Kaieteur News

RELIEFS

Asaresultofhisdetermination that Exxon is liable for providing unlimited insurance, Justice Sandil Kissoon granted the followingreliefs:

provide an unlimited Parent Company Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement to the Government of Guyana against the environmental obligations from their activities in the StabroekBlock.

1

A declaration that the EPA is in breach of its statutory duty by its failure and/or omissions to enforcecompliancebyEEPGLof its Financial Assurance obligationsstipulatedatCondition 14:10oftheenvironmentalpermit to provide an unlimited Parent CompanyGuaranteeagreementto the Government of Guyana against all environmental obligations within the Stabroek Block. 2

A declaration that EEPGL has failed to comply with its financial assurance obligation stipulated at the environmental permit to

3

A declaration that Condition 14 of the environmental permit imposes on EEPGL, unlimited anduncappedliabilityforallcosts associated with clean up, restoration and compensation for all damages caused by any discharge of any contaminant arising from its exploration, development and petroleum production activities within the StabroekBlock.

A declaration that the 4EPA is in breach of its statutory duty by its failure and/or omissions to enforce compliance by EEPGL

Limited of its financial assurance obligations stipulated of the environmental permit to provide environmental liability insurance ofatypeandnatureandtohavean independent insurance consultant retained by the agency to review and examine the insurance package to ensure its conformity with Condition 14 of the environmentalpermit.

5A declaration is hereby granted that EEPGL has failed to comply with its Financial Assurance obligation stipulated at Condition 14:05 of the environmental permit to provide environmental liability insurance of such type and in such amount as is customary in the international petroleum industry from an insurance company of standing and repute that equates to Grade A Plus as envisaged by Condition 14:05.56

6

An Order of Mandamus directed to the EPA to issue an Enforcement

Notice pursuant to the Environmental ProtectionAct, on or before 9/05/23, directed to EEPGLtoperformitsobligations under the Environmental Permit to provide, within 30 days thereafter, on or before 10/06/23, the unlimited liability Parent Company Guarantee Agreement and/or unlimited liabilityAffiliate Company to the Government of Guyana against all such environmental obligations within the Stabroek b l o c k , t o g e t h e r w i t h Environmental liability insurance as is customary in international petroleum industry from an insurance company standing and repute that equates to Grade A Plus as envisaged by Condition 14:05 failing which the permit standssuspended.

Justice: Sandil Kissoon

Justice Kissoon orders Exxon to provide unlimited insurance coverage within 30 days to Guyana

...failuretocomplywillresultinsuspensionofpermit

High Court, Justice Sandil

Kissoon on Wednesday ordered the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) to issue an Enforcement Notice to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its parent company, Exxon Mobil to ensure it provides unlimited insurance coverage to safeguard Guyana against the devastating effects of an oilspillwithinthenextthirty days.

Awritten copy of ruling seen by this newspaper stipulates that failure to comply with the court order will result in the suspension oftheenvironmentalpermit. The ruling comes months after President of the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI),

Derelictsubmission

In a strongly-worded ruling,JusticeKissoonnoted that the EPAhad shelved its statutory responsibilities in exchange of a derelict and submissive deposition, leaving “Guyana and its people in grave potential danger of calamitous disaster.”

According to the judge, thecircumstancesofthecase exposed the existence of an egregiousstateofaffairsthat engulfed the EPA in a quagmireofitsownmaking. Justice Kissoon emphasised thatwhiletheEPAwasgiven the exclusive statutory responsibilities entrusted to it by Parliament under the Environmental Protection

Act 1996 and the Environmental Protection Regulations 2000 to ensure

its financial assurance obligations for pollution damage set out at Condition 14oftherenewedpermit.

“The Agency sought refugeinsilence,avoidance, concealment and secrecy notwithstanding the grave potential danger and consequences to the State and citizens if an event occurred at the Liza Phase 1 Petroleum Production facilities in the Stabroek OffshoreGuyanainabsence of such financial assurances m a n d a t e d b y t h e Environmental Permit at Condition 14,” the judge outlinedintheruling.

He noted too that the position of the Agency and its Executive Director Kemraj Parsram is wholly e r r o n e o u s a n d misconceived. “As a matter oflaw,evenwherethereisin

it sought to dilute its liabilities expressed in clear terms at Condition 14 of the renewed environmental permitwhileatthesametime speeding ahead with productionattheLizaPhase 1 Petroleum Production Project in the Stabroek BlockOffshoreGuyana.

In his estimation, the judge found that ESSO was never in doubt as to what its liabilities are as captured under Condition 14 of the renewed permit for the Liza Phase 1 Petroleum Production facility as the stipulations were neither, unusual, unique nor unauthorisedintheindustry

Hesaid“Itwassimplyas a matter of law, fact, and consequence the norm that prevails which bound ESSO assingularlyandexclusively responsible for all liabilities

assurance, in the form of insurance and an unlimited parent company guarantees tocoveritsresponsibilities.

As a consequence, the court determined that the insurance obtained by the EEPGL from its Affiliate Company, AON UK Ltd, bothfortheLizaPhase1and Phase 2 projects does not satisfy the stipulation and obligation set out at Condition 14:5 of the environmental permit or even what is considered environmental liability insuranceinaccordancewith international industry standards.

“The Court divested its mind of the fact that the Permit Holder was the subsidiary of the oil major with a wealth of experience, talent and expertise in the areaofthisactivitywhilstthe

that boded no uncertainty or lent itself to ambiguity The Court found too the unlimited liability which is exclusively that of the PermitHolder,Esso,isbyno means unusual in any sense, since Esso, together with its co-venturers, are engaged in Petroleum Production Activities in the Stabroek Block,forprofit,”headded.

The judge noted that at Condition 14:01 of the permit, the permit holder assumed unlimited liability for all costs of clean up, r e s t o r a t i o n a n d compensation for any damage from any discharge ofanycontaminant.

Frederick Collins and another citizen, Godfrey Whyte,tooktheEPAtocourt toenforceacriticalclausein theLizaPhaseOnerenewed environmentalpermitissued toEEPGL.

Thecasewasfiledinthe HighCourtonSeptember13 by Attorneys Seenath Jairam, SC, Melinda Janki, and Abiola Wong-Inniss. In the case, Mr. Collins, a f o r m e r i n s u r a n c e professional said, “an oil spill would be devastating for our country and Region as many Guyanese and Caribbean peoples depend on the ocean for their livelihoods. That is why we have decided that the time has come to take matters to the court for relief.” The litigantssaidthattheirresort to the court is to make sure that the company takes full financial responsibility in case of harm, loss and damagetotheenvironment.

due compliance by EEPGL with Condition 14 of the renewed environmental permit issued on the 31/05/22, it has relegated itself “to a state of laxity of e n f o r c e m e n t a n d condonation compounded by a lack of vigilance,” leaving the nation at the mercy of a potentialoil spill disaster.

As a result, the judge held that in the course of theseproceedings,theCourt found EEPGL engaged in a course of action “made permissible only by the omissions of a derelict, pliant and submissive Environmental Protection

Agency ”Additionally Justice Kissoon noted that the EPA made attempts to coverfortheoilsubsidiaryin thatbeforeandsubsequentto thefilingoftheproceedings, it refused to disclose any information as to the status ofcompliancebyESSOwith

existence an express prohibition against disclosure contained in the subject legislation of the public authority, such disclosure is construed as subjecttothepublicinterest, safety or protection of the environment,”hesaid.

The judge continued “…the approach adopted by the EPA, in the course of these proceedings, was inconsistentwithitsmandate and statutory functions, whichisoneoftransparency and accountability to engender trust and confidence of the citizens and members of the public on whose behalf and in whose interest it carries out its functions as a Public Authority in the public interest.”

DISHONESTATTEMPT

It was also determined thattheEEPGLengagedina

t calculated to deceive, when

without restriction ….from its operations at the Liza Phase 1 Petroleum Production facilities, in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana”

According to the judge, these included all activities connected to the operations as stipulated in condition 14 of the environmental permit extending to all activities incidental to the drilling activities.

Equally, he said is the associated financial assurance obligations imposed on ESSO by Condition 14:10 of the renewed permit in the form of environmental liability insurance together with an unlimited parent company guarantee agreement are but the legitimate consequence flowing from its uncapped andunlimitedliabilitiesinan event of pollution as encapsulated in the permit, to provide such financial

Liza Phase 1 Development Projectappearstohavebeen among the second such permitissuedbytheEPA.”

Further, in determining the stipulation at Condition 14 of the permit, Justice Kissoon noted the Court examinedthedocumentasa whole.

He said the Court reviewed the language contained in the permit, the terms, the context, the meaning and the usage thereof,attributingtheliteral meaning to the terms used considering the scope and magnitude of the activity p e r m i t t e d b y t h e environmental authorisation as set out on the face of the permit.

“The Court found that the duties, the liabilities and the obligations of Esso as stipulatedatCondition14of the permit were set out in clear and unambiguous terms, in simple language

He said Condition 14 holds the Permit Holder accountable for all costs, damages and liabilities caused by any event occurringinthecourseofits operations. Condition 14.03 provides: “The forms of financial assurance shall be guided by an estimateof the sum of the reasonably credible costs, expenses and liabilities that may arise from any breaches of this Permit Liabilities are considered to include costs associated with responding to an incident , clean up and r e m e d i a t i o n a n d monitoring…”

EXXONLIABLE

In concluding the case, the Court noted that Parent Company Guarantee as mandated by Condition 14 should be in place. It was thereforedeterminedthat“If the unthinkable occurs, and there is an event in the Stabroek Block resulting in the release of hydrocarbons then Esso, and to the extent thatitisunabletodosoasit is largely an assetless subsidiary without financial resources,thenEXXON,the Parent Company comes into play.”The court noted that EXXONcontinuestoderive

(Continuedonpage6)

High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon

EPA Director, Kemraj Parsram

Litigant: TIGI President, Frederick Collins Litigant: Godfrey Whyte

Attorney-at-law, Melinda Janki

Court decision ordering Exxon to provide unlimited insurance to Guyana

Governmenthassignaled itsintentiontoappealaHigh Court ruling on Wednesday ordering the Environmental ProtectionAgency, (EPA) to issueanEnforcementNotice to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its parent company, Exxon Mobil to ensure it provides unlimited insurance coverage to safeguard Guyana against the devastating effects of an oilspillwithinthenextthirty days.

In a statement the Attorney General, Anil N a n d l a l l s a i d t h e Government of Guyana as a major stakeholder notes the ruling by Justice Sandil Kissoon and the several declarations granted therein that the Environmental Protection Agency of Guyana (EPA) breached its statutory duty by failing to enforce compliance by Esso Exploration and Production GuyanaLimited(EEPGL)of its Financial Assurance obligations to provide an unlimited Parent Company GuaranteeAgreementand/or

Affiliate Company Guarantee Agreement to indemnify and keep indemnifiedtheEPAandthe Government of Guyana against all environmental obligations of the Permit Holder and Co-Venturers within the Stabroek Block, OffshoreGuyana.

“The EPA and the

Exxon hands out large subsea contract for fifth project …contractworthbetweenUS$500MandUS$1B

Government of Guyana are of the considered view that the Environmental Permit imposesnoobligationonthe Permit Holder to provide an unlimited Parent Company GuaranteeAgreementand/or

Affiliate Company Guarantee Agreement In this regard, we hold the respectful opinion that the LearnedJudgefellintoerror in his findings. This ruling can have profound ramifications and grave economic and other impacts on the public interest and national development,” the attorneygeneralsaid.

“Asaresult,thedecision oftheLearnedJudgewillbe appealed and orders will be sought to stay its effect until t h e h e a r i n g a n d determinationoftheappeal,” Nandlall asserted. He said the Environmental Protection Agency and EEPGL spent almost a year negotiating a Parent Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement to the tune of US$2 billion in liability coverageincompliancewith EEPGL'sfinancialassurance obligations under the Environmental Permit and the Environmental Protection Act These negotiations only concluded l a s t w e e k T h e s e negotiations and their material details were placed before the Court for its consideration, but unfortunatelytonoavail.

Brazilian pilot jailed, charges

Alexander Felix Plan, a Brazilian Helicopter pilot on Wednesday pleaded guilty to severalaviationoffences. Plan was caught in February with another Brazilian National, Luan Ricardo Brags Silva at an illegal mining site in the Rupununi, Region Nine They were both remanded to prison after pleading not guilty to multiple offences, including illegal entry into Guyana and illegally mining in the country Plan on Wednesday, however, changedhisnotguiltypleafor fourcharges.

These charges are: operating a civil aircraft without an Airworthiness Certificate, Contrary to Section 89 (2) of the Civil

Oilandgascompany,TechnipFMC hasbeenawardeda“largecontract”by ExxonMobil Guyana to supply the subsea production system for the oil giant's fifth project (Uaru Development) in the prolific Stabroek Block.

TechnipFMC made the announcement on Tuesday, disclosing thedealwassignedwithExxon'slocal affiliate Esso Exploration and ProductionGuyanaLimited(EEPGL). According toTechnip, a large contract for the company is between US$500 millionandUS$1billion.

EEPGListheoperatorofGuyana's lucrative Stabroek Block which has

over 11 billion proven barrels of oil. Recently, it was announced that Guyana's Environmental Protection

ExxonMobil's fifth project at the Uaru field in the Stabroek Block which has been approved. The Uaru project is expected to cost US$12.7 billion and produce about 250,000 barrels of oil perdayaftercomingonstreamin2026.

TechnipFMC explained that they will provide project management, engineering, and manufacturing to deliver the overall subsea production system. Also, the contract covers 44 subsea trees and associated tooling, as

well as 12 manifolds and associated controlsandtie-inequipment.

Jonathan Landes, President of Subsea at TechnipFMC said, “We are veryproudtocontinueourrelationship withExxonMobilGuyanathroughthis award, which is our fifth within the Stabroek block. This is ExxonMobil Guyana's first project utilizing our Subsea 2.0™ system, which leverages ourconfigure-to-ordermodeltodeliver onanacceleratedschedule.”

The company stated that they currently have more than 100 Guyanese employed and expect to continue to hire and train additional localstafftosupportthenewcontract.

Walk against Exxon 'barefaced' contract kicks off today

Activist, Ray Daggers willfromtodaykickoff a walk from Berbice to Essequibo against the oil contract the Guyana Government signed withExxonMobilbackin2016.

The walk will start off at Crabwood Creek in Berbice at 09:00hrs. Born in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, Daggers lived for quitesometimeoverseas,butkeptin touchwithwhatwashappeningback home.Daggerssaidhewasinspired toundertaketheprotestwalkbythe unrelenting efforts by Businessman and Kaieteur News Publisher,Glenn Lall, in fighting for a change to the Exxon contract. “Mr Lall has been putting forth the facts and he has done so without any help from government agencies, but with the help of his staff, and he has been providing a great service to this nation,”Daggerssaid.

Aviation Act, operating an aircraft without insurance, disembarking without the consent of an immigration officer and Interference with anaircraft. Hewassentenced 18 months each for three of thechargesand12monthsfor one. Plan was also fined a total of $5 5M The jail sentences will run

On the issue of government's reluctance to renegotiate the Exxon contract, Daggers said, “When the government of a nation allows foreign corporation or foreign governments' accesstothepeople'sresourceswithout their approval, it's a hostile act and in the process of extracting those resources,ifyoudestroyandpollutethe environment,it'sanotherhostileactand bothofthesearetreasonous.”Speaking about the walk, Daggers said it is to bring about awareness of what is to

come The walk commences on Thursday morning at 9:00am from Crabwood Creek. Daggers said every dayhewillendeavourtowalk26miles and he is appealing on citizens to join himintheexercise.

“Wearenotaskingyoutojoinusin thefulljourney,butyoucanwalkwith usthroughyourvillages,doafewmiles withusandletuskeeptheupthefight,” Daggerssaid.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News PublisherandAdvocateforabetteroil deal, Glenn Lall, in throwing his supportbehindDaggerssaidhetoowill

beonthewalk.

Lall has committed to walking for five miles each day. He commented, “For the past week, I have been mentioning something whichisinspiringtomeandIthinkit should be inspiring to all Guyanese. Noneofusshouldeverbepreparedto perish as fools, let us be ready from nowtoprosperastruepatriots.Let's standupforwhatisrightandforwhat belongs to us.” Lall continued by saying, “if 65-year-old Daggers is ready to walk the walk across Guyana.Iwanttogobeyondmytalk andjoinhiminthisfightforabetter Guyanaandabetterfutureforall.”

Lallsaidthe65-year-oldhasbeen listeningtohisradioprogrammeever sinceitbegan,whichinspiredhimto take this giant first step. “This 65year-old is beginning the walk in protestastothebarefacednessgoing on in this country with that Exxon Contract. He is demanding that it change and so am I, what about you?” he asked urging citizens to join the walk Acknowledging that not everyone would be able to join the walk,Lallencouraged,“butatleastthe residents of Crabwood Creek and Skeldon can come out and join us on Thursdaymorningat9am.”

The walk will be live streamed, streaming on Facebook, and also on Kaieteur News and Radio Facebook pages.

Technip's subsea 2.0

fined $5.5M on multiple

Jailed Brazilian Pilot, Alexander Felix Plan

Activist, Ray Daggers

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

PRESS FREEDOM IN GUYANA

TheonlythingthatweshouldbesayingaboutPress FreedominGuyanaisthatitispresentinallofits attributes, and that it is flourishing in this democracy Itisourheavydutytosharewiththenationthat, rathersadly,nothingcouldbefurtherfromthetruth,nothing more remote from the reality that the independent press coexistswithintoday’sGuyana. Mattershavedeteriorated to such an extent in the local environment that even the hallowed diplomatic contingent from the West in Guyana found it compulsory to come out publicly and record the disappointmentsanddisquietsofmembers.

It should be instructive of how bad things are, when the verycountriesthatdidsomuchtosettleourpoliticalstorms in 2020, are now prompted to speak to what has been becoming too much the norm in 2023 Guyana. The list of abuseshurledattheindependentpressislongandtroubling. Though only a few entities qualify, by way of dedication to fearlessduty,fortheaccoladeof‘independent’theirworkhas become increasingly endangered, and their existence squeezedintonarrowerandnarrowercorners.

The real press, the company of authentic professionals, has been locked out, hidden from, treated to a different standard.

The best that can be said is that it is a lower, more worryingstandard;theworstisthatithasbeennostandardat all, save for the unacceptable ugliness, for theobscene that exceeds civilized limits. The PPPC Government is the leadingculpritintheexcessesmetedoutagainstthepress,the jagged barbs that have become an inseparable part of the workbenchofhonestandhardworkingjournalists. Weatthis publicationshouldknow,forourpeoplehavefeltthebruntof thewickednessconcocted,havebeenmadespecialtargetsfor whatisgrimy,whatsavagesmostclaimsofgoodgovernance, ofethicalpoliticalleadership.

Yet the PPPC Government is not alone when pent-up furies are let looseon journalists. A known PNCR activist leanedforwardwithhostilewordsanddistinctiveaggressive bearing against a State media reporter It is an awful testimonyastowhatisgoingonwiththepressinGuyanathat politicalfigures,orthoseoperatingundertheirsponsorship, havenoqualmsaboutgoingtoanyextreme,andventingtheir frustrationsatnothavingitalltheirway Itisnotreflectiveof ahealthy,confidentdemocracywhenmembersoftheFourth Estatecomeunderrelentlessfire.

When leading members of a sitting Government find it comfortingtoseekoutcooperativemediaoperatorstopeddle their versions of purity and truth, then something is amiss. Thelightoftruthisthebestdisinfectant,asithasbeenwisely said,anditsstandsunbowedandunfazedbeforeanyandall comers. Unfortunately, this has been a conspicuously missingingredientinwhathasbeendeliveredtothepressin dripsanddrabsbytheGovernment.

This becomes even more noticeable when government andleadersshyawayfromfacinghardquestions,andresort eithertothedeceptiveortheoutrageousindealingwithpress people declared to be enemies and those who must be dealt with, taught hard lessons. This has been the sordid case in Guyana when undaunted press people pursue the facts, persistinunravelingsecrets.

AnotherrealityfacedbytheindependentpressinGuyana is that truth is the first casualty of war The PPPC Government has declared a virtual war on the few professionalsinthelocalmediastream,whoseektogettothe bottomofsubstantivedevelopmentsintheoilandgassector

The full truths swirling there under shrouds of secrecy are defended with frightening determination, passion, and energy

The result is that there has been consistent Government callousness intended to intimidate, to chase away, and to decimatetheranksofthosepressingfortruthsandfacts. Not what bolsters government stories, and boosts the image of leaders,butwhatareofnothingbutthefullnessoftruthsand facts. When press freedoms, freedom of opinion, and freedomtowork,areallsubjecttoescalatingindignity,then whatisinmotionisnotdemocracy,butthestealthymarchof heinoustyranny

GUYANA’S OILOUTPUT FILLS AN URGENT VOID FOR THE WEST

DEAREDITOR, Russia’s war on Ukraine has exposed the cracks in western energy security Russia’s gas deliveries to Europe have plummeted by 80 percent from their level before the invasion. One result: the U.S. is dealing with high prices and limited supplies of energy, creating one of the worst energy supply shortfalls in nearly five decades. But one little known country in South America might provide the antidotetotheWest’senergy woes:Guyana.

Guyana is a small nation ontheAtlanticcoastofSouth America wedged between Brazil, Venezuela, and Suriname. Some Americans might recall the tragic 1978 shooting death there of U.S. Rep. Leo Ryan (D-Calif.). But today, the country is poised to become a major power in the global oil and gas market, potentially freeing western countries of their dependence on OPEC andRussianoil.

Guyana has quickly become the fastest growing crude-oil producer in the world Commercial oil productioninGuyanastarted in 2019 after major offshore fields were discovered in

2015. Since then, Guyanese oil has made up one-third of the crude oil discovered in theworld,withmorethan11 billionbarrelsofrecoverable gas and oil found by an E x x o n M o b i l - l e d consortium.

Guyana’sfutureisbright. Just last year, Guyana’s oil exports jumped 164 percent as global powers turned away from Russian energy The International Energy Agency predicts Guyana’s oil production will reach or surpass 1.4 million barrels a day by 2030. A study by Rystad Energy, an energy intelligence group, predicts thatGuyaneseoilproduction will increase at such a rapid pace that it will surpass levelsinotherlargeoffshore basins, including Norway, the U.S., and Mexico by 2035 to become the world’s fourth-largest offshore producer

To western countries, Guyana offers a friendlier face to turn to than other major oil exporting countries Guyana is English-speaking It is among the top five nonOPEC energy producers in the world The nation, therefore, is a way for the West to find enough supply

while minimizing exports fromsometimesproblematic countries in the Middle East and,ofcourse,Russia.

G u y a n a i s a parliamentary democracy that has had good relations with the U.S. since the early 1990s.Then,thegovernment embraced a free-market economyandopenelections.

As Guyana has become an oil-producing powerhouse, trade with the U S and Europe has significantly increased.Foryears,Guyana was one of the smallest and least developed nations in South America. Now, it is using its oil wealth to i n d u s t r i a l i z e a n d democratizefurther Itboasts agas-firedpowerplant,new roads, and a slew of solar energyprojects.

Because it has come late to energy production, Guyanahastakenadvantage of state-of-the-art t e c h n o l o g y a n d infrastructure. It also is part of the global shift toward clean-energy production

According to the Rystad

Energy report, “The emissions intensity of Guyaneseproductionisonly half the global average.”

Those emissions are expected to decline even

further in the years to come. Thisisdueinlargeparttothe E x x o n M o b i l - l e d consortium’suseofstate-ofthe-art floating production storage and offloading vessels.

As the globe emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic and grapples with thefalloutofRussia’swarin Ukraine, demand for oil and gas is historically high World oil demand will increase by two million barrels a day in 2023 to a record 101.9 million barrels a day, even as a worldwide push toward renewable energygrowsstronger Atthe same time, oil-production cuts by OPEC will push supply down by 400,000 barrels a day by the end of 2023 The global energy supply increasingly must rely on non-OPEC oil producing countries to keep up with rising energy demand. Guyana offers safe harbor in stormy seas for an oil-and gas-dependent world.

Sincerelyyours, NazarMohamed ManagingDirector Mohamed’s Enterprise, Georgetown,Guyana. https://www.realclearen ergy.org

Apprehensions around Guyana “Spy”Agency should be put to bed

DEAREDITOR,

The NISALegislation in Parliament is to establish a legal entity (a national agency)withresponsibilities for protecting the State of Guyana against foreign and domesticenemies.

To call or refer to NISA as a “spy” agency does not chime with the raison d’etre of said legislation Columnist GHK Lall’s assertion that NISA is a “spy” agency is misleading anddevoidofunderstanding of the role and function of a nationalintelligenceagency

T h e f e a r s a n d apprehensions that he referred to in his column of May 2nd are historically g r o u n d e d a n d understandable. But those fearsandlegitimateconcerns are precisely what the legal establishment of NISA wouldputtorest.

Let us address one of those fears, a major one: unwarranted interception of communication The Telecommunication’s Act

passed in 2008 made it abundantly clear that a politician, minister of government,thepresidentor prime minister, the vice president, not even the director of the “spy” agency canauthorizeaninterception ofcommunication.

Ifsucharequestissentto thedirectoroftheagency,the executing unit, the latter cannotauthorizeitwithouta ruling from a judge. Ideally though, Guyana should tighten up that Act’s modus operandi with a few amendments.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago passed its Interception of Communications Act in 2010.

This Act stipulated that anyone of these three persons, the Commissioner of Police, the Chief of Defense Staff, and the Director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) can authorize an interception But,therequesttodosomust be in writing, showing

compelling evidence and reason or reasons for said interception. Moreover, the request cannot be openended; time specification is optimal. This T&T scenario makes it impossible for compromises. If the NISA legislation should incorporate this stipulation from the T&T 2010 Act, it would offer more protection tothecitizensofGuyana.

For example, the minister of home affairs or the president or vice president cannot call the directorofNISAandrequest an interception of anyone’s communication. That would beaNOSHOW

Mr Lall also mentioned that the Guyana Defense Force has an “intelligence gatheringunit.”

NISAwouldalsohavean “intelligence” function. But allow me to clarify and distinguish,asapedagogical exercise, the difference between information from intelligence. Intelligence is not gathered or collected.

Informationiscollected,and information is information and nothing more Information, by whatever means or platforms it is collected or gathered, remains information Information, whether secretly or openly collected, remainsinformation;itisnot Intelligence.

Intelligence is created by an IntelligenceAnalyst. Without delving into the trade craft, let me offer a concise and yet profound definition of what is Intelligence. Intelligence is judgment or insight. For the analysttoofferajudgmentor provideinsightaboutorinto aparticularissueforapolicy maker, reliable and verifiable “information” is indispensable. Mr. Lall wouldbeaccuratetosaythat theGDFhasan“intelligence unit,” one that collects information for operational use. The GDF does not spy oncitizens.Itsprimaryroles aredefenseandprotectionof (Continuedonpage5)

Guyana’sdoomsdayde factohead-of-statebuiltMarriott insecrecy,sellingitinsecrecy

DEAREDITOR,

The termination of the sale of the government ownedMarriottHotelseems to be more of a cover-up for thehighestbidderratherthan the actual realization of an insufficientoffer

I say this because all the b i d s w e r e i n t h e government’spossessionfor weeksthereforetheshortfall of the hotel’s current value could have been publicly disclosed then, instead of such information being disseminated by way of a pressconferencebytheVPat the Royal Palace on Robb Street.

Now this begs the question: why is the government business being conducted at the head office of the PPP instead at the officeofthePresident?Like thePNCinanearlierperiod, the PPP has returned the n a t i o n t o P a r t y paramountcy?

Why is the sale of the Guyanese owned Marriott Hotel being conducted by one person who many saw the SU Gate interview by IsobelYeung ofVice News?

From the inception, the Marriot Hotel project has beenshroudedinsecrecyand controversy under the Jagdeoadministrationwhich used millions of taxpayers’ dollars to build the hotel. Although the Jagdeo regime usedmoretaxpayers’money than the private investors to build the hotel, the private investorsownedmoreshares in the hotel than the government.

And in the event of the hotelisunabletoservicethe loan – the private investors

Apprehensions around Guyana...

Frompage4 the State from foreign enemies.

The apprehension that is swirling around about this “national spy agency” should be laid to rest. The NISA legislation was not swiped off a dusty shelf. It was a laborious piece of thoughtful and researched effort by a handful of knowledgeable and dedicated employees of NISA, working under the leadership of a brilliant mind.All Guyana should be proudofthesepatriots.

Respectfully,

Prof.DanielGibran

would have the first lien on the proceeds of any sale. That is how the Russian economist spends our money

Itisimportanttomention that during the 5-year construction period of the hotel, Guyanese was not given any meaningful jobs; steel benders, brick layers, concrete levelers, metal fabricators etc were all importedfromChina.

Regarding the issue of the value of the Marriot, it willbeprudentifthepowers that be tell the nation what price is being sought for the hotel.

It seems the selfanointed Chief Oil and Gas honcho,whoclaimstobean expert in Hydro Power, Bridgefabrication,Specialty Hospitalconstruction,Sugar Factory building, Insurance finance etc., has built the hotelinsecrecy,nowhealso sellingitinsecrecy

He is Guyana’s doomsday de facto head of state who makes all the decisions because he believes he knows everythingandnooneelse.It

is for this reason that he handpickedDonaldRamotar for the presidency in 2011 and Irfaan Ali in 2020, and botharefailureslikehim.

The calculation of the value of real estate involves comparativemarketanalysis (CMA) of residential properties while, in the case of commercial properties, three formulas are utilized: ReplacementCost,Market Value and Income generation.

1. Property Value is t h e e q u i v a l e n t o f Replacement Cost minus Depreciation plus Land Value.

2. Property Value is theNetOperatingIncome

3. And Gross Rent Multiplier is equal to the Sales Price/Annual Gross Rents.

The Income Approach referred to as the Income Capitalization Approach is

Closing Enterprise, Paradise and Enmore schools ill-conceived

mostusedincommercialreal estate transactions The value is established by estimating the property’s i n c o m e u s i n g t h e capitalization rate commonly, which is the net operating income of the property divided by its current market value (or salesprice).

Wehopethegovernment will not rush to sell the Marriott Hotel without takingintoconsiderationthe a b o v e - m e n t i o n e d calculation.

However, based on experience of how this government has conducted the affairs of the country for 23 years, we should expect some underhand dealings. It will be fool hardy to think otherwise.

Roopnaraine

Real Estate Broker (25 years)NewYork

DEAREDITOR, Why is the PPP/C Ministry of Education closing the Enterprise, Paradise and Enmore Primary schools and shifting the students to the Good Hope Secondary whichisabouttobefinished construction?

Those three schools are respectively very far from where students have to travel.

Howarethesestudentsto gettoGoodHopeintheearly morning rush hour when there is no free public transportation to take them toschool?

Working class parents will now be burdened with extra traveling expenses to daily send their children to school Isn’t this an illconceivedpolicy?

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand while visiting the Enterprise Primary school on Wednesday announced the closure of what the Department of Public

Information(DPI)described as the “Primary top”whatever that meansschools.

“We will close this (sic) primarytopshortly So,allof thechildrencurrentlyinthis primary top will go to discreethighschools,ahigh schoolbythemselves.We’re going to be able to do that because the Good Hope Secondary is going to be completed shortly. The school started many years ago As you know the previous (APNU-AFC) government was unable to finishit,”shetoldtheparents gathered The Enmore students will be most affected as they are some 5 miles from Good Hope Moreover Enmore and Enterprise areeconomically depressed areas since the APNU-AFC government closed the Enmore sugar factory The factory was the chief employer of sugar workersinthearea.

TheDPIreportedthat (Continuedonpage6)

Justice Kissoon orders Exxon to provide unlimited...

Frompage2 abenefitfromtheoperations of its subsidiary and will cover the liabilities and obligations of Esso as stipulated at Condition

14:01 As such, Justice Kissoon reasoned that “If, however, that event occurs and there is no uncapped Parent Company Guarantee in place to indemnify the

State,thentheStateisliable forallthatoccurs.

It is simply not open to the permit holder to say it is engagedinafrolicofitsown, aided and abetted by the EPA, to unilaterally, arbitrarily and unlawfully capitsunlimitedliabilityand financial assurance. Justice

Kissoon emphasised therefore that a Parent

Company or Affiliate Company indemnity or guaranteetotheextentof$2 billion does not fulfill the obligations of the permit holder at Condition 14:10 and, in such circumstances, Essowillremaininbreach.

“Thereisnohurdletothe provision of the unlimited parent company guarantee and the unlimited affiliate company guarantee agreements stipulated at Condition 14:10 of the Permit,”

ORDER

As a result of his determination, Justice

Kissoon granted the followingreliefs:

(1)Adeclarationthatthe EPA is in breach of its statutory duty by its failure and/or omissions to enforce compliancebyEEPGLofits Financial Assurance obligations stipulated at Condition 14:10 of the environmental permit to provide an unlimited Parent Company Guarantee

Agreement and/or Affiliate

Company Guarantee Agreementtoindemnifyand keep indemnified the AgencyandtheGovernment of Guyana against all environmental obligations within the Stabroek Block, OffshoreGuyana.

(2) A declaration that EEPGLhasfailedtocomply with its FinancialAssurance obligation stipulated at Condition 14:10 of the environmental permit to provide an unlimited Parent Company Guarantee and IndemnityAgreementand/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee Agreement, to indemnify and keep indemnified the AgencyandtheGovernment of Guyana against the environmental obligations from their activities in the Stabroek Block, Offshore Guyana.

(3) A declaration that Condition 14 of the environmental permit imposes on EEPGL, unlimited and uncapped liability for all costs associated with clean up, r e s t o r a t i o n a n d compensation for all damages caused by any d i s c h a r g e o f a n y contaminant arising from its exploration, development and petroleum production activities within the Stabroek Block, Offshore Guyana.

(4)Adeclarationthatthe EPA is in breach of its statutory duty by its failure and/or omissions to enforce compliance by EEPGL Limited of its Financial

Assurance obligations stipulatedatCondition14:05 of the environmental permit to provide environmental liability insurance of a type and nature stipulated in Condition 14 and to have an independent insurance consultant retained by the Agency to review and examine the insurance

package to ensure its conformity with Condition 14 of the environmental permit.

(5) A declaration that Esso Exploration and

Production Guyana Limited hasfailedtocomplywithits Financial Assurance obligation stipulated at Condition 14:05 of the environmental permit to provide environmental liability insurance of such typeandinsuchamountasis c u s t o m a r y i n t h e international petroleum industry from an insurance company of standing and repute that equates to Grade A Plus as envisaged by Condition14:05.56

( 6 ) A n O r d e r o f Mandamus directed to the EPAtoissueanEnforcement

Notice pursuant to Section 26(1) and (2) of the Environmental Protection Act, on or before 9/05/23, directed to EEPGL to performitsobligationsunder Condition 14:10 and 14:05 oftheEnvironmentalPermit to provide, within 30 days thereafter, on or before 10/06/23, the unlimited liability Parent Company GuaranteeAgreementand/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee to indemnify and keep indemnifiedtheGovernment of Guyana and the Agency a g a i n s t a l l s u c h environmental obligations within the Stabroek block, togetherwithEnvironmental liability insurance as is customary in international petroleum industry in accordance with the Conditions at 14:05 (i), (ii), (iii),(iv),(v)and(vi)froman insurancecompanystanding and repute that equates to GradeAPlusasenvisagedby Condition 14:05 failing whichthestandssuspended. Additionally, costs were awarded to the applicants in thesumof$1.5million.

Closing Enterprise...

Frompage5 Minister Manickchand said “When you fail to finish a school, we have children whoshouldbeinasecondary school sitting in a primary school with inadequate education; that’s your childrenhere,we’regoingto

be able to change that shortly”Don’tbesurprisedif the PPP/C government suffersthewrathofparentsof these three schools at the u p c o m i n g L o c a l GovernmentElections.

Respectfully, SultanMohamed

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HESS ALREADY COUNTING, SOON TO BE DROOLING

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Give Jagdeo a big high five. The fifth project already approved.

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Exxon and Hess already talking about the sixth one.

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EAB still reviewing appeals on waiver of impact study for 300-megawatt gas plant

The Environmental

A s s e s s m e n t Board (EAB) is yettohanddownitsdecision on the appeals made by citizens,regardingthewaiver of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a 300megawatt gas fired power plant to be constructed at Wales,WestBankDemerara.

Chairman of the Board, Dr Mahender Sharma in a brief telephone interview yesterday explained that the membersofthebodyarestill analysing the statements

received from the two appellants and comments submitted by two other citizens.Hesaid,“Thereport is still under review by the board members and we have not yet submitted it to the EPA we have not yet completed the process, we are reviewing all of the comments and those comments will translate into our recommendations in the report.”

Dr Sharmasaidhecould not state the definitive timelineastowhentheEAB

will wrap up the process to eitherupholdthedecision,or overthrow the EIA waiver Hewasalsoreluctanttoshare any findings made by the board so far The Chairman would only say, “We are reviewing all of the comments and all of the statements so that we can addressitcomprehensively.”

Over a month ago, the three member EAB presided overaPublicHearingintothe decision made by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)toexemptthe

power plant from a detailed impact assessment The projectisacomponentofthe US$2 1 billion Gas-toEnergy(GTE)initiative.

In a Notice published on January 6, 2023 the EPA announced that the project will not require the study, citing several reasons. Two objections were received by the EAB to appeal this decision The appellants, Vanda Radzik and Elizabeth Deane-Hughes and, Danuta Radzik presented their arguments on March 22, 2023. Two citizens, Alfred Bhulai and Simone MangalJoly had also shared their written comments regarding thewaiverwiththeEAB.

The appellants believe thatthegas-firedpowerplant can be dangerous to the health and wellbeing of G u y a n e s e a n d t h e environment and should therefore be guided by an EIA.Infact,VandaRadzikin her submission pointed out, “Gas-fired plants and NGL facilities and the pipelines that feed them are notoriously dangerous Peoples' lives, livelihoods and lands are at risk. Toxic gases, chemicals and hazardous wastes are generated along with substantialemissionssuchas flaring that pollute the environment and affect the healthofhuman.”

RadziktoldtheEABthat research shows burning fossil fuels at power plants create emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, carbon dioxide and other pollutants that lead to respiratory and cardiovascularproblems,and other health issues such as cancer and other immune

system damage.As such she asked, “Why would an EIA notberequired?”

Meanwhile, Danuta Radzik in her presentation noted that an explosion is likely at the facility and can cause serious injury, loss of life and devastate the environment, yet the EPA thought it appropriate to exemptaseparateEIAforthe powerplant.

The two other aspects of the GTE project- the Natural GasLiquids(NGL)plantand pipelineweresubjectedtoan EIA.Theactivistsaidatleast seven communities, according to ExxonMobil's impact assessment, are withinamilefromthepower plantandtheNGLplantsite, therebyplacingthesecitizens atdirectriskofairemissions, dust,soilerosion,noise,earth tremors, lost access to agricultural lands and could potentially experience a boiling liquid vapour explosion, jet fire or a flammablecloud.

These risks all highlight theneedforathoroughstudy to be done according to RadziksincetheExxonstudy does not adequately explain eachriskandoffermitigation measures.Moreover,shesaid there is no estimate as to the casualties from explosions, jet fires, or other explosions from the power plant. “It is therefore inaccurate to state that impact will be moderate to low…the fact that these communities are considered socio-economically and e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y disadvantaged seems to make them even more acceptable as sacrifice zones for big oil and the beneficiaries of big oil,” she argued.

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

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

The children writing the National Grade Six Assessment would wish that the examinations were held every day They have been treated with so much consideration, as they usually are, on the days of theexaminations.

Thechildrenaremadeto feelextraspecialonthedays when they have to write examinations. The parents go out of their way to treat them with extreme love and affection.Parentsgotogreat lengthstoensurethatthereis nopsychologicalpressureon their children. They do not raise their voices at their children.Theydonotputany pressureonthem.Theytryto remove all hints at pressure fromthechild.

Parents wake up early to prepare a special meal for their children who are writing the examinations. The parents know what

meals the children like and they prepare a special meal on examination day to send them on their way The children are encouraged to eat as much as they can and takesecondsiftheysowish.

Parents shower affection on thechildren.Theygivethem hugsandkisses.

They walk them to school, hug them again and wishthemluck.Theyensure thattheyhaveextrapensand pencils, rulers and sharpeners During lunchtime, they take a very special meal for them. It is either Church’s or Pizza, things that the children like.

Beforethekidsleaveforthe afternoon session it is more hugsandkissesencouraging themtodotheirbest.

When they return from school,theyaretoldtotakeit easy, to relax. The children must be in stress-free environment. Nothing is done to place any form of

pressure on them. And the cycle of special meals, hugs a n d k i s s e s a n d encouragement begins all over again when the second day of the examination commences.

If the children were so pampered throughout the remainder of their school days as they are during examination days, their performancewouldbemuch better But the problem with parents is that they reserve theirbestbehaviourtowards their children for examinationdays.

Parents should not wait until examination days to create a pressure-free environment for their children. They should feed them well before and after the examinations They should ensure that the children are under no pressure. The home should be a loving environment for the children so that they can

Cummings Lodge house goes up in flames after garbage fire left unattended

S i x t y - y e a r - o l d

Haimwantie Singh is now leftcountingherlossesafter a fire on Tuesday night destroyed her Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown home.

AccordingtotheGuyana Fire Service (GFS), on Tuesday at around 19:00hrs theyrespondedtoareportof a house on fire at Lot 734, Sixth Field, Cummings LodgeHousingScheme.

Water tenders from the Central, Alberttown and Campbellville fire stations were dispatched to the location where the structure on fire was a one-flat woodenbuilding.

The Fire Service reported that according to findings, the fire was as a result of Singh burning rubbish, that she left

u n a t t e n d e d w h i c h subsequently spread to the house,destroyingit.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that as a result of the fire, two houses were affected, one located in the same yard as Singh and the otheratLot733,SixthField CummingsLodge.

TheGFSsharedthatdue toradiatedheatfromSingh's house, three black tanks and 1 meter of PVC guttering werealsodestroyed.

As the investigation into the fire is ongoing, and the Guyana Fire Service said it continues to advise citizens to never leave garbage or grass fires unattended, as these fires can quickly get outofhand.

TheGFSadvisedthatthe followingstepscanbetaken inpreventingandcontrolling

enjoylearning.Mostparents expectthatspecialtreatment on examination days will have a miraculous effect on theperformanceofchildren. They do not appreciate that learning is a process, and it takestime,andchildrenneed the fullest support to bring out the best in them Showing special love and attention on examination days is not going to reverse all those other times when children were made to feel unappreciatedandunloved.

The fancy meals at lunchtime on examination days are not going to compensate for the years of previous neglect of the nutritionofthechildren.Itis not going to work any miraclesonexaminationday

itself.

Itwillonly,intheeyesof the children, expose the hypocrisy of some parents. The children will privately question why it is that they areonlymadetofeelspecial onexaminationdays.Infact allthisspecialtreatmentcan backfire, because when the childrendonotperformwell, astheparentsexpectthemto, parents are bound to vent their frustration on the childrenandpointtothefact that they went out of their way to make them feel special and loved during examinationdays.

Parents must love and show affection to their children all year round, and notjustatexamtime.

They should show love

totheirchildren,becausethis willcreateanenvironmentin the home that is conductive to learning. Many parents have little time for their childrenbeforeexamination. But come examination day, the children are given the besttreatment.Itistoolittle, toolate.

(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.)

grass and garbage fires: Desist from openly burning grassandgarbage,findother safe means of garbage disposal, as it relates to land clearing, report large grass and garbage fires to the fire department, do not throw cigaretteorcigarbuttsonthe ground or out of a vehicle, dispose of them properly, and make sure they are completely extinguished, parents should emphasize to their children the dangers of playing with fire, as some grass fires are started by children who have no idea how quickly flames can growandspread.

Also persons should keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or other fire suppression tools on hand to put out fires if theyoccurorgetoutofhand.

President Ali off to for King Charles coronation

H@RD TRUTHS

PRESS SAVAGING, LEADERSHIP INCITING

I salute all Guyanese media practitioners. This includes those who may not havematchedupwelltothe hallowedlabelofprincipled pressprofessional. Thereis no value in disparaging those who fail to make the mark;itismorewholesome, if all are to grow, that we learn from each otherwriters, readers, publishers, and reporters-as we seek to

exemplify how we can be better,andgentlyso. Idoso at this time when press freedom is under attack, w h e n i t s v a u n t e d independence is found fault with,causesgreatleadership disruptions. IstartwithHis Excellency,PresidentAli.

His Excellency was at Leonora recently, where he is the favourite son. I think he made a misstep, and it

involved the press, a member who had been libeled and defamed in the worst way imaginable, by the President’s own people. For emphasis, the President’s own people WhileExcellencyAliwasat Leonora,andsoalsowasthe abused and intimidated media professional, Ms DavinaBagot,adaughterof Guyana. Adaughternoless

than the son that Irfaan Ali is. PresidentAli knew what was volleyed at her, the vileness, odiousness, rottenness. But President Ali did nothing. President Ali said nothing. President Alimadenotasinglemove. Other than hastening to his waitingvehicle,andleaving promptly As said, His Excellency Ali made a misstep; a misstep that was notoneofhisfinerhours.

From my perspective, a product of my grooming, training, absorbing, and learning,itwouldhavebeen an example of leadership, statesmanship, and utter class for President Ali to venture these few little things The President should have taken a step towards Ms. Bagot, with smile of recognition, and hand of welcome extended. PresidentAlididnothaveto say,‘Iamsorry.’ Infact,he didn’t have to utter a single word. Butbythatleadership gesture, he would have sent a strong signal to all Guyanese.

First, what happened is not what I stand for, can neverbecondoned. Second, what was experienced will not happen again. Third, it is a guarantee stamped with the seal of the Presidency The nation’s leader did not have to say a word. But the message would have been unmistakable,possessingan unspoken ferocity in its delivery

It is my belief that, as PresidentAli grows into his role,hewillgetbetteratthe statesmanship and leadershipthatheturnedhis back on when the opportunitypresenteditself. It was a golden one to register his wrath, to articulate his authority, and

to reassure press professionals, and all Guyanese that his PPP Government will make amends, that it will dowhatisright.

No President can ever stoopsolowthathepresides over circumstances and people that lead to our women being assaulted, our sisters being in fear due to raging and rampaging domestic hands. I regret immensely that the President sent the worst possible message when he took convenient refuge in vehicular flight. When the press is hampered, Guyanese are hurt. When our female reporters are injured, Guyanese feel the pain. I feel the pathos that has visited this land still loved, despite its grievous miscarriages. I strive to manage amidst the carnage of its barbarisms and vandalismsthatseekoutlike guided missiles those found toberepulsive,becausethey intrude into places that the Government prefers to be secret, sealed Because therearethoseobjectionable G u y a n e s e o f t h e independent press that dare topushandprobe,aspartof t h e i r p e r s i s t e n t interrogationsofwhatreally isgoingonwiththenation’s manypatrimonies.

I fear that were this to continue along the destructive lines, and at the spiraling levels, of recent, then it is only a matter of timebeforethepretensesare abandoned, and the proud armbandsarewornpublicly

They would be those withswastikasimprintedall aroundthem.

I humbly call on PresidentAli(mypresident) to use his might to right

undeniable, incontestable wrongs. ThePresidentmust makeithisdutytoseizethe high ground, and then aim higher still, and not just for the press, but for all the Guyanesepeople.

Infairness,Idiscernthat PresidentAliistrying,buthe stares at the craggy and the uphill. Heissurroundedon his left and on his right, aboveandbelow,byacohort of men and women largely captive to what caresses the coarse,whatisathomewith the twisted, the distorted, and the crooked. When he shouldhavementors,hehas to make do with monsters. When his companions shouldbehelpers,hehasthe hounds of hell that toil diligentlytoundohisefforts, to degrade his leadership and government They delivery the unmentionable, so completely repugnant is the sum of their exploits, their practices, their low cultures.

Undoubtedly, President Alisuffersterriblyfromthat fatal handicap of political leaders: one for all and all forone.

Separate from the ravenous pack, Excellency Show what is there, demonstrate the substances madeof,andleteverydaybe pressFreedomDay Truthis truth, and of that there shouldbeabsolutelynofear

(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.)

EPA's slackness puts nation in grave danger

…High Court Judge flags body for breaching statutory duty again

ByRenaySambach

“The Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)has relegated itself to a state of laxity of enforcement and condonationcompoundedby a lack of vigilance thereby putting this nation and its people in grave potential danger of calamitous disaster,” those were the words of High Court Judge, JusticeSandilKissoon,when hehandeddownhisrulingin a monumental case against Guyana's Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)and 'ExxonMobil Guyana,' Esso Exploration and Production GuyanaLimited(EEPGL).

Twocitizens,Presidentof theTransparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI)

Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte, through their lawyers, Mr Seenath Jairam,SC,andMs.Melinda Janki, had approached the court to get the EPA to enforce a critical clause, Condition 14 in the Liza Phase 1 Environmental Permit (Renewed) issued on May 31, 2022 to EEPGL.

That provision says ExxonMobil Corporation, the parent company for EEPGL,mustcovercostsfor all environmental loss and damage that might result fromawellblowout,oilspill or other failure in the Liza Phase One Development ProjectinGuyana'sStabroek Block.

Guyana's Environmental bodymandateisto“Promote, facilitate and coordinate effective environmental management and protection; and the sustainable use of Guyana natural resources.”

However, yesterday's ruling like a similar case involving the EPA in December 2022, painted the State agency in a grim light for breaching its statutory duties thereby putting the nation and its peopleatrisktogravedanger in the event of an oil spill offshoreGuyana.

Justice Kissoon pointed out that the antecedent circumstances that were raised in the proceedings haveexposedtheexistenceof an egregious state of affairs that has engulfed the EPA, “in a quagmire of its own making.”

The judge added that the EPA has abandoned its exclusive statutory responsibilitiesentrustedtoit by the NationalAssembly to

ensure due compliance by ExxonMobil Guyana with Condition 14 in the renewed environmentalpermit.

The judge added that the courtfoundthatEEPGLwas engaged in a disingenuous attempt which was calculatedtodeceive,whenit sought to dilute its liabilities stipulated and expressed in cleartermsatCondition14of the renewed environmental permit,whilesimultaneously increasing production at the LizaPhase1projectoffshore Guyana To this, Justice Kissoon underscored that EEPGL was engaged in a course of action that was madepermissibleonlybythe omissionsofaderelict,pliant andsubmissiveEPA.

F u r t h e r, i t w a s highlighted that the EPA refused to disclose any information during the court proceedings as to the status of compliance by EEPGL with its financial obligations in accordance with

Condition14oftherenewed permitandwhetherornotthe oil company has complied with the critical clause. On the two substantive issues, thejudgesaidthattheagency sought refuge in silence, avoidance, concealment and secrecy, and also turned a blind eye, notwithstanding the grave potential danger and consequences to the country and citizens if an event occurred at the Liza Phase 1 project – especially thattheoilcompanyhasbeen rampingupproductionthere.

On the issue of whether the EPA has acted in breach of its statutory duty, unreasonably, and also allowingEEPGLtocarryout petroleum operations in the absence of the compliance with Condition 14, Justice Kissoon underscored that at every juncture from the day the renewed permit was issuedtoEEPGLtodate,the EPA engaged in a course of action to undermine and erode the terms and conditions of its own environmentalpermit.

It was highlighted in the court document that the agency carrying out public l a w f u n c t i o n s , notwithstanding that EEPGL's activities are of significant impact, failed severalaspectsofitsduties.

The EPA failed and

compliance by EPPGL with its

liability insurance of a type and nature stipulated as stipulated by the renewed environmental permit and to have an independent insuranceconsultantretained bytheAgencytoreviewand examine the insurance package to ensure its conformitywithsaidpermit.

in accordance with Section 11 (2) of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap.20:05, LawsofGuyana.

obligationsofenvironmental liability insurance together with an unlimited parent companyguarantee;theEPA also failed to take any meaningful step of any step whatsoever to assess what was provided to it by the oil company purportedly as the environmental liability insurance when it was not in fact in keeping with Condition14oftherenewed permit. Importantly, it was alsostatedthatdespitefailing todotheaforementioned,the EPA also failed to suspend/ cancel EEPGL's renewed environmental permit even thoughtheoilcompanymade public pronouncements, communicating its intention toincreaseproductionlevels.

To this, Justice Kissoon said,“TheAgencyhas,inthe circumstances, by its decision and omission, committed an illegality, acted unlawfully, ultra vires, unreasonably in the Wednesbury context of unreasonableness, in defianceoflogic,irrationally a n d w i t h o u t a n y jurisdiction.”

The judge granted a declarationthattheEPAisin breachofitsstatutorydutyby its failure/ omissions to enforcecompliancebytheoil company with its financial assurance obligations as stipulated by clause 14, to provide an unlimited parent company agreement and/ or affiliate company guarantee agreement to indemnify and keepindemnifiedtheagency and the government against a l l e n v i r o n m e n t a l obligations of the EEPGL and its partners in the StabroekBlock.

Another declaration was grantedthatEPAisinbreach of its statutory duty by its failure/ omission to enforce compliance by EEPGL to provide environmental

Moreover, an Order of Mandamus was granted directed to the EPA to issue an Enforcement Notice pursuanttoSection26(1)and (2) of the Environmental Protection Act, on or before May 9, 2023, directed to EEPGL to perform its obligations under condition 14 of the renewed environmental permit and to provide, within 30 days thereafter, on or before June 10, 2023 the unlimited liability Parent Company GuaranteeAgreementand/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee to indemnify and keep indemnifiedtheGovernment of Guyana and the Agency a g a i n s t a l l s u c h environmentalobligationsof the oil companies operating in the Stabroek Block, togetherwithEnvironmental liability insurance as is customary in international petroleumindustry

BREACHED STATUTORYDUTY (SCHLUMBERGER CASE)

In December 2022, in an historic case, High Court Judge, Justice Nareshwar Harnanan had ruled that Guyana's Environmental body breached its statutory duty in the case against the EPAandUSbasedCompany, Schlumberger Guyana Inc. (SGI).

Justice Harnanan ruled that the EPA breached its statutory duty by not publishing reasons/adequate reasons as to why it waived the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Schlumberger to build a radioactive facility at Houston, East Bank Demerara.

The High Court judge had issued several administrative orders on December 16, 2022. Those ordersdealtwiththeissueof theEPAfailingtopublishthe reasonswhyitdidnotrequire an EIA for the construction and operation of a source storage/calibration building,

Therulingwasasaresult of a legal challenge filed by three Environmental Activists and residents who live nearby the facility, Vanda Radzik, Danuta Radzik, and Raphael Singh, through their Lawyers: Marlene Alleyne, Siand Dhurjon, and Ronald BurchSmith.Thelawsuitwasfiled onFebruary14,2022.

OnJanuary19,2022,the EPA without any notice given to the public, granted Schlumberger permission to use, store and possess radioactive materials at its facility located at Houston. Notably, the public was also notgivenanynoticethatany such permit was under consideration by the EPA.

AfterseeingtheEPA'snotice to waiver the EIA for Schlumberger, several residents formally objected to the decision stating that radioactive materials should notbeusedorstoredinclose proximity to schools, neighbourhood, or the Demerara River This later led to the matter being brought before the High Courtjudge.

Justice Nareshwar Harnanan in his judgment declared, “That the EPA's decision to waive the requirement of an Environmental Impact Assessment with respect to Schlumberger Guyana Inc. (SGI)'s application for environmental authorization for the construction of the said facility is in breach of the EPAs statutory duty for failuretoprovidereasonsfor the wavier as mandated under section 11(2) of the Environmental Protection Act,Cap.20:05.”

JusticeHarnanangranted anOrderofCertiorariissued and directed to the EPA quashingitsdecisiononJune 9, 2021 to award an environmental authorisation toSchlumbergertoconstruct a radioactive substances and material storage and calibration facility on the ground that the decision is ultra vires and breached the EPA's statutory duty set out under section 11 (2) of the EPAAct.

A second Order of Certiorari, was issued and directedtotheEPAquashing its decision made in January

2022, that permitted Schlumberger to operate its radioactive substances and materials storage and calibration facility and to possess, use and store radioactive materials, on the ground that the decision was inbreachoftheEPAstatutory dutysetoutunderSection11 (1)and(2)oftheEPAAct.

Further, the Judge issued an injunction against Schlumberger, restraining it from continuing the possession, use and storage of radioactive chemicals at its Houston facility, unless and until it is in receipt of a lawfully issued permit pursuant to the provisions of theEPAAct.

Section 11 of EPA Act, stipulates that any project thatmaysignificantlyaffects the environment requires an EIAand such an assessment requires publication in the newspapers of the intended project as well as consultationswiththepublic.

The Judge also said during his ruling that, “This court is of the view that the EPA's decision to waive the requirementorEIAcannotbe found to be lawful as it directly contravenes [section] 11 (2) of the [EPA] Act, the court also finds that no adequate reasons were contained in the notice publishedbytheEPA…” Justice Harnanan highlightedtoothatwhilethe EPA contended that by granting a permit to Schlumberger to construct the facility it does not guarantee storage of the radioactive sources at the facility – the EPA Act explains – that the agency should not issue a construction or operation permit unless the agency includes in the permit conditions that are reasonably necessary to protecttheenvironment.

EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram

High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon

Hundreds sign petition for ExxonMobil to grant Guyana full coverage insurance

Red Thread Women, a non-profit organisation o n We d n e s d a y continued protests in front of the Office of President calling for ExxonMobil to grant Guyana full coverage liability for its operation inthelucrativeStabroekoilblock.

Morethanadozenwomenhave been protesting every first Wednesday of month since March 8, with placards calling for full coverage insurance and a banner thatreads“WedemandRuleofLaw compliance in Oil and Gas, Our lives,Ourlivelihoods,OurLands”.

On Wednesday one of the protestors told Kaieteur News that since the protest began they have beenurgingcitizensnotonlytojoin them but to sign a petition for ExxonMobil to grant Guyana Full Coverage Insurance and yesterday was no different. Kaieteur News watched on as protestors stopped vehicles passing by and urged driversandpassengerstosigntheir petition.Manywillinglygavetheir signatures and commended the womenfortheirgoodwork.

RedThreadtoldKaieteurNews

that it has gotten over 200 signatures already and plans to continue protesting every first Wednesday until ExxonMobil agrees to their demands Presently,ExxonMobilthroughits operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is producing over 400,000 barrels of oil in the Stabroek Block without full liability coverage, even though thisisarequirementinitsPermits receivedtoextracttheresource.

One of the Red Thread members, Joy Marcus, had said in a previous interview: “we are protesting for ExxonMobil to have full liabilitycoveragesothatinthe eventofanyoilspillandsoon that we know that will be takencareofandnotbelefton Guyanese and there are other issues which we have been discussing which includes a betteroildeal”.Whileadding, “Ifyouaregoingtododrilling

which we are not really interested inhavingitdone,thendoitinasafe andproperwayandsothatisamain priority.”

The organisation had also told Kaieteur News that its female members are “mad” and “furious” that Exxon has been proudly reporting the billions it has been earning thanks to Guyana's resources,whilethenationisyetto make sure a parent company guarantee is secured to cover costs ifthereweretobealargeoilspill.

Red Thread Women protesting for full coverage liability

Red Thread Women protesting for full coverage liability

The petition that was signed over 200 persons

Sophiamanfounddeadinguest house,diedofheartattack -autopsy

Ally of Lot 221 Section 'B' Pattensen/Turkeyen, Georgetown, died on Friday April 28, in a room at Quamina Guest House located at Lot 126 Quamina Street,Georgetown.Theman hadvisitedtheguesthousein the company of his neighbour to have sexual intercourse, after which he reportedly collapsed and died.

The autopsy was conducted onAlly's body on Wednesday by State Pathologist, Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary. The autopsy revealed that Ally diedfromaheartattackwith a ruptured blood vessel. The police reported that Ally's body was handed over to his relativesforburial.

CCTV footage had surfaced with the woman Ally checked into the guest housewith,jumpingthrough a window and escaping.The police's initial report had stated that Ally died of unnatural causes This prompted the woman, who has been identified as Keneisha Thomas to come forward to profess her innocence.

Duringaninterviewwith journalist, Travis Chase, the woman gave her side of the ordeal and had stated that when the autopsy is completed she will turn herself into the police in the company of her lawyer

Dead, Omar Ally

Thomas said after they finished drinking and talking, they had sex. “After havingsex now, whilegoing to the bathroom, I went into the bathroom first. While bathing,hewaswaitingright atthebathroomdoorandallI hear is bladap when I look around, I see he lying on the toilet bowl panting for breath…,”thewomansaid.

She stated she then wrapped herself in a towel and ran to the receptionist area where she informed the receptionist what had happened.Thomasexplained thatafterthereceptionisttold her she has to call the police and the ambulance, she responded, “no I can't stay hay, this is meh neighbour husband…” She added that shewasscaredthat'swhyshe jumped out of the window andescaped.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud (right) presents a certificate to Hannah Joseph

25 persons with disabilities graduate from skill training programme

A

Thomas disclosed that she had been involved withAlly for about four years

According to her, given that Allyismarriedandisalsoher neighbour, they were frequent visitors to the QuaminaStreetGuestHouse andothersimilarplaces.The woman claimed that when they arrived at the guest house last Friday, Ally purchased three bottles of Banks Beer and two bottles ofGuinness. Shesharedthat while talking, Ally told her that he was not feeling well.

According to the receptionist, at 14:15 hours, she was in the receptionist's area when the person that checked in with Ally rushed out of the room and told her that Ally had fallen and hit his head on the tile by the toilet area As such, the receptionistaccompaniedthe woman to the room, where she checked the toilet area and saw the deceased lying on the floor with blood oozing behind his head, his body was naked. The police reported that when the Guyana Fire Service ambulance arrived shortly after and Ally's body was examined, the woman escaped by jumping out the south-eastern bedroom window within public view in a westerly direction along QuaminaStreet.

T h e g r a d u a t i o n ceremony was held at the soon to be completed Learning Lab, Training and EmpowermentCentrewhich will be the designated home for Persons living with disabilities to be trained and developed.

In a press release the ministry said the courses offered during the training programmeincluded:JAWS (for the visually impaired) and social media marketing. In her remarks, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, told the graduates, “Theaimistomakepersons

n o t h e r 2 5 persons living with disabilities graduated from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security's skills training programme recently, bringing the total number of graduates to 294 overthepast12months.livingwithdisabilitiesavery valuablepartofeveryaspect ofdevelopmentandwewant youtogootherandbepartof thelabourmarket,partofthe workforce,andwewantyou tohaveyourdreamsbecome areality.”

Minister Persaud further noted, “While we were waiting on the facility, we didn'twaittotrainsopersons were trained across various regions, 294 of them, so we did the graduation for them inRegionsFourandFiveand we will be presenting the certificatestotheothers.”

Natasha Basdeo, one of the graduates said, “I am proud of myself because I went through the computer course, and I have a certificate.Ilearntalotfrom thecourse,andIthinkitisa good thing the Ministry is doing.

It is very good for me, and I improved a lot so this will help me to gain

employment.”

Another graduate, Hannah Joseph explained, “it is very good that the ministryisdoingsomuchfor persons living with disabilities,itisveryhelpful to us. I want to thank the Minister for all she is doing for us and I want to encourage all persons living with disabilities to take up the opportunity and get qualified ” Meanwhile, OdessaBlairwhocompleted the social media marketing course highlighted that the coursewasveryinformative, andIthinkthatpersonswith disabilities will be benefitting from these training.

I believe the Ministry is doing a very good job and I have to say hats off to them for including persons with disabilities in their training and making us equipped to make an equal contribution intheworldofwork.

Govt. rolls out third payout for dialysis patients

Over the next few days, 105 hemodialysis patients will receive cheques valued at $600,000 each, to help subsidise their treatment expenses,astheGovernment ofGuyanarollsoutthethird dialysis treatment initiative payoutfor2023.

Of the 105 beneficiaries, 51 are new patients, the MinistryofHealthstatedina press release The third payout exercise of $63 million, commenced Wednesday at the Ministry of Health on Brickdam. Stabroek. The first payout forthisyearwasexecutedin February when 84 patients benefited while the second was done in April when 62 personsbenefitted.

Antonio Lall, a dialysis patient receives his cheque from Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, Wednesday morning at the Ministry of Health's headquarters on Brickdam

those in need of medical

r

w i t h s o m e o f t h e beneficiaries and lending words of support to persons sufferingfromkidneyfailure who require dialysis, a

Dr. Frank Anthony hands over a cheque valued at $600,000 to Jane Chichester for dialysis assistance

minister said While appealing to the general public to get registered if theyrequiredialysissupport, the minister indicated that theprocessisverysimplebut requires verification and assessment of the patient's condition at the Nephrology Department at the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation(GPHC).

“

much-needed treatment for the management of their condition.

“Today we are giving 105 persons a cheque of

$600,000 each to help them withtheirdialysissession;so for this year already, 297 personshavebenefitedfrom this annual subvention,” the

Once the doctor determines you have endstage renal failure, he issues alettertothateffectwhichis verifiedbyourphysiciansat the GPHC.Arequest is then prepared and the necessary documentation is prepared andpresentedtotheMinistry of Health to get to process started”, Dr Anthony explained The health ministerhighlightedthat (Continuedonpage16)

m o r t e m

of Health,

A p o s t

Keneisha Thomas

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Int’l press body condemns smear campaign against local journalists

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Reporters without Borders (RSF) an international nonprofit and non-governmental organisation with the stated aim of safeguarding the right to freedom of information has condemned the harassment and intimidation of journalists in Guyana through online targeting by political operatives purportedly associated with the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic.

The RSF Executive noted that journalists in Guyana continue to encounter pushback from the government and supporters of the ruling party in their work. He said that this includes exclusion from routine press briefings from the administration and intimidation tactics.

rally, the RSF statement read.

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The statement by RSF comes weeks after handlers for the Facebook page, “Live in Guyana,” attacked the professional integrity of both Kaieteur News’ Senior Journalist, Davina Bagot and President of the Guyana Press Association, Nazima Ragubir. The GPA had issued a statement condemning the attacks while stating that it remains in contact with several regional and international organisations and has placed its concerns for the safety of journalists in Guyana as a major concern. The GPA said that the association had urged for international assistance to “fight this harassment of media operatives in Guyana.”

“Members of the press should be respected and free from scare tactics in their jobs, especially in a signatory country of the Media Freedom Coalition,” Weimers said in the statement.

The RSF statement recounted the recent incidents of harassment and intimidation reported by the press. The statement outlined that on 31 March, President Irfaan Ali gave a press conference where journalists were forced to sit among the public and verbally intimidated while asking questions, particularly when bringing up certain topics like oil. The crowd was largely composed of vocal supporters of Ali’s party and the meeting was more like a

After the event, Kaieteur News journalist Davina Bagot was harassed on the Facebook page “Live in Guyana” in what the Guyana Press Association calls an “attack.” They argue this behaviour could eventually lead to physical aggression against Bagot or other media workers. As such, the RSF Executive Director said that, “Whether directly attacking the media or encouraging supporters to do so with a wink and a nod, President Ali is putting journalists at risk for simply doing their jobs. President Ali’s administration must take action to ensure all journalists are safe to do their jobs. This includes holding to account party supporters who intimidate members of the press.

Further, it was noted that the Guyana Chronicle, which is owned by the government, has published several articles critical of the press association, especially its president, Nazima Raghubir. “This exemplifies a larger issue that

the government controls many of the media outlets in the small country and tries to silence those who criticise the administration,” the international body stated. Added to the measure of control exercised by the government, RSF noted that there have been no cabinet press briefings since August 2020 after Pres ident Ali took office. According to RSF, Guyana is one of 51 members of the Media Freedom Coalition, which advocates for media freedom and the protection of journalists. However, the country is ranked 34th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2022 World Press Freedom Index.

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In a statement coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, Executive Director of RSF US Bureau, Clayton Weimers called for the Guyana Government to reform its practices to give proper access to public information.

‘Lethem man’ kills miner over girl, 16

A miner known as ‘Lethem Man’ from Annai Village, Region Nine, on Monday killed another man over a 16-yearold girl, at Jaw Bone Backdam, North West District (NWD), Region One.

The dead man was identified as Kwasi Mitchell, age 24, of Hyde Park Timerhi, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

a relationship with both men but lives with ‘Lethem Man’ at his camp in the backdam.

Mitchell twice with a ‘sharp object’.

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Mitchell was reportedly stabbed around 02:00hrs to his left side chest, while he was sleeping with ‘Lethem Man’s girlfriend in his hammock.

Police said that girl shared

At around 00:30hrs on May 1, ‘Lethem Man’ and the girl got into an argument. She reportedly left the camp during the misunderstanding and made her way over to Mitchell’s camp to spend the rest of the morning with him in his hammock.

She recalled to police that she was awakened around 02:00hrs with a blow to the head from ‘Lethem Man’. As she got up from the hammock, ‘Lethem Man’ stabbed

Mitchell then reportedly ran away from his camp but collapsed to the ground at Jaw Bone Landing. Persons there picked him up and took him to the Baramita Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, according to police, ‘Lethem Man’ did not get a chance to escape because he was apprehended before handing him over to the police.

‘Lethem Man’ has since admitted to killing Mitchell.

Govt. rolls out third payout for dialysis...

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From page 15 through close collaboration with private sector agencies, dialysis services have been expanded to Regions Two, Three, Four and Ten compared to previous years where patients requiring dialysis were forced to travel to the city to seek care and treatment.

Meanwhile, 42 Antonio Lall was pleased to have uplifted his cheque from the ministry. “I’ve been on dialysis for two years now and it’s not easy especially when you require this treatment and it’s so expensive. I would like to thank the Government of

Guyana for providing this assistance to the dialysis patients, it’s a great help”, Lall said.

Another dialysis patient, Jane Chichester, 70 years of age who is a second-time beneficiary, lauded the kind gesture from the Government of Guyana for their continued annual subvention. “Thank you to the Government of Guyana for providing this service. It’s a great help, and I’m very glad for the assistance.

This is my second time receiving the grant”, she said.

For Eaiseaiedayal Ramsarak, a 57-year-old of Berbice, “the help is needed

because the cost of taking dialysis is very expensive and she does not have a partner to help support her financially”. This initiative she said will ease the burden on her only daughter and other relatives, whom she would usually solicit financial assistance to meet her dialysis needs. For the year 2022, some 327 patients benefited from the annual $600,000 payout. Persons requiring support for dialysis treatment can contact the Ministry’s Medical Treatment Department on 225 0113 for more information on how they can receive financial assistance.

Clayton Weimers, Executive Director, RSF US Bureau.

Sod turned for $6.6B hospital at bath Settlement

The more than 30,000 persons residing in Region Five are expected to benefit from improved healthcare s e r v i c e s w i t h t h e construction of a modern $6.6 billion hospital at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice.

During his feature address at the sod-turning ceremony on Tuesday, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the hospital, which is the first of six regionalfacilities,ispartofa national health revolution aimed at improving the country’s healthcare system. The other state-of-the-art facilities, which will cost overover$40billion,areset to be built in Skeldon, Region Six, Enmore, and Diamond, Region Four, Tuschen, Region Three, and AnnaRegina,RegionTwo.

President Ali also e m p h a s i s e d t h e government’s commitment

to developing a state-of-theart health infrastructure ecosystem that keeps pace with the advancements in modern medicine. “One that is comprehensive, one that looksatthechallengesofthe future and position Guyana as being part of the solution of those challenges. “This is

why we are speaking about creating the legislative framework, allowing for modern medicine to evolve. Whether its stem cell, research and development, we are creating the entire architecture for evolution of medicine in Guyana,” the presidentunderscored.

AG briefs realtors on draft bill to regulate sector

President Ali noted the importance of human resource infrastructure in addition to physical infrastructure, highlighting that having beautiful facilitiesaloneisnotenough to provide quality service. “Thefinalproducthereisnot thehospital,thefinalproduct here is improved health service for the people and that is very important for us tounderstand,”hestated. The regional hospital will be built by the China National Pharmaceutical

completed, the hospital will be equipped with three operating theatres of international standards, a neonatal unit, 24-hour accident and emergency department, a modern laboratory equipped to conduct various types of testing,aswellasultrasound, CT scan, and digital X-ray services.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, said the facility will be classified as a Level Four hospital, eliminating the need for individuals to be referred to the hospitals in

Amsterdam The minister underscoredthesignificance of the activity for both the Ministry of Health and the countryasawhole,noting,“I don’t think that there was anytimeinthehistoryofour country that we have embarked on building so manyhospitals”

Minister Anthony noted that as the new hospitals are being constructed, an electronic health record system is also being developed. This system will eliminate the need for individuals to wait for hours to obtain a physical copy of their health chart before seeingadoctor Alsopresent were, Minister of Human Services, Dr Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, Regional Chairman, Mr Vickchand Ramphal, Chief Engineer of C h i n a S i n o p h a r m International Corp., Mr Fu Qiang, Vice President, CAMCE,Mr YanHailuand Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Guo Haiyan. (DPI)

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, on Tuesday met with members oftheRealtorAssociationof Guyana and the Guyana Association of Real Estate Professionals at his chambers on Carmichael Street,Georgetown.

During the meeting Nandlallpresentedacopyofthe draftRealEstateBill2023and highlightedtotheagentsitscore objectives and main provisions.

The Attorney General furtherexplainedthatGuyana’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework is slated to undergo its fourth round of mutual evaluation in September 2023 by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and FinancialActionTask Force (FTAF), and the real estate sector has been identified as one of the areas where a regulatory framework is needed “The Bill will provide the requisite

accountable and transparent legal framework in which real estate agents will operate and by which their transactions will be governed. The economic explosiontakingplaceinthe country results in billions of dollars passing through this sector which currently is almost completely without any regulation,” Nandlall told the agents. “This has been identified as a grave riskandsuchastateofaffairs simplycannotcontinue.The BillwillbetakentoCabinet forapproval,andthenlaidin the National Assembly for enactment as soon as is practicable” The Bill was draftedafterconsultationwith thelocalrealestatebodiesand takes into consideration the industry’s best practices and internationalstandards While theBillprovidesforthesector to be as self-regulatory as possible, it incorporates a structurethat brings together the Government It addresses the licensing of realtors, qualifications required, ethical rules

governing transactions, disciplinary procedures, the establishmentofagoverning authority, and creates offences for noncompliance,amongothers.

Interested parties have two weeks to send their commentsinwriting,andthe Attorney General is open to meeting with the agents againafterthecommentsare received.

Following the meeting RepresentativeoftheGuyana Association of Real Estate Professionals,NicolaDuggan, thankedAttorney General for the meeting and extended appreciation to the Government for the initiative which will allow for the transformationoftheindustry She thanked the Attorney General for all the efforts exerted thus far, and noted that the association looks forward to the enactment of theBill.

The Attorney General invited comments from the local real estate bodies on how the draft may be improved.

President Irfaan Ali joined other officials at the sod turning ceremony for the Bath Regional Hospital

The Attorney General at a meeting with Real Estate Agents

US announces funds to support reporters

being targeted for their work

(CNN) The US will provide new funding to protect reporters targeted because of their work and support independent international journalism, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday at the opening of the virtual SummitforDemocracy

The new “liability fund” will support “reporters and news organisations that are targeted with litigation as a result of their reporting,”

said Blinken, who highlighted the case of Dayanna Monroy, an investigative journalist he said he met in Quito,

Ecuador, who was threatened and faces a legal complaint for her work uncovering “a scheme by a former president and health officials to sell body bags to public hospitals at 13 times theirprice.”“Thefundwe’re launching will support journalists like Dayanna as

they defend themselves against such baseless legal efforts,”saidBlinken.

The Summit for Democracy, a virtual gathering of leaders from government, civil society and the private sector, will focus on combating corruption, defending against authoritarianism and promoting human rights

The event, launched by President Joe Biden to highlight the strengths and

values of liberal democracy, has drawn fierce criticism fromChinaandRussia.

Increasingpressure

Blinken announced fundingtosupportstruggling i n d e p e n d e n t n e w s organizations “We’ll make the biggest contribution by any government to the recently launched InternationalFundforPublic InterestMedia,aninnovative new initiative that provides assistance to at-risk independent news outlets,” Blinken said in prepared remarks Blinken also said that the US Agency for International Development will launch a “Media Viability Accelerator… to make independent press outlets more sustainable, focusing on data sharing, technical assistance and financial services.” “These new efforts will come atop the $236 million dollars President Biden has requestedinthe2022budget to support independent media around the globe – a more than 40% increase on theamountallottedin2020,” said Blinken, who did not specify the amount of new funding going to the new

programs The new initiatives come as press freedoms face increased pressure aroundtheworld.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said in its most recent Press Freedom Index that journalism “is totall blocked or serious impeded in 73 countri and constrained in 59 others” Blinken highlighted how some countries have passed “overly broad and vague laws related to the COVID-19 pandemic” that are now being used to target journalists“underthepretext o f c o m b a t t i n g m i s i n f o r m a t i o n . ” Highlighting the assaults on press freedom globally, the NorwegianNobelCommittee awarded this year’s Nobel PeacePrizetotwojournalists, both of whom spoke at the Summit following Blinken: Dmitry Muratov, editor-inchief of the Russian investigative newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, and Maria Ressa, journalist and cofounderofPhilippines-based investigative news outlet, Rappler “I believe that

emocratic values are very importantforourhumanity,” said Muratov via a State Department translator “We need to make sure that killings of journalists need to be discovered, and those who are responsible punished We need to talk about corruption ” Muratov has accused the Russian government of murdering reporters such as journalist Anna Politkovskaya. “For some reason, we have allowed lies laced with anger and hate to actually spread faster and further thanfacts,”saidRessa,who has spoken out about journalism in the Philippines, charging that news platforms there “are biasedagainstfacts.”

Republic Bank records US$117.8M in half-year profits

Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), Vincent Pereira announced on Wednesday that the Group recorded profits attributable to shareholders of US$117.8 million for the half year ended March 31, 2023.

This represents an increase of US$8.7 million or 7.96% over the profit reported in thecorrespondingperiodofthelastfinancial year,thebanksaidinapressrelease.

Total assets stood at US$17.1 billion at March 31, 2023, an increase of US$113.8 million or 0.67% over the total assets at March2022.

In announcing the results Mr Pereira said, “The half year ended March 31, 2023 wasasolidperiodfortheRepublicFinancial Holdings Limited Group (the Group) Throughout the six months, all Group subsidiaries recorded improved growth in theirloansandinvestmentsportfoliosfuelled byincreasesincustomerdeposits.

As a result of this growth, our subsidiariesrecordedincreasesinnetinterest income, enhanced, in part, by the impact of the rising interest rate environment on US dollardenominatedsecuritiesinourCayman Islands and British Virgin Islands (BVI) operations.

Non-interest income has also been boostedbyincreasedactivityinourtourismbased subsidiaries, following the ongoing recoveryoftourismactivityinthoseislands. OurGhanasubsidiaryhasstabilizedandhas

notsufferedany furtherimpactfromtheDebtExchangesince thefirstquarter.”

Based on these results, the Board of Directorshasdeclaredaninterimdividendof US$0.16(2022:US$0.16)persharepayable onMay31,2023.InclosingMr Pereirasaid, “Iwouldliketoacknowledgetheeffortsofall staff of the Group for their continued commitment to providing outstanding servicetoourclientsandcommunities.”

Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), Vincent Pereira

United States Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken

Cappingstackforoilspillsnotenough-AFC

…says monitoring of operations and other safeguards critical

A new provision included in ExxonMobil'sYellowtailand Uaru Permits, for the fourth and fifth projects respectively, allows for a capping stack to be on standby in the event of a well blowout during oilproductionactivities.

This measure is usually touted by government as a major improvement on the regulatory aspect,buttheAllianceForChange (AFC) believes this tool is not enough.

During a recent engagement with the press, former General Secretary of the party, David Patterson explained, “A capping stack is like a cork.You plug on to yourwinebottleorifyougetaleak onyourwaterpipeyouputablank onittostoptheleak,thatiswhatisa cappingstack.Itdoesnotpreventa leak (from happening) so basically whatthegovernmentistoutingand trying to get us happy (about) is if there is a leak, their response time becausethecappingstackiscloser to Guyana as opposed to Trinidad that they will get this cork to plug theleakquicker.”

Patterson,theShadowMinister ofNaturalResourcesinParliament saidthisshouldbringnocomfortto theGuyanesepopulationasthereis still much to be done regarding oil spills. For instance, he believes there should be monitoring of the

operationsbylocalstoavoidsucha disastrous event from ever occurring. “Webelieveprevention isbetterthancure,”henotedwhile pointingoutthatthisdevicewillnot beacureinthisinstance.

The former Minister pointed out that the Liza one project is currently producing about 120,000 barrels of oil per day while the capping stack is expected to be deployed within nine days “Therefore, we should have no comfortinthat.Oursafeguards,our mechanisms, our insurance should always be in place. They are primaryfocus,”Pattersonurged.

Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan also argued that the United States have both a parent company guarantee to cover costs associated with a spill and a capping stack to aid in responding tothesituation.Assuchhesaidthis mechanism should be mirrored in Guyana, especially since the country is “worse off” than the North American nation. He was referring to the profits garnered from the deal, as compared to the US In fact, Ramjattan noted, “Jagdeo said he is gonna renegotiate the contract, well indeed he has renegotiated the contract to even a more rotten contractfromwhatwedid.”

On November 9 2022, the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its fourth Permit to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) –ExxonMobil Guyana- to conduct production activities at the Yellowtail development The Permit, for the first time, required that a capping stack be procured and stored in country to be used in theeventofaspill.Acappingstack isusedtocapablown-outwell.Itis a heavy piece of equipment that was engineered subsequent to one of the world's most devastating spillsintheGulfofMexico;where a blown out well continued releasing oil into the ocean for 87 days. This tool is used to stop or redirect the flow of hydrocarbons, allowing engineers to permanently sealthewell.

According to the Yellowtail Permit,Exxonwillhaveuptonine days to ensure that the capping stack reaches the location, in such an unfortunate event. The Yellowtail project is expected to produceasmuchas250,000barrels ofoilperday.ThePermitatSection 9.14 explains “The Permit Holder shallmaintainaccesstoatleastone (1) subscription service, in a location outside of Guyana, to allow mobilisation of a capping stack to the Yellowtail Project location within nine (9) calendar

daysorlessofanuncontrolledwell event.”

Similarly, the new Permit granted by the regulator for the oil giant's fifth project- Uaru- also makes provision for the capping stacktobeonsitewithinninedays. ThiscanbefoundatSection9.13of thedocument,whichwassignedon April 27, 2023 Exxon's Uaru project is designed to produce

250,000 barrels per day on an annual average, according to Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA).Itcanhoweverproduceupto 263,000 barrels of oil a day The Payara Permit- for Exxon's third project- however required that the Capping Stack be deployed within three to four days – less than half the time now required at the other projects.

Capping stack

CPL 2023: Powell joins Royals, Walsh moves to Tallawahs

Rovman Powell has been traded to the Barbados Royals ahead of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in a move that sees Hayden Walsh moving the other way to join the Jamaica Tallawahs.

Powell, the West Indies T20 captain, led the Tallawahs to their third CPL title in 2023 and has scored 1337 runs for the franchise since first joining them in 2016.

Walsh leaves the Roy-

als having played for the franchise since 2019, claiming the Player of the Tournament title in his first year with the Barbados team.

As an experienced leg spin bowler with international pedigree he will be a valuable add ition to the Tallawahs squad. The Republic Bank CPL draft show will be broadcast in late June 2023 with the tournament set to get underway on August 16, 2023. (CPL)

Thursday May 04, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Are you an artist, writer, or musician, Aries? If so, your work may take on a more symbolic or impressionistic tone. Today you're probably more interested in conveying feelings and impressions than details.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Innovative art forms might seem especially appealing today, Taurus. Stay out of gallery shops unless you're prepared to take home a carload of merchandise.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Do you believe in ghosts? Some strange phone calls, emails, or other communications may come your way today, Gemini. One may come from someone who thinks you're someone else.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

An unexpected sum of money could come your way today, Cancer. It probably won't be large, but it will be welcome nonetheless.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Have you been exercising too rigorously lately, Leo? If so, you might feel some little aches and pains. Stay off your feet for most of the day.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

You may feel indecisive today, Virgo, especially in the morning. Other people's actions may confuse you. Don't worry. Concentrate on your projects and goals.

Headley/Weekes Tri-Series Final Match - Day 1

Clinical bowling gives Team Weekes edge heading into Day 2 -

Permaul passes 600 1st Class wicketsAS

On a day Guyanese leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul entered the 600wicket club in 1st class cricket, his team played themselves into a strong position with a run leading with Day 2’s action continuing today at Coolidge.

The final match of the 3-

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Are all of your friends into astrology, divine science, or spiritual matters, Libra? It might seem like most of them are today, anyway. You may have many new friends in those fields.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

A love partner may host a social event or meeting of some kind, Scorpio. It might be interesting to get acquainted with friends of your mate you haven't yet met.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

Are you contemplating a trip, Sagittarius, perhaps to a place you've always dreamed of visiting? If you're in doubt as to whether or not you can do it.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The Material values may pale beside spiritual ones today, Capricorn. You might consider giving up the rat race and retreating to the wilderness.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

A current or potential romantic partner might seem like the most perfect, wonderful person in the world to you, Aquarius. Your romantic nature could get the better of you today.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You might not be able to concentrate on your work today, Pisces. Your head may be in the clouds and your eye for detail could fail you somewhat.

game series bowled off in Antigua yesterday as Team Headley, mustered an ordinary 1st innings 177 all out in 65.2 overs.

Kavem Hodge (67), Akeem Jordan (37) and Kieran Powell (23), were the main scorers, as the bulk of the work was done by the left-arm spinner Permaul, 1st class cricket’s leading wicket-taker, who crossed the 600-wicket mark in 1st class cricket, returning 3-16 and left-arm seamer Dominic Drakes (3-17).

Hodge and Jordan’s 7th wicket partnership of 71 was Team Headley’s highest amidst a dismal batting exhibition, as Permaul and company did well to keep them below 200 in their 1st innings.

Old Guyana Harpy Eagles teammates, the West Indies Test pair of Tagenarine Chanderpaul (12) and Raymon Reifer (34), added 48 for the 2nd wicket, after losing opener Zachary McCaskie (2).

When the partnership was broken captain Alick Athanaze was 7 not out with Weekes XI 63-1, trailing by 116, with day 2 set to be an exciting day. Spinner Chaim Holder was excellent during his burst grabbing 2-2.

Action continues today from 9:30h.

Veerasammy Permaul entered the 600-wicket club.

Hackett wins LGC Club tournament

Last Saturday the LusignanGolfClubhosteda club tournament that saw many golfers participated, but it was the experienced Brian Hackett who was able tokeephisopponentsatbay to take the tournament by storm.

Speaking on his victory attheendofthetournament, a victorious Brian Hackett said, “Saturday’s win is the beginning of a great year I expect to continue doing well. I felt all my hard training paid off and I am seeing the fruits of my labour The temperature and

thecourseweregoodandthe rain cooled the hot sun. My game was above par and certainlyascoretobejealous of.”

As it pertains to the futuretheLGCislookingto do something around the CricketCarnivalwithoneof t h e b i g g e r telecommunications companiesinGuyana.

That event would be somethingalongthelinesof a festival of golf More importantly, the club is also looking to host a chip and putt competition and a summer camp for the

children over the summer holidays.

The Golf Club is also seeking to host more activities, whereby the club can be associated with family and entertainment andnotjustthegameofgolf.

The results for the tournamentareasfollows:

1st - Brian Hackett - HC 19,Gross85,Net66

2nd-JordiPinol-HC36, Gross93,Net67

3rd - Mahesh ShivrajHC15,Gross84,Net69 Nearest to pin - Brian Hackett Longest DriveGuillermoEscarraga

Relays on the Grass billed for May 5 at Enmore

“RelaysontheGrass”is an initiative that was the brain child of a group of officials who saw some simple needs of track and field that were being ignored.

They took it upon themselves to experiment with some specific objectivesinmind.Withthe old proverb that says ‘killing two birds with one stone’ in mind, the individuals set out to keep world athletics goal in mind,takingthesporttothe people, identifying new talent, recruiting volunteers, providing grass surface competitions for athletes and raising funds, withthis,relaysonthegrass wasbirthed.

The organizers thought it necessary that competition be removed from the club level and give athletes as well as

coaches a trial at competing with other team members since its difficult sometimes for athletes and coaches to gel whentravelingasacountry asagainstaclub.

Schools around the venue were invited to showcase new talent that may be going un-

noticed This event attracted international competition and is proving even before its execution to be growing onitsown

All those having the growthoftrackandfieldas

acountryatheartarealways welcomed to share ideas andgivecommentsoreven bebraveenoughtodiveinto this selfless idea of developingourowntalent.

And for all the fans of greatandcleancompetition pleasedon’tfailtojoinusat Enmore community center ground on May 5 for the inauguralevent.

The schools scheduled to attend this event include President’s College, Golden Grove Secondary, Paradise Primary, Hope Secondary and Ann’s Grove.

Otherteamsexpectedto compete will hail from Georgetown, Linden, Berbice, East Bank, East CoastandWestDemerara.

The top performers of the recently contested LGC Tournament.

SirJamesFranceCompetition… Wiruni, Sandhill to clash in finale

After a lengthy delay, Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is at it once again organising tournaments for teams in the remote Berbice Riverarea.

TheSirJamesFrance40 overs Second Division tournament has started in thatareawithWiruniCCand SandhillCCqualifiedforthe finals, which will be played at the Rose Hall Canje Groundonthecoastland,ata datetobeannouncedshortly

The tournament is sponsored by Nolan France in honor of his late father, J a m e s F r a n c e , a n outstanding educator and headteacher,whoservedfor many years in the riverine area.

In the semifinal round, Wiruni CC defeated Ebini CCby59runsplayingatthe Ebini Ground. Batting first after winning the toss, Wiruni chalked up 198 all out off 40 overs. Extras top scored with 44 while K. Fredricksscored28asother contributions came from M.

Sampson(23),G.McKenzie (17),K.Sinclair(20)andD. James(14).

Leading the bowling for the home team was K Kertzious,whotook4for30, M.Leacockbagged3for32 and T Morris snagged 2 for 13. Needing to score 199 runs from their allotted 40 overs, Ebini CC were bowled out for 139 in 34.5 oversasD.Leacock(39),C. Late (23) and G. Late (17) were the only batsmen to reach double figures D

Osbourne took 4 for 30, J Sinclair had 2 for 21 and G. McKenzietook2for3.

In the second semifinal played at Ebini Ground, the home team was defeated by Sandhill CC by 21 runs. Batting first, Sandhill CC reached 177 all out in 38 of theirallotted40overswithJ. Leacock (29), D. Leacock (23) and W McKenzie (17) weretheprincipalscorersas extras contributed a healthy 38. Leading the bowling for Ebini was Milton Leacock with2for25asK.Kertzious claimed2for23andP Grant pickedup2for33.

In reply, Ebini were dismissed for 156 from 33 overs.D.Leacock(45)andI. Late (47) batted well in a losingeffortastheyreceived no support from the other batsmen with D. DaSilva (17) being the only other player to reach double figures.

M. Cable was effective with 4 for 6 while Daniel Leacock bagged 2 for 38 in SandHill’svictory

Arrival Day Four-A-Side football competition set for tomorrow May 5

TheSouthTurkeyenSportscommitteein collaboration with Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell will be hosting its grand Four-ASide/Small Goal football competition tomorrow, Friday 5th May at the Vryheid’s LustPlayfield,EastCoastDemerara.

See teams such as Plaisance, Vryheid Lust, Better Hope, North Sophia, Beterverwagting, Bent Street, as well as teams out of A, B and C field’s Sophia, among other competing for the Johnny ‘Overseas’Barnwelltrophy

Medalsandchampionshiptrophywillbe presented to the winner; lots of cash prizes willalsobeupforgrabs.

Entry fee is set at five thousand dollars perteam.

ThecompetitionisorganizedbyJohnny Barnwell, all cash prizes are donated by Orlando Cottem while medals are compliments of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.Actionstartsat7:00hours.

For further information regarding the competitioncontact666-2950.

SevenSeassponsoredArcheryGuyana’s...

Frompage25

Powerlifting Federation Mr Franklin Wilson, President of the Guyana Olympic Association Mr Godfrey Munroe, Attorney-at-Law

Mr Andrew Pollard S.C., Secretary-General of the G

Powerlifting Association

Mr. Roger Rogers and FormerPresidentofArchery Guyana, Mr Mohamed GamalKhan.

Thanks were expressed byArcheryGuyanatoSeven Seas for their continued collaboration as a

competitionsponsor Special Thanks to the Management of Massy Distribution (Guyana) Inc., Seven Seas and Oasis Water Sponsor, Guyana Beverages Inc. and its management as we move forwardtopromotethesport

of Archery in Guyana. The BoardofDirectorssincerely apologized to those persons who were unable to receive theirBBQintime.TheBoard howeverwishestoonceagain thank members of the public who demonstrated understanding, compassion andtruesupportofArcheryto r e l a x , e n j o y t h e complimentary water and Altitude energy drinks, thankstoMr SamuelArjoon and his Team at Guyana BeveragesInc andleavewith their BBQ, complimentary Seven Seas Vitamins and othergiveawaysfromSeven Seasandanunderstandingas to Archery to maybe next timereturnasacompetitor

Thosepersonswhowere unable to stay because of other commitments and indicatedtheyweredonating

their tickets, the Board wishes to report that these boxes of food were duly donated to St Ann’s Orphanage in Thomas Street,Georgetownandwere well-received.

The Board of Directors alsowishtoextendthanksto the Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, the Honourable Mr Charles Ramson Jnr., Director of SportMr SteveNinvalle,the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission and Facility Supervisor Mr Linden Johnson for making the venue available. Thanks to Mr David Fernandes of Bounty Farms Inc, Mr ShameerMohamedofRoyal Chicken, and Mr Nafeez Hakh of Abdool Hakh & Sons Rice Milling Complex producersofIrieGrainz.

The late James France

West Dem’ Secondary cops G.O.A.P.C

Inter-Secondary school Tapeball title

In the highly-contest finalsoftheHolyFamilyand G.O.A.P.C Inter-Secondary Schools Five-A-Side Knockout Tapeball cricket competition saw West Demerara Secondary meeting with Diamond SecondaryonMondayatthe DurbanParkTarmac.

We s t D e m e r a r a Secondary School defeated Diamond Secondary in the final to secure the Farfan & Mendes Limited and

Friends’ Trophy While Westminster Secondary coppedthirdplace;defeating North Georgetown Secondary by 7 wickets to

win the Star Party Rental trophy

On Monday, West Demerara batted first, posting 61 runs from their allotted5overs.Christopher Persaud top scored with a classy 23 runs. In reply, Diamond Secondary could only muster 49 runs from

their5overswithAshrafAlli top scored in a losing effort with18runs.

Meanwhile, in the third place playoff, Westminster Secondary battled with North Georgetown S e c o n d a r y, N o r t h Georgetown opted to bat

first; scoring 46 runs from their allotted 5 overs

Westminster later knocked off the runs in 3.5 overs, racing to 48-3 to claim the thirdplacespot.

Top scoring for Westminster was Andell Austinwithasolid19runs.

The competition was organized by the G.O.A.P.C and Co-ordinated by James “Uprising” Lewis

Competition sponsors were Prem’sElectrical,R&TTaxi Service, Ishmael Joais Est. (Robb Street) and The TrophyStall,Bourda.

Tiger Rentals U13 League Cup Championship kicks off May 5

The Tiger Rentals

Under-13 League

C u p

Championship kicks off on May 5 at the Guyana FootballFederationTraining Centre in Providence, East BankDemerara.

TenRegionalAcademies - East Coast, Georgetown, UpperDemerara,EastBank, West Berbice, Bartica, West Demerara and East Berbice, Rupununi and Essequibowill battle for the championship cup between May5and7.

Teamswillbeplacedinto two groups of five, each groupwillthenplayaround robin format and the two teamswiththemostpointsin eachgroupwillcontestinthe championshipmatch.

“This component of organised competition allows us to truly assess the work done by our technical officers at the respective RegionalAcademy Training Centres We are looking

forward to witnessing the brightest stars of the next generation go up against eachother.”

GFF-Tiger Rentals

Under-13 Inter-Association Development Football League was launched in December 2022 with the AcademyPhasecompetition which was won by the youngsters from the East Coast Academy Training Centre.

The tournament was specifically designed to develop young players’

ability to apply their knowledge of the game and to ensure that they have a competitive national platformtodoso.

“Theseplayerswillform the core of the performance sideofourfootballpyramid. We’regettingajumpstarton identifying the talent that will be integrated into our h i g h p e r f o r m a n c e programmeswhichwillhelp to transform our national teams,”Josephsaid.

He also thanked corporate sponsor Tiger Rentals for supporting the Federation’svisionforyouth football.

“We are extremely thankful to our main corporate sponsor Tiger Rentals for sharing in our vision to take youth football to the next level. A special thanks to the parents, officials and fans for supportingtheleague.”

Matchesstartat9:30a.m. daily

West Demerara Secondary School team poses with the Farfan and Mendes trophy

Seven Seas sponsored Archery Guyana’s National Indoor Championship 2023 deemed a resounding success

ArcheryGuyanabrought the curtains down on its Seven Seas National Indoor Championships 2023 on Sunday 30th April, 2023 at the National Gymnasium. This event kicked off with Ranking rounds held from Tuesday, 23rd to Friday 27thApril, 2023 at the same venue.

59 Archers representing various entities and clubs such as Archery Guyana, Pro-ArchersGuyana,School oftheNationsArcheryClub, Qayyim Academy Archery and The Archery Guild participatedintwodivisions, namely Barebow and Recurve. After registration closed, the Competitions Committee placed participants in various categories which catered from Under-12 to Seniors 50+. Overall, there were twelve categories as the archersofallagesfoughtfor thehighestrankingscores.

The Final day saw some nail-biting moments as the dayprogressed.

There were several upsets and a few 1-arrow shoot-offs between semifinalists and finalists, with the crowd and the various supporting clubs cheering

theirarchers.

Present at the Finals was Ms Dileya Deonarine, Pharmacist/Brand Manager of the Seven Seas portfolio here in Guyana, who explained that their tailored range supports an active lifestyle focusing on the health of your bones, cartilage, muscles, and connective tissue. All these

productsstartwithOmega-3 & Glucosamine with the addition of Chondroitin, CalciumandTurmerictosuit your specific Joint Care needs.Anotherfeatureofthe Finals was the Inaugural BBQ Fund-raising event w h i c h s a w a significantnumber of persons who turned up to witnesstheexcitingfinalsat

thesametime. Thankswere expressed by Mrs. Vidushi

President of Archery Guyana, for Seven

competition sponsor.It was particularly spectacular to see the turnout of family members, friends, wellwishers, spectators and members of the public who came out to experience the sportofArchery The competition concluded with the Medal ceremony presided over by President of Archery Guyana, Mrs Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and Secretary-General of Archery Guyana, Mr Nicholas Hing Ms Elizabeth Mason was presenttoalsoawardspecial prizestothewinnersoftheir products Medals were presented by very distinguished persons presentthroughouttheevent and included Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, Deputy Director of Sport and President of the GuyanaAmateur

(Continuedonpage23)

Seven Seas’Pharmacist/Brand Manager, Ms. Dileya Deonarine (right), with from left Archery Guyana’s Competition Chair, Mr. Jeewanram Persaud, President of Archery Guyana Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, Guyana Beverages Inc. CEO, Mr. Samuel Arjoon and Archery Guyana’s Treasurer Mr. Robert Singh.

Part of the action during the ranking rounds held between Tuesday 25th and Friday 27th leading up to the Finals on Sunday last.

Rovman Powell (Photo: CPL)

President of the Guyana OlympicAssociation, Mr. Godfrey Munroe with the winners of the U21 Men Barebow Division, from left Lucas Chung, Brendon Hardtman and Saeed Karim

Winners Row: Some participants at the event displaying their coveted medals.