework,speakwithsome level of accuracy, and discontinue his practice of saying something to fill space, only to have egg on his face. In other words, he would do better knowing what he is talking about, it would give him such muchneeded standing with the foreign folks. They have

studied him intensively; he hastoreturnthefavor

Now, I go further today in extending my usual guidance to Guyana’s Vice President:stopwastingtime clobbering the PNC to distract citizens. There are no returns to speak of from such predispositions and engagements. It is in this new arena where he must concentrate,earnhisstripes, and stop all the usual politicking Brother B, Guyana is on the international stage, so cease and desist with this antiquatedprovincialwayof leading, governing, and prioritizing.

Ifandwhenthesepeople (Yanks)realizethattheyare dealingwithasecond-string varsity team, they will do one of two things. Make ringsaroundGuyana,anddo what rewards only themselves. Or they will wave away the opportunity to make some money in promising Guyana. Too many rank amateurs. Too much handholding. Too muchtrouble.

On another note, the army man and the businessmanandwhatever kind of man are around that Oil Fund need to stop being placid placeholders, clear the cobwebs, and start taking lessons on what it takesforthiscountrytohold its own with the big swinging slicksters that come to this exciting metropolis.

All those fine natives whospeakorwriteaboutthe theories they got from textbookswillquicklylearn that they are in hostile territory (behind the suave smiles and Savile Row suits),andmustbeonguard that they don’t get their heads handed to them These guys are sharks, and theyrecognizefreshmeat.

This is the real world which Guyana must understand. Infiveyears,it is likely that we will have somecashthatcouldcausea splash. That is, a billion American, if OPEC plus doesn’t overplay its hand, and contribute to slowing national economies, and

demand destruction Anybody cares for US$50 a barrel?

Now, here is the whole story in a few words Brother Jagdeo must burnish standing, develop necessary sophistications overnight, and stop being a finance hillbilly Though said before, I table again: Wall Street barracudas will mesmerize and pulverize many that we have here, including the central bank, while eating our dinner In the latter, they are not just major, they are without equal. These sharpies are mostfamiliarwithstripping tenderfoots and hicks to the bone, and have them turn and them for it. Yeah, they are that good. And greedy, too.

(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.)

children in Caribbean, Latin America child labour situations

8 million

- 5.5 million are engaged

OntheInternationalDay Against Child Labour, this 12th of June, the Ministries of Labour, employers and workers organizations, of Latin America and the Caribbean commit to accelerate efforts to eradicate child labour in the region.

This commitment reaffirms the goal of achieving the first generation free of child labour In this regard, highlevel representatives have

committed to implementing CountryAccelerationPlans, which promote the coordination between highimpact public and private programs and services with theaimofbreakingthecycle that leads to child labour In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that more than 8 million childrenandadolescentsare insituationsofchildlabour, of which 5.5 million are engagedinhazardouswork. These figures reinforce the

in hazardous work - ILO

importance of taking urgent and effective measures to protecttherightsofchildren anderadicatechildlabourin all its forms. Claudia

Coenjaerts, Regional DirectoroftheILOforLatin AmericaandtheCaribbean, highlighted the need to accelerate efforts in social justice, stating that “every child who works is a reminder that there is still much to be done, and that it is urgent to advance social justice.Theregionhasmade

significant progress, let us redoubleoureffortstomake the eradication of child labourintheregionareality. At the current pace, it is estimated that it would take more than 25 years to completely eradicate this problem”.

Thiscommitmentispart of the efforts aimed at fulfilling the objectives established in the Durban Call to Action and accelerating the progress of multiple stakeholders in the

prevention and elimination of child labour, with a priority on the worst forms of child labour and the promotion of decent work for adults and adolescents whoreachtheminimumage foremployment.

The Regional Initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour is an alliance of 31 countries that work in an articulated and tripartite manner to achieve the first generation of people free from child labour in the region.

Currently, the Regional Initiative is composed of: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras,Jamaica,Mexico,

Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela;togetherwiththe International Employers Organization (IEO) and the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCACSA) The Regional InitiativeLatinAmericaand the Caribbean Free of Child Labour operates with the technical assistance of the ILO and the sustained support of its partners, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the Andalusian Agency of International Cooperation for Development (AACID), the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), and the UnitedStatesDepartmentof Labor(USDOL).

New Board Members for the Rotary Club of Georgetown

Devindra Kissoon installed as Pres. of Rotary Club of Georgetown

T h e R o t a r y C l u b o f hours clocked by Rotarians each

Rotary Club of Georgetown is Elect); Gautham Thani (Vice Georgetown announced the year, Rotary International and its Guyana’soldestRotaryClubandis President); Natasha Vieira installation of its new Board of members continue to take action to widely known for its plethora of (Secretary); Goswami Parmesar DirectorsonSunday,June11,2023 affect change not only worldwide, projectsincluding:theannualPolio (Treasurer); Wilmot Garnette at Marriott Hotel, with prominent butalsoinlocalcommunities. Walk, Book Mobile Project, (Service/Projects); Vereendra attorney Devindra Kissoon elected In a statement issued to the Convalescence Home Renovation, Bhagwandin (Foundation); to serve as President for the year media, it was noted that President

Senior Citizen Inspirational Macaela Cameron (Public 2023-2024. Kissoon looks forward to making Service and Christmas Cheer, Relations); Anabelle Carter-

With a global network of over an impact and evoking change for Water Wells at Old England, Sharma (Membership); Ryan 1 4 million members, Rotary the good. He noted, “I grew up Coomacka and Kuru Kuru, Kirton (Administration); Ronessa International is recognized for: attending Rotary meetings with my Rotary/Remote Area Medical McAdam (New Generations) and promoting peace, fighting disease, father, Ramesh Kissoon, and have (RAM) Diabetes and Women’s PeterPeroune(Sergeant-at-Arms). providing clean water, saving long admired Rotarians’dedication

Health Outreach in Regions 9 and T h e R o t a r y C l u b o f mothers and children, supporting toselflessservice. 10,amongmanyothers. Georgetown said it looks forward education, growing local I look forward to working Other members of the 2023- toanothersuccessfulRotaryyearas economies and supporting the alongside my fellow Rotarians at 2024 Board include: Sheldon itworkstogetherwithitspartnersto environment. the Rotary Club of Georgetown, strengthenourcommunities.” Hazelwood (Immediate Past create lasting change and

With over 47 million volunteer and countrywide, to help

Attorney-at-Law, Devindra Kissoon

Founded on May 20, 1959, the President); Victor Pires (President communityimprovement.

Tuesday June 13, 2023

LGE2023seeslowbutincidentfreeturnout

Local Government Elections (LGE)

2023 saw a low

but incident free turn out yesterday as scores of citizens exercised their right to vote alongside hundreds of government officials President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and First Lady, Arya Ali were among those voters who cast their ballots attheLeonoraTechnicaland VocationalTrainingCentre.

During an engagement withthemedia,PresidentAli deemed the process to be a smooth one. “It was very efficient,”headded.

With respect to the low voter turnout, Ali said this has always been an issue since persons unfortunately do not apply the same level of urgency and seriousness to it as they do with General and Regional Elections

“But as we have said people and importantly to Jagdeo also lauded the voting at another location throughout the campaign, strengthen local leadership. process as smooth, though but checks proved this to be these elections are very If you look at Georgetown there were some minor false,” the Vice President important for the system of and all the other areas, you hiccups. In this regard, he explained. democracy, the renewal of see a reflection of Guyana in noted receiving reports that As to voter turnout, Dr leadership, the development thecandidatescontesting.” some voters were being Jagdeo said this is usually of communities and the TheHeadofStateadded, delayed by Information expected to be low He said synergies between local and “I think it is very Clerks before being allowed this is an issue government central government,” the disrespectful for one to to cast their vote or in some has lamented about on the Presidentsaid. speak about these young cases, mislead into going to campaign. “We said we are

He also used the people the way the otherpollingstations. f i g h t i n g a g a i n s t

opportunity to denounce Opposition Leader does

“People know where complacency and not so certain contentions by Manyofthesepeopleusedto they are voting because they muchagainstAPNUinmany districts the PPP would win. was raised with scrutineers Opposition Leader, Aubrey be candidates (for the havealreadycheckedsothey areas…thelastelectionswas With respect to Georgetown andlaterrectified. Norton that the People’s APNU) and if you can lower don’t necessarily have to go about 30 percent of the voter he said it has been He also expressed Progressive Party (PPP) the value of someone who to the Information Clerks. population and this was in overwhelmingly in support confidence that the APNU regime would increase taxes onceservedyoutotheextent That was becoming an issue 2018. Notwithstanding that, of the APNU over the years will reclaim Georgetown on city residents should it they are doing then I find because it was creating we believe we will have a but stressed that the party despite not having the same win most of the seats at the difficultywiththat.” bottle necks where you have landslide victory in the “wagedagoodbattle.” hard-hitting campaign like MayorandCityCouncil. The President said the a long line. They are not majority of the areas being Meanwhile, Opposition thePPP

Ali said, “It is absolute PPP will continue to stay required to go to the contested,”theofficialsaid. Leader, Aubrey Norton told “…I believe politics is rubbish. This is the type of steadfast in advancing its Information Clerk but this is Like President Ali, Dr members of the press that ground work and not flags in politics that has kept development programme for not a new issue, we have had Jagdeorubbishedclaimsthat there were a few hiccups he the air…I believe we will societiesback.Ouronlyplan thepeople. it occur during election time the government would observed as well such as win Georgetown regardless for Georgetown, and any After casting his ballot and sometimes people are increase rates and taxes if it persons not presenting their of the bribery Barring any other area in this country, is yesterday morning at St misdirected. We had one wins Georgetown. He also identification cards for clear illegalities, I don’t even see to advance development, the Paul’s Primary School, Vice instancewheresomeonewas resisted the temptation of observation. them having a chance of welfare of communities and President, Dr Bharrat told that they had to be forecasting early on what He noted that this issue winning,”thepoliticiansaid.

Lindeners vote early, little hiccups reported

It was a smooth voting process for most residents of Linden as they braved the inclement weather early Monday morning, to cast their ballots at the respective polling stations for the Local GovernmentElections.

With anticipation that their preferred candidates and political parties will have the majority seats at the Linden Mayor and Town Council, those who voted early, did not hesitate to encourage others to exercise their franchise. In this regard it was observed that youths, the elderly and the disabled, the polls in an effort to candidate and Mayor to see people turn out wereamongthosevoting. demonstrate what they hopeful, Sharma Solomon, notwithstandingtheweather,

Manyoftheconstituency preach. Even after months of expressed appreciation for it is very encouraging to see candidates for both the A campaigning, the candidates those who came out and people come out for Local Partnership for National took the last opportunity to voted and said it was Government Elections to Unity (APNU) and the express confidence in being pleasing to see that the exercise their franchise and People’s Progressive Party v i c t o r i o u s i n t h e i r process was very smooth for participateintheprocess.” (PPP) were out very early at constituencies APNU most.“Itisveryencouraging (Continued on page 16)

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Former AFC MP now PPP/C Candidate Audwin Rutherford APNU Candidate, Sharma Solomon

Elderly resident, Rita Peters turned up to cast her ballot

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Lindeners vote early, little hiccups...

From page 15

Solomon who is a candidate for Amelia’s Ward said he did quite a lot to bring representation to the constituents. “We have advanced many of the causes they may have in terms of seeing Amelia’s Ward as one of the largest community in the Caribbean.”

He was confident that APNU will win his constituency as well as the wider Linden as the party is eying all 16 seats in the municipality. Currently APNU controls 15 of those seats while the PPP controls one.

Solomon’s rival for Amelia’s Ward Dwayne Charles, said his party is confident in making inroads in the municipality as Linden will “vote right this time”, according to his party’s tagline. “My team and I would have put out the works throughout the campaign season and I know that we are going to get the support and with the plans that we have for the party we are going to get it right this time,” Charles said.

Meanwhile, independent observers expressed concern that some voters experienced

PPP/C Candidate, Dwayne Charles

difficulty in locating their names on the list. Guyana Public Service Union observer Maurice Butters said his name was not even on the list as was stated on GECOM’s website and for the short time he was at the Linden Foundation Secondary School where there were 10 polling stations; some other persons experienced the same problem.

APNU Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira said the situation was only recorded in Amelia’s Ward but raised concerns. “I did hear

in Amelia’s Ward persons did not recognise their names on the list and that is very concerning for us and if it is happening at the secondary school in Amelia’s Ward that means it can happen somewhere else and it is very concerning,” Figueira said. He too expressed ‘without doubt’ that APNU will regain the municipal council and this time with all 16 seats.

In addition to APNU and PPP, the New Horizon Movement was the lone independent party contesting one constituency in Linden.

Local insurers want to get in on oil...

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From page 3 know that insurance companies are technically capable, have the right reinsurance programmes and have the financial capability to pay claims on insurance policies. In Guyana, the regulator, The Bank of Guyana (BOG), uses several measures to make such assessments. Once satisfied that all benchmarks have been met, the regulators license the insurers to operate in Guyana.

The BOG is empowered by virtue of the Insurance Act 2016,” the group highlighted.

insurance commissions and fees, and brokerage commissions. Added to this, the local industry said it stands capable and ready to advise the government on insurance and Risk Management matters regarding oil and gas. “Unfortunately, the local insurance industry has, so far, mostly been bypassed in providing the services that it is fully capable and prepared to do...”

that placements may have been made outside of the requirements of the Local Content Act and Insurance Act, or may have circumvented the intent and spirit thereof.”

FOR SALE

They said the 2016 Insurance Act also protects the interests of the country and the insurance industry by strictly prohibiting the direct placement of insurances to foreign non-admitted carriers unless by engagement through a local ‘fronting’ Insurer or through a Local Insurance broker in possession of a Special Brokers License. The group continued that the Local Content Act provides a mechanism whereby oil and gas insurance premiums, that are deductible as Cost Oil, would be remitted to the benefit of the local economy. The group said that the local industry stands to earn from oil and gas insurance, premiums, re-

The group said that the local industry is in fact “an integral, underutilized part of the Government’s natural mechanism in negotiation of coverage and management and oversight of oil and gas risk.” They said that the local industry knows and understands the intricacies of insurance and should be playing an integral role on behalf of the government. As such the group said it “firmly believes that our country remains at risk as long as it is unable to verify the particulars of every placement, in particular the financial ratings of every insurer utilized, its relationship to the insured and the particulars of cover including relevant clauses in relation to Guyana’s exposure to liability.”

The insurance bodies said that they have already furnished the local regulator with a comprehensive consortium proposal in conformity with the publicly stated preferred approach of the highest levels of Government of Guyana, while their appointed committee continues to meet with and represent its position to every relevant level of regulatory body and Government.

The industry said it is fully aware of the legal recourse available to rectify illegal breaches of our laws. “However, it is committed rather, to continue to place its faith in the integrity of the Government of Guyana and the Central Bank, to enforce the Laws of Guyana as it indeed is within its mandate...”

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“We therefore remain deeply concerned that our economy is not yet benefiting from the industry’s expertise which would allow us to provide it with documentation and management of all oil and gas covered assets domiciled in Guyana, documentation of all liabilities including specifics on limits, documentation and oversight of exposures, risk management concerns etc. We are also concerned

The group said it remains faithful that the authorities will cause the restoration of the considerable loss of revenue suffered by the local industry as a result of the evident continued circumvention of the laws of Guyana; and to represent the interests of an industry which has served the nation faithfully from its very inception. The insurance group said it also anxiously awaits the passage of relevant legislation and regulation that would further streamline and strengthen the industry, and reinforce the requirements for oil and gas contractors to place business locally.

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VEHICLES

Two wanted for murder of GDF Coast Guard Officer

The Guyana Police Force dem hijack the car, is two a dem”. (GPF) on Monday issued two Theythenproceededtocallpolice. wanted bulletins for Jamie Ghanie

Police stated that Douglas was and Harold called ‘Stewie’ in found in a pool of blood with two relation to the murder of Guyana wounds one to his head another to Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant his chest. Detectives have so far RondelAnthonyDouglas. learnt that Douglas worked as part

Douglas, 32, of Bagotsville, time taxi driver with Alladin Taxi West Bank Demerara (WBD), was Service located at La Grange and attached to the GDF Coast Guard was lured to his death by the unitwasshotandkilledonthenight passenger seen seated in the front of June 7 while trying to fight off seatbesidehim. twocarjackersfromstealinghiscar

Police were told that the at North Ruimveldt, Georgetown. carjacker had gone to the taxi base

According to police Douglas was earlier that evening posing as a shot dead around 22:30 hours at customer He hired Douglas to take Cul-de-Sac Street, North him to North Ruimveldt where he Ruimveldt,Georgetown. had his accomplice waiting at the

Dead: GDF Captain, Rondel Douglas

Wanted: Harold called ‘Stewie’

Wanted: Jamie Ghanie

Security cameras mounted on end of the Cul-de-Sac Street to rob of Guyana. GDF describes it fallen anywhere. I’m in for the long haul, nearby buildings showed Douglas Douglasofhisvehicle. soldier as a dedicated officer who we took a vow and till death do us Douglas was then seen turning around his white Fielder

Last Friday, the car was found last served as Aide-De-Camp to p a r t B r u h b r u h ! retreatingandstaggeredbacktohis WagonattheendoftheCul-de-Sac abandoned along Stone Avenue, Chief of Staff Brigadier, Godfrey Bruhhhhhhhhhhhh! Don’t let us carwherehefelltotheground.The with a passenger seated in the front Campbellville,Georgetown. Bess. part just yet. We are only now gunman immediately entered seat beside him. He backed up the

The GDF in a statement said InaFacebookpost,theofficer’s beginning a new chapter of our Douglas’car and drove off with the car probably for the passenger to that it mourns with Douglas’ wife, wife,CandaceDouglaswrote:“For livestogether.” passenger still seated inside get off but a gunman emerged from daughter and the rest of his family my friends who know me. Knows The Police are asking anyone According to the video seen, the bushes and attacked Douglas in for the tragic loss of his life. The how much a part of my life Rondel with information that may lead to occupants of a house ran out just in the driver’s seat. A scuffle ensued soldier reportedly enlisted with has been. He has been my constant the apprehension of Ghanie, 25, of time to see the carjackers escaping betweenthem.Douglasmanagedto GDFonFebruary15,2012andwas throughouttheyears,myfriend,my Lot59PattersonTurkeyen,Greater withDouglas’car fight the gunman off and exited the a graduate of the Standard Officer soldier,myguy,mylove. Andeven Georgetown and Harold, of One of them was heard saying, car, pushing him back towards the Course 44.At the time of his death, when things weren’t peaches and Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara to “Jesus Christ dem kill the man” bushes but as he struggled to do so, he was pursuing a degree in pie…he’d look me in my eyes and make call 911, 225-8196, 226while another added “a robbery, gunshotswereheard. computer Science at the University say…Candy I’m not going 6978.

U.S. Embassy no longer using DHL from today

…DocumentServiceCenterbackinoperation

Staff of the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at the re-opening of the Document Service Center on Camp Street, Georgetown

The United States (U.S.) Document Service Center (DSC) documentswillalsobefacilitatedat SectionoftheU.S.Embassy,there- theirpassports. Embassy in Guyana has located at 223 Camp Street, theDSC. openingoftheDSConJune13will

The DSC is operated by CSRA

announcedthateffective Georgetown. Further, the Embassy made it ensurethatall“requireddocuments (Guyana) Inc. and is open to the today applicants for U.S. visas In a statement, the Embassy clear that the new arrangement is areprovided,whichwillstreamline Publicfrom8:30a.m.to4:00p.m. (immigrant and non-immigrant) said “Applicants should no longer aimed at improving efficiency in visa application processing” For general information on instructed to submit documents to use DHL to submit or receive visa the U.S. visa application process making the process more efficient how to apply for a U S visa, the Embassy as part of their documents from the close of and to provide better services to for applicants to submit visa please visit: https://ais usvisaapplications are now required to business on Jun 12, 2023.” Pick up visaapplicants. application documents when i n f o c o m / e ndrop off said documents to its of passports and other visa related

According to the Consular instructed to do so, or to pick up gy/niv/information/niv

The U.S. Embassy’s Document Service Center on Camp Street, Georgetown

CWI announces schedule for West Indies v India International Home Series 2023

Visitorstoplaymulti-formattourinJulyandAugust,includinghistoric100thTestbetweentheteams

ST JOHNS, Antigua – Test match, to be played secondmatcheson27and29 Lauderhill, Florida with a Cricket West Indies (CWI) from 20-24 July at Queen’s July The CG United ODI blockbuster weekend of has announced the match Park Oval in Trinidad, will Seriesconcludeson1August back-to-back matches on schedule and venues for the behistoricmarkingthe100th at the Brian Lara Cricket Saturday 12 August and highly anticipated West Test match played between Academy in Trinidad which Sunday13AugustatBroward Indies versus India Men’s thetwoteams. will be hosting aWest Indies CountyCricketStadium SeriesinJulyandAugust. The Test Series is Men’sODIforthefirsttime.

Johnny Grave, CEO of The Series starts with followedbythreeCGUnited TheT20Isalsobowloffat CWI,said:“Wearedelighted two Test matches as part of One-Day Internationals Brian Lara Cricket Academy to be able to confirm the the 2023-2025 ICC World (ODIs) and five T20 on3August Guyanahoststhe schedule and venues for the Test Championship Internationals (T20Is). The second and third T20Is at the highly anticipated visit by Windsor Park in Dominica CG United ODI Series will Guyana National Stadium on India. One of the highlights will host the first Test match start at Kensington Oval in 6 and 8 August The T20I will be the 100th Test at the from 12-16 July The second Barbados with the first and Series concludes in Queen’s Park Oval and this promises to be a fantastic including match tickets will ODI, Kensington Oval, occasion as we celebrate this be announced first. The Barbados historic event between these Windies Tickets service,

Tuesday June 13, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

There could be a meeting in your community regarding some extensive changes in the not too distant future, Aries. The meeting could bring facts to your attention that you shouldbeawareof.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Career matters might prove frustrating today. You're aiming for a specific goal of some kind that you're anxious toreach,butitseemstohitone setbackafteranother

GEMINI(May21–June20)

A new field of interest may require much of your concentration for the next several days, Gemini. You could be studying a new spiritual discipline or perhaps an intellectual problem, such as the workings of the universe,orboth.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Are you interested in psychology? If so, you might discover some information that clues you in to your mental and emotional history Such disciplines as past-life regression or rebirthing could beespeciallyappealing.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Your circle of friends is probably changing, Leo, perhaps too rapidly for your tastes. Some friends may be moving away, or different interests have caused you to formnewfriendships.

VIRGO (Aug 23–Sept 22)

Although things may be going well for you at work, it's probably taking a physical and emotionaltollonyou Youmay suffer from mild stress-related conditionslikeheadaches

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Areyouworkingonsomething that requires in-depth research, Libra? If so, this is the day to dig in. Your mind and eyes are especiallysharprightnow.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

Today, you might feel caught between the determination to reach a certain goal, probably financial, and a desire to stay home and work on your own projects, take care of your family,orboth.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

A social event could put you in contactwithpeoplewholoveto gossip They might have some juicy tidbits to report, and you could be torn between curiosity and compassion for the person beingdiscussed

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Over the past few months you may have thrown yourself into your work, accomplishing feats that ordinary people would never even try Today you should give your brain a dayoff!Don'tworry

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

For the past few days your mind has been primarily on the loftier side of romanceemotional support, a spiritual bond, the highest kind of love. Today your mind is likely to be on nothing more exalted than physicalpassion.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

AAdiscussion could take place in your home between you, friends,andhouseholdmembers

A love partner may also be present The conversation will concerncontroversialissues that the people feel very strongly about, so expect to hear intense debatebetweenopposingviews

29 July: 2nd CG United two proud cricketing presented by Mastercard, ODI, Kensington Oval, nations.” available through the Barbados

Grave added: “We also Windiescricket com

1August: 3rd CG United lookforwardtohostingIndia website, will launch ticket ODI, Brian Lara Cricket in the white ball fixtures and sales by Tuesday 20 June. Academy,Trinidad welcoming fans to attend the Fans can sign up to receive *Localstarttime:09h30 matchesacrosstheregion,as thefirstnewsofticketsgoing (08h30Jamaicatime) well as in the United States. on sale at https://www.win T20 Internationals

It will be 18 days of diescricket.com/updates.

3August:1stT20I,Brian entertainment for cricket MATCH SCHEDULE Lara Cricket Academy, loverstoenjoyandsavour.” India tour of Trinidad

OfficialWestIndiesTour West Indies 2023

6 August: 2nd T20I, Operator packages, Test Matches NationalStadium,Guyana

Rose Hall Canje...

From page 25

regularly across the Caribbean as a cricket fan and he has no doubt, that the B C B w a s t h e m o s t progressive and visionary cricket board with a solid list of achievements He congratulated the club for its ownachievementsandurged the players to develop a culture of hard work and discipline.

Former West Indies player Clyde Butts, who accompanied Dr Denbow, hailed the outstanding work of the BCB and noted that Berbice cricket was successful because of visionary leadership. Butts readily agreed to a request from Foster to host another off spinning clinic for young promising bowlers next month.

Cricket Coach Ameer Rahaman and West Indies under19 player Ashmini Munisar both expressed thanks to the BCB and Dr Denbow for their support andcommittedtotakingcare of the items, Rahaman noted that the support of the board hasenabledtheplayersofthe club to grow in strength over the last four years. The BCB at the end of the ceremony presented the sponsor with a special gift and hosted a luncheoninhishonour

12-16 July: 1st Test

8 August: 3rd T20I, Match, Windsor Park, NationalStadiumGuyana

Dominica

12 August: 4th T20I, 20-24 July: 2nd Test Broward County Stadium, Match, Queen’s Park Oval, Lauderhill,Florida

Trinidad

13 August: 5th T20I, * Local start time: 10h00 Broward County Stadium, (09h00Jamaicatime) Lauderhill,Florida

CG United ODIs * Local start time: 10h30

27 July: 1st CG United (09h30Jamaicatime)

- Bartica Boys, President’s College Girls stand in their way Both Waramuri Top teams advance to finales 2023 ExxonMobil Boys and Girls U14 Championships…

The script of the 2023 showdowns when the Petra- This means the new and Ann’s Grove have been Barticaprevailed,4-3. on the event, the victors in ExxonMobil Boys and Girls organised event concludes femaleChampionwillbethe slotted in the seventh-place In the other semi, their the two categories cart off Under-14 Championships on Saturday, June 12, at the victor of the finale between showdown. battle featured a goal from with the championship has almost been completed samevenue. Wa r a m u r i To p a n d In the Boys’ Division, eachsidewithWaramuriTop trophies along with following the semifinal These 16 teams endured President’s College while both nail-biting semifinals scoring first before New $300,000 towards a school rounds which took place on two consecutive days of Tucville and Bartica will went down to dreaded Central High equalized to project, while the second, Sunday at the Ministry of matches which started with have to contest the third- penalty shootouts to decide force penalties. It became third, and fourth place Education (MoE) Ground, the quarterfinal round on placeplayoff. who moved on to the finals even more thrilling when the finishers will have to settle CarifestaAvenue. Saturday

Before that, Marian of the Championships’ shootout proceeded to for $150,000, $75,000, and

On Sunday, the final The female Division was Academy and New Central fourthedition. sudden death; New Central $50,000, respectively, all for eightteamsinbothDivisions the first to have its finalists High advanced to the fifth- When the dust settled, High was the first to miss, a school initiative, along were on show as the finalists confirmed when Waramuri place playoff as they ecstatic reactions from which gave Waramuri the withtherespectivetrophy claimedtheirspotsasdidthe Top defeated Bartica, 3 – 1, defeated Ann’s Grove and players and supporters of win. This tournament is teams that will be competing and President’s College Charlestown in matches that Waramuri Top and Bartica Theothertwomatchesin sanctioned by the Guyana in the third-place, fifth-place triumphed over Tucville 2 – ended 2 – 1 and 2 – 0, filled the arena as they the Boys’ Division saw Football Federation (GFF) a n d s e v e n t h - p l a c e 0inthesemis. respectively Charlestown triumphed over New Central Christianburg/Wismar sink with support from the High and Bush Lot, C h a s e ’s A c a d e m i c Ministry of Education, respectively Foundation, 4 – 2, while Ministry of Culture, Youth Bartica and Bush Lot Westminster humbled and Sport, Demerara battled to a goalless Patentia with a 4 – 0 score Distillers Limited (DDL), stalemate which led to the line. Guyana Shore Base Inc penalty shootout where When the curtains close (GYSBI)andMVPSports.

Guyana’s campaign end at quarter finals stage in Colombia - Panam Squash Qualifiers

Guyana squash team’s campaign 24th Pan American Qualifiers in Cartagena, Colombia, ended at the quarter finals stages. Guyana’s Men and Women hadmixedresultsthroughout the week-long tournament which concluded on Saturday, seeing the Guyanese squash players having early departure in the S i n g l e s d i v i s i o n cutshortonFridayfollowing Fernandes, then battled Fortunately, they were able losses in their quarter finals against Argentina’s to bounce back in the encounters. Valentina Portieri and Pilar Doubles and Mixed Doubles Meanwhile, in the men’s Etchechouri. Unfortunately, categories. quarter-final match on the women’s team couldn’t A l t h o u g h h a v i n g Friday, Guyana men’s maintain their earlier impressive displays in the doublesteam,representedby momentum and lost the Doubles and Mixed Doubles Alex Arjoon and Samuel match with a 2-0 scoreline. categories, which ultimately Ince-Carvalhal, encountered Over in the mixed doubles booked them three spots in a strong pair from the USA, d i v i s i o n , N i c o l e t t e the quarter finals, the men Timothy Brownell and Fernandes and Jason Ray met with a strong USA side, Spencer Lovejoy Despite Khalil also lost to while the women’s doubles their valiant efforts, the Argentina’s Antonella andthemixeddoublesteams Guyanese duo fell short, Falcione and Miguel Pujoi. met with the Argentineans. withascoreof8-11,11-6and Despitetheirfightingefforts, Unfortunately, the Guyanese 11-6 in favour of the theyfailedtosecureaspotin men and women teams’ Americans. the semi-finals, succumbing chance of qualifying for the The women’s, on the to an 11-8, 11-4 defeat to Pan Am Games later this other hand, comprising conclude their 2023 year in Santiago, Chile, was Ashley Khalil and Taylor campaign.

Six-time

Caribbean champion Nicolette Fernandes in action at the 2023 PanAm Squash Qualifiers.

Guyana Double Team from left Alex Arjoon and Samuel Ince-Carvalhal with the USA team.

PPP/C Linden ‘One Guyana’ Beach Football finals

Swag cop male title, Superstars collect female crown

Pre-tournament For scoring four goals favourites Swag each in the final Francis,

d e l i v e r e d a s Drakes and Noel each were expected as they halted the rewarded by businessman challenge of YMCA 8-4 in Brian McRae with $10,000 the People’s Progressive as swag got $400,000 and Party/ Civic organized YMCA$100,000.

Linden‘OneGuyana‘Beach Superstars won 3-1 over football men’s final, while Speightland in the female S u p e r s t a r s s t o p p e d final with Patsy Walker Speightland 3-1 to win the getting a brace and Shirlin female segment Saturday Kingston the other goal for night in the compound of Superstars who won their office in Mackenzie, $100,000.

Linden. Sheneesa Cornelius

Infrontofalargeturnout, scored the lone goal for Swag would capture the Speightland who got $400,000 first prize as they $75,000forplacingsecond. took a 4-2 half time lead and Dynamo overwhelmed stretchedittoan8-4win. Nurses 13-2, to take the Colwyn Drakes and third place as Sandra Donovan Francis both Johnson’s netted four goals, grabbed four goals each en- Jalande Trim got a hat-trick, route to that emphatic Shanik Thornhill and Asha victory, as Ryan Noel also Holder scored twice, as had a quadruple of goals for Akeela Vancooten and thelosingYMCAside. Katrina Lewis each scored Colywn Drakes sent his once team early into the lead Nurses were rewarded before the fifth minute of the with $25,000 for their game but Noel would knot efforts as Janel Dilnary and the scores 2-2 before Drakes Akicia Headley got two took to scoring the next two theirgoals and end the half 4-2 for R9 took third place and Swag. the $75,000 at stake for their Francis then added a pair 3-2 against Young Gunners, of goals that pushed Swag as Omar Harris, Jehu Regis ahead 6-2 and Noel reduced and Tyric McAllister got the deficit as the scores read their goals in the third place 6-3. playoff game as Young Drakes would put the GunnersgoalwasfromRyan game out of reach with two Arthurandtheygot$25,000. more goals for Swag even as Coomacka scored a 6-0 Noel would before the final win over Elite Ballers in an whistle get his fourth goal as exhibition match to start the theSwagtriumphed8-4. proceedingsofthenight.

Picture of swag men collecting $400,000 cash prize from Minister Juan Edghill after victory against YMCA.

A representative of Swag collects $400,000 cash from Minister Bishop Juan Edghilll after their 8-4 victory over YMCA.

Pre CAC games boxing training camp concludes tomorrow

Local and Barbadian boxers including coaches pose for group photo at the Sixhead Boxing Gym Tuesday last.

The pre Central Cox, Jusean Shepherd, and Americas and Tyreec Taitt Notably, Caribbean (CAC) Gittens, Cox, and Taitt hold

training camp in impressive rankings of 10th, Guyana has entered its final 19th, and 36th respectively phase, as four Barbadian in their respective weight b o x e r s j o i n t h e i r classes.

counterparts in an intense This remarkable display preparation programme of talent showcases the Spearheaded by Guyana’s caliber of fighters engaging Three Star coaches Terrance inthecamp.

Poole and Sebert Blake, Joining them are along with Lennox Daniels Guyana’s own AMBC and Cuban coach Francisco bronze medalist Desmond Roldan, the ten-day training Amsterdam, Olympian camp commenced on KeevinAllicock,andseveral Monday, 5th June at the otherprominentlocalstars. Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Coach Poole expressed B o x i n g G y m i n his satisfaction with the Albouystown. training progress, stating, T h i s v a l u a b l e “Training is going well. As undertaking allows local you can see, the Barbadian boxerstoenhancetheirskills boxers are here in Guyana and readiness for the for their final preparations upcomingCACgames. ahead of the CAC games, trainingcamp.” ourlocalathletes.

dedication, enabling the near, the Barbadian boxers, Barbados has sent a team which is beneficial for both He further elaborated, The opportunity to step boxers to fine-tune their along with their Guyanese offourpugiliststoGuyanato their team and Guyana. Our “Locally, we don’t often get into the ring with skilled techniques, improve their counterparts, are poised to participate in this rigorous local boxers will receive the chance to spar with top- fightersisinvaluable.” stamina, and sharpen their showcase their enhanced trainingcamp. high-quality sparring level boxers, so having the The training camp has strategies skillsandpreparednessatthe The team consists of sessions, which were one of overseas boxers here will created an environment of With the conclusion of highly anticipated CAC Kimberly Gittens, Charles theprimaryobjectivesofthis undoubtedly be a boost for i n t e n s e f o c u s a n d the training camp drawing games.

BCB Development Programme-2023

Rose Hall Canje receives over $700,000 in items from BCB

- Dr. Frank Denbow describes board as most progressive in the West Indies

The membership of the

before his Presidency, has The five boxes of white much improved Rose Hall produced four West Indies balls valued at seventy five Canje Cricket Club on youth players in the last four thousand dollars would Sunday last received over years under the astute assist the club to play in a seven hundred thousand guidance of Coach Ameer packed first division season dollars worth of cricket Rahaman in - Ashmini later in the year and Foster related items from the M u n i s a r, R e a l a n n e announced that all second Berbice Cricket Board as G r i m m o n d , A s h l e y division teams in the county part of the progressive Ramnauth and Isai Thorne. would benefit from a million board’s developmental Herecalledthatwhenhewas dollarcricketballsproject.A programme. BCB President electedastheBCBPresident total of twelve clubs would Hilbert Foster, accompanied in early 2018, he pledged also receive wicket keeping byDrFrankDenbow,visited that the county would gear with the assistance of the cricket club to officially produce a minimum of ten former national player Sheik hand over the items as he playersfortheWestIndiesat Mohamed Under the continues his outreach all levels and to date, the developmental project, the programme across the county has produce twelve BCB would be sharing out ancientcounty players in the space of five six bowling machines and

The Rose Hall Canje years. five batting cages. The BCB Clubreceivedabattingcage, Foster, expressed thanks has already shared out over practice net, bowling toDrDenbowforhissupport twenty practice nets and machine, set of wicket membership to take proper Fredericks and Alvin improve the way how the and recalled that the medical catching cribs each across keeping equipment and five care of the items and to use Kallicharran is kept alive in club practices in the doctor had also sponsored thecounty boxes of white cricket balls. them to lift even higher, the the future. He noted that no

afternoons The RHCCC the one week visit of West DrDenbowinashortbut The batting cage was standard of their game other cricket board assists also benefits from the Indies legend Sir Curtly well received speech, stated sponsored by USA based Dr Foster, stated, that the BCB clubs like the BCB in the services of three cricket Ambrose to host a fast that, he is close to Berbice Denbow, while the balls was investing heavily into Caribbean and that more coaches from the BCB - bowling clinic. Several fast cricket despite been born in weredonatedbyBCBPatron thedevelopmentofthegame investment would continue Ameer Rahaman, Seon bowlers from that session Demerara because he was Minister Vickram Bharrat across the county as it was to flow once the items are Hetmyer and Balram have gone on to play for the very impressed with the underthePatronFund. determined to make sure the taken care of. The batting Samaroo. national team including leadership of the BCB. He BCB President Hilbert legacy of Rohan Kanhai, cage, the practice net and the Foster noted that the Shamar Joseph and Demetri statedthathetravels Foster urged the club’s Basil Butcher, Roy bowling machine would club, which was dormant Cameron. (Continued on page 21)

Members of the club receives donation of cricket gears and balls from the BCB.