Kaieteur News

Regional civil society body wants mandatory disclosure of monitoring and management of oil and gas impacts

The recent catastrophic impacts of an oil spill of more than 11,000 barrels in Peruvian waters have in part led to a movement by a regional group of civil society members, calling for mandatory disclosure on the government's management and monitoring of the socio-environmental impact from theextractivesector

Derecho, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (DAR)- Spanish for environmental law and natural resources- is a non-profit civil association created in 2004, which currently has more than 18 years of experience in contributing to the development of the country, based onthemanagementandsustainable use of its natural resources, environmental management and the protection of human and collectiverights.

The body in a recent statement pointed out that oil spills, water contamination and socioenvironmental conflicts related to extractive activities are situations thataffectthousandsofresidents.

In Peru, the Ombudsman has reported that socio-environmental cases account for 64.4 percent of thelegalencounters.

To this end, DAR said it is criticalfortheExtractiveIndustries Transparency Institute (EITI) to improve the standards of transparency of environmental and social information on the impacts ofoil,gasandminingactivities.

The statement said evaluation ofmembercountrieswassettotake place between March 1 and 2 in BuenosAires.

Vanessa Cueto, Vice President of the Peruvian civil association

DARandrepresentativeofthecivil society of EITI Peru said, “We believe that it is necessary that all requirement 6 4 of the EITI Standard be mandatory, thereby establishing that implementing countries must disclose information on the management and monitoring of the socioenvironmental impact, the energy transition of the extractive industries, the quality of water and air, and even the impacts on people'shealth”.

Requirement 6.4 of the EITI r e q u i r e m e n t a d d r e s s e s environmental impact of extractive activities.

It encourages implementing countries to disclose information

onthemanagementandmonitoring of the environmental impact of extractiveactivities.

The Regional group of civil society members believe that this requirement should not be optional as governments must make available to the public environmental and social evaluations and monitoring, which shows the real impact of extractive activity on ecosystems and communities.

The body said, “Also, release information on all environmental licenses and authorizations, broken down by company and project, including how the authorities monitor environmental and social commitments; on energy transition

The aftermath of the oil spill in Peru

weakness ends up being a major incentive for the destruction of forests and rivers by the mining sector and the widespread violations associated with oil extraction.Allbusinessesoperating in urban, rural and inland communities must be held accountable.”

In the meantime, countries like the Philippines have also embraced the need for greater environmental transparency in mining operations. Chad Llanos, civil society representative of the EITI Philippines, maintains that “The EITI is intended to reduce inequalities and guarantee sustainable development through a fair distribution of income from extractiveindustries.

While this is very important, a glaring data gap is seen within the context of climate change and its adverse impacts on communities aroundextractiveindustries.”

commitments, including carbon prices and taxes, disclosure of subsidies, reserves, breakeven/closing prices or energy transitionscenarioplanning;andon priorconsultationagreements.”

Notably, Vanda Radzik a member of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) of the local EITI body said she believes companies in the mining sector must provide full cost accounting of natural capitaldepletioninEITIreports.

According to her, “This problem must be defined as the uncompensated extraction of nonrenewableandthreatenedresources and registered as an ecological debt”.

Radzik added, “In Guyana, this

DAR explained that the request for greater environmental transparencyinextractiveactivities is a postponed, necessary and urgent claim especially since the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have suffered serious effects, such as the spill of more than 11,000 barrels of oil that occurred in the Peruvian sea last year at the La Pampilla Refinery, operatedbyRepsol.

The spill has left civil society and local populations denouncing the lack of transparency, and even thecompanywasfined Tothisend, theRegionalbodysaid,“Tocarefor water resources, Amazon forests and fragile ecosystems, environmentaltransparencycannot beoptional.”

India to help boost Guyana's oil and gas regulatory capabilities – Jagdeo

India will soon help Guyana to boost its oil and gas capabilities as well as collaborate on areas that go beyond the energy sector, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealed on Friday during a press conference held at the Arthur Chung

Conference Centre, Lilendaal Jagdeo just returned from a five-day official visit to India, at the invitation of that country's Vice President He was accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the P r e s i d e n t w i t h Responsibility for Finance, Dr AshniSingh.

Kaieteur News had reported that, during an interview with WION's (World Is One News)

Diplomatic Correspondent

Sidhant Sibal in India –

Jagdeo disclosed that Guyana and India will be

signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in the energy sector beyond crude oilexports.

Jagdeo had told Sibal, “So we're expecting shortly to sign a Memorandum of Understandingthatwouldgo beyond just the export of crude, but we'll look at the energy sector and its developmentinitstotality.”

He had explained that Guyana is now trying to build the architecture for a broader look at the energy sector and enhance

cooperation between GuyanaandIndia.

“Andwearealsolooking to learn quite a bit from India…SothatiswhyIndia's assistance and its great technical skills, you have a lot of smart people here who can help us in defining the growth of the industry, but

not just on oil, on the gas sectoraswemovetodevelop a gas policy and to start utilizing the gas resources and then in terms of environmental management, building capacity across the country,”Jagdeosaid.

During his Friday press conference, the Vice President expounded on some areas of cooperation that will come from the MOU that will be signed betweenGuyanaandIndia.

“It has to deal with strengthening our regulatory capacity, and sharing expertise in building capacity in the staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources,” Jagdeo, a former President told reporters.

JagdeosaidthatIndiahas enormous capacity in many areas and Guyana is aiming to benefit from the

strengthening of the regulatory regime for the oil and gas sector as well as building the capacity of the ministry which governs the country'snaturalresources.

“It (the MOU) speaks about collaboration in the future for natural gas, so we are as you know, we are embarked on the gas to energy project that will utilise some of the natural gas that is produced or discovered offshore,” Jagdeo said. He disclosed thatwhiletheGovernmentis now pushing Exxon to complete the gas utilisation plan, “we hope this will be completed very soon and we are working on our own gas strategy, we are going to get someoftheconsultantsfrom India and other places to work with us on having a national gas strategy which will determine what we do

with the gas that has been foundoffshoresofar.”

According to the Vice President,theMOUwillalso deal with potential areas of bilateral cooperation in exploration and developing Guyana's natural resources with India. “So the MOU will deal with deal with a number of issues, the MOU will deal with exploring the possibility of trading in crudeoil,thatissaleofcrude oil, but we agreed with the minister that this has to be beneficial to both country and it has to follow market conditions,”Jagdeosaid.

He highlighted that there is no agreement to sell any oil to India at this point in time, adding that any such agreement in the future will have to be competitive and have to benefit both countries The Vice President explained that the

Government is only discussing with India a framework agreement that willbesigned.

“The framework agreement will say we will corporateinalloftheseareas but when you come to discussing specific initiatives for example if they want to buy crude then they will make a specific offer and we will then assess that offer on its merit in accordance to the principle that I outlined before and similarly if they want to engage in a bilateral discussion on exploration and development a specific arrangement will be made,” heexplained.

Importantly, Jagdeo noted that there are a few other areas that will be in the MOU and added that once signed, it might be made public.

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GUYANESE MUST GROW UP - AT ALL LEVELS

Somecombinationofharmfulingredientshasgonetothe headsofGuyanese.Rulingpoliticiansarepowerdrunk,listen only to themselves, runover those daring to disagree. Opposition politicians are slowed by some other kind of ingredient. Some Guyanese have transformed into the flat outmad,whileothershavebeenovertakenbyfoolishness.

Men go into a bar to relax, only for some madness to swamp their heads, which prompts them to unholster weaponsandfireafewroundsintotheair Theydon’tdothat so casually even in Texas. But in this new, wild and wideopenfrontierthatisGuyana,almosteverybodyisalawunto himself. Leadersshoutdowncitizens;citizensintimidateand savage their peers, with the result of many forced to run for cover, settle for silence. Meanwhile, the hordes of the incoming rub their hands together, smirk in smug contentment,helpthemselvestoourlucrativeopportunities, dumpuponGuyanese,andcounttheircash.

In sharp contrast to Guyanese, outsiders keep their cool, feet grounded. They do not get carried away (in “never see come to see fashion”), drive themselves mad (like Midas) withtheglitterofnewmoney,butsimplyshaketheirheads, and carry on with ringing their cash registers. This is what Guyanese should be focused on: be aware, dedicate their energies towards knowing what is going on around them, beingmoreresponsibleandvigilantcitizens,andlookingout fortheirfellowcitizens.

If our fellow citizens have only a fraction of the commonsense, the smarts, and the wisdom that we at this paperthinkthattheyhave,thentheywouldtakeaimathow outsiders take advantage of us, instead of targeting their fellowGuyanese,andbeingadangertoothers. Itistimethat weallgrowup,thattheattitudesinthiscountrychange,and thatourchangedconversationsreflectsuchimprovementsat theindividuallevel. Intheory,wearesupposedtobeontop of the world, our conduct must so reflect. When we cannot have civil conversations, even collect our garbage consistently,thenweareclosertothedregsofthesewerthan theheightsofwhatpassesforacivilizedpeople.

Whatweareinsistingisthatthemanycrosssectionsofthe Guyanesepopulationmustarriveataswiftunderstandingof the enormous gifts that have been put into their hands, and that they have to get serious about the responsibilities that come with them. To paraphrase a well-known saying: to thosethathavebeengivenmuch,muchisexpected. Wemust live up to the lucrative trusts handed to us. This means communicationsthatleadtoconsensus.

ThisiswhatGuyanesewithtoomuchenergyfortheirown goodshouldgetagripon,andrealizethattheywastetimein shooting off guns, shooting off their mouths, and shooting down those who dare to point to the company and holler: ExxonMobil is trouble, ExxonMobil is untrustworthy, ExxonMobil is self-serving and predatory. This is what Guyanesewillgetbyjustlookingatthecompany’srevealing record,andallofthegapsthatitdoesnotwantGuyaneseto see. Look at how ExxonMobil managed the Exxon Valdez miserytotheadvantageofitstreasury

ThePPPCGovernmentknowsthis,sodomembersofthe Opposition. Yetbothhavebeentoowarmandembracingof thesameExxonMobilthathasbeensounjusttoGuyanese,so outrageous in its contract concoctions, so unfair and horrendousinthesumofitshaemorrhagingactivities.

NoGuyanesewithanounceofprideinsideofthemwould wanttohaveanythingtodowithExxonMobil. Notworkfor it,notdrumupfigurestodefendit,andnotcraftspeechesto sing praises about how much good thisAmerican corporate powerhasdoneforGuyana.

ForeverybarrelofoilthatExxonMobilgivestoGuyana asitspaltryshare,ExxonMobilsnatchesup,sneaksout,and walks away with a bank vault stuffed with our inheritance. InsteadofGuyanesegoingcrazyateachother,theyshouldgo crazyoverwhatExxonMobilisdoingtothem,allofus.We either grow-up, or we grind ourselves into the dustpan of history

Local democracy is dead in Guyana, thanks to Central Govt.

DEAREDITOR,

I am forced to write an open letter to my fellow Guyanese, the EU, the UK, and the United States departments for democracy, aboutthedestructionoflocal democracy, by the central governmentinGuyana.

Thereisnosuchthingas local democracy in Guyana. It cannot be, when you have thecentralgovernmentinthe race for local government elections domination, utilizingfundsfroma$781.9 billion government budget for their hidden disguise campaigns, in the name of president’s outreach, because we care, and handout of money and other items which we know is a need,buttherealreasonisto entice the citizens, in local government authorities area to vote for them, just 4 monthsbeforetheelection,it cannotberight.

Editor, and my fellow humans, the 1980 constitution and its amendments created a political system which is called inclusionary democracy,whichmeansthe national representatives, are the President and Members of Parliament, Regional representatives, councillors of the Regional Democratic Councils,lower-tieredLocal Government councillors, municipality, NDC village councils, and community cooperatives, all who have their functions. But the central government is the dominant force, which is collectingthemajorityofthe revenue of the country,

DEAREDITOR,

In reference to missive on EITI suspension (KN March2),Dr VishnuBisram is commended for unbiased, impartial remarks on the suspension of Guyana from the international body and forrecognizingtheworkand contribution of Dr Rudy Jadoopat in getting accreditation of Guyana in EITI as well as beseeching the government to do all under its power to make Guyana once again compliant with EITI requirements.

In his voluminous and prolificwritings,Dr Bisram comes across at times as a defender or apologist of the ruling PPPC administration

withholds the finance needed, and financial autonomy from local governments, making it difficult for them to do their job, then coming like a Godsend to perform council’s duty, to get the praise. Economics through hidden blackmail is what’s taking place, especially in the area where people are finding it very difficult to live, with the income they received Whether it is government wages, private sectors wages, or selfemployed person wages, the money just cannot take care of a family, the money has lostitsspendingpowerinthe last 3 years although it had not devalued against the US dollar, so the 8% which was givencannotcushionthelost purchasepowerofthedollar

The game which is playedistospendbigmoney on infrastructure and other development, but give little in wages and benefits to our people, although we are collecting hundreds of billion more in oil revenue. The cost of living had risen by over 40%, when it was alreadyhigh.

This low increase in wages of 8% will keep the people poor, then the government will run in with a handout telling the people wecare,intheirdirectandin their subliminal messages, but if you read the hidden motive, you will realize it is for votes, and if you do not supportthem,futurebenefits maypassyourhome.

The perception that people are getting is that if

you speak out against the wrong the government is doing,youwillbevictimized in different ways, so to prevent the government victimization against you from getting contracts and other state benefits, people are forced by necessity to live, to give support to the dominantforcewhoistrying totakeallpoweratallcost.

The constitution and laws have to be amended to have a level playing field; if not, local government elections will continue to be dominated by the central government which uses the people’s funds to campaign against the local groups and individuals in local government authorities’ area.

Noparty,whichhasmore than 3 seats in parliament, should be participating in a local government election, and it should be strictly a consistencyelection.Itisnot fair for the government and big political parties in parliament which already dominate the government and the regions should also dominatethelower-tierlocal governmentauthorities.

At present, the greed for all power is so great that the present central government local government minister, had taken away two of the 8 council seats for the Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra NDC, which were given to the council when it was establishedin2018underthe A P N U + A F C administration The reductionofthecouncilseats by the government without

consultationwiththecouncil or the electorate is because they think with 6 council seats, they stand a chance to winthecouncil.

They only had got two seatsonthecouncilafterthe 2018 LGE, APNU 5 and AFC 1, they know the council or the electorate would not agree to the reductionofthecouncilseats from 8 to 6, which would reduce the opportunity for 2 councillors.

It is so sad to see the peoplewhospokeaboutone Guyanawantedtodeprivean NDC of 2 seats just to win a council.

Editor,Iwastheonewho wasinstrumentalinlobbying f o r t h e Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra NDC to be established and for the 8 councillors seats, since I was a councillor for the Region 4 RDC, between 2006 to 2011 and MP from 2015to2019.

Since the order of the minister to reduce the council seats, I had emailed GECOM, messaged some commissioners of GECOM, messaged the Minister of local government on the matter, and emailed the President of Guyana and the matterwas in the media,but withnopositivereplyonthe matter

Localdemocracyisdead because of the dirty politics of the central government, they need to have a shower when it comes to local governmentdevelopment.

Yoursfaithfully,

MichaelCarrington FormerMP

terminated

andatothertimes,hecomes across as very objective, balancedandeven-handed.I also commend his attempts at conducting opinion surveys.

No matter what the findings,therewouldalways becriticsandnaysayerswho are not favoured in the findings.

Both opponents and supporters look forward for his polling data on politicians and political parties and on issues and I hopehecontinuestoconduct surveys.

On EITI, in retrospect, the government should not haveterminatedtheservices of Dr Jadoopat, especially that the country had to meet

compliant requirements for continued accreditation

Although the terms and conditions of his contract may not have been as favourable as those of Dr Prem Misir, Dr Jadoopath performed credibly and admirably

He successfully got Guyana admitted into EITI andmetannualrequirements two years in a row when the government decided to terminatehisservices.

Dr Jadoopat is an independent minded person who refused to comply with government’sinstructionsto violate EITI rules. He was notpoliticallyaffiliated,and hefunctionedprofessionally at EITI But the PPP

up

government accused him of ‘beingAFC’anddecidednot torenewhiscontractinearly 2022.

On the job for almost a year as Jadoopat’s replacement, Dr Misir has notmeasureduptothetasks. He has not completed and submitted the required paperwork for Guyana to maintain its accreditation, although the country had an extension of time to comply withtherules.

Areportsayshehasbeen absent from Guyana for a lengthyperiod.

Dr. Misir is widely knownforhisaffiliationwith the PPP; he headed the propagandaarmofthePPP

(Continuedonpage5)

Jadoopat should not have been

as EITI Coordinator, Misir has not measured

The NeilAdams of the world cannot dictate what IDPADA-G should be about

DEAREDITOR,

Neil Adams‘ letter in Kaieteur News of March 1, 2023 is very instructive, not because of its content. It is instructive because of its source and timing. We have beenexposedtothelettersof Neil Adams and are thereforeacquaintedwithhis thought process and on whichsideoftheequationhe sits.

IDPADA-G wrote to President Ali, in the latter half of 2022, requesting to meet with him. We never received a written or formal response.However,onthree occasions, he orally agreed to meet Instead, what eventuated was a public attackonIDPADA-Gandits leadership by Second Vice President Jagdeo, followed by deafening and patent silence from the President. Thepromisetomeethasnot been honoured by the President. Is this the case of an insincere commitment or wasitanedict?

The Chief Justice, on February27,2023,followed up on her previous

exhortation for IDPADA-G and the Government to mediate their differences She deferred the hearing of thematterbyonemonthand explicitly provided for the partiestoengageintalks.

On the heels of that exhortation, Neil Adams writes a letter to the Editor implying that IDPADA-G should not be treated as a representative of the People ofAfrican Descent. In other words, IDPADA-G should notbeengaged.Thisfliesin the face of IDPADA-G‘s standing locally and internationally;thewishesof 65 African Guyanese organizations that constitute IDPADA-G;andtherolethat IDPADA-G has played thus far Given what occurred previously, Adams‘ letter raises eyebrows about its realmotive.

Having exposed his apparent motive, I will address his contention because it exposes the mindset of Adams and his ilk.

Adams seeks to articulate what IDPADA-G

should be, then proceeds to discredit IDPADA-G on the basis that it is not what it should be. In that regard, he builtastrawhouse,whichhe then sought to tear down. Adams, clearly sought to mislead the public on existence and role of IDPADA-G, but only succeeded in exposing the propagandisticmotiveofhis mischievousletter

He accuses IDPADA-G of not being publicly accountable That is a statement that anyone can make.

But in this instance, his mischiefisexposed.Hemay also be described as a stranger to the truth or an incompetent researcher It is documented and public knowledge that IDPADA-G h a s f u l f i l l e d i t s responsibility to account; and met all of its statutory requirementssuchas:

1.Timelyaudits;

2. Monthly subvention requests to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports that clearly spelt out the heads under which the

subvention would be expended, in keeping with the approved budgetary allocation.

3 Membership meetings,includingonefour weeks ago at which an annualreportinclusiveofan account of its income and expenditurewaspresented;

4 Provision of its documentstotheMinistryof Finance for an investigative auditfortheperiod2018thru 2021;

5.Anoffertoconductan early2022audit;

6. Public coverage of its numerousactivities;and

7. Countless exposures to the media, all in addition tootherexposures.

Adams further contends that Alexander, as a politician, should not be the headofIDPADA-G.Hereis Adams showing no respect for the unanimity of 17 organisations that initially elected Alexander and the collective will of 65 organisations that reelected him. His contention also t r a m p l e s o n t h e constitutional right of

association. Who is Adams to determine who should be in the leadership of IDPADA-G? Suffice to say that he has presented no evidence to justify this contention or any of his contentions?

Further, his contention exposes the mindset and duplicity of Adams and his ilk.IDPADA-Gwouldnever question the right of Miss Vindhya Persaud, M.P to head the Hindu Dharmic Sabha and be a member of theCentralCommitteeofthe PPPatthesametime,justto mentiononesuchexample.

Adams can hardly be f o r g i v e n f o r t h e misinformation spewed in his letter The Chairman of IDPADA-G never “wrote to the Chairwoman of CARICOM to come to Guyana to look into the results of that election.” She was, from all indications, invited here by then President Granger, in her capacity as the then serving Chair of CARICOM IDPADA-G took the opportunitytoalerthertothe

flaws in Guyana ` s governance structure in the face of majoritarian rule in an ethnically fractured society We opined that to merely determine a victor at electionswouldnotsolvethe country`s deep rooted problem.

This is a position that leading African Guyanese organisations, such as the A f r i c a n C u l t u r a l Development Association, haveheldforsometimenow Ifthatisbeingpolitical,sobe it. It certainly isn’t partisan. TheAPNUdidnotmakethat call.

IDPADA-G‘slegitimacy a s t h e C o u n t r y ‘ s Coordinating Mechanism for the International Decade for People of African Descentisunchallenged.No Adams can appoint himself to determine such a matter Heisfree,asanyoneoneelse is, to disassociate himself. But he certainly can‘t stand injudgmentonthematter

Yourssincerely,

VincentAlexander

Chair IDPADA-G

Glenn Lall’s tax case may be lost, but the fight goes on

DEAREDITOR,

Poor Guyanese were dealt a crushing blow as KN’sGlennLalllostthetax case against Exxon and its Partners Glenn Lall is sacrificingsomuchandeven the judge presiding over the tax case acknowledged this. Some positives did emerge asnowweknowthefinance minister and his colleagues of the ruling government at thetimevotedtowaivetaxes for Exxon and partners, it is also good to know Glenn Lall is following up and looking into constitutional laws to see if he still have a winning case Concerned citizens willing to speak out against the injustices happening in Guyana, however, they need to know the laws and facts on which theycouldbasetheirfighton and this is a tall order since allthedocumentsareheldin secret with non-disclosure clauses and Confidentiality Agreementsprotectingthem

frompublicscrutiny

The current VP was quicktopostelectionSOP’s in the last election online, but still cannot post mining contractsandoilagreements online. The courts are the only avenues available now tokeepfightingforpatriotic Guyanese, since no parliamentarian, institution, organizationnorpeoplewith influencearewillingtostand upforGuyanainthiscurrent fight If the constitution allows for a majority ruling party vote to waive taxes, then does the constitution allows for majority ruling partyministerstomakedeals insecretwithstateassetsand resourceswithoutcabinetor parliamentary vote? If this is so, then the constitution has no protection for Guyana. The parliamentary speaker refused to provide informationontheproposed gas plant and other governmental affairs when asked, Guyana is supposed

to have a freedom of information act, so does the constitution allow the parliamentary speaker to refuse information requests ononeofthemostimportant projects in Guyana that will greatlyaffectGuyanese?We have heard from Exxon and JohnHess,butnothingfrom CNOOC since the oil business started, who is CNOOC and how are they registered in Guyana and whoaretherealowners?The judge ruled against Glenn Lall on grounds that Exxon and partners got approval from parliament for tax waivers. The judge in the Schlumberger case ruled against Schlumberger that their radioactive materials processing operations were detrimental to Guyanese although Schlumberger got approval from the GovernmentandtheEPA. Why couldn’t the judge in Lall’s case couldn’t rule likethisasthetaxlossisalso

detrimental to Guyanese, can someone explain the difference in these rulings? And if the judge concluded Glenn Lall had the right to file the case, how come Glenn Lall has to compensate the defending lawyers?

Thisisthetacticthatwill be used on Guyanese fighting the foreign companies,whichistogoto court and judges will rule against plaintiffs like Glenn Lall and have plaintiffs compensate the defending lawyers as the oil and resourcescompaniesalready haveallthenecessarysigned government documents for their defence, which will be presentedduringcourtcases.

We hear from oil and mining companies that if theypaytaxes,theywillnot make profits; and if Guyana changes or enforces laws, Guyana will have to compensate them for losses.

IfExxonandpartners,Rusal

and Troy Resources and others are saying they don’t make profits, then what do Guyana have to compensate them for by changing or enforcingofourlaws?There are Guyanese laughing at GlennLallforlosingthetax case, proving how some Guyanese have degraded

themselves by laughing at people fighting on their behalf? I don’t know what theseGuyaneselaughingare getting, but I do know the foreign exploiters are chokingwithlaughterallthe waytothebank.

Yoursfaithfully, R.David

Jadoopat should not have...

Frompage4 administration under Presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar and was missing during the coalition’s tenure inoffice.

He re-surfaced after the PPP returned to power Dr Jadoopat did not engage in any propaganda or PR work for any politician or party Misirwashiredandisstillon the job although under his

watch Guyana lost accreditation causing the g o v e r n m e n t m u c h embarrassment Guyana maintained accreditation under Jadoopat’s watch, but hiscontractisnotrenewed.

I t a p p e a r s t h a t government does not want independent minded people orthosequalifiedinthefield.

Yourstruly, IsiahFrancis

Wales can become the Oman of the West

DEAREDITOR, I have an umbilical and emotional attachment to Wales, especially since the estate was closed and the workers, PLUS four to five times the number of retrenchedworkersandtheir families were ruthlessly thrown out into the cold. Wales is completely different from all the other estatesthatwereclosed,first ofall,becausethepopulation is intensely agrarian and cannotcommuteasfreelyto Georgetown for alternative employment.

Banditry now occurs at all times of the day No one cananylongerdotheirdaily health walks on the road alone. There seems to be more small-time drug peddlers than users including a woman, I once knew, in her eighties Schoolchildren not only go hungry but miss school for lackofbusorcarfares.Lots of contractors are getting government and Exxon contracts but are employing onlycheap,itinerant,mostly Venezuelan labour, with the vast population of displaced citizenrystillsuffering.

I have written several papers on transforming the abandoned cane lands of Wales to peasant farming. These papers have been invariably published over the years in the three main dailiesinGuyana.Ihavejust completed Part One of another(twopart)paperIam doing.

This Part One is pretty long, nearly 11,000 words. I really would like President

The Hon. MPFerguson is still wrong on the basic facts

Ali, more than anyone else, toreadit-oratleastreceive it.ThenIcantellGodIhave done my historical, patriotic and conscientious duty Apart from mailing a hard copy to his Office, (I did deliver a book to his Office once, but from the unholy reception at the gate, I am certain it didn’t reach him) doesanyoneknowhowIcan sendhimadigitalcopy?

This is how the paper begins:

WithExxononBoard, WalesEconomicBasin canBecomeCenterof AgricultureRevolution intheCaribbean Part1(11,000)words)

ByGokarranDavid Sukhdeo

FormerEconomist, PlanningDepartment, MinistryofAgriculture, Guyana INTRODUCTION

This is a two-part nonfictionstory (Iusetheword, ‘non-fiction’becauseseveral facts stated are going to be unbelievable; and the word, ‘story’ instead of ‘paper’ because I would like the reading to be less academically dry-as-dust, and more empathetically human). It is a neo-Marxian analysis because it puts people at the center of its universe,notcapital.

It deals with the human aspect of sugar, its failure, causes of its failure, and the prospects of turning around that failure to launch a diversified agriculture revolution in Guyana, aided by the country’s enormous oil and gas windfall. This

revolution will begin at Wales where massive i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l developments are currently on-going. It is ironic that WalesSugarEstate,unjustly and abruptly closed, its thousands of starving citizenry thrown to the wolves, will rise like a Cinderella (now, the word ‘story’isbeginningtosound better) and become the Dubai or more appropriate, theOmanoftheWest.

Having arrested your attention, I hope you follow me intricately as our story deconstructs the historical and theoretical-political nature of sugar in Guyana, examines its current insolvent situation which appears unsalvageable, and charts a course for Guysuco and agriculture in Guyanawith sugar relegated to play only a minor role in our story

Why Guyana Needs to De-emphasize Sugar and DiversifyintoOtherFoods.

De-emphasizing sugar means converting some 100,000 acres of abandoned cane lands to other crops. These lands already had intricate D and I infrastructure and access roadslaiddown,howeverin n e e d o f rehabilitation Anyone who knows how can email me at tas76@aol com People who also sincerely wanttoreaditmaysendmea request at the same email address.

Yourstruly, G o k a r r a n D a v i d Sukhdeo

DEAREDITOR, Iwritewithreferencetoa letter to the editor by Eric Moseley (KN March 2, 2023)intendedtodefendthe fantastic, if not outrageous, claims and propositions madebytheHon.Memberof Parliament, Annette Ferguson (SN, 26/2/2023). I am happy to enjoin this debate even though there is not much substance to respond to in Mr Moseley’s missive.

First, Ms Ferguson’s defenderstatesthatBurnham deserves praise because he took us to independence. Nothing could be further from the truth In fact, Burnham helped to delay Guyana’s independence for severalyearsbecausehewas busy helping to overthrow t h e s i t t i n g P P P democratically elected government. Evidence for thisclaimcouldbefoundina July 12, 1962 letter by SecretaryofStateDeanRusk to President Kennedy which stated the following – “I recommendthatyouapprove specifically the following:“That it is an objective of U.S.policytobringaboutthe replacement of the governmentofCheddiJagan by one friendly to the West ” (FRUS, 19611962). We know who that friendly one was; L FS Burnham,ofcourse.

Moseley claims that Burnham helped to bring about good relations among different political and ethnic groups in Guyana. Wrong again. British andAmerican intelligence internal documents clearly state that Mr Burnham was a divisive figure driven by ethnic nationalism.

Moreover, Burnham and his Cabinet Minister, Hamilton Green, (now a socalled elder) were feared

throughout the country. When Burnham needed further assistance with his slow but steady violence against the people, he brought in the dangerous American fugitive David Hill,akaRabbiWashington.

TheRabbiwasagangster with full state support includingintheareasofstate intelligence, weapons, transportation, and targets. Ask the WPA, NACCIE, GUARD, etc. if you think thesearelies.Askthenurses whowentonstrikeandwere haranguedbytheRabbi.Ask the families of Walter Rodney, Father Darke, Cletus Henriques, and Vincent Teekah. And don’t forget the families of Maikhram Sawh and Sampersaud Taranauth and Sister Rowtie. Ask Indra Chandrapal, Clement Rohee and Gail Teixeira The children of Ali Baksh can alsotestify Byallmeans,do not forget to ask Mr HamiltonGreenhimself.

Moseley is right that the oil crisis of the 1970s posed massive challenges to Guyana.Thatisafact,andno one should doubt that. But He,liketheHon.MPAnnette Ferguson, forget that 1974 and 1975 were actually among the best years for Burnham Here is the evidence – GDP grew by 7.7%in1974andby8.4%in 1975!What is remarkable is that the economic performance occurred immediately after the most massively rigged elections that took place on July 16, 1973 This demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that no one was sabotaging the economy, a claim often madebyPNCsupporters.

MP Ferguson’s point on educationwasnotmissedby Moseley PNC folks love to talk about how great

education was during the Burnham years. I agree that great gains were made. I knowfromexperience,andI did attend one of Mr B u r n h a m ’s p r o u d accomplishments of CooperativeSocialism,namely, Leonora Primary School. I was in the first Common Entranceclassofthatschool in 1970. But Moseley like Ferguson either willfully forgets or simply does not care that Burnham politicized the teaching profession by placing Party Comrades as agents of the state constitutionally enabled by the doctrine of ParamountcyoftheParty

They also ignore the mostwell-establishedfactof higher education, namely, you had to be a party comradetoeithergetajobat UG or to be spared the dreaded National Service. I have never heard a single individual, other than a high PNC Comrade, praise NationalService.

Finally, Editor, in her original piece where Ms. Ferguson told us that Burnham’s was sent by God to Guyana, she also intimated that we are still reaping the blessings of the Cde Leader’s brilliant contribution. I respectfully challenge the Honorable Member of Parliament to square that with the attempt to openly rig the 2020 National and Regional Elections, or on a lesser charge, to reconcile Mr Burnham’s legacy with stealing the Speaker’s Mace in Parliament. If I am not mistaken, Ms. Ferguson has intimate knowledge of those occurrences.

MP Ferguson and Eric Moseley’s basic case on behalf of LFS Burnham is that he was no ‘autocrat’. True, but he was an authoritarian.Tofindoutthe difference I recommend Nic Cheesman and Brian Klass, HowtoRiganElection(New Haven: Yale University Press,2019).

Sincerely,

Dr.RandolphPersaud

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JAGDEOTOO BUSYTOANSWER PERTINENTQUESTIONS

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Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday held a news conference in which he devoted most of the time dealing with allegations of rigged election.

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He spent some time talking about his trip to India, regaling the press with details that they were familiar with.

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When it was time for him to deal with searching questions about his stewardship of the oil and gas industry, he was quick to make the excuse that he had little time and wasn’t prepared to deal with matters he had already dealt with.

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Truth be told, with the press conferences happening every ‘blue moon’, the questions are piling up daily.

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Jagdeo and PresidentAli need to sit themselves down and properly explain to this nation what is happening with our oil, rather than running around like headless chickens selling dreams across the country.

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Govt. hoping US$2B natural gas project does not explode - Jagdeo

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

...says “other” revenue streams will be used to service US$106M annual payment on loans

A question from this newspaper on how Guyana would manage to repay US$106 million annually for the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) projectoverthenext20years, should an unfortunate incident- such as an explosion- render the facility inoperable, no doubt caught Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeobysurprise.

Not only was he unprepared for this line of questioning, but he also became very apprehensive in hisresponse.

The VP yesterday hosted his first press conference since the commencement of 2023 to offer an update into hisrecenttriptoIndia.

Jagdeo was however asked by this newspaper to enlightenthenationastohow the gas project would be repaid for should there be an incident when he responded, “can we get out of this morbidity,isKaieteurNewsa

morbid? Imagine we must not build the power plant because we might have an explosion there. This is in effect what you are saying which government starts off by… anywhere in theworld…bysayingthatoh we are not going to pursue a developmentorwearegonna make mitigating plans to pay back a facility if we have an explosion?”

He continued, “Nobody builds a facility on the basis of that. Nobody builds a facility on the basis of future explosion.”

The Vice President then wentintodetailtoregurgitate the benefits of the project, i n s i s t i n g t h a t o n c e operational, some 300 megawatts of electricity will be available to the national grid.

Not only that but he explained the cost of power will also be reduced by 50 percent. In addition, the VP

remindedthatGuyanawillbe able to export cooking gas and other liquids that will be available from the Natural GasLiquids(NGL)facilityto beconstructed.

He is adamant that the saleoftheliquidswillbeable to pay off the investment for the project, however governmentishopingthatthe facilities will remain functional to ensure it is able toserviceitsannualloans.

Guyana will be paying U.S oil major ExxonMobil some US$55 million each year for 20 years to repay the companyforitsinvestmentin the pipeline. In addition to this, Guyana will also be expected to repay another US$51 million annually for 20yearsonaloanthecountry will take to pay for the NGL facility and the gas-fired power plant. This amounts to an annual debt of US$106 million.

The former Head-of-

State argued, “But what if anythinghappenstomorrow? What if the existing power plant we took a loan for what? Let me say something else, if we had a loan in GPL and the GPL blows up tomorrow,whatarewegonna do? We'd have to repay the loan through some other means,theexistingmeans.”

Jagdeo continued, “How can a government operate on what ifs? We are hoping that we, in these issues nobody buildsanything.”

He even sought to put in perspective that if the Publisher of this newspaper, Mr Glenn Lall was considering an unfortunate incident, he may not have “putupthatbigbuilding”but ifitweretocollapse,theloan would be repaid through anothersource.

As such, he contended, “You can't build these things, it's a morbid, you've run out of things on the gas to energy

now we gone to if what if it breaks up? What if it falls in the sea? What if the pipeline gets a little hole there...I can't understand it, when are we gonna end with this morbid, sourkindofapproachhereall thetime?”

The GTE project entails three major aspects, that is, the pipeline to transport the gas to Wales, the NGL facility that will treat and separate the gas, and the power plant to generate the electricity

There has been no updated feasibility study since the cost of the project jumped from US$478 milliontooverUS$2billion.

A Guyanese engineer, FitzroyFletcher,withover50 years of expertise has so far challenged each aspect of the project, insisting that its

viability is simply no longer relevant owing to the mammothincreaseincost.

He explained, “The pipeline costs have escalated too much and have made the project no longer feasible. Clearly,weshouldgobackto the drawing board and rethinkthewholeproject.Itis certainly not beyond our ingenuity to find a solution, with the help of carefully selected international experts.”

Fletcher believes government'sfigures“appear to be figures drawn out of a hat, and wishful thinking.” Seelinkbelowformore.

https://www.kaieteurnew sonline com/2022/10/09/jag deo-pulling-numbers-out-ofthin-air-to-justify-us2billion-wales-gas-plantengineer/

Region 10's REO, Chairman at loggerhead over roles and responsibilities

Region 10's Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is considering taking action against Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dwight John who has stated that he is not accountable to the Council and committees established by Regional Chairman DeronAdams.

InalettertotheRegional Chairman, John said that he Adam's committees will not be recognized by his administration and finances will not be approved for activities executed by the saidcommittees.

“Mr Deron Adams, RC, this main reason for this missive is to bring some form of semblances with regards to my appointment and responsibilities. I am answerable and accountable to my Principles, Finance S e c r e t a r y , P u b l i c Procurement Commission and Public Accounts Commission,” the letter stated.

At Thursday's statutory meeting, the Regional Chairman, Vice Chairman and Councillors described John's statements and actions as disrespectful. They noted that John was appointed by virtue of the p

Regional Executive Officer, Dwight John

executor of the Council's legalpoliciesanddecisions.

But John's position is

Regional Chairman, Deron Adams

thatheisonlyaccountableto the Council when serving as Clerk of the Council during statutory meetings He described the committees appointed by the Chairman as ad hoc, pointing s p e c i f i c a l l y t o t h e C o m m e m o r a t i o n Committee.

The Commemoration Committee and its role was the result of John's ire towards the RDC The Committee went against John and other government officials' desire to have the Mashramani celebrations route changed. That activity is scheduled for March 5, 2023.Itisbeingarguedthat

(Continued on page 21)

JAGDEO’S ERROR IS BEING REPEATED BY ALI

The PPPC has learnt nothing from its experience inbuildingandmanagingthe National Stadium at Providence.Anditisnowon course to repeat the same errors in Berbice where, yesterday, there was a ceremony to announce the construction of a multipurposestadiumatPalmyra.

The National Stadium at Providence was built in preparation for World Cup Cricket. Some persons were critical of the investment claiming it would increase the country’s debt. But such a stadium had to be constructedifGuyanawasto everagainhostinternational cricket matches. All across the Caribbean, similar stadiumshavebeenbuiltand Guyana cannot expect to hostinternationalmatchesat BourdaoratAlbion,bothof which do not meet the standards for hosting international cricket and whichdonothavethespace to be brought up to such standards.

Anewstadiumhadtobe built. The misfortune was that this new stadium was built under the Bharrat Jagdeo government. When theWorldCup2007matches were hosted in Guyana, the country was shamed. The parking lot of the stadium was unpaved and consisted of red dirt. Instead of installing and electronic scoreboard, the government installed an unsightly and non-modern wooden scoreboard. The rest of the Caribbean islands that hosted matches had

electronicscoreboards.

Later, the parking lot was reduced in size because alargechuckofthelandwas given out. As such, today when there are events at the NationalStadium,parkingis problem The VIPs, however,areallowedtopark in the square in front of the standsofthestadium,anarea which should be kept clear since it caters for the safe inflow and outflow of patrons. But the leaders of the PPP/C do not seem to understand the purpose of thatareawhichleadintothe stadium.

Despite the problems withcrowdmanagementand the scoreboard, the National Stadium, built by Indian engineers, had a world class outfield.Itwasconsideredas one of the fastest draining arenasintheCaribbean.

Not anymore! The stadium has lost much of its fast-dryingcapacity Andthe reason for this is that it is beingusedforallmannerof events since it was designated as a multipurposestadium.

A few years ago, the cricketpitchhadtobedugup since during the hosting of some events at the facility sand got onto the playing surface. The normally flat and placid pitch became treacherous with low bounce. As a consequence, the stadium became known for low par-scores during cricketmatches.

But cricket was not the onlysportwhichwasplayed attheNationalStadium.Asa multi-purpose facility,

Dem Boys Seh...

football and athletic events werealsohostedatthesame venue.

Theresultwasthatafew years ago, the then Guyana Cricket Board had to complain about the damage done to the outfield as a result of the hosting of a football match on a soggy outfield.

The authorities tried to deny that there was any damage.Butvisualevidence wasproducedwhichshowed the damage done to the outfield.

This experience should have forewarned the authoritiesaboutthedangers ofhostingmultipleeventsat theNationalStadium,andby extension building multipurposestadiums.

Multipurpose stadiums do have their benefits. They allowforareductionofcosts byhavingonefacilitywhich can hold many types of events. But this comes at a price as we have seen with thedamagedonetothepitch and outfield at Providence. Fans do not have to worry aboutwheretofinddifferent stadiums when attending differentsportingevents.

There is no reason why there should not be separate football, cricket and track and field stadiums in each county.Afewyearsago,the sodwasturnedforafootball stadium.Thesitechosenwas notthebestbutthefactisthat even the then government recognized the need for separate stadiums for different sporting disciplines.

Stadiums cannot always

De Vee Pee reach Berbice faster than a Concorde

DeVeePeegettinghesignalsmixedup. Yesterday he host a Press Conference and wasdeusualcuss-outofdeOpposition. He is yet to master the art of coolness of sophistication.

It look like Uncle Glenn rattle de man. AnddeWaterfallpapermangoandsitdown in de front row with he fancy shirt. And when he ask de Vee Pee de questions, de manlookedslightlyagitated.

Wasasimpleyesandnoanswertodem questions But yuh know we local politicians,demliketalklang.

De Vee Pee is also his party’s General Secretary And he gat to understand that thereisatimeandplaceforeach.Yesterday when he was lambasting de Opposition, he soundedmorelikedeGeneralSecretary So he should have left dat to a party press

conferencewhichhastobeheldatFreedom House.

But when he de dealing we de visit to India, he sound like a government representative. He should not get the two roles mixed up. Dem boys wondering whetherinsteadofPrezziegoingtoIndia,he shouldnothavesentdeVeePee.

Not soon after yesterday’s Press Conference, de man meet up in Berbice. How he reach so fast, dem boys trying fuh figure out. Dem want know whether he driveorfly Weleadersliterallyflyinghigh desedaysyuhknow!

And de party faithful was mobilized in fullnumbers.Yuhwouldhavethoughtwasa politicalrally Designalsbetweenpartyand governmentgettingmixedup.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

be built to accommodate multi-sports.Afootballfield doesnotalwayssitwellona cricketfieldandifthissame venue is also used as an athletic and cycling track, the problem becomes more obvious. It is difficult to design a stadium to host cricket, football and track andfield.

Butdonottellthattothe

PPP/C They have gone again with this useless idea of building a multi-purpose stadium,andthistimeitwill belocatedatPalmyrawhere theamountofsandandearth which will have to be brought,itwillmakeitabout twiceascostlierthanifitwas built more up the coast on reef-like soil The cost benefit of having a multi-

purpose stadium will be offset by locating it at Palmyra.

(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.)

MARAD staff contributes to organisation's sexual harassment policy update

DPI - The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) sought the contribution of staff in bolstering the organisation's sexual harassment policy. Nineteen members of staff participated in a recent sexualharassmentworkshop held in the boardroom at the MinistryofPublicWorks.

Senior Administrative Officer,OdettaPaulsaidthat the session was very interactive, and there was support from the staff at all levels. “We are looking to implement this policy which

reflectsstaffinputinthenear future,”Pauladded.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the workshop and commended MARAD's management for i n c l u d i n g t h e m i n formulating an addendum to the policy.Ashley Drakes, Legal Assistant, said that it was a very informative session, “we went over the draft policy for MARAD, which is MARAD's new sexual harassment policy that should be implemented soonanditisjusttointegrate the staff into fine-tuning the

policy using their feedback to make adjustments ” Drakes also explained that she learnt that there is a vast difference between sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.

Jeneise Hayde, a clerk in the Administrative Office, explained that she was grateful for all that she learnt. “We are trying to implement new policies for the workers to have a safe haven where they can come to file complaints,” said Hayde.ITTechnician, (Contined on page 23)

Former teacher freed of rape charges after victim withdrew allegation - Wins $5M judgment for defamation

CoenJackson,theformer Bishops' High School teacher, who was accused of raping a child under the age of 16, was freed on Friday of three counts of rape after the victim withdrew the allegation.

Jackson was charged with engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 years by abusing a position of trust contrary to the provisions of theSexualOffencesAct.

The former teacher was on trial before Justice Priya Beharry-Sewnarine at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court. He was represented by attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes, Jerome Khan, Savannah Barnwell, and SophiaFindlay

According to a press releasebyJackson'slawyers, on Friday, the virtual complainant testified but following her testimony, she informed the court that she was withdrawing the allegations and will no

longer be pursuing them. As such, Justice BeharrySewnarine instructed the jury to return a verdict of not guiltyfortheremainingthree charges.

In February 2022, jurors were faced with a hung jury on three counts of rape of minorcharges,andnotguilty onafourthcharge.

As a result of the hung jury for the three charges Justice Beharry-Sewnarine orderedaretrialforJackson.

Jackson had denied the

charges that alleged that on four separate occasions between February 2011 and May 2011, he engaged in sexual activity with a child undertheageof16.

The lawyers also shared that their client in an earlier civilsuitsecuredanawardof damages in the sum of $5M for defamation of character against Ruel Johnson who had accused Jackson of preying on the virtual complainant while she was a student.

MARAD's 19 members of staff participated in a sexual harassment workshop held in the boardroom at the Ministry of Public Works.

Freed of rape charges: Coen Jackson

G$18.7M expansion works ongoing at Demerara Harbour Bridge …toimprovetrafficflow

The Ministry of Public Works is expending $18 7 million to expand the northern and southern sides of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) to improve accessibility and the smooth trafficflow

The project, which is being executed by TEDA Contracting Services and PANTHEON Construction Inc. respectively, is expected

tobecompletedbytheendof March.

The expansion of the northern lane will result in three lanes, with two lanes leading to Georgetown and one lane providing access to theEastBank.

Additionally, a curve will be added at the front of the bridge to enable vehicles to turn off without having to stop,facilitatingacontinuous flowoftraffic.

The southern lane will also be widened to create an emergency lane, providing access to emergency vehicles.

On Sunday, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill visited the project site to inspecttheongoingworks.

He stated that the project was made possible through collaboration with the GalileeGospelHallchurch.

“It is important for us to note that this is only possible because of the a g r e e m e n t a n d t h e collaboration of the church because we have had to take in some properties that belong to t h e church and they have agreed with us, they have made the provisions, we haven't interrupted any tombsandwearejustseeking togetthisdonewhilewewait on the new bridge,” he relayed.

Ongoing works on the DHB Northern lanes

Meanwhile, this will see TEDA Contracting Services receiving $ 5,795,000 to expand the southern lane,

w h i l e PA N T H E O N Construction Inc was allotted $12,998,600 to expandthenorthernlane.

Guyanese can expect to seesignificantimprovements in traffic flow once the projectiscompleted.

Guyana looking to India to train, supply

personnel for new hospitals – Jagdeo

With several new hospitals slated to be c o n s t r u c t e d countrywide, Guyana is looking to India to get health personnel trained as well as personnel to manage the operations of these new institutionswhencompleted. This is according to Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo who made the announcement during a pressconferenceonFriday Jagdeo, who recently returned from an official visit to India, said yesterday that during his visit, he met withthecountry'sHealthand Family Welfare Minister, Manskh Mandaviya where

theydiscussedvariousissues ofbilateralimportanceinthe healthsector

“We met with the Minister of Health, as you know, we are building 12 newhospitalsthisyear

Wehavetogetthepeople to manage these hospitals and to staff them, India can helpinthisregardtonotonly supplypeoplebutalsotraina lot of Guyanese at the requisite level to manage these hospitals that we would have,” he told representativesofthemedia.

According to Jagdeo with the construction of the hospitals, the country would probably need 1500 to 2000

persons to carry out the functions of these facilities. India has been engaged, in thisregard.

HenotedtoothatGuyana needs a more electronic technical way of managing these hospitals through patient records system, which means implementing new systems for the entire country

According to the VP, “India has done this well in many areas and cheaply, compared to many of the p r o p o s a l s t h a t a r e commercialinnature.”

“So we are hoping that they would assist in these areastoo,”headded.

Seven new hospitals across the country are scheduled for construction. Already works have started in preparation for their construction.

Kaieteur News had reportedthatthegovernment intends to build six new regional health facilities and a paediatric and maternal hospital.

The construction of the six modern regional hospitals will be in Anna Regina, Tuschen, Diamond, Enmore, Bath and No. 75 Village, Corentyne, while the paediatric facility will be at Ogle, East Coast Demerara(ECD).

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony during his budget debate presentation in 2022 had explained that the government's decision to build the new facilities is in keeping with the population size in the identified regions and the need for residents to have easy access to healthcareservices.

Dr Anthony said that a hospital will be in Anna Reginabecauseitisthemost populated area in Region Two.

“Why should they not

haveahospitalthere?Thatis what we are addressing, so we will be putting that hospital in Anna Regina,” theministerhadargued. Similarly, he said, because villages like Tuschen and Parika in Region Three are becoming more populated, it was decidedthatanotherregional hospital will be built in that district to provide services for all.As for Region Four, the Minister stated that two new regional hospitals will be built, one at Enmore, ECD and the other at Diamond, East Bank Demerara(EBD).Hehad

(Continued on page 20)

Health and Family Welfare Minister of India, Mansukh Mandaviya meeting with Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo last week in India. (Photo courtesy, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo)

Purse snatcher beaten with umbrella while robbing woman from Finland at Stabroek Market

A Dowding Street, Kitty man was beaten badly on Tuesday after he snatched a Finnish woman's purseattheStabroekMarket.

The purse snatcher has been identified as 21-year-old Anfernee

Archer

Archer snatched the woman's purse but her husband came to her rescue and dealt him several lashes with an umbrella He was eventually arrested by police. The woman's purse was recovered with all of her belongings inside. The entire episode was caught on surveillance cameras and it is expected that Archer will be chargedsoon.

Kaieteur News understandsthat the victim and her husband, an elderly couple, are visiting from Finland and on Tuesday afternoon, theydecidedtotakeastrollthrough the Stabroek Market area,

Georgetown when Archer allegedly trailed and pounced on thewoman.

Footage of the robbery showed the purse snatcher dressed in camouflage and black hoodie walking behind the couple and two othermen.

The couple then suddenly stopped. It appeared as if the husband was checking something on his cell phone while his wife

waitedafewfeetaheadofhim.The two other men passed them by Archer allegedly walked past them too but then suddenly turned around and grabbed the woman's purse.

As he was doing so, her husband ran to her rescue armed only with an umbrella. He began beating the thief with the umbrella as he tried to take possession of the

purse.

The purse snatcher took the blows as he finally managed to rip the purse from off of her shoulders. He tried to run away as fast as he could but the elderly man kept beating him to his head and face withtheumbrella.

As he looked for a way to escape, the thief was forced to block some of the blows from the

umbrella. He eventually managed to run but the Finnish man chased him. Archer could not escape for the police were notified and responded quickly to back-up the victim.

Archer was immediately arrested and the purse recovered. Archer is no stranger to the law In 2022, he was remanded to prison forrobbinghispartner

Anfernee Archer was beaten with an umbrella by an elderly Finnish man

Arrested: Anfernee Archer

Organ donation, transplants regulations being developed with int'l expertise – Health Minister

Regulations, that will govern how transplants will be conducted in Guyana, are currently being developed, in keeping with the best practices and international standardsinthehealthcaresector.

Last year, the Tissue and Organ Transplant Act was passed in the National Assembly to provide a legal framework for the transplantation of human organs, tissues,cellsandbiofluids.

To this end, the Ministry of Health has partnered with the Donation and Transplantation Institute (DTI) in Barcelona which has years of experience in this field todeveloptheseguidelines.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, during an update on Friday, explained that these regulations will meet international requirements and will improve the

way transplants are being done in Guyana.

In addition, the government is aiming to expand the range of transplants being offered “Right now, we do two types of

Minister Anthony recently met with PAHO representatives and experts from the the Donation and Transplantation Institute (DTI) (Photo courtesy of the DPI)

transplants. We do the living organ donor for kidneys and corneal transplants for patients who need them. So, we have been doing that but we want to expand the range of options that we'll have for

transplants,” Minister Anthony explained.

Apart from establishing regulations, professionals in this fieldwillbetrainedbyexpertsfrom theDTI.Already,MinisterAnthony

met with experts from DTI to discuss the way forward. He stated, “I think this first visit for the year from DTI would not be their last because we intend to have very close collaboration with them so that we can improve in the area of transplant and all the standards that we put in place here would m e e t t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l requirements.”

The newly passed legislation will allow for regenerative medicine including cell therapy, gene therapy and stem cell therapy that are geared towards treating patients who may need these types ofmedicalprocedures.

Thisformspartofaholisticplan by the PPP/C Administration to create a world-class healthcare systemforitscitizens.

(Department of Public Information)

Key personnel trained in the use of Statistical Business Register Application

Key personnel from the Bureau of Statistics and other National and Regional agencies were recently trained in the use of a Statistical Business Register (SBR) application which facilitates the integrationofadministrativedata.

This training was provided by Statistics Canada through the Government of Canada-funded Project for the Regional Advancement of Statistics in the Caribbean (PRASC) and was conductedattheBureauofStatistics Headquarters in Georgetown from February27toMarch2.

TheStructuredQueryLanguage (SQL) application contains a complete list of businesses within a given country required for business statistical purposes and is accompanied by a user-friendly interface which facilitates browsing andupdatingofrecords.

According to a statement from theBureauofStatistics,participants of the training were from the Bureau, CARICOM Secretariat, Statistical Institute of Belize, Guyana Revenue Authority, NationalInsuranceScheme,andthe CommercialRegistry

The main objective of the workshop was to build the capacity of persons who will be directly involved in the maintenance and updates to the SBR application, in both Information Technology and subject-matterareas.

Participants now have the necessary knowledge to upgrade and support the database managementsystem,toupgradeand the support the SBR application, to deploy new versions of the application, to answer questions on the usability of the SBR and to offer technical and subject matter assistance to CARICOM member states.

PRASC Expert on Business Register andAdministrative Data at

Statistics Canada, Mr Gaéton StLouis explained that the PRASC project commenced in March 2015 andwillconcludeinMarch2023.

The SBR, he emphasized, is the foundationforaBusinessStatistical System and the training is geared towards ensuring the sustainability oftheSBR,whichisacomponentof the Business Survey Infrastructure ofPRASC.

“To meet the high demand for statistical information and address challenges with response burden and privacy of survey respondents, National Statistics offices around theworldareincreasinglyusing

(Continued on page 23)

application.

Man busted at CJIA with G$13.3M worth of cocaine in milk…local Calypsonian also arrested

The 13.4lbs of cocaine concealed in milk packages have a street value of G$13.3M

Arrested:

Local Calypsonian, Mark Ferdinand

A 52-year-old outgoing passenger was on ThursdayinterceptedbyofficersoftheCustoms Anti-narcotics Unit (CANU) at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri after he admitted to having a quantity of narcoticsvaluedatG$13.3Minhisluggage.

The man, identified as Cranson Carlson Henry of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara and of Rockaway Avenue 11212 Brooklyn, New York, United States ofAmerica was destined to travel to the United States of America.

Henry was questioned by CANU officers

Arrested: Cranson Carlson Henry

after which he admitted to having a quantity of narcotics in his luggage. The suspect was cautioned and a video of same was taken as evidence.

A subsequent search was conducted, which led to the discovery of seven (7) Milex milk packetscontainingawhitishpowderysubstance suspectedtobecocaine.Henrywasarrestedand escorted to CANU's Headquarters along with thesuspectednarcotic,whichtestedpositivefor cocaine and weighed approximately 13.4 lbs. (6.070 kg) with a street value of GUY $13.3 Million.

“The value would have been higher had the cocaine arrived at its intended destination,” CANUsaidinastatement.

Meanwhile,furtherinvestigations,ledtothe arrest of 44-year-old Calypsonian Mark Ferdinand, of Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen. Ferdinandwaspreviouslyarrestedin2015inthe United States of America for drug trafficking.Berkeley Ferdinand, the brother of Mark Ferdinand was previously charged by CANU in 2016 for trafficking in narcotics and wassentencedto3yearsinprison. Investigationsareongoing.

Participants of the recently concluded training on Statistical Business Register (SBR)

Guyana looking to India to train, supply personnel...

From page 14 highlighted that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has always been seen as the National Referral Hospital but sometimes be referred to as a regional hospital in the region. “We want to change that. We want to ensure that Georgetown Public Hospital remains a National Referral

hospital and do the complicated cases,” he said.

Dr Anthony had also mentioned that the decisiontobuildahospitalatBathSettlement in Region Five is because it is where the majority of the population in that region resides.WhileinRegionSix,thegovernment intends to construct a new facility at N0.75

Village to add to the range of services provided at the Skeldon Hospital The Minister had disclosed that in addition to these new facilities, each one will be equipped with their own CTscans, digital Xrays, ultra sound machines and modernised laboratories and that all devices will be internet enabled According to him, the

reason behind all this “is that people would nothavetotravelfromallpartsofthecountry to come to Georgetown to get access to these things.” Meanwhile, regarding the maternal and child hospital, Dr Anthony said it will catertoallthehigh-riskmothersandchildren as well as provide specialist care to those usingtheservice.

IMF approves US $1.7 billion for Jamaica

CMC - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday announced that its Executive Board has approved US$1.7 billion for Jamaica, the majority of which will provide insurance against risks from higher commodity prices, a global slowdown, tighter-thanenvisaged global financial conditions, and new COVID outbreaks. A statement from the Washington-based financial institution said about US$968 million had beenapprovedfora24-month programme under the Precautionary and Liquidity Line(PLL)arrangement.

The other US$764 million has been approved under the newly created Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to strengthen physical and fiscal resilience to climate change, advance decarbonization of the economy, and manage transitionrisks.

The RSF is expected to catalyse funding for climaterelatedinvestmentfromother official lenders and the privatesector

“ReformsintheRSF,built on Jamaica’s home-grown climatepolicy,wereprepared

inclosecollaborationwiththe World Bank and other internationalpartners.

They create incentives to switch to renewables, reduce energyconsumption,develop green financial instruments, and require proper management of climate risks in the financial sector,” IMF Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair of the Board,BoLisaid.

The IMF said in its statement that over the past few years, Jamaica has been buffeted by a difficult global environment featuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the ongoing tightening of global financialconditions.

H

supported by sound policy frameworks and policies prioritising macroeconomic stability, the economy is now recoveringstrongly

“As COVID waned, tourismhasreboundedtoprecrisis levels, and 2022 real GDPgrowthisexpectedtobe aroundfourpercent.

Public debt is on a downward trajectory and the overall fiscal balance is in line with the medium-term fiscalframework,”itsaid “Pushed by global factors – in particular, the impactofthewarinUkraine on commodity prices –inflation has risen above the Bank of Jamaica’s target band but is declining since mid-2022

Region 10’s REO, Chairman at loggerhead...

Frompage8 theMashramanirouteshouldbetakentothe Christianburg instead of Bayroc.The REO believesthatwiththesynthetictrackunder construction at Bayroc, the possibility of vandalismishigh.

The Regional Council challenged the REO to not pay service providers for the Mashramani celebrations and made a resolution to move forward with the Mashramanicelebrationwhichwillbeheld at Bayroc. Meanwhile, the RDC remains resolute that the Committee is legal according to the Constitution 28:02 (37) which states, “The local authority for any villageorcouncildistrict,mayappointone ormorecommitteesofitsownbodyforthe transaction of special or, of general business The Chairman of Deputy Chairman of a Village Council and the Chairmanofacountryauthorityshallbeex officiomembersofeverysuchcommittee.”

Notwithstanding the RDC’s position, John said he will only recognize the Finance, Works, Education, Health and LocalGovernmentCommittees.

Adams expressed his frustration at the letterandsaiditisanattemptbytheREOto usurp the decision of the Council by not acknowledging his role to execute the policiesofthecouncil.

“Itisunfortunate,veryunfortunatethat the REO does not see himself accountable to the RDC, this is a clear example of

Cuba blasts U.S. for years of disregarding evidence disregarding on ‘Havana Syndrome’

Reuters - Cuba on Thursday blasted the United States for taking too long to accept evidence that the ailment“HavanaSyndrome” was not likely caused by a foreign enemy, saying Washington ignored the science as a pretext for cuttingoffrelationswiththe Communist-runisland.

A globe-spanning U.S. intelligence investigation declassified on Wednesday concluded it was “very unlikely” a foreign adversary was responsible for the mysterious sickness,

immediately reply to a request for comment on de Cossio´s statements U S officials have previously said the science was inconclusive and ongoing and that the government hadoptedtoerrontheside of caution in determining its policies toward Cuba. De Cossio told Reuters therehadbeennoshortage of evidence and that the revelation this week cast fresh doubt on the credibility of other U S policiestowardsCuba He pointed a U S

domination and control as Regional Chairman,Iamempoweredtoexecuteand have committees that are not ad hoc so I don’t understand what the REO is making ofhere,”Adamssaid.

The Council strongly argued that the REO is answerable to it and his role is to finance the legal decisions made by the Council.

Notwithstandingthechallenges,Adams said that the Council will continue to function under duress and the policies whicharearepresentationofthewillofthe electoratewillnotberecognized.

Hesaidthesituationmustbebroughtto the attention of the international community “Whatisunfortunateisthatwe have been sitting here for the past three years, the REO as Clerk of Council is responsible for providing I am most saddenedbythisthatisnowinwriting.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) who spoke on behalf of the REO, who was absent, said thathissenior’scontractstipulatesthatheis answerable to the Ministry of Local GovernmentwhileaccusingtheCouncilof usurping some of the REO’s responsibilities. The REO is a central executive member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), while the Region 10 Council is made up of majority A PartnershipofNationalUnity(APNU)and AllianceForChange(AFC)Councillors.

first identified in the Cuban capital of Havana but which has afflicted U.S. diplomats and spies worldwide. read more “This conclusion confirms what we already knew,” Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio told Reuters in an interview in Havana late on Thursday “The unfortunate thingis,theU.S.government leveraged (Havana Syndrome)toderailbilateral relations and discredit Cuba.”

Cuba has for years labeled as “science fiction” the idea that ´Havana Syndrome´ resulted from an attackbyaforeignagent,and its top scientists in 2021 found no evidence of such allegations.

decisiontokeepCubaon its blacklistofstatesponsorsof terrorism, calling it unfounded as well. The Trump administration in 2021 said the island’s government harbored American fugitives and Colombianrebelleadersand gave security support for socialist Venezuelan PresidentNicolasMaduro.

“ T h i s S t a t e Department list is not an instrument to promote the fight against terrorism,”

deCossiosaid

“Itisatoolofpolitical and economic coercion against countries that do not subordinate their sovereign rights to the whims of the U S government ” ´Havana Syndrome,´ referred to by the U S government as

“anomalous health incidents,”firstcametolight in 2016 after dozens of diplomats at the U S Embassy in Havana complained of intense headaches, nausea, memory lapsesanddizziness.Shortly after, the United States closed its embassy in Havana, complicating visa services for Cubans seeking totraveltotheUnitedStates and contributing, according toCuba,toamassexodusof Cubans to the U S via irregular and dangerous routes De Cossio also called reckless a U S decision this week to “grant asylum” to a pilot wholastyearfledCubaina stolen plane “Ít is a dangerous sign,” said de Cossio, who said the pilot had violated U S , Cuban andinternationallaw

“The U S should think very carefully about the consequences of this act for the future of the migratory relationship b e t w e e n t h e t w o countries ”

A State Department official told Reuters federalregulationsprohibit t h e u n a u t h o r i z e d disclosure of information related to asylum applications, including whether any specific individual has sought or beengrantedasylum.

Avintage car used for touristic city tours passes by the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, November10, 2021. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini/File Photo

WANTED

Wanted: Experienced Cashier, Cooks, Counter Person, Supervisor and Labourer. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp and New Market Sts or WhatsApp: +592-6541361.

General Domestic needed to work in Herstelling, ages 35yrs and older. Call: 6970157.

Clerical Assistant needed at Build Smart Construction & Supplies Ltd. 298 Kamoa St Lamaha Gardens. Age-18-55 yrs. Call: 226-9768, 225-7528.

Experienced Excavator Operator and Land Dredge workers wanted. Must have knowledge of chain saw. Call: 684-1030 between 8am4pm.

PORTERS WANTED FOR PVC CEILING. APPLY@ WHY PAY MORE TRADING, 7 PUBLIC RD HOUSTON E.B.D WITH APPLICATION.

Lorry Driver needed. Apply to RP'S Enterprise Area "K" Le Ressouvenir E.C.D. Call: 220-2818.

Domestic needed at East Coast Demerara, Enmore area. Call: 648-7868/ 6785764.

Reputable transportation service is seeking experienced Chauffeur with mini bus and hire car licence and also contract vehicles needed. Call: 645-0025.

Experienced Pit Workers, Utility operaters (must have valid driver's license) and Cooks wanted for mining operation. Call: 697-2533.

Reliable male and female Security Officers and Supervisors needed! Military background will be an asset. Contact: 603-5140.

Washbay Workers needed at Nandy Park. Call:2335227/682-1616.

Driver needed, ages 25 yrs and older. Must have a valid driver's license. Call: 6766379.

Elderly bus Driver wanted for route 32 and 31. Call: 678-1610.

VACANCY

Maid required to cook and clean in East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Merchandisers and Receptionist needed. Email: info@ vegeworld.net or Call:2277714/ 223-3448.

Driver required, ages 23-50 yrs. Must be able to assist in Workshop at Eccles and must have car and van licence. Call: 645-8443.

Gardener / Handyman and Security Guards (day shift) needed. Call: 227-1961, 2271964, 623-6383.

Bike Rider needed to work in Georgetown. Call: 2237301-3 or email: info@ splashmins.com

Room attendant, Receptionist & Desk Staff needed, 2550 years old at 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 2250198.

Live-in Caretaker, farm Workers, Labourers, Office Assistant, Fabricator/ Welder & Semi-skilled Worker. Call: 621-6969/ 615-7784.

Water Delivery Driver and Porter needed for E.C.D. Call:676-1363/ 692-6768.

Security Guards needed. Interested persons can make contact on tel #701-4000.

Female Cook needed for a cook shop in the Interior. Call/ WhatsApp: 698-5526/ 689-4461.

Female needed to work in a bar/ shop in the Interior. 6985526/ 689-4461.

One Massagist/ Physiotherapist needed. Call: 6159132.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics, grade one or two, email application to: techserigy @yahoo.com or Call: 6159132.

Maintenance Guy needed, 25-50 years old at 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 2250198.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

New, American luxury, fully loaded Toyota Tacoma pick-up trucks and Nissan Frontiers pick-up trucks 2014-2017. Call: 693-4420, Email: cdmobileultrasound @gmail.com

SERVICES

For low cost repairs for AC units, refridgerators, freezers, gas stoves, washing machine, dryers, etc. Call: 629-4946, 225-4822.

Visa Application: Canada and UK & U.S.A. Graphics design & advertisements. Wedding decorations & elderly grooming: hair, nail etc. Call: 626-7040.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

LEGAL

East Bank Demerara, Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 2ndday of June, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by BARBARA NORMIN SOBERS nee ROBERTS, Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 20th day of February, 2023 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issue of the Kaieteur News, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online).

AND FURTHER TAKE

LEGAL NOTICE 1

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

ENTERTAINMENT

PROPERTY FOR SALE

House & land for sale in East Patentia river side, 50x100. Call: 619-8626.

FOR RENT

4 acres of river side land & 18 acres of road side land on the E.B.D for rent/ lease. Call: 623-1615.

One bedroom house for rent at 18th Av Diamond, E.B.D. Call: 657-2951, 612-9697.

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

AND FURTHER TAKE

FOR SALE

LEGAL NOTICE 2

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FD165

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

BETWEEN: (WONG) NICOLA ALEXIS nee HAYNES Petitioner -v(WONG) SOLOMON ENOCH Respondent

M&T Realty (Vlissengen/ Durban):Professional/Office/Business( No food retailing) space.Close to facilities and transportation. Call: 225-0431, 652-9325, 687-8716.

4 black & white pure breed German Shepard, fully vaccinated, 8 weeks old. Call: 626-0953/ 650-9998.

One double Lot 80x160 on the east side of Friendship Public Road, $12M GYD neg. Call: 626-4234/ 6286212. Pure breed German shepherd pups for sale. Call: 680-1828, 632-9022/ 639-4966.

One Ford 7610 Tractor along with tractor parts: engine block with crankshaft, winch, backend and other spares. Call: 671-9151/ 6943635.

Mixed Rottweilers and German shepard pups for sale, 11 weeks old along with 1st Vaccine, dewormed and flee treatment, Price: 25k. Call/ WhatsApp: 622-4013.

145 Acre Prime Agriculture Transported land @ second dept Spring Gardens, Essequibo Coast. Call: 2336218, 654-3864.

SERVICES

Khemraj & Sons Landscaping specialize in selling, planting, trimming, treating, moulding plants, cutting down trees and spraying weeds, etc. Call: 627-5969/ 668-4964.

2022-HC-DEM-CIVFD-775

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE

FAMLIY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION

FAMILY DIVISION

PETITION NO.: FD775

BETWEEN:SOBERS (BARBARA NORMIN) nee

ROBERTS Petitioner -v-

SOBERS (MICHAEL WINSLOW) Respondent

To the Respondent

MICHAEL WINSLOW

SOBERS

Formerly of Lot 246 First Street, Mocha Village,

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

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 8th day of May, 2023 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln via Zoom Meeting ID: 817 2463 7445 and Password: Court12 at the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

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

To the Respondent SOLOMON ENOCH WONG

Address Unknown

TAKE NOTICE that on the 27TH day of January, 2023 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by NICOLAALEXIS WONG nee HAYNES, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 30th day of January, 2023 the Petitioner was directed to, effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the world wide web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

Swimming pool, family fun, crystal clear pool, kids and adults sections at Aracari Resort, Call: 264-2946-9.

Aracari hotel located at WBD (Versailles, Vreed-enHoop)- A/C, all amenities and breakfast included, from $63USD. Call: 264-2946-9.

ACCOMMODATIONS

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

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 15th day of May, 2023 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf at the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

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

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

Dated the 2nd day of February, 2023.

-And-(CADOGAN) KURT JASON Respondent

To the Respondent KURT JASON

CADOGAN Formerly of Lot 22 West La Penitence, Georgetown, Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 20th day of December, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SHEMIKA ANDREA CADOGAN nee ROBINSON, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 16th day of February, 2023 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the worldwide web.

AND FURTHER TAKE

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

AND FURTHER TAKE

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

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 24th day of April, 2023 at 2:30 pm before the Honourable Madam Justice

Damone Younge via Zoom Meeting ID: 845 1426 6584 and Password: 786 445 at the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of

Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

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

Dated the 27th day of February, 2023.

on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (online).

AND FURTHER TAKE

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

AND FURTHER TAKE

Duo arrested after robbing foreigners, hijacking car with driver at Bourda Market

Two men were arrested on Thursday shortly after they allegedly robbed two foreigners at gunpoint and hijacking a car with its driver to get away. The armed robbery reportedly took place at Bourda Market, Georgetown.

The duo have been identified as 18-year-old Mario Howes, of Rashville and 22year-old Bevon Peterson, known as ‘Black Jesus’ of Hadfield Street. Police have also detained the driver of the

car they allegedly hijacked for questioning as well.

According to reports, Howes and Peterson allegedly robbed the foreigners of an undisclosed amount of cash and cellular phones before reportedly hijacking a white car with its driver.

Cops were tipped off and patrol ranks intercepted them on D’Urban Street, Georgetown.

Investigations are ongoing.

Key personnel trained in the use...

From page 17 data collected by other organizations,” he highlighted.

official statistics.

LEGAL NOTICE 4

2022-HC-DEM-CIVFD-1698

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE

FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION

FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD1698

BETWEEN:(MANSFIELD)

ZENETTA DOMINI nee HENRY Petitioner/ Applicant -and(MANSFIELD) ADRIAN ERWIN Respondent

TO: ADRIAN ERWIN MANSFIELD (Last Known Address) Lot 2959 C Field Sophia, Georgetown

TAKE NOTICE that on the 14th day of December, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ZENETTA DOMINI MANSFIELD nee HENRY, the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 20th day of February, 2023, the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition

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

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 2nd day of May, 2023 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 28thday of February, 2023

Mr. St-Louis added that the use and sharing of Administrative Data in statistical programme not only decreases the response burden but also allows the National Statistical Systems (NSS) to improve the quality of their

PRASC has deployed the SBR in nine (9) member states- Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Montserrat, and St. Lucia. The application is operational in most of those countries.

WIIN injects $16M to over 200...

From page 12 industries including the oil sector and based out of my hometown in Linden. This initiative, through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s empowerment cash grant, I will be able to get the start-up I need,” Cadogan said.

She added, “When I did the WIIN in business programme, I was able to put all my thoughts down on paper and they showed me what I needed to do with my business plan. During the course I got to know in-depth what is required for the long term.”

Region Two’s, Lavern Corbin, who is embarking on a food venture expressed gratitude to Minister Persaud and her team at the Ministry for affording her the opportunity to become successful in life.

Among the initiatives afforded by the Ministry to ensure the successful start to

the business will be the collaboration with the Commercial Deeds Registry to have a clerk present at the exercise and register their businesses on the spot.

Meanwhile, during the seminars, these women would have been educated on the necessaries to secure their National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) compliances.

After completing the registration process, officers from the business incubator will continue to work along with the recipients to ensure their venture morphs into a thriving entity with several follow-ups and support.

Additionally, businesses will be able to access the free marketing and advertising platform through the WIIN app. WIIN has trained over 6000 persons with a further 6000 expected to be trained in 2023.

MARAD staff contributes...

From page 10

Marvin Lyte also expressed his satisfaction with the session. “Some of the practices highlighted in the presentation, I was familiar with and of course, it was a reminder for me and I am very happy for this as I understand that it was something that has been in the pipeline for a little while and I was very happy that with so many young people in the organization working, and sometimes we may not even understand that we are behaving in a way which may be sexual harassment, so it was very informative and I think my other colleagues could have related to it as well,” added Lyte.

Taking an active approach to address sexual harassment and misconduct in

the organisation is one of the many approaches taken by MARAD to create a safe and productive work environment for all members of staff. The session was facilitated by consultant Donna Tucker, Chief Executive Officer of Labour Relations Advisory Services.

https://dpi.gov.gy/maradstaff-contributes-toorganisations-sexual-harassment-policy-update/

$18.7M expansion works ongoing at Demerara Harbour Bridge …toimprovetrafficflow

The Ministry of Public Works is expending $18 7 million to expand the northern and southern sides of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) to improve accessibility and the smooth trafficflow

The project, which is being executed by TEDA Contracting Services and PANTHEON Construction Inc. respectively, is expected

tobecompletedbytheendof March.

The expansion of the northern lane will result in three lanes, with two lanes leading to Georgetown and one lane providing access to theEastBank.

Additionally, a curve will be added at the front of the bridge to enable vehicles to turn off without having to stop,facilitatingacontinuous flowoftraffic.

The southern lane will also be widened to create an emergency lane, providing access to emergency vehicles.

On Sunday, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill visited the project site to inspecttheongoingworks.

He stated that the project was made possible through collaboration with the GalileeGospelHallchurch.

“It is important for us to note that this is only possible because of the a g r e e m e n t a n d t h e collaboration of the church because we have had to take in some properties that belong to t h e church and they have agreed with us, they have made the provisions, we haven't interrupted any tombsandwearejustseeking togetthisdonewhilewewait on the new bridge,” he relayed.

Ongoing works on the DHB Northern lanes

Meanwhile, this will see TEDA Contracting Services receiving $ 5,795,000 to expand the southern lane,

w h i l e PA N T H E O N Construction Inc was allotted $12,998,600 to expandthenorthernlane.

Guyanese can expect to seesignificantimprovements in traffic flow once the projectiscompleted.

2023 Novices Body Building Fitness Federation (GBBFF)

The mining town of linden is set to host the 2023 Novices Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship for the fourth consecutive year at the Lichas Hall, March 25, from 19:00 hrs.

The Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) has collaborated with its partners to bring to the hard working athletes the stage for competing.

This competition has so far attracted the financial support of Fitness Express with the Federation expectant of several other business entities and individuals coming on board.

President of the GBBFF,

Keavon Bess, stated that he is extremely excited for the much anticipated 2023 Novices Body building and Fitness Championship, as he epects a high level of competition like the previous years.

On the night of the competition there will be about 25 athletes competing in the five different segments, namely: Bodybuilding, Bikini, Women’s Wellness, Men’s Physique and Miss Best legs.

According to the Federation, an official list of athletes will be presented by the first week of March.

To date some of the athletes that will be on stage are

Jubulani Dehnert, Anthony Downes, Shaun Demonic, Kewsie Anderson and Trisson Harte.

Men Physique competitors include Videsh Sookram, Delrae Anthony Mclean, Shane Wikinson, Errol Teekaram, Warren George, Omar Satar, Christopher Anthony, Yehoshua Boodie and Martin Longe.

Jada Allicock and Oshelle Williams are set to line up in the Body Building category while Vanisha Munroe, Melitha Fernandes-Anderson and Kelyna Xavier are expected to compete in the Miss Best Legs, Bikini Wellness and Bikini categories, respectively.

Saturday March 04, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A large weight should lift from your shoulders today, Aries. The air has started to clear, and the winds of communication have started blowing again. Listen closely to the buzz in the air.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

People may be abrasive today, Taurus, but you will find after careful assessment that they don't mean any harm. More than likely they aren't fully informed.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Don't criticize the situation until you've come up with a better solution, Gemini. Be creative. You can accomplish much if you approach the situation confidently.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Your thoughts may have a dreamy quality today, Cancer. You will find that things are less stable than they have been for the past few days. Don't get discouraged by pessimistic people.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Your emotions are soaring, Leo, and you should feel free to indulge in your greatest fantasies. Take a break from reality for a while. Let your inner child play.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Reward yourself with two desserts today, Virgo. Take a bubble bath. Share your fantasies with others and express yourself fully. Don't feel like you have to say yes.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The weightiness of the past few days seems to be lifting. You will find a slight breeze building that will help fuel your fire, Libra. By building a solid foundation, you've created a reliable.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Now that you have a solid grip on your situation, unexpected things may come along that change the rules again, Scorpio. It may feel like the chair you just got comfortable.

.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Use gadgets and electronic devices to make life easier today, Sagittarius. Why take the time to chop food by hand when you can use the food processor.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The

Be careful of the information that comes your way today, Capricorn. People may make unwarranted claims and false accusations. The day has a dreamy, innovative quality to it that asks you to venture out on a limb.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Maintain an air of detachment, Aquarius. Feel free to delve into your fantasy world and let your emotions carry you to another realm. Today is one of those days when you might come up with a new invention.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may find that things are much lighter than they were the past couple days, Pisces. This is a good time to let your physical body take a rest.

From page 28 possible.” He added that there will be general admission seating, VIP seating, press seating, earth mound and seating for persons with disabilities in every seating category. The stadium is expected to be completed by 2025. Also speaking at the event was Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, Ministers of Government, Private and Public Sector Executives, Regional Officials and other Government Officials.

GABBFF President, Keavon Bess (left) and Organising Secretary Videsh Sookram flank 2022 Novices champion, 15-year old Romeo Hunter.

Sod turned for ICC standard Stadium...

VSH United contributes to Jefford Classic Golden Mile

VSH United Guyana Inc., on Thursday, handed over its sponsorship for the Jefford Classic Golden Mile, which is slated for March 12 at the National Park Circuit featuring Guyana’s best athletes from as far astheRupununi.

According to a release, the JeffordTrack andFieldClassicOrganisation,saidthatitis the support of companies like VSH United, who understand their corporate and social responsibility, that is making the resuscitationandrebrandingofthetraditional GoldenMileracepossible.

“We want to thank VSH United for their contribution.Itwillhelpusproduceanevent

that will be second to none in Guyana,” the release said VSH United is the sole distributorsofRedWingShoesandproducts, includingpersonalprotectiveequipmentand gears.

TheJeffordTrackandFieldClassicbrand is leading the rebranding and resuscitation effortsofthe Golden Mile promises to be a mouthwateringshowdownamongthebestMilersin Guyana. The athletes will be competing for traininggrants,educationalgrants,vouchers, hampers and medals.There will be a special prize for the athlete who breaks the fourminutebarrierintheMile.

Test

(SportsMax) - West

Indies Vice-Captain Jermaine Blackwood called out his team’s batting performance after their 87run loss in the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

The tourists recovered from a scary situation in South Africa’s first innings when they orchestrated a batting collapse which saw the hosts go from 226-1 to 342 all out. In the Windies’ first innings, they had their own collapse, going from 169-3 to 212 all out. The West Indian bowlers were then excellent, restricting SouthAfricato116alloutin their second innings leaving theWindies needing 247 for victory

In the end, the regional side put on a poor batting performance, being bowled out for 159 in 41 overs and losingtheTestby87runs.

“I think we could have been a bit more selective,” said Blackwood, who top scored in the second innings with79,toreportersafterthe match. “We got out too easy and soft If we stayed positive, I thought we could

havegottheruns,”headded. The tourists will have six days before the start of the secondTestinJohannesburg and Blackwood says they will have to fix these problems quickly if they are level the series. “Obviously, it’s something that we have to learn quickly because we are playing against a quality

bowlingattack,”Blackwood said. “Once we can go out there and express ourselves, put away the bad balls and keep out the good balls, I think we can beat South Africa but, as a team, we have to believe we can do that,”headded.

The second Test bowls offonMarch8.

“We got out too soft,” says Blackwood after 87-run defeat in first

Jermaine Blackwood top scored for the West Indies in the second innings with 79.

Garment Customisation Lead, Steffanie DeAbreu (right), handed over the sponsorship to Edison Jefford at VSH United, Carmicheal Street.

Sod turned for ICC standard Stadium and Multipurpose facility at Palmyra

-ExxonMobilplugs$3.7Bintoproject.

Region Six will

soon see the construction of a new international standard Stadium and Multipurpose facility at Palmyra, Berbice. A sod turning ceremony to launch the construction of the mega facility was done yesterdayatthelocation.

The project will see The Greater Guyana Initiative partners (ExxonMobil, HESS and CNOOC) plugging $3.7 Billion into the project This, ExxonMobil President Alistair Routlage said, is a part of their $20 Billion commitment “towards the sustainable, economic and socialdevelopment.”

President Irfaan Ali, in delivering the feature address, said that there will be no issues with delivering the project in a timely manner and noted that the sod turning is historic for Berbice and the entire country

The President said they are actively pursuing the vision to bring to Guyana a world-class cricketing format that will have the likes of major players in the worldofcricket.

“We are going to bring a world-class cricketing product that will be competitive to any you see ontelevision…Thisvisionis clear,nothingisgoingtostop us...” Ali charged to the hundreds that attended the event.

Touching on sugar and development, Ali said that when the sugar estates were closed, Region 6 was plunged into poverty with thousands going jobless, causing a ripple effect that also crippled the private sector

In that light,Ali stressed that his government has made it their mission “to work in every single community, to ensure that every single Guyanese is a part of the prosperity of our country.”

PresidentAli,whospoke mainly on the development andmodernizationagendaof his government, noted that Region6willbeabletohave accessibility throughout the banks of the Berbice River with the consideration of a newBerbiceRiverBridge.

Added to that, Ali pointed out there will be opportunities in the industrialmanufacturingand agro processing sector,

resulting in “tens of thousands of new acres of land for agriculture” in Region 6. He mentioned the expansion of the highway currently in progress stretching from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek(four-lane)alongwith water treatment plants for betterwatersupply

“Thecreationofjobs,the opening up of new call centers, the building of a first-class, first-world technical training center US$120B,thebuildingofan international hospitality center,thetrainingoftensof thousands of Guyanese to work in the new economy, therebuildingofcommunity roads, the expansion of agriculture,theexpansionof farmtomarketaccessroads, the development and modernization of our drainage and irrigation system so that we can mitigateagainstflooding…” Alisaid.

Providinganoverviewof the project which will be constructed by Caribbean Green Building Inc, was Andres Torro of OWEN Steel Company Inc., who said they are keen on being an active player in Guyana, particularly in areas of real estate, government, hospitality, infrastructure projects, construction and more.

“Together with our lead company, Owen steel from theUnitedStates,whichhas forthepast70yearshasbeen a leader in the biggest projects involving steel tructures, large scale complexstructuresmainlyin theUS.Weareexcitedtobe here...”

Caribbean Green BuildingIncandOwenSteel are currently constructing thenewUS$35MillionFour Points by Sheraton Hotel at HoustonontheEastBankof Demerara.

Detailing some of the characteristics of the new stadiumthatwilltakeshape, Torro said that the facility will be designed and constructedatICCstandards and will allow for 10,000 spectators. The facility will also be multipurpose with t h e g r o u n d f i e l d accommodating different sporting disciplines. “... the designcanfacilitateconcerts and major events. Seating shall be as close to the playingfieldas

(Continuedonpage27)

President Irfaan Ali during the ceremonial sod turning of the new Multipurpose Facility

Essequibo Men crush Select XI inside three days

Th e G u y a n a Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Men’s Inter-County Four Day cricket tournament concluded another match at the Guyana National Stadium(GNS),Providence, yesterday,asEssequiboMen securedaconvincingvictory overtheGCBSelectXI.

Essequibo won by 272 runs inside the third day as Kemol Savory scored a magnificent century while AntonyAdamsandMalcolm Hubbard bowled Essequibo Mentoaconvincingresult.

The pair took four wicketsapieceasSelectXI’s batting crumbled on the penultimateday SelectXIweredismissed for 121 runs in the second innings from 33.3 overs, chasing a target of 334 for victory

Essequibo’s Savory and Hubbard returned to the crease from their overnight score of 95-3 on a flat and hard pitch, a typical Day three wicket

They eventually posted

297-8 declared to leavethe Select XI with a mammoth task.

Day Three started with Essequibo in a good position of the match having a lead of 190 runs batting in the second innings, with six sessions ahead

Hubbard was first to go; out caught by Kevin Umroa for 16, as Savory continued constructing h i s i n n i n g s a n d eventually got to the half century mark

Essequibo Men lost two other wickets; first

RicardoAdamsthenAntony Adams, both to the bowling ofJavidRampersaud.

Play was briefly interrupted as a result of a passing shower over with Essequibo set at 219-6 and Savory still pressing towards the triple figure mark

Players took an early lunch but when play resumed, Sampson on 47 runs, got to his half century with a beautiful

straight-drive for four as Essequibo climbed to 234-6 and Savory just 23 runs short of triple figres.

Sampson was later dismissedfor71asthescore tickedoverto258-7.

KeemoPaulcametobat and scored a fast 18 runs

from eight balls before he was caught; hitting a delivery from Umroa, straight down the throat of ZeynulRamsammystanding at the long-on boundary, pushingthescoreto278-8.

Essequibo eventually declared at 297-8 when Savory achieved the milestone

Savory spent 198 minutes constructing his score,hittingsixteenfours tofinishunbeaten

WhenSelectXIreplied once more,Alvin Mohabir and Rajendra Ramballi opened the batting and navigated Ronsford

Beaton and Neiland Cadogan for five overs before R Adams was introducedintotheattack.

A d a m s s t r u c k immediately with his second delivery to remove Ramballifor4viaLBWto as Select XI were now 21-

1 AntonyAdams from the otherendlaterborethebat of David Williams, with only his second delivery oftheday

Adams started with a spectacular wicket maiden, as Select XI move to 22-2. SelectXIthenlostCarlosLa R o s e a n d Z e y n u l Ramsammy cheaply as SelectXIslidfurtherto56-4. Mohabirthensmashedthree consecutivecover-drivesfor four of the bowling of Hubbard before he finally gotoutfor33from55balls. SelectXInow56-5.

Jonathan Rampersaud was the next to go; out caughtatmid-offpositionas thescoremovedto94-6.

Chandrika hit a few handsomeshotsinhisknock of 26 runs before he was dismissedat105-7.Theside then lost their last three wicketsfor16runs.

Antony Adams ended with 4-44 from 14 overs including three maidens, while Hubbard finished with 4-29 from 7 3 overs Malcolm Hubbard was adjudged Man-of-theMatch for his sevenwicket haul and a valuable half century in the first innings

Malcolm Hubbard receives his Man of the Match awards after the match against Select XI

Milo U18 Schools Football Tournament commences ninth voyage today

Edition nine of the Petra organised Milo Under-18 Secondary School Football Tournament is all lined up and ready to go today with the first four matches of the Nestlé/Massy Distributionsponsored event, at the Ministry of Education

(MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Following the march past ceremony at 10:30 hrs with the majority of schools expected to be present, the programme kicksoffat11:00hrswiththe first showdown that pits

Marian Academy against EastRuimveldt.

At12:45hrs,Barticawill oppose Bush Lot while Carmel faces Bygeval at 14:00 hrs and North Ruimveldt collides with Patentiafrom15:45hrs

On Sunday, March 5,

GFFWomen’sDevelopmentLeague...

Frompage32

shine and excel,” shared GFF President Forde.

Twelveclubs,featuringseniorandjunior national players, will play in venues across Guyana over the next month, providing a platform to showcase players’ talent and inspire a new generation of fans and female footballers.

“AkeystrategicpriorityoftheTechnical Department is to increase the game time for ourjuniorandseniorfemaleplayers.Weare obligated to affording our females equal opportunities to play and develop similar to their male counterparts. We continue to explore multiple tournament formats that negates the geographical challenges associated with enabling teams from every corner of Guyana, being able to access and participate in a national Women’s Development League ” Shared Bryan Joseph,TechnicalDirector(ag).

Wenowlookforwardtogettingouttothe community venues and enjoy the competition. Obviously, there are more opportunities to scout and assess the talent within local football with the aim of expandingtheeliteplayerpopulation.

TheplayoffissponsoredbyMVPSports andUrbanLife.TheWomen’sDevelopment

Football League was launched in June 2022 with37teamsfromacrossGuyana.

Women’s Football Association (WFA) PresidentAndrea Johnson said the league is the most competitive and popular female tournament in Guyana and its continued success is linked to the commitment of the players,officialsandstrategicpartnerships.

“Women’s Football Development is indeed on the rise in Guyana because of the commitment of the players and officials and strategic partnerships. The Guyana Football Federation and the Women’s Football Association will continue to work assiduously as we continue to foster the developmentofwomen’sfootball.”

The 12 clubs in the playoff are: Bartica

All Stars FC, Potaro Strikers FC, Essequibo

AllStarsFC,FoxyLadiesFC,MilerockFC, Coomacka FC, Pakuri Jaguars FC, New Amsterdam United FC, Guyana Police Football Club, Guyana Defence Force FC, FrutaConquerorsFCandSantosFC.

The Women’s Development Football League is a pathway to the national programmes. Players who impress coaches will be invited to train with the national teams.

Thechampionshipmatchwillbeheldon April1.

Annandale and Westminster kick off day two at 11:00 hrs then Berbice Educational Institute and Charlestown Secondarymeetfrom12:45hrs

Theremainingmatcheswillsee Chase’s Academy and Dora thrash it out from 14:00 hrs whileAnn’sGroveandQueen’s Collegeclosethedayofffrom 15:45hrs

The competition continues the following weekend, March 11 – 12, at thesamevenuewithanother eightmatchestobecontested Kaieteur Sports had an opportunity to interact with Co-Director of Petra, Troy Mendonca, ahead of the tournament. When quizzed about Petra’s expectations fromtheteamsinthisseason, he said, “We expect the teams to be more organised because a lot of teams show the kind of enthusiasm for participation.” “Ultimately, we are looking forward to seeing that gap being

bridged where the players evolve from that child running around the field to being responsible members of society Our mandate is about grooming the youths so they can effectively transition into becoming effective at the highest levels.” Mendoncafurther added that even though Petra has chosen the final 32, no decision has been made to increase the numberofteamsthatwillvie forthetitle.The top team in this tournament walks away with $300,000 in

kind to any project of the school’schoice

Second place carts off with $200,000 while third and fourth will have to settle for $100,000 and $75,000 Thiseditionofthe tournament is sponsored by Nestlé(Milo),sanctionedby the Ministry of Education and Guyana Football Federationandsupportedby Massy Distribution, Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc (GINMIN), General Equipment & Supplies, Inc. (GENEQUIP) and MVP Sports.

Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca

GFF Women’s Development League Playoff kicks off today

Fourexcitingmatchesin Linden, Bartica, Essequibo and St. Cuthbert’s will kick off the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Women’s Development Football League Playoff on Saturday March4,2023.

PakuriWarriorswilltake on New Amsterdam United at 14:00 hours in St

Cuthbert’s Mission while Milerock Football Club will take on Coomacka Football Club at Wisburg Secondary School Ground, Wismar, Linden, Region 10 and EssequiboAllStarstakeson Foxy Ladies at the Cotton

Tree, Anna Regina Multilateral School Ground simultaneously at 15:00

hours. BarticaAll Stars will play Potaro Strikers in the secondmatchat20:00hours at the Bartica Community CentreGround.

GFF President Wayne Forde stressed that the league is at the core of the development of women’s football in Guyana as the Federation continues to

focus on ensuring yearround football for female players. “As we continue to build a more robust and

consistent year-round football season for female football across Guyana, I would like to encourage the

fans to come out and create thebestpossibleatmosphere forourfemaleplayersto

(Continuedonpage31)

Trophy Stall Golf tournament tees off today

Today, March 4, the Lusignan Golf Club will be the place to be as they prepare to host the highly anticipatedTrophyStallgolf tournament.Thetournament isexpectedtoteeoffat12:30 hrs and it will be a Medalplay over 18 holes and shotgunstart.

Prizes up for grabs will befromfirsttothird,overall bestgross,nearesttotheflag and longest drive. Speaking onbehalfofthegolfclubwas Public Relations Officer Paton George who said, “Trophy Stall has been one of our main sponsors, going back over a decade as they havebeenworkingwithusin

atrulybeneficialway.”

“We get alot of our trophies and memorabilia fromTrophyStallandinturn they host a yearly tournament.Thetournament is always exciting, this year we expect the course ti play very long because the ball will not roll out that much.

We expect a very competitivecompetitionand winner will definitely have towithstandtheconditions.”

He further related that while the grounds are in good condition, it will be a soft fairway as there would notbemuchbounceandroll.

George further thanked Trophy Stall as he said the

club is looking to continue their fruitful relationship as theyprogressintothefuture.

All participants are advisedtocontacttheclub’s manager on the day of the tournament to collect their scorecards, pay their tournamentfeesandproceed totheirallocatedteeboxesto beginplay

Once on their respective teeboxes,playersmustawait the sounding of the horn or siren as indication to begin teeingoff.

Presentation of prizes w

Tropy Stall Sales Representative, Monique Allicock, hands over the sponsorship cheque to LGC PRO, Paton George, in the presence of the club Secretary, Chet Bowling.

MVP Sports Managing Director, Ian Ramdeo (extreme left) stands with GFF officials and team representatives during the announcement of their partnership for the event.

West Indies Championship…

Harpy Eagles on top ahead of third round

Less than two weeks remain before the resumption of the 2023 West Indies Championship fourdayfirst-classTournamentthathas the Guyana Harpy Eagles in the lead after the completion of two rounds.

The third round of the tournamentisscheduledtobowloff on March 18 and wrap up on or before March 21 in Trinidad and Tobago. However, the venues for the three matches in the upcoming roundhavenotbeenannouncedby CricketWestIndies(CWI).

Inthethirdround,HarpyEagles will meet third place holder, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, while Jamaica Scorpions face off with Windward Islands Volcanoes and Barbados Pride meet Leeward

IslandHurricanes.

Currently, Guyana commands theboardwithatallyof28.6points ahead of defending champion, Barbados, who are second with 23 points. Trinidad and Tobago sit in third with 20 6 points with Windward Islands on their heels with19.4points.

Leeward Islands are in the penultimate spot but still marginallywithinstrikingdistance of the title on 17.4 points while Jamaica are in the cellar with 10 pointsontheboard.

Inroundtwo,Barbadoswasthe onlyteamtosecureavictorywhile Guyana,LeewardIslands,Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islandsallsecureddrawnresultsas Jamaicaconcededtheonlydefeat.

In the opening round, Harpy

Eagleswastheonlyteamtoemerge victoriousasRedForce,Scorpions, Hurricanes and Volcanoes played to drawn results and Pride chalked upaloss.

At the end of the first round, Harpy Eagles led with 20 points, Red Force were second with 10.2 points, Volcanoes had 8.4 points, Hurricanes had 7 4 points, Scorpions were on 6.2 points and Pridehad4.8points.

Meanwhile,theremainingthree rounds of the five-round tournament are fixed to unravel in the Twin Island Republic, but the venuesarealsoyettobeconfirmed. RoundfourisscheduledforMarch 22 – 25 while the final round is billedforMarch29–April1.

Bravo & Jordan atop batting & bowlinglists

Trinidad’s Darren Bravo and Barbados’ Akeem Jordan have assertedthemselvestothetopofthe batting and bowling lists, respectively, following the completionofthetworounds. Bravoleadswith261runsfrom four innings with two even centuriesof100,oneofwhichwas unbeaten.

Alick Athanaze is second on 244 runs from the same amount of inningswithahighscoreof141this season while teammate Kimani Meliusisthirdwithanaccumulated scoreof204runs.Meliushasatop scoreof192thisseason.

Guyana’s Matthew Nandu is alsoon204fromfourinningswith

a high score of 126. The top four batsmen are the only players this seasontohavescoredacentury In the bowling department, Jordanhaspickedup12wicketsin two matches and surged to the top of the Most Wickets lists with consistencyacrossthefourinnings heplayed.Hehasrecorded4–65as hisbestfiguresfortheseasonsofar The veteran, Guyanese VeersammyPermaul,sitsinsecond with 11 wickets from four innings withabestof4–53.BryanCharles (T&T), Rahkeem Cornwall (LIH) andRyanJohn(WIV)arealltiedon ten wickets each while Shamar Joseph (Guy) and Patrick Harty (Jam)haveninewicketseach.

Darren Bravo produced two centuries in Red Force’s second match this season.

(Photo: Wired868)

Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca