Kaieteur News

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

help keep profit in multi-billion dollar range

Govt. vows to fight judge's ruling ordering

to fully compensate

...Opposition

appeal is an unpatriotic move Guyana for oil spill

Man 65, completes 18 miles on first day of walk against 'barefaced' Exxon contract

Is Government for Exxon or Guyana?

On Wednesday, Justice Sandil Kissoon delivered a landmark decision. As was reported extensively in this newspaper yesterday, the Judge ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue an EnforcementNoticetoEsso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its parent company, Exxon Mobil to ensure it provides unlimited insurance coverage for its operations in the Stabroek Block.

Thejudge'sdecisionwas awatershedvictoryforthose persons and groups who have been unrelenting in theirdemandsforGuyanese to be protected in the event of a major oil spill. The judge'sdecisionshouldhave alsobeenviewedasavictory for the Government of Guyanawhichisentrustedin

JagdeosaysinresponsetoHighCourtrulingagainstExxon,EPA...

safeguarding the country's patrimony and, particularly, in protecting the people and the country against the devastation and destruction which can eventuate from a majoroilspill.

Lo and behold, in a shocking development, the Government of Guyana has indicated that it plans to appeal the decision and to applyforastayofitseffect. Why would the government appeal this decision when it isinthenationalinterest?

In whose interest is the government working: Exxon Mobil or the people ofGuyana?

The Government of Guyana must now come clean It must indicate whether it is working on behalfofandatthebehestof theoilcompaniesorwhether itisacting intheinterestof thepeopleofGuyana.

Mahaicony woman killed in ECD hotel

...husband surrendered, allegedly confessed to crime

Justice: Sandil Kissoon

Sixty-five-year-old activist, Ray Daggers (right) on day one of his walk from Berbice to Essequibo

'Judiciary treading in murky waters when it tells regulators how to do their job’

Govt. vows to fight judge's ruling ordering Exxon to fully compensate Guyana for oil spill ...Opposition says the appeal would be a wholly unpatriotic move

Wh i l e t h e Government's has vowed to appealtheHighCourtruling 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 oil spill, the move is being viewed by the opposition as most unpatriotic and backward.

The opposition charged that it is a sad day when a government can take such action against the interest of the nation and its people. Members from both the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) oppositionpartiesatseparate press conferences, shared this view while lambasting the government for safeguarding the interest of theoilcompaniesratherthan thecitizensofGuyana.

Economic and Youth Policy advisor attached to the Office of the Opposition Leader,ElsonLowatapress briefing on Thursday described the government's attitude regarding insurance for oil and gas activities as “totally unacceptable and franklyunpatriotic.”

He noted: “even, where the country has legitimate rights to ensure unlimited insurance coverage from a parent company that should put Guyana in a position wherewecanbecomfortable

ifthereisanoilspillthatthe countrywouldbefullytaken care of, the government refuses to enforce these provisions.And it is frankly sadthatithascometoacourt order and court action to get the government to comply withitsownprovisions.”

Low said that the governmenthasadoptedthis posture of non-compliance as it relates to many other issues in the oil and gas sector He explained that

insurance coverage given that in the event of an oil spill, it would cost the countrytensofbillionsofUS dollarstocleanup.

“We believe that the government should not appeal this decision but it should ensure that the rights of Guyanese are properly emphasised and that we see fullinsurancecoverage,Low said. “We need to ensure we have adequate coverage. In fact,ifwehaveamajorspill

For their part, AFC Executive Member David

Patterson at a press conference noted the government is showing its true colours. “I have never seenagovernmentappealits own law that they themselvessetitisnormally the oil companies that do their own bidding. In my opinion, the government should take this as a win for Guyana since it cannot be blamed for a decision of the

EPAto issue an EEPGLand its parent company, Exxon Mobil to ensure it provides

unlimited insurance coverage to safeguard

Guyana against the devastating effects of an oil spill within the next thirty days.

In a statement the Attorney General, Anil

Nandlall said the Government of Guyana as a major stakeholder notes the ruling by Justice Kissoon and the several declarations granted therein that the 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

economic and other impacts on the public interest and national development,” the attorneygeneralsaid.

“thisattitudewe'veseenwith manyotherissueswhetherit comes to the audit of offshore expenses…it's an attitude we have seen across the board, where the government is unwilling to enforce the legitimate rights of Guyanese when it comes to our offshore oil and gas industry.”

He stressed that in the instance of the oil and gas sector the government should not accept limited

inGuyana,itcaneasilywipe out our entire natural resources fund and treasury, just trying to deal with the expensesassociatedwiththe clean up after a spill So the government should change its attitude, it is disappointing that it should take this stance, the government should really just take care of Guyana's patrimonyandnotengagein any lawsuits that are not calledfor.”

court Instead, they are fighting to allow the oil companies to have its way, which shows that the government has at heart any but the interest of Guyanese,”Pattersonsaid.

Momentsaftertheruling was handed down on Wednesday,theGovernment signaled its intention to appeal the High Court decision.

Justice Sandil Kissoon had granted an order for the

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.“TheEPA and the Government of Guyanaareoftheconsidered viewthattheEnvironmental

Permit imposes no obligation on the Permit Holder to provide an unlimited Parent Company GuaranteeAgreementand/or

Affiliate Company GuaranteeAgreement.

In this regard, we hold the respectful opinion that the Learned Judge fell into error in his findings. This ruling can have profound ramifications and grave

“Asaresult,thedecision oftheLearnedJudgewillbe appealed and orders will be soughttostayitseffectuntil t h e h e a r i n g a n d determinationoftheappeal,” Nandlallasserted.

He said the EPA 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 lastweek.

These negotiations and their material details were placed before the Court for its consideration, but unfortunately to no avail,” Nandlallsaid.

Justice: Sandil Kissoon

AFC Executive, David Patterson

Economic advisor, Elson Low Attorney General, Anil Nandlall

Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Arrival Day is missing something

Happy,blessedArrivalDaytoallGuyanese. Weatthis publicationaregoingtostepaheadofthecrowd:“Happy Indian Arrival Day”, first to Indians, then to every other segment of the Guyanese demographic within the broad bandsofitsmulticolouredrainbow Letitbethatkindof dayforIndians,thenforallcitizensofthisnowproudland. Letitbebothinname,andinspirit,witheachhavingtheir prideofplace.

There ought not to be any impatient discussions, no surgesofpassions,noneofthepressingconvictionsovera name:itmustbethereality IndiansinGuyanahavepaid theirdues,earnedtheirplace,anditisagrandone. So,why not let it just be, without this hesitation, with leaving behind the inaction, those ingredients that contribute so muchtomisperception.

Guyanese of Indian heritage should not be forced to begontheirknees,orraisetheirvoices,orlifttheirfingers to get their messages of concern across. Jack should be given his rightful jacket. In the identical fashion, there mustbetheideathatIndiansareduetheirNationalDayof Recognition. Recognitionthatisspecifictotheirhistory, recognition that takes joyful note of their presence, and recognition which captures the essences of their place in the pantheon of Guyana’s rich, diverse, and dynamic peoples.

Fromthefirstdistantdocksidedepartedtothepresent currents of energy and vitality, Indians have played their roles,andfilledtheirparts. Thoughsomeoftheirpassage acrosswaterandlandmaynowbeobscuredbythemistsof time and memory, by the all too familiar casualness of officialneglect(maybeevensometracesofdisdain),there canbenodenyingthattheIndiandemographicinGuyana hasstrivedandthrivedandmakethiscountrycomealive. They,therefore,shouldbehailedtotheheightsforwhere theyhavecomefrom,whattheyhavedone,andwherethey are. Itmustbesaidalsofortheuntappedreservesofskill andstrength,andthedeepsenseofcitizenshipthatispart oftheGuyanesesubstance.

Ithasnotbeenourcustomorpracticetosingleoutany one section of the local population for special attention, anyparticularmention. Butrightisright,andwhenithas beenalongtimecoming,thenwesayletitcome. Letitbe now,sothatthereisnofeelingofinferiority,noaccuracyin the contention that there is indifference in influential placestothecallandcryofIndianGuyanesethattheirtime hascome,andthattheymusthavetheirday Itwouldbring apeaceofmind,aspiritofdevotiontootherthingsinthis countrythatarethesourceofmuchanxiety,muchdistress, perhaps greater than what visits this vigorous and relentlesspushforaplaceundertheGuyanesesun.

OnthisArrival(Indian)Day,therearethoseconditions thatstirthedeepestregret,whatleavesahollowfeelingin thepitofthestomach. Onthisdayofcelebration,thereare toomanyIndianGuyanesewhoareaspoorasdirt,andhurt all the more for it. Because they are more in the count of heads, they likely experience more, they struggle more, suffermaybemore. PartoftheplightofIndiansinGuyana isthat,liketheAmerindiansintheiroriginalplacesoflocal abode, they have been used as pawns for the purposes of powerful men and women in this country Save for a specially chosen few of their brethren, they are left to managehowevertheycan,withwhatevertheycanget.

Unfortunately, this has been the case not just for IndiansandAmerindiansinGuyana,butforeveryspokein the umbrella that is Guyana. All should be rich, all are poor, other than the select princes and princesses who gobble up the shares of their weaker, slower, brothers. Indianshavearrived,soalsohasGuyana. Buttowhatand forwhom,thosearethequestions. IndianArrivalmustbe more than a name; it must be the badge of self-assured citizenshipthatisthebirthrightofeveryGuyanese.

WhyArrival Day and not Indian Arrival Day, why PPPcallousness?

DEAREDITOR, Muchdebateispresently being generated regarding May5beinggiventhetitleof INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY

And while APNU/PNC, the main Opposition and many other small parties and most Indo-Guyanese are in agreement with such title designation, it is really shocking to the point of callousness that the government of the PPP has refused such undertaking especially when one considersthatitistheir“own people”, the Indian voting block that has perpetually ensured this Party’s rise to power and prominence decadesago.

Those who follow the thoughtprocessofthisgroup

ought to realize that the founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan wasanavowedMarxistwho saw people in terms of class instead of race and colour

When his nemesis somersaulted into the socialist landfill, the comrade was elated to the point where he gave Burnham ‘Critical Support’ in the nationalization of foreign companies such as the bauxite and the sugar industry! Such legacy lives on as Guyanese are lumped into capitalist exploiters, petty bourgeoisie, working class, proletariat, even miscreants!

It is a disgusting, sickening, vulgar, and a gross insult to Indians by a dysfunctional set of self-

styled autocrats, led by the honcho and de facto President to use the name Arrival Day instead of IndianArrivalDay

Why this autocratic leaderhasrefusedtobestow on the descendants of 239,000 Indians who were brought as “indentured labourers” to work on the sugar plantations in Guyana in1838and1917?

Those Indians who are silentaboutthisinsultbythe verypeoplewhotheyelectto officeareequallyguilty

In fact, it is an anomaly that the descendants of the peoplewhoarrivedonMay5 have generally voted for the very people who have refused to recognize their ownvalues.

It must be remembered that it is the PPP under the late Dr Cheddi Jagan that recognized Indian Arrival Day, but this government under the direction of the honcho, who believes he knows everything has refused to recognize the rights of its own people, whileAPNU/PNCdid.

The fact that he and his cohorts have used the name Arrival Day instead of Indian Arrival Day clearly shows contempt for the people of Indian descent, who are their supporters I hope the Indians remember this at thepolls

Sincerely,

L e y l a n d C h i t l a l l Roopnaraine

Justice Kissoon’s decision in the Judicial Review/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) case is the most damning decision against the EPAon the same side with Exxon/EssoExplorationand Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) against the people ofGuyana.TheEPA/EEPGL andthoseontheGovernment side with responsibility for oil and gas were bitch slapped on every count.The Judge said, “The agency descended into a state of inertia and slumber at the critical juncture of an emergingoilandgassector.”

It’s like a “ton of bricks” have fallen on the EPA and Governmentsidesupporting quick drilling by the oil companies without regards to all our procedures and processes. Will the EPAand Government now let the VP’s “ton of bricks” fall on the oil companies’ heads?

The Judge has given them five more tons of bricks to use. The EPA Head should resignnow,aswellasallthe Directorsunderwhosewatch thesethingshappened.

The taxpayers are funding the EPA so they would put Guyanese first, not the interests of oil imperialists with no mercy forapoorcountrywherethe minimum wage is a mere pittance of $US300 per month, and people are getting white mouth. “EPA” should not stand for “Exxon Protection Agency.” If the current EPA is unwilling or

unable to do their job as required by Guyana’s laws, then they need to resign en masseandreopenundernew leadershipthatwillplacethe interests of our nation first. The VP should consider Melinda, Simone, Janette, Vincent or Elizabeth for the job so the VP’s “ton of bricks” can fall on Exxon’s head. The Judge’s ruling vindicates all those Civil Society advocates in the

O G G N , O W O C , Transparency Institute of Guyana, Red Thread, KN, SN and others who have advocated for strong environmental protection and proper insurance. These were the people the Government and its surrogates loved to hate and attackedcalling them “usual suspects” and similar derogatoryterms.

Mr Glenn Lall, a national hero, must be smiling, as he has done God’s will, fighting for proper insurance and environmental protection Now would be the time for people to step up and join RayDaggersandGlennLall marching from Crabwood Creek to Essequibo calling for renegotiation of the oil contracts.

R e g a r d i n g Exxon/EEPGL, the Judge said,“Itissimplynotopento the permit holder to say it is engagedinafrolicofitsown, aided and abetted by the EPA, to unilaterally, arbitrarily, and unlawfully capitsunlimitedliabilityand financial assurance.” Judge

Kissoon also found that, “The agency has, at every juncture engaged in a course of action to undermine and erode the terms and conditions of its ownEnvironmentalPermit.”

Judge Kissoon quoted a former Chief Justice of India, described as a doyen of public interest litigation, who said, “but for the vigilanceofcitizens,society should perish.” Kudos to Transparency’s Frederick Collins and citizen Godfrey White who brought the case onbehalfofallGuyana,and the attorneys - Trinidadian SeenathJairam,SC-afriend of Guyana; Melinda Jankialways fighting for Guyana, andAbiolaWong-Innisswho showedcourageandstepped uptofightforGuyanese.

Judge Kissoon said the judicial review has found “the existence of an egregiousstateofaffairsthat has engulfed the EPA in a quagmireofitsownmaking. Ithasabdicatedtheexclusive statutory responsibilities entrusted to it by Parliament…to ensure due compliance by Esso

Exploration and Production GuyanaLimited(EEPGL)…

The EPAhas relegated itself to a state of laxity of e n f o r c e m e n t a n d condonation compounded byalackofvigilancethereby putting this nation and its people in grave potential danger of calamitous disaster ” The Judge, castigating the EPA said, “such conduct is nothing short of reprehensible and

inconsistentwithitsmandate andfunctions.”Ifitisnotso, this surely sounds like criminalnegligence.

Moredamning,theJudge s a i d , “ T h e E P A notwithstanding these grave allegations of dereliction of its functions and potential calamitous consequences adopted a stance of avoidance, concealment and secrecy and, in unison with ESSO, agreed that the proceedings ought to be struck for reasons the court found to be without merit.” This is no different from the Government siding with Exxon against Glenn Lall and the people of Guyana in t h e t a x l a w s u i t Exxon/EEPGLmustcomply with all laws and permits. Since Exxon says it will not renegotiate the oil contracts, the Government now has a strongleveragetobringthem to the table of renegotiation. But this has been a Governmentthathasyielded on everything without requiring reciprocal concessions from the oil barons.

Wake up Guyana! We shouldn’t rest until the Government pushes for renegotiation of all natural resources’contracts. It’s our wealth and our country We wantthegoodlifenow!

As for the Judge, he is Chancellor quality He knowshowtocount.

Sincerely, Dr.JerryJailall

EPAhauled over the coals, will the VP’s “ton of bricks” fall on the EPA’s head?

LincolnLewishasitall wrongaboutelectionsreport Apoemhonouringancestors

DEAREDITOR

I write in response to Lincoln Lewis’that the COI “failed to address causes of the electoral problems published in the media May 01,2023.

The fact is the COI did not only establish why the 2020 elections were brazenly disrupted, but it also named the people who wereinvolved.

Mr Lewis clearly has some comprehension issues ifheisunabletoseewhatis very clearly stated in the COI’sRevisedReport.

For Lewis’ benefit the first substantive paragraph of the report states the follows – “In summary, our inquiry reveals that there were, in fact, shockingly brazen attempts by Chief Election Officer (CEO)

Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers and Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining and tabulation of votes of the March 2nd election, as w e l l a s t h e t r u e declaration of the results of that election, and they did so – to put it in unvarnished language of the ordinary man – for the purpose of stealing the election ”

There is no ambiguity in what happened and who is responsible.

The operatives and others linked to the APNU and AFC coalition, both insideGECOMandbeyond, made unrelenting efforts to commit election fraud in

favor of the same APNUAFCcoalition.

Lewis’ response to the COI Report is laced with elementary errors, distortions, inaccuracies, innuendos, half-truths, and most of all, useless complaints that have no basisinlaworsimplefact.A few of these should be highlighted.

The first of Lewis’eight points is that “…the report was kind to the Chairperson [ClaudetteSingh]inspiteof the blunders…” Could it be that the COI found no incriminating evidence of collusion among Justice Singh and those fingered, namely Lowenfield, Myers, andMingo?Youbet!

Another innocuous little issueairedisthat“thepeople who were targeted never gave evidence ” Two things here. First, no one wastargeted.

Rather the distinguished membersoftheCommission had clear Terms of Reference.

Lewis needs to show us where in theTOR anyone is targeted.

Thetargetwastofindout what really happened. Secondly, the big three named as the main perpetrators of election misconduct were given the optiontotestify

They refused by their ownchoice.

Lincoln Lewis fails to understandthattheCOIwas notdoingageneralsurveyof the population at large Hence his charge that the COI gives the impression that the report emerged out ofbroadparticipation,isalso

meaningless.

T h e G u y a n e s e populationhadalreadydone theirjob.Theyvoted.

What the COI set out to do was to find out if anyone tried to steal their votes by stealingtheelection.Itfound just that and named the centralplayersintherigging attempt.

Mr Lewisismorebrazen t h a n s o m e n a m e d individuals when he states that biometrics ID were not used.

Does he not recall that it is not in the constitution as per the post-1997 election trickswithbiometrics?

For Mr Lewis’ part, I havetosaythathismissiveis missing some key components from the electionstory

Lewis should explain how APNU-AFC linked GECOM staff got so tired, so often, and with so little work How did they get so hungry so often? Who procured the cardboard on which the bedsheet was hung?

Where was the electoral (Vaseline) petroleum jelly procured?

Why did Mr. Ramjattan withdraw his unambiguous statement to AFC staff that the PPP/C had won the election?

Editor, Lincoln Lewis needs to adopt a more responsible position by carefully reading the COI’s Revised Final Report. Had he done that, he would have found that the “causes of electoral problems” were indeedclearlyestablished.

Sincerely,

Dr RandolphPersaud

DEAREDITOR, MyAncestors

Fields of green swayed and danced in the lively breeze.

But a river of tears they held, and the blood and sweatofmyancestors who toiled from dawn to the vanished charms of twilight — a thing bittersweettobeborn.

They endured the ocean’s wrath on the HesperusandtheWhitby Luredbythearkatis;they crossedthekalapani that drenched their bodies but not their memories of Bihar, Chennai, and the Bhojpuri speaking districtsofUttarPradesh.

Theylivedinthelogies; they knew no wooden floororcarpets,butthescent ofthedampEarth. There was no faucet to openorclose, but a lone standpipe for theneighbourhood, and a brotherhood and sisterhood we now little know

They washed their clothesinthetrenches; therewasnoColgateand toothbrushbutblacksage, and no fashion or style but simple cottonwear and a smile.

With the beats of the dolak and the tassa, and festive colors, music and danceofHoli, theyforgeda forgetfulness of the

oppressor’sheartandhands. Itwasenoughforthemto know the Earth and the sundrenchedgrass, but they dreamt of their childrenpluckingthestars. They trembled from virulentknocksofwretched visitors: dreaded cholera, dysentery, and dengue fever

Andwhentheyventured from their flooded cramped quarters, they gazed in awe at the white mansions of the taskmasters: a world apart that bittersweetsugarhadwrought.

Sincerely, Haimnauth Cecil Ramkirath

Apoem about time and heritage

DEAREDITOR,

“Accept the unedited pastwithoutanychange”So little or so much lie in the p a s t , P e o p l e a n d performancesperfectedwith ablast.Inthewinkofaneye, it went fast,To leave us in a conditionalovercast.

Those days and nights will not change, Try not to tamperorrearrange.

All’swrittendownalong the range, Now, everything seemsalittlestrange.

Shun not memories that cannotbeforgotten,Whatin

black and white, are already written.

Bitter or sweet, events harden, soften or smitten, I s s u e s v i e w e d a s uncomfortableandrotten.

Historywillbereadbut cannotbeedited,Areallife lived and scripted, not animated.

If worthy and hearty, it may be imitated, Others find interested, otherwise, wasted.

Words spoken and gone, cannot now erase, The twists and turns

traversed during that phase. Now, a present and future summon a case, Contingent on a foundation with a provenbase.

Seasons upon seasons adeptwithreasonsaccept, What many moons kept withanindividualconcept

The passage of time swept the flowing tide to intercept,

When man wept but nature perseveres to its precept

Yourstruly, J.LALL

DEAREDITOR, The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana extends warm wishes to all GuyanesecelebratingIndian ArrivalDay

Our heritage connects us and our sacrifices remind us of how far we

have progressed since arriving in our new homeland.

Wishing you and our IndianGuyanesefamiliesall thebest!

Warmregards, Mr JamilChanglee Chairman

T h e C o o p e r a t i v e RepublicansofGuyana

BestwishestocelebratingIndians

Democracy in Guyana means Demons gone crazy

DEAREDITOR

, We have just celebrated World Press Freedom Day 2023 and this week opened the worker’s Labour Day event and today we observe IndianArrival Day, the date when our Indian brothers came in two ships to fill the vacuum created by the Manumitted Africans, whose memories of the harshness and brutality of their free labour on the plantations caused them to shy away as free men from thattypeofwork.

In essence, when the IndianandotherImmigrants arrived, it was similar to what the Labour Movement refers to albeit in very different circumstances as labour replacement. In spite of that, the freed Africans welcomed the Immigrants. ThedescendantsofAfricans wholatchedontotheBritish educational system became theearliestprofessionalsand educators. In addition, they passed these skills lovingly totheImmigrants-Doctors, Teachers, Midwives, Policemen,Soldiers,etc.

The children of the Immigrants rose to great heights to achieve levels of education and socialization, and as David Granger observed at the Palmyra event in Berbice, they deserve our praise, admirationandrespect.Ona sad note, why this ogre consequent to Apan Jaat, suspicion and distress still hangs over our collective heads like the proverbial

sword of Damocles is a matterwemustfaceanddeal withstructurally,historically andscientifically Unhappily the present administration continues to believe that the cosmetic solution that they have specially implemented for years will work. It did not and will not work and I will highlightsomeofthesenonstarters. I paraphrase the sentiment of quest in the opening sentences, an interesting expose by Barbara Touchman titled March of Folly, when she expressed “A phenomenal noticeable throughout historyregardlessofplaceor period is the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interest.”

Asummaryofjustafew recent events allows me to restate that we can begin to rewrite our lexicon in Guyana, democracy equals demonsgonecrazy

One,inademocracy,the rulingpartyoperativesseem unabletounderstandthatthe media for good reasons, deemed the fourth estate must not be throttled, intimidated nor as we see in State-controlled media the voices not saying the same thing as coming from the hierarchy being shut out. Democracy in Guyana meansDemonsgonecrazy

Second,inthisimportant oilsector,haditnotbeenfor the Editorial columns in Stabroek News, Channel 9, and the courageous crusade

of Glenn Lall on Kaieteur Radio among others, we would not have learnt of the shenanigansgoingonbyour Government in relation to the billions being harvested from oil and gas, gold, and other non-renewable natural resources and others Democracy cannot sustain secrecyandthereforewesee demonsgonecrazy

Three, pressure on ordinary in particular Amerindians, Afro- and Indo-Guyanese is clear as crystal. Cost of living is going up every day and our government seems convinced,asinthehay-day of colonialism and imperial domination,thathandingout afewbitsofmoneyhereand there, will keep the masses quiet even as the gap between the rich and poor widens. This is all the more worrisome when recent reports show that we are the fastest growing economy in thehemisphere, ifnotinthe world.

The World Bank report putsGuyanawayaheadtoall other territories. Guyana’s growth is now pegged at 25.2 percent, and the next nearest countries are St Vincent and the Grenadines (6 0%) and Paraguay at 5.2%, almost 4 and 5 times lower respectively It is nearly the same trend presented in the ECLAC 2023reportwithaprojected economic growth of 37.2 % for Guyana. Panama and Paraguayarealmost9times behind Guyana and

Venezuela’s growth to be comparatively better at 5% andAntigua and Barbuda at 9.5%.

Beyond this our per capitaincomewithrecentoil finds is now the highest in theworld.Foremphasis,our percapitaincomeisnowthe highestintheworld.Inspite of the above remarkable progress, this week my area suffered six power outages andIknowofchildreninthe community who opened the weeksurvivingononemeal perday.Somethingiswrong. It is democracy meaning Demons gone crazy. Fourthly, the Police Service C o m m i s s i o n w a s established to guide this important aspect of national life, the Police Force. The Courts determined that the Chairman and Members have not been properly appointed, according to law but the PPP legal luminary, the Attorney General, notwithstanding the pronouncement of the High Court asserted that the Presidentactedproperly So, he threw out of the window the cherished principle of democracy of the judiciary, the executive and the Parliament, so this means it doesn’t matter what the judiciary pronounces on, whateverHisExcellencythe President does, right or wrong, as far as this Government is concerned, he will always be correct. Democracy equals Demons gone crazy Fifth, so we are building roads, promoting

private hospitals and recently announced the building of a $6.6B hospital at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice and over 30,000 persons in region 5 areexpectedtobenefitfrom the improved health care serviceswhencompleted.

No reason was given, why the existing medical facility at Fort Wellington

that has served the community for several generations could not be rebuilt or upgraded and no word as to where the additional medical personnel would come from oristhispartofalongrange p l a n t o c h a n g e demographics of Guyana or itisthesamethinkingthatin spite of more favourable conditions, Berbice Bridge was not built from Stanleytown on the East to Ithaca on the West, but was

built further north at double the cost or this is simply a case in Guyana, Democracy equalsdemongonecrazy

Finally, on May Day, I heard giving unconvincing reasons that the subsidy to Critchlow Labour College was withdrawn and also the subsidy for IDPADA-G (International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly - Guyana) and no valid reasons have been given for this deliberate attempt to suffocate organisations that the government perceives that are neither peons nor sycophants.All hail demons gonecrazy.Threecheersfor inclusiveness and One Guyana.

HappyArrivalDay!And to recite the wisdom of the LateDr YesuPersaud,when onasimilaroccasion,some (Continuedonpage22)

DEAREDITOR

Quietly, not with too much fanfare, but ever so lovingly, for three decades the mother and daughter team has produced gems to honour the pearls in our lives. Inthispearlyear,their love has endured and come

DEAREDITOR, In the light of new hospitals opened and to be built, it is suggested that theAttorney General remind his colleague, the

full circle, true pearls in our midst. It is therefore apt to offer congratulatory pearls to the Fungs for staying the course and making their nameabrandtobeholdeach year

Sincerely, ShamshunMohamed

Thanks to the Fungs AGshouldremindhiscolleague

Minister of Health, of the Private Hospitals Act and its relevance to the current expansion of these services.

EBJ

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Ali and Jagdeo appealing Court ruling on insurance

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Justice Kissoon ruled that Exxon must get full insurance coverage!

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However, Pres. Ali and VP Jagdeo passed orders to AG Nandlall:

Appeal the Guyana High Court ruling immediately.

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Jagdeo had said that Exxon must provide full insurance.

So, what is he appealing against?

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So, which side is Jagdeo on? It can't be Guyana's!

Guyanese voted the PPP back into government;

this is how Ali and Jagdeo represent them…

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This is how Ali and Jagdeo repay them, respect them…

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By fighting against Guyanese for the benefit of Exxon!

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Exxon banking on Guyana's assets to help keep profit in multi-billion dollar range

E x x o n M o b i l Corporation's Chairman, Darren Woods recently alluded that the oil giant is banking on premium assets inGuyanaaswellastheUSA to keep its balance sheet soaring with multi-billion dollar profits in an effort to deliver high returns to shareholders.

For the first quarter of 2023,andwiththeassistance of two producingprojectsin the Stabroek Block, Woods said Exxon was able to secure its highest ever profit in a first quarter which totaled US$11.3B. During a recent earnings call with shareholders, Woods said such results, along with the

unprecedentedpaceatwhich projects are moving in Guyana, are what underpin its rock-solid performance while keeping it well ahead ofthecompetition.

Woods said, “As our results demonstrate, we've built a strong portfolio of advantaged businesses that are better leveraging the synergies of our integrated businesses, our scale and, increasingly, our unique technical capabilities Of course, these all require and build on the deep skills and excellence in execution across the functions that supportourbusinesses.”

Over in the USA, he noted that the company was

able to complete expansion works at its Beaumont refinery expansion in Texas which capitalizes on the lighter crude from its Permian production By itself, he said the 250,000 barrel-per-day expansion is the largest in the U.S. in the last10years.

“Together with our existingcapacityonsite,the expansion makes Beaumont thesecond-largestrefineryin the U.S. We started up the expansion in February, on budget and two months early, reaching nameplate capacity in March,” Woods said.

With the summer travel season fast approaching and

the market for refined products remaining tight, Woodssaidthemarketneeds this capacity At average margins, he said Exxon expects the project will deliver annual earnings of between US$200 million and US$300 million At Aprilmargins,Woodssaidit willdelivertwicethat.

Still on the USA,Woods was keen to note that his company is expanding the overall processing capacity of the Cowboy Central Delivery Point in Texas by more than 50 percent Cowboy, for those who may not be aware, is one of the largest oil and natural gas handling facilities in the

Permian Basin, and the planned expansion will boost processing capacity to about 300,000 barrels per day of oil, and 400 million cubic feet per day of natural gas.

In Guyana,Woods noted that the floating production, storage, and offloading vessel for Payara is on site, and well ahead of schedule.

Last year, he recalled that Exxonanditspartnerspulled the Payara start-up date forward from 2024 to 2023 and expect the project to be up and running in the fourth quarter

HealsonotedthatPayara will add another 220,000 barrelsofgrosscapacityand willbe thethirdconsecutive FPSO to start production aheadofschedule.

He was also pleased to report that Exxon has received approvals for its fifthprojectattheUarufield in the Stabroek Block. That project will produce about 812 million barrels of oil over a 20-year-period and willcomeonstreamin2027.

E x x o n ' s f o u r t h development project at the Yellowtail field is expected to come on stream in 2026 and produce over 920 millionbarrelsofoil.

Woods said these projects,alongwithothersin its portfolio, and combined with improvements in its businesses; provide a strong

foundation for sustained, i n d u s t r y - l e a d i n g performance

The Exxon chief said, “Our diverse portfolio of advantaged businesses,improvementsin mix, structural cost savings, and excellence in execution are driving industry-leading earnings, cash flow, and shareholdervalue.”

Whencombinedwiththe strengthofitsbalancesheet, WoodssaidExxonwithouta doubt has the capability to win across a wide variety of market conditions and deliver strong returns while meeting the evolving needs ofsociety,includingtheneed to reduce emissions Decades of long-term growthiswhattheworldcan expectfromExxon,theCEO toldshareholders.

Cutlass-wielding bandit jailed

A 24-year-old residentofLot895

Fourth Field

Kaneville was on Wednesday jailed for robbing a resident in his area with a cutlass on April27,last.

Making his

f i r s t c o u r t appearance at the Golden Grove/ D i a m o n d

Magistrate's Court was Kevin Grant

who appeared before Magistrate

Sunil Scarce, where the charge was read to him.

Grant was accused of

robbing 29-year-old Ramnarine Singh, at Macaw Drive, Kaneville. According to the police, on the day in

question, he was armed with a cutlass when he relieved Singhofhisbelongings.The accusedpleadedguiltytothe charge and was sentenced to 30monthsimprisonment.

ExxonMobil Head, Darren Woods

Yesterday I saw something that caused me to stop and think. I had to admire what was taking place.

I had to tip my hat to a gentlemen of great convictions and remarkable couragebutmoresoamanof extraordinary physical endurance.

There were no dramatic scenes. No world records werebeingbroken.Nogreat fortune was being made. This was not anything spectacular

It was simple ordinary act that most of us perform each day but do not realize how it can be turned into a powerfulstatement.

You do not normally associate walking with struggle.

But walking can be a powerful moral antidote against advantage and wrongdoing.

Yesterday, I saw a man named, Ray Daggers, beginningaLongWalkfrom CorrivertontoCharity

The walk was launched to protest over the lopsided Production Sharing Agreement signed between the government and the oil companies.

He began on the eastern end of Guyana’s coastland and in the coming days his journey will continue until he reaches the Essequibo Coast. It is a walk with a difference.

What caught me off guardwasthepaceatwhich themansetout.

Daggers set a brisk pace early in his walk. When I tuned in again at various timesduringtheday,theman was sustaining his speed walking.Hewasnotslowing down and the more he

A hero is born!

walked, it seemed the more energizedhebecame.

To do this is a remarkable feat. It requires tremendous physical staminaandstrength.

Ray Daggers showed thathehasthatstrength.

But the strength that he wasdisplayingwasnotonly physical but also moral Here was a man prepared to publicly identify with a cause which many others, whosharehisopinionarenot prepared to do. Along the way,hewasjoinedbyothers. They put in their steps to show support and solidarity with this brave man who wants nothing more than to call attention to a flawed oil contract and ask for it to be renegotiated.

Thisisnotfirsttimethat someonehasoptedtogoona LongWalktobringattention totheneedforchange.

In 1985, Rupert

Roopnaraine set out on a Freedom Walk from

Crabwood Creek to Charity Roopnaraine walked 260 milesin17days.Thatwasan average of 15 miles per day, quite a grueling schedule considering that along the way,therewerewhistle-stop meetings.

The long walk is set in theGandhiantradition.

It makes a powerful moral statement about what thewalkerstandsfor

It is also a peaceful but poignant form of protest against injustices such as thatwhichDaggersisrailing against. From Roopnaraine, the torch has been passed downtoDaggers.

Hereisagentlemanwho is not only talking the talk butheisliterallywalkingthe walk.

Heissendingapowerful signal to Guyanese that you

Dem boys seh...

must be prepared to make sacrifices for what you believe in. He is putting his own 65-year-old body throughapunisherregimein order to make a moral statement.

Hehasnotaskedanyone to do anything which he wouldnotdo.

He is leading by example. Daggers is setting afineexample.

He is leading from the front and by showing moral integrity Along the way, moral support was provided bypersons.

Some of them joined the walk along the way Others gave their moral support, including through by expressing appreciation and cheeringhimown.

It was all done without much fanfare Daggers acknowledged them, at times by waving and other timebygivingthemthesign ofaclenchedfist.

He must have been emboldened by the kind commentshereceived.

Thewalkwillcontinuein the coming days and it is hoped that more Guyanese will show their solidarity with what this courageous manisdoing.Heisnotdoing thisforhimself.

He is doing this for his country which he believes has been shortchanged. He wantsabetterdeal.

That is all he is asking for. The walk by Daggers will go down in history. It willbetalkedaboutforyears and people will remember this65-year-oldmanwhoset outtowalkinprotestagainst the oil contract. People are alreadytakingnote.

People are witnessing theextenttowhichoneman is making a sacrifice for betterment and people

Guessing in exam is not good

When dem boys did writedeCommonEntrance examination, dem had a friendwhowassittingdown in de next row in front. So dem boys see when he moving he hand up and downdeanswersheet.

Dem boys did not understand what he was doing So after de examination done, dem boys meet he outside and ask he what he was doing. Hetelldemboyshowwhen he did not know an answer heusedtosystemcalledAbna Bab-Na. He tell dem boys how it never fail he yet; nevertheless, every time he used it, he got the

wronganswer Dem boys hope that none of dem children wah sitting de National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA)

nah gat to use no Ab-na Bab-na fuh decide how fuh answer a question. Is best

yuh guess before you use a systemlikeAb-naBabna.

One day during an examination, de invigilator turn to one of the students and said to him, “I hope I did not see you looking at John’s answer sheet.” To which the student answered,“Ihopesotoo.”

One day, a new teacher was supervising a large class of students during an

normally appreciate such things.

Ahero has emerged. His nameisRayDaggers.Letus encourage him on right through to Charity A big shout-out to Ray Daggers,

Guyana’s hero! (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.)

examination,whenthetime for the examination had ended,thenewteachertold thestudentstoimmediately put down their pens and to stop writing. One student didnotobeytheinstruction. The new teacher noticed him.Whenthestudentcame uptoplacehisanswersheet with the other answer sheets, the teacher stopped himandtoldhim,“Youdid notstopwritingwhenItold you to I will not be accepting your answer sheet.”

To which the student answered, “Do you know whoIam?” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

What's in a name?

Plenty it would seem. From the many voices calling about, pushing for, and insisting on, the renaming of Arrival Day to the long hanging Indian Arrival Day It has been too long, and it is a recognition whose time has come. It must be made to happen, as in right now Beyond a doubt, this is of supreme importance to the public

advocates pressing for the insertion of this vital word (Indian) into the national holiday For every public advocatemakingittheirduty to toil for this renaming, there is likely a good thousand, who harbour the same passionate sentiments. Come to think of it, it certainly does look a little lonely,ashadeonthescanty side,whenlimitedtoArrival Dayonly

ThoughIamreluctantto get involved in matters of this nature, it is my position that it should be. Just let it be. What could be so hard about putting Indian into ArrivalDay?Thestrokeofa pen, and it is signed and done. So there, what is takingsolong? Now,dueto the circling around and pussyfooting about, there is the sense that this has spiraled to the level of a

righteous cause. Miracle of miracles, it may even be something that has transcended politics, something akin to a strong soupforthesoul. Outsideof national elections, there is difficulty in recalling an issue that has generated so much persistence, projected such an intensity of passion, and left such a trail of desolation in its wake. The lack of success to date on whathasmushroomedintoa project of spiritual proportionshasonlyspurred the disappointed to greater effort, more fevered energies.

IhearthePresidenttaken to task, appealed to, cajoled forconsideration,withevery angle worked, and every facet of geography, chronology, and history summoned to put in a starring appearance. There can only be admiration and applauseforthisunswerving devotion to the merits of tribe and time, and what must be, but inexplicably isn't.

What's going on here? What could be going on where this most pivotal of demographics is made to work above and beyond the call of proven citizenship to plead its case, and all over a name, actually a single word? Why the leadership hesitancy, why the governmental foot-dragging in the teeth of the representations of visible andvocalmembersofatopdrawer section of the populace? Whatisgoingon smacks of the kind of dismissive treatment, the type of tone-deaf reaction,

that is the usual lot of second class (or lesser) citizens.

Indianisnota second-class wordinGuyananorisit of a second-rank set of people. It is something that gnaws at the edges of attention, and nags deep in theinnerear,whatshowsno signs of letting up anytime soon. Others in the Guyana melting pot have had their dayinthesunforthelongest while, so why not the descendants of those from across the deep, dark, demandingsea? Ifonlyasa tribute to long gone ancestors,intimelyencomia to their contributions of heart,ofsoulandspirittothe sun splashed soil of this paradiseintheTropics. Not one offspring of an indenturedservantshouldbe reducedtothehumiliationof havingtofurnisharecitalof their forebear's exploits, their pain, and their pathos from bow to stern, and then on the punishing plantations ofriceandsugar

It is astonishing that this simplest of issues (to my simplerwayofthinking)has embroiled so many in so many travails, and to no avail.

Even Black Guyanese, atleasttheirrepresentatives, have raised their hand in support of a worthy endeavour Theironyisthat it is an Indian Government (yes,itis!)thatisdolingout this desultory fare, and over themerematterofaname. I am still trying to figure out thehangup,askmyselfwhat the hangover could be that

brings preemptive flinching due to unstated fears. If there is fear, what is the existential manner of which it could be? I inquire since thereisthispowerhouseofa government that functions without brakes, sometimes I get the eerie feeling without a steering wheel, even the benefits of working headlights. Iraisemyselfto fullest height, and scan the horizon, but am yet to spot a n y i n t r u d i n g considerations, any factor deserving of pause. This cannot be happening; this just should not be. Not for one holiday longer Not for one indrawn breath held in bated suspense. Not any of this,soasnottocompelone morepubliccridecoeur

Thus far, and rather thankfully,therehasbeenno threats of jumping ship due t o n o - c o n f i d e n c e inclinations. For the time being,2025issafe. Matters ofbirthrightandtheheritage of the hard hearth are not areas with which I like to intrude.

There are those more committed to be, more impassioned, about such things. Intruthandinsum,I say:IndianArrivalDay,why notletitbe?

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaperanditsaffiliates.)

UN Secretary General calls for an end to threats, attack on journalists

In his address on World Press Freedom Day, United Nations (UN) SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres, called for an end to threats and attacks on journalists in theexecutionoftheirjob.

Guterres said, “For three decades, on World Press F r e e d o m D a y, t h e international community has celebrated the work of journalists and media workers. This day highlights a basic truth all our freedom depends on press freedom.” Heexplainedthatfreedomof

thepressisthefoundationof democracy and justice, addingthatitgiveseveryone the facts needed to shape opinions and speak truth to power Guterres continued thatthisyear'sthemereminds us, press freedom represents the very lifeblood of human rights.However, he said, in every corner of the world, freedomofthepressisunder attack. “Truth is threatened by disinformation and hate speech seeking to blur the lines between fact and fiction, between science and

conspiracy The increased concentration of the media industry into the hands of a few, the financial collapse of scores of independent news organizations, and an increaseofnationallawsand regulations that stifle journalists are further expanding censorship and threatening freedom of expression,”Guterresstated.

He highlighted that journalists and media workers are directly targeted on and offline as they carry out their vital work.The UN

Secretary General underscored that journalists are routinely harassed, intimidated, detained and imprisoned.

He underscored that at least 67 media workers were killed in 2022, which is a 50% increase over the previous year Also, nearly three quarters of women journalists have experienced violence online, and one in four has been threatened physically.Tenyearsago,the United Nations established a Plan ofAction on the Safety

of Journalists to protect media workers and end impunity for crimes committed against them

Guterres said, “Every World Press Freedom Day, the world must speak with one voice,” adding, “Stop the threats and attacks, Stop detaining and imprisoning journalists for doing their jobs, Stop the lies and disinformation, Stop targeting truth and truthtellers, As journalists stand upfortruth,theworldstands withthem.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

Man 65, completes 18 miles on first day of walk against 'barefaced' Exxon contract

Ma n 6 5 , completes 18 miles on first day of walk against 'barefaced'Exxoncontract

Sixty-five-year-old activist, Ray Daggers clockedadistanceof18miles from Moleson Creek, East Berbice– Corentyne, Region

Six to Number 57 Village CorentyneonThursdayashe kicked off his protest walk against the lopsided oil contract the Guyana Government signed with oil major, ExxonMobil back in 2016.

Daggers plans to walk from Berbice all the way to Charity on the Essequibo Coast,RegionTwo.Thewalk began around 09:30hrs and ended around 15:00hrs. A total of at least 24 persons, men and women, including Kaieteur News' (KN) Publisher, Glenn Lall and others joined the walk with Daggers. Majority called it a day at Number 77 Village, Corentyne but three continued the full 18-mile trekwithDaggers. Among them was a 56-

year-oldman,identifiedonly as Siwnarine from Number 50 Village, Corentyne and Pastor Terrance also from Berbice. Siwnarine said that he is not sure if he will walk every day with Daggers, but committedtowalking,dayin and day out. The Pastor and anotherelderlymansaidthat they will continue the walk with Daggers at 08:00hrs sharp on Friday from Number 57 Village. Lall has also committed to accompanying Daggers againaswell.

Born in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, Daggers lived for quite some time overseas, but kept in touch with what was happening back home. Daggers said he wasinspiredtoundertakethe protest walk by the unrelenting efforts by Businessman and Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, infightingforachangetothe Exxoncontract.“Mr Lallhas been putting forth the facts and he has done so without any help from government agencies,butwiththehelpof his staff, and he has been

providing a great service to thisnation,”Daggerssaid.

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' access to the people's resources without their approval, it's a hostile act and in the process of extractingthose resources, if you destroy and pollute the environment, it's another hostile act and both of these aretreasonous.”

Meanwhile, Lall in an earliercommentthrowinghis supportbehindDaggers,had saidif65-year-oldDaggersis readytowalkthewalkacross Guyana: “I want to go beyondmytalkandjoinhim in this fight for a better Guyana and a better future forall.”

Lall said the 65-year-old hasbeenlisteningtohisradio programme ever since it began,whichinspiredhimto take this giant first step.

“

This 65-year-old is beginning the walk as to the

barefacedness going 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, Lall encouraged Guyanese to

show support by at least walking a few miles. The walkwillbelivestreamedon Facebook and on Kaieteur RadioFacebookpage.

Sixty-five-year-old activist, Ray Daggers (right) on day one of his walk from Berbice to Essequibo

'Judiciary treading in murky waters when it tells regulators how to do their job’

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo onThursdaysaid that he agrees with Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall's decision to appeal a recent High Court ruling demanding ExxonMobil's compliance with the insurance provisions in its L i z a P h a s e O n e EnvironmentalPermit.

In the judgment handed downonMay3,2023,Justice Sandil Kissoon ruled that Exxon's affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is inbreachofitspermitwhich, in the court's view, unreservedly calls for unlimited insurance protection in the event of an oilspill.

The Judge also issued an Order of Mandamus directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have EEPGL produce on or before June 10, 2023, the unlimited liability Parent Company Guarantee

Agreement and/or unlimited liability Affiliate Company

Guaranteefromaninsurance company with standing and repute that equates to Grade A Plus. Failure to comply will see the permit being suspended.

Nandlall in a statement said the government will appeal the judgment of the court and hopefully place a hold on the order to comply within 30 days. He further noted that the EPA and the Government of Guyana are of the considered view that the Environmental Permit imposes no obligation on Exxon's affiliate to provide unlimited insurance coverageforoilspills.

During his press conference yesterday, the VicePresidentsaidheagrees with the AG's position. He said: “we all want to ensure that as a country, in the case of a spill, and hopefully it never happens, that we have adequate resources to cover alloftheliabilitiesassociated

with that... So we all want this. But we also can't be shrill or capricious in our dealings, particularly at the level of our regulatory agencies to get that outcome.”

Jagdeo said it is critical that the government pursues diligently and professionally in its efforts to get insurance coverage that will meet all the circumstances should there be an adverse event offshore. He also said it is

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

crucial for institutions to act in a manner where decisions are not made on the premise ofeconomicnationalism.

Jagdeo also said it is incumbent on the courts to produce judgments that are well reasoned, adding that theEPA'seffortsonsecuring variousformsofinsurancein the oil sector should not be overlooked.

The Vice President said theregulatorybodyhasbeen indiscussionsforoverayear

now with Exxon to secure a US$2B parent guarantee for the Stabroek Block. He said those discussions concluded recently

He also noted that the EPA has so far secured a US$600M insurance package from EEPGL, the premium for which is being paid using revenues earned fromthesaleofGuyana'soil resources. If that insurance premiumisincreased,hesaid it is Guyana that ultimately pays. He further noted that the EPA can liquidate EEPGL's assets if needed to cover costs relating to an oil spill. He said the Exxon subsidiarynowhasUS$6Bto US$8Binassetsbasedonits balancesheet.

Jagdeosaidtheforegoing therefore arms Guyana with threemechanismsthatcanbe appliedtocovertheexpenses associated with clean up, r e s t o r a t i o n a n d compensationforanoilspill. He also refuted claims or contentions that government

should secure unlimited insurance coverage from Exxon. “What would be the premium for this unlimited insurance?”askedtheofficial at his press conference. He said, “There is nothing like thatintheworldofinsurance. You can have coverage but even then, there is a defined risk.”

Based on the foregoing grounds,theVicePresidentis ofbeliefthattherecentHigh Court judgment is therefore flawedandmustbeappealed bytheEPA.

He also expressed the view that the judiciary is treading in murky waters by directingaregulatoryagency on how to do its job and setting a timeframe on when it should complete certain orders.Inthisregard,hewas alluding to Justice Sandil Kissoon's order urging EPA to issue a notice to EEPGL thatitfurnishesGuyanawith unlimited insurance within 30 days or have its Liza One permitsuspended.

INTERPOL issues Red Notice for couple fingered in murder of policeman

The International

P o l i c e Organisation (INTERPOL) has issued a RedNoticefortheGuyanese couple who was allegedly involved in the murder of policeman, Quincy Lewis whose skeletal remains were dug upfromashallowgrave at Madewini, SoesdykeLindenHighwaylastmonth.

The couple has been identified as Thakurdial Samaroo, 56, of Lot 7 Ogle Front Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and

Naqueeba Zahid Zafarali also known as Naqueeba Zafaraliofthesameaddress.

ARed Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. A Red Noticeisnotaninternational arrestwarrant. The individuals are wanted by the requesting member country, or international tribunal Member countries apply their own laws in deciding

whether to arrest a person. The majority of Red Notices are restricted to law enforcement use only Extracts of Red Notices are published at the request of the member country concerned and where the public's help may be needed to locate an individual or if the individual may pose a threattopublicsafety

On April 20, 2023 the Guyana Police Force had issued wanted bulletins for the couple, but to date they havenotbeencontacted.The

couple had reportedly fled the jurisdiction but the Guyana Police Force has committed to using all legal avenues to extradite them backtoGuyana.

“The Guyana Police Force will also use all legal avenues available to ensure that the other two (2) suspects are extradited to Guyana to answer to the allegations in relation to the death of the deceased,” GPF hadstated.

Lewis had been missing for almost three years but

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) ranks from the Cold Case and Major Crimes Unit (MCU) had been gathering evidence as they investigated his disappearance.

Their hard work paid off

onApril 19, 2023 when they found the skeletal remains buriedattheMadewiniSand Pit area. At the time of the discovery two suspects: 25year-old Shafeek Vernon called “Profit” of Ogle, East (Continuedonpage22)

Biker dies after slamming into truck at Success

A 26-year-old father of three was on Thursday morning killed after he reportedly rode into the back of a truck along the Success, East Coast of Demerara (ECD)PublicRoad.

Thedeadmotorcyclisthas been identified as Keyon Marshall, a porter of Lot 28 R e p u b l i c D r i v e Beterverwagting, ECD Accordingtoreportsreaching this publication, the accident occurred around 08:20hrs yesterdayandinvolvedmotor Lorry GAD 2985, owned by NABI Construction Inc. and driven by Mark Bagot, a 42year-old mechanic of Better Hope,ECD.

The truck driver reported tothepolicethatasheexited the NABI Construction Inc. compound on the northern side of the public road, he then turned east on the southern driving lane when the truck encountered a mechanical problem and 'cut off'.

The driver claimed that after encountering the problem,heputonthehazard lightandexitedthevehicleto go into the company's compound to get another lorry to move his own in the corner He said while standing at the back of his truck, he saw the motorcycle driven by Marshall and another motorcycle speeding downtheroad,withneitherof

Killed, Keyon Marshall

the riders wearing safety helmets.

The truck driver claimed that one of the motorcyclists endedupridingintotheback ofthelorry Asaresultofthe collision, the motorcyclist fell onto the roadway, where he received injuries to his head and body. It was reported that the injured motorcyclistwaspickedupin an unconscious condition by police ranks, and rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor Marshall's body is presently at the hospital's mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination.

Meanwhile, the driver wastakenintocustodywhere he is assisting with the investigation.

Wanted, Naqueeba Zahid Zafarali also known as ‘Naqueeba Zafarali’

Wanted, Thakurdial Samaroo

Guyana drops 26 places on Press Freedom Index

Guyana's ranking on the World Press Freedom Index 2023 has dropped by 26 points to now being number 60 among 180 countries.

On Wednesday when the world observed Press Freedom Day, the index was released by Reporters without Borders (RSF), an international non-profit organisation. RSF defends the right of every human being to have access to free and reliable information

This right is essential to know, understand, form an opinion and take action on vitalissuesinfullawareness, both individually and collectively

ThepurposeoftheWorld Press Freedom Index is to comparetheleveloffreedom enjoyed by journalists and media in 180 countries and territories.

The organisation explained that press freedom is defined as the ability of journalistsasindividualsand collectivestoselect,produce, and disseminate news in the public interest independent of political, economic, legal, andsocialinterferenceandin theabsenceofthreatstotheir physicalandmentalsafety

Accordingtotheindex,in 2022 Guyana was listed as country34forpressfreedom. However,thisyear,thereport shows that Guyana is now

number 60 of 180 countries on the world press freedom list.

It was highlighted that while Guyana protects freedom of speech and the rights to information, Guyanese journalists who oppose the authorities face intimidation.

In a statement, RSF called on the Guyana of Guyana(GoG)toensurethat Guyanesejournalistsareable to do their jobs free from harassment.

“President Ali's administration must take action to ensure all journalistsaresafetodotheir jobs.

This includes holding to accountpartysupporterswho intimidate members of the press,” they said. RSF press freedom questionnaire and

map were broken down into five distinct categories or indicators (political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context and safety) The following was published by the organisation about Guyana.

Medialandscape

The organisation described Guyana as having a robust media landscape, with a diversity of national and regional media outlets. They stated that the main newspapers are The Guyana Times and Guyana Chronicle,thelatterisowned andcontrolledbythestate,as is the broadcast service The National Communications Network(NCN).

It was underscored that whiletherewereattempts,in 2020, to improve regulation

ofthebroadcastindustry,the governmentfailedtoinvolve or consult with any broadcasters to strengthen thereform.

Politicalcontext

“Becausemembersofthe media regulatory authority are directly appointed by the president, the independence of certain media outlets, whose licences can be

revoked, is hampered,” the organisationsaid. Legalframework Although Guyana, a parliamentarydemocracy, (Continuedpage22)

President Irfaan Ali

Mahaicony woman killed in ECD hotel

...husband surrendered, allegedly confessed to crime

Kim ChichesterH a l l e y, o f Mahaicony, Region Five, was on Thursday afternoon discovered dead with her throat slit and multiple stab wounds to her body in a room at the Alpha Hotel located at Ogle, East Coast ofDemerara.

H e r h u s b a n d , businessman, Junior Halley hassurrenderedtothepolice and reportedly confessed to thecrime.

Kaieteur News was reliably informed that the businessman checked into the Alpha Hotel located in Ogle, alone but was later joined by his wife. Screams wereheardcomingfromthe room, however, that did not raise any suspicion until Junior left the hotel without hiswife.Whenthehotelstaff checked the room, the woman's body was discovered and the police werealerted.

In a statement, police said Chichester-Halley, 46year-old of Lamaha Park, Georgetown, was killed

between 14:30 and 14:45 hrs.The woman's husband, a 50-year-old businessman of Mahaicony,wasarrestedand isinpolicecustodyassisting with the investigations, the statementadded.

According to the s t a t e m e n t , p o l i c e investigators visited the crime scene at about 15:00hrs.

Thescene(Room235)is locatedonthebottomflaton thewesternsideofthehotel. The body was lying motionless, facing upwards onabed,partiallyclothed.

Thebodywasexamined, and 13 stab wounds were seen on her face, hands and body.Afurther examination was made, and a wound measuring 10 inches in width and 5 inches in depth was seen on her neck. The white bedsheet was soaked in blood. A knife handle without a blade was seen next to the body on the bed. The blade was subsequently found in the deceased woman's hair, covered in blood.

Halley and the suspect

Minibus driver charged with rape; released on $500K bail

Minibus driver, W a y l o n Jordan was on Wednesday released on $500,000 bail after he was charged for raping a child undertheageof16years.

Twenty-seven-year-old Jordan of Lot 15 Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) made his first court appearance at the Golden Grove/Diamond Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman wherethechargewasreadto him.

K a i e t e u r N e w s

were married. However, the suspect reportedly used to abuseher,andshemovedout of his residence about two monthsago.

Further, at about 13:45 hours Thursday, the woman andthesuspectarrivedatthe hotelandcheckedintoRoom #235, which they proceeded toandoccupied.

At about 14:30 hrs, the hotel staff heard screams from room 235. About 15 minutes after, the suspect

exited the room and left the hotel to an unknown destination.

Staffthendiscoveredthe doorwasslightlyopenedand found the woman lying motionlessonthebed.

Areportwasmadetothe police The EMT was summoned, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene The body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaitingaPME.

Dead, Kim Chichester-Halley

At about 16:30 hrs this afternoon, the suspect was arrested at the Criminal Investigation Department HQ. He was placed into custody

Charged, Waylon Jordan

pleaandwasgrantedbailfor theoffence.Heisexpectedto m

appearance on June

Murder convict gets life sentence for 2016 execution in front of school

Twenty-nine-yearo l d J o s h u a Meredith was on Wednesdaysentencedtolifeimprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving30years.

Meredith was sentenced by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court. Hewasinitiallyarraignedfor themurdercommittedon29year-old Paul Rodney of Lot 530 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown However, Meredith opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter

He pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on November 21, 2016, at Avocado Square, East Ruimveldt, he unlawfully killedRodney

According to reports, Rodney was gunned down in front of the East Ruimveldt Secondary School during an argument moments after attending a dance at the school. Before Meredith was sentenced, a probation report on his behalf was read to the court. Thecourtheardthatin December 2020, Meredith was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for the 'Wings andThings'killing. Meredith was sentenced for the unlawful killing of Gregory Garraway, who was gunned down on October 2, 2016 at the bar located on Mandela Avenue,Georgetown.

According to the probation report, Meredith came from a single-parent home and was labeled as a 'delinquent' from an early age. Before he turned 16, Meredithwasbeforethecourt for robbery under arms, but duetohisage,hewasplaced on a two-year bond for the offence The report also detailed what people from M e r e d i t h ' s f o r m e r neighbourhood had to say abouthim.

He was labeled as a criminalandothersstatedthat since he has been locked up, the area has been peaceful. Similarly, prison officials

bid

below engineer's $935M to construct Letter Kenny Pump Station

described Meredith as disrespectful and disorderly andevensharedthathehadto be placed in solitary confinement Attorney-atlaw Adrian Thompson who represented Meredith in a plea of mitigation asked the court to be lenient with his clients given his upbringings and added that he was i n f l u e n c e d b y h i s neighbourhood.

Avictimimpactstatement fromRodney'sunclewasalso readtothecourt.

ItwasstatedthatRodney wasthesolebreadwinnerfor his family and his elderly father – the court heard too that Rodney's father passed away after mourning the death of his son. In handing down her ruling, Justice Barlow sentenced Meredith tolifeimprisonment.

Following a recent invitation

for bids to construct a pump station at Letter Kenny, Corentyne,10outofthe11contractors who responded, submitted bids lower than the engineer's $935,844,954 estimate.

This project which is being undertaken by the National Drainage

and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture was open recently at the National Procurement and Tender AdministrationBoard(NPATB)office.

According to the information released from the opening, the 10 contractors bid between $750 million to $847 million for the contract while

thehighestbidderbid$955million. Thecompaniesthatbidtoconstruct thepumpstationareasfollow:DSawh Mechanical Shop - $840,192,570; Platinum Investments Inc$766,429,950;4SSecurity&Building Enterprise - $777,126,540; Total ConstructionInc.-$833,000,000;

(Continued on page 22)

Dead, Paul Rodney

Jailed, Joshua Meredith

The $335 million pump station which was commissioned in Herstelling, East Bank Demerara back in 2019.

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Clarence Thomas: Supreme Court justice under fresh scrutiny over school fees

(BBC NEWS) A billionaire Republican donor paid private school tuition fees for the grandnephew of US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, a new report says.

Real estate magnate Harlan Crow said in response that he often paid tuition fees for pupils “from personal funds”.

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The revelation is the latest reported by ProPublica, which last month revealed Mr Crow had treated Justice Thomas and his wife to lavish holidays.

There’s been renewed scrutiny of ethics and disclosures at America’s top court. Under long-standing rules,

Supreme Court justices are required to file annual disclosures of gifts.

BBC News has approached Justice Thomas for comment - he did not comment on the report by ProPublica, a non-profit news organisation.

Its latest report cited a bank statement showing Mr Crow paid $6,200 (£4,900) in monthly tuition fees at Hidden Lake Academy, a boarding school in Georgia, for Justice Thomas’ grandnephew Mark Martin.

In a 2007 interview, Justice Thomas has said that he has raised Mr Martin, who is now an adult, like his own son

since he was six years old. Mr Martin told ProPublica he did not know Mr Crow paid his tuition fees. According to the report, Justice Thomas did

not publicly declare the tuition fees paid for his grandnephew by Mr Crow, though he has declared a similar $5,000 (£3,977) payment from another friend in the past.

Mr Crow also paid for Mr Martin’s tuition fees at a second school: Randolph-Macon Academy, a day and boarding school in Virginia, which Mr Martin attended before and after his time at Hidden Lake Academy. It is unclear how much Mr Crow paid in tuition fees in total. Current annual tuition and boarding school fees at Randolph-Macon Academy are $43,873 a year, according to the school’s website.

Guyana drops 26 places on Press Freedom Index...

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Ogle, Subryanville, Better Hope, Carmichael Street and 4 apt building in Little Diamond. Call Ray's Realty: 6279685.

Vacancy exists for Canter/ Lorry Drivers and Porters. Contact: 628-1038.

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Experienced Cashier, Counter Server, roti/ puri Cook and Cleaners needed. Apply @ Hack's Restaurant 5 Commerce St.

Welder/ Fabricator needed at Steel Pro Guyana, 37 Victoria Rd, Plaisance. Call: 220-3020/ 676-9079/ 672-8353.

From page 17 guarantees freedom of expression and the right to information in its constitution, the laws are not always strictly enforced, the organisation highlighted. Added to this, they said public officials use defamation lawsuits to criticize the media, and the threat of legal harassment can be enough to discourage journalists from pursuing an in-

vestigation.

RSF said too that in recent years, Guyana passed legislation aimed at muzzling reporters who openly oppose the authorities. The text includes an anti-defamation law providing for fines and imprisonment for up to two years “to arrest journalists who oppose their political parties.”

Economic context

For this, RSF underscored that state-owned and controlled media compete with several private radio stations, channels and publications. The organisation pointed out that independent and opposition media outlets struggle to compete with the advertising revenues of progovernment media outlets, which threatens their economic viability.

Sociocultural context

Guyana’s journalists are respected and allowed to do their jobs freely and independently. They are generally well accepted and protected.

Safety

RSF said that while media professionals have faced legal intimidation and suspensions, they are rarely the target of physical acts or violence.

INTERPOL issues Red Notice for couple fingered...

From page 16 Coast Demerara (ECD) and 35year-old Jamel Van Lewis, of D’Urban Street, Georgetown. They both have since been charged and were remanded to prison by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The suspects had decided to cooperate with the detectives after they were shown evidence linking them

to the disappearance of Lewis. They were the ones who led police to search for Lewis’s body at Madewini, Linden Soesdyke Highway. Kaieteur News learnt that Lewis was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship with the wife and was reportedly lured to the couple’s East

Bank Demerara (EBD) home on the day he disappeared. Lewis was allegedly shot at the location and his body then transported to the Madewini Sand Pit area where it was buried.

According to reports, Lewis was last seen alive by his mother, Charlene

Jordon, around 17:15hrs on June 19, 2020, after leaving their home at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD). He left in a silver-grey Toyota Premio motorcar that he borrowed f rom a friend for work duties at the Agricola Police Station.

10 out of 11 contractors bid below...

From page 21

SERVICES

LAND FOR SALE

Carmichael Street and Lethem Commercial zone, 69 X 200 ft. Call Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

Arjune Construction Inc.$791,610,662; Feroze Construction Services$750,652,318; Gupta Engineering Services$955,667,764; VR Construction Inc. - $820,274,000; Jaiand Commodities Inc.$795,828,842; Avinash Contracting & Scrap Metal$847,067,590; and Triple A Construction Service$759,389,000.

With a tender out for a contractor to build the station, another tender was is-

sued also for a consultancy firm to supervise the construction of the structure. Four firms have bid for that contract.

Kaieteur News understands that the pump station at Letter Kenny will form part of the eight pump stations that is scheduled to be built across the country this year.

During the presentation of this budget, Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh had mentioned that farmers and residents of Meten-MeerZorg, Jimbo Grove, Belle Vue

and Letter Kenny will be direct beneficiaries of new pump stations that will be constructed in these areas. Drainage and irrigation upgrades will also benefit farmers and residents across the country, including those at Amazon, Adams Creek, Nabaclis, Golden Grove, Buxton and Bellamy Canal, he added.

This year, the Ministry had received from the budget some $6 billion towards the improvement of drainage and irrigation across the country.

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Democracy in Guyana means...

From page 06 years ago, he reminded us that we came in different ships but today we are now in the same boat.

Let us accept this truth and as a people paddle together to navigate the treacherous waters of corruption, bigotry, greed and to arrest the actions of those and put the brakes on those who have learnt the

strategy and tactics of Massa and are attempting to take us back, all of the ordinary people to forms of slavery and dependence on their mercy and relive the words.

Finally, we end this week with the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III in London. I confess I have always and still enjoy the pomp and

precision displayed by the British for this royal occasion, the best in the world and if I could vote in the present argument, I would vote to retain the British Monarchy and will sing a long on Saturday when Edward Elgar’s music is played.

“Land of Hope and Glory.”

Sincerely Hamilton Green Elder

Justice Clarence Thomas

The Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), extends warmest greetings to all Guyanese on Arrival Day It symbolizes the journey taken by numerous indentured servants representingdiversecultures from various parts of the worldincludingIndia,China and Madeira across the seas to these shores at different historicalperiods.

The erstwhile colonial power coerced a labour supply made up of diverse peoples who have made and are still making unique and

invaluable contributions to thedevelopmentofGuyana.

The ERC urges that we all use this occasion of Arrival Day to reflect and draw inspiration from the selfless sacrifices of those ancestors who, despite their hardships, ensured the preservation of our various cultures and traditions which, over time, shaped whoweare.

Today, we also celebrate the enrichment of diversity thatArrivalDayembodiesin the shaping of Guyana and itsmodernity ArrivalDayis

most significant for what it represents in the context of the multi-faceted mosaic it created and for which our country is known. As One Guyana, it is evident that m a n y p a r t i c i p a t e meaningfullyineachother’s festivities that have become trulynationalobservances.

Over time, that rich, beautiful and vibrant diversity has become our strength and common bond in the process of becoming onepeople,workingtowards acommondestiny HappyArrivalDaytoall!

IAC: Use oil wealth to promote, preserve cultural history of Guyana

The Indian Action Committee (IAC), in recognition of the arrival of 420 Indian immigrants aboard the coolie ships WHITBY and HESPERUS on5thMay1838,wishesall Guyanese a Happy Arrival Day and especially calls upon all citizens to remember the 185th Anniversaryofthearrivalof EastIndiansinGuyana.

TheIAC,anorganisation which promotes and preservesIndiancultureand deals with the issues and concernsofpersonsofIndoGuyanese origin, wishes to remindallGuyanesethatthe organization protested in front of Parliament in 2003 fortherecognitionofIndian Arrival Day as a national holiday

TheIAC,overtheyears, hasprovidedGuyanesewith historical information regarding the arrival of just over 239,000 Indian immigrantswhocametothis country aboard 245 Coolie Ships,whichmadeatotalof 534 voyages across the

kaalapanibetween1838and 1917.

The IAC, as the organisation has done over the years, continues to recognise the endeavours of theseIndianimmigrantsand their descendants, the persons of Indo-Guyanese origin, to develop this country. The IAC, which acknowledges important contributions of persons fromBerbice,Demeraraand Essequibo, as well as IndoGuyaneseintheDiaspora,is awarethattensofthousands of East Indians have made valuable efforts in all fields of human activity in this country, including business andcommerce;bankingand finance; the sugar and rice industries; coconuts and other crops; fishery and livestock; mining and quarrying; forestry and sawmilling; education and academia; medicine and law; journalism and c o m m u n i c a t i o n s ; accounting and insurance; private and national security; the hospitality and

aviation sectors; the alcohol and beverage industries; sport and entertainment; culture and religion; and politicsandgovernance.

The IAC, in light of the continuous discoveries of massive amounts of oil and gasoffshore,iscallingupon the authorities to, in future, expend some of this newfound wealth as part of the government’s One Guyanainitiativetopromote and preserve the cultural history of Guyana in the form of new museums, cultural centres, and educationalacademies.

The IAC, in the full knowledge of the fact that many will be consuming alcohol on this holiday, is exhortingallGuyanesetobe safeandresponsibleandnot cause harm to their fellow citizensintheirenjoymentof this historic event; and remain deeply focused on theirculturalhistoryinorder tounderstandthepresentand to plan for a prosperous future.AHappyArrivalDay toall.

Arrival Day is yet another reminder of our nation’s rich cultural heritage Our coming together from several backgroundsiswhatsetsour country apart and indeed makes us unique. We of the GAWU, like many Guyanese, are proud of our rich,vibrantculturaltapestry that has brought our people closertogetherandcreateda spiritofonenessaswework towards advancing and developing our country As we reflected onArrival Day 2023, we could not help but be reminded of the sordid attemptstodivideourpeople on ethnicity As our Union’s

President, Seepaul Narine said on Labour Day 2023 such attitudes and tactics belong in the past. Indeed, weremaindisturbedbysuch attempts as we, again, denounce those who sow seedsofdivision. Wereiterateourstanceof condemnation and urge our people to reject their racist narratives. We remind that their self-interest is a clear attempttoderailournational advancement towards betterment and prosperity

Arrival Day is associated with our indentured immigrants hailing from Portugal, India, and China. Each group, like all other

groups,havemadeprofound contributions to our nation. Indeed,ourcountryisricher for their efforts and stronger fortheirroles.

Their coming to Guyana was occasioned by the cane cultivation.And,ArrivalDay provides a suitable opportunityforreflectionon the current state of the industry and their efforts of those who succeeded them.

The GAWU remains heartened by efforts to reverse the decline of the sugar industry We have n e v e r h i d d e n o u r disappointment over the intriguesoftheformer

(Continuedonpage24)

GAWU: We urge sober consideration as we participate in various observances

ERC: Today we celebrate the enrichment of diversity that Arrival Day embodies

Four Proud Boys guilty of seditious conspiracy over US Capitol riot

(BBC NEWS) Four members of the far-right Proud Boys, including former leader Enrique Tarrio, have been found guilty of seditious conspiracy for their role in theUSCapitolriot.

The jury was unable to come to a decision on two charges against a fifth codefendant. The verdicts came after a trial lasting nearly four months. The seditious conspiracy charge alonecarriesasentenceofup to20yearsinprison.Allfive defendants were convicted on a range of lesser charges stemming from their activitieson6January,2021.

Whoarethedefendants?

Thegroup’sleaderatthe time of the riot, Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, was at the violent Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia,

Henry ‘Enrique’Tarrio, the former national leader of the Proud Boys

in 2017 and became the leaderoftheProudBoysthe following year. He’s a Cuban-American from Miami, a former Florida director of Latinos for Trump - and off the back of hisnotorietymadeabriefrun forCongressin2020.Unlike his co-defendants, Tarrio

was not in Washington DC during the riot. He faced chargesafterburningaBlack LivesMatterbannerthatwas stolen from a Washington churchandwasalsocharged withviolatingweaponslaws. He was arrested two days before the riot, and ordered byajudgetoleavethecity

GAWU:Weurgesoberconsideration...

Frompage23

Coalition Government to minimise the industry.

It is our concerted view that it was part of a largerplantoridGuyanaofsugar Suchplans, we believe, would have succeeded had the forces of democracy not stood in defence of ourpeople’sfranchise.

Today, we are heartened by the efforts to resuscitate the industry and look forward to the resumption of Rose Hall Estate later in 2023. We,atthesametime,believethereisa need for the industry’s skillset to be strengthened. We recognize many skills are lacking and certain concerns have emerged regarding the current management We remain unflinching that the role of the workers cannot be overemphasized. They have and continue to make meaningful contributions and we hold they must be

treatedfairlyandjustly.Inthisregard,weare disappointed with the inequity being perpetuated regarding internal and external resources.

This imbalance should be addressed withoutfurtherdelay

We remain convinced that a motivated workforceiscriticaltotheindustry’ssuccess and the assaults and indignation the sugar workers suffered during the term of the Coalitionshouldneverbeforgottenbutthose wrongsshouldberighted.Thereisagreatdeal to reflect upon as we celebrate Arrival Day 2023. We urge sober consideration as we participate in various observances to remember the contributions of those who playednosmallroleinbuildingournation.At thistime,theGAWUextendsbestwishesand greetings to all Guyanese on Arrival Day 2023.

Jair Bolsonaro: Police search home of ex-president Entrepreneurs from 40 countries take part in summit on digital services outsourcing

(BBC NEWS)

Police have searched the home of former President Jair Bolsonaro in the Brazilian capital,Brasilia,aspartofan investigation into his Covid vaccinationrecords.

Police suspect the exleader’s vaccination record was forged so he could gain entrytotheUS.

Officers seized the mobile phone of the former presidentandthatofhiswife and arrested some of his close aides as part of the operation.MrBolsonarohas deniedanywrongdoing.

Theformerpresidentisa vocal opponent of Covid vaccinations, who repeatedly spread false information about the vaccine and its alleged side effects.

Whilehehadalwayssaid that he would not get the vaccine, he had refused to make his vaccination record public, arguing that it contained sensitive private data. But an official in the new government of his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, ruled that the information was in the publicinterest.

The record showed that Mr Bolsonaro had had a vaccine in 2021 but police think the record may have been forged and launched the investigation which led to Wednesday’s raid

According to federal police, “falsedata”wasinsertedinto the Covid-19 vaccination recordsheldbytheBrazilian ministryofhealthsothatthe individuals whose vaccination status had been changedwouldbeabletoget the vaccination certificates necessarytoentertheUnited States

Speaking after the raid, Mr Bolsonaro denied tampering with any records. “For my part, there was nothing falsified,” he told reporters.

He also denied having had a Covid jab: “I didn’t take the vaccine. Period.” Thefalsedatawasallegedly inserted in the records between November and Decemberoflastyear,when Mr Bolsonaro was still president.

Mr Bolsonaro travelled to Florida at the end of December, just days before

hisrival,LuizInácioLulada Silva,wasswornintooffice.

The US has not commented on what visa the thenpresidententeredthecountry on or what, if any, vaccination records he provided at the time. Since his return to Brazil on 30 March, Mr Bolsonaro has had to appear before police ontwooccasionstotestifyin

two separate investigations. Oneisexamininghisalleged role in the storming of the Brazilian Congress by his supportersinJanuary He is also being investigatedoverwhetherhe tried to illegally import and keep millions of dollars’ worthofjewelleryheandhis wife were given by Saudi Arabiain2019.

Global services s e c t o r entrepreneurs will come together on June 14-15 in Montego Bay, J a m a i c a , a t t h e Outsource2LAC Global D i g i t a l S e r v i c e s Summit–Jamaica 2023, the leading digital services outsourcing event in Latin AmericaandtheCaribbean.

Outsource2LAC 2023 will take place for the first time in the Caribbean, with over 400 entrepreneurs expected to attend. The summitwillfocusoncuttingedge knowledge and promotingbusiness Global corporations, SMEs, entrepreneurs, and governments from Latin America and the Caribbean will learn about the latest tech trends for knowledgebased services. They will

also have access to global experts, suppliers, investors, and digital services startups Attendees will be able to explore new business opportunities throughB2B(withtheprivate sector) and B2G (with the public sector) matchmaking forums in areas such as software development, automation, e-commerce, video games, AgTech, FinTech.Theywillalsodiscuss artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and cloud computing, among other emerging technologies.

Outsource2LAC 2023 is organized by the InterAmerican Development Bank(IDB)withthesupport of its social business network ConnectAmericas.

Itisacollaborationwiththe Jamaican Ministry of Industry, Investment and

Commerce, through Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)

The event will also include government representatives from trade promotion agencies from 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries. Since 2011, the Outsource2LAC Summit has been held in seven Latin American cities: Montevideo (Uruguay), Medellín (Colombia), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Guatemala City (Guatemala), Guadalajara (Mexico), and San José (Costa Rica). Over 11,000 one-on-one meetings occurred at these gatherings, generating approximately$310million in projected business deals. Business owners and entrepreneurs interested in participating can sign up at https://outsource2lac.com

Jair Bolsonaro said his mobile phone and that of his wife had been seized during the raid

BV thrash Victoria Kings, Melanie hold Mahaica to a goalless draw in NAMILCO U17 League

In the latest action of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), National Milling Company (NAMILCO) Thunderbolt

Flour Power IntraAssociation Under -17 Football League contested on Monday with an intense double header between Mahaica and Melanie, and Beterverwagting (BV) Triumph versus Victoria Kings.

BV defeated Victoria Kings 2-1, while the match between Melanie and Mahaicamatchended0-0.

The first match between Mahaica and Melanie ended with a 0-0 scoreline. Both teams fought hard but neither of them were able to penetrateagoalattheendof the ninety minutes of regulationtime.

They both displayed strong defence on the pitch,

they also missed several scoring opportunities which ledtothematchtoending00.

Meanwhile, in the other matchbetweenBVTriumph and Victoria Kings, saw the BV side netting their first goal; two minutes into the match.

The couple of fans in attendance rose to their feet as Isaiah Ifill rifled home a ballintothebackofVictoria

Friday May 05, 2023

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

You may be courting your lover today, Aries. Whether you're in a relationship or starting one, you're in the mood to seduce your partner withatouchofsophistication.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You will get the most satisfaction today through your activities with others, Taurus.Soyoushouldtakethe initiative and propose something you and your friendscoulddotogether

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Todayyouwillbelikeagoodluckcharmtoyourfamilyand friends. It's up to you to motivate people to get going and have fun together. Show themyourenthusiasmforlife.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If you can't feed your artistic tendenciesintheworkyoudo, todayisagooddaytocreatea better balance and make your daysmoresatisfying.Artisn't justforartists,Cancer

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Regardless of your gender, why not show a bit more virility in your relationships and actions? If you're dominated by your emotions, the day could be extremely trying for you Protect yourself from your anxieties by talking things over with a friend or someone else close toyou.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Todayyoumayfeelalotmore energetic after a tiring past fewdays.Whenyou'refeeling good,everything'sfine.You're feelingmotivatedagaintoget down and tackle the work that'swaitingforyou.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Itmaybedifficulttogetpeople tolistentoyouatthemoment, Libra. The people around you may even be annoyed at hearing all of your new ideas. The stars are pushing you to changeyourtacticsbeforeyou alienateeveryone.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

You may not have been taking very good care of yourself lately, Scorpio. The planetary aspectsareencouragingyouto be a little more disciplined in yourlifestyle.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

What would happen if you decidedtotakecareofyourself today,Sagittarius?Thisiswhat the planets are trying to tell you. You need to relax, to let yourself be taken care of, and closeyoureyesanddream.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

This is an intense phase of interior modification, both p h y s i c a l l y a n d psychologically.Don'thesitate to padlock your refrigerator andavoidyourfavoritestores.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

The period you're in now is about getting ahead. If you've been dissatisfied with some aspect of your career over the lastfewmonths,don'twaitany longer to do something about it. Things aren't going to get betterallbythemselves.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

What meticulousness, Pisces!

You may feel a sudden, urgent needtotakeacloselookatyour financial situation, wardrobe, cupboards, or car List the things you need to do in order to fix them over the next few days.

Kings’goaltoputhisteamin earlycommandofthematch. At half-time, BV were one goal ahead with the score at 1-0.

In the second half, JahiemHarristhenincreased BV’s lead in the 54’ with a superbshotatgoaltogivehis team a 2-0 lead over Victoria.

The resilient Joshua Payne lifted the confidence oftheVictoriapossewhenhe netted Victoria Kings’ first goal, seven minute later but their chances were short livedasthematchended2-1 infavourofBVTriumph.

T h e N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Power U17 League continues today at the Buxton ground, East Coast Demerara. Start time 15:30hours.

ICCMen’s T20WorldCup...

Frompage29 against the other teams in their group. The top two teams from each group of the Super8s will advance to the Semi-Finals then onto theFinal.

This is the second time that the West Indies will have hosted the event, with the first time back in 2010. West Indies have won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on two occasions – in 2012 in Sri Lanka and 2016 in India.

Berbice

FridayMay05,2023

ForOceangoingVessels&Trawlers16:20hrs

SaturdayMay06,2023

ForOceangoingVessels&Trawlers16:45hrs

For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs

SaturdayMay06,2023

ForOceangoingVessels&Trawlers05:00hrs

For Ocean Going Vessels opening last 1-1½ hrs

Cricket West Indies settles with Courtney Browne, Eldine Baptiste over wrongful dismissal claim, report

SportsMax - Cricket

West Indies has moved to settletheirlegaldisputewith former selectors Courtney BrowneandEldineBaptiste, cricket commentator and broadcaster Andrew Mason isreporting.

The two former West Indies players received letters of termination on April 10, 2019, shortly after Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow won the Cricket West Indies presidential elections in Marchthatyear

The termination letters made reference to a task

force that was being established to review the selection system. The task force that was chaired by CWI Vice President Dr Kishore Shallow was expected to make recommendations.

Notwithstanding that the task force had not yet met, CWI fired the selectors ahead any recommendations that would have come from the taskforce

The matter has been before the courts for the past four years until now when Mason reported that

CWI had decided to settle and will pay all legal costs and15months’paymentof thecontract

Mason anticipates that Brown’s pay out would a m o u n t t o a b o u t US$75,000

The money would represent welcome funds for Browne, who is still undergoing rehabilitation after suffering serious injuries in a motor-vehicle accident in December 2019

The driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident,diedonthespot.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Caribbean bid process takes centre stage

- Countries invited to join Carnival of Cricket, deliver world class host venues

(CWI) – Cricket West Indies(CWI)isundertaking a thorough bid process for Caribbean countries wanting to host the ICC Men’sT20WorldCup2024, which will be held in the WestIndiesandUSAinJune nextyear

Following the bid process the venues will be confirmedonJuly312023.

GeoffAllardice,CEOof ICCsaid:“Wearedelighted that the next edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will take place in the West Indies and the USA. Of course, the Caribbean is a regionrichincricketculture where fans can enjoy a carnival experience with a fine tradition of producing exciting and flamboyant cricketing stars across all formatsofthegame.”

“TheT20WorldCupisa specialeventinthecalendar andthisupcomingeditionof the men’s event will expand to 20 teams competing to claim the ultimate prize in T20 international cricket All host countries play an important role in the provision of world class venues, training facilities and services for players and officials,withtheupgradeof any facilities providing a lasting legacy for the game intheWestIndies.”

Johnny Grave, CEO of CWI said: “This will be the mostsignificantsportsevent heldintheWestIndiesfora generation, helping us to unlocknewcommercialand e c o n o m i c g r o w t h opportunities for the ICC,

CWI and our region as a whole.This will be the fifth ICC global event that we have proudly staged, 14 years since we last hosted a Men’sWorldCupevent,and this time it will be bigger thanever.”

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be cohosted with the USA and is thelargestICCWorldCupin history, with 20 teams playing 55 matches.” “This tournament will be a major financial boost to the West Indies and all our host countries as it’s the perfect opportunity to invite the world to the biggest cricket carnival ever staged. CWI aims to partner once again with our regional governments to ensure that wecollectivelycapitalizeon this fantastic platform to promote the region to the world.”

Grave added: “This tournament is also an opportunityforustorebuild our cricket, re-engage our traditional cricket supporters and attract a new generation of fans. Cricket has always been part of our cultureandwewillcelebrate this tournament by providing memorable experiences for teams and cricket fans on and off the field that will blend the unique Caribbean matchday experience with the very best in American sporting entertainment.”

Countries have been requiredtodemonstratetheir ability to deliver a worldclass venue and stage the

matchesbyprovidingmatch and training facilities, undergo a venue inspection, provide immigration, customs, medical and security support, as well as other operational and logistical requirements including accommodation for the members of the teams, match officials and broadcastcrew Visits to Caribbean v e n u e s t h a t a r e contemplating submitting proposalstohostICCMen’s T20 World Cup 2024 matches started on Wednesday26April.Asmall team will visit each country to look at facilities and discuss the pathway to becoming a host country A similar process will also be followed to identify venues tohostmatchesinUSA.

Countries selected will have the opportunity to promote themselves to a global audience of over one billion people from all over the world. This tournament will also inject significant investment into the economy of each host nation.

The format of the tournament will see the 20 teams participating – with four groups of five teams in the first round. Each team will play one match against theotherteamsinthegroup. Thetoptwoteamsfromeach group will move into the Super8s stage and these eightteamswillbespiltinto twogroupsoffourwitheach teamplayingonematch

(Continuedonpage27)

Courtney Browne and Eldine Baptiste.

WIFBSC2023Championships... Citizens Bank and Sterling Products on board with Guyana NRA

Corporate support for the Guyana team to this

year’s West Indies Fullbore Shooting championships slated for Antigua and Barbuda continues to flow with the latest entities coming on board, being Citizens Bank and Sterling Products.

A representative of CitizensBank,Ms.Leshaun Wright handed over their contribution to Guyana National Rifle Association

(GuyanaNRA) Assistant Secretary/Treasurer,Lennox Braithwaite in the presence of Secretary Ryan Sampson and Fullbore Vice Captain, LeoRomalho.

Ms. Wright in handing over the ceremonial cheque said that the Bank has been of support to the GuyanaNRAforanumberof years.

”We are quite aware of your exploits and your high competitivequality,thusour decision to continue being

supportive.

We are quite certain that youwillbegoingtoAntigua to represent well and in doing so, bring back the short-range trophy to these shores.

Youhaveeverybestwish from the Management and staff of Citizens Bank in yourendeavours.”

Sterling Products also handed over its contribution to the Association, wishing thebodyandshooters,every success.

2023 IBA World Boxing Championships…

Guyana continues campaign today

The two-member Guyanese team that is currently attending the 2023 International Boxing Association (IBA) World Boxing Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is scheduled to be in action today in two separate sessions.

Desmond Amsterdam will represent the Golden Arrowhead in his opening boutattheeventintheElite

Men 75-80KG Light Heavyweight Division when he faces Bulgaria’s Kristiyan Nikolov in their Round-of-32 bout Amsterdam was billed to compete in the day’s first session which begins at 13:00hrs (4am ECT) while G u y a n a ’ s o t h e r representative, Keevin Allicock,takescentrestage intheday’ssecondandfinal sessionfrom18:00hrs(9am ECT). Allicock is fixed to

clash with Abdumalik Khalokov of Uzbekistan in a Round-of-32 bout to see who advances in the Elite M e n 5 4 - 5 7 k g FeatherweightDivision.

Allicock will be lookingtofollowuponhis opening victory in the Round-of-64, where he earned a Referee Stopped Contest(RSC)at1:22sinto the third round against Yhlas Gylychjanov of Turkmenistan

Citizens Bank representative, Ms. Lashaun Wright holds theceremonial cheque with Lennox Braithwaite. At left is Secretary, Ryan Sampson, and right, is Leo Romalho.

Cricket West Indies settles with Courtney Browne, Eldine Baptiste over wrongful dismissal claim, report

SportsMax - Cricket

West Indies has moved to settletheirlegaldisputewith former selectors Courtney BrowneandEldineBaptiste, cricket commentator and broadcaster Andrew Mason isreporting.

The two former West Indies players received letters of termination on April 10, 2019, shortly after Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow won the Cricket West Indies presidential elections in Marchthatyear

The termination letters made reference to a task

force that was being established to review the selection system. The task force that was chaired by CWI Vice President Dr Kishore Shallow was expected to make recommendations.

Notwithstanding that the task force had not yet met, CWI fired the selectors ahead any recommendations that would have come from the taskforce

The matter has been before the courts for the past four years until now when Mason reported that

CWI had decided to settle and will pay all legal costs and15months’paymentof thecontract

Mason anticipates that Brown’s pay out would a m o u n t t o a b o u t US$75,000

The money would represent welcome funds for Browne, who is still undergoing rehabilitation after suffering serious injuries in a motor-vehicle accident in December 2019

The driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident,diedonthespot.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Caribbean bid process takes centre stage

- Countries invited to join Carnival of Cricket, deliver world class host venues

(CWI) – Cricket West Indies(CWI)isundertaking a thorough bid process for Caribbean countries wanting to host the ICC Men’sT20WorldCup2024, which will be held in the WestIndiesandUSAinJune nextyear

Following the bid process the venues will be confirmedonJuly312023.

GeoffAllardice,CEOof ICCsaid:“Wearedelighted that the next edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will take place in the West Indies and the USA. Of course, the Caribbean is a regionrichincricketculture where fans can enjoy a carnival experience with a fine tradition of producing exciting and flamboyant cricketing stars across all formatsofthegame.”

“TheT20WorldCupisa specialeventinthecalendar andthisupcomingeditionof the men’s event will expand to 20 teams competing to claim the ultimate prize in T20 international cricket All host countries play an important role in the provision of world class venues, training facilities and services for players and officials,withtheupgradeof any facilities providing a lasting legacy for the game intheWestIndies.”

Johnny Grave, CEO of CWI said: “This will be the mostsignificantsportsevent heldintheWestIndiesfora generation, helping us to unlocknewcommercialand e c o n o m i c g r o w t h opportunities for the ICC,

CWI and our region as a whole.This will be the fifth ICC global event that we have proudly staged, 14 years since we last hosted a Men’sWorldCupevent,and this time it will be bigger thanever.”

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be cohosted with the USA and is thelargestICCWorldCupin history, with 20 teams playing 55 matches.” “This tournament will be a major financial boost to the West Indies and all our host countries as it’s the perfect opportunity to invite the world to the biggest cricket carnival ever staged. CWI aims to partner once again with our regional governments to ensure that wecollectivelycapitalizeon this fantastic platform to promote the region to the world.”

Grave added: “This tournament is also an opportunityforustorebuild our cricket, re-engage our traditional cricket supporters and attract a new generation of fans. Cricket has always been part of our cultureandwewillcelebrate this tournament by providing memorable experiences for teams and cricket fans on and off the field that will blend the unique Caribbean matchday experience with the very best in American sporting entertainment.”

Countries have been requiredtodemonstratetheir ability to deliver a worldclass venue and stage the

matchesbyprovidingmatch and training facilities, undergo a venue inspection, provide immigration, customs, medical and security support, as well as other operational and logistical requirements including accommodation for the members of the teams, match officials and broadcastcrew Visits to Caribbean v e n u e s t h a t a r e contemplating submitting proposalstohostICCMen’s T20 World Cup 2024 matches started on Wednesday26April.Asmall team will visit each country to look at facilities and discuss the pathway to becoming a host country A similar process will also be followed to identify venues tohostmatchesinUSA.

Countries selected will have the opportunity to promote themselves to a global audience of over one billion people from all over the world. This tournament will also inject significant investment into the economy of each host nation.

The format of the tournament will see the 20 teams participating – with four groups of five teams in the first round. Each team will play one match against theotherteamsinthegroup. Thetoptwoteamsfromeach group will move into the Super8s stage and these eightteamswillbespiltinto twogroupsoffourwitheach teamplayingonematch

(Continuedonpage25)

Courtney Browne and Eldine Baptiste.

Massy Motors Golf Tournament set for this weekend

Co m e t h i s

Saturday, May 6, the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will be host to the Massy Motors golf tournament which will tee off at 12:30h and will taketheformatofan18-hole MedalPlay,shotgunstart.

The prizes up for grabs will be from first to third, Best Net Front Nine, Best NetBackNine,OverallBest Gross, Nearest to Flag –Hole#4andLongestDrive–Hole#5.

Speakingonbehalfofthe LGC, was Secretary, Chet Bowling who said, “Massy is a long standing sponsor

They sponsor every year

Theyareverysignificantand we appreciate the collaboration Massy demonstrates good c o o p e r a t e , s o c i a l responsibility by supporting all the different sporting

activitiesincludinggolf.So, weareproudtobeassociated with Massy and I think they are proud to be associated with the reputable brand of the LGC. So it is a win, win situationandwearelooking forward to their continued support.”

All participants are advisedtocontacttheclub’s manager on the day of the tournament to collect their scorecards, pay their tournamentfeesandproceed totheirallocatedteeboxesto beginplay

Once on their respective tee boxes, players must await the sounding of the hornorsirenasanindication to tee off. Presentation of prizes will be held at the completion of the t o u r n a m e n t a t approximately5:30pm.

Massy Motors (Guyana) Ltd, formerly known as

Massy Industries (Guyana)

Ltd and Associated

Industries Limited (AINLIM), was established October12,1987.Asoneof Guyana’slargestautomotive providers, Massy Motors Guyana offers a wide range of affordable transport and equipmentsolutions.

With a wide range of products including SUVs, pickups, sedans, trucks, tractors, batteries, tyres, lubricants, generators, forklifts and hand pallet jacks, cement mixers, hygieneproducts,etc.Massy Motors represents major brandssuchasNissan,JEEP, MACK, IVECO, Shell Lubricants, Mitsubishi Forklifts, Massey Ferguson, Power Master, Moura, GoodYear, Kimberly-Clark Professional, for which full support is provided for all linesrepresented.

LABA to host U23

3x3 tournament on Saturday -GuyanaBreweriesInclendssupport

The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) on Saturday will host their U23 3x3 tournament at the Retrieve Hard Court, starting at 4:00 pm.

Coltsbasketballcluband Kwakwani Untouchables will have two teams in the tournament that will feature Victory Valley Royals, Retrieve Raiders, Kid Rock Blazers, Block 22 Flames, SixersandKings.

President of the LABA, Rawle Toney, said Kwakwani Untouchables hadinitiallyregisteredunder the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) due to the inactivity of basketball in Linden.

According to the LABA president, while the GABA fine-tunepreparationforthe start of their season, Kwakwaniwillbeinvitedto playinallLABAKnock-out tournaments.

“ K w a k w a n i h a s signalled their interest in registeringundertheLABA, sowhilethatprocessisbeing undertaken, we will facilitatetheclub.However, iftheteamisn’tregisteredby

the start of our league, they willhavetocontinueplaying under the GABA until next season,”Toneystated.

As it relates to inviting the Colts basketball club, Toney highlighted that the move was to make the t o u r n a m e n t m o r e competitiveandhelpGABA keep their affiliated clubs active.

To n e y s a i d t h e tournament was scheduled for a week prior, but the

Headley/Weekes Tri-Series…

Final Match- Day 2: Team Headley vs. Team Weekes

Team Headley ends

3rd day with 9-run

TeamHeadleycontinuestochartacourse towardstheirfirstwin,astheyfinishedDay2 on a high note and a slight 9-run lead, with tons of work still to do come today when actioncontinuesatCoolidgeCricketGround, Antigua.

The second day of the final match ended with Team Headley entering Day 3 with a meager lead of 9 runs, after some intense action on the second day at the Coolidge CricketGround.

Headley XI was good with the ball, namely spinners of Kavem Hodge, who followed up his fifty with 3-46 and Chaim Holder(2-30).

Fast-bowlersAndersonPhillip(2-44)and Akeem Jordan (2-41) lent support as Team Weekes were bowled out for 235 all out, behindbya58runmargin.

lead

weatherforcedtheLABAto postponetheeventtoMay6.

Meanwhile, the LABA president thanked Guyana Breweries Inc for their continued support of local basketball.

The company presented trophies and refreshments for players to the LABA president through Brand ManagerSeweonMcGarrell at their Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara headquarters.

Former West Indies wicket-keeper, DevonThomasanchoredtheinningswith57 (150 balls, 7 x4 1x6) while skipper Alick Athanaze (37), Veerasammy Permaul (35) and Raymon Reifer (34), all made starts but failedtoconvert.Battingasecondtime,with a mini lead, Team Headley were 67-2 with newcomerstothesquad,GuyaneseMatthew Nandulookingsolidon28*andStVincent’s SunilAmbris(1*).

OpenerKieranPowell(9)andthein-form Hodge (26) were both dismissed ahead of stumps The Team Headley bowlers continued to chip away at the opposition, after resuming on day 2 with a deficit of a little over 100 runs. But several batsmen including the captain Athanaze eventually becamevictimsofpoorshotsaftermanaging somegoodstarts.

Losing wicket at regular intervals set

Team Weekes back a few steps, before Thomas dug in and gave his team some impetus after a shaky period. The Jamaican battedwithgrittokeephissideafloatandwas eventually rewarded with a half-century, his 30th in 1st class cricket, which steadied the innings alongside Permaul’s important contribution.

The pair added a vital 9th wicket partnership of 68 runs, most of which was controlled by Thomas, before their team’s innings came to an end prior to Tea, further highlighting what could have been a much betterbattingouting.

Day3’sactioncontinuestoday

Massy Representatives handed over the sponsor’s cheque to LGC PRO, Paton George.

Devon Thomas stroked a gritty fifty for Team Weekes.

GBI Brand Manager, Seweon McGarrell handing over trophies sponsored by his company to LABApresident Rawle Toney

Pepsi supports 2023 ExxonMobil U-14

Beverage giants

D e m e r a r a

D i s t i l l e r s Limited (DDL), under their Pepsibrand,haveonceagain chosen to support another edition of the Petraorganised ExxonMobil Under-14 Boys and Girls

Schools’ Football Championships, which is slated to commence on Saturday, May 13, at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

This announcement was made yesterday at a simple ceremony at the DDL boardroom in Diamond, wherein the company confirmed their sponsorship for the tournament through their Pepsi Brand Manager, Larry Wills, in the presence of Petra CoDirector,TroyMendonca

Wills disclosed that the companyisexcitedtobepart of any initiative that would assist in the development of Guyaneseyouths.

He said, “Demerara Distillers Limited, as mentionedbefore,underour Pepsi brand, we’re once again a part of the ExxonMobil School’s tournament. Something that we would’ve started 4 years

agoandonethatweintendto continue doing for an extendedperiod.”

“As a company, we’re veryhappyandalwaysready to give back to grassroots programmes and this one is veryideal.

You know, we find pleasure in supporting the young kids, ensuring that they’reabletodeveloptheir skills through these competitions,”Willsadded.

In Mendonca’s brief remarks, he expressed gratitude to not only DDL but also the title sponsor, ExxonMobil,forassistingto bridge the gap between the Pee-Wee (U11) and Under18Tournaments.

Meanwhile, the 42 teams participating hail from Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10; the teams that will participate in both categories are: West R u i m v e l d t , E a s t Ruimveldt, Institute of Academic Excellence, C h a r l e s t o w n , Vergenoegen, New Campbellville, Carmel, M a r i a n A c a d e m y, Waramuri Top, Patentia, President’s College, Cummings Lodge, Ann’s Grove, Dora, Mackenzie High, New Amsterdam HighandWoodleyPark

Theotherteamsthatwill be involved in the Boys’ division includes North Ruimveldt, Dolphin, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Friendship, Leonora, Freeburg, Brickdam, Bishop’s High, Chase’s Academic Foundation, Fort Wellington, Tutorial High, St Winifred’s, Vreed en Hoop, Manchester, Annandale,BushLot,Hope, B a r t i c a , Christianburg/Wismar,West DemeraraandCanje.

Atstakeforthevictorsin the two categories are the championship trophies alongwith$300,000towards a school project, while the second, third, and fourth place finishers will have to settlefor$150,000,$75,000, and $50,000, respectively, all for a school initiative, along with the respective trophy

Charlestown Secondary arethedefendingchampions in both the male and female categories.

This tournament is sponsored by ExxonMobil, sanctioned by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) with support from the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, MVP SportsandDDL.

Final four decided!

Swag Entertainment,the two-time winner of the Linden ‘Guinness Greatest o f t h e S t r e e t s ’ championship,progressedto thesemi-finalsafterquarterfinalactiononWednesdayat the Amelia’s Ward/Wisroc BusParktarmac. They will join Universal Ballers,AnybodyGotIt,and Speightland on Saturday for a chance to win the tournament’s$400,000firstplaceprize.

Scores turned up on Wednesday in Linden, and

w a t c h e d S w a g Entertainment getting past Silver Bullets, compliments ofalonestrikefromColwyn Drakes, just nine minutes intothecontest.

Anybody Got It, thanks toShawnArthur’s‘Guinness Goal’ defeated Exodus 2-0. According to tournament rules, a goal scored in the finalthreeminutescountsas two,asArthurstrokedhome hiseffortinthe18thminute.

Universal Ballers advanced to the ‘money round’ of the tournament

after Mortimer Giddings scored a fourth-minute goal againstYMCA.

Speightland slipped into the final four via kicks from the penalty spot against Street Warriors After intense action, the two sides failedtoconvertanyoftheir chances, as regulation time endedgoalless.

The team finishing second will pocket $300,000, third place $150,000, and $80,000 will go to the team finishing fourth.

Action between Swag Entertainment and Silver Bullets in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’Linden Championship.

Pepsi Brand Manager Larry Wills (left) hands over the sponsorship for the fourth edition of the Championships to Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca.

Former National and West Indies B cricketer back home for mother’s Centenary Celebrations

ACentury is scored and

Former Guyana and West Indies B team

cricketer Leslaine Lambert is back home in Guyana to celebrate the occasion. His mother Lois Millicent Lambert is the celebrant raising her bat in honour as she celebrates her 100 birth anniversary

Lois Millicent Lambert was born onApril 24, 1923. She spent a number of her formative years at Fyrish Village, Corentyne, Berbice and attended the Kildonan Primaryschool.

She is a mother of 10, nine of whom are alive. Seven of her children were on hand to celebrate the auspicious occasion with her She is a grandmother of 36,andgreatgrandmotherof 15.Duringheryoungerdays she was a farmer and loved knitting.

Mrs. Lambert spent a number of years overseas before returning home. She now resides at Nurney, Corentyne,Berbicewithone of her children. She was surrounded by close family members and friends who were on hand for the milestone.

Despite her age she still enjoys in the preparation of her meals, taking care of herselfandherhome.

Sheenjoysanymeal,her favourite is Pepper Pot and homemadebread.

Known for her unselfish and caring approach along

withhercharitableworkand contributions in her community, she still enjoys giving advice and guidance. She still has fond memories of old times and her childhood which she shares lovingly

LeslaineLambertwhois the sixth of the woman’s offspringnowresidesinThe USA.Theformerfastbowler was one of the fastest bowlers in his days. He was fearsome ever since playing at school and club level. He played for Albion, the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana and West Indies B amongothers.Lambert,who reigned during the time whenWestIndiesdominated cricket in the world had his upward trajectory cut short mainly due to injuries. He played18firstclassmatches beforeofficiallyretiredfrom thegamein1985.

Lambert in speaking to the media expressed gratitude to those in attendance to help his mother celebrate her centenarycelebrations.

He referred to her as beingaphenomenalwoman. She was strong and outstanding She almost singlehandedly took care of herchildrenwhilstdoingher farming, rice, cash crop, livestock among other chores because most of the times she was the one around.Hisfatherworkedas a pump attendant at GUYSUCO and was away mostofthetimes.

The woman, who got married at age 20, had a simple advice, “Live a decent and honest life, and love people just as you love yourself ” Congratulations on a well-played innings so far, Mrs Lois Millicent Lambert.

(BySamuelWhyte)

100 not out Lois Millicent Lambert sits proudly in front as she poses for a photo with seven of her children. Former International cricketer Leslaine Lambert is third right.

The police were on hand to help celebrate the occasion with Centenarian Mrs. Lois Millicent Lambert as two female officers present a gift.

An aerial view of the Guyana National Stadium. (Photo: Pinterest)