Kaieteur News

Govt. now asking ExxonM to submit breakdown after approving US$12.7B in expenses for 5th project

After granting the

will now compete with SBM Agreement. relevant regulatory Offshore, the Dutch-based Importantly, the cost approvals on April 27, 2023 company responsible for the reporting condition was for ExxonMobil’s fifth oil first four projects in the strengthened to include project in the Stabroek Stabroek Block Notable annual synergy reporting, Block, the PPP government changes in the FPSO design acknowledging the shared has now demanded that a compared to previous facilities and personnel breakdown of the costs for projects include using a between these projects that thedevelopmentbeprovided combined-cycle gas turbine result in cost savings within90days. for power generation and a Additionally, a Capping

This demand for closed-loop flare system, Stack condition was financial and cost reporting reducing greenhouse gas included in this licence to was outlined in the Uaru emissionsfromtheproject. ensure compliance with the Petroleum Production

Certain conditions that commitment to have the Licence that was awarded to are applicable to the Capping Stack in-country as the ExxonMobil-led Yellowtail project were required by the Yellowtail consortium by the Natural excluded from the Uaru PPL licence. Resources Ministry The since they were deemed to Insummary,theapproval document states that, “The have been sufficiently o f t h e U a r u F i e l d Licensee shall submit addressed by the Yellowtail Development Plan and financial reports consistent licence conditions. Similar issuance of the Uaru with the Petroleum to the Payara licence, the Petroleum Production A g r e e m e n t a n d i t s Uaru PPL boasts a Unit Licence marks the fifth cost savings by leveraging million barrels of oil

accountingprocedureforthe Development component, approved production the infrastructure and equivalent resources in the MODEC, will produce Uaru Project in such form covering four of the Uaru operation for offshore services available from the initial 20-year licensed 250,000barrelsofoilperday and manner as directed by field reservoirs that extend Guyana within the prolific previously approved period through a total of 44 at peak production. First oil theMinister.” into the Liza production StabroekBlock. production areas at Liza wells – 21 producers and 23 is anticipated for the second

It further notes that area. The Natural Resources The Uaru project is Phase One, Liza Phase Two, water and gas injectors. The quarter of 2027, thereby within 90 days from the date Ministry said last Friday that expected to significantly Payara and Yellowtail. “The floating, production, storage boosting Guyana’s overall of the licence, the Licensee the Uaru project is budgeted contribute to Guyana’s oil foregoing reports of and offloading (FPSO) production rate to over

to cost US$12.683 billion production and highlights development and operating vessel, Errea Wittu, which 1,100,000 barrels of oil per for the Uaru Project in the and is subject to cost the benefits of leveraging costs, and the synergy report will be built by Japanese day format and degree of detail

shall submit cost estimates

Additionally, MODEC no less than that as set out in Block Petroleum Sharing oilprojects. updated and submitted Annex C of the Stabroek annually within 30 days of Block Production Sharing theanniversaryofthedateon Agreement. That section whichsuchreportsaredueor allows for a breakdown of more frequently as the development and operating Minister may require,” the costestimates. licencestates. Government has also

recovery under the Stabroek similarities between black required above shall be F P S O - b u i l d i n g a n d

GTUC calls for public hearings on National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill

The Uaru project is requested to see how the expected to produce 812 Exxon Group will ensure

Veteran trade unionist intelligencegathering. and General Secretary of the The agency had been Guyana Trades Union performing the very Congress (GTUC), Lincoln functions outlined in the bill, Lewis on Monday called for but there was no governance theretobepublichearingson structure or statutory theNationalIntelligenceand framework Once the Security Agency (NISA) legislation is passed, the Bill. Agency will collect

“Labour calls on the information ‘of national Select Committee where this intelligence and security that National Intelligence and will provide a basis for Security Bill to facilitate decision-making and public hearings.This request preventive action and is made based on past conducting analysis of the experiences where there has information’. been minimal agreement at

The functions also the level of the Committee, Committee “so that the recognition an agency that i n c l u d e p r o v i d i n g and the PPP returns to the views and ideas of all has already existed for some intelligence and security Parliament and rams the Bill stakeholders can be 13years. advice to the president, through,” the trade unionist examined.” In a post, via his He explained, “What this cabinet members and other said while noting that the official Facebook page, bill seeks to do is establish entitiesinthesecuritysector implications of the President Ali said “I am the agency by law to clearly “This country requires an legislationare“grave”. aware of the importance of set out what the agency’s agency of this type on a firm Lewis made this call this Bill, but equally, I am powers are, who will legal footing. The direction during his Labour Day committed to ensuring the constitute the agency, by in which we are going address at Critchlow Labour fulsome nature of the Bill is whatmechanismtheywillbe economically as a country, College, Woolford Avenue understood and that appointed, and how the the growth of our economy, days after President Irfaan interested stakeholders be agency will be funded ” and the expansion of our Ali instructed Minister of given the opportunity to Highlighting that the agency fiscal sector, require an Parliamentary Affairs and contribute to it.” The Bill is not a law enforcement agency like this As the Governance, Gail Teixeira was tabled last Monday in body, Nandlall clarified that economy grows, national and Attorney General and the National Assembly by it will work in tandem with securityandthecapabilityof Minister of Legal Affairs, theAttorney General who in the Guyana Police Force thestatetoprotectitscitizens AnilNandlall,SCtosendthe his presentation said that the (GPF) and the Guyana andassetswithinthestate NISABill to a Special Select Bill brings into statutory Defence Force (GDF) in (Continued on page 9)

GTUC’s General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis

US$10B Yellowtail project running ahead of schedule

Chief Operating Officer practice and in compliance Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers, ( C O O ) f o r H e s s withthenation’soutdatedoil and Flowlines (SURF) to Corporation, Greg Hill laws, the lopsided Stabroek transmit produced and recently told shareholders

B l o c k P e t r o l e u m associated fluids (i.e., oil, that Guyana’s fourth oil

A g r e e m e n t , t h e gas, and produced water) projectattheYellowtailfield Development Plan, and any from production wells to the in the Stabroek Block is other law or instrument or FPSO, as well as treated gas running way ahead of agreement with the and water from the FPSO to schedule. Government to which the theinjectionwells.

He said, “Yellowtail, our licence may be subject, as Itshouldbenotedthatthe fourth development, is may be amended, enacted or exact locations of the a p p r o x i m a t e l y 4 5 % modifiedfromtimetotime. Yellowtail development complete and remains on

The foregoing is listed wells have not yet been track for first oil in 2025.” under “Duties of the finalised; however, the wells

Hesaidthe‘ONEGUYANA’ Licensee” in the PPL will be drilled from six drill floating, production, storage Kaieteur News previously centres.Additionally,natural and offloading (FPSO) reported that the project will gas will be produced in vessel which will produce develop approximately 925 association with the 250,000barrelsofoilperday million barrels offshore by produced oil. EEPGL will fromtheYellowtailprojectis drilling approximately 45 to use some of the recovered advancingtoo.Inthisregard, 67 development wells gas as fuel on the FPSO and he told shareholders that the (including production, water proposes to re-inject the FPSO hull entered dry dock injection, and gas re- remaining gas back into the inSingaporeonApril2. injection wells) and using a reservoir,whichwillassistin

Hill also noted that Floating Production, optimising management of topside fabrication and Storage, and Offloading the reservoir Alternative installation activities have (FPSO) vessel to process, uses of gas for future phases c o m m e n c e d a n d store, and offload the are being studied and any development drilling is recoveredoil.TheFPSOwill such uses would be

ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, written approval of the as well that EEPGL shall underway Hill said, be connected to the wells via a d d r e s s e d i n a n

Esso Exploration and Minister, amend the carry out all activities under “Yellowtail is running ahead associated equipment, environmental impact

Production Guyana Limited Development Plan with this Licence in keeping with of schedule right now It’s collectively referred to as assessment. (EEPGL). While the project respect to work and good international oilfield looking really good, but is pegged at a whopping expenditure contained in the remember these are major US$10B, the licence Development Plan, but the projects. So I think just right provides enough leeway for amendment shall not have now, expecting first oil to EEPGL and its partners to effect so as to reduce any still be in 2025 is the right adjust development plans as minimumrequirements.” way to think about it. And well as costs as needed. It noted further that, obviously, as we get further Importantly, government “Unless the Minister has down, we’ll narrow the approval is required for any a p p r o v e d a n y s u c h windowonthosedates.” futuremodifications. amendment, expenditures

T h e P e t r o l e u m According to the made to carry out operations

Production Licence for the provisions of the Petroleum t o i m p l e m e n t t h e Yellowtail Project was Production Licence (PPL), amendment will not be cost granted on April 1, 2022 to “The Licensee may, with the recoverable.”ThePPLstates

New working hours for Essequibo River water taxis

Water taxis

The Maritime Administration traverse passengers on the Demerara River Department (MARAD) on Monday between Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown announced that effectiveApril 30, 2023 the will be permitted to operate from 05:30h to operation time for water taxis from Parika, 20:00h.

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West The Department said this takes effect Demerara) to Wakenaam; Parika to Leguan immediately and will remain in effect until and Parika to Supenaam, Region Two otherwise amended by them. Failure to (Pomeroon-Supenaam),willbefrom05:30h comply with the notice can lead to the to17:30h. immediate revocation of operating licences, MARAD also noted that water taxis that MARADstated.

Map showing the location of the Yellowtail field in the Stabroek Block

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Is Ministry of Education making progress to create a new system to replace NGSA, root cause for an inequitable education system?

CRIMINAL POLITICIANS DEAREDITOR,

More and more, it seems that there are two words that naturally belong together The two words are criminal politicians, and as many Guyanese believe, we have our share of them. Though the locals may pretend to be above boardandhonorablemenandwomen,thereisnoshakingthe perceptionsandconvictionsthatmanyGuyanesepoliticians are low crooks. Independent minded and conscientious Guyanese, who prize ethics in government and principled leadership, are constantly on the lookout for a Guyanese politician that they can trust. It would be a cause for celebration,whichhasbeenalltoorare.

In India, criminal politicians set their own standards, enjoyspecialstanding. InIndia,“athird(34%)of543MPs elected faced criminal charges, up from 30% in 2009, and 24% in 2004” (“Why do Indians vote for ‘criminal’ politicians?”,BBCJanuary16,2017). Becausethenumbers kept climbing over the years, it would be interesting as to wherethepercentageof‘criminal’politiciansinIndiastand today ConsideringwhattookplaceintheAmericancapital onJanuary6,2021,itreasonabletoconcludethatmorethana handful of US politicians dabbled in the criminal, through aidingandabettingothers.

Returning the focus on India, one in three parliamentarians(nearly200outof543)withcriminaltaint hangingovertheirheadsisanalarmingreality Mostwereof a negligible, sometimes questionable, kind, but tellingly “morethan20%ofthenewMPsfacedseriouscharges,such asattemptedmurder,assaultingapublicofficial,andtheft”. Whatdegreeofcleangovernancecantheyeverpresideover? Whattypeofprincipledlawmakingcouldemergefromthose sotarnished?

As asserted by political scientist, Dr Milan Vaishnav, whostudiedthesituationinIndiaforyears,andwroteabook titled, ‘When Crime Pays’, almost all political parties in India field candidates with black marks. Though the comparison is limited, and the local system different, it can besaidfromthepublicrecordthatwe,overhereinGuyana, havepoliticianswhohavehadinteractionswiththelaw,and not for frivolous reasons. Some have passed through the handsoftheGuyanaPoliceForce,afewhaveactuallyhadto face the courts, and still others stand before the court of public opinion because of heavy allegations made against them. These allegations are of sufficient seriousness to qualifyasfeloniesanywhereintheworld-amongthemhave been bribery, corrupt practices involving both local and foreign participants, crimes against the young, and other perversions.

In India, some MPs have been accused of attempted murder,amongothermatters. InGuyana,priortobecoming partofthenationalgovernanceapparatus,thenamesofMPs havebeenassociatedwithmurderatdifferenttimes. Neither governmentnoropposition,overtheyears,couldbesaidto be exempt from this kind of wounding and grievous taint. The irony, and it is a worrying one, is that among those making the law for citizens to follow, there could be those whomayhaveactuallybrokenthelaw,andgotawaywithit. We ask ourselves whether it is this disregard for the constraints of the law, and the heavy restrictions that they apply at the individual level, that is a contributory factor to theugly,deplorablestateofGuyana’sparliament.

To put this another way, it is where men (and women) begin to see themselves as above whatever standards are in place, and become a law unto themselves. Guyanese have beeneyewitnessestothecrude,theobscene,theraucous,and the totally unacceptable in their National Assembly It causesshudderstothinkofwhatthefateofsomeonecouldbe of someone with whom one of our criminally minded and unmanaged politicians have a beef. We have been privy to the brutal batteries inflicted on journalists found offensive viasocialmediabypoliticalagents.

Ifthatcanbedoneinplainviewusingtheinternet,thenit does not leave much allowance about what could be tried using other less public means. Criminal Politicians should notbewithinthebroadgovernancestructure,becausefrom there they can use the power and facilities in their hands to causemuchmischief,commitgreatwrongs.

This week the Ministry ofEducationwillcontinueto administer a colonial era, traumatic experience to 15,268students who will writetheNationalGradeSix Assessment (NGSA), then theywillworshipthetop1% winners. There was a video messagefromtheMinisterto tell students “I love you,” andannouncingextratimeto complete the exam (“More time, more exam centres for students sitting NGSA –Education Minister,” KN, Apr25,2023).

Where are we, and what are the plans and current preparations to abandon the NGSA? There were some articles critiquing the NGSA See “NGSA is educational apartheid, perpetuates inequities in education, should be abolished,” (KN, Sept. 19, 2022). “Government must committoendingNGSAand urgently address inequitable education system,” (SN, May 29, 2021). “Exposing the myth about Guyana’s excellent exam results,”

DEAREDITOR,

I do not believe that many persons would be surprisedatthe“findings”of thePresidentialCommission of Enquiry (COI), just concluded.It’sworkproduct clearly demonstrates the Commissioners aversion to independent, professional enquiry and acquaintance with the laws and administrative arrangements governing our electoral system and a determination to vilify specific election managers (Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo) with unjustifiedclaimsofelection c o n s p i r a c i e s a n d malpractice. Almost every importantassertionisriddled with misrepresentations, delusions, speculations, conspiracy theories and partisan propaganda and unrecognizable as the work of highly experienced and qualifiedlegalprofessionals. It is more likely the conclusionsofawitch-hunt.

During the election standoff in March, 2020 muchwasmadeoftheuseof aspreadsheetintheDistrict4 tabulation and the unsupported claim that the

(Indo-Caribbean, Sept. 20, 2022).

There was a response from the Ministry, “ R e f o r m e d N G S A placement structure being considered– Education Minister,” (Chronicle, Nov 15, 2022).”The ministry is currently exploring a reformed type of placement at NGSA. It can’t happen now. When we get all our [secondary]schools inplace and there’s a secondary school available to every child then NGSA can serve the purpose of saying children who are extremely gifted are offered places at the national school, then the regional school, then everybody goes to a school close to their homes,” Minister Manickchand said. In the Minister’s video saying, “I love you” to the NGSAstudentsshealsosaid, “…whicheverschoolyouget we are going to make sure thatschooloffersyouahighquality secondary education that prepares you for life in Guyana, in the thriving Guyana that we have right

now…”

After60yearsofboththe PNC and PPP, inequities across all regions, inequities in all services to citizens from all Ministries and Government sector have beenpervasive,andcontinue tobeentrenched.

R e g i o n 4 a n d Georgetown continue to be the center of attention and special activities and events are centered mainly in Georgetown. Recently, we observedLiteracyDay Were the Literacy Extravaganzas heldinallregions?

How many schools have a proper functioning, modern library, so essential f o r l i t e r a c y development?(while Exxon and friends fetch away the bulk of our wealth). There was a recent headline, “Education Ministry’s Literacy and Robotics programme launched in Region Four,” (NR,Apr 27, 2023). How many schools across the regions have this program? How many schools have the STEAM programmes? If the answer

is not all schools, then we have a serious equity problem.

It is not true that the Ministry has to wait until newhighschoolsarebuiltto have equity across Guyana. Thatisessential,butwehave to be upgrading all schools now. Modernizing schools must include self-contained classrooms, not classrooms separated by plyboard separators in an open hall. Internetaccessmustimprove in all rural areas.The public engagement, professional developmentdesigns,parent involvement, and national dialogue must start now, to prepare us for ending the NGSAmalpractice.

The Ministry must get busy working on the Equity Plan, not find more ways to beat the “dead horse” of the NGSA harder Education reform and reform leaders aresocriticalnowtosupport the urgent and growing economic changes The Ministryneedslotsofexpert help.

Sincerely,

Dr JerryJailall

informationitcontainedwas substantially inconsistent with the Statements of Poll (SOPs) allegedly in the possession of several party agents. This matter was litigated before the Chief Justice barely two years ago anddismissed.Nevertheless, these eminent jurists from Guyana and the Caribbean found that the use of a spreadsheet represented “clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and subvert the ascertainmentofvotes”,was contrarytolawandGECOM regulations and that it was used, in this singular instance, for ulterior motives, not for efficiency, and created turmoil, major disruptions and slowed the tabulationprocess.Thisthey asserted was a conscious, deliberate and brazen effort to violate the provisions of Section 84 (1) of the RepresentationofthePeople Act (RPA) which requires the Returning Officer (RO) to ascertain the total votes cast in favour of each list in the district by adding up the votes “in accordance with theStatementsofPoll.”

I am dumfounded that learned persons could interpret the words “in accordance with the Statements of Poll” to suggest, or prohibit, a particular methodology for ascertaining votes. Statements of Poll cannot count themselves. Election managers, charged with the r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o f ascertaining the count, are required to devise a methodology which would be the means and procedure by which the votes, taken from the SOPs, were added andthefinalresultarrivedat, andtheRPAdoesnotdefine, delineate or prescribe the meanstobeusedorwhether the RO must use his/her fingers,matchsticks,abacus, chalkboard, spreadsheet or any other calculating tool or aidknowntosociety

There is evidence that at least one other Returning Officer, the District 10 RO, hadattachedaspreadsheetto his election returns detailing the number, division and name of each polling station in his district, the number of electors, total votes cast, voter turnout and the votes

cast for each political party, all of which could be checked and verified by anyone. Also, the GECOM Secretariat’s IT Department also generated similar spreadsheets for every district at this time. This clearly disproves the assertionsmadebythereport –thattheuseofaspreadsheet violated the law and that it was introduced for ulterior motives,notforefficiencyor transparency and to create turmoil, major disturbances, and slowed the tabulation process.

Therelatedassertionthat the information contained in the District 4 spreadsheet w a s s u b s t a n t i a l l y inconsistentwiththeSOPsin the possession of party agentsisnothingmorethana conspiracy theory and not evidence deduced through professional enquiry The party agents that made the claim never produced any evidence to support their brazen and blatant misrepresentation, and the COI never enquired To blame the use of a spreadsheetforcausing (Continuedonpage6)

The COI report, apparently, has very little to say about other election failures

The detention and search of The Permanent Secretary of Guyana raises more questions than answers?

DEAREDITOR,

The arrest and search of Permanent Secretary, Mae Toussaint-Merabux at The Miami Airport raises more questionsthananswers.Isay this on the basis of all the events that surrounded that d e t e n t i o n a n d her subsequent release. In the first place she was purposefullysingledoutand searched by the authorities there, and the question is asked why? What was the reasonforherdetention?We are here discussing a situation where amidst the thousands of passengers passing through that airport, whywasshesingledoutand searched?

Apermanentsecretaryat that, on official government business, why was she targetedforaspecialsearch? And the questions keep c o m i n g ?

My next point is, by whose directive was the stop and search plan given? Who authorisedsuchanexercise? Was it an official directive from USA Authorities at Miami or was it a call in leaked tip off, that The Permanent Secretary was carrying something illegal?

In either scenario nothing illicit was found on or in Mistress Mae TouissantMerabux, so why not issue an apology to her, as well as to The Government of Guyana?

Now, amidst all the convoluted reasons given, oneexcusestandsout,thatis, “she was always on The USA’s Watch list ” And again I ask the question, watch list for what? Guyana and The USA have cordial relations, and as such if any question marks surrounding ThePS’conductexists,then, the decent thing to do is express such displeasure to TheGovernmentofGuyana. Otherwise, to carry out a humiliating exercise like this, would constitute a violation of The Geneva Convention.

So, let me delve a little

deeperonthisissueofbeing on a watch list. From times immemorial The entire PPP PartywasonTheAmerican’s Watch list; The Jagdeo P r e s i d e n c y b e i n g significantly so His presidency was dogged with allegations of being in collusion with the drugs Lord Roger Khan. Those accusations stemmed from local and external forces alike, thankfully not one of those allegations were proven true. In fact when Khan came back to Guyana The Granger Government failed to prosecute him or even to call a COI as to the validityofthoseallegations.

So, anyone with even half a brain would come up with the conjecture, that those same smear campaign tactics against The PPP/C Partyarestillaliveandwell.

Create doubt in The American’s mind, put a wedge between The USA andThe PPP/C Government and there is no better way than to prove that age old theory of drug association and trafficking right! To do this you attack at a soft target, that is, have anAfroGuyanese woman being caught as a drugs mule for her PPP/C Barons. Their clumsy plan did not work and this has caused a huge embarrassment for the plotters. In a related news leak, it has been rumoured thatAmbassadorSarahAnnLynch is to be replaced, if thisistruethenitalladdsup tothetheoryofcreatingthat environment of distrust b e t w e e n t h e t w o administrations Lest we forget this noble lady was very present and vocal against the machinations of The PNC in their attempt to rig the last election here in Guyana.

So, I close here by saying, there is more to this stopandsearchepisodethan greets the eye, let’s stay tuned!

The national interest is paramount in the intelligence and security bill

DEAREDITOR,

I write with reference to concerns expressed about theNationalIntelligenceand Security Agency Bill which i s n o w b e f o r e a ParliamentarySpecialSelect Committee. The Select Committee should be left to do its work without being harangued and harassed through‘talkingdown’inthe letter sections,or on social mediaplatforms.

It is important to keep in mindthatweareworkingon nothing less than national security, something that requires all parties to put aside their partisanship and for once, allow the commitment to the nation’s well being prevail It is disappointing that the Hon. Jermaine Figueirahas already found the time to sow doubts when in fact thereisnoauthenticbasisfor doing do. Mr Figueira for instancebelievesthatthebill “gives sweeping power for unregulated intelligence gathering, ” and that electronic information collection “…will create an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, and intimidation, which will most certainly erode trust between citizens and the government,

undermining civil liberties.” The truth is that citizens should be afraid that we do notyethaveafullybuilt-out national intelligence system thathasgonethroughthefull parliamentary process. Further, it is letters such as thatofHon.MPFigueirathat are not only likely to generate fear, doubt, and apprehension, but that are intendedtodoexactlythat.

S c h o l a r s a n d policymakers worldwide will tell you that the paramount responsibility of any state, and especially democratic states, is to provide security for all citizens regardless of their economic status, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political affiliation,ornationalorigin. The Guyanese population doesnotneedtobereminded ofthebrutalitiesvisitedupon t h i s n a t i o n s i n c e independence. Were it not f o r t h e d e d i c a t e d professional work of the police and other relevant apparatuses of the state, things could have spiraled out of control in the early 2000s.

The naysayers should understand and accept forthwith that the work of intelligence agencies

involves ‘snooping around.’ Criminals and others who wanttodoharm,donotsend you a memo of their intentions,plansanddesired outcomes. Only the most naïve among us would think that you can phone up the “enemy” and ask them for their itinerary Mr Figueira needs to understand that threats to national security are not purely internal Moreover, the idea of national sovereignty needs to be broadened beyond threatstoterritorialintegrity, to include threats from transnational organized crime sources These organizations have enormous capabilities, including intelligence infrastructures often staffed by highly trained (exmilitary) agents To understand, track, and repel these threats, the state (what most people call the government) must develop equivalent, or better capabilities.

One bright spot here is that no intelligence agency operates in a hermetically sealed manner Domestic inter-agency cooperation is critical, as is intelligence sharing with Interpol, regional security agencies,

and friendly states. Some readers might recall the November13,2015,terrorist attack in Paris that killed at least 130 people. The attack was done by extremists who had returned from the ‘battlefield’ in Syria (Dettmer, 17/11/2015).With all the capabilities in France andinEurope,theattackwas not foiled. This was so for two reasons First, the returning fighters used Belgium (with less intelligence resources than France) as a staging area. S e c o n d l y , t h e French(DGSE) had ignored intelligence warnings from Iraq and Türkiye (Ibid) Strengthening regional intelligence sharing is, therefore,urgentlyneeded.

The point here is that intelligenceisacomplexand painstaking task Mr Figueira and other critics must remember that this is about saving lives Here ishopingthatthecivilsociety organizationsinGuyanawill come out in staunch supportof the bill that is before the Parliamentary Special Select Committee. The nation is counting on you.

Sincerely,

Dr.RandolphPersaud

Respectfully, Neil

Adams

GTUC to submit 15-point plan for economic, social and political justice to Govt. - Lewis

General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis on Monday said that his union will be submitting a 15-point plan to Government as well as “Parliamentary forces” to e n c o u r a g e t h e administration to cater to economic, social and politicaljustice.

During his Labour Day address, Lewis listed the 15 demands which include legislation to give meaning toArticle13whichspeaksto inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participationofcitizens,and their organisations in the management and decisionmaking processes of the State, the establishment of all constitutional commissions, legislation to realise the devolution of power per constitutional Articles 75 and 76 to

safeguard the Regional and Local Government systems by allowing for meaningful involvement of the people and their representative at theselevels,andLegislation tomaketheNationalBudget inclusive,TheAppropriation Bill should not be passed in the National Assembly by less than 60 percent of the electedMembers,whichwill necessitate inclusionary democracy and cooperation across the political aisle, Legislation to realise affirmative action including commission, to ensure equity in employment opportunities in the public and private sectors, the awarding of government contracts, and access to education and other socioeconomicbenefits/resources impacting the various demographics.

Lewis said too that the Union will also demand the implementationofDirectOil

Benefit/Cash Transfer through Social Programmes noting that the main objective of such a programme is to increase poor and vulnerable households’realincome.

“We believe Professor Clive Thomas’s proposal of giving each home US$5000 00 per year is doable. ThisyearGuyanais expected to earn at least US$2.88 Billion. We, the workers, demand our fair share,” Lewis said before turning his attention to “lowering or eliminating income tax (PAYE) and providingtaxrebate-Lower PAYEandrestoreallowance forchildren.

Pay monthly grants to those18yearsandolderwith conditionalities ” He said thatconditionalitiescanvary from returning to school to pursuingcertaineducational programmes dependent on national needs Lewis

The COI report, apparently, has very...

Frompage4 turmoil and disruptions and to ignore false claims of fraud, unreasonable demands and numerous disruptionsbypoliticalparty agents, court injunction and challenges, intimidation of election officials, violent protests, terror and insurrection is, to put it mildly, disingenuous and sufficientproofthatthisCOI was ethically, factually, technologically and professionallychallenged.

The COI report, apparently, has very little to say about other election failures, violations of election laws and alleged misconduct by other senior election m a n a g e r s t h e r e b y confirming its raison d’etre for alleging offences where non exist while ignoring many others, particularly those uncovered by the

National Recount exercise andtheelectionpetitionstill beforethecourt.

The APNU+AFC protest outside of GECOM last week was a timely reminder of the many unresolved issues, deliberately ignored bytheCOIReport,affecting the 2020 General and Regional Elections and likely to impact future elections, including the s c h e d u l e d L o c a l GovernmentElections.

The Opposition Leader needs to, firmly and consistently, demand that these issues be resolved and that other senior election managers, particularly the GECOM Chair, face accountabilitybeforetrustin the election process can be restored.

Many great, disparate, historical figures, including Hitler, Malcolm X, Gandhi,

believes that this approach will encourage the development of the country’s human resources indirectionofnationalneed.

Additionally, the GTUC General Secretary is also demanding that the government institutes unemploymentbenefit-paid for a stipulated maximum time period that would enable persons in between jobs to be able to sustain themselves at least on the basics “Activate NIS U n e m p l o y m e n t Regulation,” he said Another demand is for the “Universal protection of the righttojointradeunionsand engage in collective bargaining as outlined in Article 147 [of the Constitution]”. On this note hepointedtotheviolationof the rights of workers who wish to joina tradeunion of theirchoice.

Other elements of the 15-point plan include the expansionoftheschoolmeal programme, the restoration of free education from nursery to tertiary, institution of direct and indirect cash transfers to property owners through interest-free or low interest soft loans to improve residences, reduce electricity, transportation and gas prices and the reintroduction of a public transportation system to create competition and alternative,improvemedical services through the establishment of fully equipped main referral hospitals in all ten regions withtraumacentre,intensive care and diagnostic facilities, and erasing National Insurance Scheme (NIS)deficitandensuringits viability

Meanwhile, Lewis told workers that it is important

for them to “join hands and returntothepointwherewe will be able to challenge employersandunscrupulous governmentsasone.”

“Athreattooneisathreat to all and we must not only sign solidarity, but we must also demonstrate so by actions No longer must governments be allowed to divideusbecausewhenthey do, only them and their cohorts benefit from the fruits of our labour and resourcesofthisland.Thisis the world’s fastest growing economy but the only thing we feel are holes in our pockets and in the soles of ourshoes.Lookaroundyou, poverty has become more widespread and real wages continue to erode,” Lewis said while noting that the “futuremustbebrightforall, notjustafewatthetopwith the rest of us taking the crumbs.”

Mandela and Dr King are agreed on this fundamental issue – that a people must manifest the will to struggle for their humanity to be respected and valued, and their rights to be recognised andupheld.

Failure to do so, they recognize, can lead to marginalization, oppression, slavery and death. US President Joe Biden, in his address at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner over the weekend, reiterated that democracy in the US was still in peril and called upon attendees to redoubletheireffortstosave it.We,here,shouldembrace the significance of Labour Day to advance our solidarity and strength in unity, purpose, and humanity

Sincerely

OscarDolphin

Arundown drainage system will be expensive to upgrade

DEAREDITOR,

Inafeaturearticlewhich appearedinKNonApril26, columnist GHK Lall expressed the view that the recent flooding of Georgetown(theCity)wasa national embarrassment caused by voters and politicians who have failed over the years to address drainage and other infrastructures problems affecting the City in a comprehensivewaybecause of political squabbling, leakage of revenues and racial imperatives of its diverseresidents.

Over the years the City has been governed by a Mayor and Counsellors whose political philosophy generally reflected those of the Central Government’s politicalparty

Annual budgets did not have development and maintenance programs for theallocationoffundswhere theyweremostneeded.

Hence, much of the revenuecollectedwerespent onpetprojects,illconceived worksandwithsomefiltered in the wrong pockets as

GHKLallfranklystated.

Basically, the City’s drainage system is in a state of disrepair and unless it is repaired and upgraded to cope with the high rainfall expected in the next few months of the rainy season, the City will continue to experiencemuchofthesame withrespecttoflooding.

To minimize the occurrence of future flooding, the following should be undertaken immediately:

1. Remove the silt and debris clogging the outfall channels of all sluices and culverts discharging flood water into the Demerara River

2 Repair all sluices (wooden doors, winches, pulleys,etc.)

3 Clear all channels leading to the sluices of silt, debrisandweedsandensure they are graded to the required depths and have adequate widths without constrictions.

4 Ancillary drains discharging into the main channels should be cleared of all obstructions broken

sectionsrepairedandgraded to allow for an unobstructed flow of rainfall from the streetsandproperties. The auxiliary pumps installed to assist with drainage when the sluices areclosedathightideshould be fully functional with adequately stored fuel on site.

A rundown drainage system will be expensive to upgrade.

The Local Government will no doubt have to assist the City with financial, technical and managerial resources to restore the system to its functional expectations However, before funding and other essentials necessary to achieve the desired objectives are provided by the Local Government, an audit should be carried out on the City’s finances and management to ensure that the resources it allocates are deployed by a competent work force for the intended purposes and not filtered awayintoratholes.

Yourstruly, Charles

Sohan

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

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EXXON ON TOP OF THE WORLD

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For Exxon, it is profit record after profit record.

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For Guyanese, it’s the same record: poverty, hungry belly.

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Exxon making big money in Guyana.

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Guyanese getting a big, dirty stick for their oil.

The President had said Guyanese holding the wrong end.

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Now even the President fall in line with that.

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What Exxon wants, Exxon gets.

What Jagdeo does, Jagdeo gets away with.

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Over 7,000 labour inspections conducted to date

-MinHamilton

The Ministry of Labour has issues is critical for Guyana to achievingsolutions,stability,and increase in economic activities conducted more than 7000 labour achieve the targets set out in the good economic outcomes. have increased the demand for inspectionssince2020,withaview United Nations 2030 Sustainable Importantly, workers must also skilled workers,” Minister of enforcing labour and Development Goals (SDGs) and be active and ensure their rights Hamilton pointed out. To this end, occupational safety and health for the country’s economic and are not ignored in the workers are being urged to make that they remain a formidable laws. socialprogress. workplace,” he stated. As the oil useofthemanyopportunitiesmade and major stakeholder in

This was disclosed by Minister, “Consequently, the tripartite and gas industry continues to available by the government to ensuring workers’ rights are Joseph Hamilton, in his message to dedication of Government, experience accelerated growth and enhance their skills. “It would be protected and contributing to commemorate Labour Day, which employers and workers’ a spike in foreign direct remiss of me not to underscore economic growth through is observed annually on May 1. organisations is imperative and investments, the minister said the the importance of trade unions involvement in economic and Minister Hamilton said the one that must be encouraged, government is committed to andtherolethattheyhaveplayed social policy-making, collective inspections provided technical promoted and sustained for us to ensuringthatbothlocalandforeign and continue to play in the bargaining and negotiations at information to both employers and realise our goals and prosperity employers comply with the struggle for workers’ rights, all levels,”the labour minister employees. for all the workers and people of constitutional provision of the equity, just conditions of work added.

They also ensure that the legal ourbeautifulcountry “right to equal pay for equal work and justice for workers Minister Hamilton also saluted provisions relating to conditions of “The process of social or work of equal value and to just throughoutGuyana. workers for their commitment, work and the protection of workers dialogue is fundamental and at conditions of work.” “In this regard, the Ministry effort, dedication and hard work as are enforced. He further noted that the core of good industrial “ I m p o r t a n t l y , t h i s of Labour will continue to work thenationworkstowardsbuildinga tackling labour and employment relations, which is needed for accelerated expansion and with the trade unions to ensure sustainablefuture. (DPI)

WINNING FAIRLY AND SQUARELY

When the news broke that the 1997 elections had been vitiated there was an eruption of excitement among some PNCR supporters working in a particular private sector entity They were euphoric until the grounds for the vitiation were explained to them.

When they were told the grounds for vitiation, one of them, echoing the sentimentsoftheothers,said “We don’t want to win like that. We do not want to win ontechnicalities.”

Those ordinary PNC supporters were saying was thatitmatteredhowyouwin. Theywantedtowinonfairly and squarely, not on legal technicalities. If the court had found that the evidence established irregularities on ascaletooverturntheresults of the elections, that may havesatisfiedthoseordinary supporters of the PNC. But while the court did find irregularities, it could not pronounce on whether this would have altered the overall results. Instead, the

court vitiated the elections on a legal technicality – the use of the national voter identification card was unconstitutional.

There is considerable merit, I believe, in the proposition that had that decision gone to theAppeal Court (Guyana had not yet acceded to the appellate jurisdictionoftheCaribbean Court of Justice), it would have been overturned. It is difficult to understand how anelectioncanbevitiatedon the grounds of the use of a national voter identification card which had not been objected to prior to the elections but which was objected to during the hearing of the petition, and especiallysinceitwasnever established that sufficient n u m b e r s w e r e disenfranchised by the measure to the extent that it hadthepotentialtooverturn the almost 60,000 votes by which Janet Jagan trounced DesmondHoyte.

Itisonethingtoestablish that the use of the voter identification card was

unconstitutional It is another thing to vitiate electionsresultsonthebasis oftheuseofthatcard.

It was the same thing in relation to the 2020 general and regional elections. As a Commission of Inquiry into those elections recently pronounced, there was an attempt to foist false results on the people. Any victory arisingfromsuchanexercise would be a pyrrhic.There is no glory nor even consolation, in winning an electionondubiousgrounds.

The loser of a cricket match does not wish to be declared the winner because the scorer was not supposed to be wearing a short which was the same colour as the winning team. Unless it can beestablishedthatthescorer rigged the scorecard, no losing team would find any decision to overturn the match result worthwhile if thatdecisionwasbasedona technicality

AfterthelastWorldCup, therewereFrenchsupporters whowerecallingforareplay of the final on the grounds

GTUC calls for public hearings on...

Frompage2 must proportionally improve,” the Attorney Generalsaid.

However, Lewis describedtheNISABillasa “burningandpressing”issue and posited that the “intent of this agency is to spy on citizens,primarilythosewho express alternative opinions to the government ” “ A l r e a d y w e a r e experiencing persons draggedbeforethecourtsfor expressing opinions, i n d e p e n d e n t o f government’s propaganda, of what is taking place in society

This proposed law is to give cover, and more so

make legitimate the PPP’s atrocities.

We must demand guardrails be placed in Bill to ensure our fundamental rights and freedoms are not violated, and more so hold the enforcers of the law accountable to the C o n s t i t u t i o n a n d internationalconventions.”

Further, Lewis said that, “we live in a society where publicofficersunderthePPP are hardly held accountable. In this environment where almost everything has been reduced to partisan petty politics, there are reasons to fear vesting more authority inthegovernmentcouldlead to increased tyranny by

Dem Boys Seh...

operativesingovernment.”

He told workers who gathered in solidarity to listen to the GTUC General Secretary that politicians mustbeheldaccountable“to ensure they govern in the interest and manage the welfare of the state to the people’s benefit ” Progressive trade unionists believe politics is about people and people’s development, Lewis said while stating that the Irfaan Ali-led government is “investing time and our financial resources to erode rights and freedoms, to perpetuate acts that deny workers economic, social andpoliticaljustice.”

Gun mekking people do strange things

Demboyswaitingfuhseewahgancome out of dis story Yesterday a video surfaced of a man with a gun in he hand quarreling with another man. De man who he was quarreling with, was not posing any physicalthreattodeman,basedondevideo.

De police does want seize people firearmfuhallkindsofpettyreasons.Well, demboyswaitingfuhseeifdemganrevoke defirearmlicenceofdemanwithdegunin hehand.Ahguessingdemgansehdemnah get no report of d man and sufficient informationfuhfinddeman.

People need protection against bandits. Butitnahgivenobodydelicencefuhtekout demgunwhendesituationnahwarrant.Dat

is why dem boys calling fuh de police fuh put people through some more training before dem issue people with firearm license.

Peoplemustbetrainedastowhatarethe circumstances when dem can use de gun, and it supposed to be only if dem life get threatened.

Wasabiggundemandidpull.Demboys nahknowwhetheritwasanothertypeofgun wahmekawomanjumpthroughdesecond storyofabuildingyesterday Butdewoman almost sprained her ankle when she fall. Dem boys hope de police find she too becauseshegatsomequestionstoanswer Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

that when Argentina’s third goal was scored, there were persons from the Argentine benchencroaching ontothe pitch.

Buteventhemostardent of French football fans did not take seriously the demand for a replay They did not want to win on such technical grounds They accepteddefeat.

Following the 2020 general and regional elections, the Opposition initially said that its statements of poll would prove that it had won the elections. The narrative exploded in the face of the Opposition when David GrangeragreedtoaRecount. The narrative then switched to the fanciful claims that dead and migrant persons voted. A CARICOM Audit teamfoundthatthemajority oftheobjectionsmadebythe Opposition scrutinizers during the recount process amounted to a “fishing expedition”.

Yet, the narratives continuedandthenmorphed into the government being “installed” (suggesting i m p o s e d ) b y U S imperialism Well, during theCongressofthePNCR,it was clearly announced that thewinneroftheelectionfor leader was eligible to be “installed” as leader There was no objection then to the useoftheword“installed”.

The resort of legal technicalities to upturn the results of an election does not overturn in the minds of citizens the view that those who win should win in accordance with the ground rules – that is they should win based on the votes they received and not because of somelegaltechnicality

The courts have always held that even where there areirregularities,thesemust be on a scale sufficient to haveimpactedontheoverall result of the election. If a party wins and election by 60,000 votes, one does not

expect that those results are going to be overturned simply because at one polling station someone voted without any form of identification One vote would not alter the overall outcome. Those supporters of the PNC who were initially elated when they heardthatthe1997elections were vitiated but whose excitementwasextinguished when they later learnt of the grounds for the vitiation of theresults,wereexpressinga sentiment that most people embrace:ifyouhavetowin, win fairly and squarely not onthebasisoftechnicalities.

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

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

SPY AGENCY: COMFORTING UNDER ONE CONDITION

Does Guyana need a spy agency? My answer is ‘YES’! Should Guyanese be apprehensive about the presence of one? Again, the answer is a loud YES!I take a nuts and bolts look at the pluses and minuses of involved in the presenceofspyagencywith nationalreach.

The very first thing that could be said with absolute confidence is that the operations of a national spy agencyhavetobesecretive, a powerful entity of the stealth variety That is, it operates under a shroud of thick darkness Whether likedornot,thebestusefor, the greatest benefits to be had from, a national spy agency is when it operates underground Should anyone encounter a spy agency operating in the open,dothefavorofsharing suchinformation,please.

The concern, a major one-many of them-is that there is the usual tendency by certain kinds of leader, strong leanings by certain kinds of government, to misusesuchaspyagencyfor theworstpurposes.

Amongthemaretogetat enemies,notoftheState,but ofeitherthemselvesortheir political grouping, as perceived. By the time that unsuspecting citizens find out what went on, a considerable amount of damage would have been inflicted, and oftentimes, irreparably so. There is no sophisticationinanyofthis, justcommonsensebasics.

The challenge is how to manage seriously this contradictory reality For notwithstanding the possibly terrible negatives embedded in a national spy agency, at the hands of unsettled governments and theirviciousleaders,thereis still the powerful need for such an agency, and it just must be one that operates in layersofsecrecy

Partoftheparadoxisthat its presence, when put to proper use, can be so constructive. I look at a coupleofknownofficialand covert presences that Guyanese live with currently; there could be othersthataresospecialized that only the deepest cover makesthemviable.

There is the Special Branch within the Guyana Police Force, which is engaged in many different types of covert intelligence work, the extent of which is unknown. For it to be otherwise,istoneutralizeit, renderitallbutuseless. The Guyana Defense Force has an intelligence gathering unit,andthatgroup’sworkis alsooneofcloakanddagger, likely more cloak and less daggerinunsteadyGuyana.

Additionally, we have surveillance units utilized for different objectives (including crimefighting), and squads reserved for special operations The latter does not qualify to be categorized as a bona fide spy agency, but there is no telling where it can be employed, even at a rudimentarylevel.

Consideringtheabove,it makes for perfect sense to have a body of men and women-dedicated and trusted patriots-to oversee the coordination of the various units, squads, and such.

Itisconstructivetohave a group operating in the domesticrealm,andanother on foreign shores, if only to feed to and coordinate the intelligence apparatus. For preemptive protective purposes. For exclusively national security interests, and not having anything to do with partisan objectives. There is the need for such a group standing as an overseer over our entire spy network. I was living in AmericawhentheFBI,CIA, DIA,andothersinthatduck soup, didn’t know what the others had, or were doing. Lookatwhatresulted.

My problem, a serious one, is the great discomfort harboredbytheofficializing and existence of such a nationalspyagency,without robust checks and balances of a nonpolitical caliber It must have civilian control, and nothing else Recall whatwehavehad.

Recall how the Special Branch under Burnham was unleashedonlocals. Recall a crime fighting group within the Guyana Police Force,anditsexcesses.

Thetruemagnitudeofits monstrositiesisstillasecret. This was not a secret unit, and Guyanese couldn’t get, and still don’t know, what went on during what was a reign of terror under the

umbrella of legitimate activities on behalf of the Guyanese people. ASWAT teamkilledanunarmedman inhisbedinEssequibo,and it took pulling fingernails and teeth from officialdom to get some slivers of understanding of what went on,andwhy

Becauseofwhatwenton underdifferentgovernments and leaders at different times, the level of confidenceislow,regarding the purposes to which a powerful and secretive national spy agency can be put. There is considerable

t r e p i d a t i o n regarding how both the PPP and

P N C ( o r a n y

government) can misusesuchanagencyto getatGuyanese.Theagency reporting to the President does not comfort: too much leadership weakness, too many criminally inclined insiders.

ThePresidentmaymean well,butthesamecannotbe said of the others in his cast of close characters; just too many untrustworthy and vindictivefaces.

Thereisacryingneedfor

civiliancontrol,asfragileas that may be, too. At least, some of the rank politics couldbefilteredout.

(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.)

32 police ranks are now certified prosecutors

Thirty-two ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have successfully completed an international training course in prosecutionattheSchoolof theNations.

The graduates are the secondbatchofpoliceranks to benefit from the course and include three top performers who all completedtheirstudieswith a100percentpassrate.

The police prosecutors’ course was established to give police ranks formal accredited training to improve their performance incourt.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) caught up with some of the graduates. Top performer, Danilla Dow, was excited after receiving her examination results. “I was scared and didn’t want to continuebecauseitwasnew

to me, I had never done anything like that before,” sheexpressed.

Happy about her new knowledge, the police constablesaidsheintendsto further her studies in the field, explaining that the course has helped her to better understand and appreciate the law “The partnership between the GPF and Nations and other educational institutions to teach police the law and courtprocedure,andhowto deal with citizens will benefit the force, as police will become more aware of thelaw,”Dowstated.

Another top performer, Corporal Carl Pedro, explained that the course willenhancehiscapabilities asapoliceofficer “It helped me to better understand the power that the police possess so that I won’toverstepmyauthority

It also helped me to better understandthattheroleofa prosecutor is not to get a convictionbuttoensurethat justice is served,” Pedro emphasised.

Meanwhile, Elisha Barrington feels privileged after having the opportunity to complete the course and said she will do her best in thecourttoensurejusticeis served “The field of prosecuting is new to me, but I grasped a lot that will help me as a prosecutor in the criminal justice system, the facilitator was adamant that we understand and knowwhattolookforbefore establishingcertainoffences andbeforeanactualcasecan bemadeout,”sheexplained. The government continues to invest in the Guyana Police Force, particularly to enhancetheeffectivenessof police prosecutors during courtproceedings.(DPI)

Thirty-two ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who are now certified prosecutors

Someworkershavenorights,labourundervalued

Workers march during Labour Day on Monday

President tells Labour Day rally

Guyanese workers had various messages to their leaders

Amid growing concerns ready to guide and assist. Labour Union, but it was not in society over the cost of Comrades in the spirit of until1958whenJanetJagan, living and the state f the Labour Day imbued by thenMinisterofLabourthat, economy, President of the working-class solidarity let May 1st was approved as a Guyana Agricultural and us extend a helping hand to NationalHoliday.” sincerest solidarity to all and Prime Minister Mark economic trajectory our call General Workers Union, our comrades in the Narine said Labour Day peoples, especially the Phillips and others in the is justifiable, and we are Seepaul Narine called on unorganised sectors of our is a day when workers raise working-class who are Government to cushion the o p e n t o e n g a g e i n government to implement economy For those who are high the banner of solidarity engaged, in one way or effects and bring about relief constructive dialogue to measures to assist low- listening to me on the oftheInternationalworkinganother, in this fight today to our nation’s workers. We arriveatpaylevelswhichare earning workers and, one of outside, you must join a class.” We are part of this for these causes. We hasten appreciate policies to reasonable in the context of which is for the national union,aprogressiveunion,if world movement As to add that while we support maintain water and ourdevelopment. minimum and public sector you really want changes at generationofworkersbefore thesestruggles,wemustalso electricity rates, zero-rating Those discussions minimum wages be equated yourworkplace.” us have done in our country, do our share to bring about of fuel, and adjustments to should also advance an all- to offer relief and breathing Narine said as “we are the working-class of the an order that places people the import duty regime. We encompassing social pact room to families who are reminded of the hardships world have also written, before profits and a world have seen too the efforts to addressing retirement and harmed by the drastic price some sections of the selflessly, glorious and order based on peace, enhance disposable income retirement benefits, safety increases. working-class confront, we inspiring chapters of humanerelations,andsteady and provide additional and health, working hours, Addressing workers at recall too the revolutionary struggles that impacted progress.” benefits These are and labour productivity, to t h e F e d e r a t i o n o f struggle that ignited Labour positively on our lives and At the local level, Narine welcomed but the situation, name a few Indeed, given

Independent Trade Unions Day This day has evolved influenced profound sociosaid the cost of living for workers at the bottom, ourstageofdevelopmentthe of Guyana (FITUG) Labour fromarich,inspiringchapter economic changes. In our remains a pressing concern. remainschallenging.” n e e d f o r g r e a t e r Rally at National Park on oftheinternationalworking- day, we are witnessing new “Officially food prices have However, he said as an c o l l a b o r a t i o n a n d Monday, Narine said there class and rooted in the challenges levelled at those gone up by twelve (12) interimmeasure,toassistour cooperation is necessary are many workers who struggle of 1886 when some who historically thrived on percent. But comrades are lower earning workers, the Certainly, there are many wished to be at the rally, but 80,000 workers in Chicago, wars, conflicts, oppression tellingusthattheyarepaying national minimum and issues which need to be arefacingseveralchallenges USA demanded an eight (8) and exploitation Today much more. We are aware of public sector minimum addressed and we are a n d e n c o u n t e r i n g hour working day Based on there are more voices across several explanations as we wages should be equated to confident that frank, mature tremendous difficulties. “At those struggles, workers all continents demanding an note that Guyana is not offer relief and breathing conversations could see a their workplaces they have representatives adopted a end to injustice, and for alone. room to families who are w i n - w i n s i t u a t i o n no rights, and their labour is resolution at a meeting in World Peace, deepening of

1887 for May 1st to be democracy, an end to world, people are taking the increases. “Additionally, the work together for Guyana’s

In several parts of the harmed by the drastic price Comrades we all need to undervalued.

They are pushed further observed as International poverty,respectforcountries streets but thankfully here, N a t i o n a l Tr i p a r t i t e development and FITUG is into pauperization, and they WorkersDay InGuyana,our sovereignty and consistent, proactive efforts are Committee should begin readytoadvanceresponsible need a helping hand. From celebrations began in 1930 focused, efforts to address advanced by President Dr discussions to arrive at a leadership in unlocking our this podium, we say to those under the leadership of climatechange.” Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice livable wage for our nation’s national objectives,” Narine workers that we will stand Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow “We of FITUG express, President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo workers Given our said. with you in full solidarity, and his British Guiana in the strongest terms, our

Pres. says workers will benefit from Guyana’s economic transformation

progressively improving workers disposable incomes, it increased the minimum wage of private sector workers, enhanced public sectorwages,removedanumberof

President IrfaanAli has assured is presently on an irreversible already reintroduced the ‘Because taxes and took steps to cushion that workers will benefit from the trajectory towards greater progress we Care’ cash grant to support inflation. “It is because people country’s economic and social andprosperity Hewaskeentonote parents in educating their children, matter that we are supporting the transformation being driven by the that workers are pivotal to the since they care for the working vulnerable through increased oilandgassector successofthisprocess. class. pensionsandpublicassistance.Itis

His assurance comes at a time As such, he noted, “I assure all In addition, he said that out of because we recognize the struggles when workers have been theworkersofGuyanathatnotonly concernfortheworkers,despitethe of the poor that initiatives such as complaining about the daily will they benefit significantly from constraints the administration the ‘Men on Mission’ is reaching challengesoffeedingtheirchildren the country’s economic and social faced upon assuming office in out to neediest of the needy in our and the high cost of living and transformation but that they will be 2020, it still brought relief to society,”thePresidentadded. inflation rate. With $5 billion set one of the principal forces driving households across the country

He related that working class aside in this year’s budget to ease this process.” Ali went on to point during the COVID-19 Pandemic. families are now being provided the high cost of living, government out the way in which his He said, “It is because we are a withopportunitiesandbytheendof is yet to reveal its strategy to government has been ensuring working class government that we workersandadjustedthesalariesof 2025, more than 50,000 families cushion these effects across the workers benefit from the growth of have supported workers in key others in the security and health wouldhavehouselotstobuildtheir board. the country He also outlined sectors of the economy It is sector.” own homes. “This will provide

During a live statement on the measures that can be expected in because we value our workers that Ali pointed out that because the themwithgreateconomic occasion of Labour Day, the Head thefuture.Tothisend,thePresident we paid benefit to our heroic front government is committed to (Continued on page 16) ofStatehighlightedthatthecountry boasted that his government has line health and security sector

President Irfaan Ali delivering his address on May Day

Eight years later… Guyana still without independent oil sector regulator

…Jagdeo says Petroleum Commission ‘not likely’ soon

This month, makes eight

(is) still on the cards, but it’s years since Guyana is not like on the verge…” without an updated Jagdeo responded. In his legislative and regulatory response, he also explained framework that is essential that the government is for the protection of the oil exploring several areas to i n d u s t r y a g a i n s t enhance Guyana’s archaic mismanagement and petroleumlaws.Jagdeosaid, corruption. One of the key

“…right now we are moving regulatory architectures that forward with two elements remains in limbo is the of that framework we have Petroleum Commission Bill done several already The that would pave the way for two that we are working on the appointment of an thePSA(thenewProduction independentregulator Sharing Agreement for T h e P e t r o l e u m future oil blocks) and the Commission Bill was petroleum act (the 1980’s initially proposed by the Petroleum Exploration and APNU+AFC for the ProductionAct.) establishment of an oil and gas industry The exploring for, extracting and insulatetheoilandgassector Legal Department within According to the Vice independent body which Petroleum Commission of utilising petroleum and frompoliticalinterference.( thatMinistry Thatwaswhen President, at this time the wouldholdresponsibilityfor Guyana will have the petroleum products ( The

s the Attorney General cited Ministry of Natural monitoring and enforcing responsibility of monitoring new regulatory body will Minister,VickramBharratin that changes are likely to be Resources will continue to Guyana’s modernised and ensuring compliance also have an advisory role to March 2021, had stated that seen. operate as the technical petroleum laws, policies and with the policies, laws and the Minister on matters within a matter of weeks, the It has been 33 months body, but added that in the oil agreements. The body is agreements for petroleum related to the conduct of the independent regulator the since the since the PPP/C future the government will also intended to ensure oil operations. It would have industry government promised to Government assumed office look at avenues to establish companies comply with also, inter alia, be The Bill was however establish for the oil sector and President Ali is yet to the independent oil sector h e a l t h , s a f e t y a n d responsible for ensuring sent to a Special Select would be in place. Minister honour its promise to the regulator environmentalstandards.( compliance with health, Committee since its most Bharrat was also quoted on nation. Additionally, at his The Vice President

On May 8, 2017, then safety and environmental fatal flaw or characteristic the Guyana Basins Summit recent press conference, recent statement at his press Minister of Natural standards and ensure local was that it gave the Natural website as saying that the Vice President Bharrat conference has changed Resources,RaphaelTrotman c o n t e n t a n d l o c a l Resources Minister a toxic Commission is needed so it Jagdeo said that establishing from what he had previously had tabled the Petroleum participation in all of the level of control over the said can “manage this emerging the Petroleum Commission said. In 2020, days after Commission of Guyana Bill activities Also, the body.(Uponassumingoffice sector without political is not something the Irfaan Ali was sworn in as 2017 during the 64th Sitting commission would have in August 2020, the PPP interference.” Government of Guyana President, Jagdeo had said of the Eleventh Parliament. beentaskedwithresearching administration had promised For his part, Attorney (GoG)willbedoinganytime that the body was important The passage of that Bill efficient, safe, effective and an overhaul for Guyana’s General, Anil Nandlall, had soon. would be developed within wouldhaveseenthecreation environmentally responsible petroleum laws In fact, told Kaieteur Radio during The Vice President was six months, then in 2022, he o f t h e P e t r o l e u m exploration, development President Irfaan Ali during aninterviewthattheBillisat asked by a reporter about the statedthatthebodycouldnot Commission of Guyana and production of petroleum his inauguration address the Ministry of Natural appointment of the stop corruption, but that which will oversee and in Guyana, including the pledged to establish a Resources and it is being Commission, which he had government had not thrown manage Guyana emerging optimum methods of Petroleum Commission to actively considered by a promised. “A commission theideaoutthewindow

Guyana pavilion officially opens at OTC 2023 in Houston, Texas

The Guyana Pavilion at the Offshore Technology Conference, 2023 (OTC) beingheldinHouston,Texas was officially opened Monday morning with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony

Theevent,fromMay1to May 4, 2023, at the NRG Centre in Houston will see Guyana participating for the fourth time in this prestigious international gathering, a press release from Tagman Media said.

Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer of Guyana andAgency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, and Honorary ConsulGeneralofGuyanain Houston, Mr Lutfi Hassan, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony

Guyanese officials and delegates at the conference

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat President Irfaan Ali

Assuria opens $1B headquarters

G u y a n a o ff e r s a especially in the oil and gas companies and the promising outlook for local sector,”headded. Insurance Association of insurance companies, PM Phillips pointed out Guyana (IAG) should be especially since the country that the insurance industry is encroached to raise continues to experience an integral part of Guyana’s awareness about the r a p i d d e v e l o p m e n t economy, which has in the necessity of having nationwide, Prime Minister, last five years accounted for insurance,” the prime MarkPhillipshassaid. 9.5percentofthetotalassets minister asserted. Managing He was at the time ofGuyana’sfinancialsector Director, Yogindra Arjune; delivering the keynote He noted that insurance Head of Department for address Saturday evening, at c o m p a n i e s p r o t e c t Life/Health/Pension, Erwin the official opening of the properties, lives, health, and Daniels,andChairmanofthe Assuria Life and General even income “Yet the Supervisory Board, Mario Insurance Companies reality is that too many of Merhai also delivered headquarters, Church Street, ourpropertyownersdonot remarks Present at the Georgetown. have insurance. Too many opening were Senior

The prime minister said of ourcitizens’lives are not Minister in the Office of the the development signals the insured and only a fraction P r e s i d e n t w i t h investors’ confidence in the of our population benefits Responsibility for Finance, nation’s financial sector, from pension schemes and DrAshniSingh,Governorof which has remained stable, health insurance,” PM the Bank of Guyana, Dr and secure. “In recognition Phillipshighlighted. Gobind Ganga, Speaker of of this important role in To this end, he urged the National Assembly, our country’s financial stakeholdersintheinsurance Manzoor Nadir, and development, government industry to educate the members of the diplomatic hastakenstepsthroughthe public on the benefits of corps. Local Content Legislation being insured. “I believe

The multi-million-dollar to support the local that there is a need for headquarters will be opened industry in capitalising on greater public education to the public from Tuesday, the expanding economy, onthisissue.Theinsurance May2,2023.

Fourteen-year-old boy drowns at Orealla

Police are investigating Initial investigations in the Creek when t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s revealed that Nathaniel Nathaniel went into the surrounding the death of Nelson, who is from water, began struggling, Nathaniel Nelson, a 14- C r a b w o o d C r e e k , anddisappeared year-oldboywhoreportedly Corentyne, Berbice, was As a result, a search drowned at Orealla, withagroupvisitingOrealla party was formed, and Corentyne River, Region when he, along with others, subsequently, the body was SixonSunday handed over their cellular retrieved at about 10:15hrs.

Nelson was a student of phones to a relative and left An ambulance was called LinePathSecondarySchool inanunknowndirection. but an emergency response and according to police he They went swimming team member onboard drowned around 07:30hrs. and played (Ready-Ketcha) pronouncedhimdead.

Food for the Poor on learning pods project

partners with STEMGuyana

STEMGuyana and Food For The Poor (FFTP), Guyana have entered into a M e m o r a n d u m o f Understandingtosupportthe creation and maintenance of a Learning Pod at Baramita Primary School, Matarkai, Sub District, Region 1, Guyana.

The agreement was brokered by Food For The Poor Guyana, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing aid to vulnerable communities in the country, STEMGuyanasaidinapress release.

STEMGuyana, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting science, technology,engineering,and mathematics (STEM) activities associated with the significant gaps in education education in Guyana, will onsite execution of the to receive after-school facilitate the opening and programme. FFTP(Guy) Inc enrichment in Math, support of the Learning Pod CEO, Kent Vincent stated English, Science, and at Baramita Primary School. that, “FFTP(Guy) Inc Technology This helps them As part of the agreement, remains committed to to not only close the gaps in STEMGuyana will train assisting those in greatest their education but also to teachers and volunteers, need throughout the s t r e n g t h e n t h e i r provide lesson plans, a country”. c o l l a b o r a t i o n , timetable, and robot kits, but Regular monitoring and communication, and will not provide snacks. The evaluation of the program problem-solving skills Baramita learning pod will will be done and reports These skills will help them become the 42nd learning submitted to FFTP(Guyana) develop into future leaders center located throughout all every two (2) months. The who can make a significant 10regionsofGuyana. program will run for 10 contribution to their region, Food for the Poor months of each year, with a country, and even the (Canada) will provide the start date of May 1st, 2023. world.” funding for the Program and The Baraimita program will The Learning Pod at Food for the Poor (Guyana) runfor3dayseachweekand Baramita Primary School

will include a ‘Tech day’ will help promote STEM

STEMGuyana to implement allocated to technology education in Guyana, a theprogram.Fundingcovers education. country that is seeking to the procurement of all the STEMGuyana Director, develop its technology resources (laptops, tablets Karen Abrams, stated that, sector This collaboration and a projector) needed and ”Our 42 learning pods, between STEMGuyana and payment of stipend for the spread across all 10 regions Food For The Poor, Canada teachers. of Guyana, provide an is a significant step towards

opportunityforchildrenwith achievingthisgoal. coordinate all of the

STEMGuyana Director, Karen Abrams and FFTP (Guy) Inc CEO, Kent Vincent and other officials

STEMGuyana Director, Karen Abrams and FFTP (Guy) Inc CEO, Kent Vincent

Prime Minister, Brigadier Retired Mark Phillips participating in the ribbon cutting of the Assuria Life & General Insurance Companies Georgetown headquarters, Church Street

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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and The University of the West Indies (UWI) have announced the 25 recipients of the first round of small grants, part of the EU sponsored project ‘Creative CaribbeanAn Ecosystem of “Play” for Growth and Development’.

The project is aimed at improving the economic conditions of creatives to stimulate sustainable growth of the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) in the Caribbean. A total of US$1,028,287 has been awarded for the implementation of twenty-five projects across the Caribbean thanks to the generous contribution of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP)European Union (EU).

The awarded Projects and locations are outlined below:

1. Kingston CreativeKingston Creative Accelerator, Jamaica

2. Nevis Historical & Conservation Society - Power to the People: Strengthening Nevis Heritage Frameworks & Accessibility, St Kitts and Nevis

3. Naparima Bowl - Upgrading the Database & Website for the National Registry of Artists & Cultural

Workers, Trinidad, and Tobago 4. The Dominican Republic Film CommissionPreservation of the Dominican Film Memory, The Dominican Republic 5. Pinelands Creative Workshop - Cultural Heritage Identification & Preservation (CHIP) Project

6. Kross Kolor RecordsMusic Production & Audio Engineering Incubator, Guyana 7. Secondary Schools’ Drama Association (SSDA) - Facilitators and Educators Training in Education (FETE) - Trinidad and Tobago

8. Alpha Institute - Practice

Makes Professional: A professional music space for practice and instruction, Jamaica 9. DianJen - The Online School of Music Industry Studies, multiple Countries

10. Dominant Seventh Productions - Rellon Brown and the Dominant Seventh Calypso Jazz Band at Recontre Autour du Piano 2023 11. Kaz Kweyol Productions Limited - Dominica’s Artist in Residence Programme: Promoting the sustainable development of the Traditional Masquerade Forms in Dominica and the region, Dominica 12. Fundación Absoluto Teatro, Inc., M. Elizabeth OvalleFestival Internacional de

Teatro Mujeres sobre las Tablas, The Dominican Republic 13. Les Laboratoires de Port-au-Prince ü0Ù

LˇÖ

PAPLAB - Caribbean Dance Platform, Haiti 14. The Bocas Literary Festival - Caribbean Writer & Industry Development Programme, Trinidad and Tobago 15.

Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra

(ABYSO) - The ABYSO

Kanneh-Mason Playing to Inspire Festival of Music, Antigua and Barbuda 16.

Belize Music AgencyBelize’s Festival Tourism Pilot Project, Belize

17. Plie for the Arts - Towards Building a viable Caribbean Creative Market Place, Jamaica 18. Agency for Innercity Renewal - Trench Town Cultural Hub, Jamaica

19. Animae Caribe Festival - Animae Caribe Pitch Deck Finishing Accelerator, Trinidad and Tobago

20. Koru Green - “Music Making Money”: Koru Green

Artist Management Software Development Project, Multiple Countries 21. Beyond

Publishing - Loose Change-

A comic-book series set in a prestigious business school that seeks to promote financial literacy in children and

adults alike, Multiple Countries 22. Baughaus DesignsBAUGHaus product development & market expansion, Jamaica

23. Reve Jewelry - Caribbean Premier Jewelry Internship Program, Jamaica

24. Lake Health and Wellbeing - My Healthy Heroes, Saint Kitts and Nevis

25. The University of Trinidad and TobagoWeCapture’s audio-visual content production and an online platform as a data outlet for networking, marketing, promotion, and distribution, Trinidad and Tobago The second round of grant calls is now open, and creatives may apply from three categories: industry grants, enabling environment grants, and training grants at this website: Creative Caribbean Second Round Grant Calls. The 15 Caribbean countries eligible for this grant scheme are: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. The Creative Caribbean project is being implemented over forty months and is expected to end in 2024.

Guyana pavilion officially opens at OTC...

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From page 13 world to keep engaging with Guyana as we continue to lead on energy transition, low carbon development, and climate services. The group that we have here comprised representatives from Government and from private sector organisations, inclusive of individual companies at every size. This is a good engagement opportunity.”

The OTC serves as a vital forum for offshore energy industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore innovative technologies. Guyana’s participation results from a collaboration between the Guyana Office for Investment and 40 private sector companies, with over 100 participants in the delegation.

GKB, Guyana Logistics & Support Services, Friedlander, GTT, and Swiss Machinery are among the notable companies present, alongside key Guyanese business organisations such as PSC, GCCI, AMCHAM, and GOGEC, forming the Guyana delegation.

Kester Hutson, the GCCI President said, “We continue to be satisfied with the continued enthusiasm demonstrated by our members for participation at the OTC. We must applaud the Guyana Office for Investment for being able to assemble businesses and organizations for this event. As we continue to be a regional energy production powerhouse, Guyana needs to be promoted to the

world more than ever.” The Guyana Pavilion’s presence at the 2023 OTC highlights the nation’s dedication to encouraging investment and growth in both offshore and traditional sectors. The conference offers an excellent opportunity for networking, collaboration, and showcasing Guyana’s potential for future industry developments.

Manniram Prashad, President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber said, “We are delighted to participate at the Guyana pavilion at the OTC. GOGEC plays a significant role in, linking Oil and Gas and energy companies to Guyanese businesses. We are excited to bring such a large delegation to the oil and gas capital of the world

and expect to see tremendous results in the form of MOUs and contract signings.” By participating in the OTC, Guyanese businesses can seek partners and learn about emerging opportunities in their South American homeland. This involvement will help bring more supply chain opportunities to Guyana’s shores. A primary focus of this mission is education, connection, and networking. Energy professionals, engineers, executives, operators, scientists, and managers from around the globe and across all offshore energy sectors are in attendance. Industry leaders will discuss licensing, business opportunities, and recent advancements in technology.

Pres. says workers will benefit from Guyana’s...

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From page 12 security,” he said, adding that their children will also benefit from improved education including free University education by the end of 2025 through the Guyana Online Academy and the Get Ready to Work programme. In the meantime, the President noted that the health care sector is also being revolutionised to ensure greater access to citizens and quality care to all.

“The expansion of the economy and increase in public expenditure are creating more and better jobs for Guyanese.

These and other working class gains are best secured by a united labour movement. Sadly yet another May Day finds the local labour movement divided.

A fractured labour movement undermines workers solidarity. This is far from desirable in protecting workers’

rights and consolidating their gains,” he related. On this note, the President pointed out that it is the role of workers to restore vigor, vitality and accountability in their Unions.

He noted that a new compass is needed between the labour movement and the government and between the Union and its members.

He said he is prepared to be part of fashioning a new era of relations between gov-

ernment, the labour movement and the private sector, to join forces in advancing the rights of workers.

“Let us work together to end exploitation, eradicate child labour, improve workers safety, ensure social protection, address labour shortages and ensure greater competiveness and efficiency- all of which are vital to long term and sustainable growth and development,” the Head of State urged.

Almost $1B to rebuild Christ Church Secondary School

The reconstruction and furnishing of the burnt out Christ Church Secondary School would cost Guyana almost $1 billion. This is according to the opening of tenders on Thursday, during which several projects for the reconstruction of the building were read at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. The Ministry of Education who is the procuring agency for the project had issued an invitation for bids for contractors and suppliers, seeking them to execute masonry and finishes works on the building, installation of fire prevention units, installation of the air conditioning infrastructure and units, installation of the plumbing infrastructure and fixtures, installation of the electrical infrastructure, construction of the super-structure frame, and construction of the sub-structure and foun-

dation. During the reading of the bids, it was revealed that the masonry works is estimated to cost $130,977,250, installation of fire prevention units is estimated at $9,821,000, air-conditioned works is estimated at $12,208,000, the plumbing works is estimated at $13,245,000, the electrical works is estimated at $51,800,000, while the construction of the super-structure frame of the building is estimated at $239,644,508 and the construction of the substructure is pegged at $ $348,125,283.

As for the supply and delivery of furniture for the school, a total of four suppliers had bids between the range of $35 million and $51 million for that contract.

Kaieteur News understands that the school would be rebuilt at its Camp and Middle Streets, Georgetown location. On January 12, 2023, fire

Reconstruction of Christ Church Secondary School – Masonry and finishes works

deemed to be as a result of arsonists, gutted the Christ Church Secondary School. This was the second fire at the school in eight days. The first had erupted in the school’s science laboratory and was caused by chemical reaction combustion. Firefighters had saved the building from burning then and had removed all chemicals from the building to prevent a recurrence.

Taking into consideration the time of day that both fires occurred (16:29 p.m. and 17:22 p.m.), coupled with the fact that the second fire had several points of origin (seats), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) determined that the fire was “maliciously set by person or persons unknown.”

This publication had reported, that on January 16, 2023, the Fire Service disclosed that an electrical inspection was also done at the building and the results have

Haiti on ‘brink of civil war’, humanitarian group warns

ruled out the possibility that the second fire could have been an electrical one.

Kaieteur News had reported that the massive fire left some 502 students and 39 teachers displaced. The students and teachers of the school are now being accommodated at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) located at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. In terms of funding the cost to rebuild the school, this year the government had allocated some $12.4B for the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilities across the country. During the presentation of this year’s budget, Senior Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh said that part of the $12.4B will also finance the reconstruction of the St. George’s Secondary, which was also destroyed by a fire.

Below are the companies and their bids:

Reconstruction of Christ Church Secondary School: Construction of super-structure frame.

[File: Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters]

Aljazeera - Haiti is on the “brink of a civil war”, the humanitarian group Mercy Corps has warned, as violence between criminal gangs and civilians risks spiralling.

Mercy Corps said on Monday that the deteriorating security situation and rising prices have also sparked a hunger crisis in the Caribbean nation.

He was chosen for the post by Moise just days before he was killed. Presidential and legislative elections have been postponed indefinitely since 2021, preventing any political transition.

Reconstruction of Christ Church Secondary School – Installation of fire prevention units.

Reconstruction of Christ Church Secondary School: Installation of air conditioned infrastructure and units

Reconstruction of Christ Church Secondary School: Construction of sub-structure and foundation.

With the escalating violence — particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince, where gangs have taken over large parts of the city — families are losing access to basic necessities, including food and clean water, the group added.

“The population has been pushed to make impossible decisions, like choosing between taking children to a hospital or health clinics to treat cholera at the risk of being kidnapped and killed, or staying home and hoping they will get better,” said Lunise Jules, Mercy Corps country director for Haiti.

Meanwhile, widespread violence has impeded access to healthcare facilities, forced the closure of schools and clinics, and worsened food insecurity, with residents of gang-controlled areas cut off from critical supplies.

Mercy Corps, which provides cash assistance to tens of thousands of people in Haiti, said on Monday that nearly half the country’s population is starving because of the crisis.

“Haiti is not a functional country anymore,” Judes Jonathas, the group’s deputy programme director in Haiti, said in the statement.

Reconstruction of Christ Church Secondary School: Installation of the plumbing structures and fixtures.

Reconstruction of Christ Church Secondary School: Installation of electrical infrastructure.

Reconstruction of Christ Church Secondary School: Supply and delivery of furniture.

Jules added that many residents are starting to question, “Why not seek revenge and take justice into their own hands?”

Last week, a mob lynched at least 13 suspected gang members already in police custody.

The violence has been exacerbated by a series of crises facing the country of more than 11 million residents. Haiti has suffered from periodic natural disasters, gang violence, a cholera outbreak and long-standing political instability made worse by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.

Haiti’s de facto leader, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has faced a crisis of legitimacy.

Last week, Maria Isabel Salvador, the head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), raised concerns about the “surge of violence” in the country.

Speaking to the UN Security Council, Salvador said 1,674 homicides, rapes, kidnappings and lynchings were reported in the first quarter of 2023 — an uptick from 692 such incidents in the same period a year earlier.

“Gang violence is expanding at an alarming rate in areas previously considered relatively safe in Portau-Prince and outside the capital,” she said.

“The horrific violence in gang-ridden areas, including sexual violence, particularly against women and girls, is emblematic of the terror afflicting much of Haiti’s population.”

Police patrol the streets after gang members tried to attack a police station in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on April 25

Man found dead in city guest house, foul play suspected …personcaughtoncamerajumpingfromwindow

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) is investigating the “unnatural death” of a 49year-oldmanwhowasfound dead in a city guest house lastFriday

The dead man has been identified as Umar Ally, of Lot 221 ‘B’Field Pattensen, GreaterGeorgetown.

The Police reported that Ally’s lifeless body was found in Room 104 of the Quamina Guest House located at Lot 126 Quamina Street,Georgetown.

Investigations revealed that around 14:00 hours on April 28,Ally checked in to the guest house, “with someone dressed like a

femalebutsuspectedtobea male.”

Itwasstatedthatthetwo then booked a room and were given room 104 by the receptionist.

According to the receptionist, at 14:15 hours shewasintheReceptionist’s area when the person that checked in withAlly rushed out of the room and told her that Ally had fallen and hit his head on the tile by the toiletarea.

As such, the receptionist a c c o m p a n i e d t h e identifiable person to the room,whereshecheckedthe toilet area and saw the deceased lying on the floor

withbloodoozingbehindhis head,hisbodywasnaked.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the receptionist then told the identifiable person to wait until an ambulance arrive before leaving the room to go to the receptionist area, whereshethencontactedher supervisor

When the Guyana Fire Service ambulance arrived shortlyafterandAlly’sbody was examined, the identifiable person escaped by jumping out the southeastern bedroom window within public view in a western direction along QuaminaStreet.

Ally was pronounced deadbyDoctorDurgaofthe Georgetown Public Hospital His body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Parlour for storage, awaiting a postmortemexamination.

The Police reported that several persons were questioned, and CCTV cameras were seen and extracted.

Checks were made for thepersonwhoescapedfrom theguesthousebuteffortsby the police have been proven futile.

The investigation into the death of Umar Ally is ongoing.

US judge rejects Trump lawyer’s mistrial request in rape case

Trump lawyer accused judge of bias as US writer EJeanCarroll’scivillawsuit continues into second week inNewYork.

Aljazeera - The United States judge overseeing the rape case against Donald Trump has denied a request for a mistrial, after a lawyer for the former president accusedJudgeLewisKaplan of ruling in a biased manner againstTrump.

Inan18-pageletterfiled early on Monday in Manhattan federal court, lawyerJoeTacopinaaccused Kaplan of being biased against Trump, including in the jury’s presence, during the civil proceedings that beganlastweek.

Tacopina said the effect of Kaplan’s rulings “manifests a deeper leaning towards one party over another”, including in comments where the judge “openly expresses

favoritism” The judge denied the motion for a mistrial before testimony resumedonMonday.Hedid not explain his decision, ABCNewsreported.

Mistrial requests are rarely granted, but they can serve as the basis for eventual appeals. Tacopina was also more likely hoping the judge would grant a version of his alternative requests, The Associated Pressnewsagencyreported.

In those,Tacopina asked that Kaplan correct the record for any rulings that mischaracterised the evidenceorpermitTacopina more latitude in questioning

E Jean Carroll, a columnist who has accused Trump of rape. Carroll sued Trump in NovemberunderaNewYork state law letting sexual assault victims temporarily sue others for attacks that happenedevendecadesago.

Lawyers for Carroll, 79, didnotimmediatelyrespond

to requests for comment on Monday from the Reuters news agency on the Trump defenceteam’srequest.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e proceedings resumed on Monday with Tacopina launching into a second day of cross-examination of Carroll, a former Elle

magazinecolumnist.

Carroll has testified that Trump raped her in the dressingroomofaBergdorf Goodman department store inmidtownManhattan,most likelyinthespringof1996.

She said a chance encounter brought the pair together in an episode that

was fun and flirtatious until Trumpbecameviolentinthe dressingroom.

Trump, 76, has long denied the alleged rape, that he was at the store with Carrollorthatheevenknew her beyond fleeting moments when pictures weretakenofthemingroup settingsinotheryears.

Amid a flurry of public denials and insults from TrumpthatpromptedCarroll toaddadefamationclaimto the lawsuit, Trump has also insisted that Carroll was motivated by political reasons and a desire to sell copiesofthe2019memoirin which she first publicly revealed her rape claims while Trump was still president Carroll has testified that Trump raped her in a Manhattan department store dressing roominthe1990s[File:Seth Wenig/APPhoto]

Carroll has testified that she would have kept her accusation secret forever if not for the #MeToo movement, which gained prominencein2017.

On Monday, Trump’s lawyer, Tacopina, confronted Carroll with instances in which she

advised those reading her column to contact police or call a sex crimes hotline if theywereattacked.

Carroll told the jury that she was born in 1943 and was a “member of the silent generation” that was taught “to keep our chins up and to not complain”. She said she had only called police once in her life, when she feared themailboxatahomewhere shewasstayingwasgoingto bedamagedonHalloween.

“The fact that I never went to the police is not surprising for somebody my age,”shesaid.“Wewerenot trained to call the police, ever.”Trump,whoisseeking thepresidencyagainin2024 and is currently the Republican frontrunner, has not attended the trial. On Monday, he was in Scotland forashorttriptovisithisgolf courses there. Because the case is civil, Carroll must establish her claims by a preponderance of the evidence – meaning more likelythannot–andneednot meet the tougher criminal standard of proof beyond a reasonabledoubt.

The proceedings are expected to last through the week.

Kayaking Nature Tours Inter Schools Kayaking Championship at Watooka

Kwakwani arenew champions nudging outLindenFoundationbyonepoint

The Kwakwani SecondarySchoolputonanamazing show at this year’s second Inter-SchoolsKayakingcompetition, organized by Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours andstagedatthebackofthe Watooka Guest House along the Demerara River in Mackenzie,Linden

The school from the UpperBerbiceRivercommunity in Region 10, competing for the firsttime, tookthe lion’s share of the prizes up for grabs,amassingatotalof50 points edging past Linden

Foundationwhohadtosettle for second place with 49 points For their outstanding performance,KwakwaniSec-

Tuesday May 02, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

A heightened sense of idealizedromancecouldhityou today, Aries If you aren't currentlyinvolved,beware! Thatwonderfulnewperson you've just met may have a well-hiddenside.

TAURUS(Apr20–May20)

Something you feel you desperately need right now is missing, Taurus, and it's very well hidden. You may search the house for it and drive yourself crazy in the process

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Don'tlistentogossiptoday, Gemini.Anyrumorsthatare spreading are likely to be based on false assumptions andtotallyoutsidetherealm ofreality.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Aluxuryyou'vebeencraving could seem very tempting today, Cancer Make sure you're really ready, willing, andabletospendthemoney togetit.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Emotionalturmoilmayoverwhelmyourusualobjectivity and good sense today, Leo.Familyproblemscould weighonyourmind,ascommunicationbetweenyouand familymembersmaybelacking

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Yourimaginationshouldfly high today, Virgo. Whether you'reintowriting,music,or dance, make the most of yourcreativeinspiration.If you don't, your ideas may vanish as soon as they appear

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Doubts about a friend may plagueyoutoday,Libra Did thispersonborrowmoney? Promise to do you a favor? Canyoudependonthisperson?Thebestwaytojudge isbytheirtrackrecord.

SCORPIO(Oct 23–Nov 21)

Confusion might get in the way of anything you hope to accomplish today, Scorpio Youmayfeellikeyou're walking around in a daze, uncertain of your actions Try to stay focused and be yourusualpractical

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Spiritual and metaphysical concepts may seem murky to you today, Sagittarius Ideas that friends accept as mattersofcoursemightfeel strange Don't get into an argument.Askaboutbooks.

CAPRI(Dec 22–Jan 19)=It

A strange, bothersome feeling could plague you today, Capricorn, as if you can't remember something youneedto do.Don'tdrive yourselfcrazyoverthis

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Isaromanticpartnerhaving troublecommunicatingwith family, Aquarius? If so, be preparedtohearaboutittoday Beagoodlistener Your understandingandobjectivity will be greatly appreciated

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Listen carefully when you receive instructions today, Pisces Your mind may not be as sharp as usual If you aren'tcareful,youcouldget onthewrongtrackandend up having to start all over again

ondarywon$200,000incash prizealongwithtrophiesand medalscomplimentsofSLB. Additionally, Courts will be donating tablets and school supplies to each student of theKwakwaniteam

However, it was a close battle with Linden Foundation Secondary, as they finished one point behind the winners,withNewSilvercity Secondary (40 points) third, last year winners Harmony Secondary(35points)finishingfourthandChristianburg Wismar Secondary (31 points) grabbed the fifth position.

Mackenzie High School (6),StStanislausCollege(7), Wisburg Secondary (8), St Rose’s High (9), St Joseph High (10) and Queen’s College(11)weretheotherparticipants

Dr DeonAnderson, who heads the kayaking body, tooktimeout togivespecial thanks to sponsors: Banks DIHfortheirunwaveringsupport.

He also made specific noteoftitlesponsorsSLBfor makingthispossibleinavery bigway Courtsforhonoring the champions and to the MinistryofTourism,Industry andCommerce,GuyanaTourism Authority, Office of the PrimeMinister,ENetfortheir very tangible contributions

2023IBAWorldBoxingChampionships…

Allicocktriumphant inopeningbout

Guyana’sKeevinAllicock beganhis2023International Boxing Association (IBA) World Boxing Championships campaign with a commanding win against his Turkmenistan opponent, whentheysprangintoaction during the Round-of-64 preliminaries yesterday in Tashkent,Uzbekistan.

FightinginRingBoutof the red corner, Allicock advancedafterheearnedaReferee Stopped Contest (RSC) at1:22sintothethirdround, in his Elite Men 54-57KG Featherweight bout against

YhlasGylychjanov

AllicockwillnowfaceLee Cheng-WeiofChineseTaipei inaRound-of-16bouttosee who advances to the quarterfinalround. Meanwhile, Allicock’s teammate, Desmond Amsterdam,willbecompeting in the Elite Men 75-80KG LightHeavyweightDivision. Amsterdam commences his campaign seeded in the Round-of-16 stage (due to IBA Rankings) against Bulgaria’sKristiyanNikolov, following the preliminary round

From left, Kwakwani School’s Mixed short distance winners Kasima English and Orlina Sauers collectwinners’trophyfromMr Delph Secondary Education Officer.

Kayaking Nature Tours Inter Schools Kayaking Championship at Watooka Kwakwani are new champions nudging out Linden Foundation by one point

The Kwakwani Secondary School put on an amazing show at this year’s second Inter-Schools Kayaking competition, organized by Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours and staged at the back of the Watooka Guest House along the Demerara River in Mackenzie, Linden.

The school from the Upper Berbice River community in Region 10, competing for the first time, took the lion’s share of the prizes up for grabs, amassing a total of 50 points edging past Linden

Foundation who had to settle for second place with 49 points. For their outstanding performance, Kwakwani Sec-

Tuesday May 02, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

A heightened sense of idealized romance could hit you today, Aries. If you aren't currently involved, beware! That wonderful new person you've just met may have a well-hidden side.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Something you feel you desperately need right now is missing, Taurus, and it's very well hidden. You may search the house for it and drive yourself crazy in the process.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Don't listen to gossip today, Gemini. Any rumors that are spreading are likely to be based on false assumptions and totally outside the realm of reality.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

A luxury you've been craving could seem very tempting today, Cancer. Make sure you're really ready, willing, and able to spend the money to get it.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Emotional turmoil may overwhelm your usual objectivity and good sense today, Leo. Family problems could weigh on your mind, as communication between you and family members may be lacking.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Your imagination should fly high today, Virgo. Whether you're into writing, music, or dance, make the most of your creative inspiration. If you don't, your ideas may vanish as soon as they appear.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Doubts about a friend may plague you today, Libra. Did this person borrow money? Promise to do you a favor? Can you depend on this person? The best way to judge is by their track record.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Confusion might get in the way of anything you hope to accomplish today, Scorpio. You may feel like you're walking around in a daze, uncertain of your actions. Try to stay focused and be your usual practical.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Spiritual and metaphysical concepts may seem murky to you today, Sagittarius. Ideas that friends accept as matters of course might feel strange. Don't get into an argument. Ask about books.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

A strange, bothersome feeling could plague you today, Capricorn, as if you can't remember something you need to do. Don't drive yourself crazy over this.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Is a romantic partner having trouble communicating with family, Aquarius? If so, be prepared to hear about it today. Be a good listener. Your understanding and objectivity will be greatly appreciated.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Listen carefully when you receive instructions today, Pisces. Your mind may not be as sharp as usual. If you aren't careful, you could get on the wrong track and end up having to start all over again..

ondary won $200,000 in cash prize along with trophies and medals compliments of SLB. Additionally, Courts will be donating tablets and school supplies to each student of the Kwakwani team.

However, it was a close battle with Linden Foundation Secondary, as they finished one point behind the winners, with New Silvercity Secondary (40 points) third, last year winners Harmony Secondary (35 points) finishing fourth and Christianburg Wismar Secondary (31 points) grabbed the fifth position.

Mackenzie High School (6), St Stanislaus College (7), Wisburg Secondary (8), St Rose’s High (9), St Joseph High (10) and Queen’s College (11) were the other participants.

Dr. Deon Anderson, who heads the kayaking body, took time out to give special thanks to sponsors: Banks DIH for their unwavering support.

He also made specific note of title sponsors SLB for making this possible in a very big way. Courts for honoring the champions and to the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Guyana Tourism Authority, Office of the Prime Minister, ENet for their very tangible contributions.

2023 IBA World Boxing Championships…

Allicock triumphant in opening bout

Guyana’s Keevin Allicock began his 2023 International Boxing Association (IBA) World Boxing Championships campaign with a commanding win against his Turkmenistan opponent, when they sprang into action during the Round-of-64 preliminaries yesterday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Fighting in Ring B out of the red corner, Allicock advanced after he earned a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) at 1:22s into the third round, in his Elite Men 54-57KG Featherweight bout against

Yhlas Gylychjanov.

Allicock will now face Lee Cheng-Wei of Chinese Taipei in a Round-of-16 bout to see who advances to the quarterfinal round. Meanwhile, Allicock’s teammate, Desmond Amsterdam, will be competing in the Elite Men 75-80KG Light Heavyweight Division. Amsterdam commences his campaign seeded in the Round-of-16 stage (due to IBA Rankings) against Bulgaria’s Kristiyan Nikolov, following the preliminary round.

From left, Kwakwani School’s Mixed short distance winners Kasima English and Orlina Sauers collect winners’ trophy from Mr Delph. Secondary Education Officer.

Alcaraz sets up Zverev French Open revenge chance in Madrid

AFP-Worldnumbertwo and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday setupaMadridOpenlast16 duelwithAlexanderZverev, the German rival who handedhimaheartbreaking, reality-check defeat at RolandGarroslastyear

Alcaraz defeated Grigor DimitrovofBulgaria6-2,75 in the Madrid third round ashecontinueshisbidtowin a 10th tour title before his 20thbirthday

The Spanish crowdpleaser was briefly troubled when 31-year-old Dimitrov broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set. However, that merely delayed the inevitable as Alcaraz wrapped up victory in 90 minutes, making just four unforced errors. It was his 25thwinof2023againstjust twolossesanda15thvictory on clay The 19-year-old swept past Zverev in the Madrid final in 2022 for the lossofjustfourgames.

However, just weeks later, the German claimed a four-setvictoryintheFrench Open quarter-finals That wasZverev’sthirdwininthe pair’sfourmeetings.

“Ireallywanttoplaythat match. We played a few times, head-to-head he is up,” said Alcaraz. “I really want to show my great level here in front of my home crowd I have great memories from last year in thefinalbutobviouslyIhave to be really focussed in that match. He added: “I know that Sascha is a really good player, a really aggressive onewithgoodserves.Ihave toshowallmyskills.”

Two-time Madrid champion Zverev needed

just 56 minutes earlier Sunday to dispose of France’s Hugo Grenier 6-1, 6-0onthebackofsixbreaks ofserveand26winners.

“With Carlos it will be a match-up people will look forward to,” said 16thranked Zverev “We played in the final here last year, played a massive match at Roland Garros before I got injured (in the semi-final against Rafael Nadal) ” Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina toppled world number seven Holger Rune 7-6 (7/1), 5-7, 7-6 (7/5). Rune, who turned 20 on Saturday, had saved a match point in the previous round against Alexander Bublik But it was Davidovich Fokina who came through the tight encounter to line up a clash withBornaCoricforaplace in the last eight World number one Iga Swiatek claimed she had endured a “tricky” afternoon despite easing to a straight-sets win over American left-hander Bernarda Pera to reach the

last 16 of the women’s tournament in the Spanish capital. Swiatek, warming up for the defence of her FrenchOpentitle,claimeda 6-3, 6-2 win for a sixth consecutive victory on clay thisseason.

- ‘Tricky’ - “I wouldn’t sayitwaseasy Everymatch is tricky here,” Swiatek said after her 75-minute outing. “I’m happy that I’m getting myrhythm.Playingagainsta lefty is never easy but I’m pretty happy that I was disciplinedandfocused.” Swiatek next faces 16th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova whocamefromasetdownto see off Zheng Qinwen of China. Also progressing to the fourth round was world numberthreeJessicaPegula, whoclinchedagruelling6-4, 7-6 (7/2) victory over Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic. Pegula, 29, made the final in Madrid in 2022 whereshelosttoOnsJabeur She will now tackle Italy’s Martina Trevisan on Monday for a quarter-final spot.

Crowd pleaser: Iga Swiatek celebrates

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz

Bangalore beat Lucknow in low-scoring IPL game

Royal Challengers Bangalore players celebrate after wining against Lucknow Super Giants during the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match in Lucknow, India, Monday, May 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Surjeet Yadav)

LUCKNOW, India (AP) — Royal Challengers Bangalore read a slow pitch perfectlyandsuccessfullydefended126runs against Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian PremierLeagueyesterday

Bangalore’s126-9lookedunderparatthe halfway mark, but Lucknow’s counterchargedidn’tworkonatrickyhometrackand itwasbowledoutfor108inthefinalover

Lucknow suffered a blow when captain Lokesh Rahul went off the field in pain in only the second over of the game while clutchinghisrightthigh.Rahuldidn’tappear againuntilthefallofhisteam’sninthwicket. He faced three balls but couldn’t get off the mark before Bangalore wrapped up a convincingwin.

“Wewouldhavetaken126atthestartof the game, but we just could not execute our plans,” Lucknow stand-in captain Krunal Pandyasaid.

Defeat cost Lucknow from joining Gujarat Titans atop the table Instead, Bangalore moved into a tie with Lucknow and three other teams, just a win behind Gujarat.

Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis, who top-scoredwith44,andViratKohli,with31,

combinedina62-runopeningstand.

Then Kohli was stumped off legspinner RaviBishnoiandduPlessisholedouttrying toforcethepaceafterahalf-hourraindelay BishnoiandAmitMishra,whobothtook 2-21,strangledBangaloreinthemiddleovers andAfghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq with 3-30 got two wickets off successive deliveriesinthefinalover Lucknow was expected to accomplish a comfortablechaseathome.

ButopeningbatterKyleMayerscouldn’t gaugetheslownessofthepitchandholedout tomid-onoffMohammedSiraj’ssecondball.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, with 2-15, alsomadeanearlyimpactinhisfirstgameof theseason,andthespinnerstookover Legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga had Deepak Hooda stumped and Karn Sharma got rid of dangerman Nicholas Pooran for 9 asLucknowslumpedto5-38insevenovers.

MorebrillianceinthefieldbyBangalore fashionedtworunoutsandaremarkablewin.

Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 126for9(duPlessis44,Kohli31,Naveen330) beat Lucknow Super Giants 108 (Gowtham 23, Hazlewood 2-15, Karn 2-20) by18runs.

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s captain Faf Du Plessis plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Lucknow, India, Monday, May 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Surjeet Yadav)

Roach takes eight wickets in the match as Surrey hammer Warwickshire by nine wickets inside three days

SportsMax - West

Indies pacer Kemar Roach continued his good form with Surrey in the County ChampionshipDivisionOne by taking eight wickets in total to help them secure a

dominant nine-wicket win over Warwickshire inside threedaysatEdgbastonfrom April27-29.

Firstly, Roach took 3-33 off 15 overs to help bowl Warwickshireoutforapaltry 150 inside 56 overs.

Australian pacer Daniel Worrall led the way with 438from17overs.Youngster Dan Mousley made 55 for Warwickshire.

Surrey then built a 131run first innings lead after being bowled out for 281 in

91.1 overs. Jamie Smith led the way with 88 while England Test keeper Ben Foakes(39)andWorrall(35) provided some handy contributions against pacers Chris Rushworth, HasanAli and Oliver Hannon-Dalby who all took three wickets, each.

Roach then, once again, showed his class with the ballonhiswayto5-34from 13 overs as Warwickshire werebowledoutcheaplyfor thesecondtimeinthematch, this time for 141 in just 40

West Indies pacer

Kemar Roach

overs, leaving Surrey needing just 11 to win Worrall took 3-55 from 15 oversinsupportofRoach.

Surrey needed just two overstoreach16-1,securing anine-wicketwin.

The 34-year-old Bajan

now has 14 wickets in three games, good enough for eighthontheleadingwickettakerslist.

With his sixth wicket in the game, Roach also brought up 500 wickets in First-Classcricket.

Thunderbolt Flour Power’ Under-17 League...

Wins for Haslington, Buxton Stars, Rosignol FC and New Amsterdam United

Th e G u y a n a F o o t b a l l Federation(GFF) and National Milling Company (NAMILCO)

‘Thunderbolt Flour Power’ Under-17 League continued on Sunday, seeing Haslington, Buxton Stars, Rosignol United FC and New Amsterdam United picking up wins to advance to the next round of the competition.

Early on, Haslington wentupagainstAnn’sGrove in the first match. Ann’s Grove took the lead straight away with Nigel Grant registeredthefirstgoalofthe match with three minutes intothegame.

Haslington fought back hard eventually leveling the score with a beautiful shot from Akin Baynes; netting his first goal in the 10th

minute With the game locked at 1-1, Haslington thentooktheleadinthe29th minute as Isiah Alphonso slotted home another for his side to secure a 2-1 win for Haslington.

Secondmatchsawalone goal decider from Deshawn Mc Pherson in the 31st minuteasBuxtonStarsheld DynamicFCtoa1-0win.

Meanwhile on the East Coast,RosignolUnitedFC met with Ithaca, after the first forty-five minutes

Ithaca had already

conceded eight goals with a brilliant haul from Luke

Langevine

Rosignol maintained their dominance in the second half increasing their lead; scoring another six goals at the end of regulation time, Rosignol won12-2.

Langevinescoringinthe 22’, 25’, 28’, and 46’, followed with a solid brace from the trio Hartman Winton,QuencyFraser and Terrance Lewis netting two goals each (31’ and 38’), (29’, 37’) and (23’and 85’) respectivelyandsinglefrom Niron Thom. While Ithaca goal scorers were Omarion Anthony and Jaheem Edwardsinalosingeffort.

The last game saw New Amsterdam United thrashing Paradise 6-0 S c o r i n g f o r N e w Amsterdam United were Akeem Hosannah (10’), Joshua Dougall (45’), Civion Arokium (65’), Nicquan Samuels (65’) and Kymani Spellen ( 6 8 ’ ) a s N e w Amsterdam completed a comfortable win over Paradise

Pele FC Alumni Educational Programme 2023 deemed a resounding success

ChairmanofthePeleFC Alumni Corporation, Mr Denis Ivor Carrington has d e e m e d t h e 2 0 2 3 Educational Programme which made a return after being halted by covid-19, a resoundingsuccess.

Carrington, along with a number of other Executive members including Treasurer, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton along with other members in the Diaspora spent two weeks in Guyana last month to run off this marquee activity amongst others.

Having returned to the USA where most of them reside, Carrington informed that after reviewing this

year’s rebound edition, they can only conclude that its successwasheartwarming.

”Weareofthecollective position that this year’s activity was very impactful and we were able to achieve the desired objectives amongstwhichwasensuring thatthekidswereexposedto life skills sessions over the threedaysoftheprogramme. We owe a depth of gratitude to all those persons and entities that contributed to the success of all the activitiesthatweheldwhilst in Guyana, especially, the Lions Club of Georgetown, Durban Park which coordinatedandrantheLife Skills Camp ” This

programme attracted 126 studentsandtookplaceatthe Police Sports Club, Eve Leary, from April 11-13.

CommissionerofPolice(ag) Clifton Hicken paid a surprise visit and interacted withtheparticipants.Among the topics dealt with during the three days were,

Acceptable Social BehaviourfacilitatedbyMs. Dawn Braithwaite; Life Skills – Self Awareness, Dental Hygiene (Dr Watson), Health Care –Mental Health (Cecil

Jacques), Life SkillDecisionMaking,andSocial Etiquette.Theparticipantsat one of the lunch sessions were treated and exposed to

eating with the relevant cutlery,manysaidthatitwas the first time they were exposed to eating with the correct cutlery whilst observing all the required protocols. Dr. Mark Kirton deliveredthefeatureaddress at the opening. Apart from each receiving a backpack with educational material includingatabletonthefinal day, the opening day saw each participant being presented with a back sack containing personal health items.

Additionally,eightofthe participants were rewarded with laptops for being attentive during the sessions and answering questions

when posed by each

facilitator The final day of theLifeSkillsCampsawthe kidsgoingonaneducational tour which took them to the Caricom Building in the morning and then to the University of Guyana in the afternoon.

M r, C a r r i n g t o n concluded that whilst it was very hectic, they are very pleased with what was achieved.

”This is something we plan for and work towards doing. We love it and are energizedwhenweseethese kids coming out daily and being actively involved in eachsession.Thisisjustour way of giving back to the

countryofourbirthandwhat better way to do it than by empowering the next generation to become rounded citizens that can go ontodowellforthemselves andGuyana.”

A number of the scholarshipstudentswhoare being sponsored by the Pele FC Alumni on various programmesatUGaswellas at the Secondary level participated by sharing their experiences with the kids attendingtheprogramme. Thiswasusedasatoolto encourage the participants, whothemselvescanoneday, become recipients of a Pele FC Alumni, scholarship at theSecondarylevelorUG.

IBA president Kremlev blasts ‘black sheep’ that formed breakaway world body

(Reuters)-International Boxing Association (IBA) president Umar Kremlev

blasted the national federations who broke away fromthebodytoformanew world boxing federation, describing the officials as ‘black sheep’ and ‘hyenas’ whodonotbelonginsport.

A group including the United States and Britain announced a new federation -World Boxing - last month in a breakaway aimed at securingthetroubledsport’s Olympic future while seekingrecognitionfromthe International Olympic Committee(IOC).

With representatives from Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sweden and the U.S., World Boxing has an interim executive board and said there would be no bar on any national

federation being a member of both bodies. But Russian Kremlev,whoisinTashkent for the IBA men’s world championships,saidtheIBA is the only international association that governs the sport.

“We say that there’s always a black sheep in our family, there are always people who go their own ways... Someone tried to register an international association from their garage,whyshouldweeven consider them,” Kremlev toldanewsconference.

“Those who want to leave and go to another association, all I can say is: we have only one association. We have the right to govern boxing and the IBA has the right to organisetournaments.

“Some officials decided they wanted to create their

own association, but I think it’s all clear and simple. Some sports functionaries are like hyenas, like predators, they need to understand that they do not belongtosport.”

The United States tops

theall-timeOlympicboxing medal table with 50 golds and117medalswhileBritain is third USA Boxing terminated its IBA membership last week, committingits“fullsupport” to World Boxing’s efforts to

seek

provisional recognition

oftheIOC.

The Russian-led IBA — suspended by the IOC in 2019 over governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues — has defied IOC guidance and lifted a

ban on Russian and

Belarusian boxers competing under their flags lastOctober

The strained relations between the IOC and the IBA, which was sponsored by Russian energy giant Gazprom, further soured after Moscow’s invasion of Ukrainelastyear

An independent investigation had found that theIBAwasonthe“vergeof financial ruin” due to mismanagement by the previousadministrationuntil Gazprom’s sponsorship saved the body However, KremlevsaidRussia’sstate-

controlled gas giant was no longer a sponsor after the contract expired “Our contract with Gazprom ended in December 2022. We are grateful to them for helping us in a difficult period,”hesaid.

“In June or July, we will haveanewsponsor,butasof nowthereisnocontractwith Gazprom.

“Wedidnotterminatethe (Gazprom) contract as there were obligations to complete...Mostfederations wereagainstGazprombeing sponsor, but at the (IBA) Congress there were no objections.”

Boxing’s place in the Olympics after next year’s Paris Games remains uncertain, with the sport not on the initial programme for Los Angeles 2028, pending reforms demanded by the IOC.

Participants, Lions Club of Georgetown, Durban ParkMembers and some UG staff at the conclusion of the Educational Tour

International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Umar Kremlev attends a news conference ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Lausanne,Switzerland June 28, 2021. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse)