Kaieteur News

Hess Boss tells US conference Pres. Ali assured him of stay in

Justice Kissoon's ruling before Court of Appeal handed down decision

...says: “the President was very emphatic that a stay would be put in place” and so it was…

Oilblocksauction toremainopen untilcompletionof newpetroleumlaw

Boat captain disappears after driving brother to backdam

Exxon gets one year extension to keep entire Stabroek Block before giving up 20 %

...partners will unleash massive exploration programme to leave no discovery behind

- Hess boss reveals

No “adverse consequence” to Guyana if Exxon complies with High Court ruling ...says entire application by Govt. to join appeal of parent company guarantee case is misconceived

-TTSeniorCounsel tellsCourtofAppeal

Staff of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) on Thursday joined in a picketing exercise outside the Arthur Chung Conference Center in support of calls for a fair and transparent investigation into the allegations against the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall. The picketing exercise was organised by Red Thread Women: Crossroads Women's Centre. (APA photo)

Govt.beginstalkswithUSbusinessman onsaleofprofitableMarriottHotel

The evaluation of the two bids received for the acquisition of the profitable Guyana Marriott Hotel have been completed; and the Government of Guyana (GOG) has moved forward with negotiations with American businessman, Ramy El-Batrawi, who proposed US$90 million for thehotel.

This was announced by Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo, during his press conference on Thursday The governmenthadreceivedtwo new proposals after quashing the first bid round for the hotel. The American b u s i n e s s m a n , o n l y competitor was Ravindra Prashad, who had put in a bid of US$86.1 million for the hotel. The sale of the hotel is being facilitated by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited(NICIL).

Jagdeo said, “NICIL has completed the evaluation They have ranked the firm had a bid of (US)$90 million as number one ranked, the

highest bid and they (NICIL) havebeengiventheauthority to engage in negotiations withthatcompany.”

The Marriott Hotel started, under the Jagdeo administration when he was President, using taxpayers' dollars and with a syndicated loan through the Republic Bank Limited of Trinidad and had opened its doors on April 17, 2015. Under the syndicated loan agreement, the preferred rights go to

those investors – meaning that in the event of the hotel being unable to service the loan–theunknowninvestors would have the first lien on theproceedsofanysale.

On May 2, 2023 the government had informed the six bidders that their initial bids were rejected, becausethebidsweretoolow and did not reflect the true valueofthehotel.Thereafter, four of the bidders dropped outleavingX,LLCownedby

El-Batrawi, initially bidding US$65 million and local consortium Integrated Group Guyana Limited, headed by Prashad, who had US$55 million making new proposalstomeetthesetbase price.

Kaieteur News had highlighted that the hotel's top bidder was barred by the United States Securities and

Exchange Commission (SEC) back in 2010 from acting as an officer or director of a public company for a period of five years. It was reported that the US body had filed fraud charges in 2006 against Ramy ElBatrawi, and others arising out of a US$130 million stock loan and manipulation scheme. Notably, while ElBatrawi never accepted wrongdoings, in April 2010 thefinaljudgmentresultedin him being barred from runningapubliccompanyfor five years. This publication had also highlighted that ElBatrawi visited Guyana twice last year, October 2022, and November 2022. The American businessman had praised the time he spent with President Irfaan Ali duringhisvisitstoGuyana.

One month later, NICIL announced the Government's decision to sell the hotel. In March2023,Jagdeorevealed that despite the criticism the hotel faced when the construction was announced – the hotel had emerged as a profitable venture, but justified the sale of the hotel by stating that it was a businessdecision.

Infact,theVPsaidduring a press conference that while thehotelismakingaprofit,it is of no supreme benefit to

the Government owning it anymore. Jagdeo continued by saying that within a few years, several hotels are expected to come on stream and in order to avoid competition, this is the best time to maximise the profit and sell the hotel. According toJagdeo,theproceedsofthe saleistobeused,“toclearoff the remaining loan and some of it will come back to the Treasury to be used back for whatever purpose is determined.”

Notably,adecisionbythe former administration has resulted in US$1.1 million ($226 million) of taxpayers' dollars coming out every six months (since 2017) to service the US$27 million loan from the bank – for a 13 yearperiod.

This was after the hotel was unable to service the loan. In order to prevent the hotel from being acquired by the bank, the former Government in April 2017 made the decision to transfer the hotel's financial obligations to the Central Government.

However, VP Jagdeo stated that while in Opposition, the People's Progressive Party (PPP) administration was opposed to the hotel's financial obligationbeingtransferred.

Vice President (VP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

American businessman, Ramy El-Batrawi

The Guyana Marriott Hotel

Exxon boasts of breaking world record in Stabroek Block to increase profits

Oi l g i a n t ExxonMobil has been undertaking a suite of measures to boost its production output from the resource-rich Stabroek Block According to the multinational corporation, it has completed a 'World record' number of well tests to increase value from the projects.

ExxonMobil is the leader of a consortium currently producing oil offshore Guyana. Its operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is extracting the resources from the Liza One and Two projects presently A third project is expected to startup laterthisyear

Inits2022AnnualReport seen by Kaieteur News, the oil company detailed its activities conducted in the past year geared towards the development of the natural resources It noted that “ E x t e n s i v e d r i l l i n g operations continued in the Stabroek Block in 2022 with three of the six rigs focusing on exploration and appraisal activity.” Appraisal activities refertodrillingworksthatare carriedoutonceoilorgashas been discovered in order to assess the extent of the field, the reserves, the possible rate of production, and the propertiesoftheoilorgas.

Meanwhile, the oil giant reported that its exploration success has resulted in more than 30 discoveries since the initial Liza discovery in

2015. The company said, “Exploration and appraisal activityintheblockiscritical to enhance understanding of the block's potential to increase value and inform f u t u r e d e v e l o p m e n t opportunities.”Some11such exploration and appraisal wells were completed in 2022 with activity extending across the block in the northwest, southeast and centralareas.

To this end, ExxonMobil shared, “One such critical operation includes well testing to provide further reservoir characterization data. Building on the Uaru-1, Mako-2, Longtail-2, Whiptail-2, and Turbot-2 well tests from 2021, the team safely completed a world record seven consecutive well tests from a floating rig, with the execution of well tests at Tilapia-1andPinktail-1.”

K a i e t e u r N e w s understandsthatthereservoir characterization data collected provides dynamic large-scale properties about discovered resources, i n c l u d i n g r e s e r v o i r p e r m e a b i l i t y a n d connectivity to enhance the geologic interpretation Notably, the data also provides critical well performance and fluid characterization data to support the design of future development wells and reservoir management strategy.

It was also explained that analyses of post-drill results continue in the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks based upon the drilling results from Jabillo-1, Bulletwood-1, Sapote-1 and Tanager-1 wells This analysis will further inform block scale prospectivity and the potential for potential maturation of additional prospects.

Only last month this publication reported that ExxonMobil has been deployingitsbesttechnology a n d e x p e r t s f o r “unprecedented results” maximizing value from all frontsinGuyana.Thismeans that the company has been exhausting efforts to extract Guyana'soil.

It was ExxonMobil Corporation's Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Kathy

Mikells who disclosed that the oil giant is sparing no effort in maximising value from Guyana on all fronts, as quicklyaspossible.

Towardsthisend,Mikells said Exxon has launched an exercise that allows for the simultaneous execution of exploration, appraisal, and development activities in the Guyana basin, specifically at the Stabroek Block which has unlocked 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources.

She noted that the company's approach has resulted in tremendous financial success Mikells said, “Our technology,

integration, and project management capabilities enable us to grow this unique asset at an industry-leading pace.”

Compared to the first quarter of 2022, the Chief Financial Officer said Exxon added about 300,000 oil equivalent barrels per day to global supply driven by 40% productiongrowthinGuyana and the Permian and good operational performance

The Exxon official said this more than offset the impact of its divestments and the expropriation of Sakhalin-1 in Russia, with overall production volume up 160,000 oil-equivalent barrelsperday

While the company has been accelerating the production and exploration activities,ithasbeenrefusing to take full responsibility of an oil spill that may occur in theStabroekBlockasaresult of its activities Both operational developments are producing oil above the safe operating limits, p r e s c r i b e d i n t h e Environmental Impact

Assessments (EIAs) conducted by Exxon. In the meantime, Guyana merely has a US$600 million insurance to respond to such adisaster

The Court recently ordered the oil company to provide the country with an unlimitedparentguaranteeto cover all costs associated withaspill.Thisdecisionhas been appealed and is currently before the Court of Appeal Exxon has since provided a US$2 billion affiliate company guarantee, pending the decision of the Court.

It is also critical to note that projects in the Stabroek Block are being developed under a lopsided agreement signed between the government and Exxon. The contract enables Exxon to deduct 75 percent of the revenuetowardstherecovery of costs to develop the resources. The remaining 25 percentisthensharedequally between government and the oil companies. This means 12.5 percent of the profit is given to Guyana while Exxon benefits from the other 12.5 percent. Exxon is alsorequiredtopayameager two percent royalty to the country Activists in the country have protesting the arrangement and are demanding that the terms be renegotiated to ensure Guyana benefits from the vast resources discovered offshore.

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

Printed

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

DR. BULKAN LAYING IT ON THE LINE

All Guyanese owe environmental activist, Dr Janette Bulkan a word of gratitude for her stark and sobering appraisal of where this country would stand, what it potentiallystaresat,intheeventofanoilspillofdisastrous proportions. In sum, we are not only playing with fire, but Guyana is also recklessly dancing in a bonfire that could consumethiscountry,leavingonlyashesbehind.

Should there be an oil spill of massive proportions, Guyanese could be looking at a probable indebtedness of more than US$20 billion annually In such a catastrophic instance, countries in the region would be contemplating beachesandwatersthatarethickwithoilandgrease. Twelve countriescouldbewatchingtheireconomiclifelinestretched andruptured.

ForcountriessuchasAruba,Grenada,andStLucia,those watersandbeachesthatsustaintheirnationaleconomies,the impact could be beyond devastating; it would be crippling. Tourism as a contributor to the Gross Domestic Product of those three countries in pre-Covid years was anywhere between44%to68%,orclosetohalfandovertwo-thirdsof national output. One does not even want to imagine the combinedandextendedconsequencesthatwouldresultfrom suchanoilspilldevelopmentandstrike.

Dr Bulkan, long a thoughtful and devoted activist, pointedtowhathappenedintheGulfofCampechein1971, when three barrels of oil were spilled over nine unending months, and the devastations that resulted from the spread. For some reason, the Government of Guyana has not recorded the level of urgent anxiety over the dangers and damages a big oil spill could inflict on this country The PPPC Government, as led by its oil spearhead, Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has been dogged in its determination to protect the interests of foreign oil companies operating offshore Guyana, even when this leavesGuyanaprecariouslyperched. Tothispoint,wehave not seen anywhere near the same energy and passion from either the Government or Vice President Jagdeo when protection of Guyana (and its neighbors) should have been the paramount concern. This is even in the face of Environmental ImpactAssessments conducted for projects intheStabroekBlockthatidentifytheriskspresent.

Nobodyinhisorherrightmindissayinglet’sleavethe oil in the seabed. Rather, what is being said is that as we exploitthisrichresourceendowment,theremustbeprudent management of production, and the risks that accompany such. The PPPC Government and citizens have been informedaboutthepossibleeffectsofanoilspill,andwhich countriescanbeseverelyimpacted.

Neither should sit complacently on the cautions given, andbecontentwithwhatisafarcryfromrobustprotections that are needed to safeguard the results of our wealth, the welfareofourneighbors,andtheprospectsoftheGuyanese people. To have settled for a ceiling of US$2 billion is not simplyanerrorofjudgment,butafailureofleadershipwill, andemphasizestheissuesandconcernsaboutwherethefirst prioritiesofthePPPCGovernmentare.

Thecitizensofthiscountryarelookingataflashingred light that warns of a potential liability of US$20+billion annually This does not consider the extent of damages to domesticfishingsectors,andthelikelyscenarioofcountless lawsuits for compensation filed by activists’ groups and citizens in the region. Guyana could be living with a nightmare of incalculable magnitude, where all the billions of barrels of oil come to nothing, such would be our liabilities. Yet,thesometimeshostile,sometimesdisdainful, reaction of the Guyana Government, and Vice President Jagdeo, when a full parent company guarantee is placed on thetablespeaksvolumes,givesrisetocontinuingfearsabout wheretheheartofbothis.

TheexpectationisthattheVicePresidentwouldbeinthe forefrontofthefighttowringtherightkindofinsurancefrom ExxonMobil’s hand, except that he has not. There is only one acceptable kind of insurance, and it is that full parent company guarantee, meaning, unlimited. It is not US$2 billion, can never be. Not with over US$20 billion (really, US$27billionnetted)hangingonGuyana’shead.

TEACH CHILDREN INFORMATIONABOUT THEMSELVES

DEAREDITOR,

It is troubling, the child who was taken to Turkeyen PoliceStationashewasona Sophiabusanddidnotcome off, could not say his age or wherehelived(ActionNews June21).

It was subsequently noted he lives in North

Ruimveldt.

The question remains why did he board a Sophia bus?

By mistake maybe?

Maybe too, the child was confused after realizing he joinedthewrongbus.

It is suggested to assist him in future that his name,

age, school, home address and name of parents or guardiansalongwithcontact telephone number(s) be writtenandplacedinhisbag foreaseofreference.

The presence of mind of the bus driver to take him to the police station must be commended.

The lesson here is that it isimportanttoteachchildren basic information about themselves in order to provide such information in situationslikethisorasmay beneeded.

It is hoped the child can recoverfromhisordeal.

ShamshunMohamed

Respect the letter and spirit of the Sexual OffencesAct

DEAREDITOR,

Government, the Judiciary, and the Guyana Police Force to ensure that theletterandspiritofthisAct isfullyrespected

The GuyanaAssociation of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) has taken note and expresses serious concern on the troubling issue which was published in print and electronic media of the serious allegations levelled by a 16-year-old schoolgirl againsttheMinisterofLocal and Regional Government, NigelDharamlall.

T h e u n d e r l y i n g allegations of rape and sodomy are most disturbing and particularly troubling that the young complainant

is a member of our indigenous peoples, who participated in a beauty pageant over which the Minister had some official responsibility

The National Assembly passed in 2010 the Sexual Offences Act which stipulates a child to mean anyone under the age of 18 yearsold.TheActhasamong itspurposes,thefairandjust treatment of criminal complainants who suffer the painandignominyofsexual attacks.

TheAssociation calls on the Government, the Judiciary, and the Guyana Police Force to ensure that theletterandspiritofthisAct is fully respected. Further, Protection of Children Act

2009 and Guyana as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1991), requires adherence to policies and protocols in the best interest of children that protects and promote their holistic wellbeing.

The GAPSW expects that this mandate will be credibly, vigorously, and consistently fulfilled by all governingandsocialwelfare agencies responsible for

children in Guyana, regardless of the prestige

s t a t u s o f a l l e g e d

p e r p e t r a t o r s T h e Association calls for a prompt, thorough, impartial, andtransparentinvestigation to determine the criminal

culpability of the accused Minister

Such an inquiry should form the basis of standards andprotocolstopreventany reoccurrence. The GAPSW further encourages the public, social media, and media houses to act responsibly and adhere to “Anonymity of the Complainant,”asarticulated in Article 62. (1) of the Sexual Offences Act. The Association stands ready to assistinanywaypossibleto contribute towards the wellbeingofthecomplainantand the rehabilitative process associated with alleged perpetrators of such heinous crimes.

Mrs.DebbieHopkinson, President

Mr. Jagdeo’s comment that PNC politicising rape and sodomy ofAmerindian girl a poor response

DEAREDITOR,

On Wednesday, Mr Jagdeo did a “damage control” interview with that “cuss bird” person who is neither a journalist nor a critic While saying if MinisterDharamlallisfound guilty, he will face the consequences, he also said theOppositionshouldnotbe politicisingtheissue.

If he is misreading the protests as being only “political,” Mr Jagdeo must not be smart enough to discern that, as with the fire that killed 20 young

Amerindians school children, there is national outrage on this brutal “rape, sodomy, and deflowering of an Amerindian virgin” by a close member of his PPP club.Voterswillbereminded of this act in the 2025 election campaign, and the PPP is losing points every day it delays removing this Senior Minister now Does

the PPP not understand that whether Mr Dharamlall is foundguiltyornotthatheis damagedgoods,andwillnot beabletofunctioninapublic capacityanymore?

Canyouimaginehowhe willberidiculedeverywhere he goes? Allowing the due process and legal process to work is fine, but there is nothing that prevents PresidentAli to remove him nowthroughfiringorasking him to resign. The Minister serves at the pleasure of the President.

When Mr Dharamlall was charged for allegedly pullingagunonanemployee of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) officeinGuyanaafterhesaw t h e i n d i v i d u a l communicating with his exwife, it was Mr Jagdeo who said“Dharamlallwillhaveto g i v e ‘ b e l i e v a b l e ’ explanations Clearly he has to give explanations,

solid explanations, believable explanations to theexecutiveofthepartyand tousbecausetheallegations are serious,” Jagdeo told members of the media at a pressconference.

In this story, no charges were laid because the two parties had “settled” the matter In this rape and sodomy case of the schoolgirl, unconfirmed rumoursarecirculatingthata $10 million “settlement” money may have been paid. Mr Jagdeo may want to tell the country if this Minister was ever previously cautioned, counselled or warned about bad behavior relating to sexual improprieties. I wonder if Mr Jagdeo thinks the Minister’s denial of rape/sodomy meets his litmustestof“believable.”

This is a teachable moment for all our school childrenaboutsexualcrimes

and behaviours. The same way we had school children everywhere holding hands andforminghumanchainsin support of the fire victims, we should have them doing thesamealloverGuyana,as a moment of learning and solidarity with the victim student. Now is the time for the Student Councils and student leaders at UG, CPCE,GTI,NATI,Bishops’ High, Queens College, Women’s groups, foreign embassies,etc.togettowork and organize these moments ofreflection.

Ministry of Education andSocialprotectionshould support that, “Because We Care.” School children of Guyana,takeastandnowfor afellowschoolgirlallegedly violated by a PPP Government official and Presidential leadership is sorelymissing.

Sincerely,

M.Singh

UnethicalconductatUniversity ofGuyana’sBusinessSchool

DEAREDITOR, A complaint and a request for an investigation will be filed with the Ministry of Education and Finance describing the egregious code of conduct violations that are ignored after written complaints and otheranomaliesatSEBI.

The complaint may be made available to Kaieteur News for review and publication.

I am a lecturer at the University of Guyana and a concernedGuyanese.

Over the past seven months, I have witnessed unbelievable unethical conduct, substandard course outlines,andweakprograms at the School of Business Entrepreneurship & Innovation (SEBI) at the UniversityofGuyana.

The nature of the violations includes, untruthfulness, misleading bydistortionofinformation, vile and abusive language and expression, failing to accord a high standard of integrity,honestyandethical values in the discharge of duties, and the misuse and abuseofpowerorpositionin the discharge of duties, and more (University of Guyana CodeofConduct,2007).

The problems are

compoundedbytheneedfor a response by the leadership team and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor to address theseseriousviolations.

Forinstance,acomplaint detailing unethical conduct (violations) by the Dean of the School of Business and others in the department has yet to receive a response afterninety-twodays

More than Ninety-two daysago(March16),Ifiled acomplaintaboutnumerous code of conduct violations and a request for an investigation with ViceChancellor Paloma

Mohamed The ViceChancellor referred the complaint to the Committee of Deans twenty days later (April5).

Fifty-five days after the establishment of a subcommittee to investigate the complaint on April 25, 2023, and consider the matterandseventy-fivedays after Vice-Chancellor

Paloma Mohamed referred the complaints to the Committee of Deans there wasnomeetingconvenedor not contact with the c o m p l a i n a n t f o r consideration and a determination.

Other issues in the complaint include

Snail’spacedevelopment ofWalesPowerPlantandGasPlant

DEAREDITOR,

knowingly voting to adopt wrong meeting minutes, disrespectful and vile conduct, abuse of position andpower,tonameafew.

Similar misconduct by the Head of the Department also remains unanswered twenty-five days after submission to the ViceChancellor

A l l d o c u m e n t s , including but not limited to complaints, supplementals, memoranda,emails,meeting minutes, and other supporting information, can befurnisheduponrequest.

Iwanttoscheduleatime to speak with you at your earliest convenience to explorethedepthofthepoor administration and unchecked violations of the University’s code of conduct.

Please let me know if Kaieteur News is interested in reviewing the complaints forpublication.

Pleasedonotpublishthis information before we discussthematterfurther Ilookforwardtohearing fromyousoon.

Bestregards,

Dr.WayneForde Lecturer, School of Business and Entrepreneurship UniversityofGuyana

JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED

DEAREDITOR,

Giventhat120daysisthe legaltimelimitforajudgeto decide a case, is the Chief Justice breaking the law by failing to deliver judgement in a judicial review case whichwasheardbyhermore than 400 days ago, on May 12,2022?

We brought this case in the public interest because we know that flaring is dangerous. In our case we say that Esso is not allowed to flare and that the EPA acted unlawfully when it amended Esso’s permit to

allow Esso to turn around andflareinreturnforpaying fees. If the judge disagrees with us and dismisses our case then at least we know wherewestand.Butuntilwe have a decision we do not knowwhatthelawisandwe cannot go to the Court of Appeal and onwards to the

As a concerned Guyanese Citizen, I live around the Gas-to-Energy Project Area and have seen the snail-slow development oftheWalesPowerPlantand GasPlant.

For months, little have we seen of the main USA awarded contractors on the area.

No jobs, no equipment movements, and given the Site Preparation was publicly scheduled to be finished in June 1st 2023, there are evident delays on the ground not being reported in Georgetown and being kept hushed-hushed even by the opposition media.

The international firms, astheyhavedoneinthepast, bidandwincontractsonlyto then delay execution to achieve two things: Ask for more time and ask for more money When are we going to get transparency from the Ministry of Natural

Resources and the famous Task Force on what’s happening behind closed doorswiththisvitalproject?

My friends at Ogle say t h e C o n t r a c t o r s ’ representatives arrive in private jets weekly (they flewcommercialbeforethey got this lucrative contract) stayonly3nightsincountry if even, and then take back their hotshot executives to their comfy houses in the USA. So my country is not goodforthemtospendafull week and weekend? Is Guyana only good to siphon money out to pay for them private jets? Other than the Fuel for the plane, paid with Project Money, there is no local expenditure, no local content, no jobs, as seen in the delayed execution of the project.

So imagine if the fancy bankers and company executives fly in today at Ogle,tohavethemmeetings at closed doors, late hours drinksatsecludedhomes,to

negotiate how to take more money from Guyana, say USD 60-100 Million and deliver the promised Energy at a later date, say 8-12 months?

And will the contractors start bringing them bankers as an olive branch to dupe our ministry team into signing a bad loan as a solution to a worse price revision at their favor? Surely not we hope. Our leaders are more prepared thanthis.

Imagine them with the Task Force, Exxon, the Ministry, all behind closed doorsdrivingupthecostand postponing construction and delivery of the long awaited projectinmyRegion.

I ask You Editor and Readers, where is the transparency?OrwillWebe informed only after backroom deals are completed with no oversight?

Sincerely, AConcernedCitizen

Redesign the GoldenArrowhead

DEAREDITOR,

The Golden Arrowhead needs to be redesigned Guyana’s landscape has changed considerably since independence Hence, the flag which reflected Guyana’s environment at that time should be changed accordingly

Gold which represents mineral wealth and holds 24% should be increased to 40%

This is justifiable with thediscoveryofOilandgas.

government standing up for the oil companies while forsaking the interest of the citizenry.There is no zeal in our leaders to defend their countryanditscitizens.

CaribbeanCourtofJustice.

We ask the Chief Justice to deliver her decision immediately,notjustforour sake but for the sake of the publicinterest.

Respectfully,

SinikkaHenry SherlinaNageer AndriskaThorington

Currently, green which represents agriculture and forestsandholds50%ofthe portionoftheflagshouldbe decreased to approximately 40%. The reason for this is theamountofforestthathas been lost due to mining and logging.

White which represents rivers and water and holds 6% should be increased to approximately 16% given the amount of rivers and waterfalls that has been discovered.

Black which symbolizes strength and endurance represents 4% of the flag should be reduced to 2% ThisisbecausetheGuyanese have presented themselves tobeaweakpeople.

I say this because they h a v e a l l o w e d t h e governments of their time andtheoilcompaniestocart off and misuse their mineral wealth in vast proportions whiletheysitbackwiththeir hands in pocket and as if theirfeetareinshackles.

Red which symbolizes zeal and dynamism and holds 16% should also be reduced to 2%. Imagine a

It is disheartening to knowthatGuyanawhichhas more natural resources than all its Caribbean neighbours and is not able to afford its citizens a better quality of life than its than most if its Caribbean.

Thisisproveninthefact that many Guyanese leave Guyana’s shore to these Caribbean islands and are often able to acquire better pay and higher standard of life.

This is to the extent that theydonotwishtoreturnto Guyanatotakeupresidence.

Respectfully,

S.Persaud

Govt. needs to protect the nation’s children

DEAREDITOR,

Children are the most vulnerable and weakest members of society, to fight back against crime. It is government’s responsibility to protect their citizens, especially those who cannot fight back, either because theyareafraid,lackthewill, encouragement or resources to do so. It is shameful indeedforthepresidentafter learning of this serious allegation, to wait for the accused to hand in his leave ofabsencepapers.

It is shameful that the attorney general upon hearing of this allegation failed to provide the proper

legaladvicetothepresident, that the right to do, was to send the accused on immediate leave, instead of waitingonpublicoutrage.

A crime of rape can be proven in a court of law without DNA evidence however, unlike regular crimes, rape investigation needs to have investigators with experience who are specially trained to investigate, collect evidence and interviewing process. This is an allegation of a brutalrapeagainstachild,if moneyispassedtomakethis alleged crime go away, the DPP has a responsibility to not only disregard the

payoff, but to add an additional charge, as we are dealingwithachild.

I believe that a thorough interview with the victim, her brother and people with helpful information, can determine the outcome of thisincident.

With her description of the room, the bed and other furniturepresent,maybeshe noticed that the accused has markings on his body, such asscarsorbirthmarks.

Did the police look for evidenceintheroom,suchas herhairfolliclewhichcould still be on the bed sheet to thisday?

Jagmohan

Observing World Refugee Day

DEAREDITOR,

The Guyana Peace Council (GPC) joins with organizations across the world in the observance of World Refugee Day This day,June20,wassetasideby theUnitedNationstohonour refugees across the world, manyofwhomareforcedby circumstances beyond their control to seek a better and more secure life in other lands. The theme of this year’sWorldRefugeeDayis ‘Hope Away From Home’ andcomesatatimewhenthe refugeecrisishasbeenmade w o r s e d u e t o t h e Russia/Ukraine war and conflicts in several parts of theworld.

As a consequence, it is the ordinary people who suffer the most during periodsofwarandconflicts.

According to UNHCR data, 108 4 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced, 62 5 million internally displaced, of which 5 4 million are considered asylum seekers. The statistics show that 52 per cent of all refugees and other people in need of protection came from just three countries, namely Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan and North Africa Interestingly enough, 76% percent of the world’s refugees are hosted in lowand middle income countries. Children account for roughly 40% of all forciblydisplacedpersons. These are indeed disturbing figures which needed to be urgently addressed by way of enlightened policy

interventions on part of the internationalcommunity

This year’s observances are being held against the background of one of the most tragic disaster when a fishing boat carrying refugees and migrants capsized and sank in the southern coast of Greece resulting in the deaths of scores of people, including women and children. The significance of this day cannot be overemphasized. Ithighlightsthecourageand resilience of people to rebuild their lives under daunting and perilous circumstances. Thedayisthereforeseen as an opportunity to experience, understand and celebratetherichdiversityof thecommunitiesofrefugees.

GuyanaPeaceCouncil

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DHARAMLALL WOULD HAVE TO FACE THE MUSIC

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Vice President and General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo said that rape accused Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall would have to face the consequences if the allegations are found to be true.

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Police indicated on Thursday that their investigations have been completed and the file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

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We at this newspaper hope that justice will be served and that a fair and impartial investigation was actually conducted.

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We also hope that there would be no interference, and Dharamlall will face the ‘music’if found culpable.

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No “adverse consequence” to Guyana if Exxon complies with High Court ruling

of

A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Seenath Jairam, SC on Thursday argued that the entire application made by the Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall S.C to join the appeal of the unlimited parent company guarantee, ordered by the High Court is “misconceived”.

Jairam in his arguments told the Appeal Court “The entire application by the AG is misconceived Any anticipated or purported adverse consequence to the State, to the Government of Guyana and to the executive branch of government does not come from the Order made by Justice (Sandil) Kissoon but from Esso's colossal failure to comply with the Order.” He therefore submittedthattheAG'sclaim to have any interest in the matterbedisposedof.

The Senior Counsel went on to point out that the Attorney-General represents

the State in litigation, under Section 8 of the State Liability and Proceedings ActCap6:05proceedingsfor the enforcement of any claim by or against the State shall be brought by or against the AG.Onthisnote,Jairamsaid there is no claim being brought by or against the Stateandthereforenorolefor theAGinthematter

He was keen to note, “The Order benefits and protects the Government of Guyana, yet the AG in a strange twist or irrationally wishestointervenetooppose the Order and thus to go against the interests of the Government of Guyana ”

Jairam told the Court of Appeal that the AG is acting contrarytotheinterestsofthe State and the people of Guyana, since the State and the people will be liable for all costs of clean up and compensation related to a spill if Esso Exploration and

Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) disobeys the Court and does not produce the parentcompanyguarantee.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General in his arguments to join the appeal told the Court thatthatasapartytothe2016 P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil, it will be affected by any decision taken to suspend the Permit for the oil company's Liza One project. The High Court in its May 3, 2023 ruling determined that a failure to provide the unlimited parent company guarantee would result in a suspension of the Permit.

To this end, the AG told theAppeal Court, “This is an Agreement that generates hundreds of billions of d o l l a r s , w h i c h t h e government uses in its Budgetary allocations for the general development of Guyana and the public good,

as is provided for by Section 16 (2) (a) of the Natural Resources Fund Act, 2021. This singular contract in this one sector has catapulted Guyana's economic growth rate from 5.4 percent to over 62.5percent,makingitbyfar thelargest-growingeconomy in the world.” As such, he said the State should be addedtothematter

He also argued that based on the “major national importance” of the project that is tied to the public interest,theAttorneyGeneral qualifies an “appropriate intervener.”

Jairam in opposing to the AG's submission to join the matter reasoned that the AG has made it clear that his interest is in maintaining a flow of billions of dollars of revenue to the current executivearmofgovernment andnotinprotectingtheState or the Government of Guyana from possible catastrophicevents.

The Senior Counsel told theCourt,“TheAGalsohasa constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law In order to fulfill that duty, he ought to require Esso to comply with the Order and respect the authority of the judiciary, under the Separation of Powers Doctrine (the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial).” Jairam argued that the AG has

-TT Senior Counsel tells Court of Appeal Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC

chosen to do the opposite in seeking to intervene in the matter to challenge the Court'sOrder

According to him, this breach of the AG's constitutionaldutyisbyitself sufficient to dispose of the AG'sclaimtobepermittedto intervene. As such he argued that the Court should not enable the AG in aiding a breach of the law, namely, s. 31 (4) of the Act and Reg 14 (1) of the Environmental Protection (Authorisations) Regulations[10/200].

Jairam also submitted “all the tortuous arguments by the AG cannot overcome the fact that an unlimited guarantee (which is) a piece ofpaperwithnonumberinit, is the best financial protection that Guyana and the Government of Guyana can have ” He therefore noted that the AG has no business whatsoever in trying to reduce that

guarantee for the benefit of Esso and its parent, ExxonMobilCorporation.

Background

On May 3, 2023 High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon, ruled in favour of two citizens, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte who had challenged the EPA for failing to enforce the provisions of the Liza One Permit, requiring an unlimited parent company guarantee from ExxonMobil Corporation. The case was filed in the High Court on September 13 by Attorneys Seenath Jairam, SC, Melinda Janki, and Abiola WongInniss.

After the ruling was handed down, the EPA filed an appeal. On June 8, 2023 Appellate Judge, Justice Rishi Persaud issued a Stay of the Order and directed the company to lodge a US$2 billion guarantee pending the outcomeoftheappeal.

...says entire application by Govt. to join appeal

parent company guarantee case is misconceived

OUTRAGE AT THE MORAL DARKNESS OF LGE FRANCHISE EXERCISE

Anumber of Guyanese have expressedpublic shock and disappointment that Opposition supporters came out in the last Local Government Elections, and voted how they did Questionsandconcernshave been articulated as to how APNU supporters could have voted for the group, after what transpired in the bruising 2020 elections season The position has some substance, but then it struggles for traction in the faceofwhathasbecomethe normsincethen.

Without a doubt, the Coalition tried its hand in multiple ways to thwart the will of the people, and there is no arguing with that, for the record is there in black andwhite,andredandgreen also To say that the Coalition lost its moral compass might even qualify asanunderstatement.Butto seize upon that alone, and apply the same glaring absence of a moral compass and a moral anchor to those who came out and voted for the Opposition in the last LGE is rank overstretch. It misses the mark by the widest of margins, consideringthesumofwhat hastakenplaceheresincethe PPPCreturnedtopower

Yes, the governing Coalition did its best to rig the 2020 elections, but the PPPC Government has been nothing but rigging every aspectofGuyaneselifesince

that most torrid of seasons. Vital institutions of state have been coerced into compromising standards, to the detriment of the Guyanese environment, future,andpopulation.What the Coalition failed to do at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) the PPPC Government has succeeded in doing with the Environmental Protection Agency, with the Guyana Police Force, with the venerable National Assembly, and with the organs of local governance intheregions,tonameafew of them. What about the moral darkness that has blanketed those sensitive stateagencies,thosedelicate arms of democracy? Who can vote for such abominations?

The PPPC leadership, whenitwasintheopposition ranks,tookthehighpatriotic road with the 2016 ExxonMobil oil contract, andhowitwasgoingtodoso much for the Guyanese people by addressing its lopsided terms and conditions The PPPC leadership, now with the reinsofpowerfirmlyfixedin their hands, have walked back, reneged, welshed on what they promised, what was committed to, back in the throes of the 2020 elections environment. To falsify intentions first, and sincethentoseektomystify the Guyanese nation, through red herrings and

Dem Boys Seh...

other deceptive practices, withsomethingaspivotalas oil, is more than moral darkness, moral lassitude, and moral sickness. It is of immorality and dishonesty run amok, and without bottom, or with pointed disdain and insult for the people whose votes were pleadedfor,whowereliedto inpathologicalfashion,soas to get in the seat of power, and enrich self and family What about those who still votedforthem? Remember to consider the arrival of Chinese businessman Su, who compromised our own Vice President. What about the bulldozing of the homes of innocent citizens of Mocha Arcadia; what about the nastiness that now envelopes and being revealed about a sitting PPPCGovernmentMinister, Nigel Dharamlall and the e m b a r r a s s m e n t o f Permanent Secretary, Mae Thomas whose US visa was revoked.Andfromthesetips of the iceberg, the extent of an unmatched moral crisis seizes and overwhelms Thesearetheunprecedented mothers of all moral crises, yet people voted for the PPPC.

W h a t t h e P P P C Government, its helpless, likely compromised, leaders engage in today is still infinitely worse, tragically moredestituteofmoralsand ethics, than what the Coalitionendeavouredtodo in 2020, and for which it

Come together, right now...!

Well,well,well!Lookatalldemfolksin Guyana, blowing dem own ‘lil’ trumpets, thinking dem is big shots in dis oil deal fiasco. But meh tell yuh someting, unless dey put down dem solo acts and form an orchestra,deyjustmakingawholelotnoise fornothin.

Listenup,people!Disain’tnoone-man band ting we dealing with. We got dis harmonious symphony of protests goin on, with everyone tryin strummin dem own instrument.Environmentalistswailinonde clarinets,shoutinboutdedestructionof de environment Activists with dem big trombones blastin out that de law is being broken… And don’t forget strummin’ de violins,arguin’forafairerdeal.

But guess what? Dey all just playin’ theirownlil’tunes,whiledepowersdatbe sitbackandlaugh.

Dempoliticians,slyconductorsdatdey are, know how to play dis game. Dey watchin’ de division and confusion. Dem solo acts got no chance against dat kinda orchestration.Butiftheyallcometogether, likeabigoleband,wellnow,datwouldbe somethintoreckonwith!

Picture it, my people! Dem clarinets harmonizin with dem trombones, while de violinsandcelloscreateamelodysosweet, it’slikeangelssinging..Disgrandorchestra

of voices would demand attention. Dem powersdatbewon’thavenochoicebuttosit up and listen, cause ain’t nobody ignoring datkindasound.

It’stimeforthesefragmentedmusicians togetittogether Stopwithdesoloactsand start playing in tune with one another Dis struggle ain’t about individual glory; it’s about de collective melody of change. Together, they can create a crescendo so powerful,it’llshakedeveryfoundationsof Guyana.

So, my brothers and sisters of protest, drop de solo act and pick up de harmony Unite your voices, instruments, and ambitions. You got to understand, dis is morethanjustalil’song,disisasymphony ofvoicesdatwon’tbesilenced.Onlywhen you come together you will become an unstoppableforce.

Untildatday,letdemkeepblowindem trumpets,eachindemownlilcorner,while deechoesoftheireffortsfadeintodeabyss. But remember dis, my people—de true power lies in de collective, in de grand symphonyofunity Solet’sharmonize,let’s makesomenoise,andletdempowersdatbe dancetoourtune.Ohyes,it’stimetocome together and make some sweet music, Guyana-style.

TalkHalf.LeffHalf!

rightly fell. Today, when Government and leaders stand shoulder to shoulder with ExxonMobil, the emperor of exploitation, to draintheGuyanesepeopleof hope and what is their due, then there is, can be, no moralspecterthatis thicker, deeper, and more damaging.

To try to thwart the will of the electorate through cheap tricks and contemptible cheatings represented a new and deplorable level of moral darkness by the Coalition. But to emerge victorious in a brawl of an elections battle, and to turn around and betray the prosperity of the whole nation simply does not have any measure, possesses no equivalent, where moral

crises and leadership turpitudes are the prime concerns.

The agents of the Coalition stuttered and stumbled with their foolish spreadsheets and other rigging appliances in 2020. In 2023, the leading men in thePPP/CGovernmenthave not only lost their lines, but they have also lost their minds.Theycannotspeakto truth; they flee from facing Guyanese due to the traitorous relationship that they have forged with ExxonMobil. What greater moral darkness/crisis can there be than that? When so much hinges on this oil, whensomuchwaspromised to be done, and when so muchtrustwasplacedinthe

PPP/CGovernmentoftoday, there is no bigger betrayal, no greater moral and financial disaster that is faced by the Guyanese people.WhatGuyaneselook at is not a crisis. Guyanese live with an ongoing and intensifyingcatastrophe.

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

BYGHKLALL

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

THE MAN FROM NOWHERE, NOW EVERYWHERE

First, they said that a phantom thrived, which brought a chuckle. Then they said something about prolific, which prompted a wider smile.Butnowthattherehavebeen consistent crossings from the prolific to the prodigious, everybodyisupinarms.How can that be? Who is he? For the enlightenment of fellow Guyanese-all good people-I am stillthesameoleme.

It is an intriguing contemplation regarding what wouldhavebeentheconclusionsif I used to share articles with the lustrous ‘Guyana Chronicle’, and the even more illustrious ‘Guyana Times’. For then, I would have transformed into Guyana’s first truly nationally syndicated columnist in the face of the receptive and the rambunctious. But even without reaching into those media expanses, there are still these expressions of consternationsaboutwhatisitthat this man has, that he could be all overtheplaceatthesametime.

As a courtesy, my fellow Guyaneseareletintoalittlesecret. It is what is called the American work ethic. It is neither chic nor

politicalanticnorpartisanhysteric, but studying the terrain, and not likingwhatisseen. Whathasbeen observed is Her Excellency Sarah Ann Lynch and Exxon’s Alistair Routledge running rings around my own people, which doesn’t sit well. It is all about oil and how Guyanesehavetolivewithmanya foil for what belongs to them. Whentheyarehungry,Iamangry When they are made fools of-by foreigners, local political, and private sector, schemers-I see red. When everybody else sees green (Yankee dollar), I see red, and the thinking should be of bulls and bullfighters.

Incidentally, when I took the liberty of describing Guyanese as my people, SN was mischievous enough to caption a letter dispatched as throwing hat in the ring. My word! That threw a few people into a tizzy Is he serious? Whatcouldthismean? Andsince thereisagrowingconsensusabout political equation, the temptation comes. Comeon,thereisfleshand bloodonthissideofthestreet,too. Truthfully,ifthisiswhatittakesto get Guyanese going, and get the PPP and PNC all hot and sweaty

with anxiety, then count me in. Remember I have the precious missing commodities: they are called honesty, duty, country, and family, not necessarily in that order, and even though I say so myself. Forthosewhowishtotake literally, one never knows how such could lead to a rally I found that aside irresistible What becomes clearer is that Guyana’s politicsisabarreloffun,aloadof laffs.

Now, the real story behind all the discombobulations of PPP agitated must be put before the public. Nobodyshouldcareabout man or contributor But what is drilling a hole in their stomach startingfromtheiresophagusisthe sum of the messages and the substanceofthem. Whatpertained in times of yore still has its place today The message not the messenger is what matters. To emphasize it is the song not the singer that reverberates in the national psyche and pushes clearheaded and fair-minded Guyanesetoslapthemselvesonthe cheek, and ask themselves now why wasn’t that thought of, seen forwhatitis.

Another secret of the trade is freely shared, so that my fellow citizens(GuyanesenotAmericans) could get a better appreciation of how the real world of primetime and time is money work Americans do their homework. Theystrategizeandrationalizeand exercise almost every cell in their heads; it is about how to get an edge, how to get ahead. For example, they had the goods on DesmondHoyteandknewwhento pounceathisweakestmoment.For sure,theyknewoftheseveralloves ofBharratJagdeo,andhowtoreel him in first, and then use that against him by tying him into knots When he contracted laryngitis of the lips and tendinitis ofthetongue,Ihadnochoicebutto run to the rescue of Guyanese by developing sinusitis of the pen. Now, it appears that every time an attack of scribbler’s hay fever arrives, then I have to give expression to sneezes of ink, and whatcausesotherstorunforcover

Though it may sound selfish, there is no undue concern with spreading some germs around; it may catch on. Definitely the people at Freedom House,

Congress Place, and Exxon-Ville situpandtakeissuewiththeirstory beingoutonstreet. Guyanesemay come across as tenderfoot people, but they also have a keen sense of when mischief is afoot. When anyone desires to see mischief firsthand,alltheyhavetodoisget aneducationaboutoil. Igotagood onefromthefeetofthemastersof the universe themselves, but am learningallthetime.

Every Guyanese should appreciate the free favors being delivered fairly frequently, so that theycanbewell-armedtodobattle for their rights, oil superpower or no superpower Pitiful leaders, or worse. This is what compels such concerns. It is not about access, notevenofme. Themessagesare what mek some Guyanese peeple tekworreez.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaperanditsaffiliates.)

HARDTRUTHS

NIS pension payments will now be paid along with Old Age Pension

FromJuly2023,the N a t i o n a l Insurance Scheme (NIS)pensionpaymentswill be paid from the first working day of every month to align with Old Age Pension (OAP) payments, SeniorMinisterintheOf of the President wi Responsibility fo Finance, Dr Ashni Singhhasinstructed.

This is in keeping w i t h a n announcement by President Irfaan Ali onThursday Previously, NIS pension payments were made from the fi Mondayofeverymonth.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), “This is part of Government's broader agenda to improve, modernizeandstreamlineits service-deliverytocitizens.”

Other measures taken t h u s f a r b y t h e administrationhavebeenthe NIS Online Contribution Checking System (OCCS) which is expected to reduce t h e i n c i d e n c e o f inaccuracies, the WhatsApp life certificate hotline,

W h a t s A p p Q u e r i e s Textbook Service and NIS LiveChat.

NIS payments are paid via the Guyana Post Office

OfficeCorporation(GPOC), MoneyGram, Western Union, Sure Pay and CommercialBanks.

“A priority of the Government when it assumed office in 2020 s to address the complaints received from contributors to the NIS with pending claims at the time amounting to 1 4 , 0 0 0 a s a t November2020.

In support of this effort, Government at Cabinet level undertook a series of nationwide outreach sessions that took the services of NIS to the citizens.

Corporation (GPOC), Commercial Banks and at N I S l o c a l o f f i c e s countrywide and other payment options are currently being considered byGovernment.

Recently, Government expanded the payment options for OAP to include Mobile Money Guyana (MMG).

This adds to the existing options of the Guyana Post

Persons across the country have benefitted fromthesesessions,manyof whom are in receipt of Old Age Pension after waiting foranumberofyears. Ofthe 14,000 pending claims inherited in 2020, over 1 2 , 0 0 0 h a v e b e e n addressed,” the DPI said while noting that the government remains committed to improving the quality of service it provides to contributors and pensioners.

Man wanted for murder at Omai Backdam

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday issued a wanted bulletin for a Linden resident accused of murdering a man on June 19 last at Region Eight backdam.

Police identified the suspect as David London Jnr known as 'Rastaman' of McKenzie,Linden,RegionTen.According to the wanted bulletin, London Jnr is wanted for questioning in relation to the murderofEonRobertsatGrannyBackdam Landing,Omai.

Kaieteur News received information that London Jnr had allegedly chopped Robertsduringthelateeveninghoursatthe Backdam Landing. Roberts reportedly succumbed to his injuries sometime later “Anyone with information leading to the apprehension of David London Jnr is asked to call 911, 225-8196 or 226-6978. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence”, the police force stated.

Boat captain disappears after driving brother to backdam

Acaptainalongwithhisboat disappeared on Monday in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven after driving his brother to the MarshallPointBackdam.

The missing boat captain was identified as 61-year-old Carl Subarattie of Palmer's Point,LowerMazaruni.

Police said that the man's relatives reported him missing around 19:20 hrs on Monday after he failed to return home.

According to relatives, Subarattie left his home at around 09:00h on Monday to take his brother, identified as Anderson,totheBackdam.

After leaving his brother at the Marshall Point Backdam, Subarattie left for home but neverarrived.

Asearchisongoing.

Missing, Carl Subarattie

Wanted: David London Jnr.

Exxon gets one year extension to keep entire Stabroek Block before giving up 20 % - Hess boss reveals

Th o u g h ExxonMobil and its partners were required to surrender a portionoftheStabroekBlock in October, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed yesterday that the companies willgetonemoreyeartokeep theentireconcession. Come next year however, they will have to give up 20 percent of the oil rich concession.

At a press briefing at Office of the President, Jagdeo said the premise for

extending the companies' holdontheblockisduetothe COVID-19periodwhichsaw exploration activity being severely affected. With the extensiongranted,hesaidthe next stage of talks pertains to what portion of the block would be returned to the state The extension of ExxonMobil's hold on the concessionwasalsoraisedby Hess Corporation whose Chief Executive Officer, John Hess participated in a separate conference yesterdaytoo.

He noted that the partners will get more time to explore the block since they experienced setbacks during the height of COVID-19 in 2020z The CEO said, “During COVID we really had a force majeure period because Exxon couldn't even get workers in the country We couldn't run three rigs for exploration. So we took that explorationdrillingpause…”

Over the next 12 to 24 months, Hess said the partners will be lengthening their search for oil into the

behind

northwest section of the block.

He said much of the attention as well as the discoveries made have concentrated in the southeast portion.

Hess also noted that the partners plan to drill 10 to 12 explorationappraisalwells.

The CEO said, “We don't want to leave any well behind. It's not in the interest ofthegovernmentandit'snot in the interest of our shareholders or the joint venture ”Hess said the partners look forward to continuing to working with the Government of Guyana and to realize the remarkable potential of Guyana's world classresourcesforthebenefit of all stakeholders. He said, “The world will need these vital oil resources to meet future energy demand and help ensure an affordable, just and secure energy transition.”

With respect to the projects in the Stabroek Block, the Liza Phase 1 and Liza Phase 2 developments produce an average of 380, 000 gross barrels of oil per day

The third sanctioned development on the Stabroek Block, Payara, is targeted for startup early in the fourth quarter, with a gross production capacity of approximately 220,000 barrelsofoilperday

The fourth sanctioned development, Yellowtail, is expected to come online in 2025 with a gross production capacity of approximately 250,000barrelsofoilperday

The fifth project called Uaru will have a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrels of oil per day with production targeted to startup in 2026.A sixth development, Whiptail, is expected to be submitted

regulatory approval later this year

In total, the Stabroek Block partners have a line of sight to six floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSOs) with a gross production capacity of more than 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by the end of 2027.

They have also said there is potential for up to 10 FPSOs to develop the estimated gross discovered recoverable resources of more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres. ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

...partners will unleash massive exploration programme to leave no discovery

PNCR, Amerindian body ramp up protest against Dharamlall

...demand justice as DPP reviews rape probe file

The Amerindian P e o p l e ' s Association (APA) on Thursday joined Red Thread Women in protest action demanding justice for the victim of alleged rape and sodomy at the hands of Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall.

Dharamlall has since denied the allegations by the school girl. Members of the APA protested in front of the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACC) where the second day of Caribbean CourtofJustice(CCJ)hearing was being held. Some held placards with the words, “Justicemustbeserved”while other placards had the phrase “Don'tletyourloyaltyprevent you from speaking out and demanding justice for our women and girls”. Protestors also called for a fair investigation into the rape matteragainstthegovernment minister

For its part, the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) at a news conference on Thursday said since multiple reports on the matter are readily available to President Irfaan Ali, he must act immediately with the urgency this matter demands. “The minister must be removed from public office immediately Minister Dharamlall is not a public servant, he was not appointed in accordance with t h e P u b l i c S e r v i c e Commission. He is a political

appointee and not a public servant Consequently, the rules of the public service are not applicable to Mr Dharamlall and therefore he c a n n o t b e s e n t o n administrative leave pending the investigation and possible charges into the serious and odious allegations of rape and sodomy,” the party said in a statement.Itadded:“Byvirtue of these allegations, the Minister is not fit for public office in any capacity and mustimmediatelyresignorbe removed from government andParliament. Most notably, the purported settlement agreement in the form of a q u a s i - n o n d i s c l o s u r e agreement (NDA) should be thesubjectofaninvestigation. Specifically, all involved shouldbeinvestigatedforthe (Continuned on page 22)

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

Members of the Amerindian People's Association (APA), (AP protesting in front of the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) on Thursday

Oil blocks auction to remain open until completion of new PSA, petroleum law - Jagdeo

Theongoingbidroundfor 14 of Guyana's offshore oil blocks will remain open until the country completes the modernisation of its 37-year old Petroleum Exploration and Production Act and the new Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) to govern the potential resourcestobediscoveredthere.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo made the announcement on Thursday at the Office of the President during a media conference He said: “on the auction, we have to extend it as I said before for another period. We

will determine what period. Should notbeformuchofatimebutalmost everyone of the people who have indicated an interest so far in participating in the auction, they have been told and I think they appreciate it that we are sticking with our commitment to have the frameworklawinplaceandthenew PSAbeforethebidscomein.”

The draft legislation was releasedonMondaybytheMinistry of Natural Resources for a twoweek consultation while the model PSAs to govern the deep and shallow water blocks are currently being finalised.ABritish firm, IHS

Markit, a renowned international firm that specialises in critical information, analytics and expertise was hired by the government to provide consultancy services in drafting the new legislation. The VP reported that, “A lot of issues where we were deficienthavebeenaddressed.Alot of the issues will also be addressed throughregulations.”

Jagdeo said he observed comments that the consultation period for the public to provide feedbackonthedraftbillistoo (Continued on page 23)

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Hess Boss tells US conference Pres. Ali assured him of stay in

Justice Kissoon's ruling before Court of Appeal handed down decision

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of H e s s Corporation, John Hess, disclosed yesterday that President,IrfaanAliwasvery emphatic that a stay of execution would have been issued on an order for unlimited guarantee to cover oilspills,andsoitwas.

Hessmadethisdisclosure at the J P Morgan 2023 E n e r g y , P o w e r & Renewables Conference

Hess'commentswouldlikely raise eyebrows in the legal circlehereandunderminethe independence of the judiciary, which Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo is on record saying that it shouldbepredictable.

At the conference, Hess was asked for an update on the case that was brought by two Guyanese men last year The citizens were of the belief that the ExxonMobilled consortium was in breach of its financial assurance provisions for the Liza Phase OneProject.

A high court ruling subsequently noted that Exxon and partners must be on the hook for all oil spill costs in the Stabroek Block and therefore called for an unlimited parent and/or affiliate company guarantee byJune10,2023.

ExxonMobil through its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) as well as t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection Agency (EPA), subsequently secured a stay of execution of the order pendingfulldeterminationof itsappeal.

Hess in speaking on the projectyesterdaywaskeento note that both the oil companies as well as the government disagreed with the position of the two applicantsaswellastheHigh Court judgment ordering unlimitedfinancialcoverage.

Theofficialsaid,“…Icantell you, the President was very emphaticthatastaywouldbe put in place that would have noimpactonproduction. Thestaywasputinplace. There is no impact on production.”

The Hess boss added, “and I think this is just a case

understanding what the petroleum legislation was or the petroleum requirements o f o u r p r o d u c t i o n programmes were, and I thinkthatmatterhasbeenput to bed. There was a lot of noise about it, but it was basicallynoise.”

K a i e t e u r N e w s previously reported that Exxon and its partners have since lodged a US$2B affiliate guarantee with the EPA as this was a condition ofthestayofexecutionbeing granted.

This complements the US$600M per occurrence insurance policy for the block.

Exxon has also argued thatithasanassetbasethatis worth more than US$21B against which it can activate credit facilities for further cashifneeded.

Company executives have maintained that Guyanese have nothing to worry about since several oil spill safeguards are in place suchasacappingstack.

That piece of equipment can be used to immediately close off a well that is bleeding oil. Despite their assurances, stakeholders have demanded greater financial provisions be put in place.

Appellate Judge Rishi Persaud on June 8, 2023 had put on hold the suspension order issued by High Court Judge, Sandil Kissoon against ExxonMobil's Esso Exploration and Product Limited (EEPGL) to provide Guyana with unlimited parentcompanyguaranteeby June 10, 2023 or its licence willbesuspended. The oil major had

indicated it would not have been able to provide such a g u a r a n t e e a n d t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the oil company appealed the matter During the appeal the EPA had asked for a stay of the suspension order as it could be disastrous to the country as well as the oil company

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Persaud delivered his judgmenton June 8.Thestay of the suspension order will be in force until the hearing and determination of the full appealcase.

The appeal case is premised on the decision of Justice Kissoon in an application filed in the High Court on September 13 by Attorneys Seenath Jairam, SC, Melinda Janki, and AbiolaWong-Inniss.

In the case, Guyanese activists,GodfreyWhyteand Frederick Collins said that their resort to the court is to make sure that the company takes full financial responsibility in case of harm,loss,anddamagetothe environment.

They noted that, “an oil spillwouldbedevastatingfor our country and Region as many Guyanese and Caribbeanpeoplesdependon the ocean for their livelihoods.

That is why we have decided that the time has come to take matters to the courtforrelief.”

Kissoon had handed down a strongly worded decision as to why the oil subsidiary must provide adequate financial assurance byitsparentcompanyExxon

Mobil to cater for all the damages to the environment in the event of a blowout or massive spill in the Guyana oilfield.

According to Justice Kissoon, the EPA as the statutory regulatory body failedtoenforcecondition14

ofthepermitwhichitgranted to the oil subsidiary, Esso which stipulates the need for an unlimited liability Parent Company Guarantee Agreement and/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee, to cover and keep protected theGovernmentof

Guyana and the Agency a g a i n s t a l l s u c h environmental obligations within the Stabroek block, together with Environmental liability insurance as is customary in international petroleum industry, in accordance with the conditions listed in the permit from an insurance companystandingandrepute that equates to Grade A Plus as envisaged by Condition 14:05 ofthepermit.Afailure to comply with the order, the judge said would have resulted in the permit being suspended.

Thursday's decision touched only on the suspension order, which has since been put on hold, but the substantive case will go forward and is to be heard by the full Court of Appeal

(Continued on page 19)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess

President Irfaan Ali

...says: “the President was very emphatic that a stay would be put in place” and so it was…

$227.9M contract signed to fix up and extend Anna Regina Secondary

T o c o m f o r t a b l y accommodate its students, the Anna Regina Secondary School in Region Two will soon be extended and rehabilitated to the tune of $227.9million.

On Wednesday, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Susanah Saywack accompanied by Regional Chairperson Vilma DeSilva, Regional Engineer Mr. Kawan Suchit and Civil Engineer Mr. Harindra Nandlall signed the $227.9 millioncontractfortheworks attheschool.

Thecontractwasawarded to Gurdev Mahadeo

reported that the move to havethebuildingupgradedis tofacilitatetheovercrowding at the school and have it renovated. This publication learned that the school was i n i t i a l l y b u i l t t o accommodate 800 students but there are 1040 students enrolledtherecurrently

In 2021, the school was commissionedasasixthform school being the first in the Region.

Regional Vice Chairman of Region Two, Mr. Humace Odit had told Kaieteur News that upon completion, the school will have six additional classrooms, a

Contracting Services by the National Procurement and TenderAdministration Board (NPTAB) Kaieteur News had reported that Gurdev Mahadeo Contracting Services was among 10 contractors who submitted bidsfortheprojectwhichwas estimated to cost $231 million.

Thisprojectisexpectedto be completed within nine months.

Kaieteur News had

space for a Senior Master's office, a smart classroom and aspaceforsanitaryfacility

Among the renovation works, the school's ceiling as wellasdormitorywillreceive afacelift.

Thisyear,thegovernment has set aside $94.4B for the education sector Of that sum of $12.4B has been allocated for the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilitiesacrossthecountry

Regional Officials of Region Two at the Anna Regina Secondary School following the contract signing for the building to be rehabilitated and extended.

Hess Boss tells US conference Pres. Ali assured...

From page 17 panel. In its appeal, the EPA had said that the trial court erredinlawininterpretation, c o n s i d e r a t i o n a n d application of the combined effect of Clause 14 of the Environmental Permit issued to EEPGL, and erroneously concluded that the financial assurance must beprovidedbyEEPGL.

The EPAargued that the trial court erred in law and m i s c o n s t r u e d t h e Environmental Protection Act and its Regulations to determinethattheAppellant,

a statutory body had specific statutory powers which in factitdidnot.

The EPA argued too that the trial court erred in law and misconstrued the substance and effect and wrongly ascribed to it an interpretation superior to the Environmental Protection Act and thereby ascribed meaning to it which was expressly contrary to the specific provisions of the saidAct and its Regulations. Further, the EPA submitted that the trial court erred in law in directing and

determining the exact manneroftheexerciseofthe discretion of the EPA in a manner contrary to establishedlawandpractice.

IneffecttheEPAsaidthatthe trialcourtsubstituteditsown discretion as the decision of the EPAwhen theAgency at all material times, had exercised its discretion and acted well within it statutory and regulatory powers. As a result, the EPA had applied for a stay of execution of the judgment of the Court as it contends that irreparable harm would be suffered by

thenation'seconomy

Meanwhile, Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram in an affidavit had said that he was advised that the grave disruption to the national economy coupled with the good prospect of success of the Appeal was sufficient groundsforthecourttogrant of a stay of execution of the order and judgment of the HighCourt.

Parsram said that the

High Court orders are quite coercive; including its mandate to the EPA to serve a statutory notice on EEPGL, and if no adequate response is received then the permit stands suspended According to the EPAHead, the judgment will have severe consequences and the direction of the Court has the effect of removing entirely the discretion of the agency. He noted Guyana as

a nation now earns billions of dollars annually from the petroleum activities conducted on the Liza 1 and Liza 2 fields; both are subject to the permit suspension or cancellation w h i c h w i l l h a v e a catastrophic effect on n a t i o n a l f u n d s f o r development and also the private sector which supports the activities on the saidLiza1and2fields.

Prison officers, civilians on $750K each for Smallie escapee

The four prison officers and two civilians who have been charged for the escape of convicted mass murderer, Royden Williams called

'Smallie',weregrantedbailin the sum of $750,000 when they made another court appearance on Thursday at the Bartica Magistrate's

Court.

Williams was eventually killed by members of the joint services during a manhunt in the interior

Alexander Hopkinson, Omar Whitherspoon, Conroy Hoshannah, and Oldfield Romulus are the prison officersattachedtoMazaruni Prison from where Williams had escaped Frangeliz Jugandry Flores Perez of Alexander Street, Kitty and a businessman, Rajmohan Autar called 'Chico' were alsocharged.Itisallegedthat on May 19, they conspired with each other and persons unknown to assist with the escapeofWilliams.

The defendants were arraigned before Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the BarticaMagistrate'sCourton theirfirstappearance.

They will return to court on July 26. Hopkinson was represented by Attorney-atLaw, Bernard Da Silva

Williams had escaped from the Mazaruni Prison at around 14:30hrs with the help of heavily armed men in aspeedboat.Accordingtothe PrisonService,Williamswas returning to the Sibley Hall prison on anATV and was in shackles after receiving a visit from a female, when escorting ranks came under gunfire.

It is alleged that the ranks dismounted their ATV and returnedfireattheassailants.

Itisfurtherallegedbythe PrisonServicethatoneofthe boatoccupantscametoshore and continued to discharge several rounds towards the prison officers Williams, who was in foot chains, managed to run towards the riverbank and jumped into the river, the Prison Service

claimed.

Thegunmenassistedhim into the speedboat which headedupstreampastItaballi Landing,whileprisonguards andpoliceundertookpursuit. Noprisonofficerwasinjured d u r i n g t h e o r d e a l

In February 2017, Williams was sentenced to death when a jury found him guilty of eight counts of murder in relation to the 2008 Bartica massacre, in which a dozen persons, including three police officers were shot dead.Severalmonthslater,in July 2017, Williams escaped from the prison at Camp Street, Georgetown during a riot. It is believed that he was t h e m a s t e r m i n d However, he was nabbed on October 9, 2017, at Weldaad, WestCoastBerbice.

Spanish could be a compulsory subject in schools – Pre. Ali hints

Eze Rockcliffe and the Legendary Yoruba Singers to host pre-CARICOM day showdown on Sunday

Legendary folklore singer, Eze Rockcliffe and his band, theYoruba Singers, will be staging a special pre-CARICOM day showdown at the GeorgetownClubatLot208-209CampStreeton July2,2023.

The event promises to be an explosive culmination of the power of music and the most respectedtalentsofthesoil;arivetingexperience likenootherfor2023.

Get out your dancing shoes and grab your significant other, relatives or friends for a soul stirring night of authentic Guyanese entertainment.

President Irfaan Ali

on Wednesday h i n t e d t h a t discussions will soon be held with stakeholders on making Spanishacompulsorysubject in the country's school system. The President was at the time speaking at the commissioning ceremony for the new $1.3B Good Hope SecondarySchool.

“There is something that I regrettedinmylife,Idropped foreign languages very early, because I didn't see it as importantthen,”PresidentAli said while noting that he subsequently saw the importance of knowing a secondlanguage.

“It is time we consider seriously making Spanish at least compulsory in our school system because of where we are located, we are part of the Caribbean by cultureanddesign,andweare alsoinSouthAmericaandwe now have to move to seriously consider making

Spanish a compulsory language in our school system,”thePresidentstated.

TheHeadofStatesaidtoo that not knowing a second language places citizens at a disadvantage as it makes them less competitive not o n l y l o c a l l y b u t internationally.

“I intend to have full discussion on this matter, because the direction I believethatweshouldtake,is to ensure that Spanish is compulsory in our school systembecauseitisneededin the geographical space that weoccupy.”

It is important to note that Spanish, French and Portuguese are being taught at the secondary level However, they are not compulsory subjects Moreover, Guyana is now home to many Venezuelans who have sought refuge due to trying economic times in the neighbouring Spanish speakingcountry

Tickets cost $2000 but would be $2500 at the gate which opens from 6 pm with Showtime commencingat7pm.

Call225-7714forticketinformation.Seeyou there!

President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday at the commissioning of the Good Hope Secondary School.

WANTED VACANCY

Lathe Operator, Welder and Handyman needed at Good Hope on the East Coast. Call: 645-9333.

Skilled Carpenters, Masons & Labourers needed. Call: 602-9469, 660-6385/ 6257642.

One live-in Housekeeper needed to work in Virginia, USA. Ages 30-50 yrs. Call: 592-615-5476/ 845-325-8241.

Porters, Driver and Salesman needed. Attractive salary offered, experience will be an asset. Call: 226-9800.

One part-time Handyman needed in Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 621-5140.

One General Domestic needed to cook and clean in Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 621-5140.

One general Cook/ Chef needed, must know to prepare various types of dishes. Call: 621-5140.

CDB backs stronger private sector for inclusive growth

Kitchen Assistant, Supervisor, Chef and Salesperson needed. Call: 659-5559.

One Salesman, cxc subjects, experience in writing bills, stocktaking & cashing. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call 615-9132 or 645-8443.

One Clerk needed for TSI Eccles office. Must have English and Mathematics. Email:techserigy@yahoo.com or Call: 615-9132.

Cleaner, Maintaining Worker & Supervisor, Labourers, Office Assistant and Semiskilled Workers required. Call: 621-6969, 615-7784.

Cleaner and Porters needed. Apply at Lens, 136 Sheriff Street next to Buddys/ Pizzahut. Call: 227-2486/ 2271511.

Hick's Ville Hotel is now hiring Receptionist and Hotel Attendant. Required to work shifts. Call: 6400673, 227-7714. Email: info@vegeworld.net

Jamaica Observer - In creased investments led by a stronger private sector, to drive long-term sustainable and inclusive growth in the Caribbean, was the chief recommendation of a recent World Bank Group report that has been endorsed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

According to the report, also done in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank, small Caribbean states in accelerating private sector development must address key areas of vulnerability to improve the investment climate while fostering an environment that is conducive to trade and the promotion of growth.

CDB Vice-President of Operations Isaac Solomon, in

further underscoring the critical role of private enterprises, credited them as an essential factor in the sustainable development equation.

He indicated that a vibrant private sector can build new industries, increase competitiveness in global markets, as well as spur economic growth and job creation.

“We are gearing up to play a stronger catalytic role in generating private investment.

We continue to position ourselves to be at the forefront of transforming the financing landscape, attracting more resources that will help to address many of the challenges facing our popula-

tions.

Through our new Private Sector Development Framework, which is now well-advanced, the CDB is aiming to facilitate the development of dynamic, internationally competitive, high-growth firms to drive higher incomes and increased economic resilience at both the national and regional levels,” he stated.

In a Caribbean Regional Private Sector Diagnostic (RPSD), the global financing bodies outlined a number of ways to reduce cross-cutting constraints to private investment— citing gaps in connectivity,

skills mismatches and limited access to financing, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), among the challenges which, if properly addressed, could break the region’s current lowgrowth and low-productivity trend.

The study which also zoomed in on critical sectors such as the digital economy and renewable energy, posited them as two key areas in which greater private investment could contribute to export diversification and job creation, enhance productivity, and strengthen resilience to climate change and natural disasters.

For the completion of US & Canadian non-immigrant visa applications and Guyana passport applications. Call/ whatsApp: 595-645-5695.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.

FOR SALE

Pure breed German shepherd pups for sale. Call: 680-1828, 632-9022/ 639-4966.

Farm produce for sale: pumpkin, plantain, lemon, lime, cayenne & apple banana. Call: 688-0417.

For Sale: cement mixer & pump truck, mini excavator and concrete batching plant. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402.

Foden twin steer dump truck, 3 ton canter, Leyland DAF Hiab truck & Foden hauler truck for sale. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402.

Pure honey, wholesale and retail quantity. Call: 6214273.

Accounts Clerk, office Clerks, Sales Supervisor, Cashiers, Sales rep, Porters & Bond Clerks needed. Apply @ Survival. Call: 2275286-9/ 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2@ gmail.com

Certified Accountant needed, must be 40 years and older. Apply at Agri Parts, 202 Mandela Ave.

Receptionist required, must be 40 years and older. Apply at Agri Parts, 202 Mandela Ave.

Full time professional Personnel specialized in hair and nails at Grand Coastal Hotel. Call: 619-3949.

Carpenter, tile Worker, steel structure Worker, Painter, Welder and Driver needed. Call: 621-9196.

Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040.

From page 15 possible obstruction of justice. Importantly, the Office of Professional Responsibility should immediately commence an investigation into the actions of the Regional Commander, Mr. Khemraj Shivbaran.”

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

Vacancy exists for male Bond Clerk to work for a Construction Company. Contact: 225-5818 or WhatsApp: 624-9505.

TOURS

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

FOR RENT

Business place for rent at Vreed-en-hoop junction. Call: 603-6400.

Fully furnished 2 bedrooms apartment in Albert Street, Alberttown. Preferably students, no smoking and no pets allowed. Call 231-5695/ 611-9134.

According to the PNCR , it has been brought to the attention of the Opposition that there are several procedural breaches into this investigation. “Firstly, we wish to highlight that the Acting Head of Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA), Tionna October, a consummate professional with over ten (10) years of experience working under the stewardship of Ann Green, the former Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency has been sidelined. Levine Gouveia with less than two (2) years of experience has been identified to handle this sensitive matter. This is unacceptable. We have several disturbing reports thus far, which suggest that the victim is denied her constitutional right to legal representation.”

Additionally, the party said it has received reports that on a visit to the alleged crime scene the accused was present - this fly in the face of the rule of law and the protection of the victim. It is unacceptable and must be con-

demned. “All of these issues must be dealt with immediately, to ensure justice and the adherence to the Rule of Law. The Opposition demands that the investigation be fair and impartial in every sense and be free from any political influence, interference, directive, and be undertaken in keeping with the law. The Opposition will continue to advocate strongly for the rights of women and children. We will continue to be an unrelenting advocate for the protection of our indigenous sisters. We owe it to our Indigenous sisters to promote and protect their rights. This case will be the litmus test as to whether the elites in our society are above the law. We must all remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that no one is above the law and justice is the victor in this process of dealing with the alleged heinous crime that was committed by a sitting Minister and Member of Parliament.

We trust that Justice will prevail.”

Meanwhile, the file on rape allegations against the minister is presently being reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar Ali Hack, SC. Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum had told Kaieteur News on Wednesday that the file contains the

official report, documentary evidence along with all statements taken during a police investigation. Once the DPP is finished reviewing the file it is returned to investigators with legal advice on how to proceed with the matter. DPP’s advice could be that the minister must be charged with rape or it can recommend that police conduct more investigations.

In the meantime, the minister is out of police custody on a $1M bail.

He is also on administrative leave and according to Vice-President, Bharrat Jadeo during a press conference on Thursday he has not participated in any party meetings since the allegations were made. Jagdeo had said too that if the rape allegations leveled against the minister are true, he would have to face the consequences. His exact words during an interview with social media personality, Mikhail Rodrigues popularly known as ‘Guyana Critics’ was, “We don’t wanna be premature by saying anyone is guilty, but can we answer for every single individual in the party, or in the government? The party cannot basically give (an answer), like put our neck on a block for anyone, that is why a fair independent investigation is being done now.”

From (l-r) Members of Parliament, Coretta McDonald, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Dawn Hastings-Williams, and PNCR Communications Officer, Shaneika Haynes

PNCR, Amerindian body ramp up protest...

More HIV, STI testing sites to be accessible with new ‘quick res’ Web App

Persons from the ten administrative regions in Guyana arenowabletoaccesstesting sites within their areas that c a n p e r f o r m b o t h conventionalandself-testing f o r H I V ( h u m a n immunodeficiencyvirus).

Information on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) andnPEP(non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis), familyplanningandsexually transmittedinfections(STIs) testing such as hepatitis B and C, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia,amongothersare alsoavailable.

This is possible with the recentlylaunchedHIVquick res Web App that was developedbyJABCompany in collaboration with the MinistryofHealth,National A I D S P r o g r a m m e Secretariat (NAPS), the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Project.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday, NAPS’ Programme Manager, Dr Tariq Jagnarine said the app

Oil blocks auction to remain open until...

Frompage16 short; however, he believes that the document could be read overnight or even in an hour. On the other hand, he said he has also seen comments that the Bill is shorter than the previous Act To this end, he explained, “We had a global firmthatworkedonthiswith enormous experience in this sector, we looked at similar framework legislation globally and a lot of the issues addressed in those modern pieces of legislation where we were deficient in our laws have been addressed and a lot of the issues would be dealt with subsequently after the passage of the Bill through regulations.”

Hesaidafterthepassage of the Bill, a series of regulations to give effect to the Bill will be published. These he said are not requiredfortheauction.The VPnoted,“Wearerepealing all of the regulations under theoldActbutwe’velooked atifanythingwouldsufferin the absence of the repealed regulations and most of those regulations deal with reporting issues and a lot of these are already covered in theexistingPSAs so there’d benomajorgapbetweenthe periodwhenwepassthelaw and repealthe regulationsto the enactment of the new regulations.”

Jagdeo said he was reluctant to give a deadline fortheclosureoftheauction since he would have to consult with the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira to confirm the next Sitting of the Assembly as this would impact the deadline. The draft Bill is now available for public consultationandisavailable at the following websites:

is designed to target specifically young people to get them educated on HIV and STIs and to encourage themtogettested.

Theappwillbeavailable onNAPS’socialmediapage shortly, and the services offered are in keeping with Guyana’s national HIV policy

“Onceyouclickonthat link, it’s simple and straightforward, you can loginifyouwish ifyou want to be a regular client, youjustsimplygoandyou put in where you are from, in terms of which region, whichareaanditlinksyou to all of the possible HIV testing sites throughout Guyana,” the programme managerexplained.

medication It can facilitate the setting up of appointments with doctors intheirrespectiveareas.

www.nre.gov.gy and www.petroluem.gov.gy. All commentsshouldbesentvia e m a i l t o jmckenzie@nre gov gy during the period and by close of business on Monday,3rdJuly2023.

President Irfaan Ali

a n n o u n c e d t h e commencementofGuyana’s inauguralbidroundfor14of its offshore oil blocks on December 9, 2022. Initially, the auction was expected to rununtilApril14,2023,with contracts signed the f o l l o w i n g m o n t h Subsequently, the Ministry of Natural Resources announcedinApril2023that ithasextendedtheperiodfor submissionofbidsforthe14 oilblocksonauction.

In a statement to the press, the Ministry of NaturalResourcessaid,“On behalfoftheGovernmentof Guyana, (it) is pleased to announce the extension of the Guyana 2022 Licensing Round’s bid submission deadline to July 15, 2023.” This deadline is likely to be furtherextendedpendingthe passageofthenewoillaw

Eleven of the oil blocks on auction are located in the shallowareaandthreeinthe deepwaterzone.

Eachareaisgovernedby separate PSAs. They range between 1000 square kilometres to 3000 square kilometreswiththemajority of them being close to 2000 square kilometres. The oil companies will be expected to pay a 10 percent royalty and a 10 percent corporate tax.Thecostrecoverywillbe capped at 65 percent in a givenyear,whileprofitswill beshared50/50betweenthe parties.

IHSMarkitistakinglead on guiding the Guyana Governmentontheauction.

The web programme will also allow persons who test positive for HIV, to get information on where they can receive treatment or uplift

“It is a work in progress,wenotonlywant to link persons to get access to prevention care, but ultimately, we want it to become an app

that persons can keep a record of when last they went to the clinic, when last they had a routine blood check, it gives you reminders when it’s your nextappointment

“That’soneofthebiggest challenges that is affecting the HIV programme where

persons are HIV positive, who would have been enrolledintheclinicandfor whatever reason, they stopped going to the clinic,” Dr.Jagnarineexplained. The app can be accessed at https://jabcomp.gy/Naps/ and will be on the health ministry’sserversoon.

Programme Manager of the National Aids Programme Secretariat, Dr. Tariq Jagnarine

Tickets on sale for West Indies...

From page 30

West Indies Women with the same noise and colour that St. Lucian fans generated during the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018.

We hope West Indies fans rally to support the Maroon Warriors as they push for points to qualify automatically for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.”

MATCH SCHEDULES

West Indies Men v England Men

CG United One Day

Internationals

Sunday 3 December: 1st CG United ODI, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua –9:30am (8:30am Jamaica)

Wednesday 6 December:

2nd CG United ODI, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua –1:30pm (12:30pm Jamaica)

Saturday 9 December: 3rd

CG United ODI, Kensington Oval, Barbados - 1:30pm (12:30pm Jamaica)

T20 Internationals

Tuesday 12 December: 1st

T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados

Thursday 14 December: 2nd T20I, Grenada National Stadium, Grenada

Saturday 16 December: 3rd T20I, Grenada National Stadium, Grenada

Tuesday 19 December: 4th

T20I, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad

Thursday 21 December: 5th T20I, Brian Lara Cricket

Friday June 23, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Look for answers to your question today, Aries. The good news is that the answers are now out there and easily accessible. Seek the truth and you will find it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You may not necessarily approve of the behavior of the people around you, Taurus, but that doesn't mean you need to make their lives miserable.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You have an extra amount of physical vitality to work with now, Gemini, so take advantage of it to give your body a good workout. Eat well and avoid fatty, salty foods.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

You may keep having the same thoughts over and over in your head, Cancer. Each day you may work out a different scenario for the way it comes to an end.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

You may feel like you're on the run in some way or other today, Leo. It may even seem like someone is chasing you. They're right on your heels and you're doing everything

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Every day is a new start and new chance, Virgo. Don't get upset or angry over past events. Don't dwell on things you can't change. Your whole life can turn around in a day.

Academy, Trinidad

• matches in Grenada start at 1:30pm (12:30pm Jamaica)

• matches in Barbados and Trinidad start at 4pm (3pm Jamaica)

West Indies Women v Ireland Women (at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia)

Monday 26 June: 1st CG United ODI – 10am (9am Jamaica)

Wednesday 28 June: 2nd CG United ODI – 10am (9am Jamaica)

Saturday 1 July: 3rd CG United ODI – 3pm (2pm Jamaica)

Tuesday 4 July: 1st T20I

Thursday 6 July: 2nd T20I

Saturday 8 July: 3rd T20I

Guyanese Golfers Readying for T obago Open

- Guyana Open Women’s champ to represent Guyanaa

In response to an invitation from the Trinidad &Tobago Golf Association (TTGA) to the Guyana Golf Association (GGA), members of the Westside Golf Club and Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will tackle top golfers from around the Caribbean at Tobago Plantations, Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort in Tobago.

The invitational tees off from July 14-16th and according to GGA president Aleem Hussain, the Westside Golf Club, Guyana’s newest Course will be represented by himself in the First Flight and Lakeram Panko Ramsundar (Panko Steel) in the second flight.

pressure. He stated, “This is the first-time that I’m representing the Club internationally so I am prepared to take my ‘A game’ to Tobago in hopes of competing well.”

At least four players from LGC are also expected to take part in the major tournament including Dr. Philbert London and reigning Champ, Shanella London. Mrs. London is the current Suriname Open and Guyana Open Women’s champion and seeks to add the Tobago title to a triple crown, a feat that has never been accomplished by any Guyanese Woman in golf.

Guyana has captured the attention of golfers worldwide based on the rapid growth of the sport through collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Unit of Allied Arts and the Ministry of Tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority which has allowed the sport to reach thousands of new players in the past two years.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

You're apt to move in and out of sync with people today, Libra. At first it may seem quite natural and easy to be in your situation, then the next minute you feel alone.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You may feel as if you're the only one who picks up on the nuances of conversations and actions around you, Scorpio. Your reaction to things is more than likely quite strong.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

You may feel emotionally on fire today, Sagittarius. One conversation with someone will suddenly spark a discussion of some sort that proves extremely valuable to you in the long run.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Bring more of your feelings into the open today, Capricorn. Don't be so paranoid about what other people think. At times you may feel as if you're in some sort of spy movie with you playing the lead role.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Have fun today, Aquarius, but make sure you're always professional and polite. Appearance and a good-natured demeanor will get you far.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Today may be filled with conflict when your legs carry you one way while your heart tugs you in a completely different.

Hussain, who is hailed as the ‘Father of Golf’ in Guyana, is also one of the top players in the country having tied for second in the 2022 Suriname Open and earned second best Net Score in the Championship Category (losing to current Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud on a count back) in the 2022 Guyana Open.

Ramsundar from Panko Steel was one of the first members of the new Westside Golf Club in Vreed-en-Hoop and has demonstrated his ability to play well under

Mainly through the efforts of the GGA and Nexgen Golf Academy,

Meanwhile, Hussain said his only regret is that our junior golfers are not yet prepared to compete on the international stage owing to the developmental process but now that they finally have access to the Westside Golf Course, he expects that Guyana will dominate in the years to come.

Modern Optical supports GRFU

Modern Optical Services (MOS) fulfilled its promises by extending their support to the National Under-19 team through a sponsorship contribution Yesterday, at their Middle Street location, the company presented a generous cheque to the Guyana RugbyUnion(GRFU).

This financial assistance will alleviate the expenses associated with the team’s travel and accommodation for the forthcoming Rugby Americas North (RAN) championship, set to take place in Kingston, Jamaica

The championship is scheduled to commence on July 10th and conclude on July 16th Consequently, the young rugby players are expected to depart for JamaicaonJuly10thtopartakein thisexcitingcompetition

During the brief ceremony,

GRFU Treasurer Troy Yhip

expressed his profound appreciation to Modern Optical Servicesfortheirvaluablefunding. He acknowledged the team as the core group shaping the future of rugby for the next five years. Recognizing their well-rounded abilities,heexpressedconfidencein theirpotentialtoexcelinthisyear’s championship.

Yhipextendedsinceregratitude to the company for their generous donation, which will greatly assist the team as they prepare for the upcomingRANchampionship.

Yhip also called upon other businessesandorganizationstojoin hands with the GRFU in its efforts to restore the game to its former glory

He urged them to consider supporting the union as it strives to upliftandpromoterugbywithinthe region.

Oceaneering Boy’s and Girl’s U14 Indoor Hockey League concludes today

L A U S A N N E , Switzerland, (Reuters)The International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday appealed to Ukraine to give their athletes the chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics despite a partial ban on competing against Russian and Belarusian athletes.

banneditsnationalsports teams from competing in Olympic, non-Olympic and Paralympic events that include competitors fromRussiaandBelarus.

That decision came after the IOC angered Kyiv by paving the way

remain banned but in others, including tennis, Ukrainian players regularly face Russian or Belarusian competitors playing as neutral athletes.

The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) 2023

Oceaneering Boy’s and Girl’s Under-14 IndoorHockeyDevelopmentLeagueissetto conclude today at MarianAcademy, located onCarifestaAvenue,Georgetown.

The competition has been fierce throughouttheleague,astheeightremaining teamsarepreparedtogivetheirall,withfour semi-finalscardedforthisevening.

In the boys’ category, YMCA Old Fort will face off against RISS Blade Runners in the first semi-final match. Simultaneously, GCC Outlaws will clash with SHC Minions inabattleofskillsandstrategy

Onthegirls’side,thefirstsemi-finalwill feature a thrilling match between SHC Sensation and CLSS Scouts. While in the other semi-final, GCC Challengers will competeagainstCLSSSamurais,bothvying for a spot in the finals. Both semi finals are scheduled to commence at 16:30 hours, where the winners of the respective matches willfaceeachotherinthefinals.

\ As it stands, SHC Sensations currently

holdthetoppositionintheleaguestandings, having secured an impressive six wins in as manymatches.Thisexceptionalperformance has earned them 18 points, providing them with a strong foundation as they face off against CLSS Scouts in their semi-finals encounter Not far behind, GCC Challengers have had an outstanding form during the league, amassing 13 points and securing secondplace.

Meanwhile,intheboys’division,YMCA Old Fort, with their impressive tally of 15 points, is eager to continue their winning streak as they confront RISS Blade Runners inthesemi-finals.

This clash between two skilled teams is sure to deliver an exhilarating display of talentanddetermination.

The Oceaneering-sponsored league which has been a wonderful showcase of young talent, will reach its zenith this evening; starting first with the Girl’s final beginning at 17:30 hours, followed by the Boy’sfinalat18:00hours.

IOC President Thomas Bach said the Olympic bodywouldsupport“every Ukrainian athlete” who wanted to take part in Olympic qualifying events intheirrespectivesport.

“We want to make it possible for every Ukrainian athlete to q u a l i f y n o w a n d participate in the Olympic Games,” Bach saidatthestartofanIOC session.

“Therefore, through t h e r e s p e c t i v e International Federation, we will support every Ukrainian athlete in their p r e p a r a t i o n a n d participation in any competition that they want totakepartin-sothatthey can make the Ukrainian peopleproud,”hesaid.

Ukraine in March

f o r R u s s i a n a n d Belarusian athletes to return to competitions as neutrals

They had initially been banned following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus has operated as a staging ground for troops andweapons

“The Ukrainian

athletes are being sanctioned by their own governmentforthewarthat has been started by the Russian and Belarusian governments,”Bachsaid.

“ I t i s h a r d t o

understand why the

Ukrainian government is depriving their own

athletes from their chance to qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and to make the Ukrainianpeopleproud ”

In some sports, such as athletics, those Russian and Belarusian athletes

The IOC had banned athletes from those countries in February last year

But earlier this yearit recommended they return to world sport as neutrals, withoutflagsoranthems.

No decision has yet been taken on Russian and Belarusian athletes’ participation at the Paris Olympicsnextyear

U k r a i n e h a d previously warned its sports federations that it would strip them of their status as governing bodies if their athletes competed on the international stage with Russians and Belarusians.

“The entire Olympic community, the entire world is longing for Ukrainian athletes shining brightly in international competitions,”Bachsaid.

“We want them to have the opportunity to qualify for Paris 2024. This means participatingnow.”

MOS Optometrist Dr Johan DaSilva (right) hands over cheque of sponsorship to GRFU Treasurer Troy Yhip as members of the U19 team share the moment.

Flashback! Scenes from the 2023 Oceaneering Development Hockey League.

Ukrainian athletes should have chance to qualify for Paris Games, International Olympic Committee says

GHE contracts six new players following the CWI/PCL Draft

TheGuyanaHarpy Eagles (GHE) named six new faceswhowillearncontracts for the upcoming season following Thursday’s 2023/24CricketWestIndies (CWI) Professional CricketersDraft.

T h e r e s p e c t i v e Territorial Board Franchises drafted five additional players from a poll of roughly 90 to add to the ‘Protected 10’ players submittedtoCWIpriortothe draft for their squads ahead of the new season which features the CG United Super50 Cup and the West Indies Championship 4-day first-classtournament.

Among the new faces; Junior Sinclair, Mavendra Dindyal, Shamar Joseph,

Rampertab Ramnauth, Matthew Nandu, Kemol Savory

In keeping with draft rules, at least two of the selecteeswererequiredtobe

under the age of 25 on October1,2023.

As such, the Harpy Eagles drafted some six Under-25 players to their sidethisseason.

Those players include Dindyal, Sinclair, Ramnauth, Anderson, Nandu and Joseph, all of whom had success with Guyana or West Indies during their Junior levels, which include Under-19, Under-17 etc Kevlon Anderson regains a contract after being contracted as a CWI Emerging player last year

Savory in particular had been among those who continuously performed and developed over the last few seasons, in both 50 Overs and 4-Day Regional

matches. The wicket-keeper wasoneoftheHarpyEagles’ prolific run-getters last 4Day season, with an unbeaten century and halfcentury under his belt,

CWI Senior Manager, Roland Holder, describes India as “peculiar” in making arrangements; says they’ve yet to confirm arrival date for Caribbean tour

SportsMax - Senior Manager for Cricket West Indies (CWI), Roland Holder, has described India as “very peculiar in making their arrangements” after confirmingthattheyhaveyet to confirm when they will arrive for their tour of the West Indies set to start on July 12 with the first Test at WindsorParkinDominica.

The tourists will first fly to Barbados before being chartered to Dominica for the firstTest.The series will consisttwoTests,threeODIs and five T20Is from July 12 toAugust13.

Holder, speaking on the Mason & Guest radio show on Tuesday, says India has yettoconfirmwhentheywill bearrivingforthetour

“They are still working through their flight options but they are anticipating arriving on July 1,” said Holder. “It varies from country to country,” he said about teams communicating theirplansfortoursquickly

“India are very peculiar i n m a k i n g t h e i r arrangements and things are subject to change with them veryoften.Youdon’talways get the confirmations you need in your time, you probablygetitintheirtime,” he added. The former West Indies batsman said the originalplanwasforIndiato

arrive on July 1 and play a four-daywarm-upgameata laterdatebuttheIndianshad otherideas.

There’s usually a discussion between both countries as to what they wanttohappen.

The FTP has India arriving on July 1 and there was to be a four-day warmupgame.Theysubsequently said they don’t necessarily want that so they’ll confirm when they will arrive,”

Holdersaid

“They didn’t confirm so we couldn’t confirm when they will arrive. In the last few days, they have come back with some options which have reverted to arriving potentially on June 30th or July 1, which I’ve communicated to the relevantparties,”headded.

Holder added that their lack of confirmation means important logistical matters like booking charter flights andhotelsaredelayed.

“Potentially, we have them arriving in Dominica onJuly7butI’mwaitingon confirmation from them. Without that confirmation, we have them booked for July9.

Until they can confirm when they want to go to Dominica, I can’t necessarily go to the hotel and the charter airline companies and say I need a flightforthisdayorIneeda roomforthisday

While I can alert them, I can’t confirm We are working all those options so we can swiftly put plans in place once we know what is happening,”hesaid.

helping his team to yet a n o t h e r R e g i o n a l championshiptitle.

GHE seasoned core of young veterans; like G u d a k e s h M o t i e , Veerasammy Permaul, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Ronsford Beaton, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Tevin Imlach and others form a young,yetexperiencedside.

List of 15 Contracted players for 2023-2024 season:

1.VeersammyPermaul

2.GudakeshMotie

3.TevinImlach

4 T a g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul

5. KevinSinclair

6.NialSmith

7.RonsfordBeaton

8.MatthewNandu

9.KemolSavory

10.

11.AntonyAdams

-Savory,Nandu,Joseph,Ramnauth,DindyalandSinclairearnfirsttimecontracts Sabalenka, Gauff crash out in Berlin

AFP - Top seed Aryna SabalenkaandUSstarCoco Gauff suffered setbacks in their Wimbledon build-ups yesterday when they slumped to second round losses at the Berlin WTA tournament.

World number two Sabalenkawasdefeated6-2, 7-6 (7/2) by Veronika

Kudermetova whose

Russian compatriot

Ekaterina Alexandrova saw off seventh-ranked Gauff 64, 6-0. Alexandrova and Kudermetova will meet in today’s quarter-finals, just five days after they fought out the final in ‘s-

Hertogenbosch.

Kudermetova had also defeated Sabalenka at the same stage in Berlin 12 monthsagointhreesets.

Yesterday,worldnumber 13 Kudermetova broke her Belarusian opponent three times in her 99-minute victory Alexandrova, ranked at 22, successfully defended her‘s-Hertogenboschtitlein a dramatic three-set triumph over Kudermetova on Sunday.

Her win over Gauff avenged her loss to the Americanteenagerfromtwo matchpointsupintheironly

previousmeetingatDubaiin 2021.

After falling behind 3-1 in the first set, the 28-yearold Russian won 11 of the last 12 games to reach the Berlin quarter-finals for the secondtimeinhercareer

“Grassisnotmyfavorite surface, but somehow I’m managing to play so well on it,”saidAlexandrova.

“And maybe the score lookseasy,butit’sneverlike that because she played amazing. I needed to stay focused during every single pointtokeepitthatway.I’m just hoping I can keep this formaslongasIcan.”

KevlonAnderson

12.ShamarJoseph

13.RampertabRamnauth

14.MavendraDindyal 15.uniorSinclair

CWI Senior Manager, Roland Holder Manager

Down and out: Aryna Sabalenka was defeated in Berlin on Thursday. (Emmanuel DUNAND)

Junior Sinclair Rampertab Ramnauth

Matthew Nandu

Simeon Hardy introduces modern innovation ‘Worksite Guyana’

Simeon ‘Candyman’

Hardy is well known for his boxing exploits first locally, when he traded punches at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown Guyana, and subsequently at several venues in the USA. To date, he’s fought 16 bouts, surrendering just 2 but forcing 11 of his opponents to quit before the final bell. He is known for his tenacity anddeterminationwhenever he steps into the ‘square jungle’ and now has turned his sights to a new venture that requires the same level of determination and skill exhibitedintheboxingring.

Hardy currently resides intheUSAandthoughhehas not officially signaled his retirement from the fistic sport, his fighting spirit has prompted him into entrepreneurship, creating a companyhedubs,“Worksite

Guyana ” One would immediately ask what the company is about and the motivation behind its development.

Hardy responds, “The motivation comes from understanding that Guyana is propelling at a very fastpace and the citizens of our nation need to match the same acceleration for us all tobenefitfromtheresources and opportunities that already exist, and also the ones which will become available,” he exhorts Hardyfurtherelaboratesthat due to the high increase in infrastructure in Guyana, customers can rely on the company to send them available professionals each time.

“Worksite Guyana is a

web marketplace that connectsindividualsseeking help from professional experts,” he said Hardy further explained that the purposeoftheplatformisto eliminate the hassle of finding competent and reliable professional service providersinGuyana.Hesaid thatthepurposeoftheentity is to connect individuals seeking help from professional experts “As such, our platform aims to eliminate the hassle of finding competent and reliable professional service providersinGuyana.”

A c o n s u m m a t e nationalist, Hardy is bent on serving his country, even though separated by hundreds of miles. One may still question, how does the companybenefittheaverage Guyanese? “Worksite Guyanaprovidesconvenient service for the Guyanese people and allows them to save time and money,” he explains.

Hardy also said that manyGuyaneseareengaged in multiple matters and may not necessarily find the time to secure competent persons forspecialistjobs.“Thiscan befrustratingaswellastimeconsuming and here the services of “Worksite Guyana” can be extremely necessary,”heassures.

The young entrepreneur reassures clients that his organization is equipped to address the many concerns and challenges encountered by clients. He assures them that,“Havingyourmaterials ruined by so-called experts will cause you to lose both time and money At Worksite Guyana, we

provide professionals who are highly rated, qualified, screened, and most importantly, competent and reliable.”

Hardy remains staunch to his commitment that the WSG is not a ‘fly by night’ entity. He also assures his clients that they can be comforted by the many initiatives in place to meet t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e requirements “There are manyadvantagesofutilizing our services at WSG,” said Hardy, “Firstly, our services offer convenience where the client can access skilled professionals to do the work they may not possess the skills,orhavethetimetodo themselves ” The young businessman further explains that clients could alsoutilizeabroadspectrum of services in the construction industry, including plumbing, carpentry, AC installation, masonry, electrical installation, provision of handymen, and much more. He said that WSG, consisting of professionals, isverifiedwhichofferssome measure of relief to the customers.

In a fast-paced world, professionals would like to rest assured that their problems are in capable hands thus allowing them to focus unbothered in other areas of concern Hardy assures that his team has fleshed out the intricacies and is ready and able to address such eventualities. “WSG can either send someone on short notice to help with an emergency problemorhaveascheduled appointment for a specific

timeanddate,”hepointsout.

But what about safety and security, can the client restassuredthathisproperty is under proper safeguard?

“Of course, responds Hardy, “WSG employs stringent measures to guarantee the safety and security of our customersevenastheyenjoy peace of mind about the credibility of the professionalsthatweenlist,” he said while emphasizing that, “We seek reviews and assurances from customers after the completion of jobs as a means of ascertaining our competence,” Hardy stressed.

“Fortunately also, WSG is a customer-friendly entity that goes the extra mile to ensure that our clients enjoy close interaction with our experts to fully understand the nature of their problems,” said Mr Hardy He also emphasized the support and assistance the WSG offers to customers which help to address concernsorissuesthatmight arise during the process of booking a professional “WSG is the mediator and helps to resolve conflicts between professionals and clients should any occur,” explainsHardy

He boasts that the WSG offers100% quality service but is not oblivious to the issues of dissatisfaction that may arise in unforeseen circumstances.

“Yes, we may encounter individuals who may not be 100 percent happy with the s t a n d a r d o f w o r k providedbut I must reiterate that we are a customerf r i e n d l y e n t i t y Consequently, we have

implemented systems to engage such customers with the aim of resolving issues amicably.”

Mr Hardy admits that this line of business may encounter challenges but reassures that his team is prepared to lock horns in resolvingthem.

He explained that accessibilitytoprofessionals might be a bit challenging depending on various reasons “Depending on location, accessibility to a variety of professionals can be challenging but theWSG is prepared to meet these challenges head-on whenevertheymayarise.”

The WSG is a relatively newinnovation in Guyana but already enjoys a great measureofsuccess.

Merely three hours after creating the Worksite Guyana platform on Facebook the company enjoyeditsfirstbookingand the job was a success Further, the Company is a blessingtoyoungtradesmen whowere,initiallyunableto

find work. Another plus is that WSG has successfully partnered with the Government Technical Institute (GTI) and other tradeschoolsnationwidefor internshipprogramsthatwill help the students with practical experience, at construction sites These reviewsareeasilyaccessible onFacebook.

Indeed, this is a very demanding venture, and one wonders if Hardy ever felt the need to ‘throw in the towel?’ “At WSG we don’t believe in giving up, we believe in convenience and reliability in getting the job done.Wearealsobuoyedby the belief that our modern innovationwillbehelpfulto everyone,”heasserts.

Atthemoment,theteam at WSG is stringently workingonbroadeningtheir horizon, “Our mission is to pour our energies into making‘WorksiteGuyana’a uniqueentitythatclientscan trust when hiring a skilled professional,”hesaid.

Matthew Nandu strikes century (107*) in Canada

Guyana’sfirst-classopening batsmanMatthewNandu struckanimpressive107 notoutforKaieteurinthe continuationofthe2023 Brampton-Etobicokeand DistrictCricketLeague50overstournament.

In this Conference A fixture played last Saturday at Laurel Creek Park in Waterloo, Ontario, the elegant left-handed Nandu caressed ten fours and two sixesfrom97ballstohelphis team safely reach 206-3 in the 45th over replying to Phoenix’s moderate 205 all

outoff49.3overs.

The twenty-year-old Nandu, the son of former Guyana player Arjune Nandu, also represented West Indies at the International Cricket Council youthWorld Cup in theCaribbeanearlylastyear Nandu shared an unbroken, 72-run fourthwicket stand with Arjuna Sukhu who contributed 37 A f t e r P h o e n i x winning the toss and batted, the innings d i d n ’t f i n d m u c h

rhythm as wickets fell regularly on a responsive pitch

However, Damajot Sekhon top-scored with 52 (7x4) and Gurpreet

Toor offered brief resistance as well by hitting40.

Miguel Nandu and Marcus Nandu grabbed two wickets each

Matthew Nandu, who has so far featured in six games for Guyana, had sent down ten off-break overs havingconceded41runsand collectedawicket.

M a t t h e w i s a Canadian-born but also plays domestic cricket for Everest Cricket Club which is based inGuyana’s Capital: Georgetown Matthew is also retained by Guyana Amazon Warriors for the forthcoming Caribbean Premier League T20tournament.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e Brampton-Etobicoke competition is expected to continue this Saturday with several morematches assixteamsareparticipating inthisyear’sedition.

Simeon ‘Candyman’Hardy is now taking his drive to the world of business.

Matthew Nandu

Hope, Pooran centuries headline West Indies’ rout of Nepal

ESPNcricinfoCenturies from Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran saw West Indies post 339 and demolish Nepal by 101 runs to shore up their Super Six hopes.

After early wobbles, H o p e a n d P o o r a n combined for a 216-run partnership for the fourth wicket,scoring132 and115respectivelyasWest Indies registered the highest scoreofthetournament.

Nepal were never in the chase despite extensive sloppiness in the field from West Indies, and wickets for Jason Holder, Keemo Paul and Akeal Hosein helped thembowlNepaloutfor238.

Nepal won the toss and Rohit Paudel elected to field first, a trend that has seen most sides be successful in these qualifiers.

It seemed to pay off immediately with his side enjoying the better of the first ten overs

Karan KC and Gulshan Jha removed Kyle Mayers and Johnson Charles within the first five overs to leave

them two wickets down for nine.

Sandeep Lamichhanemuch improved from the first two games, also got his first wicket of the tournamentwhenhecleaned up Brandon King with a googlyshortlyafter

ThatbroughtPooranand Hope together, but a costly drop when Pooran had just scoredthreebykeeperAasif Sheikh would prove to be a real sliding doors moment.

Pooran smacked one six each off Lalit Rajbanshi a n d L a m i c h h a n e immediately after as West Indies began to move through the gears, and Hope joined in on the aggression

He would soon bring up his half-century, before Pooran reached his at a much quicker clip off 51 balls By now,West Indies were 162 for three with a third of the innings set to go,beautifullysetupforthe finish.

It was a platform they took advantage of, with Pooran throwing caution to the wind thereafter as Hope played second-

fiddle, willing to be a spectator to the fireworks Jha was tonkedfor15inan overandKaranfor12,andit even appeared as if Pooran might beat Hope to three figures.

In the end, they both got there in the 40th over, Hope easing to it with a brace while Pooran carved aboundarybehindpointto bringhisupin81balls

West Indies had a free rein in the final ten overs, through which they’d contribute 98, helped by cameos from Rovman Powell and Holder, giving Nepal 340 to get their first pointsontheboard

I t w a s a n overwhelming ask, and Nepal almost seemed to treat the target as a suggestion rather than a goal Early wickets for Joseph and Holder didn’t help as Nepal went back intotheirshell

But they continued to lose wickets as the run rate climbed, despite the profligacy of the West Indian fielding, which b o r d e r e d o n t h e

uninterested at times

There were at least seven catches put down all innings, as well as a number of misfields that could be put down to lackadaisicalefforts

But,truetoWestIndies form, it was interspersed with moments of divine brillianceinthefield

A catch on the boundary by Keacy Carty was the pick of the lot, leaping over the rope before coming back in to complete a perfectly executed

catch to dismiss Kushal

Malla A sharp grab by

Roston Chase sent

Dipendra Airee packing too, and by now, Nepal had long been nudged out of the contest, tottering on the brink of a colossal defeat at 128 for six

Aarif Sheikh hung around with the lower order, scoring a spirited half-century to ensure his side put up a respectable total

Nepal crossed 200 and ensured they took

the game to the final over thanks to Karan, who played his shots as West Indies went through the motions

It was a successful effort, of sorts, to delay an outcome that had been obvious for at least a couple of hours, as West Indies shook hands on theirsecondsuccessivewin.

Scores: West Indies 339 for 7 (Hope 132, Pooran 115, Rajbanshi 352) beat Nepal 238 all out (Aarif 63, Holder 3-34, Joseph2-45)by101runs

NBA Draft 2023: Identical Thompson twins eyeing the big time

BBC Sport spoke to the Thompson twins about the unusual route to be in the 2023NBADraft.

Thompsontwinshopeto makehistory

“ I w a n t f i v e Championships, MVP’s and defensive Players of the Years” , Ausar Thompson tells BBC Sport, emphasising his ambitions for multiple awardsandachievements

Standing at 6’7" tall, Thompson has never been onetoaimlow

The move paid off, as the Thompson’s led Pine C r e s t t o a s t a t e championshiptitlein2021, and received scholarship offers from over a dozen universities.However,while most American high school players go to college at 18, the brothers chose a riskier path.

The brothers enjoyed a storybook ending at OTE, winning the league title together with their City Reapersteam.

Theynowdepartwithan unshakeable confidence that they’ll have a big impact in theNBA.

BBC Sport - The NBA’s annual draft took place in Brooklyn yesterday, with 60 young men set to have their liveschangedforever

The event is made up of tworoundsof30picks,with 30 teams choosing players basedonwheretheyfinished last season The worst performingteamspickatthe top of the draft, where they have access to the best incomingtalent.

This year’s draft is headlined by 7’3"

French phenomenon Victor Wembenyama, one of the most hyped prospects ever andwholooksdestinedtobe signed by the San Antonio Spurs.

It’s expected he’ll then be followed by

twoAmericanprospects,19year-old Scoot Henderson, an explosive 6’2" guard who’s played the last two

seasons in the NBA’s developmental ‘G-league’, and Brandon Miller, a smooth 6’9" 20-year-old whostarredattheUniversity ofAlabama.

After those picks anything can happen

Twoplayershopingtogo high are 20-year-old identical twins Amen and Ausar Thompson, aiming to be the first brothers to ever bedraftedinthetop10.

The high flying wing player, and his brother Amen, a point guard, were born and raised in Oakland, California At just 13, hungry to gain national attention, the twins relocated over 3000 miles across the country to FortLauderdaleinFlorida, to play at Pine Crest High School, a small private institution that was worlds away from the public system the brothers were usedto

At 17, they skipped their final year of high schoolandsigneduptothe upstart Overtime Elite League [OTE], an Atlanta based program aimed at 16 to20yearolds.

“What made us decide to join OTE was the resources,”saysAusar

“They pitched what the gymwasgoingtolooklike, becauseatthetimethegym wasn’tevenfullybuilt ”

HisbrotherAmenadds: “[And] The availability from your trainers, they’re always there when you needthem

They’ve definitely helped us develop pro habits.”

“I’d be looking forward to playing against Giannis [Antetokounmpo],” says Ausar “IfIhadtoguardhim youknowI’llgivehimahard time.

“I’m looking forward to playing more guys in my position, Shae (Alexander Walker), D-book (Devin Booker), Donovan Mitchell, Jimmy Butler, people like that”.

“I’d probably say like Lebron [James], [Steph] Curry, KD [Kevin Durant],” Amenadds.

Amen andAusar will be onestepclosertothatgoalon Thursday, when their names a r e r e a d b y N B A commissioner Adam Silver And then the real game begins.

Identical twins Amen (left) and Ausar Thompson. (Getty Images)

Alzarri Joseph celebrates the wicket of Kushal Bhurtel. (ICC via Getty Images)

All fans benefit from 20% ticket discount when buying online in advance

Cricket lovers can now secure their seats for the much-anticipated West Indies vs England eightmatch white ball series in December2023andtheWest Indies Women vs Ireland Womensix-matchwhiteball series,startingnextweek.

Cricket West Indies (CWI)todayannouncedsale ofticketsforthemen’sthreematch CG United One Day International (ODI) Series and five-match T20 International (T20I) Series to be held in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad Tickets for the matches in Trinidad will go onsaleonFriday23July

Also on sale are tickets forthewomen’sthree-match CG United ODIs and three T20Is at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia. Detailsonticketsalesforthe West Indies vs India Men’s Tests,ODIsandT20IsSeries will be announced in the comingdays.

Forthefirsttimeever,the West Indies are hosting England in the run up to Christmas and tickets are available offering a range of price points and viewing positionstodeliveragolden, festive opportunity to see some the best players in the world in action under

Caribbeanskies.

Tickets range from the Platinum seat category with thebestandshadedviewsin each stadium through to affordable Standard seats or Mounds & Grounds entry (Mounds & Grounds not availableforBarbados).The much-loved and worldrenowned West Indies Party Standswillbeconfirmedand go on sale in the coming weeks.

Fans can now purchase tickets in their preferred viewing locations from the Windies Tickets service,

presented by Mastercard, at tickets.windiescricket.com–where they will be able to downloadticketssecurelyto their mobile device, or print outtheirtickettopresentfor scanning at the stadium entrance.

All fans who purchase online will benefit from a 20% discount compared to the venue box office prices. Local West Indian fans will also benefit from further promotionswhenregistering on the Windies Tickets service and purchasing online Dominic Warne,

CWI’sCommercialDirector said: “We are excited to welcome fans to enjoy what willbeaction-packedseries. Visiting fans will get a chancetoenjoytheamazing sights and scenes of cricket in the West Indies as the home fans will again create that unique and vibrant atmosphere which is only seen at cricket in the Caribbean.”

Warne added: “We believe tickets for the England series will form the perfect gift for the preChristmas period, so we

anticipate thousands of cricket lovers snapping up the seats in the coming weeks. With the expected large crowds, we’re providinganearlyChristmas giftoftheonlinediscountto encouragefanstomaketheir purchases early and to guaranteetheirtickets.”

The women’s series will runfrom26Juneto8Julyas the West Indies Women’s only home fixture in 2023. The three CG United ODIs comprise West Indies’ third fixture in the ICC Women’s Championship where they

are pushing for a top five position to qualify automatically for the ICC Women’sCricketWorldCup in 2025. Fans in St. Lucia will hope to see local West Indies Rising Stars players Zaida James and Qiana Joseph who have both recentlybrokenthroughinto the West Indies Women’s seniorsquad.

Fans can purchase their ticketsonlineandinadvance for just US$6 (EC$16 equivalent), saving 20% on the box office ticket prices. Fans who purchase through the Windies Tickets service, presented by Mastercard The stadium box office will be open on the day of each match for fans wishing to purchasephysicalticketsata priceofEC$20/US$7.50.

Warne added: “We’re excited that St. Lucia is hostingtheonlyWestIndies Women’s home Series in 2023, especially with the new generation of young players coming through including exciting local talent from St Lucia. With promotional online ticket prices and the free ticket offer from West Indies official sponsor Mastercard, we’reencouraginglocalfans tocomeoutandsupportthe

(Continuedonpage25)

International Boxing Association is stripped of its recognition, Olympic Committee says

L A U S A N N E , Switzerland,(Reuters)-The International Boxing Association’s (IBA) recognition as the global body for the sport was stripped yesterday by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to its failure to complete reforms on governance, finance and ethicalissues.

The IOC’s extraordinary session, held online yesterday, rubber-stamped an executive board recommendationby69votes toonetowithdrawtheIBA’s recognition.TheIBA,which called the decision “a tremendous error”, had tried tohaveitblockedthroughan urgentappealtotheCourtof ArbitrationforSport,sport’s highestcourt,whichrejected

theappealonTuesday

The IOC had previously suspended the IBA in 2019 over governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues and did not involve it in runningtheboxingeventsat theTokyoOlympics.

Boxing is part of the Paris2024Olympicsbutthe qualification bouts and the competitionarebeingrunby the IOC and not the IBA, as was the case at the Tokyo Gamesin2021.

Other issues such as a sponsorship deal with Russian energy giant Gazprom that was terminated in the wake of Russia’sinvasionofUkraine further complicated the positionoftheIBA,whichis led by Russian businessman Umar Kremlev “The IOC

hasmadeatremendouserror by withdrawing its recognition of the IBA, revealing its true politicized nature,” the IBA said in a statement “We have successfully implemented all recommendations outlined by the IOC in its roadmap.” “Despite the challenges, the IBAremains c o m m i t t e d t o t h e development of boxing, the preservation of its independence, and the organization of official tournaments and World Boxing Championships at thehighestlevel.”

“We possess the legal right to do so, and we are prepared to defend it before any appropriate authority,” theIBAsaid.WhiletheIOC regularly removes or adds

sportstotheOlympicGames programme to make them more attractive to younger audiences, it is extremely rarefortheOlympicbodyto strip an international sports federation’srecognition.

The IBA’s actions have led to the creation of a breakaway group called World Boxing and several countrieshavelefttheIBAto jointheneworganisation.

“This is a hugely significant moment for the sport,”WorldBoxingsaidin astatement.

“All national boxing federations now have a critically important decision to make if they want boxers from their country to have theopportunitytocompeteat the Olympic Games at Los Angelesandbeyond,”itsaid.

The beautiful Kensington Oval in Barbados will host ODI and T20 action. (CWI)

“We urge every national federation to join and support World Boxing in its

efforts to ensure boxing remains at the heart of the Olympicmovement.”

International Boxing Association (IBA) president Umar Kremlev speaks during the opening ceremony of Women’s World Boxing Championships at Indira Gandhi Indoor stadium in New Delhi, India, March 15, 2023. (REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/File Photo)

BCB and University of Guyana to establish closer relationship

- New Amsterdam/ Canje primary schools receive cricket items

Th e B e r b i c e Cricket Board in its ongoing effort toliftBerbicecricketonand offthecricketfieldmetwith a high powered delegation from the University of Guyana recently at the Tain Campus.

T h e B C B w a s represented by President HilbertFosterandChairman of the Competition Committee Leslie Solomon, while the University delegation was headed by Vice Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed.

Foster,whoisservinghis thirdtermafterbeingelected in2018,expressedthanksto theUniversitydelegationfor the meeting and expressed confidence that the relation established would benefit bothorganisations.

The BCB, he stated, was determinedtomakesurethat thelevelofcricketonandoff the field remains high in the county Thetwodelegations discussed and agreed on a wide array of areas for Berbicecricket.

The University would assist a cricketer with a full scholarship to pursue a course at the Tain Campus, while, a Wall of Fame to honour Berbice cricketers who played for the West Indies at the international level would also be established at the campus.

The wall would honour a total of thirty players who haveplayedatthetest,ODI, 20/20 and female levels including Rohan Kanhai, BasilButcher,JoeSolomon, Alvin Kallicharran, Roy Fredericks and Shemaine

Campbelle Among other areas of cooperation would be the setting of a digital electric board with facts of Berbicecricketinfrontofthe campus, publication of the BCB historic coaching manual for distribution to youth cricketers, renaming of rooms after outstanding players like Kanhai and hosting of etiquette classes for all Berbice youth teams prior to playing in the inter countytournament.

The teams shall be the Berbice under13, under15, under17andunder19.

Vice Chancellor Dr

Mohamed expressed delight at the successful discussions and noted that the University was pleased to be associated

with Berbice cricket which has a rich tradition to uphold The two delegations would work closely over the next few months to make sure that the programmes and projects are implemented successfully

Foster noted that the younger generation of cricketers has limited

knowledgeofthegameorits historyandhewasconfident that the package with the university would assist to correctthisprogramme. The promotion of an educational background for cricketers, he stated, is very importanttotheBCBandas such he welcomed the scholarship to the university forayouthcricketer Students and visitors to theTainCampuswouldalso

beupdatedontherecordsof the outstanding players via the Wall of Fame and the digital board would give up to date information on the game. He expressed thanks to the delegation which included the Director of the T a i n C a m p u s D r G o m a t h i n a y a g a m Subramanian and Jainarine Deonarine of the Turkeyen Campus Meanwhile, the

BCB continued its distribution of Tapeball cricketgeartoschoolsacross the county with Asst Secretary Ameer Rahaman and executive Gregory Crandon handing over bats and tapeballs to fifteen schools in the New Amsterdamarea.

The board for this year has assisted over sixty primaryschools with almost ahalfamilliondollarsworth

of cricket equipment as part of its developmental programme.

Among the schools were Sandvoort Primary, Locaber Primary,StTheresePrimary, New Amsterdam Primary, All Saints Primary and St AloysiusPrimary Theboard has started to host primary schooltapeballcompetitions attheinterzonelevelleading to an overall Berbice championship.

The BCB and the University of Guyana delegation poses after the successful meeting.

BCB Executives Ameer Rahman and Gregory Crandon hand over the gear to a school.

GGApresidentAleem Hussain will be one of the Guyanese to represent during the Trinidad Golf open.

Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran added 216 runs for the fourth wicket. (ICC via Getty Images)

Jason Holder struck early in the chase. (ICC via Getty Images)