Kaieteur News

Ray Daggers completes day five of walk against “barefaced”

Exxon Contract at Belladrum

- continues today heading towards Georgetown

Thefifthdayofthe walk Settlement, West Coast, children and grandchildren for a renegotiation of the Berbice (WCB) and ended for the future of this lopsided Stabroek Block around 14:00 hrs at country”.

Production Sharing BelladrumalsoontheWCB. A second villager added, Agreement (PSA) continued A number of villagers “Every country, Exxon guh, on Monday with Ray stepped out of their homes to people suffering, it needs to Daggers clocking a distance support Daggers by walking stop”. ofalittleover15miles. with him to the end of their Daggers is walking from

A c c o m p a n i e d b y respective villages, among East Corentyne, Berbice, Kaieteur News Publisher, them was prominent West Region Six to Charity on the Glenn Lall, Daggers began Coast Berbice, Attorney-at- Essequibo Coast, Region around 09:10 hrs at Bath Law,HoratioEdmondson. Two in protest against the As they walked, they contract. shared stories of their daily Hebeganhisjourneylast struggles on Kaieteur Radio ThursdayatMolesonCreek. Facebook Live and called on So far, he has walked t h e g o v e r n m e n t t o over70miles.Heisexpected renegotiate the lopsided to complete his walk in 12 to ExxonMobilContract. 13 days but at his current One elderly woman from pace,hecouldmakeitin11.

Number 37 Village, WCB He continues today from s a i d “ T h i s s t u p i d Belladrum, West Coast ExxonMobil Contract must Berbice, heading towards change. I am walking for the Georgetown.

Scenes from Mondays from Bath to Belladrum on the West coast of Berbice

Attorney-at-Law, Horatio Edmondson expressing his support for Daggers’ walk to Essequibo against lopsided Exxon Contract

Court case challenging Gas-to-Energy permit for hearing this week

The first hearing of a of the Environmental Chapter62:05. damage that might result legal challenge against the Protection (Authorisation) According to the fromawellblowout,oilspill Environmental Protection Regulations; a declaration Application filed in the High or other failure in the Liza Agency (EPA), permit that the Permit is null, void Court by the citizens, Phase One Development granted to ExxonMobil and of no legal effect with “Regulation 17 (2) of the P

Guyana (Esso Exploration costs and such further order Regulations requires Esso to StabroekBlock. and Production Guyana the Court considers just. In submit proof that it either The judge granted a Limited- EEPGL) for the their application to the High owns or has a lease or other declaration that the EPAis in construction and operation a Court, Radzik and Deane- agreement with the breach of its statutory duty 12-inch natural gas pipeline, Hughes stated that Pursuant landowners or occupiers of by its failure/ omissions to will take place on Thursday to Regulation 17 (2)(c)(iii) the lands which will be enforce compliance by the intheHighCourt. of the Environmental affected by the Project, prior oil company with its The pipeline is a Protection (Authorisation) to the issue of the financial assurance component of the Guyana Regulations, an application EnvironmentPermit.” obligations as stipulated by Government’s Gas-to- for an environmental As such, the Applicants clause 14, to provide an Energy (GTE) Project and authorization must contain have applied to the High unlimited parent company was authorised by the EPA “proof that the applicant Court to review the EPA’s agreement and/ or affiliate onNovember25,2022. Two eitherownsthefacilityorhas decision and to uphold the c o m p a n y g u a r a n t e e citizens, Elizabeth Deane- a lease or other agreement rule of law and public rights agreement to indemnify and Hughes and Vanda Radzik with the landowner or to scrutinize the actions of a keepindemnifiedtheagency on March 27, 2023 filed the occupier to enable the public authority and to and the government against an Enforcement Notice environmental permit and to proceeding through their applicant to conduct the safeguard the health, a l l e n v i r o n m e n t a l pursuant to Section 26(1) provide, within 30 days lawyers, Melinda Janki, activity without the consent welfare, and sustainable obligations of the EEPGL and(2)oftheEnvironmental thereafter, on or before June AbiolaWong-InnissandJoel of the landowner or existence of the people of and its partners in the Protection Act, on or before 10, 2023 the unlimited Ross. occupier.” Guyana. StabroekBlock. May 9, 2023, directed to liability Parent Company

The citizens are seeking Thecitizensoutlinedthat Only last week High Moreover, an Order of EEPGL to perform its GuaranteeAgreementand/or an Order of Certiorari to ExxonMobil Guyana in its Court Judge, Justice Sandil Mandamus was granted and obligations under condition unlimited liability Affiliate quash the decision made by application, dated June 24, Kissoon handed down a directed to the EPA to issue 1 4 o f t h e r e n e w e d CompanyGuarantee. the EPA to award an 2021 includes details of the ruling against the EPA, in Environmental Permit to project site, the proposed which he said the regulator EEPGL - ExxonMobil route of the pipeline and the “relegated itself to a state of Guyana to undertake the areas to be used and affected laxity of enforcement and GTE project activities, on by the project, which condonation compounded thegroundsinteraliathatthe includes residential byalackofvigilancethereby decisionwasinbreachofthe properties, commercial putting this nation and its p r o v i s i o n s o f t h e properties and state-owned people in grave potential Environmental Protection properties. Be that as it may, danger of calamitous Act (Cap. 20:05), and more the application did not disaster.” p a r t i c u l a r l y , t h e include or provide any proof

TheJudgewasatthetime Environmental Protection ofownership,aleaseorother pronouncing on a case (Authorisation)Regulations. agreement with the land brought against the EPA by

The citizens argue that owners of the said area. two Guyanese citizens who the decision to grant the Notwithstanding, the EPA had approached the Court Permit to Exxon was granted EEPGL a Permit to get the EPA to enforce a “unauthorised and contrary undertake the project on critical clause, Condition 14 to law, in excess of November 25, 2022 in the Liza Phase 1 jurisdiction,failuretosatisfy Subsequently, the Minister Environmental Permit or observe conditions or of Public Works, Juan (Renewed) issued on May procedures required by law, Edghill in January 2023 31, 2022 to EEPGL. That unreasonable, irregular or passed various orders to provision says ExxonMobil improper exercise of acquirelandsforthepurpose Corporation, the parent discretion, abuse of power, oftheproject,pursuanttothe company for EEPGL, must conflictwiththepolicyofthe Acquisition of Lands for cover costs for all Act, error of law (and) Public Purposes Act, environmental loss and breach of/ omission to performaduty.”

The applicants are therefore seeking a declaration that the respondent acted in breach

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki is on the legal team in the challenge against the Permit for ExxonMobil’s Gas-to-Energy pipeline.

PublishingCompanyLtd 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Government going about oil matters in a backward way

We certainly have developed a culture of doing things backwardsinthiscountry Atleast,theGuyanaGovernment gets its thrills doing so, and most notably with this oil patrimony The latest example of this is the PPP/C Government’s approval of the US$12.7 billion oil project, and then turning around and returning to Exxon to ask it to submit a breakdown of what made up the US$12.7B (KN May02).

A question looms immediately: what was being approved? Anoilproject,indeed;butwithwhatmajoritems contributingtothegrandUS$12.7Btotal?

This huge amount comes out of oil revenues, and at the current rate, Guyanese are looking at an approximate 10 years of deposits impacted negatively, and reducing what goesintotheirOilFund.

It would have made sense, an indication of sound leadership, and conscientious governance, to get that breakdown first, scrutinize for value (and possible material financial tricks), and then greenlight the project, once satisfied. Not to be, this being the country in which we live, andthegovernmentthatisincharge.

The more this is examined, the more this reverse way of doing things in the oil sector becomes prominent. The Government approves new projects, while there is uncertainty of the full extent of our losses from likely ExxonMobil gimmickry with expenses submitted, and throughauditsoflimitedscope. Wethinkthat,intheabsence of ring-fencing, it is better to dig deeply to get a proper handle on how ExxonMobil builds its charges, to determine what kind of oil partner Guyana has, and then proceed with newprojectsfromthere.

Guyana is still a poor country, and if the Government is thiscasualwithbillionsinexpenses,thenthatisaninvitation for mischief at the hands of any entity, and to keep the countryimpoverishedmuchlonger

Another instance of the backward manner in which the PPP/C Government does things was ExxonMobil’s commencement of laying the pipeline to Wales for the gasto-energy project, but only afterward working on its Gas Leak Management Plan (GLMP) Obviously, the Government placed great confidence in ExxonMobil, where thesafetyandsecurityofGuyana’senvironment,itspeoples, andwayoflifeareallconcerned. Itmaybeeasytopointthe fingeratthelocalEnvironmentalProtectionAgency,butthat is a waste of time, since it is not responsible for its actions, but serves as a convenient pawn for poor and weak political leadership.

Look at Guyana, and the free rein the Government gives to ExxonMobil in its race against time to produce more and more oil, beyond recommended safety limits, while the companythrowscautiontothewinds. Awiserwaytoexploit ouroilistoproceedatasafepace,andgiveourselvesthetime tobuildmuch-neededcapacity

Theevidence,however,pointsintheotherdirection,with Guyana playing catchup and happy being in that state. In every area of this oil management and stewardship, the PPP/CGovernmenthasexhibitedamarkedtendencytotrust ExxonMobil, and rely upon whatever it drops on the table. This has taken the form of expenses, limited audits, reckless productionlevels,andworryingsafetyprecautions,whenall mustbesubjecttothekeenestandhealthiestskepticisms.

Moreover, public consultations are farces, with the PPP/C Government joining with ExxonMobil to mislead Guyanese about new projects. The consultations can be said to be meaningless, since the projects being consulted about are all but officially approved, save for the signatures. The people are made to believe that their input matters when projectapprovalsaremereformalities.Insteadofrallyingthe people against the oil deal, leaders attack the people going againstExxon’scontract. Thesameleaderswhooncecursed

Transforming Cradle-to-Grave Education for 21st Century living

DEAREDITOR, transform the way we whoarepreparedtoembrace successful in an AI-driven Education is set to interact with each other these new technologies and economy, as well as u n d e r g o a m a j o r Virtual and augmented adapt their teaching methods strategies for incorporating transformation thanks to the reality technologies will accordingly will be at the new technologies into the rise of artificial intelligence allow us to create immersive f o r e f r o n t o f t h i s classroom.

( A I ) a n d q u a n t u m educational experiences that transformation,andwillhelp 2 Invest in teacher computing technologies can transport us to different to shape the future of training: Teachers are the These new technologies will parts of the world and even education for generations to key to transforming revolutionize the way we beyond. come.” education systems, so it’s learn, communicate, and For example, students The paragraphs above important to invest in interact with each other, and could use virtual reality to were written for me by training programmes that will open up a whole new explore the Great Barrier ChatGPT with the request will help them learn new world of possibilities for Reef, or to experience life in “Write a newspaper article technologies and teaching educatorsandstudentsalike. a different time period on how education will be methods.

A I a n d q u a n t u m T h e s e i m m e r s i v e transformed by AI and 3 Create partnerships computing technologies will experiencescanhelptomake quantum computing with industry: Collaboration allow us to create intelligent learning more engaging and technologies ” As an with industry leaders can learning systems that can exciting, and can help to educator, an engineer, and a help to provide educators adapt to the individual needs c r e a t e a d e e p e r scienceenthusiast,theabove with the latest technology of each student By understanding of complex is remarkable. The question and insights on how to best analyzing data on student concepts. that arises is “How should a prepare students for the performance, these systems However,withthesenew country transform its current workforce. can identify areas where technologies comes a need education system for AI and 4 Introduce AI and students need more help and for educators to stay up-to- quantum computing quantum computing into the provide personalized date with the latest technologies?” This is what curriculum:This can include recommendations to help developments and ensure I asked ChatGPT and here is introducing courses on these themimprove. that students are equipped theamazingresponse. topics at all levels of Oneofthekeybenefitsof with the necessary skills to “ Tr a n s f o r m i n g a education, from elementary AI-powered learning thrive in an AI-powered country’s education system schooltouniversity systems is that they can help world. As AI and quantum to incorporate AI and 5. Encourage creativity to reduce educational computing technologies quantum computing and innovation: AI and d i s p a r i t i e s W i t h continue to evolve, technologies can be a quantum computing personalized learning educators will need to be complex and challenging technologies require systems, students who are prepared to adapt their process, but it is essential to creativity and innovation, so struggling can receive the teaching methods and prepare future generations it’s important to foster these extra help they need, while curricula to keep up with the for the evolving job market skills in students through advanced learners can be latestadvancements. andtechnologicallandscape. hands-on projects and other challenged with more In conclusion, the rise of Here are some steps a experiential learning complex material. This can AI and quantum computing countrycantaketotransform opportunities. helptoleveltheplayingfield technologies will bring itscurrenteducationsystem: 6 Develop crossand ensure that all students about a transformation in 1 D e v e l o p a disciplinaryprogrammes:AI have an equal opportunity to education that has the comprehensive AI and and quantum computing are succeed. potential to level the playing quantum computing multidisciplinary fields, so I n a d d i t i o n t o field and provide students education plan: This plan it’s important to create personalized learning, AI with personalized learning should include the specific programmesthatincorporate and quantum computing experiences that meet their skills and knowledge that differentfieldsofstudy,such technologies will also individual needs. Educators students will need to be (Continued on page 6)

A gas pipe line to Brazil

DEAREDITOR, representative of the which is a municipality with towards an environment that The opposition has opposition and Member of a population of around will eventually become p r e s e n t e d s o m e Parliament the Honourable 12,000s Surely the unlivable. unreasonable ideas to the Jermaine Figueira where he Honourable Gentleman has It is important that country in the past, such as said, “the government has n o t c o n s i d e r e d t h e instead of presenting and the excessive increase in already established astronomical cost of such a discussing ideas that are taxes and the unreasonable partnerships with Brazil, pipeline and the low demand callous, irresponsible and tax burden on water and which should be extended beingpursued. bring further harm to the electricitythathassincebeen with pipelines planted to Onceagain,inanattempt planet’senvironmentthatthe reduced They have also transport natural gas tooutdoeachother,theideas HonourableMembersofThe presented some ridiculous eventually to the South around the use of our natural National Assembly of The ideas, such as 34 being the American behemoth”, is a gas resources continue to go Parliament of Guyana focus majorityof65. statement that is extremely from bad to worse. Most ontakingseriouslyGuyana’s

The idea recently

questionable.Agastoenergy recently, the heat index in roleintheGuianaShield. published in the letter “Gas- pipeline to Brazil? The Thailand reached 54 degrees T h e H o n o u r a b l e to-energy project can be a closest Brazilian city to Celsius, and China has also Assembly should be game-changer for the Guyana (Lethem) is Bonfim recorded its lowest presenting profitable c o u n t r y , ” b y t h e in the state of Roraima, temperature in Heilongjiang environmentally responsible Province of -53 degrees ideas that will aid those Celsius. affected by climate change

the2016contract,nowkissitinbarefacedJudasfashion. Wearenotjustdoingthingsbackwards,butalsodoingso at breakneck speed. The hope is that someday we will get matters right, by doing vital things with this oil in the right order Guyana should be dictating to ExxonMobil, and not the opposite occurring. Now the unbelievable is unfolding: the PPPC Government is appealing a judge’s decision that favoursGuyana. Thistheugliness,thebackwardness,going onunchecked.

This is quite an alarming while also enhancing the trend, and one for which financialhealthofournation thereisanincreaseddesireto anditscitizens. end it. With this desire also Sincerely, c o m e s f i n a n c i a l Mr. Jamil Changlee compensation to aid in Chairman putting an end to what many

consider as a trend headed Republicans of Guyana

The great Butcher played for Port Mourant among other Clubs

DEAREDITOR, Port Mourant near the into a housing project Whim,andRoseHallcricket did the rest of the handful of BurlinShaheed,theEtwaroo Mr E B John asked, community centre (behind Butcher, as did Kanhai, also grounds, among others. He Africans who lived brothers, Beasmonie “Which team did Basil what was Roop Mahal played at a cricket ground also played Shell Shield at peacefully among Indians in brothers, Tambu, among Butcher represent” (May 2) cinema). He played for Port right behind the Port SkeldonEstateground. Port Mourant Butcher others)atthecentreground. locally? Butcher was an Mourant cricket club (at the Mourantprimaryschool,just Butcher moved out of stopped playing for Port Onasidenote:Attending outstanding cricketer I do estate centre ground) and before the old indentured Port Mourant early 1960s Mourant in the 1960s. He English (St Joseph not know all the clubs he played at several cricket cemetery no longer in use, and would have joined clubs would have played for Anglican) Primary school, represented but I do grounds (ball fields) in the andthatwasveryclosetothe in his new dwellings McKenzie where he settled teachersandstudentsusedto r e m e m b e r h e w a s Port Mourant area and old sugar estate The (McKenzie and elsewhere). and perhaps for other teams tune in to radio commentary enamoured by Port Mourant beyond. Among the grounds school’s cricket ground was There was racial tension in wherever he lived Port whenever Guyana and West dwellers; he was born and he played in Port Mourant in use up until the 1980s. P o r t M o u r a n t a n d Mourant was dismayed Indies were playing cricket. played cricket there. My were: Indentured ground The Anglican cemetery throughout Guyana during whenheleft. We cheered Butcher’s conversations with Port behind Dr Jagan’s family encroached the ground since theearly1960s.Butcherwas Heappearedfromtimeto performance as we did also Mourant elders revealed the home that was prepared with the 1980s and cricket is no ofMixeddescentandamong time in friendly and benefit for Solomon, Kanhai, following: Butcher, like v o l u n t a r y l a b o u r ’ ; longer played there. There only six non-Indian families matches with Kanhai, Joe Kalicharran, Romain Rohan Kanhai (two years Ankerville ground behind have been no efforts to inPortMourant. Solomon, and Alvin Etwaroo, and other cricket younger) and Joe Solomon the hospital; Tain ground rehabilitatetheground. With racial tension rife, Kalicharran, and other Port iconsfromPortMourant. (three years older than him), behind the primary school; Butcher also played at Butcher and his family Mourant cricket icons (like Yours truly, played for Port Mourant, but and Babu Jaan cricket Albion Estate, Bloomfield, decided to leave the area as Randolph Ramnarace, Vishnu Bisram he also would have played ground on the left side of the for a team in Georgetown dam on the way to then (where he initially moved) H i n d u a n d M u s l i m and in then McKenzie cemeteries (to which was (where he finally settled) recently added a Christian during the 1960s and early cemetery). 1970s before his retirement Two NGO training from first class matches. He centres now occupy the also played county cricket cricket ground area in Babu (UK). Jaan and the indentured

Butcher was born in Port cricket ground behind Mourantin1933.Helivedin Jagan’s home was converted

Personal position of MP in no constitutes breaking ranks

DEAREDITOR, ofways.

Some media outlets are Reasons offered for the agog with an opposition worthiness of the project as MP’s personal stance on the outlined in his letter (SN gas-to-energy project with May8)innowayconstituted the headline ’Opposition MP or can be construed as breaks ranks with party to breaking ranks or a revolt. support Govt’s gas-to- Sensationalising a personal energyproject‘(GT,INEWS position clouded the true May 7). The perceived take reasons for the position and suggestion by the taken. headline is the MP has The MP must be revolted on his party’s commended for putting his position and there might be a position out in the public parting of ways, similar to domain. other breaking of ranks

Sincerely, which resulted in the parting Shamshun Mohamed

DEAREDITOR, to feed their families on a elections that will not only politics look like today will An Indo-Guyanese daily basis. “They suffer in take the world by surprise come swiftly Guyanese woman called me via silence because they support and Guyanese will not only have had enough of the long Facebook late last night. She the PPP but it is a wicked be proud of themselves, they tradition of the political con said she saw myself, John thing the government is will ask why it took so long game at their expense and Jones and Gregory Gray aka doing to poor Guyanese. to bring genuine hope and suffering. Turkey outside the Guyana Why is there so much changeforbetter. Two women will save H i g h C o m m i s s i o n , suffering in a land of People are fed up. Guyana and no struggle by yesterday President Ali was plenty?”Sheasked. Women make up the the few controlling and inside the High Commission ItoldherthePPPisonits majority in Guyana and destroying Guyana will stop having a meeting with UK way out of office. I told her though they are suffering that. God knows we have basedGuyanese.Shesaidfor changewillcome.Itoldhera socially,economicallyandin had enough. We have caught obvious reasons, she didn’t Black woman and an Indian other terrible ways, they on to the fact that in the want to stop and say woman will receive the keep our existence going. abundance of water the fool anything. She said she has support of the majority of Guyana will never change is thirsty We wish no longer been following this platform Guyanese of all ethnicities unless they intervene and tobefools. forsometime. and become president and step up to the front and they Sincerely yours, What that woman prime minister I promised are ready to save the fathers, Norman Browne revealed was shocking. She her that something will sons and daughters of Social and Political said for as long as she can happen at the next national Guyana. The death of what Activist remember, she has been a supporter of the PPP She told me it is unfair to highlight the deep suffering of African-Guyanese though their plight is really, really bad and ignore the daily suffering and hardship of almost seventy percent of Indo-Guyanese across PPP strongholds. She said their situation is so terrible that they could hardly find food

In the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty

WHOSE SIDE THE GOVT. IS ON: EXXON MOBILE OR THE PEOPLE OF GUYANA?

DEAREDITOR, enforcement and condoning, A f f i l i a t e C o m p a n y

‘One small step for man, compounded by a lack of Guarantee Agreement In one giant leap for mankind’ vigilance, leaving the nation this regard, we hold the stands as one of the most atthemercyofapotentialoil respectful opinion that the profound, powerful, and spill disaster.’ ‘Such a state Learned Judge fell into error contemplative statement of of affairs was made in his findings’. He went on all time, uttered by the permissible only by the to state ‘as a result, the American astronaut Neil omissions of a derelict, decision of the Learned Armstrong as he stepped pliant and submissive Judge will be appealed and onto the moon on July 20, Environmental Protection orders will be sought to stay 1969. Agency’ The EPA is its effect until the hearing

Although this was 54 engaged in a disingenuous and determination of the years ago, it reflects Justice attempt calculated to appeal’.

Kissoon’s decision a few deceive, when it sought to Now, EXXON has not days ago in the EPAlawsuit. diluteitsliabilitiesexpressed challenged the judge’s Justice Kissoon’s bold in clear terms at Condition decision but lo and behold! decisionisonesmallstepfor 1 4 o f t h e r e n e w e d T h e c h i e f l e g a l Guyana to curb the environmental permit while representative has taken behemoth EXXON and its at the same time speeding umbrage What the AG affiliates and presents ahead with the production of missesisthedemeanorofhis Guyana with a golden oil at the Liza Phase 1 watchdog, the EPA as the opportunity for a better oil Petroleum Production judge noted that the deal and initiates the Project in the Stabroek approach adopted by the groundswellforfuturegains. Block” Strong words EPA, in the course of the As Guyanese, we should indeed. p r o c e e d i n g s , w a s take our hats off to Justice Enter Attorney General inconsistentwithitsmandate Kissoon for such a wise, AnilNandlallwithhisidiotic and statutory functions, courageous, and fearless drum roll who instead of which is one of transparency decision. b e i n g p r o a c t i v e i n andaccountability.Insimple

The learned judge supporting the Judge’s language, the EPA was a declared ‘Guyana and its decision to save Guyana filled powerhouse with people are in grave potential from being raped and scarceknowledge. danger of calamitous pauperized by world largest Is this not a situation disaster.’AccordingtoJudge duplicitious corporation, is where a husband catches his Kissoon, the circumstances against the decision. He is wifeinbedwithanotherman of the case exposed the not only reactive, but stupid then declares I have to existence of an egregious enough to support the U.S. respect the sanctity of this state of affairs that engulfed oil giant against the poor marriage contract, and in the the EPA in a quagmire of its people of Guyana who is l o c a l l e x i c o n o f own making Justice barely surviving on the slave expressions… proceeds to Kissoon emphasized that wages being paid to them by knack glass with the sweet while the EPAwas given the the government. ‘The EPA man! As this issue is played exclusive statutory and the Government of out,onecanaskthequestion: responsibilities entrusted to Guyana, especially the silly Those dysfunctional it by Parliament under the honcho and de facto government politicians are Environmental Protection president are of the not on the side of Guyanese A c t 1 9 9 6 a n d t h e considered view that the but in the camp of the U.S. Environmental Protection Environmental Permit c o n g l o m e r a t e Regulations 2000 to ensure imposes no obligation on the EXXONMOBIL. due compliance by the Oil Permit Holder to provide an Regards, giant ‘It has relegated itself unlimited Parent Company L e y l a n d C h i t l a l l to a state of laxity of GuaranteeAgreementand/or Roopnaraine

Transforming Cradle-to-Grave...

From page 4 emergingtechnologies.” as computer science, mathematics, physics, The writer spent several months andengineering. researching the two questions posed to

7. Encourage lifelong learning: The rapid ChatGPT and he confesses that ChatGPT pace of technological change means that responses, in a few seconds, were mindstudents will need to continue learning blowing Services such as medicine, throughout their careers. Education systems engineering, law, accounting that involve should therefore encourage lifelong learning processes and procedures will undergo and provide opportunities for upskilling and paradigm shifts. Indeed, AI and quantum reskilling. computing technologies will quickly change

Transforming an education system forAI 21st century living. The policy makers in and quantum computing technologies is a Guyanashouldheedtherecommendationsof long-term process that requires collaboration ChatGPT and setup a committee to between policymakers, educators, and commence the transformation and be among industry leaders By investing in the theleadersratherthanasafollower development of AI and quantum computing Regards, educationprogrammes,trainingteachers,and Muniram Budhu BSc (Hons.), Ph.D. encouraging creativity and innovation, (Camb. U), PE countries can prepare their citizens for a Professor Emeritus, University of future that is increasingly reliant on these Arizona

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PPP smearing journalists

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The world is protesting against smear tactics;

PPP Govt. operators are going too far!

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The Govt. is desperate, lashing out blindly!

ABC&E countries do not take this too kindly.

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What is there to hide?

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Why all the spite over what is right?

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Cop beaters remanded to prison

Thirty-year-old Kessee Edwards, a labourer of Lot 62 Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and former policeman Mark C r o m w e l l , c a l l e d ‘Diamond/Demon’, a 41year-old businessman of Lot 40 Vigilance, ECD, the two men who were allegedly caught on camera severely beatingatrafficcop,wereon Monday charged and remandedtoprison.

The defendants appeared a t t h e S p a r e n d a a m Magistrates’ Court before M a g i s t r a t e R u s h e l l Liverpool who read the chargestothem.

Edwards and Cromwell are accused of assaulting ConstableHarlequinonMay 5, 2023 at the Plaisance “LineTop”E.C.D.

Remanded: Mark Cromwell, called ‘Diamond/Demon’

Remanded: Kessee Edwards

Edwards is also facing a battery of other charges including traffic offences. He was charged with the following:assaultwithintent t o p r e v e n t l a w f u l apprehension - contrary to Section 57 (b) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:0, abusive language - contrary to Section 141(a) of the Summary Jurisdiction Offences Act Chapter 8:02, disorderly behaviourcontrarytoSection136(b)of the Summary Jurisdiction Offences Act Chapter 8:02. Edwards was also charged with dangerous driving, Constable Harlequin was ToyotaAllionarrivedandthe leaving motor vehicle in performing his duties, he driver(Cromwell)ofthatcar dangerous position, spotted a heavily tinted walked up to Harlequin and uncertified motor vehicle, vehicle and signaled it to startedtocursehimtoo. Prohibition of tinted glass, stop. Harlequin reportedly failing to wear seat belt and The cop said he then ignored him and proceeded failingtocomplywithPolice approached the car and to arrest the driver of the direction breach of cautioned the driver heavily tinted vehicle after Regulation 190 (g) of the (Edwards) that having tint informing him that he had Motor Vehicle and Road without a permit is illegal committed more offences by TrafficActChapter51:02. and allegedly invited the driving away from the Edwards denied the man to the Sparendaam police. chargesandwasremandedto PoliceStationforthevehicle The driver, however, prison by the magistrate. He tobeinspected. began to behave disorderly is expected to make his next Investigators stated that and attacked Harlequin courtappearanceonMay17, Edwards refused to comply Harlequin alleged that 2023. and drove over Harlequin’s Edwards, the driver of the Meanwhile, Cromwell right foot as he sped off. The tintedcarbithisleftearwhile was slapped with three rank alleged that he entered Cromwellbegancuffinghim charges: Assault with Intent the Force’s pick-up and abouthisbody. t o P r e v e n t L a w f u l chased the tinted vehicle and A cell phone recorded Apprehension, Abusive managed to intercept it at the video that went viral on Language and Disorderly TurkeyenAccessRoad,ECD social media showed the two Behaviour in the vicinity of Movie menseverelybeatingthecop He too denied the Towne. before a ‘buffed man’ chargesandwasremandedto There, the driver snatched them off of the prison. The matter was then reportedly stepped out of the injuredpolice. adjourned to May 17, 2023, car and began to curse the That individual was later forstatements. cop while telling him that he identified as Eustace According to the Guyana (thedriver)wasonthephone Abrams, a former police Police Force (GPF), speaking to ‘Demon’ officer popularly known as Constable Harlequin was (Cromwell) Harlequin, “Robocop”. attacked around 16:45hrs accordingtothepolicecalled Shortly thereafter, other while he and another officer 911forbackup. ranks arrived at the scene were conducting traffic As he waited for his arrested the man who enforcementatPlaisance. colleagues to arrive, another remains in custody at the Itwasreportedthatwhile car described as a grey SparendaamPoliceStation.

A screen grab of the assault

The PPP/C has a trick for every trade

Wh e n t h e Environment al Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it had renewed the environmentalpermitforthe Liza Phase 1 project, it issued a statement. In that statement the EPAsaid that, “the renewed permit specifies further conditions and standards which will ensurethatallenvironmental and social safeguards are taken for the protection of human health and the environment.”

Thestatementwentonto add that: “Among the notable conditions, the Permit ensures that EEPGL is held liable for all costs associated with clean up, r e s t o r a t i o n a n d compensation for any pollutiondamagewhichmay occur as a consequence of the project. EEPGL is also required to have Financial Assurance which includes a combination of Insurance which must “cover well control, and/or clean up and third-party liability on terms that are market standard for the type of coverage”, and a Parent Company/Affiliate Guarantee Agreement which indemnifies and keeps indemnified the EPA and the Government of Guyana in the event EEPGL and its CoVenturers fail to meet their environmental obligations under the Permit ” [Emphasis mine]”

Itisthereforeastonishing to have read a statement issued by the government in which it is claiming that neither the EPA nor government is of the consideredviewthatthatthe Environmental Permit imposesanobligationonthe Permit Holder to provide an unlimited Parent Company

Guarantee Agreement and/or Affiliate Company GuaranteeAgreement.“

The only way that the permit holder is going to be held liable for all costs associated with clean up, r e s t o r a t i o n a n d compensationisiftheparent company or affiliate guaranteeisunlimitedinthe sensethatitcoversallofthe additional liabilities over and above that provided by insurance.

Sincenooneknowswhat will be the total liability in the event of an oil spill, any parent company or affiliate guarantee must cover the difference between what is coveredbyinsuranceandthe actuallossesandcosts.

As one former Director of the EPAnoted in a recent letter to the media, “full liability coverage as enshrined in the [ environmental] permits, equals insurance plus a parentcompanyguaranteeto cover “any” costs above insurance.

In mathematical parlance: Full Liability Coverage = Insurance + Parent Company Guarantee forallremainingcosts.”

Given the words used in theEnvironmentalPermit,it is incomprehensible how there can be a successful appeal of Justice Sandil Kissoon's decision. In other words, the government will make it impossible to rebut thejudge'sdeclarations.

The government would find itself in an absurd position if it appeals a decisionwhichaffirmswhat is written in the modified Environmental Permit for the Liza Phase 1 Project signed in May last year, conditions which the government itself issued. It is important that the government be held to the letteroftheArticle14ofthat

Dem boys seh...

permit.

No US$2B parent company guarantee can be said to fully indemnify Guyana for the losses, damagesandcleanupscosts associated with a major oil spill.

That US$2B by itself cannot be said to be in conformity with Article 14 o f t h e m o d i f i e d Environmental Permit signedinMayof2022bythe EPA.

The said Article is also consistent with a proposed motion which was tabled in the country's National AssemblybytheHon.David Patterson.

T h a t M o t i o n acknowledged that oil production is expected to increase rapidly to reach closeto1millionbarrelsper day by 2026. It also noted that an oil spill could wipe out our fishing grounds, aquaticvegetationandresult ineconomicbankruptcy

TheMotioncalledonthe Government to “include full unlimited liability coverage for oil spills and other disasters related to petroleum production as a condition for granting approval for the proposed Yellowtail development and all other future petroleum development.”

The recent decision of the court is going to test the PPP/C'sresolvetoensurethe country is indemnified against the losses and costs resulting from a major oil spill.

The EPAhas been given an Order to take certain actions related to securing suchprotection.

The PPP/C, however, government is a cunning creature. It would not be outside of the realm of the possible for the PPP/C to sign a new Environmental Permit,abdicatingArticle14

Guyana gat nuff magic

Sometimes things does amazeyuhinGuyana.Two people does deh together; dem does be enjoying themselves.

Yet de more dem enjoy themselves, the greater de risk of a fight brukking out betweenthem.Anddenext thing yuh know de best of friends turn de worst of enemies.

De other surprising thing dat when two people gat a quarrel like dem does wave an invisible magic wand and knife and jukka doessuddenlyappear

Two persons gat a

quarrel and de next thing yuh know, knife and icepick pulling and people stabbingoneanotherlikeif dem breaking ice fuh mek snowcone. Dehgatsomemendoes search dem whole house fuh a screwdriver and dem does can’t find one. But a thief man gan come in yuh house and he gan find the same screwdriver wah you can’t find. How some of dem thief man does know weh fuh look can only be explained by magic? It can’tevenbeguesswork.It gattobemagic.

ofthelastpermititissued. It is now clear that the government is not in agreement with the court's decision and since it is hardly likely that it can successfully appeal this

decision, it may opt to negativethecourt'sdecision byissuinganewpermit.

The public must be on the guard for any such duplicitousactiononthepart ofthePPP/Cgovernment.

Too many persons walkingaroundwithknives and ice-picks. Why people walking around with these items is anyone’s guess. But is time something do aboutit.

Depolicedoeslockyuh up if dem find yuh with illegalfirearm.

Well is time we strengthen we laws fuh de police fuh tek away knife andjukkaswhendemfindit pon yuh person. Too much people going to meet dem maker because of stabbings. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

VP Jagdeo wants court to make “predictable decisions”

I received a tape of a my Americanisms do not depth, refresher on what consistent broadening of his “treadingonmurkywaters.” ignores. Genuine investors recent press conference held elude. c o n s t i t u t e s education,andurgently I discern an artifice that practice managing their by VP Jagdeo. There were Then, Dr Jagdeo spoke “ p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m ” , For here, it is that after must be warming to potential liabilities (cost and revelations, mostly on the about “professionalism”, particularly in its broad almost three years in power, investors It is slickly all) by obtaining proper wrongsideofwhatisright. I specifically Guyana’s applications to politicians. It and with full responsibility instructive to the judiciary, insurance. give the VP a hand, hoping Environmental Protection pains to remind the VP that for this oil, he speaks possibly menacing to Neither exposure nor that he appreciates the Agency (EPA). Candidly, when he shuts out the press, c l e v e r l y a b o u t t h e judicialintegrity,mostlikely reputation nor court battles clashes in what he says and “professionalism” took a scampersfromit,shoutsatit, “complex.” He arrogates hostile to Guyanese are desired. Exxon relies on what he practices. Plus, sabbatical when Dr Vincent plays games with it, that he unto himself alone interests. Predictable means financial staying power, what he transmits via Adams, the then EPA head, vanquishes what is c o m p l e t e n e s s o f that unless court matters political reach, and judicial messages less than was ousted. Professionals professional in bearing, understanding with this oil, relative to oil produce a stamina to outlast poor subliminal, which brands stand up to politicians professional in objective, its tangles, its mysteries. I constant outcome, then national opponents. It is himratherconspicuously Professionalism can be professionalinfeatures. think he slickly disparaged foreign investors (big cheaper Dr Jagdeo seeks Brother Jagdeo said that subtle, but it is also strong, On a positive note, VP both Judge Kissoon and his leaguers) would harbour thecheapestforExxon. we are in the “big leagues.” sincere, fearless, and robust Jagdeo said, “I’m not gonna holding with that one word deepmisgivingsaboutdoing Separately, foreign It took half a decade for him, indoingrightbyitsessences, rundown” Judge Sandil “complex.” Because the business in Guyana. VP investors sense glorious but it is good that we mandate. Guyana’sEPAhas Kissoon’s decision on the jurist ruled the way he did, I Jagdeo may have convinced Guyanese opportunities. harmonize. The VP must not manifested any of this, matter of unlimited detect that VP Jagdeo himself that he is profound, The principled, selfknow that big league players has failed to protect insurance coverage; and inferred that the robed one but “predictable” is respecting ones shrink from do not scuttle away from Guyana’s interests, e v e n a g r e e a b o u t l a c k e d t o t a l i t y o f profaning. investing their money with mainstream media on issues endangered Guyanese. I “unlimited.” A word of comprehension, is devoid of This happens when disreputable governments, of national significance; big assert that the EPA has been gratitude to the Hon. VP for intellectual depth, and bereft powerfulpoliticiansinsiston possible dirty political leaguers of caliber, leaders slavishly professional in his generosity to not of the requisite acumen to their way Having done leaders, and discredited possessing prowess do not pleasing the VP, and “rundown” the judiciary navigate and adjudicate himself great disfavours national institutions retreat behind social media rubberstamping what Unfortunately, VP Jagdeo authoritatively on the with “professionalism” and Though rewarding in the (or party) veils. Also, big benefits ExxonMobil then undid that rare instance i n s u r a n c e m a t t e r “ b i g l e a g u e s ” a n d short run, it is risking the league participants do not Regarding professionalism, of statesmanship, when he Incredibly, Dr Jagdeo also “complex” he ventures into wrath of misled and misused grope for words, circle Guyana’s EPAhas displayed came up with who doesn’t came up with the mind- the judicial sanctuary to peoples. around issues of substance, bush-league qualities in “understand” what is boggling: “…so our courts direct it about its business, T h e G u y a n a have a scattershot approach dealing with big leagues “complex”. Indeed, they have to make predictable through what is acceptable. Government (VP) should to truth and frankness. I Exxon, and others built are, but if Dr Jagdeo thinks decisions…” My word! Now, that is little league, distance from Exxon’s humbly enlighten Dr similarly that the oil issues he deals Even Bharat Jagdeo could lacks professionalism, with failures, hustles, dangers Jagdeo: presences in the big The VP must understand with are complex, then he not have said something like crude underpinnings, and That would be professional, leagues are principled the magnitude of his public hasn’t seen complex yet. If that, namely, “predictable contortedinobjectives. big leagues, and there is Truth and trust, and nothing utterances: they crumple he aspires to inhabit the “big decisions.” Thereisnostare Moreover, there is nothingcomplexaboutsuch, else. Those who violate are under dissection I leagues” of which he speaks decisisinlocaljurisprudence another side to this foreign nothing murky He must roadkill, dogmeat. I hope recommend a lengthy, in- so brightly, I recommend for oil issues; and that is not investor coin that the VP carefullyreviewhiswords.

Condolences pour in for ‘larger-than-life’Sir Mars

Teachers, politicians and vehicle hitting Mars and pinning

prayers are with his family, friends statement, the Ministry of members of the performing arts on him to the fence of a house on the and colleagues. Justice for Sir Educationalsosaiditissaddenedat Monday expressed their eastern side of the street, which KirwynMars.” thepassingofSirMars,whoserved condolencesasnewsspreadthatthe runsNorthtoSouth. General Secretary of GTU, as Deputy Headmaster at the New murder of well-known teacher and The suspect then exited the Coretta McDonald recalled her last Central High School up until the comedian,KirwynMars. vehicle and escaped in a southern interactions with Sir Mars was at time of his death. “Mr. Mars made Police in a statement said Mars direction on foot. The vehicle was the recent on Labour Day significant contributions to the 51 of Lot 211 New Settlers Street, laterremovedwiththeassistanceof celebrations.“Amspeechless,why, education sector and the arts. He Mocha, East Bank Demerara was the fire service, and the lifeless why why…your senseless demise will be greatly missed The murderedatabout22:30hrsSunday body of the deceased was seen, his is telling, it didn’t have to be this Ministry of Education expresses at1654PlantationProvidence,East facebracedagainstthefence. way,” McDonald wrote on her sympathy to the family and friends

B a n k D e m e r a r a , b y a n

The scene was photographed, Facebook page. She said Mars, of Sir Mars during this difficult unidentifiable male armed with a and the body was examined by “didn’t deserve to die this way He time,”thestatementconcluded. knife. investigators There were was a friend, a colleague, an For their part, the Office of the

Enquiries disclosed that Mars lacerations to the face, head, hand,

educator, a comedian, a motivator, Leader of the Opposition said was the registered owner of a grey shoulder, forehead, above the left a livewire, a disciplinarian, a Guyana is poorer today with the Mitsubishi RVR vehicle, eye,rightsidechest,andback.Two teacher who gave distinguished tragic and senseless loss of Mr Registration # PZZ-6438. It is (2) knives were recovered from the service to the sector, and a patriotic Mars. “This son of the soil gave alleged that at the time of the scene. Mars was pronounced dead son of the soil.” “On behalf of the distinguished service to this incident, he was in the company of at the scene by ranks of the ETM teachers of Guyana and on my own country in the field of education a male occupant (the suspect), and team and taken to the Memorial behalf, this too is our lost but to his andthearts.Mr MarsorSirMarsas theyproceededtoastreetlocatedat Garden Funeral Home, awaiting a immediateandschoolfamily,tothe he was fondly called, was an Plantation Providence, East Bank post-mortem examination. Several undertragiccircumstances.” teachers of South Georgetown educator, a friend, colleague, a Demerara. Further investigations persons in the area were contacted Lyte described Mars as a (District 13), our heartfelt disciplinarian and a patriotic revealed that Mars and the suspect and interviewed. Investigations are devout trade unionist, who served condolences, we pray for Divine citizen who loved his country He had a ‘misunderstanding’ that ongoing. as branch chairman and general comfort and strength even now as would be remembered for being escalated inside the vehicle. As a Meanwhile, reacting to Mars’ council representative at GTU for you go through this tragic phase. It that live wire, problem solver, result, both parties armed killing, President of Guyana many years. He was also a member is my hope that we will join hands motivator and an outstanding themselves with knives and dealt Teachers’Union(GTU),MarkLyte of the Executive Council of GTU. as we seek to bring an end to this teacher,” the statement read. “We each other wounds. Mars (now- said Guyana is poorer due to the “GTU mourns his passing, he will scourge that has gripped this Dear too are saddened by his demise and deceased) exited the vehicle and lost of a committed, organised, be missed. We call on the GPF to Land of Ours. Rest Easy Klipper, have come to the realization that attempted to escape in an eastern intelligent, and talented educator bring the perpetrator/perpetrators Kirwyn Ceon Mars, until we meet oursocietyhasdegeneratedtoa direction. The suspect reversed the “Mr Kirwyn Mars lost his life to swift justice. Our thoughts and again,” McDonald said. In a terse (Continued on page 13)

Dead: Kirwyn Mars popularly known as ‘Sir Mars’

Exxon’s US$600M insurance not in keeping with industry norm, never scrutinized by EPA -

Justice Kissoon’s Ruling

A landmark ruling by required as a result of an function by simply issuing a High Court Judge, Justice accident occurring in the letter to Esso and to Sandil Kissoon has found course of permitted acknowledge receipt of the that the country does not environmental liability limited to insurance in activities copy of the insurance. The have an insurance package insurance of a certain respectof:

(v) EEPGL’s liability businessoftheAgencyisnot from Exxon’s affiliate, Esso criteria.

(i) Loss or damage to to its employees engaged in aclericalone.”

Exploration and Production

Justice Kissoon said, “It all assets used in the theProject

K a i e t e u r N e w s Guyana Limited (EEPGL) does not constitute what is Project

(vi) A n y o t h e r previously reported that the that meets international considered environmental (ii) Environmental requirements made by the EPAhas up to June 10, 2023 standards. liability insurance ‘as is damage caused in the Agency to secure from EEPGL an

Justice Kissoon made c u s t o m a r y i n t h e course of the Project for Justice Kissoon said too unlimited liability Parent this conclusion after international petroleum which EEPGL will be that the EPA has failed Company Guarantee reviewing documents industry’ and for the jointly and severally held and/or omitted to take any Agreement and/or unlimited presented to his court in a petroleum production responsible, step to hire an independent liability Affiliate Company case filed by two Guyanese operations under this (iii) Loss or damage to insurance consultant to G u a r a n t e e t o k e e p applicants last year Permit Further, the property or bodily injury guideitsactionsandconduct indemnifiedtheGovernment September In that case, two insurance has not been sufferedbyanythirdparty as it relates to the quality, of Guyana and the EPA citizens called for the court obtained by the Permit in the course of the Project type and nature of the against all oil spill costs for to examine EEPGL’s covers the Liza Phase 1 and Holder from an insurance forwhichEEPGLisliable, insurance demanded by the theStabroekBlock.TheLiza compliance with the Phase2Projects. company of standing that (iv) T h e c o s t o f permit. One Permit would be insurance provisions of its JusticeKissoonwaskeen equatestoGradeAPlus.” removal of wreckage and He said, “The Agency suspended if this is not LizaPhaseOnePermit. to note that such a policy, The Judge further noted clean-up operations has further abrogated its satisfied.

The court found EEPGL whichis notedinthepress to that Condition 14.05 of the to be in breach of the be US$600M per oil spill permit stipulates as to the provisions which called for event, does not satisfy the type of insurance mandated an unlimited parent stipulationandobligationset under this Permit, i e guarantee agreement out at Condition 14:5 of the “environmental liability EEPGL had also sought to Environmental Permit insurance of such type and convince the court that (Renewed and issued on such amount as is customary Guyana was in receipt of a May 31, 2022) Justice in the international credible insurance package Kissoon said the permit Petroleum Industry for from ANCON UK Ltd., an imposes an express and Petroleum Operations in ExxonMobil subsidiary The specific obligation on relation to this Permit… It Energy Package Policy E E P G L t o o b t a i n shall include but may not be

Justice Kissoon’s ruling paves way for more citizens to hold Govt. accountable –

Attorney-at-Law Melinda Janki

The recent ruling by Janki said, “Without the Justice Sandil Kissoon rule of law, a country is at ordering ExxonMobil the mercy of those who G u y a n a a n d t h e h o l d t h e r e i n s o f Environmental Protection government and human Agency (EPA) to comply nature being what it is, with the provisions of the politicians will always Liza Phase One Permit is a abuse power. Without the significant win for all rule of law, a country citizens says, Attorney-at- cannot develop and its Law,MelindaJanki. peoplecannotprosper.”

In her commentary to The lawyer also noted Kaieteur News, Janki that the demand for reminded that Justice unlimited parent company K i s s o o n h a s g i v e n guarantee is not, as some ExxonMobil’s local p e r s o n s c l a i m , a n

Sir Mars killer still on the run

…police recover two knives at crime scene

Attorney-at-Law, Melinda Janki

The lawyer explained subsidiary, Esso Exploration impossibility or impractical that the EPA in its and Production Guyana ask. Janki said, “...Nobody professional judgement Limited (EEPGL) until June is asking for unlimited made an unconditional 10, 2023 to furnish the State insurance coverage. The parent company guarantee a with an unlimited parent environmental permit c o n d i t i o n o f t h e liability guarantee from requires environmental environmental permit. She ExxonMobil Corporation liability insurance as is s a i d E E P G L i n i t s Janki who formed part of the c u s t o m a r y i n t h e professional judgement took legal team representing the international petroleum a business decision to accept case filed last year, said it industry This is an the environmental permit now paves the way for more industry standard and undertook to provide Guyanese to hold authorities Everybody does it. It is the that parent company accountable on respect for parentcompanyguarantee guarantee.“NowEssohasto theruleoflaw whichisunlimited.”

(Continued on page 16)

The crime scene where Sir Mars’ body was found on Sunday night.

The Guyana Police exited the vehicle and Force (GPF) on escaped in a southern Mondaysaidthatithas direction on foot recovered two knives The vehicle was at the crime scene later removed with where Kirwyn Mars, the assistance of popularly called ‘Sir the Guyana Fire Mars’ was brutally Service, and the murdered. lifeless body of

Dead: Kirwyn

Mars popularly known as ‘Sir Mars’

According to the Mars was seen with police report, efforts his face braced are still being made to againstthefence. determine the motive K a i e t e u r N e w s behind Mars’ murder and understands that upon the suspect remains on the examinationofMars’body, run. there were lacerations to the

The 51-year-old Mars of Lot 211 face, head, hand, shoulder, New Settlers Street, Mocha, East Bank forehead, above the left eye, right side chest, Demerara (EBD), met his demise at around andback. 22:30hrs on Sunday at 1654 Plantation The police noted that while Mars’body is Providence EBD. He was reportedly stabbed at the Memorial Garden Funeral Home, andrunoverbyanunidentifiablemale. awaiting a post-mortem examination, an

According to the police, their investigation to locate the suspect is still investigationsrevealedthusfarthatMarsand ongoing. the suspect had a ‘misunderstanding’ that Up until his death, ‘Sir Mars’ was a escalatedwhiletheywereinacar.Asaresult, popularly known entertainer and the Deputy both persons armed themselves with knives Head Teacher of the New Central High anddealteachotherwounds. school.

Police said Mars had exited the vehicle Expressing sympathy to the family and and attempted to escape when the suspect friends of Mars, the Ministry of Education reversed the vehicle hitting and pinning him said he made significant contributions to the tothefenceofanapartmentbuilding. Education Sector and the Arts. “He will be

The police learnt that the suspect then greatlymissed,”theMinistrysaid.

Justice Sandil Kissoon

Mother’s Are Forever Concert set for Georgetown Club on Sunday

Legendary Folklore Singer, Eze exceptional proportions for the earthly Rockcliffe and the Yoruba Singers will be giversoflife. hosting a grand ‘Mothers Are Forever’ Gates open from 5pm with showtime Concert onMay14,2023attheGeorgetown commencing at 6pm. Admission is only Club located at Lot 208-209 Camp Street, $2000orpay$2500atthegate. GeorgetownGuyana. Tickets can be collected from 104.1

The event promises to be an enchanting liteFM, Georgetown Club or 90 Laluni evening of song and dance; a tribute of Street,Georgetown.Seeyouthere!

Norton wants Jagdeo stripped of oil sector responsibility

- flays VP for confusing parent company guarantee with insurance for oil spill

Opposition Leader, coverage that will meet all

Aubrey Norton has the circumstances should lambasted Vice President there be an adverse event Bharrat Jagdeo for offshore. He also said it is displaying what he deemed crucial for institutions to act grave “ignorance” regarding in a manner where decisions the recent High Court ruling are not made on the premise on the parent company ofeconomicnationalism. guarantee for the Stabroek Jagdeo also said it is Blockoiloperations. incumbent on the courts to Norton was at the time produce judgments that are addressing supporters of the well reasoned, adding that A Partnership for National the EPA’s efforts on securing Unity (APNU) on Sunday variousformsofinsurancein evening, at the launch of the the oil sector should not be Georgetown campaign for overlooked.

Essequibo pedestrian killed by speeding driver

Fifty-two-year-old observed, from a distance, a Budhidra Koosiall of pedestrian walking from the A d v e n t u r e Vi l l a g e western side of the Public Essequibo Coast, Region Road and heading to the Two,wasonSundayevening eastern side. The driver said struck down and killed by a too that upon seeing the speeding driver while pedestrian,hetriedtoavoida crossing the Adventure collision, but despite his PublicRoad. efforts, the right front-side

The accident occurred portion of the car connected around 19:50 hours and with the pedestrian, which involved motorcar PSS 150 caused him to fall on the ownedanddrivenbyAubrey front windscreen and then Hospital, where a doctor LennoxTyrell, a 41-year-old ontotheroad. pronounced him dead on Ambulance driver of Lima The pedestrian received arrival. Sands,EssequiboCoast. injuries on his body and was

The police reported that picked up in an unconscious driver and placed him in themotorcarwasproceeding condition by the driver and custody as the investigation south on the eastern drive other public-spirited into the fatal accident lane at a fast rate of speed. citizens. He was transported continues. The driver alleged that he to the Suddie Public

the upcoming Local

He also noted that the Government Elections EPA has so far secured a (LGE).HesaidthatJagdeoat US$600M insurance his press conference on company guarantee ” The package from EEPGL, the T h u r s d a y s p o k e o f Opposition Leader said he premium for which is being “unlimited insurance” believes Jagdeo would paid using revenues earned whereas the Judge in his repeatthisuntilheconvinces from the sale of Guyana’s oil ruling made no mention of the public that his view is resources. If that insurance suchathing. factual.To this end, he urged premium is increased, he

The Opposition Leader that the VP should not said it is Guyana that explained that there must be remain in control of the ultimatelypays. a parent company guarantee, sector

He further noted that the and even though there is an Norton said, “This man EPA can liquidate EEPGL’s insurance policy in place, should not be trusted with assets if needed to cover ExxonMobil must cover the our oil resources. He wasted costs relating to an oil spill. costs which its limited billions of dollars at HesaidtheExxonsubsidiary liability company- Esso Skeldon, he wastes millions nowhasUS$6BtoUS$8Bin Exploration and Production onafiberopticcable…” assets based on its balance Guyana Limited (EEPGL)- It was reported that sheet. willnotbeabletocover Jagdeo said he agrees with Jagdeosaidtheforegoing Norton said, “he then AttorneyGeneral(AG),Anil therefore arms Guyana with went and ask, what is Nandlall’sdecisiontoappeal threemechanismsthatcanbe unlimited insurance? How the High Court ruling appliedtocovertheexpenses you gon calculate the demanding ExxonMobil’s associated with clean up, premiumforthisinsuranceif compliance with the r e s t o r a t i o n a n d there is no oil spill? Well let insurance provisions in its compensationforanoilspill. me say you damn fool, we L i z a P h a s e O n e He also refuted claims or are not saying anything Environmental Permit. The contentions that government about premium and it has VP said: “we all want to should secure unlimited nothing to do with premium. ensure that as a country, in insurance coverage from You have the insurance…we the case of a spill, and Exxon. “What would be the are saying, a spill is likely to hopefully it never happens, premium for this unlimited costmore.Wearesayingthat that we have adequate insurance?” asked the if it costs more, the parent resources to cover all of the official at his press company must guarantee liabilities associated with conference. He said, “There they fix it and stand the cost. that… So, we all want this. is nothing like that in the That is all we are saying so But we also can’t be shrill or world of insurance. You can cutoutthisignorance.” capricious in our dealings, havecoveragebuteventhen, He continued, “And he particularly at the level of there is a defined risk.” likes to talk about who our regulatory agencies to Based on the foregoing intelligent and who ain’t getthatoutcome.” grounds, the Vice President intelligent. If he was Jagdeo said it is critical is of belief that the recent intelligent, he would know that the government pursues High Court judgment is the difference between diligently and professionally thereforeflawedandmustbe insurance and parent in its efforts to get insurance appealedbytheEPA.

Condolences pour in for ‘larger-than...

Dead: Budhidra Koosiall From page 10 for Divine comfort as you navigate this lowthatisalarming,andthisscourgemustbe roughpath,”thestatementended. arrested and brought under control. We urge Well-knownactress,DesireeEdghillsaid all to join hands as a signal to honour his shehasknownMarsformanyyears.“Wegot memory and the justice for which he stood. closer when my daughter started secondary To his immediate family, his school family, school. He said to me, “Doan worry, I gon the educators across the length and breadth lookoutfuhyuhdaughtuh!”Andlookouthe of this country, the many students whose did,” Edghill wrote on her Facebook page. lives were impacted by him, our profound ShesaidMars“waslikefamily Manythanks condolences to you at this time. We pray too foryourservice…”Edghillsaid.

The police arrested the

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

Consultation, adequate planning critical before span nine installation - Min. Edghill

The installation of asked them to reverse and the Demerara rework so that whenever we Harbour Bridge’s get that in place, we will be

(DHB) ‘span able to execute it within a n in e’ is a mas s iv e minimum time frame,” he undertaking that requires explained. adequate preparatory The Public Works measures. Minister of Public Ministry plans to engage Works, Bishop Juan Edghill stakeholders to ensure the providing an update on movement of people and Monday said several factors suppliesiswellorganised,as must be considered before well as agencies including the new span is installed, the Guyana Police Force to stressingthattherewillbeno maintain law and order disruption of the bridge duringthattime. without proper consultation, “We are engaging, and planning, and adequate working to find the best notice. suitable time, and this also

Minister Edghill told the has to do with tide, because Department of Public weneedacertainkindoftide Information (DPI) that the to provide the required technical team is putting environment for the moving systemsinplaceforaspeedy andreplacing.” andeffectiveinstallation. The span has been

Removing the old span transported from the nine and installing the new drydock and is anchored one will not be a regular south of the DHB awaiting vesselstopass. the west side during the oil tanker, MV Tradewind emergency repairs, which opening and closing of the installation.

Meanwhile, the newly replacementperiod. Passion crashed into the includedthechangingoftwo bridge. The engineers have The$1.2billionstructure commissioned $73 million The DHB, which has a bridge, rendering it static rollers, a transom provided us with a work will significantly enhance power barge will be utilised total of 61 spans, sustained inoperableforseveraldays. beam, six panels, and the programme that will require the bridge’s retraction in the interim to carry major damage late last year Thecrashmadeitcritical mechanism to secure the several days, and we have operation by enabling wider commuters from the east to after the Panama-registered to implement a series of changes. ( DPI)

Span nine being transported to its mooring location south of the DH

Govt. makes second withdrawal from oil Fund this year

WANTED VACANCY

One Female able-bodied Staff required. Call: 225-2313, 658-8559.

Head Cook, Assistant Cook and Kitchen Assistant needed. Call: 602-8067.

Pitbull buses with Driver to work on contract. For more info, Call: 685-1735.

One personal Assistant needed to work with private company. Must have great Excel knowledge. Call: 6851735.

Armed & unarmed Officers needed. $400 Gyd per hour, 10 & 12 hrs shift. Contact: 603-5140.

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Excavator & Skid Steer Operators, canter & truck Drivers, Civil Engineer & Foreman needed. Call/ WhatsApp: 613-0855/ 611-0350. Email: rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com

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The Government of Guyana on Monday announced that it has made its second withdrawal from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) this year. Some US$200 million equivalent to G$41.6 billion was withdrawn bringing the total withdrawn so far for 2023 to US$400million or G$83.2 billion. Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh in making the announcement said that pursuant to Section 16 of the NRF Act 2021, the US$200 million equivalent to G$41.6 billion has been transferred from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities. In February, Government made its first withdrawal

for the year, amounting to US$200 million equivalent to G$41.6 billion.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Parliamentary approval was granted for a total of US$1.002 billion to be transferred during fiscal year 2023, in accordance with the NRF Act 2021.

The NRF Act 2021, which came into operation on January 1, 2022, represents a significant improvement in transparency and accountability and overall management of Guyana’s natural resource wealth.

“The PPP/C Government will continue to work aggressively through sound and transformative investments of oil re-

Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh

sources from the NRF, utilising these resources in a clear and transparent manner, to the benefit of present and future generations,” a statement from the M inistry of Finance said Monday.

Justice Kissoon’s ruling paves...

From page 12 do what they undertook to do. It’s that simple,” she noted. Importantly, Janki said the demand for an unlimited parent liability guarantee ensures ExxonMobil and not Guyana will have to pay all costs associated with any spill.

made it pellucid that all citizens have a right to challenge unlawful activity by a public authority.

avoidance, concealment and secrecy.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

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“People should be cheering in the streets to know that our economy will no longer be in danger of collapse from potential oil spill liability,” Janki said.

In addition to such an important demand, Janki said there are two other critical points for citizens to note from the ruling.

“His Honour Justice Kissoon has given a powerful ruling on standing. He

This opens the way for more citizens to go to court to uphold the rule of law. His Honour Justice Kissoon has also given a powerful ruling on transparency and accountability. The ruling ensures that citizens have access to the information they require in order to challenge unlawful activity by a public authority,” the lawyer said.

Equally important, she noted is that Justice Kissoon highlighted the actions of the EPA as it did not enforce compliance with the provisions of the Liza Phase One Permit. In fact, Justice Kissoon said the EPA sought refuge in silence,

Janki said it must be clear to everyone that the EPA’s conduct is unacceptable. She said too that it must also be clear to the public that EEPGL has been untrustworthy. Janki said citizens will have to be even more vigilant going forward.

Janki was also keen to note her belief that there are good people in the EPA who want to do a good job. Be that as it may, the lawyer said there has clearly been a serious failure of leadership. “There has been a serious loss of trust in the EPA. Mr. (Kemraj) Parsram (the Head of the EPA) may wish to consider his position going forward,” said Janki.

FOR SALE

Pure breed Rottweiler puppies for sale. Call: 6920126, 613-2809.

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Govt. signs MOU with cultivating millets Indian company to begin

The Ministry of India disclosed that Guyana production of millets,” the A g r i c u l t u r e will soon commence headofstatesaid.

recently signed a cultivation trials for millets The undertaking will see M e m o r a n d u m o f production in Regions Four, UPL Limited providing Understanding (MOU) with Nine, and 10 to support the t e c h n o l o g i c a l a n d UPL Limited, an Indian- transition to large-scale agriculture inputs while the based company paving the production of the seed government through the way for trials to commence locally ministry will assist with for the cultivation of millets In his address, President developing approximately h e r e , t h e M i n i s t r y Ali said that the production 200 acres for the cultivation announcedonMonday of millets will help support ofmillet.

Last March, Agriculture poverty reduction efforts in

During the signing, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha the region and that the areas Minister Mustapha said that visitedIndiaandparticipated earmarked for the trials Guyana was pleased to inaround-tablediscussionat represent the profit zone in commence trials for millet the Global Millet ‘Shree whichsimilarcropslikecorn cultivation. Anna’ Conference with his and soya are adaptive and He noted that Guyana Indian counterpart, being produced on a large was leading the agriculture Narendra Singh, and other scale. agenda in CARICOM in ministers from across the “Guyana looks forward keeping with the region’s world to discuss fostering to strengthening its Vision 25 by 2025 and that millets production in cooperation with India to millets would contribute countries like Guyana to kickstart large, medium, and significantlytothoseefforts. increasefoodsecurity small-scale production of Millets are a highly

Prior to that, President millets. India is the largest variedgroupofsmall-seeded Dr IrfaanAliduringavirtual millet producer in the world, grasses, widely grown address at the Inauguration and through collaboration, around the world as cereal of the Global Millet Guyana hopes to embark crops or grains for fodder Conference in New Delhi, soon on the sustainable andhumanfood.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha along with members of the Indian delegation. Permanent Secretary Delma Nedd and Director-General, Madanlall Ramraj are also pictured. (Ministry of Agriculture photo)

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and an official from UPL Limited while signing the MoU for millets trials in Guyana (Ministry of Agriculture photo)

Kolkata lives on in IPL after overcoming Punjab

KOLKATA, India (AP) — Andre Russell hit a 23-ball 42 for Kolkata Knight Riders to top Punjab Kings by five wickets and stay alive in the Indian Premier League playoffs race yesterday.

Russell’s late heroics drove Kolkata to the brink of victory until he was run out off the penultimate ball. Rinku Singh then hit the last delivery by Arshdeep Singh to the square leg boundary for the victory.

Punjab’s 179-7 was beaten by Kolkata’s 182-5.

Kolkata rose to fifth on the table and within striking distance of the top four, trailing fourth-placed Rajasthan Roy-

als on net run-rate. Punjab slipped to seventh on runrate.

Shikhar Dhawan’s 57 off 47 balls powered Punjab to a par total. His nine fours and a six anchored Punjab while wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end.

Mystery spinner Varun

Chakravarthy picked up 3-26 in four overs to stifle the Punjab middle order. This was after pacer Harshit Rana took 2-32 to make inroads at the top.

Dhawan and Jitesh Sharma put on 53 off 42 balls for the fourth wicket, Punjab’s only impactful partnership. Another four wickets were lost

Tuesday May 09, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Share your skills today, Aries. You will find that as you engage in the role of teacher, you learn more than if you just hold onto your knowledge without sharing it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Don't underestimate the power of other people today, Taurus. They may seem flighty and scatterbrained on the outside, but underneath you will find that they have a great deal of wisdom to share.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Remember that there's a benevolent force out there that loves you, Gemini. No matter what, there's always a shoulder to cry on, even if it isn't a tangible one. Even in your darkest moments.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Don't hesitate to say the obvious today, Cancer, even if it sounds corny. Many times people hesitate to say what they really feel because they think it's obvious to everyone.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Look to older figures for advice today, Leo. Seek counsel with a parent or grandparent on issues you feel strongly about. Relationships with older people are likely to go especially well.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

Consider composing a bit of poetry today, Virgo. Use this as an exercise to condense your ocean of emotions into a very few words.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Andre Russell plays a shot during Indian Premier League cricket match (AP Photo Bikas Das)

Plans commence for 2023 Inter-Guyana games

Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle met with Surinamese Director of Sport, Gordon Touw Ngie Tjouw and Head of Cooperation Department of French Guiana, Viviane Tchung Ming, in his recent visit to Paramaribo, Suriname, early last week.

both nations.”

in the space of 29 balls and Punjab was 139-7 in 17.2 overs.

Shahrukh Khan and Harpreet Brar combined for 40 runs off 16 balls to give Punjab a fighting chance.

Jason Roy launched Kolkata’s reply with 38 off2 24 balls, and skipper Nitish Rana took over with 51 off 38. Rana hit six fours and a six.

He met with Gordon Tjouw and Viviane Ming for a very important meeting; to discuss plans for the 2023 Inter Guyana Games. The InterGuyana Games is expected to be held in Suriname during the last quarter of this year. According to Ninvalle, “The meeting was a very frank and fruitful one, and I am pleased to commence discussion with

The 2023 edition promises to be exciting and highly competitive, it will feature athlete’s from across the three nations, competing in various sporting disciplines such as; athletics, basketball, football (soccer), volleyball, swimming, table tennis, cycling, and others.

Meanwhile, the InterGuyana Games continues to serve as a platform for athletes from Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana to showcase their skills, while fostering regional cooperation, and also strengthens the spirit of camaraderie among the neighbouring nations.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Just because your emotions are reserved or somber today doesn't mean you shouldn't share them with others, Libra. Work through difficulties.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

You may need to jump to many different people and situations today, Scorpio, yet something is holding you back. Listen to this inner voice that's asking you to be conservative at this time.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21)

ou feel like you have a stone strapped to your back, Sagittarius. The farther you walk with this load, the slower you go, and the more hunched over you will be by the time you reach your destination.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It

Feel free to break ties with certain people now, Capricorn. You may be overextending your emotional bank account by investing too much of yourself in others' lives.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Less is more should be your motto for today, Aquarius. The more you cut back in certain areas of your life, the more room you open up to bring in new and exciting things.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You may be asked to slow down today, Pisces. Whether this comes in the form of a speeding ticket or a scrape on the knee when you trip.

Russell arrived in the 14th over at 115-3, and he took a little time to settle in with Rinku Singh. Then Russell smashed three sixes in a 20run Sam Curran over to bring the target down to six runs off the last over.

Russell and Singh added 54 off 26 balls to edge close to the finish line, and the latter completed the job in style.

Scores: Kolkata Knight

Riders 182 for 5 (Nitish 51, Russell 42, Roy 38, Chahar 223) beat Punjab Kings 179 for 7 (Dhawan 57, Varun 3-26, Harshit 2-33) by five wickets.

Prashad wins Massy Motors Golf Tournament

On Saturday, Patrick Prashad was the man of the hour, having copped the Massy Motors title despite someseriouscompetition.

Prashad was firm in his approach to the game and allowed his club to do the talkingashetriumphedwith a final score that read, HC 12, Gross 83, Net 71 (Winning via count back f r o m M o h a n l a l l Dindanauth).

Mohanlall Dindanauth wassecondwithHC7,Gross 78, Net 71 while Avinash Persaudcameinthirdwitha scoreofHC3,Gross75,Net 72 (Winning via countback fromRaviPersaud).

In the individual awards bracket, Nearest to pin was won by Aasordeen Shaw, Longest Drive - Mohanlall Dindanauth, Best Net Front 9 - Mohanlall Dindanauth

(31),BestNetBack9-Mike Mangal(34)andBestGrossAvinashPersaud(75).

Sharing his view at the end of the tournament was MassyMotorsCEOMahesh Shivrajwhosaid,“Thanksto everyoneforcomingoutand supporting the Massy Motors tournament. Massy has been with the Lusignan Golf course for many years andweareoptimisticthatwe will be able to continue that trendforthefuture.”

“It is important that we support our club and take advantage of the good condition that the course is in To the winners congratulations and to those that did not win, better luck nexttime.”

Massy Motors (Guyana) Ltd, formerly known as Massy Industries (Guyana) Ltd and Associated

Industries Limited (AINLIM), was established October 12, 1987.As one of 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.

MassyMotorsrepresents major brands such as Nissan, JEEP, MACK, IVECO, Shell Lubricants, Mitsubishi Forklifts, Massey Ferguson, Power Master, Moura, GoodYear, K i m b e r l y - C l a r k Professional, for which full support is provided for all linesrepresented

Messi and Fraser-Pryce win top Laureus awards

PARIS, (Reuters) - Argentina’s World Cup winning captain Lionel Messi was named the Laureus Sportsman of the Year, while sprint champion Shelly-Ann FraserPrycebaggedthetopwomen’shonouratthe awardsceremonyyesterday

Messialsoreceivedanawardonbehalfof theArgentinamen’sfootballteam,whowere named World Team of the Year after their triumphatthe2022WorldCupinQatar

The 35-year-old Paris St Germain forward has previously won the award once before, sharing it with Formula One driver LewisHamiltonin2020.

Messi also became the first athlete to scoop both theWorld Sportsman of theYear AwardandtheWorldTeamoftheYearAward inthesameyear “Iwaslookingatthenames of the incredible legends that won the LaureusSportsmanoftheYearAwardbefore me: Schumacher, Woods, Nadal, Federer, Bolt, Hamilton, Djokovic… it really sunk in whatunbelievablecompanyI’minandwhat auniquehonourthisis,”Messisaid.

Jamaican Fraser-Pryce enjoyed an outstanding 2022, which included winning the 100m gold at the World Athletics Championships.

Tennis player Carlos Alcaraz, who won

the2022U.S.Openandrosetonumberonein the ATP rankings, was named the Laureus WorldBreakthroughoftheYear

Christian Eriksen, who recovered from thecardiacarresthesufferedattheEuropean Championship in 2021 to return to Premier League football with Brentford and then Manchester United before competing at the World Cup with Denmark, received the LaureusWorldComebackoftheYearAward. The Laureus World Sports Awards nominees are selected by the global media, while the winners are determined by the 71 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy The awards have been presented annuallysincetheirinceptionin2000.Listof winners:WorldSportsmanoftheYearAward: LionelMessiWorldSportswomanoftheYear

Award: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce World Team of the Year Award: Argentina Men’s Football Team World Breakthrough of the Year Award: Carlos Alcaraz World Comeback of the Year Award: Christian Eriksen World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award: Catherine Debrunner World Action Sportsperson of the Year

Award: Eileen Gu Laureus Sport for Good Award:TeamUp

The top performers of the recently concluded tournament.

Legend Rangers, East Side Legends, Enterprise Star

Sports, East Bank Titans, Regal & Essequibo Eagles record victories in BIG MAN CRICKET-2 First round

- Powered by Blue Waters as the Official Water

formidable186for6offtheir allottedoverswithN.Pooran top scoring with 46. West Bank Warriors fell short in theirrunchasefinishingwith 167 for 9. R. Thakur top

scored with 42 for the Warriors.

T h e B I G M A N CRICKET 2 tournament continuesthisSaturdaywith 6 other matches. The full

fixtures will be issued later this week. The organizers havedecidedtotakeabreak onSundaytoalloweveryone to enjoy Mother’s Day with theirrespectivefamilies.

BIG MAN CRICKET2@ O40s T25 tournament got started on Saturday with 6matchesat4venuesacross Berbice and Demerara Everest Masters and GT Royals drew the bye from this first round. This is the 2nd edition of the popular BIG MAN CRICKET tournament which has now grown from 8 teams to 14 teams and involves teams from all across the country The matches will be of 25 overs per side duration and willbeplayedwithpinkballs as is the norm in Masters cricketaroundtheworld.

At the #72 Cut & Load ground- Match 1: Legend Rangers won handsomely against X Berbice Police by 75 runs. The game had a shortraininterruptionwhich causedtheofficialstoreduce thisfirstgameto20oversper side Taking first strike

Legend Rangers amassed a healthy168for3offtheir20 overs Lakram Latchman wasnamedmanofthematch aftertopscoringwith93and took part in a century openingstandwithP Baldeo whomade25,DaveRamdat also contributed 30* Bowling for the X Berbice Police, Safraz Kadir had 2 for 13 off his 4 overs. X Berbice Police could only respondwithapaltry93with Gibson top scoring with 17 runs. P Baldeo returned to take 3 for 24 and was ably supported by Niazi Khan with 2 for 10 and Deo Ramdat2for17.

At the #72 Cut & Load ground- Match 2: East Side Legends brushed aside O

Men Guyana winning by 8 wickets in the second match ofthedoubleheader Taking first strike O Men Guyana was dismissed for 106 off 22.1overswithonlyA.Duke making a splendid half century,53lacedwith4@6s and 3 @ 4s No other batsman reached double figures, bowling for the LegendswasledbyS.Omar with 3 for 15 in his 5 overs andR.Narinetook2for7,D Hicksalsotook2for4.East Side Legends knocked off the required runs in 12.3 overs with Man of the Match, Heeralall Brijlall top scoring with a boundary studded 62 (4 @6s and 7 @ 4s)and Balram Samaroo supported well with an undefeated25(2@4s).

At the Enterprise ground: EnterpriseStarSportsbeatJai HindJaguarsby6wickets The Jaguarswonthetossandbatted first making 128 all out R

Mangali top scored with 30 and A Beharry made 27

Bowling for Enterprise, R

Pooran had 3 for 17 and P

Dindial 3 for 22 Enterprise Star Sports responded with 130 for 4 in 212 overs P

Dindialstruck49notouttocap a brilliant all-round performanceandVGobin40. Bowling for Jai Hind, Z. Zakeer took 2 for 17. P Dindial was named the Man oftheMatch.

AttheFarmground:East Bank Titans beat Canal #1 Scorpions by 8 wicketsin a high scoring affair

took first strike and

Fernandes top scored with 42 ably supported by A. Wong37andM.Gittenswith 31. Rohan Sarjoo was the pick of the bowlers for the Titanswith3for19whilstN. Puranhad3for30.EastBank Titans comfortably knocked offtherunsforthelossofjust 2 wickets with an over to spare.HemrajGarbarranled thewaywiththefirstcentury inthe2023BMC-2finishing on 104* laced with 15 boundaries There were other useful contributions forK.Dejonge32,Surendra Heeralall 28 and R Shameer-22*.

At the Canal #2 Sports Club ground- Match 1: Regal easily destroyed Independence Sports Club by 10 wickets. Batting first, Independence SC was bowled out for the lowest score in this round for 44 runs. The eventual man of the Match, Yogendra Sawh m e s m e r i z e d t h e Independencebatterstopick up 6 wickets for 8 runs. Regal thengalloped home to victory in a mere 4.1 overs without the loss of any wicket. P Rooplall hit 34* with 4 @ 4s and a solitary maximum.

At the Canal #2 Sports Club ground- Match 2: Essequibo Eagles took revenge on West Bank Warriors in a closely fought encounter winning by 19 runs.These two teams had contested the finals of the BMC-1 at the famous Bourdaswardlastyearwhen West Bank Warriors came out on top then. The Eagles batted first and posted a

Yogendra Sawh from Regal (left) receiving his MOM award from captain of Independence SC, Ramesh Persaud.

BCB/DaveWestIndianImports40overstournament

Bush Lot United SC, Cotton Tree, Achievers

and D’ Edwards register wins

Despite problems with weather a n d t h e unplayable conditions of severalgrounds,theBerbice Cricket Board started its 2022BCB/DaveWestIndian Imports 40 overs second divisiontournament.

Thetournamentinvolves the hosting of five different sub division tournaments which would each provide a champion. The five interzone champions would then go on to play for the overall Berbicechampionship.

The five zones are West

Berbice, Lower Corentyne, Upper Corentyne, New Amsterdam/Canje and Berbice River The tournament has been played with close to eighty teams, themostforanytournament inGuyana.

Highlights of the

outstanding performances saw; Arthur Bailey, Steffon Adams, Shamal Angel, Quaccey McPherson, Joel Dilchand,WaqarHassan,K. Ali, Nick Ramsaroop, W Subhan and Sherwin McPherson notching up half-centuries.

Played at the Bath Community Centre Ground: Achievers arrest West BerbicePoliceby6wickets. West Berbice Police was bowledoutfor50in11overs after taking first strike, Grisean Grant scored 12. Bowling for Achievers; Rendell Bobb grabbed 3 for 8 off 4 overs and Shamal Angel 3 for 6 off 4 overs. In reply Achievers reached 51 for 4 off 8 overs, Shamal Angel14notout.

At Bush Lot, Bush Lot UnitedSportsClubdefeated Blairmont Remnants by a mammoth 258 runs. Bush Lot United Sports Club scored 300 all out in 35.4 overs, Joel Dilchand scored 56,RajivKishun43andAjai Matabeek 43 while extras top scored with 74 Paramdoo Ramdhan grabbed3for70off7overs.

In reply Blairmont Remnantswasdismissedfor 42 Kumath Ramkisson grabbed 7 for 20 off 7.2 overs.

At Paradise, Bush Lot UnitedSportsClubdefeated West Berbice Police by 3 wicketsinahighlycontested clash.

West Berbice Police scored 192 all out in 31.2 overs, Kord Griffith 37, Lennox William 35 and Osbert Cain 33 Justin Doobay took 3 for 22 off 8 overs,R.Hemraj3for30off 6 overs. In reply Bush Lot

United Sports Club reached 194 for 7 in 30.3 overs.

Budhram Lakeram scored 40, C. Ramnarine 30 and K. Ally 25. G. Grant grabbed 5 for23off8overs.

At Bush Lot, Bush Lot United Sports Club dethronedAchievers‘A’by2 wickets.

Achievers‘A’scored220 alloutoff37overs.Sherwin McPherson top scored with 98, Shamal Angel 50 and Travis Perry 39. Navindra Persaudgrabbed4for39off 8oversforthehosts.

InreplyBushLotUnited reached221for8inthe39th over,winningthegamewith 3ballstospare.

Asif Khan scored 36, Latchman Dhana 31 and Navindra Persaud 21

Bowling for Achievers ‘A’, Arthur Bailey grabbed 3 for 77off5.4overs.

At Cotton Tree, AchieverstrashedBlairmont Remnants by 147 runs Batting first Achievers scored 296 all out off 30 overs with Steffon Adams scoringabrilliant84andwas partnered by Arthur Bailey 76. Bowling for Blairmont Remnants;K.Singhwasthe pickofthebowlerswith2for 54off6overs.

In reply Blairmont Remnantsscored149allout off23overs.

W Subhanscored64and D. Singh 43. Bowling for Achievers; Omari Arthur, Shamal Angel and Arthur Bailey grabbed 2 wickets apiece.

AAG preps for action-packed May events

The Executive Council of theAthletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is working together towards smoothly rolling out the plansforthe2023athleticcalendar

Thescheduledeventsfortheremainder of May include the Kenrick Smith Relays and the Gladstone Hopkinson 5K and 1mile,whicharebothscheduledtounfoldon Sunday

On May 20, athletes will assemble for the Plaisance One-Mile followed by the BurgetteWilliams10KRoadRace,whichis tobecontestedthefollowingday,May21.

The National Track and Field Centre will also play host to the Guyana Overseas Based SportsAssociation (GOBSA) Track andFieldClassiconMay28.

Meanwhile,a7-athleteU20teamwillbe

representing Guyana at the SouthAmerica JuniorChampionshipsinBogota,Colombia fromtheMay19–21,2023.

TheteamcomprisesofTiannaSpringer, Ezekiel Newton, Wesley Noble, Kareese Lloyd, Jaheel Corvette, Erin Leitch and IsaiahTrim.Theteamwillbeaccompanied by Kenisha Headley (Manager), Johnny Greavesande (Coach), and Akeem Stewart (Massage Therapist) The 10-person contingent will leave Guyana on May 16 andreturnonMay22.

The AAG expresses gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, the Guyana OlympicAssociation, the National Sports Commission and Sponsors for their continuedsupporttotheassociationandthe developmentofTrackandField.

Kumath Ramkisson grabbed 7 wickets

BCB/ Ali’s Bakery Under-17 Tournament…

Centuries from Ramnauth, Persaud and Budhoo highlight opening round

The opening round of the Berbice Cricket Board/ Ali’s Bakery Under-17 Knockout Tournament

bowled off on Friday last with victories for Achievers

A, Cotton Tree, Rose Hall Canje, Albion A, Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Port Mourant,UpperCorentyne.

The highlights of the opening round were centuries from Rampertab Ramnauth, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Afraz Budhoo and Avishkar Persaud while five-wickethaulsweretaken by Deeraj Ramjit, Aryan D a r a t , T u s l i e r a m Ramcharran and Nathan Karamchand.

Asfollowsaretheresults ofthosematches.

Port Mourant CC

defeated Radha Krishna by 385 runs at Port Mourant. PMCC- 455 for 6 off 50 overs.RampertabRamnauth 195, Rampersaud Ramnauth 115. Radha Krishna- 70 all out in 24 overs, Aryan Dasrath5for12.

Albion B lost to Upper Corentyne by 62 runs at the No.72Ground. UpperCorentyne-211all out in 36 overs with Gibran Yacoob 51, Khemraj Sukhwa 24 and Aaron Yacoob 18 being the main

CWI/CG United Women’s Super50 Cup Round 1

Windwards, Jamaica and Barbados open tournamentwithhugewins

Jamaica, Windward Islands and Barbados were among Monday’s winners when the opening round of the Women’s Super50 Cup got underway with three rousinggamesplayedacrossSt.Kitts.

Windwards Women beat Guyana by 9 wickets

The Conaree Cricket Centre saw the Guyana ladies going down after posting a meager 79 all out in 27.1 overs with opener Realeanna Grimmond (20) and Mandy Mangru (18), the lone stars. Left-armer QianaJoseph(4-18)andveteranspinnerAfy Fletcher (2-10) did the damage for Windwards.

Experienced Guyanese spinner

PlaffiannaMillingtonbaggedthelonewicket after the pair of Namiah Marcellin (29) and Fletcher who returned to stroke an unbeaten 44with6fours,tookWindwardsto80-1with 172ballsremaining.

Trinidad&TobagolosttoBarbadosby6 wickets OpenerShunelleSawhhit68with6 fourswhileBrittneyCooperchippedinwith 32,toleadtheTTRedForceDivasto161in 43.5 overs, over at Warner Park. The spin/pacecombinationofKeilaElliot(4-40) and Allison Gordon (4-36), did majority of thedamagebowlingforBarbados.

The Bajan trio of Kyshona Knight (32), Aaliyah Alleyne (48*) and Shakera Selman (21) batted their side towards a solid win, ending162-4in38.3overs.Left-armspinner SteffiSoogrimfinishedwiththebestfigures for TT, bagging 2-36. Jamaica ease to 6wicketwinoverLeewards

It was a relatively simple win for the

Jamaican ladies over at the St. Paul’s Sports Complex, who got the better of Leewards after the latter posted 120-10 batting first. Terez Parker (33), Divya Saxena (25) and MeleciaClarke(20)ledthebattingchargefor Leewards as Vanessa Watts snatched 4-22 with support from Celina Whyte (2-29), bowlingforJamaica.

Amanda Edwards had 2-17 amidst a horrible bowling exhibition by Leewards, who allowed Rashada Williams (32) alongside Captain Stefanie Taylor (22) and NatashaMcLeanwhofinishedthegamewith 33 off 28 not out, to get out of the blocks, eventually setting up an easy win for their team.

Round 2 continues tomorrow, Wednesday.

scorers. Nathaniel Ramsammy took 4 for 55 and Reshawn Sakrulla 2 for 43werethebestbowlersfor AlbionB.Inreply,AlbionB were dismissed for 149 in 34.3 overs with Ramsammy returning with the bat to score 24 and Chamesh Sewnauth13.AaronYacoob 3for38andGibranYacoob2 for21werethemainbowlers forUpperCorentyne.

Cotton Tree defeated Achievers B/ Bush Lot United by 88 runs at the Cotton Tree Ground. Cotton Tree 199 all out in 46.1 overs. Shoaib Gaffoor 28, Rohait Sarjoon 28, Arif Bacchus 22 Tulsieram

Ramcharran 5 for 13, Shahadon Mohamed 2 for 28. Achievers B/ Bush Lot111alloutin22overs,Justin Doobay51.

ShoaibGaffoor3for23, Arif Khan 3 for 25 and RashadGaffoor2for21.

RH Canje CC defeated East Bank Blazer by 216 runsatCanje.RHCanje-311 for 9 off 50 overs, Avishkar Persaud 119, Sanjay Algoo

47. Odwin Cort 2 for 72, ShamarSemple2for52and Josh Sampson2for41.East Bank Blazers- 95 all out in 25.2 overs, Odwin Cort 19, Shamar Semple 12. Richard Ramdeholl 3 for 1, Ahil Hemraj2for31andEnrique

Mickle2for14.

RHT Bakewell got past Skeldon Community Centre by 88 runs at the Area H Ground. RHTBakewell 191 all out in 48 overs. Rondy James32,MarioButcher30. L. Chaitnarine 3 for 9, M. Baichan 2 for 29. Skeldon 103 all out in 32 overs, J. Clarke 26, N. Singh 17. Deeraj Ramjit 5 for 32, MatthewPottaya3for6. Albion A breeze passed Guymine by 440 runs at the Jai Hind Ground.AlbionA469 for 7 from their allotted 50overs.AfrazBudhoo105, Ari-Afrizal Kadir 94 and DamionCecil57.D.Hope3 for 69, T John 2 for 51. Guymine- 29 all out in 12.4 overs. Kumar Deopersaud 3 for 1, Nicholas Ishack 3 for 8,AfrazBudhoo2for2.

Achievers A sent Bath packing with a five-wicket defeat. Bath- 105 all out in 25.1overs,AslamMohin20, SimonAnandram11.Nathan Karamchand5for11,Kemar Joseph3for15.AchieversA108 for 5 in 21.5 overs. Ezekiel Rogers 38, Collis Hardcourt 30 and Nathan Karamchand17.Christopher Baldeo3for16andSataydeo Ramnarine2for15.

Rampersaud Ramnauth

Shunelle Sawh scored 68 for TT in a losing effort.

Rampertab Ramnauth

Deeraj Ramjit

Avishkar Persaud

At the recently held meeting (from left) Viviane Tchung Ming Head of Cooperation Department for French Guiana (CTG), Suriname Director of Sport Gordon Touw Ngie Tjouw and Guyana’s Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle.

Footballer Lionel Messi poses after winning the 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the YearAward. (REUTERS/Johanna Geron)

Athlete Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce poses after winning the 2023 Laureus World Sportswoman of theYearAward. (REUTERS/Johanna Geron)