Kaieteur News

Ramnauth

U.S Judge orders Govt. to update EPA laws

B a c k i n 2 0 2 0 , f i v e environmental organizations, an Alaskan tribal leader and a south Louisiana fisher sued the Unites States of America's (U S A) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)toforcetheagencytoupdate itsregulations.

AccordingtoaGuardianreport, the lawsuit came as a result of the lessons that were learned from the British Petroleum (BP) Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 and the ExxonValdezoilspillin1989.

In 2021, U.S. District Court judge William Orrick ordered the EPAto update its oil spill response plans.

Asaresult,onMondayJune12, the U.S. EPA announced more stringent rules governing offshore oil spill response, amid continuing concernsabouttheeffectsonpublic health and wildlife from chemical disasters, including BP's Deepwater Horizon explosion in 2010.

The media entity reported that the federal agency, which announced the update, had not updated its rule regulating the chemicalsusedtobreakupoffshore oilslickssince1994.

It was reported that thousands of people who rushed into the Gulf of Mexico waters to clean up BP's oil spill have fallen ill, and some have died A recent Guardian investigation spotlighted the difficult legal fight that cleanup workers who got sick have been experiencing trying to bring medicalcasesagainsttheoilgiant.

Morethanthreedecadesearlier, those who cleaned up the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill off the coast ofAlaska suffered the same fate.A

growing body of research has linked exposure to the dispersants used by BP to break up oil slicks with chronic illnesses, including increased risk of cancer, heart conditions and an increased rate of births of premature and underweightinfants.

The updated EPA rule, which takes effect in December, requires dispersants to undergo more stringent toxicity and efficacy testingbeforetheycanbeapproved for use Dispersants currently approved by the agency must undergo retesting under the new criteria Products not retested withintwoyearsaftertheruletakes effect or that do not meet the new criteria will be removed from the approved list, according to the updatedregulations.

Similarly, in May, Guyana's EPA was ordered to enforce the permit provisions that protected Guyana in the event of an oil spill, making it clear that ExxonMobil would be responsible for the costs of an oil spill cleanup. However, that ruling has since been appealed by the country's EPA and the oil company

Meanwhile,RikiOtt,anAlaska toxicologist, began advocating for protections for oil spill cleanup workers in the wake of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill and is the director of Earth Island Institute's Alert Project, the lead plaintiff in thecaseagainsttheEPA.

“What heartened me was the shift to holding the industry more accountableforitsownproductuse by requiring things that should have been required decades ago,” shesaid.

During the BPspill, millions of

gallons of dispersants were pumped underwater to the gushing wellhead and sprayed from planes flying over the Gulf. Calls by members of Congress and public health advocates for a list of chemicals found in the dispersants went unanswered by the company that produced the products, Nalco Holding Co, for weeks during the spill.

Nalco said that the ingredients in its products were “confidential business information” and disclosing the chemicals would put the company's competitive edge at risk. Eventually, a full list of the chemical components was released bytheEPA.

The updated rule no longer allows companies to hide the

chemical ingredients of their products. “Prompt and accurate informationwillallowthepublicto evaluate and understand the potentialhumanandenvironmental effects of these chemical agents,” accordingtotheamendedEPArule.

There is also a provision in the rule that allows the EPAto remove products from the approved list of dispersants if a company provides misleading or inaccurate information about what's in their product or its potential to cause harm.

The recent report by the Guardian found that during the BP spill,theoilgiantprovidedcleanup workers with training modules that claimed dispersants used in the Gulf had no ingredients known to

Fire crews respond to the blazing remnants of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in April 2010.

causechronichealtheffects.“What has happened to the BP workers and coastal residents with all these illnesses and lingering harm and sick and dying children. Nobody wants that to happen again,” Ott said.

Theupdatedrulealsoaddresses concerns from Alaska community groups about the effectiveness of dispersants in Arctic waters by requiring companies to test their products in two different temperatures,5°Cand25°C.

“I think it's going to be eyeopening for how many of these chemicals actually work when you getdownto5°C,”saidSueMauger, the executive director of Cook Inletkeeper, one of the plaintiffs in thesuitagainsttheEPA.

Oil companies request to defer royalty to be approved by Cabinet - VP Jagdeo

The draft Petroleum Activities Bill has proposed granting the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, the power to waive or defer royalty payments to the State, by oil and gas operators; however, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has acknowledged that this may b e a n o p e n i n g f o r mismanagement.

D u r i n g a p r e s s conference on Thursday hosted at the Office of the President, Jagdeo said the government is examining whether the draft legislation can be strengthened to allow any decision regarding the royalty payments to be approved by Cabinet, rather than be authorized by the subjectMinister

The former Head-of-

State said this is particularly important to avoid rehashing the mistake made by the f o r m e r C o a l i t i o n government, where the then Minister responsible for Natural Resources entered into what is now known as the world's worst Petroleum agreement, without first consulting his Cabinet colleagues.

According to the draft Bill, currently in the consultative phase, royalties owed to the state can be waived or deferred by the Minister, after discussions withtheMinisterofFinance.

The draft Bill states at Section49(1),“TheMinister may, on application made to him by a licensee and after consultation with the

responsibility for finance, by order—(a)remit,inwholeor in part, any royalty payable by the applicant, or (b) defer payment of any royalty, on

such conditions (if any) as he mayspecifyintheorder.”

Inrespondingtoconcerns from the press on the matter, theVice President explained,

“The first draft has the Minister, we are looking at seeing if we can't strengthen that(so)thatonlytheCabinet could (waive the payments), so the Minister has to have the approval of the entire Cabinet if there should arise any situation where they can defer the royalty or like reducetheroyalty.”

He explainedthatundera circumstance where the operator suffers a loss during production activities, he may make an application to defer thepayment.

“For example, Liza One, we need now the gas to run our power plant- supply of power- but (if) the oil prices fall to $20 a barrel and the cost of production is $25 a barrel loss making situation and then on top of

the $20, you have to pay the royalties too, the two percent royalty So,ouraimistokeep the well going so that we can get the gas for power supply so in a situation like that, that ishowitcouldbeexercised,” theVPnoted.

Jagdeo added that Guyanese now have the opportunity to give their views on this issue and other areas of the Bill that is now publicly available. In fact, he urged citizens not to be “as lazyastheOpposition”butto read the proposed legislation andsendtheirfeedback.

The draft Bill is now available on the following websites: www nre gov gy and www.petroluem.gov.gy

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Photograph: US Coas Guard/AFP/Getty Images

ExxonMobil initiates process to purchase Liza Destiny, Liza Unity vessels from SBM

Ex x o n M o b i l Guyana's Vice President and Business Service Manager, Phillip Rietema recently confirmed that the company is progressing with plans to purchase the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating, production, storage and offloading(FPSOs)vessels.

Both ships were built by world renowned shipbuilder SBM Offshore The Liza Destiny was built to the tune of US$1B while its sister, the Liza Unity was built for US$1 2B Both vessels operate within the Liza field and produce approximately 380,000to400,000barrelsof oilperday

The Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) 'Tina' was selected by SBM Offshore fortheconversionprocessfor the Liza Destiny The conversion phase began in November 2017 It was designed to produce up to 120,000barrelsofoilperday

It has an associated gas treatment capacity of circa 170millioncubicfeetperday and water injection capacity of circa 200,000 barrels per day

The converted VLCC FPSO was spread moored in water depth of 1,525 meters andisabletostore1.6million barrelsofcrudeoil.

As for the Liza Unity FPSO, it was designed to produce approximately 220,000barrelsofoilperday,

to have associated gas treatment capacity of 400 millioncubicfeetperdayand water injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day The FPSO was spread moored in water depth of about 1,600 meters and is able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil. There are a total of 19topsidesmodules.

The Liza Unity FPSO represents SBM Offshore's first Fast4Ward® design, b e n e f i t t i n g f r o m standardization of the project's execution plan and using a fully completed and commissioned MPF hull, whichsetsthebenchmarkfor futureFPSOprojects.

TheLizaUnityFPSOhas also been awarded the SUSTAIN-1 notation by ABS, the Classification Society This means that the design and construction of the unit is assessed against and adheres to the requirements of the ABS Guide for Sustainability Notations, aligned with the applicable UN Sustainable DevelopmentGoals.

TheLizaUnityisalsothe world'sfirstFPSOtoachieve such recognition for sustainability for its design, d o c u m e n t a t i o n a n d operational procedures

Examples of features

r e c o g n i z e d b y t h e

SUSTAIN-1 class notation include energy efficiency management, mitigation of ozone depleting substances

and management of hazardous materials throughoutthelifecycle.

In its 2019 annual report, SBM had said it would recover the full cost of its investments on the two

vessels, through a sale to the client, ExxonMobil. In the meantime, significant interests are being paid to supportleasingandoperating arrangements.

According to the 2022

financial statements for

ExxonMobil's affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) paid about $28.5B in lease interests for the two vessels over the period 2021 and

2022 Such leasing costs would continue to be incurred until the sale is closed. Notably, all costs for leasing as well as purchasing would be supported by Guyana'soil.

The Liza Destiny floating, production, storage and offloading vessel

The Liza Unity floating, production, storage and offloading vessel of

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

BUILDING EXTRAVAGANZA

Moneyisbeingspentlavishlytoputuppublicbuildings androadconstruction. Thisisagoodthing,andgetsbetter when each additional dollar of the monies set aside for different public works projects is actually spent for the purpose intended, goes into getting the best structure possible. The millions are not being held back, and if Guyanesecouldonlyget50percentofwhatisbudgetedand awarded for construction purposes, that alone could be considered a major victory, with benefits experienced. Anything upwards of 50 percent would be more of what is positive,andtothebettermentofthisdisadvantagedsociety

The biggest awards that were in the news lastThursday totaled$2.8billionin58contractssignedforimprovements in RegionThree, with road construction leading the way in placeslikeParfaiteHarmonie,DenAmstel,CorneliaIda,and others.

Eighteen contracts were signed for $1.3 billion to facilitate ‘infrastructural interventions’ in the SoesdykeLinden Highway neighbourhoods of Yarrowkabra, Kuru Kururu,andSwan. Thisisallgood,aslongasthebillionsare spentontheprojectsthemselves,anddonotmaketheirway elsewhere. A noticeable feature of both billion-dollar contract bundles was the presence of new names regarding thosewhoreceivedacontract. AndalsofromlastThursday’s news, $688.1 million in contracts were approved for the rebuildingoftheChristChurchSecondarySchoollosttofire.

Intotal,closeto$5billionincontractswereawardedfor roadsandaschool.

Now, if only residents of those communities, and Guyanese in general, could get the most value for their money,itwouldbemorethanawonderfuldevelopment. It would represent what is unprecedented in this country, relative to how taxpayers’ dollars have been spent by government after government. The PPP/C Government is laudedforitsforesightandspreadingthewealth,sotospeak. WeheardMinistersofthePPP/CGovernmentmakingwarm speechesaboutvisionandhowgoodgovernancefunctions, andsoon. Thisisalsoonthegoodside.

Whatisnotsomuchonthegoodsideiswhenaccounting forhowthosesameandotherbillionswerespentbecomesan exercise in frustration and futility In this regard, the track record of the PPP/C Government has been not of the best. Truthbetold,itisasbadascanbeimagined,withnumerous questionsleftunanswered,manysuspicionsarising. Allwe havetodoispointtothevitalparliamentaryPublicAccounts Committee (PAC), which itself has been condemned to the roleofadefeatedandput-out-to-pasturewhiteelephant.

WhenthePACcannotmeetduetothelackofaquorumin so many instances, then creeping suspicions gain new traction,andgreaterstrength.

Howthemanymillionsandbillionshavebeenspentand documented,andtheresultsoftheauditsofsuch,allhaveto be reviewed, discussed, and recommendations made for remedialaction,ifandwhensuchiswarranted. Butwhenthe PAC is preventedfrom meetingby one unconvincingtactic afteranother,thenthistalkaboutvisionsanddoinggoodfor Guyanesecollapseundertheweightoftheusualplatitudes, all the political perverseness that have been the history of Guyana.

We pinpointed three instances of huge sums for numerous contracts to build in different areas in Guyana. Therearemanyscoresofotherbigcontractsforotherpublic works in other parts of Guyana, and involving bridges and wellsandotherfacilitiesthatwemustremember Werethe dollars spent on the projects, and how much? What did Guyanesegetfortheirsacrifice,theirexpectations,onthese projects? Whowillbeheldaccountableiftherearegapsand defectsinwhatisdelivered,andhowdotheGuyanesepeople knowaboutallofthis?

We need and want infrastructure, but our history with whatwegetleavesconsiderableanger,disappointment,and thericketystructuresthathavetobelivedwith,afterallthe moneyspent. Wewelcomeandcheerthebillionstobespent, butonlywhenthebestisgottenoutofthem. Unlesstheusual businessinvolvingtheusualpoliticalwaysaredifferent,then itjustthesameoldrottennessonanewday

Predicted that the PPP/C would pay in LGE for some poor decisions

DEAREDITOR, InlastMonday’spoll,the O p p o s i t i o n A P N U recaptured the BuxtonFoulis Neighbourhood DemocraticCouncilwhichit lost in the 2018 elections. APNU got 5105 votes with the PPP/C getting 4511 The governing party lost the NDC by a difference of 594 votes. In that NDC lies the PPP/C strongholds of Enterprise, Non Pareil, and Coldingen. The governing PPP/C had never won that LDC but won it in the 2018 LGE with 4605 votes

compared to 3709 votes for APNU.Thiswasawhopping 896 increase for the PPP/C overitsrivalin2018.

What could account for thePPP/Closingin2023?In Buxton-FoulisaretheAPNU strongholds of Buxton, Bachelors’ Adventure and Paradise. It could possibly meanthatifthePPP/Cmade inroads to the APNU strongholdin2018,thenthey returned to that party in 2023. Alternatively, the 896 voters who voted PPP/C in 2018 are PPP/C supporters andmusthavebeenapathetic

in 2023 to not vote for the governingparty Whatcould accountfortheirapathy?

Ihadpredictedinaletter (KN 5-4-2023 -”Closing Enmore, Enterprise and Paradise schools ill conceived”) that the Ministry of Education’s decision to send students fromEnterprise,Enmoreand ParadiseallthewaytoGood Hope Secondary School would incur more traveling expenses, which would be burdensome to parents. I had warned that parents wouldventtheirwrathinthe

LGEelectionsof2023.Note well that with the closure of the Enmore factory, the majority of sugar workers have lost their jobs. The PPP/C strongholds are economically depressed The Minister of Education took their strongholds for grantedordidnotunderstand themagnitudeofsupporters’ displeasure. Whatever the reasonsforthePPP/Closs,it would be interesting to see what the Minister does to rectifytheproblem.

Respectfully, SultanMohamed

STATUS QUO OF GTE PROJECT

DEAREDITOR,

It is discombobulating discerning where reality lies in the implementation of the gastoenergyproject.

One week, we have contracts being awarded for onshore pipeline laying and MARAD notices for offshore Stingray and friend/s laying. The next week we are told there is no

final investment decision

from Stabroek Block Partners nor any legislation togovernpipelines.

The fact that there is no pipeline legislation is stated inoneofthestudiesforGtE projectonMNRE’swebsite, was conveyed in writing to GoG and EEPGL, possibly in the Denton’s review inter alia. Therefore, it has been

knownforinexcessofthree years.Nowwehavegottento the stage where there is proposedpipelinelegislation withintheoutfortwoweeks consultations, ‘Draft Petroleum Activities Bill 2023’.Two weeks to review legislation with such future effects is simply not enough timenorrespecttofutures.It ishopedthatthisissuewhich

will affect us, and future generations will go out for public consultations over a longer period of time.These National Consultations, whether offered by the GoG and/or demanded by civic, civil and interested parties wouldshowweallcare.

Yoursincerely,

Elizabeth DeaneHughes

distinctions

DEAREDITOR,

This is an open letter to President Ali, the General Secretary to the PPP Party andhisAdvisors,thelikesof Dr Persaud and our friends, Gerry,KitandHarry The state media continues its propaganda blitz and as recently as Wednesday in a stoutly wordedEditorialintheState controlled publicly funded newspaper It claimed that thePPPhasfulfilledallofits 2020 manifesto promises including the thousands of new job opportunities Further,theykeepreminding usthatthePNCledCoalition put thousands of workers in the Sugar Industry and Hinterland programmes on the breadline The assumption is that all those persons have been retrained and are now gainfully employed.

Inpreparationforthereal objective,notnewtothePPP master plan is to prepare the groundwork to bring in migrant workers. We know from where and why It is a Master Plan. It is a sinister plan to change the demographics of our country.so that using an old, unhealthy, and destructive policy; it is to use the old

imperial trick of divide and rule while elite dominates withbillionsintheirpockets. Notnew,butatooltodrivea wedge between good Guyanese To divide particularly young people who wish to live together in love, peace and harmony This strategy must be exposedandfrustrated. Itis also an attempt to avoid the reality that the Government hasfailedtoeasetheburden on the backs of ordinary folks, from the Rupununi to theCoast.

Forbrevity,IaskthePPP hierarchy to explain why in this fantastic and fastest growing economy, the followingfactsexist:-

(1) The cost of living is rising and many ordinary workers cannot provide a balanced, nutritious daily meal for themselves and children (See letter from Lincoln Lewis of the TUC publishedrecently).

Howcanaparentearning a government wage of GY$100,000 per month provide the basics for one, two or three children, food, clothing and shelter, while their friends now boast of spending GY$100,000 in an hour, gambling, frolicking and paying air fares to

indulge in their depraved perniciousproclivities?

(2) Why is it that these large sums from our natural resources remain in the hands of friends who get all thecontractsandearn,(didI say earn?), I mean obtain over 80+ percent of these sums announced for infrastructural works, bridges, buildings, roads etc.

The analysis by Nigel Hughes in response to the acquisition of us being an apartheidstateisinstructive.

(3) In the recent report we boast about the great advances in the health centre. Massive sums were expended on drugs and medicinebytheGovernment and some of questionable quality and efficacy Many times,essentialdrugsarenot available in the public system and have to be sourced from the private sectoratgreatcosttocitizens andyetotherdrugs,ifweare to stay alive, must be obtained from external sources.

Editor, it would be interesting if you can obtain a response from the appropriateMinisterssothat we can begin the journey to explore the truth of existing

circumstances in Guyana and spare citizens this propaganda bombardment There is little hope of any society being unified, being vitalunlessitisunderpinned onthepillarsoftruthandthe rectitudeofitsleaders.

Dear Editor, Dear President, the above sentence allows us to ask aboutthewhereaboutsofthe erstwhile tenant of our Vice President, Mr Sue; and has Sue been sued as was Pompously Publicly Proclaimed?

Theironyofoursituation as we observed during the just concluded Local GovernmentElectionsisthat citizens, young and old are struck by this bogey-man of race. An analysis will show that what is emerging in Guyana is the existence of a class society where the rulingeliteissuperintending overthewideningofthegap betweenthewealthyandthe poor Thepoorconsistofthe Amerindians, East Indians, andAfricans.Thisgeneration must therefore move away from this destructive racecard and recognize that we are into a society divided by class. The poor and underprivilegedmust

(Continuedonpage6)

We are now divided by more than race, we are exploited by class

Keep up the School Nutrition agenda

DEAREDITOR,

Iamhappytoreadabout the ongoing and expanding Government’s Breakfast Programme in our land. I received a news snippet that “Over 13,000 pupils (are) benefitting daily from Govt ’s Breakfast Programme,”andIwasquite pleased. Where the country isconcerned,thisisnotnew in any way at all, as school feeding programmes are universal and have always proved beneficial for the physical, mental, and psychosocial development of school-age children and adolescents, particularly those in low- and middleincomecountries(LMICs).

My email explained that

“More than 13,000 Grade

Six pupils are benefitting from the programme, which provides them with a nutritiousmealeveryday,to

improve their attentiveness in class.”And yes, nutrition andeducationgotogether

Advocates of child

h e a l t h h a v e b e e n

experimenting with students’diets in the United States for more than twenty years, and it is well established that improved nutrition has the potential to

positively influence

students’ academic performance and behaviour.

Accordingtotheplethoraof existingdata,betternutrition allows for students to be better able to learn, have

fewer absences, and

improves students’ behaviour, causing fewer disruptionsintheclassroom. In terms of actual cognition, nutritional status directly affects mental capacityamongschool-aged children.

For example, iron

GWI possibly breaching duty to residents in NewAmsterdam

DEAREDITOR,

On two occasions over the past two weeks, I had causetocalltheofficesofthe Guyana Water Authority in New Amsterdam to inform them about the dark brown colour of the water passing through a filter installed alongapipelineleadingfrom an overhead tank to the building in which I reside. I informed the female employee who answered the phonethatIambeingforced to change filters every 24 hours because of how quickly they become discoloured.Theyounglady promised to inform her superior, the Engineer at the Water Treatment Plant, of my complaint. Within a few days, a team of technicians arrived to investigate I showed one of the employees the dark brown discoloured filter I had just removed and he speculated thatthemainlinesmayhave becomecorrodedandneeded flushingout.Hepromisedto report back to his superior, theEngineer

One week has elapsed since this visit and nothing haschanged.Icalledlaterto report the absence of any change in the discolouration and was told by the same

deficiency, even in early stages, can decrease dopaminetransmission,thus negatively impacting cognition.

Deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals, specifically thiamine, vitaminE,vitaminB,iodine, andzinc,areshowntoinhibit cognitive abilities and mental concentration. Additionally,aminoacidand c a r b o h y d r a t e supplementation can improve perception, intuition, and reasoning There are also a number of studies showing that improvements in nutrient intake can influence the cognitive ability and intelligencelevelsofschoolaged children So, this programme is indeed a worthyone.

On the local scene, MinisterofEducation,Priya Manickchand,notedthatthe programme also provides regular income for persons within communities capable ofdistributinghealthyfoods. She revealed that “We hired individuals from the communityandgavethema menu prepared by the Carnegie School of Home Economics.

Itismeasuredintermsof foodvalue.Andwepaythem toprovidethefoodaswellas for their labour.” So on one hand,itisaboutnutritionand education,whileatthesame time, employment is enhanced.

In terms of the national and long-term plan, things are seemingly on the right path.Aquick look back will show that the year’s budget

allocated a total of $2.1 billion to expand the programme to benefit over 85,000 pupils across the country And this is not all, there is also the ministry’s HotMealProgramme,which serves meals to primary and primary top students in Regions One, Two, Three, Five, Seven, Eight, Nine, andTen.

Editor, poor health is the antithesis of education. Every day, millions of childrenaroundtheworldgo to school on an empty stomach, and hunger affects their concentration and abilitytolearn.

Therearealsomillionsof children, particularly girls, who simply do not go to schoolbecausetheirfamilies need them to help in the fields or perform domestic

duties.

In conflict-affected countries, childrenare twice as likely to be out of school than their peers in stable countries-2 5 times more likelyinthecaseofgirls.

Ithinkreadersgetthegist ofmycomment.Itisthatour government is really on a gooddrivehere.Schoolmeal programmes can truly help address many of these challenges.

Theyareamulti-sectoral game changer that improve children’s education, health andnutrition.

More broadly, they support the whole community by providing an important safety net, and by strengthening food systems andeconomies.

Yourstruly, HBSingh.

NIS/OldAge Pensions Payments

DEAREDITOR,

The ear-catching announcementthatbothsets ofPensioners’Paymentswill be made at the same time, witheffectfromJuly1,may probably have caught some relevant agencies by surprise.

accommodation, including security

female employee that she would again relate this information to the Engineer

Itisapproximatelyoneweek since that second exchange and the dark discoloured water continues running throughmyfilters.

This water is being suppliedatamonthlycostby a supposedly modern Treatment Plant which should be providing treated watertothetown..

Is the health of the townshipsilentlyinjeopardy as a result of this dangerous breachofcontract?

Yoursfaithfully,

D.Dacosta

In the first instance, the NIS would have by now begun distribution of semiannualLifeCertificateswith publisheddatesforpayment.

The proposed change would probably imply obtaining approval from the Ministry of Finance who would also have to expedite thedeliveryofrequiredsums totheGeneralPostOfficefor distribution to branches which are unlikely to have t h e a p p r o p r i a t e

More critically perhaps may be the need for NIS pensions to be advised formally that the payment dates on their Life Certificates are no longer to be observed for the rest of 2023.Thissituationtransfers the dilemma to the Post Office Administration regarding improvement of facilities to accommodate substantial increases of moneybothatthecentreand atthebranches,andprobably having to assign more staff fortheoccasions.

Butatthesametime,the Post Office Branches can b a r e l y p h y s i c a l l y accommodate the current overflow of pensioners,

while others have to await their turn in limited outdoor accommodation, susceptible toinclementweather,aswell as indifferent security who do not differentiate between ableanddisabledpensioners (accompanied by family or friend).

(When it rains, the entrance to our branch becomes flooded to access overthesepastyears.)

Inside,theimplicationof so much money being available will demand

special security attention. In the process, we would all have to abide with longer lines and slower attention. As already obtains more of us will have to go twice, if notmoreoften.

Would the government provide the necessary transport,particularlyforthe disabled—likemyself?

The recent dictate impliesthatpensionershave also retired their intelligence.

ANonagenarian

Pumpkin, Plantain, Lemon, Lime,

Govt.’s draft oil law proposes to leave door open for direct negotiations on future oil blocks

Therecentpublicationof thePetroleumActivitiesBill by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) government has sparked questions about the potential for less transparency in the process ofissuingoilblocks.

The Bill includes provisions that allow for both competitive tender and direct negotiations when granting licenses for oil e x p l o r a t i o n a n d development,andforcarbon storagesites.

While competitive tendering ensures fairness and equal opportunity, the option of direct negotiation is often criticized for its potential to invite

questionabletransactions. Under the proposed legislation, the Minister has the authority to grant licenses through direct negotiations if it is deemed the most efficient approach to allocate resources in a defined area, promote regionalenergycooperation, or safeguard the national interest and security of Guyana.

This provision notably opens the door for government-to-government p a r t n e r s h i p s a n d agreements While such partnerships have the potential to be beneficial, there is a pressing need for conditions to be in place to

ensure transparency and accountability are preserved in the process The government has mentioned thatithassetasideblocksto strike possible collaborative d e a l s w i t h o t h e r governments, but very little has been said about the nature of such agreements. There is however notable interest on this front from QatarandIndia.

TheAllianceForChange (AFC), the opposition party in Guyana, had expressed conditional support for the government’s decision to engage in government-togovernment agreements LeaderoftheAFC,Khemraj Ramjattan, had stressed the

importance of transparency and called for all details

r e g a r d i n g t h e s e arrangements to be made public.Ramjattanstatedthat he does not object to government-to-government negotiations but wants to ensurethatthepublicandthe National Assembly have access to the specifics of suchagreements.

It should be noted however that previous transactions in Guyana i n v o l v i n g d i r e c t negotiations, have lacked transparency Specifically, the Canje and Kaieteur awards were granted to different companies through direct negotiations but

ultimately ended up in the hands of ExxonMobil. The shroud of uncertainty surrounding these awards continues to fuel scepticism about the potential for questionable transactions and the concentration of powerinthehandsofcertain companies.Recallthatthese questionable awards were also made by the PPP/C underapreviousterm.

While the option of direct negotiation can facilitate government-togovernment partnerships, some stakeholders contend that it would be more acceptable to transparency advocates if measures are put in place to prevent the

repetition of past opaque transactions. By sharing the details of government-togovernment arrangements and ensuring the National Assembly’s oversight, as suggested by Ramjattan, the government can address concernsanddemonstrateits commitment to a fair and equitable allocation of the nation’soilresources.

The draft Bill is now available for public consultation feedback until Monday,July3,2023,atthe following websites: www.nre.gov.gy and www.petroleum.gov.gy

All comments should be s e n t v i a e m a i l t o jmckenzie@nre.gov.gy.

Security guard foils attempted robbery on businessman at city bank

A security guard attached to Amalgamated Security Guyana Inc. and stationed at Citizen's Bank, Thirst Park, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown foiled an armed robbery on a businessman.

Accordingtoreports,the attempted robbery occurred

at about 10:15h It is believed that the suspect, who escaped, targeted the businessmanwhowasinthe Bank at the time. Shortly after leaving the bank, the suspect pounced on the businessman.

Luckily for the businessman, the security

guard who was celebrating his birthday intervened and a scuffle ensued between him and the suspect. While they were fighting, the businessman raced to his vehicleforhisfirearm. Notwithstanding his efforts,thesuspectwasable tomakegoodhisescape.

Frompage4 therefore combine their hearts and heads to put a break in this slide into the slipperychasms.

The descendants of our A m e r i n d i a n s , t h e descendants of enslaved Africansandthedescendants of indentured Indians who toiled on our plantations mustrecognizethatifweare to share equally and justly the abundance that is now available, we must call a spadeaspade.

It is the existence of a modern-day oligarchy whose attitude is similar to that of ‘Massa,’whose craft was divide and rule Guyanese open your eyes and recognize that we must neveragainbethevictimsof a new Massa in disguise utilizing tricks of the trade, practised in Africa and Asia for many generations. The challengeinGuyanatodayis that the operatives of the system care little as they build on the suspicions that existed shortly after

Emancipation in 1838. This generationmustforgeaunity based on a thorough knowledge of our history,

never ignoring the suffering humiliationofslavery,never ignoring the sacrifice and practice of deferred gratification by the immigrants who came from India, never ignoring the treatment meted out to our indigenous people, never ignoring how the Europeans used them as headhunters during slavery Today, we must turn our several experiences into collective sacred doctrines, the basis foragiantstepforward.

By the way Mr President, many of us, ordinaryfolks,sinceyouare alsoresponsibleforFinance, askyoutoexplainthatinthis situation where each oil blockapprovedisbringingin to our coffers billions of US dollarsregularly,whyitiswe are boasting of borrowing money to execute projects andatthesametime,weare informed that the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) held in the United States is increasingregularly Explain this, so that ordinary folks canunderstandwhatisgoing on with this largesse, why not put in place the policy adumbrated by a Former

President that Education including books and payment of all examination fees should be free from kindergarten to university Mindyou,ifyouputinplace such a laudable programme, nowthatfundsareavailable, you need not mention the name of the persons whose idea this was in the first place The families who would benefit wouldn’t care two hoots about whose idea itwas.

Remember beyond that we came in different ships and canoes, some thousands of years ago, others, many decades, but today with the Creator’s greatest kindness and mercies but with the machinations of evil forces, wefindourselvesinoneboat andmustpaddleinunisonto the drum beats of the sambula, congo, tassa,and thetanguu.IfthePresidentis serious and sincere, he must hold the hands of the p e o p l e s ’ e l e c t e d representatives, all of them and initiate this journey to glory

Sincerely,

HamiltonGreen Elder

Wearenowdividedbymorethan...

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NEW OIL LAW MUST BE BACKED BY RIGID ENFORCEMENT

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The PPP/C Government must be commended for finally taking the necessary steps to overhaul Guyana’s archaic Petroleum legislation, first promulgated in 1986.

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Kaieteur News urges all citizens to read the Bill and provide feedback to the government on what provisions would be critical in increasing transparency and accountability.

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The draft Bill is available for public consultation feedback until Monday, July 3, 2023, at the following websites: www.nre.gov.gy and www.petroleum.gov.gy.

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All comments should be sent via email to jmckenzie@nre.gov.gy.

While this process continues, this news agency urges that a law is not the end at all for effective management of Guyana’s booming oil industry.

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The key will be harnessing the political will that is necessary to enforce such legislation without fear or favour; the key lies in the independent application of our laws.

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Top tier regulation must go hand in hand with any new law.

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$303M contract awarded to build Timehri Magistrates'

Construction of a new magistrates' court and living quartersatTimehri,EastBank Demerara (EBD) will soon be constructed to the tune of $303M.Thecontracthasbeen awardedtoOrionEngineering Inc.AccordingtotheNational Procurement and Tender

Administration Board (NPTAB) office, the contract

Court living quarters

isvaluedat$303,905,015.

Back in April, a total of eight contractors submitted bids for the project which was e s t i m a t e d t o c o s t $319,231,900.

Following the bidding process, it was recently revealed by NPTAB, that of the eight contractors, Orion Engineering Inc. was deemed the most responsive bidder and was awarded the $303M contractonJune21.

In April, Kaieteur News had reported that the Supreme Court of Judicature would also build a court at Friendship, EBD at an estimated cost of $418M. A total of nine contractors had appliedforthatcontract.

T h i s p u b l i c a t i o n understands that this year, the Judiciary was allocated some $4 billion for the further development of the judiciary s y s t e m A t a r ecommissioning ceremony for the Mibikuri Magistrates' Court last year October,

Attorney General (AG) and MinisterofLegalAffairs,Anil Nandlall, SC, had announced plans for the construction of the Friendship and Timehri courtsamongothers.

The AG announced that new court houses are being constructed at Mabaruma, Region One and Vigilance, C o v e a n d J o h n a n d Mahaicony on the East Coast Demerara (ECD), La Parfaite HarmonieontheWestBankof Demerara (WBD) and also at TimehriandFriendshiponthe East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

Nandlall said at the time that government has its eyes onbuildingamoderncomplex to be the headquarters of the judiciary The headquarters, he detailed, will house all of the High Courts, the Court of Appeal and the Land Court. He pointed out that such investments are being made because access to justice is important as access to any otherimportantservice.

Rupununi regional official accused of sleeping with underage teen …official refutes allegations

A District Development Officer (DDO) in charge of a central Rupununi village, Region Nine has denied rape allegations levelled against himbyresidentsoftheborderregion.

Reports are that at daybreak on Wednesday morning, the official, who only assumed his current portfolio in the region on Monday, was found in the company of a teenager at the Regional Guest house at Lethem. A security guard on duty reportedly raised an alarm after the child's family was frantically searching for her late on Tuesday night into Wednesdaymorning.

The child was seen emerging from the man's room, a resident related. The official, in a Facebook post refuted the allegations. “I haven't known anybody in here in this village!!!!I haven't known this individual I am accusedof!!!!”.

The situation took a twist on Wednesday evening when the child and her mother appeared on social media platform Facebook in separate videos and refuted reports which circulated earlier that theteenwasraped.

The child's mother, who appeared to be reading from a script, related that the reports

are “untrue” and that her daughter left home in the company of her friends to socialise on Tuesday night. While squinting her eyes, the woman said that around 5:45 a m on Wednesday, her daughter indeed stopped at the guest house but that the visit was to take a “rest.” The videos were deleted by Thursdaymorning.

The stories told by the mother and victim were met with multiple comments from the public as many on social media noted that the duo was readingfromscripts.

Calls to the number provided for the DDO official o n We d n e s d a y w e n t unanswered. A resident of the town noted that the official was called into the Lethem Police Station on Thursday. It isunclearifhewasquestioned inrelationtotheincident.

In recent days, allegations of sexual grooming of Indigenous girls have been a hot topic, following the arrest of Minister of Local Government and Regional D e v e l o p m e n t N i g e l Dharamlall, who is accused of rapingateenagegirl.

Several women have since come forward detailing their experiences with sexual predators, including officials whoholdhighoffice.

The $177M Bartica Magistrates' Court and Living quarters commissioned back in 2021.

ABUSE IS BUT A MERE SYMPTOM OF A DEFORMED STATE

This November will markthe45thanniversaryof the holocaust at Jonestown, intheNorthWestDistrictof Guyana. In what was then the world’s deadliest human disaster, more than 900 Americans lost their lives in amassmurder-suicide.

Afew months after that shocking incident, the late historianandco-leaderofthe Working People’s Alliance

Dr Walter Rodney gave a lecture in which he examinedthetypeofsociety that produced such an atrocity

In his lecture, Rodney observed that the type of society into which Guyana had descended provided the framework for the mass murder-suicide. He went on to identify some features of that society such as its uncriticalwelcomeprovided toJimJones,theheadofthe Jonestown cult. He spoke about the alienation of the state from the working classes and even the middle strata.

He went on to elaborate on the secrecy of the state

which gave sanction to Jonestown.Guyanathenwas also an unaccountable state in which public accounts wereunauditedforyears.He spoke about official corruption, and perversion of justice, all of which were part of the degeneration of the State and which allowed Jonestowntohappen.

Oneyearafterdelivering that address, Walter Rodney wasassassinated.Helosthis life at the hands of the very Statethathehadcritiqued.

Forty-five years after Jonestown, we are once again seeing signs of a decadent State. Numerous allegationsareflyingaround about abuses of power, not onlyaboutsexualabusesbut alsoaboutkeyplayersinthe government acquiring lands inareasearmarkedformajor developments and about corruptioninhighplaces.

Abuse of power thrives in a State where citizensfail to hold their leaders accountable.Abuseofpower occurs when people become so preoccupied with earning theirdailybreadthattheyfail

to exercise civic action such as protests which are intended to hold leaders accountable.

This failure leads to a dangerous imbalance in which the ruling class can begin to assume that it has a free licence to do as it pleases.

Presently, the greatest abuseistheplunderingofthe country’s wealth. Guyana is beingbrutallyexploitedasa result of the oil contract which was signed by the APNU+AFC government and which is not being amended by the PPP/C government.

It is hard to imagine either Cheddi Jagan or Forbes Burnham living with such a contract. The present crop of political leaders appears to be timid in demandingthatthiscontract be renegotiated and unfortunately, there is little pressure from the people to have this contract renegotiated even though a poor deal was negotiated by the previous government BoththeAPNUandtheAFC

Trade Unionist Andrew Garnett dies

Trade Unionist and Former President of the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) AndrewGarnetthasdied.

In a message of condolence,theGTUCsaid that it mourns Garnett’s death while noting that he gave“yeomanservicetothe tradeunioncommunity”.

He also served as the Congress’ Principal AssistantSecretary

“As GTUC reflects on Bro Garnett’s numerous contributions to the trade union movement, we particularly remember his leading role in developing policiesandprogrammeson Occupational Safety and Health,andHIV/AIDS.

Bro.Garnett,whocame out of the public health field, worked with the Caribbean Congress of L a b o u r a n d t h e Commonwealth Trade Union Congress in developingaSafetyManual for trade unions in the Caribbean,”theGTUCsaid initsstatement.

Garnett served as Founder Member and Chairman of the National C o m m i t t e e o n Occupational Safety and

Health. He also served as a m e m b e r o f t h e Administrative Committee on the Caribbean Congress of Labour and represented the trade unions as a member of the Guyana Local Government Commission

“GTUC also recalls Bro. Garnett’s passion for workers’ rights and access toeducation.

These were evident in him making himself available to lecture on the Industrial Relations programmes at the Critchlow Labour College, his work in organising workshopsforcadresinthe trade union movement, leadingteamonnegotiating

are no longer defending the oil agreement. So why then are there no mass protests over the contract given that thereisanationalconsensus that Guyana was shafted in theagreement?

For one, the citizenry is dividedalongpoliticallines. Supporters of each side see politicsasazero-sumgame: criticismoftheAPNU+AFC is viewed as benefitting the PPP/C government and vice versa In the resulting polarization,thepublicisnot inclined to take a public stand in opposition to the agreement.

The oil companies are aware that as so long as the nation is divided, they will havetheirway Theyarenot bothered by the few individuals such as Glenn Lall who are protesting the oil agreement. Unless there are mass protests, nothing willchange.

become more prevalent. In suchcases,officialsfeelthat they can act with impunity They believe that the consequences of their actions will be minimal and this lends itself to a wide rangeofabuses.

Whencitizensfailtotake actiontoholdtheirleadersto accountandwhentheyfailto protest,thisallowsleadersto feel that they can escape punishmentforwrongdoing, as we have seen so often in Guyana Those who are punished are those that the main parties feel are expendable. However, the ‘big fishes’ swim their way aroundscandals.

as they please. Protests can serve to reduce this level of alienation and to establish a more accountable, transparent and less secretiveState.

Trade Unionist, Andrew Garnett

But there is a greater danger involved because of the failure of citizens to undertakecivicandpeaceful protests. When individuals fail to demand transparency, ethical behaviour, and integrity from their elected representatives, the foundations of democratic governance are eroded. A lack of transparency results andthereislittleincentiveto force the government to be moreaccountable.

When leaders are not held accountable by an activeandengagedcitizenry, corruption scandals, nepotism, and favouritism

Complacency breeds wrongdoing. When citizens refrain from exercising their right to peaceful assembly and peaceful protests, they inadvertently enable the abuse of power by diminishing the pressure on leaders to respect the rule of law Protests serve as a powerfulmeansofdeterring wrongdoing. When public officials and politicians feel that their actions will be protested publicly and by large numbers of persons, theyarelesslikelytoinvolve themselves in skullduggery andotherformsofabuse.

Abuse is made more likely when there is alienation between voters and their leaders. It has become all too habitual for people to elect their leaders and then simply retreat into their private spheres, allowing their leaders to do

B u t i t i s a l s o unreasonable for anyone to expect that people will simplycomeoutandprotest. Peopleneedtobemobilized. Regrettably,wehaveaweak civil society that can hardly muster a picket line. The people have become so attachedtoourmainpolitical parties that they are disinclinedtofollowpersons who are not part of the country’s political establishment.Youngpeople are no longer as militant as their predecessors in the 1970sand1980s.

Unless this situation changes, we will find, as Walter Rodney did in 1979, that a malformed State will redevelopandthiswillgrant further licence for abuses. The abuse that people are disgusted over is but a mere symptomofthetypeofState which exists, one that is unaccountable, lacking in transparency and divorced fromthepeople.

(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.)

Collective Bargaining Agreements, etc , ” the statementsaid.

According to the GTUC, Garnett died last week and will be “forever be cherished”. The GTUC saidthathiscontributionsto theworkingclasswillnever be forgotten. “He has left a legacy the trade union movementisproudof.”

Th e G TU C a n d GLGOU will host a Night of Reflection on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the Critchlow Labour College from7:00p.m.

“GTUC extends heartfelt condolences to Bro Garnett’s wife, children and other loved ones,”theUnionsaid.

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

NIGEL HUGHES AS COUNSEL

Guyana has now transformed into a place of endless surprises, calculations, moves, and countermoves. There are the startling developments involving Minister of Local Government, Mr Nigel Dharamlall. Matters became even more startling over his choice of counsel to carry him through some of the choppiest waters imaginable. I note that noted Guyanese attorney-at-law, Mr NigelHughes,hasbeencalled uponbyMr Dharamlalltostandby his side, as he gears up for whatever legal troubles may be headinginhisdirection.

Ifthereisonethingtobesaid,it is that Mr Dharamlall has done right, that his choice of Counsel Hughesisawiseone. Hecouldnot havedonebetter,andgiveshimself afightingchanceshouldtheworst fall on his head. Yet, like most things in this country, even the most innocuous looking, there are some sharp teeth in this surprising selectionofanadvocate. Counsel did extremely well in setting a standardabouthowwemustnotlet politicsconsumeustothepointof toxic madness. By accepting Mr Dharmalallasaclient,Mr Hughes

gaveusaglimpseofhowwemust rise above politics, fulfill our personalandprofessionalcanonof ethics,anddoourdutyascitizens.

Withthatsaid,Imustnowpoint to the fangs and jaws that await Counsel Hughes Given that politics in Guyana is so tightly entwined into the minister’s mattersateveryrung,ateveryturn, there are other kinds of considerationsatwork,whichmay workmostlytothedisadvantageof Mr Hughesinthelongrun. Where possibly all in the PPP battery of politically ambitious lawyers shrunk from being near to client Dharamalall,soradioactivehehad become the bold and audacious Nigel Hughes shrugged and greeted Dharamlall as he stepped forward.

The first thing I say is that Minister Nigel Dharamlall is very close to Guyana’s all-powerful VicePresident,Dr BharratJagdeo. It is a relationship that has more valuethanafleetoffullyloadedoil tankers. This goes a considerable distanceinexplainingthecharmed life that Minister Dharmalall has enjoyed as part of the PPP Government’srulingmachinery I

put this differently, it is that no mattertheegregiousnatureofwhat Minister Dharamlall does, he can donowrong. Afterall,hehasthe biggest, loudest, strongest presence in his corner of the local political ring. As this relates to NigelDharamlallandhisreaching to Nigel Hughes, one cannot help buttobeimpressedbytheBharrat Jagdeo linkage, and the possible machinations already in motion. For sure, there is every interest in gettingMinisterDharamlallprized free from any vise of the law and court, and this explains the announcement of Mr Hughes as legal representative. But, as I see this decision, it is the sum of the underpinnings that Vice President Jagdeo believes could be to his benefit.

In the event that charges are laid against Dharmalall, and Hughes puts on display his usual legalartistry,thenthereisthebetter than above average odds that any charges laid could all be washed away to nothing. In other words, Nigel Dharamlall is exonerated, and Nigel Hughes chalks up anotherscintillatinglegaltriumph. Mr Dharamlall walks free, Mr

Hughes collects his fee, and everybody moves on past a disturbing sequence of events. In the larger context of Guyana, it is whereVicePresidentJagdeotakes this court result, how he excels in makingcleveruseofit,thatreveals another layer of how politics operates in this country, and how there may be none better at travellingalongitsdarkalleysthan BharratJagdeo.

It could be that brother Jagdeo takesacourtvictoryforhisprotégé Dharamlall and makes the fullest use of it in Indigenous communities. He would have the many proofs of the PPP Government doing the right thing, butanOppositionaffiliatedlawyer (Hughes) being responsible for springingDharamlallfreefromthe jawsofjustice. Inotherwords:‘ah yuhseeiswhogetheoff.’

By way of quick but related digression, recent showings in the just concluded Local Government Elections, made clear that the Indigenous vote takes on an even morecommandingpresenceinthe upcoming 2025 general and regionalelections. Withthestakes being as high as they are, no

leadership move is too low, no politicalmanipulationistoooffthe wall, so as not to be reaped for all that it is worth. As I said, this is wheretheVicePresidentisamong thebestaround,ifnotthebest.

Intriguingly, immediately following the news of Mr Dharamlall’s decision, and Mr Hughes acceptance, floods of vehement criticism came hurtling down on the head of Hughes from Oppositionsupporters. Ithinkthat Nigel Hughes responded the only waythathecould,andforwhichhe shouldbegiventhehighestmarks. Nowtheprobesandthepushingfor anedgeintensify

Thebatonisinthehandsofthe office of the DPP What will this officedo? Fullstop? Orfullspeed ahead? Though the heavens may fall,letjusticeprevail.

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

HARDTRUTHS BYGHKLALL

Protestscontinueoverallegedrapeof schoolgirlbyMinisterDharamlall

Re d T h r e a d Wo m e n ' s OrganisationonFridaystageda protest in front of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali Hack, SC. demanding justice for a the school girl allegedly raped and sodomised by Local Government Minister NigelDharamlall.

Calling for a fair and impartial

determination for the alleged victim, some protestorsheldplacardssaying“Protectour Children”, “Protect our People”, “Protect Our Women”, and “Justice Must be Served!”

Meanwhile, the Guyanese community living in New York also staged a protest in frontoftheGuyanaConsulatelocatedthere calling for Dharamlall to be fired and

demandingjustice. The protest was led by Bonita Montaque, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a non-governmental organisation called UnitedBridgeBuilder'sMission(UBBM). Representatives of the UBBM also chanted, “Dharamlall must go!” and threatened to write the United States Congressonthematter

Cuban-Trained Neurologist returns to Guyana after successfully completing post-graduate studies in Cuba

Dr Alex Allan Persaud,

has successfully completed his postgraduate studies in Neurology and neurosurgeryinHavana,Cuba,and will be returning to Guyana over theweekend.

Dr Persaud, who resides in New Hope, East Bank Demerara (EBD), comes from humble beginnings. He first worked as a farmer and market vendor, then as Pharmacy Assistant at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

In2013,hesecuredhisMedical Degree (MD) in Cuba – thanks to a government scholarship Upon completion of his MD, he returned to Guyana and worked at GPHC then later at the Buxton Health CentreinRegionFour

AccordingtotheGuyana (Continued on page 17)

UBBM members protesting in front of the Guyana Consulate in New York.

Red Thread Women protesting in front of the DPP's Office.

Dr. Persaud is seen with Guyana's Ambassador to Cuba Halim Majeed (left), and Ms. Mayté Perdomo Maldonado, Confidential Secretary to the Ambassador (right).

Hess boss says President Ali assured “there was no reason why a stay could not be granted” on Justice Kissoon's Ruling for full liability coverage

Chief Executive Officer ( C E O ) o f H e s s Corporation, John Hess on Friday evening said Kaieteur News' lead story titled 'Hess Boss tells US conference Pres Ali assured him of stay in Justice Kissoon's ruling before Court of Appeal handed down decision' published on Friday, June 23, 2023 ismisleading.

In a bid to clarify his position, Hess said he had called President IrfaanAli with concerns expressed by investors over the High Court's ruling on May 3, 2023 ordering Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) - the operator of the Stabroek Block- to provide the country with an unlimited guarantee to respond to an oil spill from its parent companies. Hess Corporation has a 30 percent stake in that offshore field, currently producing approximately 400,000 barrels of oilperday

AccordingtotheCEO,“Icalled the President about concerns expressed by investors about the recent court ruling, and the President—based on the advice of hisAttorneyGeneral—conveyedto me that the State's case in favour of its application was strong, and based on the merits of the case, there was no reason why a stay couldnotbegranted.”

To this end, he said Kaieteur News'headlinewasmisleadingand did not reflect the discussion had withtheHead-of-State.

During the J.P Morgan 2023

Energy, Power & Renewables Conference, Hess Corporation was asked to provide an update on the legal challenge mounted on its Environmental Permit for the Liza OneprojectinGuyana.

Two Guyanese men, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte had takentheEnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) to Court, for failing

Man charged for raping girl, 5

Twenty-five-year-old Akeem Lowe of Region Seven was on Friday remanded to prison for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl.

Lowe made his first court appearance on Friday at the Bartica Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert where he was charged with the offence of Rape of a Child under 16 Years

Contrary to Section 10 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03. After the charge was read to him,Lowewasnotrequiredtoplea to the indictable charge. He was then remanded to prison and will make his next court appearance on July4,2023.

Kaieteur News had reported that the child had told her relatives what had happened to her on June 19. Her parents then made a report tothepolicethefollowingday

Police shared that the suspect was arrested following the report

made against him and after taking him into custody, he had admitted to the act Subsequently an investigationwaslaunched.

to enforce the requirement of the Liza One Permit for an unlimited parent company guarantee. The citizens were successful in their

litigation and the Judge ordered that the guarantee be provided or thePermitwouldbesuspended.

Hess in his full response to the Conferencewas:“Yeahnowfirstof all, this is something that the government disagreed with. We disagreed with, yeah, had a judge that got a complaint from an environmental activist. I mean, it happens in our country as well, and said, you know, basically the joint venture had to have unlimited liability in terms of the developments, otherwise

production had to cease and I can tell you, the President was very emphaticthatastaywouldbeputin placethatwouldhavenoimpacton production.

Thestaywasputinplace.There is no impact on production. And I think this is just a case of the judge not understanding what the petroleum legislation was or the petroleum requirements of our production programs were, and I think that matters been put to bed. Therewasalotofnoiseaboutit,but itwasbasicallynoise.”

Govt. needs $11B more to enhance educational infrastructure

President Irfaan Ali on Thursday disclosed that his government needs an additional $11 billion in supplementary funds toadvanceprojectsintheeducation sector The President was at the time delivering the feature address at the commissioning of the new state-of-the-art $585 million Abram Zuil Secondary School, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

President Ali revealed that the funds will be allocated for retrofitting, maintenance, and renovation of existing educational facilities and includes provisions for the improvement of teachers' livingquarters.

Notwithstandingthesignificant resourcesallocatedthisyearforthe education sector, the head of state said the government will be proposing a supplementary budget totheNationalAssembly

“Soyouwillseethatinournext supplementary provision, we are going to have a chunk of these resources ready to support this investmentof$11billionacrossthe country,”hesaid.

The president highlighted that the investment will be a crucial component of a comprehensive, multi-year agenda and programme for education.He mentioned the

Anna Regina Secondary School in Region Two which is in need of upgradesandexpansionandwillbe includedintheinitiative.

“So when we look at the assessment, the Anna Regina Secondary School is also there ranked as a priority,” he underscored.

According to the president, this stems from a survey conducted last year, which has guided the development of the budget blueprint for educational and healthcare facilities. The survey aimed to assess the requirements and determine the necessary provisionsinthesectors.

Meanwhile, in addition to the upgrading and construction of teachers' quarters, particularly for those in the hinterland, President Ali said the government is examining basic standard salaries forteachers.

“Cabinethasalsoconsideredto ensure that all teachers are on a standard basic wage for teachers to avoid the disparity that exist. We are going to correct that from 2020 tonow,”hestated.Thesesignificant investments aim to establish an enriched learning environment for the country's children, mirroring theexceptionalstandardssetbythe AbramZuilSecondarySchool.

T h e m o d e r n f a c i l i t y accommodates over 810 students and features a two-storey structure with 27 classrooms, including seven equipped with interactive boards and computers It also includes a multipurpose hall and three science laboratories, p r o m o t i n g h a n d s - o n experimentationandinnovation.

One notable feature of the school is the inclusion of an elevator, providing essential accessibility for students with physicalchallenges.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand acknowledged that despite being in a bad state, the school had managed to perform exceptionally well, boasting the highestmatriculationrate.

Minister Manickchand noted that the reconstruction of the List 'A' school is testimony to the government's commitment to provide quality education to the nation'schildren.

H i g h l i g h t i n g t h e administration's commitment to provide equal opportunities for students across the country, akin to the renowned schools in Georgetown, she said, “The evidence is there this clear, that once we invest in you, you will do wellwhereveryouare.”

Screenshot of the response provided by John Hess during the US Energy Conference

CEO Hess Corporation, John Hess

Remanded, Akeem Lowe

The Bureau of Statistics has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to train key personnel from various agenciesinanalyzingdataobtained by the Bureau using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES).

Twenty-nine (29) participants from the Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture andFAOparticipatedinthetraining exercise hosted at the Bureau's Head Office in Georgetown from June20-22,2023.

According to the Bureau of Statistics, the FAO developed the FIES to measure the severity of food insecurity at the household and/or individual level in a given population. It is computed using a

set of eight questions about experiences related to lack of access to food The Bureau incorporatedtheFIESmoduleinits Labor Force Survey (LFS) conducted in April 2022 and the FAOhassupportedtheagencywith training and data analysis geared towards estimating the prevalence of food insecurity This would enhance the Bureau's capability for reporting on Guyana's progress towards achieving Sustainable DevelopmentGoalnumber2which speakstoendinghungerby2030.

Facilitated by the FAO, the capacity building exercise provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the FIES and SDG Indicator 2.1.2 analysis, including the

methodologies, data collection techniques,andinterpretation. Personnel were trained to utilize these tools to assess food insecurity at various levels and identify vulnerable populations, which will support evidence-based policies and interventions to combathunger

The overarching objective of the training was to introduce the FIES analytic protocol, especially to calculate the prevalence of moderate-severe and severe food insecurity in the context of the Rasch model The FIES methodology was also presented, as well as the relevance of the information it provides for food securitypolicy

FAO Country Representative,

Rum producers call on CARICOM to open new markets

Rum producers have called on CARICOM to facilitate the expansion of new markets for premiumrumexports.

During a meeting held in Georgetown on Wednesday with senior officials from CARICOM, producers said that the region is well-positioned to capitalize on new non-traditional markets. They further emphasized that the region possesses high-quality products, packaging, and ample production capacity to take full advantage of emerging opportunities in these markets. According to Komal Samaroo,theoutgoingchairmanof the grouping and chairman of local conglomerate Demerara Distillers, “The Caribbean is known as the birthplace of rum and has a reputation for producing premium and super-premium products. It is imperative that we capitalize on this reputation and our unique heritage to penetrate new markets where rising income levels are fueling a rapid surge in demand for qualityproducts.”

The West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA) also elected its first female Chairperson, Margaret Monplaisir, who is the head of St. Lucia Distillers. As the first female to chair WIRSPA, Ms. Monplaisir brings to the table 30 years of experience in the industry and has been a member of the WIRSPA

boardofdirectorsforseveralyears.

Inhernewrole,Ms.Monplaisir has pledged to maintain the high standards of governance and cohesiveness experienced by the organization. She acknowledges “We have many challenges to face, both in the supply chains and in the international market.” However, she remains optimistic about the future of Caribbean rum, stating that “Our products speak for themselves and we see a bright futureahead.”

A key agenda item for producers was the need to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption by consumers, with a keen awareness of the negative effects that overconsumption can have.

Monplaisir stated “We agreed torampupoureffortstoimplement

practicalmeasurestoreduceaccess by underage persons to alcohol and tosupportgovernmentinitiativesto combat drinking and driving. We have the resources and the commitment to make a difference andweintendtodoso.”

C e l e b r a t i n g i t s 5 0 t h anniversary, coinciding with

CARICOM's own 50-year milestone, WIRSPA welcomed the response from the regional CARICOMsecretariattoitscallfor new markets and exchanged views on other trade issues, including the continued availability of quality glass packaging at competitive prices.

According to Mr Samaroo, “We have always enjoyed a productive and cordial relationship with secretariat officials, and this engagement cemented that. He added, “It complements our close c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h o u r governments to ensure the continued growth of this very important industry, now the number one non-mineral export earnerfortheregion.”

Meanwhile, speaking at a reception hosted by Demerara Distillers, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), the Honourable Mark Phillips, congratulated the industry on its achievements and pledged the continuing support of Guyana's government to its growth intheinternationalmarket.

Dr Gillian Smith noted that "the training programme aims to bridge the knowledge gap and empower individuals and organizations with the tools and expertise needed to tacklefoodinsecurityeffectively.”

Chief Statistician, Mr Errol La Cruez emphasized the importance

of data collection and analysis and the use of FIES and other tools, to enhance monitoring and reporting ontheSDGs.Henotedthatthrough reporting and analysis on Indicator 2.1.2, targeted solutions can be developed towards eradicating hungerby2030.

ENet'sCEO,VishokPersaud recently noted that customers fromallmobileprovidersshould aim to no longer pay for voice calls and avoid unnecessary topups solely for that purpose. He emphasized the value of subscribing to data plans, which offer more benefits as voice and video communication become practically free when using apps likeFacetimeandWhatsApp.

"Once you have subscribed to a data plan, your voice calls

speak for 30 minutes per day for 20 daysamonth,thataddsupto$19,200, or$230,400overayear

Instead, it's more advantageous to investinaqualitySmartphoneandopt for data plans, which will enable free voice calls, using small amounts of data. Frequent top-ups can lead to unnoticed monthly expenses, as the model is designed to make consumers spend more. We must shift our focus towardsvalueandmaximizingtheuse of our devices through apps and datacentric services. You should aim to budgetforaweeklyormonthlyplan t

should be free. The costs and infrastructure associated with providing voice services in a modern telecommunications environment are minimal," said theCEO.

"I can assure you that ENet will never charge you for voice calls on our network once you haveadataplan."

Elaborating further, Persaud stated, "Today, we have numerous apps that offer exceptional quality voice and video services for free. Why pay approximately $32 Guyana Dollars per minute (current market costs) for traditional calls? This is definitely amongst the highest rates for local calls worldwide. Considerthis:ifyou

regulators are taking note of the rapid expansion of the industry and areadequatelyequippedtoensurethat customers benefit from the Government's liberalization of the sector and tax waivers which should leadtolowerratesandbettervalue.

As the demand for faster and more reliable telecommunication services grows, ENet said it continues to heavily invest in the latest mobile, wireless, and fiber technologies to meet the needs of consumers and businessesinGuyana.

The company said too that it is committed to rapidly rolling out stateof-the-art services across the nation, prioritizing service delivery across all itsnetworks.ENetoperatesthelargest Fiber Backbone in Guyana, connecting more regions by fiber than anyotherprovider

Margaret Monplaisir, the incoming Chairperson of WIRSPA

FAO Training Facilitator, Maria Rodriguez DeEspaña (second from right) and participants of the training

FAO Country Representative, Dr. Gillian Smith delivering brief remarks at the training

‘Stop paying for voice calls’ – ENet CEO

...Calls using data are practically free

Guyanese warned against buying Sinotruck products from third party suppliers

Guyana is being warned by Sinotruk Inc. a Hong Kong based company to be cautious about buying its products from third party suppliers.

According to a statement issued by Jumbo Jet Auto Saleswhichrecentlysigneda US multi-million dollar contract with the company,

there has been a tremendous increase in the demand for newdumptrucks.

A total of 96 units comprising of 6X4, 6X6 and 6X8 dump trucks, cement mixers, fuel tankers and crane trucks have been imported to date with most beingpre-sold.

“Our contractors have

…Jumbo Jet Auto Sales remains distributor in Guyana

been extremely pleased with the durability and reliability of the brand-new units especially due to their offroad capabilities and the increased payload capacity The popular HOWO brand is now the most sought-after dump truck by contractors,” said Jumbo Jet Auto Sales in astatementtothemedia.

Because of the demand, Jumo Jet said that “multiple third-party suppliers have been advertising the sale of similar units under the

pretense that they are s a n c t i o n e d b y t h e international body Their unofficial advertising consists of Sinotruk and

HOWO logos that is deemed as misleading especially since Jumbo Jet Auto Sales hastheofficialrightstoforthe

(Continued on page 17)

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.

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

SERVICES

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.

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

LEGAL NOTICE 1

HINDS nee

DARLINGTON Petitioner

-v-

DELMAR AKIEEM HINDS Respondent

TO: DELMAR AKIEEM HINDS

Address Unknown TAKE NOTICE that on the 8th day of February, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by STAYSIA ALISIN HINDS nee DARLINGTON the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 11th day of May, 2023 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana.

LEGAL

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 19th day of May, 2023.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 4th day of May, 2023 the Petitioner/Application was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

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.

Large quantites of Tshores for cement work. Give away prices. Telephone: 227-1813.

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: 621-4273.

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

One male Driver, Porter, Warehouse Assistant, Must have English & Maths along with Previous experience. Apply at mikeswholesaledepot @yahoo.com or at their location.

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.

Vacancy exists for male Bond Clerk to work for a Construction Company. Contact: 2255818 or WhatsApp: 624-9505.

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.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear, or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

LEGAL NOTICE 2

Legal Notice:

To: MERESSA GHANIE last known address 560 South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown. Take Notice that you are required to attend the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court 1 on Friday 7th July, 2023 at 9:00hrs in the matter of Akima Sandiford-Simmons

-VS- Meressa Ghanie for Claims.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within thirty-five (35) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

TOURS

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

One experienced Domestic needed to work 3 days per week in Bel-Air Park. Call: 226-2322.

Vacancy for one professional Cook for family, should be able to clean. Call: 503-0359, 608-2444.

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.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within thirty-five (35) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

LEGAL NOTICE 3

Filing Attorney: MS. SHELLON BOYCE GUY ANA LEGAL AID CLINIC “Maraj Building” 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel: 225-9238/ 225-9246

Email: legalaid@networksgy.com2023HC-DEM-CIV-FD-201

LEGAL NOTICE 1

Applicant in Person: Staysia Alisin Hinds nee

Darlington Address: Lot 158 D

Field Sophia

Tele#: 592-693-6651

2023-HC-DEM-CIVFD-235

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 24th day of July, 2023 at 9:00 am before the_Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION

FAMILY DIVISION

PETITION NO. FD-201

(ABDOOL) KAMAL

Petitioner/ Applicant

-and-

(ABDOOL)SHANTOSHIMA nee CHITRAM

Respondent TO: SHANTOSHIMA

ABDOOL nee

CHITRAM

Address Unknown

TAKE NOTICE that on the 1st day of February, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by KAMAL

ABDOOL the Petitioner/

Application in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 24th day of July, 2023 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious. via Zoom meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 18th day of May, 2023.

Brand new $585M Abram Zuil Secondary School commissioned

Th e n e w l y constructed$585, 090,000 Abram Zuil Secondary School was commissioned on Thursday byPresidentIrfaanAli.

Also joining the Headof-State at the significant ceremony were Minister of E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a Manickchand, Regional ChairpersonofRegionTwo, Vilma De Silva and other officials of the government andregion.

In delivering the feature address, President Ali expressed gratitude to those who played a critical part in ensuring the completion of thefacility

He said that given the physical structure of the building, the school is set to be ranked in the top 10 percent of schools around theworld.

ThePresidentmentioned too that investment in e d u c a t i o n a l l o w s generational poverty to be reversed.

“Investmentineducation is generational and intergenerational and it allows generational poverty to be reversed because it gives persons in that generation that may have been born in unfortunate circumstances to have the opportunity to reversethatandcreateanew g e n e r a t i o n f o r

intergenerational wealth,” he said Minister Manickchand in her brief remarkssaidthatAbramZuil Secondarywasinabadstate butitstillwentontoperform exceptionallywell.

Shenotedtheschoolhas the highest matriculation rate in the Region According to the minister, the school was scheduled to befixedsince2013.

“Abram Zuil was in a bad state physically but they were still doing well, they were in a bad state for allofthetimethattheother peoplewereinofficeandit didn’tgetbrokendownand it didn’t get built back, when you say we love you, you must see action with that.

We had said to you that since 2013 that we were going to build backAbram Zuil and it took five long years for us to come back inoffice,forustostartthat again in 2020 and so when you hear we say we love you, it have meaning,” the Ministersaid

She added too that throughthegovernment,the ministry is geared at ensuring that schools, whetheronthecoastorinthe hinterland are equipped and properly built to deliver a highqualityeducationinthe country

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the $585 million school was built by Builder’s Hardware General Supplies and Construction who is a local contractor fromtheregion.

This publication had reported too that the construction of the Abram Zuil Secondary School building was unable to reachitsNovemberdeadline due to the delay of building materialsfortheproject.

The contractor was later given up to March month-end to finish the school.Workontheschool beganin2021.

The new school is a double-flat ‘E’ shaped building, with the capacity

Media has unfettered access to President Ali – Minister McCoy

In response to Stabroek News’ June 19, 2023, editorial ‘President Press Conferences’, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoystatedthatthemedia has unfettered access to PresidentIrfaanAli.

In Stabroek News editorial, it was stated that, “…President Ali continues to refuse to convene press conferences, a most extraordinary circumstance asfarasmoderngovernance goes.”

The editorial went on to state that, “This refusal to hold press conferences also evincesalackofrecognition and respect for the role that the media plays in ensuring government accountability and providing an interface through various platforms between the President and thepeople.Itappearsthatthe President’s notion of accountability to the public and the media – aside from

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy

his occasional addresses to thenation–istheanswering of questions haphazardly lobbed at him on the sidelines of events. It also appears that another stratagemistohaveothersin government answer on his behalf or to impose their views as reflective of presidentialauthority

Thatisnosubstituteatall forpressconferences.”

In a response published

bytheDepartmentofPublic Information (DPI), Minister McCoywasquotedassaying that the news agency sought “hysteria” over a subject matter already addressed by the government; adding that Stabroek News seems to believe that it has the power to influence the policies of thegovernment.

Minister McCoy echoed that no universal law mandates the way government should interact with the media while r e m i n d i n g t h e s e engagements are at the discretion of government officials.

“They are well aware that while issues of press freedom and safety are accordeduniversalcoverage and safeguards, there exists no universal convention whichstipulatesormandates how governments should approach engagements with thepress.Theyarealsofully (Continuedonpage18)

of housing some 750 students

The state-of-the-art building consists of science laboratories, a cafeteria, a multi-purpose hall, drama room, medical room, art and home economicsrooms,aswellas several fully air-conditioned offices.

The school houses over 20 classrooms and soon to be installed elevator which will cater for learners will physicaldisabilities.

On Wednesday, the President had also commissioned a new $1.3 billion World Bank funded secondary school at Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara.

Cuban-Trained Neurologist returns to Guyana...

Frompage12 Embassy in Cuba, in 2019 Dr Persaud returned to Cuba to pursue post-graduate studies in Neurology at the prestigious Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Havana where, he graduated with honours under the guidance of some of the best professorsinthefield.

Neurologyisthebranchofmedicinethat deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of diseases involving the nervous system.

According to the Guyana Embassy in Cuba, Dr Persaud is hopeful that Guyana

would be able to offer world class treatment for illnesses associated with that would requirepatientstotravelabroad.Heshowsa keen interest in Electrophysiology, which entailsthestudyoftheelectricalphenomena ofthenervoussystem.

Dr Persaud has expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Embassy in Havana for their continuedsupportoverthepastthreeyears.

In a message to Cuba he said, “Your countryismysecondhome.Andbecauseof you and your Government, I have this opportunitytoservemypeopleinGuyana.”

Guyanese warned against buying Sinotruck...

Frompage15 brand ”The increase in unlicensed suppliers of Sinotruk units was brought to the attention of Mr TaonaijiGeneralManagerof Caribbean Sinotruk Incorporated who stated, “Our company has not entered into any further contractual agreements with anyotherGuyanesesupplier Weare100percentobligated to Jumbo Jet Auto Sales for the next few years and we urgetheGuyanesepeopleto desist from purchasing from unlicensed third-party

suppliers.”

According to the statement issued the unlicensed suppliers purchase used and refurbished units online and receiveno“officialwarranty or spare parts from

Sinotruk ” As a result, Jumbo Jet said that those suppliers are unable to offer Guyanese warranty on their sale.

“Sinotruk Inc. gives all assurance that the units that are supplied by Jumbo Jet AutoSalesareauthenticand comeswithacomprehensive

warranty and after service spare parts program Sinotruk would have done the due diligence on Jumbo Jet and because their reputation precedes them with a successful track record spanning over 20 years;weweresoldthatthis decision was best for Sinotruk and Guyana. We will continue to work together with our local partnerJumboJettocaterto the rapidly growing demand for heavy duty trucks and more,” the statement concluded.

Some sections of the newly built $585 million Abram Zuil Secondary in Region Two.

Some sections of the newly built $585 million Abram Zuil Secondary in Region Two.

GNBS certifies GPL testing laboratory to national standard

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated’s Testing Laboratory on Friday, June became the twenty-fiftylaboratorytobe certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) The facility was certified to the National Standard GYS 170:2021 – General requirements for the operationsofalaboratory

During the handing over ceremony hosted at GPL’s Lot 5-6 Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown location, the certificate was presented to Divisional Director of GPL, Mr Gary Hall by GNBS Technical Officer,Mr KeonRankin.

Upon receiving the certificate, Mr Hall expressed gratitude to the GNBS Technical Officers

who worked with the Laboratory to meet the requirementsoftheNational Standard,notingthat“thisis a very proud moment for all of us; we will wear this certificationproudlyanduse it as a stepping stone for continuousimprovement.”

The scope of the certification covers the testing of Oil and Water for internal quality control. The compounds which are vital to the power generation processaretestedforvarious parameters including pH, viscosity, iron content and other general requirements, a statement issued by the GNBSsaid.

Mr Halladded,“Whenit comes to fuel and lubricants enteringourportsforuseby our plants and other equipment,thisCertification

allows stricter quality

control and ensures operationalefficiencyofour equipment.”

Mr Rankin encouraged thecompanytomaintainthe requirementsofthestandard andtocontinuetofindways to improve its systems. The GNBS Officer added that h i g h l i g h t i n g t h i s certification assures customers that the company is competent and is in conformancetotheNational Standard. “Customers will always want the best quality, and for a testing laboratory, muchliketheISO/IEC17025 Standard, the GYS 170:2021 Standard sets the foundation for building towards achieving International Accreditation if so desired. The GNBS is happy to have youonboard,”headded.

Guyana secures seat to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

Guyanese National Dr

ChristopherArifBulkanwas on Friday elected a Commissioner on the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) for a four-year period from 2024-2027, the Ministry of ForeignAffairsannounced.

The Government of Guyana had nominated Dr Bulkan’s candidature on the basis of his extensive experience in human rights as an advocate, jurist, academicandpolicyadviser Hehadpreviouslyserved as an expert member of the United Nations Human RightsCommitteeduringthe period 2019-2022, where he authored and co-authored several individual opinions. He was elected to serve as Vice-Chair of that

Committee for the 20212022period.

Dr Bulkan’s work has been recognized as a model of independence, integrity and competence His election represents the first time that a Guyanese national will serve on the IACHR since its creation in 1959.

He secured the highest

number of votes – 27 out of 32. The elections took place on Friday in Washington D.C. at the 53rd Regular Session of the General

A s s e m b l y o f t h e Organization of American States(OAS)whereMinister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation HughHiltonToddisleading Guyana’sdelegation.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the OAS and is mandated to promote and protect human rights in the Americas. The Commission comprises seven experts who serve in their personal capacity TheGovernmentof Guyana is confidentthat Dr Bulkan will make a signal contribution to the work of theIACHR.

The certificate issued is valid for two years and expires on June 22, 2025, afterwhichthecompanycan apply for recertification

During the certification period, surveillance audits will be conducted to ensure conformance with the

requirements of the national standardismaintained.

Certification provides formal recognition that a laboratoryhasimplementeda laboratory management system, thus enhancing confidence in the testing, measurement and calibration

servicesprovided

The GNBS encourages uncertified medical and testing laboratories to begin t o i m p l e m e n t t h e requirements of the national standard to join the growing list of certified laboratories inGuyana.

Construction of US$35M Wismar Bridge to commence before year-end – Jagdeo

DPI-Constructionofthe new four-lane bridge across the Demerara River in Wismar,Linden,RegionTen is expected to commence beforetheendofthisyear

ThisisaccordingtoVice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who was at the time speaking at a press conference at Office of the PresidentonThursday

“Weareatastagewhere we’re ready to start the negotiations.

Wehavehadthreeoffers, andwhenthedetailsemerge, you will see that the offers that we have received are very competitive,” Dr Jagdeorelayed.

Thebridgeisexpectedto cost some US$35 million and will connect Wismar to Mackenzie.

The bridge is set to significantly reduce traffic congestion, as the current bridge only has one vehicle lane.

The government is engaging China Railway ConstructionLimitedforthe project.

This is the company that hasalsobeentaskedwiththe construction of the DemeraraRiverCrossing,at the cost of some US$260 m i l l i o n R e c e n t l y, governmentinkedaUS$150 million loan agreement with the Saudi Arabian government to expand housing development in severalregions,aswellasto buildtheWismar/Mackenzie BridgeinLinden.

“This loan will allow us to accelerate our housing

programme.

You will recall that we saidwewantedtodo50,000 house lots in our five-year term, and we are at about 30,000now $100 million will go immediately to developing thehousingprogramme,”the Vicepresidentnoted.

Meanwhile, the VP added that government has already selected the consultants for the Soesdyke-Linden highway project “They have p r e q u a l i f i e d t h e contractors, and the consultants have to do a reviewofthedesign,sowe anticipate to start paving the Linden-Soesdyke highway before the end of the year,” Dr. Jagdeo explained.

Media has unfettered access to President...

Frompage17 aware that such protocols and conventions are entirely at the discretion of individual elected leaders and their governments by extension,”hestated.

According to the DPI report, since assuming office in 2020, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has held several formal press conferences and has never shied away from addressing questions fromtheGuyaneseorinternational press.

It was further stated that the editorial’s criticism of the president’s community-based outreach exercise at Parika on the

West Coast is also mentioned, suggestingthattheStabroekNews’ preference for ‘exclusivity and luxury’ does not align with the president’s commitment to addressingtheneedsofthepeople.

MinisterMcCoysaidthatthere is no executive policy mandating the president’s confinement to formal and scheduled press conferences. Instead, the president and his government remain accessible to the press through various means, including presidential and ministerial press conferences organized at their discretion. The DPI article stated that Vice President, Dr Bharrat

Jagdeo is also available to address questionsfromthepress.

Moreover, Kaieteur News reported that amid a blackout of official press conferences and growingconcernsbymediahouses President Ali on Wednesday committed to hosting a news conferenceuponhisreturnfroman officialoverseasvisit.

The Head-of-State declined to respond to questions put to him on Wednesday on the sidelines of the opening of the Good Hope Secondary School, East Coast Demerara(ECD).HetoldKaieteur News that he was running late for anurgentmeetingandwouldhosta

press conference “soon”. He did notindicatewhenhewasexpected totravelorreturn.

PresidentAli has had a limited number of press conferences since assuming office in August 2020. His government has also been heavilycriticizedforfailingtohost postCabinetpressbriefingsaswas the custom under the previous A Partnership for National Unity +

government. These engagements serve as a medium for the administrationtobeheldtoaccount foritsdecisionsthataffectthelives oftheentirepopulation.

Rather than hosting press conferences,theHead-of-Statehas beendisseminatinglivestatements on critical issues, thereby preventingthemediafromplaying its role in questioning certain decisions and actions taken by government.

During a press conference on January 17, 2023 at State House, the President told this publication thatheisaccessibletothepressand evendescribedhimselfasthe“most accessible President in the history ofGuyana”.

Ali said reporters can attest to himbeingopentoquestionsatany eventheattends.

GPL Staff pose with the certificate, plaque and stickers issued by the GNBS during the Certification Ceremony

Dr. Arif Bulkan

Man wanted for murder in Guyana deported from France

A man wanted in Guyana for a 2006 murder in Bartica, Region Seven was on FridaydeportedtoGuyanafromFrance.

The fugitive, who has been on the run for more than 16 years, is identified as Michael OrlandoCurrica.

Currica allegedly murdered Ovial Jorric better known as 'Buns' at Bartica. To evade thelaw,Curricadepartedviaabacktrackroute at Moleson Creek, Berbice, Region Six to Suriname.

From Suriname, he then travelled to French Guiana where he worked illegally for anumberofyearsbeforemigratingtoFrance.

Currica was employed with a French constructioncompanyandworkedforawhile untilhegotintotroublewiththepolicethere.

Accordingtoreports,hewascaughtwitha stolen cell phone. Currica was charged by French police and during his court appearance, he pleaded guilty and was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison.

On June 21, 2023, he was released and placed in immigration custody and was deportedtoGuyana.

Upon his arrival at the airport, Guyanese

Two die in Upper Corentyne accident

Wanted for a 2006murder, Michael Orlando

policetookhimintotheircustody.

He is expected to appear at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court to face a chargeforthe2006murderofJorric.

House collapses with woman, two children inside

Thehomeofasingle mother of four from Smythfield, New Amsterdam, Berbice collapsed on Thursday whilesheandthetwoof her four children were inside.

The woman, 29year-old Tiffany Waldron is seeking the public's assistance is rebuilding her home Waldron, who is a government 10-day worker, told Kaieteur News that she had just gotten up from her bed and within a matter of seconds, she heard a loud cracking sound Before the mother of four knew it, her house collapsedandwasleftin aslantedposition.

"After I hear the cracking, all I know is that the house just collapse and I pitch in me kitchen and my 2year-old pitch too...," shesaid;whiletheother one was in some other part of the house and receivedminorinjuries.

Waldron disclosed that her other two children were in the yard. She noted that if they were under the house, she could not imagine what

would have happened to her children ages 12 and 11.

The woman told Kaieteur News that she and her childrenareforcedtosleepin the collapsed home until it can be fixed. She is hoping

that persons can assist her in some way to get the house fixed.

Persons desirous of assisting Waldron and her children can contact her on 707-1062.

Two men died on Monday following an accident along the No. 68 Public Road, UpperCorentyne,Berbice.

Themenhavebeenidentifiedas38-yearold Harrynarine Ramnauth of lot 115 No. 60 Village and 17-year-old Roano Rajpaul also ofNo.60Village.

Police said the accident took place at approximately00:30hrsonJune192023and Kaieteur News understands that the men were proceeding north on motorcycle CM

1594, reportedly at a fast rate, when they lost controlwhilenegotiatingaturnontheNo.68 Public Road. As a result, they crashed into a sign before colliding with a concrete bus shed.

They were taken to the Skeldon Public Hospitalwheretheywerepronounceddead.

Apostmortemexaminationconductedon the bodies of the men Friday revealed that they died from multiple injuries about their bodies.

Roano Rajpaul

Harrynarine Ramnauth

Currica

The Smythfield, New Amsterdam, Berbice house which collapsed

Tour de France: Four-time champion

Froome not selected by Israel-Premier Tech

(BBC Sport) - Britain’s four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome has been left out of Israel-Premier Tech’s eight-man squad for next month’s race.

Froome, 38, who has not won a race since 2018, had faced many mechanical issues in the build-up to the Tour.

“Physically I was ready, but unfortunately I was unable to show my full ability due to equipment issues,” Froome told GCN.

He withdrew from last year’s race with Covid after stage 17.

Froome added of his absence from the 2023 edition: “I respect the team’s decision

and will take some time before refocusing on objectives later in the season and returning to the Tour de France in 2024.”

He joined Israel-Premier Tech in 2021, with the aim to get back to full fitness following a 2019 crash in which he sustained multiple injuries.

However, he has struggled to regain the form he had at Team Sky and has been hampered this season by several forced bike changes.

He won seven Grand Tours in 10 years at Team Sky - the Tour de France in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, the Giro d’Italia in 2018 and the Vuelta

Saturday June 24, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A heightened level of intuition and understanding of others might catapult you to the center of attention at a gathering, Aries. Knowledge combined with experience results in wisdom today.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Communication with friends who have traveled widely could have you hankering to make a future visit to a distant place that you've always wanted to experience.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Dreams or visions could put you in touch with deep feelings that you may not have been aware of before, Gemini. This could enable you to release traumas from your past and give you a new sense of lightness.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Relationships of all kinds are likely to be strengthened by an increased level of understanding today, Cancer. Your thinking is greatly enhanced by your emotional intuitiveness.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Today your emotional intuition intensifies your mental abilities, Leo. Friends and family members are likely to grow closer to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Relationships with those closest to you, particularly friends and love partners, should be enhanced by an increased understanding of their emotional world, Virgo.

a Espana in 2011 and 2017.

Kjell Carlstrom, general manager of Israel-Premier Tech, said: “It was a tough decision to select our Tour de France team this year but we feel we selected eight riders best suited to fulfilling our performance objectives.

“The fact that we had a difficult decision to make when looking at our long list shows the strength and depth of our rider group, and unfortunately we could not select everyone.”

Guillaume Boivin, Simon Clarke, Hugo Houle, Krists Neilands, Nick Schultz, Corbin Strong, Dylan Teuns

First Division cricket expected to resume in Berbice today

Weather permit ting, first-divi sion cricket action is expected to resume in Berbice today with six matches in both East and West Berbice.

The teams will begin action in the quest for supremacy in the Speaker’s Cup T20 cricket competition. The competition will see Berbice River making a return to first Division Cricket.

The teams expected to participate are Rose Hall Community Centre (RHCC) in East Canje, Police Cricket Club, Tucber Park Cricket Club of New Amsterdam, Berbice River, Blairmont Community Centre, Upper Corentyne, Young Warriors Cricket Ground (YWCC) West Berbice, Albion Community Centre, Port Mourant Cricket

Club, Rose Hall Town and Youth and Sports Club and Skeldon Cricket Club.

The fixtures wiil see Rose Hall Community Centre hosting Police Sports Club at the RHCC Ground in Canje while Tucber Park Cricket Club will be at home against the Berbice River team.

Blairmont Community Centre (BCC) will play Upper Corentyne at the No 69 Ground, Corentyne while Young Warriors Cricket Ground (YWCC) will travel to West Berbice for their encounter. Albion CC clashes with Port Mourant CC in a heavyweight encounter at the Port Mourant Ground while Rose Hall Town and Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) will be at home in their match against Skeldon Cricket Club (SCC) at the Area H Ground.

GFF hands over $12.4m in M-FAP funds...

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Dealing with the ups and downs of other family members could be easier for you today than usual, Libra. You're less inclined to be logical and more apt to identify with what other people feel.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Today your mind is strongly influenced by feeling and intuition, Scorpio, so you'll be able to communicate especially well with others. You might sense what they need to hear before.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

You generally like to think of yourself as someone who faces life logically and rationally, Sagittarius, but today your intuitive side could prove a valuable resource.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Your intuition is usually very strong, Capricorn, and your level of empathy enhances your relationships. Today, however, a burst of logic could enable you to see many things.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Your intuition is heightened almost to the point of telepathy today. Aquarius, you may be able to sense what others want and need even before they know it themselves.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Getting in touch with your closest friends could bring about some intense communication, with many revealing some of your deepest concerns, Pisces.

From page 22 platform in the identification of national and international talent in Guyana.

“It’s an important stepping stone for the national team because the Regional Associations produce players, coaches and teams for the Elite League…and from there they are in a pool where they are chosen for national and international football. GFF has taken a position with MFAP in terms of support, now the onus is on the Regional Associations to take that support and run with it,” Shabazz said.

First to launch their league will be the Georgetown Football Association (GFA). GFA President Otis James confirmed that the kickoff date is Sunday, June 25.

“This 2023 season will be a little bit more competitive because we came off of the Covid-19 situation. Now we are much better equipped. We are looking forward to Sunday afternoon at 6 p.m. to start the senior men’s league,” James said.

President of the Upper Demerara Football Association Wainwright Bethune said the M-FAP funding has placed his Association in a good position to start their league.

“As we all know…we’ve had some issues in terms of having a regular senior league and today…placed us in a good position so that we can start our 2023-2024 season. So, we are very much looking forward to that,” Bethune shared.

Bartica Football Association President Alden Marslowe said they are ready to build on the success of last year’s league in Bartica with nine clubs registered to com-

pete this season.

“Last year we had a very successful Senior Men’s League at Bartica and once again we are really happy that the GFF has come on board with the M-FAP programme to ensure that our league runs into a second year and we’re looking forward to making it

a success again,” Marslowe said.

Essequibo/Pomeroon Football Association President Marvin Pearson added that he is “quite excited about the Senior Men’s League which will be kicked off on July 8.” (This is an official release of the GFF)

Chris Froome (Getty Images)

and Michael Woods will represent Israel-Premier Tech.

The Tour de France starts on 1 July in Bilbao.

GFF hands over $12.4m in M-FAP funds to Regional Associations - 104clubstobenefit

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President, Wayne Forde, on Thursday presented a total of twelve million four hundred thousand dollars ($12.4M) inchequestotheGFF’snine Regional Associations (RAs) for the staging of the 2023 Senior Men’s League acrossGuyana.

Over the next few weeks, each RA will organise and kick off their SeniorMen’sLeague,which is funded under the GFF’s Member Financial Assistance Programme (MFAP), with a total of 104 footballclubsacrossGuyana benefitting from this investment.

The GFF’s pioneering M-FAP programme, which was launched in 2020 with full approval of the GFF Congress, provides support to the GFF members under four pillars: Administration &Operations,Equipment& Material, Competition & TechnicalDevelopment,and InfrastructureDevelopment.

PresidentFordesaidthe GFF has been working closely with the Regional Associations over the past four months to support their readiness for the 2023 season and build on the successoflastyear’shistoric postCovid-19returntoplay leaguecommencement.

Itwillberecalledthaton May 15, 2022, for the first time in Guyana’s football history, all nine Regional Associationskickedofftheir Senior Men’s League as a clear and unified signal of Guyana’sreturntoplay

“We have been talking withtheAssociationsforthe better part of four months, guidingthemonsomeofthe essential planning processes they needed to undertake to ensure that they were ready

to launch and operate their SeniorMen’sLeague.

They were required to prepare and submit to the GFF key documentation such as the league fixtures, rules/regulations of the league and a budget for the season Barring the individual venue challenges footballisfacinginGuyana, coupled with the inclement weather at the moment, my Associations are ready for their leagues and I would like to thank all of my Presidents for their hard work and leadership,” PresidentFordesaid.

Headdedthat“M-FAPis important to the entire football fraternity. We have already seen the impact MFAP has had on football in Guyana over the last three years.Werecognisedduring the course of last year’s Regional Associations League that additional resources and funding were required, so this year we have answered that call by allocating more funds to eachRA.

Forde noted that the financial programme is “unprecedented and very unique to Guyana. As a member of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) there is really no other country within our hemispheric football body, CFU in particular, that has a wellstructured funding programme as is the case here.” Also present at the simple June 22 handover ceremony,whichwasheldat the GFF Georgetown Secretariat, was Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz and GFF General Secretary Ian Alves.

Shabazzstressedthatthe regionalleagueisanintegral

(Continuedonpage21)

GFF President Wayne Forde presents a cheque to GFA President, Otis Gibson.

8th Digicel Schools Football Championship kicks off today - Regional fixtures revealed

The eighth season of the Digicel Schools Football

Championship gets underway today, June 24, 2023, at the Ministry of Education (MoE) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Grounds, Carifesta Avenue, as the Region 4 (Georgetown & East Coast) legofthetournamentisfirst totakecentrestage.

Yesterday, the CoDirectorthe of Petra – the organising team, Troy Mendonca, officially released the fixtures, which will see matches being played every weekend until thedateofculmination(July 21), and also unveiled the Championshiptrophy

A total of 25 secondary schools are registered to contest Georgetown zone while12schoolsarelinedup for the East Coast zone and nineschoolswillcompetein the East Coast zone, under the Region 4 leg of the RegionalChampionship.

Thezoneformatsfeature a must-win system that will demand clinical football from the teams that want to makeittothefinals.

ForGeorgetown-thetop 13 will advance while for East Coast and East Bank –the Regional winner and runner-upinbothzoneswill qualify for the National Championship.

Today at the Moe Ground, the first match between Tucville and

Queenstown gets underway at 11:00hrs then East Ruimveldt and South Ruimveldtclashat12:45hrs, Marian Academy faces Ascension at 14:30hrs and the Institute of Academic Excellence goes up against WestRuimveldtat16:15hrs.

At the NIS Ground, Bladen Hall and Plaisance will collide while La Bonne

I n t e n t i o n a n d Beterverwagting tangle in the two East Coast zone showdowns at 11:00hrs and 12:45hrs and Freeburg will tackle Richard Ishmael at 14:30hrs and Christ Church tangles with Queen’s College at 16:15hrs in the Georgetownzone.

At the unveiling ceremony at Spice Garden, Mendonca disclosed that all systems are in place to get the highly anticipated tournament off the ground and also thanked the sponsor, Digicel, for choosingPetratoadminister thecountrywidetournament.

He added that the Championship will put an extra boost in the development of grassroots football throughout the country, which is where Petra’sdirectiveisplaced.

Digicel’s Chief

Commercial Officer, SimonePierre,whowasalso at the simple ceremony stated that her company is profoundly ecstatic to once again be able to stage the tournament.

Pierre believes the resumption of the tournament is a step in the rightdirectionandDigicelis happy to be able to give youngsters this profound chance.

Over 130 schools throughout Guyana are expected to compete in this season of the Tournament

Following the regional rounds, a Round of 32 teams will make up a national championship, of which 13 schools will comefromGeorgetown

T h e N a t i o n a l Champions will receive $1,000,000 and the championship trophy with second, third, and fourthplace finishers getting $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000,respectively

All incentives will go towards a school project with prizes also expected for the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper andMostValuablePlayer

Chase’s Academic Foundationarethetwo-time defending champion, after claimingthetitlein2016and 2017, before the six-year hiatusarose.

This tournament was d o m i n a t e d b y Christianburg/Wismar Secondary,whowonthetitle consecutively from 2012 to 2015 when they dethroned the inaugural champion, Georgetown Technical Institute(GTI).

Digicel’s Chief Commercial Officer, Simone Pierre (left), unveils the Championship Trophy with Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca.

Robert Samuels appointed Interim Head Coach for WI Women’s Team -SeriesagainstIrelandWomenstartsJune26

ST JOHN’S, Antigua –Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the appointment of Robert Samuels as the Interim Head Coach for the West Indies Women’s team fortheupcomingCGUnited OneDayInternational(ODI) Series and West Indies T20 International (T20I) series againstIrelandinSt.Lucia.

Samuels, a former Jamaica captain and West Indies batsman, played six TestmatchesandeightODIs in addition to 106 first-class matches and 77 List A matches. His most recent role was as an Assistant Coach with the West Indies Womenteam.

Speaking on Samuels’ appointment, CWI’s High Performance Manager Graeme West said: “Robert brings continuity and stability to get the team through this period. He has great knowledge of the

players and the women’s game in general and strong knowledge of the support staff, so it’s almost a seamless transition with Robert coming in as Interim HeadCoach.Hehashisown ideas and is trying to implement them now as Interim Head Coach as opposed to assistant coach. He has made a good impact and start over the last few days and I’m sure it will continue throughout the series.”

The Interim Assistant Coaches are former West Indies spin bowler, Ryan AustinandSteveLiburd,the former Leeward Islands batsmanandcaptain.Liburd is the Head Coach of the West Indies Women’s U19 RisingStars.

The West Indies 18membersquadispresentlyat atrainingcampattheDaren Sammy Cricket Ground in

St. Lucia where they are preparing to face Ireland Women in the three-match CG United ODI Series whichstartsonMondayJune 26. Thiswillbefollowedby the three-match T20I Series fromJuly4to8.

The matches are West Indies Women’s only home fixture in 2023. The three CG United ODIs comprise West Indies’third fixture in t h e I C C Wo m e n ’s Championship where they are pushing to win points to achieveatopfivepositionto qualifyautomaticallyforthe ICC 2025 Women’s Cricket WorldCup.

Match tickets are available online from the Windies Tickets service, presented by MastercardTickets windiescricket com - at a discounted price of U S $ 6 / E C $ 1 6 (USS3/EC$7 50 children andseniors)comparedtothe

matchdayboxofficepriceof U S $ 7 5 0 / E C $ 2 0 (US$3 75/EC$10 for childrenandseniors).

Match Schedule – All matchesplayedattheDaren Sammy Cricket Ground, St.

Lucia CG United ODI

Series:Monday26June:1st

CG United ODI – 10am

(9amJamaicaTime)

Wednesday28June:2nd

CG United ODI – 10am

(9amJamaicaTime)

Saturday 1 July: 3rd CG

United ODI – 3pm (2pm Jamaica Time) West Indies

T20ISeries:Tuesday4July: 1st T20I Thursday 6 July: 2ndT20I

Saturday8July:3rdT20I

Wembanyama chosen by Spurs as first pick in 2023 NBA draft

(BBC Sport) - Victor Wembanyama has targeted w i n n i n g a n N B A championship ring after the San Antonio Spurs chose him as the number one overallpickinthe2023draft. The 19-year-old Frenchman is regarded as one of the gamesbiggestprospectsand one of the most coveted pickssinceLeBronJamesin 2003.

Wembanyamaislistedat 7ft 5in and has an 8ft wingspan.

“My goal is to try and learn as much as possible because I want to win that ring,”saidWembanyama.

The NBA draft is made upoftworoundsof30picks, with 30 teams choosing players based on where they finishedlastseason.

The worst performing teams pick at the top of the draft,wheretheyhaveaccess tothebestincomingtalent.

The 2023 draft was held in Brooklyn with NBA commissioner Adam Silver announcingthepicks.

“This is accomplishing something that I have been dreaming of my whole life,” WembanyamatoldESPN.

“Hearing that sentence

from Adam Silver, I’ve dreamed of it so much that I havetocry,man.”

French president

Emmanuel Macron congratulated Wembanyama on becoming “the first Frenchman to be the first pickintheNBAdraft”.

Inapostonsocialmedia, he added: “You’re already making us dream, Victor Wembanyama No doubt about it: you’ll change the game!”

Wembanyamaplayedfor Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 in France during the past season and averaged 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.0 blocked shots and2.5assistsin44games.

“We’re thrilled that we wereabletobringVictoron board,” said San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich

“He’s obviously a heck of a talent, a very mature young man But just like with every draft pick, whetherit’sthefirstpickor the 27th pick, or the 38th p i c k , w e h a v e a responsibility to each and everyonetotrytocreatean environment where they can reach the best success

possibleforthem

“We’re going to get him onthecourtandwe’regoing toseehimplay,andwe’llgo fromthere.”

LA Lakers star LeBron James watched when Wembanyama starred in an exhibition game in Las VegaslastOctober

“He’smorelikeanalien, he’s for sure a generational talent,”saidJames.

In basketball circles the teenager is what’s known as a‘unicorn’-aplayerwhocan do it all - but Wembanyama recentlysaidhepreferredthe descriptionfromJames.

“First of all, I’m really glad he said that because I didn’t like to be called a unicorn,”Wembanyama told Sports Illustrated. “I like it because it’s just something not from this world.

“I like being called an alien, yeah It’s really what I’m working to besomething unique and original ”

BrandonMiller,a6ft9in 20-year-old who starred at the University of Alabama, was the number two pick in the draft and went to the CharlotteHornets.

Roberts Samuels during a training session with the West Indies Women team. (Photo: CWI Media)

ByRawleToney

Neil Danns, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever represent the Golden Jaguars, bid farewell to international football in a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday

Expressing a mix of emotions, including gratitude, nostalgia, and a touch of sadness, Danns recounted his journey with Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Football Team since his debut in 2015 againstGrenada.

Danns considers described his journey in International football as extraordinary, adding “It is an honor to share this moment with all of you, my friends, family, teammates, coaches,andsupporterswho havebeenthereformeevery stepoftheway.”

Reflecting on his time representing his country on the football pitch, Danns spoke of overwhelming pride and a sense of accomplishment He considered it a dream come true and a cherished privilegetowearthenational jersey, recognizing that it was an opportunity to inspire, unite, and make a difference.

In his debut match against Grenada, Guyana

emergedvictoriouswitha20score,asDanns,theformer Leicester City midfielder, played a crucial role in setting up both goals scored by Pernell Schultz at the GuyanaNationalStadium.

Closing this chapter of his life, Danns expressed deepsatisfactionandpridein the milestones achieved, the celebrated victories, and the remarkable impact made on thesport.

Notably, he played a pivotal role in Guyana’s qualification for the Gold Cup in 2019, scoring in the crucial match against Belize that secured the team’s h i s t o r i c s p o t i n CONCACAF’s prestigious tournament.

During the Gold Cup, Danns netted all three goals for the Golden Jaguars, including a brace against Panamaandthesolitarygoal in their 1-1 draw against TrinidadandTobago.

Beyond the goals and accolades, Danns cherished the unforgettable moments that accompanied his international career the roar of the crowd, the unity of the team, and the shared senseofpurpose.

He considered it a true honor to score the first-ever Gold Cup goal for Guyana, whichstoodoutasapinnacle achievement in his

footballingjourney

While Danns scored 11 goals in 23 appearances for Guyana and was hailed as a hero on many occasions, he emphasizedcamaraderieand shared experiences with his teammates as the most cherishedaspect.

Danns expressed gratitude to his teammates for the battles fought together,bothonandoffthe field, and for the bonds forged throughout their journey

He acknowledged the

THE GOAL! Neil Danns, caught by Chronicle Sport’s Samuel Maughn just as he was about to unleash his ‘beauty’in the 54th minute to give Guyana a 1 - 0 advantage over Trinidad and Tobago.

contributions of Coach JamaalShabazz,scoutFaizal Kahn, former Golden J a g u a r s c a p t a i n

Christopher Nurse, late team manager Mark Xavier, and current

Captain Sam Cox, giving themspecialmentions Danns expressed eternal gratitude to the Guyanese nation, recognizing their unwavering support, cheers, and chants that fueled his passion and inspired him to give his all on the field. He acknowledged their

presence and unwavering dedication, which made everygameanunforgettable experienceforhim.

While ending his international career with Guyana,Dannsmadeitclear that his love for the game remains unchanged Football has taught him invaluable lessons about discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the power of adream.

As he ventures into the next phase of his life, he carries these lessons with

him, ready to embrace new c h a l l e n g e s a n d opportunities.

Danns highlighted his coaching qualifications, includingcurrentlyholdinga UEFA A Licenses Coach certification, with plans to pursue the UEFA Pro License,whichistailoredfor the Premier League and nationalteams.

He mentioned his coaching experience at Liverpool and his aspiration to further develop in that field.

Cariah undergoes surgical procedure in Zimbabwe

WestIndiesallrounder

Yannic Cariah underwentasurgical proceduretorepairafracturetohis nose. The leg-spinner and lefthanded batter suffered a nasal fracture when he was struck in the face during a training session last Saturday while preparing for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup QualifiertournamentinZimbabwe.

T h e p r o c e d u r e w a s performed in Harare on

Thursday evening Cariah will remain with the squad under the care of the CWI Medical Team whilstherecovers.

A decision on when he can return to play will be made in the coming days, as the medical teamsupporthisrecovery

Assistant Coach, Floyd Reifer, wasalsostruckinthefaceduringa trainingsessiononWednesdayand has also undergone a similar procedure.Reiferwillcontinuehis

Yannic Cariah celebrates with teammates.

coaching duties under the supervision of the CWI Medical Team.

stages, defeating United States on Sunday and Nepal onThursday, to sit top of GroupAwith two group stagefixturestoplay

ZimbabweonSaturdayJune24and

In the group stage, each side plays the other group teams once withthetopthreefromeachgroup progressingtotheSuperSixstage.

Each team carries over to the

Super Six stage any points won against the other two qualifying teamsfromtheirgroup.

EachteamintheSuperSixwill then play three further matches against the qualifying teams from theoppositegroup.

The Super Six stage will be played from Thursday 29 June to Friday7Julyandthetoptwoteams in the final Super Six table will qualify for the ICC 2023 Cricket World Cup to be played in India laterthisyear

All matches start at 9am local time (3am Eastern Caribbean/2am Jamaica)

Sunday 18 June: West Indies beatUSAby39runsatTakashinga CricketClub

Thursday 22 June: West Indies beat Nepal by 101 runs at Harare SportsClub

Saturday 24 June: v Zimbabwe atHarareSportsClub

Monday26June:vNetherlands atTakashingaCricketClub

emotional goodbye to International football to International Goodbye Danns! Goodbye Danns! ...Neil Danns bids

Digicel’s Chief Commercial Officer, Simone Pierre (2nd left), was present for the unveiling of the lien trophy for this season of the Championship.

GFF President Wayne Forde and the Presidents of the RegionalAssociations.