Kaieteur News

Caribbean islands could be impacted by oil spill from 35-well drilling campaign

-ExxonMobilstudy

An oil spill that occurs during the 35 well drilling campaign in the Stabroek Block by ExxonMobil could impact as manyas14Caribbeanislands

This is according to the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) submitted by the operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) to Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) This study will determine if a Permit willbegrantedtofacilitatethenew operationsoffshore.

According to the study, which was completed by Exxon’s Consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), oil spill modelling indicates that transboundary impacts could potentially occur if no mitigation measuresareimplemented.

Notably, the modelling results showedthatanunmitigatedoilspill can reach Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Martinique, andBarbadosaswellasDominican Republic,Haiti,andJamaica

The document explained, “An unmitigatedoilspillfromeitherof the loss-of-well-control events during both modelled seasons is expectedtotravelinawest-northwesterlyroutethroughtheGulfof Pariaandthesouthernandeastern

Unmitigated 177, 157

bpd Release of Medium Crude Oil December through May

henationowestheHon Vice President for squeezing precious time out of his still more precious schedule to enlighten it It is some enlightenment, and I am thankful to the good doctor, the Vice President of Oil, of Finance,ofForeignAffairs

IfIerredandleftoutvital portfolios, please pardon Indeed, the Vice President is holding sporadic press conferences and they are revelations into the deep insides of man and leader, thetormentsafflictingboth.I regretthatthetorturesofthis brother of outstanding caliberare by his own hand, results of his cunning mind. The gears have a grinding, jarringsoundtothem;ahairraisingone.

coasts of Trinidad and Tobago. This scenario would expose the northern coast of South America andthesouthernLesserAntillesto thebulkoftheexposuretooiling.”

Meanwhile, mitigated oil spillsfromeachofthetwoloss-ofwell-controlscenarioswouldonly have the potential to reach Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago and would reduce the extentofshorelineoiling

It must be noted that the study went into detail highlighting measures that will be taken to mitigateanoilspill Theseinclude coordinating operations and communications between differentcommandposts;creating a transboundary workgroup to manage waste from a product release; identifying places of refuge in the impacted region where response vessels could go for repairs and assistance; determining how EEPGL and the impactedregionalstakeholderscan work together to allow equipment and personnel to assist in a spill response outside the region and “determiningfinancialliabilityand establishing claims and/or livelihood remediation processes during a response to a transboundaryevent.”

The35-welldrillingcampaign seeks to explore new locations of the Stabroek Block but will also feature the drilling of appraisal

OP-ED

byGHKLall

wells within the proximity of previously drilled exploration areas Appraisal wells are drilled to better define the physical attributes of petroleum resources that have been discovered through priorexplorationactivities.

The exact locations of the 35 wells comprising the Project have not been finalized Pending

approval, it is anticipated that the Project will begin in the third quarter of 2023, and conclude by thefourthquarterof2028

Itmustbenotedthattheparent company is yet to supply a parent company guarantee for its operations in the Stabroek Block, meaning that EEPGL a limited liability company will be left to

handlecostsassociatedwithanoil spill

Currently, Guyana has a mere US$600 million policy in place per oil spill event but given the experiencesofotheroilproducing states, advocates have been demanding that ExxonMobil commit to covering all expenses abovetheinsurancevalue

Press Conferences – VP Style

For starters, it is a tribute to call the Vice President’s engagements press conferences For sure, the pressisinvited,sothatalone in these virtually one-way gatheringshostedbytheVice President qualify them as pressconferences

The reality is that the press attendees and external audiences are reduced to captivelistenersbeforeaonemanseminarcumcircus that could pass as an expo. It is what I call a talking to, a talking down, and talking around. Asktheman,avery seniornationalleader(some say the most senior), a former head-of-state, a questiononoil,andhesettles into spinning, weaving, and threading sessions that send the propaganda people at Exxon into frenzies of delight. He is more red, white, and blue than bluebloodExxon. TheVice PresidentisnowmoreTexan than the Texas-based mammoth. Guyana’s Vice President is doing Exxon’s work, speaks the canned languageofAmerica’skiller

oil whale, and he is getting verygoodatit. Toapoint.

ForwhenIforcemyselfto ponder what Guyana’s Vice President is sharing in his recent press conferences, I come to dark and forbidding places that are bad for country, and expectant citizens Theanswersthatthe Vice President give are of a manwalkinginthedarkinan unevenandslipperyareathat he knows to be filled with deepholes,minedatthesame time, and saturated with toxic air, to make matters still worse The Vice President knows of all these traps and dangers for one simplereason. Hehimselfis responsible for most of them.

Forwhenpressedonringfencing, for example, he hedges Whenleanedonfor taxes, he hopscotches And w h e n i n q u i r e d o f decommissioningmoneythat should be controlled by Guyana, he does the hulahoop From my humble perspective, hedging, hopscotching, and doing the hula-hoop are not the most

recommended leadership attributes on anything On oil, it is nothing more than figure skating, gyrating (in Guyanese-winingdownand around), and flip flopping over what he said (or didn’t say)beforeversuswhatheis saying now In essence, on matters involving this great oilgifttoGuyanese,theVice President has his own versionsoftruth,clarity,and fidelitytoduty

They have never been encountered anywhere else, do not reconcile well with the accepted standards of any of the three qualities: truth, clarity, and fidelity to duty. In other places, the latter is called integrity in office, but I refuse to go there, for the Vice President is an honourable man of remarkable caliber, of provenprowessofkindsnot seen anywhere at any time before.

Inhispriorextendedstint inthetopmostoffice,theVice President earned a pungent reputationforcursingoutand crushing down those who crossed his path at press

conferences Observing today’s angrier and more ‘don’t-mess-with-me’ versionoftheVicePresident, when there is tempting oil, I preferhavingtheearlierone Today, when there is a press conference, the Vice President displays acute impatience and of having a short fuse, with some explosive accelerant embedded.

My thinking is that he is no longer his own man He hasbackedhimselfintosuch a corner, by achieving the impossible He has succeededintakingliquidoil, andusingittotiehimselfinto knots. Even Alexander the Great would have had difficulty unraveling Guyana’sVicePresident’soil knots that he fashioned for himself

The Vice President cannotspeakstraight,cannot walk a straight line, where Guyana’s oil patrimony is concerned. Lookathim,and he is a thin shadow of his former bustling, hustling, self. Today he is Dr.Twirly and Twisty, very shaky

Now he no longer speaks English, but American English whenever oil is the subject. That is, Exxon’s English. Messrs.Routledge andWoodsshouldbeproud: their schooling is paying off inaces.

I study my brother, the Vice President, and there is sadness I recognize some other relations, the brotherhood of family and friends, who thought they werethesmartestguysinthe room, until they weren’t In theVicePresident’sthinking, aggression is the best defence I close: why is a defenceevenneededifthisoil wealth is being managed

Haimara-1 Ashore Surface Oil SweptArea

Unmitigated

Venezuela

Caracas

Guyana

Surina

Map depicting the predicted transport after 45 days from an unmitigated 177,157 barrels per day spill at the Haimara wellhead in the Stabroek Block (Source EEPGL CIA)

Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Women have come a long way, risen high, shattered glass ceilings in some places. Though women have traveled long, grueling roads,thewayforwardisstilltricky,withmanytreacherous curves to be navigated. Guyanese women, our wives and daughters, our sisters and fellow workers, and our female citizens,havealsogrownfromwhoandwhatandwherethey werebefore.

But,again,thereissomuchmoretobedone. Thewomen in Guyana are held as our treasured vessels, our fellow strivers and builders, and our invaluable partners in the demandingworkahead.

Wehavehadmoreandmorewomenasleadersinthelocal arena. Educators, ministers, business and religious leaders, evenoneasanationalleader

AmongtheleadingvoicesforbetterinGuyana,thereare somestrong,fearlesswomenverymuchinthemiddleofthe fight. In fact, it is more accurate to assert that our brave women have been in the forefront for a safer, cleaner, healthierGuyana.

They have been present in battles over the environment, aboutwhatissafeandsoundfortheirfamiliesandtheirwider communities. Theirworkshavebeeninthecity,aswellasin the deep hinterlands, as truth and justice are made into priorities,avoiceisgiventothetroublesofthevoiceless.

ThesearetheGuyanesewomenthathavemadeusproud, andwecallthemoursisters,forsotheyare.

OnthisInternationalWomen’sDay,wesalutethem,and urgethemtokeeppressingahead,maintainthegoodworks.

Butforeveryonewomanthatstepsforwardtorepresent therichnessoftruecitizenship,therearedozens,ahundred, thatarecontenttolettheworldpassthembyunaddressed.

Theirchildrenmaynothaveasmuchastheyshould;their own stomachs gnaw with emptiness and anxiousness from needing,aboutwhattodo,andfromtheweaknessesoftheir stillness.

This country is at a stage that it needs more of its womenfolktostandup,andtospeakup.

They must, since they are the ones who know best how muchtheirfamiliesarepressured,howoftentheyareforced toanundignifiedexistenceinacountrythathassomuch. Itis the women who know of the plights of the other women in theircommunities,theirextendedfamilies,andintheirother spheresofactivity

They know more than their men folk, for they carry the weight of the family’s needs on their heads, and in their hearts.

Becauseitisfrequentlywomenwhoarethedrivingforces in their homes, the go-getters, then they must be able to inspire their husbands and their sons and their brothers to a greaterawarenessofwhatisatstakeinthisnewGuyanathat has been given to us, but from which so many are squeezed out.

The life of women has been of second class citizens, so they know about what it means to be disrespected and illtreated, even traumatized to this day Regarding the latter, this savagery is still ongoing in today’s Guyana, but that is anotheruphillstrugglethatcontinues.

The progress that has been made by women in Guyana must be harnessed and leveraged for still more progress. Nothingthatisworthwhilecomeseasilyorfreely,buthasto be fought for, with great sacrifices made. Guyana is at this stage today, and more women need to be in the fight for betterment.

They know this is what went on before, which is why there is today, an International Women’s Day, an acknowledgement, and honour, that is hard-earned, and due initseveryessenceandfiber

Schlumberger could create Disaster - Part I

DEAREDITOR,

I wish to make it quite clear that I have no problem with investments in our country and for the development of our people especially through foreign investors. I am one who welcome Exxon Mobil with allmyheart.

However, like former Presidents Forbes Burnham and Dr Cheddi Jagan, I believe in investment with a national and human developmentform.

I do not believe in investments for gluttony, masscollectionofwealthfor

theinvestingcorporationsor their shareholders. I believe in investments for equity in distribution of wealth amongst the people of our country,ourgovernmentand our national development ethos.Andyesafairsumfor the investors. We know that investors like to sap everything which leads to thedeathofinvestmentsand nations.Historically,foreign corporateinvestorssotosay, wereinvolvedforthesakeof profits and more profits and enrichment of their developed countries and their shareholders only!

History has shown that they overthrow governments, enslaved nations, and destroyed environments all inthesakeofprofiteering.

I n m y o p i n i o n , unfortunately,inmanycases inmoderntimesthesituation is similar though beautifully whitewashedtomakeitlook asiftheycareforthenation’s people. As if there is some formofconsiderationforus. When all they want is our resources we have in our ground,ourland,ourseasor junglesandourpeoples.

It is now history that Justice Nareshwar

Harnanan,JudgeoftheHigh Court of Judicature of Guyana on the 16th December, 2022 ruled that the Environmental ProtectionAgency breached its statutory duty by issuing environmental permits to Schlumberger-Guyana Inc. andwaivingtherequirement foranEnvironmentalImpact Assessment (EIA) for the construction of a Radioactive Chemical Facility

The Judge indicated that thedecisionoftheEPAtonot dosowasillegal,ultravires, (Continuedonpage5)

Whatever will be had, whatever is to be gained, in Guyana willhavetobebattledfor,andwomenhavetheirparttoplay They have been sick and tired of the lies fed to them before; our women should recognize the deceptions and dangerousness of what leaders are doing to them and this

riches to their foreign bedfellows,sothatbothgroupsprofitmore.

DEAREDITOR,

On Sunday afternoon last, I was appalled to witness first hand, a crude, barbaric display of xenophobia and coarse language directed at young, enthusiastic Mashramani revellers.Their‘crime’inthe eyesoftheperpetratorswasa choice of sexual orientation inconsistent with theirs

Those who travelled to the ancient county possess a passion for patriotism and a strong desire to entertain the people of Berbice with breathtaking choreography which wooed Georgetown spectatorsonMashDay

Alas, this was not to be. Itbogglesmymindthat,ata time when prominent religious and social leaders, local and international have issued statements asking for societaltoleranceforpersons perceived as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and nolessapersonthanFormer President Barack Obama signed same sex marriage into legislation, terrorist thuggery was on full display in the vicinity of Lot 39, Stanleytown, New Amsterdam Bottles were hurled at targets and at least three (3) persons suffered bloodlettinginjuriesandhad to be taken to hospital for treatment; others applied first aid measures to their wounds. Were it not for quick, decisive and strategic action of three shots fired into the air by a licensed firearm holder who was amongthosecorneredbythe menacing gang led by a ‘Mbaku’ wielding wooden plank protagonist, families would have likely been mourningforlovedonesasI penthisletter Icommendthe gentleman and also the tenacity of the revellers, whom, though shaken and

physicallyweakenedtocarry the weight of their costume backpacks, eventually regrouped and managed to ‘mash down’ through Main Street between the battle of theboomboxes.

Editor, I wish to make two comments on the foregoing:

First. I hope I’m correct in assuming that the hasty retreatofthefourcommunity police officers from the scene of the melee was in part, due to their prompt effort to obtain backup. A police patrol eventually arrived and apprehended suspects, despite efforts by some members of the community to conceal their whereabouts.

Second. Thisis directed to those persons who are consistently vocal about alleged suppression of freedom of expression. My view is this notion does not only apply to street protests, but is equally applicable to publicdisplayofculturaland artistic expression I therefore call upon those who profess to champion guaranteed human rights including that of freedom of association, to publicly condemn the actions of persons who desecrated the good name of the peaceful people of New Amsterdam; as well as the warm, hospitable residents of B e r b i c e ; a n d t o unequivocallysay‘notinmy name!’.

Yoursfaithfully, DerrickCummings

Schlumberger could create Disaster...

Frompage4

unreasonable, irrational and a b r e a c h o f t h e Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05.As a result, heorderedthequashingofan environmentalpermitissued bytheEPAon9thJune,2021 infavourofSchlumberger,a subcontractor of ExxonMobil, to permit it to construct a radioactive substances and materials storage and calibration facility at Lot 1 Area X HoustonontheEastBankof Demerara. Justice Harnanan grantedaninjunctionagainst the company from continuing the possession, use and storage of radioactive chemicals at its Houston Facility (Sunday Stabroek 5th Feb, 2023). I wish to state that I have no problem with Foreign

Investors investing in Guyana I am a strong supporter of the work of ExxonMobil to bring economic benefits to countries for the upliftment of countries in an environmentally sustainable way

We the citizens of this country owe a great debt to Danuta Radzik, Vanda Radzik and Raphael Singh, the brave and courageous residents of Houston, for bringing this matter to the High Court of Judicature of Guyana. Only God knows what would have been the futureofthiscountryandthe citizensofthiscountryhada catastrophetakenplace! But then we see an attempt being tried by Schlumberger to recontinue with its radioactive source storage and calibration facility operations by reapplying to the EPAagain for permission to continue withitsconstructionofsuch

afacility

My opinion is that the Government of Guyana shouldrealizethatthepeople of this country are against this project. And under no circumstances should anyone within government or powerful voice or personality should dare to think that the people of this country would allow such a monstrosity as radioactive source to be stored and utilized in Guyana for whatever benefits. I think thatthismatterneedstonow be dealt with at the highest leveloftheJudicature.

Schlumberger through its PR Company IMEX Inc on 7th February, 2023 then organized and hosted a public stakeholder engagement regarding its Radioactive Source Storage and Calibration Operations, at the Parc Rayne Conference Hall, in Houston. Quite a number of persons showed up, inclusive of yours truly, but thestrategytherewasonlyto ‘pull wool over the eyes’of theresidentsandcitizensand not answering directly and extensively the questions and concerns of the citizens /residents raised at that forum. This has led me to conclude sadly, that Schlumbergerseemsonlyto care for their profitability, andarebereftofanylovefor ourcountryandourcitizens. For them, it seems it is only Money! Money! Money! and Profit! Profit for the shareholders The PR company IMEX Inc. has done a very poor job of

representing Schlumberger and they seem to care nothingofthepeoplesofthis country

Therefore, I now have some very serious questions and concerns to ask and to raisehereinthemediaonthe construction of this project bySchlumberger:

Inthepresentation,itwas statedthattheseRadioactive Source that would be stored a t t h e i n t e n d e d Schlumberger Storage Facility site at Houston wouldbeusedin/areneeded for the exploration activities of the oil companies such as Exxon Mobil, here in Guyana.Butifthisisso,how are these oil companies managing to extract successfully for the oil presently here now in Guyana and that is been exported?

Are these radioactive hazardous materials produced here in Guyana? That would allow for the country of Guyana to be the site of storage of these dangerous hazardous substances?

If these radioactive hazardoussubstancesarenot being produced here in Guyana from which country/countries are they beingsenttoGuyanafrom?

Why or by what method was the area of Houston s e l e c t e d b y Exxon/Schlumberger to be thestoragesitelocation?

What protective measures (Emergency response measures, environmental cleanup measures, etc) does the

company have in place should there be a chemical spillage from this storage siteforthepeopleofthearea, the environment, and Guyana at large)? In me asking this question, they couldgivenoanswer

Would Schlumberger and Exxon Mobil be willing tocoverthehealthcarecosts of persons for a lifetime should there be a catastrophic spillage of radioactive material from this storage facility God forbid that this should ever take place! In asking this question,Igotnoanswer Has Exxon Mobil considered the financial effectstoitscompanyandits company’sreputationshould a spill disaster occur from this waste facility? What of its consideration to its shareholders,etc.?

Questions regarding the safe transportation of the Radioactivesourcematerials in the Oceans especially the CaribbeanSea,andwatersof Guyana in the case of tropical storms, hurricanes, etc.

Sincerely,

HajjiDr.RoshanKhan

Publicly condemn the actions of persons who desecrated the good name of the peaceful people of NewAmsterdam

International Women’s Day Messages

‘DIGITALL: INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR GENDER EQUALITY’

Women must be trained and prepared to function at all levels in this highly technologicaldrivenperiod.

There should be no excuseforanycountryinthe world, and Guyana with its smallpopulationandoilrich capacity should be no exception.

As a matter of fact, Guyana should be able ensureallitsabledpeopleare exposed and trained according to their ability in this field that is adaptableto persons with various abilities.

Thisgenderthathasbeen socially disabled and economically undervalued forcenturiesmustfindequal place in the growth and development of technology inGuyana.

Womenshouldnotbeleft behind or considered not suitable for any job involving technology Guyana has the resources to ensure that women’s education and opportunities are no longer limited but available for every woman andchild.

Whatwemustdevelopto drive that capacity is the political vision and will to challenge ourselves. This

calls for our leaders at all levels, but most particularly those who manage and directly allocate resources, to see the development of women and girls in Guyana asamatterofpriorityacross thevariousdivides.

Ourvisionmustnotonly betotrainthemanddevelop them but ensure that every single one of them has opportunity in their homeland of Guyana to grow,developandinnovate.

Our wealth is attracting foreignerstoGuyana.

Whilstwewelcomethem and the skills and new ideas that they bring, we must zealously guard and ensure ourlocallabourforceisfully utilisedineverycapacity No technological skill nor opportunity should be limitedtoanyGuyanese,and where such training is not available locally then opportunities must be made availableforaccess.

United Nations UnderSecretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Ms. Sima Bahous, sees the absence of digital opportunityasanewkindof poverty where women and girls are being excluded from digital participation.

WOMEN AND GENDER EQUALITY COMMISSION STATEMENT FOR IWD 2023

This new type of poverty, in thetechnologicalage,stands to retard the progress made for women’s development and empowerment in the home, field, office, factory andsocietyasawhole.

InGuyanawherethereis significant agricultural potential and opportunities flowing therefrom, free technological education and training should be made available to women, likewise,accesstocheapand reliable telephone service and internet and reasonably priced equipment in order that they could create business opportunities and expandexistingones.

Where the world has been reduced to a global village, with the digital age, andrecognisedevenmoreso during the COVID-19 pandemic,opportunitiesand possibilities are limitless for women to organise around issues and benefit from resources that could positively impact their social, economic, cultural andpoliticalwellbeing.

Inthisdigitalagewomen must be given all opportunitiestothrive.

Guyana Trades Union Congress

PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MESSAGE 2023

International Women’s Day (IWD) gives us the opportunity to recognize how far we have come in securing gender equality It alsoservesasareminderthat the road to true equality is long,andthereismuchmore workyettobedone.

As we celebrate this progress, we must also acknowledgethatprogressis fragileandthatinmanyparts of the world, and right at homeinGuyana,womenare fighting for the most basic human rights including survival against high food prices.

This year, IWD is celebrated under the United Nations theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” along with the campaign theme, #EmbraceEquity. We, the women of the National CongressofWomen(NCW),

are celebrating under the theme, “Cracking the Code - Innovating Food Security through Pot Agriculture” #EmbraceEquity.

Today, Wednesday, March 8th, 2023, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, the socioeconomic development in ourcountryisbenefittingno doubt from growing participationofwomenatall levels.

Over the past decades, womenhavewonlegislative reforms that have closed the gender gap in education and employment and have enhanced protections in women’s health and wellbeing.

Reports by several organizations, such as OECD, ECLAC, and the UN-EGEEW, have shown continuous improvement in Latin America and the

Everyyearon8thMarch, International Women’s Day is observed and it is used to increase awareness and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and politicalaccomplishmentsof women This year’s UN Women theme: “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” serves to honour and celebrate the women and girls who are leading the charge for the d e v e l o p m e n t o f transformative technology and digital education. We live in world where increasingly transactions of our lives are informed by technology, moreso by digitaltechnology

In urban spaces, life without electricity in almost unthinkable. For our youth, life without the internet connectivity would be torturous.Digitaltechnology isbecomingpartofthefabric of our everyday lives. It is thereforecriticalthatwomen and girls be part of shaping technology Bringing w o m e n a n d o t h e r marginalized groups into technologyspaceswillresult inmorecreativesolutions. It will have greater potential for the creation of innovationswomenandgirls needandwanttouseintheir lives The COVID-19 pandemic whilst wreaking havoc on lives around the globe,highlightedhowgreat the disparities are particularly between urban andruralpopulations. Rural women and girls have less access to the digital world and benefit less from the

Caribbean, where women’s participation in the workforce is among the highest. These and other gains must however be constantlyguarded.

However,thegainshave slowed due to COVID-19, theRussia-Ukrainewar,and the spiraling food prices. Thismustbeofconcerntous all.

Both government and organizations, such as the National Congress of Women (NCW), must be ready through policies and programs that are gender responsive to the economic needsbroughtaboutbythese global and national challenges. We must ensure we do not lose the gains accomplished over the decades.

The present challenges byourwomentoputatleast

(Continuedonpage7)

solutions it provides than comparative to that of urban womenandgirls.

The pandemic also brought about innovation. Wealllearnthowtodowork, learnandentertainourselves in new ways. This year’s IWDthemealsoforcesusto examine the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities as well as the importance of protecting therightsofwomenandgirls in digital spaces while addressing online and ICTfacilitated forms of genderbasedviolence.Wealsoneed to adequately address technology-assistedformsof gender-based violence. To trulyextractthebenefitsnew technologypromises,thefull participation of women and girls in STEM and technology spaces must be supported.Weneedtofoster the environment where technology is created that meets the needs of women and girls We need to examine ways to reduce the growing disparities between men and women in terms of access to and proficiency withdigitaltechnologies.

The digital space has generated unprecedented opportunities for the empowermentofwomenand girls through opportunities for online learning, digital activism and networking with virtual communities of practice to the rapid expansion of lucrative technologyjobsandcareers.

Women and girls remain under-representedacrossthe creation, use and regulation

of technology They are less likely to use digital services or entertech-relatedcareers, andsignificantlymorelikely to face online harassment andviolence.Thislimitsnot only their own digital empowerment but also the transformative potential of technology as a whole. This year, the Commission is continuing their sponsorship of three women who are pursuing studies in STEM related areas at the University of Guyana through its annual Magda Pollard Women in STEM ScholarshipProgramme.We celebratethestridesmadeby organisations like STEM Guyana, and ICT for Girls and the CARICOM Girls in ICT Initiative, But the advancing technology has alsointroducednewformsof inequality and threats to the well-being of women and girls the Commission is acutely aware the increasing incidents of cyber-bullying cyber-stalkingandgrooming intakingasevidencedbythe number of reports engaging the office of the Director of PublicProsecution. Whilst Guyana has new cybercrime legislation, the Commission feels more needs to be done to curb new and emerging forms of violence. Women and girls need to have the assurance that they too are entitledtohavesafelivesand strong futures. We cannot allow technology to widen existingdisparitiesbutrather we must put it to work on behalf of a safer, more sustainable, more equitable futureforall.

GAWU INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MESSAGE 2023

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day to celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions working women have made and continue to make in our country and around the world,andtoregrouptoface thechallengesahead.

Since the pandemic began, we have been overwhelmed by changes to ourdailylivesandtotheway wework.

In many ways, society is forever changed and markedly different from what it was even three years ago.

AswemarkInternational Women’s Day, we are reminded that in times of

societal change, we need to pushforthosechangestobe inclusive and equity-driven, to move us closer to a more equalworld.

We remember that International Women’s Day is rooted in the collective action of working women whocametogetheronMarch 8th for gender equality, and for social and economic justiceforeveryone.

Today, much work remainstobedonetoensure spaces are accessible to all women, non-binary, and trans equally. This includes thedigitalspace.

The United Nations is observing IWD with their chosen theme: DigitALL:

Innovation and technology for gender equality. In their statement, the UN says this aligns with the priority themefortheupcoming67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, “ I n n o v a t i o n a n d technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender e q u a l i t y a n d t h e empowerment of all women andgirls”.

In simpler terms, we must use technology to advancegenderequality While technology and online spaces have brought opportunities to build sisterhoodinsolidarity,they

(Continuedonpage7)

Frompage6 one nutritious meal on the table highlight the unfinished Gender Agenda. Thissituationchallengesthe government to ensure that families can properly feed andcarefortheirchildren.

According to the FAO 2022 Regional Review ReportonLatinAmericaand the Caribbean, “Food inflation has continued to r i s e , re d u c i n g t h e purchasing power of more and more households and putting their food security at risk.”

Thecostofahealthydiet is more expensive in the Caribbean. In Guyana and Suriname, the costs of a healthy diet are the highest inthesub-region.

We have had reports after reports, and they have all shown that the increases fall on the most vulnerable groupsinoursociety,suchas our Indigenous people, women, and persons living inourruralcommunities.

Weareallawarethatthe effects of unhealthy diets carry great cost to our c o u n t r y s o c i a l l y, economically, and mentally This is a cost we cannot afford. With oil receipts, Guyana can readily e r a d i c a t e h u n g e r, malnutrition, and food insecurity Wemustdemand noless.

The FAO must be applauded for its exemplary effortsinLatinAmericaand the Caribbean to alleviate rural poverty and hunger by recognizing the crucial role ofagriculture.

We in the NCW have committed to promoting “Pot Agriculture” or pot farming among our women during 2023 to empower them to cushion the effects of high food prices and moreover to alleviate some of the stress faced each day by our women to put a nutritiousmealonthetable.

Frompage6 havealsoopenedthedoorto anonymous and targeted gender-based violence and h a r a s s m e n t T h e unrestricted sharing of information also allows misogynist groups to thrive despite their hateful messages that are harmful and hurtful to the lives of women, girls, and gender diverse people. Women are more likely to face sexual harassment, cyberstalking, cyberbullying and other forms of online abuse. This can cause fear and anxiety, limiting their ability to participate in online activities and often spills over into their lives away fromtechnology

Where technology can be healing and helpful is when it helps us build c o n n e c t i o n s a n d communities.

Women now have more access to resources and information, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their lives and learn from each other’s

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Happy International Women’sDay2023!

GAWU INTERNATIONAL...

struggles and to support feminist campaigns around the world. Women in Iran and Afghanistan are facing extremeriskstotheirlivesas theystrivetoclawbacktheir autonomy and their right to education from oppressive, authoritarian governments. WomenintheUnitedStates are waging a battle to reclaim their reproductive rights following the devastating overturning of Roev Wade.

The International

Women’s Day organization isalsoremindingustodayto Embrace Equity We welcome everyone into every space and raise a w a r e n e s s a b o u t discrimination, in all its forms. Today we celebrate the amazing achievements of working women who are makingapositivedifference intheworld.Letustakethe opportunity to applaud the women trailblazers, supporters, nurturers, activists and fighters in our lives,nearandfar,andthank themforalltheydo.

THE REAL HYPOCRITES

Last week our leaders were in Berbice calling upright citizens names such as hypocrites. Today, they will sing the praises of women- some of whom came in for their ‘cuss down and cuss out’at the Berbice ‘bash’.

Today, they will also regale us with platitudes of how they love women, yet they have two eminently qualified women sitting for years at the helm of the judiciary without being confirmed in their roles substantively.

They will pay lip service about loving women, but have condemned teachers and nurses who are mostly women to a life of mendicancy, while they and their fat cats live off the sweat of those same ladies.

We now know who are the real hypocrites, not the critics of the government, but rather the government itself.

We at Kaieteur News salute our women and wish them well as they continue to soldier on making the lives of their families better.

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Jagdeo should address legitimate questions, not attack Kaieteur News –ChrisRam

Vice President Bharrat regarding the oil and gas not answer some of his Jagdeo, the designated sector, the VP became questions as he had spokesperson on Guyana’s visibly annoyed and began previously addressed them. oil and gas sector, has not attacking the credibility of The leader then went on a public. been hosting regular press thenewspaper tirade asking “Why this He said, “A lot of this is briefingstoupdatethepublic Publisher,Mr GlennLall crocodile tears now? What proprietary but, in this on important developments was the first to raise a about 100 years ago? Where environment, and with an in the industry and number of questions were you whenTrinidad was organization like Kaieteur managementofstateaffairs. regarding more benefits on pumping oil all the time? News, I would never want to

Attorney-at-Law and

Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

This, according to future projects in Stabroek Were you worried about releasethatbecausetheywill country would manage to

B l o c k a n d w h e t h e r Trinidad for 100 years nitpick, they will take one repay US$106 million

Chartered Accountant, government will be capping Trinidad has been producing word out of it and create a annually should any event Christopher Ram is a threat the interest rate on gas and oil smaller in storyandlieaboutit.” r e n d e r t h e f a c i l i t y to citizens’ right to investments being made in quantities and nobody were The official also said inoperable, seemed to information and the essence the Stabroek Block by worried about that, suddenly there are some standard furtherenragetheVP,whose ofgoodgovernance. ExxonMobil. He also asked Guyana in Guyana’s case? practices in the hydrocarbon emotional response was to

Publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall

In an invited comment, Jagdeo to kindly indicate the Wehavedealtwithallofthis industry while noting that ask: “Can we get out of this followingtheVP’sfirstpress interest rate Guyana is convenient ‘holier-than- the release of such morbidity, is Kaieteur News conference for the year on e v e n e m b a r r a s s i n g paying on the oil company’s thou’high horse attitude, it’s statements is not one of a morbid? Imagine we must Friday, Ram expressed questions. investment to date which pure nonsense, utter them.Hesaid,“Innocountry not build the power plant disappointment at Jagdeo’s During his interaction stands at approximately nonsense.” in the world, you would not because we might have an visceral reaction to the with the press at the Arthur US$40 billion, and if ring- Kaieteur News’ Senior find intermediate reports explosion there. This is in queries raised by Kaieteur Chung Conference Centre, fencing would be included. Journalist, Kiana Wilburg being released to the media. effect what you are News The Attorney said Jagdeo did not engage the More importantly, he also asked the VP about the You show me a country that saying…which government Jagdeo gave irrational media on the petroleum enquired about adequate cost recovery statements is doing this where oil starts off by… anywhere in responses to legitimate sector, except while giving insurance for Guyana and Exxon submits to the operations are concerned, the world… by saying that questionsanddisplayedtotal an update on his recent theRegion. government on a quarterly andwewilldoit.” ohwearenotgoingtopursue disregard for the right of the travels to India. When this Jagdeo reacted angrily, basis, specifically whether The question from (Continued on page 16) press to ask piercing and newspaper raised questions saying plainly that he would these can be shared with the Kaieteur News on how the

THERE IS NO THING AS THE POLITICAL HEAD OF A REGION

There is no such office or position as political head of any of Guyana’s 10 regional administrations

Those who hold such views need to disabuse themselves ofthisfalsity

Guyanaisaunitarystate. There is only one political head of the country and that personiswhoeversitsasthe Executive President of Guyana.

The Constitution of Guyana speaks to the supreme organs of democratic power These organs are the Parliament, the President and the Cabinet RDCs are not declared as supreme organs ofdemocraticpower

Local democratic organs consist of Regional Democratic Councils, Municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils(NDCs).ButRDCs are not classified as local government bodies. These arelimitedtomunicipalities, NDCs and Amerindian village councils The functions of RDCs are administrative in nature and notpolitical.

A s s u c h , i t i s disingenuous to refer to the head of any Regional Democratic Council as the political head of its Region. If that was the case, then there could hardly be criticism about the lack of political inclusion since RDCs would have representedaformofpowersharing, their members having been elected at regional elections held simultaneously with general elections and with their names having to be part of list provided by the contestingpoliticalparties.

Tobetterappreciatewhat RDCs represent, one has to go back to the origins of the complicated system of local democratic organs which

was ushered in under the Constitution of 1980. Since then some organs have been dumped, such as the Supreme Congress of the People and the National Congress of Local DemocraticOrgans.

Burnham had cast his eyes widely around the world’s socialist bloc in attempting to arrive at a model which he could achieve his political goals and to better manage the country The first attempt wastodeclareGuyana,aCooperative Republic He sought to promote cooperatives as the vehicle for the achievement of socialism.Thiswasmodeled after the Tanzanian experience – which as we know became a one-party state.

That vehicle suffered from punctured tires and an engine blowout. It failed to function even before it got going.After the cooperative movement failed and with his grip on power weakening. Burnham opted for an executive President which was patterned after the Presidency of Zambia. But at the local level, Burnham sought inspiration from the Cuban model.This is how he came up with his specific system of local democraticorgans.

Duringthe1970’s,Cuba had a three-tier system of administrative government in which there was Popular Council and then there were municipal governments and higher up provisional councils. Burnham tried to replicate and adapt that modeltoGuyana.

The result is a top heavy system of local democratic organs with little or no citizens’ participation. The system is albatross around the Guyanese people and should be dumped and dumpedquickly

Dem Boys Seh...

Guyana is too small and lacking in adequate human and technical resources to have a large bureaucratic central government, then to h a v e 1 0 r e g i o n a l administrative councils, morethan60neighbourhood democratic councils, plus more than 175 village councils.

The system is too cumbersome for a country withapopulationoflessthan a million, the majority of whomresidealongtheCoast and with limited human resources.

Anyone who has visited some of the meetings of the NDCs will realize that not only are these bodies constrained in terms of funding but some of the personnel simply do not have the skills which are r e q u i r e d f o r t h e responsibilities for which they are assigned Local democratic organs, from the RDC downwards have no political mandate and little power except the limited authorityprovidedtothemto administer their respective regions, towns and villages. As one study established, RDCscannotberegardedas decentralizedorautonomous entities. And they certainly cannotberegardedaspartof a devolved system of government.

T h e r e i s h e a v y centralization in the provisionofservicesininthe Caribbean.

A survey was once conducted in seven Caribbean countries, and thatsurveyfoundthat80.3% of all services provided in thesecountriesweredoneby central government. In the case of Guyana, it was also found that there was duplication in the provision of services by central and local authorities This duplication will inevitably result in a misallocation of

How yuh does pluck a chicken?

De whole country confused now Lang ago when you go to yuh family in de countryside,demdoesgoindeyard,snatch up wan of dem creole fowl and cook a nice currychickenfuhyou.

Butnowdehgatproblems.Whenyuhgo, dem still catching de chiken, but dem nah knowhowfuhpluckit.

Demcan’tdecidewhetherfuhstartfrom deneckordefoot.

Itmekdemboysrememberdestoryofde man who was driving along de public road. Whenhelookthroughhecarwindow,hesee achickenrunningalongsidehecar

He was surprised to see de chicken keepingupwithhimsincehewasdrivingat 60 mph He stepped on de gas and

acceleratedto70mph.Butdechickenstayed rightnexttohim.Hespedupto75mph,but thechickenovertookhim.

Dendemannoticedthatthechickengat three legs. So he followed de chicken, speedingalltheway,andendedupatafarm. He got out of his car and saw that all the chickensonthefarmhadthreelegs.

When he spotted the farmer he asked him, “Where did you get these chickens?”

The farmer replied, “Well, everybody likes chicken legs, so I bred a three-legged bird.

I’mgoingtobeamillionaire.”

The man was impressed and asked him how they tasted. The farmer said, “Don’t know,Ihaven’tcaughtoneyet.”

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

scarceresources. Also, the survey found that the financial resources collected by local government are inadequate tofinancetheserviceswhich shouldbeprovided.

Another survey found highlevelsofdissatisfaction with the services offered by the organs of local democraticpower.Butthere has been little movement in

reformingthesystem.

A small country like Guyana with so much centralized authority cannot afford, in financial and human resource terms, to have this three or four-tier system of government. One of these tiers has to go, and perhaps, it is the Regional Democratic Councils which shouldbedissolved.

Butwhoisgoingtobell

thecat?

(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.)

New Amsterdam man claims harassment and wrongful arrest by police

A New Amsterdam man was left embarrassed and appalled by the alleged actionsoflawmenSundaynightthatresulted inhimbeingarrestedfortryingtoaccessthe NewAmsterdamMainStreetwithhisheavily pregnantwifeasapassenger

DequanWilliams,a27-year-old,toldthe mediathattheentireordealhasraisedalotof questions about the manner in which the policeconducttheirdutieswithintheregion. Williamsdetailedthathewasdrivingthrough LadLanetoheadouttothemainroadofNew Amsterdam Sunday night during the Mashramani activities. He had his heavily pregnantwifeinthecarandtheyweretrying to get to the location to purchase food. However, he was prevented to accessing the main road because they were some men, dressed casually, imbibing at the street entrance/exit,blockingpassagetoanyone.

According to Williams, he exited the vehicle and asked if they would oblige him accessandalsomentionedtothemthathehad hispregnantwifeinthecarandthattheywere justtryingtopasstopurchasesomefood.

Williams said it was a surprise to him whentheytoldhimtheywerepoliceofficers andthathecannotpass,notingthatoneofthe menwhothenapproachedhimalsohadagun hookedtohiswaist.Hesaidheinformedthe armedmanthathewascomfortablespeaking withhimtoavoidanyfurtherissue.

Williams disclosed that he then called a friend who knew the traffic chief in the division and shortly after, police showed up andallowedvehiclestopassbutasWilliams attemptedtopass,acarthatwasparkedonthe street with a passenger inside, opened the door,blockingWilliamsagainfrompassing.

At that point, he exited his vehicle once more and requested a pass but instead, a

traffic rank arrived at the location and demanded that he hand over his vehicle documents. Williams, completely baffled at thispoint,wasintheprocessofhandingover hisdocumentswhenthesaidrankapproached him and said that he was taking too long to producehisdocuments.

ThepolicerankaccostedWilliamsbyhis waist and said he was given instructions to arrest him. Williams alleged that he was draggedandthrowninthebackofthevehicle and taken to the Central Police Station. He said his father-in-law who had showed up at thelocationwherethearresttookplace,was alsoinpolicecustody

The New Amsterdam man said he spent an hour in police custody and was still not told what offence he committed. It was not until a police Sergeant showed up and inquiredwhattheywerearrestedforthatthey were released shortly after.Williams said he told the Sergeant that he was not sure what they were in custody for. The Sergeant reportedly asked the rank who arrested him whatoffencehecommittedbutthepoliceman saidhewasgiveninstructionstodoso.

The policeman was upbraided in his presence and he and his father-in-law were sentaway Williamsdescribedhisexperience as “embarrassing” despite him being cooperativefromtheinception.

He is considering reporting the matter to thePoliceComplaintsAuthority

Last Thursday, residents of Rose Hall protestedtheallegedwrongfularrestofa24year-old. The 24-year-old, Romel Thomas had said that he was nowhere near when the robbery took place and that police arrested himatarestaurantoppositetheplacethatwas robbed.Hewaseventuallyreleasedjustafew hoursaftertheprotest.

Exxon’s CEO boasts of Guyana being a “story of success” at U.S energy conference

…says company was able to bring in oil ships, production ahead of schedule

The 2016 deal gives Guyana an provided to the US based company ExxonMobil Corporation’s Chief Stabroek Block, which is 6 6 on,thatisexpecttobeatschedule.” industry-low2%royalty Presently, allowing it to not have to pay any Executive Officer (CEO) Darren million acres and has 11 billion of Woods bragged about EEPGL Guyana shares revenue with taxes in its home country for its Woods, during a discussion on proven barrels of oil. Hess Guyana being able to run production, “at a ExxonMobil after the company earningsoverseas. Tuesday at the annual S&P Global Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent higher level than we have deducts75percenttowardsthecost Though Vice President Bharrat CERAWeek conference held in interest and CNOOC Petroleum anticipated when we made those incurredtodeveloptheresourcesin Jagdeo has maintained that the Houston,Texas,boastedabout“the Guyana Limited holds 25 percent investments and staying focused,” theStabroekBlock. mere 2 percent royalty, massive tax story of success” Guyana. Woods interest. adding that the company is also Thisarrangement,withthelack breaks, and the absence of a ringwas also proud to highlight the Speaking about Exxon success focused on, “helping reducing of ring-fencing, sees Guyana fencing provision, are three key company’s rapid pace of in Guyana, Woods shared that the emissions.” paying for projects that are yet to flaws of the 2016 Stabroek Block developmentinthecountry company was able to move from ExxonCEOalsosharedthatthe commence production activities. PSA, his government will not seek Exxon’s boss and S&P Global first discovery to first oil within company is working on the US$2B Each month bills from future torenegotiatethedeal. Vice Chairman Daniel Yergin, had five years, beating industry record. Wales gas-to-energy project with producing developments are added Last month, President of a discussion on future investment “We brought that like from the Government of Guyana (GoG) to the list of expenses to be cost ExxonMobil’s Upstream strategies in the energy sector, discoverytofirstproductioninfive to bring gas onshore. He said, “We recovered by Exxon. After the 75 Company, Liam Mallon boasted when Yergin stated, “So let me ask years which is of not industry gotaprojectthatweareworkingon percent is deducted to pay back the about the breakneck speed with you, mega projects, you did record is pretty close to it. When with the Government of Guyana to oil company, Guyana then shares which ExxonMobil was able to cut mention Guyana. I mean that’s you think about what typically the bring gas onshore to back out some 50/50 of the 25 percent remaining the time in half to move from pretty incredible how fast that timeframe(is),(it)typically(takes) of their higher emission intensity with Exxon as profits This exploration to production in a developed.” the industry about 10 years,” power to substitute that with gas. amounts to 12.5 percent of profits deepwater project. Mallon was at

t interest in Guyana’s lucrative [Prosperity] that we are working

Tothis,Woodsresponded,“Yes Exxon’sCEOsaid. So we lower emissions and get fromtheoperations. the time speaking at the second it is…Yeah I mean if you look at Hecontinued:“Ifyouthenlook better more reliable power to the Also, under the signed deal, International Energy Conference that it’s really a story of success, atwhatwehavedeliveredsincethat people that’s a real win-win Guyana has agreed to, under the and Expo 2023 being held at the andIwouldalsotellyouthatweare timeframe,wearebringinginthose situation.” taxation provisions, to pay GuyanaMarriottHotel. very focus as we grow that ships [Floating production storage

o f He underscored that since the production.” and offloading vessels] and that Production Sharing Agreement Corporation and Income Tax. As firstdiscoveryin2015,theestimate Exxon’s affiliate Esso production ahead of schedule, (PSA)withtheoilmajor,whichhas such it would mean, that Guyana of Guyana’s resource has grown to Exploration and Production we’ve beaten schedule for the two been heavily criticised for being foregoes each year, billions of US nearly 11 billion barrels, which Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is ships[LizaDestinyandLizaUnity] lopsided and benefiting the oil doll

op of this, makesitthelargestinindustryin operator and holds 45 percent that we’ve got and the third one companymorethanthecountry documentation to this effect is then (Continued on page 15)

$254.5M in contracts signed by Reg. 9 RDC for various works

Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine, Karl Singh (center) signing the contracts along with the contractors on Monday

No longer will villagers of bridge at Caiman Creek - Class at Quiko villagein Quiko Village located in $113,172,700 (15’x 50’, $12,621,230; complete South Central District, Concrete structure); Rehabilitation of Taushida Region Nine have to travel Construction of bridge at Primary - $112,833,800; long distances to access Baby Creek, Parishara Construction of two healthcare services and Village - $12,258,500 (15’x apartmentTeacher’squarters acquiretheireducationasthe 35’, Concrete structure); at Kokshebai PrimaryR e g i o n ’s R e g i o n a l Construction of bridge at $13,500,000; Construction Democratic Council (RCD) Makurpan, Weri-Moor to of Health Post at Quiko on Monday signed $254.5 Rupunau - $13,775,200 Village - $13,482,240; and It was reported that this noted that two notable Inaddition,theAishalton million in contracts to have (15’x 45' , Concrete Construction of staff year, the Region was projects were signed and Village Council was these facilities in the area structure); Construction of quartersatAishaltonDistrict allocated $4.8 billion out of thesearefortheconstruction awarded a contract for the built. bridge at Aishalton farm Hospital-$11,856,180. the national budget to a primary school with construction of culverts at

A c c o r d i n g t o road-$9,500,00 (15’x 25' , Other projects include execute projects and nursery classes at Quiko KabanawauCreeklocatedin information provided on the w o o d s t r u c t u r e ) ; repairs to Wowetta Nursery programmesfortheyear Village and a health post in Deep South Rupununi RDC’s Facebook page, the Construction of bridge at School - $9,569,480; repairs The REO congratulated thecommunity totaling$9,504,000. Regional Executive Officer Dove creek, Shea - to Surama Primary- the contractors and For the first time in Also contracts will be (REO), Karl Singh signed a $12,000,000 (15’x 30', $8,946,640; repairs to encouraged them to fulfill history, a school and health given to Village Councils to total 20 contracts for capital Concrete structure); Kaicumbay Primary School their obligations in post will be constructed in constructcombinationchairs and current projects which Construction of Culverts at - $11,666,500; repairs to producing quality works in the village which will bring for the Region and other will advance infrastructure K a b a n a w a u C r e e k - perimeter fence at St keeping with the Bill of tremendous relief and ease regions in the country The d e v e l o p m e n t a n d $9,504,000; Construction of Ignatius Secondary School - Quantities and to meet the the burden of villagers RDC explained that this transformationtothelivesof boxsectionculvertsatJabari $12,965,200; repairs and deadlines for the completion travelling miles to seek decision was made after residentsintheregion. Creek, Karasabai - upgrade of Weri-Moor oftheprojects. health services and to attend President Irfaan Ali, during

The contracts signed by $11,173,300; Construction Health Post - $10,000,000; Singh said the projects school. These projects will his visit to the Region, the RDC are as follows: of box section culverts at repairs to Hiowa Health Post will boost the economy of benefit the villagers observed the high quality of Rehabilitation to Karasabai Yakarinta - $12,858,300; - $9,749,800 and repairs to the region and improve the significantly giving them combinationchairsthatwere Administrative Office - Construction of building for Kwaimatta Health Post - lives of people in the opportunities that they never builtbytheAishaltonVillage $11,172,700; Construction PrimaryschoolwithNursery $9,836,700. communities The REO hadbefore. Council.

Fmr. EPA Head exposes Jagdeo’s deception

…says troublesome Exxon Permits approved under his watch

Vice President Bharrat held at the Arthur Chung Company (CNOOC) sought to point out that the Parsram. Jagdeo has over time ConventionCentre(ACCC). PetroleumGuyana. firstpermitthatwasissuedto According to Dr Adams, repeatedly lambasted former To this end, former EPA Chiming in during a the consortium to develop it was he, who upon taking Head of the Environmental Head under the previous public engagement by theLizaIoilfieldwasinfact up his post as head of the ProtectionAgency(EPA)for administration, Dr Vincent Kaieteur News Publisherand signedbythecurrentheadof E P A t h a t c a u s e d signingtheworstpermit,that Adams has since moved to Social Commentator, Glenn theEPA,KhemrajParsram. improvements to be had in authorized the development set the record straight, in the Lall,whoduringhisMonday Taking this into account, the second development that of the country’s first process accuse the Vice e v e n i n g l i v e r a d i o D r A d a m s i n h i s ExxonMobil Guyana producingoilfield—LizaI. President, of easily and programme—also streamed contribution reiterated that appliedfor

In fact, the former Head- barefacedly misleading the online he raised the hewasretainedattheEPA17 He was adamant that all of-State,nowVicePresident, Guyanese public on facts positions held by Jagdeo on months after that document changes that would have over time proffered publicly surrounding the inner thepermits. hadbeeninked. been made for that and that it was his administration workings of the oil deals As such, Dr Adams in Amodifiedpermitissued subsequent developments, that would have sought to being inked with the oil response to Vice President’s to the consortium in 2022, namelyPayaraand correct the flaws that were operators, namely in the Jagdeo utterances, firstly has also been inked by (Continued on page 30) h a d i n t h e L i z a I StabroekBlock. authorization.

T h e s e a r e , E s s o

Guyana’s operations in the Vice President Jagdeo Exploration and Production

G u y a n a L i m i t e d conformity with global occasions, public revered (EEPGL) ExxonMobil standards. He repeated the changes made under the Guyana Hess Guyana sentiments this past week incumbent administration Exploration Limited and during a press engagement bringing ExxonMobil China National Offshore Oil

S t a b r o e k B l o c k i n has also, on numerous

The Liza II Permit Varied Modified signature page, inked by then EPA Head,

Khemraj Parsram and EEPGL’s President Alistair Routledge

The Payara Permit signature page with the signatures of then acting EPA Head, Sharifah Razack, and EEPGL’s President Alistair Routledge

The Yellowtail Permit signature page with the signature of EPA Head, Khemraj Parsram and EEPGL’s President Alistair Routledge

The Modified Liza 1 permit, also approved by EPA Head, Khemraj Parsram

Incumbent EPA Head, Mr. Khemraj Parsram

Amelia’s Ward squatters warned against occupying state lands

The Ministry of Housing Ward, Linden, Region Ten contractors attempt to The Ministry noted in it had engaged the Guyana documentationforthelands. and Water- Central Housing are being prevented from execute infrastructure works one instance that there was a Lands and Surveys “This new occurrence and Planning Authority occupying their lands, as a in the area, which has been report of workers being Commission, since some of has now stalled millions of (CH&PA) on Monday handful of squatters remain earmarked for road assaulted and machinery these persons claimed to dollars in infrastructure reported that hundreds of defiant against all warnings networks,theyarebeingmet being damaged. During a have pending applications worksfrombeingcarriedout families who have been and notices from the with harsh opposition by a recent visit to the area the withthatagency in the area, which when allocated residential house Ministry The Ministry in a groupofpersons,claimingto Chief Executive Officer of F o l l o w i n g t h e completed will benefit more lots in Phase 4, Amelia’s press release said that as befarmers. the Central Housing and demolition exercise and than 300 first-time Planning Authority, subsequent compensation, a homeowners,” the Ministry Sherwyn Greaves reiterated significant amount of land stated. CH&PA CEO during that while the Ministry clearing was done, however hisvisittotheareaalsonoted stands ready to work with all over recent months, another that the Ministry has citizens, development will group of persons continue to exhaustedall efforts, even as notbeheldupbyafew move into the area, in some the Ministry continues to The issue of squatting at instances building new plea with persons illegally Phase 4, Amelia’s Ward has structures while others occupying lands in the area beenalongstandingone,the claimed to own farmlands in toremove. Ministry noted. However, in the area. According to the “The agency is therefore May2022,theMinistryafter Ministry, an assessment was reminding persons that outlining development plans done by the National squatting is illegal and to for the area was forced to Agricultural Research and desist from erecting remove 20 structures from ExtensionInstitute(NAREI) structures in the area, as the theareawhichfellinthepath and a decision was taken to continuation of such of a road. Twenty persons compensate the persons for activities will leave the who laid claim to the their cash crops seen on the agency with no other structures were fully lands. The Ministry said the alternative but to demolish compensated. In addition to personswholayclaimstothe these structures,” the release this,theMinistryrelatedthat f a r m s h a v e n o stated.

…points to upcoming auction to have more companies exploring at the same time

Jagdeo presses accelerated oil exploration despite paucity of regulatory skills

Havingcontended publicly during discussion former Guyanese President Speaking to Guyana’s that there exists, withMr DanielYergin,Vice told the S&P Official, “we carbon credentials, Vice

a paucity of Chairman of S&P Global will build the capacity in President Jagdeo was quick skills in-country, as it relates where the two explored futureyearsbutit’s not there to remind that even at a Net to the management of the Guyana’s Rise as an Energy now, and we can’t await the Zero target achieved in the domestic oil and gas P o w e r, d u r i n g t h e development of that world, oil and oil products industry, including from a CERAWeek 2023 held in capacity to move the would still be required regulatory side, Vice Houston,Texas. industryalong.” According to Jagdeo, the President Bharrat Jagdeo, is Dubbed “one of the He qualified his position global dissent against of the view that Guyana as a biggest events on the by pointing to the pace at countries such as Guyana country cannot await that, in calendar for the energy whichtheindustryismoving pursuing the development of order to develop its industry, with over 1,000 along to which is forcing the its resources only serves to resources. CEOs, policymakers, and administration to keep apace remindthatthereisalimited He gave the position financiers due to speak” the ontheregulatoryside. (Continued on page 31)

Exxon’sCEOboastsofGuyana...

From page 10 the past decade. He continued, “And really critically, we moved from the very first Liza 1 exploration well to first productionnearlythreeyearsagoinunderfiveyears.Thatis roughly half the industry average time for a typical deepwater development.” Exxon’s performance is in line with Vice President Jagdeo’s request for the oil and gas companies to accelerate exploration. Importantly, while the Government has been pushing for the oil companies to go faster,thecountryiswithoutfullliabilityinsurancefromthe oil and gas majors. This publication had reported that, accordingtoMallon,intotal,theoilmajoranticipateshaving six projects online with a capacity of more than 1.2 million barrelsper day by endof 2027. However, he highlighted,“It isnotjustaboutpace.Thisstoryiswaybeyondpace.It’salso aboutdevelopingresponsibility.”

During his address, Mallon disclosed that what Exxon achieved in Guyana is “absolutely unique.” Expounding further,hestatedthatinhis40yearsofworkingintheoiland gas industry, around the world and on almost all mega projects,“Ihaveneverinmycareerseenanythinglikethis.”

Jagdeo should address legitimate questions, not...

e (CLICO) fiasco, which cost during his Friday press a development, or we are regurgitatethebenefitsofthe Industry Transparency available to the public is a policy holders and the conference Lall said, “I gonnamakemitigatingplans project, insisting that once Initiative] or COP 1 dangerous proposition that National Insurance Scheme asked him about the three to pay back a facility if we operational, some 300 [Conference of the Parties], flies in the face not only of (NIS) billions of dollars in gold companies larger than haveanexplosion?” megawatts of electricity will letaloneCOP26.” EITI and transparency but of losses, Ram expressed OmaicomingtoGuyanathat The Vice President then be available to the national Hewaskeentopointout, the whole concept of disappointment that with may already be here and grid. “Jagdeo should address responsible and open substantially more at stake what was granted to them as In this regard, Ram who legitimate questions, not government. now than then, Jagdeo’s well as the interest rates is also a member of a civil attack patriotic, honest and Unless this attitude is attitude has not changed when he told me he society body that advocates committedGuyanese.” checked, Guyana will find whenchallenged. addressedthisalreadybutto for good governance More importantly, Ram that it is no longer deserving Asafinalcomment,Ram date Guyana is yet to know reasoned, “To ask Lall what said Jagdeo must remember of EITI membership,” the noted that Jagdeo and Exxon whether he will cap it and he and others did or did not that the Government is not Attorneycautioned. nowsingfromthesamesong tell us what are the interest do 100 years ago makes no the owner, but merely the Recalling the occasion sheet, at the expense of rates we are currently sense because neither Lall custodian of information 12 years ago when Jagdeo accountability, transparency paying.” The businessman nor Jagdeo nor indeed gathered by, or in the case of refused to answer questions anddisclosure. said it is time Jagdeo stops anyone one else was around oil contracts, supplied to the f r o m h i m o n h i s M e a n w h i l e , t h e playing games and come 100 years ago, and decades GovernmentofGuyana. Government’s stewardship Publisher of this newspaper clean with Guyanese on the before LCDS [the Low “The suggestion that the of the Colonial Life also had some comments management of its natural

Ms. Shireen Andrews - Principal Assistant Secretary (General)

Phagwah 2023!

Guyanese of all walks of

life, cultures and religious persuasions celebrated Phagawah -the Hindu FestivalofColoursonWednesdayusheringthearrivalofSpring.

Citizens joyously wished each other‘HappyPhagwah’anddoused each other with buckets full of

water or sprayed abeer from their water guns after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions Somecladinwhiteclothingarmed themselveswithcontainersorbags filled with abrak, powder and seized every opportunity to share love with relatives, friends and strangersalike.

Phagwah celebrations at Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown. (DPI Photo)

Children of Albouystown engaging in some Phagwah fun (DPI Photo)

Holi at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground. (DPI photos)

Opposition MPs joins Phagwah at GCC. (APNU+AFC)

A mother and her son celebrating the festival of colours in Campbellville, Georgetown.

Holi at Pakuri (St. Cuthbert’s Mission), an Indigenous Village

WANTED VACANCY

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

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

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

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

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

Live- in Waitress to work in bar, must have an ID. Call/ WhatsApp: 659-1930.

Jagdeo presses accelerated oil exploration despite paucity...

From page 15 window within which the country would be able to extract the maximum benefits from its resources.

To this end, he pointed to the upcoming bid round or public auction in which there are some 14 offshore oil blocks up for offer.

SERVICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Massagist/ Physiotherapist needed. Call: 6159132.

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Security Officer, Front desk

Recognizing that this would be the first time in Guyana’s history, auctioning oil bocks, it has since retained the services of International Consultants HIS Markit, “to help us through this process.”

He expounded further on the 14 blocks offshore oil blocks up for offer and noted that the process is open and that any company can bid on any of them.

Jagdeo did speak to a caveat, in that any successful bidders would only be allowed to secure up to three oil blocks.

The reason, he said, was directly linked to the limited window within which the country can fully benefit from its resources and as such, “we want multiple companies exploring at the same time, we believe there is a window now.”

With the upcoming bid round on the Horizon, the former President now Vice President told the S&P official that the country is still looking to finalise a new model Production Sharing Agreement which would be

beneficial to all parties.

Playing up Guyana securing a bigger take under a new PSA, he spoke of planned consultations with the oil companies in finalizing that document.

According to Jagdeo, the 1986 Petroleum Laws are also under review, since in his opinion; it is no longer fit for purpose.

He said that amendments to the law would also be subject to further consultations and was adamant; the objective is to emerge with a predictable and stable environment for potential bidders.

Addressing the impor-

tance of a stable and predicable investment environment, Jagdeo used the occasion to point to the royalty rate that was being charged by Guyana and emphasized that for decades it had not been changed.

According to Jagdeo, it was only after the gold price on the international market reached US$1,000 that this was changed, to allow for an increased royalty rate to be paid to the country should the price meet and exceed that limit and reiterated “we believe in stability.”

Despite acknowledging a paucity of skills locally,

Jagdeo was adamant that this should not stymie the industry which has been pressing for the rapid approval of permits and licenses, something that has led the country to employ foreign skills.

It would be apposite to note that Jagdeo’s public sentiments comes as Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)— ExxonMobil Guyana—and the Environmental Protection Agency activates the screening process for 35 more exploration and appraisal oil wells beginning in the third quarter of this year.

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VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

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One

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Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo (at right) during his engagement with S&P Global’s Vice President, Daniel Yergin

Man robbed of motorcycle at Enmore Masjid

Armed bandits attacked and robbed a man of his motorcycle while he was at an Enmore, East Coast Demerara(ECD)Masjid.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the victim was about to participate in the routine morning prayers at the Enmore, ECD Masjid

when he was attacked by bandits armed with a knife. Whileatknifepoint,theman was relieved of his motorcycle.

More details on the robbery will be provided as theybecomeavailable.

Investigations are ongoing.

EPAHeadexposesJagdeo’s...

From page 13 development—Liza II—he changes that he would have spill, I am not going to sign Yellowtail, would have notedthatthePayaraorthird had included in the second anyPermit;thePermitsaton benefited from the changes development and the fourth, permit. my desk for several months hemade. Yellowtail, were all issued He identified firstly the andIsaidIamnotsigningit, Dr Adams has since by Parsram under the matter of full liability you will not produce a barrel challenged Vice President s t e w a r d s h i p o f t h e coverageandjuxtaposedthat ofoil.” Jagdeo to provide a incumbentadministration. with the provision that had Thisposition,hesaid,led comparative analysis of the Dr.Adams was adamant, been issued by Parsram, to a subsequent shift by the Liza I permit—that he has that it was not until almost which spoke to self- Operator EEPGL leading to r e p e a t e d l y two years after the first insurance by EEPGL, a several rounds of meetings condemned—andthesecond permit had been issued by subsidiaryofExxonMobil. on working out how the thatwasinkedbyhim. Parsram that he took up the “Liza I (Permit) said that parent companies would Additionally, he has also postonOctober1,2018. EEPGL which is the provide written guarantees challenged Jagdeo to show Dr Adams disclosed that subsidiary of Exxon, not for full liability coverage atmosphere, provided the revelation when he said the where, except for the flaring when he took up his post, Exxon, EEPGL will carry insuranceinthecaseofanoil companypaysapittanceofa language of the Payara and fines,thatthelanguageofthe there had been a Permit on theinsurance.” spill. fine—US$50 for every ton Yellowtail permits had been permits had been changed his desk for his signature According to Dr Adams, “Iwastheonewhoputin of gas flared above any changed, and according to from the Liza II permit that authorizing that Liza II “I said are you out of your LizaIIPermittocorrectLiza prescribed or authorized Dr Adams, he is in heapproved. development and he refused mind!” and recalled that the Iandthecopiedthelanguage periods. agreement, since after he

It should be observed given that it was an exact company at the time didn’t that I put in Liza II, that’s “We said flaring, flaring corrected the first with the that the Liza I development replica of the first, issued by not have any supporting what’s copied in all of the is not permitted period, is second, the administration was in fact authorized by Parsram. assets and in fact had not permits and now he’s taking prohibited The word is subsequently just copied the ParsraminJune1,2017. “I said absolutely not, I even produced a drop of oil credit for it,” Dr Adams flaring is prohibited, I even text.

While Dr Adams would am not signing it,” Dr asyetandaskedrhetorically, contended. have to shut Exxon down He disclosed too that in have given the go ahead for Adams contends before “where the hell are they Jagdeo’s duplicity is once when they were flaring early 2018, the operators t h e s e c o n d pointing to two major going to get assets to cover a further exposed in a public until they repaired the pleaded with him to approve equipment.” the permit and he again

Expressing disbelief, Dr refused that “they come Adams drew reference to the around and agreed for the fact; the Vice President was parentcompanyguarantee.” actually seeking to claim

According to Dr Adams, creditforthefine. “we were holding meetings

“They added that as long for several months to come as Exxon can pay to flare, up with the language that measly amount of because they say, they are money, let them flare three companies and they unlimitedquantity.” have got to come up with an Jagdeo in his defence of agreement as to how they the position has contended wouldcovertheliability.” that ExxonMobil Guyana is

This was agreed to allowed to flare for only 60 “however, I have to get it days after which the fines before you can start.” This would be imposed but wouldhavebeenfortheLiza according to Dr Adams, the IIandPayaradevelopments. administration went against

To this end, he recalled the advice of its own that when it came time to consultants and experts that addressthePayaraPermit,in had been adamant that 2020, “I told them I am not flaring above permissible signing the Payara until I get levels should be restricted to thedocumentsigned.”

According to Dr Adams,

48hours.

“You know what is the hewaslaterremovedashead USA standard that we had and the permit approved put in the Payara Draft, you shortly after He noted too know what was the USA that not only his service at standard then, flaring for 48 the EPA that was terminated hours,” he reiterated to but that of the attorney that qualifyhispositionfurther had been finalizing the Given the numerous parentguarantee. complaints over the Liza I

Further flacking the permit, Dr Adams also incumbent government over rhetorically questioned, why its treatment of issuing would the Vice President permits for the development preside over the return of of more oil fields in the Parsram—the same person Stabroek Block, Dr Adams that inked the badly said that among the changes criticized Permit—to head made was to allow Exxon to theEPAafterhisremoval. flare toxic plumes into the

Fmr. EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Govt. uses $30M from IDB loan to buy computers for prisoners

he government spent desktop computers, 10 laptops, five provide them with the skills US$150,000 ($30M) from projectors with screens and four necessarytoreducerecidivism.”

can laser-jetprinters.

Meanwhile, Director of Prisons Development Bank (IDB) loan to The equipment, according to Elliot was quoted saying, “GPS is purchase some 110 computers to GPS, are for the “New Amsterdam, responsible for ensuring those educateprisoners. Timehri, Lusignan and Mazaruni persons are equipped with the Attorney General and Minister of prisons”. necessary skills and tools to make Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall on They were purchased to boost them marketable on their release Mondayhandedoverthe$30Mworth GPS Rehabilitation programme for fromprison.” of equipment to the Director of inmates - a project to rehabilitate The GPS also said that it is trying Prisons,NiclonElliot. prisoners into the society by to ensure that all prisoners are skilled

The Guyana Prison Service educatingandtrainingthem. inareasthatwillbebeneficialtothem (GPS)inapressreleasestatedthatthe Nandlall explained that the upon their release and reintegration equipment received consists of 100 “project aims to train prisoners and intosociety

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, SC, Anil Nandlall handing over the computers to Prison Director, Niclon Elliot.

Region 10’s RDC mulls legal action over REO’s refusal to fund ‘Mash’ activities

Region 10’s Regional The politicizing of the event concert that was advertised, was that he is not accountable to it and financing since money is available. Democratic Council resulted in residents and vendors notheld. described its Commemoration Rather, the issue is that the Council

(RDC) is mulling legal being confused about the On Monday, Regional Committeeasad-hoc. refused to accept a change in the proceedings against the town’s culmination point. Many vendors Chairman Deron Adams and other “As such as the Accounting location for the conclusion of the administration for acting in direct initially set up their stalls at electedofficialsoftheRDClaidthe Officer, I am required to comply parade.TheparadeendedatBayroc contravention to the instructions of Christianburg and had to be blame directly at the feet of the with the Fiscal Management and instead of Christianburg as was the Council. The result of which shuttledtoBayroc. head of the regional administration Accountability Act where the suggested by the REO and wasapoorlyexecutedMashramani Lindeners turned to social andsaidlegalactionwillbetaken. monies appropriated by the government officials. Construction celebrationintheminingtown. media to express their frustration The Regional Chairman said National Assembly under 801 is being undertaken at the Bayroc

The parade only consisted of anddisappointmentabouttheevent thattheRegionalExecutiveOfficer Regional Administration and ground and the REO argued that it one float, which was financed out asmanywerelookingforwardfora (REO) Dwight John blatantly Finance- Chart ofAccounts 6291 – would be safer to have the revellers of pocket by elected officials and vibrant Mashramani after a two- disobeyed the instruction given by National and Other Events are movetoChristianburg. the business community The RDC year hiatus due to the Novel the Regional Council to not insufficient to execute the Linden Efforts were made to have the wasleftwithoutanyfundingforthe CoronavirusDisease. participate in Georgetown’s Regional Mashramani celebration Mashramani proceedings go to event after the REO made it clear They were also disappointed festivities and use to use resources 2023. Christianburg but those efforts thathewillnotfundtheactivities. that all of the government floats budgeted for Linden’s celebration Currently, I would not be were futile as the parade ended at

In addition, the regional went to the Berbice Mashramani ofMashramani. responsible of any unauthorized Bayroc. a d m i n i s t r a t i o n t h r o u g h and none to Linden In fact, A few days before Linden’s expenditures since it would be in Meanwhile, when contacted, advertisements via the state media, spectators were treated with one Mashramani activity, the REO contradiction with prudent REO John said that he has paid no informed residents that the parade meagre float with about 20 wrote the Regional Chairman financial management and my attention to the Regional will end at the Christianburg revelers. No food and water were informinghimthatfundingwillnot accounting responsibilities,” the Chairman’s statements. John noted despite the RDC definitively providedfortherevellers. be approved for any unauthorized John’sletterstated. toothatallstatementsonthematter deciding that it will conclude at L i n d e n e r s w e r e a l s o spending. The REO also wrote the However, the Regional Council will be made by the Ministry of Bayroc. disappointed that the after mash Regional Council, informing it, believes that the issue is not one of LocalGovernment.

Georgetown defeat East Coast by 4 wickets to retain championship in DCB U15 inter-association tournament

Ge o r g e t o w n Munesh Outar scored 45 and 13 runs. Mickel Sharma and defeated East was the lone batter to reach UdeshJaicharrancollected2

Coast by four double figures Anix for 9 and 2 for 10, wickets to retain the (DCB) Hamnarine collected 3 for 8, respectively Georgetown under 15 inter-association whileEmmanuelLewistook wonby4wickets. cricket tournament for 2for28.

2023

The Demerara Cricket

In reply, Georgetown Board selection panel

Georgetownwonthetoss reached their target of 109 selectedaUnder-15squadto andelectedtofieldfirst.East for7from31overs.Brandon play in the GCB Under 15 Coast were bowled out for Henry top scored with 27 Inter County Tournament 107 from 34.4 overs from runs, while Trilak Nanan scheduled for March 14, their allotted 50 overs chippedinwith21andLewis 2023.

The winning Georgetown Under-15 team.

Yariah Young Warriors move to second position after 5 wicket win over Malali in latest round match of UDCA T20 cricket competition

When the latest play in the preliminary five from 8.4 overs as Devon Jones topped round of the Upper Demerara Cricket scored with 21 And Dellon Jones 17 with Association’s T20 cricket competition was Orlando Williams taking 2 for 10 from three playedlastSundaytheYariahYoungWarriors overs and Denzl Spencer 2 for 22 from two romped to a five wicket victory against overs.

Malali at the Maria Elizabeth ground in YoungWarriors are now sitting in second Linden. position on four points after three games

After winning the toss and electing to bat played, behind leaders Royal Champions Malali could only make 67 as they were who have five points from three games bowledoutfor67behindknocksfromDenzel played with third position seeingAroiama on Spencer with 20 and Keno Fiedtkou who two points from two games. West Watooka made16asLeonJonesgrabbed4for13from andYoungAchievers are both on two points; his four overs and Wendell Courtman who buttheyhaveplayedthreegames,withMalali took3for12fromthreeovers. next on one point from two completed

Responding to that total Yariah Young matches as Coomacka are without a point Warriors hit off the runs as they made 68 for fromtwogamesplayed.

Wednesday March 08, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Your laziness isn't making it easytogetoutofbed,Aries.In fact, all you may want to do today is absolutely nothing. Unfortunately,thismaynotbe possible.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You may but heads with someone who's equally unwilling to budge, Taurus. Use this conflict as a lesson in perspective. Understand the motivation of the opposite side.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You may run into roadblocks today, but don't worry These are things you are capable of working around. The tricky part of the situation is that none of these blocks is likely to budge, and you may have absolutely no understanding ofwhythey'rethere.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Your mind is sharp today, and your willingness to work is equally strong, Cancer Use this powerful combination of forces to your full advantage. Youwillfindthatyourbrainis likeapowerfulsteeltrap.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You may get out of bed with a jolt, Leo, indicative of the fact that there are forces prodding you from almost every direction. It may seem like you're in high demand, so do your best to appease those whoneedyourattention.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

It isn't a good idea to blame yourtroublesonothers,Virgo. The only one that you really have to blame is you.You will find that your mind is active today

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Today it may seem like you're trappedinapowerstrugglethat you can't get out of, Libra. The problem is that this struggle may have very little to do with youandyouractions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

Your solid, grounded, and steady approach may be challenged today, Scorpio Someone with a strong ego could punch holes in the plan you'vesocarefullylaidout.Try to stick with the facts and do yourbestnottoletthisturninto somesortofpopularitycontest.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Takecarethatyourself-esteem doesn't depend on what other people tell you, Sagittarius. One minute a bit of flattery may send you high as a kite, and the next minute some criticism may have you feeling downinthedumps.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Your self-esteem should be good now You will find that you can make great strides on long-termprojects.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You may be a bit aggravated today People seem to be more of a hindrance than a help to you. Don't be too accusatory until you make sure that you're operating honestly and productively

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You have a unique opportunity to review plans and foundations that you've recently put into place, Pisces. As carpenters say, "Measure twice and cut once." This is a key time to review your plans andmakesureyourstructureis secure.

Dr.Kishore ShallowLaunches...

From page 34 for our people and for the stakeholders who continue to be the driving force behind the game. We must pursue excellence, in doing our utmost to achieve our potential This manifesto outlines a holistic and integrated plan to set Cricket West Indies back on a path to progress,” expressed Dr Shallow

The CWI Vice President further said, “Consistent with the theme of the manifesto, “PushingtheBoundaries,”we must escape our comfort zones and strive for a greater degree of efficacy in cricket administration.Thismustbea non-negotiable on and off the cricket field for sustainable success.” Synonymous with cricket, specifically the game’s shorter formats, the manifestocomprisesasection called PowerPlay This lists ten items to be prioritized in the first six months of Dr Shallow’spresidency

Dr Shallow recently accepted the nomination for the CWI presidency, with elections scheduled for March25,2023.

Dr. Kishore Shallow Launches “Pushing the Boundaries” Manifesto

Bridgetown, Barbados manifesto ahead of Cricket speaks to a necessary He also elaborated on

2. Human Capital - “I am elated to share my - Dr Kishore Shallow We s t I n d i e s ( C W I ) paradigm shift of CWI in driving excellence to establishing a purpose- vision for West Indies launches progressive presidential elections. In the attitude, commitment, and improvethefortunesofWest driven culture, epitomizing Cricket. A vision that has “Pushing the Boundaries” manifesto, Dr. Shallow actions by all stakeholders. Indiescricket. pride and passion for West been shaped through

The manifesto includes Indiescricket. thorough study of West the strategic focus for

3. Commercial and Indian cricket history, Cricket West Indies under Marketing-implementinga numerous exchanges with his leadership Four key viable and lucrative stakeholders in cricket and pillars are featured in the commercial model to first-hand knowledge of the manifesto as his pivot for an enhance CWI’s revenue inner working of the improved future of the streams. organization.This manifesto regional organization that 4. Governance - is predicated upon my governscricket,namely: committing to the continued unwavering commitment to

1. Cricket development evolutionoftheorganization the values of respect and - the ongoing growth of a by incorporating modern- excellence. Respect for the cricketer, from grassroots to day best practices that align gamethathasdonesomuch senior withourculture. (Continued on page 35)

WFA Pres. Andrea Johnson attends prestigious...

From page 38

Guyana upon her return. The GFF nationalandinternationaltournaments. game and increasing the number of remains committed to developing the ThisisthefourtheditionoftheFIFA femaleplayersto60millionby2026. women’s game through continuous Women in Football Leadership Johnson will share her experiences investment, training programmes for Programme which was launched in and training with women in football in players and officials at all levels and 2018.

WFA Pres. Andrea Johnson attends prestigious FIFA leadership workshop

March

-

programme. I am indeed training and one-to-one

The five-day FIFA and humbled by the confidence coaching.

UEFA programme is being placed in me by President Johnson will also have a held in Lausanne, Geneva to Wayne Forde and the GFF chance to share and listen to p r o m o t e w o m e n i n Council and will endeavour personal leadership leadership, while creating a torepresentGuyanawelland experiences of women in strong network of leaders use the knowledge gained to football, from challenges to who will influence the contributemoreandbuildon victories. improvement of the sport the tremendous progress we FIFAis investing heavily worldwide and be role have already made in the in the women’s game, modelsforotherwomen. growth of women’s football doubling their funding to

“I consider it a high inGuyana,”Johnsonshared. US$1 billion with the honour and privilege to Atotalof36womenfrom objectivesofgrowingthe represent the GFF at this aroundtheworldwillbenefit (Continued on page 37)

Impressive wins by Pakuri Warriors and Foxy Ladies kick off Women’s Development League playoff

The Guyana Football United Football Club by winning a continue supporting women in Federation (GFF) dramatic penalty shootout 4-3 at football as the WFA works Women’s Development Anna Regina Multilateral School assiduously to give players more

Football League Playoff Ground in Cotton Tree, Mahaica- matchtime. is off to an impressive start with Berbice.

“Congratulations to all the Pakuri Warriors and Foxy Ladies

The score was tied at 2-2 at the teams.WFAinpartnershipwiththe Football Clubs securing wins on endofofficialmatchtimethanksto GFF has put together an exciting Saturday Foxy Ladies’ Jencel Edmonson playoffthatisapathwayforplayers

Infrontofcheeringfans,Pakuri 21st and 51st minute goals; and tobeacceptedintoexistingnational WarriorsdefeatedNewAmsterdam Essequibo United’s Aliyah Henry programmes. We are committed to UnitedFootballClub and Keisha Thomas goals in the growing the participation of 5-0attheStCuthbert’sVillage 31stand60thminuteofthegame. women in football in Guyana and Ground,Demerara-Mahaica. This year is set to be an weencourageeveryonetocontinue

Thehometeamtookthelead39 extraordinary year for women in supporting the sport,” Johnson minutes into the game with a goal footballinGuyana.TheGFF shared.

2022with37teamsfromacross Stars FC, Foxy Ladies FC, from Britney Poonsammy The Women’s Development Twelve clubs, featuring senior Guyana to give female players Milerock FC, Coomacka FC, strikerandcrowdfavouritewenton Football League Playoff is an and junior national players, will morematchminutes. PakuriJaguarsFC,New to score three more goals, while opportunity for players to show-off play in venues across Guyana over At Saturday’s games, players AmsterdamUnitedFC,Guyana teammate Sabantho Simon their incredible talent on a national the next month, inspiring a new exhibitedahighleveloffitnessand Police Football Club, Guyana cemented the victory with a fifth stage Women’s Football generation of fans and female focus, giving fans a look at what is Defence Force FC, Fruta goal in the 61st minute of the Association (WFA) President footballers. tocomeoverthenextfewweeks. ConquerorsFCandSantosFC. match. Andrea Johnson congratulated all The playoff is sponsored by The 12 clubs in the playoff are: The much anticipated

Meanwhile, Foxy Ladies came the teams from Saturday’s matches MVP Sports and Urban Life. The Bartica All Stars FC, Potaro championship match will be held out on top against Essequibo and encouraged Guyanese to leaguewaslaunchedinJune StrikersFC,EssequiboAll onMarch23.

Everest CC Masters register back to back victories on tour of Antigua

Everest Cricket Club Masters continued their

winning ways as they registered consecutive victories on a recent tour to Antigua.

The Everest Cricket Club Masters team in Antigua.

GGA and Nexgen Golf Academy to host camp

The team departed Guyana on February 23 and played their first game against Liberta Combined Masters two days later at Liberta Cricket Ground. The The following day, West Indies fast bowler visitors won the encounter EverestCCMastersdefeated KennyBenjamin. by28runs. Police Masters (Retired) by T h e t e a m w e r e Everest Masters batted nine wickets at the said privileged to be given a tour first and scored 164 for 7 off venue. of Coolidge Cricket Ground theirallotted25overs.Eyaaz Police Masters took first by Cricket West Indies CEO Mohamedstruck72andUcil strike and made managed Jhonny Grave and they also Armstrong 31 not out while 133 for 7 from 25 overs. E. met with the Guyana guess player Travis Francisscored41,K.Bowen Consulate inAntigua Robert Mohamed made 26 and 22, B. Baltimore 21 and J. Reis. GavinSingh16. Ethan20.

The team would like to D.Williamshad2for12. Leg spinner Vick expressgratitudetoTechlify, Liberta Combined Masters Mahabeer took 2 for 18, New Doctors Clinic, L respondedwith136alloutin Gavin Singh 2 for 21 and Mahabeer & Son Cambio, 24 overs. F. Floyd scored 46 Rajesh Singh 1 for 11 Trophy Stall, RajAce Auto, and D. Williams 37. Gavin Everest CC Masters replied Ricky Sanasie and John Singh claimed 3 for 19, with 135 for 1 in 20 overs. Ramsingh for making the Ronald Jaisingh 2 for 16 and Imtiaz Sadik stroked 37, trippossible. Armstrong 2 for 17, while Robert Perreira 30 not out

Special thanks are also Vick Mahabeer, Eyaaz and Mahabeer 23 retired. extended to KJ Singh from Mohamed and Rajesh Singh The Liberta Cricket Ground CWI and Kenny Benjamin hadonewicketeach. is being managed by former andstafffromLiberta.

TheGuyanaGolfAssociation(GGA)and Nexgen Golf Academy displays. We eagerly Nexgen Golf Academy will once again raise look forward to further collaboration on the bar for inclusion in Guyana when they creatingfunlearningexperiencesforthelittle host a special golf camp for MET Pride onesinourcare.” Academy, which provides accommodated PresidentoftheGuyanaGolfAssociation education and therapy services for children and Nexgen Golf Academy Aleem Hussain withphysicalanddevelopmentaldisabilities. stated, “We believe that all Guyanese should The group of students, along with their have access to the sport, regardless of their parents and teachers, took part in this special physical, financial or personal activity at the Nexgen Golf Academy on circumstances. Over the past few years, we Woolford Avenue on March 6, 2023 from have brought the joy of golf to orphanages, 9:00-11amandagreattimewashadbyallthe disadvantagedchildrenandfamilies,visually kids. challenged persons and even those with METPrideAcademybelievesthateachof cerebralpalsy.” their students deserved to participate in the Arguably the fastest growing sport in the same activities that similar developing peers country,Hussainemphasizedthatwithoutthe engage in, as much their individual abilities support the Ministry of Education, Unit of allow The majority of their current students Allied Arts and a small number of nonare on the Autism Spectrum and their team, traditional sponsors, the thousands of new along with the parents have determined that players would never have had access to play students would greatly benefit from golf. participatinginthegolfprogramme. For more information on how you can

According to Ms. Elizabeth Alert, ”Our learn the sport or host an event at the Nexgen team is greatly impressed with the Golf Academy on Woolford Avenue, contact professionalism and passion for youths in 645-0944 or visit their Facebook/Instagram sport that the Guyana Golf Association and pages.