Kaieteur News

Guyanablindlypayingoilcompanies’interest onloanswithoutGovt.’sapproval- contract

The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) t h a t t h e G u y a n a government inked with oil major, ExxonMobil allows the company to pay back accumulated interest on loans it took to develop the resources in the Stabroek Block, without the prior approval of the Minister in charge.

This newspaper highlighted in an article published two weeks ago that the lopsided contract allows for US-billionstobe recoveredwithGuyana’soil, without sanction from the Minister of Natural Resources,VickramBharrat. Includedonthelistisinterest onloansthatExxonaccrues.

According to the contract in Annex ‘C’ Section 3 1 (L) “Interest, expenses and related fees incurred on loans raised by the Parties comprising the Contractor for Petroleum Operations and other financingcostsprovidedthat suchexpenses,feesandcosts are consistent with market rates” shall be recovered without the further approval oftheMinister

In order to fund their e x p l o r a t i o n a n d development projects around the world, oil and gas companies use a mixture of loans and liquid cash. But if the “abusive” conditions are in place, a companymayhavetheright incentivetoplugmoreloans with unreasonable interest

rates into their project which could later be recovered.

Guyanahasnotonly allowed loans taken by Exxon to be recovered without the approval of the Minister but considers the costs eligibleregardlessofthe interestrates.

Kaieteur News had reported that in the eyes of University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro, this arrangement leaves Guyana open to the abusive use of debt by the operators, since Guyana is essentially standingallthecosts.

During an exclusive interview, Mitro said, “The treatment of loan interest varies by country and situation Countries like the USA that have only an income tax on oil and no production-sharing do allow taxdeductionsforintereston debt of oil companies However, countries like the U.K., Angola and Nigeria

thathaveroyaltyandspecial petroleum tax regimes, do not allow tax deductions for interest costs of oil companies.”

T h e P e t r o l e u m Consultant added, “This is due partly to the fact that these governments offer certain investment tax incentives already such as tax credits or special allowances, and they view interest tax deductions as

u n n e c e s s a r y o r duplicative.InsomePSAs they do allow interest as part of cost recovery, but thatisnolongeracommon practice. If it is allowed, it is vital to establish strict rulesthatpreventpotential abuse.”

Another common practice the official pointed out is to cap the rate of interest In this way, Mitro said that governments avoid companiespushingalotof their corporate debt at inflatedratesintothelocal project merely in order to obtain cost recovery benefit at the expense of the government. Mitro said that there have been notable cases of abuse such as Chevron in Australia where theauthoritiesaccusedthem of charging interest to their local affiliate at a rate that was well above their actual

borrowing rate merely to obtain tax recovery benefits inAustralia.

“SoIguessmythoughts with regard to Guyana or any country would be that permittinginterestaspartof cost recovery should ONLY be considered if there are protective caps built in as noted above. Otherwise, the risks become too great of Guyana ending up inadvertentlysubsidizingthe corporate borrowing of mega companies,” Mitro concluded.

Notably, in the absence of a ring-fencing provision, ExxonMobil is allowed to charge all of its expenses to one project.Thismeans that costs to develop a project that is yet to start producing oil will be billed to the producing field, thereby shortening profits for the country received on that front. This however bodes

well for the contractor as 75 percent of the oil is first deducted towards covering expenses. The remainder is thensplitevenlybetweenthe two parties, with Guyana raking in an extra two percent royalty on its sweet lightcrude.

Despite the inclusion of these provisions and the lack of adequate measures to guard against unfair fiscal practices, the government is unwilling to change the agreement with ExxonMobil.Ithashowever proposed to correct some of the fatal provisions in the new draft PSAs currently open for consultation. The contracts will be applied to the14oilblockspresentlyon auction.

Several stakeholders have called on the administration to subject the Stabroek Block to the newoilcontract

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Guyana.

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

CONTRACT RENEGOTIATION –AMERICAN AND EXXONMOBIL MUST DO THE RIGHT THING

The growing number of Guyanese calling for

renegotiation of the 2016 Production Sharing AgreementoroilcontractbetweenExxonMobil andGuyanajustreceivedawakeupcall. Itisawakeupcall fromamostpowerfulsource,withtheequivalentoffreezing waterthrowninthefacetoshockintoconsciousness. The powerful source is American Ambassador, Sarah Ann Lynch, who is now on record as backing the Guyana Government’s honoring contract sanctity Because Ambassador Lynch speaks for theAmerican Government, she must be given the closest listening, given the significance of this official posture of the superpower that managesandcontrolsGuyana.

Politely put, it is devilishly clever for America to commend the Government of Guyana making sanctity of contract the cornerstone of its partnership with ExxonMobil.

What happened to the vaunted, illustrious commitment ofAmerica to fair play? Where is the so-calledAmerican priority regarding human rights, especially those of poor, disadvantagedcountriesstrugglingtobreathe? Whatabout thesacrednessoftheGuyanesepeople’sprosperitythattheir oilwealthmakespossible? Whataboutthepositivestoboth AmericanandGuyanafromajustdealhammeredinplace,a renegotiateddeal? AreallthosegreatAmericanqualitiesa sham?

Was it our magnetic oil, its great bearing in American geopolitical visions, and its economic calculations, which camouflaged America’s intimate involvement in our last elections? In other words, was the United States, through Ambassador Lynch, this far ahead of Guyanese that it assessedthetwomajorpoliticalgroupscontestingGuyana’s heated,razorthinnationalelections,andsettledfortheone that was more likely to twist itself into knots to abide by sanctityofcontract?

We are well aware that America is first and foremost looking out for its own interests. Nothing else and no country is allowed to compete with American interests. Whoeverhastobesacrificed,willbesacrificed,fortheyare only pawns to be moved around at will in the scheme of Americancalculations.

Guyana is finding this out again, and once again Guyanese lose. Look at the undeniable reality of Guyana today, with all this oil being produced. Guyana is firmly linked, inseparably tied, to America: American expertise, plusinvestments,throughExxonMobil. Guyanaisclosely attached to growing numbers of American commercial interests,totheirincreasingprosperity Further,itcouldbe said with reasonable accuracy that Guyana identifies with American ideologies,American culture, and theAmerican wayofmanagingitsaffairs. Thisiswithapublicsuspension ofconsiderationsaboutdemocraticpracticesandcorruption atleadership,governmental,andinstitutionallevels.

Itcouldbesaidonasoundbasis,therefore,thatthereis no competition for, no threat to,America and its interests, including those of ExxonMobil’s, where Guyana’s oil is concerned.Guyana’stwomajorpoliticalgroupsvietooutdo each other on saying, doing, what pleasesAmerica. Yet, a fair and reasonable deal, a contract that empowers the Guyanesepeopletoliveindignity,andatthelevelthattheir great wealth makes possible, is not something worth reconsideration,hence,mustbeoffthetable. Thisismost unamerican, and to the core.Guyanese want more for their oil. Guyaneseneedmorefromtheirwealth. Guyanaknow thattheyshouldgetmore,areduemore,andtheyknowthis withthemostabsoluteofconvictions. Whentheydonotget more,thenthisisnotconducivetothestableenvironmentof whichCongressmanSmithspoke.

The hoped-for stability in Guyana becomes questionable,under increasingdistress, and this is because thewealthandprosperitythatshouldcometoallGuyanese arejustnothappening,andthisisnothealthytoanybody’s interests.

Cheddi Jagan was a democrat and a patriot

Whatever else can be said of former President Dr Cheddi Jagan, he was essentially a democrat and a patriot.

This was quite unlike Forbes Burnham, who rigged his way to power for over two decades until democracy was finally restoredonOctober5,1992.

I follow with interest attempts by the PNC, including some were

integrally involved in the rigging of national and regional elections, to create what can only be described as ‘astorminateacup’over a billboard depicting Dr Jagan as the ‘Father’ of the Nation. Such attempts are bothfeebleandinfantileand certainly will not gain traction.

Dr Jagan has become a national monument, s o m e o n e w h o h a s

transcendedthe boundaries ofnationalpolitics.

He was one of the main architects of the national independence struggle and the building of a modern Guyana.

His honesty, integrity and high political morality has now become legendary Such attributes are widely acknowledged by Guyanese all across the political and ethnic spectrum of the

Guyanesesociety

It is unfortunate that the PNC has chosen to use his 105birthanniversarytoseek todenigrateDr Jaganandhis contributiontothepoliticsof Guyana. It is not without significance that such attempts are being made on the eve of local government electionswhichthePPP/Cis expected to win by a landslide.Itistimeforthe

(Continuedonpage5)

Renegotiation of the 2016 ExxonMobil contract will not dishonoritssacredness.

Instead, it will enhance ExxonMobil’s and America’s reputationfordoingwhatisfairandjustandcouldnotbemore right. The goodwill of the Guyanese people would be immeasurable, something of priceless value to ExxonMobil,

American companies, andAmerica itself. The ExxonMobil contractmustberenegotiated,insomeshapeorform,formore for Guyanese. The lives and interests of Guyanese are also sacred. America and ExxonMobil must manifest now how muchthesanctityofGuyaneseprosperityandGuyaneselives meantothem.

GTUC calls on political leadership to pay attention to Constitutional provisions on inclusion

DEAREDITOR,

On Tuesday, March 21st

the world marked International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Whereas the date is set aside on the United Nation’Calendar for the world to acknowledge and reflect it also requires continuous work to make real the aspiration to e l i m i n a t e r a c i a l discrimination by structural andinstitutionalapproaches.

The Constitution of Guyana protects persons from being discriminated againstonthegroundofrace (Article 149) and allows for involvementofallGuyanese in the national sphere through inclusionary democracy(Article13).

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) once again calls on the political leadership both from the Government and Opposition, but more particularly the Government who has day-to-day Executive responsibility, to give serious attention and meaning to the stated articles.

The upholding of these articles required no trust as p r e c o n d i t i o n f o r implementation as Bharrat Jagdeo has recently inserted into the conversation to movethisnationforwardina progressive direction. The respectofcitizens’rightsand the responsibility of constitutional office holders is not premised on trust but adherencetothespirit,intent andletterofthelaw Guyana, as a nation,

emerged from an ethnic history of divide and rule.

Race was, and continues to bepittedagainstrace,which remains counterproductive to the social, cultural, economic and political environment.

The framers of the Constitution, in principle, sought to address this birth defect through forging a political system built on “inclusionary democracy” Shouldthisbepracticed,the nationstandstobenefitfrom political cooperation. Such cooperation, most importantly, would recognise that whereas historically voting patterns havebeenalongraciallines, the constitutional right to freelyassociatealsoprotects the right not to be discriminatedagainst.

It is the GTUC’s belief, forging Guyana’s motto of

‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny, ’ requires frank, honest and open c o n v e r s a t i o n s o n race/ethnicity move beyond that to creating and enforcing systems to make meaningful the nation’s aspiration The under mentioned is hereby being proposed:-

I.Legislationtogive meaning to Article 13 i.e.“ t o e s t a b l i s h a n inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decisionmaking processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their wellbeing.”

II.Establishmentofall C o n s t i t u t i o n a l

Commissions.

III Legislation to realise the devolution of power per constitutional Articles 75 and 76 to safeguard the Regional and Local government systems by allowing for meaningful involvement of the people and their representative at theselevels.

IV Legislationtomake the National Budget inclusive.TheAppropriation Bill should not be passed in the National Assembly by less than 60 percent of the electedMembers,whichwill necessitate inclusionary democracy and cooperation acrossthepoliticalaisle.

V Legislation to realise Affirmative Action including commission, to ensureequityinemployment opportunities in the public and private sectors, the awarding of government

ERC’S COMPOSITION INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVE OF THEYOUTH CONSTITUENCY

DEAREDITOR, The Ethnic Relations Commission,(ERC),wishes to allay some concerns expressed and informs that Article 212 (A to F) of the constitution of Guyana governs,amongotherthings, the composition of the constitutional body which mustbederivedfromvarious bodies, including youth organizations across the society On Tuesday March 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 , e i g h t

Commissioners of the reconstituted Board were sworn in by H.E. President DrMohamedIrfaanAli.Mr Dwayne Adams took the o a t h o f o ff i c e a s Commissioner representing the youth constituency having been elected from a c l u s t e r o f y o u t h organisations.

The National Youth Policy (2015) of Guyana defines a youth as an individual between the ages

of14-35yearsold.

Moreover, the board wishes to reiterate that from theinception,themandateof theERCwasagreedtobythe government and the opposition sides in parliament and focuses on the country’s diverse population.

The body is therefore guided by 24 functions as enshrinedintheconstitution.

Ethnic Relations Commission

contracts, access to education and other socioeconomicbenefits/resources impacting the various demographics.

VI. Implementation of Direct Oil Benefit/Cash Transfer through Social Programmes. According to the World Bank cash transfersareaSafetyNetfor manyinsocietybecause“the provisionofassistanceinthe formofcashtothepoororto those who face a probable riskoffallingintopovertyin

the absence of the transfer

The main objective of these programmes is to increase poor and vulnerable households’realincome.”

VII Lowering or eliminating income tax (PAYE) and providing tax rebate- Lower PAYE and restore allowance for children.Paymonthlygrants to those 18 years and older with conditionalities Conditionalities can vary fromreturningtoschoolto

(Continuedonpage6)

Cheddi Jagan was a democrat...

Frompage4 PNC to come clean with the Guyanese people and admit to the injustices inflicted on Dr Jagan and the Guyanese people as a whole during its twenty-eight years of dictatorialrule. During that period, Guyana was reduced to ‘pariah’ status.

Itismorethanironicthat some of those who were

responsible for the destructionofthedemocratic fabric of the country are not seekingto‘lecture’usonthe virtuesofmorality

Dr Jagan’smulti-faceted contributions to the growth and development of Guyana cannot be downplayed and will forever be etched in the consciousness of the Guyanesepeople.

HydarAlly

THE

GTUC calls on political leadership...

Frompage5 pursuing certain educational programmes that vary from time to time dependent on national needs The approach encourages development of our human resources and channeling same in directions of nationalneed.

V I I I I n s t i t u t e unemployment benefit- paid for a stipulated maximum timeperiod,enabling persons in between jobs to be able to sustain themselves at least on the basics Activate NIS UnemploymentRegulation.

IX Universal protectionoftherighttojoin trade union and engage in collective bargaining as outlinedinArticle147,along with all the attendant rights andfreedomsinTitle1

X.Expandtheschool meal programme to provide a daily balanced lunch for schoolchildrenfromnursery to secondary for all public schools.Parentscouldoptin orout.

XI. Improve medical

s e r v i c e s t h r o u g h establishment of fully equipped main referral hospitals in all ten regions withtraumacentre,intensive careanddiagnosticfacilities. More resources must be dedicated to Preventative Care, inclusive of yearly mammogram, pap smear, prostate, basic annual blood tests, etc. as necessary for promotingahealthylifestyle andsociety

XII. Reduce electricity, transportation and gas prices, and reintroduce a public transportation system which would create competition and alternative, and moreso aide the vulnerable in being able to afford and access this service.

XIII. Provide property owners direct and indirect cash transfers through interest-free or very lowinterest rate soft loans to improve and maintain residences and immediate homeenvironment.Thiswill lend to the beautification of property, our communities, villagesandtowns.

XIV Erasing National Insurance Scheme (NIS) deficit and ensure its viability given it is the most

i m p o r t a n t p i l l a r safeguarding workers’ income and protecting each againstlossofpayasaresult

of industrial, injury, sickness,maternityandother conditions such as old age, invalidityandlossofincome

through death of the breadwinner and providing assistancewithmedicalcare andotherbenefits.

This will correct the years where NIS was adversely affected by political decisions that militates against actuarial decisions.

XV Immediatelyrestore the constitutional right to free education (Article 27)fromnurserytouniversity

This should see capacity buildingintheUniversityof Guyana, technical and vocational schools, and the start of early public education that prepares our c h i l d r e n f o r a technologically driven economywithe-learning.

Thisincludesfacilitating theexpansionandupgrading of Critchlow Labour College,GITC,Government Technical institutes, NARI, Guyana School of Agriculture, Institute of D e v e l o p m e n t a n d ContinuingEducation,etc.

Where groups have and continue to be adversely affectedbystructuralracism, policiesandprogrammesthe aforementioned proposals could move the process forwardinalleviatingsocial, economic, cultural and political disparities and creating an environment for equityandequalitytothrive.

LincolnLewis GeneralSecretary Guyana Trades Union Congress

Politics: Build bridges not dams

DEAREDITOR, A Nigerian proverb advises: “In the moment of crisis,thewisebuildbridges, andthefoolishbuilddams.”

But the PNC and WPA representatives of African Guyanese,whoinsistweare inamomentofcrisis,arenot onlybuildingdams,buthave given explicit and implicit support to eschew democratic elections to removethePPPgovernment from office PNC and Opposition leader, Mr Aubrey Norton, left unchallenged a declaration by one speaker that African “kith and kin” in the armed forces would not turn their guns on PNC and WPA’s anti-PPP street protestors. For me, I marvel at history repeating itself and hope it will peter out as the “farce” that Marx predicted, since Guyana has had enough political tragedies. As I am doinginthepresent,between the2006and2011electionsI had argued strenuously againstsuchstreetactionsby the PNC, warning they invariably descended into anti-Indianviolence.

The proponents of street action then are the same as today and they vehemently rejected my advice that the PNC adopt a moderate image to not alienate nontraditionalvoters. Again,as now, the “radicals” derided

the thought the PPP could loseinmajoritarianelections because of its Indian plurality InApril 2011, just before the general elections, Ta c u m a O g u n s e y e addressedanACDAmeeting atBVandinhiswords,“read the riot act”: “Come elections night when the results come out, Africans must have a share in the government,theremustbea nationalgovernmentorthere will be no Guyana…Once theAfricanpeopleriseupin their great numbers, I dare the army to take the side of thePPPandagainstAfricans. Our sons and daughters wouldnotdothat.” Henoted that that newly formed APNU, with the PNC as its overwhelming heft, had p r o m i s e d “ s h a r e d governance” if they won. WhenAPNU,alongwiththe opposition AFC, won a majority in the National Assembly and left the PPP w i t h a l a m e - d u c k Presidency, the calls for streetprotestsfaded.

Similarly, when they coalesced for the 2015 elections and won, the shared governance with the PPPmanifestopromisewere deep-sixed and the radicals all accepted positions in the coalitiongovernment.

No protests to institute thepowersharing“longterm solution” were launched. It would appear that what was sauce for the PNC and African Guyanese was not sauceforthePPPandIndian Guyanese. Maybe they felt thekithandkinarmedforces mighthaveturnedtheirguns on them for bringing in the PPP? We are now being lectured about the chasm between the “procedural democracy”ofelectionsand the“substantivedemocracy” of “shared governance with allpartiesatthetable”.

But somehow this distinction had disappeared between2015and2020.

And we arrive at the

valueof“trust”thathasonce againbeenraisedbythePPP as a threshold issue for any deepening of the “inclusive governance” institutions imposed in 2000, after the PPP was bludgeoned to the tablebyPNCstreetprotests.

The present calls for protests to deliver shared governance reminds me of what I wrote in 2011 following Ogunseye’s “riot act speech”: “Coming from an individual who had defended the gunmen operating out of post-2002 Buxton(whohadmassacred innocentIndianchildrenand burnt a crippled wheelchairbound old Indian man) as “resistance fighters”, it was not difficult to understand the fears aroused by the threat.Anditwasnotjustthe memories of the gruesome recent past: we are again seemingly in the throes of another tide of criminal violence.”

Having encountered him personally at the most possibly five times since 1999, I cannot pretend to know what motivates VP Bharat Jagdeo, who has again drawn a line (of trust) inthesand. ButIknowfrom that first meeting, when he was a junior Finance Minister, he was quite open to working with the Oppositionhavinghadclose relations during his stint at State Planning under Hoyte. I have always felt it was Hoyte’s “slow fyah; mo’ fyah” strategy” and its Buxton “Freedom Fighters” denouementthatmadehim–then President - sceptical of the Opposition’s calls for “shared governance”. Now that the latter have confirmedthe“kithandkin” propinquity of our armed forces, that arrangement could logically be seen by thePPPasaTrojanHorsefor permanentPNCrule.

Adamandnotabridge.

Sincerely,

RaviDev

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GUYANA GOING NOWHERE

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We disagree because Guyana is going somewhere.

Guyana is going down, thanks to the PPP andAmerica.

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Thanks to sanctity of contract, Guyanese hopes shattered.

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Thanks PPPandAmerica, the Guyanese dream is now a nightmare.

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Guyanese are going somewhere: it is downwards.

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- JAMAICAN ECONOMIST

Govt. now siding with ExxonMobil to avoid renegotiating oil deal

...VP Jagdeo shirking responsibility in oil sector - Chris Ram

Though Guyana's blossoming petroleum sector is in desperate need of pruning to ensure the fruits satisfy the needs of the local populace, the country's leaders have not been hearkeningtotheirrespective roles.

This much can be said, particularly about Vice

President (VP) Bharrat

Jagdeo, who is tasked with management of the local petroleum, according to Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, ChristopherRam.

Ram in an invited comment on Sunday said he believes the Vice President has been shirking his

responsibilities in numerous instances.

He pointed out that only recently the VP told the mediathattheEnvironmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) has been charged with ensuring ExxonMobil supplies a parentcompanyguarantee.

According to Ram, “That is bulls**t. The EPA has

nothing to do with insurance. He is refusing to exercise the significant rights and powers thatGuyanadoesstillenjoy.”

The Attorney argued, “I think the entire team of people responsible for the oil and gas sector is doing a very poorjob.Theyarenotpaying enough attention to what the law and what the agreement requires; even the inadequate provisions of the 2016 agreement are not being sufficientlyenforced.”

He explained that the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) allows for a renegotiation of the oil contract, yet the government seems more inclined to serve theoilcompanies,ratherthan thepeopleofGuyana.

“I know the contract and that is why I am so peeved that our representatives are betrayingourtrust.

Theyprefertocovertwith the Americans now than serve the interest of the people of Guyana,” Ram argued.

T h e L a w y e r a l s o d i s m i s s e d t h e Vi c e President's claim that the People's Progressive Party (PPP) said it promised to reviewtheoilcontractsrather than engage in renegotiating theStabroekBlockdeal.

“That is absolute nonsense. Guyanese are not stupid;weknowwhatJagdeo said and know what he meant. I also know what he t o l d m e i n p r i v a t e conversation, ” Ram challenged.

When it comes to the government using its discretionwherepermittedin the oil contract, Ram said the judgment of the leaders is completely off. He said the leaders could have inserted a ring-fencing provision; even without bringing Exxon to the table by simply adding a clause to the production

licenses granted to the company VP Jagdeo is on record saying that this was a sore issue that the PPP would address His position has howevernowchanged,asthe VP argues the need for 'sanctityofcontracts'.

The Attorney said, “I have made this point Ad nauseam that we did not necessarily need a ringfencing provision [in the c o n t r a c t ] A l l t h e y [government] have to do is to say that the revenue under any production license cannotbeusedtoexploration purposes. It's as simple as that. I really do believe that they are not applying themselves.”

Meanwhile, as it regards conducting audits of ExxonMobil, it was recently reported that Jagdeo directed this publication to the Minister of Natural Resources,VickramBharrat.

The Minister has never heldapressconferenceandis usuallynotthefirsttoaddress such issues. In fact, when KaieteurNewsreachedoutto the Minister, he explained that the VP had already addressed the audits. The MinisterwastoldthatJagdeo directed the question of the audits to him, but he never responded.

On the other hand, Ram believes that the government is not ensuring the oil companies' financial statements are being prepared to reflect the nature of the expenses to develop theresources.

Hesaid,“Idon'tthinkthat the oil companies' financial statements are provided in the manner in which they ought to be prepared and that's a blatant and glaring weakness that is being exploitedbytheoilcompany Annex C sets out the order,

nature and presentation of expenses and what the government is doing is allowing Exxon and its two partners to get away with all k i n d s o f i m p r o p e r accounting.”

Ram added, “It all began with the pre-contract costs whichweregrosslyinflated.I am really getting aggravated to see how they are screwing upthisentirearrangement.”

T h e C h a r t e r e d Accountant pointed out that Annex C identifies how expenses are organized and this is how the company should have been reporting their expenses. None of the reports meet the requirement of Annex C he said Moreover the reports themselves are inconsistent with each other, according to Ram.

Duetothis,hesaidExxon canbillGuyanaforitemsthat should not be recovered throughGuyana'soil.

The Attorney observed, “The manner of oversight is so weak that Exxon and the two other companies can probably prepare their accounts however they wish and organize the accounts in such a way that it becomes extremely difficult to carry out an objective and critical review even as the poor oversight allows claims for costwhicharenotjustifiedin theagreement.”

PSC discusses LGE with GECOM

The Private Sector Commission (PSC), on Thursday, March 23, 2023, met with the Chief Elections Officer(CEO)oftheGuyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Mr Vishnu Persaud to discuss the preparations for Local Government Elections (LGE).

According to a statement issued by the Commission, the PSC sought assurance that “GECOM is organized and prepared to conduct a free, open and transparent e l e c t i o n a n d t h a t arrangements are in place to guard against any attempt to illegally manipulate the presentation and counting of

theStatementsofPollduring the process of tabulation as occurred in the last General andRegionalElections”.

The PSC has written to the Guyana Elections Commission requesting L o c a l O b s e r v e r Accreditation Status for the f o r t h c o m i n g L o c a l GovernmentElections.

Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

THE MAN ON HORSEBACK

There used to be a running joke about the late PresidentofGuyana,Forbes Burnham and horseback riding. This was before the joke turned to reality in the 1970’sand1980’s.

Thejokestemmedfroma gift of three horses which Burnham was said to have received on a trip to the United Kingdom after he becamePrimeMinister

Whenhelatervisitedthe UnitedStates,itwassaidthat the then President Lyndon Johnson presented him with a saddle, and the joke was thatBurnhamwastoldtogo and ride the Guyanese people.

Both countries of course knew that Burnham loved horseback riding and they f e t e d h i s d e s i r e

ThejokeaboutBurnham and horseback riding became a painful reality when Forbes Burnham devastated the economy of his country and left people who once enjoyed a comfortable living in dire deprivation while he went off on overseas trips with planeloadsofofficials.

But the lasting image of Forbes Burnham for many remains a leader who loved to ride around on horseback while his people suffered. Those who still idolize ForbesBurnhamwishtoget rid of the image of the late dictator as a man who rode

about on horseback looking down on his people. They wishtodisabusethecountry of the image of Burnham having office workers coerced to work on a plantation which he treated asifitwashisownpersonal property

Managersofgovernment enterpriseswereforcedtogo toHopeEstateonweekends anddoworkthattheywould have otherwise considered beneaththem.

They were forced to literallystep intothemud to weedcoconutbedsandclear drainswhilethedictatorrode around like an overlord belchingoutorders.Itwasa most humiliating exercise for these state workers and many wish to remove that terriblememory

More humiliating was thatmany of themcould not refuse because to do so wouldbetoinvitedismissal. Manyalsowenttobeableto gettobuyfooditems.Itisan experience that is unthinkable these days. But an entire nation had to go throughthisbecausethiswas what the former dictator wanted.

Burnham did not get his feetmuddyontheestate.He washighuponhishorse.His feet hung over the sides of his horse and made a distinctive sight because of the striking leather riding bootswhichhelovedtowear whilstriding.

B u t B u r n h a m ’s

Dem Boys Seh...

fascination with horseback riding preceded the Hope Estate experience. Burnham wasahorseman.Justafterhe took power in the 1960’s he couldbeseeneverymorning riding his horse around the city, often with a bunch of children excitedly running alongside the horses Unlike many leaders who comedowntothelevelofthe people, Forbes Burnham loved to interact with the people from atop a horseback.

Heusedtogothroughthe citymeetinghisconstituents while riding a horse. He would usually end his ride near to the Georgetown Seawall.

So his love for horses dated back to his early days as Prime Minister and did not,assomanyfeel,develop during his latter years when his socialist experiment brought nothing but ruin to t h e e c o n o m y When things dipped for the worse, food became short and Burnham responded with yet another of his thoughtless ideas He decided that people should plant every available piece of land, including the parapets in front of their homes.

Instead of trying to deal with the problems of poor drainage facing farmers, Forbes Burnham decided to makeeverycitizenafarmer. Andsoheusedtogoaround on horseback every

Our pain is there gain

This is what we should be singing in Guyana. When we gat pain, dem oil company getting gain. De more we lose, is demoredemgain.

And we leaders sitting down there and natdoinganythingaboutit.Demtoosinging a tune. But is a different tune. Dem boys can’ttellyoudetunebecausedemboysgan getintrouble.

Imagine so much oil pumping in Guyana. We hearing that we gan soon be hittingonebillionbarrelsperday

That is more than 8 times when we did start. And de more oil dem oil companies dem more dem happy and de more we unhappy, because we still feeling de squeeze.

And on top of dat we government borrowing a set of money from dem banks. Insteadofgettingabetterdealfuhwe.Sowe getting pain on one side and belly ache pun

deodderside.

Itmekdemboysrememberdetimewhen de time shout from de bedroom, “Do you evergetashootingpainacrossyourbody like someone’s got a voodoo doll of you andthey’restabbingit?”

Demboysrep0lied“No.”

Sheyelledback,“Howaboutnow?

One time also dem boys went to de doctorandtellhehowhegatpainalloverhe body He ask dem “When you touch your leg,doesithurt?

Demboysanswer“Yes.”

Dedoctoras,“Whenyoutouchyour arm,doesithurt?”

Demboysanswer,“Yes.”

Doctor:”When you touch your head, doesithurt?”

Demboys: “Yes”

Doctor:Ithinkyourfingerisbroken! Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

morning, often in the company of a senior police officer who was also a good rider He used to go around sharing out cassava sticks and urging people to plant the parapets in front of their homes.

Not many took him seriously but from his positionlookingdownonthe suffering people, he did not n o t i c e t h e p u b l i c indifferencetohisridiculous

idea.

Whilenooneshouldever deny that he was an antiimperialistandwasopposed to colonialism in Guyana and elsewhere, Forbes Burnhamlovedthetrappings of monarchial power He dressed like a colonist, enjoyed their pastimes and according to one political elder, spoke with Churchillian pauses And yes he did take Guyana

foragoodride.

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

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

THE VICE PRESIDENT – THE MAN BEHIND THE VEIL

It is said that Guyana’s Vice President is a one-man show Itisasickshow,with plentiful strains of national porno. Look at the state of this society’s democracy I substitutemyownwordsfor those of economist Ramon G a s k i n : k a n g a r o o parliament, snake-filled boards, a money review committee (PAC) that can’t get out of the shower, or off thetoiletseat. Nakednessall around. This is the craft of the Hon. Vice President, a supremely clever brother that some assess as super smart. I say cunning to the core,wizardrytothesoul. I

dissect my brother from his workproduct,hislongyears, the sum of his attitudes and attributes.

Guyana’sVice President isamanofdeepmysteries,a figure of flourishing intrigues, a presence infested with essences of a certain kind I cannot fathom his mind, but I can read his lips, interpret his results, detect the odors. The odors are all over; his words speak a language as slippery as a banana peel, layered as the scales of a snake,whathasbeenfoulfor Guyanese.

Given his continuing

long uninterrupted years at thepeakofthelocalpolitical andleadershippyramid,itis shocking that he fares so poorly in areas such as governance with what is clean,convincing,identifies with a trusted statesman’s character Thisisthebrother that dares to speak about trust. Itshouldbenotedthat I write of the “continuing longuninterruptedyears”as head of Guyana. It is not a slip.

For when consideration is lent to the VP’s relationships and dealings with some of former President Granger’s

insiders, the VP possessed more reach than the former President himself All covert, and unofficial, naturally; even Mr Granger didn’t know the bargains made by some close lieutenants. Recall those early words in this paragraph: “flourishing intrigues” - the VP to a tee. Look at where and how he hasExcellencyAli.

Plenty has been said of Guyana’s self-appointed ChiefMinisterofOil,andto most matters involving money,personneldecisions, awards. More has been written about him, and that

alone surpasses

any repulsive

h o r r o r s h o w Observe the Guyana Government as it s t a n d s t o d a y Institutions. Actions. Inactions Cast of characters. If anybody said corrupt, it would understatement of understatements.

When Guyanese, includingsupporters,quietly think so about the VP, imagine what is thought of him by outsiders, but left unsaidandunwritten. There are all those costly suspect projects, then that Asian fellow The snout of the crocodileonly Thinkofman and the many tricky maneuversthatneverseethe sun;theycouldfilllibraries, definitely diplomatic dispatches.

There is the real Vice President From my perspective, Guyana’s Vice President isn’t the stuff that fills political science books. Rather,theartfulVPisofthe case studies of unfinished textbooks focused on how secretsocietiesoperate. The crafty VP is the stuff of unwritten finance texts that deal with a peculiar kind of money management. And thealltoowiseVPwouldbe of the psychological analyses that are kept classified, so enriching they are,solikelyrevealing.

R e g a r d i n g t h e psychological,Iampositive that the American CIA has done its duty and compiled its dossier for fascinating consumption up the ladder, heldinreserve.

The conclusions on our dearly,belovedVPflowlike quicksilver freed from a thermometer: Stockholm Syndrome (an inferiority complex before AngloSaxons); persecution complex(aself-madehero); Machiavelli in the flesh (plots, outcomes); and a reputed human bank vault and real estate presence withoutequal.

And a man that deals

with attractions like how a drought-afflictedlandwould greetshowers. TheVPisthe portrait of a onedimensional man, one who is all about the self-serving, whatisnationdraining.

Notwithstandingallthis, let no one go away with the wrong impression. I am a VP watcher I understand that this makes him uneasy; despite the bluster, his outer shell is very touchy I would,too,withthenational secrets surfacing, plus other ones that will remain so for the time being. Guyanese who want to risk the peace, tranquility,andprosperityof thislandcantakehimatface value;accepthiseveryword as uttered, and his postures as picture perfect. I am contentwithbeingdifferent.

Indeed,Ihavesomekind spots for theVP, as an older brother should be, while looking out for one that is chronically on the reckless, unhearing, self-destructive side. Unlikeotherbrothers, though,Imustdrawtheline most times on some things. Onthese,theVPandIgoour separateways. Hehasdone well. Butwithwhat,andfor whom? Certainlynotforthe G u y a n e s e p e o p l e Definitelynotwhatistrueto theGuyanesetreasury?

The VP is more than a one-manshow He is an empire of one. The challenge and the skill are to evaluate what kind of empireitis. LikeNerowas to Rome, this political practitioner, this leader, this brother is to the utter detrimentanddevastationof Guyana A one-man wrecking,heis.

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

HARDTRUTHS BYGHKLALL

US citizens kidnapped in Haiti

ABC–TheStateDepartmentin the United States says that it has been notified of the kidnapping of two US citizens who were on a trip tovisitfamilyinHaiti.

It is reported that Abigail Toussaint and Jean-Dickens Toussaint,both33,fromthestateof Florida, were taken near the capital Port-au-Prince and have been held for days.The couple's family said “'we told them not to go”. The husband and wife were visiting relativesandattendingafestival.

The family is fighting to get their loved ones back from Haiti who may be held for ransom by gangs The couple of Tamarac, Florida, were in Haiti to see ailing

relatives and attend a community festival when they were kidnapped Saturday while traveling on a bus from Port-au-Prince, their family said.

A family friend who met the couple at the airport to escort them was also kidnapped, their niece, Christie, who declined to give her lastname,toldABCMiamiaffiliate WPLG.

"They stopped the bus at a stop and they asked for the Americans onthebusandtheirescortstocome off the bus and then they took them,"Christietoldthestation.

In response to an inquiry about the incident, the U.S. Department of State did not confirm a

kidnapping but said it is "aware of reportsoftwoU.S.citizensmissing in Haiti." The family learned about

theransomdemandsafterthefriend escorting the Toussaints contacted hisrelatives,Christiesaid.

The kidnappers initially demanded $6,000 for the couple's release,NikeseToussaint,thesister of Jean Dickens Toussaint, told ABC News.Though once they sent the money, the price went up to $200,000 per person and "we don't have that type of money," Christie told WPLG.Nikese Toussaint said they did not know how to reach Haiti police so have not contacted them, but said they did reach out to the U S Embassy and U S DepartmentofHomelandSecurity "The U.S. Department of State and our embassies and consulates abroadhavenogreaterprioritythan thesafetyandsecurityofU.S. (Continued on page 70)

Jean Dickens Toussiant and Abigail Toussaint are shown in this photo. (Toussaint and Imbert Family)

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

Magistrate dismisses GEA's false declaration charge against Atlantic Fuels Inc.

Th e f a l s e d e c l a r a t i o n

c h a r g e l a i d against Atlantic Fuel Inc. by head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) was on Friday discharged by MagistrateDylanBess.

Dr Mahender Sharma of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) had accused Atlantic Fuels Inc. of making a false

declaration on an invoice submitted under the 2014 Petroleum Regulation of the GuyanaEnergyAgencyAct.

On Friday, Magistrate Bessdismissedthecaseafter he upheld a no case submission made by attorneySiandDhurjon.

TheMagistrateruledthat the evidence led by GEA's attorney Arud Gossai failed

to provide sufficient evidence for Atlantic Fuel Inc. to lead a defence in the case. The false declaration allegation against the company was the last charge in a number of allegations leveledagainstthecompany

O n W e d n e s d a y , Magistrate Bess dismissed a similar charge against

DirectorofAtlanticFuelInc. Eugene Gilbert brought by Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

In January 2021, 69year-old Gilbert made his first court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.Itwasallegedthaton November 12, 2020 at the GRA, Camp Street, Georgetown Headquarters, Atlantic Fuels Inc. caused to be made and subscribed a false declaration on invoice number 100 valuing $100,000 for customs declaration reference number GY 410C, contrary to section 217 (1) (a) of the CustomsAct,Chapter82:01. Gilbert was out on $300,000 bailfortheoffence.

Attorney-at-Law Siand Dhurjon, who represented the Director, stated that he made a no-case submission on behalfof his clientandon Wednesday afternoon the Magistrate upheld his submission.

Special Prosecutor,

Jason Moore represented GRAinthematter.

Dhurjon stated that Magistrate Bess found favour with his submissions and ruled that the charge filed by Prosecutor Moore 'lackspecificityofthefalsity' thattheGRAwasalleging.

“The magistrate was at a loss, for the Court could not know if the falsity alleged had to do with the value declared, the amount of fuel declaredorthesupplier

The magistrate reminded Mr Moore that a court must never have to speculate and that an accused must always knowthecasehehastomeet. The Court held that Mr Jason Moore failed to make out the charge against AFI even at the preliminary prima facie stage,” the lawyerdisclosed.

He explained that the court asked GRA to be reminded that the emails admitted into evidence

admittedforthetruthoftheir contents but merely for the f a c t t h a t s u c h correspondences were exchanged.

Kaieteur News had reportedthatCommissionerGeneral of GRA, Godfrey Statia is listed as the complainant and Atlantic Fuels Inc. is listed as the respondent.

The fuel company is owned by former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of t h e G u y a n a Wa t e r Incorporated (GWI), Dr RichardVanWestCharles.It was stated that the fuel company had allegedly been caught recording less than the amount of fuel in a shipment which caused the revenue authority to lose revenue.

This was reportedly not the first time the fuel company has been accused of tax fraud. In 2019, GRA investigations revealed a similar situation involving AtlanticFuelsInc.

Blairmont Estate surpasses weekly production target by 12%

The Guyana Sugar

Corporation (GuySuCo) has announced that the Blairmont Estate has leveraged the good weather conditions over the lastsevendaystosurpassitsweekly sugar production target, ending March25,2023,by12%.

This is the second time for the first crop this year that this Estate hassurpasseditsweeklytarget.

“This good news will boost the income from the members of the sugar fraternity on the West Coast of Berbice as all the workers at that

Estate secured additional remuneration with the weekly performance incentive,” a statementfromGuySuCosaid.

Estate Manager Threbhowan Shiwprasad said the achievement waspossibleduetothefactorytime efficiencyof95.5percent,againsta budget of 93 0 percent, and minimal downtime of 5.25 hours fortheweek.

Also contributing to this achievement is the cane quality, with Pol extraction of 92.4 percent, versus 91 1 percent budgeted,

resulting in an improved Tonnes Cane to Tonnes Sugar (Tc/Ts) ratio of 11 53 percent versus the budgeted13.04percent.

Qualified workers who worked 80 percent or more days available for that week will benefit from another weekly production incentive scheme, which allows tax-free incentives when an estate achieves its weekly production target. The first crop production target is 16,875 MT of sugar, and 50%ofthattargetwassurpassedon Saturday,March25,2023.

“The Executive Management congratulates the management and workers of Blairmont estate and urges all grinding estates to strive towards achieving the weekly production incentive The Executive Management also implores workers to remain focused and committed to consistentlyachievingtheirweekly targets, as every effort is being made to harness better weather duringMarch2023comparedtothe sameperiodin2022,”thestatement said.

Sunday – Mar 19, 2023

nd2022@petroleum gov gy

The new tax is being with the Permanent implemented for the new Govt. proposes to plug S e c r e t a r y c o p i e d , agreements which will be loopholes for corruption, jmckenzie@nre.gov.gy. issued at the end of the abusive transactions current oil blocks auction, between oil companies Govt. expected to seek and for all existing deals and related parties new Parliamentary Order outside of the Stabroek to shield Exxon from 10% Block.

One of the most corporate tax set for oil

The government has egregious ways oil companies refused calls to renegotiate companies are known to rob the Stabroek Block PSA on countriesofbillionsworthof Time and time again, the the grounds that contract profits is through related Government of Guyana will sanctity should be observed, party transactions. In the have to make manoeuvres to and that the stability clause absence of contractual rules prevent ExxonMobil prevents it from bringing or domestic laws, oil subsidiary, Esso Exploration Exxon to the table. The companies and their and Production Guyana clausedictatesthatifGuyana subcontractors or even Limited (EEPGL), from implements any new law or subsidiaries can jack up the being affected economically tax code that affects the prices for items that are way by changes in Guyana’s financial bottom line of the beyond market levels. In laws. Stabroek Block cosome cases, it is worse than The company’s Stabroek venturers, Guyana will have inflated bills; there are even block Production Sharing to exempt them from the reported cases of duplicated Agreement (PSA) is so amendment or find a way to costsandfalseinvoices. precious that even certain restore their economic

Acutely aware of how changes in Guyana’s laws benefit. prevalent this practice is in shall not affect it. In keeping After it signed the 2016 the industry, the PPP/C with this principle, President PSA, the David Granger Government has proposed to D r I r f a a n A l i ’ s administration had to grant implement a strict provision administration is expected to Exxon and its partners this that compels oil companies gotoParliamentforaspecial exemption, in addition to to conduct their related party order to shield the PSAfrom contractors for other businesses in keeping with a new tax law change that offshore blocks, so that internationalprices. states companies operating Guyana’staxlawswouldnot

This is specifically under other petroleum applytothem. the contractor shall be Progressive Party Civic intheGuyanacontext. outlined in the draft Model agreements will have to pay Seehereforthe2016DPI

responsible for maintaining (PPPC) Government. The T o e n s u r e n e w Production Sharing

accounting records relating main commercial terms investments are governed by Agreements for the 14

–thenew10%corporatetax. article about former Finance

On the front page of the Minister, Winston Jordan, to petroleum operations include a royalty rate of 10 a comprehensive framework blocks that form part of the new model petroleum spearheadingtheapprovalof under the agreement signed percent, cost recovery of international best nation’s first licensing agreements which the tax waivers for EEPGL: and in accordance with the capped at 65 percent, and practices, the ministry said round. government has released for https://dpi gov gy/esso- accounting procedures in the profitsharingof50percent. there will be an overhaul of

The provision that public commentary, it is exploration-gets-tax-break- deal, accepted accounting There is also a minimum the 1986 Petroleum Act and speaks to this is termed: stated that the government a s - o i l - e x p l o r a t i o n - practices generally used in signing bonus required from Regulations. Arm’s length transactions. It anticipates the development activities-continue/ the international Petroleum the bidders of US $20 Feedback on the draft statesinthedraftdocuments: of an amendment to the Notably, while the industry and any applicable million for deep water and model agreements should be

“Except as otherwise agreed CorporateTaxAct to include ExxonMobil-operated locallaw US $10 million for shallow addressed to the Minister of in writing between the the 10% income tax for oil StabroekBlockwillbe I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e waterblocks. Natural Resources and sent Minister and the Contractor, companies.

(Continued on page 17) documents state that Intermsoftax,thetender t o l i c e n s i n g r o u all transactions recorded in accounting and related provides that a corporation the accounting records shall records kept under this tax of 10 percent and a be conducted on an ‘arm’s agreement shall record in property tax of 0.75 percent length’ basis or on such a sufficient detail and clarity will be levied on the basis that may assure that all the work performed under participatingentities. such revenues shall not be the Agreement, the costs It is worth noting that lower and costs or expenses incurred, and the quantity bidders will be required to shall not be higher than the and value of all petroleum commit at least US $1 international market price producedandsavedfromthe million per year towards the for goods and services of Contract Area and not used employment and training of similar quality supplied in inpetroleumoperations. the citizens of Guyana in similar terms prevailing at It was further noted that accordance with the Local the time of the transaction in transactions shall be ContentAct. the regional market relevant recordedinsuchamanneras In a statement to the toGuyana.” t o p r o v i d e a c l e a r medialastweek,theministry

Thedraftdocumentsalso understanding of the sub- said the draft Model require that regulators have components of each item Petroleum Agreements access to information on all i n c l u d i n g , w i t h o u t embody rigorous research transactions for future limitation, such costs as and analysis by the blocks. It states that the broker’s fees, transportation ministry’s internal team, and contracted oil companies charges, loading and external consultants on all shall provide the minister unloading fees, demurrage, topics relevant to a modern with the accounting data and import duties, surcharges petroleum agreement for information necessary for and licence fees associated Guyana. such party to fulfill any with the procurement of The ministry said the statutoryobligationinregard materials and equipment, process involved a to Petroleum Operations andapplicabletaxes. comprehensive assessment here. Itshouldbenotedthatthe of the current petroleum

There are also provisions proposed terms in the new a g r e e m e n t a n d t h e to ensure that there is proper modelPSAscomplementthe identification of best maintenance of accounting commercial provisions practices relevant to every records. Towards this end, which were released last contractual aspect of a thedraftdocumentsstatethat December by the People’s modernagreementgrounded

From page 16

consisting of various societal exempt from the requirement to elements (i e institutional, pay the corporate tax, the Kaieteur organizational, socio-cultural and and Canje blocks, also operated by infrastructural elements) and Exxon,willbesubjectedtothenew naturalelements.” tax. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

To this end, the report recently affirmed that the highlighted that while the relevant government has effectively fisheries management policies and renegotiated all existing management plans already exist, agreements except for Stabroek. “their implementation is weak.” It When the new contracts are was explained that the finalised, it is expected that the aforementioned is largely due to: Kaieteur and Canje contracts will the lack of staff/offices and beoverhauledandpublished. technical and financial capacity of the fisheries department; limited

Monday – Mar 20, 2023 incentives; limited capacity of value chain actors (particularly the Govt. secures power in new artisanal ones) to comply with deals to conduct preliminary regulations; and the dysfunction of assessment of all costs for organizations that are essential to future oil projects support effective compliance and – Regulators also want the right stakeholder engagement like the to disallow ineligible expenses Artisanal Fisheries Advisory Committee(AFAC).

The PPP/C Administration is

“The dysfunction of fishers’ proposing to have the power to fortheexception.Within30daysof water and US $10 million for policies, their implementation is cooperatives and AFAC, in turn, is conduct preliminary assessments the date of receipt of the written shallowwaterblocks. “weak.” mainly attributed to poor of all costs to be recovered by oil exception notice, the Contractor In terms of tax, the tender The FAO’s report was managementandgovernanceofthe companies that will be awarded 14 has to submit to the Minister such provides that a corporation tax of published in January 2023 and is cooperatives, which undermine oil blocks in the country’s additional written information as 10 percent and a property tax of based on “FISH4ACP” which is an members’trustinthem.Thenatural upcomingbidround. theMinistermayrequire,aswellas 0.75 percent will be levied on the initiative of the Organization of environment is generally

The details of this are outlined any information the Contractor participatingentities. African, Caribbean and Pacific supportiveoftheVCoperations,”it in the draft Model Production may consider relevantto determine It is worth noting that bidders States (OACPS) to support wasstatedinthereport. Sharing Agreements (PSAs) that thatitwarrantsrecovery will be required to commit at least sustainable fisheries and However, it was noted that the will govern all deepwater and If the Contractor does not make US $1 million per year towards the aquaculture development The increase of sargassum seaweed shallow water blocks going a written submission before this employment and training of the five-year value chain (VC) since 2011 is reported to have forward, except the Stabroek deadline,thecostorcostswouldbe citizens of Guyana in accordance development programme (2020 to changed the availability and Block. deemed disallowed for purposes of withtheLocalContentAct. 2025)isimplementedbyFAOwith distribution of fisheries resources According to the draft costrecovery In a statement to the media last funding from the European Union andcauseddifficultiesforfishersto documents, the government wants Even more profound is a week, the ministry said the draft and the German Federal Ministry access seabob resources oil companies for future oil blocks provision that states, following Model Petroleum Agreements for Economic Cooperation and Additionally, climate change, to provide monthly, quarterly, and receipt of any additional embody rigorous research and Development. mainly characterized by changing annual statements to the subject information from the Contractor, analysis by the ministry’s internal According to the report, the rainfall, may affect the abundance minister When this is received, theMinistershall,withinthirty(30) teamandexternalconsultantsonall seabob shrimp value chain in andrecruitmentofseabob,whichin there will be an initial verification Days, conduct a final review and topics relevant to a modern Guyana is one of 12 value chains turn affects fishing operations, procedure. notifytheContractorofitsdecision petroleumagreementforGuyana. competitively selected from over particularly artisanal Chinese seine

In this regard, the draft on the disputed costs. But, where The ministry said the process 70proposalsworldwideforsupport fishers who rely on tides to capture agreements state that the theMinisterdecidestodisallowthe involved a comprehensive fromtheFISH4ACPprogramme. seabob. government, at each quarter, will disputed costs as a Recoverable assessment of the current It was explained that the Importantly, it was highlighted conduct a preliminary assessment Cost,theContractorshallpromptly petroleum agreement and the summary report presents the that, “More research is needed to astowhichofthecontractor’scosts correct its books of account to identification of best practices outputs of design work completed understand the impacts of these mayqualifyasrecoverablecosts. reflect any changes resulting from relevanttoeverycontractualaspect during 2021 and early 2022 to natural elements on seabob

On receipt of the quarterly theinitialverificationprocedure. ofamodernagreementgroundedin conclude a functional analysis of resources in particular, and the statements, the minister will also The agreements also note that theGuyanacontext. the value chain, assess its broaderecosystemsingeneral.” initially verify the qualification of the Contractor may, however, To ensure new investments are sustainability and resilience, Declining seabob the claimed costs as Recoverable requestafinalexpertdetermination governed by a comprehensive develop an upgrading strategy to Last week, Kaieteur News Costs under the Agreement; and if on the recoverability of the framework of international best which the FISH4ACP programme reported that according to the the amounts claimed as qualifying disputedcostwithin30days. practices, the ministry said there will contribute, and plan for full report, since 2017, Guyana’s as Recoverable Costs are correct The draft documents also note will be an overhaul of the 1986 implementationfrommid2022. seabobcatchhasbeendeclining. based on documentation made the minister’s right to inspect and PetroleumActandRegulations. The FISH4ACP methodology

For the functional analysis, it available at Contractor’s offices in audit all Contractors’ books, Feedback on the draft model used to carry out this study is an was disclosed that there are two Guyana. accounts, and records relating to agreements should be addressed to approach based on FAO’s channels in Guyana’s value chain;

The agreements state that this Petroleum Operations for the the Minister of Natural Resources Sustainable Food Value Chain and the export-oriented industrial initial verification of expenditures purpose of verifying the and sent to licensinground2 Agrinatura’s Value Chain Analysis channelandtheartisanalchannel. shall be the basis for provisionally Contractor’s compliance with the 022@petroleum.gov.gy with the for Development methodologies. It It was explained that the determining the sharing of terms and conditions under this Permanent Secretary copied, has four main components: industrial channel accounts for petroleum but shall not constitute a Agreement. jmckenzie@nre.gov.gy. functional analysis, sustainability almost all (99 percent) the total final approval by the minister of It should be noted that the assessment, upgrading strategy seabob catch in Guyana, and is the those amounts. Such final approval proposed terms in the new model Guyana’s implementation development, and implementation largerofthetwochannelswhilethe shall only be provided after final PSAs complement the commercial of fisheries management policy p l a n n i n g ( a c t i o n s a n d artisanal channel accounts for a auditinghasbeencompleted. provisionswhichwerereleasedlast “weak” – FAO report investments) The approach is mere 1 percent of total seabob

Another significant provision December by the People’s …says department lacks staff, highly participatory, involving VC catch. pertains to the powers to place Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) technical and financial capacity stakeholders from the public and “During 2015 to 2020, three certaincostsonhold. G o v e r n m e n t T h e m a i n private sectors from the outset in industrial seabob firms in Guyana

The draft agreements state that commercialtermsincludearoyalty The Food and Agriculture order to ensure national ownership produced around 7 600 tonnes of within 90 days of receipt of the rate of 10 percent, cost recovery Organization (FAO) of the United of all four components, thereby peeled seabob per year (17 000 quarterly statements, the minister capped at 65 percent, and profit Nations (UN) in a summary report increasingthelikelihoodofsuccess tonnes fresh, whole weight may submit a written exception sharingof50percent. titled, “The seabob (Xiphopenaeus oftheprojectinterventions. equivalent),”itwasnoted. notice to the Contractor, expressly There is also a minimum kroyeri) value chain in Guyana” ItwasstatedintheFAO’sreport From this it was stated that identifying the particular cost or signing bonus required from the disclosedthatwhilethecountryhas that, “The seabob VC actors about93percentwasexportedto costs under review and the reason bidders of US $20 million for deep existing fisheries management operateinanenablingenvironment (Continued on page 18)

A seabob market vendor (Picture taken from FAO report)

From page 17 accusations the Government markets in the United States hastily in collaboration with of America (USA) and the the FAO conducted a study European Union (EU) and 7 but the full report was not percent was sold to local releasedtothepublic. supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.

Tuesday – Mar 21, 2023

For artisanal seabob catch,the1percentisaround Govt. playing ‘hot 180 tonnes per year, in fresh, potatoes’with Exxon’s whole weight equivalent. It audits …as Jagdeo says was stated that the artisanal “ask Vick” and Vick fishermen focus on says “ask Jagdeo” supplying the domestic market with fresh unpeeled The Government of seabob, fresh peeled seabob Guyana (GoG) attitude is anddriedseabob. akin to the children’s game

Importantly, it was of ‘hot potatoes’ when it highlighted that the total comes to accepting Jagdeohaddirectedtheissue

The remaining 25 percent is country and make it worse King added that because of seabob catch has decreased responsibilityforthebillion- pertaining to the Payara and deemed profit oil which is off than it was before his fears of the resource since 2017, stating that this dollar review of expenses to Yellowtail audits to him, to thensplitevenlybetweenthe accessingthewealth. curse, he prays that oil is not was as a result of decline of develop the offshore oil and which he did not respond. contractor and Guyana “It’s worth bearing in discovered in Jamaica. “I theindustrialcatch. gasresourcesintheStabroek The Production Sharing Given the country’s already mind that very few countries would rue the day that

According to the report, Block. Agreement (PSA) signed meagre earnings, activists in the world have grown Jamaica discovers oil for the industrial firms attribute Though on a much between the GoG and the oil have been clamouring for from poverty to wealth, exactly that reason and this drop in catch to a grander scale, the elected companyallowsforauditsto special attention to be given having done so on the basis Jamaica has stronger reduction in fishing effort as officials seem unwilling to be conducted within two to the audit process, as the of natural resources. Very, institutionsthanGuyana.” a result of an increase in accept the duty of years after each Calendar country could be shafted very few,” he continued, Dr King comment sargassumandaninabilityto conducting this process, as year even further on this end. pointing out that oil-rich comes at a time when the find and capture seabob, on one hand, Vice President According to the Presently, the nation is countries like “Venezuela is Government of Guyana is possibly due to a declining Bharrat Jagdeo who is in contract’sAnnex‘C’Section awaitingtheauditreportsfor abasketcaseandNigeriaisa pushing ExxonMobil stock. For those unfamiliar, charge of the petroleum 1.5 (a), “The Minister shall a review process that was joke.” Guyana to accelerate its sargassumisagroupoflarge sector and functions as have the right to audit upon awarded to check the bills of “One of the reasons why exploration and production brown seaweed (a type of Minister of Finance in the ninety (90) days written the contractor between 2018 there is this thing called a of the country’s oil and gas algae) that floats in island- shadows, directed this notice, at his sole cost and and 2020. That contract was ‘resource curse’, why resources, all while knowing like masses and never newspaper to speak with expense, accounts and signed in May last year, with countries which have that the country has been attachestotheseafloor Minister of Natural records of the Contractor, the final report expected to resourcestendtodoworse,is operating with archaic

It was also stated that Resources, Vickram Bharrat maintained hereunder with be handed over to the GoG because not having petroleumlaws. challenges to fishing effort concerningtheaudits. respect to each Calendar bymonthend. resources forces a country to Kaieteur News had were further exacerbated by At his last press Year within two (2) years have good governance, reported that in December theCOVID-19pandemic. conference,heldonMarch5, from the end of each such ‘Guyana is going to go because that’s the only way 2020, the Inter-American However, it was pointed at the Arthur Chung year…” nowhere’- Jamaican theGovernmentandtheelite Development Bank (IDB) out in the report that the Conference Center, Kaieteur Notably, the Payara Economist can extract wealth. For them released a brief pointing out project was approved by the …fears country could fall to extract wealth to run the the glaring loopholes in a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o n victim to ‘Dutch disease’ Government, they have to Guyana’s legislative September 30, 2020, paving …lacks strong institutions create a wealth-creating f r a m e w o r k w h i c h the way for Exxon to to prevent oil corruption environment,” he said using essentially weakens the commence investments to resource-poor Singapore shield of protection that is develop the third oil project. University of the West andSwitzerlandasexamples neededfortheoilsector This means that more than Indies (UWI) lecturer and of countries which have Also, upon assuming two years have already Jamaican economist, Dr become wealthy through office in August 2020, the elapsed and there is no word Damien King fears that goodgovernance. PPP administration had from the government on Guyana could fall victim to King continued by promised an overhaul for auditing these bills The the “resource-curse” citing noting that in resource-poor Guyana’s petroleum laws. In Payara project is pegged at that the country lacks strong countries, “The only way fact, President Irfaan Ali US$9 billion. This is more institutions to prevent that the Government will during his inauguration than two times this year’s corruption. have resources to function is address pledged to establish National Budget, which was Dr King made those to have an environment that a Petroleum Commission to approved to the tune of comments during an creates the resources. When insulatetheoilandgassector US$3.9billion(GYD$781.9 interview with Jamaican you have natural resources from political interference. billion). Observer, a daily newspaper you don’t have to do that. However, that has not been reasons for fluctuating and News asked the VP to say

This newspaper had published in Kingston, [With natural resources] the done and May 2023 will declining catch are not well- when the audits for the third reported that if the two-year Jamaica. According to the Government then only make eight years since studied which is in turn and fourth ExxonMobil deadline as prescribed in the article, King stated that even becomes an institution to Guyana is without an mainlyduetoalackofaction projects, Payara and Stabroek Block Agreement, as Guyana moves deeper in fight over the resources and updated legislative and from Guyana’s Fisheries Yellowtail, respectively, will passes and Guyana fails to developing its oil and gas extract it. And unless you regulatory framework that is Department and the private be conducted to which he audit ExxonMobil’s finds, the country lacks have strong institutions to essentialfortheprotectionof actors in this regard, responded, “Which Payara subsidiary, cost recovery strong institutions to prevent begin with, to put a the oil industry against implying a critical need to and Yellowtail? From 2020? bill, the country has no corruption. constraint on the fight for mismanagement and c o n d u c t s t u d i e s t o Idon’tknow,askVick.” choice but to allow the oil The media entity spoils, it descends into corruption. investigate the problem, When this newspaper company to recover US$9B reported that King is corruption and violence Notably, what the identify the root causes and reached out to the Minister for its Payara Development convinced that political because the spoils are so Government has done is take proper actions to ensure on Friday however, his Project in the Stabroek parties will soon start to lucrative; it’s worth killing implement a Natural the sustainability of the position was that the VPhad Block, without making any squabble over the spoils to people to get into power Resource Fund (NRF) to seabobstock. already addressed the objection. the detriment of the country That’s what’s going to managetheoilproceeds.The Recently, concerns have subject. Bharrat explained, The lopsided petroleum “You mark my words, happen to Guyana because NRF legislation allows for a been raised about declining “VP gave an update on the deal in which the PPP now Guyana is going to go Guyana already has weak Board of Directors, an fish catch, with accusations audit at his last press refuses to change allows the nowhere,” King told the institutions.” InvestmentCommitteeanda from the fisherman that the conference. Position hasn’t oilgianttoextract75percent JamaicaObserver,citingthat “It’s not even a radical Public Accountability and decline was owed to the oil changed.” of the oil earnings towards the oil revenues could cause view amongst political OversightCommittee. operations offshore Guyana. Kaieteur News however servicing these expenses corruption to increase in the economists,” he continued. (Continued on page 65)

informed the Minister that

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Jamaican Economist, Dr Damien King

FirstLocalContentSummitscheduledforApril

Guyana’s first Local Content Summit will be held on April 4, 2023 through a partnership between MBW Energy Support Services Inc (MBWESSI) and the Local Content Secretariat through the Ministry of Natural Resources. The event will beheldatthePegasusSuites, Kingston,Georgetown.

Themed, “Sustaining Supplier Development through Local Content Partnership”, the Summit is an event geared towards knowledge sharing for local businesses in Guyana who are desirous of participating theEnergySector

M B W E S S I i n a statementtothemediasaid thattheeventwillfocuson local content with a mixture of both panel discussions and featured presentations

TheaimoftheSummitis todiscuss: thecurrentLocal Content Policy and Certification process; Strategic business partnerships between local companies addressing the advantages and risks of forming local consortiums; Local participation,

especially highlighting Local Content success stories within the sector and L o c a l C a p a c i t y Developmentandtheimpact of training locals, small and mediumsizebusinesses. Local Content best practices through an international lens, including myths and realities will also bediscussed.

Abbigale LonckeWatson,PresidentandCEO of MBW Energy Support Services Inc, recognizing various challenges she has faced and her business-

driven curiosity, shared that, “As a medium size, local company in Guyana, I am hopeful that the Local Content Summit will provide local companies like mine with a working road map for successful participation in the Local Content context in Guyana’s emerging energy sector”

The Government of Guyana, through the Local Content Secretariat of the Ministry of Natural Resources has fully endorsedtheeventandnoted

that “they are working together with the organizers of the upcoming Local ContentSummittoprovidea policy forum that will allow for the continuous advocating of benefits for businesseswithintheoiland gassector.”

The Summit’s opening plenary will include Vice PreisdentDr BharratJagdeo as the keynote speaker, Minister of Natural

Resources Vickram Bharrat as the featured speaker, Mr Martin Pertab, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of

the Local Content Secretariat as well as Mrs. Abbigale Loncke-Watson, CEO of MBW Energy SupportServicesInc.

Other speakers include, Mr Bobby Gossai, Ministry of Natural Resources; Dr Melissa Varswyk, Vice President,WomeninEnergy Guyana; Mr Timothy Tucker, Immediate Past President, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); Ms Georgia Inniss, Director, Global Eureka Business Solutions Inc ; Mr Joel

Bagwandin, Director, SphereX Professional Services; Ms Rowena Elliott, President, Women’s ChambersofCommerceand Industry; Mr Michael Gow, Country Manager, Subsea 7 (Guyana) and Mr Christopher Chapwayna, CEO,Sagacity

“As the Summit is focused on local content, all companies being featured duringtheexhibitionwillbe Local Content Certified companies. The Summit is committed to bringing maximum visibility to these companies, including Suregig Inc, Laparkan, Safeway Solutions Security, M. Sookhai and Co., just to nameafew,”theMBWESSI statementsaid.

Several companies have invested in the Summit These include Sherriff Security, Action Invest Caribbean (Who’s Who Magazine), Bourbon Guyana, The NICO Consulting Inc. and Vistar E n g i n e e r i n g a n d ContractingServices.

To learn more, please contact Channey Wong, channey@mbwenergysupp o r t s e r v i c e s . c o m o r +592.602.5996.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Mrs.Abbigale Loncke-Watson, CEO of MBW Energy Support Services Inc.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Was the EAB hearing on the EIA waiver for the power plant fair???

By:DavinaBagot

The Environmental Assessment Board (EAB), just over a month old, on Wednesday heard appeals from citizens who objected to the waiver of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the 300 megawatt gas-fired power plant to be constructed at Wales, West BankDemerara.

The meeting was hosted at the Cara Lodge in Georgetown even though there was a triple conflict of interest in the eyes of the appellants, who publicly stated their lack of confidenceintheprocess.

The triple conflict of interest was not only due to the fact that three senior government officials were appointed to the Board, but also largely owing to the Chairman, Dr Mahendar Sharma being the spouse of the company’s director that hasappliedforthePermitto build and operate the new power generation facility In additiontohisknowntitleof Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), he is also a Director on the Guyana Power and Light Inc Board, thecompanythatwillbenefit fromthenewpowerplant.

Despite these concerns

the public hearing was held to assess the concerns of the appellants, in accordance with Section 18 of the Environmental Protection Act;butwastheprocessfair?

The public hearing commenced at 17:05h, a mere five minutes after its scheduled time; given the usual disregard for punctuality, the EAB must be given a point here in my view! I will allow readers to assess the rest for themselves.

One of the first things to

note is the fact there was no structure to the hearing communicated to the appellants, prior to the commencement of the meeting, meaning citizens who objected to the EIA waiver were clueless as to what was expected of them, what time allotment would be given for their presentations and what mechanisms would be in placefortheirconcernstobe addressed.

T h i s w a s d u l y communicated to the EAB

by one of the citizens, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes during the start of her presentation.

The EAB Chairman had said each presenter [appellants, project proponent and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)] would be allotted 20 minutes to present, after which the Board would seek clarity on issuestheyfindfit.

N o n e o f t h e presentationsadheredtothis plan. The appellants said during the meeting that the reason for this could be blamed on the lack of a communicated protocol for the day’s proceeding Essentially, what should havebeenatleastanhouror hour and a half meeting, evolved into an almost five hours long conversationconversationsincetherewas a constant back and forth between presenters and the audience, mainly when the EPA and the Project Head, WinstonBrassingtontookto the floor with their presentations.

The floor was flooded with questions. The level of doubt, uncertainty and lack ofconfidenceintheproject’s safetywasboilingoverinthe room;soheavywithdivision that the use of profanities evenslippedthrough.

Be that as it may, the EAB Chairman, though opposedtothebackandforth betweentheparties,allowed for a level of discourse to take place, especially since he was cautioned by DeaneHughes that the unravelling events were inevitable, as Brassington left much unanswered.

What did Brassington present?

A presentation from Brassington and the government in particular on this subject (Gas-to-Energy) almost always requires and duly grasps the attention of Guyanese,somuchsothata pin could be heard dropping to the floor if there was a pauseforbreath.

Theintentandhungerfor informationonthisprojectis almost poisoning Poisoning, since the lack of details may very well be the reason for citizen’s unacceptance.

Brassington shared an overviewoftheGTEproject justaftertheappellantsmade their case. His presentation was frequently interrupted with questions and comments,towhichheoften responded,whenallowedby the EAB. The Board was insistingthatthehearingwas toassessconcernsregarding the waiver of an EIAfor the powerplant.

N o n e t h e l e s s , Brassington gave an outline of the three-part project which he says will cut electricity costs by 50 percent. There were hardly anypointsfromBrassington to prove an EIA for this project would not be required.

Hisenvironmentalpoints were founded on a study conducted in 2019, which said carbon dioxide emissionswouldbereduced.

This study was not referenced by the EPAin its decision to waive the EIA.

Brassington was courteous and took time to respond to concerns regarding an explosion as was articulated in another article. See link a t t a c h e d

https://wwwkaieteurnewso nline.com/2023/03/24/wales

-gas-plant-hearing-metwith-fierce-protest-byresidents/

In the meantime, EPA took the spot light just after 20:00hrs(8pm)thatevening to defend its decision to exemptthepowerplantfrom an EIA. The Executive Director, Kemraj Parsram provided comments before handing over to a technical officer to explain the decision.

Parsram’s presentation was subjected to heckling, notonlybytheappellantsbut by Member of Parliament, David Patterson The Director also responded to the queries as they were broughup.

Notably, as the final presenterfortheevening,the EPA introduced new information pertaining to its decision. These facts should have been presented in the inception when the decision was announced to waive the study This may have prevented the hearing from occurringinthefirstplaceas citizens may have had a greater appreciation for the studiesconductedprior Studies were however brought to the attention of the appellants that were reportedly conducted to ensuretheproject’ssafety It was during the question-and-answer segment that EAB Board member, Mr Joslyn McKenzie (also Permanent SecretaryfortheMinistryof Natural Resources), queried whether one of the appellants was aware that thesestudieswereconducted andavailabletothepublic.

D a n u t a R a d z i k responded explaining, “Whatwaspresentedtous Continued

Appellant of the EIAwaiver for the power plant, Vanda Radzik (standing) makes a point before the EAB

Cuisine Culture

The Waterfalls Waterfalls

Reanna Arakhan

MeetthegorgeousReannaArakhan,a delegateoftheMrs.IndiaGuyanaWorldwide2023 pageant. Mrs.Arakanisawifeandmotheroftwobeautifulgirlswho lovesallthingsfashion,Beauty,dancing,andskincare. Mrs.Arakhan’sadvice totheyouthis“Youshouldnotwastetimestandinginoneplaceworryingabout criticism.Instead,befearless,spreadyourwingsandmanifestthepurposewithinyou.” Thisweek’sbeautyisalsoadevoutHinduwhosefavouritequotefromtheBhagavatGita states:“Detachmentisnotthatyouownnothing,Detachmentisthatnothingownsyou.”

DEVELOPMENT CRISIS THREATENS SMALL STATES

BySirRonaldSanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely hisown)

“The world is facing a crisis of development ” Thosearethefirstwordsofa paper from officials of the World Bank Group (WBG), setting out a proposed roadmap for “urgent action” to tackle the “growing crisis of poverty and economic distress, and global challenges, including climate change, pandemic risks,andrisingfragilityand conflict”.

These are all conditions that impact developing countries, across the globe, and more particularly small economies.

Totheseconditionsmust beadded,highcostofliving, resulting from both the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the RussianwaronUkraine.

Yet, the World Bank claims it is not able to lead such urgent action even though,astheworld’smajor funder of development, it should be In its own roadmap paper, the Bank discloses that its “2018 Capital package was designed to be prepared for one mid-sized crisis a decade, and not multiple overlapping crises”. It goes on to say that Bank support “is set to decline starting [in the] Financial Year 2024 and, in real terms, Bank support today is below the levelsofthe1980s”.

Worsening the situation is that the populations of low-income countries are expected to rise by 25 percent by 2050, requiring morefundingfromtheBank if it is to be helpful in averting economic catastrophe in these countries.Inotherwords,the Bank says it does not have sufficientfundstocopewith the needs for development financing and thus, has calledfor“amassivestepup in the international community’s support” Clearly, the Bank either recognizes, or has been told b y t h e p o w e r f u l governments, which control its policies, that they are unwilling to provide more resources. Therefore, the

policymakers have introduced the notion that the private sector should be encouraged to contribute to multilateralfinancing.

In part, this is why the BidenAdministration of the UnitedStatesofAmericahas nominated Ajay Banga, an Indian-American national and former Chief Executive OfficerofMasterCard,tobe PresidentoftheBank.

Even accepting Mr Banga’s skills in business, it islefttobeseenifhewillbe successful in mobilizing the scale and type of financial c o n t r i b u t i o n a n d participation that the Bank now evidently requires to fulfil its mandate.Caribbean small states will be among the principal sufferers from the Bank’s resource constraints. In a separate paperentitled,“Overlapping C r i s e s , M u l t i p l e Challenges,” Bank officials detailagloomypictureofthe current situation of these countries and their prospects.

Among the conditions is the rise in interest rates, whichwillmakerefinancing of existing debt more burdensome, and affording new borrowing almost impossible.

In several Caribbean small states, debt service is already above the threshold of 10 percent of exports of goods (including tourism). Indeed,debtserviceinsome Caribbeanstatesexceedsthe acceptable threshold even more Increased interest rates will make it exceedingly difficult for thoseCaribbeansmallstates, whicharedescribedas‘high income,’ to cope with the increaseincostofmoney

Among these states are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, St, Kitts-NevisandTrinidadand Tobago.

Despite the protests and rigorous arguments of these countries that ‘high income’ is not, by itself, a d e t e r m i n a n t o f underdevelopment, and that they share similar, if not exactcircumstancesofother small states, the policy makers at the Bank and the International Monetary Fund, are adamant in not amending the criterion Indeed, one World Bank Executive Board member, officially representing the Caribbean, unflinchingly declared that seeking concessionary financing for ‘high income’ small Caribbean states was an “ask” that would not be

fulfilled.

The paper on the overlapping crises that confront small states provides a prescription of actions that small states should take, to “mitigate the effects of global inflation, andpositiontheireconomies to move past Covid-19”. One of the prescriptions is that “expenditure restraint –particularly of recurrent spending would bolster fiscal positions and reduce theneedforadditionaldebt.” At a time of high inflation, affectingthecostoflivingof people, decreased government revenues, and the need to cushion costs to the poor and vulnerable, the prescriptions could have benefitted from a more realistic approach, based on direct consultation with smallstates.

A more practical proposal in the paper was that “the international community can help by scaling up non-concessional official financing, concessional financing, and grants; helping to leverage privatesectorfinancing;and upgrading the international architecturefordealingwith excessivedebt”.

However, nothing has happened in recent years to inspire belief that the wealthy countries will become more responsive to the urgent development needs of developing countries, particularly small states Among many disheartening events are the failures of rich nations to honourtheircommitmentsto fund resistance and resilience to the adverse effects of Climate Change, andtheirlukewarmresponse totheurgingsofsmallstates for compensation for loss anddamagethattheyendure every day As the roadmap paper points out, “richer c o u n t r i e s , w h i c h significantly expanded their economies over the last decades, were the largest contributors of CO2 emissions,whilesmallstates are the most affected and face the most significant costs of adaptation.” The injustice cannot be more blatantlyobvious.

There is also one fast emergingissuethattheBank doesnotmentionineitherof its papers. That issue is the threat to the rule of law and democracy,withincountries, thatisnowposedbythehigh rate of inflation, the significantly higher costs of certain foods, and higher interestrates.

These have combined to create dissatisfaction amongst populations, leading to a clamour for increased wages, and to protests and demonstrations in some countries, either opportunistically organised, or encouraged, by oppositionpoliticalparties. These demands cannot be easily satisfied by small economies which are still struggling to recover from the impact of Covid-19, and which are now engulfed by the soaring prices that are a

consequenceofthe Russian war on Ukraine.Thecrises that small states

face call for responsibility by all; not the feckless pursuit of narrow political ambitions, the results of which will be disastrousforall.

Thepolicymakersatthe World Bank and the IMF

should listen before deciding, and in doing so they should contemplate the consequences of rigid

positions at a time when the world would benefit for flexibility and mutually beneficialcooperation.

Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s :

www.sirronaldsanders.com

Sir Ronald Sanders

Winston Jordan’s misconduct case to proceed to trial

On Thursday, Senior case was heard before Senior evidence from the prosecution, Magistrate Leron MagistrateLeronDaly and then make a ruling at the end Daly ruled that former According to Karimbaksh, as oftheprosecution’scase.

Finance Minister, the case was being heard, the This prompted one of the Winston Jordan’s, misconduct Magistrate indicated to the defence attorneys to inform the case will proceed to trial next prosecutorthatshewasinclinedto court that the defence would be month. Following the magistrate’s make a ruling in favour of the challenging her ruling in the High ruling, one of Jordan’s lawyers defence submissions which were Court. However, the magistrate indicated that the defense will be previously made by Jordan’s adjourned the case for April 11, appealing the decision to proceed lawyers that he was not a Public 2023fortrial. totrial. Officer, however the prosecution Kaieteur News had reported

The former Minister had made had previously submitted that the that Jordan was first arrested on his first court appearance in Chief Justice made a ruling in the December 2, 2021 and later December 2021, before Chief case of Brassington and SinghV.S released on bail for a series of Magistrate, Ann McLennan in the the Chief Magistrate in allegations relating to Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

Application 757 of 2018, that Dr transactions of public funds and for allegedly selling a State wharf Ashni Singh who was also a state properties, estimated to belowitsmarketvalue. Finance Minister was considered valuebillionsofGuyanadollars.

By Renay Sambach

Jordan was not required to to be a Public Officer and that According to the police, the encumbranceandliabilitiesandno pleadtotheindictablechargeafter Article 232 of the constitution of first transaction that he was further sum of money is owed by itwasreadtohim. Hewasslapped Guyana provides that a Public interviewed about is in relation to the purchaser Also, the transport with a charge which alleges that Officer means the holder of any the alleged sale and vesting of the Cummingsburg, Georgetown, was subsequently reportedly while being and performing duties Public Office and includes any state’s largest wharf facilities being over 2.553 acres, by paying issued for the property and the of Minister of Finance, and being person appointed to act in such located at Kingston, Georgetown, $20,260,276,forapropertyvalued value stated on the transport was the concerned Minister for the Officeinteralia.

over$5B,andbeingsoldataprice

that was grossly undervalued to however, that the agreement of Commercial Investments Limited the comments reserved her ruling reportedlysoldforUS$500,000.It such a degree as to amount to an salestatedthattitlemustonlypass (NICIL),acompanyownedbythe to advise herself on whether to is alleged that the purchaser BK abuse of the public trust and upon full payment of purchase Government of Guyana, between stop the case without hearing Marines Inc , only paid without reasonable excuse or price. February 26, 2020 and July 31, evidence from the prosecution or US$100,000, which is 10 percent justification.

The Magistrate, after making US$

The police also reported that 2020 at Main Street, Georgetown, whether she has to take evidence of the purchase price, and Jordan The charge was brought investigators have evidence to he willfully misconducted from the prosecution and then issuedavestingorderpassingTitle against him by the Special establish that a facility which is a himself. It is further alleged that make a ruling at the end of the to the purchaser, without the OrganisedCrimeUnit(SOCU),an mere fraction of the size of the the former minister acted prosecution’s case and had payment of any further sum of arm of the Guyana Police Force state property that is under recklessly when he signed NICIL adjourned the matter. When the monies. (GPF). investigation and located seven Order,No.50of2020,transferring case was recalled, Senior It was further stated that the Head of SOCU, Assistant milesupriverwassoldbyaprivate to and vesting in BK Marine Inc., Magistrate Daly indicated that she vesting order stated that the Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, companyforUS$17million. Mud lots situated at North would reserve her ruling and take property is being sold free from on Thursday disclosed that the

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

Who Is the Pringles Man?

The History Behind Pringles’Mascot

(Reader’s Digest) The legend. The guy that has key contributor is Gene Like Pringles, learn why so man on the can has a name convinced you to shove your Wolfe, the science fiction manylogosarered. you won’t forget. There is hand into that tubular writer, who actually helped But now the most recent just something so satisfying container The Pringles man establish the machine that logo is the most modernized about sliding your hand into isfairlyeasytoidentify,right makes Pringles.Another key looking of them all. Drum that iconic long and lean up there with other brand player was chemist and food roll,please! way they always Pringles container for a mascots like Chester technician Fred Baur, who Pringles’new logo P r i n g l e s ’ have and that’s crisp. Maybe as a child, you Cheetah and Tony the Tiger created the cylinder-shaped Julius Pringle has a crisp eyebrows are delicious. Now that even stuck two in your But this man is no zoo canafterexperimentingwith new appearance. First of all, e v e n m o r e you can impress your mouth at once to mimic a animal;heisapersonlikethe chip storage so they let’s talk about the obvious. expressive and friends will all this duck’s beak. Whether you rest of us—and his name is wouldn’t break And Themanisnowbald—sorry, t h e b o w t i e knowledge about the grab BBQ-flavored, sour Julius Pringles While Alexander Liepa, from Julius.Hismustacheisnowa looksabitsharper Pringles man, check out cream and onion, cheddar embodying many looks over Montgomery, Ohio, brought solid black and his eyes are a If you were concerned these old-fashioned snack cheese, or even dill pickle- the years, Julius Pringles has the flavor to the crisps and is bitbeadierasthepupilshave about the taste, have no fear food packages that will give flavored, the man with the a l w a y s s p o r t e d a the name that appears on the been removed Julius Pringlesstilltasteexactlythe makeyounostalgic. mustache on the Pringles recognizable bushy Pringles patent. So while we container is one of the most mustache that if you look don’t know exactly who recognizable brand mascots closely enough has always came up with Julius Pringle, on an iconic logo that’s resembled two Pringles the men behind the product comparable to the Baskin crisps put together This is may have been some sort of Robbins logo or Starbucks just one of those random, inspiration. logo. But who is this guy? interesting facts that may When Julius Pringle was There’s a story behind the havejustblownyourmind. born, he had a plump black Pringles man and we’re here Julius Pringles has just mustache, red eyes, to formally introduce you to been a floating head since eyebrows, and black hair him. 1967 and unsurprisingly had parted down the middle.The

While we are addressing m a n y c r i s p - e a t e r s Pringles logo proudly the Pringles mascot in this wondering what the body of appears inside his bowtie. In piece, it’s important to make this man looked like. Was he 1979, the logo was altered to anoteofourlanguagebefore long and lean? Or short and remove the red eyes and we continue. While many of stout from eating all those include a small smile. The us call Pringles “chips,” Pringles? Well, last year, next change happened in Pringles are actually made Last Week Tonight host John 1986, when the brand with dehydrated processed Oliver announced that he removed the apostrophe potato (which is why would donate $10,000 to from “Pringles,” and Pringles aren’t really potato Feeding America if they changed the design of the chips). The FDA decided in revealed the mysterious eyes. The rosy cheeks that 1975 that Pringles could body of Julius Pringles. The Juliussporteddisappearedin onlybecalled“chips”ifthey company posted a video on the 1990s. You likely know provided a disclaimer on Twitter of a man in a the 2000s logo best; you can their products that they are costume, and Oliver see the “Pringles” logo was not made with real potatoes. deliveredonhispromise. droppedfromthebowtieand Pringles didn’t want to do The history of he was given a more stylish that understandably, so they the Pringles man red one and floppy brown decided to rename their The history of the hair that finally sits on top of product“crisps.” Pringles man is murky just his round head instead of in What is the like the name, but there are a it. If you look closely, you Pringles man called? few notable players in the can even see the “i” is dotted

This Day in History - Mar. 26

Compiled by Zena Henry

Dr. Jonas Salk announces polio vaccine

March16,1953

On March 26, 1953, American medical researcher Dr Jonas Salk announces on a nationalradioshowthathehas successfully tested a vaccine against poliomyelitis, the virus that causes the crippling disease of polio. In 1952—an

e p i d e m i c y e a r f o r polio—therewere58,000new cases reported in the United States, and more than 3,000 died from the disease. For his workinhelpingtoeradicatethe disease, which is known as “infant paralysis” because it mainly childrenwereleftparalyzedand10died. affects children, Dr Salk was celebrated as The incident delayed production of the thegreatdoctor-benefactorofhistime. vaccine, but new polio cases dropped to

In 1954, clinical trials using the Salk under 6,000 in 1957, the first year after the vaccine and a placebo began on 1.3 million vaccine was widely available. In 1962, an American schoolchildren. In April 1955, it oral vaccine developed by Polish-American was announced that the vaccine was researcher Albert Sabin became available, effective and safe, and a nationwide greatly facilitating the distribution of the inoculation campaign began Shortly poliovaccine. thereafter, tragedy struck in theWestern and Today, there is no year-round mid-Western United States, when more than transmission of poliovirus in the United 200,000 people were injected with a States.Among other honors, Jonas Salk was defective vaccine manufactured at Cutter awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom Laboratories of Berkeley, California. in 1977. He died in La Jolla, California, in Thousandsofpoliocaseswerereported,200 1995.

Gary Heidnik’s cellar where he dug a hole and chained up missing women. Photo courtesy of Reddit.

Black music gets whitewashed, as Georgia Gibbs hits the pop charts with ‘The Wallflower (Dance With Me, Henry)’

Torture chamber uncovered in Philadelphia

March26,1955

dubioustrendknownas“whitewashing.”

For its time, the mid-1950s, the lyrical In addition to replacing “Roll” with phrase “You got to roll with me, Henry” was “Dance,” the lyrics of the Georgia Gibbs considered risqué just as the very label “rock version omitted lines like “If you want and roll” was understood to have a sexual romancin‘/You better learn some dancin,’” connotation. The line comes from an Etta and changed the rhythmic and vocal stylings. James record originally called “RollWith Me And while many Americans might have Henry” and later renamed “The Wallflower.” preferred the Etta James version to the Already a smash hit on the Billboard Rhythm GeorgiaGibbscoverhadtheyheardthetwoin andBlueschart,itwentontobecomeapophit succession, they would rarely have the in the spring of 1955, but not for Etta James. opportunity to do so. Pop radio was almost Re-recorded with “toned-down” lyrics by the exclusively white radio in 1955America, and whitepopsingerGeorgiaGibbs,“DanceWith middle-of-the-road artists like Nat “King” Me Henry (Wallflower)” entered the pop ColeandtheInkSpotswererareexceptionsto charts on March 26, 1955, setting off a thisrule.

Heaven’s Gate cult members found dead

March26,1997 bodily “containers” and enter an alien

Following an anonymous tip, police spacecraft hidden behind the Hale-Bopp enter a mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, an comet.In1997,aspartofits4,000-yearorbit exclusive suburb of San Diego, California, of the sun, the comet Hale-Bopp passed near and discover 39 victims of a mass suicide. Earth in one of the most impressive The deceased—21 women and 18 men of astronomicaleventsofthe20thcentury varying ages were all found lying In late March 1997, as Hale-Bopp peaceablyinmatchingdarkclothesandNike reached its closest distance to Earth, sneakers and had no noticeable signs of Applewhite and 38 of his followers drank a bloodortrauma. lethal mixture of phenobarbital and vodka

It was later revealed that the men and and then lay down to die, hoping to leave women were members of the “Heaven’s their bodily containers, enter the alien Gate”religiouscult,whoseleaderspreached spacecraft, and pass through Heaven’s Gate that suicide would allow them to leave their intoahigherexistence.

March26,1987

Six women were kidnapped and held in Responding to a 911 call, police raid the Heidnik’s dungeon. All were raped and Philadelphia home of Gary Heidnik and find tortured while the others were forced to an appalling crime scene. In the basement of watch.Hekilledoneofthewomenbyputting Heidnik’s dilapidated house is a veritable her in a pit, filling it with water and putting a torture chamber where three naked women live electrical wire into the water Another of were found chained to a sewer pipe.Afourth the women was killed when Heidnik let her woman, Josefina Rivera, had escaped and starve to death while chained to the wall. In calledpolice. perhaps the most grisly and horrid episode of

GaryHeidnikwasaformermentalpatient theentireincident,Heidnikdismemberedone andsexoffenderwhohadmanagedtobecome of his victims, cooking parts of her body and a wealthy stock investor He owned a Rolls feeding it to his other captives. The women Royce and beat Uncle Sam on his income who were found alive recovered after being taxesbymakinghimselfthebishopofhisown treatedfordehydrationandmalnutrition. church. The sign on the front of his house Although Heidnik was clearly mentally read, “United Church of the Ministries of disturbed, he was found guilty and convicted God.” One room in his house was partially ofmurderonJuly1,1988.Hereceivedadeath wallpapered with money At the end of 1986, sentence,andwasexecutedonJuly6,1999. Heidnik decided to create his own harem and Heidnikwasoneoftheinspirationsforthe began kidnapping women off the streets of Buffalo Bill character in Thomas Harris’ Philadelphia. Silence of the Lambs

Dr. Jonas Salk with the Polio Vaccine (History.com)

9 bodies of Heaven’s Gate members were discovered, bags packed and Nike’s laced, lying on beds and mattresses in a San Diego mansion. (Kim Kulish/Getty)

Health Facts

Stiff neck: Causes and symptoms

A stiff neck is typically side,suchassportsinjuries examples of cervical spine painful, sharp, and limiting. without characterized by soreness Turning the head side to disordersthatcancauseneck Typically, attempting to turn excruciati and difficulty moving the side repeatedly during an muscles to painfully spasm a stiff neck to a particular ng pain, neck, especially when trying activity, such as swimming ortighteninclude: side or direction will driving will toturntheheadtotheside.It thefrontcrawlstroke Conditions that may eventually result in so much likely need may also be accompanied by Slouching with poor occur in the cervical spine pain that the motion must be be avoided until a headache, neck pain, posture while viewing the includes degenerative disc stopped. s y m p t shoulder pain and/or arm computermonitororlooking disease, herniated disc, facet The amount of reduction improve. pain. downwardatamobilephone joint osteoarthritis, and inneckmotioncanaffectthe Oftentimes, taking it is significant, an individual

By Rehanna Ramsay

Inordertolooksideways for prolonged periods spinalstenosis. individual’s activity levels. easy for a day or two is all maywanttouseanover-theor over the shoulder, an (sometimes referred to as S o m e t i m e s n e c k For example, if the head that is needed to give the counter pain medication or individual reaction to an cannot be significantly neck’s soft tissues a chance apply ice and/or heat the disorder of the turned in one direction to heal. In cases where pain therapy stif The below: commonly herniated disc mu e outer tiss disc in the people spine breaks with the inner inconvenience of leaks out, a i n g w h compression and appeared inflammation in waking tissues. mo v i c a l p e rative d e disease -As later l o s e a f n and s t over time, activity ncreases mo joints, In soft tissues, and nts and naturally process can

However ain and manages stif

osteoarthritis affect breakdown of the time, between period, cradling whetheritwillreturn. vertebral bones often occurs phone between the neck and CAUSES

a l o n g w i t h o t h e r shoulder

By far the most common degenerative conditions, The cause of the stiff cause of a stiff neck is a such as spinal stenosis, and neck may be obvious if muscle strain or soft tissue anatomical changes, such as symptoms start right away, sprain In particular, the bonespurs. such as after falling during a levator scapulae muscle is

Thisisnotacompletelist sporting event. If a stiff neck susceptible to injury ofconditionsthatcancausea seems to develop out of Located at the back and side stiff neck While rare, nowhere, however, it could of the neck, the levator several other possibilities be difficult to pinpoint the scapulae muscle connects exist, such as an infection or exactcause. the neck’s cervical spine tumor S o m e t i m e s n e c k with the shoulder This

STIFF NECK stiffness is a reaction to an muscle is controlled by the

SYMPTOMS underlying disorder of the third and fourth cervical

A stiff neck can vary in cervical spine, which helps nerves(C3,C4). intensity, ranging anywhere support and moves the neck

Falling or sudden impact f r o m a n a n n o y i n g in addition to protecting the that pushes the head to the discomfort to extremely spinal cord Several

Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)

Many might be familiar What is most interesting

They choose to mate with the Fossa from the about Fossas is that they mainly in trees and its hind popularanimatedfilmcalled appear to be a “three in one legs can pivot 180 degrees, Madagascar creature”. allowing it to climb down

In the movie it was the Itmeasuresaboutsixfeet treetrunksheadfirst. most feared character living long and could sometimes

Females give birth to an on the African Island of look like a dog with cat annual litter of two to four Madagascar until Alex the features. It also has a very young, and adulthood is lionarrived. long tail measuring up to 28 reached after about three

Like the movie suggests, inches which makes it years.

Fossas are indeed the apex appearlikeamonkeytoo. Fossas can live up to 20 predators of Madagascar The elusive Fossa is a years in the wild and is Fossas are relatively small solitary animal and spends knowntofeedonlemursand when compared to other its time both in the trees and most other creatures it can predators, butthey are the on the ground. It is active at get its claws on; from wild l a rg e s t m a m m a l i a n night as well as during the pigstomice. carnivoreontheisland. day

Unlike mongooses, and more like felines, the Fossa has retractable claws and fearsome catlike teeth for crushing the bones of its preys. Its coat is reddish brown and its muzzle resemblesthatofadog.

Presently, Fossas are threatened due to habitat loss. Currently less than ten percent of Madagascar’s original, intact forest coverthe Fossa’s only homeremainstoday

Source of information: (https://www nationalgeogr aphic.com/animals/mammal s/facts/fossa)

The Fossa

Fossa pups playing in the trees

Changing lives through drama Changing lives through drama

By:

Director of the Guyana Baptist Drama group, Kellon Ault, believes that stage plays should not be random, but should be purpose driven and should provide solutions to situationsthataffectusdaily

Presently,thegroupison tour with a stage play called ‘Broken Minds’, which highlights the issue of mental health, while raising awareness about the effects of discrimination Ault started drama as a child at church but over time, his passion for the art grew as well as his desire to see others develop this skill; something he said is unpopular in the Christian community

“We would normally have Sunday School concerts,Christmasconcerts and Easter concerts and I would normally be a part of theskits.Igrewasateenager I began to write the little skits and poems and such and that talent grew by practice and by God given talent,”hesaid.

The former Mackenzie High School student then became a member of the renowned Mike James Drama Group, where he got the opportunity to act in several stage plays and movies.However,hewanted to hone his skills independently, which

practice

p e r s i s t e n c e , h e subsequently directed his first play, ‘The Pastor, the Pimp and the Prostitute’. With support from his family and the Church, he rose to fame in the dramatic arts arena in Linden and Georgetown. Other popular playstofollowincluded‘My Baby’s Daddy’,’ the Bible andtheBatel’and‘Showme

Some of the cast acting in Broken Minds

character seriously and ensures the audience connects with the character

“Taking on that character, developthatcharacter,bring thatcharacteroutinthebest possiblewayasIcouldandI enjoyedthat.Andoneofthe

Presently, the group has 11 members from various churches and Ault said his goal is to transform the

group into the best Christian based drama group in Guyanaandthe

Continuedonpage69

theEvidence’.

Aultsaidhefelldeeplyin love with drama and put his all into delivering quality andimpactingplays.Healso takes the role of the given

things that I love about acting too is the joy I get from performing and seeing thejoypeoplegetreactingto aperformance;Iloveseeing thatjoy,”hesaid.

Vanessa Braithwaite Moore

KellonAult

US-based Victory Int’l team returns for annual outreach programme following pandemic

By:RehannaRamsay

Dr Mark Vasconcellos, CEOandFounderofVictory International a charitable organization based in North Carolina USA and his team

arrived in Guyana this week for their annual outreach. The team is back to regular programming, following a two year-hiatus due to the Covid-19pandemic.

Dr Vasconcellos is the Charter President of Rotary Club of All Nations (RCAN),whichisknownfor their service projects, both locally and internationally While in Guyana, the team worked together with other Rotary clubs such as the RotaryClubsofGeorgetown and Garden City on some sustainable long-term projects. Also collaborating withtheteamthisyearwere members of the (RCAN) Church, the most diverse and fastest growing Rotary Club in NorthCarolina.

The team consisted of Past District Governor (PDG) Marie Howard, her husband Dr David Howard, Past President (PP), Dr Teresa Long, Elisabeth Wiener, and Pastor/ Director Ken Porter The team provided Cancer Care Supplies to the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation(GPHC).

Missing from the team this year is Pastor Joel Beckham, President of Victory International and alsoaDirectorofRCAN.He indicated that he plans to return to Guyana in the Fall of 2023. He leads New Life Baptist Church in Henderson,NorthCarolina.

Dr.Vasconcellos, who is a cancer survivor, stated: “Throughout the years, we have done different types of outreaches from dental, medical,eyecare,andmany

otherservices;however,this year we are focusing on cancercare.

He said “We are blessed that the Rotary Club of All Nations, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of WakeForest,andtheRotary Club of Knightdale (both in NorthCarolina),wereableto partnerwiththeRotaryClub of Demerara (Guyana) for this year’s Cancer Care International District Grant.”

Pastor Ken Porter who serves as a Director of the RCAN disclosed: “This is my first visit to Guyana.

Pastor Mark Vasconcellos has invited me for many

Collabs with Project life, other stakeholders to donate vital supplies to GPHC, other organizations

years; by God’s grace, I am heretodayandlookforward toreturningverysoon….”

Hesaid“Havingmetthe Project Life leadership in Guyana,Iseewhythesetwo organizations do so much in helping the needy and serving the people of Guyana. Having leaders of integrity helping the needy makes all the difference.”

Pastor Porter is the Senior Pastor of Covenant Life FellowshipChurch,inWake Forest,NorthCarolina.

Also here for the first time was Dr David Howard who recognized the low Covid-related cases in

Guyana;andemphasizedthe importance of wearing masks. He has a PhD from the University of Glasgow and a postdoctoral fellowship in virology and oncology from Stanford University’s School of Medicine. He recently did a presentation to RCAN on “Black Swans and Long Covid”

Dr Howard and Dr Vasconcelloswereguestson Chanel 6, “Good Morning Guyana Show” with Mr NaimChan.

Project Life Chairman, Mr VibertParvatanandVice Chair, Ambassador Rudy Collins, welcomed the team t o G u y a n a Ambassador Collins presented the traditional Project Life name tags as he received the team. Dr Vasconcellos stated that Victory International plans toreturnintheFallforthe traditional dental and medical outreaches which will take place on the East Coast of Demerara this year. In addition,Dr Vasconcellosis planting a Christian Church in Fyrish, Berbice, which planstoopenthisyear

Last year, Victory Int’l and Project Life donated a wheelchair to the Oncology Department of the GPHC. During last year’s visit, Dr D’Aguiar, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Demerara discussed the concept of a Cancer Care Int’l District Grant with Dr Vasconcellos. Now, after a year of planning, the vision hasreacheditsfruition.

Meanwhileinadditionto

Continuedonpage69

Dr. Mark Vasconcellos flanked by Staff at GPHC as he makes a donation to the Oncology Department on behalf of US-based charity organization Victory International.

Dr. Mark Vasconcellos (left) and members of the visiting team from NC USAPast District Governor (PDG) Marie Howard, her husband Dr. David Howard, Past President (PP), Dr. Teresa Long, Elisabeth Wiener, and Pastor/ Director Ken Porter

How to Safely Remove a Foot Corn at Home

Ifyouhaveafootcornor cornsonyourfeet,youknow how painful they can be. These hardened bumps resemble the size of kernels ofcorn,forwhichthey’reso appropriately named, and whetherthey’reonthetopof yourfeet,betweenyourtoes or on the pads of your feet, they quite painfully rub insideyourshoe.

Many sufferers have tried padding the area with no luck, knowing that after removing the pads, the irritating bumps are still there. Fortunately, they can often be safely and effectively removed right at home.

Here are some tips for treating and removing your footcornsinjustafewdays:

SOFTENTHECORN

The first step in removingacornissoftening thetoughened,thickbumpof dead skin. This makes it much easier for the raised skin to come off with the helpofskinfilesortofalloff onitsown.

Soak your foot in warm water Fill your tub or a small footbathwithwarm(nothot) water Some like to use calming Epsom salts with oils or perfumes that help to relax or soften your skin. Aftera10-minutesoak,your corn should be a little softer andprimedforgentlefilling, however, people with tougher, larger corns may choosetododaily10-minute soaks for a few days to

graduallysoftenthebump. Applyscent-freelotion. Lotions are also a smart way to soften your corn, providing it with nourishing moisture. This is important, as corns are dried accumulations of dead skin. Apply a scent-free lotion post-shower or bath daily until the corn can be gently filedoff.

UsevitaminEoil.

Vitamin E is a helpful vitamin for your skin and hair, and a known natural treatment for foot corns That’sbecausetheproperties ofthisvitaminhelptosoften and moisturize skin, while theantioxidantscanhelpthis foot irritation to properly heal.

Purchasedietaryvitamin E capsules and carefully breakthecapsule.UsingaQtip, rub the oil on your corn before bed Alternatively, you could also buy a vial of vitaminEoil,whichyoucan use to moisturize your skin long after the corn is removed. After applying on the corn, slip on socks and sleep overnight, repeating every evening until the corn disappears or becomes soft enoughtosafelyfileoff.

FILETHECORN

Once your corn is softened, it can be carefully filed down using a pumice stone or emery board (nail file) After a 10-minute warm water soak or gentle soap and water wipe, lightly file your corn. Oftentimes pumice stones are best for

corns on the bottom pads of thefeetoronthetopofsides of toes We recommend using a fingernail file for cornsinbetweenthetoes.

When filing, be sure to only use gentle pressure. Aggressive filing can a c t u a l l y c a u s e microabrasions in your skin which are susceptible to fungus and bacteria leading to infection. Plus, removingtoomanylayersof skin can cause an open wound, which could rub open and get worse with walkingoractivity

Other Home, Natural CornRemovalRemedies

Instead of filing, some foot corn sufferers opt to try natural remedies like lemon juice, onion juice, garlic, or other home-accessible treatment options Learn moreaboutthesehomecorn remedieshere.

PADTHECORN

If you choose not to or have trouble removing a corn, you may find relief in padding the area with soft inserts.

Bywrappingorcovering the bump before wearing shoes, you can prevent painfulrubbingandpressure sothecorncanheal.

There are various corn pad options, including toe sleeves made from gel materials,corncushionsthat go around the bump (which are especially for top of feet corns),andmore.

TRYOVER-THECOUNTER

OPTIONS

If at home corn removal or relief treatments just aren’t working, you might want to stop by your local pharmacytotryanover-thecounterproduct.

*SalicylicAcidPads

* While putting acid on

your feet may sound intimidating, The Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that salicylic acid products helped to break downtheskincellscollected in corn bumps, allowing the patients to feel less pain and reducingcornsizecompared withsimplyshavingthecorn awayatapodiatrist’soffice.

You may be surprised to learn that many exfoliating scrubs and products use salicylic acid in them already You can find corn remover pads by your pharmacy’s foot care section, which are simply placed over a corn for 48 hours or as instructed on the label.

These products are sometimes not the best option for those with sensitiveskin,assomeshow visible signs of redness or burningfromtheacidpads— a clear sign to stop use. Should salicylic acid be an irritant, The American Academy of Dermatology also notes that urea or ammonium lactate can help to gradually soften foot corns.

MEDICATEDLOTIONS

Whilecornremovalpads contain high concentrations ofsalicylicacid,ammonium lactate or urea, mixing them in over-the-counter lotions canreducetheirpotencyand the associated negative side effectofacidburn.

These medicated lotions can be applied daily on the corntoslowlybreakitdown,

while still nourishing the skin. Amlactin is a great fragrance-free example, usingammoniumlactate.

Professional Corn

Removal&

Counseling

Ifyou’vetriedanyofthe following at-home foot corn removal techniques and still can’tseemtogetridofit,our recommendation would be toconsultapodiatrist.These trained professionals can helptoremoveasmuchdead skinaspossibleandproperly bandagetheareatoheal.

It’s rare that surgery is needed, but if a corn is pressing directly on a nerve in the foot, it’s sometimes necessary.

One of the main reasons thatcornswillnotgoawayor reappear after treatment is because of improperlyfittingfootwearorotherfoot conditions, such as hammertoes or bunions, which cause excessive rubbing in your shoes. A podiatrist can also recommendproperfootwear topreventfutureirritation,or get you set up with custom orthoticsforreliefwithapreexistingcondition.

COMEINFOR CORNREMOVAL

Cornsoftenareconfused withotherfootailmentslike blisters and warts, which is why it’s important to be properly diagnosed if home treatmentsarefailing.

Make an appointment to haveyourbumpcheckedout andprofessionallyremoved, quicklyandpainlessly

All About Shaving Your Armpits

Choosing to shave your underarms is really a personal decision. In most cases, there aren’t any medical benefits to shaving, but some people just prefer the smooth hair-free look or feel. Disposable razors are the most popular and inexpensive way the majorityofpeopleshave,but thereareothermethodslike:

*waxing

*electricrazors

*depilatories

Again, it’s a personal preference depending on your likes and budget. Here aresometipstosafelyshave underarm hair to prevent some of the most common problemswithshavinglike:

*cuts

*razorburns

*skinirritation

HOWTOSHAVE YOURARMPITS

Just like brushing your

teethorflossing,shavingisa process.Forbestresults,it’s important to know the right and wrong way to shave. Your technique and tools (razor)arekey

Exfoliate your skin with aloofahorbodyscrubberto clean your armpits before shaving for a closer and cleaner shave Sweat or deodorantcanclogbladesor cause infections from bacteria if you cut yourself shaving.

Wetyourskinbeforeyou start shaving because your underarm hair is sensitive, and moisture helps open pores and soften your skin. Try shaving in the shower This will help soften your skintoavoidcutsornicks.

Pull your skin taut and shave using short varying strokes(upward,downward, sideways) to get the smoothest shave. Don’t go overthesameareatoomany

timestoavoidirritatingyour skin or getting nicked. Go slowly to get the cleanest shave.

Rinse the blade after each pass to clear it of shavinggelandhair

Don’tuseyourfingersto cleartheblades.

Dry the area and use a moisturizer like aloe vera after you shave to soothe your skin and avoid irritation.

Don’t put deodorant on right away because it might burnorirritateyourskin

Clean and dry the blade aftereveryuseandstoreitin a dry location (not in the shower).

Moisturecanruinblades and lead to infections if you cutyourselfshaving.

Tips and considerations whenshavingyourarmpits

When it comes to shaving, there are plenty of mythsaboutregularshaving

causinghairtogrowin:

*faster

*thicker

*coarser

Shaving doesn’t do any of those things. There are a few other things to know to ensureasmoothandtroublefreeshavingexperience.

Make sure to use a razor with a sharp blade and a flexible razor head to help preventnicks.

This allows the razor to glide more easily over the curves and angles in your underarmarea.

If you’ve never shaved, or it’s been a while, it might be easier to trim your hair firstbeforeusingarazor

Using a dull blade could lead to infections, ingrown hair,orrazorburns.

Shaving dry skin can causeirritation. Change razor blades oftentoensurethatyougeta closershave.

Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

HOW TO GROW YOUR LASHES WITH LASH EXTENSIONS

IT’SALLABOUT THEGROWTH!

Lash Extensions are an easyandbeautifulwaytoget longer,fullernaturallooking lashes.Butwhataboutifyou couldhavealookwithoutthe falselash?

Yo u c a n ! L a s h extensions, or any extensions, should be an option and a means of enhancing or growing what isalreadythere.Whilemany think ‘that’s it I just have thin, stubby lashes,’ this is not the case; do not confine yourself to a life of thin or false lashes Lashes can grow through natural methods while using lash extensions.WhyLashesAre Important

Besides the fabulous look lashes provide, lashes are essential to positive eye health. Eyelashes help keep dust, sand and dirt particles out of the eyes. These little hairsliningyoureyelidsalso help retain moisture like water and rain out of your eyes.

Eyelashes help send alerts to your eyelids for potentialdangerslikeinsects or particles that can be harmful to your eye health. Risking your lashes is ultimatelyexposingyoureye toaworldoftrouble.

AVOIDLASHLOSS

Lashes naturally fall out whether real or extensions. Natural lashes shed every sixty to ninety days. The shedding of the natural lash is often, and natural lashes replenishquickly

Thegrowthandshedding cycle of lashes happens rapidlysothatweusuallydo not notice the change in our lashes.

To enhance the look of our lashes or ones that are non-existent, this is where lash extensions come into play

Lash extensions should help your natural lashes growlonger However,many find their lash growth dwindling after getting extensions several times or consistently wearing strip lashes. The key to avoiding losing lashes while getting lash extensions is to brush your lashes, clean your lashesproperly,keepupwith refills and know when to givelashesabreak.

BRUSHING

Afteryourlashextension application your lash technicianshouldgiveyoua small lash brush. The brush will resemble a mascara applicator; lashes should be brushed daily to rid the lashes of clumping of the falselashes.Theclumpingof the lashes causes the lashes

tofalloutfaster,andtolook lash naturally I know first hand that skipping the brushingoflasheswillmake thefalselasheshardenedand twisttogether

CLEANING

Using the lash brush and a mild soap or water, brush your lashes in a curved upward direction to rid the lashes of dirt and weak lashes. Your technician may also have a cleansing option available. FILLS

Just like nails, lashes have ‘fills,’ which means that the lashes that have fallenout.

Fillsoccurafterabout50 percent of the lashes have shed. Typically, should take place every two to three weekstoensurethebestlash lookandstyle.

PROPERLASH APPLICATION/REMOV ALTOAVOIDLOSS OFLASHES

Forlashextensionstobe beneficial instead of detrimental to the growth andretentionofyourlashes, it is imperative to get your lashes done regularly and heed the advice of your lash technician.

Removal of lashes at homeorprofessionallyisnot mandatorytomaintainalash styleorhealthylashes.They

will fall out on their own withtime.

However, if your lash extensionsareirritatingyour eyes because of clumping, burning or otherwise, one can return to their lash technician for removal. If lashes aren’t taken care of properly,theywillfalloutor be roughly pulled out and can snatch the natural lash out with it. Lash extensions, when done correctly, will never affect the growth rate or future growth of lashes. Following these steps to keep your lash extensions looking fresh and from rippingoutyournaturalhairs

will ensure lash growthandhealth.

VITAMINS

Supplements like Vitamin A, E, and C help promote hair growth

These can be Biotin vitamins,fishoilvitaminsor lysine tablets These vitamins will work on lash growth from the inside out and can also have positive effects on eyebrow and hair growth.

All vitamins should be FDA approved and taken with water Vitamins are essential to lash growth, putting the rid nutrients in your body will ensure that

ByLatoyaZephyr

future lashes grow in longer andstronger GROWINGYOUR LASHESISEASY!

Aslongasyouwashyour natural lashes and take care of your lash extensions, you are sure to see lash growth. Lashes grow and shed naturally;butpromotinglash retention and growth can be done by brushing regularly, taking vitamins and adding natural oils into your lash careregimen.

E-Net’s Dream TV packed with captivating shows

FromFebruary4to11,E-Net’sDreamTV will feature a suite of entertaining shows for theweekend.Besuretochecktheguideand

gather with friends and families for your favourite shows See programme guide attachedformoredetails.

MAINTAINING TRANSPARENCY IN THE RICE INDUSTRY

The harvesting of the first rice crop for 2023 has commenced in the various rice-producing regions of Guyana, and while farmers are aiming to maximize profits from their yields, millers are seeking to buy paddy at reasonable prices. At this time, accuracy and transparency in all transactions are crucial to ensure that the interests of both farmers and millers are protected. In this regard, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Legal Metrology services are critical. As the organisation legally responsible for measurementsinGuyana,by virtue of the 1981 Weights and Measures Act, the

GNBS,continuestoworkto ensure farmers and millers benefit from a reliable measurement system in the industry The Bureau also has several standards to streamline the production processesandensurequality rice is produced for local consumptionandexport.

Over the last three months, Inspectors of the Bureau have been working inthericegrowingregionsto verify the accuracy of Weighbridge scales used to determine the quantity of paddy being sold to the rice mills. A total of forty (40) such scales were verified by the GNBS. The GNBS has acquired additional test masses and a second test truck which has increased

the efficiency of its verification service across the country With two test trucks, the Bureau will be able to effectively conduct more impromptu visits to mills during the rice harvesting season, to ensure there is measurement accuracyandtransparencyin the purchasing of paddy by millers.

Meanwhile,millershave been submitting their commercialmoisturemeters used to determine the moisturecontentofpaddyto the GNBS Main Office and Regional sub-offices for verification.

The commercial moisturemetersaretheonly type that should be in use at the rice mills since they are

more reliable to test the moisturecontentofthelarge volumes of paddy supplied to mills. It is based on measurements that farmers are paid for their crops.

Accurate measuring instruments contribute to fairness in the rice industry by ensuring farmers receive the right amount of money fortheirproduce. Further, it reduces misunderstandings, legal battles,andotherbacklashes for millers. To further guard against such occurrences, farmersareencouragedtobe present to oversee the weighingofpaddyonarrival at the rice mills, and to ensure that scales and moisturemetersareverified. Importantly, scales must indicate zero before weighing commences, and therecordofweight(printed copy) provided must be correct. For millers, it is important that they allow farmers to witness the

weighing of paddy and the processes of determining moisture and dockage contents Additionally, millers should promptly address queries raised by farmers to ensure transparency, and ensure all transactionsareconductedin the SI (Metric) units of measurement.

Apart from ensuring reliable measurements, the implementation and use of standards is very important and can be considered essential for addressing quality issues in the rice industry

T h e C A R

I C O M

Standard – “Specification for Rice” can be used to determinethequalityofrice to maximize value and increase buyer satisfaction. The standard, which can be acquired from the GNBS, prescribes the requirements for the grades of paddy, cargorice,milledrice,cargo parboiled rice and milled

parboiled rice, is available forusebystakeholdersinthe riceindustry

Packaging and labeling of rice are also important, particularly to consumers andlargerbuyers.Forlabels t h a t c o n f o r m t o requirements, millers and packerscanbeguidedbythe National Standard for the labeling of prepackaged foodsGYS9-9:2003.

TheGNBSwillcontinue to work with the regulating agency; the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to ensure measurement transparency and quality rice is produced for the local and internationalmarkets.

F o r f u r t h e r information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66 or Whatsapp 692-4627. Information is also available on the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org or facebook.com/gnbsgy

FLOWER FARMING OFFERS TO YOUNG PEOPLE A LUCRATIVE AND ATTRACTIVE FUTURE

By:PATDIAL

Over the last two years, the Ministry of Agriculture hasbeenintroducingseveral new crops which have great economic potential and wouldbeabletoalsoprovide employment. TheNational Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) would do the necessary research and ascertain the feasibility of growing certain crops, after which such crops would be

made available to enterprising farmers, who would form their own companies. Suchcompanies would first satisfy the domestic market and later move into regional and international export, thus provide a good income and hopefully keep more young personsinAgriculture.

Among the new crops being introduced and developed are corn, soya,

tropical wheat, millet, hemp among others. One of the most imaginative of such crops is the production of roses of various shapes and colours.ThisRoseProjectis the innovation of President Dr Irfaan Ali, who aims to provide more employment for single parents and is linked with the One Guyana Initiative Though the Promenade Gardens had longbeenproducingflowers

for the local market as well as wreath making, their activity was intended to provideaservice,ratherthan to create a profit making industry The late Boyo Ramsaroop was the first person who established a flower industry to cater for thelocalmarket,butwithfar greater focus on exports to florists in Europe and North America.

He also ventured into growing certain rare fruit such as Rambutan from Indonesia and Malaysia and Liechi, a Chinese specialty Bothofthesefruitsaresweet and are used for high end desserts. Mr Ramsaroop’s farmwasona10acreplotin the Sophia area and became profitable with possibilities of indefinite expansion. At this point, unfortunately, he died, and his wife who assisted him in the farm, returned to Germany His son went into politics for a shorttimebeforeemigrating. There was accordingly noonetorunthefarmandit was abandoned. The Rose Project executed under auspices of NAREI’s, imported approximately 3000 rose slips from Brazil and these were planted in shade houses with 600 in eachhouse. About400roses of various colours were reaped each week towards the end of last year and this number will keep on increasing. By the end of 2023,itisestimatedthatrose

imports would decline by more than 30%. So far, vendors have been buying from NAREI to resell, but a fewfarmershavealsostarted theirindependentfarms.

Now that the flower industry has been resuscitated, the rose unit needs to be expanded to include orchids and other flowers.

Orchids in particular are always in demand by the florists of the developed world and Guyana is in an advantageous position to dominate this market, since thevastpristineforestcover of the country is home to a largevarietyoforchids.

Two of the most popular orchids cultivated in Georgetown are the Lanciana otherwise known as “the Christmas Orchid” and the Golden Showers. Others like lilacs need to be broughtintotherepertoireof theMinistry’sflowerunit.

Both the Ministries of AgricultureandBusinessare in contact with a large body ofyouth,someofwhommay be inducted into the flower industry by proffering technical help, land space, planting material, seed money for start-ups and locating of markets. Such governmental assistance, needlesstosay,wouldnotbe restricted to the youth but would be available to all interestedpersons.

In all of this effort to build a viable Flower

Industry common Guyanese flowers should not be neglected and these would include the local roses, especially the perfumed red and white. Though not as long-lasting as the foreign varieties, they have a peculiar beauty and Guyanese living abroad nostalgically remember them. Likewise,thevarious varieties of hibiscuses, Queen of Flowers and Oleanders. Linked with the I n d u s t r y i s t h e encouragementofcitizensto once again rekindle the enthusiasm to have home gardens,aculturewhichwas extinguished by the regular floods which destroyed gardens. And secondly, the cosmetic industry has always had strong linkages withtheflowerindustry

Though there is no cosmeticindustryinGuyana at the moment, Pepperpot has featured several young persons who have been trying to venture into this industryandtheseshouldbe succouredbytheMinistryof Business; it should be remembered that great cosmetichouseslikeHelena RubinsteinandCocoChanel began in the same way in veryhumblecircumstances.

(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.)

The Weeknd Named the World’s Most Popular Artist by Guinness World records

The singer’s record-breaking streaming statistics helped him land the title

Itisofficial:TheWeeknd artist in Spotify history to wide berth between that million), Rihanna (78.5 is statistically the most reach100millionmonthly mind-boggling number and million) and Ed Sheeran popular artist in the listeners as of the the next artist on the list, (77.5million). world according d o f Miley Cyrus, who currently A little over a week ago, Guinness World ebruary, tallies 82.4 million monthly The Weeknd swept the 2023 Records. he’s far listeners in the wake of Juno Awards in his native

T h e and away releasing her hotly Canada, taking home four organization at the top anticipated eighth studio awards, including both artist proffered the o f t h e album Endless Summer of the year and songwriter of titleuponthe c l a s s Vacation Other artists who the year for a record fourth pop star on And yet, trail The Weeknd include time; single of the year for a Monday after even in Shakira (81 6 million), third time (for 2022’s analyzing the the few Ariana Grande (80 6 “Sacrifice”)l and pop album Spotify data o weeks since million), Taylor Swift (80. 2 oftheyear(forDawnFM). s o m e o f t crossed the biggest names in the n i n e - f i g u r e music industry, including t h r e s h o l d , t h e numberofmonthlylisteners “Starboy” singer has gained onthestreamingplatform even more streaming

Considering the artist followers — up to 111.4 otherwise known as Abel million, according to the Tesfaye holds the record as Guinnessreport. the first, and so far only, And there’s quite the

The Weeknd 2

WHY THE EASTER BUNNY BRINGS EGGS Easter Crafts for Kids

A European Folktale, adapted by Jean Warren Once upon a time, there was a King who had a very powerful magician at his court. Oneday,themagiciangavetheKinga henthatlaidbeautifuleggsforapresent. The king liked the eggs but he was greedy and he told his magician that he would like the hen better, if she could lay eggs of gold. So the Magician worked another magic spell and sure enough the hen started laying eggs of gold.

Thekingwasdelighted. Hebecamevery rich and the envy of the other kings. He kept his special hen in a golden cage next to his thrown. He knew that someday, someone would try to steal his hen, so whenever taketherabbitbackouttothewoodswherehe visitors came, he would have his magician belonged. Thenhecalledforhismagician. come and hide the special hen and substitute

“Where is my magic hen?”, asked the anordinaryheninthecage. King. I told you to bring her back. “I did

Sure enough, one day someone ran off bringherback,”saidthemagician. “Iputher withtheheninthegoldencage. Thekingwas in the cage”, I just didn't have time to change gladhehadhadhismagicianswitchthehens. herbackintoahen.” He sent word for the magician to bring back

Theyneverdidfindthelittlewhiterabbit, his hen. But the next day, when the king but from that day forward, children found looked in his golden cage all he found was a colorful eggs hidden all over the kingdom. white rabbit. “What's this!” said the King. And some say, that every once in a while “Little rabbit, how did you get in here? The someonefoundagoldenone. King opened the cage and had his footman

FUNWITHPOETRY

Eat right & be healthy

There was a time not long ago, I used to hate some types of food, But that was when I did not know That they could only do me good.

by Uncle Roy

The things I used to put aside –Kalaloo, bora, ochro, green tea, Pumpkin, Boulanger, cabbage and beans –Are what I now know keep me healthy

The green ones are good for my blood and teeth, The orange and red for my brains and eyes; Many others serve to keep my heart regular, So that I become both healthy and wise

Now I try to tell all my friends

To think of their health as they eat; Eating greens and vegetables will keep us so cool, We will run and play and live so sweet.

BY CHRISTY PIÑAAND ALESANDRA DUBIN

Make a determined start in building and maintaining your Self-Esteem

The process of building Self Esteem involves five essential elements They are:-

1.Asenseofsecurity

2.Asenseofbelonging.

3. A sense of identity or selfknowledge.

4.Asenseofpurposeoraiminlife.

5.Asenseofpersonalcompetence.

Each of these elements or senses willbedealtwithtoshowhowtheseare integrated into one's personality and maintained. These will serve to enrich life, help to maintain a balanced personality, and equip people with the means to deal effectively with the ups and downs with which they are faced withinthefuture.

Ontheotherhand,youshouldbe awareofsomecharacteristicswhichare displayed by those who lack selfesteem. It would be wise to try to identify some of these in our own behaviour, as we are all affected by someformoflowselfesteem:-

Rebelling, resisting, defying or retaliatingagainstauthority

Lying, cheating, copying, blaming othersforone'sownerrors.

Failing to take responsibility for one'sactions.

Bullyingorthreateningothers.

Withdrawing, daydreaming or givingupinthefaceofadversity

Denying one has a problem, and refusinghelpwithsamewhenoffered.

Engaging in types of escapist behaviour, like truancy when faced with problems at school, or drugs or alcohol when not sure about how to overcomepersonalproblems.

The types of behaviour mentioned above make it difficult for those who have to deal with persons who are

affected, as more often than not they will refuse to listen to advice or accept anyhelpoffered.

They will most often hide their true feelings by appearing bored or may even take on a superior attitude that they can help themselves and need no oneinthis.

Pay close attention to our recommendations in the following weeks, and you will reap so many benefits in getting rid of the negative forms of behaviour mentioned above, and having and maintaining your Self Esteem.

the Best whatever you are

If you can't be a tree at the top of the hill, Be a bush down in the valley, But be the best little bush by the side of the hill, Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a bush be a grass, And some highway happier make; If you can't be a snapper, just be a patwa, But be the liveliest patwa in the lake.

We can't all be captain, some have got to be crew, There's something for all of us here, There's so much work to do, and lesser to do, And the task you must do is quite clear.

If you can't be a highway, then just be a trail, If you can't be the sun, then be a star; It isn't by size that we win or we fail, Just be the best of whatever you are.

Any sincere effort you make towards building your Self Esteem will make you a better person in every way. ********************************

Esteem

UNCLEROY Tellitto

Hello,readers,

UncleRoyisagainaskingallofyoutotryinsomeway tomakeacontributiontothispage,andthustothewelfareof you and your fellow readers. This contribution can take any formthatyoufeelwouldbevaluable–anaccountofwhatis going on in your community and country, any advice you would like to pass on to your fellow teen readers and, on a broader level, any comment or recommendation you would liketomaketoyourfellowGuyanese.

Please remit same to my email

roypaul2002@yahoo com, and be assured that your worthwhile contribution will have a prominent place on our page.

Solutions to last week’s

How to Help Restore Collagen in Your Face to Look Younger

WhatisCollagenandHowDoesitWork?

Collagenisaproteinthat'snaturallyproducedbyourbodiesand secretedprimarilybyconnectivetissuecells.It'sstrongandflexible and acts as a support structure to help skin maintain firmness and elasticity

1.Creamsandserums

Creamsandserumsmayseemliketheeasiest(andmostbudgetfriendly) collagen treatment for the face, but don't expect dramatic results.

A good hydrating moisturizer does have skin benefits and can makefinelineslessnoticeablewhileyou'rewearingit,butunlessit contains a retinoid, it's not going to affect collagen production. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, can help you increase collagen production, but only enough to make a small change to the skin at best.

2.Microneedling

Microneedling is also sometimes called collagen induction therapy This minimally invasive procedure is performed using a pen-likedevicethatcreatespinpoint-sizedwoundsintheskin.This encourages your body to produce more collagen in order to repair theinjuredskin.

3.Plateletrichplasma(PRP)therapy

PRPtherapy,isalsoknownasthe“vampirefacelift."Whilethis collagen treatment involves a little more than your average day spa service, it's not invasive, nor does it involve an actual facelift… or vampires.

This is a three-step, anti-aging cosmetic treatment for the face that uses your blood to naturally stimulate new collagen and tissue growth:

1.Asmallamountofblood(2to4tablespoons)isdrawnfroma veininyourarm.

2.Thebloodisplacedinamachinethatseparatestheplatelets.

3.Theplateletsarere-injectedintoyourface.4

4.Dermalandfacialfillers

Dermalandfacialfillersinjectedintospecificareasoftheskin, like facial wrinkles, stretch collagen producing cells while adding volumetotheskinforasmoother,moreyouthfulappearance.

5.Skinresurfacinglasers

Skin resurfacing lasers create a controlled burn by heating layers of skin which encourages the growth of new collagenproducingcells.

6.Chemicalpeels

Chemical peels use acid solutions to exfoliate skin cells, which canhelpstimulatecollagengrowth.

Chemical peels can be performed using solutions of varying strengthsforresultsthatrangefromsuperficialtodeep.

HowtoRebuildCollagenintheFaceNaturally

You can help boost your body's collagen production naturally through foods and supplements. The foods that help you increase your body's collagen also offer health benefits that can translate to lookingandfeelingyourbest.

ProteinandvitaminC

Proteins provide amino acids that can help with collagen production.Theyalsohelpbuildmuscle.VitaminCalsoplaysarole in making collagen and also happens to help boost the immune system,whichisawin-win.

Here are some foods you can eat that may help you restore collagen:

*Bonebroth

*Fishandshellfish

*Eggwhites

*Citrusfruits

*Beans

TipstoPreventCollagenLoss

1.Avoid tanning and wear sunscreen to protect from UV light, whichdamagescollagenfibers.

2. Eat a healthy diet high in nutrients including vitamins A11 andC.10

3. Follow a daily skin care routine that includes sunscreen and topicalretinol.

4. Avoid smoking, as research shows that tobacco smoke reducestheproductionofcollagenandelastin.

5. Get enough sleep and try to manage your stress, as both increasecortisolproduction,whichovertimecanaffectyourbody's production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, and lead to premature agingandotherskinissues

6. Limit your alcohol intake, because similar to smoking, heavy alcohol consumption has several negative impacts on the body,includingreducedcollagenproduction.

https://www carecredit com/well-u/health-wellness/how-torebuild-collagen-in-your-face-to-look-younger/

House of Flavors:

Cuisine Culture Cultur ‘Berbice flava’

ByRenaySambach

Whenever you’re in Berbiceandyouhavea craving for some tasty mouth watering fast food, be sure to checkoutHouseofFlavors,locatedin FortOrdinance,Canje,Berbice.

This thriving food business is owned by 23-year-old Ronxy James whoduringarecentaninterviewwith The Waterfalls, shared that her food business was first launched on December 20, 2020. However, she added that due to unforeseen circumstances,shewasforcedtoclose herbusinessbutlaterre-launcheditin July2022.

HouseofFlavorsmenucomprises: Cheese Please, Island Wraps, Tacos, Pineapple Chicken Burgers,Wings & Fries, Loaded Fries, Cereal Shakes, OreoShakesandontheSpecialMenu, Creamy Penne Pasta and Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese all paired with FruitsandFriedChicken.

Ronxy shared that her menu was carefullycateredtosuithercustomers. She added that some of her most popular items on the menu are: the LoadedFries,CheesePlease,Wings& Fries,PineappleChickenBurgersand CerealShakes.

Ronxy said that her business also does catering for small events like family gatherings, birthdays, or picnics.

House of Flavors’ mandate is to serve their customers 7-days a week. However, the business posts weekly updatestokeeptheircustomersaware ofanychanges.

Theyoungbusinesswomanshared thatsheisapsychologystudentatthe AmericanUniversityofPeaceStudies Inc , and has a passion for volunteering.

“I’m an active Rotoractor who helps by volunteering my time and other resources towards educating, cleaning up and overall making the livesofallinvolvedalittleeasier.”

Ronxy continued: “I have a love forintegratingfoodandhappinesssoI cook with the intention of just adding something special to people’s tummies while being pocket friendly in an ever changing economy Great foodshouldn’tbeexpensivetoenjoy!”

When asked what inspired her to open a food business, James shared she was attending the Guyana School of Agriculture, pursuing a course calledAgroProcessing.Sheexplained that the practical component of the course included making condiments andothersaucesfromscratch.

“I was really amazed at how each condiment came out. This was all duringthepandemicandIjustwanted to employ myself meaningfully so I started with cheese please first and it

grew from there w i t h t h e assistance of my sibling Jefina Jameswho’salsoan expertwithsauces.”

Her long-term goal with her business is to expandandcreateemployment opportunities for individuals in a caring, healthy and productive environment.Ronxyaddedthatsheis currently working on establishing a mobile unit to accommodate customers outside of the community, by simply having them call and place their ordersandpickthemupor have them delivered “We’re also open to collaborationinorderto gain exposure and experience,”shenoted.

Moreover, the young woman shared that her years in the food business industry has taught her that there is always something new to learn. “You never know enough or exactly about somethingandchangesaregood.The factor of catering to so many people’s taste buds makes you adjust and seek neutral alternatives to satisfy an ever changing category a n d l i n e o f customers.”

T h e businesswoma n was adamant to share that it is important to listen to your customers because you’re catering to their needs and the customer alwayscomesfirst.

Highlighting more of her experience being the owner of a food business, Ronxy said, “Thus far the journey has been enlightening. There are more good days than bad because my consumer base appreciates all my menu items andthetimeandcareIplace into every order It’s quite satisfying meeting all t h e n e e d s a n d

expectations of customers and also hearing their feedback, recommendations and reviews.”

To contact Ronxy you can contactherviaFacebook@Houseof FlavorsGY, Tik Tok @ House of FlavorsGY, Instagram @ House of FlavorsGY or call/WhatsApp (592) 672-7182.

To share any useful information you can contact me via email: naesambach@gmail.com.

Couple battling for life after execution attempt,wife is key witness to murder

Th e S o p h i a businesswoman who is battlingforherlifeatthe Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC)aftergunmen openedfireonherandherhusband on Thursday is a key witness in a murder that took place in August 2021.

Gunmen had reportedly stopped in front of the woman’s groceryshopat‘B’FieldSophiain a tinted car while she and her husband were sitting outside chattingwithafriend.

Herhusbandrecalledthatthree maskedmenarmedwithhandguns came out of the car and walked up to his wife and began shooting before re-entering the car and escaping.

According to the police report, the man received two gunshot

injuriestohisupperback,whilehis wife received gunshot injuries to herrightsideface,twotoherright armandonetoherleftelbow

The couple is receiving treatmentintheIntensiveCareUnit (ICU) of GPHC, where their conditionsarelistedasstable.

The execution attempt on the coupletookplacealmosttwoyears afteramurdersuspectthreatenedto kill the businesswoman The murdersuspecttoldthewomanthat shewasgoingtobethelastperson hekilled. Thebusinesswomanhad reportedly witnessed the suspect killing21-year-oldmechanicJaleel LeowofDennisStreetSophia.

Leow was gunned down at the woman’sbusinessplaceonAugust 3, 2021. He too was a witness in another murder case (Kevin Campbell in March 2020) that his

allegedkillerissaidtobeinvolved in.

KaieteurNewshadreportedon August 4, 2021 that Leow, Campbell’s brother, Brandon Smith and the Sophia businesswoman were hanging out

infrontofhershopontheafternoon of August 3, 2021 when two suspects approached them on Bicycles.

The suspects dismounted their bikesandoneofthemarmedwitha cutlass asked the businesswoman, “Is problem you want?” She had reportedly responded in the negative together with Leow and Smithbeforewalkingintoheryard.

Leowontheotherhandwasnot afraid to stand up to the alleged attackers as he retorted, “Y’all couldgetproblemsify’allwant.”

The other suspect, according police,thenwhippedoutahandgun while approaching Leow from behind and fired several rounds, two of which impacted his back. However,notsatisfiedwiththetwo discharged rounds, the gunman stood over him and shot him two

moretimestothechest.

Investigators were told that Leowsomehowmanagedtogetup andescapebuthadcollapsedinthe back of the businesswoman’s yard anddied.

The gunman then turned his attentiontoSmithandfiredashotat himtoobutthebulletonlymanaged tograzehisrightarmbeforehehad anopportunitytoescape.

Leow’s killers then rode away on their bicycles, but not before turning to Felicia and saying, “We gun kill all ya’ll one by one. You gunbedelas’onewekill.”

Following Leow’s death police had identified three possible suspects by their aliases, ‘Big John,’‘DoubleClip’and‘Brainer’.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat thesuspectsinLeowkillingarestill atlarge.

Thirtylawyersbenefitfromarbitrationtraining

Some of the attorneys who recently benefitted from an arbitration training exercise executed by theAttorney General’s Chambers

Thirty Attorneys-at-law recently benefitted from an Arbitration training exercise executedbytheAttorneyGeneral’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs in collaboration with the International Senior Lawyers Project(ISLP).

The project received financial and technical support through the Advocates for International Development’s Rule of Law ExpertiseUnitedKingdom(ROLE UK)Programme,fundedbytheUK Foreign and Commonwealth DevelopmentOffice.

Attorneys from the Attorney General’s Chambers, those employed in the public sector, as wellasmembersoftheGuyanaand

participated in the training which washeldfromTuesday,March21, 2023 to Friday, March 24, 2023 at the Grand Coastal Hotel, East CoastDemerara(ECD).

The workshop is part of an ongoing human resource capacitybuildingagendainkeepingwiththe Government of Guyana’s stated commitment to create a modern platform for arbitration as an effective method of settling commercial and other disputes in Guyana.

A necessary component of the initiativeistoequipattorneyswith the requisite skills to draft arbitration clauses, interpret arbitration clauses and participate inarbitration proceedings.

Accordingly,thetrainingforms

part of building the foundation for Guyana to become an Arbitration hubintheCaribbeanregion.

Utilising the draft Arbitration Bill completed by the Drafting DepartmentoftheAttorneyGeneral Chambers and as part of a familiarization and consultative exercise the training focused on areassuchasarbitrationagreements, conduct of arbitration proceedings, interim measures and preliminary orders, evidence collection, written submissions, arbitration hearings, enforcement of arbitration awards andarbitrationinstitutions

The training was facilitated by Regional Legal Advisor for ISLP, Pedro Villegas and arbitration expertsCharlineLim,RoseNaing, Ankita Ritwik, Marryum Kahloon

from the United States ofAmerica andtheUnitedKingdom.

Villegas said: “The workshop hasbeenreceivedpositivelybyState Counsel from the AG’s Chambers and other governmental agencies

Theparticipantsemphasizedthatthe knowledge acquired will facilitate theimplementationofarbitrationin Guyana and highlighted the potentialforinternationalarbitration to play a critical role in advancing thecountry’slegalsystem”

He noted that the positive reception of the workshop highlights the willingness of Guyana’s legal community to embrace alternative approaches to resolvingdisputesandunderscores the government’s commitment to strengtheningtheruleoflaw.”

In his remarks at one of the trainingsessions,AttorneyGeneral andMinisterofLegalAffairs,Anil Nandlall,SC extendedgratitudeto ISLPandthearbitrationexpertsfor collaborating with the Ministry of LegalAffairsontheinitiative.

“Arbitration is rapidly becoming the preferred method of settling commercial disputes, in particular, arising out of large contractual and commercial undertakings, both nationally and internationally As a result of the economic, financial and infrastructural transformation takingplaceinGuyanaandwiththe countrybecomingaveryattractive investment destination and boastingoneofthefastest-growing

Murdered, Jaleel Leow

Having been out of a job back in 2020,asaresultoftheCOVID19 pandemic, Lashazia Tiana Adams had to look at alternative ways of providingforherfamily Oneviablewaythat presented itself, was the launching of ‘LA Customs’; a customizing business that providespersonalizedT-ShirtsandGiftitems foralloccasions.

Adams in a recent interview with this magazine said that launched on August afterthepandemic

“I started my during the pandemic as a way of making endsmeetsince I was out of w o r k a n d looking for something to occupy my time,” sherelated.

Adams further explainedthatwhat led her to t c u s t o m i z i business idea when she stumbled upon it on YouTube page. “I preparing to re-sit CXC math exam when COVID-1 and everything onlineIstartedfollowing a math class onY and you kno

YouTube is suggesting random video came up on start a t-shirt business home,”shesaid.

She noted grabbed her attention which ledhertodomoreresearchtoknow how to goaboutstartingthebusiness.Aftermaking up her mind that this was something she

DesignsWith YouInMind

wanted to pursue, Adams said she “investedmymoneyIwassavingforUG andthat’showIgotstarted.”

Havingbeeninoperationforovertwo years, the mother of one said that her business has been doing well so far. She stated that she was surprised by the overwhelming response and level of support she has been receiving for her work.

biggest challenges had faced with the business has been shippingandbeingunabletokeepupwiththe fluctuatingcustomschargesthat“wehaveno controlover”.

She related that her solution to this was to always ship in bulk; have someone packintheUSAthenshipto Guyana. The only downside tothis“isittakestimeandI can’t run out of anything since I can’t source it in Guyana,”sheadded. As it relates to the pandemic, Adams said it actually helped her business grow at the pace it did, because people were home and personalizedbirthdayoranniversary thingsfeelalittlenormalfor at-home celebrations and that allowedmetoexpandmybusiness.”

With bigger things planned for LA Customs, Adams shared that her ultimate goalisforherbusinesstobecomeoneofthe leading printing businesses in Guyana,

offeringavarietyofservicesincludingSigns, Embroideryandmuchmore.

Ourfeaturedentrepreneurthisweekisof thefirmbeliefthatsmallbusinessownersin oursocietytodaymakeameaningfulimpact in the country’s economy She stated that, “Entrepreneurs play a major role since we don’t just build a business and grow our personal wealth, we also positively impact the economy and in some cases create jobs anddevelopthemarket.”

Whenaskedwhatshethinkscanbedone to boost small businesses, she mentioned that: “We would be able to boost small businesses by making access to loans not so stressfulandinsomecasesnearlyimpossible withthelistofrequirements.”

Persons desirous of utilizing Adams’ customizing services, can contact her on telephone numbers (592) 622-1727 or 6774810 or check her out on Facebook @ LA

@lacustoms592.

ByAllyiahAllicock

Young entrepreneur, Lashazia TianaAdams

Just some ofAdams many creations.

“Entrepreneurs play a major role since we don’t just build a business and grow our personal wealth, we also positively impact the economy and in some cases create jobs and develop the market.”

$70M estimated to construct 4 new concrete bridges in Reg. 3

Four communities in Region Three would soon benefit fromreinforcedconcrete(RC)bridges.

The four bridges are to be constructed at a cost of $70,681,800.

At the recent opening of tenders, it was revealed that the Ministry of Local Government would be upgrading the bridges at Sarah located on the Island of Wakenaam, Old RoadCrane,WestCoastDemerara(WCD),LaBagatelleand atBankHall/Friendship.

The Ministry will be demolishing the wooden bridges to make way for the construction of the new concrete bridges. This, the Ministry said, will result in stronger and safer bridgesforusebycommuters.

ThenewbridgeatSarahwillbecompletedatacostof$13 million while the bridges at Old Road Crane will be completed at a cost of $16 million. The La Bagatelle and Bank Hall/ Friendship bridges are estimated to cost $20 millioneach.

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

Ministry of Public Works Procurement of aggregates.

The wooden bridge that will replaced with a concrete bridge at Old Road, Crane, West Coast Demerara.

THAG to increase members as sector expands

Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) is currently working to increaseitsmembershipasthelocal tourismsectorexpands.

Executive Director, Oslyn Kirton noted that the current members are mainly from the accommodation sector such as hotels, restaurants, domestic and international air carriers, tour operators, and even insurance companiesandcommercialbanks.

She noted, however, that membership can be extended to other players in the tourism sector.“Overtheyears…wekindof kept it in direct tourism, we cannot dothatanymore.Therearesomany personsofferingserviceswithinthe industry, you havethecaterers,you

have the persons who do event planning, persons who rent equipmentforevents,”Kirtonsaid.

The association will now be open to offering membership to includethosethatofferlandscaping and boat services, as well as all others who supply to the industry, includingfarmers.

The membership structure also caters for students “We are currently restructuring and part of that restructuring is starting with letting persons know, who we are, what we do, and what we intend to dointhenearfuturefortheindustry and for our members,” the director stated.The association will also be focusing on training, which is important to meeting the needs of the expanding tourism and

hospitality sector.“We have been looking at training. 2000 – 2005 hotel rooms coming into the industry within another 18 months to two years. We have to be ready

We are not ready We h a v e b e e n haemorrhaging staff currently to other industries and in order for us to be able to provideaproperservice we have to replenish that staff….And then, we have to prepare for all the other needs that aregoingtocomedown the pipeline,” Kirton noted.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, training will be done in c u l i n a r y a r t s , bartending, mixology, and other skills.

Health and safety will be addressed, while the existing

standards will be reviewed and upgraded through collaboration withotherpartners.

The association is also partnering with the Barbados Coalition of Services Industries Inc. (BCSI). Executive Director, MichelleSmith-Mayersisassisting THAG with achieving its strategic objectives THAG is a not-forprofit association that serves and represents Guyana's tourism and hospitalitysector Itsmandateisto promote sustainable tourism development, by fostering professionalism throughout the industry, ensuring quality service for its clients, and providing benefits to its members while collaborating with relevant governmentinstitutions.

Executive Director, THAG, Oslyn Kirton

From page 18 one such provision in the annually, however these even as it attacked the However, most of the contract outlines that salaries must be paid even Kaieteur News for what it members appointed to the Guyana’s oil must pay the withouthisapproval. deemedasmisrepresentation committees responsible for salaries of employees hired In addition to the wages offacts. the management of the oil by the Contractor, whether and salaries for the

The statement comes in monies have either been t h e y a r e a s s i g n e d employees stationed locally wake of incessant calls from appointed directly by the permanently abroad or and overseas, these workers citizens and other activists President or chosen by the locally will also enjoy paid travel for updates on the issue, but National Assembly, where Notably, these expenses expenses through Guyana’s instead of addressing the the President’s party has a are not subjected to prior oil. matter at hand, the ministry majority. approvalbythegovernment. Accordingtothecontract devoted huge chunks of the Exxon’s affiliate Esso According to Section 3.1 at Section 3.1 (d) (ii) press release to attack Exploration and Production in Annex ‘C’ of the PSA, “ …Reasonable actual Kaieteur News and its Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is which specifically outlines documented expenses publisher, Glenn Lall. operator and holds 45 costs recoverable without (including travel costs) of “Many of the articles percent interest in Guyana’s approval of the Minister, those employees whose churned out by the media lucrative Stabroek Block, “…The salaries, wages and salaries and wages are entity in question are based which is 6.6 million acres relatedcostsofemployeesof chargeable to the project and on the publisher’s narrow and has 11 billion of proven an Affiliated Company that are reimbursed by the understanding of the sector, barrels of oil. Hess Guyana a r e t e m p o r a r i l y o r Contractor under their usual misrepresentation of the Exploration Ltd. holds 30 permanently assigned in practiceshallalsobecharged facts and sensationalism for percentinterestandCNOOC Guyana and are directly totheproject.” economic returns on sales of Petroleum Guyana Limited engaged in Petroleum This newspaper reported what has manifested into the holds 25 percent interest. Operations shall be l a s t S u n d a y t h a t doom and gloom newsprint Guyana signed onto a chargeable to the project at ExxonMobil Corporation of the nation,” the statement Analysis (IEEFA) in a report corner of a bed in a sheet Production Sharing their actual documented and its partners can take as read.

titled ‘Lack of Ring-Fencing which reportedly suffocated Agreement (PSA) with the cost.” much of Guyana’s oil that The MNR statement Provision Means Guyana her “So by the time they oil major, which has been This provision also they may need to cover US said: “Vice President, Won’t Realize Oil Gains could have called me to heavily criticised for being extends to affiliated billions worth of purchases. Bharrat Jagdeo, who plays a Before 2030s, if at All – come down, she had arrived lopsided and benefiting the companies of ExxonMobil The sweetest part of this leading role in the judicious L o o p h o l e A l l o w s at the Health Center oil company more than the thatarebasedoverseas.“The arrangement is that for much managementofGuyana’soil

E x x o n M o b i l - L e d unresponsive. By the time country salaries, wages and related ofitsexpenditure,thereisno and gas sector, has Development Team To Use they could have bring her to costs of employees of an need for ministerial repeatedly, by way of Profits To Pay for More Oil Georgetown Hospital, she Wed. – Mar 22, 2023 Affiliated Company that are approval. numerouspressconferences, Exploration in Guyana’ was pronounced dead on temporarily or permanently The oil contract allows articulated updates relating details that Guyana’s failure arrival due to suffocation,”

ExxonMobil using outside of Guyana and are forupto75percentoftheoil to the management of the oil to implement a “ring fence” the distraught mother Guyana’s directly engaged in to be deducted towards cost and gas sector, more provision has provided shared. oil to pay overseas Petroleum Operations shall recovery for the contractor’s particularly the conduct of Exxon an opportunity to “How can a day-care be employees be chargeable to the project investment to develop the audits.” It also noted that reduce the country’s share of so irresponsible to allow my …PSA waives need for at their actual documented offshore resources in the “Minister of Natural profits. child to fall down and Ministerial approval cost.” prolific Stabroek Block Resources, Vickram Bharrat It has concluded that suffocate?” the young

The PSA states that the where more than 11 billion in his presentation as part of Guyana may never see the motherquestioned.

The oil contract that costs for salaries, wages and barrels of oil has already Budget 2023, indicated promised annual revenues “First thing, the day-care GuyanaenteredintowithUS relatedcostsshallbecharged beendiscovered. publicly to the House that a from its oil sector Tom lady deprive me entrance to oil major, ExxonMobil is to the project on an actual The remainder (25 preliminaryauditofthe2018 Sanzillo, a director of see how and where my child infamous globally for the basis or at a rate based upon percent) is then split evenly to 2020 costs submitted by financial analysis for IEEFA really fell, telling me how favourable fiscal terms it the average cost in betweenthegovernmentand the Stabroek Block operator noted, “Our findings are child care does come every extends to the oil producer, accordance with the its corporate partners had been prepared, kickworrisome. The oil and gas day to inspect so there is no in which it benefits from Affiliated Company’s usual Notably, in the absence of starting the sixty day reply industry is facing stiff need for me to come in,” the paying a mere two percent practice. ring-fencing, ExxonMobil is periodthattheoperator,Esso competition and lower mothersaid. royaltyandnotaxes. It points out that the allowed to extract all of its Exploration and Production g r o w t h Accordingtothewoman, But in addition to these methodology of determining expenses from a single Guyana Limited (EEPGL), expectations…selling more her daughter had gone home glaring lopsided provisions, rates based on average cost project, rather than use the isentitledto.” oil into an overcrowded with a swollen head, prior to theagreementalsofeaturesa shall be provided to the resource in that field to pay During the 60-days market is risky business for her death. She recalled that number of other gaps that Government upon their backitsinvestments. periodwhichisstillineffect, Guyana. The country may an employee of the day-care a l l o w f o r p o s s i b l e request. These rates “may The Institute of Energy the operator will have an never see the promised hadtoldher,“Yourbabyisin exploitation of the nation; be”reviewedbytheMinister Economics and Financial opportunity to review the annual revenues in the safehands.” findingsandissuearesponse billionsofdollars.” The grieving mother is to the government. The demanding justice for the ministry added, “Pursuant 7-month-old baby deathofherchild. to the Production Sharing reportedly dies after Up to press time the Agreement (PSA) between suffocating at day-care Guyana Police Force (GPF) the contractor and the hadnotissuedastatementon government, specifically

A mother is now thematter under the Auditing and mourning the death of her 7- Inspection Rights of the month-old daughter, Oriya Thursday – Mar 23, 2023 Government, the minister who reportedly died after has a legal right to carry out falling from a bed and Govt. yet to pronounce further investigation within suffocating in a sheet at a on Payara and sixtydaysofthecontractor’s day-care. Yellowtail audits reply, should the report or

“ I w a s m a d e t o …as Minister says reply require further understand they murder my K/News misrepresent facts investigation.” daughter, they murder my Though the government daughter,” the grieving The Ministry of Natural statement spoke about the mother said during an Resources (MNR) in a audit of ExxonMobil’s interview in front of the statement to the media US$7.3 billion expenses, it Georgetown Public Hospital yesterday defended the failed to address the critical onTuesdayafternoon. Government’s position as it subject of r

Accordingtothewoman, regards the auditing of Exxon’sthirdprojectbefore her daughter fell into the ExxonMobil’s expenses, (Continued on page 66)

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

From page 65 areas explaining that: 1) the rather than trying to degrade the stipulated timeframe in petroleum production the media entity and its the PSA elapses. Notably, licenses have been updated, publisher by throwing out the contract with Exxon 2) a new Local Content baseless remarks to the allows for expenses to be Legislation was enacted, 3) public.” audited within two years. the Natural Resource Fund L a l l a d d e d , After this time expires, ( N R F ) A c t w a s “Government should Guyana can no longer make strengthened, 4) new address ring fencing, claims on any inflated bills conditions and fees were capping of interest rates, full that may be caught during implemented and cost liabilitycoverage,andtellus theauditprocess. recoveryauditscommenced. when the audit will be

The Payara project was It was also noted that the conductedforthePayaraand signed in September 30, administration has been Yellowtail projects. Tell us 2020, paving the way for continuously reviewing and why they are not being Exxon to commence modernising the legislative conductedontime,whythey investments to develop the framework for the sector are hiding the FDP (Field third oil project. This means Other key achievements Development Plan) reports, that more than two years accordingtotheMinistryare and why the nation can’t see have already passed, but “Updating of the 1986 the quarterly reports on the thereisstillnowordfromthe Petroleum and Exploration expenses of the oil government on auditing Act, development of companies. Why are they these bills The Payara offshore safety regulations, being kept in the dark and The loans Guyana took public debt serves a critical EAB, though its credibility project is pegged at US$9 developmentofhydrocarbon silentontheseissues?” from the IDB were for role for countries to pursue and independence was billion. These costs amount environmental management severaldifferentprojectsand public investment projects, constantly under question to more than two times this regulations, and promoting Guyana borrowed programmes such as: implement counter cyclical from the appellants, on year’s National Budget, inter-agencycollaborationto US$335 million from h

policies,andprovidesupport Thursday listened to the which was approved to the improve monitoring IBD in 2022 strengthening, a programme to economies in the face of concerns of the citizens at a tuneofUS$3.9billion(GYD capabilities.” to support climate resilient negative shocks. However, Public Hearing at Cara $781.9 billion). This was To this end, the ministry In 2022, Guyana r o a d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e theIDBwarnedthatifpublic LodgeinGeorgetown. pointed out in an article stated it “will remain borrowed approximately development, ‘Enhancing debt becomes too large or is The process did not published by Kaieteur News steadfast in achieving its US$335 million from the the National Quality not managed with sufficient allow for Guyanese in the in itsTuesday edition, where goals in the expansion of the I n t e r - A m e r i c a n

I n f r a s t r u c t u r e f o r caution, interest costs may Diaspora and far-flung it was reported that VP hydrocarbon sector, its Development Bank (IDB).

C o m p e t i t i v e n e s s ’ balloon, growth prospects locations in the country to Jagdeo and Minister Bharrat s u s t a i n a b i l i t y , This was revealed in the R e f o r m u l a t i o n a n d maysuffer,andinthelimit,a participate as there were no have both been dodging this environmental soundness bank’s Annual Report 2022

Citizens in the EAB hearing with their placards, demanding an independent Board be installed

Additional Financing costly debt crisis may be provisions made for the program and the program to provoked. sessions to be streamed StrengthenPublicPolicyand According to the report, virtually as well, despite Fiscal Management in governmentscanbringdown requestsweremade. Response to the Health and their debt levels by The appellants had all Economic Crisis Caused by improving spending asked the Chairman, Dr COVID-19. efficiency,expandingthetax Mahendar Sharma to resign Finance Minister, Dr base, and seeking wider from the post since he is a Ashni Singh announced in reforms to enhance fiscal Director at the Guyana January 2023, that the balances and boost growth. Power and Light Inc – the country’s total public debt The IDB said that there are agencythatwillbefedpower stood at US$3,654 M an many reasons why public fromthenewgasplant. increase by 16 9 percent debt levels should be lower Dr Sharma is also the from last year Importantly, than they currently are, head of the Guyana Energy almost all of its recently highlighting that there are Agency (GEA) and the a n n o u n c e d p u b l i c several ways to reduce that husband of Mrs. Nadir infrastructural projects debt. Sharma, Director of the government has been Guyana Power and Gas borrowing to finance them Friday – Mar 24, 2023 Incorporated, the agency despite earning over US$1B that has applied for an in the oil account for last Wales gas plant environmentalpermit. year hearing met with fierce Ignoring these concerns,

Also in January, the IDB protest by residents theChairmanmaintainedhis responsibility See Link: and lucrativeness, and will FinancialStatements. had released a report appointed role. Thursday’s https://www kaieteurnewso not be distracted by As required by the by- cautioning Latin America

The Environmental hearing commenced with nline com/2023/03/21/govt- characters aimed at lawsoftheIDB,theBoardof and Caribbean (LAC) AssessmentBoard(EAB)on presentations from the two playing-hot-potatoes-with- misinforming, misguiding Executive Directors is countries against ‘excessive’ Thursday heard the appeals appellants, Vanda Radzik exxons-audits/ and sensationalising requiredtosubmitthereport. borrowing and urged from citizens who believe and Elizabeth Deane-

Nevertheless, the MNR matters.” The Annual Report consists governments to bring their the300megawattcombined- Hughesand,DanutaRadzik. said it rejects the intent to Misplacedpriority of a printed volume entitled, debts down to more prudent cycle gas turbine (CCGT) Subsequently,theproject undermine its work in M e a n w h i l e i n ‘The Year in Review’, levels. power plant that forms part developer, represented by building out a regulatory responding to the attacks on containing a review of the In its report titled, of the US$2 billion Gas-to- Winston Brassington, framework that adheres to his newspaper, Mr Lall Bank’s operations in 2022 ‘Dealing with Debt – Less Energy project must be presented an overview of the international best practices offered that the ministry (loans, guarantees, and Risk for More Growth in the subjected to a thorough project, after which the EPA and an economic model that should channel its energies grants).

Latin America and the Environmental Impact explained its decision to will provide benefits for all onaddressingthePayaraand According to the Caribbean’ the IDB Assessment(EIA). waivetheEIA. Guyanese The ministry Yellowtail audits and other summary of loans approval disclosed that debt has risen The Environmental Each presentation was pointed out that the critical areas, rather than by country, Guyana and stands at some US$5.8T Protection Agency (EPA) in followed by a questions government has taken a hurling abuse at the press. borrowed US$335 million which is 117 percent of the a Notice published on segment, in which the EAB number of measures to “Government should list the fromtheIDBlastyear Itwas Gross Domestic Product January 6, 2023 announced scrutinizedthedetailsshared regulate the sector since misrepresentations by the s t a t e d t h a t t h e (GDP) in the region. “Given that the project will not byeachpresenter assuming office in 2020, Kaieteur News articles and aforementioned sum falls the dangers of excessive require the study, citing Appellants none of which included Glenn Lall’s comments. I under sovereign guarantee. debt, the current situation in severalreasons. First on the floor to share measures to ensure timely would like to urge the Stated in the report is Latin America and the Two objections were their concerns were Vanda auditsareconducted. administration to focus on Guyana’s credit rating with Caribbean is worrisome,” received by the EAB to RadzikandElizabeth

It pointed to 10 specific the questions and messages thebankwhichisaB-. the IDB said IDB said appeal this decision. The (Continued on page 68)

(from left) Chairman of the EAB, Dr. Mahendar Sharma with EAB members, Dr. Garvin Cummings and Joslyn McKenzie

From page 67

Brassington was also asked by Deane-Hughes.Thewomenintheir the EAB Chairman to explain 40-minute-long contribution to the whether there were any session argued among other things communities nearby to the project that the EPA has no legal basis to area. He assured that the nearest waivetheimpactassessmentforthe community is “three or four gasproject. kilometers east”. South-west of the

Radzik pointed to the recent project is the Amerindian village, ruling handed down by High Court Santa Aratak about 11 kilometers Judge, Justice Nareshwar away Harnanan, who said, “The EPAhas

“For a few kilometeres going astatutorydutytorequireanEIAto North, you have little or no ensure that any activity which may villages,” he said. This statement cause an adverse effect be assessed was however objected to by the before such an activity should be appellantsatthehearingwhoasked authorized as per…The Act taking him to say specifically “what are a into account the avoidance and the few” and exactly where is the precautionary principles within nearestvillage. that Act and any others The

Appellant of the EIA waiver for the power plant, Vanda Radzik (standing) makes a point before the EAB

Brassington said the nearest application of these environmental village is approximately three or and social principles precludes the fourkilometeres. EPA from permitting a dangerous

EPAdefends alsoaffectadjacentcommunities. to low the fact that these estimate will see an average 50 activity or potentially dangerous The Environmental Protection Meanwhile, Danuta Radzik in communities are considered socio- percent reduction in carbon activity or project based on the Agency in its presentation her presentation firstly highlighted economically and environmentally dioxide. developer’smereassurance.” defended the Gas-to-Energy herlackofconfidenceintheEAB’s disadvantaged seems to make them “We will have a 46% reduction

To this end, she contended that project,explainingthatthenation’s abilitytohostafairhearingintothe even more acceptable as sacrifice in carbon dioxide emissions, when the waiver of an EIAin this case is Low Carbon Development appeals made for the waiver of the zones for big oil and the it came to sulphur dioxide therefore a breach of the EPA’s Strategy (LCDS) outlines the EIA, due to the conflict of interest beneficiaries of big oil,” she emissions,99percent,andnitrogen statutoryduties. transitiontocleanerenergythrough thatabounds. argued. oxide 92 percent,” Brassington

Shealsoreasoned,“Wefeelthat theutilizationofnaturalgas. She nonetheless made her Alfred Bhulai, who identified noted. theEEPGL’sGastoshorepermiton

“The LCDS 2030 which is an presentation insisting that an EIA as Radzik’s technical advisor also As part of the clarification the whole is unlawful and again approved policy document for the project is required shared his thoughts on the EIA process by the EAB, Brassington was issued in breach of legal provides the approach to cleaner According to her, “In three waiver, after objecting to Dr was asked to explain why the gasrequirements and again we quote energy It clearly articulates the different paragraphs, this GTE EIA Sharma’s role as Chairman of the fired power plant was not included from the (Environmental) Act direction in which Guyana will has stated that it does not cover the Boardduetoconflictofinterestand in the EIA done by Exxon for the Regulation 17:2 of the transitioninthisregard.Naturalgas gas-fired power plant in any detail competence. othercomponentsoftheproject. Environmental Protection is clearly stated as a transition save and except when addressing In his presentation, Bhulai said To this end, Brassington Authorization regulations made whilst exploring and developing cumulative impacts as such it that there has been no study of pointed out, “Essentially Exxon, under the Act that requires an alternatives such as solar, hydro, cannot act as a substitute for a alternative energy generation when the project started, Exxon application for an environmental wind,etc.Importantly,issueshould separatepowerplantEIA.” options. In fact, he told attendees covered in the ESIA what they are authorization and that it shall be focused on alternatives to heavy Radzik explained, “To not that he had supplied Dr Sharma going to fund. For the initial plan contain the following…proof that fuel oil which natural gas is the require a separate EIA would be a with a cheaper solar alternative a was that they were gonna fund the applicanteitherownsthefacilityor transitiontorenewables.” violation of the EPA Act and an fewyearsagobutwhenheenquired NGL facility The initial plan was has a lease or other agreement with Executive Director of the attempt to use an unacceptable whattheGEA’snextstepwouldbe, that they were gonna do all of the thelandowneroroccupier.” Agency, Kemraj Parsram said as it back-door premise to deny he was told a subordinate officer preparatory work that needed to be Theappellantssaidthiswasnot regards explosions, an emergency stakeholders the right to access all wouldmakecontact;thiswasnever done before the power plant…so evident prior to the EPAgranting a response plan and gas leak necessary information through done. thatiswhytheycoveredallofwhat Permit to the oil company for the detection system, once the project EIAs as set out in Guyana’s According to Bhulai, “Dr theydid.” pipeline and Natural Gas Liquid is permitted, will be required as a Environmental Act Fifth Sharma is also too busy to fulfil his Subsequently, Brassington said (NGL). The Permit was granted on condition. Schedule…” owncommitmentandshouldnotbe Exxon communicated to the November 25, 2022 but the She said that an explosion is toobusytolistenclearlytousinthe Government of Guyana between likely at the facility and can cause time we are spending here January 4 and 6 this year serious injury, loss of life and otherwise somebody could do the commenced the issuance of Orders devastate the environment, yet the job.” in the Official Gazette for the EPA thought it appropriate to He was keen to point out that acquisitionoflandsforthepipeline exempt a separate EIA for the the cost to fund the pipeline alone componentoftheproject. powerplant. could provide more than 300

Radzik told the EAB, “Gas- The activist said at least seven megawatt of power to citizens in fired plants and NGL facilities and communities, according to Guyana.AccordingtoBhulai,“The the pipelines that feed them are ExxonMobil’s EIA, are within a beauty about solar power is that it notoriously dangerous. Peoples’ mile from the power plant and the does not all have to be at once. It lives, livelihoods and lands are at NGL plant site, thereby placing can be rolled out as the money risk. Toxic gases, chemicals and these citizens at direct risk of air comesinfromoilwithouthavingto hazardous wastes are generated emissions, dust, soil erosion, noise, borrow costly capital. Operating along with substantial emissions earth tremors, lost access to costs are negligible, on this ground such as flaring that pollute the agricultural lands and could alone the Gas-to-Energy project environment and affect the health government that there were more He assured the Board that the potentially experience a boiling shouldbescrapped.” ofhuman.” economic benefits for combining role of the EPA is not limited to liquidvapourexplosion,jetfireora Proponent

Winston Brassington in an showsburningfossilfuelsatpower facility “They said to the required or not for projects, but

She pointed out that research the power plant with the NGL deciding whether an EIA is flammablecloud.

These risks all highlight the almost hour-long presentation plants create emissions of sulfur government, we find that there are rather to implement provisions into need for a thorough study to be provided a detailed background on dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate significant economic benefit of permits to form part of regulating done according to Radzik since the the GTE project, its location and matter, carbon dioxide and other combining the NGL plant and the theproject. Exxon study does not adequately economics, comprising the GPL pollutants that lead to respiratory

This is particularly important explain each risk and offer demand and other benefits such as and cardiovascular problems, and government agreed to that and according to Parsram, otherwise mitigation measures Moreover, reducingemissions. other health issues such as cancer ultimately the government decided the EPAwould order an EIAfor all she said there is no estimate as to He explained that a 2019 and other immune system damage. that it would be better for the “aircraftthatcomesintoGuyana,or the casualties from explosions, jet feasibility study conducted for the As such she asked, “Why would an government to own everything- the every car that you drive around fires, or other explosions from the project by an international EIAnotberequired?” NGL and the power plant and because they all emit pollutants,” powerplant. consultant concluded that the

“It is therefore inaccurate to emissions,onaverage,usingthe50 consider these impacts as they can pipeline.”

Radzik also invited the EAB to Exxon would build and finance the thereforeheinsisted,“wehaveto

(Continued on page 68) state that impact will be moderate million cubic feet of gas per day

From page 67 programmes such as: healthcare that their purported suspension by be sensible and that’s what the EPA network strengthening, a PresidentAli was contrary to, or in is doing, [being] sensible based on programme to support climate violation to the Constitution of scientific information and resilient road infrastructure Guyana. practical.” development, ‘Enhancing the

They contended that Articles

While GPL had initially National Quality Infrastructure for 226(6) and 223(10) of the submitted the application for the Competitiveness’ Reformulation Constitution prove their case and project, he said the Guyana Power and Additional Financing program should the court find favour with and Gas Inc. is now the new and the program to Strengthen their arguments, they want their applicant. This company is state Public Policy and Fiscal suspension order revoked. Apart owned. Management in Response to the from this, Slowe and Conway also Health and Economic Crisis asked the court to declare that the Guyana’s debt to IDB alone CausedbyCOVID-19. Prime Minister’s recommendation close to US$1B without interest Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr to the President for them to be Ashni Singh, during his 2023 removedisunlawful. Guyana’s debt to the Inter- budget speech had disclosed that

On Friday, in handing down his American Development Bank thecountry’stotalpublicdebtstood ruling the judge highlighted that (IDB) is pegged at close to US$1 at US$3.6 billion, an increase by given the grounds (criminal b i l l i o n c u r r e n t l y T h e 16.9 percent from last year This chargeslaidagainstPaulSloweand aforementioned sum does not publication had pointed out that others) that the Prime Minister interventions in all 10 of the counter cyclical policies, and includetheinterestthecountrywill almostallofitsrecentlyannounced recommended that the former PSC country’sregions,”thebankstated. providesupporttoeconomiesinthe bepayingontheloans. public infrastructural projects members be suspended, ‘there is a The second loan titled ‘Support face of negative shocks. However,

A perusal of the bank’s Annual government has been borrowing to dueprocessthatmustbefollowed.’ Climate Resilient Road the IDB warned that if public debt

Report 2022: Financial Statements finance them despite earning over

In fact, Justice Persaud Infrastructure Development’ will becomes too large or is not has revealed that as of December US$1 billion in the oil account for highlighted that even though there provideUS$100milliontoupgrade managed with sufficient caution, 31, 2022, Guyana owed the bank lastyear was no Judicial Service andexpandthequalityofroadsand interest costs may balloon, growth US$787 million Adding the Loans signed with IBD for 2023 Commission (JSC) to appoint a utility service along the East Bank prospects may suffer, and in the US$205 million in loans Guyana On March 8, 2023, Guyana Tribunal to hear the allegations Demerara corridor This involves limit, a costly debt crisis may be recentlysignedoffonwiththeIBD, signed three loans with the IBD against the former PSC members, financinga25.5kilometertwo-lane provoked. According to the report, brings the total loans borrowed totaling US$203 million, to all members are entitled to their roadway with modern and governments can bring down their fromthebanktoUS$992million. strengthen the country’s healthcare constitutional rights of protection innovative approaches that will debt levels by improving spending

As required by the by-laws of system, build roads and enhance of the law and due process, simply improve access and safety, efficiency, expanding the tax base, the IDB, the Board of Executive infrastructure The IBD’s put,‘presumptionofinnocence.’ includingforvulnerableroadusers, and seeking wider reforms to Directors is required to submit the President, Ilan Goldfajn, and As such, the judge stated that thebanksaid. enhance fiscal balances and boost report. TheAnnual Report consists Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr Paul Slowe and the other The third loan is titled growth.The IDB said that there are of a printed volume entitled, ‘The Singh signed the three loans during commissioners could only have ‘Enhancing the National Quality many reasons why public debt Year in Review’, containing a the XI Annual Consultation of been removed from constitutional Infrastructure for Competitiveness levels should be lower than they review of the Bank’s operations in Caribbean Governors that was office in due process, to which the programme ’ Under this currently are, highlighting that 2022 (loans, guarantees, and hostedinTrinidadandTobago. Constitution does not imbue programme, Guyana will there are several ways to reduce grants) On Thursday Kaieteur In a press statement, the IDB President Ali with power to reformulate and access additional thatdebt. News had reported that it was said the first loan captioned: suspend in the absence of a funding of US$8,000,000 to disclosed in the bank’s 2022 “ H e a l t h c a r e N e t w o r k Tribunal and in doing so the enhance the National Quality Saturday – Mar 25, 2023 financial statement that Guyana Strengthening in Guyana president acted ultra vires the Infrastructure’s capacity to borrowedUS$335millionfromthe operation” is for a total amount of constitution. promote the adoption of quality PresidentAli violated Guyana’s IDB in 2022. According to the US$97 million. This loan the bank Justice Persaud said, “In standards among Guyanese Micro, constitution by suspending document, the loans Guyana said will expand the capacity of summary,therefore,thedecisionof Small, and Medium Enterprises Police Service Commission borrowed from the IDB falls under seven hospitals in both coastal and His Excellency the President to (MSMEs), the bank noted. It added members – Court rules the sovereign guarantee portfolio. interior communities, extend suspend the chairman and other that in November 2016, the IDB It should be noted that prior to coverage of diagnostic exams and members of the Commission was approvedUS$9,000,000toGuyana High Court Judge Justice Gino 2018, the document stated that medical consultations, advance unlawful and in contravention of for Enhancingthe NationalQuality Persaud on Friday ruled that Guyana borrowed US$552 million telehealth services, and increase Article 225 of the Constitution, Infrastructure for Economic President Irfaan Ali’s decision to from the IDB. Stated in the report access and efficiency of the public arbitrary, unreasonable, unfair, in Diversification and Trade suspend the former Police Service also is Guyana’s credit rating with health system. “This project is violation of a suspended Chairman Promotion. The Government of Commission (PSC) members was the bank which is a B-. The loans expected to benefit over half of and Commissioners constitutional Guyana requested additional “unlawful,unfair,andultravires.” GuyanatookfromtheIDBwerefor Guyana’s population including the rights that are protection of the law financingtosupportitsprioritiesof Former PSC Chairman several different projects and Indigenous people with and due process of the law, null, a more diversified and productive Assistant Commissioner of Police void and of no legal effect,” Justice base. (ret’d), Paul Slowe and fellow PSC Persaud said. As such, the Judge IDB warns against member Assistant Police said “It is hereby ordered and ‘excessive’borrowing Commissioner Clifton Conway declared that judgment be and is

Back in January, the IDB had (ret’d), through their lawyer hereby granted in favour of Paul released a report cautioning Latin Selwyn Pieters had brought a legal Slowe as prayed for in para 1 of the America and Caribbean (LAC) challenge to President Ali’s June FDAinthefollowingterms…” countries against ‘excessive’ 16, 2021 decision to suspend the

After the court granted that the borrowing and urged governments PSC after Prime Minister Mark suspensions of Paul Slowe and the to bring their debts down to more Phillips sent two ‘show cause’ other PSC members from prudentlevels. notices to Slowe and former performing the functions of their

In its report titled, ‘Dealing Commissioner,ClintonConway

respective offices in the with Debt – Less Risk for More Both men were asked to ‘show Commission violated the Growth in the Latin America and cause’whythePresidentshouldnot Constitution of Guyana and the Caribbean’ the IDB disclosed follow the advice of the Prime therefore of no force and effect – that debt has risen and stands at Minister to remove them from the the judge granted costs to be some US$5.8 trillion which is 117 PSC. The notices were issued after awarded to the lawyers for the percent of the Gross Domestic Slowe, Conway and others were formerPSCmembers. Product (GDP) in the region charged for defrauding the Guyana

In response, Attorney-at-Law “Given the dangers of excessive Police Force (GPF) of $10M Selwyn Pieters asked the court for debt, the current situation in Latin Slowewasalsoaccusedofsexually timetosubmitsubmissionsoncost, America and the Caribbean is assaulting a female cop on three citing that since the matter worrisome,”theIDBsaid.IDBsaid occasions. commenced in 2021, the cost public debt serves a critical role for As such, the Paul Slowe ledwouldbehigh. countries to pursue public PSC legal challenge, inter alia, investment projects, implement sought a declaration from the court

Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Paul Slowe

President Irfaan Ali

Changing lives through...

From page 39

Caribbean, as well as to go on tours to more outlying communities.

He also wants to focus on sifting out new talent and nurturing that talent as he believes acting impacts a person's life positively as well astocultivateotherskillsthey may be struggling with such as public speaking. When a personisinvolvedintheentire production, it gives them an opportunity to build on various skills as it is not only those on stage who contributes but those behind the scene as well such as the technical persons, the musiciansetc.

Actingalsocausesthecast to build their personal character as they would want to portray the same positive characterbothonstageandoff stage.

While acting brings Ault and his cast insurmountable

joy, as with anything else comes challenges, and for them, it is balancing work and family life with preparing for the plays as that too is time consuming.

He believes Guyanese may not get a true sense of what is involved in stage play preparation and investment, hence may be hesitant to support because of the entrancefee.

Ault however explained that it is an investment into months of preparation, the cost for props and other cost attached to making the stage playpossible.

Healsobelievesthatmore should be done locally to provide professional training and mentorship to local actors as most are self-taught who earnthroughobservation.

The play 'Broken Minds' will be in Linden at LICHAS on April 1st Tickets are $1,200.00.

US-based Victory Int'l...

From page 42 the work, New Life Church leadbyPastorJoelcontinuesto support Victory's work statesidebycollectingsupplies to send via barrels for the annual outreaches. The most recent contribution was a collection of school uniforms through a partnership with a local primary school in North Carolina.

He stated “I am also thankful to work, via Project Life, with Dr. Tika and

Christian Life Centre in Enterprise, E.C.D. Dr Tika, like Mr Parvatan and Ambassador Collins, is a leader with integrity Whether serving at dental/medical outreaches, training pastors, or simply joining Sunday morning services, Dr Tika is a joy to be around. He is loved by New Life Baptist Church. New Life is also excited to partner with Victory in the planting of a Christian Church inFyrish,Berbice.”

Was the EAB hearing on the EIAwaiver...

From page 20 for this hearing was an exemption from that EIA for the power plant because cumulatively these questions have been answered…if then thishearingwasaboutallthose documents they should have been in the notice and should have been clear that this would have been part of the discussion, rationalization and so on for this hearing, that was notthere.”

This response caused McKenzietoscaleback.

It was also evident that the format of the public hearing restricted the full participation ofGuyanesecitizens.

Itwasrequestedpriortothe meeting that mechanisms be put in place for the session to allow the Diaspora and Guyanese in far-flung communitiestoparticipate,but thiswasnotconsentedtobythe Board. Chairman, Dr, Sharma inabriefconversationafterthe event, explained that the hearingwasheldinaccordance with the Environmental

ProtectionAct.

Interestingly, the EPAused t h e L o c a l C a r b o n Development Strategy (LCDS)toendorsetheneedfor thegas-firedpowerplanttothe public.

“TheLCDSisaframework intended to map the path of a newgrowthtrajectoryinanonpolluting way,” as was defined by the innovator, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

EPA boss, Mr Parsram explained that the natural gas will be used as a transition to cleaner energy in the future. This move may come under fire by citizens as improper on the part of the regulator for acting as a defender of the project, rather than maintain neutrality under the

circumstancesoftheday

The EPA's role according to the law is clearly not to justify the necessity of a project, but rather to assess impacts and ascertain whether it can be operated safely in the environment without causing humanhealthproblems.

WANTED VACANCY

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

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

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

One Housekeeper/ Cook to work 5 days per week, preferably from E.B.D. For more information Call: 609-1434.

Urgently needed dried carilla bush and soursop leaves (any quantity). Call: 609-8281/ 693-3003.

Maid and Driver needed, preferably residing in Eccles area. Call: 223-7165.

Male & Female general Workers and Receptionist needed to work shift at hotel. Apply in person @ 12 Henry Street Werk-en-Rust. Call: 2259211.

Farm Workers needed to work at Hauraruni and Hog Island. Call: 674-8723.

Cook needed in Bel Air area, must be able to prepare Indian & English dishes and perform domestic duties. Call: 624-1473/ 223-9888.

General Domestic needed to work 6am-2pm, preferably from around Ogle, E.C.D. Call: 646-7142.

Thirty lawyers benefit...

From page 61 economies in the world, there is a need to establish a modern legal arbitration framework. Necessarily, this involves human resource capacity building in the area of arbitration,” the Attorney General said.

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

Vacancy exists for two experienced Dispatchers at Confidential Cabs. Call: 6951961 /231-5784.

Able-bodied live-in female Housekeeper to work in Virgina, U.S.A. Between the ages of 30-50 yrs. Call: 845325-8241/ 592-615-5476.

Maid needed to cook and clean in 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 Hairdressers at Grove, E.B.D. Call: 652-5800/ 677-0040.

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

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

Inventory/ Data Entry Clerks required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Call: 609-2995, survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

VACANCY

Supermarket AM & PM Cashiers required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff ST. Call: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Supermarket Packers/ Porters AM & PM needed @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Tel: 609-2995, survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Heavy equipment Servicemen needed to work in Georgetown. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 231-2250/ 615-0545.

Water Delivery Driver and Porter needed for E.C.D. Call: 676-1363/ 692-6768. Experienced Pump Attendants needed at Sunrise Marina Gas Station, preferably from Parika area. Send CV to sunrisemarinainc@ yahoo.com or Call: 2620404.

Vacancy exist for Carpenter/ Joiner. Apply at Regency Suites/ Hotel, 98 Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust G/ Town. Call: 226-0550/ 6093332.

Civil Engineer, Articet, Masons, Carpenter and Electrician needed. Send Cv to Cb housing development inc, Track Waico Amelia's ward industrial site, Linden Guyana.

Experienced Accounts Clerk required, must have passes in Maths & English. Apply in person to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda.

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.

Nandlall explained that the workshop is one of several initiatives being executed to attain this objective.

Hundreds of contracts are executed in the public sector involving billions of dollars with local as well as international developmental partners.

LEGAL NOTICE

TAKE NOTICE that you are the two named witnesses in the Will of MOHAMED

Almost every one of these contracts contains arbitration clauses which mandate that arbitration is conducted outside of the country because Guyana does not have modern legislative framework nor the human resource capacity to do them locally.

Nandlall said that the Government intends to change this state of affairs and make Guyana a competent, modern and efficient forum for arbitration to take place. According to him, the financial and other benefits which will be derived if we are able to achieve this objective are simply unquantifiable.

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.

Computer repairs available, we come to you! Professional repair on all computer related issues. Call: 645-3184.

Immaculate construction services, professional and affordable tiling, masonry, ceiling, etc. Call: 663-9616.

Bond Attendants/ Porters needed @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff ST. Tel: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Supermarket AM & PM Sales Representative required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff ST. Tel: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Experienced Accounts Clerk needed @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street. Call: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

FOR RENT

One apartment for rent @ First St Mon Repos E.C.D, Market street. Call: 6140005/ 602-4105.

3 bedroom furnished apartment in close proximity to U.G & supermarket, free wifi, water and grilled. Cost $125,000. Call: 672-5390.

2 bedroom furnished apartment in South Ruimveldt, Free wifi, security camera, AC and hot and cold bath available. Cost $ 200,000. Call: 672-5390.

Upper flat apartment for rent in Diamond Housing Scheme. Call: 662-6772/ 619-3244.

FOR SALE

One double Lot 80x160 on the east side of Friendship, Public Road, $12M GYD neg. Call: 626-4234/ 6286212.

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

Prime business spot, 45x500 located at Parika, 4 house lot together at Blankenburg. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402.

ZAIMAN OSMAN aka MOHAMED ZAMAN OSMAN aka MOHAMED OUSMAN aka RAYMAN

MOHAMED, deceased, dated 24th August, 2012.

That MOHAMED ZAIMAN OSMAN aka MOHAMED ZAMAN OSMAN aka MOHAMED OUSMAN aka RAYMAN

MOHAMED died on the 17th March, 2016, at the Georgetown, Hospital.

“The short-term objective is to make Guyana as attractive as possible for the resolution of disputes arising out of commercial contracts executed locally.

The long-term objective is to create the type of environment, legal infrastructure, and human resource base to make Guyana an attractive arbitration hub for the Caribbean and even South and Latin America,” the Attorney General said.

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA CIVIL JURISDICTION COMMERCIAL DIVISION

2023-HC-DEM-CIV-FDA42

BETWEEN:

In the matter of the Deceased Persons’ Estates Administration Act Chapter 12:01 -and-

In the matter of the Supreme Court Civil Procedure Rules 2016 -and-

In the matter of the estate of MOHAMED ZAIMAN OSMAN aka MOHAMED ZAMAN OSMAN aka MOHAMED OUSMAN aka RAYMAN

MOHAMED, deceased -and-

In the matter of an Application for Probate by SASEMATTIE OUSMAN

Applicant

NOTICE

TO: BIBI HAFEEZA HUSSEIN

TAKE NOTICE that after the second and final publication of the said Notice, you are required to appear at the Probate Registry at the Supreme Court, Georgetown, to sign and execute an Affidavit of attesting witnesses or to contact the Chambers of Mr. Saphier Husain, Attorneyat-Law whose address for service and place of business is at First Federation Building, Croal Street, Georgetown, Tele no: 615 9112 to do same.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if there is no appearance by the said witnesses, an Order will be granted to dispense with your Affidavit of Attesting witnesses, which will authorize the Probate Registry to issue a grant of Probate of the said Will of MOHAMED

ZAIMAN OSMAN aka MOHAMED ZAMAN OSMAN aka MOHAMED OUSMAN aka RAYMAN MOHAMED, Deceased.

Dated this 15thday of March, 2023

He continued: “Our Government sees no reason why we cannot strive to achieve these goals.

We have completed similar training exercises with lawyers at the private Bar, operators in the private sector as well as with our judicial officers, These training initiatives will continue.”

US citizens...

From page 12 citizens overseas,” the U.S. Department of State said.

“When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with families however we can.”

“We have nothing further to share at this time,” the statement added.

The two have a 1-year-old son who “is thankfully not with them” but staying with a relative, Nikese Toussaint said.

The family members said they were worried about the couple making the trip, given the political unrest and gang violence in Haiti.

“We were very worried when they said they were going, we told them not to go but they wanted to go,” Nikese Toussaint said.

The State Department advises Americans not to travel to Haiti “due to kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest.”

“I do have the worst-case scenario playing in my head, but I keep trying to reject it because I don’t want that to happen,” Christie told WPLG.

“We just want to hear their voice as proof that they are still alive,” she said.

Mentally-ill man smashes way into Courts

Mentally-ill man breaks into the Courts

A man said to be of unsound mindbrokeintoCourts,MainStreet, Georgetown, branch early Saturday morning.

The incident took place during the wee hours of the morning and was captured on camera by patrons ofanearbybar

Kaieteur News understands that

the mentally-ill man used a large boulder to smash the glass door to enter the furniture and electronics store.

The video, which went viral on social media, showed the man roamingaimlesslyinthestore.

Police were summoned and they arrived just in time to prevent the manremovingitemsfromthestore.

Themanwasarrested.

The shattered glass door at Courts

The mentally-ill man invading Courts

D-UP knockout Basketball tournament scheduled for May 1

With the aim of reviving the sport of basketball in the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), Region three district, the D-Up Basketball Academy will be hosting its Annual “Above the Rim” oneday basketball tournament slated for 1st May at the Tuschen Primary school, basketball courts.

This event is deemed the biggest basketball competition of the summer, and is coming to region three. This event is already billed to be a packed day of exciting basketball. This tournament will be guided under the knockout format; featuring U14 and U18

Executive members and players of D-up Basketball Academy assembles at the end of last year’s event.

Essequibo Softball Cricket League over-45 tourney to commence shortly

teams from both primary and secondary schools. There will also be an open category for the adults with lots of trophies and medals up for grabs. The organizer of the

event is former basketball player, now coach Anthony Kandar promises the event will be one of biggest, if not, the biggest basketball tournament which aims at attacking

Sunday March 26, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Today you're unstoppable! You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside. You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

new players from all parts of the country, especially in the WCD area. The main objective is to enable youth with necessary tools for future success.

The tournament aligns with the theme “Not every child will make it as a Pro Basketball Player but every child should have the tools of life to become a productive member of society”. See U14 School’s teams such as Uitvlugt Primary, Leonora Primary, Tuschen Primary, Philadelphia Primary, Quram Academy, Cornelia Ida Primary, Parika Primary and Blake Primary School.

There will also be teams out of Bartica, Kwakwani, Golden Grove, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Den Amstel, Stewartville, West Demerara, Patentia, Uitvlugt Secondary, Linden Kings and D-Up Academy competing in the U18 and Adults category.

The tournament sponsors are D-UP Basketball Academy: West Indian friends That Care, Toronto Canada, ElE & Rehanna’s Fashion Boutique & Gift shop, Tuschen Housing Scheme (H/S), F&R Supermarket, Vreed En-Hoop ( Brother Farman), Harry Gobin Construction Company Tuschen H/S, Mala Peru’s Garcia Leon breaks 35 km race walk ni & Neil Cheddie, Toronto Canada, Frank & Lolata De Nobriga Canada, Sir McGarrel (Leonora Secondary), Trophy Stall Bourda, Quiyyam Academy, School of the National, Georgetown and the Principal Shondell and staff Tuschen Primary school. For further information regarding the tournament contact D-UP Basketball Academy’s Chairman Anthony Kandar at email: kandartony@gmail.com or 696-4738.

The Essequibo Softball Cricket League over-45 tournament is set to commence shortly on the Essequibo Coast. Trophies and other prizes will be up for grabs and teams can contact Sankar Ram

on 678 0121 for registration. The competition will be played on a round robin basis and is being sponsored by Seeraj Bhimsain, Regal Stationery and Computer Center and Trophy Stall.

Linden Daniels accepts the winning trophy from Seeraj Bhimsain in the presence of Tom Bacchus.

IttooktheGuyanaHarpy Eagles only one session to complete their win against theJamaicaScorpionsonthe finaldayoftheirRoundFour 2022/23 West Indies Championshipmatch,which ended yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium (GNS),Providence.

Harpy Eagles claimed the remaining nine wickets for 50 runs in the morning session to restrict Scorpions to229in66.2oversandwin by228runs.

Jamaica required 282 runsforvictoryatthestartof Day four, in quite an

advantageous position of 179 – 1, but their good fortunate ended when their two top scorers had to take thedreadedwalkbacktothe pavilion.

Opener Tevin Gilzene and his captain, Jermaine Blackwood, resumed from their overnight scores of 81 and 66, respectively, with a partnership of 169, but added only three runs unfortunately before Gilzene was dismissed for 85 when Kevin Sinclair rapped him on the pads. Scorpionswere182–2. One run and three balls

later; Paul Palmer was once again removed without scoring, which brought Abhijai Mansingh to the crease. That pair added 24 runstotakeJamaicapastthe 200-run mark but Blackwood’s luck ran out when a chance he provided wasfinallyheldwithhimon 80;Jamaicareached207–4. Aldane Thomas (1) and Derval Green (0) were removedbyBeatoninquick succession which made the scoretickoverto208–6.Six runs later, Mansingh (12) became Sinclair’s third wicket with Jamaica’s new batsmen being Ojay Shields andNkrumahBonner

The experienced Bonner tried to delay the inevitable but teammates continued to fall at the other end; Ojay Shields went out with a fighting 14 but with the i n t r o d u c t i o n o f Veerasammy Permaul, Shields and Marquino Mindley (0) found themselves dismissed in successivedeliveries.

Nicholson Gordon (0*) joinedBonnerbutitwasthe latterwhobecameSinclair’s fourthscalpasthefinalthree wicketsfellwiththescoreon 229

Sinclair ended with 4 –37, Beaton bagged 3 – 85, Permaul snagged 2 – 23 while Nial Smith accounted fortheotherwicket.

Match details: Guyana 278 from 88 1 (Leon Johnson 150*,Tevin Imlach 46; Marquino Mindley 3 -

34) & 294 – 7d 92.4 overs (Tevin Imlach 136,

Tagenarine Chanderpaul 89; Marquino Mindley 6 –54) defeated Jamaica Scorpions 115 from 35 5 overs (Derval Green 42; Nial Smith 5 – 39) & 229 from 66 2 overs (Jermaine Blackwood 85, Tevin Gilzene80;KevinSinclair4 –37).

O t h e r m a t c h e s ’ summarizedscores…

Leeward Islands

Hurricanes 392 – 9d from 121.5 overs (Kofi James 107, Karima Gore 93, Kieran Powell 75; Sherman Lewis 3 – 76, Prestown

McSween 2 – 68, Kenneth Dember 2 – 103) & 144 from 55 overs (Montcin

Hodge 59, Jahmar Hamilton 22; Preston

McSween 5 – 39, Larry Edward 3 - 9) lost to Windward Islands

Volcanoes 353 from 95

overs (Kaveem Hodge 137, Alick Athanaze 128; Jeremiah Lewis 4 – 46, RahkeemCornwall4–109) & 174 – 4* from 38 overs (Sunil Ambris 40*, Alick Athanaze 38; Rahkeem Cornwall 2 – 53) by 6 wickets.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 203 from 75 3 overs (Jason Mohammed 55,TionWebster46;Chaim Holder 5 – 71, Jair McAllister 3 – 31) & 185 from 80 overs (Darren Bravo 36, Jyd Goolie 35; Chaim Holder 4 – 63, Akeem Jordan 3 – 35) lost to Barbados Pride 271 from 85 overs (Zachary McCaskie 92, Roshon Primus 53; Imran Khan 4 – 86, Anderson Phillip 3 –80) and 118 – 3 from 37 4 overs (Zachary McCaskie 55*, Jonathan Drakes 27; Bryan Charles 3 – 29) by 7 wickets.

SportsMax - New skipper Rovman Powell powered West Indies to a stunning three-wicket win against South Africa in a rain-reduced T20I clash yesterday.

The start in Centurion was pushed back because of wet conditions and the contestwasreducedtoan11overs-a-side thrash, with SouthAfrica totting up 1318, helping by David Miller crunching48from22balls.

Miller struck three sixes as the home side recovered well from losing opener Quinton de Kock to the first ball of their innings at SuperSportPark.

West Indies made a flying start to their reply as Brandon King and Kyle Mayers took 17 runs from the first four deliveries King’s 23, and 28 from Johnson Charles, helped to put the tourists in a strong position, but it was Powell who played the crucial innings.

The 29-year-old Jamaican hit five sixes in an explosive 43no from 18 balls,holdinghisnerveafter WestIndieslosttwowickets to Sisanda Magala (3-21) in the10thover

Powell’smaximumfrom the second delivery of the 11th over brought the teams level, and he tucked away a single into the leg side from the next ball to seal the win, takingWestIndiesto132-7.

Powellstartsashemeans togoon

The chance to lead arose for Powell when Nicholas

Pooran resigned as West Indies’ white-ball captain after last year’s T20 World Cup.

Powell has taken on the T20I job, with Shai Hope leading the ODI team, and this was a whirlwind beginning for the incoming captain, firstly with the match being reduced to a quickfireslog,andthenwith the pressure falling on his shoulderswiththebat.

Hecameinat66-3inthe fifth over, after the breakneck start, and saw the job through, posting his joint-sixth highest T20I score in what was his 47th inningsatthislevel.

Trendtocontinue?

ThelastthreeT20Iseries between these teams have beenwonbythetouringside, and with two games remaining in this series we mightbeonforarepeat.

South Africa are experiencing a dire run of series results in T20Is at home, having lost their last foursuchseries,lastgettinga home success against Sri LankainMarch2019.

Overthelongercourseof afull20oversitmightprove a different story between theseteams,withthewinfor WestIndiesonthisoccasion beingjustthesecondintheir last 16 T20Is away from home.TheyandSouthAfrica go again today, also in Centurion.

Scores: West Indies 132 for7(Powell43*,Magala321)beatSouthAfrica131for 8(Miller48,Smith2-21)by threewickets.

Rovman Powell led the visitors to victory. (AF /Getty Images)

In a must-win game to keep their CONCACAF Gold Cup dreams alive, the GoldenJaguarsroaredtoa20 victory over Bermuda yesterday in Hamilton when the Nations League continued.

Liam Gordon grabbed his first International goal when the Waslall FC defender slipped one past

Bermuda’s custodian in the 51stminute. Slingerz FC defender Jeremy Garett doubled the leadinthe58thminutewhen he too capitalized on a lapse on judgement by his opponents in their penalty area, and calmly tucked his effort in the net. It was Guyana’s third win in five matches in Group B of

League B, putting them on nine points; three behind leaders Haiti who are so far unbeaten. Jamal Shabazz started with Kai McKenzieLyle in goal, along with Garrett,JaylenJones,Bailey Spencer-Adams, Johnathon Grant and Gordon in the defence.

Starting in midfield were ElliotBonds,NathanMoriah-

WelchandLeoLovell,while Omari Glasgow paired with the ever-dependable Emery Welshmanintheattack.

Meanwhile, following yesterday’s game, the Golden Jaguars will head to Barbados to battle Montserrat on Tuesday, March28,attheWildeyTurf in the Sir Garfield Sobers SportsComplex.

With an emphasis on building on the momentum of a successful 2022, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will institute a weekly training programme which is scheduled to commenceonFriday31stat

the Andrew ‘Six Head’ LewisGym,Albouystown,a release from the association informed

The weekly initiative will last for the remainder of the yearandisexpectedtoattract theparticipationofseniorand

U16 pugilists from the environs of Georgetown, Linden, Essequibo, and Berbice

The Andrew ‘Six Head’ LewisGym,whichwillserve asthefacilityfortheentiretyof the programme, has

undergone an extensive refurbishment by the GovernmentofGuyanaandis expectedtohostinexcessof20 boxers Thepugilistswillenter the training facility on Friday andwillremainuntilSunday

Cuban coach Franciso Roldan, who is scheduled to return to local shores on April 4th, will form part of the training apparatus that will also include national coach Lennox Daniels and Technical Director Terrence Poole.AccordingtotheGBA PresidentSteveNinvalle,the initiativewasconceptualised to serve as a highperformance platform, which will better equip pugilists with the requisite training mechanisms and structures in preparation for internationalsojourns.

He elucidated, “This programme will form the b a c k b o n e o f t h e association’s preparatory

drive for the impending international assignments whichisinclusiveofaworld championship and youth championship We have opted to take a qualitative approach, as we envision having the best pugilists participate in the camps in whatisexpectedtobeahighly technicalandintenseinitiative.

It is essentially highperformance training which will be conducted weekly for

theremainderoftheyear,andit will also ensure that our U16 programmewhichisacritical transitionaryagegroupofour nursery programme, remains vibrant ” Ninvalle further stated that, pugilists in particular from the Mining town of Linden, have been failed by their respective coaches and that their participationinthisinitiative is critical if they are to ascertainqualitytraining.

Dominic Tyrrell dominates at One Power Barbell Classics

Guyana’s current National 74kg Powerlifting Champion,DominicTyrrell, won best guest lifter at the recently concluded One Barbell Classics, 2023, in TrinidadandTobago.

The Guyanese by birth Powerlifterwhoisamember of the One Barbell gym, competedinthe83kgweight class since he didn’t cut weight. He squatted 534lbs, bench press 330lbs and deadlift 683lbs. He had a c l o s e m i s s w i t h 320kg/705lbs.

Dominic, who resides in Trinidad, surpassed his current national records in Guyana. The deadlift is an unofficialworldrecord.

A graduate of the UniversityoftheWestIndies with a Bachelors of Arts in French,UpperSecondClass Honours, He is currently preparing to represent Guyana at the Junior World

EBDCA/D and R Construction and Machinery Rental 50-over bowls off

TheEastBankDemerara CricketAssociation/DandR ConstructionandMachinery Rental 50-over tournament bowled off with several matches.

The competition was launched recently at Farm ground and it will be played on a round robin basis Matches will played at YMCA,Transport,Farmand CanalNo.2thisweekend.

Thewinningthewinning team will take home $200,000, runner up $100,000, MVP $10,000, best batsman $10,000, best bowler$10,000.

Trophiesandotherprizes willalsobepresented.

President of the EBDCA Puneet Jaigopaul thanked the sponsors and wished the teamswell.

President of the EBDCAPuneetJaigopaul accepts the sponsorship cheque from David Sugrim of the sponsor

The Bartica Easter Regatta 2023 Organising Committee, chaired by Regional Chairman, KennethWilliamsreceiveda solid boost toward the successful hosting of this year’s event, from, Team Mohamed’s.

The entity’s lead principal, businessman, and sportsman, Mr Azruddin Mohammed handed over Te a m M o h a m e d ’s contribution to Williams noting that Bartica has always been one of the company’s main business hubs and more so, the community is close to the

Mohamed’s.

Team Mohamed’s also noted that, over the years, Mr Mohamed has made several generous donations tothecommunityandwould have also contributed to the Bartica Regatta – one of the main events being hosted in the township during Easter Weekend.

This time around will be no different, Mr Mohamed is once again on board with the hope of adding fun and excitementtothespectators.

”Itisalwaysapleasureto be part of the event for the simple reason that we want the patrons to have a grand

time…itisafamily-oriented event and we are happy to come on board”, Mohamed stated.

Team Mohamed’s will also be providing cash prizes and trophies for several boat races on Easter Sunday, apart from the motor racing, the businessmanisagainoneof themainsponsorsofDeejay Garwin’s second annual ‘One Guyana’events which aresetforSaturday,April8, and Sunday, April 9, 2023, at the Bartica Community CentreGround Williams expressed gratitude to Mr Mohamed and Team Mohamed’s for their generous contribution andapplaudedthemfortheir continuous and unflinching supporttothecommunityof Bartica and by extension, Guyana.

Azruddin Mohammed (center) hands over Team Mohamed’s contribution to Regatta Committee Chairman, Mr. Kenneth Williams in the presence of others.

there will be the Soca Flash BackconcertfeaturingPeter Ram, Rupee, and Guyana’s own, Adrian Dutchin

On Saturday, April 8,

Singh, A.W Lyrical, Kady Kish,andKharisma. Additionally, Team Mohamed’s has already sponsored one of the contestants who are vying for the coveted Miss Bartica Regattatitle.

Odyssey Tours West Demerara 50 overs semifinals set for today

Mahendra Hardyal (C) with Ian John (L) andAnil Beharry with the equipment.

MetenMeerZorgWarriors

The much anticipated semifinals of the WestDemeraraCricketAssociationOdyssey Tours 50 overs semifinals will be played today

Zeeburg will play host to Windsor Forest and at West Meten Meer Zorg Ground, West Demerara Police will play

Among the players set to be on show are Malcolm Hubbard, Ronaldo Ranee, Keoml Savory, Anil Sookdeo, Ricardo Poloram, Ganesh Narine, Jamal Gomes, Mark Jeffers,Avinash Ganesh and Kishun Tracy

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —

Jordan Poole emerged as one of Golden State’s most dependable performers during the championshiprunlastseason.

He resembled that go-to guy once again Friday night when the Warriorsneededeverythinghehad, with the ever-reliable Draymond Greendoinghisthing,too.

“Opportunity,”Poolesaidofhis stellarfourthquarterplayingall12 minutes.

Poole scored 33 points and swishedakey3-pointerwith1:18 toplayoffaprettypassbyGreen, Stephen Curry added 29 points and eight rebounds, and the Golden State Warriors rallied past Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers 120-112 on Fridaynight

“Tonight something about it felt like last year in that playoff run when Jordan was just attacking and knocking down shots but also getting to the line justgivingusanentirelydifferent dimension offensively,” coach Steve Kerr said “That’s when he’sathisbest Ithoughthereally competed down the stretch defensively as well He was magnificenttonight ”

Embiid checked back into the game with 8:26 left and scored 13

straightonthewayto46points,but the Warriors came back from 11 down for their ninth straight home win — and one of the most important yet as they fight for playoffpositioning.

Green noted: “Nobody wants to be in that play-in, the play-in isdangerous ”

Curry dribbled the baseline and around Embiid for a goahead jumper with 2:20 to play Klay Thompson tied it at 104 with5:05left,onlyforEmbiidto drive straight down the key for a dunk. He did miss consecutive shotsincrunchtime,too.

Poole’s driving dunk with

8:27 left got Golden State back to 93-91 then Kevon Looney’s putback after Embiid blocked a layup try by Poole cut it to 102101 Embiid shot 13 for 23, made 19 of 22 free throws and had nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals.HehelpedPhiladelphiatake an88-79leadgoingintothefourth.

He had his streak of scoring 30 or more points in a franchise-record 10 straight games snapped in Wednesday’s 116-91 win at Chicagobutmadeupforit.

Golden State nemesis James Harden sat out with left Achilles soreness for the Sixers, who had wonnineof10and10of12.

Thompson added 21 points and six rebounds and Looney contributed six points, 10 reboundsandsevenassistsasthe Warriorsreached30homewinsfor the sixth time since 2014-15 and secondinarow.

“You want to take care of home court as best as you can,” Poolesaid

Green had 10 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds for Golden State, which had some momentum from two straight wins on the road following an 11gameskidawayfromChaseCenter

“Ifeelgood

It’s that time of year you’ve got to turn everything up a notch,”Greensaid

“Ilovethistimeofyear ”

Philadelphia, which had won the last two matchups, made 10 of 17 shots to start the game but missed its first eight 3-pointtries beforeGeorgesNiangconnectedat the8:06markofthesecondquarter

Followingintenserivalry in yesterday’s opening matches of the PPP Soesdyke, Timehri, Highway Cluster 7-a-side Football competition at the Banakari Ground, Long Creek, Linden Soesdyke Highway,eightvillageshave made it through to the quarterfinals.

Hauraruniwillopenaction against Soesdyke at 10:00 hourstodayastheyleadoffthe bidforoneofthefoursemi-final slots Yarrowkabra will then engage Waiakabra to be followed by a clash between BamiaandKuruKuruCollege

The final quarter-final match will see Swan battling

Circuitville The respective winners will advance to the semi-finals after which the final would be contested betweenthewinnersofthetwo

semis Yesterday’sactionwas intenseandsawtwomatches havingtobedecidedinextra time; one decided via kicks from the penalty mark That match saw Bamia eventually

gettingridofCircuitville2-0; their goalkeeper being the heroashesavedallfourofthe shotsthatCircuitvilletook

An own goal by Hauraruni cost them their match against Waiakabra in the second period of extra time, however, the former were still able to make it through to the quarter-finals as one of the two best losing teams in the opening round. Theotherteamadvancingvia theroute,wasCircuitville.In other results, Soesdyke

Mark Barker and Tyrone Khan Kuru Kuru College wonviaasimilarmarginover Banakari; Encosi Morris and his brother, Nickoli, crafted the win Thewidestmarginof victory was recorded by Yarrowkabra, over St Cuthbert’s,4-1,onaccountofa doubleoffthebootofTerrance Glasgow Shemar Schultz and Christopher Fung notched in oneapiecetocompletethewin St. Cuthbert’s consolation camefromWayneWong.

Theopeningmatchofthe day produced a 2-1 win for Swan Madaweni over Kuru Kururu, 2-1. The winning goals were scored by Anderson Webber and Abraham Webb, the lone response from the losers camefromAnthonyRoberts.

The winning team will walk away with $100,000 while the losing finalist will pocket, $50,000. Trophies will also be rewarded to the toptwoaswellasthehighest goalscorer,bestgoalkeeper, andmostvaluableplayer

On the penultimate day of the Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF) Senior Caribbean Championship saw the Guyana’s Men and Women securing semi finals spots heading into the final day of the competition at the National Gymnasium, MandelaAvenueonFriday

The Guyana women’s team of Chelsea Edghill, OLY, Natalie Cummings, Thuraia Thomas and Jasmin Billingy are through to the semifinal finals of the C R T T F 2 0 2 3 Championship. They won

the final group matches vs Barbados 3-0 Cummings and Billingy took the doubles, then Chelsea Edghill won the first single 3-0 and Cummings closed off with a commanding 3-0 win.

On Friday, the men’s team would have wrapped up their group matches in second position by beating Surinamese 3-0 David and Johnsonplayedthedoubles unbeaten and Britton won back to back singles matches.

Later that evening, in theirquarterfinalsmatches

the Men’s team of Shemar Britton, Elishaba Johnson, Paul David and Jonathan Van Lange provided a major upset by beating regional powerhouse DominicanRepublicinfront of a vocal Gymnasium crowdtoalsoadvancetothe semifinals.

At this time, both Men and Women team have guaranteedaBronzeMedal at the end of the championship which concluded yesterday 25th March at the same venue with the Men and Women teamfinals.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right rear, looks to pass the ball while being defended by Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, left, and guard De’Anthony Melton (8) during the first half of an NBAbasketball game in San Francisco, Friday, March 24, 2023. (APPhoto/Jeff Chiu)

Tyrone Khan