Kaieteur News

When oil spill occurs Exxon fights ‘tooth and nail’ for their interest -FinancialAnalyst

Amid the push for unlimited recover (US) $8 9 billion in litigative power of ExxonMobil by explaining that looking at what parentcompanyfromExxonMobil, damages from Exxon Mobil which is also the operator of has happened globally with other International Financial Analyst, Corporation for the contamination Guyana’s Stabroek Block. The oil countrieswhenitcomestooilspill, Tom Sanzillo has recently said that and loss of use of more than 1,500 giant indeed faced numerous most of the US-billions of dollars the American oil giant fights acres of wetlands, marshes, lawsuits for the 1989 spill. But it that countries get are from taking aggressively and pursues its meadows and waters in northern did not roll over and accept all the oil companies to court and interests in places where oil spills NewJerseyhasbeenquietlysettled judgments handed down for winning the case. He continued: haveoccurred. by the state for around (US) $250 compensation to those affected. “they didn’t come because the Sanzillo is the Director of million.” ThestateofAlaskahadsuedExxon companies are voluntary, even in Financial Analysis for the Institute

Additionally, Kaieteur News over the spill, and the federal the US (United States of America) for Energy Economics and had highlighted the 1980’s Exxon government indicted the company and in the UK (United FinancialAnalysis (IEEFA), which Valdez oil spill, which ended with for violating the Clean Water Act. Kingdom). So I see figures quoted examines issues related to energy the oil giant beating down a US$5 Theoilcompanywasforcedtodish (US) $85B and (US) $50B and if markets, trends and policies billion court judgment for out US$1 billion in settlements to you look at it, it wasn’t for the IEEFA’smissionistoacceleratethe fishermen, natives, landowners to the state and federal governments, cleaning up of the spill but the transition to a diverse, sustainable US$507million. and US$300 million in voluntary compensation and a lot of those and profitable energy economy

On March 24, 1989, an oil settlementswithprivateparties. didn’t originate because of Sanzillo’s analysis is in light of the tanker owned by ExxonMobil Alawsuit was also filed against guarantees they emerge from court decision for ExxonMobil to put up Corporation and dubbed the ExxonMobilonbehalfofmorethan cases.” US$2billioninaffiliateguarantees,

“Exxon Valdez” ran aground in a 32,000 fishermen, native Alaskans The Vice President explained while the appeal challenging the bodyofwaterintheGulfofAlaska. and landowners, resulting in an that he expects there would be court order that ExxonMobil must in the path of a plume and found It was heading to Long Beach, award of US$5 billion in punitive litigations and that is how he provide Guyana with unlimited more than US$140 billion in California with over 50 million damages. Exxon’s full strength in anticipates it would be dealt with. parentcompanyguaranteecomeup economicactivityatrisk. barrels of oil but had hit a well- the courts was demonstrated here. Jagdeo even admitted that oil and for hearing on the merits of the “Having been privy to known navigation hazard in In2008,itappealedthecaseandgot gas companies are not altruistic. appeal. In the meantime, the oil negotiations with ExxonMobil on Alaska’swaters. the judgment reduced to $507.5 “Theyarenotinthisforthegoodof company is allowed to continue its oil spills in my professional career, The impact of the collision tore million. Importantly, the case mankind they are here to make day-to-dayoperation. I know they are hard-fought,” open the ship’s hull, causing some would drag out for 26 years, money and it’s as simple as that

The oil company and the Sanzillo noted. He highlighted that 11 million gallons of crude oil to showing just how tedious and they come to make money from the Guyana Environmental Protection when it comes to oil spill disasters spill into the ecologically sensitive expensive environmental litigation country,” he said. Guyana has been Agency are the ones challenging Exxon aggressively pursues its location. At the time, it was the is. In fact, the case came to a close pumping oil since December 2019, theMay14,decisionbyHighCourt interests To this end, he largest single oil spill in U.S. inOctober,2015inafederaldistrict in the prolific Stabroek Block. Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon. In highlighted like what happened in waters. Initial attempts to contain court in downtown Anchorage, ExxonMobil Corporation’s his analysis that was published last the 1990 NewYork Harbor oil spill theoilfailed,andinthemonthsthat Alaska. subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Wednesday, Sanzillo questioned involvingExxon. followed, the oil slick spread, Notably, during one of his Production Guyana Limited the rationale behind a US$2 billion On January 1 and 2, 1990, #2 eventually blackening about 1,300 recent press conferences, Vice (EEPGL), is the operator of that affiliates, reminding that the 2010 fuel oil spilled from the Exxon miles of Alaska’s coastline. It was, PresidentBharratJagdeohadstated block which has an estimated 11 DeepwaterHorizonspillintheGulf Bayway facility’s underwater and still is, regarded as one of the that the Government of Guyana billion barrels of oil. Over the of Mexico cost British Petroleum pipeline in Linden, New Jersey largest environmental disasters in (GOG) will take ExxonMobil to years, Kaieteur News has (BP)anditsinsurersUS$70billion. Approximately 567,000 gallons U.S. history The case is often cited court for compensation in event of highlighted the plight many He added that the IEEFA reviewed were released directly into the by environmentalists here and an oil spill. The VP was asked, in countries face to get oil and gas the value of the economies of Arthur Kill, a saltwater channel abroad as a cautionary tale of how the event of an oil spill offshore companies to compensate them for several neighbouring islands and between New Jersey and Staten risky oil operations can be and for Guyana, what will the Government losses suffered by citizens and coastal countries identified in the Island. New York Times reported, Guyanatobeonitsguard.Butwhat do to ensure that Guyanese do not damage to their environments due environmental impact assessment “A long-fought legal battle to this case also highlights is the have to foot the bill. He responded tooilspills.

APA calls for widespread condemnation

of Dharamall over rape allegations

- outraged over Pres. Ali not asking minister to step down

The Amerindian Peoples Minister Dharamlall, is conducted. not have these horrific stories meet Child and that as President of Association (APA) said it is TheAPAremindsPresidentAlithat the stage of investigations is also Guyana, his actions should be appalled and disgusted at the his government is duty-bound to known. “Attention must be paid to fashioned to protect the victim as a allegations of sexual assault and protectallchildrenofGuyanaandit why stories are heard, and become citizen of this country and who is a groomingofachildlevelledagainst would be a slap in the face of that somewhat public, then are quickly school-aged child, and not his Minister of Local Government and duty if an impartial probe is not negated by the alleged victim, minister. This is not the time for Regional Development Nigel done.” leaving no space for investigations political loyalties to take the upper Dharamlall and has called for an “To the victim, we commend to take shape. This is the time for hand against the life of a child unimpeded investigation into the you for your bravery in raising attention to be given to similar which may be damaged forever. matter. these allegations and wish that you reports involving both boys and The well-being and protection of Dharamlallhassinceproceeded will be free from fear and girls, as that allegedly carried out our children should be of on administrative leave and has intimidation and that your security on the child by Minister paramount importance,” the APA hired the Hughes Fields and Stoby is not compromised. We stand Dharamlall,”theAPAstated. said. law firm to represent him. In a ready to provide whatever support

Local

According to the body, it is The organization said too that it the rights of the abused indigenous strongly worded press release on we can to ensure that you process simply outrageous that President is cognizant that both the Ministry child – as is her mandate- and Monday the APA said Dharamlall, and heal from what can only be Ali, despite learning of the of Education and the Ministry of advocate for criminal proceedings in the latest allegation against him, termed the most traumatic allegationsagainsthisMinister,did Human Services and Social to be brought against Minister is accused of preying upon and experience of your young life,” the not ask him to step down from the Securityhaveintervened,butthatis Dharamlall. Having monitored the raping a young Indigenous child APAadded. The association stated post but rather allowed the accused not enough. “TheAPAalso calls on situationoverthepastfewdays,the during the latter part of 2022. “The that the issue of alleged sexual Minister the opportunity to Minister ofAmerindianAffairs Ms APAhas learnt that the child, in her APA is calling on His Excellency abuse of Indigenous women and “request” administrative leave Pauline Sukhai to condemn the complaint, claims that Minister President Irfaan Ali to ensure that girls by persons in positions of “The APA reminds President Ali alleged behaviour of her Cabinet Sukhai “warned” her to “stay an independent investigation, into power is not a new one. Also, the that Guyana is a signatory to the colleague. TheAPAurges Minister away”fromMinisterDharamlall. the allegations levelled against lengths alleged perpetrators go to Convention on the Rights of the Sukhai to step up and speak out for (Continued on page 6)

International Financial Analyst, Tom Sanzillo

Minister of

Govt., Nigel Dharamlall

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

BEST WISHES TO COUNCILLOR TRAVIS ELLIS

We at this publication are proud to extend congratulationstoKNpressman,TravisEllis, for his success at the recent Local Government Elections. Our colleague is now the proud holder of a seat on the Georgetown City Council, and we expect that he will use his voice and ideas to make a differenceforcitizens.

Having been close to and seen firsthand the energy and passionthathiscolleaguesputinatKN,thehopeisthathe willreplicatesomeofthatinhisnewpoliticalchallenges.It is a challenging set of duties in a difficult and tricky environment that stands before Councillor Ellis. He must navigatethepoliticswisely,representhisconstituencytothe best of his ability, with emphasis on honesty and truth, and getting to what serves both his supporters, and that of the larger capital city We believe that he would be up to the challenges.

Our roads are being broken up daily by heavy-duty vehiclestransportingfullloadsofoil-relatedmaterials,and allthatGuyanesehearaboutispavingthewayforprogress into the 22nd century, and the unending bickering between the PPP/C Government and the main PNC Opposition. When our vehicles are subjected to daily battering, the bill has to be paid now, and not years from now When all that citizens see is either the deeper holes being cheaply and improperly filled, or left unaddressed for a long time, they thenwishforanswerstotheirappeals,andsolutionstowhat bothers and costs them. This is among the urgent matters that Councillor Ellis faces, and when drainage, the state of marketplaces, chronic flood woes, and garbage collection areaddedtothelistoftroubles,thenhehashishandsfull.

ThecandidacyandnowsuccessofpressmanTravisEllis also speak to something else about KN, and what Guyana couldbenefitfromwhenputintopractice.Anybodythatcan doajobwellhasaplaceatKN.Thepublisherofthispaperis proudofthefactthatGuyaneseofeverypoliticalpersuasion, any religious affiliation, any ethnic composition, and with varying levels of education can find an open door at KN whenthereistheneedforanotherworker Wethinkthatina countryassharplyandbitterlydividedasGuyana,thissays morethanafewthings.

Thefirstisthattheonlythingthatmattersisthatthejob has to be done well, delivered consistently, and always cleanly Jobs and rewards have long been a bone of contention in Guyana, with endless accusations of who marginalises, who squeezes, and who impoverishes the other.Giventhesecontexts,thegovernment,theopposition, and the private sector can all learn from us, colleagues are free to have their political relationships, and none is turned away because of their affiliation with this or that party.We hold out Councillor Travis Ellis as evidence of our longstanding position. Race and politics are killing us, our prospects,inthiscountry,andtherehastobeanendtoboth deformities.

Asiswellknown,therearealwaysthehorribleaspectsof race and politics being used as weapons that taint conversations, perspectives, and conclusions. It is why in this era of massive wealth, more than we can imagine, that when we are so divided, far apart, and easily manipulated that foreigners from all over the world come here and use those same weaknesses against us. They can then plunder ourriches,whilewerevelindraggingdownoneanother,and destroyingourpresentandourfuture.

The circumstances of this country urgently call for the kind of political leaders that have the welfare of every Guyaneseinmind.Itwilltakealotofunselfishness,agreat unraveling of the narrow partisanship, that has tormented rich and poor, the closely involved and those standing anxiously on the sidelines. We must learn to mend our wounds, for if we do not do so, then we inflict still greater wounds on the national body We can’t afford such, can’t bearmore.WhileGuyanesearehaemorrhaging,theirwealth isdrainingaway Welearntogrowtogether,orwegodown together

GOVT. MUST CONSIDER WHETHER THE MINISTER OF LOCALGOVT. IS STILLFIT TO SERVE

DEAREDITOR,

I am adding my voice to the alleged sexual assault of asixteen-year-oldschoolgirl by a sitting Minister of Government.

Ihavealsonotedthatthe young victim is seeking redressandhaswrittentothe Head-of-State and the relevant subject Ministers expressing the harrowing experience she suffered at the hands of the perpetrator It is hoped that appropriate action would be swiftly takentoassistthevictimwho

is traumatised and is crying outforhelp.Accordingtothe UnitedNations,suchactions must be quick with unhindered access to justice astheremustbeprotectionof ourwomenandgirls.

It is my wish that the victim does not encounter unnecessary hardships and face barriers in her quest for assistanceandjustice.

This is so sad Interestingly, the V I C E Presidentissilent.

Further, I am unaware t

organization has raised its voiceinprotest.

Mr Editor, the alleged perpetrator who committed this dastardly act should indeed proceed on leave to ensure an uninterrupted, impartial, and thorough investigation.

It is also an opportune time for those with responsibility for the health of our nation to provide avenuestoaddressthesocial and emotional wellness, and mental health challenges of ourcitizens.

Because clearly the accused has displayed a behaviour akin to addiction. Therefore, the Government must consider whether the Minister of Local Government is still fit to serve in that capacity and to overseethelocaldemocratic organs in the ten administrative regions of Guyana.

Regards.

Dr KarenCummings Shadow Minister of Health APU/AFCCoalition

I had no contact with the rape victim

DEAREDITOR,

I write with the utmost concernforthewelfareofthe child and the allegations madeagainstasitting government minister.

Firstly, I wish to express my full and unwavering support forthechild.

Itismysincerehopethat the child gets all the support sheneeds,andIaskhertobe truthfulinthestatementsshe presentstoofficials.

Secondly, I wish to distance myself from all suggestions that I had any contactwiththechildinany manner before, during or after these allegations came

DEAREDITOR,

The leaks of a letter in social media regarding the allegations of grooming a young girl and eventually molestationbyagovernment minister caught them by surprise, but it caused an explosion that made everyone aware of things that were unknown to many in the public. In addition, posts also started surfacing that allegations of similar natureweremadesince2022 againstthesameministerbut were ignored and now few are coming forward to tell their stories. Interestingly, many of the minister’s colleagues are aware of his obsessions and choose to turn a blind eye to his actions Seeing him volunteer to go on administrative leave doesn’t convince me that any prosecution would follow, based on the outcome of the investigation. Such is the nature of things in Guyana. Richpeople,politicians,and those well-connected are

tolight.

At no point did I contact any of the contestants of the pageant save for the Region 4representativeadvisingher onpossibleactionswhenthe pageant seemed unfairly judged.Noother!

Editor, I was contacted by a person through Facebook Messenger seekingmysupportintrying to find a lawyer who can representapossible16-yearold rape victim of Indigenous descent in filing a formal complaint to which Iofferedthreeattorneysthat Iknowtobeexemplary I was told that they will

not use those attorneys and will seek legal support elsewhere.

Ialsodirectedthemtothe Rights of the Child Commission and shared the contact for the Chair of the Commission with the person.

T h e p e r s o n o n Messenger did not offer the name of the child and I did notaskoutofrespectforthe child’sprivacy

Iamfortifiedinmybelief that His Excellency’s, and theHon.MinisterofHuman and Social Services’ commitment to ensure a full probe of the events takes

place that will find the facts and deal with those findings in the most appropriate and justmanner I have been assured that anyformalcomplaintfiledin the matter will get unbiased and urgent attention as such matters are not taken lightly bythisgovernment.

It is my deep and heartfelt hope that the child is being offered every possible support necessary to get to the bottom of this andthatherwelfareisbeing taken care of through this process.

Sincerelyyours,

LenoxR.Shuman

prone to escape justice in Guyana, which tells us sickeninglythat,childrenare notsafefrompaedophilesin Guyana.

Similarincidentsassuch surface before, and eventually the story dissolves,leavingthosebold enough to come forward embarrassedandrejectedfor their efforts. Editor, a few yearsago,Ispoketoasenior governmentofficialattached to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs about the situation regarding Amerindians, especially the young women, and to my amazement,theofficialwho is also an Amerindian, told me that is their way of life andtheyaccustomedtothat. Apart from that, I have had interaction with others and monitored those showing an interest in Amerindian’s well-being, and based on their actions, I am [convinced] that they are onlyinterestedingainingfor themselves,family,andtheir powerful portfolio The

advantage taken against the young Amerindian women/girlsisnothingnewsome of the ministers and officials mostlygoafterthe underage ones Most politicians, NGOs, officials, etc. visiting the Indigenous villages are aware of the villagers’economicsituation and would flaunt their wealth, authority, and influence to lure the underage girls into their traps. Some get assistance from elders seeking favours or positions to coerce the young girls to satisfy the people’slust.

Finally, Editor, whilst there have been various allegations being made againstthepresentPresident and Vice-President, I have never heard of any sexual allegations being made againstthesetwogentlemen, which is very remarkable, and I sincerely hope they e n s u r e t h o r o u g h investigationsareconducted and appropriate actions being taken to prevent

similar actions from reoccurring and the embarrassment it causes the party Sexual exploitation is not occurring against Indigenous women alone, there are many young women and some older women who are forced into performingsexualfavoursor facing some sort of sexual harassment at the workplace m o s t l y b y t h e i r peers/management/owners to secure their jobs. Whilst many agencies supposedly existtoprotectwomen,they are extremely silent on issues, unless exploded and the public becomes aware. Fortunately, I interact with various types of people and heard some horrific acts being taken against mostly young women working, some are even pointed out, andmanypeopleknowofthe acts,whichisextremelysad. When will justice be served against the guilty rich and well-connectedinGuyana?

Regards, SahadeoBates

When will justice be served against the guilty rich and well-connected in Guyana?

I believe the minister should be relieved of his post permanently

DEAREDITOR,

AllofGuyana,asofnow areawareoftheveryserious allegations of sexual exploitationandtheabuseof a child by a government minister

I read the contents of a letter that was allegedly writtenbythesaidchild,the victim of a gruesome violation of her innocence and childhood. I cringed with emotions of anger for what was done to her She was taken advantage of and was violated by a man in a position of power and influencetoservepeople.

It took her enormous courage, willpower, and great strength to pen those words. Anyone who read those words could see a victimcryingoutforjustice, avictimcryingoutforhelp.I put it to those in authority that this child needs immediate help and protection, protection even fromherselfifyouareableto read between the lines. The President,whois,asofnow, the symbolic father of this nation, has a duty to protect our people and, moreover, our children. Mr President, your leadership is being called upon to not send the minister on administrative leave,butforyoutofirehim. Those undesirable traits havebeenseenbefore,andit is not good for our women, for our children, for the government, and it is not goodforGuyana.

Editor, what I find equally amazing is the silence of the Minister with Responsibility for the Ministry of Culture “Youth” and Sports, in light of the very serious allegations of sexual exploitation of a youth by his colleague government minister, is equally concerning. I was a bit optimistic that given the seriousness of these circumstances, he would haveshownsomeleadership in this regard. But he failed todosoagain.

I recognise those who have spoken given the seriousness this issue rightfully deserves by lending their voice But where is the voice of the Minister of Amerindian Affairs,thegovernmentasa whole, and civil society expressingtheiroutrage?

The youth represents the essentialbuildingblocksofa nation’s future, embodying its hopes, aspirations, and p o t e n t i a l A s t h e torchbearers of tomorrow, it is imperative that they are nurtured, protected, and empowered to reach their fullest potential The alarming prevalence of sexual exploitation and abuse targeting our women and young individuals demandsurgentattention.To secureasafeandprosperous future,thegovernmentmust play a leading role in safeguarding the country’s youth from these heinous

crimes.Theprotectionofthe innocent,thepreservationof human rights, and the maintenanceofajustsociety are among the fundamental responsibilities of any government.

Whenanemployeeofthe state or moreover a minister of government is accused of rape, it is crucial for the president to allow that minister to recuse oneself fromtheministry,stepdown to preserve the image of the government and the country forseveralreasons.

Weallacceptthatinmost legal systems, individuals are presumed innocent until provenguilty Theexecution o f a p r o f e s s i o n a l investigation will determine innocenceorguilt.

But given the nature and seriousness of the allegations, the accused minister should be directed to step down to allow for those investigations to be conductedtoitsconclusions. Bydoingso,thegovernment will demonstrate its commitment to this fundamental principle, which is central to the concept of a just society That the rule of law, which asserts that all individuals, regardless of their social or political status, should be heldequallyaccountablefor theiractions.

Anyattempttoinfluence the outcome of an investigation or it appears thateffortsarebeingmadeto

so do and also to shield the minister accused of this heinous crime against a child, will blatantly violate this basic principle, underminingthefoundations of justice and undermining public trust in the legal system and its governance. Justice must be blind, impartial, and free from any external influences to maintain the integrity of the rule of law A government’s effectiveness is closely tied to public trust and confidence. If a minister accused of a heinous crime, suchasrapeandsodomyofa child, continues to hold a position of power and influence, it will erode public trust in the government’s ability to make fair and ethical decisions.

Allowing the accused ministertostepdownshows that the government takes the allegation seriously and respects the concerns of the public.

The world’s eye is now on Guyana Everyone is lookinginourpotandspying inourbackyard.Thecountry is now on the global stage, and therefore, the government’sactionswillbe judged and how it handles this very serious matter of a government minister accusedofrapeandsodomy of a child has implications beyond national borders

T h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l communitycloselyobserves

VPJagdeo should fix its own problems

DEAREDITOR,

I ran from my Mother country in 1982, during the time of the brazen PNC dictatorship. My last visit to Guyanawasin2007,butthe Guyana online news still interestsme.

With the PPP now in government and the oil money Guyana is moving forwardatarapidpace.

The President, Vice President, and Ministers are all working long hours to provide more roads, shelter, health care, education, jobs, etc.toenhancethelivesofall thepeople.

With constant rain, flooding, fire, burglary, and negative opposition, it will take hard work, billions of dollars,decades,andcareful planning to move Guyanese out of poverty With half of the population antigovernment,theworkofthe President,hiscabinet,andall government supporters becomesmoredifficult.

TheVicePresidentwhoI

think is overworked and has tremendous responsibilities should concentrate more on theaimsandobjectivesofhis party

The PPP has its own

problems and the problems of Mr Norton and the PNC areofnoconcerntohim.Mr Vice President, please keep working hard for your party andyourgovernment.Please

the commitment of governments toward human rights,theruleoflaw,andthe protection of vulnerable individuals. Failure to take appropriate action against suchanaccusedministernot

only harms its own international reputation but also undermines global efforts to combat sexual

crimes and promote accountability

The government must strive to uphold their

c o m m i t m e n t s t o international human rights treaties and conventions, Guyana is part of The positions articulated by the leader of the opposition calling the minister to be removed from office, for a professional investigation andforcareandprotectionof thechildbegivenarebeyond reasonable for the entire society and moreover the governmenttoaccept.

A n y p e r c e i v e d protectionofthegovernment ministeraccusedofrapeand the sodomization of a child

undermines justice, accountability,andtherights

of the victims The government must prioritize

the principles of the rule of law,safeguardthewelfareof citizens,preventtheabuseof power, and preserve their international reputation. By holdingtheaccusedminister accountable for his actions, thegovernmentwillbeginto foster a culture of accountability and c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e establishment of a just society where no one is abovethelaw

While it is important to note that the accused individual has the right to defendthemselvesinacourt oflaw,allowingtheminister tostepdownduringthelegal proceedings helps ensure fairness, maintain public trust, and protect the reputationofthegovernment andcountry

Withrespecttoallofthe aforementioned, I believe the minister should be relieved of his post permanently Our women and children must be respectedandbeinasociety thatissafefromanyformof abuse.

Yoursrespectfully, H o n . J e r m a i n e Figueira.MP

do not waste your precious time and indulge into the affairsofMr Nortonandthe PNC.

Sincerely,

MohamedMajeed

Stabroek Block raked in US$9.8B last year, but Exxon deducted US$7.4B in costs

Financial details emerging from the multinationaloilcorporation operating in the country’s largest oil basin, the Stabroek Block, has highlighted the lopsided natureofthecontractsigned bygovernmentin2016.

According to the 2022 Annual Report from Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the 26,800 square kilometer (6.6millionacres)oilblock, raked in a gross revenue of US$9.8 billion. Currently, EEPGL commonly referred toasExxonMobilGuyanais producing oil from two projects there, the Liza One andTwo.

From its gross revenue, ExxonMobil deducted a whopping US$7 4 billion towards the recovery of its

investmentforthepetroleum related activities The recovery of these costs is

Agreement (PSA) Guyana inked with the oil company and its partners, Hess and CNOOC The agreement

stipulates that up to 75 percent of the total productionfromthecontract area each month can be recovered Costs not recovered in a particular month will be added to the nextmonth’scharge.

Notably after 75 percent

of the costs are deducted to repay Exxon, the remaining 25 percent is then shared equally between the government and the oil company This means that 12.5 percent of the revenue goes to Guyana, while the second12.5percentprofitis shared with the company Exxonisthenrequiredtopay thecountrytwopercentfrom itssharetowardsroyalty

EEPGL President, AlistairRoutledgesaidinthe Report “Our continued investment through the COVID-19 pandemic and associated commodity price crash of 2020-2021 positionedustobenefitfrom the price recovery in 2022. We delivered over 100 millionbarrelsofproduction from the Liza Destiny and Liza

Production Storage and

Offloading vessels (FPSO’s), generating gross revenues for the block of US$9.8billion.”

He added, “This enabled recovery of US$7.4 billion of costs.” Guyanese against the contract signed with Exxon have protested the high cost recovery ceiling, but as with other aspects of the agreement, the government maintains that the provision will not be changed Instead, the Guyanese leaders have drafted a new PSA which will govern its other oil blocks.

Ithasproposedtocapthe cost recovery rates at 65 percent, securing an additional 10 percent of revenue for Guyana. It must benotedhoweverthatthe14

blocks which these terms willpresideoverhavenotyet discovered a drop of oil; meanwhile the Stabroek Block where over 11 billion barrels of proven reserves have been found will continue shackled to the existingprovisions.

Exxon and partners are expectedtobaghugeprofits this year as the Payara DevelopmentProjectwillhit firstoilthisyear Itwillwork alongside the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Projects, all of which are expected to produce approximately 600,000 barrels of oil equivalent resources Already, five projectshavebeenapproved in Guyana while the company is eyeing a sixth development in the oil- rich StabroekBlock.

you” - Sharma Solomon tells Lindeners at victory rally

In an effort to secure resources for human and community development in the municipality of Linden, the recently elected municipal candidates of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in Linden have said that tough demands will be made from central government to providetheseresources.

At a ‘Thank You’, rally on Sunday on Wismar, Linden, Constituency One

candidate Sharma Solomon who has been touted for Mayor, told the large gathering of supporters that theyshouldnotfearrumours thatthegovernmentwillnot support Linden because of notvotingintheirfavour

He said the new council will make its demands and will hold the government accountable for resources to execute its duties correctly Solomon told residents that consultations will be held with residents on how the

annual $18 million subvention should be spent as well as other types of funding and when the projects are not delivered, theresidentsmustlooktothe government for answers “We are going to demand from them what they want andtheywillhavetogiveus everything they ask for.” He also asked central government officials to involve the municipal and regional leaders while engaging the communities

APA calls for widespread...

Frompage3

Thisappeartoshowthatthe behaviour of Minister Dharamlall is known by at leastoneMinisterwithinthe government, and the inactionbythisMinistercan only lead to the conclusion ofculpability Thesilenceof MinisterSukhaiisdeafening andspeaksvolumesastoher priorities. TheAPAalsocall on the National Toshaos Council to condemn the allegations against Minister Dharamlallandadvocatefor anindependentprobe.”

In addition to the ConventionontheRightsof the Child, the APA outlined thatGuyanaisalsosignatory to Convention on the Elimination ofAll Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the United Nations has passed a resolution for the General

Recommendation 39, which speaks to the rights of Indigenouswomenandgirls, tobeimplemented.Thatcall wasreiteratedattherecently concluded United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII.

“We remind both Minister Sukhai and the NTC that they were present and participated at that meeting.

We reiterate our call for an independent, unhindered investigation as the rumour mills are already swirling about possible interference.

We further urge that the Cabinet ensure that protocols are put in place to determembersfromabusing their power in any way whatsoever Wealsowishto remind all citizens that Article 62, subsection 1 of the Sexual Offences Act of Guyana states that the

publication in any document, the broadcasting, or transmission in any way, ofanyinformationthatcould identify the complainant or witness to such offences under thisAct is prohibited. Any person who is found doingsocommitsanoffence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of two million dollars. We urge all citizens to refrain from such actions which may cause furthertraumatothevictim,” theAPAsaid.

The body said it is m o n i t o r i n g t h e government’s response to the allegations against Minister Dharamlall in light of Guyana’s reporting obligations to the subject Convention [and will be alerting our international partners on the course of action].

forbetteroversightandgood governance.

TheGovernmenthesaid, willalwaysberelevanttothe developmentofthetownand ifsupportisnotgiven,itwill be “tough times for the government and not for the people” Solomon told the supporters that the council will remain committed to them and will consult with themthroughoutthejourney of building the communities ‘brickbybrick’.

“Ourprincipalfocuswill be human development,you the people, those elderly people, those less fortunate and public servants,” Solomonsaidinhisaddress. He said focus will also be given on ensuring community and part-time workers are secured in their employment. “We will walk with you and we will serve you and ensure you are protected, ” Solomon reiterated. The APNU won

all eight constituencies and six of the Proportional Representation (PR) seats while the People’s Progressive Party won two PRseats.

Campaign manager for PPP, Minister of Public WorksJuanEdghillsaidina recent interview that the government will continue to supportthemunicipality

EEPGL President, Alistair Routledge

“We will work for you; we will serve

Linden Mayor hopeful, Sharma Solomon

A section of the crowd at the ‘Thank You’rally

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OPPOSITION PROTEST

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On Monday morning, several Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) took to the streets to protest the vile accusations of rape and sodomy leveled against the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

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The MPs did not waste the opportunity to put on a political show and demand that government minister steps down from his post.

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They even called out President Irfaan Ali for his lax approach on the matter.

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While the Opposition should be commended for their efforts, we at Kaieteur News hope that the MPs would demonstrate a similar zeal when it comes to the injustices being meted out daily by ExxonMobil.

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Instead, the MPs have been sitting and biting their lips, except when asked to comment on matters.

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Guyana leaders relied on outdated oil

laws for years but only now addressing

them for auction of 14 new blocks

Over the past few years, significantly increase oil A c t , i n c l u d i n g t h e the PPP/C government has production by over 720,000 implementation of a 10% been in charge of managing barrelsperday Furthermore, income tax for companies Guyana’s oil and gas sector, d e s p i t e c a l l s f o r operating under the neglecting to update renegotiation to achieve agreements issued in the outdated oil laws until the fairer terms, the government auction. However, the model present time when it is rejected the calls to amend p r o d u c t i o n s h a r i n g preparing for an auction of the lopsided Stabroek Block agreement (PSA) for the oil blocks. This delay in contract. offshore licensing round, modernizing the laws brings Another worrisome which was launched in squarely into focus, the aspect is the lack of clear December2020,hasyettobe government’s governance assurance that the new laws finalised, causing further approach, as the decision to will apply to the Stabroek delays and uncertainty for initiate the auction before Block, where the majority of potential investors In addressing the laws is a clear Guyana’s oil resources are addition to the outdated oil case of putting the cart being exploited The laws, Guyana lacks critical beforethehorse. stabilization clause in the mechanisms to safeguard its Guyana, as one of the Stabroek Block Production interests in the oil sector most significant oil- Sharing Agreement (PSA) Important policies like a producing countries of this contains oppressive decommissioningpolicyand decade, is managing its provisions, requiring a petroleum commission petroleum sector with laws G u y a n a t o e x e m p t shouldhavebeenestablished that are 37 years old. The ExxonMobil and its partners bynow

Petroleum (Exploration & from new laws if their Moreover, crucial Production) Act, which has financial bottom lines are aspects such as cost only undergone minor affected. This means that an disclosures, payment of amendments, dates back to internationally condemned income taxes by oil 1986. The government plans oil contract will continue to companies, higher royalty to publish a draft of the govern operations in that rates, elimination of updated laws on June 19, block. oppressive exemptions for with a debate on the It is concerning that the contractors, implementation amendments in Parliament PPP/C government decided of appropriate offshore expectedtotakeplacebefore to renew the oil laws only technology for independent the conclusion of the because it needed to allocate oil monitoring, timely auction. 14 oil blocks to new players. completionandreleaseofoil

During the previous Vice President, Bharrat audits, and formulation of APNU+AFC government’s J a g d e o h i m s e l f comprehensive field five-year tenure, the oil acknowledged that the laws development plans should sector was managed without are being updated to support h a v e a l r e a d y b e e n implementing updated laws. the new framework for the incorporated into the When the PPP/C assumed upcoming auction The framework governing this officein2020,unfortunately, delayed progress in updating crucialsector updatingtheoillawswasnot these laws has severely Despite these evident prioritized Instead, hindered Guyana’s chances issues, the opposition has government approved three of attracting investments in been largely ineffective, oil projects - Payara, theauction. often displaying a lack of Yellowtail,and Uaru - which Furthermore, the understanding regarding are estimated to cost Guyana government intends to seek m a t t e r s c o n c e r n i n g over US$31B Together, approval from Parliament to Guyana’s most valuable these projects will amend the Corporate Tax sector

FatherkilledbysononFather’sDay

Father’sDayonSundayturnedtragicfor the family of Eyone Hernandez after he was allegedlystabbedtodeathbyhisson.

According to the police, they are currently investigating the death of 47-yearold Hernandez of Lot 509 C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown who was reportedly stabbed to death around 23:30hrs by his 20year-oldson.

Police said the deceased who is a Venezuelan national and his son who allegedly suffers from a mental illness had an argument over food that day. Investigators were told that the argument turned heated when the suspect reportedly dead. armed himself with a knife and stabbed the Police reported that on examining the victimtothebackofhisleftthigh. man’s body, it was observed that he suffered

Analarmwasraisedbythevictim’swife one stab wound to the back left thigh and no causing the suspect to be detained with the other wound was observed on his body. The knife in his possession. Reports are that deceased was taken to the Memorial Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) Gardens Funeral Home awaiting a post from theAlberttown Fire Service responded mortemexamination.Thesuspectwastaken tothescene,andHernandezwaspronounced intocustody

Eyone Hernandez

DO NOT BEGRUDGE ANOTHER

Isaw this guy on Tik Tok and he was saying that it is not useful to be envious of people because you do not knowtheirfullstory

He gave an example of mandrivingbywithaFerrari and a pretty woman.And he says that persons would say tothemselvesthattheguyin the fancy car and pretty companion has got everything.

But what you do not know is that that same guy mayhavehadtolieandcheat hiswaytohiswealthandthe woman next to him has her ownproblems.

And yet we envy these persons. We do so without knowingtheirstories.

We see persons with wealth and power, and as successful and we become envious.Butwedonotknow how they got what they got and the problems they have but which we cannot see. Eachperson’slifeisfarmore complex than we can ever know

Their struggles and experience may not be yours. Their values may be different.You may not want to do what they did to achievewhattheyachieved.

Each individual’s journey is shaped by a multitudeoffactorsthatmay be hidden beneath the surface. Youcannotknowa personjustbylookingathim or her. Thus, it is unwise to envy someone based solely on external appearances or

possessions, for we do not possessthefullstory

Envy arises from a superficial comparison, focusing only on what is visible and ignoring the intricacies of another person’slife.

Behind the exterior appearances, there may be hidden challenges, sacrifices, and personal battles that are not immediatelyapparent.What may seem like success or abundance may be accompanied by unseen hardshipsorsacrifices.

Everybody has their story You have yours. As theguyonthe Tik Tok video says, you do not want someone else’s fate. Your fate’s enough There are other reasons why you shouldnotenvysomeonefor what they are or have. Envy isunhealthy

It is not an emotion which can cause happiness and bitterness and lead to frustration.

Whenwebecomefixated on what others have achievedoracquired,weare actually diminishing our own accomplishments and self-worth. And this drives us to get our goals beyond reach and make us very unhappypersons.

Two weeks ago, a psychologist Monica Vermani, writing in

Psychology Today, warned, “When a friend lands that dream job, wins a coveted award, announces their

engagement, or buys their dreamhouse,envycancome outofnowhereandhituslike atonofbricks.

Our self-esteem plummets, and we experience a range of uncomfortable emotions, from humiliation, anger and resentment, to a sense of hopelessness.”

You cannot and should notjudgeyoursuccessonthe basis of others. They have their own circumstances; yoursaredifferent.

No two persons are the same and therefore each person’ssuccessistheirown and should make you feel any way less or inadequate aboutwhatyouhaveorhave notachieved.

Envy is a poisonous emotion.Itbreedsbitterness and resentment, especially whenwebegrudgeothersfor whattheyhave.

Envysnatchesawayyour happiness and fills you with jealously which can affect yourrelationshipwithothers as well as frustrate you in yourownquesttohappyand contended.

No one can have everything is life. And the more you envy people for what they are, the more you become discontented and frustrated.

So set your own goals and not let these be defined by envy for what others have.

Envy distracts you from your own passions and aspirations, as we become

Citizens have two weeks to review, offer recommendations on new draft oil law

The Ministry of

N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s released last evening the PetroleumActivitiesBillfor public consultation The Petroleum Activities Bill replaces the Petroleum ( E x p l o r a t i o n a n d Production)Act1986.

The ministry explained in a statement that the bill introduces significant improvements and safeguards related to safety, emergency response, cross border unitization, supervision and monitoring requirements and authorizes the Minister to prescribe regulations about key administrative and operational aspects of exploration and production activities.

Further, the Bill also

expands the scope of the proposed Act to regulate storage and pipeline transportation aspects of the oil and gas sector and empower the government to regulate, in the future, activities associated with geologicalstorageofcarbon dioxide.

Exploring opportunities for potential CO2 storage sites will also enable the government to develop petroleum resources while seeking to minimize their carbon and footprint, the ministrysaid.ThePetroleum ActivitiesBillisexpectedto be supplemented by a set of regulations that will follow in the coming months and provide the government the necessary toolbox for responsible and efficient

preoccupied with emulating someone else’s path It stifles creativity and authentic self-expression, robbing us of the joy that comesfromdiscoveringand nurturing our own talents andinterests.

In our ceaseless quest to possesswhatothershave,we neglect to appreciate the beauty of our own

individuality

You have to be grateful for what you have and the fact that you were born and youarealive.

Life is a gift. It could havebeensomeoneelseborn instead of you and therefore youshouldbehappythatyou have seen this world regardless of how rich or howpooryouare.

Dem Boys Seh...

(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.)

Belief is a personal prerogative

In English law, there is what is known as the presumption of innocence. It is often described by the statement, “A person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty” In practical terms, the presumption of innocence implies that the onus is on the prosecutors to establish theguiltoftheperson.

The presumption of innocence does prevent anyone from believing that a person, against whom an allegationhasbeenmade,is guilty Nor does it prohibit anyone from having a suspicion that the person is guilty Butinlaw,beliefisa personal prerogative and should be so kept. But in law, belief cannot be the basisofguilt.

Nowsomepersonswant to turn the presumption of innocenceonitshead.They want the accused to prove

innocence, rather than the prosecutors to establish guilt. In the court of public opinion, they condemn without proof and sentence withoutahearing.

Ifwecontinuealongthis path, gone will be the days when individuals were considered innocent until provenguilty

No, no, that concept is far too logical and fair In our new dispensation, the moment an allegation is whispered, the scales of justicetiltabruptly,causing the “presumption of innocence”tomorphintoits malevolent sibling, the “presumption of guilt.” It’s a magical transformation that leaves even the most innocent souls quaking in theirboots.

If the presumption of guilt is to supersede the presumption of innocence, itwouldinstantlymeanthat

based even on a flimsy allegation and a dash of unsubstantiated hearsay, an accused should be charged. On the mere basis of suspicion and the court of public opinion would demand immediate condemnation and prosecution.

The presumption of guilt will then become a self-fulfilling prophecy Friends turn foes, careers crumble, and lives are irreparably shattered by the whims of public opinion. Anallegationbecomestruth untildisproved.

In such instances, the court of law will then be transformedintoatheaterof absurdity.

Bewareofhowwetreat with the law and its principles!Bewareofthose who treat belief as presumption!

TalkHalf.LeffHalf!

petroleum activities within theGuyaneseeconomy

The government will also ensure that the terms of the draft petroleum agreements released in association with the first offshore licensing round are aligned with the provisions of the Petroleum Activities Bill.

The draft Bill is now available for public consultation feedback for a period of two (2) weeks commencing from Tuesday, 20th June to Monday, 3rd July 2023, at the following websites: wwwnre govgy andwww.petroluem.gov.gy

All comments should be sent via email to

jmckenzie@nre.gov.gy during the period and by close of business on Monday,3rdJuly2023.

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

GEORGETOWN - THOUGHT THE PPP WON, HOPED THAT IT LOST

This parting comment on the 2023 Local

Government Elections

(LGE) focuses entirely on Georgetown. Ihadpublicly stated that it looked in the bagforthePPP,allbutover Clearly, I still have much to learn about the depths of politicalandracialloyaltyin Guyana. Also, money may be mighty, but it is meager before considerations of

‘me, mine, and my own’, which is the American version of ‘apaanjaat.’. On thisoccasion,itfavouredthe PNC.

But this is not about voter allegiance and voting patterns; it is about what a PPP LGE victory in the biggest Guyana political prize of all – Georgetowncould have represented. It was of both the possible good, and what have been

the definitely, totally, irreversiblybad. Istartwith thepotentialforgood.

A PPP LGE triumph in Georgetownwouldhaveput an end to the torturous wrangling between central government (Ministry of Local Government) and the Mayor and Councillors of theCity

Second, there would have been no need for any L

Commission to be chaperoned by a wicked stepfather, and unblinking red light (unchanging too). Third, the budget gaps would have been history, with huge cash infusions to make up the difference being the standing norm. Fourth, and related to the preceding, the much talked about and much feared property re-valuation with accompanying rates and taxes increase(s) to more practical levels would have beendelayedforafewyears more.

T h i s s h o u l d b e considered as another subsidybyaconsiderateand compassionate PPP Government to its financiers, business constituency, and loyal (commercial) demographic; the fact that the bulk of residentsaresaidtobePNC supporters gives a nice sheen to the rates and taxes moratorium-concessionsubsidy It defangs critics and others of that lost tribe ofGuyanese.

Fifth, on the services side,dwellersandvisitorsto Georgetown would have experienced a changed city The PPP has the means to make Georgetown into a s h o w p i e c e o f i t s capabilities, seriousness, andvisions. Nothingissaid aboutitshonesty Drainage and garbage collection, to identify only two thorns in the nostrils, would have beenregularized. Other areas would have

l i k e l y s e e n s i g n i f i c a n t improvement with the cash spigot openedtofull,andthe moolah flowing. As an aside, remember thisone:themorethat there is spending, the more thatthereisgetting.

I point no fingers at my highly thought of PPP operators,butthereisaword that begins with a ‘t’ that should come to mind. I thinkitfits.

But who cares? There would have been the appearance and appeal of a possiblyrefreshed,restored, resurgent capital city, and along with that the sweet ambience of a proud metropolis.

Regarding flooding, I think that the Dutch may havebeenengaged;afterall, that would be talking of billions. Icanseefromthis far the eyes of some people in Freedom House lighting up, their mouths drooling.

H a , h a ; b o n a n z a , extravaganza; and all to keepthecityclean(anddry).

To my utter regret, there isadownside.

It is demonic and barbaric, dark and dangerous (even deadly), monstrous and leprous. In thethriftiestofsentences:all the potential improvements cannot compete with, does notcompareto,theugliness and dirtiness that would be inseparable from the PPP taking Georgetown, and in whose friendly hands that

wouldleaveallcitizens. With Georgetown gone thePPPway,thelongsought after total control and completedominationwould have just about clamped the vise.

Think of an echo of that word vise, and if that is too difficult, then try what rhymes Do I hear somebody asking, ‘what about New Amsterdam?’ Here is the PPP answer: w h a t a b o u t N e w Amsterdam? Nobodyhasto beAlbert Einstein or dig up Steve Jobs to understand thatsnippet.

As for Linden, the Venezuelans can have it, givenallthosebehavinglike Nicolás M in that town. In sum,withGTforthePPP,it wouldbetyranny

Nobodyhastohavehair on their head to appreciate whatismeant.

We again have a taste of whatdespotismisabout,and what leadership dissolution looks like. So, why tempt fateandgototheextremeby puttingallthemarblesinthe redshirtedmanhand?

AslimitedasthePNCis (it is), “leh de ting stay rite weh it deh.” As Guyanese say: “ah gon bear meh chafe.”

To put this in a nutshell for my fellow Guyanese: I did not leave America to come and live in East Germanyortocallthingsfor where they really are in the Guyana of today: what was before East Germany came intobeing.

IpreferthatthePPPlost, andthePNCwoninthisone. IknowIhavetopaytoclean my drains and fix my garbage, but it is another sacrificetobeendured. But I did note with interest that the man of every Guyana moment, the Hon Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeodidannouncethatthe PPP (meaning he himself) has plans for Georgetown. See what I mean? Don’t forget that I is yuh ‘brotha’, Bharrat.

(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.)

Minister Dharamlall arrested over

alleged rape and sodomy of 16-yr-old Indigenous girl

-releasedon$1Mstationbailafterpolicegrilling

Despitethemyths,victimsof events Local Government ProtectionAgency(CPA).In told President IrfaanAli that rape and sexual assault do and Regional Development, a statement on Monday, the he was proceeding on not lie about their Minister Nigel Dharamlall, minister’slawyerssaid,“Mr administrative leave to experiences any more than was arrested Monday Dharamlall remains willing facilitate the investigation. victims of any other crime,” evening when he showed up and disposed to assist in a Notably, President Ali on Minister Manickchand said at the Brickdam Police full investigation of the Sunday confirmed that noting that the teen has Station for questioning in matter Alltheallegationsare Minister Dharamlall accepted support from the relation to rape allegations denied. In the interest of a requested administrative Ministry of Education and leveled against him by a 16- fair investigation and the leave in order to allow the willattendameetingsoon. year-old Indigenous girl. He necessity to protect the probe into the sexual MinisterManickchandin was subsequently released interests of all parties allegations made against her statement emphasised on$1Mstationbail. concerned, we urge that him. that when the complainant is

In a dramatic turn of from the Child Care and Dharamlall on Sunday

TheGuyanaPoliceForce s p e c u l a t i o n , w i l d President Ali has a child, the complaint must (GPF) in a statement last accusations, pre mature approved the minister’s take on even more urgent evening confirmed that an judgments and unsupported request, however, it was not dimensions. investigation has been conclusionsbeavoided.” made known when the leave She assured that she has launched into the allegations It was stated too that the commences. always treated complaints of made against the minister. “misconduct allegations”

Opposition MP, Juretha rape and sexual assault with

The minister presented against their client first Fernandes has questioned the urgency it deserves. The himself to the police in the surfaced on social media. the course of action taken by minister reminded that she company of his lawyer, However, they added that Dharamlall. “You see this was the one who piloted the Nigel Hughes. He was told given that the allegations cr*p, “…the minister wrote Sexual Offences Act and of the allegation, cautioned have attracted the attention himrequestingtobeallowed when it was passed into law andarrested. of the Guyana Police Force to proceed on administrative in 2010, it was made clear

Notably, this publication (GPF) and the Child Care leave, and the request has that “we want better wasreliablyinformedthatan and ProtectionAgency, their been granted.” You were presented to the public as has already informed the treatment of complainants official report was made to services were retained to supposed to send him on though he is in total control police that any such report and better conviction rates. the police by the teen girl in represent the minister and administrativeleave.Notput ofthesituation.” must be thoroughly and Thathasn’tchanged.” the company of an officer protecthisinterests. him in a position to be She continued, “There is c o m p r e h e n s i v e l y For her part, Minister of nothing comforting about investigated. Human Services and Social this, absolutely nothing! Asked whether the Protection, Dr Vindhya What next? Are you gonna matter was discussed with Persaud said that the Child ask him if he accepts the the government minister, Care and Protection Agency finding of the investigation? PresidentAliresponded,“Of is carrying out a full Is he gonna be selecting the course, I reached out to the investigation into the people conducting the Minister and he denied any allegation made against the i n v e s t i g a t i o n ? wrongdoing and as I said the male minister while #justiceforourindigenousgir allegations are allegations, reminding that no one is ls.” we have to deal with abovethelaw “TheMinistry In an invited comment, statement of facts and once of Human Services and President Ali had told any facts is being presented, Social Security has taken another media house that he the authorities have to do note of the serious had not received a formal or theirinvestigation.” allegations made against a official complaint but noted The Head-of-State Minister by a 16-year-old that he saw social media assured that “no one will be girl. Our women and girls postsontheallegations.That held unaccountable. So as I must be safe and no one is particular media house had said one of the greatest abovethelaw.” reported that the President priorities in this government This publication had emphasised that once a is our girls and women. We reported that in a letter to report is made “it will be will not tolerate anything President Ali, the teen girl thoroughly investigated by that will hinder that. So any shared gruesome details the relevant authorities ” fact and report I… have about how she was allegedly Notably, it was highlighted already told the police any groomed and later raped by that President Ali also report must be thoroughly theminister Inherletter,she reiterated that he has “no and comprehensively pleaded with President Ali, tolerance for such behaviour investigated,” President Ali Minister Manickchand and and anyone found guilty of assured. relevant authorities to look such allegations will be held Two female ministers into the matter According to accountable.” had also issued statements the letter seen by this

“As a government, we underscoringtheseriousness publication, the girl first met are committed to having any of the allegations while the minister at an event last factsfullyinvestigatedaswe indicating that a thorough year,whenshewas15-yearshold dearly our girls and investigation will be old. She said she was raped women in every community conducted Minister of three months after meeting And we will continue to do E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a the minister and at that time, everything to ensure their Manickchand, in a statement she was 16-years-old. She safety and well-being,” on Saturday said that disclosed in the letter that President Ali told the News allegations of rape, sexual after continuously harassing Room. assault and gender-based her to meet up with him, she

Similarly, on the violence are not to be made eventually agreed to meet sidelines of an event on lightly and must always be the minister The teen said Friday evening, President taken seriously “I begin by this is when the minister Ali told Kaieteur News that believing complainants, raped her, sodomized her his government will not always, every time. Because before handing her a sum of tolerate such acts and that he the statistics are clear. money

Minister Nigel Dharamlall

DHARAMLALL MUST BE SACKED - protesters

Some members of the Opposition among others on Monday held a protest in front the Ministry of Local Government over the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl by a government official. (PNCR photos)

Calling for a fair and administrative leave to Child Care and Protection Until further advised by his independent investigation to facilitate an investigation Agency Mr Dharamlall has Attorneys, no further be conducted, some into the matter, but the retained the services of a statements will be issued by members of the Opposition protesters want him to be firm of Attorneys at Law to or on behalf of Mr and civil society on Monday fired. Dharamlall has since representhimandprotecthis Dharamlall,” the statement held a protest action over the requested administrative interests Mr Dharamlall fromthelawfirmread. rape allegations leveled leave and was granted same remains willing and Meanwhile, speaking against Minister of Local byPresidentAli. disposed to assist in a full briefly with the media on Government and Regional In a statement on investigation of the matter Monday, Opposition Development, Nigel Monday, the Hughes Fields All the allegations are Member of Parliament (MP) Dharamlall by a 16-year-old andStobylawfirmsaidithas denied. In the interest of a and Shadow Minister for Indigenousgirl. beenretainedbyDharamlall. fair investigation and the Legal Affairs and Attorney

The protest was held “The allegations of necessity to protect the General, Roysdale Forde yesterday around noon in misconduct by Minister interests of all parties when asked about the role of front the minister’s Fort NigelDharamlallwhichfirst concerned, we urge that the Guyana Police Force Street, Kingston office surfaced in social media last s p e c u l a t i o n , w i l d (GPF) on the matter, Forde Dharamlall has since told week now appear to have accusations, pre mature said that his expectation of President Irfaan Ali that he attracted the attention of the judgments and unsupported

thePoliceForceisthatthey will be proceeding on Guyana Police Force and the conclusions be avoided. (Continued on page 16)

Second man charged with murder of GDF Coast Guard officer

Randy Wright was on back to his car where he fell Monday charged with the to the ground. The gunman offence of murder in the

ered course or furtherance of a Douglas’ car and drove off robbery contrary to Section with the passenger still 100(1)(c)(i)oftheCriminal seated inside. According to Law (Offences) Chapter the video seen, occupants of 8:01 committed on Guyana ahouseranoutjustintimeto Defence Force (GDF) Coast see the carjackers escaping Guard Rondel Douglas at withDouglas’car Cul-de-Sac Street, North

One of them was heard RuimveldtonJune7,2023. saying, “Jesus Christ dem Wright, 33, of Lot 13 kill the man” while another Friendship, East Bank added“arobbery,demhijack Demerara (EBD) was the car, is two a dem”. They arrested on June 14, 2023. thenproceededtocallpolice. On Monday, he appeared at

t h e G e o r g e t o w n Douglas was found in a pool Magistrate’sCourt#1before of blood with two wounds Acting Chief Magistrate Ms. one to his head, another to TheGuyanaPoliceForce Security cameras Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus his chest. Detectives have so (GPF) had issued two mounted on nearby wherethechargewasreadto far learnt that Douglas wanted bulletins for Jamie buildings showed Douglas him. worked as a part time taxi Ghanie and Harold called turning around his white He was not required to driver with Alladin Taxi ‘Stewie’ in relation to the Fielder Wagon at the end of plea to the indictable charge ServicelocatedatLaGrange murder of Guyana Defence the Cul-de-Sac with a and was remanded to prison. andwasluredtohisdeathby Force (GDF) Lieutenant passenger seated in the front The matter was adjourned to the passenger seen seated in RondelAnthonyDouglas. seat beside him. He backed July 14, 2023 for report and thefrontseatbesidehim. D o u g l a s , 3 2 , o f up the car probably for the statements. Police were told that the Bagotsville, West Bank passenger to get off but a Wright is the second carjackerhadgonetothetaxi Demerara (WBD), who was gunman emerged from the person charged with base earlier that evening attached to the GDF Coast bushesandattackedDouglas Douglas’ murder Joshua posing as a customer He Guard unit was shot and in the driver’s seat.Ascuffle Parris,theprimesuspectwas hired Douglas to take him to killed on the night of June 7 ensued between them last week charged with the North Ruimveldt where he while trying to fight off two Douglas managed to fight GDF officer’s murder. Like had his accomplice waiting carjackers from stealing his the gunman off and exited Wright, Parris was not at the end of the Cul-de-Sac car at North Ruimveldt, the car, pushing him back requiredtoenterapleatothe Street to rob Douglas of his Georgetown. According to towards the bushes but as he indictable charge and was vehicle. police, Douglas was shot struggled to do so, gunshots remandedtoprison.Hiscase The car was found dead around 22:30 hours at wereheard. was also adjourned to July abandoned along Stone Cul-de-Sac Street, North Douglas was then seen 14, 2023 for reports and Avenue, Campbellville, Ruimveldt,Georgetown. retreating and staggered statements. Georgetown.

Masked gunman shoots Linden man in buttocks

AhirecardriverfromVictoryValley,Wismar,Lindenwas on Saturday night shot to his buttocks by an unidentified maskedman.

The victim has been identified as 33 –year-old, Norbert Beckles called ‘Bull Boy’of Lot 45 Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden.

According to Beckles, the incident occurred at around 20:00h as he was heading home after returning to the mining town from Georgetown. The injured man told police that he had just arrived from Georgetown and was walking to his homealongtheVictoryValleyPublicRoad.

While on his journey home, he looked through an alleyway and observed an unidentifiable male walking out fromthesaidalleywaypointingahandguninhisdirection.

Afraid for his life, Beckles said he started running.As he ran,hesaidheheardseveralloudexplosionsfrombehindhim thenfeltaburningsensationinhisbuttocks.

Notwithstanding, he continued running, turned through a trackthatledhimtotheWismarPoliceStationwherehemade areport.

Beckles was immediately taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was admitted as a patient nursing a gunshot injury to his buttocks. Kaieteur News understands that thebulletwhich enteredhis buttocks exitedhis penis. His condition is listed as stable and he has since been transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation foradditionaltreatment.

Meanwhile, several spent shells were seen on the road by residents. No one has been arrested as police continue their investigation.

Charged: Randy Wright

GDF Coast Guard Officer, Rondel Douglas

One of the many spent shells observed by residents of Victory Valley on the street.

Skill-building, gender-focused policy key to increasing access to finance for women-led enterprises in the Caribbean

Creating gender-focused and national Bank Barbados, and Ms. Ashley Outten, inclusion policies, providing technical Financial Controller, Bahamas Development assistance, greater awareness of financial Bank. The event was moderated by Ms. opportunities, and incorporating business Sunita Daniel, Chief Executive Officer, skills into primary education were ExportSaintLucia. highlighted as practical ways to increase The discussion targeted policy and opportunities for access to finance for decision-makers to provide guidance on women-ledenterprisesintheCaribbeanatthe actionstoimprovetheenablingenvironment, fourth edition of the Caribbean Development as well as women in various spheres of Bank’s (CDB) President’s Chat, at the Sir business, seeking to learn how to access Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint finance.Globally,54percentofthe1.4billion Lucia,onFriday,June16,2023. adults that are unbanked are women, placing

The President’s Chat, with CDB limitations on their ability to access credit. President, Dr Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, under CDB’s Gender Assessments for 10 of its the theme “Innovative Financing for Borrowing Member Countries revealed that Women”, aimed to demonstrate how to intheCaribbean,womenfacebarrierssuchas feasibly and practically provide access to limited access to collateral, business finance for women-owned or led micro small networks, and information, while womenand medium enterprises (MSMEs) on a owned MSMEs are also smaller in size and sustainablebasis. growthpotential.

Dr Leonwasjoinedbyfemaleexecutives

Ms.Akilianpointedoutthatwhilewomen from regional and international financial face greater hurdles from financing institutions including Ms. Karyl Akilian, institutions in accessing loans, the perceived Director of Marketing and Business risk of financing women-owned businesses Development,FinancialAllianceforWomen, was higher than the data supports. “Women in the United States, Mrs. Sandra Reifer- havelowernon-performingloans;theyhave Wallerson, Senior Manager, Retail, Republic (Continued on page 16)

Several persons fined for smuggling song birds

Several persons were recently fined for for New York City; Deryck Singh, who was smuggling birds, the Guyana Wildlife fined$750,000after8song-birdswerefound Conservation and Management Commission in his possession while travelling to hasdisclosed. Barbados;DeochandDhanraj,whowasfined

In a press release, the commission said $700,00 after being intercepted with six song wildlife trafficking is defined as the illegal birds while heading to New York City; and tradeofwildspeciesofanimalsandplants.“It Lakesha Brown, who was fined $500,000 has negative impacts on the populations of whenshewasfoundwith15song-birdswhile targeted species, ecosystem functions, and travellingtoNewYorkCity the economy In Guyana, song birds are a Ineachcase,thebirdswereconcealedina frequenttargetforintendedsmugglers.” The cruel manner There is often a high mortality commission said recently, a number of rate when the birds are removed from the persons were caught attempting to smuggle containers/devices in which they are song birds out of Guyana and were penalised concealed. The GWCMC commends the in accordance with the provisions of the work of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force for (2016). They were: Harrigobin Lalta, who their involvement in intercepting these was fined $1M after being found with 15 smugglers. We look forward for continued song-birds en route to Canada; Seenarine collaboration as we attempt to stamp out the Ramparshad who was sentenced to six scourge that is wildlife trafficking. We also months in prison after being intercepted with take this opportunity to encourage persons three song-birds destined for NewYork City; wishing to export any species of wildlife to David Persaud, who was fined $300,000 for obtain the necessary licences and permits to being in possession of 6 song-birds destined doso.

Skill-building, gender-focused policy key to...

From page 15 equal or better product per customer rate and have higher lifetime value. Most of the reasons women are penalised are factors they cannot control,” she said.

Ms. Outten noted that a key hurdle that women faced in accessing loans was meeting the collateral requirements, as well as discrimina-

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tory policies that include the number of children they have and the belief that being married means women have greater stability. “We don’t have data to determine the perfect product for a womanled business,” she explained.

Highlighting the need for a whole-of-society approach to changing strategy, Dr. Leon said that regional development would only proceed with the embracing of a knowledgecreation process based on evidence. “We need a financing ecosystem that will not only develop markets but develop instruments for purpose and that can promote that ecosys-

tem going forward,” Dr. Leon said, adding that incorporating business management skill teaching into primary school education was one solution to bridging the knowledge gap.

Meanwhile, Ms. Akilian suggested a three-pronged approach: “Involving women needs to be included at the policy level, the private sector level, and the end-user level,” she said. Mrs. ReiferWallerson encouraged women to be fearless in accessing opportunities. “Far too often ladies sit there and think ‘It’s not going to work out for me’, but women

marginalise themselves because we think we’re not going to be successful,” said Reifer-Wallerson.

This sentiment was echoed by Ms. Outten: “Do not wait until the perfect scenario because you are going to miss some opportunities along the way. Do it now!” she said.

The President’s Chat is part of the schedule of activities being staged for CDB’s 53rd Annual Meeting, currently underway in Saint Lucia.

The event was streamed live on CDB’s social media platforms.

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From page 13 would conduct a fair and proper investigation. “We all live in Guyana; we know at times that the Guyana Police Force does not reach our expectations. I believe that this is a fitting case where the President (Irfaan Ali) must immediately institute an appointment by someone or team of investigators who don’t reside in Guyana that they would conduct a fair investigation. The Guyanese people don’t have any confidence in the Guyana Police Force that they would be able to conduct a fair investigation. We see up to now that the government itself has simply been responding to a request by Nigel Dharamlall to proceed on administrative leave, we see that this is a fitting case for Mr. Dharamlall to be dismissed at this point,” he said.

allegations will be leveled against any sitting minister of government and one with responsibilities for communities where you deal with these Indigenous girls and women at large and you still sitting down in office.” The former minister said also that she stands in solidarity with the victim. Referring to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud’s statement on the matter that “no one is above the law”, Broomes said the law should apply to the rich and powerful as it is applied to the poor.

A representative from the non-profit organisation –Eagles Empowered to Soar, yesterday said that she thinks such a situation should not be taken lightly and that the public should come out and support each other on issues such as these.

our public officials, there is a code of conduct that governs their office. Dharamlall has breached that code of conduct on a number of occasions,” she said. The protest which lasted for an hour continues today between 12 noon to 1pm.

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Shadow Minister for Public Security Geeta ChandanEdmond in her comments yesterday said that Dharamlall proceeding on leave is a step in the right direction. “It is a step in the right direction for the minister involved in this to be on administration leave, pending an investigation into the allegation so it is a step in the right direction. We are here to stand in solidarity with the victim and other victims because the information that we are receiving is that this is not his first victim but more than one victim.

So we are here to stand in support of the victims and we trust that the investigation will be fair and unbiased,” she mentioned.

“I think that this situation is not to taken too lightly, I believe from the inception where an accusation was made, the minister should have been sent off rather than waiting on him to request leave. And I believe that these kind of matters should not be taken lightly anymore, Guyanese should come out and we should support each other on these kinds of issue and all the kind of issue that we are having,” the representative commented.

Kaieteur News had reported that in a letter to the President, the teen girl shared gruesome details about how she was allegedly groomed and later raped by the minister. In her letter, she pleaded with President Ali, the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and relevant authorities to look into the matter. According to the letter seen by this publication, the girl first met the minister at an event last year, when she was 15-years-old. She said she was raped three months after meeting the minister and at that time, she was 16-years-old. She disclosed in the letter that after continuously harassing her to meet up with him, she eventually agreed to meet the minister. The teen said this is when the minister raped her, sodomized her before handing her a sum of money.

Notably, Kaieteur News was reliably informed that this is not the first time such an allegation was made against the minister in question.

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At the protest, former Minister Simona Broomes said that the allegation “leveled against Dharamlall warrant him to do the right thing and resign and leave public office. Nowhere in the world or Caribbean such

Another Opposition MP, Natasha Singh-Lewis mentioned that she is a mother of three of girls and particularly a mother of a 16-year-old. She stated that when she read the young girl’s statement and what she went through at the hands of a public figure and a policy maker of this country, she became “enraged”. “Nobody, let alone a child, should be subjected to that kind of behaviour. In this country, for

Since the allegations surfaced, calls have been mounted for President Irfaan Ali to send the minister on administrative leave. The President spoke to multiple media houses, confirming that he was aware of the allegations made against Minister Dharamlall but clarified that he did not receive the letter in question. However, he assured that no one will be held unaccountable.

Opposition yet to reach out to citizens fighting for ‘unlimited parent guarantee’ despite promising support

L e a d e r o f t h e Opposition, Mr Aubrey Nortonhasnotmadecontact withthecitizensfightingfor an unlimited parent company guarantee from ExxonMobil, in the event of anoilspill.

This is so even as the leader had thrown his support of the legal challenge filed by two Guyanese,FrederickCollins andGodfreyWhyte.

Atapressconferenceon May 4, 2023, Norton told reporters he is ready to support the citizens in their quest all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Theleadersaid:“weare preparedtobackpeople.We are prepared to ensure that Guyanese take all the legal actionbutwehopethatgood sensewouldprevailandthat thePPPwouldn’tappealthis decision.”

Hedidnotofferspecifics on whether his party is

preparedtobackthecitizens financially or by availing its legalteamtothegroup.

Bethatasitmay,Norton still has not reached out, despite his announcement morethantwoweeksago.

Inarecentinterviewwith Kaieteur News, one of the litigants who had won the case against Exxon said: “I wasunawareofMr Norton’s position and I’m not aware that anyone has approached the team to offer (any) assistance.”

Collins added that he is not surprised nor is he disappointed since he understands that political parties will only act in the interest of their parties “One gets the impression that the party comes before the country and so we are gratefulforanysupportfrom any quarter, but we are not surprised because political parties do what political parties in Guyana do best, theydowhattheyperceiveto

be to their advantage,” he noted.

On the other hand, Collins pointed out that the

governing party has taken a strange route by appealing theHighCourt’sorderforan unlimited parent company

guarantee from Exxon Collins, who is also

P r e s i d e n t o f t h e Transparency Initiative Guyana Inc (TIGI) said “we would have thought that even the governing party would have seen the outcomeofthatcaseintheir interest, but we don’t know what’sintheirminds.”

On May 3, 2023 High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon handed down a ruling, ordering Exxon to provide an unlimited parent guarantee within 30 days.

Failure by the company to comply would have resulted inthesuspensionoftheLiza OnePermit.

The Liza One project is currently producing about 150,000 barrels of oil per day

An appeal of the ruling was filed shortly after the decision was handed down and is ongoing in the Court.

Collinshadsaidthatwhilehe is confident in the outcome

of the appeal, he is prepared to fight for the protection of Guyana and its Caribbean neighbours at the TrinidadbasedCCJ.

He told Kaieteur News that he does not believe the appeal by government and Exxon has potential for success.

The TIGI President added that he believes the CCJ would be particularly interested in understanding why such an appeal would be struck down especially considering its worldwide importance.

He pointed out that the case would be the first in which an oil company wouldbeheldtoaccountup front for incidents from a country in which is operating

The GoG has appealed the ruling by Justice Sandil Kissoon arguing that it would suffer grave losses if the company’s Permit is suspended.

‘Big John’ remanded for 2021 murder …Sentencedto6yearsinjailforillegalfirearmpossession

Forty-year-old John Kennedy called ‘Big John’ wasonMondayremandedto prison for the murder of 21year-old Jaleel Leow of D e n n i s S t r e e t , Campbellville, Georgetown, who was gunned down in 2021.

Kennedy was also sentenced to six years imprisonment for being in possession of an illegal firearmandammunition.

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) had issued a wanted bulletin for Kennedy of Lot 751, B- Field Sophia, Georgetown However, it wasonlylastSunday,hewas arrested for being in possession of an illegal gun atNewAmsterdam,Berbice, Region Six. Interestingly, it was only while in custody that the police realized Kennedy was wanted for murder

Kennedyappearedatthe Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Rushell Liverpool on Monday where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated onAugust 3, 2021, at ‘B’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown, he murdered Leow The accused was remanded to prison for the murder and the matter was adjournedtoJuly13,2023.

Leow, a mechanic, was

gunned down at a woman’s business place on August 3, 2021.Hewasreportedlyone of the murder witnesses in the 2020 killing of Kevin Campbell.

Kaieteur News had reported on August 4, 2021 that Leow, Campbell’s brother, Brandon Smith and a Sophia businesswoman were hanging out in front of hershopontheafternoonof August 3, 2021 when two suspects approached them onbicycles.

Thesuspectsdismounted their bikes and one of them armed with a cutlass asked the businesswoman, “Is problem you want?” She

had reportedly responded in the negative together with Leow and Smith before walkingintoheryard.

Leow,ontheotherhand, wasnotafraidtostandupto the alleged attackers as he retorted, “Y’all could get problemsify’allwant.”

The other suspect, according to police, then whipped out a handgun while approaching Leow from behind and fired severalrounds,twoofwhich impactedhisback.

However, not satisfied with the two discharged rounds, the gunman stood over him and shot him two moretimestothechest.

Investigators were told that Leow somehow managed to get up and escapedbuthadcollapsedat t h e b a c k o f t h e businesswoman’s yard and died The gunman then turnedhisattentiontoSmith andfiredashotathimtoobut the bullet only managed to grazehisrightarmbeforehe hadanopportunitytoescape.

Leow’s killers then rode away on their bicycles, but not before turning to the businesswoman and saying, “Wegonkillally’alloneby one. You gon be de las’one wekill.”

FollowingLeow’sdeath, police had identified three possible suspects by their aliases, ‘Big John,’‘Double Clip’ and ‘Brainer’ and issued wanted bulletins for them.

Almost two years after Leow was killed and the suspects were named; gunmen in a tinted car attempted to assassinate the businesswoman and her husband.

The attempted killing of the woman took place in Marchthisyear

The gunmen, according to reports, had stopped in frontofthewoman’sgrocery shopat‘B’FieldSophiaina tinted car while she and her husbandweresittingoutside chattingwithafriend.

Her husband recalled

that three masked men armed with handguns came outofthecarandwalkedup to his wife and began shooting before re-entering thecarandescaping.

A police report had detailed that the husband received two gunshot injuries to his upper back, while his wife received gunshotinjuriestoherrightside face, two to her right arm and one to her left elbow

Meanwhile, Kennedy

appearedviaZoomfromthe Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court to the No 51 Magistrates’Courtwherehe pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Kennedy admitted that on Sunday in the vicinity of Main and Church Streets, New Amsterdam, he had in hispossessiona9MMpistol loaded with 15 live bullets. He was sentenced to a total of six years for both offences.

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

Remanded: John Kennedy called ‘Big John’

Dead: Jaleel Leow

150,000 homes & businesses accessing GTT Fibre

Guyana’s first in Fibre and the largest Fibre

Network, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph

C o m p a n y ( G T T ) announced on Sunday that 150,000 homes and businesses are having access to its high-speed fibre service, after recently making the service available to more than 1,100 homes and 170 businesses in Tuschen, West Coast of Demerara (WCD),RegionThree.

According to GTT, technicians have worked assiduously to roll-out more than 3000 miles (about4828.03km)offibre thus far, delivering transformative internet connectivity to more than 75 communities and thousands of households and businesses across the country

It noted that this fibre expansion, two in every threehomesandbusinesses have access to GTT’s fast

speed fibre service and furthercommitstoensuring over 75% of homes will have fibre connectivity by theendof2024.

ChiefExecutiveOfficer (CEO) of GTT Damian Blackburn, noted that GTT recognizes the vital role connectivity plays in empowering individuals, facilitating business growth, and enhancing overallqualityoflifeforall.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to transforming lives through a d v a n c e d telecommunications services,andweareexcited tocontinuedrivingpositive change in Guyana By rolling out fibre to 2 in every 3 homes, we are unlocking endless possibilities for education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and socioeconomic development,” hesaid.

Blackburn added that GTT’s dedication to

delivering reliable connectivity ensures that customers can fully embrace the digital world and enjoy uninterrupted access to information, entertainment, and online services.

GTT’s fibre service has significantly strengthened communities across Guyana, by enabling students to participate in r e m o t e l e a r n i n g , empowering entrepreneurs to leverage e-commerce opportunities, and supporting healthcare providers in delivering telemedicineservices.

B y e m b r a c i n g innovation, GTT is ensuring that Guyana remains at the forefront of digital transformation and can readily adapt to emergingtechnologies.The company said it remains committed to advancing connectivity and creating a digital future that benefits allGuyanese.

Duo sentenced to 35 months imprisonment for robbery under arms

Two persons were on Monday sentenced to 35 months imprisonment for Robbery Under Arms committed on a 55-year-old manonJune14,2023.

Latchman called ‘Chris’ of lot 13A Bath Settlement, WCB and Marcus Marcel called ‘Buckman’, of Estate Road Experiment Bath Settlement, WCB were

arrestedonJune15andJune 16 respectively and charged onMonday

Both Latchman and Marcel appeared at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh where thechargelaidunderSection 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences)Act,Chapter8:01 was read to them. The men werenotrequiredtoplead.

H o w e v e r , t h e Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied and bothmenpleadedguiltyand were each sentenced to 35 monthsimprisonment. Reports are that at about 23:00h on the day in question, the men armed withcutlassesrobbedthe55year-old man at Lot 196 E x p e r i m e n t B a t h Settlement,WCD.

Court rules NRF Bill was legally passed

High Court judge, J u s t i c e

NavindraSingh, on Monday dismissed the Opposition’s challenge to thelegalityofthepassageof the Natural Resources Fund (NRF)Bill.

The challenge to the legality of the Bill was initiatedbyAPartnershipfor National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)

Opposition Chief Whip, ChristopherJones,andTrade Unionist,NorrisWitter

The duo contended that NRF Bill was not legally passed in the National Assembly on December 29, 2021. Kaieteur News had reported that among other things, Jones and Witter claimed that due to the a b s e n c e o f t h e ‘Parliamentary Mace’ – the most significant symbol in the National Assembly, and some members not seated, the Legislation cannot be regarded as being lawfully passed However, Justice Singhdismissedthecaseand statedthattheabsenceofthe mace during the passage of the NRF bill did not invalidate its subsequent passage.Heemphasisedthat the presence of the mace in

theNationalAssemblyisnot m a n d a t e d b y t h e Constitution or the laws of Guyana.Therefore,thebill’s passage was not deemed unconstitutional or unlawful becauseofitsabsence

On December 29, 2021, duringthe34thsittingofthe National Assembly during the reading of the Natural Resource Fund Bill, Opposition Members of Parliament had forcefully tookpossessionoftheMace, removed it from the Parliamentary Chambers andcauseddamagetoit.

The proceedings

c o n t i n u e d w i t h a

“replacement”Mace.

On the issue of whether the absence of the Mace in the National Assembly during the passage of legislation invalidates the passage of such legislation; Justice Singh in his written ruling said that the mace in theNationalAssemblyisnot m a n d a t e d b y t h e Constitution or the Laws of Guyana and therefore its absence cannot result in the passage of the Bill being unconstitutional or unlawful.Thejudgesaidthat it is clear from the evidence that the Mace is nothing more than a relic intended

only to be symbolic existence in the National Assembly

“It is illogical to believe that the presence or absence of a length of metal can determine the legitimacy of actsdonebypersonselected bythecitizensofthecountry pursuant to their elected duties Further, it is preposterous to contend that the legislative power of the nation can be halted by the abhorrent and deplorable actionsofafewmiscreants,” JusticeSinghsaid.

Following the ruling, OppositionlawyerRoysdale Forde, SC expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling and signaled his intention to appeal the ruling.

The NRF Bill which has sincebecomelawismeantto ensure that there is security, t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability surrounding revenues the country gains from oil and gas. It also outlines a structure of how the monies from oil and gas will be used and provide for continuous public disclosures, audits and parliamentaryapprovals.

However, Attorney General and Minister of

LegalAffairs, MohabirAnil Nandlall,SC,insaid,“Mace or absence of mace has nothing to do with the legislative power of the parliament to make laws…Parliament is driven by the elected officials who are there elected by the people and is governed by the constitution The constitutionnorthestanding order makes any reference formace.”

He welcomed the court’s decision, highlighting the importanceoftheserulingsfor thedevelopmentofthelawand jurisprudence of the nation

The Attorney General had expressedconfidencethatthe

court would hand down a favourable ruling. He had even told reporters, “This case should not have been filedinthefirstplace…”

Thetrialintothecasehad wrapped up last December with the testimony from the Department of Public Information’s (DPI) Videography Manager, Kennyann Bacchus, on what transpired on the day in question.

JonesandWitterbrought thecaseagainsttheAttorney General, Parliament Office, Speaker of the National Assembly, Clerk of the National Assembly and the MinisterofFiance.

Marcus Marcel Balram Latchman

Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC

Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones

Golden Jaguars one win away from Gold Cup berth

Amouthwatering en counter at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale awaits football fans in the CONCACAF region as the Golden Jaguars take aim at Guadeloupe today, where the winner will advance to the group stage of the Gold Cup.

Guadeloupe was the most impressive-looking team on the field during the opening round, soaring past Antigua and Barbuda with a 5-0 victory.

Guyana, on the other hand, battled tooth and nail to edge past Grenada in a penalty shootout.

Guadeloupe received goals from five different players and controlled their match from start to

finish.

Matthias Phaeton didn’t get his goal until the 93rd minute but was excellent off the bench and notched an assist as well.

Les Gwada Boys are now looking to advance to the group stage for the fifth time, and second consecutive time.

Omari Glasgow scored the big goal for Guyana in their win, a thunderous bouncer from well outside the penalty area.

Goalkeeper, Kai McKenzie-Lyle was so lid in goal and made a huge save in the penalty shootout to give the Golden Jaguars the edge.

Coach Wayne Dover, though soaking in the victory, said his main area of concern

Tuesday June 20, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Share your skills today, Aries. You will find that as you engage in the role of teacher, you learn more than if you just hold onto your knowledge without sharing it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Don't underestimate the power of other people today, Taurus. They may seem flighty and scatterbrained on the outside, but underneath you will find that they have a great deal of wisdom to share.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Remember that there's a benevolent force out there that loves you, Gemini. No matter what, there's always a shoulder to cry on, even if it isn't a tangible one. Even in your darkest moments.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Don't hesitate to say the obvious today, Cancer, even if it sounds corny. Many times people hesitate to say what they really feel because they think it's obvious to everyone.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Look to older figures for advice today, Leo. Seek counsel with a parent or grandparent on issues you feel strongly about. Relationships with older people are likely to go especially well.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Consider composing a bit of poetry today, Virgo. Use this as an exercise to condense your ocean of emotions into a very few words.

is ensuring that the team capitalizes on their goal-scoring opportunities, telling reporters yesterday, “We haven’t scored a lot of goals and we had a few chances that we didn’t convert.”

“We want to improve on our goalscoring because I think that is something that has plagued us for the past couple of games,” Dover said.

A win for Guyana would send them to the group stage for just the second time ever, following an appearance in 2019 when they finished third in their group.

The winner of this match will be placed into Group D alongside Canada, Guatemala, and Cuba.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Just because your emotions are reserved or somber today doesn't mean you shouldn't share them with others, Libra. Work through difficulties.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You may need to jump to many different people and situations today, Scorpio, yet something is holding you back. Listen to this inner voice that's asking you to be conservative at this time.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

ou feel like you have a stone strapped to your back, Sagittarius. The farther you walk with this load, the slower you go, and the more hunched over you will be by the time you reach your destination.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Feel free to break ties with certain people now, Capricorn. You may be overextending your emotional bank account by investing too much of yourself in others' lives.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Less is more should be your motto for today, Aquarius. The more you cut back in certain areas of your life, the more room you open up to bring in new and exciting things.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may be asked to slow down today, Pisces. Whether this comes in the form of a speeding ticket or a scrape on the knee when you trip.

Guyana will look for more reasons to celebrate this afternoon. (Concacaf)

Windies all-rounder Shepherd renews sponsorship of BCB U13 tournament

-Patron’sFundtoprovidetwomorebowlingmachines

The remarkable relationship between the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and its players continues to expand with another player continuing theirsupportoftheboard.

Guyana/West Indies allrounder Romario Shepherd, aproductoftheTucberPark Cricket Club has renewed his sponsorship of the BCB Under-13 tournament for 2023.

BCB president Hilbert Foster said the competition is expected to start soon as the county commences preparation for the intercounty U13 season The tournament which is primarilyforplayersbornon orafterSeptember1 2009is expected to start this weekend.

Atotal of 12 teams have registered to take part, some ofwhichinclude;Bath,Bush Lot United, Achievers, Cotton Tree, Tucber Park, Guymine, Mt Sinai, Edinburgh/ East Bank, Rose Hall Canje, Albion, RHT Poonai Pharmacy and Port Mourant.

Foster stated that the

tournament is set to be played under round-robin rules,inthreezoneswiththe two top teams advancing to the second round The

tourney will be a 30 oversper side affair with bowlers allowed a maximum of six oversperside.

The first eight overs of

the innings shall be bowled byfastbowlers.Thewinning team will take home GYD $60,000 and the runner- up GYD$40K while trophies

willbesharedtothetoptwo teams.Themanofthefinals will pocket a special prize alongwithamedal.

TheBCBheadstatedthat the U13 tournament is expected to be followed by the historic Rickey Moore U11 tournament. The BCB in 2023 has hosted tournamentsattheunder15, 17and19agegroupsatboth the club and zone level in addition to school tournaments at the primary and secondary schools levels.

Foster hailed the sponsorship as another red letterdayforBerbicecricket as the board continues to attract sponsorship from former and current players, whoarewillingtogiveback to the game. Shepherd, who madehisinternationaldebut in 2019, has represented the WestIndiesinacombined44 ODIand20/20matches.

He is also a senior member of the Amazon Warrior team in the CPL tournament and plays in the popular Indian Premier League. Other players who have assisted includes Shimron Hetmyer, Clayton

Lambert, Kevin Bramble, Anthony Bramble, G u d a k e s h M o t i e , Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Leslaine L a m b e r t , Vi s h a l Nagamootoo, Hemnarine Chattergoon and Arjune Nandu.

Meanwhile, the BCB is awaiting two bowling machines from the Patron Fund, which is financed by Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat. The machines would be given to the Port Mourant and Cotton Tree Cricket Clubs, which have very active youth sections at all levels.

Foster stated that the county at the end of next month would have six bowling machines and five batting cages across the county as part of its cricket developmentalprogramme.

He expressed thanks to the BCB Patron for his continued assistance to Berbice cricket. Only last week, the board shared out onemilliondollars’worthof white balls to first division teamswiththesupportofthe fund

Winslow Jacobs shocks Mike Carter to cart off spoils in final Scrabble scrubby

The intense rivalry for spelling ascendency took a decisive twist when several of the country’s notable players convened for the final match in tribute to the pastpresidentoftheGuyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP), Michael Carter, at the Chicken King Grill and Bar, Melanie Damishana, ECD, last Saturday,June17.

Winslow Jacobs registered the biggest upset with a nail-biting one point victory over game favourite, Michael Carter, before notchingupaflawless5points withapositivespreadof307to capture the overall honours Roy Sharma rose from the ashestoregister4gamesanda positive spread of 81 for the second-placeslotwhileCarter, who also lost to Curtis Liverpoole, had to be content with a 3rd place finish after amassing 3

points and a positive spread of 225. Jacobs signaled his intention from the onset when he disposed of Joel Blair by a spread of 126 The 2nd round encounter against Carter was indeed nail-biting as firstly one, and then the other player assumed the ascendency In the end, Jacobs held his nerve and barely manage to eke out a one-point victory over his enterprising foe Buoyed by the victory, Jacobswentontodisposeof Curtis Liverpoole (92), Carlton Murray (68), and RobertWilliams(120) RoySharma’spersistence eventually won out and he ended the tournament with 4 pointsandapositivespreadof 81. His victims included Kamta Ramnarine (48), Joel Blair (22), Maurice Munro (54), and Curtis Liverpoole (81) while Carlton Murray haltedhiswinningstreakbya

spreadof95.

Michael Carter did not fare as well as on the two previous occasions but managed to dispose of MichaelBenjamin(119)and Robert Williams (8) However,followingthenailbiting encounter with Jacobs, he also surrendered his 4th round sitting against Curtis Liverpoole (28) before closing off with a decisive victory over Ramnarine.

Meanwhile, the organizer of the tournament, Carlton Murray congratulated the respective podium finishers while noting that the tournament was extremely competitive He had special words for Mr Carter whose dominance of the 2 previous tournaments was indeed outstanding Jacobs was also praised for his remarkable performance and Murray also voiced his appreciation

From left - Eventual winner, Jacobs is flanked by Carter and Sharma.

Guyana/West Indies all-rounder

Romario Shepherd

PersaudcrownedNational RoadRacechampion

The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) 2023 National Championship continued on Sunday with its Master’s race This exhilarating competition covered a staggeringdistanceof98.97kilometers(97.5 miles),commencingatCarifestaAvenueand taking the riders along the picturesque East Coast Highway The course led them all the waytoHalfwayTree,apivotalpointnearthe center of Georgetown Rosignol Highway at Perseverance(Mahaica),beforeculminating backatthestartingpoint.

The rain-soaked skies and overcast conditions did little to dampen the spirits of the road masters who had come prepared to deliver an awe-inspiring performance. With each cyclist eager to test their mettle at the secondsegmentoftheGCF’s2023National CyclingChampionship.However,intheend, Robin Persaud representing the KFC Evolution clinched the prestigious title of Guyana’s 2023 National Road Race champion, completing the challenging feat witharemarkabletimeof22:33:17.

Meanwhile,theMaster’sracewaspacked withexcitement,initially,theracestatedwith a tight-knit group of riders departing from Carifesta Avenue. They formed clusters as they embarked on their journey along the EastCoastHighway UponreachingHalfway Tree, they made a breathtaking return to the starting line, bringing the excitement to a crescendo.

Thebreakawayfeaturedfourexceptional riders, as Robin Persaud and his teammate, Seagun Hubbard, representing team Evolution,showcasedtheirremarkableskills alongside Kwame Ridley and his teammate, Alexis Mendes, from team Kaieteur Attack RacingCycleClub(KARCC).

As the race progressed, Robin Persaud

andAlexisMendesseizedtheopportunityto surge ahead, leaving a small group of riders trailing behind. In a relentless pursuit, Paul Choo-wee-nam bridged the gap and caught up with Ridley and Hubbard, further intensifyingthecompetition.

Theracereacheditsclimax,astheriders approachedthehomestretch,theatmosphere crackled with anticipation. In a display of incrediblespeedandstamina,RobinPersaud of Team Evolution unleashed a powerful sprint,triumphantlycrossingthefinishlinein first place, followed by Alexis Mendes in second-place, while Kwame ‘Keyman’ Ridley of KARCC secured a commendable third-placefinish.

Podiumfinishers

1stRobinPersaud-NationalChampion

2ndAlexisMendes

3rdKwameRidley

4thPaulChoo-wee-nam

5thSeagunHubbard

Over$4Mupforgrabsat upcomingKMTCCaricomDay

BCB/RL Construction U15 tournament…

All-round Edinburgh defeat Tucber Park by 4 runs

The victorious Edinburgh Warriors Cricket Club.

The annual Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC)CaricomDayhorse rd racewillspeedoffonJuly3 at the Bush Lot Turf Club, withoverGYD$4Mincash, trophies and prizes to be won.

Thefeatureeventwillbe forhorsesclassedF&Lower with the contest being over seven furlongs. With 7 huge races billed for the day’s card, fans will witness competition in the G3 NonEarners and Lower, LOpen,

Two-year-old Guyana-bred, J1andLower,three-year-old maiden, and K & L NonEarners (Lifetime). The top purse of GYD$350,000 will be awarded to the winner of the 6-furlong G3 NonEarnersandLowerracewith the winner of the 3 year-old maiden race taking home $GYD250,000andatrophy

The category, Guyanabred two-year-old horses, a 5-furlong race, will see the potential winner earning GYD$250,000andatrophy,

Edinburgh Warriors CricketClubUnder-15team reached the quarter-finals of the BCB/RL Construction U15 tournament, following theirvictoryoverTuberPark at the Area ‘H’ Ground recently

The Warriors will now advance and set their sights ontacklingCottonTreeU15 this coming Saturday in Cotton Tree’s home turf.

Edinburghmade78alloutin 18 overs with Antonio DePaulleadingthewaywith 23 and William Costello the nextbestscorerwith7. BowlingforTucberPark, Gilbert Griffith returned with 4-8 off 4 overs, while Jayden Rohlehm chipped in

with 3-20 3 off 4 overs but their team was bowled out for74runsin21.2overs.

Darren Sinclair (11) and Rohlehm, who had a good outingwiththeballreturning to score just 9, were the leading scorers It was clinical bowling from Edinburgtodefendtheirlow totalasIsaacCharliebagged 5-15 in 3 4 overs while AntonioDePaul,snatched321in7overs.

Meanwhile, the BCB drew teams and confirmed fixtures for the upcoming Speaker’s Cup 20/20 knockout tournament, with BCB president Hilbert Foster and Competition Chairman Leslie Soloman

overseeingthedrawing. Fixtures for Speakers Cup 20/20 (dates to be confirmed)

1stRoundRHCanjevs. PoliceatCanje

Tucber Park vs. Berbice River Blairmont vs. Upper CorentyneatNo.69Ground YWCCvs.WestBerbice at West Berbice Albion vs. Port Mourant at PMCC RHTYSC vs. Skeldon at AreaHGround2ndRound

Winner of 6 vs. winners of3at6venuesWinnerof1 vs. winner of 5 at 1 venue Winnerof2vs.winnerof4at 4venues 3rdRound

Winnerof1vs.winnerof 22/3drawbye

Finals-winnerof1vs.2

LaFleur smashes double-century (215*) but team bowled out for 14

while the 6-furlong race for LClassOpen,fetchesapurse of GYD $200,000. The top horse for the day’s race will bag the grand prize of GYD$500,000 alongside trophies.

Meanwhile, Turfites can contact Club Secretary Niketa Ross (662-4668), Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316), Basil Bactowar (661-7815), FazalHabibulla(657-7010), or Isaac Dalloo (689-0629), or any executive member of theKMTCforinquires.

I n a g a m e o f extraordinary proportion recently at Centennial Park, in the continuation of the Etobicoke District Cricket League 40-overs round-robin tournament, former Guyana Under-19 captain Eugene LaFleur waltzed his way to a brilliant,unbeaten215tohelp RedemptionCricketClubpile on a massive 460-6 from the 40-overs, but opposition Commanders Cricket Team were bundled out for a humiliating 14 off 113 overs losing by an incredible 446 runs, much to the consternationoftheirplayers andsupporters.

Ex-Trinidad and Tobago fast-bowler Atiba Allert did most of the damage by bagging 6-4 from six overs, while left-arm orthodox spinner Paul Harrison

supported with 4-1 from a splendid2.3overstodestroy Commanders.

After Redemption winningthetossandoptedto take first strike, it was runsgalore from there on. The left-handed LaFleur plundered 15 sixes and 13 fours while other batsmen capitalised on some

innocuousbowling.

Mark Montfort, a Canadian player, stroked 84 while Kevin Williams made 61 and Harrison with 37, all inblisteringfashion.

Redemption have now chalked up four wins from five games. The other was a defeat The 10-team tournament is set to resume this Sunday with a set of matches.

Redemption Cricket Club willtakeonBramptonBaazsat

KeeleTopwhileCommanders CricketTeamwillmatchtheir skills with Hairounaz at Centennial Park Redemption sitting at number 2 on the points’ table (40) while the unbeaten Hairounaz leading things with 50 points Commanders are number 5 having accumulated 10 pointsthusfar

2023 Masters Champion Robin Persaud

Eugene LaFleur

Britton qualifies for 2023 Pan American Games

Shamar Britton, the

highest-ranked

Table-Tennis player from Guyana, securedacrucialvictorythat earnedhimaspotinthe2023 Pan American Games Santiago,Chile.

H e e x h i b i t e d remarkable performance during the recently concluded Pan Am S p e c i a l S i n g l e s

Qualification Event held in Lima, Peru Britton made a stunning comeback on Saturday, defeating Julian Ramos from Colombia in the second stage of the knockout competition.

During the round of 16 qualificationonThursday, Britton received a bye but unfortunately lost to Julian Ramos in the subsequentround.

However, Britton was abletobouncebackinround

two, of knockouts, by defeating DeAndre Calderon of St Lucia 4-1 to advance to the qualifying match. This win granted him the opportunity to face Ramos for a second time He again faced Ramos, who took him to the brink, requiring a match point at 10-9 in the seventh set

Britton prevailed with a forehand loop in the backhand of Ramos and fell to his knees in a releaseofemotions.

F o l l o w i n g h i s victory over his archrival Ramos, Britton was filled with joy He attributed his success to his parents, coaches, GTTA president, and his faith, stating, “I would like to express my gratitude to God, who continues to bless me in

countless ways

I also want to thank my parents, Dawn Dowridge BrittonandBasilBritton,for alwaysbelievinginme.”

“A special thanks goes to GTTA President

Godfrey Munroe for providing me with the opportunity to compete here Additionally, I am gratefultomycoaches,Idi L e w i s , S y d n e y Christopher, Aaron Edwards, and Alexandre Gomes, who have helped me prepare for these qualifiers ”

The Table Tennis prodigy will now shift attention to preparation and participation in the Central American and Caribbean GamesinSanSalvador,El Salvador,fromJune23

I n a d d i t i o n t o Britton’s qualification, Tyrese Knights from Barbados also secured a

place in the games While Olympian Chelsea Edghill narrowly missed out on qualification after a hard-fought final knock-out clash on S u n d a y a g a i n s t Paraguay’s Ovelar Lucero, which ended in a 4-3 defeat after a closelycontestedmatch

In the second round, Edghillalsosufferedanother loss, this time to Nathaly ParedesfromEcuadorwitha scoreof4-0.

However, she made an impressive comeback in the second round, defeating Gabriela Suarez from El Salvador by a score of 4-0 to set up the c r u c i a l c l a s h Unfortunately, in the opening round of the Knockout Stage, she fell to Maria Maldonado of Peru by a narrow margin of4-3.

Brazil overwhelm Guinea 4-1 in anti-racism friendly

Brazil’s Vinicius Junior scores their fourth goal from the penalty spot. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

B A R C E L O N A , (Reuters)-Braziloutclassed Guinea 4-1 in a friendly on Saturday as Joelinton, Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Vinicius Jr scored for the five-times world champions who wore an all-black kit in the first half to promote an anti-racismcampaign.

It was the first of two friendlies for Brazil against African nations in support of Real Madrid forwardVinicius,whowas

ed in a LaLiga match at Valencia in May, the 10th time incidents involving him have been reported by LaLiga to prosecutors this season Newcastle United midfielderJoelinton,making his international debut, opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a closerangefinishfromarebound.

Rodrygo extended the lead five minutes later with

an unstoppable strike after runningcleardowntheright.

Guirassy Serhou took advantage of a distracted Brazilian defence to pull one back for Guinea with a headerfollowingacounterattackbutMilitaoextended Brazil’s lead with a towering header and

Vinicius completed the rout from the penalty spot fourminutesfromtime.

Brazil play Senegal in Lisbontoday

Shamar Britton at the Singles Qualification Event in Lima, Peru.

Jalen Jones (#5) stood tall for Guyana in their win against Grenada and would look to do so today.