Kaieteur News

GuyanaagreestoallowExxonand partnerstouseoiltopayfortheirvacations

Kaieteur News has Consultancy Inc , and the oil-rich Stabroek Block also observed that any

(PSA) governing

clisar Financial & is not deemed a sweetheart personalincometaxesowing ProfessionalServices. deal for ExxonMobil and its to Guyana by employees of Theywerehiredlastyear partnersbyaccident. the Parties and paid or to conduct the audit

Thecontractgivestheoil reimbursed by Exxon and its alongside the Oklahomacompaniesthepowertousea partnersiscostrecoverable. b a s e d M a r t i n d a l e significant portion of the

While the oil companies Consultants Inc and the nation’s oil to cover a dohavethepowertorecover Swiss technical company, numberofitsbills,including several costs without SGS. those pertaining to the p e r m i s s i o n , t h e The value of the contract vacation and holiday g o v e r n m e n t ’s o n l y is US$751,000. The audit expensesforitsemployees. safeguard against abuse is costs reviewed covered the

When dealing with the execution of timely US$3.7B Liza Phase One Production Sharing audits. Project fully and part of the Agreements (PSAs), the

The 2016 PSA only expenses plugged for the foregoing is considered an allows Guyana to do audits US$6B Liza Phase Two established industry withinatwo-yeartimeline. Project. practice In some cases,

There are currently two Vice President, Dr regulators must give their ongoing audits one for Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed permission for certain costs historical expenses incurred earlier this month that the that can be recovered by the such expenses in the 2016 vacation, sickness and similar nature customarily from 1999 to 2016 totalling government’s auditors have company Those eligible Stabroek Block Production disability payments are also granted to the employees of US$900M and another for completed their assessment costs are determined by the Sharing Agreement fairgame. the Parties comprising the US$7 3B incurred from of ExxonMobil Guyana’s state.

ExxonMobil and its partners Additionally, Exxon and Contractor 2018to2020. recovery of its US$7 3B

In other cases, an can for example, recover the partners can recover the cost Further to this, oil The former was done by investments. agreement can specify a gross salaries and wages of established plans for companies can recover IHS Markit while the latter

The official noted that number of costs that can be including bonuses of its employees’ life insurance, reasonable travel and was done by a group of local the affiliate company has cleared without permission, employees. hospitalisation, pensions, personal expenses of such consultants, Ramdihal and twomonthstorespondtothe and there is a plethora of Costs regarding holiday, and other benefits of a employees including those H a y n e s C h a r t e r e d government’sfindings.

withmeagreprofitsGuyanacouldbelefttobeardisasterexpenses

Government’s telling oil companies to “Pump baby, pump” is throwing gasoline on fire-Dr.Kenrick Hunte ...says

As the Government of Dr Hunted explained, that can be mounted in the Block Production Sharing Guyana (GoG) proudly “the destruction-risk to the event of a major disaster To Agreement (PSA) as Hinds c h e e r i n g o n E s s o environment has increased, this end, he sought to inamissivestated,“whenall Exploration and Production since the extraction highlight the importance of capital has been recovered, Guyana Limited (EEPGL), operation is now above its Guyanaprotectingitself. depending on the price of oil the operator of the Stabroek designed capacity, and any “In contrast, EEPGL’s and running costs, Guyana Block and subsidiary of failure without sufficient highestresponsibilityistoits couldbereceivingmorethan ExxonMobil to increase insurance,whichtheEEPGL shareholders and not to 30 percent of the price of oil daily production targets at does not cover, will be a Guyana; for they are doing a whenthepriceishigh…” the Liza One and Liza Two significant charge under the great job in extracting our Dr Hunte was keen to fields,theadministrationhas meager returns that Guyana wealth and patrimony note that without a ringessentially allowed the receives of only 14.5 barrels without push back,” Dr fencing provision, coupled company to throw gasoline to every 85.5 barrels that Hunteposited. with the fact that Guyana, intoafire.

EEPGL receives from every He also challenged the has to pay from its oil

This is according to 100barrelsofoilextracted.” former Head of State to receipts EEPGL taxes and Professor and former He clarified, “In other prove how Guyana could covertheinsurancecoststhis Ambassador, Dr Kenrick words, for every dollar that benefit from a 30 percent burdenonGuyanawilllikely Hunte, who holds a PhD in Guyana receives, EEPGL take from the Stabroek neverend. Economics from the Ohio captures $5.89. This is part StateUniversity,USA. of the inequity that Guyana

In a letter to this faces ” As such, the publication, Dr Hunte while Professor informed readers responding to a missive by that the encouragement to former Prime Minister, the oil companies, by Samuel Hinds pointed out government, to “pump baby, that the two operational pump” is no less than “a call projects are now producing to throw gasoline on a fire oil above the respective that we will not be able to designcapacity extinguish without a heavy

The spike in production cost on ourselves and our activities however also neighbours, who will be increases environmental d a m a g e d b y o u r risks for the country, one negligence.” which the nation may very The current operational well have to bear on its own, environment, according to considering the lack of a him, allows EEPGL to flee parentcompanyguarantee. without paying the penalties

Professor and former Ambassador, Dr. Kenrick Hunte

Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

SCHOOL VIOLENCE

Now it is at Fort Wellington, and Mr Marlon Daniels makesit12teachersonthereceivingendofviolence.Thisisa dozentoomany,andmustcometoahardstoprightnow Our teachers are being attacked and assaulted in their places of work,inthatsacred,inviolablespace,theirclassroomswhere they enlighten and guide our young minds, the future instructorsandworkersofGuyana.

Whenparentsgethostileandaggressive,andcrosslines never crossed in times before, they must be taught a sharp lessonthattheywillnotforget.Anexamplehastobemadeof them,startingimmediately

Longago,therearefew,ifany,recordsofparentsending up in classrooms and beating up teachers. It just was not done, not even thought of by parents before. Those with complaints of wrongdoing by teachers never found themselves anywhere near a classroom. Their place, their approach with hat in hand, was in the office of the head teacher. Theretheylaidouttheircase,wereusuallygivena fair hearing, and accepted whatever was offered by those in chargeofaschool.

Itcouldbesaidwithaccuracythatchildrenlivedindread oftheirparentsbeingsummoned,orturningupunannounced, at their institution of learning. Few were the children, and fewer were the parents, who took it upon themselves to protest against the disciplinary actions of those controlling classrooms,theteachers.

Itcouldbesaidthathumanitybeingwhatitis,thatsome childrenweretakenadvantageof,mayhavebeenthevictims of spite or too rough treatment. But the reality was that childrendidnotgohomeandcomplaintotheirparents. For, consideringthetemperatureofthetimes,theycouldbeinfor a few more blows to drum some sense into their heads, whether they were right or wrong. It may have been unfair and improper, but this was the nature of those times, and it workedwellforthelongestwhile.

Insharpcontrast,todaywelivewiththisspectacle,these horror stories, of parents invading school premises, bypassingtheheadteacher’soffice,andheadingstraightfor the classroom of the reported at fault teacher, and administeringtheirownstyleoflaw,discipline,andjustice. Therearenocircumstancesunderwhichsuchactionscanbe condoned.

Not the recent incident that took place in the Graham’s Hall Primary School compound where a male teacher was beaten.NortheonethathappenedevenmorerecentlyatSt. Angela’s Primary in the capital city, where a female parent pummeledafemaleteacher Asthemediareported,asecurity guardandotherteachers,whoallintervenedtodeescalatethe situation suffered injuries. Nor this newest episode in Fort Wellington.

This is highly unacceptable and cannot continue. Our schools are neither rum shops nor the market square. Like placesofworship,schoolsshouldbeoff-limitsforthesekinds of violent behaviours. Teachers have already made clear where they stand by coming out in solidarity with their injuredandhumiliatedcolleagues. Foritspart,theMinistry of Education must manifest zero tolerance, with no exceptions, for this type of misconduct, these instances of brawling and vulgarity by parents, who have thrown all caution to the winds, by taking matters into their hands, regardlessofsternwarningsfromtheMinistryofEducation.

Itisourpositionthattheremustbeconsequencesforthese invasions and abuses by parents. Parents have other constructive mechanisms to address their concerns. They mustfullyutilizethoseintheireffortstogettothebottomof whatnegativelyimpactedtheirchild.

We believe that the police should be called in, charges shouldbelaidinthesecircumstances;disorderlyparentsface thecourt,andiffoundguilty,thenthepenaltyshouldbeastiff fine,pluscommunitywork,andalengthyprobationperiod, duringwhichtimeschoolpremisesaretotallyoff-limits. The pictures of these parents should be published in the media, which we believe will serve as a deterrent to any repetition, and a warning to other parents contemplating abuse and violencetooureducators. Thisnonsensemuststop. Ifitdoes not,thenthereisjailing.

New proposed ID card smacks of the opaque, and the unilateral

DEAREDITOR, The lexicon of Good Governance includes Openness as an expression oftheintendedtransparency in the decision-making processes.

However, in the practice of governance in Guyana, Openness is being replaced by Opaqueness. The current case is the intended introduction of the multip u r p o s e / u n i v e r s a l identificationcard(ID).

Underthestewardshipof Dr Steve Surujbally, as the chairperson of GECOM, the introduction of a multipurpose ID card was contemplated.Inthecontext o f G o o d Governance/Openness that idea was brought to the attention of stakeholders, one of whom was the then Minister of Home Affairs, who rebuffed GECOM and literally told GECOM ‘to minditsownbusiness’.

Subsequent attempts by GECOM to improve its identification system, by the introduction of electronic fingerprint identification, were opposed by the Government nominated GECOM Commissioners The monies proposed by GECOM‘s administration for the electronic capture of fingerprints in the registration process was voted down by the said commissionersandGECOM continues to manually, inefficiently and, in many

DEAREDITOR,

WheninRome,youdoas the Romans do. Likewise, when in Guyana, you do as the Guyanese do. As an expat, I’m following that adviceandI’mdoinglikethe Guyanese people do. I am finding that assimilation is the only way to survive in this country, if you don’t want to lose your mind. If you can’t beat them, join them By doing as the Guyanese people do, I’ve become‘Guyana-ized’.

Forexample,Idon’tstop for pedestrians to cross the streets anymore. I drive like amadman,andIparkmycar illegallyanywhereIfeellike. I am no longer bothered by the ‘stink and dutty’ music concertsandthevulgarityof the music in the cars or the profanity in the people’s conversation.

Theonlythingthatstops me from becoming fully Guyana-ized is that I don’t

instances, ineffectively capture fingerprints in its voter registration process. Such a capture can only improve the quality of the f i n g e r p r i n t s a n d consequentlytheoutcomeof cross-matching which detects attempts at the duplication of registration and serves as a deterrent to attemptsatmultiplevoting.

Also, the proposal to introduce electronic fingerprint identification at the place of poll was shot downonthespuriousground that it constitutes an impediment to a voter exercising his or her right to vote, a la Justice Singh‘s decisioninthecaseofEsther Pereiravs.theAG.

Itwashoweverproffered that it could be used as an alternate form of identification, subject to a feasibilitystudy Ineffect,its use was not approved although the use of electronic fingerprint identification is now regarded as a standard operational procedure worldwide.

Wearenowfacedwitha decision of the Government tointroduceamulti-purpose IDcard. TheGovernment‘s approach to this matter begs anumberofquestions.

1.Howissuchacomplex and intricate system acceptable to those who objected to GECOM simply procuring fingerprints using anelectronicmediumunless

useprofanity,imbibealcohol orvisitrumshops.Ihonkmy car horn all the time for any reason and for no reason at all. When driving, I don’t stopatstopsigns,andIhave becomeanimpatientdriver I driveatafastrateofspeedall the time like I bought my driverlicence.

Ipaybribesandgiveout lunch money to get things done quickly I’m no longer upset about the five police checkpoints I have to go througheverySundayonmy way to church over the river and I am asked to leave something. I have become immune. I no longer notice the potholes or the ubiquitous presence of garbage on the streets anymore.

WhenIlookintotheeyes of the less fortunate, I don’t feel empathy or sympathy for them anymore I’ve becomecallous.It’ssurvival of the fittest. It’s a dog-eat-

a feasibility study is done? The capture of fingerprints electronicallyisnowroutine, tried and tested throughout the world and ironically is oneoftheintendedmeansof capturingfingerprintsforthe envisagednewIDcard.

2. Much has been said about the wide-ranging use ofthenewIDcard,including fingerprint identification, but GECOM which uses ID cards in the conduct of elections and has sought to introduce electronic fingerprintidentificationhas not been consulted on the matternorhasmentionbeen made of the intended use of thecardbyGECOM.Arethe cardsintendedtobeimposed on GECOM or will there be parallel ID card systems? Why has the introduction of electronic fingerprint identification by GECOM been so vehemently opposed, although the new system will have such a feature?

Is theintroductionof the new system without any reference to GECOM the best use of the nation‘s resources?

3. Guyana has a legal authority that is responsible fornationalregistration.Are we about to constitute another authority for that purpose?

InmostofLatinAmerica and the Caribbean and even further afield, the national registrationagencyhasbeen vestedwiththeauthorityfor

dog society I’m living in, only the strong survive. I’m Guyana-ized. I’m living a carefreelife,andIdon’tcare aboutothersoranythingelse anymore. I only care about me, myself and I. I have become institutionalized, Guyana-ized I accept anything and everything

This is Guyana. Like it or hateit.Takeitorleaveit.It’s whatitis.

Living in Guyana is incredibly interesting, confusing.

Firstyouhatelivinghere. Then you get used to living here. Enough time passes, you get so, you start liking livinghere.

That’s when you’ve become Guyana-ized, institutionalized I’m no longer bothered by Guyanese who are always late and those private businesses and government officesthatwastemytime.I have assimilated into the

producing, and regulating the use, of multi-purpose nationalIDcards;and

4.TheuseofanIDcardis integral to GECOM‘s administration of a free and fair election, yet modernizinganareathathas been of concern has not found itself on to the modernizationagendaorisit the intention to simply impose the new cards on GECOM,althoughGECOM hasaconstitutionalmandate that should insulate it from suchexternalimpositions.

Itshouldbenotedthatthe recount of the 2020 election results threw up verified evidence of ballots cast for persons who ostensibly are holdersofIDcardsalthough theywerenotpresenttocast thoseballots.

This raises questions about the manner in which GECOM is being excluded from the process of implementing and/or using new ID cards that can facilitate electronic fingerprint identification

Myappealisforopennessin the implementation of any new ID card and the consequential adherence to the other elements of Good Governance, including inclusivity that will provide forarationalizedandmutual approach, and an acceptable o u t p u t , t o t h e implementation of a new nationalIDcard.

Yourssincerely, VincentAlexander

Guyanese culture. I find myself urinating in the streets anywhere and everywhere. I no longer see fearintheeyesofthepoorest ofpoor Inolongerfeeltheir pain I no longer feel compassion or empathy for them. I feel nothing. I have becomeoneoftheminwhich I no longer care about anyoneelsebutmyself.

I’m Guyanized Like most of the citizenry, I feel unsafe and trapped in this country Like many Guyanese, I feel like my country has forgotten me. I no longer feel sorry when I hear of people dying from accidents,domesticviolence or suicide. I have become numb. To avoid humiliation andfrustration,Itrytoavoid going to all government agencies and banks because I’m not treated with respect anddignity

Yourstruly, TonyfromMahaicony

BeingGuyaneseistobecomecold,callous,corrupt,andmuchmore

Death has overtaken our roadways; crime has increased tenfold

DEAREDITOR,

I was about nine years old when one afternoon my mothersentmewiththe‘box hand’moneytogivetosister Irene I do not like explaining things in detail becauseIwriteforafamiliar audience but recently it was brought to my attention that manynonGuyanesereadmy proffering and would like to have a good grasp of the thingsIwriteabout.

‘Box’ which Jamaicans refertoas‘partner’iswhere a number of people give a certain amount of money to one person to keep for the purpose of giving each person the full amount of money in a given week or month. If ten people put a thousand dollars a month, onepersonwouldcollectten

thousand this month and the rotation continues until everyone got that full amounteachmonth.

I will, for the purpose of this missive, refer to sister Irene as Sis. That was how everyone in the community greeted her My mother had wrappedthemoneyinbrown paperandplaceditinplastic which was firmly knotted. Today, when I use my debit card, I often think of the notion of money in plastic andwonderiftheworldgotit from her By the time I had taken the shortcut through Pappy’s yard, debating whetherIshouldstoptojoin a game of cricket with Clement Henry, Louie and the other boys in our small and tightly knit community, therainhadbeguntodrizzle.

IhitthemainroadinHalf Mile and dashed into Sis yard and knocked on the door She opened and I handed my mother’s ’box money’ and said, “Mammy senddis.”.Iwasabouttoturn away when she said, “no, comeinandshelter.”

“Sit down on that chair over there, mek yo self comfortable. The rain soon done.” Sheurged.Sis,Iwas told came to Linden from Buxton.Iwastoldsheknew Eusi Kwayana personally The stories abound about Kwayana;itwassaidthathe wasamysticmanthatcould be in two places at the same time. A child hearing such begins to think about the paranormal and fear creeps in. Sis was an old woman withagedbutgoodskin.Her

face was set in permanent seriousness. She always had her head covered Sis appeared to sense I was afraidandsaidsomethingto meIwillneverforget.

“Dishouseisheadedbya good spirit suh is a good place.Noharmgoncometo yuh...seenorunseen.

You get it? Yuh get it straight?Duhdifferent.”The reassuringwarmthshesaidit withevaporatedmyfear

She continued. “If the owner of the house is wicked, the whole house becomeswicked,evenifthe innocent and righteous in it. Nowyuhhavetoworry Yuh get it? Yuh get it straight? Good,duhdifferent.”

SincethePPPtookoffice in 2020, the carnage on our roadways is staggering

AFChasabout113,000reasonstohidefrom2023LGE

DEAREDITOR,

First, Guyanese should ignore the call from the Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, to boycott the elections.

People have a reason to gotothepolls.Ourcountryis developing rapidly and we play an important role in democracy and in holding leaders accountable; unlike when his APNU-AFC Coalitiongovernmentwasin office and voter turnout dropped to below 50% Stabroek News on 17th of November 2018 reported that:“TheGuyanaElections Commission (GECOM) yesterday confirmed that a mere 36.3% or 208,534 of the 573,923 registered electors turned up to cast their ballots when the 2018 LocalGovernmentElections (LGE) were held across the

countryonMonday The figure represents a morethan10%declinefrom the 47.1% recorded for the 2016 LGE. At the time of those elections, 239,070 of the 507,584 persons eligible to vote cast their ballots. Based on these figures, this year’spollssawover30,000 fewer voters.” That people did not participate as they should says a lot about the governance of the time. The fact that the PPPC won significantly at the 2018 LGE also says that the APNU-AFC Coalition government could not mobilisetheirownpeopleto go out and vote. In contrast, by the time that the 2020 General and Regional Elections came around, an opportunity to change the government, voter turnout, was72.58%.

Secondly,Mr Ramjattan

claimsthathisPoliticalParty (if we can still call his outfit that)hasvalidreasonsfornot contesting the elections and the main one is the Voters’ List. But the truth is that: one,theAPNUdidnotgothe 2018LGEwiththeAFCand theAFCislikelytobelefton its own again; two, theAFC wasbeatby113,000votesby the PPPC; and three, the AFCisunlikelytomakeany kind of inroads at the 2023 LGE. On the issue of the Voters’List,asperGuyana’s constitution and a ruling of the High Court, Guyanese whowereregisteredtovote, but have since migrated cannot be removed from the Voters’List. Thereportfrom ElectionsObserverMissions (EOMs) in 2020 recognized that this contributed to the total number on the Voters’ List. The final report from the Election Observer

Mission sent by the Carter Center, on page 10, said: “The number of registered v

population, in part because Guyana allows Guyanese living overseas to remain on the voters list ” The European Union Election Observer Mission in their finalreport,onpage16,said: “...Guyana’shighemigration rate may be the most significantfactoraccounting for an ‘inflated’ list.” The line about a bloated Voters’ List is worn out already Enoughisenough. YoursTruly, AnsonPaul

Death has overtaken our roadways; crime has increased tenfold. Cousins shootingcousins,suicidehas skyrocketed.Rapeandabuse gonethroughtheceiling.

Strange and mysterious deaths have overtaken Guyana. Wanton suffering everywhere Sexual lawlessness is the order of theday Therainshavecome and Guyanese are made to shelter in the house of evil. Noneissafe.IthinkofSisin

times like this and hope one day I can sit and talk with Eusi Kwayana. I feared the righteous spirits as a child. Today, I have to call out the demonsamongstus.Yuhget it? Yuh get it straight? That different. The spirit of sister IrenefromBuxtontoLinden guidesthismissive.Riseup, Guyanese.

Sincerelyyours, NormanBrowne Social and Political Activist

Elections fraud cases, why the standstill two years later?

DEAREDITOR,

Anotherdayinthelifeof the elections fraud cases before the court and another promptputoff(SNMar14), while persons charged are roamingonpaltrybail. Two years and the cases cannot havetheirdayincourt. This is pure damn nonsense (that phraseagain).

Whatdoes the DPPhave to say about the continued delay and slothfulness in gettingthesemattersstarted? Orwoulditbeacasethatone daywewillbetoldthecases

can no longer be prosecuted orproceedduetotheamount oftimeelapsed? Incontrast other countries, notably the U S, have had its turbulent post-election matters dealt with and persons found culpable are behind bars. Why Guyana has to be different?

The prolonging of these cases is justice denied to aggrieved citizens The Court has a responsibility to ensurethisdoesnothappen.

Yoursfaithfully, ShamshunMohamed

Guyaneseneedswork tooMr./Miss.Investors

DEAREDITOR,

Guyana’s construction industry is facing increasing demand for experienced and qualifiedlocalworkers.

Employing the local workforce with the right training and resources can helpstrengthentheeconomy by reducing the need for foreignworkersandcreating more job opportunities for nationals. Investing in our local workforce can also bridge the salary gap between foreign and local employees, giving more money to the local economy and providing more people with jobs, on top of that, it cancreateasenseofnational pride,givingourworkforcea greater sense of purpose and belonging. Fire Sprinkler & Safety Equipment Services of 56 Area H Ogle East CoastDemeraraareproudto bepartofGuyana’seffortsin building a safe and secure infrastructure.

Our company follows all Nation Fire Protection

Association (NFPA) regulations and standards, ensuringthatallofourwork is up to code and approved. We specialize in fire protection services, providingarangeofservices tailored to meet the needs of our commercial and residentialcustomers.Weare committed to providing the highestqualityofservicefor all of our customers. Our team of highly trained and certified technicians has years of experience working

DEFENCE DIPLOMACY

DEAREDITOR,

in the fire protection industry, and they understandtheimportanceof safetyandqualityassurance. We use only the best equipment and materials, providing reliable and efficient fire protection solutions that meet all relevant regulations Our services include installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and repairs of fire sprinklers, fire suppression systems, emergency lighting systems, and other safety equipment. Wealsoprovideessentialfire safety consulting services to help our customers make informed decisions about theirfireprotectionsystems. We believe that all businesses should have access to the best fire protection services and products.

That’s why we strive to deliverthehighestqualityof serviceatcompetitiveprices. We have an experienced team on hand to answer any questionsyoumayhave,and we’re available 24/7 for emergencyservices.

Wewouldbegratefulfor the opportunity to provide our services in Guyana and help build the infrastructure for a safe and secure future. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about our fire protectionservices.

Sincerely,

VishulIshwaridin Fire Sprinklers & Safety EquipmentServices

On February 24, 2023, President IrfanAli declared; ‘’DefenceDiplomacywillbe paramount in Guyana’s foreignpolicy”.

Headdedthatitwillbe‘a most critical link between foreign policy, the State’s defence mechanism and government’s development strategy and will be ‘a key feature of the country’s national architecture ’ Addressing newly promoted ranks of the GDF, he contextualized Defence Diplomacy to mean that ‘as the country progresses, new strategieswillbepursued’.

While this was an important announcement, indications are that, save for its publicity in state-owned media, media traction of the President’s announcement hasbeenovertakenbyrecent developments on the political front. This was reflected in President Ali’s strong condemnation of statementsmadebyaleading member of the WPA who, while speaking at a public meetingatBuxton,calledon theJointForcesto“aimtheir gunsintherightdirection.”

Soon after, Chief-ofStaffoftheGuyanaDefence Force (GDF) and Chairman of the Joint Services BrigadierGodfreyBess,ina statement ‘urged politicians and other commentators to ‘refrainfrommisleadingand mischievous remarks that seek to incite racial tension anddeviatefrompeace’

Bess made it clear that ‘the Joint Services is an apoliticalinstitutionandwill continue to serve the people of Guyana ’ S/N in its editorial of 12 3 ’23 headlined; ‘Hate Speech’ referred to the WPA’s representative speech;

’He described the situation in the country as a matter of “political urgency”. He said that the PPP/C had used the police and the GDF in the past to “execute”Africans, and that inthepresentcircumstances, “Wehavetoactandwehave toactquickly.”

The editorial reminded; ‘what is more frightening is

thefactthatethnicrancouris often easy to foment and always hard to stop.’ Ralph Ramkarran in his column headlined ‘Politics and the Joint Services in the same editionofS/Nremindedthat ‘Guyana’smilitaryhascome a long way since the days of ‘party paramountcy’when it was required to swear politicalloyaltytotheruling clique,sustainedinpowerby riggedelections,inwhichthe military was unfortunately forced to assist.’ The big question now is, in the light of the current uproar over attempts by extremist politicalelementstodragthe military and security forces into divisive political and ethnic matters, where does DefenceDiplomacyfigurein all this? According to Lech Drab(PhD)oftheFacultyof NationalSecurityoftheWar Studies University, Warsaw, Poland, the main areas of defencediplomacyare:

b i l a t e r a l a n d multilateral cooperationestablished and maintained at a high level by both civilian and military representatives;

· education and military training;

·militaryexercises;

· military missions and operations;

i n t e l l i g e n c e cooperationandexchangeof information on the militarypolitical situation and other eventsrelatedtotheissuesof security and the state of the armedforcesofotherstates; cooperation within international security organisationsandalliances; activities related to arms control, disarmament and confidence-building measures;

· legal and legislative cooperation;

· cooperation in the field ofdefenceindustries;

· military assistance and support for the armed forces ofothercountries; historical military cooperation and patriotic education. Drab emphasises that, ‘Different countries give Defence Diplomacy different content, strictly adapted to the needs of their ownsecuritypolicy.’

In this regard, the defence and security policy of the state of Guyana is definedinarticle197Aofthe constitution which reads:

“(1)TheState’sdefenceand security policy shall be to d e f e n d n a t i o n a l independence, preserve the country’s sovereignty and integrity and guarantee the normal functioning of institutions and the security ofcitizensagainstanyarmed aggression.’ Against this backdroptheroleoftheGDF is ‘to defend the territorial integrity of Guyana and to assist the civil power in the maintenance of law and orderwhenrequiredtodoso aswellastocontributetothe economic development of Guyana’.

In the circumstances, it appearsthatthefifthbulletin Drab’s eleven point ‘main areasofDefenceDiplomacy’ seemstobethemostrelevant atthispointintimegiventhe exigencies of the political situation in Guyana Moreover, with regard to content and adaptation of Defence Diplomacy, the President’s allusion that DefenceDiplomacywillbea key feature of our foreign policy, our defence mechanism and our development strategy’could notbeclearer ButPresident Alididnotstopthere.

He went on to highlight thehumanresourcefactorof Defence Diplomacy stressing that “training and experience of the GDF will

No water supply for residents of Good Hope Phase Three

DEAREDITOR,

I am writing to bring to your attention the dire situation we are currently facing with regards to our water supply at Good Hope Phase Three. The quality of our water supply has been deteriorating over the past few months, and it has now reachedacriticallevel.

For the past week the

be converted into an additional knowledge set to positiontheForcetoproduce men and women to be part the country’s Defence Diplomacy ” “Additional knowledge set” should be readtomeanthatinaddition to its role as provided for in theGuyanaconstitutionviz;

‘The Guyana Defence Force established under the Defence Act shall in the d i s c h a r g e o f i t s c o n s t i t u t i o n a l responsibilities function in such a manner as to earn the respect and enjoy the confidenceofcitizens.’From a Guyanese perspective, an appropriate theatre for the practice of its Defence Diplomacy would be the Conference of Ministers of Defence (CMDA) whose overallpurposeis;‘Tofoster mutualknowledge,analysis, debateandexchangeofideas and experiences on defense and security matters in attempts to better contribute to the development of its member states (CMDA Regulations–TitleII,Article 2). Based on recent declarations, the CMDA’s concern of security of the state has been broadened to includehumansecurity.

Another theatre that would allow Guyana to engage in the practice of Defence Diplomacy would be the Regional Security System(RSS).TheRSSisan international agreement for the defence and security of theEasternCaribbean.

Itsetsouttopreservethe peace and stability of the region by delivering worldclass, professional, effective and efficient services through cooperative engagement with partner nations, the security sector and the peoples of the region.’ The RSS envisages its future expansion with SouthAmerica.

supply of water has been nonexistent,amajorconcern for many residents in our community, as we rely on a steadysupplyofcleanwater for our daily needs We would appreciate it if the management of Guyana waterInccanurgentlyfinda solutiontothisproblem.

Regards, M.Singh

A manifestation of the RSS’ ‘future expansion to South America’ was demonstrated when at the 33rd Inter-sessional meeting ofCARICOMHeadsheldin Belize,membersstatesofthe RSS who were present, signed the protocol that would allow Guyana to join theregionalsecuritybody W h i l e D e f e n c e Diplomacy presupposes greater spending for r e p r e s e n t a t i o n a l enhancement abroad, at the sametime,itaugurswellfor Guyana’sforeignpolicy,and the country’s national architecture.

Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee

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

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INVESTOR CONFIDENCE, HOW ABOUT GUYANESE CONFIDENCE? - PART 5

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John Hess and Darren Woods batting for their people…

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Who is batting for benefits for the Guyanese people?

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Are Guyanese considered so dumb that they don’t know about real benefits?

Why are Guyana’s President and Vice President speaking more like Exxon’s directors?

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What has gotten into them that they cannot say a word, lift a finger for Guyanese?

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Now that would build Guyanese confidence, their respect for leaders, even a following.

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defends handpicking German firm for

US$35M e-ID card contract

-formerAuditorGeneralinsistscontract inbreachofprocurementlaws

Amid growing concerns Laws of Guyana and added for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh about the Government of that the company Veridos and Minister within the Guyana (GoG) recent Identity Solutions is “an Ministry of Public Works, decision to sole-source a internationally reputable Deodat Indar attended the German-based company to group.” The contract for the signingceremony produce an integrated S i n g l e E l e c t r o n i c PresidentAlisaidthatthe e l e c t r o n i c n a t i o n a l Identification System and S i n g l e E l e c t r o n i c identification card that will cards that will be issued to Identification System being be costing taxpayers US$35 Guyanese was signed last developed for Guyana will million – the Ministry of Friday at State House not only enhance the ease of F i n a n c e ( M O F ) o n locatedinGeorgetown. transactions but will be one

President Irfaan Ali and other officials at the contract signing on Friday.

(Department of Public Information photo)

Civil Aviation Organization inarecentstatementsaidthat Guyana including the Wednesday issued a President Irfaan Ali as of the most technologically (ICAO) for international the signing of the agreement procurement laws.” The statement defending the well as Prime Minister, advanced. He said that too travel. to operationalise e- ministry continued: contract.

Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark that the cards will be

On the heels of the governance in Guyana, “Additionally, the company

The Finance Ministry Phillips; Senior Minister compliant with 18013-5 of contract being awarded, without the framework who will be developing the claimedthatthecontractwas within the Office of the the ISO Standard and will be FormerAuditor General and legislation covering Data solution for Guyana is a awardedinaccordancetothe President with responsibility acceptedbytheInternational Stabroek News Columnist, Protection being in place, is highly regarded supplier of Anand Goolsaran, in his reckless in the extreme. The items of this nature Monday column stated that body said that given the internationally, and its while sole-sourcing is haste, absence of public shareholding comprises two catered for under national consultation and threats to major entities operating in emergencies and national the integrity of personal the secure printing industry security, the awarding of the information, not to mention worldwide, Giesecke & contract facilitated by the the seeming illegality of D e v r i e n t a n d United Arab Emirates sole-sourcing the project, it Bundesdruckerei GmbH, (UAE), Sheikh Ahmed bin iscallingfortheprojecttobe both of whom have SaeedAlMaktoum,doesnot paused and submitted to u n c h a l l e n g e a b l e qualify Infact,hecontended Parliament. longstanding reputations that while the sole-sourcing In a statement issued on globally.” section of the Act was used, Wednesday, the Finance According to the the justification is flawed Ministry claimed that, statement, the Government because the project cannot “Contrary to the false maintains that the contract be classified as being one of assertion made by the with Veridos was lawfully nationalsecurity GHRA, the contract in executed, adding that the Also,theGuyanaHuman question was awarded in full projectisintendedtodeliver RightsAssociation(GHRA), conformity with the Laws of (Continued on page 22)

WHO IS BEST SUITED FOR THE JOB?

The best person for the job! This is what is called meritocracy and this is what should be followed as far as is possible within public administration.

The fact that someone hasbeenactinginaposition does not mean that person should have the first call on the job even though it is always uncomfortable when someonehasbeenactingfor a long time to have to give way to another person, particularly if that person is from outside of the organisation.

Therearealotofpersons who are acting in positions and who when they are bypassedforconfirmationor appointment become very bitter Buttheyshouldnotbe if the person that takes the position in which they were actinginisbetterinthesense of having what it takes, including the requisite e x p e r i e n c e a n d qualifications for the position.

The fact that someone has worked in an institution for a number of years does not necessarily mean that personissuitedforthejob.

Infact,stayinginonejob without international exposure,upgradingofone’s qualifications and experience in managerial or technical positions is a

recipe for becoming redundant Technology is changing so quickly that unlessonekeepsupwiththe changes,longevitywithinan organization does not count formuch.

So, securing the right personforthejobshouldbea priority even if it means bringing in someone with e x p e r i e n c e a n d qualifications from overseas who has been exposed to modernwaysofdoingthings because if there is someone atthehelmwhounderstands the changes in the technological environment in any sector, that person may be able to adapt fast enough.

Atthesametime,thefact that someone is acting in a position does not mean that person is the best available p e r s o n w i t h i n a n organization. There may be other persons within that very organization, some of whom may have more qualifications and years of service than the person acting.

Those persons should also be considered when it comes to making an appointment but in the final analysis, the entity has to lookattherangeofskillsthat it needs to fill any position and should seek to find

Dem Boys Seh...

someone with what it takes even if it means going outside the organization or outsidethecountry

But if a choice has to be made based on candidates’ internal status in an organization, then all eligible persons should be considered.

There should be no automatic preference based only on seniority Any union, therefore, that representsworkerswithinan entity cannot be seen as making representation for a particular candidate on the basis that that person has been acting in the position. Theunionalsorepresentsthe otherworkersinternaltothe organizationandthereforeif someone else within the organization is considered, then once that selection is meritorious then there shouldbenoproblem.

Butwhathappensifthere aretwocandidateswithinan organization vying for a position and there is also an external candidate The unionobviouslywouldwant oneofitsmemberstogetthe job.

In this situation, the union cannot take the position that it does not expect one of the internal employees to be overlooked because if it takes this position, it is ruling out

Exxon get free for all in Guyana

Last Sunday de Waterfall newspaper carriedastoryaboutthehowExxonandits partners can claim cost recovery on a wide range of expenses and dem nah gat to wait pon Ministerial approval before dem claim it.DemjustgattosendwedeBill. Datisde contract wah sign. And dat is de contract wah de new government nah want to renegotiate.

But dem gat a way to catch any crookedness. It call real time auditing. But decontractmekdatimpossiblealso.Butwe could get timely auditing and pick up any expenseswhichshouldnotbethere.Butwe seem to be moving at de wrong pace with auditingdeexpenses.

Bydetimewegetaroundtoauditingde expenses, the period fuh object to any cost alreadygoneandwegattopaywhateverthe

oilcompaniesthrowatus.

This is why it is important dat we get international help0 fuh do we auditing. We knewtodeoilandgasbusinessandweneed peoplewithexperiencefuhcomeinandhelp we.

Anddehgatpeoplewhowillingtodoso.

Butforsomereason,degovernmentnah eventekkingdempeopleseriously Butdem must be concerned with de procurement laws which state dat all contracts gat to be tendered.

Butdegovernmentdoesobservedelaw in a strange way Dem does tender fuh nuff things. And plenty of dem tender is single sourcing. So how we can get economic justice in dis country when de government nahwantrenegotiatedecontract?

Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

favouring another employee from within the same organization who may be suitably qualified for the position gaining the nod. In the final analysis, those responsiblehavetoselectthe individual they feel is best suited for the job and once there is no favouritism and bias there shouldn’t be no problem.

Often, however, if someoneischosenwhodoes not find favour with others, thereisusuallyabighueand cry of favouritism, rather than considering the whole picture and why that person

w a s c h o s e n

Those responsible for makingselectionsoftenhave toconsidertheskillssetthey want.

Theyhavetodecidewho they feel is best suited and sometimes this choice may not go down well with others, including the representatives of workers.

But once things are explained,thereshouldbeno problem in the end because theworldhaslonggonepast the stage whereby seniority counts for anything when it comes to appointments

It is often the ability to get

the job done, skills of innovation and the ability to keep abreast with new technologieswhichoftentilt the balance in favour of the successfulapplicant.

(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.)

Guyana gets $1.1B EU grant for forest management, Amerindian livelihood

The Government ofGuyana(GoG) on Wednesday received $1.1 billion (€ 5 million) grant from the European Union (EU) to maintain its forest and naturalresources,aswellas to strengthen sustainable development inAmerindian communities The agreement was signed by President Irfaan Ali and DeputySecretaryGeneralof European Union Action Service, Helena Konig, at State House, located in Georgetown.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that the newly inked agreement stemmed from high level discussions at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 27 in Egypt last November The implemented partners are the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF)Guianas.

With the $1.1 billion

funding, Amerindian communities will create sustainable business venturesthatwillreducethe pressure on its natural resources, and overall, preserve the forest and its biodiversity President Ali said the partnership is essential to addressing global challenges, noting that it matches his administration’s efforts of creating a low carbon economy and supporting sustainablelivelihoods.

Guyana, he stressed, is working to be at the forefront of sustainable forest management, specifically on the utilisation of the forest for transformation of countries by creating a social, economic and sustainable model.

“Guyana’s forest is not just standing trees but an important asset that provides global services, and in the provision of this globalservice,itisonlyfair that the forest earns for the

country and its people who ensurethatitstaysintact,in support of those global services,” the president stated. Guyana and the EU have been partners working together to advance the vision of enhancing the role of Guyana’s forest in sustainable and inclusive nationaldevelopment.

“I am very pleased that we are advancing the process to implementation soquicklyaftertheinitialing o f t h e c o u n t r y ’s a g r e e m e n t T h i s partnership with AFD and WWF is underpinned by focus on what works, moving to create practical solutions, development challenges and addressing thevitalrolethatforestsplay in overcoming these challenges.

“Sustainable livelihood sits at the heart of this endeavour as when we create the opportunities for people for economic advancement and social upliftment,weprovidethem

with resources to make decisions to safeguard the environmentandprotectthe forest,”PresidentAlistated.

Importantly, the programme will ensure c o h e r e n c e , complementarity and s t r e n g t h e n i n g o f governmentinitiativesinthe region.

For example, the carbon credit sales of which 15 percentwillgotoprojectsin Amerindian communities “Villages have already outlined their various sustainability plans and we want to complement those

plans, we want to augment those plans and this is done with close alignment through the Low Carbon Development Strategy,” the presidentdisclosed.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary General of European Union Action Service commended the government’s efforts in its drive to maintain low deforestation rates and pledgedthe EU’s support in thisregard.

“The European Union has made substantial and sustainable forest management the one and

only focus in its new bilateral cooperation with Guyana, fully in line with Guyana’s own Low Carbon Development Strategy We aim to support Guyana’s ambition to preserve and enhance the sustainable development role of forests asakeyasset,”shesaid.

KonigaddedthattheEU will continue to dialogue with government agencies and communities on the ground during the inception phase, which will enable development of economic activities that will benefit thecommunities.

President Ali and EU’s Deputy Secretary General of European Union Action Service, Helena Konig at the launching ceremony (DPI photo)

Linden contractor charged with attempted murder of cousin

A Linden contractor, 27year-old Fawazz McRae, was remanded to prison for the charge of attempted murder committed on his cousin,32-year-oldSergeant ofPolice,JermainSemple.

McRae appeared before MagistrateWandaFortuneat the Linden’s Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning. His cousin, whom he shot to the head, remains on life support at the Linden HospitalComplex.

The incident occurred about21:30hrsonSunday,at the Crown and Anchor Grill andBarinLinden.

Autopsy confirms Bosai worker died from suffocation

A p o s t

ai

Employee Neptrid Hercules on Wednesday morning, confirmed that he died from suffocation.

along with other friends, outhislicensedhandgunand

A c c o r d i n g t o were imbibing at the Bamia discharged two rounds in the investigation, Semple, who CreekbeforegoingtoCrown victim’sdirectionofJermain is stationed at the Tactical andAnchor Semple. Services Unit along with his

During the altercation, One of the bullets struck brother Dervon Semple and Fawazz intervened in an the victim in his head McRae, were at the Crown attempt to end the fight, McRae was arrested and the and Anchor Grill and Bar however, Jermain Semple firearm seized. Up to press when a fight broke out turnedonhim. time, Jermain Semple was between the victim and his It was at this point still on life support at the brother. Kaieteur News Fawaaz allegedly whipped LindenHospitalComplex. understands that the trio,

After four days of searching, Hercules’ partially decomposed body was Tuesday afternoon extracted from the CAT DOZER he was operating at the time it was covered in overburden at Bosai’s East Montgomery Mines in Linden. Eyewitnesses to the the overburden for him to company for more than four extraction related that compact. Kaieteur News decades. He will be given Hercules’ body was trapped understands that when one full retirement benefits, the between the exit of the truck left and the other companyconfirmed. DOZER and the sitting arrived, there was no sign of Meanwhile, an active compartment, as if he was the machine neither investigation by the police is trying to escape The Hercules An alarm was still being carried out to rule DOZER was found some initially made His out foul play. Relative to the 100 feet below the surface of colleagues described him as breach in safety and themines. hardworking and dedicated. environmental measures, Hercules was at the time He was also a member of the other agencies such as the moving waste to a workers’union. Guyana Geology and Mines reclamation site in the mines Theentireordealhassent C o m m i s s i o n , t h e around 04:00hrs Saturday, the Linden community in a Occupational Safety and just a mere two hours before state of shock and sadness as Health Unit of the Ministry his shift ended. He was Hercules was a well-known of Labour, and the safety reportedly working alone veteran bauxite worker who department at BOSAI will where two trucks were was set to retire later this a l s o c a r r y o u t a n taking turns in transporting year He worked at the investigation.

Guyanese denied food at Reg. 9 mining camp while Brazilians dine

Gold mining activities in led to him vociferously did in fact speak with Myers Marudi Mountains, Region complaining, and as such, by phone, since he was at the Nine over the years have the General Manager had time in Georgetown. As been marred by numerous causetointervene. such, a formal police report tumultuous episodes, at During this intervention hasnotbeenfiledasyet. times leading to the however, Myers related that “I told him, I will send intervention of the relevant the General Manager armed police from Aishalton. I told authorities. himself with a cutlass that he him I will send the police

On Tuesday last, a would normally keep on his fromAishalton,Ireferredthe complaint was made to a person and this led to a ‘cuss report to Aishalton,” the senior police rank by a gold out’and he was immediately policecommanderstated.He miner, Sean Myers, of South fired and chased from the explained that the terrain in Ruimveldt, Georgetown, camp Speaking to this the area makes it difficult to where he alleged being publication via telephone travel. attacked by the General from a nearby campsite, he Myers immediately after Manager for the Mining related that when he being fired took to the public operationwhereheworks. e n q u i r e d a b o u t h i s venting his frustration on

Speaking with this outstanding salary, two days social media in a video that publicationyesterday,Myers aftertheincident,hewastold hassincebeenremovedfrom related that over the by the General Manager, theonlineplatform. weekend, he went for his “the boss done say he get Myers also informed this meals sometime around 6:30 nuff complain about me and publication that ever since PM and was told by the he don’t want me on the theissue,hehasbeenwarned baheer (Cook), who is f*@kingworksite.” to ‘get out of the back-dam’ reportedly the wife of the He added, that the before the boss gets into GeneralManagerthathewas General Manager further camp and he is now fearful late, and that there was no informed him that it was the forhislife. more food available for him. boss who hired him and as He told this publication, This, he said, angered him such, it would be the boss the General Manager in sinceatthesametimehewas who would have to pay him. question is a Brazilian being told of no food; he Speaking with Commander national but would have could have seen scores of f o r t h e D i v i s i o n , lived for several years in Brazilian workers eating in Superintendent Raphael Guyana and is also married the dining hall.This, he said, Rose, he confirmed that he toaGuyanese—thecook.

…fired immediately after complaining, now fearful for life

Neptrid Hercules’ body was recovered on Tuesday

Fawazz McRae

Police Sergeant, Jermain Semple

Financial transactions for lawyers, accountants, auditors to come under increased money laundering scrutiny

Havingbeenassessedashaving carried out are in keeping with Taskforce(FATF)underwhichfalls Authority,theMinistriesofNatural a medium high risk to the vagaries international standards and the the Caribbean Financial Action Resources and Finance and of money laundering, terrorism changing realities of the financial Taskforce (CFATF) of which AML/CFTSupervisoryAuthorities financingaswellasthefinancingof sector It is also the intention of the Guyana is a member and as such suchastheBankofGuyana,among the proliferation of weapons of administration to have AML/CFT would have to subscribe to set a host of other organisations mass destruction, Government’s supervisor’s resources (human and criteria prescribed by the Guyana as a country was prior to newly adopted National Policy at financial) be increased and to institutions. With this in mind, 2016 listed on FATF’s ‘Grey List’ revamping the system will now ensure adequate training of government said its new policy when it came to compliance include professions such as relevantstaff. seeks to ensure that Guyana Having exited CFATF’s third lawyers, accountants, auditors and According to the document, in achievesahighlevelofcompliance round, follow-up process in 2016, realestatedevelopersandothers. orderto“furtherensurethatthereis with the FATF Standards on after significantly addressing

According to the document an effective system of AML/CFT combating ML,TF and PF; “and to AML/CFT deficiencies identified recently adopted by the Cabinet, supervision in Guyana, it is effectively meet the key objectives by those bodies. The strategy, as there has been ongoing outreach necessary that this be clearly of Guyana’s AML/CFT system in presented, notes that Guyana and sensitization within the defined, in addition to the practice.” subsequently commenced the Designated Non-Financial strengthening of the supervisory To this end, the National Policy preparationprocessforitsCFATF’s Businesses and Professions framework.” andStrategyprovidesaguideofthe fourth Round Mutual Evaluation, (DNFBP) sector on the need for This is critical considering the actionsrequiredtobeundertakento which is scheduled for the third

SupervisoryAuthority National Risk Assessments improve Guyana’s effectiveness in quarter of 2023, by conducting two

This, particularly in relation to findings regarding Guyana’s mitigatingML,TF,andPF ML/TF National Risk Assessment the country’s Anti Money overall money laundering risk “This National Policy and (NRA)exercisesbetween2016and Affidavits, Notary Public Laundering and Countering the which was reported as Medium Strategy is a dynamic document 2021. Additionally, Accountants, Financing of Terrorism High. reflecting Guyana’s efforts to According to Attorney General Auditors Real Estate Brokers and (AML/CFT”regime,“andwhyitis

According to the document, the combat ML, TF and PF risks and and Minister of LegalAffairs,Anil Housing Developers are all important to have rules and newly adopted Policy and Strategy the progress in those endeavours. It Nandlall, “we recognise that we targeted to come under special reporting mechanism to combat is a five-year plan that aims to will be reviewed every three (3) cannot operate in a vacuum, and supervisory oversight. It was noted financialcrimes.” further enhance and improve years to determine whether any cooperation is important that AML/CFT supervisors will

As such, it has since been Guyana’s Anti Money Laundering amendments may be required to domestically and internationally, further intensify their efforts to proposed as a government priority, and Countering the Financing of properly satisfy each objective,” it particularly with our regional supervise high- risk sectors, and to establish Supervisory Terrorism and Proliferation of said. counterparts where effective and sanction non-compliant reporting Authorities for the targeted Financing (AML/CFT/PF) regime Those identified as part of the timely information sharing can entities. vulnerable areas of the DNFBPs byaddressingtherisksidentifiedin process includes; The Attorney make a vast difference in the

Additionally, as the country regime. secondNRAReportandimplement General’s Chambers, The detection and prevention of all aims to update its regime, the

This will include establishing the strategy in conjunction with Chambers of the Director of Public crime, more specifically, financial adopted policy proposed that Bank appropriateAML/CFT supervisory Guyana’s Risk Based Action Plan. Prosecutions, the Financial and organised crime.” He said too, of Guyana review supervision oversight for Attorneys-at-Law, Guyana is a member of the Intelligence Unit, the Guyana inthedocumentthat“additionally, policies procedures and manuals to Commissioner of Oaths to International Financial Action Police Force, the Guyana Revenue (Continued on page 22) ensure that supervisory activities

Oilcompanydonates$4MtohelprebuildChristChurch

e t r o l e u m Guyana Limited

(CPGL), one of the three joint venture partners in Guyana’s Stabroek offshore petroleum block has come to the assistance of the Christ Church Secondary School withacashdonationof$4M.

The A List Georgetown School, which caters to 502 learners and employs 39 teachers, was situated at the corner of Camp and Middle Streets before it was destroyed by fire on January 12. The donation is to be used towards the school’s rebuildingefforts.

The cheque for $4M was handed over by Mr Liu Xiaoxiang, the President of CPGL, to Headmistress Ms. Sumanta Alleyne, at a special assembly of the and is greatly appreciated highlighted that the donating 21 scholarships so will help in some small way G u y a n a m a k i n g students and staff at the whileeffortsareunderwayto inspiration for the donation fartodisadvantagedstudents to replace some of your contributions to the local school’s temporary location replace and acquire urgently was rooted in the traditional fortertiarystudies. losses and rehabilitate your community CPGL’s at the Cyril Potter College of needed equipment and Chinese conviction to come I n t h a n k i n g t h e school. contribution also came in for Education, Turkeyen, supplies that were lost in the to the assistance of those in administration of Christ We hope that you will praise and appreciation from yesterday afternoon. Present catastrophicfire. need. Church Secondary School succeed in your studies and theChairmanoftheBoardof wererepresentativesofthe CPGL President Liu Mr Liu recalled that for its cooperation in be a part of Guyana’s bright Christ Church Secondary School’s ParentTeachers Xiaoxiangrecountedthatthe CPGL is highly in favour of accepting the $4M donation, future,”heconcluded. School, Ms Kishanti Association, the Ministry of management and staff of his contributing to the Mr Liu expressed the hope Mr Chen Xilai, Deputy Ramdular, PTA President, Education, and the Embassy firm were touched by the promotion of education in that the sum would help to Chief of Mission at the Mr Loknauth, and Ms of China Headmistress tragicoutcomeofthefireand Guyana. He underscored a relieve the difficult Embassy of China in Tiffany Harvey, Deputy Alleyne expressed her are delighted to be of number of initiatives his circumstances facing the Guyana, identified the Chief Education Officer gratitude to CPGL, stating assistance to the affected company has made to the students and staff. “We hope donation as a good example representing the Ministry of that the donation is timely students and staff He education sector, including that CPGL’s donation today of Chinese companies in Education.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall S.C.

Representatives of the school and CPGL President along with other officials at the handing over of the cheque

Woman accused of stealing ex-boyfriend’s money to pay off her debts -Courthears

A 23-year-old teacher Magistrates’ Court to pay boyfriendtopayoffpersonal Sobers, of Soesdyke, East Soberswasafrequentvisitor was on Wednesday given back $467,000 she admitted debts. Bank Demerara, was found at his stall and had visited two days by the Georgetown to stealing from her ex- The defendant, Nakasia guiltyoftheoffencebyChief him that day, a short while Magistrate, Ann McLennan. after he had secured his The court heard that Sobers money. He had alleged that had stolen cash from her ex- she spent some time in his boyfriend on December 20, car alone before he dropped 2022 at Avenue of the her off at the Timehri Bus Republic Georgetown. Her Park. ex-boyfriend reportedly Upon his return to his owns a shoe stall at Avenue stall, he checked for the of the Republic and Robb money and it was missing. Street and on the day in The ex-boyfriend reported question,hesecuredthecash the matter to police and in a box and placed it in his Soberswaslaterarrested. car that was parked close by (Continued on page 19)

the teacher who has two days to pay back her ex

Nakasia Sobers,

Taxi driver dies after crashing into culvert

Li’s crashed car submerged in a trench at La Belle Alliance.

A28-year-old taxi According to police driverwaskilled reports, Li crashed around on Tuesday 23:40hrs. He was reportedly

evening after he proceeding north in his hire crashed his car into a culvert car HD 252 at a fast rate of along the La Belle Alliance speed, with a passenger Public Road, Essequibo identified as 20-year-old of Coast,RegionTwo. Aliyah Harris of Coffee

The dead man was Grove, Essequibo Coast, identified as Amos when he lost control of the Christopher Li, a father of vehicle and crashed into a four and an unborn child, of culvertlocatedonthe 26LaBelleAlliance. (Continued on page 22)

Govt. to spend $550M to rehabilitate DHB pontoons

The Demerara Harbour Bridge relatedworkswillbecarriedouttoensurethe Corporation (DHBC) which falls under the safetyofthestructure.Asreported,thebridge MinistryofPublicWorksispreparingtohave has been in service for a very long time and 28pontoonsfromthebridgerehabilitatedthis evenoutlivedits40-yearslifespan. year During the opening of tenders at the Thebridgewouldsoonbereplacedbythe National Procurement and Tender constructionofanewDemeraraRiverBridge Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it whichacontracthasalreadybeensignedfor was revealed that the 28 pontoons include 24 As the DHBC is set to rehabilitate these regular pontoons (16’4" x 69’) and four large pontoons,lastyearithadtenderedforsimilar ones(23’x79’). works for another set of pontoons. The

This project which is estimated to cost Corporation had tendered to have 28 $550,918,280 has attracted six contractors. pontoonsrehabilitatedatanestimatedcostof These contractors are as follow: Zeco Group $322million. of Services Inc. ($544,412,152); Guyana That contract was awarded to contractor National Industrial Company Inc S Jagmohan Construction and General ($249,578,946); Dockyard ($418,336,647); Supplies Inc. to the tune of $320,383,632. In Industrial Fabrication Inc. ($373,622,177); relation to that project, General Manager of Gopi Investment Inc. ($538,883,400); and the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, EC Vieria Construction & General Supply Mr Wayne Watson had told this publication Inc.($362,820,680). that rehabilitative works on these pontoons

Kaieteur News understands that the havebeenlongoverdue.

Dead taxi driver, Amos Christopher Li

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

Womanaccusedofstealingex-boyfriend’s...

From page 14 wouldpayhimbackthemoneyinpartsbuthe She reported admitted to stealing the money didnotagree.ThemanconfirmedthatSobers from him. According to her, she had some did offer to pay back the money but when he outstanding debts to pay off and when she called for the payments, she never answered entered the back seat of his car, she saw the her phone. Sobers was given another chance moneyanddecidedtotakeit. by the court to pay back the money but she Sobers claimed that she told her ex- hastodosobyFridayMarch17.Ifshefailsto boyfriend that she had $200,000 at home and meetthedeadlinethensoberswillbejailed.

WANTED VACANCY

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

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.

One Massagist/ Physiotherapist needed. Call: 6159132. 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.

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.

Skilled Carpenters, Masons and Labourers needed. Call: 602-9469, 660-6385 or 6257642.

Inventory Clerk needed to work in fish plant facility. Call:223-7165 /625-2573.

Truck Driver needed. Call: 663-3866.

Govt. defends handpicking...

From page 8 a product that will transform citizen experience in Guyana with the introduction of the integrated electronic national identification card.

agencies, security, ease of use, and acquisition of IDs.

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.

Old Oxygen Cylinders for sale, 6ft Height by 6 inch diameter. Contact: 623-5121.

Alsatian Husky puppies, 9 weeks old, vaccinated, very smart, loyal, powerful and great guard dog. Call: 6615008.

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.

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.

Hardware Plumbers or electrical Sales Representatives needed. Call: 2269416/ 679-7391 or Email: innovationamerica @gmail.com

VACANCY

Carwash workers to work at Romain carwash & detail center. Call: 643-3939.

Delivery Clerk, Cleaners and Porters needed. Apply @ Lens Hardware, Call: 2271511/ 645-1613.

Experienced Hauler/ Lorry Driver and Porters required. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda.

It was stated that once introduced, the card will enable citizens to interact with all government agencies and many private sector entities using this single unique and secure identifier, and will vastly improve the efficiency of service delivery to citizens.

Promoting e-governance

At the signing last week, President Ali said that the card’s capabilities are also in keeping with his Government’s commitment to promote eGovernance to improve the productivity of businesses and the delivery of Government services through the introduction of eHealth, eEducation, eSecurity, eAgriculture, electronic permit, and license processing among other areas.

The President added, “This ID system would improve access to all citizencentric Government services and benefit the citizens, private sector and Government alike.

This will bring us in line with solutions used by the most developed economies, and position Guyana to be a competitive sphere in a world that is advancing drastically along a technological landscape.”

The system, and the cards by extension, according to the President, will also allow for the issuance of work permits and resident identification.

“E-ID systems promote the idea of one citizen, one identity by assigning a unique national registration number to each citizen for use by all Government agencies,” Ali noted.

tiveness, the efficiency all improved as a result of this technology.” Moreover, President Ali also stated that the system will adhere to the highest level of international standards.

According to him, “The system allows the capture of individuals’ biographical and biometric information based on international standards and stores it to provide identity-based services to individuals and other Government offices.

The ID and resident cards are laser engraved, black and white technology with secure, preprinted designs and devices for a state-of-the-art polycarbonate document, which includes a chip that can integrate a variety of services to the individual.”

FOR RENT

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.

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

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

Business spot for rent @ Mon Repos mall, ground floor. Call: 643-3939.

He noted that the enhancement is necessary because there is an immediate need to implement a robust national identity management system that focuses on the integration of identification services across government

The Head-of-State also noted that in addition to improving Government services, the system will also benefit the private sector.

He continued, “So, the cost of doing business, the effectiveness, the competi-

The President said the system and software will be tailored for Guyana and will include implementation services, training of administrators and operators, local help desk support and 60 months of support and maintenance.

The project is expected to have a 12-month implementation period.

Financial transactions for lawyers...

From page 13 we recognize that this National AML/CFT/PF Policy and Strategy can only be successful when linked to the strategic objectives of other important elements in the battle against money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF) and proliferation financing (PF).”

Similarly, Guyana has been removed from the European Union’s Blacklist on Taxation.”

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.

To this end, he said the administration has been implementing measures to combat related and predicate criminal offences. These efforts, Nandlall said, have been recognised, “resulting in Guyana enjoying improved rankings in international reports such as the United States’ D epartment of State International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) and the Transparency International Corruption Index.

He said that over the years, government has taken steps to equip its citizens with AML knowledge through outreach programmes, not only in the main cities but in the interior regions and “by these measures and more to be conceived, designed and implemented, in the immediate and long-term future, the Government of Guyana demonstrably indicates an intolerance to criminal activities, and assures that the country’s systems and citizens will be protected from the ill effects of ML, TF and PF.” Additionally, the Attorney General noted that as the nation enters a period of renewed prosperity for the country with its highly

publicized discovery of offshore oil deposits, “we commit further to becoming the new frontier of integrity, prudence, fortitude and commitment to the rule of law in the preservation of our resources, the protection of our citizens and the advancement of their welfare.”

With the implementation of the newly adopted National Policy and Strategy, Nandlall is of the view it will not only bring “us in compliance with international obligations devolving upon Guyana, but will be the menu of organised strategic and targeted actions, that will create a robust and resil ient protective network, that will insulate Guyana, and in particular, its financial system from being contaminated by the proceeds of crime.”

Taxi driver dies after crashing...

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.

From page 18 western side of the road. The impact caused the car to endup in a nearby trench and both Li and his passenger had to be taken out of the partially submerged vehicle by publicspirited persons.

They were transported to the Suddie Public Hospital where Harris was admitted as a patient for a fractured left shoulder, while an unconscious Li was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Li later succumbed to his injuries. The accident has left Li’s wife in a state of shock making her unable to speak to the

press. His twin brother, Joel Christopher Li, however, said that his loss is one he is still trying to process. Joel said that the last time he spoke to his brother was around 07:00hrs on Tuesday.

“I does sell on the car park, and my brother does work taxi so we does usually go work together. The morning now I see he wake up, collect he workers them, I seh yuh fully loaded today bai, he she ‘yeah yuh done know yuh ga hustle’”, Joel told Kaieteur News.

That would be the last time Joel would see his brother

alive. Hours later, he was awoken to the news that Li was involved in an accident.

“When this thing happen, I was home sleeping cause I ain’t see he come home the night so I seh he might probably come home more late. So I collect me three children and gone and sleep. Around 11:30, I jump out me sleep cause I hear mommy shouting ‘Amos.’ So I ask mommy wa happen she said Amos just crash up the road,” Joel recounted.

Li leaves to mourn his wife with a baby on the way and his four young children.

Cops still investigating switched gold jewellery at Anna Regina Police Station

By Shervin Belgrave Prosecutions (DPP) for legal visited “Freedom House”

found out that the stolen advice Not long after PPP/C’officeonRobbStreet jewels were pawned for cash

Ramdahin’s gold chains that turned into artificial ones.

A robbery victim is still Commander Bacchus was and reached out to the at two different pawn shops to receive justice three years transferredtoRegionSixand president’s office for located in Georgetown after ranks at the Anna a new Commander was sent assistance but was pushed Ramdahin reportedly paid Regina Police Station, tothedistrict. around again “Me even off the pawn shops to located on the Essequibo It is unclear if the new raised it in a meeting them retrieve his own gold Coast, Region Two were Commander, Kemraj had at Anna Regina. Dem jewellery that the suspect accusedofreplacinghisgold Shivbarran was briefed on had a policeman walking stole and lodged them as jewellerywithfakeones. the matter but since then, around all and dem seh fuh evidence with the Anna

Since the accusation was there has been no further tellheallweconcernswegot Regina Police Station, first made in 2019, the update case. Ramdahin too andmetellheto”,Ramdahin Essequibo Coast, Region Region Two district has has been trying to get said while relating that it Two. “Me find the pawn changed three police feedback from investigators borenofruit. shop and pay off the people commanders and the victim, on the matter since last year Kaieteur News reached themfor the jewelsthemand ParmeshRamdahin,isstillto but according to him, they o u t t o C o m m a n d e r then hand them over to receivejustice. have given him a royal run Shivbarran and was told he police”, Ramdahin had told

The last update on the around leading him to wasnotbriefedonthematter Kaieteur News Everything investigation of the switched believe that there could be a He explained that the case reportedly went according to gold jewellery was almost c o v e r - u p i n t h e file will now have to be plan The suspect was oneyearago.Thethenpolice investigation Ramdahin tracked down so he could charged, placed before the Commander, Shivpersaud said he had gotten so findoutthestatusofthecase, court and later jailed for six Bacchus had told Kaieteur frustratedthat he ended up at whether the legal advice had months after he was found News that he had inherited the police headquarters at returned or if anyone was g u i l t y o f s t e a l i n g the case from the previous Eve Leary, Georgetown, prosecuted. Tracking down Ramdahin’s jewellery commander but would seeking to be appraised the file will definitely take a Ramdahinsaidthatwhenthe follow up the investigation. about the investigation whilesoKaieteurNewstried court case was over, he He did his best to continue Officers there, he claimed, other avenues by attempting decided to uplift the lodged the investigation and in would attend to him but then to find out about the case gold jewellery from police August 2022, he informed push him around again and fromofficerswhowereclose pushedaroundagain. when someone entered his but when he got there, his Kaieteur News that the send him back to Anna totheinvestigation. Meanwhile, one of the home and stole his gold ‘three gold chains turned matter was sent to the Regina. Thoseindividualsdidnot tworankswhoweresuspects jewellery The suspect artificial’. “I got back my D i r e c t o r o f P u b l i c Ramdahin said he even divulge any information but in switching the Ramdahin’s identified as Daniel Singh bands and the rings and the advised Kaieteur News that gold jewellery with fake had carted off three gold pendantforthechainsbutthe the lead investigating officer ones has been removed from chains worth more than chains were switched”, is in the district and the Region Two district $176,000, a gold band Ramdahinrecalled. Ramdahin should meet with Kaieteur News understands valued at $93,800 and two Police were forced to him to be appraised on the that he is presently assigned gold rings with a total price launch an investigation into matter in Region One. Ramdahin’s tagof$16,100. the misplaced gold chains Ramdahin is willing but trouble with his gold A report was lodged and almost three years later, they is afraid that he would be jewellery began in 2019 Singh was caught. It was arestillinvestigating.

One killed as bus crashes into fence at CJIA entrance

Passengers escape unhurt after log slips from truck onto minibus

Policehavearrestedadriverafterapieceoflumberfelloff his truck and onto the front windshield of a minibus travelling behind him along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway Wednesday evening.

The incident t occurred in the vicinity of Splashmins Resort,locatedatMadewini.

The wood, according to police is a “piece of 2x4 wood, measuringsome25feetinlength.Luckilyallofthepassengers andthedriveroftheminibusescapedunhurt.

The minibus, however, was damaged and it resulted in a confrontationbetweenthetwodrivers.

Investigationsareongoing.

Police have reported that one person and a dog were killed on Wednesday evening after a route 42 minibus crashed into the “China Harbour” fence located near the “I love Guyana” sign at the entrance to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timerhi, East bank Demerara (EBD).

Police stated that the driver and four passengers of the bus escaped unhurt. The driver has since been taken into custodyasinvestigationscontinue.

Foreign Affairs Minister updates commonwealth delegation on Guyana/Venezuela border case

Minister of ForeignAffairs and judgment that the 1899 Arbitral adjudicate Guyana’s lawsuit. On International Cooperation, Hugh Award, which established the this basis, Venezuela has initially Todd has updated Foreign location of the land boundary indicated that it will not participate MinistersoftheCommonwealthon between then-British Guiana and intheproceedings. Guyana’s legal battle with Venezuela, remains valid and On November 19, 2018, Venezuela in the decades-old binding, and that Guyana’s Guyana submitted its Memorial to border controversy case currently Essequibo region belongs to the Court refuting Venezuela’s before the International Court of Guyana,andnotVenezuela. arguments and demonstrating that Justice(ICJ). Guyana brought its case to the the Court has jurisdiction. The ICJ

The minister reiterated the Courtfollowingthedecisionbythe has since ruled that the jurisdiction appreciation of the Government of Secretary-General of the United tohearthematter Guyana for the Commonwealth’s Nations, in January 2018, that the Under the United Nations steadfast and consistent support for controversy between Guyana and Charter and the Court’s own rules, Guyana’s efforts in the Venezuelashouldbedecidedbythe its final judgments both on maintenanceandpreservationofits InternationalCourtofJustice. jurisdiction and the merits will be sovereigntyandterritorialintegrity In taking his decision, the legally binding on Guyana and Todd spoke on the case when he Secretary-General was exercising Venezuela, whether or not participated in the Commonwealth commonwealth trade and digital recognisesthatdevelopmentwould thepowervestedinhiminthe1966 Venezuela participates in the Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting connectivity not be sustainable if it does not Geneva Agreement between proceedings. (CFAMM2023) at Marlborough Minister Todd during his occur in a framework where these Guyana, Venezuela and the United TheGovernmentofGuyanahas House,LondononWednesday intervention stated that the elementsaregivenprimacy Kingdom to decide how the thereforewelcomedtheprospectof The meeting focused on Government of Guyana is The minister also took the controversyshouldbesettled. a final and binding decision by the several areas of priority including prioritising democracy, good opportunity to update the Foreign Venezuela has claimed, in a Court that will definitively resolve building resilience for peaceful, governance, human rights, and the Ministers on the status of the case. letter to the Court, that the this longstanding controversy, and just, and stable societies; rule of law as fundamental TheICJisyettodeterminethecase Secretary-General exceeded his allow Guyana and Venezuela to financing for climate resilience elements in its developmental filed by Guyana on March 29, authority under the Geneva proceed to develop excellent and and environmental sustainability approach. Minister Todd further 2018. Guyana seeks to obtain from Agreement, and that the Court close relations as neighbouring a n d l e v e r a g i n g I n t r a - noted that the Government the Court a final and binding therefore lacks jurisdiction to states.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd during the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM2023) at Marlborough House, in London.

CWI to hire separate head coaches for Test and White-Ball cricket in bid to aid player development

SportsMax - The role of head coach for the West Indies Senior Men’s teams will be split into two separate positions, Cricket West Indies has announced.

Recruitment start immediately for a Red Ball Head Coach for Test and ‘A’ Team cricket, as well as a White Ball Head Coach for One-Day Internationals (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) cricket, the governing body said in a statement released yesterday.

“After recently completing an independent review of our 2022 ICC World Cup performance, which included a closer look at the roles of the current Head Coach position,

we believe it is now necessary to split the role and engage separate coaches for red and white ball formats,” said CWI’s Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams.

“The increased frequency of back-to-back multi-format tours combined with the specific demands of the respective formats no longer provides enough time for one individual to adequately plan, prepare and review across bilateral series and franchise itineraries that are so condensed.

“Separating the roles will also provide the head coaches with more time to oversee players’ ongoing de-

velopment away from tours directly, and through increased engagement and planning with suitable highperformance programmes and coaches.”

According to Adams, the decision to separate the head coaching roles stems from the recommendation by the independent three-member World Cup Review Group that was appointed by CWI to conduct a comprehensive review of the West Indies Men’s team’s early exit from at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia last year.

The group was chaired by Justice Patrick Thompson Jr., a High Court Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and included Brian Lara, the West Indies batting legend, along with former South African, Pakistan, and Sri Lankan international coach, Mickey Arthur.

Thursday March 16, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

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

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

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

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

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

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

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

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

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

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

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

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

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

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

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

.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

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

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The

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

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

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

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

The position of West Indies Men’s Head Coach became vacant when Phil Simmons resigned following the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup, and subsequently relinquished the post following the end of the West Indies tour of Australia last December.

Andre Coley is the current interim head coach for the recent Test series in Zimbabwe and the current multi-format tour of South Africa.

CWI to hire separate head coaches for Test and White-Ball cricket.

2023WestIndiesChampionship… Middle order keeps Harpy Eagles aloft on Day one

Dowrich reaches triple figures

Current Leader of the 2 0 2 3 We s t I n d i e s Championship, Guyana Harpy Eagles, finished Day one of their four-day match againstTrinidadandTobago (T&T) Red Force on a high note, when the tournament resumed yesterday with threematchesinGuyanaand T&T

AttheBrianLaraCricket Academy (BCLA), Guyana were led by an effective middleorderperformanceto reach 324 in their first innings,whileattheGuyana NationalStadium(GNS),17 wickets fell in the three sessions between Jamaica Scorpions and Windward Islands Volcanoes, as the former trails by 119 runs goingintodaytwo.

In the other match at Queen’s Park Oval (QPO), defending champion, Barbados Pride, were led by a captain’s knock from Shane Dowrich, who recorded the season’s sixth century, in his team’s stand of 294 – 8 at close of play. Over in Tarouba at the BCLA, Red Force won the toss and gave Harpy Eagles the opportunity to bat first, which seemed to bring success early on as Tevin Imlach (4), Kevlon Anderson (6) and Matthew Nandu(10)wereallremoved cheaply to leave Guyana at 33–3inthe18thover

Thatbroughttogetherthe skipper, Leon Johnson, and Kemol Savory, to stage a brilliant recovery The pair added97runsbeforeSavory wasdismissedon44withthe scoreon130inthe45thover. Johnson was able to reach another first class half century but fell on 62, ten runs later; aninnings he decorated with 11bou

ndaries. Anthony Bramble was at the other end and his new partner was Kevin Sinclair Thenewpairadded 79-runs, 47 of which were contributed by Bramble, who made a run-a-ball 56 thatincludedsevenfoursand a maximum. The score reached 219 then Guyana’s wicketkeeper was adjudged lbw Sinclairfolloweduphis

$1MupforgrabsatOne GuyanaFutsalChampionship ...tournamenttokickoffApril9

Thirty-two of the country’s best Futsal teams willbepartoftheinaugural One Guyana Futsal Championship, set to kick offonApril9andconclude onMay20.

The Medal of Service Award-winning Kashif and Shanghai Organisation will pioneerthetournamentthat willcarryafirst-placeprize of$1,000,000.

Matches will be played a t t h e N a t i o n a l Gymnasium,withthefinals setfortheNationalPark.

Georgetown teams will

for

Pride

unbeaten half century in the second round with another First Class fifty The righthander top scored with an amusing 69 from 96 deliveries. He featured in an 88-run partnership with an aggressiveKeemoPaul.

Sinclair and Paul lost their wickets exactly one over apart; Paul missed out on a First Class half century after submitting too many exuberant shots and was caughtonthedeepsquareleg boundary on 46; Guyana were 311 – 8. Veerasammy Permaul(5)replacedSinclair while Ronsford Beaton (6*) replacedPaul,but,Permaul’s stay was brief That introduced Nial Smith, who alsoaddedsixruns,thenlost his wicket to end Guyana’s inningsin86.3overs. Imran Khan and Bryan Charles both claimed three wickets for the host team, while Uthman Muhammad supported with two wickets andDarrenBravohadone.

T&T began their reply withoneoverleftintheday’s play; they reached 7 – 0 and will resume today with Jeremy Solozano (5) and Keagan Simmons (0) out in the middle, trailing by 317 runs. 16 wickets tumble at Providence…AttheGNS,it was a day welcomed by the bowlers as Windward Islands were dismissed for 217 in 60 3 overs but defended well to restrict Jamaicato98–7atstumps.

Round two centurion, AlickAthanaze,wasinagreat position to reach his second FirstClasscenturybutlosthis wicket as he led Volcanoes’ batting order with a resistant 81.JustinGreavessupported

with an even half century while Tevyn Walcott (22) and Shermon Lewis (14) contributed the next highest scores. Derval Green ended withfiguresof5–30from11 overs for Jamaica and was assisted by Nicholson GordonandJamieMerchant, who each had two wickets. AbhijaiMansinghaccounted fortheotherwicket. Jamaica were tasked with facing 21 overs before stumps but unfortunately began their reply terribly with Leroy Lugg (16), Kirk McKenzie (4), Nkrumah Bonner (17), Paul Palmer (0), Mansingh (1) and Aldane Thomas (0) allbeingdismissedinside11 oversasthesideslidto41-6. Green (30*) and Merchant (24) staged an entertaining recovery to push Jamaica to 98 before the loss of the seventhwicket.Theumpires called close of play with Jamaicatrailingby119when Merchantwasremoved.

Justin Greaves lead Volcanoeswith4–34,while Lewis has two wickets and RyanJohnhasonewicket

Dowrich century lifts

Barbados’Pride

Barbados Pride were the onlyteamtolasttheentireday with the bat thanks to a brilliant unbeaten century of 116fromDowrich However, Dowrich will have to share the highlight reel with Rahkeem Cornwall, who wasequallyimpressivewith theballforHurricanes.

While Dowrich stood firm for 191 deliveries, nine ofwhichwerefoursandone–a maximum, Cornwall claimed another five-wicket haultoendthedaywith6–50 from 24 overs Kevin Wickham (41) and Chaim Holder (43) found valuable runsforBarbadosasZachary McCaskie (26), Sheyne Moseley (4), Jonathan Drakes (22) and Dominic Drakes(22)wereallstopped in their tracks by Cornwall. Sheeno Berridge and Colin Archibald also claimed a wicket in Barbados’88-over firstdayperformance.

Today, the tournament resumes from 9:30 hrs. All matchesarelivestreamedon CricketWestIndies’youtube channel.

come from Road Warriors, Leopold Street, Back Circle, Sparta Boss, Stabroek Ballers, Future Stars, Gold is Money, Bent Street, Tiger Bay, Avocado Ballers, Albouystown, Alexander Village, Sophia, FootSteppers,Vengy,Kitty (Spanish)andKingston. S h o w s t o p p e r s , Pouderoyen Brothers and Jetty Ballers will represent WestDemerara,whilefrom East Bank, Ballerz Empire, Bagotstown Warriors and Ramsay Clan are from the E

Beterverwagting, Melanie, Vryheid’s Lust and Team DiamondaretheEastCoast teams;MackenzieAll-Stars and Wismar All-Stars are from Linden New Amsterdam United and Bartica’s Mighty Ruler are the other teams The second place team will pocket 500,000, while $200,000and$100,000will go to the teams finishing t h i r d a n d f o u r t h respectively.

The tournament’s most valuableplayerwillreceive amotorcycle.

.

Letter to the Sports Editor Awaiting the GOA

elections with bated breath

DearSportsEditor, It is unfortunate that Guyanese have to wait another week for the end of J u m a n Y a s s i n ’ s unimpressive tenure at the GOA. Nevertheless, I am pleased to see federation leadersstandunanimouslyto rectifythesignaturefiasco.

In my humble opinion,

there are several ways in which the GOA could have remedied that situation inhouse, but that would have required their President to steer the GOA ship in the right direction as a legal mind.

In light of the public display of blame game, I hope that these elections

concludein5daysandbring an end to Yassin’s outstretchedreign. Irefusetoholdmybreath but will remain optimistic that there are no other hindrances to kick the can down the road for another two years in office at the GOA.

IvanAdonis

Kevin Sinclair

Rahkeem Cornwall

Shane Dowrich

More gear for Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”

Nagamootoo cousins, Vishal and Moses are the latest sponsors to come on board with this joint initiative between GCB Executive Anil Beharry and KishanDasoftheUSA.Ona recent visit to Guyana, Vishal, a former National and West Indies “B” wicketkeeper/batsman, contributed one cricket bat andonepairofcricketshoes. He also represented Berbice and Guyana at all levels. Moses is the son of former Prime Minister of Guyana, Moses Nagamootoo He contributed one pair of batting pads and one pair of batting gloves. They are the nephews of former West Indies captains and cricket legends Rohan Kanhai and Alvin Kallicharran. Vishal’s b r o t h e r M a h e n d r a represented West Indies at theSeniorlevel.

At a simple ceremony held recently, the

Nagamootoo cousins said thattheyweredelightedtobe part of the initiative and at the same time the development of young cricketers and youths in general In response, Beharry thanked Vishal and Mosesfortheirkindgesture.

Total cricket related items received so far: $310,000 in cash, two trophies, fourteen cricket boots, twenty three pairs of batting pads, twenty seven cricketbats,twentyonepairs ofbattinggloves,twentyone thigh pads, one pair of wicketkeepingpad,fourarm guards, two boxes, six cricket bags and four helmets. In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicketkeeper/batsman.

To date, fifty two young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from three junior

gearbags,twotrophies,four armguards,twentyonebats, two boxes, four helmets, nineteen pairs of cricket shoes, thirteen pairs of battingpads,twothighpads, one bat rubber and nineteen pairsofbattinggloves.

In addition, two clubs in thePomeroonareabenefited from two used bats Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket CommitteesandCottonTree Die Hard also received one boxofredcricketballseach, while RHCCCC received

two, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicketkeeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. The Essequibo Cricket Board alsobenefitedalongwiththe TownofLethem.

We thank the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

Moses Nagamootoo (left) with Anil Beharry and his donation.

Vishal Nagamootoo (right) presents the gear to Anil Beharry

Demerara and Select XI register first wins in GCB’s

U15 inter county Super 50 cricket tournament

The Guyana Cricket Board U15 inter county Super50crickettournament commenced on 14th March, where they contested two, first round matches; one at the Everest CC ground and the other at Enmore communitycentreground.

At Everest – Select XI U15vsBerbiceU15

GCB Select XI made 71 off 29.2 overs batting first with Vishal Williams top scoring with 26 runs. Efraz Khan took 5-11 (7overs) to restricttheSelectXIbatters, while Romario Ramdeholl had 3-8 (7.2 overs) bowling forBerbice.

In reply, Berbice were bowled out for 70 runs in 22.2oversasRazamKoobir, the only batter for Berbice that showed any resistance to the Select XI bowlers top scoring with 20 runs in a losing cause. Bowling for GCB Select XI, National under-15 captain, Dave Mohabir had superb figures of 5-4 (6.3 overs). Select XI completes a nail biting win overBerbiceU15.

At Enmore – Demerara U15vsEssequiboU15

Demerara scored 213-9 from their 50 overs EmmanuelLewistopscored with 65 runs, Trilok Nanan also chipped in with his 51 runs, while Permeshwar Ram had a cameo 37 runs. Bowling for Essequibo, ElishaRamdatttook3-25(3 overs)andJachnielNurse226(10overs).

Inreply,Essequibowere bundled out 158 runs in 36 overs with national player Zandon Rose hitting an unbeaten 62 runs and Ramdatt returning with the battoscore24runs.Thepick of the Demerara bowlers wereBrandonHenry(4-21), Mickle Sharma (4-21) and Reyaz Latiff (2-30) Demerarawonby55runs.

The second round of the GCB under-15 inter-county Super50 tournament will be played on 15th March 2023 with Berbice taking on Demerara at Everest and Essequibo doing battle with GCB Select XI at Enmore. Matchesstartat09:30am.

Dave Mohabir receives his Man of the Match award.

Emmanuel Lewis, Man of the Match award for his unbeaten 65 runs at Enmore.

Ariel Enterprise, Trophy Stall, Ramchand Auto Spares and Cricket Equipment Inc. provide sponsorship for DCB Inter Association Under19 fifty-over tournament

The Demerara Cricket Board secured sponsorship for its Inter Association

Under19 50 Overs Cricket Tournament expected to commenceshortly

The sponsors for this tournament are: Ariel EnterpriseofLot143Regent Street, Georgetown, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and branchesacrosstheCountry, Ramchand Auto Spares of Lot 51 Sheriff and Duncan Street, Georgetown, and Cricket Equipment Guyana, BelAirGasStation,BelAir, Georgetown.

Aceremonywasrecently held at the LBI Cricket Facility,whereArielPersaud of Ariel Ent handed over a cheque to the marketing manager of DCB, Anil Beharry Persaudstatedthat his company and the others are delighted to assist with developing young cricketers in Demerara. He added that

it’sapleasureforthemtobe part of this tournament and promised their continued supporttoDemeraraCricket Board.

Beharry was very grateful for the sponsorship and promised a high-quality tournament that is expected to be very competitive. He called on other sponsors to come on board and support thisnoblegameofcricketto bringbackglorytocricketin DemeraraattheInterCounty Level.

Top under-19 players in Demerara,willparticipatein this tournament which the selectors will use to select the County’s Team to participate in the upcoming InterCountyChampionship. The five Associations, namely, Georgetown, East Bank,UpperDemerara,East Coast and West Demerara will play each other in a round-robinformat.

Bolt,thegoldstandard,says100m worldchampionFredKerley

USA-based ‘Ballin4Peace’ heading to Guyana for Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic

…Surinamese FIBA-accredited referees added to tournament

With just a few more days to go before the Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic tips off, Ballin4Peace, a US-based team, is hoping to leave the Land of Many Waters with all of the accolades and prizes up for grabs in the tournament’sthirdedition.

be playing in the Caribbean and he’s happy that Guyana was chosen as their first destination.

noted.

SportsMax - Reigning World 100m champion Fred Kerley has described Jamaica’sUsainBoltasthegoldstandardof sprinting, saying he and others have been inspired by the iconic Jamaican, who holds theworldrecordsinboth100and200m.

Kerley returned to the United States recently after a stint in Australia where he clocked a fast 20.32 in a 200m race at the Maurie Plant Meet in February before stormingtovictoryin44.65over400matthe SydneyTrackClassiclastSaturday

InasubsequentinterviewonABCRadio in Australia, Kerley, who has a wild-card entry to the World Championships in Budapest inAugust, said he plans to add to thegoldmedalhewonlastyearinOregonbut ultimately wants to win Olympic gold in Parisin2024.

His career goal, however, is surpassing Usain Bolt’s accomplishments The Jamaican is the only man to win the sprint doubleatthreeconsecutiveOlympicGames and holds the Olympic records of 9.63 and 19.30inthe100mand200m,respectively

“Heinspiredalotofgenerations,”Kerley saidofBolt.“Wetrytoduplicateorstepfoot where he stepped foot on. He is the golden standard for track and field. We all try to achieveallheachievedinhislifetime.”

Thoughhewouldlovetobeabletobreak the Jamaican’s world records, winning gold medalsremainshistoppriority,Kerleysaid.

“For us to step in the same journey is all aboutthegoldmedalsandstuffrightnow,”he reasoned. “The more gold medals I get, the more I can put in the history book. Records comeandgo,butgoldslastforever.”

Burchell Glenn is the lone Guyanese on the team that is headed by former SacramentoStateUniversity point guard and NCAA Division One standout playerHaronHargrave.

Professional 3x3 ‘ballers’AnthonySoaresand Sony Cabral are the other members of the team heading from New York to compete March 18-19 at BurnhamCourt.

According to Toney, the team is made up of players who have competed on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour and otherFIBA3x3tournaments bothinandoutoftheUSA.

However,Toneysaidthis isthefirsttimetheteamwill

“It was simple because the tournament is endorsed by FIBA and with Ballin4Peacebeinganactive 3x3 team with one Guyanese, they registered online, and later on they reached out to finalize the d e t a i l s o f t h e i r participation,”Toneysaid.

A long-serving member of the sports media, Toney said the US team will raise theprofileofthetournament, adding “This is what I initially had set out to do when I launched this tournament in 2019…bring players to Guyana and place basketball in the bracket of sportstourism.”

“It’snowupforourguys to step up and show what Guyana 3x3 is made of because the US team is comingtowin,andit’snota vacation for them,” Toney

Meanwhile, Toney said to compliment the officiating, two FIBSaccredited Referees from Suriname will be part of the tournament.

“Officiating is a sour point in local basketball, and last year the players complained about how our local refs carried their whistle So, along with a fewsponsors,Iwasableto work through the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) and president Michael Singh to have someoftheSurinamesebe part of the tournament,” the 3x3 Organiser highlighted

Thanks to Team Mohamed’s, the 16-team tournament will carry a winner’s purse of $400,000 and four Championship rings, compliments of Century Tamara Energy Services Inc and Jacobs Jewelry

Beharry (left) receives the cheque from Ariel Persaud in the presence of DCB President, other Executive Members and Under19 players who will participate in the tournament.

Reigning World 100m champion Fred Kerley has described Jamaica’s Usain Bolt as the gold standard of sprinting.

Crandon confident VP Boys confident winning again this year

New captain Royston Crandon has expressed confidence of VP Boys winning all four trophies again this year at the Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League’s various tournaments.

It was an unprecedented season for VP Boys in 2022 having surged to four championships,theT20,15overs, 10-10 and 100-ball

Rapid Crandon, the pugnacious right-handed batsman, stated that he and his fellow players are eager to once again dominate proceedingswhentheaction likelytogetcrackinginearly May He also optimistic that once they play to the best of their abilities, these four

trophies should stay in their possession.

“I [am] confident of retaining these four trophies again; we will be playing competitivecricketfromball one; because there are some pretty competitive teams out-there, ” Crandon revealed.

Crandon replaced Rawle Scott as the leader for this year’s edition He acknowledged Scott’s exceptional captaincy last yearandisaimingtoemulate thefeatbutanxioustogeton the field to lead the side and playpositivecricket,too.

“Obviously, Rawle did a greatjoblastyear;weplayed as a team; we played as a group of boys willing to go

outthereandbecompetitive from the start and like 2022 we will be sticking to our game’s plan come 2023 s e a s o n , ” C r a n d o n commented.

Quizzed on what he attributed the success to last year, Crandon responded: “As I said we stick to our game’s plans and played reallyhardandsmartcricket; everyone accepted his responsibility and put in the necessary effort,” the Canada-based Guyanese Crandon related. Crandon, who represented Guyana at the first-class level and also West Indies in one-day international, believes that some new and sensational softball players in the VP

Boy’s squad for the forthcoming tournaments would certainly boast the team’s confidence immensely

“We definitely will have some good players in our team this year; they are quality players and they are expected to make an impression, so that also giving me stronger confidencethatwecancome outontop,”Crandonrelated. For the 2022 edition, several high-profile players like Crandon, Riaz Kadir, Amit and Avish Rukhram (brothers), Raakesh Goberdhan,DillonHeyliger, among others produced excellentperformances.

Crandon also talked

about many of the outstanding, individual performances from few softballspecialists.

Flamboyant left-handed opening batsman Avish

Rukhram slammed a magnificent 193 and had an aggregate of 308 runs from just two matches while another exciting batter Gobardhan fashioned a brilliant 170 to accumulate 304 runs but from seven innings.

Meanwhile,ownerofthe team Amar Punu, another Canada-based Guyanese, expressedhisgratitudetoall the players and again congratulated the top performers. He also echoed similar sentiments of

Crandon that they will be participating to be a jubilant teambytheconclusionofall the tournaments Punu mentionedtheteamwasvery much collaborative last year and is anticipating the same level of commitment from the softball cricketers. He pointed out too, the camaraderie in the camp made a huge difference in 2022 and was confident of success.

Punu also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to all the sponsors for 2022. He stated that nothing would have been possible without their generosity and also thanked everyone for supporting the team.

Cuba write ‘new chapter’ with World Baseball Classic semi-final spot

AFP - Cuba’s manager hailed “a new chapter” for his team after they became the first side to book their placeinthesemi-finalsofthe World Baseball Classic with a 4-3 win over Australia in Tokyoyesterday

Cuba are traditional heavyweights in the sport but they have never won the World Baseball Classic and have underperformed since reaching the final of the inaugural tournament in 2006. The Cubans lost their firsttwogamesatthisyear’s competition in the group stageinTaiwanbuttheywon theirnexttwoandhavenow punched their ticket to Miamiforthesemi-finals.

Manager Armando Johnson said their quarterfinal win would be celebrated long and hard backhome.“TheCubanfans

are so emotional right now — they’ve been waiting for this moment for such a long time,”hesaid.

“Everybody loves baseball so much and they wererootingforus.Thisisa newchapterforus.”

Cuba included players fromMajorLeagueBaseball in their squad this year for the first time and Chicago

White Sox pair Luis Robert Jr and Yoan Moncada were bothinthestartingline-up.

Johnson said the process had not been smooth, with some MLB players turning downCuba’sinvitationsand othersjoiningthematthelast minute. Outfielder Yoelkis

Guibert, who plays independent league baseball inCanada,said“theteamgot stronger” as a result of the freshinjectionoftalent.

“I’mnotsayingthatthey didagreatjobrightfromthe start, but everyone is of a very solid quality and they liftusup,”hesaid.

Cuba broke open a tight game with three runs in the fifth inning but had to fend offanAustralianfightbackto claim the victory Australia was in uncharted territory after advancing past the groupstageforthefirsttime

withwinsoverSouthKorea, China and the Czech Republic.

Baseballhasbeenplayed in Australia since the 1850s but it enjoys only a fraction of the popularity of cricket, rugby or Australian rules football in the sport-loving country Manager Dave Nilsson said his team’s exploits had given Australian baseball “hope forthefuture”.

“We have a lot of belief as a country now and we know what we’re capable of,”hesaid.

“We know that we can continuetoimproveandplay onthebigstage.”

JapantakeonItalyinthe second quarter-final in Tokyo today, with superstar ShoheiOhtanionthemound as the home team’s starting pitcher

The victorious VP Boys team.

Cuba players celebrate after booking their place in the semi-finals of the World Baseball Classic.

Caribbean Cricket Club 2 retain ESCL’s Over-40 trophy

Caribbean Cricket Club

2 retained the Essequibo Softball Cricket League’s (ESCL)Over-40,T20trophy after whipping Devonshire Castle Sports Club on Sunday by 111 runs at Queenstown Community Centre ground, Essequibo Coast,Region2.

Caribbean Cricket Club

2 rattled up a massive 345-2 from the 20-overs while Devonshire Castle Sports Club,inreply,reached234-7 whenthe20-oversexpired.

High-profile softball batsman Patrick Rooplall struck a belligerent, unbeaten166toleadtheway while he got great support from Prashad Mahadeo who made 120. They two also sharedaflamboyant248-run openingstand.

The right-handed Rooplall slammed 20 sixes andfivefours,whilethelefthanded Prashad cracked six sixesand16fours.

WhenDevonshireCastle SportsClubbatted,Anthony Persaud also batted with a greatdegreeofaggressionto hit 98 laced with six sixes and seven fours. Skipper Darshan Persaud (brother) scoredafighting48.

Captain Ehwass Baksh grabbed five wickets for 25 runsfromhismaximumfour overs delivering for the

victorious combination in frontofalargecrowd.

Rooplall was named the MostValuablePlayerandhe received$10,000andtrophy

Thewinningsidetookhome $100,000 and trophy with runners-up team collecting $40,000 and a trophy The winners were also awarded with20T-shirtsandatrophy emerging as the season winner

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Masters got the better of Invaders Masters in the third-placed fixture later down in the day at the same facility

Sunrisers Masters tallied up a sufficient 176-8 from the reduced 12-overs while Invaders Masters only responded with 150-6 when the 12-overs done The reduction of the overs was duetoalatestart.

Ravi Beharry top-scored for Sunrisers Masters with 35 and Avinash Singh contributed 30 as Ramesh Narine and Beesham

Seepersaudtooktwowickets each.

For Invaders Masters, Latchmikant Narine making 56 and 51 from Ramesh Narine(unrelated).

The winning side received a trophy and $20,000. At the post-match presentation ceremony,

President of the ESCL Tom Bacchus congratulated the winners and thanked all six teamsfortheirparticipation. He expressed his gratitude alsotothesponsors.

This year’s edition was played in memory of Dave Tajeshwar, who was ardent supporter of softball cricket. His brother Vo Tajeshwar remained committed to the ESCLwithhissponsorship.

Everest Masters beat Dundee by 48 runs

Other individual prizes were given to Rooplall for the most wickets in the tournament and Ramesh

Narine for the most runs, whileDhanrajSinghcopped the MVPof the tournament. All received a trophy and

$20,000each.EshwarSingh tookthemostcatchesandhe took home $10,000 and a trophy

Host Everest Masters defeatedDundeeofMahaica by 48 runs when the teams collided in a T20 fixture recently

Everest Masters took firststrikeandmanaged165 for6fromtheir20overs.

Ryan Ramdass made 47, Sahadeo Hardaiow 34, Ucil

Armstrong 27 not out and ImtiazSadik22. Bowling for Dundee Suresh Ramdeen had 3 for 28 and Wasim Mustapha 2 for21.

Dundee made 117 for 7 after their 20 overs in reply

Ramnarine Chatura struck 58 and Suresh Ramdeen 22.

Gavin Singh had 2 for 3, Vick Mahabeer 2 for 18 and AnandPersaud2for32. Ravi Narayan was namedmanofthematchfor taking two outstanding catches that changed the game The game was sponsoredbytheMinistryof AmerindianAffairs.

The victorious Caribbean Cricket Club 2 team strike a pose after the game.

The victorious Everest Masters team with Minister Pauline Sukhai.

Ballin4Peace 3x3 team heading to Guyana for the Rawle Toney Classic on