Kaieteur News

‘New oil PSA repeats major weaknesses in old contract’

...urgespublicforumforbroad-basedconsultations-ChrisRam

Amid calls from the Opposition and other stakeholders for an extension in the time for scrutiny of the new model Production Sharing Agreement released by government recently, Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram said there shouldbeapublicforumfor broad and general consultations.

WritinginhisweeklyOil and Gas column in the Stabroek News last Friday, Ram mocked the new agreement which he said retains the old foreign exchange framework. “So much for a progressive, nationalistic model p r o m i s e d b y t h e Government.While I intend to address the Model over thecomingweeks,Iurgethe

Government not only to extend the 14-day consultation period but to engagethepublicinapublic forum for broad, general consultations.Thedraftdoes have some positive features but repeats some of the major weaknesses of the existingregime,”Ramsaid.

Meanwhile, only last week this newspaper r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e

Government of Guyana (GoG)hassofarignoredthe calls from both civil society and the Opposition for the review period on the new draft Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) to be extended.

Two drafts, for the deep and shallow water areas, were released two Tuesdays a g o m a r k i n g t h e commencement of a 14-day

consultation Several members of the public had recommended that the consultation period be extended to cater for a thorough review of the agreements.

This newspaper had reached out to Minister of Natural Resources,Vickram Bharrat on Friday for his position on the calls being made, but received no

response However, Stakeholder Coordinator for the Ministry, Ms. Mikaila Prince had explained, “no change to the timeline has beencommunicated.”

The Opposition at its weeklypressconferencelast week said the contracts shouldbelaidintheNational Assembly and be put before a special select committee that allows for the involvement of the Guyanese citizenry in the national conversation Similarly, environment and democracy advocate, Simone Mangal-Joly in a letter to Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat underlined the need for an extensiontotheconsultation period.

She said, “Unlike government officials, citizens are not paid employees of the State and can only read such documents during their after-work hours. Fourteen daysisalsoprohibitivewhen it comes to procuring qualified specialists to provide advice so that citizens and civil society organisations can make informed representation to government.”

Mangal-Joly had also suggested among other things that mechanisms be putinplaceforallcomments onthenewdraftagreements be made public and for government to produce a plantoreportonhowpublic feedback was addressed in the development of the final model agreement Alfred Bhulai had also made a similar request to the administration.

Theagreementsthatwill govern the 14 oil blocks presently on auction, has significantly improved terms for the country In the new oil contract, government has preserved the right to review and approve the budgets for the e x p l o r a t i o n a n d developmentprogrammesof the oil companies Such

powers are not enshrined in the Stabroek Block PSA or anyotherexistingPSA.

Equally important is the insertion of a new provision that ensures the country is notleftonthehookforanyof the oil companies’ bills. A newarrangementordemand rather, is that oil companies must also ensure their subcontractors have adequateinsurancecoverage too. Importantly, the draft agreements state that oil companies will not be allowedtoacquiretheblocks and sit on their hands for decades.

Unlike what obtains in theStabroekBlockPSA,the new draft agreements stipulatethatthe“contractor, affiliated companies, subcontractors and individuals who are expatriates shall be subject to the income tax laws of Guyana, including, the Income Tax Act of Guyana(Cap.81:01)andthe Corporation Tax Act of Guyana (Cap. 81:03) and shallseparatelycomplywith the requirements of those laws, in particular with respect to filing returns, assessment of tax, and keeping and showing of booksandrecords.”Thenew PSA has proposed that cost recovery be capped at 65 percent and introduces an increased royalty of 10 percent.

In announcing the release of the new model contracts, the Natural Resources Ministry explainedthattoensurenew investmentsaregovernedby acomprehensiveframework of international best practices, there will be an overhaul of the 1986 Petroleum Act and Regulations.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram

New PSA fails to fix source of foreign currency shortage

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram has reiterated his position that the current foreign currency shortageisafalloutfromthe 2016 Production Sharing Agreement for the Stabroek BlockandhesaidGuyanese should note that the much vaunted Model PSA has essentially retained the old f o r e i g n e x c h a n g e framework, which is the sourceoftheproblem.

Writing in his weekly articlewhichappearedinthe Stabroek News on Friday last, Ram observed that in Guyana’s fast changing news cycle, the issue of whether or not there is a shortageofforeigncurrency appearstohaverecededinto the background That of course, he said does not mean that the temporary problem has been permanentlysolved.

“Official sources maintain the line that there was never a general shortage,thatifanything,the problem was restricted to a few of the commercial banks. The rest have their foreign exchange niches –Scotia from petroleum, Demerara Bank from DDL andAgriculture, and GBTI from Agriculture and Gold. That’s from the supply side. The shortage, if any, comes from several factors on the demandside,includingwhat isperceivedinsomequarters as Guyana becoming the Cambio and main source of foreign currency for our Caribbean partners, to borrow from a claim made by Ms. Kamla PersadBissessar as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago in respectofherowncountry,” Ram,wrote.

He said the paradox of anyshortageinthemidstofa petroleum boom is partly explained by the liberal Foreign Exchange Control provisions of the 2016 PetroleumAgreementwhich allows the oil companies to run their own exchange regime, outside of the national framework. “And here it is worth noting that the regime is enjoyed not only by Exxon’s indirect subsidiary,EssoExploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) but also byHessandCNOOCwhich have a 55% share in the oil consortium with Esso the remaining 45%,” Ram stated.

Hesaidapartfrombeing theOperatoroftheStabroek Block, EEGPL appears to have taken on the role of

representative and spokesperson for the other two.HenotedthatEEGPLis a member of the Private SectorCommissionandwas represented at the meeting between the PSC and the Bank of Guyana. EEPGL’s representative however, Ram said made no admission, suggestion or undertaking to contributing toanysolution.“Indeed,the representative was totally silent, taking in all that was said, no doubt relaying the discussionstohisprincipals.

- Chris Ram says 2016 agreement allows oil companies to run own exchange regime outside national framework

Weneedtoremindourselves thatEEPGLholdsaminority interest (45%) in the Stabroek Block with Hess owning 30% and CNOOC the remaining 25%,” the charteredaccountantsaid.

Ramsaidthat,Guyanese must not make the mistake “that it is all down to the oil companies, that the Agreement is the sole cause of the problem or that any fixing of the Agreement would solve all the problems Rather, if the Model PSA is a signal, it is safe to assume that the Governmentdoesnotintend to address the issue of foreign exchange – surplus orshortage–buttoleaveitto the Bank of Guyana and the so-called market. Perhaps the Government has to be reminded that the Bank of Guyana is a statutory creation,boundtoactwithin the policies set by the Government The central

bank does not make policy but only carries out policies set by the Government Since neither the Governor of the Bank nor the Government has indicated any change in policy on foreign exchange in response to oil, one has to assumethattheGovernment is comfortable with the statusquo.”

He said such continued inaction on the part of the Government has grave consequences “It has become the victim of the

Cambios, the tax evaders, the money launderers and the illegal export of the country’s foreign exchange resources, transfer (under)pricing and the faithful adherence to the foreign exchange rules, alreadylimitedastheyare.”

TAKEACTION

M r R a m s a i d Government has to get around to managing the economy and to addressing the problems with the economyandthecountry He said unless it acts soon, the

condition can potentially b e c o m e t o t a l l y unmanageableandinsoluble

“Maybe the Government fears that necessary action will not be welcome by their friends and supporters but it mustsurelyrealisethatithas toactinthebestinterestofthe country rather than in the Party’s electoral interest,” Ramstated

Offering solutions to someoftheproblemsrelated to foreign currency issue, Ramcalledfortherepealof

Continuedonpage9

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram

DEAREDITOR, There has been an upsurge in violent attacks in our schools and this developmentistroubling,as these attacks are becoming more and more frequent, or one should say in rapid succession.Thistrendhasto beaddressedurgentlybefore someone gets seriously injuredorevenkilled.Inthis regard I am calling on the Education Authorities to bring into focus the followingthreepoints.

It is quite clear to all at this time that these school invasions stem from three maincauses:

(a) Corporal punishment inschools

(b)RaceandPolitics

(c) Poor conflict resolutionskills.

So let us begin at the beginning, and I shall begin by very bluntly addressing the issue of corporal punishment, this aspect of discipliningachildhastobe abolished The action of someone trying to instill obedience in a child by puttingone’shandsonhimis adefiniteno.Thatmethodof the use of a cane, whip or strap on another must be done away with, end of discussion! It might have worked in times past, however, in the modern era this type of discipline is causeforalarm,inthesense that parents, guardians even students themselves are reactingviolentlytoit.

As the proverb says violencebegetsviolenceand this is the manifestation we are seeing right before our very eyes What I have brought to your attention here was seen in three instances, at The Graeme’s Hall Secondary, The St Agnes and St Angela Schools. Because the one being “disciplined” can always come up with the reasoning that he/she was unfairly dealt with, whether theirs was too harsh or the person administering the punishment was very selective in doing so. The fact is, no one has the legal

right to enforce pain and blunttraumaonanother,asa form of correction, and that goes for teacher, parent, guardian and student. There areotherformsofdiscipline and these must be utilised, therefore, the simple solution is to abolish corporal punishment from ourschools.

Now, the second aspect ofourdiscussionasitrelates to these violent school invasions is race and politics, I am of the opinion thatthesearecaseswherethe schoolsystemisreapingthe raw negatives of their actions, or in other words, it is the negative, far reaching e f f e c t o f a b a d parent/teacher/school interaction. You might be puzzled by my use of the t e r m “ n e g a t i v e parent/teacher/school relation” and as such be quick to ask the question, where is Mister Adams goingwiththisone.

So to lend clarity to the matter I call us into remembranceoftheincident involving a justice’s daughter Here we had a parent who was concerned about his daughter’s safety and wellbeing at the school after news of her being assaulted by a male student of the said school. Now, the normalthingforanynormal parent to do was to visit the school to get down to the bottomofthematter Onhis first encounter with the administration, he was cold shouldered by the principal there,andgotnoredress.

On his second visit, the parent took along a policemanasanindependent witness to the proceedings. Onthatsecondvisitthevery samelameexcusewasmade by the principal, I am very busy I cannot speak to you. On the second visit, things got a little heated to which the school’s administration and a politically aligned union readily jumped in on theairwavesto castigatethe parent, who clearly was doing the right thing in wanting to be properly

apprised as to the goings on atthatschool,andtoknowof his daughter’s safety and wellbeing.

And here’s my point, to berebuffedontwooccasions wouldcauseanyparenttobe annoyed, I am talking from my standpoint I might have been tempted to do something very primitive and crude, were it my child. As investigation would prove, that principal had an abhorrence for the parent’s raceandherown misguided perception as to what his politicalaffiliationmightbe. That political stereotyping wasvividlyevidentatTheSt Agnes and Woodley Park Cotton Tree Schools, when politics and race became a criticalissue.

Meanwhile, The PNC DominatedTeacher’s Union is complicit in all of this, in thattheykeepharpingonthe race and/or political affiliationoftheparentswho came to those schools, adding fuel to the fire of an already volatile situation Well, as fate would have it they are now reaping the rewards of their foolish actions, because the harsh invasionsthatarenowtaking place are the parents and students of your own kind, dealwithitnow!Theparents of your own race are not taking it lightly, they are coming to confront you all with violence that is very severe.

My last point deals with poor conflict resolution skills being implemented in our schools, and the latest issueinvolvingtheteacherat Houston Secondary speaks volumes. Here we have a conflictsituationdeveloping between the teacher and a student which later sees the parentcomingtotheschool. The situation was not pleasantbetweentheteacher and student, which logically meant that the meeting with an angry parent would be anywaydifferent.

Insuchcircumstanceslet the Headteacher handle the situationinanamicable

(Continuedonpage06)

DEAREDITOR, IrefertoSNarticledated 22 03 2023 title Carbon credits deal violates constitutional rights of Amerindians – Melinda Janki Yet again another commenter has added to the much debate on Guyana’s ForestCarbonCredit.

She joins her colleagues Janet Bulkan, the AFA and Nichloas Fredericks among afewothersthataretryingto mislead Amerindians by utteringfalsehoodsandseek to take bread away from my Amerindian brothers and sisters.

Beforeventuringintothe meatofthediscussionmayI ask Ms. Janki what are the optionstogainmorebenefits to Amerindian people, do youhaveaproposal.

The VP is on record on saying whoever has a better proposal for the benefit of Amerindian people, the Government will consider I have seen none, the Amerindians have seen no other than this carbon trading scheme, but perhaps oneiscomingfromyou.

It seems that sleeping beautyhasarisenorthedead hascometolife.Firstitwas the APA and their conspirators.

Now is our learned legal adviserm Ms Melinda Janki. May I ask where you currently reside, I rather suspectlikeothersit’snotin the interior of Guyana but some other destination enjoying a bountiful dinner ofsteak and wine while others depend on labba curry and rainwater Iamnotsurprise.

Ms Janki article is grossly incorrect, misleading and not factual and her interpretation of the Amerindian Act 2006 on CarbonRightsismisguided, misplaceandincorrect.

I am calling on her to state specifically which sections of the ACT precludes or prevent the Government or Entity such astheGFCfromengagingin CarbonTradingfortheentire G u y a n a i n c l u d i n g

AmerindianCommunities.

May I ask what would have been the response of Ms. Janki and the other previous commentators had theGovernmentexcludedall landsheldbyAmerindianin the ART TREES Carbon scheme, and therefore no monies would have been allocated or earned by the villages.

You would have heard screams of discrimination and that the Government does not have the interest of Amerindians at heart and a plethora of nasty comments in the opposite to what is beingsaidnow.

And mind you the Government using State lands and State Forest will still qualify under jurisdictional scale carbon credit under the ART TREESstandardsomakeno mistake Government can choose to exclude or not exclude Amerindian lands.

But is this the responsible thing to do i.e to exclude Amerindians Again she is misleading the public in thinking there was no consultationamongvillages.

ShecontendstheVillage Councilmustgiveapproval. Can she state which village and circulate a copy of the village minutes of the communities that have withheld approval or and have rejected the carbon tradingarrangement. This is the least she can dotobackupherarticle.

ThesameargumentAPA and others were barking up andtodaynotonesingleiota of evidence to the contrary has been provided I am thus calling on HE President Dr IrfaanAlitorejectMs.Janki letter of March 22 until she and others like theAPAcan producethefacts.

Regards

PeterPersaud TAAMOG

Frompage5 manner,thiswasnottobe,in that the teacher was approached which caused an escalation of the matter, punches were thrown and a full-fledged street brawl resulted.

The teacher in question was not gentle in her response, but acted the bravado by arming herself with a cutlass and marched around the school’s compound in a lunatic rage. Now, what would have happened if the student and parent armed themselves in like manner? That’s the question many cannot answer

Not to be undone, the typical useless political teacher’s union stepped in pontificating their empty rhetoric. Of course I am sure under legal tutelage, both partiesoptedforanamicable solution, failing which both parties would have been charged for disorderly conduct, the teacher bearing

Frompage4 electronic identification systemisamust.

Editor, I joined with Minister Kwame McCoy, who explained that this s y s t e m w i l l b r i n g monumental benefits to Guyanese, (thus) taking the economy to new heights in termsofmodernisation.

If Guyana had gone this route, say five years ago, then the truth would have been known regarding Ms Hughes’ private company’sreceivingmillions incontractsfromgovernment through her ministry, when she was a minster in the erstwhilegovernment.

McCoy added that, “There are many more corrupt deals in which she was implicated in. Therefore, Cathy is morally bankruptandunfittoaddress issuesofgovernance.”

I e m p h a t i c a l l y iterate, that with this impending Electronic identification (eID), that i s t h e E l e c t r o n i c Identification system, phenomena, like Cathy’s

the brunt of the blame. In a court of law the teacher would have been harshly dealt with for arming herself with a dangerous weapon. Thelawwouldtakeitthatthe otherpartieswerenotarmed, so there was no need for the teachertodoso.Intheeyesof the law the teacher should have acted responsibly and call in Law Enforcement if shefeltthreatened,nottotake thelawintoherownhands.

I must hasten to a close here, but suffice it to say if those plans highlighted earlier are not taken into serious consideration, I shudder to think of what lies ahead in the future, God forbid more of these things wouldtakeplace.

So I hope that the Ministry of Education throughitsminister,makethe necessarystepstoeffectively change the way we conduct ourselves in the education system.

Respectfully NeilAdams

surreptitions, will not surfacethateasily

I am indeed inclined to b elieve that “The ambition, like all of the other members of the A Partnership For National Unity/AllianceForChange (APNU/AFC), is to scuttle projects of the PPPC by requesting information, and then using the information which is shared in the spirit of transparency, to extort stakeholders in the project ”

As we know, the

Government signed a US$35 4 million contract with a German-based company, Veridos Identity Solutions, for the implementation of the national electronic Identification(ID)Card.

I hope that this project willbeswiftlyexecuted.

After all, digital identity is well and truly established asoneofthemostsignificant technology trends on the planet.

Yourstruly, HenrySingh

DEAREDITOR

,

The playground opposite the Mackenzie High School main building hasnotbeenclearedinexcessoftwenty fiveyears.

The Mayor and Town Council at LindenandtheGovernmentofGuyana never saw it fit to clear the bushes and develop it so that the children of that school could utilise it for sports activities. The PPP government has nowbegunclearinganddevelopingthat ground for the purpose of private promoters to hold a party duringTown Week. Thegovernmentmustexplainto the people of Linden why it is expendingtaxpayersmoneytodevelop that ground to allow the children of Kashif and Shanghai, two known PPP activists, to hold a private party The

Deputy Mayor of Linden must tell residents of Linden what is his unprofessional association with those two known PPP activists and what strangleholddotheyhaveoverhimand the Town Council. I have no problem with the children of Kashif and Shanghai or do I have an issue with thembeingpromoters.

TheyareLindenersandhaveevery right to enjoy what that town has to offer Iwouldsupporttheirendeavours andIamproudthattheyaredoingtheir thing. However, no one should have an unfair advantage over others becauseoftheirpoliticalassociation

No promoter should be given special opportunities because their parentsarealignedtotheregime The PPP government in its desperation to

win votes at the upcoming Local GovernmentElectionsisnowutilising taxpayers money for their friends to haveavenuetoholdaprivateparty

Millions are being spent, as I pen this missive, on the development of thatground

The people of Linden are not stupid They know when they are beingslightedandaredisgustedbythe government’s nepotism to garner votesatLinden Thiswillonlyfurther dent the PPP’s chance to win over the fifteen undecided Linden voters whoseintentionmayhavebeentofeel sorry for that regime and give it their votes.

Sincerelyyours,

NormanBrowne SocialandPoliticalActivist

Largest Gymkhana planned for Sunday April 16 in East C’tyne

DEAREDITOR,

On Sunday April 16, 2023, the Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee (MJVC), a non-profitable organization, will hold the largest GYMKHANA event intheregionatNanPersaud StarPlusRacetrackatNo.36 Village in East Corentyne, Berbice.

While the first GYMKHANAhosted by the MJVC group last November waswellattendedandamajor success,theApril16eventis expected to attract dozens of owners of horses and thousands of horse racing fansfromasfarasWestCoast Berbice and elsewhere With weather permitting, the GYMKHANA which is expected to be the largest in East Corentyne will be an all-day gala family festivity startingfrom10:00AMwith livemusicandvariousother regale and attractions including such as Greasy Pigs and donkey races amongotherstoentertainthe adultfans. Therewillalsobe Trampolines and Bouncy Castlecompetitionandother

frills to entertain the children In addition, hundreds of thousands of dollarsandtrophiesinprizes will be awarded to winners and runners-up of the races. Not to mention that there will be a well-stocked bar and a variety of local foods and side-dishes on sale at

reasonableprices. Proceeds from the event will go towardstherebuildingofthe collapsed 80-year-old Brighton Racetrack and a new recreation center equip withsportsparaphernaliafor cricket, basketball, lawn tennis,andvolleyballcourts aswellasgamesforthemore

than 4 000 residents, especially the youths from theMacedoniaJoppadistrict andbeyond.Allareinvited. Sincerely,

Dr.AsquithRose,MJVC Chair

Ms. Vanessa RossAlbert, MJVC Public RelationsDirector

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on SaturdaybustedaParkaman with some $1 8M of imported marijuana known by its popular street name ‘Poppy’.

CANU in a press statement identified him as AndyJainadan,30. He was reportedly

intercepted by CANU officers along the Zeeburg Public Road, West Coast Demerara(WCD).

Jainandan was allegedly carrying a haversack with himatthetimeandwhenthe officers searched it, they found the illegal drugs in fivebrick-likeparcels.

Theycautioned,arrested

andtookhimintocustody

CANU also took possession of the drugs and it tested positive for the importedweed.

Atotal of 12 pounds of the illegal narcotic was found in Jainandan possession,andaccordingto CANU, it has a street value of$1.8M.

Shareholders file new tax transparency proposals against Exxon, others

Oxfam America and cofilers have filed a series of new tax transparency proposals against American

oil giants, ExxonMobil, C h e v r o n , a n d ConocoPhillips. Senior Legal and

Shareholder Advocacy Advisor, Oxfam America, Diana Kearney and Legal Fellow, Oxfam America,

Tim Hirschel-Burns, revealedtheaforementioned in a Proxy Preview article. They stated that Oxfam and the co-filers are requesting that the companies disclose country-by-country financial information in line with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the world’s most utilised corporate reporting framework.

The reports would include country-by-country reportingofcertaincompany financial information, including revenues, profits andlosses,andtaxpayments within each jurisdiction –critical information to understandingrisksofprofit shiftingandtaxavoidance.

Kearney and HirschelBurns reported that the disclosure the shareholders areseekingwouldrevealkey insights for investors seeking to evaluate a company’s risk profile, including information surrounding revenues, profits, losses and tax payments.

The dangers that tax secrecyposetoshareholders are beginning to emerge: Scathing media critiques, expensivelegalbattlesanda rapidly changing regulatory landscape render continued tax avoidance a serious risk forlong-terminvestors.

As such, shareholders’ inability to assess the risks associated with tax dodging is growing into a particularly pernicious issue. It was noted that recent repercussions of the companies’questionabletax dealings include that ExxonMobil was dubbed the “poster boy for tax dodging” after years of zero corporate tax paid to Australia; U S Court rejectedExxon’sattemptsto claim a $13 billion tax refund related to its operations in Malaysia and Qatar and Public protests over Exxon’s paltry fiscal contribution to Papua New Guinea,ledtoasignificantly higher government take of revenues from Exxon’s operations.

Last November, Oxfam had filed a shareholder’s resolution against ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips calling them out on their alleged ‘secretive’ tax practices. Oxfam is a British-founded confederation of 21 independent charitable organisationsfocusingonthe alleviationofglobalpoverty

The resolution that they filed,iscalleda‘shareholder resolution’whichisusuallya 500 word request submitted to a company by a shareholder asking the

companytoaddressanissue ofconcern.

Kaieteur News had reported that in their shareholder’s resolution, Oxfamstatedthatoilmajors’ lack of transparency creates amaterialriskforlong-term investors who want to safeguard against risks of reputationaldamage.

“Worse still, these secretive practices undermine the public’s interest in a fair tax system, especially in Global South countries with the greatest tax revenue needs” Oxfam saidinapressrelease.

Oxfam’s resolutions ask thecompaniestopublishtax transparency reports in line with the tax standard of the GRI. Daniel Mulé Policy Lead on Extractive IndustriesandTaxatOxfam America said, “Exxon, C h e v r o n , a n d ConocoPhillips’s threadbare tax disclosures leave investors, watchdog groups, andthegeneralpublicinthe dark about the companies’ secretivetaxpractices.”

Kitchen gardens may be the answer to improved mental health but not to reducing food prices in the region or to substantially cuttingtheCaribbean’sfood importbill.

It is now an established fact that a daily regimen of working in a kitchen garden doeswondersforyourmental health Perhaps this explains why there are so many crazy individuals walking around the country today They are productofasocietywhichhas de-emphasized kitchen gardens Spending a half an hour just watering the plants or working the soil in your garden is therapeutic. But kitchen gardens are not the answer to increased food prices and they are not the answer to reducing a country’s food bill They may help put some food on the table and therefore free some income for other purposes, but this income is invariablyspentonotherfood itemswhichpreviouslycould

Frompage3 the Dealers in Foreign Currency(Licensing)Actby excluding the non-bank cambios which are almost universally personal cambios,impervioustoaudit or adequate supervision and regulation These were createdforadifferenteraand purposeandhavenoplacein this society He also called the Issuing of more banking licences, thereby increasing competition among the banks.

Ramsaidtoothatthereis need for strengthening and enforcing the only semblanceoftransferpricing rules under the Income Tax

notbeafforded.

In Guyana, kitchen gardens have a special significance Many kitchen gardens in Guyana are sown not for the kitchens but to supplement the incomes of those working the gardens Quite a number of the local fresh food vendors inGuyanaactually plant their own kitchen gardens and it is from these gardensthattheymaketheir living by selling their produceinthemarkets.

It would surprise many persons just how many of those persons selling outside of the main markets of the country are actually kitchen gardeners, their plots being no bigger than the average rural kitchen garden with a few beds. These kitchen gardeners have regular customers who purchasefromthembecause Guyanese are becoming health conscious Many

Act. “Rigorous enforcement of the laws against those communities of foreigners –regional and international –thatrobtherevenueoftaxes, underpay our workers and take out foreign currency underallformsofguises.We mustnothesitatetoplacethe law breakers before the Courts and to apply our extradition laws in appropriatecases Addressing the large scale smuggling across the extractive sector andnothesitatingtomakeit possibletorevokeleasesand licences,”headded. He also called on government to dealing with thegapingweaknessesinthe

Dem boys seh...

When dem boys did small, dem mama used to buymangoesfuhdeminde market.Butsometimesyuh does only get a couple of mangoesleffbackandthem gat to divide among de brothers and sisters. Each mangousedtogetdividein three–twofleshyslicesand deseed.

Demboysneverusedto likedeseed.Demboysused tolikedeslices.

Well,demoilcompany come to Guyana and dem huffing not only de slices but also de seed. Dem leff only de dray skin fuh dem

want organic products or at leastproducewhichhavenot been treated with chemicals orfertilizers. Thesekitchen garden venders are increasing and especially in the rural areas, kitchen gardens are a valuable source of income for many individuals But there is a downside Farming on such a small scale ultimately means that the cost to the consumer will be high relative to what may have obtained had most of our food been suppliedbylargefarms

If on the other hand, most of the produce sold came from large farms, it would place many poor personsonthebreadline.At the same time, food prices are increasing globally and the food bill for families is thereby increasing This meansthatasimportedfood products increase, locally produced food prices are not decreasing simply because of the fact that too

Local Content Act, the review and amendment of theBankofGuyanaAct,and the Immigration Act, strengthen and depoliticise the Financial Intelligence Unit and SOCU, and ensure that foreign investment means what it says. “After all, if the local economy finances the investment, directly or indirectly, allowing the investor to repatriate both capital and profits, the gains to the economy are significantly reduced Liberalising the rules for foreign borrowings but subject to thin capitalisation rules,” Ram concluded.

many farmers are farming in small plots There is a large export market for Guyana’s food but this demand can only be met by largefarmerssincethereare costs associated with reaching the required

international export standards and shipping and associated costs As such, there should be a deliberate effort on the part of the Ministry of Agriculture to promote large scale farming tomeetthisdemandandalso tosatisfylocalneeds Aspart of encouraging large scale farming, the government shouldinsistthatthesefarms assign a specified portion of their production for local consumption, in order to be eligible for land grants and whateverotherassistancecan be provided by the government Thegovernment should also assist small farmers by providing them with access to new technologies that can

significantly boost their production

Ithasnowbeen scientifically established that small greenhouses can boost production and therefore multiply the annual earnings of small farms, including kitchen gardens These structures arenotcostlyrelativetothe returns and other technologies such as the drip system can save on water and ensure that the plants get just the right

amount of moisture necessary to maximize yields Allowing small farmerstoimprovetheiryields would boost their incomes as well as help to reduce food prices since more production wouldbeforthcoming. Inthe long run however, neither domestic nor export food needs can be adequately and cheaplymetfromsmallfarms Large farms are needed but theremustbeaninsistenceand strictmonitoringtoensurethat at least 20 per cent of the

productionofthesefarmsends uponthedomesticmarketso astostabilizeandsatisfylocal food demand at an affordable costtotheconsumer Kitchen gardenscannotbetheanswer to the Caribbean’s food needs They may be good form of relaxation and a hobby for many, but if your food supply is going to be dependent on kitchen gardens, we are going backwards rather than forwards.

(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.)

boysfuheat.Anddemboys nah like eat mango skin. Dem oil companies so greedy dat dem nah even want leff de dry seed fuh

aew Demleffingdeskin

And Guyanese feeling depressure.

And dem lining up in frontofdeembassyfuhvisa fuh goAmerica.And when dem done, dem jump pun plane and gone to America and dem gone fuh see how dem gan ketch dem hand becausedemangoskinnah fulldembelly D e m b o y s n a h understand how we

government gan agree to such a deal with dem oil companies. It leffing we withderavalings.

Anditconfusingpeople because one man done trying fuh bale de agreement fuh de foreign exchange problems. Dem boys nah understand de logicofdatargument.What deoilagreementgatfuhdo withdeforeignexchange.

Butdatishowdemango skin gat we in jitters. Some of we running to America andsomeofwerunningina differentdirection. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

We must separate from the quicksand, crab dance

Fellow Guyanese, we must lift ourselvesupbyourshoelaces,even when we lack shoes. We cannot go onlivingaswehavebeendoingall along.Guyaneseexistencehasbeen snakepit,warzone,graveyard. Isn’t it time that we rise? I try Severe turbulencecomes

A friend asked why participation on the David Hinds Show, for he is such and such Seeking openings for a better Guyana, when invited, his warts accepted, the sum of his works, too. Uninvited, I wrote of thecandidacyofamanreveredand recoiled from in Guyana. I know Mr Nazar Mohamed well, and despite his scorching truths, there was visualizing the merits of his presence on a community board. I regretthatatrustedsisternowlooks atmemostpoorly

When I offered some advice to Mr Tamesh Jagmohan before, some partisan people speculated about what happened to me. Same ole, same ole…In dealings with Kaieteur’sGlennLall,Isenseatrue patriot;whateverelsehemaybe,he is a warrior to the core. There is

tarrying on for what is good for Guyanese (like Hinds, Mohamed, Lall). Occasional writings in DemeraraWaves give the PPP many conniption fits. Lall, again? Ditto for contributions to the VillageVoice. Evenintheweekly Catholic Standard, some wish no writings on the State of Church, race, poor, and related truths. I am serving Guyana, my fellows, and posterity, poorly maybe, but sincerely Wehavetorise.

We are not rising. We are trapped in self-made snares. All over Wehavecometolovewhatis punishing, piercing, polarizing. I canhithard,butcannotstayrooted in same place, will not be part of any such brotherhood, any local club. Sorry, my siblings of time and geography: Count me out. Spare me the hospitality of reception, of friendship, of consideration Separately, the Americans must be contemplating whatmadnessislooseinthisland, givenunusualpublicpresentstothe USAmbassador

There is high regard for her work ethic, not for her American-

flavoredorders. Theresultsworry, withallthoseGuyaneseleftoutside the oil bus to squabble, scramble, and entangle themselves. How can any self-respecting citizen of any Motherland be different given ongoingleadership,economic,and social hemorrhages? George Washington, Nathan Hale, Patrick Henrywouldnotexpectless,andso should Her Excellency Admittedly against the grain, but nomanevertakeskindlytoslavery That is, other than the likes of BenedictArnoldhere.

Right here, matters always deterioratetoarabies-infesteddog. I speak against the PNC, and the Hon. Attorney General Nandlall went into paroxysms of delight (‘deh so baad that even deh own damn dem’), in the media, and in parliament. Two other lovely lawmakers, a junior from Public Works and another from Labour gleefullyidentifiedyourstrulyasa ‘PNC’man.Theextentofintellect.

Then, when the PNC is broadsided, none but Mr Joe Harmon,retortedthatIspeakfrom ‘aPPPscript.’ Ifthisisthebestthat

eitherthePPPorPNCcando,then we are doomed. They, not me. Doomed we are, for when then PresidentGrangerwascalledupon to gracefully concede in the last elections, hell overflowed. From PNCcorners. Wehavetomoveout fromthemorass.

Now when the PPP President, Vice President, and others are pressed for the credible and dependable, few are the Indians saying anything, standing for anything,doinganything. Ifallwe areisaboutPPPandPNC,orIndian and African and nothing but-then we are dead men and women walking. Theforeignerswillwalk all over us, and for sixpence too. Wehavetorisefromthebogs,and descendfromoutofthetreetops.

Beforethat,weallmustlearnto think. For all of my weaknesses, limitations,andtheyaremany,Iam trying.Tothink,andinprobingfor awayoutofourquicksand,anyray of light that can be grasped at, no matter how feebly, no matter how fleetingly I recall U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brandeis: sunlight, the best disinfectant, light the best

policeman. Thosecapablemustbe disinfectantandpolice.Istruggleto otherGuyanesemustalso,ifweare evertorise.

The wish is the Vice President was a different brother. A wish wasted,abrotherlost,butIamnot giving up, for I was a prodigal also.ThePresidentmustgrowintoa new reputation: trustworthy. Opposition Leader Norton must start over If we are going to be better, rise any higher than where weare,thenallmustbebetter Search for the needles, hoping to discover a gem. Most of all, I mustfreemyself,notbeovercome by the suffocating staleness of a society stilled insordid stagnation, and loving it. The challenge is to look for the light. The biggest surprises are the sources from which a little of it comes. My Guyanesejourneycontinues.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaperanditsaffiliates.)

Ogledaycareowneronbail;file tobesenttoDPPforlegaladvice

The owner of the day care, located in Ogle, East Coast Demerara, where 7m o n t h - o l d O r i y a Gravesande died, has been placed on station bail, as the case file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, todayforlegaladvice.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), in an update stated that a joint investigation was conductedbyInvestigators from the GPF, the Child Care and Protection Agency, and the Ministry of Human Service and Social Protection

AccordingtothePolice,the daycareownerwasplaced on bail, and is required to report to the Sparendaam PoliceStationdaily

Kaieteur News had reported that baby Oriya died last Tuesday after she reportedly fell from a bed at the day care and suffocated in a sheet. Oriya was the daughter of Shavannie Gravesande and Odysseus Clement.

Thegrievingparentshad revealed that their child was dropped off at the day care located in Ogle, on Tuesday morning (March 21) “in good health” not knowing thatwouldhavebeenthelast timetheysawtheirbabygirl alive.

During a teary interview on Tuesday afternoon, Gravesande said, “I was made to understand they murder my daughter, they murdermydaughter.”

Accordingtothewoman, her daughter fell into the corner of a bed in a sheet which reportedly suffocated her “So by the time they could have called me to come down, she had arrived at the Health Center unresponsive. By the time they could have bring her to

Georgetown Hospital, she was pronounced dead on arrivalduetosuffocation,” the distraught mother shared.

“Howcanadaycarebe so irresponsible, to allow my child to fall down and suffocate?” the young motherquestioned.

“First thing, the day care lady deprive me entrance to see how and where my child really fell, telling me how child care does come every day to inspect so there is no need for me to come in,” the mothersaid.

According to the woman, her daughter had gone home with a swollen head, prior to her death. She recalled that an employee of the day care hadtoldher,“Yourbabyis insafehands.”

The grieving mother is demanding justice for the death of her child. A postmortem examination (PME) was conducted on baby Oriya, revealing that she died from hemorrhage and compressiontotheneck.

ThePMEwasconducted last Wednesday by GovernmentPathologist,Dr Nehaul Singh, at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Mortuary Little Oriya’s body was then handed over to relatives for burial.

Victoria farmers to benefit from farm-to-market road

Farmers from Victoria Village on the East Coast Demerara will soon benefit from better access to their farmlands through the construction of an allweatherfarm-to-marketroad as the government moves towards improving and increasing production to further develop the agriculturesector

This was disclosed duringaCabinetOutreachto the village on Saturday by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha The outreach was led by Prime Minister, Mark Phillips and was attended by several otherCabinetMinisters.

Duringhisaddresstothe large gathering which comprised farmers and residents from Victoria Village and other surrounding communities, Minister Mustapha said that the ministry through the National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority (NDIA) has commenced the process fortheconstructionofanallweatherfarm-to-marketroad so that farmers can have

better access to their farmlands.

“This year, we’ll continuethedevelopmentin this community When I visited this community, you made a request for an allweather road. I want to tell youthatithasbeenapproved and that process has commenced so that we can commence construction of that all-weather farm-tomarket road in Victoria to take you to the farm. We’ll do one mile of all-weather road on the Victoria middle walk that stretches from the end of the housing area all the way up to the farming area,” Mustapha told residents according to press releasefromhisoffice.

Minister Mustapha explained that the project was tendered and that the contract will be awarded soon. Once completed, he added, approximately 300 cash crop and other farmers will benefit Minister Mustapha also said that farmers from villages like VictoriaalongtheEastCoast have an important role to

play in the government’s foodsecurityagenda.

With Guyana playing that leading role in CARICOM’s food security agenda, Minister Mustapha saidthateffortswillbemade to ensure farmers are empoweredtobeproductive.

“We are working to becomefoodsecure,andyou thefarmersontheEastCoast of Demerara have to play a bigpart.Weknow,forafact, that the East Coast (of Demerara) was once a very productive area in our country and we will empoweryousothatyoucan once again become productive,”headded.

Duringanoutreachtothe community shortly after assuming office, Minister Mustapha engaged farmers and conducted an assessment of many of the affectedareasinVictoria.

During the visit, farmers sought the government’s assistance with the restoration of agriculturerelatedactivitiescitingyears ofneglectofcriticaldrainage

Continuedonpage16

Dead, Baby Oriya Gravesande

The Day Care facility where the incident occurred

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha engages residents of Victoria

Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture inspects one of the many impassable roads in Victoria

Exxon to buy own fleet of SUVs with Guyana’s oil

…asJagdeoboastsofLocalContentLawatBabuJaan ...localtransportationprovidersontheirwayout

offer after sale services for bothroutineandnon-routine repairs;Suppliersmusthave Certified Technicians and Supplier should be able to conduct routine and nonroutine repairs within 30 days of initial request by EEPGL.”

Though this move has alreadybeencriticizedasan avenuetophaseoutthelocal transportation providers, the oil company in the said document highlights,

To support its local operations in Guyana, ExxonMobil through its subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited(EEPGL)islooking to acquire its own fleet of vehicles to be used to transport its staff compliment.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the company is interested in purchasing brand new Sport UtilityVehicles (SUVs) that were manufactured between 2022and2023.Theexpense to purchase these vehicles will be borne by Guyana, as the2016ProductionSharing Agreement(PSA)allowsfor such costs to support the

local petroleum production activitiestoberecovered.

In a Request For Information (RFI) issued by EEPGL on March 14, 2023

ExxonMobil explained that it is seeking detailed technical information from suppliers for meeting EEPGL’s bid selection requirements for “provision of Light Motor Vehicles in Georgetown,Guyana.”

The RFI will be used to shortlist candidates that will be invited to submit proposals to the company It was explained, “Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) plans to put in place a material / equipment

acquisition agreement for provision of light motor vehicles within the Georgetown area.” It said it therefore wishes to identify manufacturer authorized suppliers.

A s p a r t o f t h e backgroundinformationthat wasuploadedtotheMinistry of Natural Resources Local Content Register online, the oilgiantoutlinedthespecific details of the vehicles it wishes to purchase The suitable client “should be a manufacturer authorized dealer and provide manufacturers regular guarantees (to deliver) brand new vehicles model 2022 / 2023 that meet

international code and equipped with advanced safetyfeatures.”

It also noted that the vehicles should have an engine capacity range between 1500 to 3000cc. In addition to medium to large SUVs that can seat between five and seven individuals, Exxon is also looking to acquiresmallorlargebusses thatcanseat14to32people.

According to the RFI, “Vehicles should be equipped with low anchor/top tethers support the use of child seat(s); Suppliers should have established supply chain; vehiclesshouldbeincountry oronorder;Suppliersshould

“EEPGL’s local content strategy is important to our business. Its elements are integrated into our daily processes and procedures and guide the way we work today and plan for tomorrow ” This as the company to supply the vehicles will have to submit its local content strategy amongotherrequirements.

JAGDEOBOASTS OFLOCALCONTENT BENEFITS

Meanwhile, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during remarks at a ceremonyheldtopaytribute to the lives of Former Presidents Dr Cheddi Jagan

and his wife, Janet Jagan, at Babu John, Berbice on Sunday boasted of the accomplishments made by the People’s Progressive Party in the petroleum sector, especially as it regardsLocalContent.

The Law was passed by the administration in December 2019 to ensure Guyanese benefits from the burgeoningindustry TheVP seemed unaware of the movesbeingmadebytheoil company,underhisremit,as hetoldhundredsgatheredat the event that the former HeadofStatewasconcerned aboutthisstateofaffairs.He said, “We have made changestotheLocalContent Legislation; the same legislation- something that comradeCheddiwasalways concerned about- that we needed foreign capital to expand this country but are Guyanese goingto geta fair shareoftheproceeds.”

Jagdeo pointed out that the government has already drafted a new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) thatwouldensuregreater

Continuedonpage18

GunmenrobChinesesupermarketatDiamond

Police are hunting two gunmenwhoonFridaynight r o b b e d a C h i n e s e supermarket at 13th Street Diamond Housing Scheme, EastBankDemerara(EBD).

The bandits who were masked and wore caps and hoodies, held the Chinese ownersofthebusinessplace atgunpointandrobbedthem of their personal belongings as well as the supermarket’s cash register of an undisclosed amount of money Customerswhowere inthesupermarketwerealso robbed.

Thegunmendidnoteven spare one unlucky man who showedupattheentranceof the supermarket while the robberywasinprogress.

Security cameras at the businessplaceshowthatone of the bandits dressed in a grey and black hoodie and short denim jeans entered

firstandposedasacustomer He stood in line at the cashier’s counter

conversation, before rounding them up with customersinthestore.While the bandit relieved them of valuables, the accomplice walked straight behind the counter and held the cashier at gunpoint as he raided the cashregisterandotherareas formoney

It was at this point that a man walked to the supermarket entrance unawarethathewaswalking into a robbery that would leavehimwithouthispocket moneyandcellphone.

The bandit grabbed and forced him into the store with the others while the accomplice continued to searchforcash.

When he got enough, he grabbedaplasticbag,placed hislootinsideandtheyboth ran out of the supermarket and escaped. Investigations areongoing.

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

and made

his move only when his accomplice dressed in a red hoodie and a pair of long

denimjeansentered. Hepulledagunfromhis waist and turned around to

grab two Chinese nationals, who were sitting at the e

The hooded bandits robbing the supermarket

One of the bandit detaining an unlucky customer who happened to show up while the robbery was taking place

Despite armed with a number ofmediaoutlets, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo on Sunday made a desperate plea to followers to sign up for accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to help push the party’s narrative.

In addition to its stranglehold on the state media-thePPPGovernment has at its disposal a number

Jagdeo urges PPP supporters to join facebook to help push party message

distorted.

Meanwhile, during his address Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said Guyana will continue to see large-scale development, on a steady trajectory to prosperity, under the stewardship of a government committed to ‘moreaction,andlesstalk’.

of friendly media entities dubbed the privately owned state media However, Jagdeo speaking at a commemoration ceremony for the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan at Babu Jaan, calledonhispartycomrades to help fight back on social media.

“We will fight tooth and nail every single day to speak about the record and the achievements of this partyandifwedon’tdoit, if allofyouwhoareheredon’t

setupaFacebookpageoran Instagrampageorsomething else and join that fight, they will succeed again,” Jagdeo who is also Vice President said He said the party suffered during the period prior to 2015 from a lack of swift response to criticismssome of which he described asblatantlies.Hesaidatthis juncture, the party will fight back,notingthattheyarenot aversetocriticisms,butwill ensure that the record of the PPPC Government is not

“Throughout his career, he was committed to building a Guyana based on equality, regardless of race, religion, and regardless of which ever part of Guyana you come from. He was committed to improving the lives of all Guyanese, especially the working people,” PM Phillips said. He highlighted the multiethnic composition of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC), serving as a testament to the diversityandinclusivitythat characterises the party, as peoplefromallwalksoflife come together to work towardsthecommongood.

PM Phillips assured those in attendance that this PPPC Government will continuetoleavealegacyof

stewardship built on the principlesofintegrity,unity, equality and democracy, followinginthefootstepsof DrJagan. “Wearefollowing the principles of comrade Cheddi because he believed that democracy was important for the developmentofGuyana,”he said. PM Phillips identified Dr Jagan and his wife, Janet Jagan, as champions of autonomy, adding that the pair paved the way for the kind of large scale developmentGuyanaenjoys today

“He would be proud of the socio-economic policies and interventions of our government, led by Dr MohamedIrfaanAli.Weare a government that, in the face of a pandemic, brought relief to all the people of Guyana.”

The prime minister assured that the PPPC Governmentwillcontinueto implementpoliciesaimedat improving the lives and livelihood of all Guyanese across all sectors. “This is a government that has been using the resources,

especially from the oil and gas industry, to bring accelerated development to all the people of Guyana,” thePMadded.

Dr CheddiJagan,bornin 1918 in Port Mourant, Berbice, was the son of Indian immigrants who came to the colony to work on the sugar plantation Despite his challenging upbringing, Dr Jagan excelled both academically and socially and went on to becomequalifiedasadentist intheUnitedStates.

However, guided by a strong sense of patriotism, instead of pursuing a career in dentistry, Dr Jagan returned to Guyana in 1943, where he spearheaded the country’s campaign for independence from the British. He also advocated for increased powers for trade unions at a time when powerful foreign entities dominated the then British Guiana’s economy His legacyhasleftablueprintfor thecontinuedfightforsocial justice,asymbolofhopefor the oppressed and marginalised.

GCAA’s Director General receives 2023 ‘Katerina and George latrou’ Lifetime Achievement Award

Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt Col (ret’d) Edgbert Field is the recipient of the prestigious 2023 ‘Katerina and George l a t r o u ’ L i f e t i m e Achievement Award for his workintheaviationsector

Theawardwaspresented to Lt Col (ret’d) Field on Sunday March 19, 2023, at the Air Transport Awards Ceremony held at Hotel Bonaventure in Montreal, Canada The 2023 Air Transport Awards was held inpartnershipwithHermes–Air Transport Organisation and Air Transport News (ATN)fromCanada.TheAir Transport Organisation recognizes the personalities, organizations, and companiesthatcontributeto the development of the aviationsector

Inhisacceptancespeech, Lt Col (ret’d) Field said, “Believe in yourself that no matter your circumstances ofbirthorlife,youwereborn to win. However, to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expecttowin”.

Col (ret’d) Field started his career in the aviation sector at the age of 18 and

has amassed more than 52 years of experience in the fieldinvariouscapacities.In 1970 he attended the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida where he obtained his Commercial Pilot Licence with InstrumentandMulti-engine ratings He joined the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)in1972asanOfficer Cadet.

In his twenty-three (23) years atAir Corp, he served as Officer- in-Charge (fixed wing), Training and Check Pilot, Executive Pilot to three Presidents for thirteen (13) years, and Advisor to several Chiefs of Staff on aviation matters Before retiring from the GDF with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1996, he joined G u y a n a A i r w a y s Corporation (GAC) where he became the first

Guyanese Captain of the GAC Boeing 757 aircraft.

After being trained in the United Kingdom as an Instrument and Type Rating examiner,hewasdesignated as a Check Airman for the then Civil Aviation Departmentin1992.Hewas later appointed Chief Pilot/Director of Operations

of the succeeding Guyana Airways2000.

He transitioned to the Regulatory side of Aviation becoming the first Operations Inspector of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority in 2002. In this position he continued his work in aviation with the oversight of the aviation industry with inspections of the operators, examinations of pilots, investigation of accidents and incidents Before departing from the GCAA in 2003, he was responsible for the certification of the eight (8) AirOperatorsintheGuyana aviation industry at that time.

JoiningtheJamaicaCivil Aviation Authority (JCAA) in 2004 as an Operations Inspectorwithresponsibility for the oversight of Air Jamaica Limited as its Principal Operations Inspector, he became the Manager- Flight Operations Oversight for the Authority in 2007 before rising to the position of Director, Flight Safety Department of the JCAA Added to this portfolio,werethedutiesofa Transnational Inspector for the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security

O v e r s i g h t S y s t e m (CASSOS). In this capacity he assisted other Caribbean countries with oversight of their air operators. In July 2016 he resigned from the JCAA to return home to becometheDirectorGeneral oftheGuyanaCivilAviation

Authority Lt. Col (ret’d) Egbert Field has accumulated over 18,000 flight hours and, in the process, flew and is qualified on a number of aircraft including but not limited to the Beech King Air 200, the Skyvan, Y-12,

theHawkerSiddley748,the Russian made Tupolev 154, the Airbus 320/321, the Boeing 707 and Boeing 757/767.

As a senior CAA Inspector, he has attended a wealth of courses, lectures, and symposiums at the FAA academy,InternationalCivil Aviation Organisation, National Transportation Safety Board among others. In every area of air operations namely Accident Investigation, Audit procedures, Enforcement and Compliance, Approved Examiner, Air Operator Certification, Safety Management Systems, Evaluation of Aviation Management Systems, Personnel Licencing, Aircraft Dispatcher Apart from being a CheckAirman and examiner, he is also a certifiedICAOInstructor

As the Director General of the GCAA, Col Field sits on the Board of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS). The ManagementandStaffofthe GCAA extends heartfelt congratulations to Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field,A.Afor his work and achievements inthefieldofaviation.

The People’s Progressive Party on Sunday held a memorial to honour the life of the late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan

Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Egbert Field

Elderly couple among 166 persons from Region One benefitting from free spectacles

problemswiththeireyesand when they do tests and in school,theywouldcomplain about the pain in their eyes, and I think now they will have better results and see better.”

Through the DCU, several assistive aids were also distributed in these

communitiestohelppersons with permanent disabilities to improve their quality of life.

“In line with our policy as a ministry to ensure persons with permanent disabilities have a better quality of life, we are directly contributing

through Government’s budgetary allocation in bringingtheseaidstoyouin the form of wheelchairs, walkers, white canes and more.WhenIfirstcamehere as a Minister, people were wondering how can they affordawheelchairor Continuedonpage16

Residents from Region

One are to receive free spectaclesfromtheMinistry of Human Services and Social Services, through its Difficult Circumstances Unit (DCU). Last Friday, a team from the Ministry, led by subject Minister, Dr VindhyaPersaud,visitedthe communities of Mabaruma andMorucatoprovidethese lenses to those persons in need, particularly children, pensioners and single parents.

Among the 166 persons earmarked to benefit from this initiative are a husband and wife of 53 years, Ivan andJulietBennet.

Juliet said, “it was challenging [without spectacles],I’mnotyoungto work anymore and depending on old age pensionsoIcan’taffordit.It is going to improve my life becausealthoughIamold,I

am doing needle work, making pillow case, table cloth and so on This spectacles will help me to see the needle eye for example,becausepreviously Ipunishtothreadtheneedle. Mynewspectacleswillhelp meineverywayandwhenI go to church it would help metoreadbecauseIcouldn’t readwithoutit.”

Ivannoted,“Forme,Iam happy, we used to get visits from the doctors and they didn’t come in a very long time.ThefirsttimeIgotmy eyes checked and got spectacles, that didn’t last very long. I am happy the Ministrycameinbecausewe hadtotravelouttwoorthree timesifwewantedtogetit.I must thank the Ministry of Human Services for these spectacles,I am happy to be abletoseeveryclear.”

Minister Persaud said, “It is all about making sure

thatyouhavegoodvision,so you are able to study harder and better and be able to do all the work you want to do, especially if it involves reading.”

Many people need glasses but cannot afford them. Being able to see clearly not only reduces headachesandeyestrain,but generally improves mood andtheoverallqualityoflife ofaperson.Improvedvision canhaveadramaticeffecton someone’slife.

Samantha Matthews, a teacher from the Santa Rosa Primary School where over 50 students benefitted from theprogrammesaid,“Weare veryhappyforthisinitiative, Iknowtheparentswouldbe veryhappybecauseitisvery costlytogoonthecoastland to get these things done and now they get it right in their own area. First of all, some of the children have

Minister of of Human Services and Social Services

Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Mr. Ivan Bennet

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 Chef needed to cook for family, must be able to cook various dishes, work hours: 6am-2pm Mon-Fri & 8am-2pm Sat. Call: 682-8251.

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

Live-in Domestic needed for Georgetown and males to work in a Supermarket in the Interior. Call: 687-7638/ 660-9093.

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.

Housekeeper needed, very good salary offered. Call: 630-0961.

Cubans head to the polls, all eyes on voter turnout

FOR SALE

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

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

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

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

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.

One General Domestic needed. Apply in person to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda.

Experienced Waiter/ Waitress, Counter Server & roti/ puri Cook. Apply @ Hack's Restaurant 5 Commerce St.

FOR SALE

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.

(Reuters) - Cubans headed to the polls on Sunday to vote for the 470 lawmakers who will represent them in the country´s National Assembly in a closely watched election seen as a referendum on the communist-run government at a time of deep economic crisis.

Voting centers in the capital Havana opened at 7 a.m. ET and bustled with activity through midday as citizens arrived to cast ballots at the city’s share of more than 23,000 official ballot sites throughout the country.

By 11 a.m. ET, nearly 42% of the country had voted, according to Cuba’s National Electoral Council (CEN).

Cuba´s government, saddled by shortages, inflation and growing social unrest, has encouraged unity, calling on citizens to vote together in a broad show of support for the communist leadership.

Ana Lydia Velazquez, a 78-year-old retired Havana resident, told Reuters that

VEHICLES FOR SALE

FOR RENT

2 & 4 bedrooms Apartments and 2 empty corner lot for rent at Bladen Hall, E.C.D. Call/ WhatsApp: 700-0030/ 648-1787.

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

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.

FOR RENT

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

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

People hang signs announcing the upcoming legislative elections in Havana, Cuba, March 25, 2023. REUTERS/ Alexandre Meneghini message resonated with her.

“I believe all Cubans should go to vote, to help our country improve, and advance,” she said. “We are going through a critical situation and we all have to pitch in.”

Anti-government forces, primarily off-island in a country that restricts dissident political speech, have said a vote has no real meaning in a oneparty system with no formal opposition, labeling the elections a “farce.” Dissident groups have called on Cu-

bans to abstain from voting.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who voted in his hometown of Santa Clara just after sunrise on Sunday, said citizens would have the last word. “Some people may put the difficult economic situation ahead of their willingness to vote, but I don´t think it will be a majority,” Diaz-Canel told reporters.

The 470 candidates on Sunday´s paper ballot are vying for 470 open seats. There are no opposition candidates.

Victoria farmers...

From page 12 and irrigation infrastructure. The minister committed to having emergency work done in the area. Additional works were also done after engineers from the NDIA and extension officers from the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) conducted a needs assessment in the farming communities.

“When I became minister, Victoria was one of the first villages I visited because I know the agricultural history of the area.

Farmers met with me and made requests for better drainage. Our engineers from the

NDIA came and did an evaluation and we then desilted all the drainage canals in the community. Farmers also said that the sluice here needed rehabilitation.

We have since built a brand-new stainless-steel door at a cost of $22 million to install at the Victoria sluice. Today, that sluice is operable and you are getting drainage. We also, from the NDIA, allocate $17.6 million annually to the Golden Grove – Victoria Water Users’ Association for the maintenance of drainage and irrigation canals. So, you can see that we’ve been making resources available and we’ll continue to do so,” Minister Mustapha noted.

Elderly couple among 166...

From page 15 walker, it was a lot of difficulty to access this and I can say from 2020, people do not have to wonder, you can request it and it is brought to you and if you live in close proximity to the Ministry, you can uplift it,” Minister Persaud said.

Head of DCU, Jashudra Seeram explained, “We are elated to see how our programmes positively impact the lives of our citizens.

This is in keeping with fulfilling the Ministry’s mandate of service to the people, we were here a few weeks ago to do the testing and assessment in the shortest possible time. We are back to fulfill our

commitment to ensure persons get the much-needed assistance. As a Ministry, we are happy to be able to see the lives of people improved.”

Meanwhile, over 500 persons across the two locations benefitted from sessions that enlightened them about the services offered by the Ministry such as childcare and protection, trafficking in persons, sexual offences and domestic violence and gender affairs.

Persons also utilized the opportunity to seek out advice and clarification on their old age pension and public assistance.

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

Govt. flouting order geared towards addressing irregularities contained in Auditor General Report

A Partnership for NationalUnity+Alliancefor Change (APNU+AFC)

MemberofParliament(MP), Ganesh Mahipaul is accusing the government of flouting the parliamentary standing orders which stipulates a specific time for recommendations to be made, to help address the irregularities highlighted by theAuditorGeneral’sreport.

In a statement issued to the press, Mahipaul disclosedthattheissuedates back to recommendations made for the 2016 Auditor General Report He explained that while the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) presented, debated, and adopted a report on the audited public accounts of Guyana for the year 2016, during the 51st sitting of the National Assembly, on the 30th November, 2022, the government has since failed to follow through with the process to table the treasury memorandum that is necessarytohelpcorrectthe wrongdoings committed at thelevelofgovernment.

Mahipaul, a member of the PAC, explained that the

treasury memorandum is a document that holds recommendations made by the PAC, to address the irregularities that were highlighted by the auditor generalin2016.

“Forexampleinthe2016 report, there were a number of overpayments to c o n t r a c t o r s O u r recommendation is that the accountingofficersmustpay formeasuredworkandthose responsible should be met with various sanctions…” the MP said adding that b e c a u s e t h e recommendations were not tabled in the form of the treasurymemorandum,there isnoformaldirectiveforthe government agencies and ministries to follow to correcttheseerrors.

“That’swhyyoufindthe issuesthatwereraisedbythe auditor general report since 2016 are not being properly addressed and the issues keeps reoccurring and coming back again in the 2017,2018and2019reports even coming up to the 2022 report.”

Asaresultofthisfailure, Mahipaul held that the

Minister with the Responsibility of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh is in breach oftheregulationsasrequired byStandingOrder82(3).

He explained that standing order 82 (3) specifiesthatwithin90days ofthepresentationofareport from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Government shall table its treasurymemorandumbutit has been 117 days since the adoption of the report, and the Government has yet to table its treasury memorandumforthatreport.

According to Mahipaul, the Minister of Finance can

be held in contempt due to this blatant disregard of the parliamentaryprinciplesand breach of the code of conduct.

He asserted, “This blatant disregard for the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Guyana is unacceptable, and it highlightstheGovernment’s lack of commitment to t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability.

Added to this, Mahipaul stated by failing to take the necessary action on the recommendations contained in the PAC report, the entire Government is in breach of fulfilling its responsibilities andobligationstothepeople ofGuyana.

He said the PAC report c o n t a i n s s e v e r a l recommendations aimed at improving the guardrails of democracy and enhancing t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountabilityinGuyana.

He stressed that the Government’s inaction on these recommendations indicates a disregard for the principles of good governance.

According to Mahipaul,

Opposition wants more time to scrutinise oil and gas matters

The A Partnership for NationalUnity+Alliancefor Change (APNU+AFC) has reiterated its call for more time to be given for the Opposition to scrutinise oil andgasmatters.

During its weekly press conference last week, the Economic Advisor to the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Elson Low calledoncitizenstodemand parliamentary oversight of major government decisions.

“Guyanese must continuetodemandtoseeall agreements and documents inatimelyfashion.

The people must continue to demand genuine public consultations and scrutiny,”hesaid.

Alludingtothenewdraft of the model PSA, the Advisor to the Office of the Leader of the Opposition lamented on the measly two weeks allowed for public commentsontheissue

He said, “For the government to allow a measlytwoweeksforpublic comments is simply ridiculous and disdainful of the people of Guyana, the owners of the country’s naturalendowment.

“We hereby call for the PSAtobelaidintheNational Assembly and to be reviewed by a select committee and for at least two months for public s u b m i s s i o n s a n d discussions.”

Low noted that Guyana is a large country and it is virtually impossible to consult a wide cross section of the Guyanese people in twoweeks.

He explained that

“Guyana’s size, geography and limited infrastructure dictate that in order to

properly engage with the public, any government should set aside much more timeforconsultation.” “The PPP just does not care what people in our hinterland and otheroutlyingregionsthink. Inaddition,theregime’sown desire to be secretive and corrupt does not allow them t o w a n t n a t i o n a l consultations.”

Low noted too that the PPPC is in the habit of rushing important documents through. “Let us recall our experience with the Natural Resources Fund Act.

The PPP is clearly seeking to undermine Guyaneseinstitutionssothat the State is able to facilitate its operation as a kleptocracy.”

“The new Petroleum e x p l o r a t i o n a n d production Bill must not be similarly rushed through parliamentary and public oversight,” he said adding that “instead of this contemptuous approach to the Guyanese public and the National Assembly, we believe that at least 60 days should be given for

objections, when dealing w i t h a g r e e m e n t s , investment codes, and lawsthisvital.”

According to Low, the Opposition plans to move a motion in the National Assemblydemandingthat consultations on matters of national importance must be codified by law, so that this process is not at the discretion of the PPP

He emphasised that this is vital move towards safeguarding the nation’s wealth given this if left unchecked, rushing major agreements, investment codes, and legislation to completion has the p o t e n t i a l t o c o s t Guyanese tens of billions o f U S D t h r o u g h incompetence, ignorance, andcorruption

T h e e c o n o m i c s advisor noted that only through adopting a structured approach, such as those codified in the US Congressional Review or Administrative Procedure Acts, can we arrest the current relentless slide t o w a r d s f i n a n c i a l

this raises serious concerns about the Government’s commitment to serving the people of Guyana and upholdingtheruleoflaw

Furthermore, he noted the recurring issues of accountability and transparency highlighted in the Auditor General reports of2020and2021areacause foralarm.

The APNU+AFC MP said, “The Government’s failure to adhere to the laws of Guyana, including the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act of 2003, the Procurement Act of 2003, and the Stores

Regulation, is a betrayal of the public trust. The people of Guyana deserve a Government that is committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds,”

He said it is therefore imperative that the Government take swift action to address the recommendations of the PAC report, as well as the issues highlighted in the AuditorGeneralreports.

“This includes tabling the Treasury Memorandum in a timely manner, and taking concrete steps to improve accountability and transparency

The failure of the Government to act in accordancewiththelawand to address issues of accountability and transparencyisathreattothe integrity of the Government andthetrustofthepeopleof Guyana. The Government mustactnowandupholdthe values of transparency and accountability that are essential to a healthy democracy,” Mahipaul added.

Honduras cuts ties with Taiwan, opens relations with China

Honduras switches diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China, leaving Taipeirecognisedbyjust13 sovereignstates.

(Al Jazeera) Honduras has ended its decades-long diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favour of ties with China, prompting Taipei to accuse Beijing of using “coercion and intimidation”tolureitsfew remainingallies.

The Honduran foreign ministry said on Saturday that “the government of Honduras recognises the existenceofjustoneChina intheworld”

“And the government ofthePeople’sRepublicof China is the only legitimategovernmentthat represents all of China,” it said.

“ Ta i w a n i s a n inseparable part of Chinese territory,” it added

The ministry said Honduras had notified Taiwan of its decision to breaktiesandthatitwould not return to having any relationship or official contactwithTaipei

Taiwan recognised by only 13sovereignstates. China andTaiwan have been locked in a battle for diplomatic recognition since the two sides split amidcivilwarin1949,with Beijingspendingbillionsto winrecognitionforits“One China”policy

China views Taiwan as one of its provinces with no right to state-tostate ties, a view the democratically-elected government in Taipei stronglydisputes

Honduras’s ending of ties with Taiwan had been long expected after the Honduran foreign minister travelled to China last week and President Xiomara C a s t r o s a i d h e r government would start tieswithBeijing.

S h o r t l y a f t e r Honduras’s announcement, China announced it was opening ties with Tegucigalpa.

s

“China and Honduras just established diplomatic relations,” tweeted Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry

APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul

Minister with the Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

Economic advisor to Office of Leader of Opposition, Elson Low

ExxonMobil says Gas-to-Energy project will improve healthcare in Guyana

...K/News Publisher demands proof initiative will not sink country into debt trap

ExxonMobil in a full page advertisement published in the Sunday edition of Kaieteur News sought to promote the US$2 billionGas-to-Energy,citing the initiative as a means to improvelocalhealthcare.

According to the advertisement, “Reliable energy can open up massive opportunities to diversify and strengthen Guyana’s economy and support service improvements. Any doctor will tell you that hospitals and healthcare facilities can always use more resources, and that effective healthcare is dependent upon a reliable sourceofenergy.”

The oil company also noted, “affordable energy can power computers and diagnostic equipment and helpraisethelevelofcarefor patients. Through the Gasto-Energy project, ExxonMobil Guyana is helping to support affordable, reliable energy forGuyanathatcanopenup so many new opportunities foreveryone.”

What the oil company did not outline however, is theprobabilityoftheproject affecting lives and livelihoods, as clearly o u t l i n e d i n t h e Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) its consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) conducted That study was done for the 12inch pipeline and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility thatwillprocesstheresource to generate some 300 megawattofelectricity

The document states, among other things in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), that the project may “impact resources outside the NGL Plant boundary included a boiling liquid expanding vaporexplosion(BLEVE),a flammable gas cloud, and a jetfire.”Thesecanbecaused by a hydrocarbon release at the NGL plant. Explosions and gas leaks along the pipeline are also likely, thereby exposing citizens to potential danger from the toxicreleases.

ExxonMobil Guyana (Esso Exploration and ProductionGuyanaLimitedEEPGL) was nonetheless granted a Permit by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)onNovember

25, 2022; to commence the construction of the pipeline thatwillbeusedtotransport naturalgasfromtheoffshore Liza Fields in the Stabroek Block, to the Wales Development Zone on the West Bank of Demerara. Another application is presently before the EPA being processed for the powerplant.

Whereistheproof?

Sincetheinceptionofthe controversial project, citizens have been demanding that an updated feasibility study be conducted.Intheabsenceof such a study, government is stillconfidentinitsabilityto reducethecostofelectricity In this regard, Publisher of the Kaieteur News, Mr Glenn Lall is now challengingtheoilcompany to present proof of the project’s viability, since it took on the role of publicly promoting the venture. Lall said, “What guarantee is Exxon giving Guyana that electricity bills will cut in half? What guarantee do we have from Exxon that this Wales project will better medical facilities in Guyana?”

“will

its

failure; meaning would they reimburse Guyana for the US-billions we are earmarkingforthisproject?”

“Don’t sell us dreams and putusintodebttrapslikethe African countries, show us the proof that this project willbebeneficialtoGuyana and its people.That’s all the nation is asking for,” he added.

20-YEARDEBT

It was reported last month that Guyana will be saddled with an annual debt of US$106 million annually for 20 years to cover the costs associated with developingtheGTEproject. This was revealed when HeadoftheProject,Winston Brassington offered an update during the

International Energy Conference and Expo, hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. Based on his presentation, it is now clearthattheprojectwillcost US$2.1 billion (GYD$424 trillion). This is more than half of the country’s total debt, according to statistics fromtheendof2022.These statistics show the country’s total public debt stood at US$3,654.9M at the end of lastyear

Brassington explained thatGuyanawillberequired to pay back ExxonMobil

some US$55 million each yearfor20yearstorepaythe company for its investment

inthepipeline.“ThatUS$55 millionistheamortizedcost of US$1 billion for 20 years

atadiscountrate,”hesaid.

In addition to this, Guyana will also be expected to repay another US$51 million annually for 20 years on a loan the country will take to pay for the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and the 300 megawattspowerplant.

Brassington explained, “The government is funding thepowerplantandtheNGL plant and the EPC contract price, which is a lump sum fixed price is US$759 million(or)US$760million. We allocated this based on the pricing at about 63 percentofUS$477millionto thepowerplantandUS$282 milliontotheNGLfacility.”

“Now if we were to amortizetheUS$759million over a 20 years period at three percent, that annual payment would be about US$51million,”headded.

These costs are not the final investment for the project however as the Government of Guyana (GoG) is gearing to pay out $400 million to land owners whowouldbeaffectedbythe 12-inch pipeline that will be used to transport the natural gas.

MMscfd Destiny Unity

Nottoscale

A representation of the proposed Gas-to-Energy project

Teams named for DCB Under-19

Inter County trial Tournament 2023

The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has announced the following teams to contest in the DCB Under19 inter-association set to begin on March 27, 2023.

This tournament will be used to select the Demerara Under-19 team to participate in the Guyana Cricket Board Under-19 inter-county.

East Bank Demerara

Team Krsna Singh - Captain Anthon LimVice-Captain Dhanesh

Persaud Deonarine Dndial

Joash Charles Josiah Lim

Farhan Housain Sayyad

Lakeram Devin

Roopnarnine Marlon

Ramsurace Altaf Rahim

Daniel Persaud Solomon

Cameron Dravid Manohar

Zahid Mohamed Coach:

Daniel Barker Manager:

Fazil Ishak Georgetown

Alvin Mohabir -Captain

Marvindra Dindyal -

Vicecaptain Zachary Jodha

Ravaldo Phillips Ryan Latif

Jaydon Campbell Shamar

Yearwood Nehemiah

Hohenkirk Shaquan Walters

Dillon Ramsaroop Riyad Latif

Myhiem Khan Jeremiah

Hohenkirk Ezekiel Wilson

Jonathan Vanlange West

Demerara Sachin Balgobin

- Captain Nityanand

Mathura - Vice-captain

Vishal Persaud Alex Parag

Rezequil Renee Anthony

Sanchara Amar Dhaniram

Yudesh Seetaram Abdool

Haiti, Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras qualify for Concacaf Gold Cup

Gannie Mahendra Mohan

Kevin Rammeshwar Deo

Singh Feyaad Lakhraj

Joshua Kishundial Kevin

Benn Coach: Richee

Looknauth Manager:

Avinash Ganesh East

Coast Team Chanderpaul

Ramraj - Captain

Rudranauth Kissoon - Vicecaptain Lawrence Pellew

Romeo Deonarine Vickash

Wilkinson Anthony Khan

Nicholas Shiopersad

Sasenarine Harricharran

Neeran Bani Jagdeesh

Dowlatram Romel

Datterdeen Nicholas Chan

Jaheine Beckles Ajay Gainda

Mark Adams Manager:

Pradesh Ballkishun

Coach: Kumar Bishundial

Monday March 27, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

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

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

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

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

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

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

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

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

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

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

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

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

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

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

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

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

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

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The

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

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

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

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may find that things are much lighter than they were the past couple days, Pisces. This is a good time to let your physical body take a rest.

SportsMax - Haiti, Canada, Costa Rica and Honduras all qualified for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup following the results of their matches on Saturday in the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League.

Haiti defeated Montserrat 4-0 to claim the top spot in Group B of League B to clinch their Gold Cup place.

Canada topped Curacao 20 to secure at least a secondplace finish in Group C of League A, thus qualifying them for the Gold Cup. Even though they were not in action, the Canada win also assured Honduras a berth in this summer’s Gold Cup as well.

Costa Rica will also play

in the Gold Cup again after rallying late from a 1-0 deficit to claim a 2-1 win in Martinique in Group B of League A.

Haiti, Canada, Costa Rica and Honduras join the United States, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama and Jamaica as teams that have punched their ticket to this summer’s tournament.

Intense second round culminates...

From page 23 third match featured BEI and St. Cuthbert’s, which saw the former being led by a double from T’Jon Reid (16’, 38’) while Carlo Campbell supported with a 35th-minute goal to overshadow the lone goal scored by Ronaldo Rodrigues (49’) for the opposition.

Match four unfolded in President’s College’s favour as they went ahead against North Ruimveldt in the 11th minute when Jude Andrews scored. They then put their victory beyond doubt with a goal in the 68th minute from Michael Joseph as the opposition could not keep it together and even lost Jaden James via the red card route.

The day’s final match was a nail biter between New Central High (NCH) and Annandale as the two sides traded goal-for-goal until the regulation time whistle was sounded in Central’s favour.

Kenneth Gordon put NCH

Prince Charles scheduled...

From page 25 the association’s preparatory platform.

The GBA, which is the 2022 sports association of the year, hosted 16 U-16 competitions last year which is a record, and is geared to surpass that number in the current calendar year. Another edition is already penciled for April 30th at the same venue, and is also expected to attract international involvement.

The resumption of the monthly enterprise also aligns with the association’s impending weekly training camp for young and elite pugilists which are slated to commence on March 31st at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown. The aforesaid programme, which features the technical expertise of National coach Lennox Daniels, Technical Director Terrence Poole, and Cuban coach Francisco Roldan, has been conceptualised, as a high-performance system to better equip boxers for the rigor of international competition.

ahead in the 30th minute but Annandale responded on the brink of half time (35th minute), compliments of Swade Edwards.

Peter Khan regained the lead for the eventual victor in the 62nd minute but Shakeel Thomas equalised for the opposition in the 70th minute. However, it was Gordon’s

successful goal in the first minute of injuries and stoppage time (70’+1’) that tipped the scale in NCH’s favour.

This tournament is sponsored by Nestlé through their Milo brand, sanctioned by the MoE and supported by MASSY Distribution, GINMIN, GENEQUIP and MVP Sports.

On Saturday, Guillermo Escarraga was nothing short of impressive. He withstood excellent competition, leaving his fellow golfers in thewindtotakethetitle.

The results for the tournamentwereasfollows:

% 1st Guillermo Escarraga HC 16, Gross 85, Net69

% 2nd Raj Misir HC 16,Gross86,Net70

% 3rd Mike Mangal HC8,Gross79,Net71

% Nearest to pinMiguelOviedo

% Longest Drive-

GuillermoEscarraga

% Best Net Front 9GuillermoEscarraga(34)

% Best Net Back 9HilbertShields(34)

Theplayerswillnowturn their attention to next Saturday as they gear up for the Robert Birthday Tournament which will be held in honour of Robert Hanoman.

A large turnout is anticipatedforafullroundof golf among members and newcomers Hanoman became acquainted by golf, andhasremainedcommitted

to the game, which he has been playing for over 20 years. Over the years, Hanoman has made significant and outstanding contributions to the LusignanGolfClub(LGC).

Counsel Hanoman has provided legal guidance and direction continuously, in addition to consistent and voluntary financial assistance by means of sponsorshipsandotherareas ofclubdevelopment.

The tournament is an annual fixture on the LGC’s officialcalendarofevents.

MUMBAI, (Reuters)Mumbai Indians were crowned champions at the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) after Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 60 secured their seven-wicket victory against Delhi Capitals in the final at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday

Delhi captain Meg Lanning elected to bat after winning the toss and the Australia skipper top-scored for her side with 35 as the Capitals managed a modest 131-9.

Even that score had looked improbable after they slumped to 79-9 but Shikha Pandey and Radha Yadav smashed unbeaten breezy 27s to give Delhi bowlers something to defend

Mumbai lost both the openers early but skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (37) and England all-rounder Sciver-Brunt combined in a 72-run stand to put their teamoncourseforvictory

Sciver-Brunt, the league’s most expensive foreign recruit along with Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner, sealed victory in the final over with a paddle shot that raced to the boundary “Over the moon, ” Mumbai coach and former England captain Charlotte Edwardssaidwhenaskedfor herreaction.

“Towinthisisoneofmy greatestachievementsinmy career.

“They (players) played foroneanother,ithasbeena wonderfulexperience.”

T h e f i v e - t e a m tournament has been hailed as a ‘game-changer’ in women’s cricket, offering lucrative deals to attract the leadingnames.

The sale of WPL’s franchises and media rights alone fetched $690 million

and the organising Indian cricket board lined up an impressivearrayofsponsors f o r t h e 2 2 - m a t c h tournament.

Scores: Mumbai Indians 134for3(Sciver-Brunt60*, Harmanpreet 37) beat Delhi Capitals 131 for 9 (Lanning 35, Pandey 27*, Radha 27*, Matthews 3-5, Wong 3-42) bysevenwickets.

A total of nine matches weresuccessfullycompleted overthepastweekendasthe Petra Organisation wrapped up the second round of the Nestlé-sponsored2023Milo Under-18 Schools Football Tournament, at the Ministry ofEducation(MoE)Ground, CarifestaAvenue.

In yesterday’s fixtures, Marian Academy and Bush Lot battled to a 2 – 2 stalemate, Westminster trouncedCharity4–2,Ann’s GrovesankVergenoegen3–

0andCharlestowngaineda4 – 0 result over Cummings Lodge.

Saturday’s proceedings beganwithNewAmsterdam prevailing 2 – 1 over St Stanislaus College which w a s f o l l o w e d b y

Christianburg/Wismar SecondarySchool’s(CWSS)

2 – 0 win over 8th of May, while Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) defeated St

Cuthbert’sMission3–1.

The other two matches saw President’s College

defeatNorthRuimveldt2–0 while New Central High triumphedoverAnnandale3 –2.

Justoneroundremainsin the Group stage before 16 teams sign off their campaigns in event’s ninth edition,whichcontinuesthis weekend, April 1 – 2, with the commencement of Round three at the same venue.

Sunday’sresults…

Yesterday’s opening match was a stalemate that commenced with Omarion Anthony pushing Bush Lot ahead in the 21st minute. They led for the entire first half but the scores became leveled in the 47th minute when Tevaun Taylor struck for Marian Academy, then his teammate, Nicholas Jones, snatched the lead in the53rdminute.

Through perseverance, Bush Lot equalised in the 60th minute thanks to Quacey Fraser, to share pointsatthefinalwhistle.

In the second match, goals from Harod Haynes (8’, 40’), Dorwin George

overpowered the two that were scored for Charity by Raphiel Samuels (11’) and MakhayaThomas(50’).

In Ann’s Grove’s win, Shaquan David (22’, 68’) and Antwon Payne (50’) were responsible for the goalsthatpropelledthemtoa comfortable result over Vergenoegen.

Charlestown then

with a goal each coming from Malcolm Hendricks (3’),TylerLyle(9’),Andrew Cato (21’) and Emmanuel Need(50’),astheopposition failedtorespond.

Saturday’sresults…

New Amsterdam’s victory started with the first ofKeemaniSpellen’sdouble in the 36th minute, to which St. Stanislaus replied

However,Spellencompleted his brace five minutes after theequalisertotakehisteam over the line. In the second match, CWSS and 8th of Maybattledtoagoallessfirst half, but the defending championdrewfirstbloodin the 50th minute through Amani King then doubled the lead in the 70th minute when Kemani Fields found

SportsMax - Quinton de Kock’s sensational century propelled South Africa to a remarkable six-wicket victoryoverWestIndiesina thrillingT20I after a recordbreaking knock from Johnson Charles at Centurion.

Charles’astonishing 118 from 46 balls and an excellent 51 from Kyle Mayers got the Windies to what looked to be a serieswinning total of 258-5 yesterday

YetDeKock(100off44) had other ideas, with South Africa’s former captain leading the Proteas to a sensational triumph and the highest successful run chase inT20Is.

By the end of the third overthehostshadscored62 withoutloss,andtheyadded an additional 20 runs from thenext18deliveries.South Africa’s total of 102-0 from the first six overs is the highestpowerplayscoreina T20I involving Test-playing nations, and the fastest first

hundred runs scored in a T20I involving a full ICC member

In the process, De Kock struck South Africa’s quickest 50, from just 15 balls – the fifth-fastest halfcentury in the shortest format.

De Kock should have been caught in the deep shortly after, but did not let up as he cruised to his maidenT20I century, taking just42deliveriestogetthere, before falling to Raymon

Reifersoonafter

Reeza Hendricks (68 from 28 balls) picked up the slack, though he followed Rilee Rossouw (16) in heading back to the pavilion when the Windies claimed wickets in swift succession inthe12thand13thovers.

Romario Shepherd caught David Miller to hand WestIndiesafurtherflashof hope, yet three big hits from newcaptainAidenMarkram (38) put the Proteas back in control as they cantered to victory and levelled the

series.

Charles’ record ton overshadowed

If it was not for De Kock’s sparkling knock, Charleswouldhavebeenthe story

His century, which came from 39 deliveries and included 11 sixes and 10 fours, was the fastest T20I hundred by a West Indies player, surpassing a record set by Chris Gayle in 2016 (47 balls). Unfortunately for the tourists, it was not enough.

Baddayforthebowlers

Itwascertainlyadayfor the batters at SuperSport Park.SouthAfrica’sbowlers set the tone for what was to come as they struggled to keep the Windies under wraps, despite Wayne Parnell (2-42) dismissing Brandon King in the first over

The Windies attack then suffered as De Kock, Hendricks and then Markram put them to the swordinastunningdisplay

Scores:SouthAfrica259 for 4 (De Kock 100, Hendricks 68, Powell 1-27) beat West Indies 258 for 5 (Charles 118, Mayers 51, Jansen3-52)bysixwickets.

Raymon Reifer celebrates the wicket of Quinton de Kock with Romario Shepherd. (AFP/Getty Images)

Guyanahasqualifiedfor their third consecutive Concacaf Gold Cup Tournament.

The Golden Jaguars 2 nil away victory over Bermuda and Haiti’s 4 -0 win over Monsterrat, ensured that no matter the outcome of their last fixture against Montserrat, Guyana are assured of second place

inthegroup.

G o i n g i n t o t h e Bermuda without any warm up matches many fans gave the Golden Jaguars little chance of defeating Bermuda in Hamilton. “Theteamgelled verywell,zeroproblems,no egos, no head cases just a positive energy to stay focused and achieve our

goal,” stated Coach Jamaal Shabazz.

“The staff is one of the best I have worked with and full cooperation from the players on and off the field, setthefoundationforasolid performance.” Shabazz the Trinidadian born, self proclaimed Guyanese, broughtinaFitnessCoach from South Africa in Riedoh Berdien, a match analyst from the UK (Liam Baddock), a goalkeeper Coach from Brazil Emmerson Marinho and Norway based Duane Saunders.

They joined the regular staff which included long standing Rawle Adams, Wayne Dover, Trevor Burnett along with Nzinga Maxwell and local physio JanaEdghill.

Paying tribute to his staff, Shabazz in a tone of humility stated “Often timesweseetheCoachbut it is the collective work of thestaffthatcreatestheteam behind the team.” “As a groupwetookitupanotch and it shows how important staffing is in modern football,” stated S h a b a z z “ T h e i r knowledge, the level of c o m m i t m e n t a n d

professionalism was a major factor in our achievement,”headded Shabazz also made mention of Sam Cox who he used as an assistant coach and a late substitute inthematch

“Sam Cox is the energy of this squad, we used him as an assistant

coach/player he was in chargeofsetplays

“The fact that the two goals emanated fromsetplaysisacreditto hiswork ”

Having qualified for the Gold Cup preliminaries Coach

Shabazz hinted at giving playing time to others

playersinthesquad

“ W e h a v e a n opportunity to give exposure to a few more playersagainstMontserrat.

“Off course we want a result but playing time willbegoodforteamspirit.” G u y a n a p l a y Montserrat in Barbados tomorrowat7pm.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Dr KishoreShallowandAzimBassarath have been elected to the posts of President and Vice President respectively, of Cricket West Indies (CWI).

They will serve two-year terms. The election process was conducted asoneofthekeyitemsontheagenda of the 24th Annual General Meeting ofCWI,whichwasheldonSaturday 25, March 2023 at the Coolidge CricketGroundinAntigua.

Dr Shallow said: “On behalf of CricketWestIndies,Isincerelythank theoutgoingPresidentRickySkerritt for his latest contribution to our belovedcricket.

Hehasservedwithdistinctionand pride in one of the most challenging periods in our lifetime, the COVID19 pandemic His tenure has certainly moved us in the right direction ” He added: “The resounding vote of confidence demonstrated by the shareholders is

heartening.Myprofoundgratitudeto them and all the stakeholders for supporting me throughout the electoralprocess.

AsIembarkonthisnewrolewith Vice President Bassarath, there is no delusion about the considerable workload.

My philosophy remains one of unity and inclusivity For it is only if we pool our resources and efforts together will West Indies cricket make any meaningful advancement asacricketnation.”

Bassarath said: “It is indeed an honour to be elected to serve as the VicePresidentofCricketWestIndies and I look forward to working alongside Dr Shallow and the other membersoftheBoardofDirectorsas we continue the good work done by Mr Skerritt for the benefit of everyone involved in West Indies Cricket.”

In addition to the election for President and Vice President, the

following persons were duly elected asMemberDirectorsofCWI:

Jason King – Barbados Cricket Association

Conde Riley – Barbados Cricket Association

Bissoondyal Singh – Guyana CricketBoard

Deleep Singh - Guyana Cricket Board

Dr Donovan Bennett – Jamaica CricketAssociation

WilfordHeaven-JamaicaCricket Association

Enoch Lewis – Leeward Islands CricketBoard

Leon Rodney – Leeward Islands CricketBoard

Kerwin John – Trinidad and TobagoCricketBoard

Arjoon Ramlal – Trinidad and TobagoCricketBoard

Dwain Gill – Windward Islands CricketBoard

Carol Henry – Windward Islands CricketBoard

The Caribbean Seniors Table Tennis championship came to a sizzling end over the weekend at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue,Georgetown.

Our local Men’s and Women’s team had an excellent outing; pacing through the round stages. Theyplayedsomefinetennis throughout the competition; first by making it through to the round of 32 at the early stages of the competition. Then, into the round of 16; which made them favourites heading into the quarter finals.Bothteamscontinued their form into the knockout stages.

They delivered magnificent upset victories inthequarterfinalsstagesto secure semi final spots

Unfortunately both teams had to settle for Bronze medals finishes on Saturday

eveningasCubabattledtheir way to championship victory

After six days of intense battles between the best of the bests in the region, the host (Guyana) Men’s and Women’steamfinishedthird at the end of 2023 Senior’s Caribbean Table Tennis championship.

In the end, they could only be one champion; the Cuba Men’s and Women wereultimatelycrownedthe 2023 Senior Caribbean champions.

Cuba’s superb victory overPuertoRicobroughtthe curtain down to this year’s S e n i o r C a r i b b e a n championship. Cuba’s Men and women also bagged a number of individual accoladesaswellastheMen andWomensinglestitle.

Puerto Rico settled for secondplaceattheendofthe

competition, as Guyana along with Dominica Republic Women’s both shared the third-place spot. Also over in the Men’s division: Barbados and Guyana Men’s joined hands toliftedthirdplacetrophies, while Puerto Rico came

second to the crowned champions-Cuba. The Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF), through the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) hosted another exceptional senior’s Caribbean tournament

which commemorated the 63rd year of senior regional competition.

A high magnitude of congratulation to Cuba for dominating in the Men and Women singles and doubles final, also sublime efforts from Puerto Rico; as they

stoodtalltofinishfirstinthe mixed doubles and a considerable amount of congratulation for Guyana’s MenandWomenteamforan awesome performance to finished third at the conclusion of this year’s championship.

Internationalflavourwill be an important element of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)’s junior programme for the calendar year of 2023, as the entity resumes its monthly u16 Championship, with Prince CharlesofTrinidadandTobago slated to enter the squared circleonApril2nd.

Charles, who is coached by Jason Matthews, will be part of a two member contingent from the twin island republic which includes Shania Nunez that willcompeteinnextthemonth’s championshipsscheduledforthe NationalGymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Charles, who is of royal moniker, is penciled to match skills with emerging talentJeremiahDuncanwho

wasadjudgedthebestboxer atthepreviouseditionofthe Caribbean School Boys and Junior Championships, hosted on local soil. Nunez willmatchglobeswithlocal sensation Taffina Barker of thePaceandPowerGym.

According to GBA President Steve Ninvalle, thisisanotherhistoricstepin the right direction of the discipline, noting, “This is an historic move and is i n d i c a t i v e o f t h e association’s emphasis on youthdevelopment.Thisisa simple but significant act in building and improving on an initiative that was primarilycreatedtoadvance the sport, and build on its infancy

h

se

exposure to our pugilists at anearlierstage.After-all,the U-16 age group is a vital transitional period in the developmentofboxers.This is just the start.” He further disclosed, “Communication lines were also opened with Suriname, who have also confirmedtheparticipationof a two member delegation, which further adds to the budding profile of this t o u r n a m e n t T h e international element will continuetobeafeatureofthe tournament for the foreseeablefuture.”

TheU-16championships, which is hosted twice on a monthly basis, is directly linkedtotheCaribbeanSchool B o y s a n d J u n i o r s Competition,andservesas

(Continuedonpage21)