Kaieteur News

US drops US$51 billion lawsuit on Exxon, others for heat dome that killed 69 people

A county in the State of The County alleges that Inthisefforttoholdthese Oregon, in the United States the combined historical fossil fuel companies and of America (U.S.A), last carbon pollution from the their misinformation agents week filed a lawsuit against use of defendants’fossil fuel accountable, the County is several oil giants, including products was a substantial represented by three law ExxonMobilCorporationfor factor in causing and firms as their outside over US$51 billion for the exacerbating the heat dome, counsel: Worthington & damages caused by the 2021 which smothered the C a r o n , P C , S i m o n PacificNorthwestheatdome County’s residents for Greenstone Panatier, PC, whichcausedthedeathof69 several days. The suit, filed and Thomas, Coon, Newton people. in Oregon Circuit Court in & Frost. Each firm

In a statement last Multnomah County, names specializes in large-scale Thursday, the Multnomah Exxon Mobil, Shell, catastrophicharmlitigation. County announced that it C h e v r o n , B P , “This lawsuit is about the damages.We say enough heat dome’s causes. They createdapublicnuisance,all filed suit against several of ConocoPhillips, Motiva, accountability and fairness, isenough.” published their findings in of which are wellthe largest fossil fuel and Occidental Petroleum, and I believe the people of Multnomah County is studies that were unanimous established causes of action c o a l - p r o d u c i n g Anadarko Petroleum, Space Multnomah County deserve seeking US$50 million in in their conclusion; the under Oregon state tort law corporations,seekingtohold Age Fuel, Valero Energy, both.Thesebusinessesknew actual damages, US$1 5 deadly event was caused by As attorney Jeffrey Simon, a them accountable for the Total Specialties USA, their products were unsafe billion in future damages, fossil fuel emissions, which partner at Simon Greenstone damages arising from the Marathon Petroleum, and harmful, and they lied and an estimated US$50 polluted the atmosphere Panatier, PC, and a law 2021PacificNorthwestHeat Peabody Energy, Koch about it,” said County Chair billionforanabatementfund Further, that pollution professor of mass tort Dome, one of the most Industries, American Jessica Vega Pederson to study, plan, and upgrade caused dramatic rises in litigation observed, “There deadly and destructive Petroleum Institute, Western “They have profited the public health care global temperature, drought are no new laws or novel human-made weather S t a t e s P e t r o l e u m massivelyfromtheirliesand services and infrastructure and the drying of regional theories being asserted here. disasters in American Association, and McKinsey lefttherestofustosufferthe that will be reasonably soil. When those pollution- We contend that the history &Company consequences and pay for necessary to “weatherproof” caused conditions combined Defendants broke longthe County from future with a dense high-pressure standing ones, and we will extreme heat events and to system that hovered over the proveittoajury.” safeguardthepublichealth. Pacific Northwest, they “What is new about this

Beginning on June 25, converted the region’s case,” said attorney Roger 2021, the Plaintiff, typically mild climate into Worthington, a partner at Multnomah County, was functionally that of a Worthington & Caron, PC, scorched by the most convectionoven. “is how the leadership of extreme heat event in its Thelawsuitasserts,“The Multnomah County is history Over the course of heat dome that cost so much utilizing irrefutable climate three consecutive days, lifeandlosswasnotanatural science to hold corporate County temperatures weather event. It did not just polluters accountable for reached highs of 108°, 112° happen because life can be their role in causing a and 116° Fahrenheit. All cruel, nor can it be discreet and disastrous three of these high rationalized as simply a event, as well as recent temperatures, up to 40 mystery of God’s will wildfires.” degrees above the daily Rather, the heat dome was a He continued: “We will average for the region, direct and foreseeable showthatfossilfuel-induced exceed those of any other consequence of the global warming is already day in the County’s recorded Defendants’ decision to sell costingOregonianslivesand history. The extreme heat as many fossil fuel products treasure. We will show that caused the deaths of 69 over the last six decades as the normal use of fossil fuel people, property damage, they could and to lie to the products over time has and the significant County, the public, and the imposed massive external, expenditure of taxpayer scientific community about unpriced and untraded monies and County the catastrophic harm that social, economic and resources. pollution from those environmental costs on the

In the aftermath of the products into the Earth’s and County We will show that superheating event, several the County’s atmosphere theywereawareofthisprice, of the world’s most wouldcause.” and instead of fully experienced and respected The lawsuit alleges that informing the public, they climate scientists conducted the Defendants committed deceivedus.Andwewillask research to determine the negligence and fraud, and a jury to decide if it is fair to h o l d t h e p o l l u t e r s accountable for these avoidable and rising costs.

We are confident that, once we show what the fossil fuel companies knew about global warming and when, and what they did to deny, delayanddeceivethepublic, the jury will not let the fossil fuel companies get away with their reckless misconduct.”

“They have profited massively from their lies and left the rest of us to suffer the consequences and pay for the damages. We say enough is enough.” - County Chair

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group

Th e r e c e n t of its application was strong, impact on production. The EEPGL is in breach of its comments by and based on the merits of stay was put in place. There permit which, in the court’s

John Hess, Chief the case, there was no is no impact on production. view, unreservedly calls for

ExecutiveOfficer reasonwhyastaycouldnot And I think this is just a case unlimited insurance CEO) of Hess Corporation begranted.” o f t h e j u d g e n o t protection in the event of an that Guyana’s Head of State Tothisend,thebodysaid understanding what the oil spill. The Judge also was “emphatic that a stay the government will now petroleum legislation was or issued an Order of would be put in place” havetoexplainwhytheHess the petroleum requirements Mandamus directing the following the High Court’s boss told the U.S Energy of our production programs EPAtohaveEEPGLproduce Order for Esso Exploration Conference that the were,andIthinkthatmatters on or before June 10, 2023, and Production Guyana President assured him a stay been put to bed. There was a the unlimited liability Parent Limited(EEPGL)toprovide ofthefullliabilityprotection lot of noise about it, but it Company Guarantee an unlimited guarantee from ruling by Justice Sandil wasbasicallynoise.” Agreement and/or unlimited its parent company has Kissoonwouldbeissued. The comments made by liability Affiliate Company sparked concern among The civil society body Hess has sparked concern Guaranteefromaninsurance Guyanesethattheruleoflaw said, “OWOC is concerned especially when Guyana’s company with standing and isunderthreat. that the rule of law is under Vice President Bharrat repute that equates to Grade Our Wealth Our Country threat if business groups can Jagdeo is also on record as A Plus. Failure to comply (OWOC), an independent go to the President directly saying that rulings by the will see the permit being organization with hundreds seeking solace and legal fraternity should be suspended. of Guyanese members interventions if they do not predictable. Jagdeo was K a i e t e u r N e w s believes President IrfaanAli likecourtdecisions.” commenting on Justice previously reported that must clear the air on the In calling on none other Kissoon’s May 3, 2023 Exxon and its partners have matter thanPresidentAlitoclearthe rulingwhenhetoldreporters since lodged a US$2B Godfrey Whyte had taken activist.Imean,ithappensin

Following an article air on the matter, the group at a press conference that the affiliate guarantee with the t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l ourcountryaswell,andsaid, published by Kaieteur News added, “This is quite judiciary is treading in EPA as this was a condition Protection Agency (EPA) to you know, basically the joint in Friday edition titled ‘Hess disturbing, as ordinary murky waters by directing a ofthestayofexecutionbeing Court, for failing to enforce venture had to have Boss tells US conference Guyanese do not have the regulatory agency on how to granted. This complements the requirement of the Liza unlimited liability in terms Pres.Ail assured him of stay privilege of seeking do its job and setting a t h e U S $ 6 0 0 M p e r One Permit for an unlimited of the developments, in Justice Kissoon’s ruling presidential assistance if timeframe on when it should occurrence insurance policy parent company guarantee. otherwise production had to before Court of Appeal they do not like court completeorders. for the block. The stay on

The citizens were successful cease and I can tell you, the handed down decision’ the decisions.”

In the judgment handed the High Court’s ruling was in their litigation and the President was very emphatic CEO of Hess Corporation During the J.P Morgan down on May 3, 2023, the granted by the Appeal Court Judge ordered that the that a stay would be put in issued a response. In his bid 2023 Energy, Power & High Court Judge ruled that onJune8,2023. guarantee be provided or the place that would have no to clarify the issue, John Renewables Conference, Permitwouldbesuspended. Hess explained, “I called the Hess Corporation was asked Hess in his full response President about concerns to provide an update on the to the Conference was: expressedbyinvestorsabout legal challenge mounted on “Yeah now first of all, this is the recent court ruling, and its Environmental Permit for something that the the President—based on the the Liza One project in government disagreed with. advice of his Attorney Guyana. Wedisagreedwith,yeah,had General—conveyed to me Two Guyanese men, a judge that got a complaint that the State’s case in favor Frederick Collins and from an environmental

The teenage girl w h o w a s allegedly raped

by a government official reportedly released therapeallegationstoryafter her parents allegedly took a settlementfromtheaccused.

According to a relative, the accused and the girl’s parentshadameeting.

It was during this meeting that the parents reportedly agreed to take a settlement instead of pursuing the matter “She thinks her mommy would have stood up for her, not knowing that the mother would have taken bribe, and that is why she put out the letter to make everybody to see She wanted her When the allegations declined to comment motherandfathertostandup surfaced, Kaieteur News had However, she later returned forshe,”therelativetoldthis contacted the girl and during thecalltoclarifythatshewas publication. thefirstconversationshehad notinvolved.

President Irfaan Ali

Guyana.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

EXXONMOBIL WILL NOT WALK AWAY

ExxonMobil was never going to walk away from Guyana. Notwitha1-yearextensioninhandfor 20%ofthefabulousStabroekthathadtobegiven up. NobodyhastogotoHarvardorOxfordtofigurethatout. BharatJagdeotriedtoroilGuyanesewith“investorsspook easily”butheforgottoconsultwithExxonMobiltomakehis story match the company’s. For there was that contrasting messagefromthecompanyitself.

Mr JohnArdil,ExxonMobil’sVicePresidentofGlobal Operations, spoke about the extraordinary speed at this oil explorationisoccurringinGuyana:It’s“incrediblyfast,four andahalfyearsfromdiscoverytofirstoilisprettymuchan industryrecord.Sothatoildevelopment,byanymeasurable standard, in a new country with no hydrocarbons industry, using floating production, storage, and offloading vessels, all of that is world-class pace and skill, and to be running three rigs drilling pure development wells, that’s not happeninganywhereelseintheworld.”

ItcouldbesaidthatExxonMobilisthrowingallcaution tothewinds(“industryrecord”)withthelightingspeedofits operations. “That’s not happening anywhere else in the world”, so is ExxonMobil dangerously experimenting with itsuncheckedrateofproductioninGuyana,withnewspeed recordsestablishedinGuyana? Wethinkthatitis.

ExxonMobilcannotdothissofreelyanywhereelseinthe world,soitisnotgoinganywhere. Gowheretodowhatand be allowed by which government to do how much without proper controls and that all-important, non-negotiable blanketprotection? SinceGuyanaisnowtheguineapigthat it experimented upon by the mad operators in ExxonMobil laboratory,othercountriestakenote,learnwhatprecautions they must put in place, so as to safeguard their people, environment,andpotential.

With all this carefully weighed, it is beyond debate, pushback,thatExxonMobilisheretostayforthelongrun. It is not going anywhere, it is not going to go easily into the night, as ExxonMobil’sAlistair Routledge went out of his waytoconfirm. WhatandleavethesweetrichesofGuyana thataresocheaptoobtain!

But this is what Guyana’s own Vice President Bharat Jagdeo seeks to unsettle citizens with through one of the more recent contrivances of his overworked brain: “investorsspookeasily.” SinceExxonMobilisnotleaving thesweetnessofGuyanabehind,thenitwouldbeinteresting to learn which of the other downstream supporting companies, so vital to the ExxonMobil supply chain, will pack their bags because, per Jagdeo, they see ‘jumbie’that scaresthemawayfromGuyana.

What Guyanese should focus on are the revelations coming from ExxonMobil, each time one of its power playersopentheirmouths. Insellingtheircompanyandthe beauties of the Guyana investment, they giveaway plenty foodforthought. ThesameVicePresidentJohnArdil,who spoke so brilliantly about pace of operations here, also had this to say to his S&PGlobal Insights audience: “all come together”inGuyana,viz.,attractivegeology,stablepolitical conditions, and carbon footprint minimization. He has it rightineveryinstance.

The Guyana oil basin holds more oil than Guyanese know, for ExxonMobil is likely not sharing all the happy detailswiththeGuyanaGovernment. Sometrumpcardsare better held in reserve, and to cover other self-enriching company-orientedplansandactivities.

WhenMr Ardilnoted‘stablepoliticalconditions’thatis a codeword for captive government, and cooperative opposition. Andwhen‘carbonfootprintminimization’isthe warming issue, no Guyanese has the clearest idea of how muchExxonMobilisengagedinoffshore,relativetoactual production, and the real gas flaring numbers into the atmosphere. WhatevertheGovernmentofGuyanaaccepts andbecomesthebasisforitsknowledgedependsonwhatit receivesfromExxonMobil.

MISERYANDFED-UPNESS ATHISTORICHIGHSINGUYANA

DEAREDITOR,

InalettertotheEditorin March this year (titled ‘Gov’t has scant interest in utilizingstatisticsinrelation to living standards and qualityof life of citizens’),I wrote: “The starkest i n d i c a t i o n o f t h e government’s avoidance of creating and using statistics

on people-centric development is its approach to poverty elimination.With large oil revenues and a small population, Guyana hasoneoftheworld’sfastest growing economies and highest per capita incomes. But this is not a government that will talk specifically (if at all) about lifting all citizens out of poverty by a setdate.”

Guyanese are no longer

fooledbybigGDPnumbers, biggest-ever budgets, big infrastructure projects haphazardly or suspiciously selected,orevenbylargeoil revenues People fully realize that such numbers capture very little of their actuallivingexperiencesand dailystruggles. The PPP however will continue to avoid producing or using data on people’s living standards and quality of life Notwithstanding, therearetwocoreindicators of national health citizens can easily use, as these indicators either involve readilyavailablenumbersor depend on subjective wellbeing (how we ourselves feel). The first indicator is the MISERY INDEX Economists calculate it by

simply adding the unemployment rate and the inflation rate. If we were to addtherisingpovertyrateto the standard Misery Index, then we in Guyana face a nationalqualityoflifecrisis. Evidenceofmiseryabounds in Guyana People are struggling to put meals on the table, to send kids to school,totraveltowork,and topaydebts,rents,andbills. The MISERY INDEX therefore is more than a number It tells us about people’scapacitytosurvive, about their daily struggles andsacrifices.

The second indicator –one that directly relates to how we ourselves feel and think about our lives and livelihoods—istheLEVEL OF FED-UPNESS You

wouldn’tfindthisterminthe text books, but more and more Guyanese are using it to describe their state of mind.Peoplearejustfed-up. Dissatisfaction, frustration, and hopelessness are the highest in living memory Aggregated across the population, the level of nationalfed-upnessisoffthe charts —stratospheric. How didwegethere?Itrequiresa colossal amount of government incompetence, i n d i ff e r e n c e , a n d senselessness that, despite billions and billions of US dollars of oil wealth, a countryanditspeoplearein this state of misery and fedupness. And both measures aretrendingbadtoworse. YoursRespectfully, SherwoodLowe

NYGuyanese Urge to Vote in Tuesday’s Primary

DEAREDITOR,

This Tuesday June 26 is Primary Election Day in New York to choose a candidate for each political partytobeitsstandardbearer in New York City Council general elections to be held the first Tuesday in November Guyanese, Trinis, South Asians and other New Yorkers are urged to come out and vote. Polls open at 06:00 hours (6:00am) and close at 21:00 hours (9:00pm).

Thereisalsoearlyvoting at selected sites Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is the system determining the winners. RCV allows voters to rank candidates or options—inasequencefrom first, second, third, and onwards—ontheirballots..

Primary election selects thecandidateornomineefor acouncilseatforaparty

Thecandidateswhofiled nominations on the ballot must meet basic conditions including acquiring hundreds of signatures of voters in the district. Once qualified, the nominees within each party are placed ontheballot.

The candidate with a majority of votes through a preference rated system, with a second or third preference voting, even if it is not the most votes in the firstroundofvoting,getsthe

nomination.Thenomineeof each party and independents face off in the November ballot.

Council elections are held every four years for a four-yearterm.

The last City Council election was in 2021. This year, there is a special midterm off-cycle council election. In 2002, NewYork City voters passed a referendumrequiringspecial midtermcouncilelectionsin atermeverytwentyyears.

The law took effect in 2003, midway through a term that usually ends the followingJanuary

A mid-term council offcycleelectionisduethisyear with the term ending in January. All 51 seats are up forgrabs.

Not many New Yorkers are aware of the 2002 law andevenfewerGuyaneseor West Indians voters across ethnicities are familiar with thelaworthatthereisanoffcycleelectionthisyear Early voting began last week and sofaronly10,000inQueens The borough has over one million voters. A candidate maywellwinnextTuesday’s council primary seat with a thousandvotes.

A few Guyanese and other Caribbean people are ontheballotforseatsallover thecity

Some are challenged established incumbents in

No wonder Vice President Ardil was almost beside himself withecstasy So when Jagdeo delivers that white rabbit called “investors spookeasily,”heisuptohisusualconcoctions,exaggerations,

Queens including in the greater Little Guyana ( R i c h m o n d H i l l ) neighbourhood that is represented by the Speaker of the Council Adrienne Adams(norelationshipwith theMayorEricAdams).

The Mayor’s term is not affected by this off cycle election. His term expires in 2025 when he is up for reelection. He is expected to winre-election.

Besides those seeking nomination for a seat in the primary, several Guyanese areinvolvedintheelection–volunteering or fundraising and/orengagedingrassroots campaigningoftheirfavored candidate.

Several Guyanese are engaged in phone banking, doorknocking,andliterature distribution on the streets andhousetohouse.

Several Guyanese donated funds or attended fundraisersforNYCCouncil Speaker and Council MemberAdrienneAdamsas wellasRusatRamgopalwho is challenging Speaker Adrienne.

Ashook Ramsaran, Guyanese born president of the Indian Diaspora Council (IDC), long time US citizen residing in Queens, appeals toGuyanesetopartakeinthe process.

He states: “Voting is the optimum form of civic engagement and political

participation, providing a re w a rd i n g s e n s e o f citizenship with enormous benefits to their communities such as funding for schools and other community needs based on population and votingparticipation.

Voting is a privilege, an entrenched constitutional right for which many have struggled and sacrificed for that right to choose his/her representative in elected office.

While some areas of the country are struggling with voting rights, voting in NYC i s f r e e o f t h o s e encumbrances.

The right to vote is a unique privilege as a citizen and a meaningful example to families and younger generations, especially amongimmigrantfamilies.

Those who vote can have legitimate reasons to complain afterwards when policies may not be f a v o r a b l e t o o n e ’ s preferences So we urge every registered voter to vote for the candidates of your choice”

Communityleadershave urged Guyanese, other Caribbean as well as Asian Indians and other voters to come out on Tuesday and cast ballots for their favored candidate in the council election.

YoursTruly, VishnuBisram

anddistortions. Wecanallputthistobed:Nobodywalksaway fromwhatisgood. GuyanaismorethangoodtoExxonMobil; Guyana is great and glorious for the company’s profits and glitteringprospects.

Apolitically-inclined senior officer or someone outside of the Force will be the next Commissioner of Police

DEAREDITOR, The vexed question is who will be Guyana’s next Commissioner of Police

According to a birth certificate without the features of the new birth certificates currently being issued by the General Registration Office that I s a w , t h e a c t i n g Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken will achieve the age of fifty five on July 22,2023.

Therefore, according to the Public Service Commission Rules he shall demit office on August 1, 2023 unless his service is extendedbythePresidentor a new birth certificate emerges with different featuresaswasdoneinmany instancesinthepast.

Extensionof theservice of Commissioners of Police is nothing new in Guyana. Several Commissioners benefitted from this. It is apposite to note that they all had negative issues during their period of extension. It startedwithBalramRaguber and continued until Leroy Brummel was extended

During his extension Commissioner Raguber allegedly had some serious tax and other issues to deal with. His school teacher, President Desmond Hoyte putahalttotheextension.He posted him to India as G u y a n a ’ s H i g h Commissioner to that country

Laurie Lewis’ period of extension was extremely controversial When he reached sixty years and was still on extension the opposition PNC filed court proceedingsagainsthim.He was forced to leave office.

The next extended commissioner Floyd Mc Donald during his period of extension earned the gold medalforbeingthedeadliest Commissioner

Twentysixpolicemenof various ranks structure were murdered in the line of duty during Mc Donald’s extended period as

Commissioner Instead of himgivingoutawardstohis ranks, he was busy paying tributesattheirfunerals.

He presided over the Forceonextensionwhenthe prison escapees led by Dale Moore, Fine Man’s possee, the Phantom squad, Roger Khan notorious enterprise, otherindividualsandgroups were engaged in murderous actsacrossGuyana.

Henry Greene who took over the baton of leadership from Commissioner Winston Felix had his serviceextended.

During that time he had to approach the High Court to prevent the Director of Public Prosecutions from recommending to the police that he be charged with the offence of rape. The last Commissioner to have his time extended was Leroy Brummel.

Hehadhisextendedstint o f C o m m i s s i o n e r abbreviated by President DonaldRamotarafteravery senior police officer took a file to the President alleging that Brummel had inappropriately granted approval for a person to be issuedwithafirearmlicence when the applicant had no justclaimtoobtainone.

The appointment of a Commissioner of Police is thesoleresponsibilityofthe President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Article 211 (1) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana states, “The

CommissionerofPoliceand everyDeputyCommissioner of Police shall be appointed by the President acting after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and Chairperson of the Police Service Commission after the Chairperson has consulted with the other members of the Commission.”The same procedure applies for the appointment of acting Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner

According to the ruling

oftheHon.ChiefJusticethe present Police Service Commission is not legally and lawfully constituted The Commission cannot perform any function of the Commissionunless the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission is sworn as a member of the Police Service Commission. There is no Public Service Commission Hence, no Chairperson.Thisleavesthe President in a state of quandary

In the appointment of a neworactingCommissioner the President may be tempted to unlawfully shelter under the antiquated andseldomusedDoctrineof Necessity

There are many pretenders for the post of Commissioner of Police Editor, please permit me to mention some names while otherswillbeanonymousfor diverse reasons. The most senior rank in the Force is Deputy Commissioner Dr Paul Williams. Among the aspirants he is the most qualified professionally and academically

However, he was banished to the Covid-19 Secretariat and is now at the Civil Defence Commission where he is basically monitoring the amount of rainfall in the country and dealing with floods For reasons unknown, Deputy Commissioner, Dr Paul Williams is in the Government’s black book. Hence, he will not be appointed the next Commissioner

Thenextseniorofficerin l i n e i s A s s i s t a n t Commissioner Royston AndriesJunior

He is on a bogus charge beforetheCourt.

Therefore,hewillnotbe considered for the top

position Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean comes up next in thelineofseniority

After obtaining a degree in policing and global security in England he was dismissed by the Police Service Commission after that body bowed to political d i r e c t i o n s t o unconstitutionally terminate his service McBean successfully appealed his dismissal and he resumed dutyintheForce.

Heispresentlydoingan excellent job as Regional Divisional Commander 4A which is the largest police division in the country Despite his outstanding performance, he is not favouredforthetopposition. Hereisacharactersketchof thosepretenderswhowillbe nameless, but you can read betweenthelines.

There are many allegations against one of pretenders of financial irregularities involving millions of dollars In addition, he has a very poor

inter-personal relationship with his superior, peers, subordinates and members ofthepublic.

Information received that the United States of America Embassy in Guyana is concerned about the relationship of another contender with corrupt businessmen.Ifappointedas Commissioner his visa is likely to be revoked if that was not already done.There is a contender who is carrying out the unlawful directions of the politicians withamazingease.

He boasted that he is goodwiththepoliticiansand that the appointment of a Commissioner is a political one.

Asaresult,heshallbethe 33rd Commissioner of Police.

Another pretender is gathering intelligence about the incompetent and corrupt activities of his competitors and submitting same to the movers and shakers of the GuyanaPoliceForce.

Thisisanefforttogetthe

topspot.Thefinalcontestant ishighlyfavouredbyahouse inRobbStreetbecauseofhis ethnicity

He can become a good Commissioner if he steers clearofpolitics.Thesynergy among the senior officers is atanalltimelow Of all the contestants, Deputy Commissioner Dr Paul Williams andAssistant Commissioner Simon McBean are the most qualified professionally and academicallyfortheapexof management in the Force. It is feared that politics will have the upper hand in the a p p o i n t m e n t o f a Commissioner or acting Commissioner A politically inclined senior officer or someone outside of the Force will be the next Commissioner of Police.

May God help the GuyanaPoliceForce. Yoursrespectfully, ClintonConway Assistant Commissioner ofPolice (Retired)

The fight against drug abuse, trafficking

DEAREDITOR,

The Guyana Peace Council (GPC) joins with organizations across the world in observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The Day is observed on June 26 by the United Nations to draw attention to the global drug problem. It alsoservesasareminderthat everyone can play a role in tacklingtheissue.TheDayis alsoaboutraisingawareness about the dangers of drugs andillicittrafficking.

T h e h i s t o r y o f International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking dates back to

1987 when it was first establishedbyaresolutionof the United Nations General Assembly The resolution recognized the dangers posedbydrugsandcalledfor greater international cooperation in dealing with theissue.

The theme of this year’s observance is People First: s t o p s t i g m a a n d discrimination, strengthen prevention.”

The importance of this Day of Observance cannot be overemphasized In additiontopromotingpublic awareness, it is also used as an opportunity for governments to implement nationalinitiativestoreduce

substanceabuseandfighting theillicitdrugtrade.

In this regard, the Guyana Peace Council wishes to take this opportunitytocommendthe current administration for the several measures it is taking to curb the use of substance abuse and the illicit trafficking of drugs. Among the several initiatives taken are the preparation of a National Action Plan for Drug Reduction, Preventative Education, Awareness GenerationandCounseling as well asTreatment and RehabilitationServices.

Regards, GuyanaPeaceCouncil

DEAREDITOR,

Earl Butz, Secretary of Agriculture in the Reagan Administration (19801988) was fired - not for committing a crime but for insulting the Pope. (“He na playathegame,henaMekka therules”).Hisremarkswere considered an attack on the sensibilities of millions of people around the world, both Catholics and nonCatholics. Earl Butz was fired for saying something outrageous,notacrime.This episode played out in the United States in the 1980’s, showedthatgovernmentsdo sensibly sometimes give in to public pressure.And, that a Cabinet Minister can also be fired for transgressions other than or lesser than a rapeconviction.

Here we have Minister Dharamlall telling another woman MP, “Is a dildo you want, that is what you looking for”. He tendered what is universally considered a fake apology and which was accepted by theSpeakerasagoodenough excuse to remain in parliament. The Speaker of theparliamentevenrefuseda M o t i o n t o d e b a t e Dharamlall’s transgression thattime.Thepartisanshipof theSpeakerwassoblatantit shouldhavedisqualifiedhim fromholdingthatpost.Such b l a t a n t e x t r e m e partisanships on the part of Speakers do not augur well for free and open debates in theparliament.Ittakesaway from the true essence of a democracy The previous PNC govt’s speaker also seriously and serially violated this parliamentary standard.

DPPisstilllookingtosee if Dharamlall’s rape accusation fits under any of the nation’s statutory laws. Or if the Victim/Witness’ statementisvalidandcanbe heldupincourt.DPPtoldthe press she will make a decisionwhethertochargeor

not to charge “at the appropriate time”. (In this small fledgling democracy, under a million people, this DPP’sofficehasbeenknown to take months and months stretchingintoyearstomake such a simple decision: Analyzing the facts, credibility of witness statements – and finding a chargeunderthestatutes).

Suppose Dharamlall beats the wrap in Court for any reason, - “technicality” maybe - what next? PresidentAliappearstobeso soft – a tendency to show subservience to the o f f e n d i n g Minister/Ambassador on these matters - he stands poised to restore Dharamlall to his Ministerial portfolio. (Minister Dharamlall has been relieved of his duties –still drawing a full salary, over USD 10,000 a month andenjoyingalltheperksof aMinister).

President Ali’s conduct in both of these matters –AmbassadorCharrandasand now Minister Dharamlallhe comes off as very unp r e s i d e n t i a l The Earl Butz standard shows a Minister could be fired for saying or doing something outrageous In Guyana nothing is outrageous enough for Minister Dharamlall to be fired.

No, not the dildo remark intheparliament(“Isadildo you want, that is what you looking for”). In Guyana only a conviction of Rape (maybe) will suffice President Ali’s standard This could become his legacytogovernance.

Anafterthought:Isthisa case of groupthink, party control - or what? When would PresidentAli be bold enough to step out from under someone else’s shadowsandtakecontrol-to showheishisownman?

Sincerely, MikePersaud

PresidentAli’s standard: it takes a conviction for a crime to fire a minister

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JUSTICE FOR THE MAHDIA 20

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More than a month after a fire at the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School killed 20 children, an inquiry is yet to be held, although one was promised by President IrfaanAli.

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Following the tragedy, social media and the state-owned news agencies were abuzz with ministers hugging and kissing the relatives of the deceased.

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Photo-ops with some of the survivors were aplenty.

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There were also tears.

But weeks after, the same ministers cannot be seen anywhere near Mahdia.

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And perhaps after leaping from one crisis to another, theAli Government does not know where to begin.

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What we know justice for those precious souls must be served, and this nation will not rest until a credible inquiry is held.

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Draft oil law fails to hook companies to full liability coverage

- Opposition

merely speaks to a parcel of public consultation.The Petroleum Aubrey Norton on Monday a good opportunity for us to land that may be damaged Activities Bill replaces the released initial comments on the tighten Guyana’s legislative during the course of Petroleum (Exploration and proposedPetroleumActivitiesBill, framework so that citizens can exploration or production Production)Act1986. describing the draft document as a be confident that the company activities.AccordingtoSection The ministry explained in a missed opportunity to ensure oil assumes full liability for all 83 (1) “Where, in the course of statement that the bill introduces companies take full responsibility environmental and industrial exploration or production significant improvements and foraspill. damages and accidents, operations in any parcel of land safeguards related to safety,

The Leader of the Opposition, “This Bill potentially provides

In a statement to the press, the including oil spills, both in in the licence area, any damage emergency response, cross border Oppositionpointedout,“TheBillis response to and outside of all is caused or done to the parcel unitization, supervision and muted on insurance and liability claims and demands.” In of land, or to any cultivation or monitoring requirements and issues, despite the serious legal prefacing its comments on the building thereon, as a result of authorizestheMinistertoprescribe disputes that have arisen in our draft legislation, the political those operations, the licensee r e g u l a t i o n s a b o u t k e y courts.” The party was referring to group noted that it is dismayed shall be liable to pay fair and administrative and operational the ongoing matter in Guyana’s by how unresponsive the reasonablecompensationtothe aspects of exploration and Appeal Court where ExxonMobil government is with regards to holder of any right, title or productionactivities. has told the Court it would not be the experience gained and interest in or over that parcel of The PetroleumActivities Bill is able to provide an unlimited parent lessons learnt from the land in accordance with his expected to be supplemented by a guarantee to cover the costs of a problems and challenges that right,titleorinterest.” setofregulationsthatwillfollowin spill caused by their exploration have engulfed the local oil and It goes on to explain that the coming months and provide the licensees to keep the State and production activities in the gasindustryoverthelastfewyears. any compensation “...shall be such government the necessary toolbox indemnified at all times against all Stabroek Block. High Court Judge, The Opposition said it will sum as may be agreed to between for responsible and efficient actions, claims and demands that Justice Sandil Kissoon had ruled speak in greater detail on the Bill the licensee and the person entitled management of the petroleum may be brought or made against that Esso Exploration and when it is presented to the National to receive the compensation...” activities within the Guyanese State by reason of any action, Production Guyana Limited Assembly

In addition to its Meanwhile, if no agreement can be economy The two weeks omission or failure to act by the (EEPGL), the Operator of the concerns on the lack of provisions arrived at between the two, the consultation on the draft document licensee in the exercise or Stabroek Block was in breach of its in the legislation to hold oil proposed legislation states that the is still ongoing and is available at purported exercise of the rights of Permit for the Liza One project companies to account for oil spills High Court will determine the the following websites: thecompany when it failed to provide an and other disasters, the Opposition payment on application by the w w w n r e g o v g y a n d Be that as it may, the proposed unlimited parent company also raised seven other issues in its Licensee or person entitled to www.petroluem.gov.gy legislation also in Section 83, guarantee to cover the costs of a initialcomments. receivedcompensation. All comments should be sent which speaks to compensation is spill above its limited US$600 A review of the draft Act done

On June 19, 2023 the Ministry viaemailtojmckenzie@nre.gov.gy vague as to the responsibilities of millioninsurance. by Kaieteur News found that the of Natural Resources released the during the period and by close of the oil companies that will be

Tothisend,theOppositionsaid, Bill at Section 92 proposes draft Petroleum Activities Bill for businessonMonday,3rdJuly2023. operating offshore. The draft Bill

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

THEPPPHASTOADDRESSTHEROOTCAUSESOFITSPROBLEMS

After his election loss in 1968, Cheddi Jagan was shunned by many sectionsofthepopulation.In the context of the Cold War andthePNC’sdetermination to rig its way to electoral victory, the opportunistic sections of society saw little chance of the PPPregaining the reins of political power, and as such drifted away fromtheparty

Itwasnotacasewhereby Cheddi’s leftwing beliefs or the PPPC’s working class orientation repelled support. The PPPC still attracted ethnic working class and business class support

However, the opportunistic elements of the business, professional and middle classes, from whence political leadership tends to bedrawn,didnotwishtobe publicly identified with CheddiorthePPP

At election time, the business class still handed thepartyheftydonationsbut they consorted with Burnham and also handed the PNC donations – but in smaller amounts The professional and intellectual class stayed away from the PPPasifitwasaleper After a while Cheddi struggled to attract middle class and professionals to the PPPC. Thisishowhispartybecame saddled with many individuals who were not equipped, intellectually and otherwise,forleadership.

When the PPP won the elections in 1992, Cheddi was obligated to dole out ministerial positions to personswhohadlongserved hisparty

That happens in all political parties; cadres and loyalists have to be rewarded; it is in the nature of politics of post-colonial

societies. Some of the party loyalists were efficient but most were downright incompetent.

They did not have what wasrequiredtoassumehigh office. The PPP also linked up with the nebulous outfit called the CIVIC to contest the 1992 elections, thereby attracting persons from different strata of society

The problem here was that that many of them had no constituencyandquiteafew werepoliticalopportunists.

Before the 1992 elections,thebourgeoisclass had a sense that the PPP wouldwinandsotheybegan tocourtCheddiandhisparty

Anumberofmembersofthis class began to develop a close relationship with the PPPC with the aim of protecting their interests

When the PPPC did win the elections of the 1992, there was massive swing by the opportunistic classes and individuals towards the PPPC.

A great many persons who previously wanted nothing to do with Cheddi and the PPPC began to ingratiate themselves with theleadershipandespecially with certain ministers. And quite a few of the ministers became smitten by the adulation and attention showereduponthem.

Because the PPPC leadership was weak from years of not attracting sufficient numbers of capable and competent persons, many of those who assumed positions of authority were vulnerable to the enticements of the bourgeois class. And many were morally-challenged. As a consequence the PPPC soon became entangled in a number of controversies. The then PNC opposition

Dem Boys Seh...

placed labels on some of these controversies: stone scam, the gold scam, milk scam, car scam – in relation to a Minister’s son purchasing a car from a businessmanwhoundertook contracts for the said Minister’sMinistry

These indiscretions spoke to the quality of persons which the PPP attracted and were associatedwith.

The problems which the PPPCfacestodayarerooted in the quality of persons the partycontinuestoattractand associateswith.

There are far too many opportunistswithintheparty orwhoarelinkedtotheparty anditsleaders.

Unless this situation is arrested,itisonlyamatterof timebeforethecontroversies mount up. When the party does not have sufficient persons of mettle and integrity, it will end up scraping the bottom of the barrel in order to muster sufficient numbers to fill important positions. If you look at some of the persons who the PPPC attracts and whoenjoypoliticalandother top appointments, many of them are not quality material.Theycannothandle the responsibilities of high office As a result, governance suffers To compound matters, the opportunisticelementsofthe bourgeois class continue to peddle their influence and are creaming off the wealth of the country Some people only look at the oil companiesbutdonotrealise how the massive income disparities that is taking place in the local economy and which is aided and abetted by the neo-liberal agendabeingpursuedbythe PPPC.

THE SECRET OF SUCCESS - GUYANA STYLE

In Guyana if you want big wuk in de government, yuh gat fuh learn fuh curry favor, be a bootlicker or be a yes-person. Yuh gat to be a good yes-man and yeswoman,ifyuhhopetoscoreagoodjob.De more yuh can say yes, de faster yuh gan climbdeladderofsuccess.

Don’t worry bout too much qualifications, competence, expertise, and integrity Demthingsgancarryyuhonlyso far But if yuh want to be catapulted from bottom to top, learn the rules of climbing theladderofsuccess. Ifyuhwantbigwuk, yuhgattostartpracticingtobowandkneel. Mek certain yuh gat good knees and yuh neckmusclesarestrong.Buyapairofknee guards.Yuhganneeditbecauseyuhganbe spending nuff time stooping and padooping.

Yuhalsogattohavestronghands.Yuh must know how fuh slap backs good.And yuhmustgatasweettonguefuhthemsemiGodswithcomplementsandflattery

There are certain catch phrases yuh mustpracticesuchas:“You’resobrilliant! Yourvisionaryleadershipisawe-inspiring!

I agree with everything you say ”

Rememberechoingtheopinionsofhigherupsandbehind-kissingaresomeofthekeys tosuccess.Anddemoreyuhcancarrynews andstabodderpeopleindemback,demore successful yuh gan become. Experience, qualifications, and track records gan carry yuhonlysofarandnofurther. Whoneeds thosewhenyoucanfawnyuhwaytodetop. And if all of dat not opening doors fuh yuh,learnfuhcookduckcurry!

TalkHalf!LeffHalf!

The problems which the PPPCfacetodayareadirect resultofitsfailuretoaddress the historical problem of insufficient numbers of qualityindividuals–persons with integrity and competence.Andevenwhen the PPP does manage to attract and appoint quality

persons, those persons find themselves stifled by the practice of one-man leadership. No wonder the PPPC is today besieged by controversies.

And unfortunately, unlesstherootscausesofthis malaise are addressed, thingswillnotgetbetter

(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.)

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

DRAFT OIL DOCUMENT

Rightoffthebat,I saythatthedraft oildocumenthas some pleasing provisions. ThePPPGovernmentisdue some applause for some of the clauses and conditions embedded in the draft, which is sure to pass in parliament, given how its membership is arrayed W h e n I s a y P P P Government, I mean VP Jagdeo. But there are a coupleofthingsthattrouble, andaswiththegood,thebad isalsoplacedontheheadof thePPPGovernment,which is brother Jagdeo For

conscientious Guyanese comfortable with truth and reality,itisnotthePresident whoisthemainman,northe Hon Natural Resources Minister, who has all the substanceofanapparition. The draft provisions for royalty and taxes (10% each), expenses cap (65%), and 50:50 sharing gains my nod of approval. So, too, those fees for training and rental(US$1Meach). Ilaud those proposed minimum signingbonusesofUS$10M and US$20M at various depths Note that my emphasis is on minimum.

Cumulatively, these terms are better than the 2016 oil contract. Agood start, well done; and it takes nothing outofmetosaysopublicly I urge other Guyanese to havetheirsayintheopenfor notonlyoil,butwithaneye on governance, leadership, the frailty and relevance of the Opposition, corruption, and cover-ups. Both the good and bad should be commentedonhonestlyand consistently Igiveittheole college try Now for the snowballs going downhill, as incorporated in this draft oildocument.

I strongly disagree with the Minister of Natural Resources, or any such ministerinanygovernment, been given the power to waive the 10% royalty In the PPP set-up that means brotherBarry Forgetabout defacto,orthefactof;under any such scheme, it would be the omnipotent Petro President, Bharrat Jagdeo, making the moves, calling theshots,anddeliveringthe goods. Not one of those would be for the benefit of Guyanese. Examine his sweet history Study the incumbent Minister of

Natural Resources, whohasbeenconverted to a walking disaster

After all that we have experienced, should have learned, with this patrimony, why put that powerinanyman’shand? I amsorry,butIseenowoman of strength who makes the cut. Cabinet review distills to the same place: answerabletoBJ.

Inviewofwhatoccurred withtheKaieteurandCanje blocks, I believe that there will be some friendly faces lining up (or lined up by leaders) to bid on those 14 oil parcels Because mystery men, straw men, andabundleofconningwas dumped on Guyanese men and women, that waiver of the 10% royalty by the subject minister takes on an expansive definition; could mean anything, lead anywhere Including friends of friends. Now there is this new scheme by PPP intellectual scamps determined to swindle Guyanese: no public disclosure for oil block giveaways. This can never be beneficial for Guyanese. Who, but political rogues scrounge around like rodents for openings to rob Guyanese, rather than what empowersthem? Shadesof theOilFundagain.

These draft provisions leave too much room to maneuver, too many arrangements that could fix friends, and too open-ended for confidence. Indeed, the draft when enshrined as standing law stands as the underpinning that drives rules and regs But I encourage all to figure out who is going to be the intellectual author of those, and who is going to ensure whatisleftin,leftout,final. I remind of the Oil money law that would punish whistleblowers about revealingmalfeasanceswith the petrodollars, but not a syllable, not a phrase, not a sentence about collaring

those who tamper with the property of the Guyanese people. Howaboutthatfora precedent! As I have said, when nothing has been giventoholdonto,thenthis is where matters always terminateorclimax.

Next,Isaynothingabout ring-fencingorinsurance,or asset retirement obligation, which is Exxon speak for cleanup after making a mess. Further,Icutthrough the jargon about carbon footprint, storage, and the rest. Those are fillers to show that somebody was awaketoanswerthephones, if only to demonstrate that they are still breathing. As matters stand, two weeks have been given to Guyanese to review and comment on the draft document. Two weeks is too short, and by at least a half. Thenextstepistothe house of lawmaking for what is already a done deal. Welcome to the mind of Bharrat Jagdeo with all his troops lined up. Open and shut Shutdown the opposition. Shut up shop, start up the music and bring up the drinks. This is what passes for democracy, governance, and oil oversightinGuyana. There aresomebrightspots,afew flashing rhetorical flourishes.

Thoughitsayssointhat revulsionofa2016creation, whatkindofcountryisthis, whatnationalsovereigntyis this, when the Stabroek Block and Exxon are immunized from acts of parliament? Iwouldliketo have that kind of immunity, andIamacitizen.

(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.)

Another $60M added to Sports Hall $218M rehabilitation project

Adding to the $218 million that has already

been spent on the ongoing rehabilitation of the Cliff Anderson Sport H a l l , t h e N a t i o n a l Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office recently awarded another contract worth$60,324,675,thistime it is to complete the works to the northern face of the building.

On its website, NPTAB stated that the $60 million contract was awarded to another contract worth $89 pulled down and be air conditioned facility that and the heating, ventilation also be used to fund the S & K C o n s t r u c t i o n / million to install the HVAC modernized.” This specific is indoor in the country and and, air conditioning rehabilitation of the Cliff Consultancy Services and systems. This means that phase is expected to be that’s important not only for (HVAC) installation works, Anderson Sports Hall. With General Supplies This ECS Construction has been completed in eight months. the sports that we play there which was estimated to cost the rehabilitation works still contractor was among nine awardedatotalof$186Mfor The other phases will see the currently,let’ssaywewanna $74.2M. ongoing,tenderswereissued companies who had thetwoprojects. e n t i r e f a c i l i t y a i r host international boxing Back in December, back in April for the submitted bids for the During a visit to the conditioned, and the this would be a good facility NPTAB had awarded executing of plumbing project which was estimated Sports Hall back in installation of bucket seats. forthat,”hehadexplained. another contract worth $31 installation works, and to cost $66.6 million. As November, Minister of The Minister disclosed that Following the tender to million to A. Orgasein and sealing of vents and vented previously reported, the Youth, Sport and Culture the Sports Hall’s flooring rehabilitate the facility, the Sonstoexecutetheelectrical wallsworks. ministry commenced a Charles Ramson had told will be enhanced as well, Ministry had also invited works at the facility This The ministry’s engineer rehabilitation project last this publication that the while the bottom sides of the bidsfortherepairofthemain year, the government has estimated that the plumbing year to have the sporting $97M covers only the first building are to extended “to roof which is estimated to allocated a total of $4.3 works at the sporting facility facility enhanced and phase of the rehabilitation give us a little bit more cost $12 5M, electrical billion for the overall would cost $9 million, while modernised. Kaieteur News project The minister room.” installationworkswhichwas development of sports in the the ceiling works is had reported that in explained then that the Ramson said that the estimated to cost $37.9M country This allocation will estimatedat$14.9million. November last year, works at the Sports Hall will Sports Hall is old and c o n t r a c t o r , E C S be done in phases that will rehabilitation is aimed at Construction had won a runconcurrently modernizing the facility $97M contract to have the Speaking of the first “You know we are in a front of the building phase, the Minister had said, modern country We need to redesigned While in “this one is for the redesign have a modern facility December, that same ofthefrontsection;theentire especially a modern indoor contractor was awarded front section is going to be facility, it would be the only

Woman, 52, killed in La Grange accident

A 52-two-year-old woman,Vidya Tie, called ‘Aunty Mala’ was on Mondaymorningkilledafter shewasstruckdownbyacar along the La Grange Public Road,WestBank Demerara.

According to the police, the accident occurred just around 05:50hrs and involved hire car HD 3435 owned and driven by 35year-old Timothy Waldron

Food security improves in the Caribbean yet challenges persist

BRIDGETOWN – A recent food For persons who reported a disruption to securityandlivelihoodssurveyconductedby their livelihoods, 65 percent cited the the World Food Programme and the unaffordability of the necessary inputs as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in the main cause, with domestic workers and Caribbean region revealed that 3.7 million farmers most impacted. Salaried persons are people, or 52 percent of the population of the managing slightly better, yet 40 percent of English-speaking Caribbean, remain food respondents indicated job losses or salary insecure. reductions in the six months before the

This is a 10 percent decrease when survey. Others have resorted to alternative or compared to an August 2022 survey, secondary sources of income to meet food however, it underscored growing financial andotherneeds,accordingtothesurvey. hardshipandchallengesduetotherisingcost The cost of living has had a widespread of living in the aftermath of the pandemic. impactonpeople’sabilitytocontinuetomeet According to the 2023 Caribbean Food food and other needs. Rising prices for Security and Livelihoods survey, carried out animal feed, fertilizer and fuel have also among English-speaking Caribbean severely affected respondents engaging in countries,98percentofrespondentsreported farming and/or fishing. “Food insecurity is high food prices in the three months prior to having major effects on the socio-economic thesurvey,thehighestlevelreportedsincethe welfare of citizens throughout the region, the firstsurveyin2020. solution however can only be accomplished

Tie

of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown Information reaching the police revealed that the car was heading north along the western side oftheroadatafastratewhen the driver claimed that while he was in the process of and windscreen of the arrival. Her body was then overtaking a motorcar that motorcar, and then fell onto transported to Ezekiel was in front of him, the the roadway where she Funeral Home for storage woman suddenly ran across received several injuries and awaiting a post mortem thepublicroad. aboutherbody examination. The hire car

He further reported that She was picked up in an driver has since been the left front side of his car unconscious state by the arrested, a breathalyzer test ended up hitting the woman. policeandthedriverandwas was conducted on him and Reportsarethatasaresultof taken to the West Demerara no trace of alcohol was the collision, the pedestrian RegionalHospitalwhereshe detected. An investigation is was flung onto the bonnet was pronounced dead on ongoing.

In a region that is highly vulnerable to through joint regional efforts in the planning climate shocks, the survey revealed that 42 and execution of comprehensive sustainable percent of households were affected by actionable solutions geared towards building climate-related hazards in the 12 months resilience against climatic conditions and prior to the survey. These events continue to future market disruptions,” says David haveasignificantimpactonclimatesensitive Prendergast, Director, Directorate of Single livelihoodactivitiessuchasinagricultureand MarketandExternalTradeCARICOM. fisheries. The survey’s results are a reminder of the

“In this complex socio-economic importance of the region’s agenda to reduce environment that is vulnerable to climate imports by 25 percent by 2025, which change, the priority of CARICOM and includes strengthening food systems in the national governments to make food Caribbean so that they are resilient and accessible amidst these shocks is important. adaptive to shocks and building on measures Collaboration across agriculture, social to address the affordability, accessibility, and protection, education, and finance sectors, availability of livelihood inputs. The survey helpstoimprovelivelihoodopportunitiesand was completed with the support of the contributes to achieving affordable food for Government of Canada, the European Union all,” says Regis Chapman, Representative and the United States Agency for and Country DirectorWFPCaribbean Multi- International Development, Bureau of CountryOffice. HumanitarianAssistance.

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall located along the Homestretch Avenue.

Dead, Vidya

known as ‘Aunty Mala’

New roads and gas plant will benefit oil companies rather than Guyanese

...as Guyana’s oil revenue being used to keep existing Govt. in office - Int’l Financial Expert

Director of Financial Analysis money away in a sovereign wealth theyhavebeenspendingitsofaron “To put it mildly, our transport at the Institute for Energy fund like Norway, there is only an capital expenditures and that is not infrastructure is being expanded Economics and Financial Analysis annual budget process and that going to support the kind of and upgraded at a pace that has (IEEFA), Tom Sanzillo does not annual budget process includes the economic development in poorer never been seen before in the entire believe that the revenue stream oilrevenuesthatcomein.” communities that you want,” the history of this country The results from Guyana’s oil and gas sector is The Natural Resource Fund financialexpertdetailed. are visible changes to the physical being prudently managed to ensure (NRF) Act passed in December Instead, he pointed out, “It may landscape and, in particular, to our futuregenerationsbenefit. 2021 by the current administration work to Exxon’s benefit to put in transportnetworks.”

Director of Financial Analysis at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA),

The NRF Law only stipulates jail

Thenationalbudgetwaspassed Citizens have been complaining venture will generate cheaper

During a recent panel sets a framework for annual new roads, it may be Exxon’s KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat discussion focusing on the local withdrawalsfromtheaccount. benefit to build a new gas plant but the Ministry received the highest energy sector, Sanzillo pointed out According to Sanzillo, the they don’t need that kind of allocationthisyearwhencompared that the government has not been country’s leaders then decide how electricity system in Guyana and to the other government ministries. prioritising saving the funds the revenue is spent. This is the whoknowsiftheyactuallyneedthe Itreceivingatotalof$149.5billion generated from the industry like second year that government roads that are being built because tosupportitsdevelopmentplans. Norway but has instead embarked tapped the fund to support its there is no public process so what In the meantime, a meagre $5 on a massive infrastructural and budget. Importantly, the legislation you have is a plan and the plan is to billion was set aside by the energy development scheme which lacks strict penalties for misuse of use the money to keep the existing administration to cushion the high billion US-dollar Gas-to-Energy may very well benefit its partner, the funds and sets no jailtime for political structure in power and cost of living triggered in part by project, the President Ali led ExxonMobil more than the citizens mismanagement of the resources. that’swhatisgoingtobedone.” the global COVID-19 pandemic. administration is confident that the inthecountry

The financial expert said with a time for the Minister of Finance if in January this year to the tune of about the spiraling cost of food and electricityforthecitizens. national budget of approximately he fails to report on any deposits US$781.9 billion.Ahuge chunk of transportation and other basic It has approached the United US$3.6 billion, Guyana used about intotheoilaccount. the funds were streamed to the items, but instead of significantly StatesExportImport(EXIM)Bank US$1 billion of its oil revenue to Based on his analysis, Sanzillo Ministry of Public Works to improving wages for public to fund its Natural Gas Liquid support its development scheme. said the expenditure will not enhance the infrastructural servants, it has for the past two (NGL) facility and 300-megawatt

He noted, “The Budget’s doubled improve the living conditions in landscape across the country. consecutive years increased power plant pegged at US$759 inthelasttwoyearsfromjustunder poorer communities which is Senior Minister in the Office of the salaries by only seven and eight million. Oil major, ExxonMobil US$2 billion and what you have is desperately needed in Guyana. President with responsibility for percent,respectively. will be financing the pipeline large expenditures on capital…it’s “Local leaders choose how that Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh in Meanwhile, in the absence of a aspectoftheprojectatanestimated veryclearthereisnoplantoputthe money gets spent every year and presenting this year’s Budget said, feasibility study for the multi- costofUS$1billion.

Carjackers get 5 years for abducting taxi-driver

The three alleged hijackers, the way to ‘B’ Field, Sophia, who were captured following a GreaterGeorgetown. shoot-out with members of the

When they arrived there, Guyana Police Force (GPF) last Newyer handed over Hudson’s car August, were on Monday to an individual by the name of sentenced for abduction and two ‘Foxy’ and together with Hale, he armedrobberycharges. entered the stolen car still being

Those jailed are: Rawle drivenbyHudson. Franklin called ‘Mad Max’ and

The carjackers then proceeded ‘Rawle Dog,’ 33 of Sparendaam tocarryoutarobberyspreewiththe Housing Scheme, East Coast stolen car while the owner was still Demerara (E C D), 18-year-old locked in the trunk. However, their Emmanuel Hale and 22-year-old luck ran out after police spotted Hamza Samuels called ‘Bad themandchasedthemallthewayto Coolie’, both of ‘B’ Field Sophia, Mandela Avenue where they were Georgetown. capturedeventuallyinashootout.

The trio was found guilty by

According to reports, persons MagistrateRushellLiverpoolatthe had spotted them committing an Sparendaam Magistrate’s Courts, armed robbery on Lamaha Street who subsequently sentenced them andhadtippedoffpolice. to five years for the robbery under

Moreover, it was reported that Georgetown. They had reportedly of a cell phone and cash totaling Hale told investigators that he arms charges, but one year was Hale and Samuels also admitted to hijacked a car from the taxi driver, $73,000. It was further alleged that was picked up from a location at deducted for the time they spent on participating in several other JoshuaSingh,andlockedhiminthe on that same day, at Red Road, Kitty Public Road by Samuels, remand,andtheyweresentencedto robberies in the Georgetown trunk before going on a robbery Sophia, they robbed Jenny Mingo Franklyn and Newyer in the car five years for abducting taxi-driver district and led police to a house in spreeuntiltheywerenabbedfinally of $293,000 in items. They were drivenbyHudson. Joshua Singh The state was WestRuimveldtwheretheyhanded bypatrolranks. also charged for hijacking a $1.7M Hudson reportedly drove them represented in the matter by Police overa9mmTaurusPistolwithouta Franklin and Andrew Newyer carfromJoshuaSingh,robbinghim to Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast ProsecutorSergeantRamjattan. magazine and a single live 9mm known as “Black Boy” were of his cell phone and cash and then Demerara. Upon their arrival there, According to reports, the trio ammunition. reportedly shot during the abducting him in his own car Hudson, Franklyn and Samuels, all was last year slapped with 13 The duo then took police to confrontation with police. Newyer Notably, the trio was jailed for armed with hand guns, exited, chargesthatincludehijackingacar, Hudson mother’s house at ‘D’ succumbed to his gunshot wounds robbingRamdeoandMingo. leaving him and Newyer behind. abducting the taxi-driver, shooting Field, Sophia where more whileFranklinlaterrecovered. Kaieteur News had reported They approached a white car with at police and a series of armed suspected stolen items were found. HaleandSamuelswerethefirst that, while in police custody, the its windows down that was parked robberies. They faced four of the Police identified the items as four to be charged After being defendants gave police detailed infrontofataxibaseandhijackedit charges at the Georgetown cellular phones, and an HP laptop. discharged from the hospital confession about their alleged before locking its driver in the Magistrates’Courts and nine at the Police also found boxes of illegal Franklin was charged for the same hijacking and kidnapping of a taxi trunk. SparendaamMagistrate’sCourt. .32 and 9mm ammunitions along crimes. driver before going on a robbery Thesuspectsreportedlygotinto Franklin, Hale and Samuels with over 2000 grams of ganja. It was reported that the trio on spree. In that confession, they the stolen car and Hudson drove it were among four men captured on Hudson’s mom was taken in for August 18, at Ogle, ECD, while namedafifthaccomplice,Romario off. Hale claimed too that Newyer August18,2022,bypoliceduringa questioning and the illegal items being in the company of others, Hudson, popularly known as tookoverthewheelofHudson’scar shoot-out on Mandela Avenue in wereseized. allegedly robbed Madan Ramdeo ‘Mario’. and drove behind the stolen car all

Jailed, Hamza Samuels called ‘Bad Coolie’ (left) and Emmanuel Hale

Jailed, Rawle Franklin called ‘Mad Max’ and ‘Rawle Dog’

Tom Sanzillo

Fear grows that Guyana oil wealth will fuel endemic corruption, poor governance

The globally recognised chaos, will create ideal Growing oil production, world’s hottest offshore oil and gas news agency- conditionsfortheoilcurseto which is tipped to reach 1.2 drilling locations and the OilPrice.com said that there emerge While there are million barrels per day by world’s fastest-growing are growing fears that the certainly risks of this 2027, and additional economy. The article stated British colony pumping 2022 when the economy vast oil wealth flowing into occurring, there are many discoveries will further that with over 30 significant around 400,000 barrels per grew by a whopping 62.3%, this country of less than one differences between Guyana boost Guyana’s economic oil discoveries, more than 11 day and the former British million will fuel already and its neighbor Venezuela. growth. That, in turn, will billion barrels of oil

Petroleum exports are colony will retain that endemiccorruptionandpoor The crisis which emerged in build considerable wealth resources identified so far, also soaring, with Guyana position during 2023 with governance,causingGuyana Venezuela during the 1980s for the tiny South American and growing petroleum shipping an average of GDP estimated to grow by tofallvictimtotheoilcurse. oil price crash was rooted in nation. For 2023, Guyana’s productionaswellasexports 265,693 barrels per day for 37.2%.

In a recent article on this a stagnant political system GDP is forecast by the Guyana is poised to become 2022,accordingtodatafrom The financial windfall country oil sector, the news where the two major parties InternationalMonetaryFund the wealthiest country in RefinitivEikonpublishedby for Guyana’s government in agency said Guyana only not only overlooked the to reach $16.3 billion, which South America, a mantel Reuters,ormorethandouble Georgetown is tremendous needs to look next door to growing economic fallout means its economy remains onceheldbyVenezuela. the 100,645 barrels daily despite the extremely Venezuela to see how an but for years ignored the significantly smaller than The rapid as well as exported during 2021. The favorableagreementsecured overreliance on oil and the n e e d s o f e v e r y d a y S o u t h A m e r i c a n catastrophic implosion of keyrecipientofGuyana’soil by Exxon and its partners, vast wealth the fossil fuel Venezuelans. heavyweights like Brazil oil-rich Venezuela, which exports for 2022 was Hess and CNOOC, in the generates to see how it can

However, the article said with a GDP of $2 trillion, possesses the world’s largest Europe, which received StabroekBlock. breedcorruption,erodecivic itisimportanttonotethatthe Argentinaat$641billionand oil reserves totaling 303 nearly half of all cargoes For May 2023 alone, culture, foment conflict and administration of President Chile with $659 billion. It is billion barrels, is a shipped from the South Guyana’s Natural Resource even destroy a country The Irfaan Ali is focused on on the basis of GDP per cautionarytaleforpetroleum Americancountry Fundreceived$87millionin report noted that in less than strengthening governance capita that Guyana will rich nations. There are fears

Those events have oil profits Data from three decades, Venezuela, frameworks with regard to become the wealthiest that Guyana could suffer a delivered a tremendous Guyana’s central bank after Hugo Chavez’s Guyana’s burgeoning oil country in South America. similar fate with many oileconomic and financial shows during 2022, the socialist Bolivarian industry, rooting out

According to the IMF rich countries suffering from windfall for Guyana. During country earned $1.4 billion revolution began, emerged corruption and using Guyana’s 2023 GDP per endemic corruption, 2020, when most countries’ in revenue from petroleum, as a near-failed state. “Not petroleum profits to lift the capita will be $20,540 or political instability and economies contracted with nearly $1.26 billion only has the OPEC population out of poverty three times greater than the conflict. because of the pandemic, coming from oil profits and member’s oil industry This includes reworking $6,590 recorded for 2019 The rapid development Guyana emerged as the $155 million of royalties. collapsed by Venezuela’s Guyana’sproductionsharing when oil production of Exxon’s 30-plus oil world’s fastest-growing According to Finance economy had imploded, agreement to eliminate the commenced. That number discoveries, which went economy, with gross Minister, Ashni Singh oil triggering the worst overly favorable terms makes Guyana the second from first discovery to first domestic product expanding revenue, from exports and humanitarian crisis to ever conceded to the Exxon-led wealthiest country in South oilinamerefouryears,inthe by a notable 43.5%. Guyana royalties, will grow this year occuroutsideofwar,withan consortium for the Stabroek America behind Uruguay, Stabroek Block offshore returned to that position in by31%to$1.63billion. estimated seven million Block. The new PSA has a which has forecast 2023 Guyana now sees the former Venezuelans fleeing their 10% royalty rate, compared GDP per capita of $21,680, homeland. Massive endemic to 2% for the Stabroek and ahead of Chile where corruption, economic Block, and a reduced cost GDP per capita is expected myopia caused by an recovery ceiling of 65%, to top $17,830 this year BY overdependence on oil rents against 75%, with the 50/50 2024 Guyana’s GDP per when prices were high, and profit sharing unchanged capita is forecast by the IMF rising conflict over control Georgetown also introduced to be $27,640 seeing it of Venezuela’s vast oil a 10% corporate tax when overtakeUruguaytobecome wealth all contributed to the none had existed previously South America’s wealthiest state’s failure,” the report That goes a long way to country by a solid margin stated. addressing many of the compared to any of the other

A c c o r d i n g t o criticisms of the lop-sided majoreconomies. Oilprice.com, there are fears agreement secured with Hottest offshore drilling that the massive oil boom Exxon and its partners in the locations underway in Guyana, Stabroek Block. The new Additionally, the article coupled with the former PSA will boost government stated that after a series of British colony’s history of income from any future oil major oil discoveries in its corruption, chronic poverty, production that occurs territorial waters, Guyana electoral fraud and political outsidetheStabroekBlock. emerged as one of the

The 16-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by M i n i s t e r o f L o c a l Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, is presently in the protective custody of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) of the Ministry of Human Services andSocialSecurity

In a statement released last evening, the CPA disclosed that the girl remains in their custody as she is being offered counseling. The agency also reminded that the circulation thismatter Caribbean Court of Justiceof the child’s photograph in It was stated that in recognized Revised Model matters of this nature on keeping with CPA’s Guidelines for Sexual social media is an unlawful mandate, the protection and Offence Cases in the act. security of children are of CaribbeanRegion.

Accused of rape, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development,

Sincetherapeallegations paramount importance. The Moreover, it was stated surfaced against the agency emphasized that the thataForensicInterviewwas embattledminister,thisisthe Standard Operating conducted according to the first statement issued by the Procedures have been Child Advocacy Center CPA. followed throughout the Protocol. It was explained

this matter and in that the Child Advocacy s

keeping with the Childcare Center Protocol is known to Directors, Ms Levine & Protection Agency Act a

Gouveia and Ms. Tionna

f includingtheGuyanaPolice October have oversight of Children Act 46:06 and the (Continued on page 16)

…says circulating victim’s photograph is an unlawful act

Teen girl allegedly raped by Govt. Minister remains in protective care, being offered counseling - Child Care Agency

Nigel Dharamlall

PAHO Executive Committee kicks off discussion on strategies and policies to improve the health of the people of the Americas

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The Executive Committee of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) began its 172nd session on Monday during which it will examine the resolutions, strategies and policies to be presented to the organisation’s 60th Directing Council in September, with the aim of improving the health of the population of the Americas.

The Committee, which is composed of nine PAHO Member States, will establish new priorities for the Organization’s technical cooperation. It will take place until Friday 30 June in Washington, DC.

Among the main topics to be addressed include a policy to strengthen the health workforce for resilient health systems; a policy for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in children, adolescents, and youth; strategic public health communication for behavior change; and a strategy to improve mental health and suicide prevention in the region.

common purpose. The PAHO Director urged countries to “work together to ensure that public health remains a political priority now that the pandemic is over” and to “collectively push for the region to be a leader in public health innovation and play a more prominent role in shaping the global health agenda”.

During his speech, Dr Barbosa, who took office almost five months ago, recalled the five pillars of his administration and detailed the changes he has already implemented in to increase PAHO’s efficiency in addressing public health challenges in a post-COVID-19 world. “The risk of vaccinepreventable diseases is at an all-time high and there is an urgent need to increase surveillance and immunization coverage,” Dr Barbosa said. He also considered it “critical” to improve maternal, newborn and child health indicators and to address “the rising burden

of non-communicable diseases, including mental health conditions.” He stressed that climate-related threats pose additional risks.

“And yet, I am more confident than ever in our region’s ability to respond. The pandemic put the Americas to the test, but it also revealed what’s possible when we work as a collective and make public health our highest priority,” he said.

Dr. Barbosa asserted that “the urgency, innovation and solidarity we employed to overcome COVID-19 should not be reserved only for times of emergency” and stressed that, as Director of PAHO, he wants to “bring the same urgency and innovative approach to address our most pressing health challenges and ensuring equitable access to health care for everyone in the Americas”.

“This Executive Committee meeting provides a valuable platform to shape the

Organization’s approach to addressing these challenges and ultimately improving health outcomes” in the Americas, he said. During this week’s meeting, representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Jamaica, Suriname, the United States and Uruguay, who are members of the Committee, will receive an update on the COVID-19 pandemic in the region, as well as final reports on issues such as the elimination of neglected infectious diseases, tobacco control, and health and tourism, among others. In addition, they will be presented with progress reports on a number of issues such as the Disease Elimination Initiative, the strategy on donation and equitable access to organ, tissue and cell transplantation, and the strategy on universal health access and coverage.

Teen girl allegedly raped by Govt. Minister...

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According to a PAHO press release, in his opening speech, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa called on countries to renew the spirit of Pan Americanism. “We are stronger when we work together and more effective when we pursue our goals with a common voice and a

From page 14 Force (GPF) and the Non-Governmental Organizations, ChildLink and Blossom Inc. who usually provide the Forensic Interviewing service to CPA in these matters.

It was stated too that the Forensic Interview Report (FIR) has been submitted to the GPF, which has the responsibility to submit the report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC.

time, she was 16-years-old. She disclosed in the letter that after continuously harassing her to meet up with him, she eventually agreed to meet the minister. The teen said this is when the minister allegedly raped and sodomised her before handing her a sum of money.

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The CPA will be legally represented by the Solicitor General of Guyana while the DPP’s office will provide representation for the child in the matter.

The agency clarified that at no time was the child denied additional or private legal representation.

Additionally, the CPA stressed that it will provide all support and assistance for the child that is needed.

This publication had reported that in a letter to President Irfaan Ali, the teen girl shared gruesome details about how she was allegedly groomed and later raped by the minister. In her letter, she pleaded with President Ali, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and relevant authorities to look into the matter. According to the letter seen by this publication, the girl first met the minister at an event last year, when she was 15years-old. She said she was raped three months after meeting the minister and at that

Following the official report made to the police by the teen girl in the company of an officer from the CPA, Minister Dharamlall was arrested and subsequently released on $1M bail.

This publication had reported that the case file was already submitted to the DPP for legal advice.

Amid calls and protest by civil society for Dharamlall to be sacked, President Irfaan Ali announced that the rape accused has stepped down from his ministerial position to allow a probe into the allegations.

Moreover, Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent interview said that if the rape allegations leveled against Minister Dharamlall are true – the minister would have to face the consequences. Jagdeo also stated that while he hopes the allegations are not true, neither the party nor the government “will put its neck on a block for anyone.” For his part, the president had stated that he spoke to the minister who denied the allegations. However, he said, “no one will be held unaccountable.”

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APA, District Councils meet with carbon credits scheme verifier Aster Global

The Amerindian Peoples Mr Markham told the Association (APA) along meeting that Guyana is withrepresentativesfromthe entering its second crediting Moruca District Council phase (2021-2025) and his (MDC), Upper Mazaruni team was conducting site District Council (UMDC), visits for the verification of North Pakaraimas District the credits and compliance Council (NPDC) and South with the TREES standards. Rupununi District Council Hesaidthatthemeetingwith (SRDC) met with carbon the APA stems from the creditsschemeverifier,Aster comments submitted during Global last Saturday at Cara the last crediting phase LodgeinGeorgetown. (2016-2020) and subsequent

Aster Global has been complaints to the ART contracted as the auditor of Secretariat. Guyana’s carbon credits In his introduction, Mr s c h e m e t o e n s u r e Markham explained that his compliance with the team met with communities Architecture for REDD+ in Regions 1, 2 and 5 along Transactions (ART) with government and other Secretariat’s TREES (The stakeholders.

REDD+ Environmental He added that the team’s Excellence) Standard. Aster priorities were based on the Global was represented by “ u s e f u l c o m m e n t s ” its Principal Scientist and submitted by the APA lead auditor, Mr Kevin During the meeting, Mr Markham and Forester/GIS Markham asked a series of Remote Sensing Specialist, questions surrounding Mr Sandesh Shrestha, the concerns raised during the APA said in a press release. last crediting period Mr Franklin Paniagua, particularly relating to the ART’s Director of Policy processesemployedtoarrive was also part of the team at at the benefit-sharing Saturday’smeeting. agreement, the National

The APA delegation was Toshaos Council (NTC) led by Executive Director, resolution endorsing the Ms Jean La Rose and Low Carbon Development i n c l u d e d E x e c u t i v e Strategy2023andtheoverall Committee members - Vice consultation period led by President ,Ms Junisha t h e g o v e r n m e n t Johnny, Secretary, Mr Additionally, Mr Markham David Wilson, Assistant committed to follow-up S e c r e t a r y, M r J o h n meetings if necessary, with Campbell, Treasurer, Mr the APA and District Earl Thomas, Assistant Councils to ensure that all Treasurer, Mr. Reynold their questions are H u t s o n , a n d Yo u t h addressed.

Representative, Mr Kemal The District Council Robinson Other APA representatives took the lead Secretariat staff, including during the discussion and Governance and Rights presented the Aster Global Coordinator, Ms Laura team with all the relevant George, was also present at information relating to the the meeting. Ms George is law, processes, and APA’s lead on carbon credits guidelines of free, prior and andforestrygovernance. informed consent (FPIC)

The District Councils Themeetingwasalsousedas were represented by an opportunity to elicit WaramuriToshaoMr Vivian answers fromAster Global’s Edwards for the MDC, team about the work they do UMDC Chair and Toshao of and how they ensure Kako Mr Mario Hastings compliance with the TREE along with Paruima Toshao Standards.

Mr Lennox Percy, NPDC Attheendofthemeeting, ChairMr CliftonPereiraand there was a commitment to SRDC’s Communications further collaboration and Officer Ms Immaculata information sharing from all Casimero. thepartiespresent.

Seated from left: South Rupununi District Council’s Communications Officer, Ms. Immaculata Casimero, Aster Global lead auditor, Mr. Kevin Markham, APA’s Executive Director, Ms. Jean La Rose, APA’s Treasurer, Mr. Earl Thomas. Standing at the back are representatives from the Moruca District Council (MDC), Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC), North Pakaraimas District Council (NPDC), ART Secretariat, and other APA Executive Committee members and staff.

APA, District Councils meet with carbon credits scheme verifier Aster Global

The Amerindian Peoples Mr Markham told the Association (APA) along meeting that Guyana is withrepresentativesfromthe entering its second crediting Moruca District Council phase (2021-2025) and his (MDC), Upper Mazaruni team was conducting site District Council (UMDC), visits for the verification of North Pakaraimas District the credits and compliance Council (NPDC) and South with the TREES standards. Rupununi District Council Hesaidthatthemeetingwith (SRDC) met with carbon the APA stems from the creditsschemeverifier,Aster comments submitted during Global last Saturday at Cara the last crediting phase LodgeinGeorgetown. (2016-2020) and subsequent

Aster Global has been complaints to the ART contracted as the auditor of Secretariat. Guyana’s carbon credits In his introduction, Mr s c h e m e t o e n s u r e Markham explained that his compliance with the team met with communities Architecture for REDD+ in Regions 1, 2 and 5 along Transactions (ART) with government and other Secretariat’s TREES (The stakeholders.

REDD+ Environmental He added that the team’s Excellence) Standard. Aster priorities were based on the Global was represented by “ u s e f u l c o m m e n t s ” its Principal Scientist and submitted by the APA lead auditor, Mr Kevin During the meeting, Mr Markham and Forester/GIS Markham asked a series of Remote Sensing Specialist, questions surrounding Mr Sandesh Shrestha, the concerns raised during the APA said in a press release. last crediting period Mr Franklin Paniagua, particularly relating to the ART’s Director of Policy processesemployedtoarrive was also part of the team at at the benefit-sharing Saturday’smeeting. agreement, the National

The APA delegation was Toshaos Council (NTC) led by Executive Director, resolution endorsing the Ms Jean La Rose and Low Carbon Development i n c l u d e d E x e c u t i v e Strategy2023andtheoverall Committee members - Vice consultation period led by President ,Ms Junisha t h e g o v e r n m e n t Johnny, Secretary, Mr Additionally, Mr Markham David Wilson, Assistant committed to follow-up S e c r e t a r y, M r J o h n meetings if necessary, with Campbell, Treasurer, Mr the APA and District Earl Thomas, Assistant Councils to ensure that all Treasurer, Mr. Reynold their questions are H u t s o n , a n d Yo u t h addressed.

Representative, Mr Kemal The District Council Robinson Other APA representatives took the lead Secretariat staff, including during the discussion and Governance and Rights presented the Aster Global Coordinator, Ms Laura team with all the relevant George, was also present at information relating to the the meeting. Ms George is law, processes, and APA’s lead on carbon credits guidelines of free, prior and andforestrygovernance. informed consent (FPIC)

The District Councils Themeetingwasalsousedas were represented by an opportunity to elicit WaramuriToshaoMr Vivian answers fromAster Global’s Edwards for the MDC, team about the work they do UMDC Chair and Toshao of and how they ensure Kako Mr Mario Hastings compliance with the TREE along with Paruima Toshao Standards.

Mr Lennox Percy, NPDC Attheendofthemeeting, ChairMr CliftonPereiraand there was a commitment to SRDC’s Communications further collaboration and Officer Ms Immaculata information sharing from all Casimero. thepartiespresent.

Seated from left: South Rupununi District Council’s Communications Officer, Ms. Immaculata Casimero, Aster Global lead auditor, Mr. Kevin Markham, APA’s Executive Director, Ms. Jean La Rose, APA’s Treasurer, Mr. Earl Thomas. Standing at the back are representatives from the Moruca District Council (MDC), Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC), North Pakaraimas District Council (NPDC), ART Secretariat, and other APA Executive Committee members and staff.

Clean sweep for Port Mourant

Volleyball Teams in BVA Volleyball competition

There were plenty action into two groups with the top defeated No. 47 Challengers on the volleyball court in two teams emerging to 25- 11, 25- 23 for a 2-0 Berbice when the Berbice contest the semifinals. In the victory after the teams were Volleyball Association enditwasPMTCandCastrol first involved in a rounded (BVA) successfully held a Strikers that emerged as the Robinplayoff. goodwill volleyball finalist. Host PMTC made First and second place competition for teams in light work of the visitors trophies were presented in BerbiceandDemerara. winning 2-0 in a straight set each category, with first and

Theonedaycompetition, blowout21-12,21-16. second place medals also which was played at the There were three teams being presented in the senior Guysuco Port Mourant in the female category with malecategory Training Centre, was played Hopetown Ninjas, Port The top individual in three categories namely Mourant Females and performers were also Males, females and males Orealla Falcons being the rewardedwithDanielJoseph U19 In total, 12 teams contestants. Port Mourant receiving the MVP in the participated with Port femaleswerevictoriousafter senior male category The Mourant Training Centre defeating Orealla Falcons MVP trophy for the top (PMTC) winning all three 25-18, 25-12 in a best of female was presented to categories. three finals. This was after Amesha Manisha Mohabir,

Theseniormalecategory roundRobincontestwiththe while Orandi Welcome saw six teams in contention, threeteams. copped the MVP trophy in namely Castrol strikers, T h e A c a d e m y theU19category PMTC, Berbice U19, competition for U19 teams The BVA thanked the Orealla Falcons, Rollers hadthreeteamsparticipating GDFandCastrolStrikersfor with the Guyana Defence with Guysuco Training participating, while Force (GDF) and Castrol Centre, NO 47 Challengers appreciation was also shown Strikers travelling from and Orealla Falcons taking toTrophyStallamongothers Demerara. tothecourt. for their contributions

The teams were placed In the final, GTCPM (Samuel Whyte)

GDF dismantles Victoria Kings

-

finally gets on the board

After what can be drawwillgivethem. game.” considered a series of “Yeah, it’s good picking The second game of the disappointing outings in this up a point, better than night saw the Guyana year’s fifth edition of the nothing. You know, we’re Defence Force (GDF) FC KFC Elite League, Linden’s going through some rough overcoming an initial Milerock FC managed to times with the teams and so. challenge from Victoria gain their first point in the We got some really difficult Kings. The first 45 minutes league, following a draw losses but the players come went quietly as Victoria with Buxton united FC on out with good fighting spirit uncharacteristically stifled Saturday last. On the other and good heart to come and the soldiers; however, it was hand,thesecondgameinlast show today what they’re allgunsblazinginthesecond Saturday’s double header capable of, going forward,” half.

saw the Guyana Defence Isaacs shared with this Ryan Hackett opened the Force (GDF) FC schooling publication. scoring in the 50 minute, VictoriaKingsFC,6-0. “We go back to the followed by a Delroy Fraser

At the Guyana Football drawing board from the last strike in the 72 In the 76 Federation’s (GFF) National game that we lost and the and 79 minutes, Kelsey Training Center (NTC), game before and we see that Benjamin added a quick-fire Providence, East Bank we getting opportunity and brace while Fraser returned Demerara (EBD), Buxton we giving it away So, we to complete his brace in the nd th United took the lead first, by findweselfdown1-0butwe 82 . Hackett added GDF’s 6 way of a Delton peters goal didn’t give up, we continue and the cherry on top in the th th inthe30 minute. fighting ‘til we get back the 90

However, Milerock one and continue trying to The league will resume would equalize through a see if we get the victory today, Tuesday, at the same Colwin Drakes strike in the Unfortunate that we get a venue where Santos FC will th47 to bring the scores to 1-1 d r a w a n d w e f e e l take on Ann’s Grove United and that was the way it comfortablewiththat.” FC from 19:00hrs. The next remained until the end of The Coach went on to game will be a must- see, regulationtime. add, “We’ll continue blockbuster clash between Milerock’s Coach working hard and this draw Western Tigers FC and the Selwyn Isaacs spoke about goingtomotivatealotofour Guyana Police Force (GPF) the team’s rough patch and players to come and give FC, set to kick off at the confidence boost that the hard work, each and every 21:00hrs.

MelithaAnderson,HarteandMcleancart...

From page 23 class, Daniel Latchman, representing Space securedawell-deservedsecondplace. Seon Gym, dominated the competition, earning Budham from Gym Palace impressed the the well-deserved first-place position judgesandearnedthethird-place. Videsh Sookram from V-Fitness also Melitha Anderson, on the other hand, impressed the judges to secure the secondproved to be an outstanding competitor, place position, while Shane Wilkson also of captivating the audience and ultimately SpaceGymfinishedinthirdplace. securing the coveted Miss Bikini award. The Under-165 LBS weight class While Oshel William with his exceptional witnessed an extraordinary performance by leg development, left an indelible mark on Delrea Mclean from Mac Precise Fitness the judges to earning himself the Best Legs gym, who claimed the first-place, followed award. The largest category, the Men’s by Christopher Anthony in second place, Bodybuilding featured four distinct weight while Seon Budham from Gym Palace classes In the Under-143 LBS class, claimedthethirdposition.

Yehoshua Boodie left a lasting impression In the final event of the category, the with his exceptional physique claimed the Under-176 LBS weight class, Errol first-place, while Omar Satar secured the Teekaram asserted his dominance and second-place in this fiercely contested secured the top spot with an awe-inspiring category performance Martin Lung was also MovinguptotheUnder-155LBSweight impressivetosecurethesecond-place.

Milerock

More action is scheduled for today at the GFF National Training Centre.

BCB donates equipment to several clubs

- Tucber Park newest BCB member following OGM

Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) president, Hilbert Foster, over the weekend, assisted several member clubs of the board with cricketgear

The clubs were Police, Young Warriors, Blairmont, Kildonan and Mt Sinai Police - one practice net, Blairmont - catching crib andwicketkeepinggear,Mt. Sinai - one box of balls, Young Warriors - catching crib, Upper Corentyne - two pairs of wicket keeping gear, Park Cricket Club of New

BCB president Hilbert Foster made a number of donations to a few clubs this past weekend.

during the OGM, the club Kildonan - practice net, box Amsterdam was officially wasvotedwithnoobjections of balls, catching crib and inducted as the 17th member to the recommendation wicketkeepinggear of the BCB. The club had President Hilbert Foster

The donation worth over officially written to the BCB congratulated Tucber Park three hundred thousand and a committee headed by on their entry into the board dollars is part of the Treasurer Rovin Bahadur as an official member and President’s effort to assist had recommended it for looks forward to working clubs to fulfill their mandate consideration. with them to lift our cricket todevelopnewtalents.

Over the weekend, evenhigherhestated. Meanwhile, the Tucber

Singh represents Archery Guyana with success at the Barbados Senior Games 2023

G u y a n a ’ s s o l e representative, Robert Singh, at the Barbados Senior Games 2023 won 2 bronze in the sport of Archery

The 2023 Barbados National Senior Games Archery competition was held over the weekend at the World Archery Barbados (WAB) Archery Facility, Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St Michael Barbados on Saturday 24th June, and Sunday25thJune2023.

Singh, representing Archery Guyana, competed in the recurve bow age category of 55 - 59 years old males and in an impromptu inter-countrycompetition.

The Barbados National Senior Games was first held in 2002. The concept of the games is to promote “Active current rules and regulations five ends of 6 arrows. The Ageing”, and improved ofWorldArchery(WA). maximumtimepermittedfor healthy lifestyles ultimately The competition was an archer to shoot an end of leading to an improved also attended by a sixarrowsisfourminutes. quality of life and longevity Trinidadianteam. Singh as a matter of note among the Barbadian The competition format had never competed at those population. was the “900” American distancespreviously

TheArcherycompetition round which was shot each Robert Singh’s category encompasses three of the day as follows: 30 arrows resultswere: traditional archery bow from 60 yards – five ends of Robert Singh (Guy) styles with modifications in 6 arrows, 30 arrows from 50 Bronze distances shot and was held yards–fiveendsof6arrows, AndreGopee(TT)Silver in accordance with the 30 arrows from 40 yards – KurtMeyer(TT)Gold

MYO strongly supporting Regal for NYSCLsupremacy

Regal Masters and Regal Legends will partake in the 18theditionoftheNewYork Softball Cricket League ( N Y S C L ) a n n u a l Independence Cup with the full backing of the Muslim Youth Organization of Guyana(MYO).

This support was very evident last Saturday when representatives of MYO joined forces with members of the Regal cricket teams to pull off a major fundraising venture for the bunch of cricketers heading to New YorkfortheJune30toJuly2 tournament.

Lead by President of MYO, Bro Azad Ibrahim withsupportfromBroImran Ally of I and S Trading and Bro Fazal the take away bar- purchased tickets to ensure couldnothavedoneit.Itwas b-que was an overwhelming the trip to the Big Apple is a a true team effort,” Hardyal success. More than 2000 success.Theprofitsgarnered stated. tickets were sold and catered willhelptooffsetsomeofthe On his sides’ chances of for which was due mainly to expenses such as flights, success, the businessman thecollaboration. accommodation, meals and simply said, “we have some

In an invited comment, transportation for the 40- high profile players on both Ibrahim said that both teams m e m b e r c o n t i n g e n t sides that are eager to do include quality players and comprising players and well.” he wishes the teams nothing officials. Team owner and Regal Legends (overbut success. “Knowing the Managing Director of Regal 50s) are the defending abilities of the guys [on both Stationery and Computer champions while Regal teams], I am confident that Centre, Mahendra Hardyal Masters (over-40s) are they will bring home both of was high in praises for the making their debut this year the trophies. So I wish them support from MYO and is Both teams are in good best of luck in everything confident of lifting the spirits and are set to theydo.” trophies as well “Those represent the Golden

The management of the guys at MYO gave us Arrowhead and the One Regal Cricket teams also tremendous assistance on Guyana concept proudly as thanked the supporters who Saturday Without them we sportingambassadors.

RHTYSC Cricket teams to host annual Republic Bank Summer Camp and Bakewell/Busta Cricket Academy next month

The cricket teams of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, from the seventeenth of July, would be hosting their annual Grade SixSummerCampandthe34theditionofthe club’s annual cricket academy as the very vibrant club continues its list of youth development programmes. The club has secured sponsorship for both events with RepublicBankrenewingtheirsupportforthe Grade Six Summer Camp for the 14th successive year, while the cricket academy would be supported by long time sponsor school bag along with educational materials. Bakewell and the Guyana Beverage The best student would also receive an Company electric bike while four other students would

RHTYSCSecretaryHilbertFosterstated, receiveabicycleasprizes. that, the grade six summer camp would be The34thcricketacademywouldcaterfor held at the Rose Hall Town Primary School 120 youth cricketers between the ages of and would cater for a total of one hundred eight to nineteen years and would be held at students who recently wrote the Grade Six theArea H Ground from 9am to 1pm daily A exams.Themainobjectiveistoassistthemto panel of cricket coaches headed by Winston make a successful transition to secondary Smith would conduct the two weeks school. The students would be taught four academy subjects in the month long camp and would Foster explained that the club would be beexposedtotopicsofimportancethatwould working along with the Guyana Police Force prepare them for secondary school. Each BDivisiontoattractinterestedyouthsacross student attending the camp would receive a (Continued on page 19)

Guyana’s Robert Singh shot well during the Barbados Senior Archery Games.

Flashback! Regal Legends, Mahendra Hardyal (right) collects the winning trophy in 2022 in New York.

Shemaine Campbelle

Briton John pedals to victory at the 2023 National Road Race C/ship

Briton John crowned 2023 National Road Race champion in Linden.

The Guyana Cycling claimed second-place, while Championship. minutes and 59 seconds Federation (GCF) 2023 Kwame Ridley, who had the In a brief recap of the Segan Hubbard followed in National Championship fastest time in the Master’s time-trial event, Curtis Dey, second place with a time of came to a thrilling end on time-trial event, settled for from Team Evolution, 35 minutes and 21 seconds, Sunday in Linden with the third-place. achieved the fastest time while Jaikaran Sookhai prestigious Elite/Senior’s However, in the time- during his time-trial meet in claimed third place at 36 Road Race championship trialseventheldonSaturday, the senior’s division. Dey minutesand17seconds. event, following a fantastic which featured the Master’s, completed the 14-mile ride Over in Women’s side of time-trails on Saturday Senior’s Individual, Junior’s withatimeof32minutesand things, Denise Jeffrey whichtookplaceattheK&K and Female’s divisions’, 15 seconds. His teammate, emerged as the winner; Gas Station Circuit in outstanding performers such ChristopherGriffith,secured clocking the best time of 21 Among the junior juniors for the experience. Mahaica. as Kwame Ridley from the second-best time. As minutes and 17 seconds, cyclists, Aaron Newton Juvenile riders such as

Sunday saw United We Kaieteur Attack Racing Arjune Sookhai claimed followed closely by Clivecia achieved the best time in Alexander Leung, Sidwel Stand cyclist Briton John Cycle Club (KARCC), KFC thirdplace. Spencer in second place, their seven-mile ride, Sandy, Toel Noel and Alex pedaling his way home to Evolution’s Curtis Dey and While in the Masters who finished in second with finishing in 16 minutes and Newton participated clinch the 2023 Elite Road Robin Persaud, Christopher category, KARCC’s star a time of 22 minutes and 4 53 seconds. Although there alongside the juniors, with Race championship. Robin Griffithandotherssettingup cyclist, Kwame Ridley seconds and Abigale Jeffrey were no separate Juvenile Leung achieving a notable Persaud with another an exciting end on the final secured first place with an at22minutesand38seconds category, juveniles were time of 16 minutes and 25 impressive performance day of the 2023 National impressive time of 33 inthirdatatime. allowed to ride with the seconds.

DutchstunWidiesinsuperoverasZimbabwedemolishUSA

AFP - Two-time champions somethingspecial,”saidVanBeek. Once they fell in consecutive United States by 304 runs, the momentum and we are looking WestIndiesfaceanalmightytaskto “I have been playing for a long overs, Van Beek and Aryan Dutt second biggest winning margin in forward to carrying it,” added qualify for the Cricket World Cup time. The amount of games I have took up the challenge only to falter termsofrunsinODIhistory Williams. Wicketkeeper Joylord after losing to the Netherlands in a lost from those situations, it was with five runs needed off the last Sean Williams hit 174 off 101 Gumbiestruckasteady78atthetop thrilling final group game decided just satisfying to get across the five balls and with the finish line balls as Zimbabwe made their oftheorderbutWilliamsplayedthe byasuperoveryesterday line.”“Nowwehaveachancetogo seeminglyinsight. highest one-day total with a starring role as Zimbabwe stepped Nicholas Pooran’s second totheWorldCupinIndiaandthatis After failing to close it out off mammoth 408-6 and then bowled on the acceleratoronce the stand-in hundred of the qualifiers propelled reallyhuge,”headded. the final delivery from Alzarri outtheUSAforjust104. captainarrivedatthecrease. West Indies to a commanding 374- Pooranblastedanunbeaten104 Joseph, Van Beek exploded in the Theynarrowlymissedbreaking Williams hit 21 fours and five 6, but Teja Nidamanuru hit 111 in off 65 balls after openers Brandon super over to leave the West Indies the record for the biggest margin of sixes before he was caught in the reply and the Dutch needed one King (76) and Charles (54) both in real danger of missing the World victory in a one-day international, deep in the penultimate over, with fromthefinalballforvictory made half-centuries as the West Cuplaterthisyear set at the start of the year when Sikandar Raza scoring 48 off 27 Jason Holder took a brilliant Indies put together an imposing “We let ourselves down there,” India thrashed Sri Lanka by 317 balls and Ryan Burl hammering 47 catch to deny Logan van Beek as totalbattingfirst. saidHope,theWestIndiescaptain. runsinThiruvananthapuram. offjust16deliveries. the scores finished tied, but Van King and Charles provided a “We know what we have to do “It was a fantastic wicket. The Only three USA batsmen Beek blasted Holder for 30 runs in strong platform with a 101-run now It is an unfortunate situation way we started out there, it was a reached double figures as Richard the super over to set up a opening partnership. Shai Hope wehaveputourselvesin.” little slow, so we thought if we Ngarava and all-rounder Raza both remarkablewininHarare. added 47 in another century stand The Netherlands advance as could pick the intensity up against took two wickets while three run Van Beek then restricted the with Pooran before Keemo Paul runners-up of Group A and carry the spinners, we could see where outs compounded a dismal West Indies to just eight off five smackedaquick-fire46notout. overtwopoints,buttheWestIndies wegofromthere,”saidWilliams. performancefromtheAmericans. balls as he removed Johnson The Netherlands reached 76 start with zero and need to beat ZimbabweadvancetotheSuper Scores: Netherlands 374 for 9 Charles and Romario Shepherd withoutlosstostartthechase,butit Scotland,OmanandSriLankawith Six stage as group winners and (Nidamanuru 111, Edwards 67, withsuccessivedeliveriestosealan wasn’t until Nidamanuru and theirhopeshangingbyathread. carry through four points, well Chase 3-77) tied with West Indies extraordinarytriumph. captain Scott Edwards (67) came - Zimbabwe hammer USA- placed to secure a spot at the 374 for 6 (Pooran 104*, King 76, “I cannot really explain it at the together that they looked in with a Hosts Zimbabwe made it four October-November tournament in Zulfiqar 2-43). Netherlands won moment We wanted to do chanceofactuallysucceeding. wins from four as they crushed the India “We have found our the Super Over.

Winners pose with medals and spoils at the end of the 2023 GCF National championship.

Ariana’s Vision & Wild Texas Tom now in the lineup for the One Guyana Breeders Cup $2,000,000 purse

Ariana’s Vision of the Fazal Habibula Stables steals the show in a previous meet.

Two of Guyana’s top and attention these horses racing stables has officially receive is healthy, is very entered the running for the good and we urge more One Guyana Breeders Cup Surinamese horse owners featured race carded for this andstabletofollow.Thusfar Sunday, 2nd July, 2023. we have four horses on the Ariana’s Vision owned by ground in Guyana all Mr FazalHabibulaandWild working towards topping Texas Tom owned by the their class and bring home Jagdeo Racing Stables have those wins. We feel very beeninimmaculateformand welcomed when we come to is poised to take a win. The Guyana to compete and we Bush Lot United Turf Club are in discussions with t r a c k w a s r e c e n t l y Surinamese stake holders to refurbished as part of a host a similar race in back communityinitiativeleadby home. We have received NasrudeenMohamed. tremendous positive reviews

This Sunday’s event is with our champion local expected to attract a huge bred Black Cat and we patronage of locally bred expect similar attention for horses. As the name implies thenewestaddition,JetLee. “Breeders Cup”, the horse We had the pleasure of racing fraternity urges horse an advantage to work as actual bleachers. Similar to

despite the delay in the v i s i t i n g t h e n e w l y owners to maintain a high caretakers for the new the previous race held, we postponement, our eastern event. The Club has another refurbished Bush Lot United standard for their stables, thoroughbreds. would mobilize four heavy neighbours are still in the champion Surinamese bred TurfClubtrackandwasvery equipment and training. The When contacted Mr. duty trailers to create a running for the upcoming horse named Jet Lee that is impressed with the work fraternity is seeking to lobby N a s r u d e e n ‘ J u n i o r ’ platform for an aerial view races. expected to make her first done From what we on behalf of stables and Mohamed explained, “The There will be 2 well stocked The Club had their first runforBreedersCup. understand it’s the first all horse owners to get One Guyana Breeders Cup bars strategically placed for win at the Race Of Head trainer and Club weather track in Guyana and concessions and waivers for was designed to allow 90 maximumaccessibility.” Champions a few months Chairman Mr Danny we are excited…. We are more international horses to percent of local race horses Top Surinamese stable agowhereBlackcatwasable Gummels had earlier stated increasingly please with the be imported Presently to compete. We were forced Club Neutraal, hailing from to overturn local horses to that, “We have been facilities offered at the multiple local businessmen to postpone the last race due Wanica mere minutes away capture a win The supporting The Jumbo Jet Jumbo Jet Stables located in have shown interest in to the inclement weather and from Paramaribo Suriname, Surinamese trainer and Thoroughbred Racing Bush Lot and is honored to entering the Horse Racing poor facilities around the the Club had sent four groomers are hopeful of Committee and by extension work along with Nasrudeen arena for which young track area. We were not able champion horses to Guyana keeping that momentum horse racing in Guyana for ‘Junior’ Mohamed who has groomers and trainers have to start construction on the for initial meet in June, but going for the Breeders Cup many years. The exposure beenquiteaccommodating.”

Melitha Anderson, Harte and Mclean cart off titles at the 2023 Mr Berbice Classic

In a sport that requires concluded Saturday evening respective categories and audiencewereontheedgeof immense dedication and on the Berbice High School weightclasses,thenightwas their seats until the climactic discipline, the Guyana stage. a true celebration of the moment when the winners

Bodybuilding and Fitness An event, which brought sport, leaving the audience wereannounced. Federation hosted its 2023 together more than twenty in awe, with incredible Delrea Mclean, Melitha National Intermediate top bodybuilders from all displays of strength, agility, Anderson,andTrissonHarte Championship and Mr corners of the country, each and aesthetics. The stage set e

, Berbice Classic which vying for victory in their for a fierce competition, the claiming the prestigious t i t l e s o f 2 0 2 3 M r Bodybuilding, Miss Bikini, a n d M r P h y s i q u e , respectively In addition to that, OshelWilliam received the esteemed Best Legs award, Vanisha Monroe claimed Miss Wellness award and Osie Williams crowned,Mr Linden.

Meanwhile on Saturday evening, the crowd witnessed a series of captivating battles, as the competition got off to an excellent start. In the highly competitive Mr Physique category, Trisson Harte demonstrated his unrivaled physique and claimed the first-place.KwasiAnderson, representing Unity Gym, also showcased his remarkablephysiqueand (Continued on page 20)

Melitha Anderson receives her Miss Bikini award.