Kaieteur News

Govt. plugs dangerous loopholes with new draft agreements for 14 oil blocks Govt. plugs dangerous loopholes with new draft agreements for 14 oil blocks

Oil companies & expats to pay taxes

Guyana will not be on the hook for any losses or claims by the contractor

Oil companies and subcontractors must have insurance to cover spills and other disasters/accidents

Country will have power to approve budgets for oil companies

Oil companies could face penalty for sitting idly on blocks

International guidelines now in place for field development plans

Abandonment Fund to be controlled by Guyana Stabilization Clause now has room for renegotiation

ByKianaWilburg

The Guyana Government released yesterday, two drafts of new Model Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), one of which will govern shallow water blocks while the other will apply to deep water concessions. Citizens now have twoweekstoperusethedocuments that will feature in the upcoming licensing round for the 14 oil blocks.

When compared to the controversial Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), signed with an ExxonMobil-led consortium in 2016,itisclearthatthegovernment made deliberate efforts to close several dangerous loopholes for abuseandrevenueleakage.

Asignificantfeatureinthenew draft agreements is that the governmenthaspreservedtheright to review and approve the budgets for the exploration and developmentprogrammesoftheoil companies. The agreements state that:“Thecontractorshallsubmitto the minister for approval, in accordance with the Accounting Procedures,aBudgetoftheCoststo be incurred in implementation of each Work Programme, simultaneouslywiththesubmission of such Work Programmes. The ministerwilldecideontheproposal ofBudgetssimultaneouslywiththe approval of the corresponding Work Programme.” Such powers are not enshrined in the Stabroek B l o c k

PSAoranyotherexistingPSA.

Equallyimportantistheinsertionof anewprovisionthatensuresthecountry isnotleftonthehookforanyoftheoil companies’bills. That clause speaks to indemnification.AtArticle30.2itsays: “The contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold the minister and Government of Guyana harmless againstallclaims,lossesanddamages of any nature whatsoever by any personnel of the contractororof any subcontractor for the loss or damage to personal property or injury or death to Persons

caused by or resulting from any petroleum operations conducted by or on behalf of the contractor under thisAgreementoranyLicenseissued pursuanttotheAct.”

On the issue of insurance, the draft contracts state that the oil companies must have in place, policies that cover pollution caused in the course of petroleum operations for which the contractormaybeheldresponsible.The agreements also state that, “At the minister’sdiscretionthecontractormay bepermittedtoself-insureallorpartof the aforementioned insurances.” The

ability of oil companies to selfinsure,thatis,torelyontheirown fiscalresources,isalsopartofthe Stabroek Block PSA and was highlycriticizedforyears.

A new arrangement or demand rather, is that oil companies must also ensure their subcontractors have adequate insurancecoveragetoo.

Importantly, the draft agreements state that oil companies will not be allowed to acquiretheblocksandsitontheir hands for decades. The draft documents categorically state that, “If in any phase of the ExplorationPeriod,thecontractor does not fulfill its obligations in respect of the Minimum ExplorationWorkProgrammefor that exploration period, the contractor is obliged to pay the Government an amount equal to the difference between the minimum expenditure obligation specified for that phase of the exploration period and the actual amounts expended on the work commitments carried out.” In the Stabroek Block PSA or in other existing agreements, no such penaltyisinplace.

In terms of the field development plans for a commercial discovery, the documents outline a stringent suite of international best practices that must be followed during the preparation of the document. These guidelines are now public- a stark contrast to what was obtained before, thereby increasing the level of transparencyonsuchplans.

Unlike what obtains in the Stabroek Block PSA, the new draft agreements stipulate that the “contractor, affiliated companies, subcontractors and individuals who are expatriates shall be subject to the income tax laws of Guyana, including, the Income Tax Act of Guyana (Cap. 81:01) and the Corporation Tax Act of Guyana (Cap 81:03) and shall separately comply with the requirementsofthoselaws,inparticular with respect to filing returns, assessment of tax, and keeping and showingofbooksandrecords.”

Continuedonpage30

Georgetown, Guyana.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Sometimes battered, fearful Guyanese women do not even have the peace of escaping the long reach of their abusers, the ones who had declared their undying love. A strangerhurtingawomaninthecommissionofacrimeisbad enough, but any abuse, any injury from a loved one in the domesticsettingisahorrorinacategorybyitself.

Guyanese men, and it is not a monopoly that they alone hold,aretiedtothethinkingthattheirwomenfolk,especially theirpartners,belongtothem,aretheirpropertytotossabout, kickaround,andstepupon.Wehavehadtoomanyinstances of this with male partners beating and bringing down their wivesorpartnerswithfist,blade,implement,utensil,fire,or any other convenience turned into a harmful weapon. We knowfromtheharrowingdevelopmentsoftoomanywomen inGuyanabeingbeatentoapulpforseasonsonend,andall too frequently (by any standard) some killed in their own homes.

This stalking and suffering, this national scourge and embarrassment,ofdomesticviolencethathaswomenasthe main victims, needs a radical overhaul in how we approach these frightening developments that leave all of us hanging our heads in shame. For what is happening now is that, on occasion,womenarebeingfollowedoutoftheirhomesand attacked;orwaiteduponfromplaceswheretheyseekrefuge (familymembersandfriends)andheinouslybrutalised,often resultingintheirdeaths.

To repeat, radical situations call for radical measures. One of the frequent complaints, an ongoing frustration of more than significant proportions that surrounds domestic violenceepisodesisthatbruisedandbeatenvictims,usually women, are cajoled into dropping charges. They refuse to testifyincourtagainsttheirabusers,withtheStatestomped, with that being the end of the matter, as the once warring partnersreconcile.

Sometimes,itisnottherealendofthematter,becausethe abuserfallsbackintotheoldviolenthabits,andthewomanis killed. In recent times, in a new dimension of domestic violence, a few allegedly abusive men have been killed by theirbatteredspouses,withclaimsoffearingfortheirsafety andself-defenseadvanced.

It is our position that, though the battered partner in a relationship of longstanding violence may signal clear intentions to withdraw from any court case pending, and refusetotestify,theStateshouldstillhaveanabidinginterest in the matter Because a citizen, albeit noncooperative, has been a repeat victim of chronic violence, then whatever backing in law is required to prosecute abusers, the legislative steps must be taken for such a mechanism to be availabletoStateorPoliceprosecutors.Whenofficialpolice records confirm that a victim, male or female, has been subject to episodes of domestic violence from the same abuser, then some remedy should be in hand to serve as a deterrentagainsttheviolencecontinuing.

Manycleverabusersareawarethatourculturestilllooks upon separation with a frown. So, they slyly play on the emotionsoftheabused,withtheopeningpresent,togetaway with more monstrous behaviour Because forgiving and ‘making up’ are such ingrained aspects of Guyanese domestic life, the police have an uphill battle to make any chargesstick.

They could go all the way to court, only for some last minutedevelopment(changeofheartbytheabusedpartner) foracasetocometoaswift,frustratingconclusion.Thishas tostopwiththeStatepickingupfromthere,andcontinuing with the matter, based on accumulated evidence and the natureofinjuries.

The Ministry of Social Protection has introduced some helpfulmeasures,butitshouldconsiderworkingmorewith, and giving more options to, victims of domestic violence, who are serious about getting out of abusive and fear-filled relationships. Anewplaceandafreshstartreinforcetheother supportmechanismsofferedtovictims,sothatlifedoesnot reduce to endless days of torments and dread.It is time that abusers understand that it is a different time, and that their actions will be severely punished, regardless of forgiveness andlettingthematterdrop.

NAREI is working with all farmers to successfully produce crops fruits and vegetables

DEAREDITOR,

T h e N a t i o n a l Agricultural Research and ExtensionInstitute(NAREI) wouldliketothankMr Paul ValidumRamlochan,aletter writer,forhavinganinterest in the work of NAREI and the other crops sector In a letter titled, ‘Local grapes production’, dated March 13, 2023 published in

Kaieteur News the writer specifically mentions Mr. Devin Gilliard, a grapes farmerofCorentyne.

We would like to assure Mr Ramlochan and all Guyanese that Mr Gilliard and NAREI share a healthy working relationship We have in the past visited Mr Gilliard’sfarmandprovided administrative and technical

assistance.

This was made possible through our technical personnel, who possess the expertise to offer sound advice in this regard NAREI’sExtensionOfficers in Region Six also conduct routine visits to Mr Gilliard’sfarm.

Importantly, NAREI is working with all farmers to

successfully produce crops fruits and vegetables to reduce our country’s food importbillby25%by2025. We invite Mr Ramlochan to contact the Institute for any further information that he mayrequire.

YoursTruly,

Mr JagnarineSingh Chief Executive Officer, NAREI

EEPGPLdoing a great job in extracting our wealth and patrimony without push back

DEAREDITOR,

Irefertoaletterdated312-2023andcaptioned,‘Let Us Celebrate Exxon’s Discovery of the Oil Off Shore; and Although differing, Thank Dr. Hunte for his Tables Comparing Costs’ , submitted by Ambassador Samuel A. A. Hinds, Former Minister ResponsiblefortheGGMC.

Before responding to this letter, permit me to say thanks to Ambassador Hinds for his courteous additiontothedebateonthe use of our non-renewable resource; and more particularly, on his interpretation, a position with which I disagree, on t h e t i m i n g o f t h e distribution of benefits and costs between Guyana and EEPGL in relation to the extraction and exportation ofouroil.

Ambassador Hinds noted that ‘Generally, anyone investing would like to recover and pay back the capital costs as quickly as possible, and may want to allocate all net revenue to capital recovery and nothing to profits.’ .I find this statement to be astonishing, as leaving nothing to profit is questionable for any successful business. More s p e c i f i c a l l y, p ro f i t maximization is undoubtedly a key element in determining the market value of any serious business, for it showcases the effectiveness o f m a n a g e m e n t ; i t establishes the company’s platform and capacity to borrow and raise capital, even as it attracts investors through the stock market. Consequently, from day-one, itispellucidthatEEPGLhas presented its ‘profitable operation’ in the public domain for all investors to

examine and take action; or for suppliers to submit bids forgoodsandservices.

Yet on the downside, it is highly improbable that the three owners of EEPGL (Guyana is excluded, and is called a non-owner Associate who owns the resource) would be happy with a profit share of 12.5 percent, given the size of the oil investment; and the fact that the total costs paid to other unknown suppliers capture 75 per cent of the Total Revenue In this situation, Guyana should p e r h a p s c o n s i d e r cooperating with the unknown suppliers and get a betterdeal.

While a check in any of the major oil publications around the world will have an EEPGL/EXXON Mobil story, I, nevertheless, question the idea that total cost (TC) is set in advance and made equal to 75 percent of total revenue (TR); that profit is 25 percentofrevenue;andthat the average cost of a barrel of oil (ACBO) is equal to 0.75 times the price (P), where the ACBO = 0.75P The reason for this skepticism is that EEPGLis a c a p i t a l - i n t e n s i v e operation with significant fixedcosts.

For example, the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel and the supporting mechanisms/ facilities are expensive;butthesecostsdo not change, they are fixed; and because these costs are fixed, the average fixed cost (AFC) of a barrel of oil decreases as the number of barrels of oil is extracted from the well increases Recently, it was reported that ‘… Liza Phase 1 and Liza Phase 2, which are producing above design

capacity … are currently operating at a combined grossproductioncapacityof more than 360,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) ’ ( M e l i s a C a v c i c : https://www.offshoreenergy.biz/exxonmobilsnew-oil-discovery-offguyana-could-underpinfuture-development/) In this arrangement, if the extraction/production was 120,000 bopd, and it is now 360,000 barrels per day due t o d e b o t t l e n e c k i n g (https://onepetro.org/OGF/ a r t i c l eabstract/3/03/57/205372/De bottlenecking-ExistingO f f s h o r eProduction?redirectedFro m=fulltext))then the overall productivityhasimprovedby 20 percent per day and this willreducetheACBO.

Please bear in mind, however, that the destruction-risk to the environment has increased, since the extraction operation is now above its designed capacity, and any failure without sufficient insurance,whichtheEEPGL does not cover, will be a significant charge under the meager returns that Guyana receivesofonly14.5barrels to every 85.5 barrels that EEPGLreceives from every 100 barrels of oil extracted.

In other words, for every dollar that Guyana receives, EEPGLcaptures$5.89.

This is part of the inequity that Guyana faces; a n d r e a d i n g w h a t

Ambassador Hinds stated that we must “Pump baby, pump…”, is a call to throw gasolineonafirethatwewill not be able to extinguish without a heavy cost on ourselvesandourneighbors, whowillbedamagedbyour negligence; while at the same time, EEPGL, who caused the disaster, will

disappearwithoutpenalty In the circumstances, I am certain Ambassador Hinds knows that among his portfolio responsibilities is the important task to always protect the interest of Guyana, both at home and abroad.Incontrast,EEPGPL highestresponsibilityistoits shareholders and not to Guyana;fortheyaredoinga great job in extracting our wealth and patrimony withoutpushback.

Ambassador Hinds also conveys the notion that ‘… when all capital has been recovered, depending on thepriceofoilandrunning costs, Guyana could be receivingmorethat30%of the price of oil when the price is high…’. Perhaps AmbassadorHindscanshow us this outcome in the PSA. Moreover, with no ring fencing, and the fact that Guyana, as the Non-Owner Associate,hastopayfromits oilreceiptsEEPGLtaxesand cover the insurance costs, perhaps Ambassador Hinds cansaywhenthisburdenon Guyanawillend.

Oneofthedistinguishing features of the extraction of any non-renewable natural resource,suchasoil,isthatit hasafiniteamountofoilthat can be profitably extracted.

And in this regard, the quantity of oil that can be extractedisplacedintothree differentgroupings:‘Proven Reserves’, which are oil reserves that have no less thana90percentprobability ofbeingprofitablyextracted.

A second category is ‘Probable Reserves’ which havea50to90probabilityof being profitably extracted; and the third category is ‘PossibleReserves’thathave a 10 to 50 percent of being profitably extracted

The WPAhas learned nothing from past experience

DEAREDITOR,

I listened to tapes of the speeches given at the meetinginBuxtoncalledby the WPA last week, and I really did not believe what I washearing.

It’s like the WPA has learned nothing from past experience.

They have proved once again that they are political o p p o r t u n i s t s a n d adventurers, just as they were when they pursued their misguided counterrevolutionary campaign against the government of Forbes Burnham which was pursuinganon-capitalistand anti-imperialistpath.

From May 2015 to August2020,theywerepart of the APNU+AFC Government that signed the treasonous oil deal. During thattime,theyneversaidone thing about international capital manipulating the APNU+AFC regime, or about resisting the many reactionary moves made by the APNU+AFC regime. In fact, they joined with rightwingreactionaryelementsin thecoalition.Itwasreported to me by a reliable source whowaspresentatameeting of coalition partners, that it was a WPA big-wig who objected to OVP being part ofthecoalition.Accordingto this prominent WPA member, the CIA and FBI were watching OVP and thereforeAPNUshouldhave nothing to do with us. Our responsewasthatwearenot troubled at all by these assumptions,sinceasSekou Toure said, “If the enemy is not watching you, then it meansyouaredoingnothing andarenothreattothem”.

Burnham was so right whenhereferredtotheWPA as the “Worst Possible Alternative”.

Essentially a middleclass political formation, with a few exceptions such as Tacuma Ogunseye, the WPA has always been a contradiction.

Inthelate70s,Iwrotean article in the New Nation titled, ‘WPA, Left in Form, Right in Essence’, and their political maneuvering over

the years simply proves my point.OnethingIknowfrom experience, is that these same people destroy anythingtheyareapartofby virtueofthefactthatthereis such a large disconnect between them and the working poor and destitute in this country, and therein liesthecontradiction.

Despite the fact that in today’s Guyana they have close to no support on the ground, they attract unwarranted attention because their leadership is mostlycomprisedanddriven by middle-class academics who are prolific writers and knowhowtousepropaganda effectively

This is how they operated against Burnham. Burnhamhadhisownplants inside the WPA and knew theyhadplanstokillhim.He could have got them- then and there – with that seditiousinformationbutdid not bother because he was notthreatenedbythem.Isay categorically that he did not o r d e r R o d n e y ’ s assassination. In fact, the WPA’s behaviour not only put their own leader in jeopardy, but served the imperialists by character assassinating Forbes Burnhamatthesametime.

The masses of African and Indian people who constitute the downtrodden of this land are right now being bombarded by the bourgeois elites of both majorparties.

Essentiallytheirmessage is the same – entirely racebased From the APNU corner, we hear that the entire mess we are in is caused by Indians, all of whom are bad and evil, and fromthePPPcornertheidea thatAfricansarebadandevil is spoken behind closed doors,whileintheopenthey chanttheemptyslogan“One Guyana” and post photos with African children all overtheplace.

Ispendmostofmytime, not with the middlechattering-classes, but grounding with the people, andIcantellyouthepeople are sick and tired of this

nonsense that is grinding us allintothegutter

WhydidtheWPAremain silent when the government theywerepartofwasselling our country’s oil wealth to ExxonMobil for a pittance? Where was the resistance then to Exxon’s destruction of our environment right down to the very air that we breathe.

Where were Tacuma OgunseyeandDavidHinds? Tacuma was in an office in MainSt.,workingwithState Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) SARU was wasting taxpayer’s money renting that large building from one of the richest Indian families in Guyana, despite the fact that there were many governmentowned buildings that could havehousedthem.

Afterfiveyearsandclose to $1 billion spent on salaries, rent and operating

DEAREDITOR,

IapplaudTheMinistryof PublicWorksonthemassive undertaking they have embarked upon, that is the upgrade, as well as the modernization of our roadways and its associated infrastructural works However,inthesamelight,I would also like to see an improvementintheuseroad oftheverysameroadways.I say this in light of the many traffic accidents that have occurredinrecenttimes.

Therehasbeenaturnfor theworstinsomeofthemost horrific traffic accidents as road users are killing other people while immolating themselvesastheybargeinto stationary objects This reckless “road hog” behaviourhastostopnow,or else we shall be a nation where lawlessness abounds, where death and destruction stalksourroadwaysatevery turn.

I do not want to live in a country where there is constant fear surrounds me asIdriveonourroadways.I

costs,whatstatepropertydid they recover? They never prosecuted one PPPofficial. WPA executive, David Hinds,thenandnow,resides andworksinArizona,USA. Even when he was removed asacolumnistattheGuyana Chronicle, he continued to bat for the APNU+AFC regime despite their transgressions And now they are talking about ‘resistance’? Had APNU+AFC been returned toofficein2020,theywould have almost certainly continued to be stooges of white monopoly capital and would not have been in Buxton calling for resistance.

IfpoorAfricanGuyanese are prepared to fall for the false narratives of these misleaders yet again, then wedeservetoberightwhere weare-poor,oppressedand dispossessed.Thesewerethe

guyswhohadaplantoseize Burnham,andmovehimtoa pointwheretheyweregoing tohanghim.Wehavebeento thisrodeobefore.Theyhave all had a chance - the PPP, PNCR andWPA– we know them by their works. All three of them have betrayed the masses of Indigenous, African and Indian Guyanese, who remain poor and dispossessed after years of their race-based politricks, lust for power at any cost and dysfunctional governance.

Our struggle in Guyana isessentiallyaclassstruggle -betweenthosewhocontrol the national wealth (the politicalelitesofbothparties and the business elites of all races) and those of all races who have to work for them andreceiveapittance. Race is used as a camouflage to hidetheclassstruggle.

Of course, no one can

deny that race is a powerful dynamic in Guyana and globally, and that racism is systemicinGuyana,butthis issuecannotbeaddressedby mobilizing along racial lines. Racism is perpetuated and linked to the neocolonialarrangementandthe capitalist system that both partiessubscribeto.

As Malcolm X rightly stated: “You can’t have capitalism without racism”. We face a web of oppressions, all intricately interconnected,andwemust address their root causes if we are to ever eradicate them.

Therefore, political l e a d e r s h a v e t h e responsibility to lead with vision, critical analysis and strategic thinking, rather thanrabblerousingandracebaiting which is detrimental toourjustandrighteous

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want to live in a society where drivers drive responsibly, which means that they drive with the safety and convenience of themselves as well as with those other road users in mind.

This is the society I am looking forward to. Having said this, I would like the Ministry of HomeAffairs in conjunction with The Guyana Police Force to take note of the following:

1. Speeding is a major issue wherevehicularfatalitiesare concerned, such persons caught in the act should be immediately dealt with, speedstersshouldbestopped and issued speeding tickets. A database should be made and consulted regularly, to ascertain whether this is just a one- time offense or a repeatoffender Fromrecent occurrencesthereseemtobe a great number of persons who are on the repeat offenders list, these ought to be removed from our roads permanently.

We cannot wait for an

accident - many fatal - to happen then throw up our hands and cry, deal with themimmediately!

2 Secondly, there are drivers who are in the habit of being inebriated, then gettingbehindthewheelofa motor vehicle, this is reckless behaviourand must be done away with in the most condign way, revoke their licenses! Even more distressing is the fact that there are drivers out there who drive under the influence of mind altering drugs-substancesthatimpair their mental state causing them,asweusuallysay,tobe ‘highasakite’.

These road users have to be removed from our roadways immediately!

3.Thirdly, those having poor driving skills or no driving skills at all. this lawlessness is known to have been a major cause in road accidents.

Todatenothinghasbeen done to correct it, I am calling on the responsible bodies to address this

problem urgently There should be the establishment of a Department of Motor Vehicles,onethatdealswith alldrivingparticularssuchas testsaswellasauthorizedthe licensingofpersons.

This would go a far way in arresting the problem of persons being on our roads with bogus documentation, whichinmostcasesgoonto c o m m i t v e h i c u l a r homicides.

By not being a ‘certified driver’ means that you are definitely a candidate in a recipefordisaster

We can ill afford such maladies at this juncture of o u r d e v e l o p m e n t As Guyana moves into the modern world of vehicular highway usage, there must be the commensurate upgrade to modern and acceptable standards. I have highlighted the main ones here, and I hope the governmental agencies involved take keen note of this.

Respectfully,

NeilAdams

Urgent attention is needed in the way we handle the vehicular traffic on our roadways

Man appeals life sentence for chopping neighbour

AndyBoodram,theman who was convicted and sentencedtolifeinprisonfor chopping his neighbour, Deonarine Persaud, back in 2018 has appealed both his convictionandsentence.

He was charged with attempted murder but was found guilty on the lesser (alternative) count of felonious wounding by a mixed12-memberjury

Boodram had reportedly chopped Persaud after he asked him to turn down the volume of the music he was playing and he refused. He wasconvictedonachargeof felonious wounding in 2018 andlatersentencedtoprison.

In his appeal, Boodram throughhisattorney,George Thomas argued that the sentencewastoosevere.

Theappealwasheardon Tuesday before Justices of Appeal,YonetteCummingsEdwards, Rishi Persaud, Dawn Gregory Thomas submittedthatthetrialjudge erred in law on a number of issues including when he admitted the oral statements

toformpartoftheevidence. The lawyer argued that the judge’s error formed part of thefactorsthatledthejuryto falselyconvicthisclient.

Thomas submitted that from the tenor of the directions to the jury on the issues of the defence, the trial judge failed to adequately analyze the relevant evidence so as to assistthejuryinconsidering whethertherewasanymerit in the defence or whether there were left unsure as to what transpired Thomas said too that his client never

chopped anyone He expounded that there is no written record of the oral statements in any police station diary or book attributedto,orsignedbyhis clientorevenutteredbyhim during the confrontation heldbypolicethathisclient c h o p p e d a n y o n e Meanwhile, on the issue of his client’s sentence, Thomas said he judge arrived at the offence of felonious wounding but did not take into consideration any aggravating or mitigatingfactors.

Thomas submitted that such factors ought to have been considered before the starting point for the sentence was even set. At the end of Tuesday’s oral presentation, the Appellate Court Judges determined that they will deliberate on the matter and issue notices to the parties involved on a date for decision. Back in 2018, Boodram of Grove East Bank Demerara, was s e n t e n c e d t o l i f e imprisonment by Justice

Navindra Singh at GeorgetownHighCourt.

Boodram, called ‘Boy,’ on September 24, 2011, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Deonarine Persaud, called ‘Anil’, with intenttocommitmurder

Even in the face of the guilty verdict, Boodram maintained that he is innocent of the crime. He claimedthathedidnotchop the complainant but that “I andAnilhadafight.”

His lawyer, George Thomas, had begged for a minimum sentence alluding to the fact that this was his client’sfirstconviction.

“Heis32yearsoldanda fatherofthree,”Thomastold the court in his plea of mitigation. However, State Attorney, Abigail Gibbs, asked the Court to consider the effects that the injuries had on the complainant Taking all the facts of the matter and the jury’s c o n c l u s i o n i n t o consideration,Boodramwas sentencedtolifeinprisonfor thecrime.

History has a puckish way of repeating itself, sometimes in part or in the whole

DEAREDITOR,

As we survey events in Guyana,thecrusadeinsome quartersforjusticeandafair share of our patrimony, and the realisation of that chameleon word and concept ‘Democracy,’ is being shattered By the Pomposity of Political Power

Our Parliament has become toothless, the Environmental Protection Agency being massaged, mangled and managed by the mighty and almost impotent. There is a veil of secrecy in every significant area of our economic and social being The Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources has met once since its initial meeting thirty months ago. The Chancellor (ag) has publicly expressed concern about the non-existence of the judicial service commission and the shortage of Judges Everywhere civil and criminal cases are dragging on for years They say, “Justice delayed is Justice denied,” but who cares? Everywhere, the family, community and state and as we see Israel, parts of Europe, people can take so

muchandnomore.

Recent events suggest we are dangerously perched on the precipice of a Police state. I am forced to remind our citizens that in a few hours we come upon the proverbial Ides of March. (15th).

At school, my favorite literature was William Shakespeare’sJuliusCaesar That lay apart from Shakespeare, Julius Caesar was based on bits of human history, as such there are lessons for our leaders and those being led, some by theirproverbialnoses.

I draw upon the analysis found in the Natural Geographic. In each of the following examples we can find a nexus with today’s Guyana “Few Romans would have chosen young Julius Caesar as the man most likely to succeed on a grand scale and dominate their world. But when he led his troops across the Rubiconriverindefianceof the Roman Senate, he distinguished himself for the ages and set Rome on a path of transformation, fromRepublictoEmpire.

Caesar made political primetimeataroundage40 by forging the first

triumvirate with Pompey the Great, noted General Statesman, and Marcus Licinius Crassus, one of Rome richest men. In 59 BC Caesar was elected Consul “

Caesar after several exploits soon developed an ambition for complete domination. One technique wastoappearmagnanimous to those who opposed him, allthewhilesecuringaniron grip on Rome and the Romans. His ambition led him to declare himself dictatorforlife.Fasttrackto Italy, Germany, in the first half of the 20th century and Guyana, in the first quarter ofthe21stcentury

Thehistorybookstellus that the Mighty Caesar ignored the warnings of a soothsayernottoventureout ontheIdesofMarch.Caesar ignoredthiswarning,therest ishistorywheremightymen paid no attention to the feelings and intuitive wisdomofordinaryfolks.In Guyana, we get the impressionthattheconcerns expressed privately and in the independent media are either being ignored or trivialized.

One of our leaders

Frompage4

com/terms/p/provenreserves.asp) Another concern is the fact that oil extraction from under the ocean has relatively high fixed costs; and therefore, it

is imperative that a

breakeven point be established, where total revenueisequaltototalcost.

The reason for this is that if thebreakevenquantityofthe oilaccountsforasignificant share of the total resource, profitscouldbeinsignificant or even negative. Adding to this concern is the idea that insteadofextracting‘Proven Reserves’itisrevealedthatit is ‘Possible Reserves’ Hence, the profitability can be questioned and EEPGL will shut shop and leave.

Consequently, knowingnow how EEPGL fits into this three-part model is critical, for companies can start out with high expectations and

sell the idea that they have ‘Proven Reserves’, but due to technological difficulties and environmental damage, expectations can be overly optimistic, and expected profits would be unrealized.

In closing, I would contend that it is always in the best interest of the investor, the government, and the Guyanesepeopletoenjoyin a timely manner a fair and equitable sharing in the cost and benefits in this project. And while the existing PSA fallshortinthisarea,itismy beliefthatreasonablepeople can sit around a table and come up with a common understanding, and derive a better deal between and amongallparties. I am excited about being provenright.

Sincerely,

Dr C.KenrickHunte Professor and Former Ambassador

The WPAhas learned...

Frompage5 struggle for the total emancipation of Africans andalloppressedGuyanese.

expressedasnit-pricking.As we mark the Ides of March 2023, I ask our leaders on both sides of the political divide to listen to the voices of the people who are not soothsayers but genuinely concerned citizens. Guyana can ill-afford any form of dictatorship at this time of our development Every citizen must thru their representatives with their voices prevail upon their leaders to put aside their differences, to freeze past hurts and work together, earnestlyliketruepatriots,in andoutofParliament.Letus allclingtoandbelieveinthis latin proverb “ Vox populi, Vox Dei” which means the voice of the people is the voiceofGod.Wewillletthe conglomeratesknowthatwe are smart enough to avoid thedestructiveconditionsof divideandrule,whichatthe end of the day only benefits the Descendants of the Ole Massa.Let’savoidtheperils of the Ides of March and construct a solid net of Guyanese holding heads, hands and hearts together. Let this oneness be for real and not the slogan of simplicity.

HamiltonGreen Elder

What would Tacuma Ogunseye, David Hinds and AubreyNortonhaveusfight for? What exactly are we resisting? Because from where I am standing they all look the same once they assume office.Are we being asked to fight and risk lives even, so that one neocolonialpoliticalpartyledby Indians can be replaced by another neo-colonial party led by Africans? Not in our name.OVPisfightingtoend all forms of oppression and todismantletheneo-colonial arrangementonceandforall, so that every Guyanese of every race can benefit from thewealthofthisnation.Fact is,APNUorPPP–eitherway we’rescrewed.

Thereisnoeasysolution. The only way forward for those who are serious about real change lies in popular education, consciousnessraising, organizing and mobilizing for a national revolution This is a painstaking process because revolutions cannot be willed into being with a few passionate speeches and some Tik Toks here and there.

There can be no revolution without a revolutionary theory and a revolutionary movement That is our mission. It’s important to note that every rebellion or resistance is not necessarily a revolutionary one.

I agree with Tacuma on one point– this “will all be over soon”. Tacuma is well aware that Guyana does not exist in a vacuum on this planet. He understands what

is going on in the world as a whole, and therefore he knowswhatliesaheadforall humanity For this reason, it ismorecrucialthaneverthat wecometogetherandbuilda broad-based national movement.

That cannot be done by theorganizationTacumaisa part of, or the existing main parties, since they have, by their actions, lost all credibility If we the people are serious, we must put our differences aside, racial and otherwise, and find commonality around fundamental issues, such as recapturing our sovereignty, democratization of the economy to deliver economic justice to all Guyanese, free quality education and healthcare, affordable housing and our democratic right to participate in shaping the decisions that impact our lives.

Wemustfindthecourage to pursue the truth and complete our national liberation struggle, as opposed to fighting each other for power at any cost, while the architects of this “divide and ruin” strategy, the agencies and forces of white supremacy, plunder ourwealth.

I close with the famous and profound words of the great African freedom fighter, Amilcar Cabral, “Hide nothing from the massesofourpeople.Tellno lies. Expose lies whenever they are told Mask no difficulties, mistakes or failures Claim no easy victories.”

Regards,

GeraldA.Perreira Organization for the VictoryofthePeople(OVP)

Andy Boodram

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INVESTOR CONFIDENCE, HOW ABOUT GUYANESE CONFIDENCE - PART 4

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Everyone making money from Guyana by the millions, and billions.

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Bankers, boat builders, corporate bandits, all making money here.

What about Guyanese doing the same from their wealth?

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How about something fair for them, to keep Guyanese happy?

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Do they not count as human beings, worthy of a fair deal, and the big money?

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Exxon excludes cheaper energy options for Guyana in gas study - Bhulai

Guyana’sEnvironmental Protection Act- the law that governs the implementation of projects that can pose dangerstotheenvironmentstipulates that each Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) produced byadevelopermustoutline, among other things, alternatives that were studied as well as the main reasonsforhischoice,taking i n t o a c c o u n t t h e environmentalfactors.

Though this is required in Section 11(5) of the law, Energy Technologist, Engineer and Physical Scientist, Alfred Bhulai has pointed out that there are no such alternatives enlisted in

ExxonMobil’s EIA for the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project.

In a letter to this newspaper, Bhulai explained,”Section 11 (5) of Guyana’s Environmental Protection Act declares that every environmental impact assessment shall contain the following information: (b) an outline of the main alternatives studied by the developer and an indication of the main reasons for his choice, taking into account the environmental factors. Onethereforeexpectstofind studies of the alternatives to the Gas-to-Energy Project (GtE). But there are no studiestobefound.”

He said that the developer on page 155 in VolumeOneofthestudythat has been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), notes that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the subsidiary of Exxon and operator of the Stabroek Block, along with the Government of Guyana considered alternative sources of energy including alternative fuel sources for supplying the government’s plannedPowerPlant.

According to the study, “A thermoelectric power plant could be fueled by natural gas, biomass (e.g., wood residuals), or bagasse

(sugar cane residuals)

Power could also be generated by solar, wind, or hydropower generation facilities.

The potential power generation via solar, wind, and biomass sources has been estimated at 88 megawatts (MW) over the next5to10years,compared to 204 MW via natural gas (K&MAdvisors2019).”

TheEnergyTechnologist said that each attempt made tocontactK&MAdvisorson their website was frustrated by the incapacity of the websiteitself.Tothisend,he said, “the writers of the EIA do not understand what a study is. They replace

arithmetic with political assertions and speculations ofwhat“could”be.”

Bhulai, who has a Bachelor of Sciences in Applied Chemistry said Exxon refused to study Guyana’s potential for renewable energy, solar in particular Hepointedout,“Guyana has 214, 000 square kilometresofarea.Covering only a tenth of it with solar panelsatalow100Wattper square metre can generate 2.14 terawatt or over seven thousandtimesthe300MW oftheGtEProject.”

Additionally, Bhulai notedthattheCapitalcityof Georgetown has an area of

70 square kilometres. He calculatedthatcoveringonly a tenth of this space on the rooftops of buildings can similarly generate 700 megawatts (MW) of power, morethandoublethe Continuedonpage16

Energy Technologist, Alfred Bhulai

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO?

During the recent International Energy Conference, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves sounded some warnings to Guyana about the dangers of spending our oil wealth on the wrong things. He spoke about the need to address social problems.

Guyana needs not look further than Trinidad and Tobago to learn how misplaced spending priorities and the failure to address social woes can affect a country’s future. When money was flowing Trinidadians began importing expensive motor vehicles;almosteveryhome hadavehicle.

As a consequence, enormous pressures were placed on the existing road networks, and this was done to the extent that billions of dollars were invested in building highways, overpasses and even more highways and overpasses. All of this has been to no effect because the rate of building new highways still could not keep up with the rate of increase of motor vehicles.

Today, it is still a nightmaretogetintoPortof Spainduringthepeakhours. The government was forced to introduce fast ferries but still has not alleviated the problem.

Trinidad should have invested in light rails and a

different sort of mass transport system to move its citizens around rather than trying to continuously build roads, highways and overpasses to be constantly chasing after and increasing the increasing number of road vehicles Burnham admitted that it was mistake to close the local railway. But of course it was losing money.

Trinidad’s road construction experience servesasanimportantlesson forGuyana,especiallywhen you hear the President and hisMinistersspeakaboutthe transformative road projects which are being undertaken andwhenyouseethesortof massive spending in building roads even before alloftheexistingroadshave beenimproved.

Things would not have beenthatbadhadtherebeen properplanning.

When, for example, the new fire station was being constructed next door to the NationalSportsHall,noone seems to have considered that whenever there is a major event at that facility, the cars are all parked along the roadway sometimes two abreast Parking at that facility is woefully inadequate.

Yetinsteadofshiftingthe fire station further west, and making provision for increased parking, the fire station was built on the land adjoining the National SportsHall.

Dem Boys Seh...

The government proposes to expand the Corentyne Main Road. It is obvious it has not learnt anything from the experience of the widening of the East Coast Public Road where given the settlement patterns it would have been better to build a newcircularroadconnecting to the back of the villages rather than widening an already dangerous public road.

Guyanese have to brace themselves for a steep increase in road traffic accidents and deaths given government’s obtuse thinking on road transport development.

The other major lesson we can learn from Trinidad and Tobago is about crime. The increased in oil spending did not reduce inequality in Trinidad and Tobago and sufficient attentionwasnotpaidtothe likely problems of rapid modernization.

As such it was easy for drug-related and gang relatedcrimestotakerootin thatcountry

Today, Trinidad and Tobago is the crime capital of the Caribbean The government of Guyana has been highlighting the rapid pace of economic spending. But sometimes, it is best to moderate the pace so as to control social ills and ensuring that greater attention is paid to issues such as poverty and

Transferring de problem don’t change anything!

Dem teachers now protesting over students’ behavior Instead of protesting, dem should be in de classroom teaching dempickeny Yuhcan’tdeprivestudentsof dem teaching just to protest something dat depolicelookinginto.

Ifdepolicedidnotdoingnuttin’,isthen yuh should protest. But de po po gat to get timetodotheywuk.

Demnahmagicianfuhclickdemfingers and find de alleged assailants. Deh gat a process.

De government done seh dat dem nah tolerating violence in schools. And all of demwahwantplaybigandbadshouldtek notice.

Demboysunderstanddatdemteachers concerned about dem safety. But de best waytoapproachdeproblemisnotthrough protest but through petitioning de

government fuh ensure stronger protection in de schools, particularly de secondary schoolswehdehgatsomestudentsfeeldem isbadjohn.

Indemboys’day,nobodydareraisedem voice much less dem hand pun a teacher Andifyuhgohomeandcomplainhowyuh gat problem with teacher, your parents or guardianslikelytospankyuh.

But dem bad eggs believe dem can go andbringreinforcementstosettlescoresin school.Anddatiswhydehgatabreakdown indiscipline.

Lang ago dem bad eggs used to get expel.Butdelawisdatchildrengataright toeducationandsodemexpelstudentdoes end up in another school and does cause troubledehalso.Soalldoeshappenisdatde problemgettransfer

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

inequality

Unfortunately,theIrfaan Ali administration has no specific plans to address poverty and inequality It believes that somehow the wealthwilltrickledownand inequality will even out overtime.

Internal security is tenuous at best. The government now has a National Security Adviser and by now it should have been in receipt of an anticrimestrategy

But such a plan is yet to be made public It is important also that we strengthen family and community ties in Guyana

because those ultimately are thetiesandbind.

Agreatdealofthesocial illswhichafflictourcountry can be traced to failures at thefamilylevel.

The inculcating of the rightvaluesinourchildrenis beingleftalmostexclusively to schools. But the schools face still competition from television and other influences.

As such, schools cannot fill the void left by family and parental neglect. This hasalsobeentheexampleof TrinidadandTobago.

Even when their oil wealth was flowing the country’s social ills were

increasing. Guyana should takenote.

Unless we do, we may have to one day ask if it would not have been better hadwenotfoundoil.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

A timely message for the US Ambassador

Itakethelibertytodayof sharing this humble and respectful communication with my fellow American, Her Excellency, Sarah Ann Lynch, US Ambassador to Guyana.

Excellency: what was sowed in 2019-2020 was always a whirlwind in waiting. Daily, it draws nearer,moremenacingly

During a tempestuous t i m e i n G u y a n a , Ambassador Lynch was more in Guyana’s political wars than Guyanese themselves The Ambassador shuttled back and forth, and hovered all over, in efforts to put

together a local political plank that embraced American interests and visions. The result was the humpty-dumpty of the PPP into national office. As an American, I yield to her dogged handiwork in honor of democracy, and free and fair Thanks, Excellency

The problem is that as a Guyanese, there are these concerns about what democracyhasturnedoutto be under the PPP of President Ali and the other president(therealone).

I am sorry Excellency, but democracy has been nothing but what favors American prosperity, the

calculations of likely American geopolitical visions. Excellency, the result is that democracy under the PPP has mutated i n t o a f e a r s o m e Frankenstein laboratory of endless mischief and leadership malfeasances intensifying daily, now rottingbeforethenostrilsof Guyanese Consuming anger flickers, flashes, and flares. For what America and the Ambassador said was fair is now laced with fear It is the fear of some aboutnothingfromtheiroil. They also own it. But now there is the fear (and circumstances) of dismissal

to second-class citizenship, nothing but intolerable outcasts Intolerance spawns more intolerance.

Ambassador Lynch knows thatmorethanIcantell.

Onthesurface,atleastto naïve, gullible, and green Guyanese,HerExcellency’s toils and embarrassing (to me) overtures were for the benefit of Guyanese

Thoughtless Guyanese pretended at more partisan daftness in conveniently forgetting those two American oil companies plunked down, like US gunboats, in Guyana’s oil waters.

Guyanese lacked the foresight to envision American and European hordes rushing across our open skies: Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, American Airlines, more recently CH4/LindsayCa, and countless others drooling overGuyana’sprospects.

For the unlearned in Guyana, that in a nutshell is the democracy and diplomacy of America and its ambassadorial field general, Sarah Ann Lynch. Corporate democracy, or Wa l l S t r e e t - s t y l e democracy, or oil democracy but now today’s democracyinGuyana.

This was why tireless Ambassador Lynch did the unthinkable:shewenttothe Vice President, once regarded by ABC&E as a politician of monstrous proportions. Cheddi Jagan as Opposition Leader couldn’t get a US visa, but his nobler descendant was pivotal enough to get an ambassadorial visit and audience in his tarantula’s den.

Thanks to American

Ambassador Lynch’s groundwork, Guyanese get

stung and bitten by many toxic political tarantulas.

Remember: free distorted into farces, fair transforming to fear

Whatwouldbefair, and exemplary of America the free, is for Her Excellency to break similar ground as she did with the then Opposition Leader (now omnipotent VP), and soil her diplomatic hands with not politics, but business this time If Ambassador Lynch could havegonetothelengthsshe did, and done the unprecedented and unmentionable in 2019-20 inGuyana’spoliticalaffairs, thensheshouldandmustdo the same in the oil business ofGuyana. Theoilbusiness of Guyana is not the lamenessofmattersbestleft tobehammeredoutbetween competent private parties. No, Madam Ambassador; hell no! My fellow American.

This is too huge, too lopsided, too crucial to be left to the hands of the PPP, PNC,Messrs.

Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge

Americans should rememberRezaPahlaviand whatensued.

Peoplearewrathfulhere. One Guyanese plunged into stormy waters: Joint Services.

And it is all interwoven with oil patrimony, American style democracy, and Guyana’s one-sided prosperity

It tangles with the same inclusivity of which Ambassador Lynch used to speak fairly frequently, but which has since fled her vocabulary;orabandonedas untimely and unseeming

Her intelligence sources should inform Ambassador Lynch that Guyana is a powder keg. Aman with a reputation among some Guyanese as a freedom fighterjusttossedacigarette thatglowsdangerously The PPP Government, its President, Vice President, the PNC Opposition, and Ambassador Lynch are all savvyenoughtounderstand my meanings, my thrusts, myconcerns.

Theyallhadbettermake what I hold high, as their priorities, too. Guyana’s continuity as a partially orderlypolity

Idiscardtheniceties,for a moment, about humbly andrespectfully,forifthisis not addressed with American leadership and Americaninterventioninthe oilbusinessofGuyana,then Armageddonswirls. What that man dared to callfor,pierced,iswhatstirs in many Guyanese bosoms. They have been ostracized, marginalized, demonized, andterrorized. Allknowso, and none like the Ambassador Shecansiton herhands,Guyanesecansift through ashes, should they so desire when that time comes.

This country is on edge. Itdoesn’ttakemuchtopush itoverthatedge.

(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.)

HARDTRUTHS BYGHKLALL

ExxonsaysUS$160MHQcostonlyincreasedby7%

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)ExxonMobilGuyana-isclaiming that the cost of its Ogle headquarters (HQ), currently under construction, only increased bysevenpercentsince2019.

In responding to the statements made by theAllianceForChange(AFC)atitsFriday press conference, ExxonMobil explained, “The figure quoted (roughly US$50M) only reflected the 2019 projected spend and did not include spends for the subsequent years in what was expected to be a three-year project.”

It noted that the construction cost of the Ogle Operations Center has increased by around seven percent since being funded in 2019, from US$150M for three years to

aroundUS$160Mcurrently

According to Exxon, the increase was triggered by the spike in commodity prices forconstructionmaterialsandlogisticscosts.

Additionally, the company said, “There were also additions to the project scope, namely the paving of the access road and culvert/channel crossing, the installation of power transmission lines for GPL, and groundsettlementconnections.”

The operator pointed out that it must be considered that projections and budget for the project were developed in 2019, which was before the COVID-19 pandemic and associatedglobalsupplychainissues.

The AFC’s David Patterson during its weekly press conference told reporters that the cost to construct ExxonMobil’s local

Headquarters has jumped from just around US$50 million to US$160 million even though the design for the structure remains thesame.

TheShadowNaturalResourcesMinister inpointingtotheneedfortimelyauditstobe conductedsaidthetriplingoftheprojectcost is worrying. He told members of the media, “the tender for Exxon’s headquarters was given out before 2020. Since 2018, Exxon indicated that they wanted to build a headquarter when the contract was awarded, I think in either late 2019 or early 2020, the contract was given out for two buildings whichwillhouse250personseach…itwould supporttheoperationsforExxonforthenext 40yearsbutImyselfwasamazedtohearthat itwasUS$160now.”

The former Minister of Public Infrastructurehoweverargued,“In2020,the project was under US$52 million or thereabout in total. It’s now US$160M. Nothinghaschanged.Theyarestillbuilding and I checked my records and I found the write up. It’s the same 500 persons that will be housed there. They haven’t added on an extra floor, they haven’t added on an extra

building,it’sthesamethingandhe(Jagdeo) simply allows Exxon to say they are now going to spend US$160 million on a headquarters and he defends it and says the circumstanceshavechanged.”

A contract was awarded to NABI/KCL Oilfield Construction Services Guyana in 2019fortheconstructionoftheHQatOgle, EastCoastDemerara.AccordingtoaRequest for Information issued by ExxonMobil Guyana, the scope of works include

construction of two buildings for 250 seats; anoutdoorpavilion;paving;landscaping;fill and storm drainage; site utilities; plumbing utilities;andelectricalworks.

The Company – NABI/KCL Oilfield Construction Services Guyana is a Joint VentureofNABIConstructionInc.,Guyana and Kee-Chanona Limited, Trinidad Patterson argued that the Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has jumped to defend the increase in project cost, explaining that circumstances have changed with the company’soperations.

$199Mtoconstructoffice&laboratoryforFoodSafetyAuthority

The Ministry of Agriculture on Mondaysignedsixcontractstotaling $1,793, 905, 190 for its first set of capitalprojectsfor2023.

Amongthecontractssignedwasa $199,622,358 contract for the construction of a new office and laboratory for the Guyana Food Safety Authority (GFSA) at La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara(ECD).

ThecontractwasawardedtoAnil Lalsa Construction and was signed by the ministry’s Agriculture Sector DevelopmentUnit.

Minister ofAgriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said that this project is importantbecauseasthecountry

Continued on page 28

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha flanked by the contract awardees and officials from his ministry.

GPHC performs first-of-a-kind minimally per invasive laparoscopic surgeries

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has once again advanced its provision of surgical care by performing first-of-a-kind minimally invasivelaparoscopicsurgeries. Historically, most abdominal surgeries havebeendoneusingalongincision(cut)on the abdomen. Over the last decades in developed countries, especially, many of these surgeries have been done laparoscopically, otherwise known as keyholesurgery

This involves the use of three or four small (1cm) incisions through which the surgicalinstrumentsareplacedtoperformthe surgeryasthesurgeonseestheoperativefield viaavideomonitor

The Hospital in a statement said that

laparoscopic surgery is proven superior to open surgery as it results in less postoperative pains, better cosmetic look and finish, and faster return to normal activities. Commonlypatientscanwalkwithoutpainsix hours after surgery With laparoscopic intervention,therearealsolessrisksofhernia formation along with numerous other benefits.

Suffice to state, laparoscopic surgery has replacedopensurgeryasthestandardinmany hospitalsinthedevelopedworldandthemore developedislandsintheCaribbean.

The GPHC said that in keeping with its aim to provide healthcare that is comparable with that of the developed world to its patients,ithasbeenprogressivelyadvancing Continued on page 27

Surgery was done by Advance Laparoscopic Surgeons, Dr. Hemraj Ramcharran (second from left) and Dr. Jagnanand Ramnarine (first from right). Also assisting were Dr. Drohinath Singh (first from left), Dr. Bibi Hussain (third from left) and Dr. Dianne Narine (second from right).

Woman arrested in connection with Kuru Kururu man’s murder

Investigators have arrested a woman in connection with the murder of 59-year-old Brian Thomas of the Kuru Kururu who was found shot dead on last Wednesday

Police did not divulge details about the woman only stating that they have detained her for questioning.

Thomas was killed one day afterhefoundhishomebrokeninto and ransacked. Police believe that the man was murdered between

23:00and23:30hrs. Thelastpersontoseehimalive wasawomanwhoclaimedthatshe had gone to Thomas’ house that evening to pay for blocks she had ordered. She was the one who reportedtopolicethatThomaswas introuble.

Thewomanreportedlysaidthat she saw two men running into Thomas’ home and confronting him just mere minutes before he was killed. In her description, the woman said one of the men had

“puffyhair”.

Thefemalewitnessallegedthat shedidnotstickaroundtoseewhat happenednextbutimmediatelyran totheTimehriPoliceStationwhere shereportedwhatshesaw She claimed that the last thing sheheardbeforerunningawaywas one of the men telling Thomas, “Youeyespassme”.

When police arrived at his home,theyfoundThomaslyingin thedoorwayofoneofhisbedrooms and bleeding from the left side of

his abdomen. Two 9MM spent shells were also found on his kitchenfloor

Police had noted too that days prior to his demise, he had gotten intoanaltercationwithhisex-wife and she had reported him to the policeforthreateningtochopherto death.

He was locked up and released fromcustodyonTuesdayandwhen he arrived home around 22:00hrs thateveninghefoundhisfrontdoor openandhishouseransacked.

The following day he reported thebreakinandentertothepolice andtoldthepolicethathisex-wife wantedtokillhimforhishouseand land.

Hercules and his ex-wife reportedly ended their relationship inJanuary

She moved from his home and according to family members he hasbeenharassingandstalkingher because he believed that she had lefthimforanotherman. Investigationsareongoing.

Fishermanjailedfor6months forcocainepossession

A24-year-oldfishermanwasonMonday sentenced to six month in prison for having sevengramsofcocaineinhispossession.

Lookman Hayat, of Good Hope Essequibo Coast, Region Two was nabbed with the drugs at theAnna Regina Car Park onFriday Hayatmadehiscourtappearance onMondayattheCharityMagistrates’Court wherehepleadedguiltytotheoffence.

The Magistrate sentenced him to six months imprisonment and ordered him to payafineof$30,000.

Exxon excludes cheaper energy...

Frompage8 electricity that will be produced at the gas-fired powerplantatWales,WestBankDemerara

In this regard, the Energy Technologist argued, “Itisthereforeutterlyridiculoustoconjureupan88 MWintheEIAforthesolepurposeofdismissingit”

Bhulaiadded,“Ihaveputoutfigurespubliclyto show,sofarirrefutably,thatsolarpowerwithbattery storage for two rainy days is by far the least expensive energy alternative that requires no large capitalifitisrolledoutastheoilmoneycomesin.”

He reminded that Head of the GTE Project, WinstonBrassingtonsaidthatUS$55millionwillbe paid back annually for 20 years to cover costs associatedwithdevelopingthepipeline.

At the same time, the Energy Technologist pointed out that the gas must be processed and electricity has to be generated, which can cost as muchasanotherUS$1billion,bringingthecostto aboutUS$2.1billion

Other costs that involve the transmission and distributionoftheelectricityhoweverisnotbeing accounted for under the project cost, he noted, though these adjustments are required for the successoftheGTEproject

“The country has to pay for that too, but we don’t see it under GTE. In fact, we don’t see anything except what the government chooses to reveal of the mystery of what Guyanese will be payingfor,”hesaid.

Jailed, Lookman Hayat

EPA defends conditions in Liza I Permit

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo last week during a press engagement, lamented the lack of a comparative a n a l y s i s o f t h e environmental permits granted to the ExxonMobil Guyanaleddevelopmentsin the Stabroek Block by the private media, in order to d i f f e r e n t i a t e t h e improvements made under hisadministrationversushis predecessors.

Against this backdrop, the agency in a public missive captioned, ‘EPA’s R e s p o n s e t o Misconstructions published in Kaieteur News over the weekend’, sought to do just this.

Intheprocesshowever,it has in effect confirmed the limited nature in which the

into the atmosphere especially from its, first Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO),theLizaDestiny,as a result of a damaged flash gascompressor

Additionally, the EPA in seeking to outline the improvements made for permits pointed to new requirements being introducedfordevelopments at the third and fourth identified oil fields in the Stabroek Block namely, PayaraandYellowtail.“EPA is always learning and improving, and its work is not about any one person within or external to the EPA As anyone will appreciate, with new and improved understanding of the oil and gas sector, a

Sunkenfueltankerownerunableto payPhilippinesUS$1Bforoilspill

subsequent to the Liza I and Liza II Permits, such as, the Permit for the Yellowtail Project and the Renewed Permit for the Liza I Project.” The latter Permits, the EPA said both reflect significant improvement through the inclusion of a n u m b e r o f n e w requirements, such as “a phased reduction of oil content specification of produced water to levels lower than the current international standard of 42 mg/L per day and 29mg/L averagepermonth.”

Additionally, the agency pointed to a requirement for the application of the Oslo and Paris Conventions (OSPAR) Harmonized Mandatory Control System (HMCS) for use and

Theownerofthesunken fuel tanker, that has caused anoilspillinthePhilippines, is unable to pay US$1B the Government is seeking to restore its contaminated shorelineandwater

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

On February 28, MT Princess Empress was carrying over 200,000 gallons when it sank off OrientalMindorosouthwest of the capital Manila, discharging its cargo of industrial fuel oil into the waters around the province threatening the country’s marine rich economy and biodiversityinseveralareas.

Tuesday that at a public hearing by the Senate CommitteeonEnvironment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, it was disclosed that MT Princess Empress operated in Philippines water without the amended Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), or the permit to operate issued by the Maritime IndustryAuthority (Marina) towatertransportproviders.

With this development, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) told the committee chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar that it may recommend the filing of appropriate charges against the RDC Reield Marine Services, owner of the vessel.

getting the damage and insurance claims from the RDC Reield Marine Services, after she was informed by Marina and PCG that MT Princess Empress has no CPC that allowsRDCtooperate.

On the other hand, Fritzee Tee, Vice President of the RDC Reield Marine Services, said during the hearingthattheyareasmall family business corporation that is incapable of complying with the insuranceclaimsofthelocal government of Oriental Mindoro, amounting to US$1billionindamages.

permits had been tweaked, such as getting Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) —ExxonMobil Guyana—to commit to improving treatmentstandards.

Additionally, the EPA has since defended the provisions embedded in the first permit that had been issued. In the missive EPA drew reference to the fact that from the outset, flaring had been prohibited, except where prescribed. To this end,theEPAsoughttopoint out that this was strengthened by the adding ofafinetobeimposed,inthe event of ‘non-routine flaring.’

Critics of this change have long since rubbished the move, as more of an incentive to the oil companies to flare and pay theUS$50pertonofnatural gasburnedandreleasedinto the atmosphere, than to remedy the problems that would have caused the flaringinthefirstplace.

ExxonMobilGuyanahas already flared considerable amounts of the pollutants

modern regulator will make appropriate changes as necessary to improve and ensure robust regulation of thesector.”

Only recently former HeadoftheEPA,Dr.Vincent Adams, was forced to remind that it is the current headofthatregulatorybody, Mr Khemraj Parsram that hadissuedthefirstpermitfor LizaI.Assuch,indefenseof the original terms and conditions in that permit, EPA cited as example that “theLiza1Permitstipulated that produced water discharges meet the World Bank/IFCstandardsforoilin waterat42mg/Lperdayand 29mg/Laveragepermonth.”

reduction of offshore chemical discharges. This system, the EPA said, requires incorporating a Chemical Use and Management Plan and OSPAR’s Harmonised Offshore Chemical Notification Format (HOCNF) among other aspects. The agency pointed too to the requirement for a physicalCappingStacktobe available in Guyana and the maintenance of subscription for access to another one overseasandsoughttostress that this was not a requirement in either the LizaInorLizaIIPermits.

The Malina Times, Philippines National daily newspaper, reported on

During the hearing, Villar informed local government officials of Oriental Mindoro led by Governor Humerlito Dolor not to expect much on

Governor Dolor said the sunken MT Princess Empress carrying 800,000 liters of oil has left a negative impact on the livelihood and daily lives of more than 99,000 individuals or 19,900 families.Hesaidthedamage

Continuedonpage30

Accordingtotheagency, “this condition was also retained and in all subsequent Permits” and added that, “many other conditionsstatedintheLizaI Permithavebeenretainedin thesubsequentPermits.” S p e a k i n g t o improvementsbeinghadasa result of the learning curve, theEPAnotedthatthesecan be clearly demonstrated in the

A Capping Stack, the EPA said “is a new technologythatisusedtocap a well in event of a loss of well control, and failure of the blowout preventer (BOP) ” Additionally, the EPA spoke to mandatory simulations of the entire Oil SpillResponsePlan(OSRP) withrelevantstakeholdersas approved by the Agency as well as the requirement for environmental effects monitoringrelated

ermits issued

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

…says improvements are made as agency learns more

“The EPA is always learning and improving, with new and improved understanding of the oil and gas sector, and as a modern regulator will make appropriate changes as necessary…”

- EPA

EPA Head, Khemraj Parsram

assaultingFortWellington SecondarySchoolteacher

$120M old Enmore Railway road completed

Three persons were on Monday arrested for assaulting a 20-year-old teacher of the Fort Wellington Secondary School.

The teacher, Marlon Daniels, was badly beaten on Monday while at a stationeryoutletoppositethe Fort Wellington Secondary School. Daniels received injuries to his face, arms, backandotherbodilyparts.

The injured teacher told Kaieteur News that he started working at the Fort Wellington Secondary School located at Onderneeming, West Coast Berbice (WCB) in January 2023.

Daniels recalled that he wasleadinghissecondform students in revision studies when he noticed a fourth form student (the accused) sitting at the back of the classroom. The teacher told KaieteurNewsthatwhilehe wasaddressingtheclass,the fourthformstudentshouted, “whyyoudon’tshutthef**k up!”

Taken by surprise, Daniels said other students stared at him while others laughed.Theteachersaidhe asked the student who utteredtheprofanitytoleave the classroom “and he started using a set of indecent language, so I said to come around let me see thefaceandthatwegoingto theoffice.”

The teacher escorted the fourth form student to the Headmaster’s office where hewasscolded.Thisdidnot detertheladfromcontinuing hisderogatoryremarks.

“Hestartedtosayhegot peopletodealwithmeandif you (headmaster) try to get in to…if you hear this little boy in the office, he started threateningbothofusinthe

office and a senior teacher thatwastheretriedspeaking to him and he start to curse out the teacher and said he was going for his uncle,” Danielssaid.

Danielssaidheinformed the student that he will be going to the Police after which he returned to continue teaching his class. Shortly thereafter, the teacher said he went to a photocopyingcentrelocated opposite the school to print test papers. It was while he was sitting, waiting on the printstobecompletedhefelt someonegrabhim.

“When I turn around it wastheuncle[theaccused’s uncle], he pull me on my shoulder,andthestudentand fourotheradults…bigmen, they started punching me into my face and started slappingmeandIwastrying towiggleoutfromtheuncle because he was still holding myarmbehindmyback;itis still hurting me,” Daniels revealed.

The injured teacher told Kaieteur News that the fourth form student picked upasteelbarthatwasnearby and swung at him, hitting him on his arm and four times to his back. His cell phones were damaged duringtheprocessaswell.

“After they were finished, they were on the road boasting,” Daniels recalled.

Additionally, Daniels disclosedthatwhenheleftto go to the photocopying centre,theheadmastermade contact with the police, located just about two minutes away from the school.Theheadmasterwas told that a patrol would be sent.

Residents around the old E n m o r e R a i l w a y Embankment road on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) will now have hassle-free access to their community following the completion of works on the newly upgraded road

there Minister within the Ministry of PublicWorks,DeodatIndaronMonday disclosedonhisFacebookpagethatthe road project was funded under its Miscellaneous Road Programme and was completed at a cost of

$$120,224,108.

The road which measures 1 5 Kilometerx4 27mwasconstructedby K P Jagdeo Minister Indar said there wasadelayintheexecutionoftheroad works due to setbacks faced by the contractorwhenshippinggeofabric

Marlon Daniels, the 20-year-old Forth Wellington Secondary School teacher who was beaten by a student

The before and after of the newly upgraded old Enmore Railway Embankment road.

PartiallydecomposedbodyofBosai’sbulldozeroperatorfound

ByVanessa BraithwaiteMoore

The partially decomposed body of 59-year-old Neptrid Hercules, an employee of BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana,whowasburiedalive earlySaturdaymorning,when the CAT D9 DOZER he was operating fell into the East Montgomery mining pit, was onTuesdayeveningrecovered and removed for burial by undertakers. This brought the four-daylongsearchtoanend.

Neptrid was an employee of BOSAI for more than four decades and was set to retire laterthisyear.

Company officials related that he will receive all retirement and pension benefits and all funeral expenses will be handled by thecompany

Around 16:00 hrs on Tuesday, with the help of a megameter from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission,theDOZERwas spotted and further digging resulted in Hercules’ body being found Relatives includinghischildrenwerepresent throughouttheprocess.

Meanwhile, the company and top government officials also met withrelativesatWatookaonFriday

afternoon and were given assurance that all compensation willpaidinfulltohisfamily

Notwithstanding the finding of Hercules’ body, police will continue an investigation into his

deathtoruleoutfoulplay Further, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Unit of the Ministry of Labour, and the safety department at BOSAI will also

investigate breaches in safety measuresbythecompany

The Ministry of Labour in a statement said, Minister Joseph Hamilton, is deeply concerned about the incident and hopes for a

quick resolution/conclusion toit.Theministersaidwhen a worker leaves home for work,thereisanexpectation by family that the worker will return to him or her home safely while noting that Hercules’incident must be traumatic for his loved ones.

At around 04:00h on Saturday, Hercules was moving waste to a reclamationsite(fillingback anoldpit)inthemines,justa mere two hours before his shift ended. He was reportedly working alone wheretwotrucksweretaking turns in transporting the overburden for him to compact.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that when one truck left and the other arrived,neitherHerculesnor the machine was visible and analarmwasraised.

Hercules was described him as a hardworking and dedicated employee by his colleagues. His colleagues are demanding that the company enforces better safety measures since it was alleged that Hercules was working with no lights, alone and was not using the correct protocols for reclamationatthetime.

Agri ministry receives $150M in equipment from IDB to boost extension services

The Ministry of Agriculture received equipment valued at $150million through its Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme (SADP) with funding from the Inter-American DevelopmentBank(IDB).

The equipment will strengthen the ministry’s extensionservicestosmall andmedium-scalefarmers inRegionsTwotoSixand Ten, the Department of PublicInformationsaidin apressrelease.

The handing over ceremony took place on Tuesday in the ministry’s compoundinGeorgetown.

During the ceremony, Minister Mustapha noted that extension officers have a critical role to play in the development of Guyana’s agriculture sector

“Ifwearetosatisfythe needs of our people and if we are to contribute meaningfully to meeting Caricom’s 25 by 2025 food import bill reduction, then our extension officers have thatcriticalroletoplay They have to give that kind of guidance that ensures our farmers implement best

practices and impart the requisiteknowledgethatwill increase production” the ministersaid.

Representative Lorena Solórzano-Salazar in her remarks noted that the

partnership between the Government of Guyana and the IDB in strengthening agricultural extension services will bring multiple benefits to small and medium-scale farmers “Extension services are

known to greatly increase the productivity and income to low-income farmers especially in terms of distance, transportation and having access to markets,” shesaid.

The assets included six

4×4 pickup-type vehicles, six all-terrain vehicles, six outboardboatsandengines, a n d 2 4 o f f - r o a d motorcycles, which were procured through funding

under the Ministry’s

tor

DevelopmentUnit

The equipment will be allocated to variousagenciessuch as the National AgriculturalResearch and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana L i v e s t o c k D e v e l o p m e n t Authority (GLDA) targeting farmers in far-flung areas where access is usually an issue.

In addition, the

M i n i s t r y o f Agriculture recently hosted its first extension service training exercise in keeping with the government’s plan of revamping extension s e r v i c e s a n d improving farmers’ productive capacity, which will contribute significantly to Guyana’s food security agenda The Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, PermanentSecretary,Delma Nedd, and other staff of the ministry and IDB were also inattendance.

Search for Bosai’s employee, Neptrid Hercules ends as undertakers remove his body from the old bauxite mining pit that collapsed and buried him alive on Saturday last.

Neptrid Hercules

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and IDB Resident Representative, Lorena Solórzano-Salazar at the handing over ceremony

Representatives of the DMHM and Streams of Power Ministries at the simple ceremony for the new office space.

GPHC touts commitment to neonatal care despite recent death of premature baby

Dorcas Mending Hearts Ministries gets new office space

Streams of Power generous gift of this new Ministries on office space,” DMHM said

Saturday gifted inastatementonTuesday Dorcas Mending Hearts Meanwhile, the DMHM Ministries (DMHM) with will on Saturday, March 25, office space to execute its 2023 launch Information mandate. The new office Technology classes for space is located upstairs at women in support of this Streams of Power Ministries year ’s International Church, 2885 Well Road, Women’s Appreciation Day N o r t h R u i m v e l d t , Theme: “DigitALL: Georgetown. Innovation and Technology

The DMHM offers forGenderEquality”. victims of domestic violence Classes will start at freelegalrepresentation,free 11:00h (11:00am) and counselling, and free life conclude 13:00h (1:00 pm). skills training among other Thetrainingprogrammewill services. Persons in need of be facilitated in batches these services are asked to everythreemonths. contact the DMHM on Interested persons are telephone number 231-7012 asked to contact the DMHM o r v i a e m a i l via: dmhministry@gmail.com or

· Telephone number 231visit the office at Streams of 7012 Power Ministries 2885 Well E m a i l Road, North Ruimveldt, dmhministry@gmail.com Georgetown every Saturday · Or visit the office at between the hours of 10 am Streams of Power Ministries to12pm. 2885 Well Road, North

“The President and Ruimveldt,Georgetown. members of DMHM The DMHM is open on expressed sincere thanks to Saturdays only between Pastor Patrick West and 10:00h (10:00am) and members of SOPM for their 14:00h(2:00pm).

GPHC performs first-of-a-kind minimally invasive...

From page 14 Rambaran, Chief Executive privately several years ago, was gentle with the inherent surgical care by introducing Officer (CEO), two this was the first time it was aftermathofasurgerywhich m o r e l a p a r o s c o p i c administrators have done at GPHC by an entire was all still very bearable techniques While basic demonstratedakeeninterest t e a m o f G u y a n e s e andtolerable.” laparoscopic surgeries have inadvancingsurgicalcareat surgeons

The surgical team been performed for several the GPHC to first world

The Georgetown Public Public Relations Officer

Hospital Corporation (PRO) of GPHC, Jai Lall (GPHC) has said that it is said in a statement that the committed to preserving the hospital is aware of the lives of infants despite the claims made by Darlington’s recent death of a premature relative Lall said that baby which occurred at the Darlington was a patient institution. with a high-risk pregnancy,

The hospital’s response who was referred to the comes days after this GPHC’s care from a private publication carried a story of hospital one day prior to a young mother being deliveringprematurely traumatized after losing her Lall noted that while the baby who was under hospital sympathizes with observation at the Neonatal Darlington and her family in UnitofGPHC. their time of bereavement, it

Sabrina Crawford of notes that any patient being Middle Road, La Penitence, managed in an Intensive Georgetown had told Care Unit is considered Kaieteur News said that her critical until they have been d a u g h t e r, S h a l i y a h discharged into a step-down Darlington received the unit.

devastating news when she “In this case, Ms went to visit her baby who Darlington’s baby was being was born premature at managed in the Neonatal GPHConMarch3,2023. Intensive Care (NICU), as Crawford said that the premature babies are at great child had been under risk due to the inability of observation and recovering their organs to function the well in the neonatal unit of waytheyshould,”headded. the hospital before she died According to the PRO, l a s t F r i d a y d u e t o the capable and competent hemorrhaging. neonatalteamattheGPHCis

“The doctor told us that always committed to baby was coming around, keeping babies alive –they even took her off the unfortunately, sometimes machine but when my babiessuccumbtoillnesses. daughter went on Friday, lo “ A s a l w a y s , w e and behold, they telling she encourage our patients, and that the baby died. I am their relatives, to utilize the concerned because this resources available at the sudden change of condition hospital as a first resort for does not add up My getting information or daughter is so traumatized to making complaints, so that even speak right now,” appropriate and timely Crawford told Kaieteur recourse can be taken,” Lall News. said.

Meanwhile, the GPHC

The patient, who was included Dr Hemraj years, the hospital has standards. happy to be the first one at Ramcharran,Dr Jagnandan increasingly been doing While many surgeries GPHC to have this surgery Ramnarine and Dr Bibi moreadvancedlaparoscopic including Bariatric (weight done via this new method, Hussain. surgeries. l o s s ) s u rg e r y, a n d had the following said, “I

The hospital said that gastrostomies were done would say that the intends to provide this has been fuelled by the previously, the GPHC experience was above my laparoscopic surgeries for return of a trained Advance recently completed a right expectations given that it most conditions requiring Laparoscopic Surgeon, Dr hemicolectomy for a patient w a s m y f i r s t t i m e surgical interventions, in Hemraj Ramcharran, withcoloncancerinhisright undergoing a surgery and k e e p i n g w i t h t h e supported technically and colon. being admitted to the institution’s goal to develop f i n a n c i a l l y b y D r This was removed by hospital.

a Center of Excellence in Navindranauth Rambaran, laparoscopic surgery which Although it was all new Minimal Invasive Surgery Director of Medical and was done through four to me and the obvious andprovidethebestsurgical Professional Services small incisions Although a nervousness was there, the care to the people of (DMPS) and Mr Robbie similar procedure was done surgery itself in my opinion Guyana,thestatementsaid.

Representatives of the DMHM and Streams of Power Ministries cut the ribbon at the entrance of the new office space.

Duo on trial for murder of America Street money changer

WANTED VACANCY

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

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

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

Experienced Pit Workers, Utility operaters (must have valid driver's license) and Cooks wanted for mining operation. Call: 697-2533. Security Guards needed. Interested persons can make contact on tel #701-4000.

Elderly bus Driver wanted for route 32 and 31. Call: 6781610.

Cook and Domestic needed.

Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

Drivers/ Expediters needed. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

Handyman and Porters needed. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

Able-bodied Porters needed, $30,000 Weekly Mon-Sat. Call: 223-9677.

One Plumber needed. Call: 615-9132.

Experienced kitchen Gardener needed to work in Queenstown, 2 days per week. Call: 648-8977, between 8am-4pm.

One experienced female Bartender needed, preferably from Georgetown. Call: 6141133/ 641-1288 for interview.

Wanted cash for your land Parfaite Harmonie, Tuchen, Farm, Providence, Eccles and elsewhere. Call: 670-8788.

One experienced Waitress needed @ Avery Lounge located @ 218 Bladen Hall, E.C.D. Call: 653-3356.

Inventory clerk to work in fish plant facility Call:223-7165 /625-2573

One Massagist/ Physiotherapist needed. Call: 6159132.

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

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

Vacancy exists for two experienced Dispatcher at Confidential Cabs. Call: 695-1961 /231-5784.

Security Officer, Front desk Clerk, Cook, male stock Clerk, Wait Staff, Restaurant Supervisor and Male function Assistant needed. Email: hotelregency3@yahoo.com

A able-bodied live-in female Housekeeper to work in Virgina U.S.A. Between the ages of 30-50. Call: 845-3258241/ 592-615-5476.

Clerk needed to work in document centre. Experience will be an asset, must be computer literate. Call: 227-4921/ 227-2530.

Maid needed to cook and clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Kerwin Dos Santos and George Hope, two Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown men, are on trial before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall at the High Court in Georgetown for the 2018 murder of America Street money changer Sean Nurse, popularly known as ‘Fabulous’.

Both men, 26, have pleaded not guilty to the indictment which alleged that on February 4, 2018 they murdered Nurse during the course of furtherance of a robbery.

The men are being represented by the Hughes, Fields, and Stoby law firm. Attorneys-at-Law Marisa Edwards, Tanesha Saigon, Abiola Lowe, and Delon Fraser are the prosecutors.

At the conclusion of the

FOR RENT

Furnished Apt in Providence and Diamond, 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms plus unfurnished houses, 3 & 2 bedrooms in New Road, Vreeden- Hoop. Call/ WhatsApp: 604-6664, 682-6238, 2162299.

One bottom flat 2 bedrooms Apt for rent in Prospect, E.B.D, $60,000 monthly. Preferable working couple. Call: 500-7339, 615-8790 or 614-5710.

Two bedrooms Apts in Campbellville, Albertown, Houston & Bel Air and 12 Apts in Queenstown for residence. Brickdam 8000 sq ft & Hadfield St for business. Call Ray's Realty: 6279685.

One 2 and 3 bedrooms furnished apartments for rent in Republic Gardens, E.B.D (gated community). Call: 663-0921.

Preliminary Inquiry (PI), two of the three men (Dos Santos and Hope), accused of murdering the America Street money changer, were sent to stand trial in the High Court while charges were dismissed against the third.

In 2019, Dos Santos, Hope and Kacey Heyliger, 23, of Kitty were jointly charged for the offence which saw the PI being conducted by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Providence Magistrates’ Courts.

According to information, Dos Santos and Hope admitted their involvement in the murder and implicated a third man, Heyliger, who was later discharged of the crime.

In the meantime, the facts

of the case stated that Nurse, of Apartment 33 Shopping Plaza, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was shot in the left side of the face on America Street, during a struggle with a gunman, who was attempting to relieve him of a large sum of foreign and local currency.

The deceased would usually ply his trade between America and Water Streets, Georgetown.

The father of three died at the scene, while his killer fled with an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of gold jewellery.

According to the police, Nurse was shot to the left cheek just below the eye by an identifiable male dressed

Dead: Money Changer Sean Nurse, known as ‘Fabulous’

in a red hoodie and brown three-quarter pants who then escaped on foot via Avenue of the Republic and Charlotte Street.

Persons affected by discriminatory practices urged to make contact with Women & Gender Equality Commission

The Women and Gender Equality Commission on Tuesday urged persons who are affected by discriminatory practices to contact the Commission.

In a statement from the Commission, the body said it is on a campaign to gather information from persons who have been subjected to gender-based discrimination.

“This campaign has been prompted by recent reports from members of the public and personnel of the disciplinary forces who have suffered under policies that contravene both Article 9 of the Constitution of Guyana and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to which Guyana is a ratified signatory since July 17 1980.”

The Commission quoted

CEDAW: “Article 11 of CEDAW states that State Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in employment and shall ensure, on the basis of equality of men and women, the same rights to work, the same employment opportunities, free choice of employment, promotion, benefits, vocational training, equal remuneration, equal treatment in respect of work of equal value, the right to social security, unemployment benefits, protection of health.

State Parties shall prohibit dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy or marital status. States Parties shall take measures to introduce maternity leave with pay or social benefits.”

Further, the Commission

said that “women in Guyana have been subjected to delayed promotion and even termination due to pregnancy. They have also suffered other forms of discrimination by employers including and in particular the disciplined forces. This lack of adherence to the law is unlawful. These discriminatory practices are unlawful and could be subjected to criminal proceedings.”

As such, the Commission invites all persons who have been “adversely affected by such policies and practices which discriminate unevenly against women or who have experienced sexual harassment at their place of work” to contact the Commission on telephone number 231 5276 or via email ceo@wgec.gov.gy

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.

SERVICES

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

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.

1 general Domestic needed to cook & clean, Mon- Fri and preferably living within East Bank Area. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office.

Vacancy exists for 2 experienced Hairdresser at Grove E.B.D. Call: 652-5800/ 6770040.

Experienced Hairstylist, Domestic/ Cook, Receptionist, Massuese and Nail Tech needed. Call/ WhatsApp: 649-5005/ 226-6705.

Receptionist and Desk Staff needed at 233, South Road Lacytown, GT. Preferably males, 25-50 years old. Call: 225-0198.

FOR SALE

One double Lot 80x160 on the east side of Friendship Public Road, $12M GYD neg. Call: 626-4234/ 628-6212.

Stall for sale in Section1 Stabroek Market. Call: 6664002.

From page 13 advances, it is important that the Food Safety Authority and laboratory are housed in the same building.

Minister Mustapha, who overlooked the signing of the contact spoke of the importance of the contracts to the agriculture sector. He said the investments are aimed at improving the sector as Guyana is leading the Caribbean in agriculture.

He charged the contractors to execute the projects and do it according to the specification listed in the bill of quantities. He asked that they finish the projects on time so the beneficiaries can utilize the facilities.

The second contract worth $19,621,960 was signed with M. Sukhai Contracting Services for the construction of revetment along the Lamaha Canal area.

The minister said this project is important for there has been soil erosion at the Lamaha area.

Lastly, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) signed one contract with contractor, Agrosol to the tune of $185 million for the procurement of 100 tunnel houses.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Properties in Subryanville, Peter's Hall, Ogle, Bel Air and Better Hope. Call Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

At the Ministry’s boardroom, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) signed two contracts: One with NP Investment worth $57,045,750 for the construction of drainage structure at Palmyra, Region Three.

This project will benefit 1500 acres of residential and farmlands area in that region.

“The President (Irfaan Ali) last year started the youth entrepreneurial innovation programme for young people and we would continue that this year, and in this year’s budget $200 million has been allocated for this project and this afternoon we will also sign a contract for the procurement of 100 tunnel houses that we will not only do the project in Region Four but we will take this project across this country,” Minister Zulfikar.

$199M to construct office & laboratory...

Bids open for the supply of ATVs, buses, pick-ups to Amerindian Affairs Ministry

Bids have been submitted for the procurement of a number of motor vehicles and machinery for the Ministry of AmerindianAffairs.

At the recent opening of tenders which was held at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office it was revealed that the Ministry is seeking supplierstosupplyanddelivertworeconditioned4x4double cab pickups, 30 all-terrain vehicles (ATV,) five reconditionedminibusesand20chippermachinery

The Ministry is also seeking a firm to supply and deliver dry and fresh ration for the Amerindian Residence and HinterlandScholarshipstudents.

It was reported that following the passage of the 2023 budget, some $4.7 billion was approved for Amerindian developmentprogrammes.

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

Ministry ofAmerindianAffairs

Supply and delivery of dry and fresh ration for theAmerindian Residence and Hinterland Scholarship Student Dormitory

Supply and delivery of 30 all-terrain vehicles (ATV).

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport

Supply of meals for Georgetown Training Centre Department of Youth.

Ministry of Tourism

Procurement of license for the deployment of the ESW for Trade- Lot 1( UAT Environment and Lot 2 (Prod. Environment)

Supply and delivery of 20 chipper

Ministry ofAgriculture- National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority (NDIA) Rehabilitation of all weather road for the black belly sheep programme at Blairmont, West Berbice.

Ministry of Finance - Procurement of IT Hardware.

Procurement of NPTAre-cabling and direct links to the Ministry's Data Centre.

Procurement of CCTV equipment.

Procurement of security services.

Supply and delivery of two reconditioned 4x4 double cab pickup.

Supply and delivery of five reconditioned mini buses.

Ministry of Health Supply and delivery of office furniture.

Ministry of EducationDesign and supervision services for the construction of a modern school building and a dormitory to house 500 students in classroom, 250 pupils in the dormitory and 40 teacher, in Hosororo, Region One.

Design and supervision services for the construction of a modern school building and a dormitory to house 350 students in classroom, 150 pupils in the dormitory and 30 teacher, in Maruranau, Region Nine.

Office of the Prime Minister Roof repairs, phase 2.

Supply and delivery of contraceptive supplies.

Procurement of Medical Training Materials for DHSE.

Govt. plugs dangerous loopholes with new draft...

From page 3 expats have free reign to criticized Stabroek Block contractor would be liable receivesthesameeconomic Guyana in accordance The new agreements also importfreeofduty PSA. to pay or may be called b e n e f i t u n d e r t h e withtheLocalContentAct. state that each expatriate Another significant But perhaps the most upon to pay under such Agreement that it would In a statement to the employee of the contractor feature of the draft model critical change pertains to laws by virtue of its have received prior to the media yesterday, the (including any Affiliated PSAs is that the contractor is the Stabilization Clause conduct of petroleum change in law or its ministry said the draft C o m p a n y ) a n d o f now required to establish an According to the draft operations hereunder, i n t e r p r e t a t i o n , M o d e l P e t r o l e u m subcontractors, who have Abandonment Fund which documents, this provision except as provided for in a p p l i c a t i o n , o r Agreements embodies been assigned to work in will be overseen by ensures that the agreement Article38.50.3.” implementation.” rigorous research and Guyana for the contractor or Guyaneseauthorities. and the economic provisions

It continues, “If at any The foregoing terms analysis by the ministry’s its subcontractors shall be That account will see therein, are insulated from time after the signing of this c o m p l e m e n t t h e internal team, and external permitted, subject to the deposits made by the oil capricious changes unless Agreement there is a change commercial provisions consultants on all topics limitations and conditions companies as agreed by the there is mutual consent. Be in the laws of the which were released last relevant to a modern setoutintheCustomsAct,to minister Kaieteur News that as it may, the draft Cooperative Republic of December by the People’s petroleum agreement for import into Guyana free of understandsthattheminister agreement states, “The Guyana whether through the Progressive Party Civic Guyana. import duty and taxes within may access funds from the contractor shall be subject amendment of existing laws (PPPC) Government. The The ministry said the six (6) months on first account in the event that to and must observe the (including the hydrocarbons main commercial terms process involved a arrival, his personal and contractor fails to effect laws of the Cooperative law, the customs code or tax include a royalty rate of 10 comprehensive assessment household effects including environmental clean-up Republic of Guyana in code) or the enactment of percent, cost recovery of the current petroleum one(1)motorvehicle. during the term of this forcefromtimetotimeand new laws or a change having capped at 65 percent, and a g r e e m e n t a n d t h e It also states that no Agreement, or fails to nothing herein contained the force of law in the profit sharing of 50 identification of best property so imported by the properly abandon wells or shall be construed as i n t e r p r e t a t i o n , percent. practices relevant to every employee shall be sold by abandon facilities to the exempting the contractor i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o r T h e re i s a l s o a contractual aspect of a him in Guyana except in satisfaction of minister upon from complying with the application thereof (whether minimum signing bonus modernagreementgrounded a c c o r d a n c e w i t h termination of this laws imposing taxes, the change is specific to the required from the bidders intheGuyanacontext. Government regulations and Agreement. duties, levies, fees, Agreement,thecontractoror of US $20 million for deep T o e n s u r e n e w upon the payment of the This feature is also a royalties, charges or of general application) and water and US $10 million investments are governed by prescribedcustomsduties.In controversial one that was similar impositions or such change has a materially forshallowwaterblocks. a comprehensive framework the Stabroek Block PSA, not catered for in the highly contributions which the adverse effect on the In terms of tax, the of international best e c o n o m i c b e n e f i t s , tender provides that a practices, the ministry said including those resulting corporation tax of 10 there will be an overhaul of from the fiscal regime percent and a property tax the 1986 Petroleum Act and provided by thisAgreement, of 0.75 percent will be Regulations. accruing to the contractor levied on the participating Feedback on the draft hereunder during the term of entities. model agreements should be this Agreement, the parties It is worth noting that addressed to the Minister of shall negotiate in good bidders will be required to NaturalResourcesandsentto faithtomodifythetermsof commit at least US $1 licensinground2022@petrole the agreement in order to million per year towards um gov gy with the restore the economic the employment and Permanent Secretary copied, balance so that contractor training of the citizens of jmckenzie@nre govgy

EPA defends conditions in Liza I...

From page 19 new requirement for a been a growing demand biological, physical, and Grievance Mechanism, from sections of the socio-economic resources which she said is, in keeping Guyanese populace to have within the Area of Influence with the World Bank’s the parent companies for the (AOI) of the project, Approach to Grievance subsidiaries operating in the including targeted and Redress, to ensure that Stabroek Block, to provide a updated environmental environmental complaints signed guarantee, obligating baselinestudies. from individuals and itself to picking up the costs OTHER communities who may be beyond what can be

IMPROVEMENTS,

affected by a Project are provided by EEPGL, in the

The EPA in defence of receivedandaddressed. caseofanoilspill.Theentity the improvements made in That requirement too, in defense of its position, permits made subsequent to shesaidwasnotprovidedfor said bluntly, “it is unheard of 2020 highlighted a inthefirsttwopermits. to this day, to reasonably requirement for annual Additionally, the EPA r e q u i r e “ u n l i m i t e d independent external spoke of the requirement for coverage” insurance compliance audit on all the Permit Holder to Insurers are disinclined and embedded controls, indemnify and keep have never provided this including the Operations i n d e m n i f i e d , ” t h e levelofcoverage.”

Integrity Management Government of Guyana for The EPA has since also System(OIMS),theOilSpill liabilities and that Financial argued that “it must be Response Plan (OSRP), and Assurance be guided by an emphasized that beyond controls relating to critical estimate of the sum of the Permit conditions, and the drilling and production reasonably credible costs, Environmental Protection operations. expenses,andliabilitiesfora Act which address the

“The requirement for worst-case oil spill liability of Permit Holders submission of safety case scenario.” a n d e n s u r e t h a t information, including a Criticshaveandcontinue environmental damage will risk assessment prior to to argue that this in itself is not go unpunished or drilling and development of inadequate, since EEPGL unremedied, through the wells,” according to Ms does not have enough assets vicarious liability principle, Forde were not included in or insurance coverage to a Parent Company can be the permits for the first two cover a “worst case oil spill held liable for unfulfilled projects scenario.” obligations (default) of its

The same obtains for the To this end, there has subsidiary.”

Three arrested for assaulting...

From page 21 athome. him…” the injured teacher and according to Daniels, He was pleased that the toldKaieteurNews. “theofficerlaughedandsaid Minister contacted him and Daniels also believes the patrol is out.” A report saidthattheincidentwillnot that there should be better was made to the police p r e v e n t h i m f r o m security arrangements at the stationandamedicaldone. continuinghiswork. school since the guards Minister of Education, He believes that a just allow everyone to enter the Priya Manickchand and punishment would be the premises.

Regional Education expulsion of the student Meanwhile, teachers Authoritieshavesincemade since it was not his first attached to the Fort contact with Daniels and encounter with him during Wellington Secondary have reportedly promised to classhours. School yesterday protested lookintothematter “He was loud, shouting in front of the school calling Meanwhile, Daniels is across the classroom and I for a proper investigation to currently on leave and just asked him to leave and be done into Daniels’ recovering from his injuries other teachers are scared of assault.

Sunken fuel tanker owner unable to...

From page 19 it’sgettingworse.Thestench A c c o r d i n g t o is heavy, especially in Pola, from the oil is getting information from the where the oil spill reached stronger as the weather is Philippines Environmental theshorelines. also getting hotter,” Cruz b o d y, o ff icials ar e Kaieteur News had told CNN Philippines. concerned about the oil reported that the mayor of “More people are also slick affecting marine one of the towns have getting sick. I also was not protected areas as well as confirmed that residents are able to visit one of the the island of Boracay, the falling ill. CNN’s Kathleen affected areas because I country’s most important Magramo reporting from started feeling unwell due to touristdestination Hong Kong stated that thesmell.” The Philippines Coast Jennifer Cruz, mayor of the Philippines authorities Guard had reported that the coastal town of Pola, which have declared a state of vessel encountered engine hasbeenheavilyaffectedby calamity for nine towns and trouble onTuesday February the spill, told CNN affiliate banned swimming and 28, due to overheating and CNN Philippines last week fishing as they battle one of drifted due to rough sea that more than 50 residents the region’s worst ever conditions. had fallen ill, with disasters. However, it is not clear symptoms of cough, Notably, the scale of the whatcausedittosink,butall dizziness, eye irritation and environmental impact is yet 20 crew members were fever to be determined, according rescued by a passing vessel “Inthespanofninedays, toauthorities. beforeitwentdown.

Swiatek quiets the chaos to advance at Indian Wells

Iga Swiatek (POL) hits a shot as she defeated Bianca Andreescu (CAN) in her third round match at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. (Jayne Kamin-OnceaUSA TODAY Sports)

(Reuters) - World attempt from the Canadian number one Iga Swiatek said formerchampiontoseala6-3 she is still prone to moments 7-6(1) win and set up a of chaos during matches but meeting with Briton Emma is pleased with the way she is Raducanu. able to overcome them The top seed said she had following her hard-fought hoped before the tournament victory over Bianca began that she would face Andreescutoreachthefourth “stressful moments” and that roundatIndianWells. she was happy with how she Swiatek rallied from 2-4 hadgotthroughthem. down in the second set and “Well, most of the times I staved off a late comeback feellikeI haveimproved,but there are some matches where I feel like a little bit in chaos, and I don’t know which way to go that it’s going to work,” Swiatek told reporters.

Wednesday March 15, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Your attractiveness and sociability are at a peak today, Aries. Don't hesitate to put both to good use. You will shine brightly at any social occasion, whether you're the hostorguest.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Allmattersrelatedtoromance, love, and marriage should go well today, Taurus.You should feel especially warm and s u p p o r t i v e I n t i m a t e conversations will come easily andnaturally

GEMINI(May21–June20)

A group gathering you attend today could have long-term beneficial ramifications. Perhaps you will strike up a conversation with a stranger whoturnsouttobeanexpertin afieldyou'reinterestedin.

CANCER(June21–July22)

It's unlike you, but today you rely on your intuition to guide you through some tricky territory Youmaybesomewhat distressed by the behavior of thepeopleclosetoyou.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

There is considerable grumpiness in the air today

Everyone you know seems to be in a bad mood. However, you have the charm and persistence to pull them out fromunderthatblackcloud.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Arecentwindfallorgoodnews regarding money could turn your thoughts to home renovation and decorating You might do some painting or add decorative touches to the house.Evenifyoudon'thavea fortune to spend, fresh flowers orarearugscanperkuparoom.

South Africa, West Indies start...

From page 38 past seven years coaching in New Zealand. He has made changes in the support staff, including the appointment of former national players JP Duminy and Rory Kleinveldt as battingandbowlingcoaches.

Hope, 29, was appointed West Indies skipper after Nicholas Pooran resigned from the white-ball leadership after the T20 World Cup last year Pooran is still part of the squad.

Hopehasanimpressiveone-dayrecord,withanaverage of 48.95 from 104 one-day internationals. He captained Barbadosintheregional50-overscompetitionlastyear

Roston Chase, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder,Alazarri JosephandKyleMayersplayedintheTests.

The first two matches will be played at Buffalo Park, which has not hosted a one-day international since Bangladesh played there in October 2017. Since then there have been two T20 internationals, the most recent against EnglandinFebruary2020.

Squads:

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Some misunderstandings could cause confusion at home today, Libra. Your natural tact and diplomacy will certainly come in handy. Artistically, youmaybeinspiredtoworkon a painting or short story that's beeninyourheadforawhile.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

You'relookingbetterthanever, Scorpio. Don't think your mate hasn't noticed! Even though communicationmayhavebeen a bit strained lately, all that is forgottenasyoudelightineach other'scompany

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Your inspiration and imagination are at their peak. Youmaywanttotrysomekind of an artistic project. You're sure to be pleasantly surprised bytheresults.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You're a sensitive and caring person Today you feel especially connected to your group, even those you don't know well. Your kind nature brings healing to others and many benefits to you whether you'reawareofitornot.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

There's a chance you will receive an early morning visitor While it's a surprise, it turns out to be a welcome one. This visitor is likely to come bearing gifts of some kind, eitherintheformofinteresting newsorencouragingwords.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

A letter, call, or visit from a loverorclosefriendislikelyto bring interesting news your way Yourcreativeenergiesare attheirpeak,Pisces,sowhynot trywritingorpainting?

“But honestly, it’s not happening often. In more cases I kind of choose the right solution, and then I’m playing better Then the momentum changes and I justgowiththeflow.”

SwiatekbeatRaducanuin straightsetsthelasttimethey met, on the claycourts of Stuttgart last year, but the Pole said slow conditions in Indian Wells could make the upcomingmatchabittricky

“I think after Stuttgart, I just know how her shots feel on the racket, because before I haven’t even practised with her,”Swiateksaid.

“So it helps that way, but on the other hand, it’s great because we’re playing on hardcourt, and there it was clay, but actually this surface is slower “I think I have to really take care of tactics anyway, and we’ll see Honestly, like every day is different.Stuttgartmatchwas likealmostayearago.”

GOA Elections shifts to...

From page 37

Yesterday was marked as a ‘Red-LetterDay’fortheGOA sinceitwassettobethelastof its incumbent president, Kalam Juman-Yassin, who was disbarred under the constitution’s 70-year age limit.

When the associations return for next Tuesday’s EGM, they’ll be placed to vote between Guyana Baseball League (GBL) president Robin Singh and Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) president Godfrey Munroe forthe‘headchair’positionof the GOA, where for the first time in almost three decades the association will have a newpresident.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Sisanda Magala, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams, Rassie vanderDussen.

West Indies: Shai Hope (captain), Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keecy Carty, Roston Chase, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell,RomarioShepherd,OdeanSmith.

Fixtures:

16March,EastLondon(day-night)

18March,EastLondon(day-night)

21March,Potchefstroom(day)

Kaurmakesclassy51,Sciver-Brunt,Matthews takethreewicketsapieceasMumbaiIndians movetofivewinsinasmanygamesinWPL

SportsMax - The Mumbai Sciver-Brunt with the first ball of Indians maintained their perfect theinnings. recordthroughfivematchesinthe Harleen Deol and Sneh Rana inaugural season of the Tata both played fighting innings of 22 Women’s Premier League with a and 20, respectively, but the dominant 55-run win over the Giants chase never gathered Gujarat Giants at the Brabourne momentum and saw them StadiuminMumbaiyesterday. eventuallybereducedto107-9off Mumbai captain Harmanpreet their20overs.Sciver-Bruntended Kaur led the way with an elegant herfouroverspellwith3-21while 30-ball 51 to help her side post Matthews took 3-23 off her four 162-8 off their 20 overs after the overs. Giants won the toss and chose to Scores: Mumbai Indians 162fieldfirst. 8 off 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur

Opener Yastika Bhatia also 51, Yastika Bhatia 44, Nat Sciverbatted well for her 44 against Brunt 36, Ashleigh Gardner 3-34) Ashleigh Gardner’s 3-34 from Gujarat Giants 107-9 off 20 overs fourovers. (Harleen Deol 22, Sneh Rana 20,

TheGiantschasestartedinthe Nat Sciver-Brunt 3-21, Hayley worstwaypossibleasEnglishstar Matthews 3-23, Amelia Kerr 2SophiaDunkleywasdismissedby 18).

Chase to replace McCoy in Windies T20I squad vs South Africa

Roston Chase has played six T20Is for the West Indies.

SportsMax - The West will be at Buffalo Park in Indies Senior Men’s East London on March 16 Selection Panel yesterday and March 18, with the final named Roston Chase as the contest on March 21 at JB replacement for Obed MarksOvalPotchefstroom. McCoy in the 15-member T20I SQUAD s q u a d f o r t h e T 2 0 R o v m a n P o w e l l International Series (T20I) (Captain) against SouthAfrica starting Kyle Mayers (Vice onMarch25. Captain)

McCoywasnamedinthe ShamarhBrooks original squad subject to YannicCariah medical clearance but has JohnsonCharles been ruled out of the RostonChase upcoming series due to a SheldonCottrell kneeinjury JasonHolder

Lead Selector, The Most AkealHosein Hon Dr Desmond Haynes, AlzarriJoseph said: “Roston gets an BrandonKing o p p o r t u n i t y i n t h e NicholasPooran upcoming series as we see RaymonReifer him being a versatile player RomarioShepherd who can be called upon at OdeanSmith any stage in the game. We West Indies white ball want to wish Obed the best match schedule in South with his rehabilitation Africa programme and hope to see Thursday, 16 March: 1st him back in West Indies ODI at Buffalo Park, East colourssoon.” London(day/night)

The three-match T20I Saturday, 18 March: 2nd Series bowls off on Saturday ODI at Buffalo Park, East 25MarchatSuperSportPark London(day/night) inCenturion.

Tuesday, 21 March: 3rd

Thesecondmatchwillbe ODI at JB Marks Oval, at the same venue the Potchefstroom following day, while the Saturday, 25 March: 1st third match will be at the T20Is at SuperSport Park, Wanderers in Johannesburg Centurion onTuesday28March.

Sunday, 26 March: 2nd

The T20I Series is T20I at SuperSport Park, preceded by a three-match Centurion One-Day International Tuesday, 28 March: 3rd (ODI)Series. T20I at Wanderers Stadium,

The first two matches Johannesburg(night)

Hayley Matthews celebrates a wicket.

FIFAsays2026WorldCupwillhaverecord104matches

(Reuters) - The 2026

now play eight matches in teamwillqualify 2026 unless they are in a World Cup will have 104 total. The current version of major final — such as the matches instead of the CLUB COMPETITION the FIFAClubWorld Cup — C h a m p i o n s L e a g u e traditional 64 games due to FIFAsaida32-teamClub an annual competition with showpiece for which the expanded format with World Cup will be played seven teams will be clubs will have until May 30 48 teams taking part, global every four years from June discontinued after 2023, to allow players to join their soccer governing body 2025, confirming the with a new yearly club nationalteams. FIFAsaid yesterday after its announcement made by its competition approved from “With 56 days, the total Congress in Kigali, presidentGianniInfantinoin 2024.“Thiscompetitionwill combined number of rest, Rwanda. Qatarlastyear feature the champions of the release and tournament days

The 2026 edition, which

Argentina’s

o n premierclubcompetitionsof remain identical to the 2010, will be co-hosted by the champions from 2021-2024 all confederations and 2014 and 2018 FIFA World United States, Canada and will be eligible to play in the conclude with a final to be Cupeditions,”FIFAadded. Mexico, will be the first Club World Cup, which played at a neutral venue, A newly structured edition of the quadrennial means Chelsea and Real between the winner of the international calendar was tournament where 48 teams Madrid have already UEFA Champions League also approved with nine-day aretakingpart.Thefinalwill qualified. a n d t h e w i n n e r o f windows in March and June beheldonJuly19. Should either club win intercontinental play-offs fortwogameseach,a16-day

(REUTERS/Carl Recine)

The new format will also the Champions League b e t w e e n t h e o t h e r window for four matches in stick to drawing four teams again, a club ranking confederations,”FIFAsaid. S e p t e m b e r - O c t o b e r 2026 edition will also have betweencompetingteams.” inagroupafteraproposalfor calculation based on FIFAsaidclubswillhave followed by another nine-

the eight best third-placed

The 32-team World Cup a three-team group was shot sporting criteria will be used to release players for the day two-match window in teams moving into the in Qatar last year had a total downoverfearsofcollusion. to determine which other World Cup from May 25, November knockoutroundof32. of 64 matches completed in However, the number of

“The FIFA Council 29days. groups will increase from 12 unanimously approved the The last time Mexico to16. proposed amendment to the (1986) and the United States

The original plan for the FIFA World Cup 2026 (1994) hosted a World Cup, 2026editionhadatotalof80 competition format” FIFA therewereonly24teams. matches but the decision to said. The tournament has had increase the number of

“The revised format 32 teams since the 1998 games to 104 was approved mitigates the risk of edition, with eight groups of by FIFA’s council at a collusionandensuresthatall four and the finalists playing meetingonTuesday. theteamsplayaminimumof sevengameseach.

Traditionally the top two three matches, while But teams reaching the teams from each group providing balanced rest time summit clash in 2026 will advancetothelast16butthe

Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy alongside teammates as they celebrate winning the World Cup.

Bangladesh beat England in final T20 to complete clean sweep

Bangladesh players celebrate with the trophy after winning the series.

(REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)

DHAKA, (Reuters) - sweep off Adil Rashid. But England crashed to a 3-0 his replacement Shanto then series defeat against came to the crease and Bangladesh in their furtherfrustratedEngland. Twenty20 series as a half- Das was also handed a century by Litton Das and reprieve, dropped by some tight bowling helped Duckett at deep midwicket the hosts secure a 16-run off Archer after he made his victory in the final match in ninth half-century, and he Mirpuryesterday went on to punish England’s

Chasing 159 to win bowlersbeforefinallyholing thankstoa57-ball73byDas outtoSaltinthedeep. and an unbeaten 47 by Shanto narrowly missed Najmul Hossain Shanto, out on his half-century as England lost Phil Salt for a England clamped down in first-ball duck in debutant the final overs with Rashid Tanvir Islam’s opening over (1-23), Chris Jordan (1-21) before Dawid Malan (53) and Sam Curran (0-28) and Jos Buttler (40) steadied leadingtheway the ship. Malan then top-

“Really disappointed but edged one to Das behind the c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o w i c k e t s t o b e c o m e Bangladesh. They deserved

Mustafizur Rahman’s 100th theirvictory,”Buttlersaid. victim in the 14th over “We came back well and before Buttler was run out missed some opportunities next ball attempting a risky in the field which is singleasthehostsheapedthe disappointinginthisgame.It pressureonEngland. was a good score to restrict

Moeen Ali and Ben them to but that didn’t Duckett also perished happen. attempting big shots against

“It’s really poor and I’m Taskin Ahmed and the matches. “We were really canbuildfromhere.” against the world champions Talukdar(24)settledinearly reallydisappointedinmyself visitors never recovered, good in this series. I thought Bangladesh had denied intheshortestformat. on a good wicket to score 46 for not diving in the field, it finishingon142-6fromtheir we fielded exceptionally,” Englandacleansweepinthe Having stunned England inthepowerplay costusthegame.” 20overs. said Bangladesh skipper preceding three-match one- in the opening two T20 Talukdar failed to make Scores: Bangladesh 158

It is only the third time ShakibAlHasan. day international series by matches, they got off to a themostofbeingdroppedon for 2 (Litton 73, Shanto 47*, that England have been “Thathasbeenoneofthe winning the final game, and solid start after being asked 17byRehanAhmedoffJofra Jordan 1-21) beat England blanked in a bilateral T20 major changes. If we look at they produced some to bat by Buttler as Das and Archer and was caught 142 for 6 (Malan 53, Buttler series featuring at least two the World Cup next year, we commanding displays fellow opener Rony followingamiscuedreverse- 40, Taskin 2-26) by 16 runs.

Dr. Shallow’s new commercial approach could unlock millions

Bridgetown, Barbados - Caribbean, (iii) Create a membership could afford the organization to Establishing a new Cricket West fan club, and (iv) Strengthen implement more systematic and Indies (CWI) commercial arm to relationships. sustainable programmes for the unlock millions of dollars is a priority Dr Shallow also stated his cricket development pathway for our of Dr Kishore Shallow, as he intention to “assemble a group of GirlsandBoys,”saidDr Shallow continues to discuss plans following business and marketing experts to He added, “What is required is the launch of his CWI Presidential identify new commercial innovative and bold thinking outside Manifesto. opportunities to increase revenue for of the box, with consequentialleaders

In the “Pushing the Boundaries” CWI.” and experts in commercial affairs. I manifesto, Dr Shallow, who has a Cricket West Indies’ revenue is have no reservations that a formula doctorate in Business Administration generated substantially through existstounlockmillionstopropelour with a concentration in Financial Media and Broadcast rights, ICC cricket.” Management, posited, “CWI has yet subvention, Gate receipts, and Under Dr Shallow’s leadership, to access the full potential global Commercial Partnerships While both St. Vincent and the Grenadines market significantly, so many other cricket nations have monetized Cricket Association and the untapped resources remain available. T20 leagues, most notably India with WindwardIslandsCricketBoardhave To improve the organisation’s the Indian Premier League and enjoyed financial stability He was economic situation, there must be an recently Women’s Premier League, instrumental in establishing the first intervention targeting revenue Australia’s Big Bash, and England’s commercial partnership with generation The commercial and The Hundred, CWI is limited with Dream11 for a T10 league (Vincy marketing activities must be such opportunities due to their long- Premier League) in the Caribbean, modernised and culturally sensitive term contractual agreement with the which paved the way for similar with immense intensity.” Further, CaribbeanPremierLeague. financialarrangementswithDream11 some of the listed plans under the “My sentiments on CWI’s finance andotherregionalcricketbodies. Commercial and Marketing pillar are remainconsistent,withtherealization CWI holds its presidential

(i)DiversifyCWIrevenuestream,(ii) that there is a necessity to generate elections on March 25, 2023. Dr Enhance public relations to promote more revenue. It is an opportune time Shallow is nominated for the cricket as the number one sport in the for some commercial exploits that presidency

Dr. Kishore Shallow

Haaland hits five as Man City reach quarter-finals

BBC Sport - Erling Haaland hand.

rewrotetherecordbooksbyscoring

Haaland kept his cool, buried an incredible five times as the penalty and, as the visiting Manchester City swept RB Leipzig bench were still grumbling at the aside 7-0 to reach the Champions unfairness of it all, made it 2-0 Leaguequarter-finals. when he reacted quickest after De

Haaland becomes the fastest Bruyne’s thunderous shot came and youngest player to reach 30 back off the crossbar and headed goals in Europe’s elite club intoanemptynet. competition He is also the

And when Amadou Haidara’s youngest player to score five times clearance off the line, after in a single Champions League Blaswich had turned away Ruben game, joining Argentina great Dias’header, bounced straight into Lionel Messi and Brazil forward the advancing Haaland to give him LuizAdriano as the only players to his hat-trick in first-half stoppage doso.The22-year-oldisnowon39 time, Leipzig might have been goals for the season in all temptedtoconcede. competitions, the first City player

Buttherewasmorepunishment to reach that figure in a single tocomeforthehaplessvisitors. campaign. His five hat-tricks are

Gundogan’s well-taken strike three more than any other player in was followed by Haaland’s fourth, thebigfiveleagues. whichcamewhenBlaswichsaveda

On any normal day, Ilkay Manuel Akanji effort and again it Gundogan’s precise low shot into felljustrightfortheNorwegian. the bottom corner would have

Whenheturnedhomeafifthfor merited praise. On this historic the first time in his career, Haaland night, which matched City’s 7-0 had effectively scored five times in triumph over Schalke in 2019, it 35minutes.HisdadAlfie,watching wasnothingmorethanafootnote. from an executive box high in the

Erling Haaland is the third player to score five goals in a single Champions League game after Luiz Adriano in October 2014 (Shakhtar Donetsk vs BATE Borisov) and Lionel Messi in March 2012 (Barcelona v Bayer Leverkusen). (Getty Images)

On this evidence, no-one, not stadium,wasonhisfeetleadingthe even Real Madrid, will want to be applause. paired with Pep Guardiola’s side in Haaland’s boss at Dortmund last Leipzig were given a very early duel.

Probably wisely, Guardiola Friday’slast-eightdraw season. Little wonder he reacted warning about the difficulties that Five-star Haaland offers up decidedtherewasnotmuchpointin Legendary former club captain with incredulity on the eve of the lay ahead when Nathan Ake

finishing masterclass Haaland staying on the pitch. He Vincent Kompany can only hope game when it was pointed out to dropped a long pass over their RosemayargueCityshouldnot left to a standing ovation from a his old club have got this calibre of him that some feel City are a lesser defence and in the space of half a have been awarded the penalty that crowd both appreciative and performance out of their system teamwiththeNorwegianinit. dozen strides Haaland had sprinted gave Haaland the chance to open incredulous at what they had just when he brings his Burnley side to “Itcouldgetreally,really,really clear of their defence and bore thescoring. seen. City eased off with the job Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup on good for him with Pep and Man downongoal. True, Benjamin Henrichs was emphatically done before De Saturday City,”wasRose’sresponse. Goalkeeper Janis Blaswich very close to Rodri - but once VAR Bruyne scored with virtually the Haaland haunts He would have preferred his managed to deny Haaland the intervened it was also obvious the last kick as Leipzig were former boss Rose words not to be proved quite so opener - but it was to be his last defenderhad his arms out when the condemned to their heaviest Leipzig coach Marco Rose was perceptive,quitesosoon. successofthenightinthatpersonal Citymanheadedtheballagainsthis Europeandefeat.

GOA Elections shifts to March 21

Letter to the Sports Editor

Juman Yassin should stay away from Sport

Some of the GOA’s members during the delegations their Council Meeting.

The Guyana Olympic scheduledforyesterdayatOlympic

However,becausetherewasnot Association (GOA) General House,butaspertheirconstitution, an EGM, the eligibility of Councilvotedunanimouslytohave the controversy-riddled March 7 Associations and their members itsAssistant Secretary Dion Nurse, notice, which Edwards has denied wasnotdiscussedyesterday sign their correspondence in the emanatedfromhim,meantithadto The Council, under a new absence of General Secretary bereconvenedtonextsevendays. meeting agenda, via unanimous Hector Edwards, while it was On March 7, the GOA wrote to votes, agreed to allow the GOA’s announced that the highly its Members, outlining the Assistant Secretary, Dion Nurse, to anticipated Electoral General nominees for the respective sign documents on behalf of Meeting (EGM) will now be held positions up for contention while Edwards, who has been away from onTuesday,March21. also reckoning their affiliates’ theGOAforovertwoyears.

(Continued on page 33)

DearEditor, screams of “unfairness” have Every morning after my comefromMrRobinSinghwhois devotions, the very first thing I do the president of the Guyana is peruse the sports news in the Baseball League and Mr Juman dailynewspapers. Yassin, who is the President of the I must say that the recent news Guyana Fencing Association as emanating from the gallows of the well as the outgoing President of Guyana Olympic Association, theGOA. somewhat serve as a deterrent to I’m sure that many sports my usual excitement to read the enthusiasts like myself who look news. Mr Juman Yassin has been forward to reading local sports the President for the GOA for news have never stumbled on any almost three decades - the same article of activity from Baseball agerangeofmyyoungestchild.In norFencinginyears. those decades under his Thefactthatthesetwoinactive l e a d e r s h i p , G u y a n a ’ s Federations fall under the representation at the Olympic managementofMessrsYassinand Gameshasproducednothingmore Singh, speaks volumes of their than “excellent effort” or “the incompetence to lead any sporting experience was good” coupled bodyintheshoresofGuyana. withaplethoraofcomplaintsfrom Mr Yassin has overstayed his our athletes about the paltry welcome at the GOA by at least support they receive from the two decades and Mr Singh’s GOA. inability to hold basic baseball

In recent days, I have read the tournaments are good reasons for shouts of disenfranchisement of noneofthemtobeclosetosport. persons and federations from Yours Truly, votingattheelections.Theloudest Clement Fredericks.

FriendshipSecondarySchoolstudentsimpressatgolfouting

Students at the golf academy at Woolford Avenue.

32 students from Friendship masteryofthetechniquestaughtby Friendship Secondary was one Academy now officially an LPGA forthcoming that will enhance Golf Secondary School took full theAcademyandthatwasreflected of the Pioneer schools that took Foundation Girls site under Site in Guyana in the coming weeks but advantage of the opportunity in the perfect scores put up by 8 of Golf at CSEC for the first time in Director Philip Haynes, this opens declined to expound on the matter, provided by the Nexgen Golf thegirls. Guyana’s history and it seems that a career path for Guyanese women simply saying that golfers should Academy on Woolford Avenue to Coaches Philip Haynes and therewillbea300%increaseinthe toearnscholarshipsandpotentially staytunedforthenews. pr

Secondary PE Teacher Ms. Secondary, Bush Lot Secondary, member of the LPGA/USGA girls only three Hole golf course in

hip number this year as Rosignol a place on LPGAtour.To become a Nexgen Golf Academy is the examinations.

The players excelled at their Marcelle McIntosh-Griffith joined Wisburg, Bartica, Berbice High, club, simply contact the Nexgen Guyanaandisfullylighted,serving first attempt at golf and again the Head Coach Aleem Hussain to Anna Regina Multilateral, Golf Academy at 645-0944 as both a training facility and numbers were heavily tilted in teach the students the basics of the President’s College and Queens Registrationisfree. beginnersGolfcourse.Thereareno favor of girls with a 27-5 ratio in gameandallwereimpressedbythe College will send up dozens of President of the Guyana Golf membership fees to join the club favor of female players. And once rapid results demonstrated by the studentsforPECSEC. Association Aleem Hussain hinted and it is open to the public daily again, the girls demonstrated great studentsinaveryshorttime. With the Nexgen Golf that there is a major announcement from9am-9pm.

Kennard widow sponsors feature event at Memorial Phagwah Race meet on 19th March

Mrs.Kennardandfamily will sponsor the feature B Classeventinmemoryofthe late Justice Cecil Kennard when the Kennard’s MemorialTurfClubhostsits Phagwah Race Meeting on the 19th March at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club. It was also indicated that special gifts will be giventothetopthreejockeys inthatmainevent.

Races will spread across six different Classes and guided under the Guyana HorseRacingAuthority

Flashback: Justice Kennard (2nd R) accepts the sponsorship cheque from Group Accountant (IPA) Reginald Persaud, while Chairman (IPA) Lloyd Singh (extreme R) and his son Sachin observes at a previous event.

Six race classes will be contested ranging from one mile to seven furlongs in Lower three hundred and away with substantial cash entry of horses. Entrance distance with a number of fifty thousand, while in the prizes. fees are as follows: B-andheftycashprizesonoffer Open race the winner will

Meanwhile, the B Class Lower $120,000, G-andRace Classes are: the bag two hundred thousand and Lower race cash purse Lower $60,000, K-andfeature B-and-Lower one and in the three-year maiden and prize trophy will be Lower Non Earner $21,000, mile race, G-and-Lower for and K and L Non Earner sponsored by the family of L-Open $23,000, while the seven Furlongs, J-and- $350,000 and $180,000 the Kennard’s Memorial J-and-Lower and the ThreeLower, K-and-L Non Earner respectively along with gifts for the top year Maiden races are (Lifetime) and L-Open will Second Prize winners threejockeysinthatrace. $42,000. be six Furlongs races and will pocket: B-and-Lower

More importantly, in the Entries close on Sunday lastlytheThree-yearMaiden $500,000, G-and-Lower event that less than five 12thMarch,2023.Interested raceforsevenFurlongs. $250,000, J-and-Lower horses register to compete at persons can also contact:

First Prize winners: B- $175,000, Open $100,000, any one event, that event is Secretary Niketa Ross or and-Lower will be a while Three-year Maiden subjecttochangesandlikely Dennis DeRoop- 640-6396, whooping one million and K-and-L Non Earner being cancelled or reduced Jinjo Jagdeo- 618-7278, dollars cash prize and willtakehome$175,000and price money system can also Basil Bactowar- 661-7815, KennardMemorialstakes,G $90,000respectively be enforced Owners of Fazal Habibulla – 657-7010 –and-Lower take is five While third and fourth horsesaresubjecttopayfive and Ivan Dipnarine – 331hundred thousand, J-and- place winners will also walk thousand dollars for each 0361.

South Africa, West Indies start new one-day era

AFP-SouthAfricahaveanewcoachandtheWestIndies a new captain as they start a three-match one-day international series at Buffalo Park in East London tomorrow,Thursday.

Proteas coach Rob Walter and West Indian captain Shai Hope will both be seeking a winning formula at the beginningofacrucialperiodforbothteamsinthelead-upto theCricketWorldCupinIndiainOctoberandNovember

Neither South Africa nor West Indies are guaranteed a placeincricket’sshowpieceeventastheylanguishineighth andnineplacesontheInternationalCricketCouncil’sWorld CupSuperLeague.

The top eight teams qualify automatically for the World Cup–therestwillhavetosurviveaqualifyingtournamentin ZimbabweinJuneandJuly

South Africa can overtake the West Indies – and both couldbetrumpedbySriLanka–astheSuperLeaguecomes toanendearlynextmonth.

The series starting on Thursday will not count towards qualification as it falls outside the Super League programme.

Both teams will be much-changed from the sides that playedinaTestserieswon2-0bySouthAfrica.

Only four of the South Africans played in the Tests, includingcaptainTembaBavuma.

Theotherthree,fastbowlerGeraldCoetzeeandbatsman TonydeZorzi,whobothmadetheirTestdebutsintherecent series, and Ryan Rickelton, have yet to play in a one-day international.

Injuries kept out all-rounderWiaan Mulder and left-arm spinnerKeshavMaharaj,whowereoriginallyselected.

Walter will take charge for the first time since being appointedlastmonth.HehasworkedwiththeSouthAfrican teamasastrengthandconditioningcoachbuthasspentthe (Continued on page 33)

Slingerz Racing Stables make dominant entry to winners circle at Rising Sun Turf Club

SlingerzInternationalpubliclyknownas In an interview at Rising Sun, CEO of one of the pioneers in the sound system and Slingerz International explained, “I want to entertainment industry has now spread their takethisopportunitytothankallmytrainers, wings into Horse Racing. Hailing from the groomers and most of all my jockey for an west side, the newly acclaimed race horse impressive start. Our decision to enter champions took two major positions at the horseracing was an easy one especially as recently held “Opening Day Stakes” at the our competitive spirit is already in full drive RisingSunTurfClub. with our football club Slingerz FC. We WestSidetookaclearwininthe6thrace intend to take our stables to much higher with the champion 4 year old filly, Miss levelespeciallyaswehaveacquiredacouple Universe At the starting gate Club horses from Jamaica and a couple surprises Neutraal’s Black Cat bolted out and took the fromUSAforGuyanaCup. lead but it was only at the homestretch Miss Thehorseracingindustryisgrowingand UniversetooktheleadleavingLord’sGift& thesupportisneededtosustainsomeofthese BlackCatbehindtotaketheTrophyhome. expenses. To host these racing events are Slingerz Racing Stables took second quite costly and it’s unfair for a few placeinthe5thraceofthedayfortheFClass promoters to fund the entire production. So & Lower & E Class 1st Time Starters. The 5 asabusinessmanandavidsupportedoflocal yearoldConvertercame2ndafterEarlyBird sport and culture I urge other companies to of the Jumbo Jet Racing Stable maintained a chip in and build the sport. We look forward win. The entire Slingerz Team was elated as to the next race at the Bush Lot United Turf theirhardworkanddedicationwasrewarded Club in April and this is only the beginning withtwomassivewins. forSlingerz.”

BarticaEasterRegatta2023‘WeOutside’

BK Int. Group of Companies makes a solid financial donation

‘Bushman’ supports Kishan Silas ahead of GCB U15 Inter-County

Regional Chairman of Region #7, Kenneth Williams (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Mr. Kyle Tiwari CEO of the BK Int. Group of Companies

Over the decades, it has become one of theme,‘WeOutside’andthisisofcourseafter the most anticipated events on the Easter the fact that covid-19 took a heavy toll on the calendar of activities in Guyana, and this event.However,wearecommittedtohosting year, it is anticipated to be one of the biggest the biggest Easter Regatta of them all, and andmostcolourfulever corporate, as well as governmental and other

SosaystheRegionalChairmanofRegion support, is critical towards attaining this Number7,KennethWilliams,whoreceiveda goal.” solid financial boost towards the successful Mr KyleTiwari, Chief Executive Officer hosting of the event from the BK of the BK Int. Group of Companies who InternationalGroupofCompanies. made the presentation to Williams, in a brief Williams, who chairs the Organising comment shared that the company has a Committee said that it is always a challenge proud track record of partnering with the to garner adequate finances for hosting the organisers of the Easter Regatta over the multi-event extravaganza which sees a years,andthisyearwouldbenodifferent. numberofsportingeventsandotheractivities “We are committed to fulfilling our role culminating with the highly anticipated as a corporate partner in aiding the power boat races on Easter Sunday and development of our people through sports Monday “We are therefore very pleased to and other productive activities. We wish the have BK Int. Group of Companies on board organisers and all who would participate in withusonceagain thishugeactivitythebest.” as we seek to make this year’s event, the This year’s Easter Regatta would be most memorable. We are hosting it under the hostedfromApril8thto10thinBartica.

Businessman and sports enthusiast, D e x t e r

‘ B u s h m a n ’

Garnett, will be backing youth batting sensation

Kishan Silas during the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) U15 Inter-County Super50 tournament which bowledoffyesterday. especially those that need as several Non-Governmental Silas was named on the much support possible to Organisations(NGOs). GCB XI and was in action keep them in the sport,” After facing Berbice, against Berbice at the Garnettsaid. Silas and his GCB XI team Everest Ground, and According to the will play Essequibo today, Garnett, through his businessman, his support followed by a mouthBushman Pawnshop and will go towards the watering encounter with Money Lending business, Charlestown resident’s Demerara. will be offering $1,000 to purchasingofequipmentand Matcheswillbeplayedat Silas for every run scored in cricket gear and to assist in Enmore, Everest, and the t h e I n t e r - C o u n t y his travel to training and Georgetown Cricket Club Championship. matches. Ground (GCC) First-ball

Silas enjoyed an “Ididn’tjustwanttogive time is 9:300 am at each exceptional outing at the him the money but put it as venue. crease for Georgetown an incentive to motivate him Live streaming for these during the Demerara Cricket to do well for the team. In matches will be available on Board (DCB) Inter- other words, I wanted him to theGCBFacebookpage. A s s o c i a t i o n U 1 5 work for it and know that AGCBreleasestatedthat tournaments. through hard work, he’s this year’s tournament is

The nifty right-handed going to be rewarded,” expected to be very batter had several top- Garnettsaid. competitive,withmostofthe scoring innings while He added, “This support players from last year playing a pivotal role in is to also ensure that young returning because of the seeing his side over the line Silas stays the course in the eligibility age implemented inmanymatches. sport and be a role model for byCricketWestIndiesforall

T h e C h a r l e s t o w n youths in the Charlestown age group tournaments in Secondary School student is community and to show that 2023.

patient at the wicket and can sport can be used to elevate Silas, like the other score in bunches whenever theirlives.” players, will be looking for a he’sasked.

Garnett is known for his place on the Guyana team

“He’sapromisingplayer, support for many budding that’s set to compete in the and I like seeing youths talents in the disciplines of Regional U15 tournament, excelling at something they basketball, football and slated to commence onApril love and are good at, tennis, while also assisting 2inAntiguaandBarbuda.

Dexter ‘Bushman’ Garnett

Kishan Silas

2023 WestIndiesChampionship…

Third round commences in Guyana, T&T today

- Jamaica meet Windward Islands at Providence

Round three of the 2023 West Indies

F o u r - D a y

Championship commences today, March 15, with three matches, which are scheduled to be contested at venues in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), following the confirmation of squads the cellar with 10 points on runs. These are the only by Cricket West Indies theboard. players that have recorded a (CWI). Inroundtwo,Pride,were centuryfortheseason.

Current leader, Guyana the only team to secure a Each batsman has played Harpy Eagles, will be hosted victory while Harpy Eagles, four innings but Bravo has by third place holder, T&T Hurricanes, Red Force and accumulated two centuries Red Force, at the Brian Lara the Volcanoes all secured while the others only Cricket Academy (BLCA), drawn results as Scorpions recordedoneeach,thusfar while second place holder, concededtheonlydefeat. I n t h e b o w l i n g Barbados Pride, tackle In the opening round, department, Akeem Jordan Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Harpy Eagles was the only has picked up 12 wickets in who are in the penultimate team to emerge victorious as two matches and leads the position, at Queen’s Park Red Force, Scorpions, Most Wickets list while, the Oval, while fourth place Hurricanes and Volcanoes veteran, Veersammy occupants, Windward played to drawn results and Permaul, sits in second with Islands Volcanoes, lock Pridechalkedupaloss. 11 wickets, Bryan Charles, horns with a struggling At the end of the first Rahkeem Cornwall and Jamaica Scorpions at the round,HarpyEaglesledwith Ryan John are all tied on ten GuyanaNationalStadium. 20 points, Red Force were wickets each while Shamar

After two rounds, Harpy second with 10 2 points, Joseph and Patrick Harty Eagles commands the board Volcanoes had 8.4 points, haveninewicketseach. with a tally of 28.6 points Hurricanes had 7.4 points, M e a n w h i l e , t h e ahead of defending Scorpionswereon6.2points remaining three rounds of champion, Pride, with 23 andPridehad4.8points. the five-round tournament points. Red Force sit third As far as individual are fixed to unravel in the with 20 6 points with performances go, Darren Twin Island Republic and Volcanoesontheirheelswith Bravo (261 runs) leads the Land of Many Waters 19.4points. Highest Run Scorer list with Round four is scheduled for Hurricanes are in the Alick Athanaze (244) in March22–25whilethefinal penultimate spot on 17.4 second, Kimani Melius and round is billed for March 29 points while Jamaica are in MatthewNandu,bothon204 –April1.

Organiser pleased with Guyana Mighty Malt Fitness Challenge 2023

- Omisi Williams and Semonica Duke are Elite Fitness champs

Th e G u y a n a got second place but was She concluded by Mighty Malt very close behind first thanking the sponsors

F i t n e s s placed Semonica Duke,” “Without them our Event Challenge 2023 concluded Ramsey stated when asked would not be possible, I their seventh edition on aboutwhoimpressedherthe would really like to say a Sunday last at the National mostintheMaleandFemale special thank you too all of Park Tarmac, Georgetown categories. them:AnsaMcAlundertheir and was rated a success by Looking forward to Mighty Malt brand, the organiser, Jordana ideas that can improve the Ministry of Sport and the R a m s a y - G o n s a l v e s next edition, Ramsey N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Kaieteur Sports had an indicated that, “Yes we do, Commission (NSC) Bounty opportunity to speak with the Teen aspect of the Supermarket, Sterling Ramsay-Gonsalves, who challenge we need to do that Products Inc, KFC, Bumble said, it was exceptional in separately, maybe we do it Bee, Tech Pro, Gillette, that all the athletes earlierandgetthatoutofthe GardenFoods,S.Jagmohan, performances would have way so that the Teens can Yogreat Yogurt, Foresters upped their level over the move on and finish the rest Lumber and Building, years. oftheirday Wearegoingto Republic Bank, Star Party

Ramsey said it was work on that adjustment on Rentals, Trophy Stall, I exciting to watch these the schedule so we can have Merch, HJ, Trisee Luxury athletescomeoutandputon a better flow in the day and Beauty and Genesis a show for everybody Because this was the first FitnessGymamongothers.” especiallywiththesunbeing year we introduced the Sports Minister Charles at its peak in the afternoon Teens and Masters Ramson , NSC Chairman buttheyperseveredandthey Challenge that was a major Kashif Muhammad, did really well, we watched adjustmentforusintermsof Commissioner Christy them go through a lot…and timing and getting the Campbell and Minister the people that we expected athletesoffandbeingableto OneidgeWalrondwereallin to come out on top they give them enough down attendanceattheevent. reallydidtheirbest. time, sometimes we felt like T h e o u t s t a n d i n g

Whenaskaboutherlevel they may have had little too performers and the of satisfaction with the much down time while we respective prize packages athletes and supporters waited for the Teens and theyreceivedareasfollows: attendance, Ramsey replied, Masters to complete their Masters(Men) “Yes the athletes all turned Challenges.” Masimba Williams out with their supporters we When asked about $100,000 didn’t have any no show upcoming events, Ramsey RandyLeitch$75,000 with a total of fifty one (51) pointed out, “Every year we RichordPickett$50,000 athletes yesterday, the host two (2) Events the next MastersWomen highest athletes attendance one will be the Fitness Expo M e l i s s a S t e w a r t t h r o u g h o u t t h e that comes up in November $100,000 competition.” wherewearehopingthatthe Marisca Saminten

This year we saw an Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Resodikromo$75,000 impressive performance by is ready by then. I am not ValarieYounge$50,000 Kellon Reid from Linden. surebutifitis,thatwouldbe Teens(Boys) Ramsey went on to say, exciting because that would Vlaminir Woodroof “Kellon has progressively beabrandnewarena,weare $50,000 improved over the years, lookingforwardtothat.” PrinceBeckles$20,000 everyyearhedoesbetterand R a m s e y f u r t h e r BenkhaiKing$15,000 am excited to see what he i n f o r m e d , “ I n t h a t Teens(Girls) doesnextyear competition we have an Oshelle Williams For the females, opportunity to see scaled $50,000 Semonica Duke and Delice athletes in action. The SurinaAnthony$20,000 Adonis have always been scaled athletes are new Mariah Seenarine first and second they have athletes that come into the $15,000 beenonthatpodiumbattling sport, we introduced the EliteMen for those positions since the Scaled event two years into FittestinGuyana first edition of the the competition and that O m i s i W i l l i a m s competition, however, where we have seen our $500,000 Tonnica Dey has started growth. KellonReid$300,000 about four (4) years ago and Onceyoucompeteinthe KelvinBaul$200,000 she has creeped on to the Scaled category and you EliteWomen podium in our November finish on the podium you FittestinGuyana competition and now we can’t compete in that S e m o n i c a D u k e have seen her for the second category again. You will $500,000 timeonthepodium. moveuptocompetewiththe TonnicaDey$300,000 In this competition she RX/Elitecompetitors.” DeliceAdonis$200,000

Guyana Harpy Eagles currently lead the six-franchise Tournament. (Photo: Brandon Corlette/Cricnation592)

Kevlon Anderson has earned his maiden-call up to the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad. (Getty Images)

Point standings confirmed after first round 2023 Milo U-18 Schools Football Tournament…

Ahead of the second These 32 teams are Charity and New Central Vergenoegen (-7) sit third round in the 2023 Milo divided into eight Groups,A Higharebothtiedon1point, andfourth,respectively Under-18 Schools Football through H, and produced 15 while Annandale (-1) is yet Charlestown leads (+2) Tournament, the point outrightresultsandadraw toscoreapoint. leads Group G while standings after the first In Group A, Carmel and Defending Champion, Cummings Lodge (+2), St round have been confirmed C h a s e ’s A c a d e m i c Christianburg/Wismar (+5), Cuthbert’s Mission (-1) and by the organising team, Foundation (CAF) both leads Group D with a Berbice Education Institute th Petra, as they await the secured their three points superior GD ahead of 8 of (-2)trailclosely resumption on March 18, at from victory but the former May (+4) while Vryman’s The final Group has the Ministry of Education leads with a superior Goal Erven (-4) and West Santa Rosa (+8) in the lead Ground,CarifestaAvenue. Difference (GD) of +8 while Demerara (-5) occupy the with St Stanislaus College Round one of the event CAF is second with +7. The othertwoslots,respectively (+1) in second while whichissponsoredbyNestlé other two teams in the The E-labeled Group has Dolphin (-1) and New through Massy Distribution, Group, Dora (-7) and the other Linden unit, Amsterdam (-8) are in third had a total of 16 matches Bygeval (-8), both lost and Mackenzie High (+3), in the andfourth,respectively being contested by the 32 arewithoutpoints. lead while Patentia (+2) is This weekend, the teams, which accumulated a GroupBhasBartica(+9) second while North second round kicks off with totalof74goals. on top with East Ruimveldt Ruimveldt (-2) and four matches on Saturday,

The first round of the tournament produced a total of 74 goals.

Yunes takes LGC tournament

The opening round also (+5) in second, both with a President’s College (-3) are March 18, and another four made an early statement of win, while MarianAcademy thirdandfourth.GroupFhas matches the following day, who the front runners are by (-5) and Bush Lot (-9) are West Ruimveldt (+7) in the Sunday, March 19, at the virtue of their game play and third and fourth. Group C lead whileAnn’s Grove (+3) samevenue. ability to capitalise on has Westminster (+1) on top is second and Queen’s This event is sanctioned opportunities. with three points while C o l l e g e ( - 3 ) a n d by the MoE and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and also supported by MVP Sports, Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc (GINMIN) and General Equipment & SuppliesInc.(GENEQUIP).

On Sunday last, the LusignanGolfClubhosteda club tournament that saw Miguel Yunes walk away with top honours While competition was fierce Yunes dug deep and kept his competitorsatbay

The results for the tournamentwereasfollows:

1stMiguelYunesHC15, Points36

2nd Andre Cummings

HC12,Points36

3rd Brian Hackett HC 19,Points35 golf tournament, a lot of the time progresses we will Longest Drive- Miguel golfers stayed back at the releasemoredetails.” Yunes clubandenjoyedsomeofthe Georgefurtherexplained Nearest to Pin- Patrick other activities such as t h a t t h e s p o n s o r e d Prashad tennis, pools etc. It was a tournament will carry the According to LGC PRO, diverse group, including a full weight as the points onegroupingwonallbutone lot of international players. earned will go towards the of the prizes in Sundays Our first place winner is entry to the Suriname Open Stableford tournament from Mexico, so it was a and Guyana Open at the end WhileYunes and Cummings good turnout. The course is of the year George also took top honours, Brian in excellent condition, the sharedthattimedrawscloser Hackett finished third and greens are fast and we had a to the Easter weekend, the was the only prize getter wonderful time. Coming up club will be hosting a outsidethemarqueegroup. next week we will have a children’s camp as they “It was a very successful sponsored tournament, so as preparegiveback.

The Winners row

Miguel Yunes won two prizes