Kaieteur News

ChrisRam urges...

All Guyanese to support KN Publisher’s call for key changes to ExxonMobil PSA

- accuses Govt. of engaging in incestuous, unholy relationship with oil companies

Though Kaieteur News Thecolumnistsaid,“The Agreements, while section sub-contractors, affiliated Publisher,GlennLalllosthis optics appear to have been 51 is to give the Minister the companies, and to their legal battle to end a 40-year lost on the Government that power to direct that the expatriate employees under tax free ride for ExxonMobil here it was on the same side severaltaxlawsreferredtoin definedcircumstances. Corporation and partners in of the oil companies fighting the section shall not apply to Based on the foregoing the Stabroek Block; a public-spirited private orinrelationtothelicensee. grounds, among others, Lall Chartered Accountant, individual citizen who was He said the Court losthiscase. Christopher Ram is of the challenging the agreement therefore found that the The KN Publisher is view that the fight must w h i c h t h e P P P C Minister’s powers to grant currently reviewing his continue. Government had committed tax waivers applied not only option to appeal the Court

In his most recent in its 2020 Manifesto to to licensees, but also to their ruling. column published by renegotiate.”

Stabroek News, Ram said he As the case moved to the would encourage all next stage, Ram said the Guyanese to support Lall’s lawyers for both the call for changes to certain government and the oil contractual terms so as to companies raised procedural prevent their inherent issues seeking to prevent the travesty being perpetuated case from being heard. He until 2056 when the said the gist of the Attorney Production Sharing General’s response was that Agreementwillfinallycome the agreement was a toanend. contractual matter falling in

He wrote, “The PPPC the realm of private law He Government probably noted that the attorneys for considers the results of the Esso also challenged Mr case as a success, enabled by Lall’s standing to bring the and for the benefit mainly of case, his delay in bringing the oil companies. In the the action, the manner and process, it has abdicated its procedure in which Lall responsibility to Guyanese brought his action, and the and broke its Manifesto right of the Court to hear the commitment. As if these are matter Ram said the Judge not bad enough, it fails to ruled that the allegation that exercise any regulatory t h e M i n i s t e r w i t h oversight over the oil responsibility for petroleum companies with which it had acted ultra vires of the now engages in an provision of statue by incestuous and unholy granting tax concessions, relationship.” exemptions and waivers to

With this in mind, Ram parties other than the oil categorically stated that the companies, justified the fight for contractual changes Court’sintervention. must not cease. He said, While a delay by itself “The battle might have been maynotjustifyarefusalbya lostbutthewarhastogoon.” court to hear a matter, Ram

In recapping some of the said an applicant has to offer key points in Lall’s case, an acceptable explanation to Ram noted that it was on justify an unusually long February 22, 2023, that the delay, even if that included Guyana High Court handed 15 months during which the downitsdecisioninthecourt Agreement was kept from challenge. The action was the public. He said Lall had filed on January 22, 2022 proffered that he had relied naming the Attorney on the commitment by the General,AnilNandlallasthe PPPC in its 2020 Manifesto respondent It essentially to renegotiate the contract sought17declarationsbythe onceinGovernment. Court that the breadth of I n d e c l i n i n g t h e concessions granted by then Respondent’s application APNU+AFC Petroleum thatthematterbethrownout, Minister, Raphael Trotman Ram said the Court notonlytotheoilcompanies recognised that the case was but to their affiliates, sub- the first of a kind in a new contractors and employees industry registering a of the oil companies and phenomenal growth The their sub-contractors were Courtalsoemphasisedthatit not permitted by law and was for those reasons only werethereforeillegal. that it allowed the extensive Ram said it was on delay Furthermore, Ram March 31, 2022 that said the Court recognised ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, thatthepurposeofsection10 Esso Exploration and ofthePetroleumExploration Production Guyana Limited and Production Act, (PEPA) (EEPGL) applied to be istoauthorisetheMinisterto addedasarespondent. enter into Petroleum

Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram KN Publisher, Glenn Lall

Guyana.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

PHAGWAH

Phagwah is a time of celebration, of anticipation,

and of joy So much of those three ingredients should be part of the blessing that belongs to Guyanese on this Phagwah Day, a national holiday GreetingsandblessingstoallofourGuyanesebrothersand sistersonthisPhagwahDay

Weextendthethanksforeverycitizenofthiscountry,we delight in reaching forward with hope in our hearts to all, regardless of whether they agree or not with us. We, the Guyanesepeople,areownersofgreatblessings,andwemust doourbest,putourbestfootforward,toensurethatweget thebestoutofthebountiesofourpatrimony

For us to extract the most and the best out of national gifts, we must have goodness in our hearts, gladness in our minds,forourfellowcitizens,andwithoutexception.Thisis the essence of Phagwah: the conquest of good over evil. Becausetheonlywaythatevilcanbemasterediswhenwe start out with goodness in our own hearts, and bless those whocomeintoourpresence.

Fortoolong,toomanydecades,wehaveheldhateinour hearts, and we are the worst of losers for it. We have weakenedourselvestosuchanextentthatthebestwecando is allowing ourselves to be scattered to wherever the wind blowsus,whateverdirectionpulled. Toomuchdarknesshas flourishedinGuyana,andallaremoreshortsightedforit.

We see only enemies, when we should be brothers; we perceiveevilseverywhereandineveryonebecausethegood inushasbeenbanished,andselfishnessandallitswoeshave overtakenus,nowconsumeus.ThesimplejoysofPhagwah arelessened.

Inacountrythatisadazzlinglightintheeyesofothers, wherevertheymaybe,weareachronicblighttoeachother As far away as China and now India, more and more are interestedinbeingaparticipantandabeneficiaryinourgreat riches, yet we ourselves are so unlearning that we remain doggedly,wretchedlypoor

Wearetoopoorintoomanymaterialthings,whichisthe tough lot of too many Guyanese in this time of great developments, and greater promise. The light and color of Phagwahmustempowerustoseethelightinothers,andthat itknowsnocolor,nolimits. Letusforoncebethisbright,so that we can see past the smallness of our existence, in that none is allowed to divide and then dominate us, and last, enslaveus.

We have grown too preoccupied with sensing the worst in our fellow citizens, and concluding that there are only enemiespresent.

This is sure to bring smiles to the exploiters who evilly andcallouslypitusoneagainsttheother Astheyhavedone before elsewhere, and right here before, they do again in order that they can richly gain at our expense. This is the unending context of exploited and brutalized Guyanese: as westaypoor,wecontinuetobehungryandangry,whilethe cunning and crooked make utter fools of us, the ordinary citizens of this country.Phagwah is a celebration of good overevil,andthiswemustallsee,forthisisneitherreligion or culture, but what must become our way of life: good triumphingoverthepowerful,evil,localandforeignforces that rule. It is those same evil forces that drive us to uninterruptedquarrelingandjabbingateachother

In this time of great national light, there is that other aspect of Phagwah, the one about anticipation of a fruitful harvest. As a people, Guyanese have many anticipations about the offshore harvests that are due to them. To this point, their anticipations have not been met, not even fractionally, with one leadership failure, and feeble excuse, afteranother

The offshore and on land harvests belong to the Guyanese people, but so far they have not reaped what is their due. This is Phagwah beyond the chanting and color. ThisisthelightanddelightofPhagwahthateveryGuyanese shouldbelivingwithdaily.

Vacuous Vacant Notices

DEAREDITOR,

The vacancies keep flowing – almost over every pageofthedailypapers,with Sundays’ inundated with a plethoraofnotices,ofwhich JobDescriptionsrangefrom being simplistic to demanding of focused analysis by overzealous prospectiveapplicants.

To the more attentive observer it is indicative that the creators of some notices could hardly be competent H u m a n R e s o u r c e s functionaries; and in some

cases, the organisations reflecttheirrecentarrivalsin the business community Interesting also would be e v i d e n c e o f t h e organisational structure of the employment agency involved Also indicative could be the high turnover rate of job occupancy – in organisations assumed to be operating in encouraging workenvironments.

In the process there can be insinuations about the c o m m u n i c a t i o n relationships –beginning

with productive orientation programmes.

Do the newcomers (possibly from other organisations) speak the same language as the welcoming managers and theircolleagues?

For example, do the respective parties (applicants and recruiters) share the same view of the effective authority status of ‘Manager’ vis a vis ‘Officer’?

Inanycasehe/shewould have pondered how in one

well-established company there could be the following vacancies at the same time: Three Managers; Two Officers; One Supervisor –as if there were no Succession Plan, which of course must be based on an effective system of PerformanceEvaluation–or is the relevant position also vacant?

One looks out for the nextNoticeofVacanciesina singleorganisation!

Sincerely,

E.B.John

Changes with the second coming of age

DEAREDITOR,

Thefirstwasourpolitical independence from Great Britain. The second is our economic independence withthediscoveryofoiland gas.

A c l e a r a n d unquestionablefactoflifein Guyanaisthattheoilandgas industry is now a fully established reality, entrenched in the country’s nationaleconomy

Soon, this fact will find expression in the creative works of our poets, writers, comedians, playwrights, novelists and other artistes just as they did with our rivers, forests, savannas, sugar, rice and our mineral resources.

At the same time, this phenomenon has brought in its wake, a new situation whereby certain sections of the city of Georgetown are likelytolosethatfamilial,if not romantic connection with those of us who were born and grew up in the city thatisfastbecomingonethat neversleeps.

The possible loss of that c o n n e c t e d n e s s , i s compoundedbythefactthat someedificesinGeorgetown remain standing only because the Atlantic winds are mild, the sea levels have not risen to threatening levels nor do we suffer the consequences of natural disasters save for the occasional floods due to heavy rain fall. Proprietary neglect is probably the fundamental reason for the rundown condition of those buildings.

In the humdrum of everyday city life, container hauler trucks and others laden with all kinds of huge funny looking pieces of equipment, never seen beforebutmostlikelyrelated to the oil industry, can be seen moving up and down city streets The whole country seems to be in the

heady throes of a long economicboom.

An integral part of Guyana’s current economic boomisthatthereappearsto be more contracts for infrastructural works than therearereliablecontractors, skilled-men and laborers in the labour market Of interest, there are some contractorswhoareworking overtime on two or three projectsatthesametime.But that is only part of the big picture where numerous government financed infrastructural works are concerned.

On the human resource development side, there appears to be acute shortages. According to the World Bank Resident Representative; ‘’Guyana has less than half of the neededtechnicalskillsinthe areas of engineering, environmental specialists and welders only 49,6% of those skills are readily available.” We have to play ‘catch-up ’ GOAL scholarships have been introduced and while a significant number have enrolled, more takers are needed.

Decades ago, many Guyanese would have thought it absurd to imagine a free and open press, buttressed by social media that has produced a community of dispersed but enthusiastic letter writers who chose to express their views and ideas on topical issues that some might view as weird or preposterous.

Similarly, very few Guyanese would have considereditimpossiblethat non-coercive citizen cooperationsuchastheMen onaMissioninitiativewould have joined hands to build housesfreeofcostforsenior citizens.

Of unimaginable proportions is the utilization ofGuyana’sstandingforests

ascarbonsinksthatgenerate impressive financial resources from the sale of carbon credits, initially, for thebenefitofourindigenous peoples.Years ago, it would have been unthinkable to accept that money could be garnered through what has become popularly known as a low carbon development strategy

Inthemidstofthehustle and bustle and media noises created over the oil and gas industry, the State has initiated numerous events that connect and reconnect the lives of Guyanese from allwalksoflife.Eventssuch as the recently concluded Energy Conference in Georgetown and the launch of the construction of the Berbice stadium and multipurpose facility at Palmyra,capturethetiesthat bring people together whether in city or country, obligingthemtointeractand tobenefitfromeachotherin onewayoranother

Ioncesuggestedtoacity taxidriverthat10to15years from now, Guyana will be a different country and inquiredofhimhowheplans to make use of the transformation, he couldn’t answer Ithensuggestedthat he buy another two or three carsandaddthemtothetwo he claimed he already had withaviewtoestablishinga taxi service of his own. He acceptedtheadvise.

On another occasion, I put the same question to another taxi driver who was morepositive.

He told me he was investing in a poultry farm ontheHighway,hisintention w a s s e l l e g g s t o supermarkets and Chinese restaurantsandtoeventually link up with larger poultry rearers on the East Bank. Experiences of city life and the things we observe and learn by living in the city have, no doubt, helped form

the scaffolding of our identity The city is both the problem and the solution to the quandaries of its inhabitantseverydaylives.

B e i n g p a r t o f Georgetown is no longer determined by ownership or wealth, but by participation. In consequence, our actions change and refine the city Consider for example, the people’s participation in the just concluded Mash Day float parade. It should be noted however that the massive replacement of private residences or known city landmarks especially at corner spaces by humungus, glassifiedtenstorybuildings are proliferating but is often toosubtletonotice.

For the elderly, and the physically disabled, Georgetown must be a territory of no-go areas, hidden threats and restrictions.

Regrettably, there are places that no longer seem open to them since they would have lost their freedom of movement Guyanese still look forward to meeting at outdoor places in the city where they could congregate, relax and enjoy theambiance.

Awelcomesightiswhere somepublicplacesarebeing populated with trees resultingintheemergenceof green spaces making them more people-friendly by providing cycling lanes, trees, lighting and outdoor seating.

Spacesthatoncefellinto disuse for one reason or another are now being repurposed as public and green spaces, these can be seen at the Lamaha Boulevard; the walkway at JP Latchmansingh highway, the Kingston Beach Front; walk-ways along the East Coast and East Bank highways, the Sea Wall and thePuntTrenchDam

(Continuedonpage6)

The Commissioner of Police (COP) should instruct his senior traffic officers to start enforcing the “lesser” traffic laws

DEAREDITOR,

A recent article in your newspapers titled ‘Hicken lays down riot act to senior traffic officers’ is indeed a m o s t e n c o u r a g i n g development. For it is clear that the rapid pace of the country’s development, p a r t i c u l a r l y r o a d infrastructure, is in no way paralleltothecountry’sroad users who wilfully and wantonly break the traffic laws on a daily basis. This wanton disregard for our roadways and others who use it has now become so

DEAREDITOR,

I wrote these short paragraphs three years ago and within the Guyanese political landscape, the message almost seems palpably prophetic with the political choices made by Guyanese families, the consequences of their choices and the enveloping ensuing poverty that permeatestheirlives.

These two major ethnic political parties have ravaged the Guyanese nation, their economy and theirlivesformorethanhalf acenturywiththeexpressed consent of the very families that bears these harsh penaltiesfornogoodreason.

These are the short paragraphs (below) that I wrotethreeyearsago: Itiswithtrepidationthat the results of poll of the General Elections March 2nd, 2020 in Guyana is awaited.

commonplace that i am certain that these errant drivers can no longer differentiate between right andwrongonourroads. WhileourCOPhasevery right to be extremely concernedaboutthenumber of deaths on our roadways, there is a possible basic fundamental contributor which the police may be completelymissing.Adrunk orspeedingdriverdidn’tjust turnuponedayanddecideto put his life and other innocentroadusersatrisk.It is more a culmination of a

Theeightweekspolitical campaign of the two major ethnic parties, the People’s National Congress ReformPNCR and the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic quite distinctively revealed an omission of any serious discussion on policies and actionsspecificallydesigned to lift one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere out of the doldrums of poverty In addition, the long track record spanning decades in government of both parties confirm very little to be expected in the way of substantive change and economic growth for Guyanesefamilies.

The third political force has been almost completely shut out as both ethnic parties drove home to their supporters the point that a voteforthethirdforcehelps the other ethnic side to victory It appears, in this

mentality which he d e v e l o p e d a f t e r continuously committing other “minor” traffic offenses with little or no consequences.

And this is where I strongly feel his force needs tobemoreproactive.Fortoo long traffic police have paid very little heed to drivers who ignore traffic lights, stoporparkanywherealong the road, overtaking in a prohibitedzone,ignoringthe right of passage on turning lanes etc Or more specifically, too few drivers

face the law for such offences since most are “informally” settled out of court. When drivers routinely commit these offences with little or no consequences,orrealizethat a small payment can make their offense go away, it empowers them to commit more dangerous and lifethreatening road offenses which ultimately culminate with a tragedy I therefore respectfully suggest to the COPthatpartofhis“riotact” should include that traffic officers start paying more serious attention to these lesser offenses Maybe within each division there should be a core of officers

specifically assigned to deal with the stopping and parking problem.And if the law permits, use the many cameras which are positionedatsomanyofour stop lights to catch those offenders who commit their acts on a daily basis. Just as importantly, the COP has to mandate his senior staff to collect adequate data which can identify whether the forceismakinganyheadway into improving our roads. For example, statistics need to be collected to show the main types of offenses, how many offenses make it to court, if there are regular repeat offenders, identify zones which seem to be at

highest risk to errant drivers etc. A simple benchmark should be created to start a protracted enforcement campaign. Should there be any increase or decrease in this benchmark then at least it will be a gauge to determine if the senior officers are doing their job efficiently I strongly feel that if we mandate (through stringent enforcement of the law)ourdriverstoadhereto the“simpler”roadlawsthen we will create a more cautious and law- abiding driver who will ultimately use our roadways more judiciously Regards,

M.Abraham

instance,thattheresentment and fear of the other ethnic side exceeded the need to hold your own ethnic party accountable in their promisestosecureeconomic growth across the Guyanese nation for all Guyanese familiesofallethnicities.

Therewillbeawinnerin these elections.Yet in a rare eventintheFreeWorld,itis the loser that is more important. And the loser is the Guyanese people. The ethnic sentiments and division of political allegiance to either ethnic party is palpable. We must respectthewishesandvotes oftheGuyaneseelectoratein theresultsofthesepolls.And the Guyanese people must respect and, inevitably, accept the consequences of theirownactions.

May God bless Guyana anditspeople Regards,

KrisKooblall

frequently absent at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court

Magistrate

DEAREDITOR,

I shall be thankful if you publish this letter in the columns of your esteemed newspaper

Through this, I like to draw to the attention of the Ministry of LegalAffairs on the state of the Mahaica. MagistrateCourt.

The sitting magistrate of the Mahaica Magistrate Court needs to uphold her duty of serving this nation rather than absent herself fromproceedingsforseveral sittingsofthecourt.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Supreme Courtshouldhirecompetent people who can serve in these positions without

excusesandpeoplewhowill notbeawayforoveramonth fromcourtduty

For the third time, cases of many persons are called and put off due to the magistratereportingsickand aregivenweekstocomplete thesecasesbyalwayssetting new dates. The country is benefitting from funding to help strengthen and reform justice system for the bettermentofthepopulation andGuyana,butwhatweare gettingisaninjustice.

Can you imagine people going to court two to three timesonlytobetoldthatthe magistrate is not here today please come back another date.

Ifamagistrateissickfor two to three weeks can the Courtgetanothermagistrate totemporarilyfillthegapor can the legal bodies both MinistryandCourtworkand merge these two courts and have two sitting magistrates soifoneissickthenanother canhandlematters.

It is frustrating since people travel from as far as Grass hook, Mahaica creek running to the court and be disappointed.

Moneyhastobespentto travelandbethereforsimple civilmattersandthecourtis justunconcerned.

Thankyou.

Yoursfaithfully, VickarM.Hussian

Thesetwomajorethnicpoliticalparties haveravagedtheGuyanesenation

Changes with the second...

Frompage4 Boulevards and Parliament gardens.

At the same time, we havelostsomepublicspaces in the city without realizing it.The‘urbanrenaissance’or creeping modernization of Georgetown is slowly but surely changing much of what the city used to be.

Sections of the city are experiencingmodernitywith high rise office buildings of steel, concrete and glass while hotels and shopping malls, restaurants as well as pricey supermarkets and boutiques are either springing up or about to do so.

The Roman-Dutch architecture of buildings in certain parts of Georgetown such as Brickdam, Queenstown, Alberttown, Bourda and Lacytown have undergone dramatic changes Georgetown appears to be either in a c o n s t a n t s t a t e o f transformation, demolition and rebuilding, but it is this repeated change that makes the city look vibrant. There are wards in Georgetown like Kingston, Bourda, Lacytown,Alberttown,Kitty and Wortmanville that have modernised infrastructurally, but still hold tight to architectural iconoclasmsandtalesrooted inGuyanesefolklore.

Georgetown is a city in flux, and transformation, many residents are moving out preferring to live in the new housing schemes and s u b - u r b a n g a t e d communities outside the city.

Changeisinevitable,and the dismantling of old buildings sold to either the nouveau riche or to local or foreign entrepreneurs have notgoneunnoticed.

It’s pleasing to see the transformative work currently underway at the old railway station currently beingconvertedtoarailway museum, a place for the exhibition and sale of local handicraft and a restaurant forlocalcuisine.

The repurposed facility will serve as a tangible reminder to older folks and to educate young people about the location where trains that carried hundreds of passengers to and from Georgetown were once stationed.

In the meanwhile, Georgetown still lacks a modern transport system Stabroek market square, the old ferry stelling, the east coast, the west bank, east bank and Berbice car parks have long become the locationswherepeoplemust goinsearchoftransportation irrespective of where they liveintownorcountry

Onadailybasis,between 4.30 to 6.30 pm, in that sectionofthecity,throngsof people can be seen heading out of the city in search of land or water transportation. The morning hours between 7 and 8 30 am are no different with hundreds entering the city from the samelocation.

It is in the context of these changes that we must accept, rather than reject the newrealitiesthatconfrontus whether we live in town or country.

When one reflects on all the transformative occurrences that have happened and about to happen,astonishmentwould be a reasonable and appropriate reaction to the remarkable changes we are witnessing.

Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee

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LET’S BURN SOME DEMONS TODAY

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The night before Phagwah Hindus would light a massive bonfire known as Holika Dahan to celebrate the burning of the Demoness Holika, Demon King Hiranyakashyap’s sister.

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Today we come to burn some demons in Guyana: racism, betrayal, corruption, discrimination, exploitation, divisiveness, banditry and that lopsided ExxonMobil contract.

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Hindus believe that performing Holika puja on Holi bestows strength, prosperity, and wealth in Hindu religion.

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We at this paper believe if we set on fire those vices mentioned above Guyana will be a better place.

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drownswhile fishinginAnnaReginaCanal

A twelve-year-old boy died on Sunday while fishing in an Anna Regina, Essequibo CoastcanalonSunday Dead is Masood Browne, a Grade Eight studentoftheAlMadinaIslamicAcademy Reports are that around 08:00 hours, Browne left home to check his fishing line, which was cast in the Anna Regina Canal, parallel to the Anna Regina Masjid compound. He later returned home with a catfish, which he gave to his mother Onica Adams.

The boy reportedly left home again at about 09:30 hours to go and check on his fishing line. However, he did not return.This prompted his relatives to launch a search partyinthevicinityofthecanal.

The lad’s slippers were seen floating in the canal and his bicycle remained parked neartheMasjid.

As the sun set, search efforts intensified and the lad’s father, Jim Browne searched for him in the canal using a pole and steel hook. At around 20:30 hrs Sunday night the boy’s bodywasfishedoutofthesaidcanal.

The child’s body was taken to the Suddie Browne was clad in a black jersey and Public Hospital and was pronounced dead on blue short pants. During an examination, no arrival by Dr Moffett. Thereafter, it was marks of violence were seen. However, froth taken to the hospital’s mortuary where it was evident at the nose and mouth of the awaitsapostmortemexamination. child.

New 35 well drilling campaign in Stabroek Block can overburden dumpsites

-Exxonstudy

Atlantic Ocean

ExxonMobil through its explains. may be appropriate for subsidiary, Esso Exploration To this end it was consideration going and Production Guyana recommended that a multi- forward.” Limited (EEPGL) has stakeholder collaborative Intheabsenceofotheroil submitted a Cumulative organization be formed with and gas or industrial ImpactAssessment (CIA) to EPA oversight and the operations exerting a t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l participation and support of significant increase in ProtectionAgency(EPA)for EEPGL as well as the other demand on Georgetowna new 35 well drilling oil and gas operators and based hazardous waste campaign it intends to start associated supporting treatment facilities, the upduringthethirdquarterof industries and other cumulative projected peak thisyear industries where there may hazardous waste generation

T h e d o c u m e n t , becumulativeimpacts. of approximately 500 tonnes according a notice in the “The focus of this per month represent a daily newspapers, was organization should be to significant portion of the uploaded to the EPA’s raise awareness of and t o t a l d e m a n d f o r website, triggering a 60-day developstrategiestomanage G e o r g e t o w n - b a s e d public comments period, and monitor the likely hazardous waste treatment commencingMarch5,2023. cumulative impacts of oil facilities.

The CIA was prepared and gas and other induced T h e C o n s u l t a n t for Exxon by its Consultant, economic activities in explained that with the Environmental Resources Guyana,” the Consultant recent and ongoing Management (ERM) noted. expansion of hazardous

Among the warnings According to the study, w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t contained in the 2,054 paged the cumulative projected infrastructure and capacity document is the project’s peak waste generation is in Georgetown, this waste potential to overburden approximately 940 tonnes generation rate is not Guyana’s dumpsites with per month inclusive of non- expected to overburden the waste from the offshore hazardous and hazardous treatmentcapacity drillingoperations. substances. About the drilling

O f 1 5 V a l u e d “ C o n s e r v a t i v e l y campaign

Environmental and Social assuming all the non- EEPGL has proposed to Components (VECs), the hazardous waste and all the c o n d u c t f u r t h e r study identified Waste treated hazardous waste exploration/appraisal Management Infrastructure (assuming no reduction in drilling in the Stabroek and Capacity (Landfills) as mass during treatment) is Block for an additional 35 the only receptor with a high ultimately disposed of in a wells. The exact locations of priorityrating. non-hazardous landfill, this the 35 wells comprising the

The Environmental represents approximately Project have not been Impact Statement (EIS) on 6 2 percent of the total finalized. The operator said page 7 states, “It is c u r r e n t d e m a n d o n that while some of the 35 foreseeable that cumulative Georgetown-based landfill wells will be drilled for impacts associated with this facilities (on the order of exploration purposes, it is industry (and the supporting 15,000 tonnes per month),” alsopossiblethatsomeofthe industries), in combination thedocumentexplains. wells may be drilled as with other planned projects It added that when the appraisal wells within the and economic activities in opening of Cell Two is proximity of previously Guyana,havethepotentialto considered at the Haags drilled exploration areas overburden the capacity of Bosch Landfill, and the Appraisalwellsaredrilledto the current infrastructure in limited percent contribution better define the physical Guyanaand/ortheresiliency oftheProject,thisrepresents attributes of petroleum of environmental and social a relatively low level of resources that have been receptors.” impact on non-hazardous discovered through prior

This may have cascading w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t explorationactivities. effects on the VECs infrastructure and capacity

If discoveries are found identified in the study such for the longer-term (up to 10 at particular locations, asairqualityandclimateand years). subsequent wells could be those that may have been However, “New landfill drilledinthesameareato screened out the CIA development in the region (Continued on page 9)

Dead: Masood Browne

GUYANA

SURINAME

Map showing the location of the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana

MORE DEATHS WILL FOLLOW UNLESS…

Ever since the PPPC resurfaced and extended the West Coast to Parika Public Road, that particular artery hasbeenturnedintoaracing circuit.All types of vehicles can be seen speeding and driving recklessly on that roadlink.

Yesterday there was a horrific accident which has so far cost the lives of four persons. A least half of a dozen more persons are hospitalised with injuries. This accident has pushed up further the country’s road fatalities The year has started badly for Guyana in termsofroadaccidents.

Thepubliccanexpectthe usual response from the authorities. There will be countrywide campaign to arrest speeding on the roadways This campaign will be undertaken for a few weeks and then, as usual, willfizzleout.Thespeeding will return, the reckless undertaking will continue and persons will flout the trafficlawswithimpunity In other words, after the campaign, things will return to the road culture of lawlessness.

Speeding is not on the only factor accounting for thehighroadfatalities.Allof Guyana’s main public roads run through villages and communities. This is quite unlike what obtains in other countries in other countries where there are so such developments along

highways Guyana’s road networkwasnotdesignedto handle the number of vehicles which use them. And the government will be forcedtoforkoutbillionsof dollars each year to keep building infrastructure to cater for the number of increased vehicles on our roadways. It will be like a dogchasingitsownshadow Guyana simply cannot continue to be putting so many vehicles on our roadwayseachyear Thecost of infrastructure to accommodate this increasing volume is going to absorb most of the country’s oil revenues, as it did in Trinidad and Tobago. Masspublictransportisnow totally absent in Guyana. Andplanningforthisisnow almost impossible given the greed of the business community that tries to gobble up available lands alongside every new major road link which has been built The Diamond to Mandela road link should have made provision for a light rail that can move thousands of commuters during peak hours between GeorgetownandDiamond.

A lane for a light rail along the East Bank of Demerara should have been contemplated when the four lane East Bank Public Road was under construction.The country main roadways should not have been widened This only compounds the traffic

problems as if evident in vehicles trying to get from the villages along the East Coast of Demerara to the southern carriageway The government plans to extend the Railway Embankment and the Corentyne Highway arecrazy

This will lead to more accidentsanddeathswillnot solve the traffic problems in the country Adding to the problemsonourmainpublic roads is the practice of approving businesses along the sides of these main arteries The East Bank Public Road is now a mess. Businesses – legal and illegal – are springing up alongthesidesofmostofthe mainpublicroadsandthisis part of the problem not only inrelationtoroadcongestion butinrelationtoroadsafety

The number of new businesses being approved willcreateheadachesforthe authorities. It is time that a cap be placed on new application for businesses along main public roads. A capalsoneedstobeplacedto stop the conversion of former residential premises intocommerciallots.

Instead what should happen is that new commercial districts, away from the main public roads should be established. This willreducethetrafficonour mainpublicarteriesandthus reduce the number of accidents and deaths. The government had promised speed radars and other

New 35 well drilling campaign in...

Frompage8 further assess the potential commerciality of the discoveries. “Priorities and schedules could, therefore, change,” the oil company states in the CIA. EEPGL notedthatitwillcontinueto submit the well information necessarytoobtainapproval

for an operations permit from the EPA before the respectivespuddates.

Pending approval, it is anticipated that the Project willbegininthethirdquarter of 2023, and if discoveries aremade,welltest(s)maybe performed. The conclusion of the proposed drilling

Dem Boys Seh...

equipment to help reduce roadaccidents.Butthisisyet to materialise. Roadside

vending is a major contributor to traffic congestion.Thegovernment has taken steps to remove encumbrances along the vergesofthecountry’smain public roads. But it seems less enthusiastic to do the same in relation to roadside vending which is now being carriedoutwithimpunity

All of this indicates the

need to avoid the stop-gap measures which will surely be implemented in the coming days in response to yesterday’s horrific road accident. Instead of such temporary campaigns, the President should summon a meeting with stakeholders

and hammer out a comprehensive plan to improvetrafficmanagement across the country Unless this is done, the death count will rise. And this year, in

particular, will see road fatalitiesreachrecordlevels.

(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.)

campaignisexpectedbythe fourthquarterof2028.

Theprojectislocatedina deep water, offshore marine environment whose physical, chemical, and geological characteristics are consistent with oceanographic conditions in theregionasawhole.

De Government gat a Chief Plucker

When dem boys did small, dem used to see how dem neighbour used to pluck dem chicken. Dem used to cut de fowl neck, allowdebloodfuhdrainoutanddenduckde deadfowlinatopofhotwater

Den dem does start picking off de feather But dem boys never check if dem start from de top or de botton. Dem boys always believe dat de plucking does start fromdetorso.

Some people bringing in plucking machine.Butbeforedemdodat,demshould check with de government because de governmentgatamanwholooklikehegata doctorateinpluckingchicken.

De man can tell you de difference between plucking from de head and

pluckingfromdefeet.

He knows all de various way to pluck a chicken.. But dem boys know dat it don’t matterwhichsideyuhstartfrom–deneckor defeet–dechickenwillstillendupgetting plucked.

Guyana’s done get plucked by de oil companies.Deoilwealthpluckedfromour grasp.Andnobodynahaskedwhetherheget pluckedfromdetopofdebottom.

Andnowitlookasifdemainpluckerin degovernmentwanttopluck-updecountry another time. Dem boys did hoping that instead of plucking Guyana he would have plucked de wings of dem oil company wah pluckingoutallweoilwealth.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

PHAGWAHMESSAGE

HAPPY HOLI FROM THE ETHNIC RELATIONS COMMISSION

The Ethnic Relations Commission,(ERC),wishes a Happy Holi to all Guyanese at home and the diaspora on this colourful national festival The Commission is buoyed by thespiritofPhagwahwhich isgreetedwithparticipation by Hindus as well as Guyanese from other ethnic groups.Theburstofcolours is seen in the towns and villages as Guyanese participate in the frolic –throwing or spraying each otherwithcolouredwateror applying powder to the hair and faces of friends, family andcolleaguesatwork.The ERC reminds that Phagwah exhibits the vibrant mix of

our rich diversity which defines who we are as a people. It represents an achievement stemming from a combination of efforts as we endeavour togethertobeonepeople.

The fun and festivities associatedwithPhagwah,or Holi, is more than celebratory It brings together Guyanese from all walks of life The Commission urges all to celebrateandinternalizethe significance of Holi Significantinitsunderlying message is the triumph of good over evil for the progressofhumanity,asthe story of young Prahlad illustrates in the Hindu

A MESSAGE FROM THE PPP ON THE OCCASION OF PHAGWAH 2023

scriptures. Phagwah is one example of how the Guyanese nation embraces its cultural diversity That therefore, offers relevant lessons for us all and is an impetus for increased and sustained efforts to build upon our unified strengths andimproveonweaknesses. Such national occasions allow for improvement of our capacity to overcome inherentchallengestofoster togetherness.

The Commission encourages everyone to observe Phagwah while remembering the recurring themeofitsmessages.

SHUBH HOLI TO ALL!

GAWU PHAGWAH MESSAGE 2023

As we celebrate the joyous festival of Phagwah or Holi, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially our brothers and sisters of the Hinducommunity Phagwah has become a trulynationalfestival,which Guyanese from all spheres of society anticipate. The diverse colours that are associated with the festival s y m b o l i z e t h e

commencement of the springseasonandepitomize ournation’srichdiversityin ademonstrationofavibrant fusion.

Like all of our national festivals,thesignificanceof Phagwah, through its pertinent messages, speaks to, among others, the triumph of good over evil. This message is pertinent at this juncture given the current challenges our country faces where evildoers continue to diminish attempts at

furthering good and progress.

Let’s be emboldened with the hope that, through resoluteness in the face of adversity and despondency, the messages of Phagwah translate to the inevitable prevailing of truth and fairness.

AsGuyaneseparticipate to mark the occasion, our Union once again extends best wishes and urges tolerance and respect in the celebrations.

ShubhHolitoall!

T h e P e o p l e ’ s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community Phagwah has become a national occasion that Guyanese from all spheres of society look forward to, notjustfortheexcitementit brings, but also for the opportunity it affords in coming together through interaction and sharing in the spirit of what it truly represents.

The diverse colours associated with this festival s y m b o l i z e s t h e commencement of the spring season and epitomizes our nation’s rich diversity

As Guyanese celebrate, the PPP urges that we be inspired by the significance of the occasion which speaks to, amongst others, the triumph of good over evil-arelevantreflectionof howourcountryandpeople navigated and overcame variouschallenges.Letusbe

motivated by what this colourful festival signifies and be encouraged in the hope that, through resoluteness in the face of adversity and despondency, the messages of Phagwah speaks to truth inevitably prevailing.

As Guyanese mark the occasion, our Party once again extends best wishes andurgescaution,tolerance, and respect in the celebrations.

Shubh Holi to all! People’sProgressiveParty

PNCR PHAGWAH MESSAGE 2023

As we celebrate the festival of Phagwah, we are reminded of the importance of unity, love, and respect foroneanother

This festival brings people of all backgrounds and beliefs together, to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and the arrivalofspring.

However, as we celebrate this festival, we cannotignorethechallenges andstrugglesthatwefaceas anation.Ourcountryisina state of political and economic crisis, with

corruption, discrimination, and injustice becoming more prevalent It is, therefore, important that we come together as a united people, to demand change andprogress.

As a political Party in opposition, we remain committedtofightingforthe rights and interests of all Guyanese. We believe in a Guyana that is free from discrimination, corruption, andoppression.

We believe in a Guyana where every citizen has e q u a l a c c e s s t o

opportunities,andwherethe ruleoflawisupheld.

On this Phagwah, let us renew our commitment to unity, justice, and progress. Let us stand together, in solidarity,todemandabetter future for ourselves and for generationstocome.

Letususethisfestivalas aplatformtoinspirehope,to promote peace, and to spreadloveandjoy

Happy Phagwah to all Guyanese and may this festival bring us closer to our shared goal of a better Guyana.

ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE PHAGWAH MESSAGE 2023

TheAllianceforChange extends warm greetings to allGuyaneseathomeand abroadontheauspicious occasionofHoli.

Holiisatimeofrenewal of new beginnings, and we takegreatpleasureinjoining with our Guyanese brothers and sisters to celebrate this Festival of

Colours.HoliorPhagwahis a story of true faith and devotion to the creator It tells of an evil king who wantedtobeworshipedasa God, but his very own son refused to worship him and as a result escaped the fiery death his father had devised forhim.

Itisastoryofman’sego

and arrogance and the pitfallsthatawaitthosewho would seek to elevate themselves to God-like status.

Thisyear,asweobserve Holiletusremindourselves oftheomnipotenceofthe creator Happy Holi to all Guyanese

Gold smuggling and money laundering OP:ED

theconservativeside. as to where all three of those smugglingbeingoverblown, For many were/are the d e b t s o w e d , w h i c h aboutUS$2.2Binvolved criminal components are that was his standard fiction official hands lending incentivize political powers in the not so murky world of today, given what has at work. If anything, it surreptitious assistance to to lean on bureaucrats for tax evasion and gold happened since 2020. The stands to reason that matters smugglers, tax evaders, and particular outcomes to be smuggling contributing to first was that President Ali have likely gotten worst. launderers that rewarded at realized. Or,toremovethem money laundering activities swore to dismantle onerous For in that 2016-2020 period different official levels to allow for smoother, inGuyana.Iknewitwasbad, rules and regulations, with a there were many wails and Back then, many were the supposedlyrisk-freepassage but not this bad. This much sharp eye on the gold sector resistances from the political escalations, I of the questionable. To put could also be said Then, the Hon Vice powerful to what was being believe, that ran into otherwise, public servants in confidently: US$2.2B is on President said publicly introduced for the first time roadblocks, due to a handful crucial spaces get the theconservativeside. something to the effect that and,moreimportantly,being of unmoving servants who message about when to look Clearly, we have a reports of gold smuggling followed through on took these things as they the other way, go easy on problem, and it is big, with are largely exaggerated, a consistently Considering should be. That is, they held what glares in the face, and The Attorney General bigger implications for figment of overblown t h e r e a c h o f s o m e the line, and men who found letcertainthingspass. Ifnot, himself is the one who Guyana It cannot be imaginations After that, connections, the power of their way of doing business they are shown the door, and received the report last year anything else when in the confidentiality closed all their attempted pushbacks, comeintoquestionhadtoget not so courteously The AG It is the eye-popping amount span of approximately five conversations. Now there is the range of circumventions, creative. Intoday’sGuyana, should know what is meant: of about US$2.2B involved years, there is this estimated thisanun-confidentialreport and the many willing hands none of this is needed donate in 2020, collect in the not so murky world of US$2.2Bofcriminalactivity in the AG’s lap, a real hot in official circles, that were anymore because some of rewardsthereafter tax evasion and gold of this type that has potato of unmanageable all the norms, I can only the bigger, smarter, more Denials aside, we must smuggling contributing to happened. It is about half of d i m e n s i o n s , ponder on what has taken resourceful operators in the face real-life Guyana. From money laundering activities the 2022 national budget, notwithstanding his brave hold since August 2020, goldsmuggling,taxevasion, all indications, we have a inGuyana.Iknewitwasbad, and over a third of this speeches. especially with a bow to the and money laundering huge gold smuggling but not this bad. This much year’s, both of which were Regarding what the Vice President’s promise of businesses now have problem. Thismeansthatan could also be said records It would be President put into the public dismantling, and what political access and muscle a s s o c i a t e d m o n e y confidently: US$2.2B is on revealing, I think shocking, d o m a i n a b o u t g o l d resultedfromsuch. to power their causes. Of laundering culture has to course, nobody is so blatant flourish as a byproduct as to call what they are Citizens should recall involved in, anything so foreign exchange squeezes crude as smuggling or involving the US dollar in money laundering The the city not too long ago. I protective language is about am hearing some echoes of too much red tape, too much that today I believe that the regulation, and too many partial easing of American uncooperative human sanctions on Venezuela may obstacles blocking the free send existing border flowoflegitimatebusiness. smuggling exercises in Regardingthelatter,Iam another direction, or at least still to hear anyone who has result in lesser volumes of notswornthathisbusinessis b u s i n e s s , a n d l e s s wholly and truly legitimate. conspicuous. On the other Grand sums of money, in hand, with all the oil-related cash no less, have greased cashrushingintoGuyanafor the political wheels at downstream support powerful heights during that venturesprovidestheperfect recently concluded interval cover for money laundering that convulsed this country operations. For the slow, or into frenzies. Well-received resistant,therearehotelsand political donations must be resorts and other startups looked at for what they are: underwhichdarkmoneycan investments for the future, find a home. Tax evasion meaning, that there comes a accompanies smuggling and time when payback (a laundering.Ihadwarnedthat return) is expected. When the Yankees are serious that time comes, politicians about this. US$2.2B stands are called and reminded of asthetipoftheiceberg.

By GHK Lall

Toddler

drowned atDredgeCreek

PoliceranksinRegional they were not seeing D i v i s i o n # 2 a r e Kenley investigating a report of an She searched the yard alleged drowning of a 15- but did not find the child. month-old boy, Kenley Shefurthersearchedinfront Smith, of Dredge Creek, of the canal near their Essequibo Coast, which Landing, and the child’s occurred at about 16:00hrs lifeless body was found in onMonday the water The mother Enquiries disclosed that immediately called a taxi around 16:00hrs the 27- and rushed the child to the year-old mother of the child Charity Cottage Hospital, had left the child with his where he was seen by a three other siblings, the doctorwhopronouncedhim eldest being nine-years-old, dead on arrival. The body and went into her house to was examined, and no get clothing for the child marks of violence were who was going to bathe. seen. The body is at the Shortly after, according to hospital’s mortuary the police, she was alerted awaiting a post mortem by her other children that examination.

Womankilledwhilefleeingabusivehusband

Police on the East Coast was identified as Otis, a BetterHope,ECDwhereshe after committing the act, the of Demerara (ECD) are fisherman around 10:00hrs stayedforafewdays. suspect then inflicted currently investigation the at his Hope Estate, ECD However, yesterday she several wounds on his body death of 26-year-oldAneeza residence The police returned home in the and consumed a poisonous Ishmael who was on revealed that Ishmael and company of her 21-year-old substance, and he fell to the Monday morning allegedly the suspect lived together in sister to collect her ground Neighbours who killed by her reputed a common law relationship belongings. While there, the were alerted by the ordeal husband as she was trying to and had ongoing domestic police reported, the woman contacted the police who leave their abusive issues where the suspect was confronted by the arrivedshortlyafter relationship. accused her of being suspect,whoaskedhernotto Police stated that upon

According to police unfaithful. On March 3 last, leave. arrival at the scene, Ishmael reports,Ishmaelwasstabbed Ishmael had left home and According to reports, and the suspect were rushed to deathby her husband who went to her friend’s house at Ishmael insisted that she to the CC Nicholson only came to collect her Hospital at Nabaclis, ECD, clothing but the suspect where they were admitted. became annoyed and pulled Atabout12:20hrsyesterday, a knife from the waist of his a Doctor pronounced the pantsandattackedher victim dead while receiving

The police reported that treatment. The suspect was Ishamel’s sister intervened escorted to the Georgetown and pushed her away telling Public Hospital, where he hertorun,whichshedid,but wasadmittedunderguard. the suspect ran behind the At the scene crime woman and caught up with experts found a knife in the her in the yard, where he yard, and an empty bottle stabbedherintheneck,face, appeared to be the bottle andhands,causinghertofall containing the substance totheground. that the suspect consumed.

It was reported that the As investigations are suspect then attacked the continuing, Ishmael’s body sisterandshefoughthimoff. is at the Memorial Gardens She received a wound to her Funeral Home, awaiting a left thumb. Reports are that post-mortemexamination.

The Hope Estate premise where Aneeza Ishmael was stabbed to death by her reputed husband.

Four dead as truck slams into minibus at Greenwich Park

Four persons, two men driverofthetruckreportedto a44-year-oldofDenAmstel, and two women were on the police that a black wereseenandexaminedbya Mondaymorningkilledafter motorcar (HD 1708) was doctor at Leonora and were the minibus they were in proceeding in front of him in transferred to the West collided with a truck on the the same direction and made Demerara Regional Hospital Greenwich Park Public a sudden stop at the forfurthertreatment. Road, East Bank Essequibo pedestrian crossing The Police said Prowell was (EBE). driver said upon seeing this, further transferred to the St

Dead are: Vernon he applied brakes and Joseph Mercy Hospital, Prowell,50, of Bent Street swerved right to avoid where he succumbed to his Wortmanville, Georgetown colliding with the motorcar. injuries while receiving who was the driver of the In the process of doing this, treatment. Other passengers: minibus and Margaret the truck ended up colliding Shemar Alleyne, a 21-yearKennedy, a 72-year-old of with the right-side front oldofTuschen;Selmont Tuschen; Olga Reddy, a 57- portionoftheminibus. (Continued on page 22) year-old of Parika; and Elvis As a result of the impact Charles, a 40-year-old of of the collision, the police Ruby, E.B.E who were all stated that passengers in the passengersofthebus. minibus suffered injuries

According to a police about their bodies report, around 9:30hrs Passengers Kennedy, Reddy yesterday, the truck GZZ and Charles were rushed to 2285 was proceeding east the Leonora Cottage along the northern side of Hospital where they all died GreenwichParkPublicRoad while receiving medical at a fast rate of speed treatment, the police approaching a pedestrian reported.The minibus driver crossing, while minibus andotherpassengersnamely BWW 8364 was proceeding Stella Parhoo, a 73-year-old intheoppositedirection.The ofParika,andSevernAustin,

Killed, Elvis Charles

Killed, Olga Reddy Killed, Vernon Prowell

The truck and minibus that collided at Greenwich Park, East Bank Essequibo on Monday resulting in the deaths of four persons (Photo courtesy, Caleb Mc Cloggan)

Nine towns affected by oil spill in Philippines

- As sunken tanker still to be located

Officials in Philippines are still grappling with the effects of a March 2, 2023, oil spill caused by a fuel tanker sinking in the country’swaters.

The Philippines is a country located in Asia. It is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and consists ofover7,000islandsthatare broadly categorised under three main geographical divisions.

According to updates

from the Philippines Environmental body, while the tanker, MT Princess Empress that was carrying scrambletocontainthespill. Primo David, under- over 200,000 gallons, is still Kaieteur News had secretary at the environment to be located – the spill has reported that sunken vessel ministry, said it was crucial since affected nine of 13 has put at risk several authorities find the tanker towns located in one of the municipalities and over soon, as there could still be a t h r e e P r o v i n c e i n 36,000 hectares of the large volume of oil inside. Philippines.

country’s coral reefs, “Ifwecanrecoveritthatwill

Importantly it was stated mangroves and sea grass. helpusalotincontainingthe that officials are concerned This is according to spill,” he said in a media about the oil slick affecting Philippines Department of briefing, adding, “Bear in marine protected areas as Environment and Natural mindthatthecleanupwillbe wellastheislandofBoracay, Resources(DENR). more difficult if more oil thecountry’smostimportant

According to the reaches coastal areas ” touristdestination.

Philippine Coast Guard, the Environment Secretary,

On the other hand, the vessel encountered engine MariaAntoniaYuloLoyzaga Philippines Coast Guard is trouble on Tuesday due to said a rapid assessment was still trying to locate the overheating and drifted due being undertaken of coastal sunken fuel tanker, as to rough sea conditions and marine habitats that thousands of fishermen have However, it is not clear what could be impacted. “The been ordered to stay ashore. caused it to sink, but all 20 possible contamination Thetankersanksouthwestof crew members were rescued might actually affect the the capital Manila and has by a passing vessel before it viability of these systems,” prompted at least seven wentdown. Loyzaga warned in a coastal towns to ban fishing Reuters reported, Carlos recordedmessage. and swimming as authorities

Scenes from the ongoing cleanup of Philippines oil spill. (DENR photos)

Guyana signs off on US$205M in loans from IDB

- says money will boost healthcare, build roads, enhance infrastructure

Guyana on Monday signed three loans with the I n t e r - A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) totaling US$205M to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, build roads and enhance infrastructure.

The three loans will add to Guyana’s already large externaldebt,whichstoodat US$3,654.9M at the start of this year representing an increase by 16 9 percent from last year Incidentally, the IDB in a report released in January this year had cautionedLatinAmericaand Caribbean (LAC) countries against ‘excessive’ borrowing and urged governments to bring their debts down to more prudent levels.

In its report titled, ‘Dealing with Debt – Less RiskforMoreGrowthinthe Latin America and the Caribbean’ the IDB disclosed that debt has risen andstandsatsomeUS$5.8T which is 117 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)intheregion.“Given the dangers of excessive debt, the current situation in Latin America and the Caribbean is worrisome,” theIDBsaid.IDBsaidpublic debtservesacriticalrolefor countries to pursue public investment projects, implement countercyclical policies,andprovidesupport to economies in the face of

negative shocks. However, theIDBwarnedthatifpublic debt becomes too large or is not managed with sufficient caution, interest costs may balloon, growth prospects maysuffer,andinthelimit,a costly debt crisis may be provoked.

Meanwhile, the bank’s President,IlanGoldfajn,and Guyana’s Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh signedthethreeloanprojects for the country The signing took place during the XI Annual Consultation of Caribbean Governors, being hosted in Trinidad and Tobago.Inapressstatement the IDB said the first loan captioned: “Healthcare Network Strengthening in Guyana operation” is for a total amount of US$97 million. This loan the bank saidwillexpandthecapacity of seven hospitals in both coastal and interior communities, extend coverage of diagnostic exams and medical consultations, advance telehealth services, and increase access and efficiency of the public health system. “This project is expected to benefit over half of Guyana’s population including the indigenous people with interventions in all 10 of the country’s regions,”thebankstated.

The second loan titled

‘Support Climate Resilient

Road Infrastructure Development’ will provide US$100 million to upgrade and expand the quality of roads and utility service along the East Bank Demerara corridor This involves financing a 25.5 kilometer two-lane roadway with modern and innovative approachesthatwillimprove access and safety, including forvulnerableroadusers,the bank said. The third loan is titled ‘Enhancing the N a t i o n a l Q u a l i t y Infrastructure for C o m p e t i t i v e n e s s programme ’ Under this programme Guyana will reformulate and access additional funding of US$8,000,000 to enhance the National Quality Infrastructure’s capacity to promote the adoption of quality standards among GuyaneseMicro,Small,and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),thebanknoted.It

Holness: Preparing path to republic status

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the island’s desire to transition to a republicwillbeanimportant step in completing the country’s political

independence Speaking to more than 50 resident and non-resident heads of missions, during a Diplomatic Week event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,hesaidthematteris an imperative that will “consume our attention in Jamaica”.Heassuredthatthe Government is “working closely with various stakeholders, including the Opposition, to ensure that the preparatory process is seamless and allows for the full and effective engagement of our people” Meanwhile, Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, MarleneMalahooForte,said the Constitutional Reform (CR)Committee,whichwill play a pivotal role in

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew

Holness

Jamaica’s seamless transition to a Republic, has now been constituted and hascommenceditswork.

MalahooForte,whowas s p e a k i n g d u r i n g Wednesday’s sitting of the S t a n d i n g F i n a n c e Committee of the House of Representatives, informed that the CR Committee will “provide advice and oversightaswemoveonthe most comprehensive and impactful constitutional reform work to be

undertaken in the life of i n d e p e n d e n t Jamaica”.Additionally, she said the CR Committee’s work will be supported by a Secretariat, which is now being formulated.“It is our intention to transition J a m a i c a f r o m a Constitutional monarchy to establish the Republic of Jamaica, within the Commonwealth, as a ParliamentaryRepublicwith a non-executive president,” shesaid.(CMC)

added that in November 2016, the IDB approved US$9,000,000toGuyanafor Enhancing the National Quality Infrastructure for Economic Diversification and Trade Promotion. The Government of Guyana requested additional financing to support its priorities of a more diversified and productive base.

A Ministry of Finance pressreleasestatedthatprior to signing Dr Singh, on behalfoftheGovernmentof Guyana,thankedtheIDBfor its support to Guyana as he notedthattheBankhasbeen providing strong support to Guyana’s development efforts, not only in recent years, but over the longterm. “The IDB has been a reliable and dependable development partner to Guyana.Thestrengthofthis partnership is evidenced not leastinthethreeagreements that we are going to sign

today, making critical investments in three areas that go to the core of the development of our Government’s agenda,” the Minister added. President of the bank while delivering remarks,statedthatthebank ishappytoparticipateinthe development of Guyana

“Guyana is growing and we are very lucky to be part of this growth,” Mr Goldfajn said, noting that the projects areinpriorityareas.

FormerAuditor General, Anand Goolsarran recently warned that while Guyana’s medium-term economic prospects appear very favourableduetoanticipated oil revenues, government shouldneverthelessexercise restraint in spending, given the volatility of oil prices.

Goolsarran had made the comments in his Column, published in the Stabroek News.Hiscounselhadcome at a time when Guyana’s loans from China are set to

surpass that of Sri Lanka, which stands at some 20 percent In drawing referencetothatcountry,the former Auditor General pointedoutthatSriLankais now in a state of severe economiccrisisafteryearsof economic mismanagement coupled with the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Guyana hadsixloanswiththeExport Import (EXIM) Bank of C h i n a t o t a l l i n g US$240 451M This represented 17.5 percent of the country’s external loan portfolio according to Goolsarran. To this end, the former AG wrote “Last week, the Authorities announced the signing of twoloanagreementswiththe China (Bank) in the sums of US$192M and US$172 million for the East Coast Demerara road expansion project and the construction of the New Demerara River Bridgerespectively

Brazilinvestigatesundeclared$3 millionjewelrygifttoBolsonaro

Reuters - Brazilian Justice Minister Flavio Dino on Monday ordered police to investigate an alleged attempt to bring in undeclared jewelry, a gift from Saudi Arabiavaluedat$3.2million,toformerfarrightPresidentJairBolsonaro.

The diamond necklace, ring, watch and earrings gifted to Bolsonaro and former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro by the Saudi government were seized by customs officials at Sao Paulo’s international airport in October 2021

The luxury jewelry, made by Chopard of Switzerland, were found in the backpack of a government aide who hadtraveledtoRiyadhwiththenEnergy MinisterAdmiralBentoAlbuquerque

TheSaudi embassy did not reply to arequestforcommentatthetime Bolsonaro, who left for the United Statestwodaysbeforehistermendedin December without conceding defeat in his re-election bid, has denied committing any illegality, but his leftist successor President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvacalledforaninvestigation.

A cabinet minister called it “smuggling ”

The investigation could add to the

legal liabilities that Bolsonaro faces if and when he returns to Brazil, from probesintotheincitingofviolentprotestby hissupportersafterheleftofficetocriticism ofBrazil’selectronicvotingsystem.

Brazilians are allowed to bring in $1,000 of goods or gifts and pay hefty taxesforanythingoverthatvalue Bolsonaro’s critics said gifts to president belong to the state and must go into a presidential collection It is not clear what the intention of the Bolsonaros was in this case

Dino ordered the federal police to investigate media reports that it was an attempt “to enter the jewels that would be delivered to the former president without complying with legal procedures” and could constitute a crime under the penal code

The Folha de S Paulo newspaper reported on Sunday that there was a second package of Chopard items gifted by the Saudi government, including a pen, cufflinks, a ring and a rosary, that were in the luggage of another member of Albuquerque’s delegation and were not found by the customsofficials

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh at the signing ceremony on Monday

IDB President, Ilan Goldfajn signs off on the three loans for Guyana

WANTED VACANCY

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Belarusian opposition leader handed 15-year prison term

Minsk court convicts Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in absentia on charges of treason and conspiracy to seize power.

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

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Aljazeera - Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has been handed a 15-year prison term after being convicted in absentia of treason and conspiracy to seize power, a verdict she says is punishment for her efforts to promote democracy.

neighbouring Lithuania in 2020 after running against incumbent Alexander Lukashenko in a presidential election, which official results showed Lukashenko won by a landslide.

She and the opposition said at the time that the results had been doctored to hand victory to Lukashenko. Anger at the official results triggered widescale protests.

than 35,000 people.

The authorities put Tsikhanouskaya, the opposition’s de facto leader, on trial in absentia in January, accusing her and other opposition figures of trying to seize power in an unconstitutional manner.

is how the regime ‘rewarded’ my work for democratic changes in Belarus,” Tsikhanouskaya wrote on Twitter.

Bottom of Form

“But today I don’t think about my own sentence,” she said. “I think about thousands of innocents, detained & sentenced to real prison terms. I won’t stop until each of them is released.”

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Tsikhanouskaya, 40, a former English teacher, fled to

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Lukashenko, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, unleashed a brutal crackdown on demonstrators, accusing the opposition of plotting to overthrow the government. Key opposition figures and activists were arrested, and some fled the country.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for nearly 30 years. During the mass protests, his government detained more

Belta, the state news agency, said a court in Minsk had sentenced Tsikhanouskaya on Monday to 15 years in a prison camp.

The same court handed an 18-year prison sentence to Pavel Latushko, a prominent member of the Belarusian opposition council, and 12-year sentences to three other activists convicted of being part of the same plot, Belta reported.

All of them left Belarus after the protests erupted in August 2020.

“15 years of prison. This

‘One big KGB’ Tsikhanouskaya told The Associated Press news agency that her court-appointed lawyer hasn’t been in touch with her once during the trial and has not responded to her requests to review the case files.

She charged that the law and the justice system in Belarus no longer work and the state “has turned into one big KGB”.

Four dead as truck slams into minibus...

From page 15 Brisport, a 64-year-old of Tuschen; Samuel Ramdas, a 46-year-old of Ruby Backdam, and Junior Jack, a 25-year-old of Tuschen were seen and admitted at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. Police noted a breathalyzer test was conducted on the truck driver where no trace of alcohol was found. The four deceased bodies are presently at Ezekiel Funeral Parlor, awaiting a post-mortem examination. An investigation into the fatal accident has since been launched.

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Yesterday’s horrific crash comes at a time when there have been renewed calls for greater enforcement on the roadway to stem the tide of road deaths. The Ministry of Home Affairs recently reported that here has been a 100 percent increase in the number of road fatalities this year in comparison to the same period last year. According to the ministry, statistics show that for the period January 1 to February 18, 2023, 16 persons lost their lives when compared with eight persons in 2022. This represents a 100 percent increase when compared to 2022. The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that pedestrian fatalities increased by 25 percent when compared to the same period last year while approximately 44 percent of motorcyclists were killed during the same period compared to last year. “Comparative data has shown that as of February 18, 2023, 16 persons would have been killed on our roads as a result of 14 accidents, when compared with the same period for 2022 when eight persons died from 7 accidents,” the Ministry said while noting that it is alarming that in 2022, five of

the eight persons killed during that period were the most vulnerable classes of road users (2 pedal cyclists, 1 motorcyclist and 2 pedestrians).

Additionally, at February 18, 2023, of the 13 killed the vulnerable classes accounted for 16 (2 pedal cyclists, 7 motorcyclists, 4 pedestrians).

Further, in the case of serious accidents, data provided shows that as of February 18, 2023, 41 serious accidents were recorded, while 39 serious accidents occurred during the same period in 2022, indicating a 5 percent increase in serious accidents in 2023 when compared to 2022. Data also clearly indicate that fatal accidents occur primarily on Sundays and Fridays between the hours of 18:00 and 05:59, with male drivers accounting for 81 percent of all deaths.The Ministry of Home Affairs said it has been able to reduce road deaths by 30 percent in 2021 and 2022 with less than 100 persons killed for the first time in 16 years.

“This achievement of the previous two years will be extremely difficult to maintain at the present rate of road fatalities,” the Ministry said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry said that a review of more measures to promote road safety is currently being undertaken through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Police Force, the Traffic Department, the Guyana Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Education. Subject Minister, Robeson Benn said that he has noted with grave concern the growing number of road fatalities this year and has urged Guyanese to exercise care and caution when using the road. “This increase in road fatalities appears to be

a daily occurrence, and the indications are that reckless driver behaviour, attributable to excessive speeds, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without due care and attention (or inattentiveness), tailgating, and driving while tired is the common cause,” the ministry said even as it sympathises with those affected.

Weighing on the issue Retired Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe in a letter to the press said: “It is clear from the press release that the Ministry of Home Affairs is clueless when it comes to the real reasons for the madness on the roads and the measures that should be implemented to address the carnage.” According to Slowe, the “real problem” is the corrupt system that exits when it comes to the issuance of drivers’ licences.

“I will posit that accidents are the end results of a corrupt system, Slowe wrote while adding, “Corruptly providing a drivers’ licence to unqualified persons is akin to providing those persons with a licence to kill”. To back up his view that there is widespread corruption in the country’s driver learning programme for the issuance of driver’s licence, Slowe provided some stats from a letter published Stabroek News back in 2022. The letter was reportedly penned by the Head of the Force’s Audit and Inspection Unit, Julius Wright and it revealed that some 397 persons did not write the driver’s exam but received pass marks. Another 79 did not register for the exam but still received pass marks while 21 received pass marks before even writing the exams.

GDF spending $187M to build new living quarters for soldiers at Camp Stephenson

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) would be constructing a new facility valued at $187M to accommodate Senior NonCommissioned Officers

(SNCO) stationed at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri

Some eight contractors are competing for the c o n t a c t : G u y b i z

GuyanaDefenceForce(GDF)

Procurementofmaterialsforconstruction ofperimeterfenceatBaseCampAyanganna.

Establishment, M&D Investments, Builders E n g i n e e r i n g & Architectural Construction, B M L A r c h i t e c t Construction, Andrew’s

Enterprise, Valiant Industrial Site, STP Investment Inc , and Ayeni Hattan Construction Company

Attheopeningoftenders

at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) it was revealedalsothattheGDFis looking for suppliers to procure materials for the

construction of a perimeter fence at Camp Stephenson, and at Base Camp Ayanganna. B e l o w a r e t h e companiesandtheirbids:

Supply and delivery of equipment for plant DNA and seeds laboratory to NAREI.

ConstructionofSNCO Accommodation-BaseCampStephenson,Timehri.

Oil companies’ annual budget, work programmes must be made public - Report

A recent report on this newspaper, the Guyana programmes as well as other regulatorygovernanceofthe reinforced on December 22, Guyana’s money laundering Geology and Mines information about the sector 2015 when the Government vulnerabilities has called for Commission (GGMC) g o v e r n a n c e a n d Guyana’s journey to publicly announced its greater disclosures in the e x p l a i n e d t h a t o i l management of the sector, EITImembershipbeganon4 intention to continue nation’soilsector companies’ annual work t h e r e b y a l l o w i n g May 2010 where the Guyana’s commitment to its application to the EITI Specifically, the programmesandbudgetsare stakeholders to understand Government of Guyana EITIimplementation. International Secretariat and National Risk Assessments presented an annual the potential impacts of the expressed Guyana’s In February 2017, the on the 25 October 2017, report states that the annual technical/business meeting sector commitment to implement GYEITI multi-stakeholder Guyana attained recognition b u d g e t s a n d w o r k between the companies and Thereportalsonotesthat EITI. On the May 15, 2012, group was officially as an EITI Candidate programmes for oil government.

EITIRequirement5requires the government signed a launched which comprises Country The oil producing companies ought to be made The report states that thedisclosureofinformation M e m o r a n d u m o f 12 members with four statewasrecentlysuspended public.Insodoing,thereport approval is granted after the r e l a t e d t o r e v e n u e Understanding (MOU) with representatives each from for failing to meet the states that Guyana would Guyana Government is allocations in an effort to the Extractive Industries civil society, government reporting deadline for its bring itself into greater satisfied that the work enable stakeholders to Transparency Initiative andindustry 2020report.IthasuptoMay, compliance with the programme meets the understandhowrevenuesare (EITI).

In August 2017 Guyana 2023 to rectify this state of requirements of the obligation as cited in the recorded in the national The commitment to completed all the sign-up affairs or risk further Extractive Industries Production Sharing budget and where applicable implement EITI was requirements and submitted consequences.

Transparency Initiative Agreement (PSA) The subnational budgets as well (EITI). document also states that as track social expenditures

Since 2003, EITI has numerous persons are bycompanies. served as a global standard involved in this process as With the foregoing for the good governance of matters such as technical, disclosures and oversight by oil, gas and mineral financial, industrial and the multi-stakeholder group resources. Through various managerial competencies of whichcomprisecivilsociety, reporting standards, the the companies are examined industry and government, global watch dog seeks to as well as the training for thereportsaidtheconditions address key governance Guyanese and opportunities would be created for greater issues in the extractive forGuyanesebusinesses. t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d sectors. As a member, The report notes accountability in the Guyana has committed to however that since Guyana g o v e r n a n c e a n d complying with EITI’s is a member of EITI, that management of the sector reportingrequirements. organization requires public and will serve to mitigate

In the document seen by disclosure of these corruption or ineffective

CARICOM Heads encourage dialogue among Haitian stakeholders

He a d s o f Government of the Caribbean

C o m m u n i t y (CARICOM) have resolved to continue efforts to encourage dialogue among Haitian stakeholders and to support efforts at finding solutions to the multidimensional crisis facing the country

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emanating from Surinamese media that and International Cooperation on suggested that the Force’s operation, Monday debunked reports that conducted on February 19, 2023 was in

suggested that a Guyana Defence Suriname’sterritory Force(GDF)operationagainstunauthorized “The Ministry wishes to affirm that the and illegal mining was executed in exercise which was carried out by the GDF Surinameseterritory wasconductedexclusivelyintheundisputed

In a terse statement, the Ministry said sovereign territory of the Cooperative that it has noted a series of statements RepublicofGuyana,”thestatementsaid.

According to a statement issued by the CARICOM Secretariat, the Heads of G o v e r n m e n t w i t h chart a path to consensus Government also agreed to responsibility for Haiti met building in order to bring seek support from African on Sunday, 5 March under peace and stability to the countriesforHaiti. the chairmanship of the country,”thestatementsaid. Theyalsoagreedtowork Honourable Philip Davis, Further, the Heads of with the Governments of Prime Minister of The Government agreed to Canada and the United Bahamas and Chair of support the Haitian National States as well as the UNDP CARICOM.Theyreceiveda Police (HNP) in their efforts on the ongoing issues and, at report from the Prime to address the security the upcoming Spring Minister of Jamaica, the situation. The focus of the MeetingsoftheInternational Most Honourable Andrew Community will be the Monetary Fund and the Holness, who led a one-day provision of training for the World Bank, to approach CARICOM Special Mission HNP and the provision of both International Financial toHaition27February.

humanitarian assistance to Institutionstoascertainwhat

“The mission met with a HNP and the wider Haitian further assistance they could broad range of Haitian society, taking into account provide to Haiti,” the stakeholders to hear their t h e c h a l l e n g i n g statementadded. views on the way forward to humanitarian and security They commended Prime a Haitian-led solution and situationinHaiti.

Minister Holness and the demonstrate CARICOM “In acknowledgement of CARICOM delegation for solidarity with Haiti. The the common historical their efforts in Haiti and Leaders agreed that there experiences and the strong w e l c o m e d t h e must be a follow-up meeting A f r i c a n - C a r i b b e a n comprehensive report which with the stakeholders to relationship, Heads of wasprovidedonthemission.

- Foreign Affairs Ministry

GDF exercise conducted in “exclusively undisputed sovereign territory”

…to find solutions to country’s crisis

Jamual John wins in style...

Frompage33 which traditionally, attracts overseas teams and individuals.

Bartica Mayor, His Worship, Gifford Marshall also spoke briefly at the opening ceremony and expressed gratitude to WSUCC for again partnering with the Municipality to bring backa the race positing that it will aidincurtailingmanyofthe social challenges being faced by the youths of the

communitypointingoutthat i t i s h i s a n d t h e Municipality’s aim to provideopportunitiesforthe youths to be involved in positiveactivities.

Marshall, who worked along with Burrowes to bring off the 13th edition of the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships, reminded that sports across the spectrum, make way for opportunities in tourism which is of absolute import tothecommunity

Host club President, Franklin Wilson thanked all the clubs for supporting the event as well as the fans, sponsors,andMedicalTeam from the Bartica Hospital along with Commander Mooreandhisteamfromthe BarticaPoliceStationwhose efforts in controlling traffic contributedtothehostingof aflawlessevent.

Following are the full resultsoftheday’sraces:

Elite /Seniors Place Name Club 1stJamual John

Tuesday March 07, 2023

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

You may be courting your lover today, Aries. Whether you're in a relationship or starting one, you're in the mood to seduce your partner withatouchofsophistication.

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

You will get the most satisfaction today through your activities with others, Taurus.Soyoushouldtakethe initiative and propose something you and your friendscoulddotogether

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Todayyouwillbelikeagoodluckcharmtoyourfamilyand friends. It's up to you to motivate people to get going and have fun together Show themyourenthusiasmforlife.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If you can't feed your artistic tendenciesintheworkyoudo, todayisagooddaytocreatea better balance and make your daysmoresatisfying.Artisn't justforartists,Cancer

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Regardless of your gender, why not show a bit more virility in your relationships and actions? If you're dominated by your emotions, the day could be extremely trying for you Protect yourself from your anxieties by talking things over with a friend or someone else close toyou.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Todayyoumayfeelalotmore energetic after a tiring past fewdays.Whenyou'refeeling good,everything'sfine.You're feelingmotivatedagaintoget down and tackle the work that'swaitingforyou.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

CricketWestIndiesandMatch...

We Stand United 2ndCurtis

Dey KFC Evolution 3rd

AaronNewton We Stand

U n i t e d 4 t h

Christopher Griffith

KFC Evolution 5th

Sherwin Sampson Team

Alanis6th A r j u n e

Sookhai KaieteurAttack

Veterans Under-50 1st

RobinPersaud K F C

Evolution Veterans Over-50

1st I a n J a c k s o n

Flying Ace CC Juniors

1stAaron Newtown We StandUnited2dnAlexander

Leung We Stand United

3rdSebastian Nathan

Kaieteur Attack 4th

Zinedine Dos Santos

Bartica Juveniles 1stTorrell

Noel Bartica 2ndJerone

Ghainie K a i e t e u r

Attack/Bartica

3rdJoshua Farley

Bartica 4thMarcus Lewis

Itmaybedifficulttogetpeople tolistentoyouatthemoment, Libra. The people around you may even be annoyed at hearing all of your new ideas. The stars are pushing you to changeyourtacticsbeforeyou alienateeveryone.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You may not have been taking very good care of yourself lately, Scorpio. The planetary aspectsareencouragingyouto be a little more disciplined in yourlifestyle.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

What would happen if you decidedtotakecareofyourself today,Sagittarius?Thisiswhat the planets are trying to tell you. You need to relax, to let yourself be taken care of, and closeyoureyesanddream.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

This is an intense phase of interior modification, both p h y s i c a l l y a n d psychologically.Don'thesitate to padlock your refrigerator andavoidyourfavoritestores.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

The period you're in now is about getting ahead. If you've been dissatisfied with some aspect of your career over the lastfewmonths,don'twaitany longer to do something about it. Things aren't going to get betterallbythemselves.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

What meticulousness, Pisces! You may feel a sudden, urgent needtotakeacloselookatyour financial situation, wardrobe, cupboards, or car List the things you need to do in order to fix them over the next few days.

Frompage31 the chance to swap shirts with their heroes and own a pieceofsportinghistory

pieceofmemorabiliaandfor West Indies fans, there is no exception.

Bartica Females 1stClivecia

Spencer Team Coco’s

2ndTandyNoel Kaieteur

Attack/Bartica 3rdRazaiha

Robertso Bartica

Fans’desiretoownteam and player memorabilia continues to rise strongly, in parallel with the growth of live international sports, especially cricket. The first auction will go live to coincide with the start of second Test Match, South AfricaversusWestIndieson 8 March 2023 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The first auctionwillrunfor2weeks, until 22 March 2023. To celebrate this new partnership, fans will have thechancetowinfastbowler Alzarri Joseph’s genuine match-wornandsignedshirt from the first Test match when he took his first ever Test match five-wicket haul for the West Indies. This opportunity will be live on M a t c h Wo r n S h i r t ’s Instagram page from Monday6March.

Speaking about the p a r t n e r s h i p , C W I

Commercial Director, DominicWarne,said:“Team and players shirts have always been a much-desired

With West Indies supporters spread across the Caribbeanandtheworld,we believethispartnershipwith MatchWornShirtprovidesan exciting and fair platform to bid for and own an official match-worn West Indies shirt signed by one of their heroes, or even the entire West Indies squad. The partnership delivers an engaging, reliable and userfriendly auction experience, accessiblefromanywherein the world, with safe and secure delivery to fans’ homes.” Head of Business D e v e l o p m e n t a t MatchWornShirt, James Flude, commented, “We havebeenexcitedtoventure into cricket for a while now and so we are delighted to announce our first substantial partnership with such an iconic international team. TheWestIndiesshirts are globally recognised and have been worn by some of the greatest players ever to play the game - so we are delighted to be bringing them to fans all around the world.”

West Indies Championship final rounds scheduled for Guyana and T&T

- Thirdroundbowlsoff March15

ST JOHN’S, Antigua –Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday announced the match schedule and venues for the final three rounds of t h e W e s t I n d i e s Championship, the region’s first-class four-day red ball tournament, which will be played in Trinidad and TobagoandGuyana.

Two rounds have been played so far and the tournament will resume on 15to18MarchwithTrinidad &TobagoRedForcehosting current West Indies Championship leaders, Guyana Harpy Eagles at BrianLaraCricketAcademy

Theothertwomatchesin the third round will see Leeward Islands Hurricanes face Barbados Pride at Queen’sParkOval¸Trinidad and the Jamaica Scorpions facing Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Guyana NationalStadium.

The fourth round will be played from 22 to 25 March with the fifth and final round from 29 March to1April

Roland Holder, CWI’s Manager of Cricket Operations said: “The first two rounds of matches last month offered great excitement and we are delighted to see the resumption of the W e s t I n d i e s Championship

Based on what we saw in the first phase of matches, we can expect more keen competition among the six teams as t h e y v i e f o r t h e p r e s t i g i o u s H e a d l e y / W e e k e s Trophy.” “There is a lot to play for, as players also have the opportunity to compete for places in the Headley/Weekes Series which will follow at the end of the West Indies Championship and prepare to compete for spots on the international stage ”

Heading into the third round, Guyana Harpy Eaglesleadthepointstable after being unbeaten in their two matches to date, with defending champions BarbadosPrideinsecond.

Every West Indies Championship match will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel Fans can follow

Trophy for the winners of t h e W e s t I n d i e s Championship.

Allthreematcheswillbe played from 18 April to 6 MayattheCoolidgeCricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua. (CWI) Venues GNS –Guyana National Stadium, Guyana BLCA– Brian Lara CricketAcademy,Trinidad QPO – Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad ROUND 3: 15to18March

Jamaica Scorpions v WindwardIslandsVolcanoes atGNS

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Guyana Harpy EaglesatBLCA

every game from their mobile devices, computers or connectedTVs, including access to live ball-by-ball s c o r i n g o n t h e windiescricket com match centre.

The new Headley Weekes Series will follow t h e W e s t I n d i e s Championship and will feature three matches and three teams Team Headley and Team Weekes will select from the best performers in the 2023 West Indies Championship and players outside the startingWestIndiesTestXI.

The new West Indies Academy will provide the third team in the new Series Team Headley and TeamWeekes are named in honour of West Indies pioneers and legendary batting greats George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes, whose names are also honoured on the

Leeward Islands HurricanesvBarbadosPride atQPO

ROUND 4: 22 to 25 March

Guyana Harpy Eagles vs JamaicaScorpionsatGNS

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Barbados Pride at QPO Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Windward IslandsVolcanoesatBLCA

ROUND5:29Marchto1 April Guyana Harpy Eagles v Leeward Islands Hurricanes at GNS Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Jamaica Scorpions atBLCA

Barbados Pride v WindwardIslandsVolcanoes at QPO Headley Weekes

Tri-Series All matches to be played at CCG,Antigua Match 1: 19 to 22 April: Team Headley v West Indies Academy Match 2: 26 to 29 April: Team Weekes v West Indies Academy Match 3: 3 to 6 May: Team Weekes v Team Headley

The current standings after two rounds.

Matthew Nandu is Guyana’s leading run scorer in the season thus far with 204 runs from two matches.

MightyMalt Fitness Challenge 2023 set for Sunday

The much anticipated event is back –the seventh edition of the Fitness Challenge, sponsored by Mighty Malt, and is set for the National Park this Sunday,March12.

Athletes will be competing in three categories, namely Teen, Elite and Masters for cash and one year worth of bragging rights in their respectivecategories.

Event organiser Jordana Ramsey-Gonsalves gave some insight of what supporters and spectators canexpectonSunday

The first event is scheduledtostartat6amand then back at 2pm for the remainder of events. The first Event is 70 wall balls followedbya7kmrun.

The Elite Athletes will feature in five (5) Events, three of which have been while the other two (2) are surprises Athletes and audience will not know the remaining two (2) until the dayofthecompetition.

Maleandfemalewinners intheElitecategoryaresetto receive $500,000 each, whilesecondandthirdplace finishers will be rewarded with $300,000 and $100,000.

The male and female winners of the Masters

category would each pocket $100,000 while the second and third place finishers receive $75,000 and $50,000,respectively

Winners in the Teen category are set to each receive $30,000, while 2nd and 3rd place finishers will pocket$20,000and$15,000, respectively

The male and female winnersintheTeencategory are set to each receive $30,000, while 2nd and 3rd place finishers will pocket $20,000 and $15,000 respectively

In the previous edition which took place in 2019,

Dillon Mahadeo

Dillon Mahadeo proved once again why he is regarded the fittest man in Guyana, storming to his fourth straight fitness challenge win, while on the female side, Ava Zalman of Rock Cross-fit in Suriname wonthefemalecategory

This seventh edition of this event is sponsored by Ansa McAl under their Mighty Malt brand, sanctionedbytheMinistryof Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC) and supported by Bounty Supermarket, Sterling Products Inc. and Tech Pro Guyana.

Australia and New Zealand push back on reported Saudi tourism Women’s World Cup sponsorship

SportsMax-FIFAcould abandon plans for Saudi Arabia’s tourism body to sponsortheWomen’sWorld Cup after a major backlash fromco-hostsAustraliaand NewZealand.

The sport’s governing body was reportedly set to add Visit Saudi as a tournament sponsor for the competition, though no official announcement has beenmade.

Anangryresponsefrom both the two host nations andleadingplayers,suchas United States veteran Alex Morgan, has reportedly forced a rethink from FIFA nowhowever Both Football Australia and New Zealand Football remain frustrated by a lack of clarity though, with the latter’s chief executive Andrew Pragnell voicing hisdispleasure.

“I found the response fairly ambiguous,” he told local media “It didn’t confirm nor deny the potential Visit Saudi sponsorship that has been reportedinthemedia.

“It did allude to the importance of treating all member associations equally and the importance of engagement as opposed toisolation.

“Other than that, it stated that they’d be reaching out through their media and partnerships t e a m f o r f u r t h e r conversations.

“We’releftinalittlebit of uncertainty as to what’s going on here, to be frank, whichisabitdisappointing.

“Anything further I say would be speculation because I don’t know, but clearly our letter, given the delay in the response, and

theabsenceofconfirmation or denial, has caused some form of rethink in FIFA aboutthisissue.”

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson echoed his opposite number’s comments, adding that any such sponsorship would not match their values for the tournament.

“ I t w a s a n overwhelming consensus that this partnership does notalignwithourcollective vision for the tournament and falls short of our expectations,”hesaid.

“Whileweawaitfurther clarityandinformationasto thedetailsofthepartnership from FIFA, we continue to convey this clear message on behalf of Football Australia, New Zealand Football, and our community.”

Nortje out as South Africa aim for Test series win over W.Indies

AFP - South Africa will be without fast bowler AnrichNortjeforthesecond Test against the West Indies whichstartsattheWanderers Stadium in Johannesburg tomorrow,Wednesday

Nortje played a major roleinSouthAfrica’s87-run win in the first Test in Centurion as part of a fourpronged pace attack, taking five for 36 in the first innings.

Cricket South Africa announced yesterday that Nortje had experienced “mild groindiscomfort”duringthe first Test and had been advised to rest by South Africa’smedicalteam.

No replacement was named, which will mean a change of emphasis in South Africa’s bowling line-up, with medium-paced allrounder Wiaan Mulder the only other seamer in the squad. Mulder will add

batting strength to the team, which could open the way for a return for left-arm spinnerKeshavMaharaj.

SenuranMuthusamy,alsoa left-arm spinner, played ahead ofMaharajinCenturionasan all-rounder But he failed withthebatandbowledonly eight overs without taking a wicket.

The match is the final fixture for both teams in the World Test championship South Africa are in fourth position but cannot qualify for the final at The Oval in LondoninJune.WestIndies arealsooutoftherunningin seventhplace.

ItisthelastTestmatchfor South Africa until they meet Indiaintwomatchesattheend oftheyear

-No‘rhythm’PlayersfromSouthAfrica and the West Indies lamented the shortage of Test opportunitiesaswellasthefact

South Africa will be without fast bowler Anrich Nortje for the second Test against the West Indies.

bowler Kemar Roach “TwoTestseriesareprettytough By thetimeyougetarhythmthe seriesisover.”SouthAfrican fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, whosesecondinningsreturnof sixfor50hurriedSouthAfrica to victory at Centurion, was equally disappointed by the lack of opportunities at Test level. “Itisdisappointingthat we are not playing as much Testcricketaswewouldlike I seeTestcricketasthepinnacle ofthegame,”hesaid Thetwo TestsagainsttheWestIndies come in a summer dominatedbythenewSA20 franchise competition and the Women’s T20 World Cup.Thereisalow-keyfeel about the matches, which had minimal build-up and werescheduledinmidweek, almost guaranteeing low spectatorturn-out.

that most of their scheduled series over the next four years consist of only two

matches.

“West Indies deserves more Test cricket,” said fast

But Rabada pledged full commitment. “You’re playing a Test match,” he

said. “The West Indies are a capable team. Whether it’s high profile or low profile it’s a Test match and you havetorockupandplayyour best.”Probableteams:South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain),DeanElgar,Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Keegan Petersen, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Joshua Da Silva (wkt), RostonChase,JasonHolder, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach,ShannonGabriel Umpires: Marais Erasmus(RSA),PaulReiffel (AUS) TV umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

Liverpool to ban pitch invader who nearly injured Robertson

(Reuters) - A pitch invader who collided with the Liverpool players celebrating their seventh goal against Manchester United and nearly injured Andy Robertson has been arrested by Merseyside Police and will be banned fromAnfieldforlife.

Astheplayerscelebrated thefinalgoalofSunday’s7-0 drubbing of their rivals, the fan ran on to the pitch and slipped, colliding with Robertson who went down

clutchinghisankle,although theScotfinishedthematch.

Merseyside Police said a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of encroaching onto a football pitch.

“There is no excuse for this unacceptable and dangerous behaviour The safety and security of players, colleagues and supporters is paramount,” the club said in a statement onMonday

“The club will now

Cricket West Indies and Match Worn Shirt launch new West Indies signed shirt auction partnership

St John’s, AntiguaCricket West Indies (CWI) and MatchWornShirt (MWS)yesterdaylauncheda new partnership giving fans theopportunitytobidforand own an authentic worn and signed West Indies Team shirts. The West Indies will be the first international cricket team to give fans the opportunitytoownauthentic signedteamshirtsviaglobal digital auctions held on MatchWornShirt com’s website.

Starting from the 8 March, fans can bid to own any of the West Indies Test squad’steamsshirtsfromthe current South Africa Series, with each shirt individually signed by the respective p l a y e r C W I a n d MatchWornShirt will create auctions to go live with the

first ball bowled in a match orshortlyafterthematchhas been completion In 2023, this will include Test, One DayInternational(ODI)and T20 International (T20I) matches against India, as well as T20I and ODI matches against England WestIndiesfanswillnotjust be able to witness a matchwinning moment or performance,theywillhave

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follow its formal sanctions process and has suspended the alleged offender’s account until the process is complete.

“If found guilty of the offence of entering the pitch without permission, the offender could face a criminal record and a lifetime ban from Anfield and all Premier League stadiums These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severeconsequences.”

The police said their

officers were working with the club in relation to the incident.

“He is scheduled to voluntarily attend a police

station in Merseyside regarding this incident,” it saidinastatement.

Thefanwasledawayby stewardsandalsogotaearful fromLiverpoolbossJuergen Klopp, who was furious on thetouchlineasthelinesman attempted to calm the Germanmanager T

Liverpool’s top-four hopes astheAnfieldclubmovedup to fifth, three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham

Hotspurwithagameinhand. They next play away at relegation-threatened BournemouthonSaturday

Scotland’s Andy Robertson reacts. (Action Images via Reuters/Molly Darlington)

PSG’s Neymar to undergo ankle surgery, ruled out for rest of season

(Reuters) - Paris St

Germain forward Neymar hasbeenruledoutfortherest oftheseasonwiththeBrazil international set to undergo surgery to repair ankle ligamentsthatwillkeephim outforatleastthreemonths, the Ligue 1 club said yesterday

Neymar, who has 13 goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1 this season, has not played since a 4-3 win over Lille last month, missing PSG’s last two

games.

“Neymar Jr has had several episodes of instability in his right ankle in recent years,”

PSGsaidinastatement

“Following his last sprain contracted on February 20, the medical staff recommended a ligament repair operation to avoid a major risk of recurrence

All the experts c o n s u l t e d h a v e c o n f i r m e d t h i s

necessity

“Adelayofthreetofour months is expected before hisreturntotraining ”

PSG said he would undergo the surgery in Doha

The club are top of the league with an eight-point lead over second-placed Olympique de Marseille They face Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the Champions League last-16 second leg where they trail 1-0.

Paris St Germain’s Neymar sustains an injury before being stretchered off. (REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/)

WSUCC‘OneGuyana’BarticaCyclingClassic...

Jamual John wins in style on host club membership debut; Newton, Persaud, Jackson, Noel & Spencer also win

A robust performance fromWeStandUnitedCycle Club’s (WSUCC) latest addition, Jamual John saw himpedalingtovictoryinthe second edition of the WSUCC ‘One Guyana’ Bartica Cycling Classic Road Race held on Sunday lastinBartica.

Coming back after the first edition in 2019 and a victim of covid-19 like all the other sports, Sunday’s eventwaswellsupportedby thelocalfanswhoturnedout intheirnumberstorallytheir local cyclist who did well apart from having another first-hand taste of the best cyclistsinGuyana.

The sport has taken on positive growth in Bartica eversincethefirsteventand

thehostingofthe13thJunior Caribbean Cycling Championships in Bartica under the Presidency of the GFC boss, Horace Burrowes,inAugust2019.

Sunday’s event was another move to consolidate thegrowthofthesportthere and was well supported by Industrial Safety Supplies Inc , National Sports Commission, Fazia’s Collection Variety Sales Complex, The Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, Bartica Regatta Committee, Burrowes Construction and theMayorandTownCouncil ofBartica.

The main race, which was a combined event also featuring the Under and Over-50 cyclists got off to a

blisteringstartonthecircuitlikecoursearoundtheTown of Bartica witnessed by the residents, dozens at the starting point, Futu’s Guinness Bar, while others linetherouteinfrontoftheir homes to cheers the riders on.

Jamual John, his teammates Briton John and thejuniorwinnerontheday, Aaron Newton along with Curtis Dey of Team KFC Evolution established the early advantage by breaking away from their peers However, the Johns eventually rid themselves of allothersintheonehourplus twoadditionallapcontest.

Itlookedliketherewould have been a certain one-two end for Briton and Jamual

but Briton first suffered a puncture, then mechanical issues with his electronic cycle. The rule was that if there had to be a change to yourcycle,itmustbedoneat the starting line Whilst Briton complied when his wheel had to be changed,he didnotwhenhiscyclehadto be changed and was therefore penalised by the organisingclubwhichmeant thathewasdisqualifiedfrom the race despite being assured of at least a second place.

ThismeantthatDeytook secondplaceaheadofjunior rider, Aaron Newton who wasfollowedbyChristopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith of Team KFC Evolution, Sherwin Sampson of Team

Alaniswhoisnowventuring into the senior ranks from being a junior and another young cyclist, Arjune Sookhai of Kaieteur Attack CycleClub.

In brief remarks before starting the day’s action, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle who made the trek to Bartica to be part of the day’s action, noted that the WSUU Bartica Classic p e r s o n i f i e d t h e government’s ‘One Guyana’

vision by bringing the sport to more Guyanese and he was pleased that the event was coined after His Excellencyinitiativeof‘One Guyana’.

Ninvalle pledged the NSCcontinuedcommitment to the event and the sport whilst reminding that the NSC continues to sponsor theNationalthree-stageroad race and they are aiming to revivethefive-stageclassic

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Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle hands over the winning prize to the elite/senior winner, Jamual John.

Junior winner, Aaron Newton just after crossing the line, unchallenged.

WinnersAll! The respective category and other winners of the WSUCC ‘One Guyana’Bartica Cycling Classic pose with their silverware following Sunday afternoon’s presentation.

Jamual John wins in style on host club membership debut; Newton, Persaud, Jackson, Noel & Spencer also win