Kaieteur News

TIGI Head files cross appeal against EPA's move to reverse court decision on parent company guarantee

Pr e s i d e n t o f t h e TransparencyInstituteof Guyana (TIGI), Mr. Frederick Collins has filed a cross appeal against the move taken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have a High Court decision made for Exxon Mobil subsidiary's Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) provide itsparentcompanyguaranteeinthe eventofanoilspillreversed.

High Court Justice, Sandil Kissoonhadissuedanorderforthe EPA to send out an Enforcement Notice to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its parent company, Exxon Mobil to ensure it provides unlimited insurance coverage to safeguard Guyana against the devastatingeffectsofanoilspillby June10,2023.

However, the EPA filed an appeal against the ruling stipulates thatfailuretocomplywiththecourt order will result in the suspension of the environmental permit. The EPA,amongotherthings,isasking theAppealcourttostayorsuspend theorder

In his cross appeal which was seen by this newspaper, Collins saidthatheisadvisedbyhisteamof lawyers that it is trite law- that to obtain a stay of execution pending anappealanapplicantmustsatisfy thecourtthattheappealhasagood prospectofsuccess.

The appellant said, “I believe that this appeal does not have a good prospect of success since the judgment was based on the clear and simple wording of the Esso Permit that Esso is responsible for 'all' costs and that Esso must providefinancialassurance…”

He continued, “There are specialcircumstanceswhichwould exceptionally justify a stay in a matter such as this where the issue isnotaboutamoneyjudgmentbut inthenationalinterestaswellasthe justiceofthecase.”

Further, he claimed, “the summons is vague and lacking meritorsubstance.”

Collins stressed that the justice of the case requires that no stay be grantedastheobligationonthepart ofEssoinCondition14ofthesaid environmental permit which had been agreed to by Esso and by its

President, Mr Alistair G Routledgeissimplyacostofdoing business.

Asaresult,Collinssaidthatthe impact of a stay could be catastrophic.

The TIGI Head noted too that “If there is an oil spill, the environment of Guyana and its neighbouringterritories,thepeople and taxpayers of Guyana and the GovernmentofGuyana,willsuffer irreparable damage and therefore

the risk of injustice in granting a staywillbegreater,thaninrefusing astay.”

A stay of the Order of MandamusasrequestedbytheEPA wouldbenefitEssoandtransferthe risk from Esso and ExxonMobil CorporationtoGuyana.

Therearesomerisksthatshould not be taken The risk of a catastrophic event such as an oil spillisonesuchrisk.

He explained that, “If the unthinkable occurs and there is an event resulting in the release of hydrocarbons or contaminants in the course of the operations, the consequences will be devastating not only to the citizens of this land and the environment but to inhabitants of neighbouring states andterritoriesaswell.

Hestatedthat,“Ifsuchanevent occurs and there has been noncompliance with the obligations contained in Condition 14 by EEPGL, then the potential consequences are elevated and bordersoncatastrophic.”

AccordingtoCollins,everyday that Esso operates without the financialassurancebeinginplaceis

a day in which Guyana could be liableforbillionsofUSdollars.

Hesaidtoothatitiswellknown that Esso has been using faulty equipment, that Esso has been operating its Floating Production StorageOffloading(FPSO)vessels above the safety limits and that Esso's maps show that an oil spill couldreachJamaica.

Itishisviewthat thattheEPA's focus Affidavit appears to be misplaced as it appears to be concerned, guided and focused on the continuing economic sustainability of Esso's petroleum activities instead of on the EPA's exclusive statutory mandate to ensure compliance by Esso with condition14oftheEssoPermit.

“The EPA makes inflated, illogical, and spurious assertions aboutseveredisruptiontoGuyana's financial well-being and economy and that suspension of the permit willhavea“catastrophicimpacton nationalfunds”.

Infact,andonthecontrary,itis the stay which could have a catastrophic effect on national funds and Guyana's financial status,”Collinsstated.

EPA confident in appeal to court's ruling for adequate insurance from Exxon's parent company …Givesreasonforappeal

The Environmental

P r o t e c t i o n Agency (EPA) on Thursday issued a press release saying that it is confidentofbeingsuccessful in its appeal to the court's ruling which ordered that ExxonMobil Guyana parent company cover all costs for an oil disaster at its Liza Phase One drilling project offshoreGuyana.

In September 2022, P r e s i d e n t o f t h e Transparency Institute of GuyanaInc.(TIGI)Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte, through their lawyers, Mr Seenath Jairam, SC, and Ms. Melinda Janki, had approached the court to get the EPA to enforce a critical clause, Condition 14 in the Liza Phase 1 Environmental Permit (Renewed) issued on May31,2022.

That provision says ExxonMobil Corporation, the parent company for Esso Exploration Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), must cover costs for all environmental loss and damage that might result fromawellblowout,oilspill or other failure in the Liza Phase One Development ProjectinGuyana'sStabroek Block.

The court ordered the

EPAtoissueanEnforcement Notice on or before May 9, 2023, directed to EEPGL to performitsobligationsunder Condition 14 of the renewed environmental permit and to ensure that the oil company provide adequate insurance fortheprojectwithin30days (on or before June 10, 2023) as required by the said permit.

In the statement, the regulatory body clarified their position on why it will be appealing Justice Sandil Kissoon's May 3 ruling on theLizaPhaseOneFinancial Assurance.

The EPA and the oil company lost the case, with thecourtfindingthatEEPGL failed to provide sufficient insurance for its Liza One fieldprojectandthattheEPA had breached its statutory duty leaving “the nation and its people in grave potential danger of calamitous disaster”.

EPA said they have observed much speculation in the public domain on the ruling “We wish to emphasise that we take our mandate and responsibility seriously and have at all times discharged our statutory functions without fear or favour,” EPA's statementstated.

The agency said that it ensure to make decisions informed by available information, research and in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05, adding that theirapproachtocompliance and enforcement is in keeping with international standards.

“We respectfully do not agree with the ruling and sought counsel, and have since filed an appeal against the decision through

Attorney-at-Law, Sanjeev Datadin,”EPAsaid.

To this end it was stated, “We believe we have

excellent prospects for success.” The agency then listed their reasons for appealing the court's decision.

“The EPAat no time had any doubts that the Permit Holder was strictly and fully l i a b l e u n d e r t h e Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05 (EPAct) and the Permit for any pollution o r d a m a g e t o t h e environment, including compensation of affected parties The EPA always maintained that the Permit Holder had full and strict liability to clean up, restore, remediate, and compensate for any harm caused by pollution whether willfully or by accident,” the EPA explained.

F u r t h e r, i t w a s underscored that they have reviewed the Insurance Policy provided to it since 2019 against typical insurance coverage across several jurisdictions, and it was found that the coverage related to oil spill liabilities of 600 million was equivalent,andinsomecases exceeded the typical coverage offered in some jurisdictions.

The agency explained that it had to be diligent and ensured that it negotiated an

Guarantee that fulfilled the requirementofsection31(2) of the EPAAct which states that a requirement for Financial Assurance shall specifytheamount.

“The question therefore became,whatamountcanbe specifiedandhowcanthisbe estimated?” the agency questioned.

Further, the EPA said it wanted to ensure that any amountagreedupon,wasnot arbitrary, and could be renegotiated based on increased risks and any circumstances that resulted in the amounts specified beingexceeded.

It was explained that to achieve this, the EPA consulted practice in several jurisdictions, institutions, and regulators and oil spill liability regimes in the United States, United Kingdom,China,andBrazil, and found that despite the fact that there was full liability for oil spill on the part of operators, no j u r i s d i c t i o n h a d unlimited/uncapped FinancialAssurance.

The EPA said guidance receivedfoundthatoperators in those jurisdictions were required to provide an estimate of the reasonably

credible cost of responding andcleaningupaworst-case spill and this estimate was used to set amounts of Financial Assurance, including a declaration of financialcapability/rating.

As such, the EPA said it then instructed EEPGL to provide this estimate and declaration so that it can be used to inform the terms and conditions and amount of Financial Assurance in the Guarantee.

“At the time of the hearing of this matter, the EPA had received the estimatetothetuneof1.5to2 billion dollars and had several engagements discussing results and using same to inform its final negotiations on the agreement,” the EPA said, adding, “Negotiations concluded onApril 27, 2023 on the amount guaranteed, the terms and conditions for renegotiations based on increased risks, and next steps if unfulfilled obligations exceeded the 2 billionguaranteedamounts.”

To this end, the EPAsaid it maintains that at all material times it acted in accordancewiththelaw,and executed its statutory functions diligently and to thebestofitsabilities.

President of TIGI, Frederick Collins

Executive Director of EPA, Kemraj Parsram

Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

A lost EPA

Many Guyanese shrink and shudder when they read, thinkof,orhavetodealwithanotherdevelopmentfromthis country’sEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA).

Ratherdamaginglytotheinterestsofthisnation,thelocal EPAisalostsheep,acastratedbull,atoothlessguarddog Itis neitherincompetencenorindifferencenornegligenceofthepeople in the executive, managerial, and other ranks of a deboned and defangedStateagencythathasledtothisweakenedcondition Itis about the means and measures, the attitudes and objectives, of destructivepoliticians who are the worst of leaders, the most horrible decision makers that could be found anywhere, possiblyatanytime IntheUnitedStates,anationadvancedin learning, the tools oftechnology,rulesandregulations,policies andprocedures,andwithlayersofoversight,theEPAtherewas induced into a comatose state The US EPA toiled under the crushing weight of “depleted staffing levels, persistent funding challenges and a previous administration that left the agency neglected and scientifically compromised” (“Depleted under Trump,a‘traumatized’EPAstruggleswithitsmission”-New YorkTimes, January 23rd) Without a doubt, shortage of the rightpeopleinkeypositions,shortageofmoneytoinitiateand deliver on key programmes, and shortage of leadership backing,areallguaranteedtocrippleanygovernmententity, any business, regardless of the endeavor, the responsibility Anyoneofthosethreewouldbetraumatictoanorganisation, but to have all three at work at the same time is enough to paralyzeeventhebestinstitutions.Allthreearewhatoccurred duringPresidentDonaldTrump’stimeatthehelmoftheUS Government Morethan1200scientistsandpolicyexpertsleft theEPAduringTrump’stime Theinevitabledisastrousresult isthatAmerica’sEPAisstrugglingtorecover,crawlingonits hands and knees to get back on its feet, however unsteadily

TheEPA’sworkloadisoverwhelming,andastheNYTnoted, the agency’s enforcement unit is “prosecuting few polluters thanatanytimeinthelasttwodecades.”Thereasonsbehind these troubling circumstances are clear cut. Per the NYT article,“Mr TrumptriedeachyeartoslashtheE.P.Abudget byatleast30%;itisafundingstatethatnoorganizationcan cope with successfully This became particularly unmanageable after a 2016 law significantly increased the agency’s duties, but Trump did not approach Congress for the accompanying resources that were urgently needed. What then President Trump did was that he “dismantled scienceadvisorypanels,disregardedscientificevidence,and weakenedprotectionsforpollution.”

Somebody,somesubgroup,inGuyana’sPPPCGovernment hasdoneagoodimitationofDonaldTrump,throughwhathas beeninflicteduponourownEPA Guyana’sEPAisnotevena shellofwhatcould be called a self-respecting State agency, butacaricatureofthekindofgenuineenvironmentalsentinel that this country needs immediately and completely We can speak at length of the long and sorry record, as recently compiledbyGuyana’sEPA,andhammeritsmanagementand peoplefortheirglaringfailures Butthatwouldbebarkingup the wrong tree, and wasting energies in the wrong direction The truth is that the EPAhas been converted into a crippled creatureofthePPPCGovernment,sothatitspartiesincrime canbegivenfreerein WhatthePPPCGovernmenthasdonein outstandingfashion,iscleartheregulatoryway,andremoveany humanobstacles,sothatExxonMobilanditsoffshorepartnerscan runwhateverracketstheypleaseoutofsight Moreover,witha guttedandparalyzedEPApoliticallyhobbled,andprevented from taking charge of its crucial duties, ExxonMobil’s downstream, land-based corporate vendors, are given the greenlight to construct and operate whatever hazardous facilities may be necessary. After all, such materials and suchfacilitiesareanintegralpartoftheupstreamoffshoreoil beastthathastobefed.WerecognisethatGuyana’sEPAhas become a national punching bag, but it is not of its own making. ThelocalEPAhasbeenmuscledintothatbattered state by a scheming, possibly compromised, PPPC Government, and the covert political dirty work that is its handiwork, and what now characterizes Guyana’s oil management.

DEAREDITOR,

In its shameful and antinational appeal to Justice Sandil Kissoon’s fearless and powerful ruling against theEPAforitsbreachofduty andfailuretoenforceclauses inthePermitissuedtoESSO governing oil extraction, the EPA has argued that the Permit is a mere contract between the parties, and exceeds the boundaries of the EP Act (‘EPA files appeal against Exxon insurance ruling,’ SN, May 10, 2023). This statement is nothing short of outrageous and brings into sharp focus the conduct of PresidentAli and Vice President Jagdeo regarding their pre-elections promise to renegotiate the OilContractifelected.

DEAREDITOR,

It was during his weekly Facebook programme “Issues in the News” when t h e A G s a i d t h e aforementioned and explained that: “we (government) have to recognise what is in the nation’s best interest and act accordingly as we were electedtodoandthatweare doing in every one of our policy, endeavours and implementations.”

ThePPPwasvotedoutof office in 2015 over 30,000 PPPsupporters crossed over andthiswasmainlybecause ofthecorruptionandthefact that you guys seem to feel you now possess the repertoire of all knowledge. It seems to have made you guys feel infallible. A lot of us were hoping that the exit from office forced by the people of this county would havetaughtthePPPalesson butapparentlyyouguyshave not learnt. Don’t take the people for granted The Boogeyman PNC is not going to help you. Their conduct at the last elections haveassuredofthat.Bearin mindyouaretheguardianof our resources, our environment and the people will not allow you to continue acting as if it all belongtoyou.

With regards to the extractionofcrudeyouguys foughtGlenLallinthecourts on behalf of EXXON. This caused voters to commence wondering whose interests you really represent. The recent court ruling that

Nowensconcedinoffice and seemingly intoxicated with the newfound oil wealth, this duo has cited “contract sanctity” as the reason for the inability to honour their earlier pledges. By their reasoning, contract sanctity applies only to the Oil Contract and not the Permit allowing for oil extraction! This double standard clearly exposes the hypocrisy and duplicity of the government and its leaders.

Permit me to extend congratulations firstly to former EPA Head, Dr Vincent Adams on whose insistence the clause requiring full parent company guarantee for all claims and liabilities arising

from oil extraction in the deepblueseaisembeddedin the Permit. ExxonMobil is drilling through ~2,000 metres of water (>1 mile) and ~3,700 metres (> 2 miles) of rock. Among the other patriots who deserve praiseforagitatingforbetter terms in relation to

EXXON’s exploitation of Guyana’s petroleum resources are Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, Glenn Lall, GHK Lall, the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN), Red Thread, Ray Daggers, Simone Mangal, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes, Vanda Radzik, and Danuta Radzik, tonameafew For their noble and courageous court action

against the EPAfor its gross derelictionofdutythenation owes a debt of gratitude to TIGI’s President, Mr FredrickCollins,co-litigant, Mr Godfrey Whyte, Ms. Melinda Janki and the other attorneys who prosecuted the matter Finally, for his aforementioned landmark ruling, Justice Sandil Kissoon has secured his place in Guyana’s – and Caribbean – history The courage, integrity, and scholarship inherent in his rulingandhisfearlessnessin standing up for Guyana against a behemoth, will ensure that he will be respected for generations to come.

Sincerely,

RonaldBulkan

Exxon has to take full responsibility for the clean upintheeventofanoilspill, you dare to appeal We electedyoutorunouraffairs, to protect us, to protect our environment and now you appeal a decision by our courtsthatwouldensureour protection,thatwouldensure funds are made available to clean up our environment in theeventofanoilspill.

Nandlall said that the environmental permit does not impose any obligation for the Parent or affiliate company to provide unlimited Guarantee. Well, the Court is saying in keeping with its mandate it hasto.Itseemsyouandyour government have a problem withthatthusIquestionyour patriotism and your allegiance. Mr Minister if indeed it does not and it should have then the head andChairmanoftheEPAand the entire board should be fired as they have not acted toprotectourenvironmentin keeping with their mission. Gross negligence or some otherfactors?

Accordingtothepress,in responsetocriticismthatthe government is antinationalistic Nandlall said “our government is as nationalistic and as patriotic as they come and we have a track record in the People’s ProgressiveParty,wehavea track record of nationalistic conduct and patriotic behaviour and postures.” I would conclude that considering their attitude and actions re Exxon It is

mainly “postures” He said, “So I’m not too worried about those allegations.” Of course not, he seems to believethatalltheGuyanese people are sheepish and that that fear of the PNC would alwayswork.Mr AGdonot takeusforgranted.

According to the press Nandlall said that although the contract was skewed, a gross understatement, the countrywasstillabletoreap benefits and “is where it is now because of the oil and gas industry.” Did you guys notknowthatwhenyouwere screaminghowtheCoalition sold us out? Why did you guys not thank the coalition for signing the contract that have, as you said, facilitated wherewearenow?

You guys are suddenly comfortable with the contract. You speak of the sanctity of the contract. Sir, didyouguysinyourelection promisesnothaveacontract with the Guyanese electorate Where is the sanctityofthatcontract?You proposedandweacceptedby signing on the ballot papers.

You see sanctity of contract withEXXONbutnosanctity re contracts made with the Guyanesepeople.

Even if it is not easy to renegotiate the expert at Chatham House says the companywouldhavetokeep coming to us asking for t h i n g s a n d t h e s e opportunities could and should be used to make gains.

Instead of doing that we expedite the environmental

permits that are grossly inadequate and when the court so rules you guys appeal the decisions. How can the electorate trust you g u y s t o c o n t i n u e safeguardingGuyana?

N a n d l a l l s a i d , “Apparentlythereisagroup of persons in Guyana that wanttoseeusinaperpetual state of poverty They are now objecting to us exploiting our oil reserves and gas reserves… and we must continue to be cane cutters and rice farmers and we must not graduate out of thatlevel.”

This is just nothing but emotional ranting and demonstrates that Nandlall has no real defense of the great betrayal of the Guyanese people by his government.Whenyouguys inthePPPwereshoutingand foaming at the mouth when thePNCsignedthecontract, wereyouguysguiltyofwhat younowaccuseothersof?

You guys opened back the estates, so, were you thinking of producing sugar without cane cutters, weeders etc Suggestions were put forward to allocate plots of land to the workers. Whydidyouguysnotdothat so they can become independent and cease to be canecuttersandweeders?

N a n d l a l l s a i d , “…neighbouring countries have been pumping oil for 100 years, which enabled them to enrich themselves and their people, “and the worlddidnotcometoan (Continued

Shameful, anti-national appeal to Justice Kissoon’s fearless and powerful ruling

Withdraw your appeal of the Court’s decisions which serves to protect Guyana

MediafreedomisevidentinGuyana

DEAREDITOR, OnWorldPressFreedom Day 2023, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame Mc Coy, stated that “Government (meaning the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s) does not dodge the media, and is always willing to engage.” He expanded on this, noting that “We are perhaps one of the most readily available sets of Government officials, especially from the Cabinet level, where we are on outreaches after outreaches in communities…We don’t dodge or hide from the media,becauseweknowthat you (the media) are playing an important role by pursuing us and seeking answers and wanting information.”

What can I say to this pronouncement?

First, in terms of main stream media, the PPP/C Government has never sought to stifle any entity, and has allowed ‘one and all,’irrespective of personal agenda’s, to go about their work in a most unimpeded manner Yes, Government personnel, including

Members of the Cabinet, have had quite a few spats with various media houses, but at no time suppression, coercion and threats were used. All of the fraternities have been allowed to go about their business in whatever way they wanted.

For example, even without pulling printed item, the public knows what is the drive of Kaieteur and Stabroek News Both entitiesseempossessedwith Government antipathies

This is their right, and it has gone on to an obsessive level, where, even if and when events are being covered, opinion pieces reflect biases and condemnation, even for basiceverydaypeccadillos. Readers, this takes me back to the erstwhile era of pre-1992. Back then it was the People’s National Congress(PNC)whowentto the extreme of controlling the media. I recall when, in

1970, LFS Burnham acquired the national newspapers, the “Daily and Sunday Chronicle”; and the “Daily and Sunday Guyana Graphic” in 1973, and mergedthemasthe“Guyana Chronicle” in 1976. During that very year, “Radio Demerara” was purchased andmergedwiththealready state-owned “Guyana Broadcasting Corporation”. As one local editorial highlighted, “In conjunction with the sycophantic treatment of Burnham, the P.N.C. and its ideology, the mediawereusedtoviciously attack the opposition (PPP). TheracistlinethatBurnham and the P.N.C. could not overtly espouse (being protective of their

“progressive” Third World reputation) was delegated to the House of Israel. This groupfannedtheethnicfears of the PNC supporters of being dominated by the traditional supporters of the PPP by violently attacking them while predicting an i m m i n e n t r a c i a l

“Armageddon”inGuyana.

The independent media became vestigial: a weekly four-page tabloid (PPP’s Mirror) and three “eight by seventeen” mimeographed newsletters(two—W.P.A.’s ‘OpenWord’and‘Dayclean’ — together with “Catholic Standard” of the Catholic Church).Eventhesevestiges were harassed continuously bylibelsuits,intimidationof journalists,andnon-delivery of newsprint. During this horribleera,on14July1979

Bernard Darke, a Britishborn, Guyana-based Jesuit priest and photographer for the Catholic Standard, was stabbedtodeathbymembers of the House of Israel, a religious cult closely tied to the People’s National C o n g r e s s , w h i l e photographing Working People’s Alliance demonstrations of the PNC. Guyana’s Stabroek News describedthismurderas“the low point of democracy in Guyana”and,forthoseinthe media, “perhaps the most traumatic event of the Burnham regime. As we all

know, it got worse-Rodney waskilled.

Howdifferentthepresent regime is and how times havechanged.Sufficetosay, no one can truly say that his/her work journalistically is in a milieu of fear or intimidation.

Today, as of now, and at any time and place, the mediaareallowedtoagitate, investigate, and scrutinize our leaders and institutions. And why not? After all, “Freedom of the press states that expression and communication through published media – like in print and video – is a right, but with its caveat. We all agree that “Common limitations to freedom of speech relate to slander, obscenity, pornography, sedition,incitement,fighting w o r d s , c l a s s i f i e d information, copyright violation,tradesecrets,food labeling, non-disclosure agreements, the right to privacy, the right to be forgotten, public security, and perjury.” For in a world without journalism, we would be vulnerable to manipulation, and have no wayofevenknowing,much lessfightingback.

ItakethesideofKwame McCoy, who correctly and soundly iterated that “The PPP/C Government has posited that, in the wake of recognizing the role of the media in holding officebearers accountable, it is ‘readily available’to answer and provide information (but) contended that his administration also places emphasis on protecting the rights of media workers.” Hissuccinctexplanationis (Continuedonpage06)

DEAREDITOR

President IrfaanAli (and his entourage) along with other third world leaders whoattendedthecoronation of Charles III should be ashamed of giving credence totheMonarchyresponsible forcausingthelossoftensof millions of lives in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Apart from the slave trade, millions more were killed through massacres and famineduringtheexpansion of the British Empire Concentration camps were established by the British in Africa during the AngloBoer wars between 18801902.

It was two white powers fighting for black owned, diamond laden, l a n d - r e s u l t i n g i n thousands of African and Boerdeaths

T h e B o e r s a r e descendants of the early Dutch settlers After the defeat of the Dutch the British instituted a travel policy whereby a pass was needed for blacks to travel within South Africa,thus setting the stage for Apartheid and the rise to fame of one man-Mahatma Gandhiwho foughtagainst white dominationoverblacks.

During this period, millions of deaths in Africa had resulted from the harsh stipulations imposed by the British whereby a certain amount of food produced had to be exported and a meager amount was left for local consumption This precipitated massive famine w h i l e m e d i c a l experimentation on the

tribes, like injecting them with smallpox to observe how the human body will reacthadclaimedthelivesof hundredofthousands.

India stands out as the most horrifying casualty of the British Monarchy. Famines were widespread and deaths were excessively high because of British mandated policies of quotas offoodhadtobeexportedto Britain at the expense of localnecessity

The Great Bengal famine 1769-1770 stands as one of the single most horrific atrocities to have occurred under British colonial rule Over 10 million Indians died of starvation, malnutrition, childbirth related

complications and diseases Worse yet the C h a l i s a f a m i n e 1782–1784 in North India took more than 11 million lives and the Doji bara famine of 1791–1792,

claimed another 11 millionlives

The Great Famine of 1876–1878, also known as theSouthernIndiafamineof 1876–1878 7claimed 5 5 million souls. Upper Doab famineof1860–1861took2 million lives while from 1943 to 1944, more than 3 million Indians died of starvation and malnutrition inBengal.

Now for Anglo-Saxon thievery:The Star ofAfrica, the 530 carat Cullinan

diamond found in 1905 and delivered in1907 to the monarchy, was carved into several pieces, one of which is in the Royal Scepter that King Charles displayed at thecoronation.

The largest portion is mounted on the sovereign scepter and was first used at the coronation of C h a r l e s ’ s g r e a t grandfather King George Vin1911

Its 317 carats are mounted on the front of the Imperial State Crown while several pieces of the stones from the diamond were worn by Camilla while other gems were mounted on the sovereign’s scepter

The diamond which came from India had changed hands several times and was finally passed to Maharaja Ranjit Singh,theSikhemperorof Punjabaround1810

Afterhisdeathin1839it was passed on to his 5-yearold son who in 1846 gave it toQueenVictoria.

The diamond was worn byQueensAlexandra,Mary, and Elizabeth (the Queen Mother).

It was last seen in public atherfuneralin2002.

The Royal carriage/gold stagecoach is made up of gold mainly from South Africa and Indian gemstones.

Sincerely,

LeylandRoopnarine

Whythirdworldleaderssupportedthe monarchythatkilledmillionsoftheirpeople?

MediafreedomisevidentinGuyana...

Frompage5

that “We will always be the protector of rights in our countryatalltimes.Wewill always protect the rights of journalists, media practitioners, groups in our society, and every single

citizen of this country; and visitors too. We believe that we truly embody the true spiritandmeaningofwhatit istoencourageandfacilitate rights throughout our country … (and thus) in the execution of duties, there

will be no interference.”

Long live the dailiesChronicle, Times, Stabroek and Kaieteur Continue to ‘doyourthingfearlesslybut legally.’

Yourstruly, H.B.Singh.

WithdrawyourappealoftheCourt’s...

Frompage4 end ” Well the first part ,”enabling themselves”,istruethereandherebutnotthe second. Nigeria 85m in poverty, Botswana, 24%Ghana50%,Guyana40%.Itishowthe contracts are written, how the government dealwiththecompaniesandhowthepeoples’ moneyisspent.

The VP claimed we have the strongest laws but it only has steep penalty if the Finance Minister does not inform us of how much is withdrawn not how it is spent and thisisthehugeelephantintheroom.

IwrotetwolettersinthePressintheKN dated 2023-04-30, captioned, “We need to question our leaders more about the oil

BarAssociation warns lawyers about advertising their services

DEAREDITOR

sector” and the other in the Stabroek News datedMay9th2023andcaptioned“Howcan thiscontractpossessanysanctity”.

Honourable Nandlall please read and give a public response to my letters. Please point out if I am wrong and why? Just remember,oneoilspillandeventhecrumbs this government is suddenly satisfied with willbewashedaway Withdrawyourappeal of the Court’s decisions which serves to protect Guyana and the Guyanese people. Remember you guys have a one seat majority Exxondoesnotvote.

Sincerely

RajendraBisessar BSCSociology,LLB

The Bar Association of Guyanahasbeenmonitoring and observing with concern, the advertising of legal services particularly by persons who are not duly authorised to practice law in Guyana.Thepracticeoflaw in Guyana without being dulypermittedtodosounder the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap 4:01 is an offence pursuant to S 45(1)(c) thereof and punishable by a fineofupto$500,000.00and imprisonmentforoneyear

S i m i l a r l y , t h e advertisement of legal servicesinGuyanaisstrictly prohibited pursuant to Rule VI of the said Act, whether by Attorneys-at-Law and or anypersonwhatsoever PART VI (1) “The advertisement of legal service in or through any medium is strictly forbidden.”

Toutingisalsoanoffence under the aforesaid Act punishable by a fine and imprisonment for six (6)

months.Atout is defined in thesaidActas–apersonwho procures in consideration of any remuneration moving fromanylegalpractitioneror from any person on his behalf, the employment of suchlegalpractitionerinany legalbusiness…”

The Bar Association notes, the heightened frequencyespeciallyoverthe past year of persons who are notdulyadmittedtopractice law in Guyana brazenly advertisingtheofferoflegal services which in some instances, includes the preparation of a number of legal documents touching and concerning inter alia divorces, custody, deeds, leases, conveyances, a g r e e m e n t s , l a n d transactionsandestates.

We also note with alarm, theabusebysomeJusticesof thePeaceandCommissioners ofOathstoAffidavitsoftheir commission, in performing legal services including the drafting of legal documents contrary to the Legal

PractitionersAct, Cap. 4:01. With regard hereto, Justices of the Peace and or Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavitsareonlypermitted pursuant to S. 96 of the Evidence Act, Cap. 5:03 to certify the receipt of such oaths, affirmations and or statutory declarations. Such commission does NOT extend to and or permit the drafting and or preparation ofanylegaldocumentsorin any way permit the performance of any legal service.TheAssociationhas incertaincasesbroughtsame to the attention of the Honourable Attorney General with a view of having the commissions revoked of infringing Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavits We therefore cautionthatpersonsfoundto be offering legal services without being duly authorised to so do and or advertising such legal services will be brought beforetheCourtstobedealt with to the full extent of the law

Members of the public may contact the Bar Office ( 2 3 1 - 4 4 6 4 o r guyanabar@gmail com) or the Supreme Court Registry to ensure that persons they are engaging with and or proposetoengagewitharein fact Attorneys-at-Law duly registered on the Rolls of Courtandtherebyauthorised to practice law and offer legalservicesinGuyana. BestRegards, KeomaD.Griffith(Mr.) Secretary

The Bar Association of Guyana

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Exxon contract barefaced

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A man says Exxon contract is bare-faced.

The Exxon contract is also bare-bottom.

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The Exxon contract will leave Guyanese bare-foot.

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The Exxon contract will have Guyanese eating bare rice.

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The Exxon contract will leave Guyanese bare skin.

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“Shameful and anti-national”

…FormerMinister,BulkancondemnsEPA'sappealagainstHighCourt rulingonoilspillinsuranceandparentguaranteebyExxonMobil

Former Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, has condemned the move by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to appeal the recent ruling by High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon regarding oil spill insurance and the parent company guarantee by ExxonMobil, calling it a “shameful” and “antinational” appeal of the “powerful”ruling.

On May 3, Justice Kissoon ruled that the EPA mustenforceCondition14in t h e L i z a P h a s e 1 Environmental Permit (Renewed). That provision s a y s E x x o n M o b i l Corporation, the parent company for Esso

Exploration Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), must cover costs for all environmental loss and damage that might result fromawellblowout,oilspill or other failure in the Liza

Phase One Development ProjectinGuyana'sStabroek Block. The court also ruled that the EPA breached its statutory duty.He explained that with ExxonMobil drilling through 2,000 metresofwater(>1mile)and ~3,700 metres (>2 miles) of rock; the nation owes a debt of gratitude to Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) President, Frederick Collins,Mr GodfreyWhyte, and their lawyers, Mr SeenathJairam,SC,andMs. MelindaJankifortheirnoble and courageous court action against the EPAfor its gross derelictionofduty

Bulkansaidthatbyvirtue of the landmark ruling, Justice Sandil Kissoon has secured a place in Guyana's andtheCaribbeanhistory

“The courage, integrity, and scholarship inherent in hisrulingandhisfearlessness in standing up for Guyana against a behemoth, will

ensure that he will be respected for generations to come, ” the former governmentministersaid.

Additionally,Bulkansaid the EPA's decision to appeal isnothingshortofoutrageous and brings into sharp focus the conduct of President IrfaanAliandVicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo, regarding theirpre-electionspromiseto renegotiate the Oil Contract ifelected.

“Nowensconcedinoffice and seemingly intoxicated with the newfound oil wealth, this duo has cited “contract sanctity” as the reason for the inability to honour their earlier pledges. By their reasoning, contract sanctity applies only to the Oil Contract and not the Permit allowing for oil extraction!

This double standard clearlyexposesthehypocrisy and duplicity of the government and its leaders,”

Bulkancontinued.

The former minister expressed gratitude to former head of the EPA, Dr Vincent Adams, who insisted that the clause requiring full parent company guarantee for all claims and liabilities arising from oil extraction offshore Guyana be embedded in the environmental permit Bulkan praised the other

patriotsforfightingforbetter terms in relation to Exxon's exploitation of Guyana's petroleum resources – he thanks Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, Dr Glenn Lall, GHK Lall, the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN), Red Thread, Ray Daggers, Simone Mangal, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes, Vanda Radzik, and Danuta Radzik.

Anthony urges caution despite downgrade of COVID-19 threat

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony said he is pleased with the recent announcement by theWorld HealthOrganisation(WHO) that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency, however, he noted that vigilance and precautions are necessary to guard against a repeat of a pandemic.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on the sideline of an event on Thursday, the health minister stressed that countries still have to be cautious “We have to continue to be vigilant. Our surveillance systems are pretty much in place. We havebeenmonitoringcases, althoughoverthelastcouple ofmonths.Wehavenotseen many cases, and we, of course,monitorhospitaldata as well to see how many people would get sick,” Dr Anthonydisclosed.

HenotedthattheWHO's responsibility is to ensure that there was an efficient responsetothepandemic.In this case, it was a new

disease and a lot of information was not known on how to fix it at the time, with no tests or vaccines or medicinesavailable.

However, all these were developed within a short period, and there is now a better understanding of the disease. “Having all these newtoolsinplace,countries have worked hard to reduce the burden of the disease. I think that when the WHO looked at all this information They felt

comfortable to make such a declaration that it is no longer a public health emergency globally,” Dr Anthonyunderscored.

The ministry will continue to administer vaccinesandcurrently,there is a bivalent vaccine that persons can access “We continue to work and encouragepeopletogettheir boosters.Iftheygetsickand they are uncertain, they shouldgettested,andifthey are hospitalised. Of course, we will take care of them in thehospital.Sothathasbeen our posture and we will continue to do that,” the healthministernoted.

InGuyana,todate,more than 73,000 persons were infected with COVID-19, with 1,298 persons dying as a result Worldwide the disease affected more than 756 million people and killed almost 7 million people. According to the WHO, as of last week, COVID-19 still claimed a life every three minutes as thevirusmutates.TheWHO declared Covid a pandemic onMarch11,2020.

Man found dead, tied up under Takutu Bridge

Police in Region

N i n e a r e investigating a suspected murder of an unidentified man whose body was found tied up under the Takutu River Bridge which links Guyana and Brazil on Wednesday afternoon.

According to reports, the body was found in a

sitting position bracing the concrete bridge wall. The deceasedwascladinablack long-sleevedshirtandblack underwear

His hands and feet were tied with a multi-coloured rope, and the neck was also tiedwithaclothsuspectedto bethevictim'spants.

The police said upon examination of the body,

marksofviolencewereseen on the right knee and neck. The body was removed and taken to Lethem Regional Hospital, where a doctor officially pronounced it dead.

Thebody,thepolicesaid isatthehospital'smortuary, awaitingidentificationanda post-mortem. Investigations areongoing.

Ronald Bulkan

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

The media in Guyana is a divided house

The forthcoming election of the executive of the Guyana Press Association is being held under a cloud of suspicion. Unless,thereisanattemptin the remaining few days before the elections to forge a consensus part forward, any outcome in which the GPA is divided along partisanlineswillcompound the historic divisions within thelocalmedia.

The Guyana media has historically been a divided house. The divisions have mainly been along political lines. While there are some class divisions within the media, this aspect has never affected professionalism to the extent in which partisan divisions have undermined professionalstandards.

Guyana has always producedcapablejournalists and editors. But many of them have been infected by partisan and at times the racial bug and that has undermined objectivity and fairness. But the greatest tragedy of this aspect has beenthattheonemostguilty ofthesemisdeedshavebeen some of our more senior journalists. The bias and one-sidedness of some of Guyana’s senior media operatives have been galling.

Elements within the media played no small part in the violence which engulfedGuyana from 1997 to 2008. Almost on a daily basis,mediaoperativeswere therestirringthecauldronof hatred and animosity, spreading misinformation and inciting rebellion. In oneinstance,aseniormedia operative was in a large group of protestors who began to stone the home of the now Speaker of the NationalAssemblywhowas

then an Opposition Leader That media person did not condemn or say anything aboutwhathewitnessed.

But this was not a new development From the 1960’s onwards to the second decade of the 21st century,thelocalmediawas complicit in the country’s political tragedy and the ensuing violence Even during the 2020 general and regional elections, there were elements within the media,whoinsteadoftaking an independent and professional line, were guilty of acting in a partisan andunprofessionalmanner.

But the 2020 elections didthrowuparayofhope.A newgenerationofjournalists had emerged and they were aghast at what they saw happening The more youthful members of the media saw first-hand what they had only read about: theysawanattempttorigthe elections and they were in frontseatobservingwhileall ofthiswashappening.Itwas anawakeningforthem.

Many of them took a principled and professional position So aghast they were about what was taking place that they began to exposewhatwashappening. Their professionalism offered real hope for the future of journalism in Guyana.

But the PPPC dashed those hopes. When it was finally sworn-in to office it launchedacampaigntowoo members of the media away from this newspaper It was successfulinattractingsome persons This policy has affected the independent media This deliberate attempt to dominate and control the media is behind some of the suspicions v o i c e d a b o u t t h e

Dem boys seh...

government’s agenda in respect to the forthcoming election of the GPA’s executive.

TheGPAhasaccusedthe government of wanting to establish an independent media association They government, in turn, has not hidden its disaffection with the criticisms vented by the GPA and has not ruled out the formation of a parallel GPA.

This is the cloud of divisiveness which hands overthisweekend’selection. And it is not healthy for the media. Just at a time when there were promising sign that the fraternity was becomingmoreindependent and less partisan this controversythreatenstosplit thepress.

Further suspicion has beencaseovertheelections. Amajorsourceofcontention has been concerns about the non-availabilityofthelistof personseligibletovote.And theGPAhasaddedfueltothe fire by indicating that there was recently a membership drive, an issue that is bound to raise concerns about threats to the freeness of the poll.

Based on comments fromtheGPA,thereappears inthepasttobeareluctance to accept content providers from social media as legitimate journalists. The Constitution of the GPAhas a limited definition of journalists, circumscribing them to those involved in gathering, editing, presenting and commenting on “information and events and editorial policydirection of the content of newspapers, magazines, pressorsyndicatedservices, professional or business publications, radio, television, cinema and the

Nah involve de school children in election campaign

DeeVee Pee land down inRegion1andwasgreeted at de airstrip by de party faithful and also, strangely byschoolchildren.

NowdeVeePeewentto campaign fuh local government elections. And school children nah gat no right being there to greet him.

Thiswasapartytripand not a government from de lookofthings,andwemust always separate de two. When Ministers go fuh do government business, dem can be garlanded and greeted by de school

children.Infactdemschool children does look forward tomeetingdemleaders.But whenispartybusiness,dem schoolchildren should not bepresent.

Because yuh doh want involvechildreninpartisan campaigning.Was de same concern on de East Coast. But dis time yuh nah know whether was party or government business. De President turn up to visit some communities on de EastCoast.

And schoolchildren were there at one of the places.So wereteachers.If

teachingofjournalism”

As can be seen social media is excluded but not professional and business publications. As such, it is left to be seen from whence the new voting members of theGPAaredrawn.

Theconcernsnowbeing expressed about the nonpublication of those eligible to vote are not immaterial. They have the potential to further divide the media fraternity and thus

underminepressfreedom.

In such a scenario of a divided media, whoever winstheelections,themedia

will lose As such consideration should be givenevenatthislatehourto having a consensus candidateasPresident.

Unity should be of the utmost importance Whoever is chosen as this candidate should be someone who enjoys the respect and support of all

factionswithinthemedia.

D i s c l a i m e r : T h e opinions expressed in this column are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or viewsofKaieteurNews.a

dis part was a government trip, well nothing is wrong withdat.

But what surprise dem boyswasderedshirtdatde Presidenthadon.Demboys hadtocheckdealmanacfuh seewhetheritwasMayDay or Valentine Day Or whether de President donning party colours. Or whether was mere coincidencedathechoseto wear a red shirt.Dat is why dem boys feel we should separate party business from government business. Fuhavoidconfusion Talkhalf.Leffhalf

body lacks leadership, failing to carry out core functions

Patterson flays ‘derelict’ procurement commission ….says

Me m b e r o f Parliament, D a v i d Patterson has flayed the Public Procurement Commission saying that the bodyhasfailedtorespondto complaints he filed and also appearstolackleadership.

It is not the first time, Patterson a former minister of Public Infrastructure has criticized the work of the commissionbeingchairedby Attorney, Pauline Chase Like Patterson several members of the public have also criticised the Commission for failing to monitor the many multibillion contracts being

awardedbythegovernment.

“The “independent” constitutional agency, the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is yet to p r o v i d e a n acknowledgement to my official complaints for contracts investigation, lodged since February 2023. I visited the PPC's open day last month and requested a m e e t i n g w i t h t h e Chairperson, since I am told that this is the only person whoisauthorisedtospeakon the PPC's behalf. I am also yet to receive a reply to my request for a meeting. One can conclude that the PPC l a c k s l e a d e r s h i p ,

functionality, and accountability to taxpayers, given that a simple acknowledgement to my official complaints for an investigation of contracts awarded to debarred contractors and contracts flagged by the auditor general have not elicited a response by the PPC, the agency constitutionally mandated to do so, ”

Patterson detailed in a letter to this newspaper on Thursday

He said the PPC is thereforenotfunctionalinits most important function “to monitor and investigate” contracts awarded, since not

one single investigation has been done while billions of dollars are “shared out” through questionable procurement procedures which the media has repeatedly carried - none of whichthePPCeverbothered toaddress.

Patterson said a perusal of the PPC's Facebook page reveals that the current “core”functionofthePPCis “training” and not accountability, not transparency and not good governance – the lack of theseinternationalindicators certainly aligns with the Facebook claim. He said on the open day visit, he met withthecompetentstaffwho are knowledgeable in their respective fields, which makes the inaction of this entityevenmoreconcerning “Why is the PPC is not carrying out one of its most important functions – to investigate and monitor multi- millions/billions of dollars of taxpayers' money and oil revenues? The conclusionisclear–thePPC lacks independence, leadership,anditisplayinga “go-slow” tactic so that the

work of the PPC is deliberately stalled, ” Pattersoncharged. He recalled that in his previous statement to the press, he referred to the fact that the PPC is seeking external legal advice to find out if it can carry out its function and is engaging the services of a strategically chosen lawyer to the tune of US$4,000- a blatant disregard for the internal legal team, a waste of

(Continuedonpage22)

Chairman of PPC, Pauline Chase

Member of Parliament, David Patterson

Govt. to explore financial, other support for Essequibo farmers –PresidentAli

The government is committed to exploring financial and other support for Essequibo farmers, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said on Thursday during a meeting in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

During the president's visit, he addressed a number of concerns of farmers and other residents along the Essequibo Coast. He was accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister within the MinistryofPublicWorks,DeodatIndar

ThemeetingwashostedatHampton Court, where the head of state used the opportunity to better understand the challenges of those in attendance. The farmers expressed their need for assistance in obtaining seed paddy, fertiliser, and additional financial support to regain access to their lands, which were adversely affected by variousfactors.

President Ali assured them that his governmentwillworktowardsfindinga viable solution to their issues He emphasised the need for an assessment in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance to accurately evaluate the farmers' requests, and explore avenues for financial support. On the issue of financial support, the presidentstatedthatthegovernmentwill consider engaging with the banks to provideaidtothefarmers.

“I am going to ask the Minister of Financetocomeandtalkwiththesmall farmers…just like we did with forestry, wehavetocomeup,withthebank,with a solution,” President Ali told the farmers.Meanwhile,theresidentsraised concerns regarding community roads and matters related to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and President Aliassuredthemthattheseissueswillbe addressed by the relevant agencies.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali engaging Essequibo farmers

PAHO calls for improved management of hypertension

In the run-up to World HypertensionDay(17May), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director,Dr JarbasBarbosa, has urged countries to intensify efforts to improve the management of hypertension,ameasurethat could save around 420,000 lives in the Americas each year

While hypertension affects180millionpeoplein theRegion(18%ofadults)it “often has absolutely no symptoms nor signs and is therefore frequently undiagnosedanduntreated,”

Dr Barbosa said during a media briefing onThursday “This is serious because u n d i a g n o s e d a n d uncontrolled hypertension canleadtoheartattack,heart failureorstroke,”headded.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the main cause of premature death in the Region, responsible for around 2 million lives lost eachyear

YetintheAmericasover one-third of men and a quarter of women with hypertension (aged 30 to 79 years)areunawaretheyhave the condition. And of those

who are aware they have hypertension and receive treatment,onlyathird(36%) haveitundercontrol.

The PAHO Director highlighted that countries must “intensify the scale-up and ensure equitable access to care for hypertension,” and provide training to ensure the latest approaches for diagnosis and treatment are practiced in primary health clinics across the Americas.Theseincludethe PAHOHEARTSinitiative,a

clinically validated blood pressure measurement devices, is also key to accurately diagnose and manage hypertension, Dr Barbosaadded.

Yet many lack this vital equipment Countries can accessthesedevices,aswell as quality-assured a n t i h y p e r t e n s i v e medications at competitive prices via the PAHO Strategic Fund, a pooled procurement mechanism for essential medicines and

iBet Supreme, a subsidiary of Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) based in Guyana, has announced the restructuring of its administrative and retailoperationsaspartofits overall plan for expansion, the company said in a press release.

The restructuring includestherelocationofits retail operations and the company'scorporateoffices.

Stefan Miller, Senior Vice President of Product Management and Business Development at SVL, commented on how the new location for iBet Supreme's retail operations that aligns with the company's vision forexpansion.

“With a strategic vision of growth, we have invested in a new state-of-the-art retail facility on Charlotte Street in Georgetown that will not only allow us to better serve our customers butwillalsogreatlyenhance the gaming experience for everyone who visits the

model of care for

cardiovascular risk management, which is currentlybeingimplemented inaround3000clinicsacross theRegion.

The Director also urged countries to implement interventions to promote healthy diets, such as frontof-package warning labels

o n p r o c e s s e d a n d

ultraprocessed food products, and measures to reducesaltintake.

Ensuring that primary health care clinics have

healthtechnologies.

Lifestyle changes and l i f e l o n g u s e o f a n t i h y p e r t e n s i v e medications are also key to reducing and controlling the condition.

WorldHypertensionDay is observed on 17 May each yeartoraiseawarenessofthe urgent need to promote the prevention, detection and controlofhypertension.The theme this year is “Measure your blood pressure accurately, Control it, Live Longer.”

store.

Meanwhile, our new corporate office on Lamaha Street will provide a dedicated space for our administrative and support staff,allowingthemtofocus on providing the highest level of service to our customers and our over 70 retailers in the country Our goal is to be the premier gaming destination in Guyana, and we are confidentthatthismovewill helpusachievethatgoal.”

As part of the launch activities for its new retail location, iBet Supreme will hostaspecialeventthatwill provide customers with excitingopportunitiestowin prizesincludingfreegaming creditsandcash.

Abigail Primo-Chase, Deputy General Manager of iBet Supreme, echoed Miller's sentiments, adding, "Our team is dedicated to providing our customers with the best gaming experience locally and so we'reveryproudtoopenthe

doors to this brand new location.

The relocation is a bold step towards enhancing our capacitytomeettheneedsof our customers, and we look forward to continuing to deliver the exceptional service that our customers havecometoloveandexpect fromusatiBetSupreme."

iBet Supreme launched in December 2018 offering popular numbers games, 'Cash Pot', a one drop numbersgamethatisplayed 6 times a day and 'Money Time', a roulette themed game that is played every 4 minutes.

The company later expanded its offering to include sports betting and online gaming on its Ibet gamesplatform.

For SVL, the launch of thenewlocationrepresentsa significant milestone in iBet Supreme's growth journey, and the Company looks forward to continuing to provide quality gaming servicestoitscustomers.

iBet Supreme restructures retail operations as part of growth strategy

…sayscountriescouldsave420,000liveseachyearintheAmericas

MP Mahipaul's Motion did not qualify as a matter of urgent importance -Speaker

Speaker of the National

Assembly, Manzoor Nadir on Thursday said that the Motion submitted by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP),GaneshMahipaulcallingon the ExecutiveArm of Government andtheAttorneyGeneraltohonour the ruling of Justice Sandil Kissoon, regarding oil spill insurance and the parent company guarantee by ExxonMobil, did not qualify as a definite matter of urgentimportance.

Nadir, in a statement to the media, said “at yesterday's Sitting of the National Assembly, I

disallowedarequestfromtheHon. Ganesh Mahipaul to adjourn the Assembly to discuss a matter of urgent public importance concerning a motion to discuss oil spillliabilitycoverage. Thematter did not qualify as a definite matter ofurgentimportance,sinceIwasof the view that the matter was subjudice.”

The Speaker explained that he had previously ruled that a matter becomes sub-judice if a judge is assignedtothecase,adateisgiven andthecasehasreachedastageof evidencebeforethecourt.

“ItwasmischievousoftheHon.

Member Mahipaul to bring the motionwhenheknewfullythatthe matter did not qualify He just wanted to grandstand and play for anaudiencewhichtheAPNU-AFC isfamiliarwith,”Nadirsaid.

TheSpeakeroftheHousenoted too that at 7:17 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, he received the request from Mahipaul for the adjournmentoftheAssembly “Iwasalreadyaware,througha Inewsrelease,at5:10p.m.,two(2) hours before the Hon. Mahipaul's email, that an appeal was filed. Subsequently, I was informed at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9,

2023, that the matter was fixed before a judge. It should be noted that since I assumed the Office of Speaker, I have been consistent in my application of the sub-judice rule.”

Further, Nadir accused the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament of just wanting “an opportunity to grandstand regardless.”

“Further, even if there was no appealbeforethecourt,themotion wouldhavedisqualifieditself

(Continuedonpage22)

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

'Gun Nutt' freed of 2016 murder in front

West Ruimveldt High School

Colvin Johnson who was on trial for the 2016 murder of 29-year-old Paul Rodney of Lot 530 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, has beenacquittedofthecrime.

On Monday, Johnson called “Gun Nutt” of East Ruimveldt, was acquitted by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court. He wasrepresentedbyAttorneyat-Law,LeslieSobers.

Johnson was jointly charged with Joshua Meredith, 29 who was last week sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime after he opted to plead guilty to manslaughter Both men werechargedfortheshooting death of Rodney which occurred on November 21, 2016, at Avocado Square, EastRuimveldt.

According to Johnson's lawyer, his client had maintained his innocence from the inception. Sobers said that at the end of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) at the magistracy level, a nocase submission was entered onbehalfofJohnsonbutwas overruled and Johnson was committed to stand trial beforeajudgeandjuryatthe highcourt.

On Monday, Justice Kissoon ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case againstJohnson.Itwasstated too that there was no evidence that Johnson was involvedintheshooting.The eye-witness of the actual killing of Rodney testified that Johnson was nowhere there.

Notably, another witness for the prosecution testified that he saw Johnson doing

something that appeared to be shooting, but he placed Johnsonfarawayfromwhere Rodneywaskilledandwithin adifferenttimeframe.

As a result of the evidence that was presented tothecourt,Johnsonisnowa freeman.

On May 3, 2023, Joshua Meredith received the life sentence Meredith was sentenced by Justice Jo-Ann BarlowattheDemeraraHigh Court. According to reports, Rodneywasgunneddownin front of the East Ruimveldt Secondary School during an argument moments after attending a dance at the school.

Before Meredith was sentenced,aprobationreport on his behalf was read to the court.

The court heard that in December 2020, Meredith was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for the 'Wings and Things' killing Meredith was sentenced for the unlawful killing of Gregory Garraway, who was gunned down on October 2, 2016 at the bar located on M a n d e l a Av e n u e , Georgetown.

According to the probation report, Meredith came from a single-parent home and was labeled as a 'delinquent' from an early age. Before he turned 16, Meredith was before the courtforrobberyunderarms, but due to his age, he was placedonatwo-yearbondfor theoffence.

The report also detailed whatpeoplefromMeredith's formerneighbourhoodhadto sayabouthim.

He was labeled as a criminal and others stated

Moco Moco farmer charged with murder of fellow villager

Garvin Hamilton, a 50-year-old farmer of Moco Moco Settlement, CentralRupununi,RegionNine,who is accused of murdering a fellow villager,wasonThursdaychargedfor the offence when he appeared at the LethemMagistrates'Court.

The incident reportedly occurred onApril 7, 2023 at Moco Moco, and Hamilton was apprehended by the policeonMay7,2023.

The accused appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson at the LethemMagistrates'Court,wherethe charge was read to him. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison untilJune21,2023.

thatsincehehasbeenlocked up, the area has been peaceful. Similarly, prison officials described Meredith as disrespectful and disorderly and even shared that he had to be placed in solitaryconfinement.

Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson who represented Meredith in a plea of mitigation asked the court to be lenient with his clients given his upbringings and addedthathewasinfluenced

byhisneighbourhood.

A victim impact statement from Rodney's uncle was also read to the court.

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

Remanded to prison, Garvin Hamilton

Killed, Paul Rodney

Acquitted, Colvin Johnson

Suspect in Sir Mars killing to be charged with murder

After reviewing the evidence against the suspectinvolvedinthedeath of Kirwyn Mars popularly known as “Sir Mars”, the Director of Public

Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, on Thursday has recommended to the Guyana Police Force (GPF)thathebechargedwith murder

K a i e t e u r N e w s understandsthatthe24-yearoldsuspect,BrianRichardsis scheduled to appear today at the Diamond Magistrate's

Court to answer to the charge.

This publication had reported that 51-year-old MarsofLot211NewSettlers Street, Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Sunday killed in front an apartmentbuildinglocatedat 1654 Plantation Providence, EBDataround22:30hrs.

In his confession to investigators, the suspect said on Sunday afternoon he andMarswenttoabarinthe city after Mars had invited himout.

The suspect recalled that

afterconsumingaboutacase and a half of beers at the bar together,theyleftandwentto an ATM machine at South Ruimveldt since Mars was the one who wanted to make awithdrawal.

After realising the machine was down, the suspectfurtherdetailedtothe police that they left and had planned to go to another machine located in the Diamondarea.

Thesuspectsaidthatthey had used the new Eccles highwayandwhileenrouteto thelocation,heandMarsgot

intoamisunderstanding.The suspect, Kaieteur News was informed, admitted to investigatorsthatduringtheir argument, he picked up a bottle and hit Mars. Sir Mars, the suspect claimed, had picked up a knife from thevehicleinretaliation.

Hefurtherconfessedthat before Mars could attack him, he overpowered him and took away the knife and stabbed Mars several times abouthisbody.

After being injured, the suspect related that Sir Mars ran out the vehicle leaving

him inside The suspect further claimed that his cell phone had dropped between theseatsandintheprocessof retrieving his phone, the vehicle ended up reversing andcrushedMars.

This publication had reported that on Sunday night, Mars was found pinned under his grey MitsubishiRVRvehiclewith his face braced against the

fence of an apartment building

A post mortem examination (PME) conducted on his remains on Wednesday revealed that he suffered eight stab wounds about his body and his chest wascrushed.

Up until his death, “Sir Mars” was a popularly known entertainer and the Deputy Head Teacher of the NewCentralHighSchool.

Dead, Kirwyn Mars popularly known as 'Sir Mars'

Suspect, Brian Richards who police identified was involved in the death of Sir Mars.

Daggers, others brave four-hour rain to complete day eight of walk against barefaced Exxon contract

ByShervinBelgrave

The rain poured non-stop on Thursday but it did not deter Ray Daggers and Kaieteur News Publisher,GlennLallandall those accompanying them from covering 10 miles of a walk from Berbice to Essequibo against the lopsided contract Guyana signed with ExxonMobil in 2015.

“The rain fall non-stop and not only that, our clothingandshoeswerewet and soaked,” Daggers told Kaieteur News as he described day eight of his walk.

Daggersbeganthedayat ColdingenontheEastCoast of Demerara and ended on Sheriff Street, Georgetown. Some of the persons who

joined him on day seven returned and braved the weather with him as well. Daggerssaidthattherewere somenewcomersaswelland he is grateful for the effort theymadetowalkwiththem despitetheirage.

“A couple came all the wayfromMahaicony,Ithink themanisandthewomanis sixty- something”, Daggers added.HisDayendedalittle earlier than usual and he wanted to trek on a little morebuttheraindidnotstop sohedecidedtocallitaday for sake of the electronic equipment accompanying and to avoid his team walkingthroughtheflooded streetsofGeorgetown.”

Daggers, however, is hoping for good weather today as he continues his journey from Sheriff Street, Georgetown at 09:00 hrs

towards Charity, Essequibo Coast and even if the rain falls,heisstillgoingtobrave it again. Daggers began his walk last Thursday at Moleson Creek, East Corentyne, Berbice and has so far covered a distance of 128 miles on foot He expects to meet Charity in thenextfourorfivedays.

Born in Mahaicony, Daggerslivedforquitesome time overseas but kept in touch with what was happening back home Daggerssaidhewasinspired

...continuestodayat9:00hrsfromSheriffStreet

toundertakethewalkagainst the Exxon contract by the unrelenting efforts by Lall, who has been fighting for a change to the Exxon contract. “Mr Lall has been puttingforththefactsandhe hasdonesowithoutanyhelp from government agencies, butwiththehelpofhisstaff, and he has been providing a great service to this nation,” Daggers had said before

celebrates birthday th 'Cousin Vadney'

albot of 51 Company Road, Buxton,EastCoastDemerara th (ECD), celebrated her 111 birthdayonMay10.

In celebration of her milestone, Mrs Talbot's family hosted a communion service at her home on Wednesday The service was presided over by Reverend TheodoreDemonicoftheSt. Augustine Anglican Church. Talbot's family, friends and hercaregiversallattendedthe service.

Mrs. Talbot was born in Buxton,in1912andattended the Buxton Congregational School. Upon completion of her primary education she pursued training in sewing and dressmaking. She was

albot ogether thetwohadfivechildren,two ofwhicharedeceased.

Over the years, Mrs Talbotknownbyhervillagers as 'Cousin Vadney' or 'Sister Vadney' worked alongside her husband in the farmlands at the back of the village cultivating sugar cane and othercrops.

She is a well known member of the St.Augustine Anglican Church where she worshipped regularly until recentlywhenshewasunable to physically attend church services.

Mrs. Talbot is an active member of the 'Golden Age Group'andenjoyslisteningto gospel songs, and interacting withherlovedones.

Mrs. Evadney Eldeca Talbot (center) surrounded by some of her great grandchildren Joel, Tamiah, and Samariah, at her th111 birthday celebration.

GPL worker illegally connects light to WCD house after two disconnections …82-year-oldownerfearfulillegalconnectionwillcausefire

Itisnotunusualforthe

Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) to disconnect the serviceofcustomerswhofail to punctually pay their light bill However, Gloria Edwards, 82, a resident of Crane,WestCoastDemerara (WCD) found herself in the middle of a bizarre situation withthepowercompanyand oneofitsstaffersthathasleft her confused and worried, withnoreliefinsight.

The woman is now accusing GPL of failing to hold one of its male employees accountable for placing an illegal connection to a property that she currentlyrentstosomeoneat Crane.

“GPL disconnected the lights twice from the house and within hours this man, who has some sort of relationship with my tenant [nameprovided],turnupand connect back the light illegally GPL ain't reporting the matter to the police; not penalizing him or making

surehegetcharged,nothing. Heisfreetocomebackevery timeatmyhouseandconnect the illegal wires, and if my place burns, who I must blame?

GPL right? I don't know thisman;allIknowisthathe drives around a bus (number provided).”

Edwards told Kaieteur Newsthattheissueescalated almost one week ago after she visited GPL's office at Vreed-en-Hoop, WCD to query a light bill She explainedthatshehadrented her property at Crane, WCD to a woman who has two sons, over a year ago Edwards explained that her tenantshadenjoyedpeaceful occupancy of the property until recently when she served them notice to vacate the house in order for her to haveitrenovated.

The elderly woman related that after she served the tenant notice, she received a light bill for the said house stating that she owedGPLover$36,000.

“I get worried, because the tenants aren't paying the lightbill,andIwouldbeleft withaheftybilltopayifthey vacate the property I didn't wantthattohappenbecauseI amapensioner

“Iexplainedthesituation to them at the GPL office at Vreed-en-Hoop.They said it wasstrangethatthelightwas notdisconnected.ItellthemI amwillingtopaytheamount onthebill,butanythingafter that I can't pay I am a pensioner So they agreed that they would come and disconnect the light,” Edwardssaid.

Edwards said that days later, a disconnection crew visited the premises and cut off power She said that not longafterthelightswerecut, the tenant came to her home accompanied by a vehicle with police officers, including a female inspector from the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, and the tenant's male friend who visits the premises that she rents,andwhoworksatGPL

onthedisconnectioncrew

“The Inspector [name provided] approached me and said that the tenant reported that the light was disconnected and I could get charged and put on the prisoner's bench to sit down in the station for that. The manthatworksatGPLputin his mouth, hollering hard about how I should get locked up for cutting off the light.

I get nervous; I suffer fromhighbloodpressureand diabetes, and these people come with police telling me thatIcangetlockupifIdon't putonbackthelight,because Ihavetenantsinthehouse.”

The woman said that she explained to the Inspector that GPL removed the light because the tenant was not payingthebill.

According to Edwards, the officer was not very understanding with her, and demandedtoseethebill.

“The inspector took the lightbillfrommeandhanded (Continuedonpage21)

Ascreen grab of the number plate on the bus belonging to the GPL employee accused of connecting the illegal wire.

U.S. Assistant Secretary Pyatt wraps up productive visit to Guyana

The United States

of America's Department of State Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt heldaseriesofmeetingswith government officials and business leaders to discuss energy security in Guyana, the United States, and globally during a visit on May10,2023.

AssistantSecretaryPyatt discussed the U SCaribbean Partnership to address the Climate Crisis 2030(PACC2030)including the advancement of clean energy resources and r e s i l i e n t e n e r g y

infrastructure in a timely manner,andonasustainable andaffordablebasis.

A statement from the United States Embassy in Guyana said that Pyatt took the opportunity to discuss Guyana's immense forests, plans for economic diversification, and major infrastructure upgrades such as the transformational Gas toEnergyproject.

“PACC2030establishes a framework to elevate U.S. cooperation with Caribbean countries to support climate adaptation and strengthen energy security, while building the resilience of critical infrastructure and

local economies to the climatecrisis.

PACC 2030 will serve as the U.S. government's primary mechanism for regional climate adaptation and resilience and energy cooperation through 2030, as we work toward meeting the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs), ” the statementsaid.

During his visit to Guyana Assistant Secretary

Pyatt met with Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Natural Resources,VickramBharrat.

Department of State Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR), Assistant Secretary, Geoffrey R. Pyatt (right) with Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo (left) and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch (center)

Pres. Ali assures better salary, housing for teachers as part of 'comprehensive package’

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reassured teachers that the government is diligently working onacomprehensivepackageaimed atenhancingtheirqualityoflife.

The president was speaking during a visit to the Beterverwagting Secondary School, East Coast Demerara, on Thursday, where he engaged with teachersandstudents.“It'snotonly about salary, it's a comprehensive package that will be able to give you good housing… allows you to provideforyourchildrentohavea great future and great

opportunities,”heunderscored.

Last year, the government announcedover$1billioninsalary increasesfor8,000membersofthe disciplined services, while over 5,000 healthcare workers received $1.5 billion in salary increases ranging from 36.4 per cent to 74.7 percent. These increases were in addition to an across-the-board eight per cent raise for all public servants, retroactive to January 1, 2022.

The president also mentioned forthcoming announcements regarding specific categories of

public sector employees, such as teachers While acknowledging teachers for their hard work and dedication in shaping the nation's children, President Ali assured them that,“We [the government] are going to work hard to ensure thatyourlivesarebetter.”

Meanwhile, regarding the Beterverwagting Secondary School, the teachers raised concernsaboutthelackofapublic address (PA) system, internet connection, computers, and furniture. President Ali has given assurance that these issues will be addressed by the end of the week.

However, with regard to the school's furniture, an assessment willbeconductedtodeterminethe specific needs and appropriate actions will be taken to address them.

Due to the growing student populationattheschool,spacewill become a pressing concern. The president said the government will explore the possibility of an extension.

The head of state reminded the students that the government is actively working to create opportunities for them after they leaveschool.

This includes scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). Further, the administration is striving to make the University of Guyana (UG) free, as part of a commitment to make higher education more accessible for all. “All of these things are to ensure thatyouhaveabetterchanceanda betterfuture,allyouhavetodonow istoconcentrateonyourwork,”he said. President Ali also visited the Vryheid's Lust community, where he engaged the students and teachers of the nursery school. (DPI)

Health Ministry receives 33 laptops from UNICEF to boost data collectiona

DPI - The Ministry of HealthonThursdayreceived 33 laptops from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), even as Guyana continues to move away fromtraditionalpaper-based data collection methods in allsectors.

The systems will aid in improving the ministry’s management of vaccination dataaswellasidentifyareas t h a t a r e l a c k i n g immunisation, allowing the ministry to respond in a coordinated and timely m a n n e r a n d m o s t importantly, reduce the risk of human errors in immunisation.

UNICEF Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Nicolas Pron handed over the pieces of equipment to MinisterofHealth,Dr.Frank Anthony at the ministry’s head office, Brickdam, Georgetown.

Dr Anthony noted that thereisaneedfordatatobe collected on time in Guyana and the donation will go a

long way in helping the country’sefforts.

“It fits into the broader digital health strategy that we have for the ministry, right now, with another programme that is being funded by the government, we’re putting in telehealth capabilities in many of our hinterlandregions.

“Telehealth, meaning computers, internet-enabled devices, and putting in the connectivityandtrainingthe healthcareworkerstobeable tousethesedifferenttoolsto enhance diagnoses of the patient,”hepointedout.

The health minister explained that these laptops will help the ministry understand fully what is happening in the various districts. He expressed appreciation to the international agency for its continued support to Guyana’shealthinitiatives.

Maternal and Child Health Officer/Expanded

P r o g r a m m e o n

Immunisation Manager, Dr Oneka Scott noted that 13

The laptops handed over by UNICEF to the Health Ministry (DPI)

laptops will be disbursed in the 13 immunisation districts,and13willbeused by EPI surveillance officers inthevariousdistricts.

Haiti conflict puts over 100,000 kids at risk of starving to death, UN says

The remaining laptops will be used centrally to coordinate the efforts being undertaken.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pron

Frompage18 it to my tenant, and told hertopayitandbringitback and give me. The Inspector then turn back and ask them howtheygonnagetthelight, because it was already afternoon,andThursdayand the next day [Friday] was Arrival Day and GPL wouldn'topen.Themansaid in the presence of the police that he will put it on back, becauseheworkingatGPL. Heleftandwenttoreconnect thelightthatGPLcutoff.”

expressed, “I am very pleased that the laptops are going to the fields where theyaremostneeded,where thehardest-to-reachchildren

andfamiliesareandit’svery important that we minimise thechanceforhumanerrorin monitoring immunisation coverage.”

Reuters - More than 115,600childreninHaitiare expected to suffer severe wasting from malnutrition thisyear,theUnitedNations children’s agency UNICEF said on Thursday, as an escalationofarmedviolence worsens food insecurity and acholeraoutbreak.

That number is more than 30% higher than the 87,500 children UNICEF registered as suffering from the condition last year It warned of a severe funding gap that “could put the lives of more than 100,000 childrenatriskofimmediate death.”

Heavily armed gangs have taken control of large swathes of the Caribbean island nation, with much of the violence centered in the capital Port-au-Prince, where the U.N. estimates

more than 600 people were killedinAprilalone.

“Theresultsofthisstudy comeatakeytimesincethey willcertainlybeusefultous inplanningourinterventions on all fronts, in our fight against food insecurity,”

Prime Minister Ariel Henry saidinaspeech.

UNICEF released its study days after the U.N. High Commissioner for HumanRightsrenewedcalls for an international force to support Haiti’s fight against armed gangs Henry’s caretaker government had requested a “rapid” strike forcelastOctober

The U.S. international lawenforcementbureausaid on Monday it had delivered armored vehicles purchased by Haiti’s National Police, who are also awaiting another delayed order of

armored vehicles from private Canadian firm INKAS.

The international community has, however, beenwaryofsendingtroops in support of Henry’s unelectedgovernment.

Meanwhile, a grassroots vigilante justice movement known as “Bwa Kale” has gainedforceinrecentweeks, challenging gangs and carrying out summary executions - sparking both optimism and fears of renewedviolence.

“Weareinacontextthat issadlynotgoingtobecome better in the coming months,” said Victor N a p o l e t a n o , w h o coordinatestheInternational Rescue Committee’s Haiti responseinconjunctionwith local non-governmental organizations.

Edwards continued, “I am old so I don't have the strength to follow them up, but I live with my two grandchildren, and they accompany me to the police stationtoreportthematterof this man's behaviour, and how he went and connect back the light that GPL cut off.”

The woman recounted that the police appeared reluctant to take the report after they realized that their colleagues were involved in thematter

“The first officer even

refusedtotakethestatement, and told another rank to writeit.Itellthemthestory The rank took the statement from me I told her of the behavior of this man that I don't know towards me, and how when he came to my residence what transpired. I wasn'tcomfortablewithhow thepoliceatthestationdealt withthesituation,butIkept quiet, because all I want is thisGPLmantostopcoming to my property and opening his mouth on me, after connectingillegalwires.”

She said that as a result, her granddaughter went to the GPL office at Vreed-enHoopandreportedtheillegal connection. Edwards said that subsequent to that report, a crew came from GPLandremovedthemeter fromthehouse,buttheissue didnotendthere.Shesaidto herdismay,afewhourslater, her tenant's male friend turnedupatthepropertyand connected a wire from the electricity pole to the house andputonbackthelights.

“My grandchildren have

a video of the house having electricity and the bus the man drive park up in front the house, hours after GPL remove the meter,” the elderlywomansaid. She said that at present the house has an illegal connectionthatcanplacethe property at risk of fire. She noted also that the GPL workerhasnotbeenarrested or charged for the illegal connection.Sheclaimedthat the staff at the power company has not been swift in acting, even though she provided them with the bus number that he operates. She said too that she is not satisfiedwithhowthepolice handledthematter

“Although I tell them that this man put an illegal connection at my house Theysaidtheycanjustwarn him and wait until he do it again. My worry is in the meantimethismancandoas he pleases, and my property is in danger of a fire, due to the illegal wires that a GPL worker put there,” the womanadded.

People huddle in a corner as police patrol the streets after gang members tried to attack a police station, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti April 25, 2023. REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol

WANTED VACANCY

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.

Delivery Driver needed for Office Furniture Company, attractive salary. Call: 2275384/ 227-7995 for more information.

Accountant needed for Office Furniture Company, must have knowledge of Quickbooks. Call: 227-7995/ 227-5384.

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One assistant Cook and a Kitchen assistant. Must know to make puri & roti. Contact: 603-1278/ 665-5074.

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One live-in Housekeeper needed to work in Virginia, USA. Ages 30-50 yrs. Call: 592-615-5476/ 845-325-8241.

One able-bodied work man needed. Call: 675-9988.

Live-in or live-out Domestic, truck & hauler Drivers and Office Assistant (with own motor cycle) needed. Must be honest & mature. Call: 623-6383.

One Handyman needed. Call: 623-8300.

Patterson flays ‘’derelict’...

From page 10 taxpayers’ money, and a “goslow” tactic.

FOR RENT

VEHICLES FOR SALE

“Further, is the Chairperson saying to taxpayers that Parliament and the President erred in law when they approved, appointed, and swore in the five members of the Commission, under the same constitutional provisions which the Chairperson is now inferring does not allow the Commission to carry out its function.

Kitchen Assistant, Supervisor, Chef and Salesperson needed. Call: 659-5559.

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

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, ages 23-50 yrs, . Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

Vacancy exists for two experienced Dispatcher at Confidential Cabs. Call: 695-1961 /231-5784.

One Handyman/ Porter and general Domestic needed to cook & clean, 3 days per week. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office.

Time keeping Clerk, Welder/ Fabricator, Office Assistant, Driver, Labourers, Maintenance Worker & Cleaner. Call: 621-6969/ 615-7784.

Room Attendant, Receptionist and Desk Staff & Security Guard needed at 233, South Road Lacytown, ages 25-50 years old. Call: 2250198.

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

Western Union CSR needed at Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff Street. Contact: 609-2995 or Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Supermarket Packers and Bond Attendants am& pm needed at Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff St. Call: 609-2995 or Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

2 and 3 bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments for long and short term rental. Call: 682-2585, 691-1432.

Furnished apt in Houston, land 200 X 200 Industry, E.C.D and 8000 sq ft office space in Brickdam. Call Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

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1 BMW 520 I for sale. Great working condition, good miles, etc. Price $4.6 M. Call: 655-2119.

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Patterson said he has highlighted before that the Commission, instead of being occupied with its core constitutional mandate to monitor and investigate, is pre-occupied with the hiring and firing of staff.

“The revelations from previously fired staff were damming – fired for taking conflicting instructions from the Chairperson versus the CEO - no fault of that employee.

FOR SALE

Pure honey, wholesale and retail quantity. Call: 6214273.

NOTICE

APPLICATION FOR MONEY LENDER’S CERTIFICATE

(Pursuant to section 4, Money Lenders Act)

Trevon Griffith of lot 623 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme

Georgetown, Devon Simon of lot 16 GDF Housing Scheme

Even further, is the supreme law of this land, the Constitution Article 212 W and 212 AA which established and mandated the function of the Commission, now null and void? Does this also mean that the Minister of Finance, the Finance Secretary, and the entire Parliament are breaking the law by continuing to provide funds from the treasury to a Commission that legally should not be in existence? It seems so, since the Commission, through the actions of the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson, is withholding its core function to investigate and monitor pending the outcome of the legal advice sought - an illogical, go- slow tactic and blatant disregard to transparency and good governance - one which was aptly carried out by the previous Commission under the coalition government.”

Duties assigned to technical staff have been delegated to other staff and also outsourced: the case of the Legal department cited earlier; the Public Relations department’s work is also being outsourced. Is the Public Procurement Commission flouting the procurement laws to outsource services to friends?” Patterson also alleged that previous employees hold the strong view that certain employees have been the target of dismissal and non-confirmation of employment. “Is this the one Guyana we speak about? Is this the constitutional agency that Parliament and President envisioned to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability to the people of this country? The leadership deficit must be corrected and the PPC technical staff must be empowered to execute its function.”

MP Mahipaul’s Motion did...

From page 14 under the urgency criterion as the judge had given the parties thirty days to remedy themselves. Had the judgement said immediately, instead of thirty days, then the Hon. Member moving the motion would have been in order,” the Speaker explained. In a statement to the press after the Speaker’s decision, the Opposition described Nadir’s ruling was concerning.

The Opposition noted: “the role of the Speaker of the National Assembly is to be a neutral arbiter and ensures that all voices are heard in the democratic process.

One Clerk needed for TSI Eccles office. Must have English & Mathematics. Email application:techserigy@ yahoo.com or call 615-9132.

VACANCY Vacancy for a night Cleaner man. Call: 637-6700.

Experienced hair Colorist, Receptionist, Masseuse, nail Techs, Barber and Domestic needed. Call/ WhatsApp: 649-5005/ 226-6705.

Supermarket Sales representative required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff ST. Tel: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Experienced Accounts Clerk and Office Assistant needed @ Survival Shopping Complex. Call: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

Supermarket AM & PM Cashiers required @ Survival Shopping Complex, 173 Sheriff ST. Call: 609-2995, Email: survivalhumanresources2 @gmail.com

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Repairs at affordable price: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer. Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158.

Georgetown and Kevin Craig of lot 621 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme Georgetown Guyana., hereby give notice that WE have applied to the Magistrate of the Georgetown Magisterial District for a Certificate under the Money Lenders Act, authorizing the grant to us a Money Lender’s Licence to Carry on the Business of a Money Lender under the Title of LUKRATIVE PANWSHOP located at lot 45 Hadfield Street Werk-en-rust.

NOTICES of any objections to this application should be sent forthwith to the CLERK OF COURT OF THE GEORGETOWN MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT, and a copy of any such Notice should be sent to the Subscriber.

Trevon Griffith

Devon Simon

Kevin Craig

Dated at Georgetown, Demerara

This 9th May, 2023

This Speaker is biased and unpatriotic. His actions continue to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. Further, his actions erode public trust and prove that he is a puppet of the executive arm of government.”

They also argued that the issue of protecting the Guyanese people from the environmental and economic impacts of offshore oil pro-

duction is of vital importance, since a spill can have devastating consequences for the environment, fishing industry, and tourism sector, as well as the health and well-being of local communities. “It is therefore imperative that the government takes this issue seriously and implements measures to protect the Guyanese people. The Speaker of the National Assembly is preventing a motion that would help to achieve this goal. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention,” the Opposition said. According to the opposition, both the Speaker and the executive arm of government “undermine the integrity” of the democratic process in Parliament which has serious consequences for the people of Guyana. As such, it said it is crucial that the people take action to ensure that the democratic process is fair and transparent, and that measures are put in place to protect the Guyanese people from the potential impacts of offshore oil production.

Carmichael St, Tuschen, Better Hope, Ogle and 4 apt building in Little Diamond. Call Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

Studio apartment, $10,000 per week with 1 month down payment. Call: 638-6120.

GuySuCo seeking supplier for six cane loaders

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) intends to equip the Rose Hall Estate

with six cane loaders and is seeking entities to supply and deliver the equipment. This

Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)

Design, supply and installation of a syrup clarifier for Albion Estate.

Supply and delivery of six cane loaders.

was revealed this week when tenders were opened this week at the National Procure-

ment and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). Three entities, Equipment Parts GloBelow are the companies and their bids:

Rehabilitation of Cliff Anderson Sports Hall – Sealing of vents and vented walls.

bal, VR Construction Inc. and Guyana Tractor & Equipment have submitted bids valued at $76M, $102M and $192M respectively for the supply of the cane loaders.

Ministry of Public Works

Construction of beacons (Beyond Southern Limits to Linden - Demerara) Lot1 to 3.

Ministry of Education

Supply and installation of one atmospheric water generator.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport

Design and supervision of services for construction of stands at Mc Kenzie, Linden.

Rehabilitation of Cliff Anderson Sports Hall – plumbing installation.

Design and supervision services, for construction of stands at Bayroc, Linden.

Design and supervision service for construction of stands at Anna Regina.

Rehabilitation of Cliff Anderson Sports Hall –Completion of northern face of the building.

Office of the Prime Minister Procurement of furniture and equipment.

Procurement of musical instruments for the National School of Music.

Houseunitesinpassingnewhumantraffickinglaw

The Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Bill 2023 was on Wednesday evening passed in the National Assembly The new legislation will see harsher penaltiesforpersonswhoare involvedincrime.

T h e r o b u s t a n d comprehensive legislation strengthens Guyana's response to human trafficking,asitisconstituted with key measures that are aligned with global best practicesandevolvingsociopolitical requirements It seeks to replace the Combating of Trafficking in PersonsBillof2005,thereby protecting the rights of individuals and inserting punitive measures that are geared towards addressing thesocialissueanddeterring possibleoffenders.

Minister of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity, Dr Vindhya Persaud informedtheHousethatlocal and international bodies made input into the Bill and the legislation was also the s u b j e c t o f w i d e consultations.“Theobjective of this bill is to provide measures to combat trafficking in persons

includingchildrenanditsets out a litany of criminal offences with extraterritorial effectandthisextraterritorial effect facilitates partnership and cooperation between Guyana and other states to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons and of course,itgivesawiderscope to punish offenders,” she stated.

With the new legislation, anyone who commits the offenceisliableonsummary conviction to imprisonment forfiveyears.Convictionon indictment carries a penalty oflifeimprisonment.

Minister Persaud added that there will also be significant fines, charges,

and convictions relative to attempts of conspiracy or complacent acts of t r a f f i c k i n g

“The bill speaks to the establishment of the ministerial task force. The ministerial task force in accordance with this legislationmustbeappointed by the president. This task forceistocomprisemembers of various sectors including i m m i g r a t i o n , l a w enforcement, legal affairs, foreign affairs, public health

and will develop a plan of action that focuses on many important components that deal specifically with traffickinginpersonandalso includesthecompilationofa report coming out of data collection to be presented to cabinet, Dr Persaud underscored.

Endorsing the Bill, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, indicated that restitution is an approach that must be pursued to hurt perpetrators ofhumantrafficking.“Ifyou hitthecriminalinthepockets if you hit them financially and you hurt them economically, you'll eventually hurt them. So, in anti-money laundering offences, terrorism, in the traffickingoffirearms,inthe trafficking in narcotics, and human trafficking, you find that concept has been embraced fully in this bill,” theAGnoted.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn revealed that his ministry's TraffickinginPersons(TIP) Unit has made several successful strides in c o m b a t i n g h u m a n trafficking.

conducted, 190 suspected victims interviewed and screened, and two convictions,” the minister added.

and Amerindian affairs, human services, and social security,”theMinistersaid.

The task force is chaired by the Ministers of Home Affairs and Human Services

Restitution is a legal methodforvictimstoreceive compensationforprofitsthat traffickers withheld from them, additional losses they mightsuffer,andfuturecosts they incur because of being trafficked.

“In 2022, we had 22 cases where people who [were]activelyapprehended and interrogated with some arrest,we had22operations with 247 victims screened and interviewed and one convictionarchived.

In 2023, to date five cases were put before the courts, 12 operations were

Meanwhile, the human service ministry's CounterTIP Unit has trained 2,003 people to better recognise those who are victims of humantrafficking.Initiatives like these reflect the government's determination to safeguard vulnerable peoplefromexploitationand its dedication to ending the social scourge (Modified from the Department of PublicInformation)

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC (DPI photo)

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (DPI photo)

Warriors, Knicks hang on

Stephen Curry scored a game-high 27 points, Draymond Green chipped in with 20 in a rare offensive explosion and the Golden State Warriors stayed alive in the Western Conference semi-finals with a 121-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday in San Francisco.

Still up 3-2 in the best-ofseven series, the seventhseeded Lakers will get a second shot at advancing to the Western finals when the series returns to Los Angeles tonight.

The Lakers might have to seek the Game 6 clincher without star centre Anthony Davis, who was inadvertently

belted on the side of the head by Looney while both were positioning for a rebound just before the midpoint of the fourth quarter on Wednesday.

Davis left the court and reportedly rode a wheelchair into the Los Angeles locker room, where he was scheduled for further evaluation. Davis, who scored 23 points on 10-for-18 shooting, did not return to the game.

KNICKS GO DISTANCE, BEAT HEAT IN GAME 5

Jalen Brunson scored 38 points and joined Quentin Grimes in playing all 48 minutes Wednesday night for the host New York Knicks, who staved off elimination by beating the Miami Heat 112-103 in

Friday May 12, 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.

Warriors guard Steph Curry during game 5 against the LA Lakers

Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

The Knicks, who led by as many as 19 points in the third quarter before the Heat whittled the deficit to two

Paul, Motie, Shepherd in Windies...

From page 29 wickets. We believe he will again relish the chance to bowl in those conditions. He is also a capable batsman and good in the outfield.”

Haynes emphasized that “It will be a challenging tournament, it will be intense and competitive, there is no doubt about that. In speaking to the players, they are fully aware of the job at hand. We are happy with the preparations and the mind-set of the players, and everyone is clear about their roles in the squad.”

Netherlands, and Namibia.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. The West Indies will be hoping to secure one of those spots and add to their impressive history in world cricket.

FULL SQUADS

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.

points late in the fourth, trail the series three games to two heading into Game 6, scheduled for Friday night in Miami.

Brunson pulled down nine rebounds and had seven assists.

He and Grimes — who had eight points, five assists and four rebounds — became the first pair of Knicks to play all 48 minutes in a playoff game since Walt Frazier and Jerry Lucas did so against the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on April 23, 1972.

The West Indies team is known for its aggressive style and flair, which has made them one of the most exciting teams to watch in world cricket. They have won two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup titles in their history, in 1975 and 1979.

The West Indies have been drawn in Group A of the qualifiers alongside Bangladesh, Scotland, and Papua New Guinea. Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Ireland,

West Vs. United Arab Emirates Shai Hope (captain), Brandon King (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith and Devon Thomas

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers

Shai Hope (captain), Rovman Powell (vice-captain), Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran and Romario Shepherd.

Inclement weather delays ExxonMobil’s Petra U14 Championships

The Petra Organisation has announced the rescheduling of the 2023 ExxonMobilBoysandGirls Under-14 Championships due to the heavy rain that occurredyesterday

The tournament was initially set to begin on Saturday, May 13, at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Ground, but will now commence on Saturday, May20atthesamevenue.

According to the organisers, “Due to the inclement weather and floodedfields,weareforced to cancel preliminary matches slated for today (Thursday) and the commencement of the E x x o n M o b i l U - 1 4 tournament slated for May 13. The tournament is now slated to commence on SaturdayMay20ontheNIS Ground.”Thefourthedition

of this tournament was launched just under two weeks ago, while the team briefing exercise was executedthispastTuesday

When the event commences, 24 Boys teams and 18 Girls teams will be competing in the two divisions that have Charlestownasthemaleand f e m a l e d e f e n d i n g champions.

The championship trophies are at stake for the victorsinthetwocategories, along with $300,000 towardsaschoolproject.

The second, third, and fourth place finishers will receive $150,000, $75,000, and $50,000, respectively, all for a school initiative, along with the respective trophy

This tournament is sanctioned by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)

with support from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI)andMVPSports.

Petra Organisation said the rescheduling of the tournament is a necessary step to ensure the safety of playersandspectatorsalike.

The ExxonMobil Boys and Girls Under-14 Championships is an important event for young footballers in Guyana, since it provides an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and compete against their peers from across the country

The tournament also serves as a platform for identifying talented players who can potentially represent Guyana at the internationallevel.

FLASHBACK! Action in the 2022 Petra-organised ExxonMobil U14 tournament

Braithwaite is still ‘King’ of the...

Frompage33 becauseofmyexperienceandofcourseteam support.Again,thankstoallthesponsorswho have contributed towards the team members being here, and as we promised, we would deliver,andwehavedonesofar.”

Captain Fields complimented all the shooters for holding their own despite the challenges whilst stating that the focus will now turn towards the Short-Range Team Matchsetfortomorrow,Saturday

”I am happy that Lennox and Sigmund have swept the X and O titles.We knew that they could do it. The performance of all the

team members speaks for itself and I look forwardtoleadingtheteamcomeSaturday.” Guyana lost by a single point to host national Jamaica last year and is focused on regainingthistrophy.

The GuyanaNRA is extending sincere gratitudetoTheGovernmentofGuyana,the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, Industrial Safety Supplies Inc , Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., Queensway Security Service Inc.,DHL,CitizensBank,SterlingProducts, andStarPartyRentals.

Part of the action in Girls Championship during the 2022 edition of the Tournament.

Conquerors to battle Police on GFF Elite return opening day return da

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite LeagueSeasonFiveisallset to kick off on Sunday, May 14, at the Eve Leary Sports Ground, Kingston, Georgetown.

Reigning champions

Fruta Conquerors Football Club will take on Guyana Police Force Football Club in the opening match of the country’s premier men’s football competition, makingitsreturnforthefirst timesince2019.

This year’s league will see the participation of ten teams, including Guyana Defence Force Football Club, Den Amstel Football Club, Victoria Kings Football Club, Buxton United Sports Club, Milerock Football Club, Ann’s Grove Football Club, Guyana Police Force Football Club, Santos Football Club, and the reigningchampions.

The fixtures for Season Fivewererecentlysenttoall the participating teams, and they will be aiming for a positive start to secure enough points to make it to the championship at the end oftheseason.

The league will witness Guyana’s top senior players competing against each other in one of the most competitivelocalleagues.

According to GFF Acting Technical Director Bryan Joseph, Season Five promises to deliver exciting football to fans. He further added that the league would offer a great opportunity for players to showcase their talent and gain global exposure, since it will be broadcast on the FIFA+ platform.

The Grand Opening Ceremonyoftheleaguewill take place on Sunday, May 14,atthePoliceSportsClub Ground,EveLeary

The ceremony will include a march pass of all ten teams, and fans are encouraged to come out in large numbers and support theirfavouriteteams.

Theleaguewillseeclubs playing several rounds of football, and the two clubs scoring the most points will advance to the two-million dollars’ championship match.

Victorious clubs will be awardedthreepoints,whilea draw gets teams one point each. Defeated teams will notbeawardedpointsonthe overall table. Three points willbedeductedfromteams thatforfeitamatch.

More than four million dollars will be awarded to clubs and players participating in the twomonth league The c h a m p i o n s w i l l automaticallyqualifyforthe CONCACAF / Caribbean ShieldChampionships.

Paul, Motie, Shepherd in Windies squad for World Cup qualifiers

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the squadthatwillparticipatein theICCMen’sCricketWorld Cup2023Qualifiers.

T h e e i g h t - t e a m tournament will be held in Zimbabwe from 18 June, as the West Indies seek to secure one of the two final places in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place in Indialaterthisyear

To prepare for the qualifiers, the West Indies will have a three-match One Day International (ODI) Series against United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah. The Selection Panel also named the squad for those matchestobeplayedonJune 5, 7, and 9, which will form part of the preparations for thequalifiers.

C W I h a s g i v e n permission to players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to returntotheCaribbeanfora shortbreakbeforearrivingin Zimbabwe for the qualificationtournament.

The squad for the three ODIs in Sharjah includes four uncapped players, lefthanded batter Alick Athanaze, as well as allrounders Kavem Hodge, DominicDrakes,andAkeem Jordan. There are recalls for

all-rounder Keemo Paul and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who last played in ODIs last July against India inTrinidad.

Lead Selector, the Most Hon. Dr Desmond Haynes said:“Weseethisasacrucial tournament as we look to secure one of the two places leftintheICCMen’sCricket World Cup 2023 in India. Therefore, we have selected a balanced team which we believe is well equipped to get the job done in the conditions we anticipate in Zimbabwe.”

Haynes added: “The team played well in South Africaearlierthisyearwhen

we drew the ODI Series 1-1 under the new captain. We were encouraged by that display and we expect them to continue to grow and createthatsynergy.”

“WebelieveKeemoPaul is a potential match-winner for us, with his skill-set he can bowl the new ball effectively, he’s dynamic in the outfield and can also make vital runs. He is now fully recovered from injury, and we anticipate similar conditions for the qualifiers ” “Motie was excellentintheTestmatches in Zimbabwe earlier this year,wherehetook19

(Continuedonpage30)

FLASHBACK! The 2019 Fruta Conquerors football team that won the GFF Elite League

Keemo Paul

Berbice students continue to excel in golf

- GGApushforexpansion

In an effort to expand the sport of golf beyond the CSEC level, the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Nexgen Golf Academy conducted a golf training session in New Amsterdam andPortMourant.

Thesessionwasattended by dozens of students and teachers who were given instruction in putting, chipping, and driving the ball.

The aim of the training was to prepare newbies

aged 13-15 for the upcoming DDL Savannah Milk National Junior Golf Championship, scheduled to takeplaceonMay20-21.

The tournament will serve as a platform for the selection of players who will be trained with the intention of representing Guyana internationally later thisyear

Aleem Hussain, GGA president, visited the ‘Ancient County’ to meet with senior teachers and train up-and-coming golf enthusiasts at Berbice Educational High, JC Chandisingh, Port Mourant

Secondary, Berbice High, and New Amsterdam

Multilateral Secondary School.

According to Hussain, it is expected that this region will have several hundred new players in the coming year, and it is vital that a playing facility be built to allow them easy access for practiceandtournaments.

He added that the Ministry of Education Unit of Allied Arts has been the gateway for the development of golf in schools, and the Minister seeks to have facilities in eachregiontoallowlearners easy access and less travel time for practice, tournaments,andexams.

The acceptance of golf by thousands of new players across the nation is testament to the Guyanese ability to adapt and win at anything they try.

This bodes well for the country’s chances in future regional and international golfcompetitions.

With the volume of players now involved in the sport, the odds are in our

favour to find top talent, according to GGA vice presidentVicOditt.

Guyana has already received invitations to send Juniors to elite international competitions but were unable to do so owing to the developmental stage of our players.

With the support from many new sponsors who are rallyingbehindthesport,itis anticipated that the growth willcontinueexponentially

Withtheopeningofthe Westside Golf Course, the first public golf course in the country, players will now have access to two facilities to learn and play golf.

For more information on how you can take part in competitions or simply learn the game, visit Nexgen Golf Academy on Facebook/Instagram or call645-0944

The expansion of golf beyondtheCSEClevelisa positive development for Guyana’s sports scene, and we look forward to seeing more players take up the sport in the coming years

JustinTenPow,Bulkanoutstanding...

Despite winning the contest, Asregado faced a tough challenge from the fiercely talented Lowe throughout most parts of the match In the other U17 match, Louis DaSilva showcased his skills and determination, defeating Jeremy Ten Pow with a dominant 11-4,

victory

The tournament continued last evening atthesamevenue,withDayFouraction.

Students from Berbice at the recent GGAoutreach

Frompage28 EdwardsfellshortagainstBrennoDaSilva in a closely contested match that ended 1412,4-11,11-6,5-11,11-9 While in the U17 division, the match between Shiloh Asregado and Demetri Lowe provided the vocal crowd with an epic battle, with Asregado emerging victorious with an 11-4, 11-8, 11-4 scoreline

11-2, 11-2

students from Berbice learning the game of Golf

GHB boast return of U14 Indoor Hockey league

- Oceaneering International announced as sponsor

The Guyana Hockey Board has announced the relaunch of its Under 14 Indoor League, which is set to take place under a new sponsor this year, OceaneeringInternational.

Thetournamentwasfirst initiatedin2017andwasthe first of its kind to be held in schools, providing a significant boost to the development of the game, with over 100 children competingeachyear

Unfortunately,duetothe COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament has not been held in the last three years, resulting in a loss of momentum. However, despite this gap, the tournament has successfully

achieved its goal of furthering the junior developmentofplayers.

In fact, some of the winnersoftheMostGoalsand MVP prizes in 2017, such as Baraka Garnett and Tahrea Garnett, recently represented Guyana at the Junior PanAm Championships held in BarbadoslastApril

Additionally, Abosaide Cadogan,whowontheMost Goals prize in the Girls category in 2017, has represented Guyana on both the Junior and Senior National teams since her debutinthistournament.

The tournament follows a 4-aside format with a maximum of 10 registered players per team. This year,

newschoolssuchasRichard Ishmael Secondary School and Cummings Lodge Secondary School will participatealongsideregular teams from Saints Hockey Club (SHC), Hikers (HHC), GCC, North Georgetown Multilateral,andStJoseph’s HighSchool.

The tournament will utilize the auditoriums of SaintsStanislausCollege,St Joseph’s High School, and Marian Academy, with a different venue being used each week. The league will be held every Friday with games starting at 4:00 pm and concluding at 7:00 pm. The action commences this Friday at Saints Stanislaus College

Justin Ten Pow, Bulkan outstanding at National JR Squash tournament

The 2023 Woodpecker Juniors’ National Squash tournament at the Georgetown Club Courts (GTC) has been a showcase ofexceptionalperformances fromyoungsquashplayers.

As the tournament progresses, these budding talents continue to push the boundaries of their abilities, leaving spectators eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches.

On the third day of the competition, several standout performances were witnessed. Ethan Bulkan displayed courage and determination, building on hissuccessfromdaytwoby securing victories in both of hisU11matches. Justin Ten Pow maintainedhisdominancein the U13 category, securing

victories over Kaiden Alli andZionHickerson.

In the U15 category, Malia Maikoo impressed withtwowins,whileBrenno Da Silva, Richard Rodrigues, and Avian Wade eachpickedupawin.

Over in the U17 category,LouisDaSilvaand Shiloh Asregada continued to assert their dominance, while Michael Alphonso outclassed Demetrius DeAbreu in the U19 category

Early in the day, Ethan Bulkan and Michael

Alphonso showcased their talentintheirrespectiveU11 andU19matches.

Bulkandemonstratedhis skillsbydefeatingAbrilAlli and Rafael Brathwaite with identical 3-0 margins Alphonso stormed through

his match, securing a convincing3-0victory

DeAbreu managed to counter some ofAlphonso’s impressive plays, but Alphonso’s superior class ultimately propelled him to an11-1,11-1and11-4win.

Likewise, in the U13 category, Justin Ten Pow asserted his dominance by defeating both Kaiden Alli (11-4, 11-2, 11-2) and Zion Hickerson (11-4, 11-8, 111). The U15 category saw Avian Wade securing a 3-0 victory over Goberdhan, while Richard Rodrigues outplayed Nicholas Sawh with a scoreline of 11-2, 113,11-5.MaliaMaikoofound some momentum; with two 3-0 victories over Emily Fung-A-Fat and Kaylee Lowe.However,Blake

(Continuedonpage29)

Malia

Tournament Coordinators, Dominique Fraser and Aniyah Jardine of the GHB along with Paul Stone in Country Superintendent and Natasha Jairam-Abai Administrative Coordinator of Oceaneering.

President Ali urges support for the Golden Jaguars

Head-of-State, Irfaan Ali, has c a l l e d o n corporateGuyanatosupport the country’s senior Men’s National football team as theypreparetofaceGrenada in the preliminary round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup onJune17.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, President Ali urged the corporate community to “back our national footballers, both men and women, in their quest to bringglorytoourcountry.”

Heexpressedconfidence in theirabilityand promised to spare no effort in giving them the best possible chanceatbeingthebestthey canbe.

President Ali’s call to actioncomesatatimewhen the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is struggling to secure the support of corporate entities to sponsor the country’s seniornationalprogram.

TheGoldenJaguarshave b e e n w i t h o u t a n y

international friendlies due totheGFF’sinabilitytofind opponents within their budget.

Despitethesechallenges, Guyana, behind Coach Jamaal Shabazz, is determined to make its second appearance in the Main Draw of the CONCACAF showpiece following the Golden Jaguars’debutin2019.

Theteamisworkinghard to prepare for the upcoming match against Grenada, and President Ali’s call for support from the corporate communitywillbeseenasa welcomeboosttotheGFF Football is seen is an important part of Guyana’s cultureandheritage,andthe success of the national team is a source of pride for all Guyanese.

By rallying behind the team, corporate Guyana has an opportunity to not only support a worthy cause but also to showcase its commitment to national development.

T

Flashback!EmeryWelshmanincontrolagainstBelizeinthe matchthatcarvedoutthemostimportantpieceofGFFhistory onMarch23rd,2019attheLeonoraTrackandFieldFacility.

supporting the national footballteamgobeyondjust the sport itself. It can have a positive impact on the economy, tourism, and socialcohesion.

The success of the team can inspire young people to pursue their dreams and

achieve greatness, both on andoffthefield.

President Ali’s call for support from corporate Guyana for the country’s

senior Men’s National football team is timely and necessary It is an opportunityforthecorporate community to demonstrate

its commitment to national developmentandtoshowits support for a sport that has the power to bring people together

GCS lends support to Hopkinson’s 5k

- Event set for May 14

TheGuyanaCommitteeofService(GCS) has once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to supporting athletesinGuyana.

The GCS has generously sponsored athletes from the Region Three area for the upcoming Gladston Hopkinson 5k AMD one-mile race happening on May 14. This sponsorship will provide much-needed support to the athletes and contribute to the successoftheevent.

The Gladston Hopkinson 5k AMD onemile race, organised by Carifta goal medallist, Gladston Hopkinson, through the AthleticsAssociationofGuyana(AAG),has become a highly regarded event in the country’s athletic calendar Spanning from Goed Fortuin to Nimes (region no. 3), the race offers a unique combination of

athleticism, intense competition, as well as communityinvolvement.

Participants and spectators alike can expect a thrilling experience as they witness theblendofathleticismandunityondisplay duringtherace.

Theone-miledistance,althoughconcise, presents a challenging opportunity for runners to showcase their speed, endurance, anddetermination.

The5kAMDOne-mileroadraceaimsto inspireandencourageparticipantstoachieve their personal best by providing a platform for athletes to come together and push their limits.

WiththegeneroussupportoftheGCSand the dedication of organiser Gladston Hopkinson, the event is poised to be a resoundingsuccess.

GCSRepresentativeLeslieBlack(left)hands oversponsorshiptoGladstonHopkinson(right)

Braithwaite is still ‘King’ of the range!

…DouglaswinsO-Class;ZuberPatelistheTirochampatWIFBSC2023Championships-Individuals

Calculated shooting whilst relying on all his experience was enough to ensure that the reigning ‘King’ofthefull-boreranges in the Caribbean, Lennox Braithwaite (461 35), retained his crown and bragging rights for another year when the 2023 edition of the West Indies Fullbore S h o o t i n g C o u n c i l

(WIFBSC) Individual Championships.

T h e I n d i v i d u a l Championship ended yesterday afternoon at the Crabbs Rifle and Pistol Range in Antigua and Barbuda.

After finding himself behind, Trinidadian Dr Varma Rambaran at the end of the first day of the threed a y c o m p e t i t i o n , Braithwaite re-calibrated and never looked back as he gradually fired back into the leadattheendofthesecond day and maintained that

advantage throughout the finalday

Braithwaite and

countryman Roberto Tiwari bothachievedpossibleatthe

500 yards range with scores of 35 3 and 35 1, respectively Woodman (35.2) and Patel (35.3) were the other shooters achieving

possible at the 500-yard range,also.

Shooting as a guest, Canadian, Geoff Woodman ended at the top of the XClass leaderboard with 467.41.

Rambaran’s ascendancy after the first day was not replicated over the next two days as he ended out of the top 10. Guyana did not only dominate the X-Class category but the O-Class as well which was won by USA-based Guyanese, SigmundDouglas.

Douglas, a veteran marksman,wasontopofthe leaderboardinhisclassfrom day one and never relinquished the lead as he ended with 430 points and 8

V-bulls. The Tiro or Sharp Shooter Class for beginners, was won by Antigua and Barbuda’s, Zuber Patel with ascoreof444.20,hefinished 5th of 45 shooters. Guyana

National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Fullbore

Captain, Dylan Fields (436.18) ended 9th overall, RobertoTiwari(430.16)was 15th, Sherwin Felicien

(418 15) 22nd, Ryan Sampson (410 17) 27th, Leon Romalho (408 17)

28th,PeterPersaud/O-Class (403.20) 29th, John Fraser /O-Class (378.6) 38th and veteran Ransford Goodluck (333.12)inthe40thposition.

The top female was Jamaica’s Karen Anderson whoended11thoverallwith

a score of 432.21. Bajan female Jennifer Jordon was 14th (430 17), and countrywoman Shellyann Hinds(422.18),was19th. Braithwaite shared his thoughts on retaining the championship as the best marksman in the Caribbean: “First of all, I want to give God thanks for keeping me in good health and strength. Preparing for this tournament, I spent much time working with the team memberstryingtoraisetheir game.Gettingintotheactual match, we discovered there were different lots of ammunition, which affected the quality of our shooting. Nonetheless,successwas

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Dylan Fields