Kaieteur News

Jagdeo’s comment about Judiciary is “uninformed”- Ralph Ramkarran

SeniorCounselandformer authorities. The decisions in many affected by the delay may apply for Speaker of the National of these cases are appealed by one judicial review, that is, for one or A s s e m b l y, R a l p h side or the other,” he added. “The more of the orders outlined in the

Ramkarran has chided comment on Justice Kissoon’s EPAcase. the government for saying that the judgment to the effect that the Additionally,hesaidSection15 HighCourtwas“treadinginmurky judiciary is treading in murky provides that a public authority is waters” when it recently ordered waters by directing a regulatory required, if asked in writing by a the Environmental Protection agency on how to do its job and personadverselyaffectedbyoneor Agency (EPA) to ensure setting a timeframe on when it moreoftheordersthatithasissued, ExxonMobil’s complies with the should complete certain orders, is to provide its findings on questions insurance provisions in its Liza not an informed comment It offact,theevidenceonwhichthose PhaseOneEnvironmentalPermit. contradicts to its core the purpose findings are based and the reasons exponential rise in the number of

The EPAhas since appealed the of public law and the objective of for its decision, must do so within public law and constitutional law case. Writing in his blog, a column the Judicial Review Act, which is 14 days. “This is the extent of the cases in Guyana, and; 2. The which also appeared in the Sunday precisely to direct regulatory penetrating intrusiveness into the extension of the locus standi Stabroek, Ramkarran said the agencies by issuing public law functioning of public authorities principle thereby enabling “murky water” comment is orders and set timeframes as thatcourtsaregiven. members of the public who may be uninformed. indicated below,” the senior The growing importance of the only marginally or indirectly

It was Vice President, Bharrat counselnoted. rights of the citizen is reflected by affected by a decision, sometimes Jagdeowhomadethecommenttwo

He said under section 14 of the manyfactors. by merely being citizens of weeks ago at a Freedom House Act, where a public authority fails But in relation to the issues Guyana, to institute legal pressbriefing,duringwhichhealso all the circumstances should there to make a decision, the time for under discussion, two factors are proceedings in public law and suggested that the courts have to beanadverseeventoffshore. which is not prescribed, a person important to note: 1 The constitutionalcases.” make predictable decisions. “The He also said it is crucial for comment on Justice Kissoon’s institutions to act in a manner judgment to the effect that the where decisions are not made on judiciary is treading in murky the premise of economic waters by directing a regulatory nationalism. agency on how to do its job and Jagdeo also said it is incumbent setting a timeframe on when it on the courts to produce judgments should complete certain orders, is that are well reasoned, adding that not an informed comment It the EPA’s efforts on securing contradicts to its core the purpose variousformsofinsuranceintheoil of public law and the objective of sectorshouldnotbeoverlooked. the Judicial Review Act, which is The Vice President said the precisely to direct regulatory regulatory body has been in agencies by issuing public law discussions for over a year now orders and set timeframes ” with Exxon to secure a US$2B Ramkarransaid. parent guarantee for the Stabroek

In the judgment handed down Block. He said those discussions on May 3, 2023, Justice Sandil concludedrecently. Kissoon ruled that Exxon’s He also expressed the view that affiliate, Esso Exploration and the judiciary is treading in murky Production Guyana Limited waters by directing a regulatory (EEPGL) is in breach of its permit agency on how to do its job and which, in the court’s view, setting a timeframe on when it unreservedly calls for unlimited shouldcompletecertainorders. insurance protection in the event of Meanwhile, Ramkarran said anoilspill. public authorities dominate public

The Judge also issued an Order administration worldwide and of Mandamus directing the affect the lives of most citizens in Environmental Protection Agency numerousandprofoundways. (EPA) to have EEPGL produce on He said there are dozens in or before June 10, 2023, the Guyana which affect major unlimitedliabilityParentCompany industries such as mining, Guarantee Agreement and/or petroleum and rice inWest Berbice unlimited liability Affiliate andalsoeverydayactivitiessuchas Company Guarantee from an housing, the delivery of water and insurance company with standing electricity and repute that equates to Grade A Guyana, he said eventually Plus. Failure to comply will see the followed the example of many permitbeingsuspended. other countries and codified judge-

During his press conference, made public law into the Judicial theVice President had said: “we all ReviewActof2010. want to ensure that as a country, in Among the 18 grounds on the case of a spill, and hopefully it whichsection5oftheActpermitsa never happens, that we have court to act is “breach of or adequate resources to cover all of permission to perform a duty.” the liabilities associated with ‘Breach of duty’was the core issue that… So we all want this. But we in the EPA case presided over by also can’t be shrill or capricious in JusticeKissoon. our dealings, particularly at the Ramkarran said the scrutiny by level of our regulatory agencies to the courts in cases seeking the get that outcome.” Jagdeo said it is public law remedies mentioned critical that the government such as the EPAmatter occur every p u r s u e s d i l i g e n t l y a n d day “Citizensrelyonthepowersof professionally in its efforts to get the court to protect their rights insurance coverage that will meet against decisions of public

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Senior Counsel and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Global COVID-19 emergency

It is official: the World Health Organization recently declared the global COVID emergency to be over The world can exhale deeply, with removal of masks, no more needlestofear,thefreedomtomixandmingle,shakehands, even exchange a hug and a kiss. Citizens in open societies around the world are definitely rejoicing. Unfortunately, there is nothing of the kind in the now confirmed (again) fastestgrowingeconomyintheworld,Guyana.

Instead, it is the lamentable lot of Guyanese to be continuedtobesickenbyavirusofastrangesort:Guyanese areafflictedwithacaseofpoliticalCOVID. Itisnationalin scope, and comes in several strains: leadership COVID, governmentCOVID,divisiveCOVID,butalwaysaseverely sickeningCOVID.

Guyana’s COVID is ongoing, has been going on for the last 60 years to pandemic degrees, and shows no signs of stopping, even weakening. In fact, with the celebrations over the arrival of oil in great quantities, leadership COVID and governmental COVID are now delirious like never seen before. Leadership COVID has inflicted Guyana’s political spectrumwithadeep-seatedmadness.

Theyarethosewhocannotstopthemselvesfromgushing aboutoilandExxonMobil,andhowmuchbothhavecometo mean for Guyanese. While others stricken by leadership COVID are unable to breathe a straight or clean word for Guyana’s oil and against America’s ExxonMobil. The national Guyanese family must take stock of all this, and wonderwhostandswiththem,whostandsforthem…

What Guyanese are forced to deal with is a crisis of catastrophic proportions. Even the people who should be protectingthelocalenvironmentandthewellbeingoflocals, Guyana’s EPA, has the backs of foreigners, as they shamelessly abandon Guyana, stab citizens in the jugular

As said before, the elected Government of Guyana is laid so lowbythisversionofCOVIDthatitisnowinseparablefrom ExxonMobil. This is how badly government is infected by this peculiar sickness that it cannot even standup and defend theinterestsofGuyanese.

Matters have deteriorated to such a wanton state that even a former President is jumping through hoops, in supporting ExxonMobil, while leaving locals to defend themselveshowevertheycan.

WhetheritistherulingPPP/CGovernment,oritsleading spokespeople, racing to reverse a decision that is favourable to locals, Guyanese find themselves in the same pathetic boat:theyaretheirown.

Consideringthe actionsof the PPP/C Government,there should already have been a no-confidence motion, given the rank of betrayal that has occurred. Whatever happened to our honourable and patriotic Guyanese parliamentarians? Where are our fine, decent Guyanese MPs who are so wonderfully skilled at posturing? How come they are not ready to walk the talk that flows so easily, in standing up for what is good for Guyanese? Though unimaginable, Guyanese had better come to grips with this awful reality: theremaynotbesomuchasasmallhandfulofthemtomake a difference, so pitiful they are in the clutches of foreign masters,foreignentanglements. Andthereissomethingthat stillhastobesaid.

Thoughitsoundshighlyimpossible,itmaybeextremely difficult to find that single Guyanese MP, man or woman, who is willing to be unselfish and sacrifice for what could havebenefitsforGuyaneseforgenerationstocome.

COVID felled a lot of people worldwide, and if Guyanese are not careful, not strong, not sensible then Guyana’s version of the dreaded COVID could devastate themandtheirfamilies.

This has already been happening in the money department, in the national leadership department, and the protection department. This one is homegrown, and did not come out from a laboratory in some distant country

All complaints brought to the PPC have been addressed

DEAREDITOR, personal nature and wholly respectandhaveheadanddo without merit and without The Public Procurement unfounded as there is no head other bodies, including anylogicalbasiswhatsoever Commission (PPC) notes minority decision of theirs civil society and charitable As previously stated by with deep concern the whichhasbeengiveneffect. bodies, with distinction. The the Commission by way of publication today, in the T h e C o m m i s s i o n Chairperson is an Attorney- public statement issued on Kaieteur News under the comprises of nominees by at-Law of more than two 24thApril, 2023, the matters headline, “Patterson Flays the People’s Progressive decades and is the current which Mr Patterson have ‘ D e r e l i c t ’ P u b l i c Party Civic (PPP/C), A head of the Bar Association raised with the commission Procurement Commission, Partnership for National of Guyana which, under her a r e u n d e r a c t i v e says body lacks leadership, Unity (APNU) and Alliance tenure, has taken public consideration and are failing to carry out core For Change (AFC) and were positions not aligned with awaiting legal advice, the functions”. appointed after a rigorous the sitting Government of particulars of which Mr

Thesaidarticleisriddled Parliamentary process, Guyana The Deputy Patterson continues to w i t h i n a c c u r a c i e s , securing unanimous Chairperson is the former misrepresent in the public machinations, unfounded approval in the National head of the National domain. The commission, as p e r s o n a l a t t a c k s , Assembly Procurement and Tender is any citizen of the Coi n c o m p r e h e n s i b l e We take the opportunity Administration (NPTA) operative Republic of conclusions, spurious to remind that none of the during the tenure of the Guyana, is entitled to seek allegations, and misleading Commissioners have ever APNU/AFC Government legal advice as it has so done statements. It is regrettable been charged with or have and a Fellow of the Guyana and is perplexed by the that the PPC was not pending criminal or other Association of Professional apparent contention as made contacted for a comment such matters of moral Engineers The allegation in the said article, that it is prior to publication as one turpitude before the Courts and or insinuation therefore not entitled to do so and is w o u l d e x p e c t f r o m inanyjurisdiction. that there is some attempt by derelict by so doing In responsiblejournalism. The members of the these individuals in addition to automatic email

The reprehensible attack Commission, and as singled particular and or the acknowledgment receipt of on the Chairperson and out, the Chairperson and commission as a whole, to M r P a t t e r s o n ’ s Deputy Chairperson of the Deputy Chairperson are undermine the effectiveness correspondence, the commissionbytheirsingling professionals in their of the PPC is scandalous, far commissionhasalso out appears to be of a respective fields with due from the truth, wholly (Continued on page 6)

matter

DEAREDITOR, leader Mr. Jagdeo) has the law seeks only to protect the reserves are depleted. And, If I were in the wrong approach in dealing country against exposure to corporate income tax on Government of Guyana with Exxon. “I think of my the risk of an oil spill.Again, Exxon’sprofitsiswaivedfor (GoG), I’d insist on Exxon oilrevenuesasthedifference Exxon perceives the the life of the contract signing the Parent Company between life and death” - w e a k n e s s e s o f t h e Exxon must pay corporate Guarantee (PCG) letter that’s GoG’s approach to government.Mistake#2. income tax on profits made agreeing to Full Liability Exxon. Exxon knows that - Philosophically, the in Guyana to the U S Coverage. Sign the letter - andwillnowplaytheGoGto government, run by Mr government, but not to host and go on with your Oil the hilt and will get away Jagdeo, has the wrong country where the profits are Drilling Observe Safety withmurder approach when dealing with made. Now see if you can Rules.Endofstory It started the moment the an oil giant. Never let oil grapple with that. If this is

All oil drilling is done on PPP took power in August revenues become a life-and- notcollectivehumiliationfor aWingandaPrayer Hopean 2020. Mr Jagdeo declared death matter for the nation. the Guyanese people, I don’t accident never happens - but the Oil Contract cannot be That makes you vulnerable knowwhathumiliationis. if it does Exxon must be renegotiated because of the and impotent to resolve any GoG has exposed its prepared to fulfill the terms invented fictions labelled issuewithExxon. many weaknesses Exxon ofthePCGletter That’show “Sanctity of Contract” and If the government is knows it. And this spells it was in Exxon Valdez “Investor Confidence”. Mr willingtobatforExxon,why humiliation of the Guyanese (1989) and Deepwater Jagdeo began defending the would Exxon be willing to people. Horizon (2010) - the Oil contract as a life-and-death negotiate anything? Why GoG should step aside. Companies picked up the matter for the nation. This wouldExxonbringaspiritof Call time-out Stop w h o l e t a b f o r a l l approachwasMistake#1. compromise to the table? defending the contract. Do compensation and damages, NowAG Nandlall comes Why would Exxon come to not appeal the Court ruling. uptothelastdollarinbillions upwithanotherBSargument the table at all? Why would Let the Court order go into of dollars Small host - “Economic Disruption”. Exxon sign the Parent effect.RebuildtheEPAasan countries like Guyana must Economic Disruption is the CompanyGuaranteeletter? IndependentAgency not ever be exposed to the basis of his Appeal against Mr Jagdeo doesn’t have Has Exxon threatened to risk of an oil spill. That risk Judge Kissoon’s order that a good concept of the shut down oil drilling? Call has always been borne fully Exxon must provide a PCG S o v e r e i g n t y a n d Exxon’s bluff. Not bluffing, bytheOilGiants. letter The Judge’s order is I n d e p e n d e n c e o f t h e letExxongo.Thereareother GoG (led by de facto grounded in law – and the country He has already Oil Giants standing in line to surrendered big pieces of it comeinanddooildrillingon to Exxon. Exxon now owns new terms – better fiscal the country Mr Jagdeo has terms, respect for the gleefully accepted 2% environment, respect for the Royalty (Compared to government, respect for the Suriname’s6.25%).Absence dignity of the Guyanese of Ring-Fencing will ensure people.

Guyana’sCOVIDcameoutofourpolitical,racial,andsocial labs,andgrowsimmenselystrongerwiththecomingofoil.

ExxonMobil’s 2016 contract is Guyana’s current COVID, and it is a dangerous one, a disease to be feared like the plague, and fought against with all the might and grittiness that each and every citizen can find. Guyanese are now leaderless at the national level. Each had better hold theirownhead,thinkdeeply,actwisely

Sincerely, of every 100 until all the Mike Persaud

Guyana gets 14.5 barrels out

GoG’s philosophical approach to Exxon is wrong-headed. Oil revenues must not be a life-and-death

Ravi Dev’s letter is a stealthy attempt at ethnic, political mobilisation on behalf of the PPP

DEAREDITOR, The proceedings of the who deploy ‘history’ as one ArrivalDay

that they would need some at a point of financial crisis Ratherthanattemptingto TRC are said to have of their main armaments in Secondly, based on the 20,000 immigrants; 13,000 fortheplantersastheirsugar create the conditions for a revealed four notions of themobilizationoftheirbase significant contributions just to compensate for the lost its preferential English ‘national conversation on truth. Factual or forensic and their quest for a Indians have made to loss of hours since the new tariffs in 1846. Encouraged race/ethnicity’, Mr Ravi truth: an interpretation of guaranteed “share” of Guyana, there is no free men had legal working at that point by the D e v ’s l e t t e r, ( S N : facts that would at least government While one contradiction in someone hours, and 7,000 for the indentureship of 15,747 07/05/2023), is a stealthy erode any denials about the wished this signaled a accepting an Indian Arrival slaves who had decided not Portuguese, 12,897 Africans attempt at ethnic political past. Personal or narrative welcome increase of Day and at the same time remain on the plantations. from the WI and 6,957 mobilisation on behalf of the truth: stories told by magnanimity towards the arguing that, as the planters Total freedom was won in “liberated” Africans from PPP Heattemptstocloakhis perpetrators and victims that ‘other’, sadly it appears intended, Indian arrival did 1838, the same year Indians Africa – a total of 35,601 –real intent in talk about provide an opportunity for more prosaically an keep wages relatively low first landed in Guyana, and compared with only 8,692 ‘memory wars’, i.e. political t h e h e a l i n g a n d acceptance of the ‘facticity’ So far as I can remember, I 4,646 Africans had already Indians, they held off the d i s p u t e s o v e r t h e reconciliation Social or of Indians first arriving on am not one of those who bought 7,000 acres of land demands for higher wages. i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o r ‘dialogue’ truth: generated that day, while insisting have ever taken a position and formed the village After 1848, when more than m e m o r i a l i z a t i o n o f by interaction, discussion against the historical upon the labour-associated movement; by 1842, they halfofthefreedAfricanshad historicalevents. and debate of conflicting evidence that “Indian consequences of Indian had bought 15,000 acres for moved into villages and

The South African Truth views Healing and arrival” undercut the immigration, and it would some $250,000. Africans towns,byandlarge,theyhad a n d R e c o n c i l i a t i o n restorative truth: truth as a bargaining power of the have been good if Mr Dev were leaving the plantations decided to make their living C o m m i s s i o n ( T R C ) factual record is not enough: newly freed slaves after had told us who were voluntarily en mass: Indians offtheplantations.’ suggested that we must interpretation must be 1838 and drove them off the “insisting against the didnothavetochasethem! The true story is much acquire ‘enough of the truth directed towards goals of plantations.’ historical evidence that Thirdly, at the very least, simpler Remember that the about our past for there to be self-healing, reconciliation Firstly, the above is not ‘Indian arrival’ undercut the the historical record planters wanted 20,000 a consensus about it’ and reparation. Ravi’s false d i r e c t e d t o w a r d s bargaining power of the presented by Dev is immigrants but by 1938, (‘Memory Wars and Peace narrative falls short on every reconciliation. What is the newly freed slaves after sufficiently questionable to when the first 406 Indians Commissions’ by Stanley count and thus obstructs the problem with a group 1838 and drove them off the be dubbed propaganda arrived, there were only C o h e n , opportunitiesforhealingand legitimately using history to plantations.”

According to him ‘It was not 5,926 immigrants: 429 file:///C:/Users/Owner/Dow reconciliation as contained argue for both shared ‘The forsaking by the Indian labour that broke the Portuguese, 91 ‘liberated’ n l o a d s / 0 3 0 6 4 2 2 0 intheOpposition’sposition. governance and recognition Negroes of the plantation back of African attempts to Africans and the remainder 108536869.pdf). But Dev’s The Opposition has ofanIndianArrivalDay?On andelectingtoworkonthem wrest higher wages from the coming from the West intervention is a good stated that it supports the contrary, the idea of only when the most dire planters. While Portuguese Indies. Bad treatment of example of why the ‘ArrivalDay’beingrenamed shared governance is rooted necessity compelled it may and fellow Africans from these immigrants led to a ‘conversation’ he claims to ‘Indian Arrival Day’ and in the fact that all of us have be understood. They had no both the WI andAfrica were postponement of Indian want is impossible in the Dev’s response is ‘This is built Guyana and should gratitude to, and less liking broughtinasearlyas1835,a immigration for a few years context of Guyana’s quite anomalous in a society equitably share in its for, the men who had placed strike by ex-slaves in 1842 and in the meantime persistent struggle for in which the Opposition is operations and outcomes a yoke on their necks for 100 was successful and immigration from where politicalpower chock full of individuals But shared governance is the years’ (ARF Webber (1931) encouraged the planters to continued but only reaching o p p o s i t e t o t h e ‘Centenary History and expand their indentureship some 22,858 when in 1845 ethnic/political dominance H a n d b o o k o f B r i t i s h program The ex-slaves Indianimmigrationresumed the PPP seeks and Dev is Guyana) Between 1831 and called another strike of 1847 (Continued on page 6) ‘dog-whistling’ to its 1841, the population of the supporters to not only colony had hardly changed oppose it but to see ill intent (98,000; 98,145). Slavery rather than an effort at and apprenticeship were reconciliation in the abolished in 1834/38 and in opposition’s position on 1835 the planters estimated

Young Guyanese politicians need to upgrade their economic management skills

DEAREDITOR, Guyanese economy will

Yo u n g G u y a n e s e grow by at least 5% per year politicians need to upgrade (on average) after 2023. The their economic management reason I’m making this skills to be able to manage a assumption of 5% per year is US$30B plus Guyana that we started at a relatively economy small economy but as the I’m addressing young economy grows it becomes Guyanese politicians under more difficult to grow at the age of 40 years here so currentgrowthrate. that in 27 years (by 2050), Byupgradingtheirskills, they will have the ability to they would be well placed at manage an above nominal thehelm.

US$30BGuyanaeconomy Sincerely,

I’m assuming that the Sean Ori

Persistent Racism

DEAREDITOR, Americas to withstand the “Emancipation” in 1834

As charges about anti- labour regimen and diseases offers a clue to their prior Africanracisminoursociety of the Spaniards (evidenced living conditions The continue to be raised by the by 90% of then dying off in appallingly barbaric Opposition, I recuperate this the Caribbean within treatment that included pieceIhadwrittenmorethan decades of Columbus’ e x t r e m e p h y s i c a l a decade ago. I quoted Black arrival)theChristianChurch brutalisation, destruction of American scholar Cornell r e c o m m e n d e d t h e families, wrenching away of West about the condition of importation of Africans as languages and cultures etc. the modern African in the slaves Unlike with impelled some sort of “New World”: “there is the Amerindians, they could rationalisation by the lingering effects of slavery discern“nosignofasoul”in “civilized” Europeans and past discrimination in the latter group who were Unfolding a hegemonizing thecontinuedattackonblack deemed beyond salvation. process, slaves, who worked humanity and racist They were fair game for alongside white European stereotypes which are slavery – or extermination indentured slaves, were designed to destroy black forthatmatter s i m p l y d e f i n e d a s self-image” And in the The enthusiastic entry of “heathens”andcouldbekept process,keepAfricansonthe the English, French, Dutch, on the margins as such. As “margins” of society Very etc., ensured that some 2.3 they started to convert to pertinently, we note that million Africans were Christianity, colour became Anti-African racism is a eventually dragged across the marker to distinguish global phenomenon recently the Atlantic to the British them from the “mainstream raisingitsheadfromUkraine West Indies but while there whites”. “Race” was created toKorea. were some who had been and transmuted into racist

F o l l o w i n g t h e given or bought their practice that relegated and demonstratedinabilityofthe freedom, the fact that only maintainedAfricanstothe Indigenous Peoples of the 750,000 were freed at (Continued on page 16)

Ravi Dev’s letter is a stealthy attempt...

The PNC is playing that reverse psychology game

DEAREDITOR, holdingof freeandfairelections.Changedid

The PNC is playing the reverse come in 1992, when the rightful winners of a psychology game when it comes to the fairandtransparentsystemcametopower politics of our country It is a subtle way of Fast forward to 2023 and we can hear it saying one thing when you really mean beingshoutedfromtherooftopsthatthereare another, or, loudly trumpeting an idea, even ghosts on the list and that’s the reason for the though they know fully well that at the end it PPP/C winning the election. The PNC have wouldexposetheirsinisterplan. through the reverse psychology plan put the

But they persist with that strategy hoping blame of rigged elections squarely at the feet somewhere, somehow, it will gain some oftherulingparty traction in the minds of the hearers. It is akin But this is a clumsy effort at creating to a death row prisoner who keeps repeating doubtattheelectoralsystem.Inthefirstplace the words many times over “I am innocent,” when Dr Jagan raised the issue of “Ghost wherein he finally deludes himself that he is Elections”, there was ample proof for all to indeed innocent. Such is the pathetic plight, see, both local and overseas observers were the PNC have found themselves into. This privytothis!OnecanonlygototheYouTube plan has never worked but only digs them channel and log in to elections in British deeper and deeper into a place of failure and Guiana and witness that shameful process utterembarrassment. doneunderthenameofanelection.

From page 5

Indian immigration began before any

13,385 Africans, and 14,189, Chinese had andwasneveragainsignificantlyinterrupted enteredtheseshores.(Ibid) untilitceasedin1920.

As stated above, nothing is wrong with strike by Africans and over the entire period accepting that an Indian Arrival Day is of immigration, wages were kept at a deserved and that Indians did help to profitableratefortheplantersandlowforthe undercut the wages of the new freemen, and Africans who were leaving the hated thefollowingshouldbenoted. plantations in droves to seek better

In 1947, ‘It was not uncommon thing for opportunitieselsewhere. an able-bodied labourer to earn $9 and $10 I believe the above is ‘enough of the per week. The labourers were then landed truth about (this aspect of) our past for there proprietors: theycouldneitherbecoercedby to be a consensus about it’, but the PPP and whip nor circumstances Portuguese its propagandists hanker after immigrants were earning $28 per month and political/ethnic dominance so that East Indians $21’ (Webber, ibid). When consensus, peace and reconciliation will Indian immigration ceased in 1920, some havetoawaitanotherday 340,000 of which 238,979 were Indians, Regards, 42,343 West Indian, 30,645 Portuguese, Dr. Henry Jeffrey

Because with each attempt at that For the PNC to bring forward that deceitful plan, it only exposes their soft argument is ludicrous at best, because the underbelly Let us examine a few of these; burden of proof is on their part to provide the you may recall that it was Dr Cheddi Jagan evidence of a ghost election or any form of who first complained about the PNC’s gross rigging, which up until this point, they exaggeration of the voters’ list and the cannot.ThefactisthePNChavealwaysbeen holding of ghost elections. For decades, The bad losers, so any straw they can clutch at, HonourableDr Jaganspokeupaboutthisevil they will lock on to, in an attempt to gain scheme concocted by the PNC Regime. The sympathyfortheirhopelesscause. International World finally came to our aid Respectfully, and assisted us in purging that list and the Neil Adams

All complaints brought to the...

From page 4 c o m m i s s i o n o n i t s mandatedtoreport. publicly acknowledged establishment have been We are sensitive that receipt and so has the Chief retained, contracts renewed persons may hold the view Executive Officer of the and continue to function in that their matter and or the commissionatarecentOpen theirrespectiveroles; function of the commission D a y E v e n t o f t h e iii. On the establishment related to their matter is the Commission as disclosed by of this commission there mostimportant. Mr Patterson himself. The were only five members of H o w e v e r , t h e allegation therefore that staff, mostly administrative commission gives all of its t h e r e h a s b e e n n o and the commission functions equal weight and acknowledgementiswithout therefore has since its i m p o r t a n c e a s t h e merit. establishment taken steps to constitution does not give Mr Patterson having build capacity at the precedence to any one engaged the commission in commission particularly its functionoveranother writing will receive a due technicalarm; All complaints brought response in writing The iv The AFC nominated tothecommissionhavebeen commission has never Commissioner heads the HR addressed some to finality received a request from Mr c o m m i t t e e o f t h e and others still under active Patterson to meet in person commission. consideration. and there is nothing The allegation and or We remind that the PPC compelling the Chairperson insinuation that the is an independent and tomeetwithMr Pattersonin commission is outsourcing impartialconstitutionalbody person and privately PR work to friends and or in and is not subject to the particularly while a matter breach of any established dictates, instruction, fancy, emanating from him is processes is also wholly intimidation, political pending before the untrue and unfounded as c o n t r o l , d i r e c t i o n , commission, nor has Mr evidenced by its lack of impetuosity and or will of Patterson stated to what end particularity anyindividualandorbody It he wishes to meet personally While training activities is unfortunate that the and privately with the may be the most visible due commission, in the matter of Chairperson. to their nature, the a days, is once again

For the protection of the commissionisentrustedwith compelled to answer in the privacy of members of staff otherfunctionsincludingbut public domain, inaccurate, including former members not limited to public ill-advised and unfounded of staff, the commission awareness, legislative statements emanating from declines at this time to reform, monitoring, the same source, as the comment publicly on their d e b a r m e n t a n d commission has in the past conduct and or performance investigations as enabled by restrainedfromsodoing,and saveandexcepttosaythat:- the Procurement Act. The is not inclined to make a

I The allegations commission has set out a practice. touching and concerning the work plan for the current Regards, reasons for the termination fiscal year, predicated on its Michael Singh areinaccurate; functions and on which Chief Executive Officer ii. All members of staff approval was made of its (CEO) previously employed by the budget in the National Public Procurement commission and met by this Assembly, to whom it is Commission

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Hess and Yellowtail Oil Project

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When Guyanese need oil updates, John Hess is the man!

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Hess tells Guyanese more about their oil than Jagdeo or Ali…

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Hess says the Yellowtail project running ahead of schedule!

Jagdeo not saying anything while Guyanese falling back…

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Hess is the boss, and Jagdeo is the ball carrier!

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Civil society member says ready to go long route for planned radioactive facility in Houston

...as recent EAB ruling favours EPA decision

The recent ruling by the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB), a body mandated by law to preside over the concerns of the professional, independent Radzik said her letter of wegothroughthemotions.” only mechanism that allows public, and act as an members of civil society or objection will be filed to the While Radzik did not for the public’s participation independent appeal group environmentalists. “Why is EAB, highlighting the need relaymuchconfidenceinthe through a series of into the decisions of the this not done? Why are we, for this study of what she outcome of the process, she consultations. The advocate Environmental Protection all the time, with just three believes is Guyana’s first maintained, “We believe in contended,“TheEIAiswhat Agency (EPA), has caused government employees in radioactivefacility the rule of law The law says a l l o w s t h e p u b l i c some members of civil charge of what should be a Even though the EAB EIAs are an essential part of participation of citizens, not society to lose confidence in completely independent has just ruled against their the business of the EPA in one consultation, but in a thebody Board? It is not right,” she appeal in the waiver of an which is a public agency and series of consultations

This newspaper was insisted Radzik strongly EIA for the 300-megawatt we are further saying that conducted by best practices even told that the EAB’s believes that in the absence power plant, Radzik pointed Schlumberger for its andqualifiedscientists.” ruling on May 10, which of “independent specialists” out that members of civil construction and operation S h e s a i d t h e s e upheld the decision of the theEABisdeficient. society will continue to use and everything to do with it consultations are lacking E P A t o w a i v e a n Radzik told this theavenuesprescribedunder requiresanEIA.” even though this is a right of

Environmental Impact saidsheispreparedtodothis newspaperthatshehasmade the rule of law where these She was keen to note, Guyanese to have a say and Assessment (EIA) for the againifnecessary appeals under the three most projectsareconcerned.

Kaieteur News on Saturday, is preparing to lodge another wholepremiseisthattherule continue to object to this According to her, “Our

“...thereforeiftheEPAkeeps have the requisite expertise Wales gas-fired power plant In an interview with recent EABs. Presently, she She explained, “Our waiving an EIA, we will respondoncriticalmatters. isillegal.

In the meantime, other Radzik reasoned that the appeal under the current of law is the supreme law of becausewe feelit is a breach Judge ruled categorically members of civil society are Environmental Protection Board, Chaired by Dr. Guyana. We, the ones that of the law and of citizens’ against Schlumberger under still preparing to lodge an Act makes provision for five Mahendar Sharma, who is are protesting what is going right to have a professional the last EAB and we are appeal on another decision members to be appointed to the Head of the Guyana on in this country, we are in independentEIA.” objecting again and if of the EPA to waive an EIA the EAB. She said for the EnergyAgency(GEA). thatframeworkofruleoflaw Radzik pointed out that necessary, we go to Court for a radioactive waste time she has known the The EPA on April 17, must prevail and therefore the conduct of an EIA is the again.” facility by Schlumberger, at Board, it has always been 2023 announced that it has Houston, East Bank outfitted with “high ranking exempted the Schlumberger Demerara. government officials”. The radioactive waste facility at

Vanda Radzik, who had civil society member said Houston from an EIA. It successfully challenged the she had publicly made a must be noted that this is the regulator in Court on the proposalforthecriticalbody second waiver of the study exemption of the detailed to appoint its full five that has been approved by study for the said project, members, with at least two the regulator. To this end,

Developmental activities for Payara to conclude in July

Ahead of first oil, at Guyana’s third oil vesselwasconstructedbyDutchshipbuilder, producing project, the Payara development, SBMOffshore.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Presently,twoFPSOsareoperatinginthe Limited (EEPGL) has been conducting Stabroek Block, including the Liza Destiny offshore works in the Stabroek Block, which and Liza Unity In December 2019, the Liza isexpectedtowinddowninJuly Destinyproducedfirstoil.Thiswasfollowed

According to a government notice by the startup of Liza Two in February 2022 published in Sunday’s edition of Kaieteur by the Liza Unity Currently, more than News, it was explained that on May 13, the 380,000 barrels per day is being produced. operator for ExxonMobil continued its Exxon said production from the Prosperity developmental activities in the Payara Field vesselisexpectedtopushdailyproductionto of the Stabroek Block of Guyana’s Exclusive some600,000barrelsadayin2024. EconomicZone(EEZ).

“Installation campaigns are ongoing and

Italsostatedthattheexerciseisscheduled development drilling is underway to support to conclude on July 5, 2023, and will Prosperity’s start-up later this year,” the incorporate the use of OSV Delta companystated.

Commander which will display international It must be noted that even as Guyana signalsforvesselsengagedinsuchactivity prepares for greater production activities in

The area is located approximately 102.27 the Stabroek Block, the country is yet to nautical miles or 189.4 kilometers off the secure full liability coverage to cover Coast of Guyana and covers an area of 136.8 expensesassociatedwithanoilspill. square nautical miles or 469 3 square Presently, the developer has assured that kilometers. The Floating Production Storage US$600 million is in place per event, while a and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, Prosperity, parent company guarantee by ExxonMobil is whichisexpectedtoproducearound220,000 currently the subject of litigation before the barrels of oil per day during its initial phase local Courts. Experts have however warned and was constructed to store a total of two that this figure would not be sufficient to million barrels of oil, has already arrived in cleanupamassivespillintheStabroekBlock, Guyana. The FPSO’s arrival was announced as past experiences amounted to billions of by ExxonMobil Guyana, which in a brief US-dollars.Moreover,thesecostscontinueto media statement said it is excited to climb as citizens who lost their livelihoods contribute to Guyana’s energy future. The continuetomountlegalchallenges.

Guyana’s third FPSO, Prosperity

Civil society member, Vanda Radzik

Guyana needs a different mindset towards outward migration

At an event at the University of G u y a n a , someone said that Guyana mighthavelostUS$1trillion in terms of direct, indirect and opportunity costs as a result of the emigration of graduates of the University ofGuyana.

Having read that new item which provided no detailsastothenatureofthe analysis from which this US$1trillionwasarrivedat, it was not unreasonable to assume that this was more a guesstimate than a serious attempt at computing the actual financial loss to the country due to the emigration of its university graduates. US$1 trillion in 60 years may be a stretch. Cumulatively, the UniversityofGuyanawould not have had recurrent expenditure anywhere

nearing this sum. But more fundamental to the flaws of this assertion are the assumptions upon which it appearstobebased.

One of the traditional ways of looking at emigration from developing countriesistoassumethatit hasresultedinabraindrain, a loss of skilled personnel and therefore ultimately a financial loss to the country But that argument is an archaic and does not take account of the reverse benefitsofemigration.

Inthepast,thefocushas beenonthelossofskillsbut thatlossofskillsismitigated bythetremendousinflowsof remittances, including from graduates. But this has to be balanced by factoring the highlevelsofremittancesby economicémigrés.

In 2005, Guyana raised eyebrowsinwesterncapitals

Dem boys seh...

when remittances accounted for as much as 25% of its GDP In fact, a senior economist at the Bank of Guyana estimated that official remittances jumped more than eight-fold between 2000 and 2006. In 2001 – and with a much largereconomythanin2005 – remittances accounted for 6.8% of the country’s GDP Andthisoccurreddespitethe high cost (listed among the highest in the world) of remittances from Canada and the United States where almost 90% of the local diasporareside.

These are conservative estimates.Manyremittances are not captured in formal statistics. Persons travelling to Guyana, for example are often asked to bring money forsomerelativeorfriend.A manner of creative and informalarrangementsallow

Lifetime awards means yuh past yuh best

Deyearsdoesflybyfast.

When yuh young, yuh does believe dat yuh gat all de timeindeworld.Butasyuh get older, time seems to movefaster

And one day yuh gat to face de fact dat yuh gat to retire. But dem gat some men who don’t feel dem age. No matter how much wrinkle dem gat pon dem face, dem still feel dem young enough fuh wuk

And because of dat, dem don’t contemplate retirement Dem does continue to work even long afterderetirementage.And

no matter how much dem friends and boss try to give dem hints about calling it a day, dem does don’t get de message.

When yuh old, people does seh yuh does get cold. When yuh young, yuh does befreshbutandyuhdoesbe decenterofattraction.

But when yuh get old, people does look pass yuh. Yuh does get put out to pasture.

Anddehgatmanyways inwhichpeopledoessignal datyuhpastyuhbest.Oneof dewaysiswhenyuhgetting old and people start to give

for the movement of funds between the host and home country of immigrants. The high level of remittances suggests that instead of emigrationbeingalosstothe country, it actually represents a financial bonanza.Assuch,adifferent approach needs to be adopted when it comes to emigration, including the emigrationofourgraduates.

In the past, the developmental literature usedtoemphasizethebraindrain effects of emigration. The argument was that the loss of educated persons deprived the country of the s k i l l s n e e d e d f o r development and this acted as major constraint to development. This myopic and negative view of migration has informed a blinkered official policy –one that sees migration as a net loss rather than a net gain. But a new paradigm has emerged, one that views emigration in a different light especially considering the significant level of

remittances relative to some countries’ GDP These inward flows represent a source of funds not simply for consumption or as a socialsafetynet,butalsoasa source of investment, including investments in businessesandrealestate.

Anumberofstudieshave confirmed the positive impact of remittances, and indeedsomehavegoneasfar as indicating that remittances have a more positive outcome than aid.

Onestudyfoundthatindeed remittances are statistically significant Other studies

have confirmed that remittances have increased significantly over time and also in relation to other inflows. But remittances are not the only benefit of migration Immigrants

a c q u i r e i m p r o v e d knowledge, skills and experience which they would not have had in their home country Within a globalized world, this knowledge, skills and experience can be

transferredbacktothehome country Technology now allows this to happen on a greater scale without the immigrant leaving his host country Migrants also help promote trade and investment between their home and host countries. Theyalsoamajorsourceofa country’s soft power as is being seen with the Indian, Chinese and Jewish lobbies intheUnitedStates.

Guyana, and especially, the University of Guyana, needs to dump this mindset whichseesmigrationasanet losstothecountry

The evidence does not suggest this. The quicker there is a rethink and the a d o p t i o n o f m o r e enlightened diaspora policies, the better Guyana will be able to capitalize on the benefits of outward migration.

yuh

awards.Whenyuhstart getlongserviceandlifetime awards,yuhknowdepeople trying fuh send yuh a message. Islikedemtelling yuh dat dis is a farewell party Dem wishing yuh goodriddance.

But deh gat some ole people, dem don’t get de message.Demstillfeeldem relevantanddemdoeswant hold on till de last breath. Butdeworlddon’tstopand wait fuh no one. When yuh timecomefuhmoveonand moveaside,yuhdoesgatto doso…so.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Govt. seeking new bids of no less than US$85M for profitable Marriott Hotel

…Guyanese businessman drops out of race

The Government of

in 2006 against Ramy ElGuyana (GoG) has invited Batrawi, and others arising the six bidders vying for the out of US$130 million stock acquisition of the profitable loan and manipulation MarriottHoteltomakeanew scheme. Notably, while Elproposal but with a Batrawi never accepted minimum bid price of wrongdoings, in April 2010 US$85million. the final judgment resulted

G i v e n t h e n e w in him being barred from p r e r e q u i s i t e , l o c a l running a public company businessman and owner of for five years This the Pegasus Hotel, Robert publication had also Badal, has pulled out of the highlighted that El-Batrawi race. Badal, was among the visited Guyana twice last six who had submitted their year, October 2022, and proposal to the National November 2022 The Industrial and Commercial American businessman had Investments Limited praised the time he spent (NICIL) on April 17, 2023. with President Irfaan Ali He was also the second duringhisvisitstoGuyana. highest bidder with a bid of

One month later, NICIL thebidreflectsthetruevalue US$55 5 million, behind a n n o u n c e d t h e ofthehotel.

American businessman Government’s decision to

The Vice President made Ramy El-Batrawi, the owner sellthehotel.InMarch2023, theannouncementduringhis of X, LLC with the highest Jagdeo revealed that despite party’s press conference, bidofUS$65million. the criticism the hotel faced explaining that the

According to the Chief when the construction was government went to tender Executive Officer (CEO) of announced – the hotel has testingthemarketbut,“none NICIL, Radha Krishna emerged as a profitable of the bids meet our price Sharma,on May 2, 2023, the venture,butjustifiedthesale expectation, and we will not six bidders were contacted of the hotel by stating that it proceed with any of those and advised by NICIL that wasabusinessdecision. bids.” their submitted bids have

In fact, the VP said The Vice President been rejected. Subsequently, during a press conference assured that the hotel will thebiddersweretheninvited thatwhilethehotelismaking continue to be owned by the to resubmit a new bid with a a profit, it is of no supreme government until an minimum bid price of benefit to the Government appropriate offer that US$85 million. He said too owning it anymore. Jagdeo mirrors the true value of the that the deadline for the continued by saying that hotel is received. “We know submissions is on May 16, within a few years several whatthetruevaluewillbein 2023. hotels are expected to come the current contexts. So that

When contacted, Mr on stream and in order to matter should be put to rest, Badal explained that he has avoidcompetition,thisisthe thatwewillnotproceedwith already submitted his best best time to maximise the any of the bids, because we bid price for the hotel. As profitandsellthehotel. believe that they are too low such, he noted he will not be

According to Jagdeo, the based on the value of that inclined to proceed any proceeds of the sale was asset now and its capacity to further supposed to be used, “to earn,”Jagdeocontinued.

Learning Lab for persons living with disabilities for May 22 opening

The ‘Learning Lab’ is nearing completion (DPI Photo)

With Badal out of the clear off the remaining loan

The Marriott Hotel race, it leaves the others: and some of it will come started, under the Jagdeo local consortium, Integrated back to the Treasury to be administration when he was Group Guyana Limited, used back for whatever President, using taxpayers’ headed by Ravindra Prashad purposeisdetermined.” dollarsandwithasyndicated with an initial proposal of

Notably, a decision by loan through the Republic US$55 million, Georgetown the former administration Bank Limited of Trinidad I n v e s t m e n t s a n d has resulted in US$1 1 and had opened its doors on Management Services Inc. million ($226 million) of April 17, 2015. Under the (Princess Hotel), General taxpayers’ dollars coming syndicated loan agreement, Manager, Mustafa Eray out every six months (since the preferred rights goes to Kanmaz who had bid US$50 2017) to service the US$27 those investors – meaning million, NCB Capital million loan from the bank – that in the event of the hotel MarketsLimited,aJamaican for a 13-year period. This being unable to service the Company headed by Steve was after the hotel was loan – the unknown Gooding with a bid of unable to service the loan. In investors would have the US$33 million and order to prevent the hotel first lien on the proceeds of Muneshwers Limited, from being acquired by the anysale. owned by Amarnauth b a n k , t h e f o r m e r Kaieteur News had Muneshwer with the lowest Government in April 2017 highlighted that the hotel’s bidofUS$25million. made the decision to transfer top bidder was barred by the Several days after the six the hotel’s financial United States Securities and bidders submitted their obligations to the Central Exchange Commission proposals, Vice President Government. However, VP (SEC) back in 2010 from Bharrat Jagdeo announced Jagdeo stated that while in acting as an officer or that the “bids are too low” Opposition, the PPP director of a public company and added that the administration was opposed for a period of five years. It governmentwillnotproceed to the hotel’s financial was reported that the US withthesaleofthehoteluntil obligationbeingtransferred. body had filed fraud charges

As government aims to have persons the facility would address those needs and living with disabilities participate equally in make the space more accessible and all fields of social life by building up their accommodatingforeveryone. literacy and life skills, a new training and The centre is currently 95 per cent empowerment centre dubbed the ‘Learning completed and will consist of a recreational Lab’, is slated to open on May 22. This space, kitchen, dining area, and training facility is expected to expand access to space, where persons can develop and learn community lifelong learning services for lifeskills. peoplewithdisabilities.

The learning centre is the first of its kind

TheannouncementwasmadebyMinister and will also allow persons to benefit from a of Human Services and Social Security, Dr number of training programmes to be Vindhya Persaud on the sidelines of the gainfullyemployed.

CopSquad2000 graduation ceremony hosted “We would’ve trained a significant attheNationalCulturalCentreonFriday number of persons and we are aiming to

“We are opening what we call the complete training at least 600 persons ‘Learning Lab’ a centre for training and before the end of this month, especially in empowerment for persons living with skills training and vocational type disabilities on the 22nd of this month. His training.

Excellency will be there to open that “We are offering abuse and violence institution and there we are expecting training because persons who are in the members of the various communities of grouping of living with a disability are at a persons living with disabilities to utilise higher risk for those. So, those are some of this,”MinisterPersaudstated. the additional areas they will be trained Minister Persaud and Minister of Labour, in,”theministeradded.

Joseph Hamilton along with members of the Further, the commitment by President, Blind and Deaf Association, and Council for Dr MohamedIrfaanAlitoprovideretrofitted DisabilitiesexaminedthebuildinginApril. buses for persons living with disabilities has

The goal was to identify the specific beenfulfilled,astwobuseswerehandedover needs and requirements of each type of to the ministry to transport persons attending disability so that the modifications made to thelearninginstitution.(DPI)

Guyanese businessman and owner of the Pegasus Hotel, Mr. Robert Badal

Guyana Marriott Hotel

Nazima Raghubir re-elected as GPA President

With a landslide win Nazima

Raghubir was

on Sunday reelected as the President of t h e G u y a n a P r e s s Association (GPA) – the second oldest media advocacy group in the E n g l i s h - s p e a k i n g Caribbean,whichhasalways been a membership body that campaigns on behalf of journalists and media workersinthecountry

Raghubir was first elected as President in 2018 and was motivated by her colleagues to run again. She had also served in various capacities in the GPA since 2002 Yesterday, she received 70 votes, while her lone challenger Neil Marks who served as president of the association from March 2015 to January 2018 got 25 votes.

In an invited comment with this publication, in developing the media Treasurer, Ariana Gordon as also has associate members Raghubir said that she landscapeinthecountry. Secretary, and Denis such as persons involved in pursued re-election with the On Sunday, members of Chabrol, Alva Solomon, Iva other aspects of the media intent of reforming aspects the press gathered at the Wharton and Nyjel Fraser as platform inclusive of public of the Constitution and to Theatre Guild, Kingston, to FloorMembersoftheGPA. relations, communications, continueherdefenceoflocal cast their votes. The other TheGPAhasfourtiersof technical support and media. She said she does not executive members who membership including corporate memberships b e l i e v e i n s t a t i n g were elected are: Rawle journalists, editors, (mediahouses).

“unrealistic” goals but Toney as Vice President, v i d e o g r a p h e r s a n d The latter is free to have intends to continue her work Svetlana Marshall as photographers The body representativesparticipatein trainings and meetings Lastly, student membership is also catered for, to allow University of Guyana (UG) s t u d e n t s p u r s u i n g Communication Studies to join the body Notably, corporate, associate and student members are not empowered to vote but are free to participate in trainings and other activities andraiseissues.

The new GPA executives

GPA President, Nazima Raghubir

GPA Vice President, Rawle Toney

Scores of Essequibians join Ray Daggers on Day 11 of walk against “barefaced” Exxon Contract

- Walk

continues today from La Union Village, Essequibo Coast

Ray gg r

ExxonMobil relationships

final onSaturday Guyanese put aside their on

ay Daggers and Guyana signed with ExxonMobil relationshipswithmenjusttomake final leg of his journey is that told onSaturday KNEWS Publisher in2015. endsmeet. Guyanese must put aside their Afterseeingthehugeturnouton Glenn Lall were on Along the way, a Pandit (A SomefromAbramZuiltookthe differences and unite to fight for a Sunday, Daggers said “the fear is Sunday welcomed to religious leader) came out to greet microphone to call out their fellow renegotiation of the ExxonMobil being dispelled in people, our the Essequibo Coast, Region Two Mr. Daggers and blessed his walk villagers to get rid of their fear and contract. courage has harnessed their fear with Mala (A garland of flowers forarenegotiation. jointhewalkforachange. “We want to make them andtheyhavedispelledit”. placed around the necks of gods in H e u rg e d h i s f e l l o w Apart from the Essequibians (residents of Essequibo) aware that So far Daggers has covered a the India), as scores of Essequibians and Guyanese at who turned up in their numbers, at we have a common enemy We are total distance of 180 miles on foot Essequibiansturneduptojointhem large,“Icalluponallofyouthatare least seven “Berbicians traveled fightingagainstacommonenemy”, and will continue his walk today on day 11 of a walk against the listening to please, please get from their county to join Ray Daggers said while adding that all from La Union Village, Essequibo lopsidedExxonMobilContract. ExxonMobil to review this Daggers on the final leg of his Guyanese must put aside their Coast.Daggersishopingtomakeit

Kaieteur News

Along the a (A SomefromAbram differences and for a Daggers is welcomed to greet to call their renegotiation of ExxonMobil dispelled in people, our Daggers walk contract. fear with (A of renegotiation. for to they around H e g e h s o w from (residents of Essequibo) So far Daggers covered a he a) as ores Essequibians and Guyanese at who their at we have common enemy foot turnedupto upon you are seven fightingagainst commonenemy”, today 11 of a walk against to please get county to Daggers while adding Union Essequibo to this on the final leg of Guyanese put it men were contract.” differences theend day the Essequibians to “We a that he the of Born Daggers the at just it Block with Oil for overseas to the from Giant paid key Some accompanied at in Guyana. 65drumming, while walked man he was provided rice miles to walk even get to contract by purchase fluids thisroad.” he called day efforts Lall, those woman, 15:00hrsatLa Village. who has fighting for a brought of a contract.

The two men were greeted by contract.” journey differencesanduniteinthefightfor Charitybytheendoftheday the Essequibians at Supenaam According to the Pandit, “We a One of them said that he started the renegotiation of the Stabroek Born in Mahaicony, Daggers where they began the walk around get a whipping now from travelingatmidnightjusttomakeit Block Contract with American Oil lived for quite some time overseas 09:00hrs. ExxonMobil and then our very, on time to start the journey from Giant ExxonMobil”, Daggers had but paid attention to key

Some accompanied Daggers very grandchildren, they will Supenaamat09:00hrs. occurrences in Guyana. The 65withTassa drumming, while others probablygetmorethanawhipping, Together, they walked year-old man said he was provided hot dhal and rice with we nah know if our grandchildren seventeen point five miles with inspired to undertake the walk choka and hot peppers. Others will even get grass to eat, probably Ray Daggers from Supenaam against the Exxon contract by brought cash to purchase fluids for theymighthavetoeatthisroad.” until he called it a day around the unrelenting efforts by Lall, the journey and there were those Another woman, Faneeta 15:00hrsatLaUnionVillage. who has been fighting for a who brought cases of water and waited in the sun at a bus shed to Itwasbyfarthelargestturnout changetotheExxoncontract. energydrinks. join Daggers. She said that she is since Ray Daggers started his “Mr Lall has been putting

While some joined Daggers in walking for a change of the ‘Cross Country Walk’ last forththefactsandhehasdoneso the walk for a change of the Contract because she has been Thursday from Molesen Creek, without any help from contract, others followed behind in struggling all her life to feed and East Corentyne, Berbice for a government agencies, but with theirvehicles. sendherchildrentoschool. changeoftheExxonContract. the help of his staff, and he has

The Essequibians were very She said during the live The turnout came after beenprovidingagreatserviceto vocal as well, calling on the coverage of the walk that she is Daggers on Saturday said that his this nation,” Daggers had said government to change the oil deal forced to have multiple message to Essequibians for the beforesettingoutonhiswalk.

Daggers. that started “Mr putting Daggers forththe andhe doneso walk she has from w t o n e om behind feed and for a with send childrentoschool. ofthe has Essequibians during great to coverage of the walk she on said said to change the oil fo o e l i e to for

Ray Daggers posing for a group photo after completing ‘Day Eleven (11)’ of his walk against the ExxonMobil Contract.

A Pandit showing his support for a change of the ExxonMobil Contract.

New Outpatient building

commissioned at Port Mourant Hospital

Exxon subsidiary, AG apply to join court case over gas-to-energy pipeline

EssoExplorationandProductionGuyana

Limited-EEPGLandtheAttorneyGeneralof Guyana have applied to be added to the legal challenge against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), permit granted to ExxonMobilGuyanafortheconstructionand operationa12-inchnaturalgaspipeline.

The application was made last Thursday during an in-Chamber hearing of the matter beforeJusticePriyaSewnarineBeharryatthe GeorgetownHighCourt.

Thedecisionastowhetherthetwoparties will be made joinders to the matter is set to take place on 12 June 2023. Thereafter, the substantive matter will be set for 16 June 2023 for the submission of written arguments.

The pipeline is a component of the GuyanaGovernment’sGas-to-Energy(GTE) Project and was authorised by the EPA on November25,2022.

Applicant: Elizabeth Deane-Hughes

The Ministry of Healthon Saturday

The idea was conceptualised for the joined officials of Region Six to department and executed with the sole

c o m m i s s i o n t h e n e w l y purposetoalleviatewaitingtime. constructed Outpatient facility at the Port Minister of Health, Dr FrankAnthony at MourantHospital. the commissioning ceremony noted that the

In a statement on its Facebook page, the facilityformspartofthegovernment’saimto Ministry stated that the building was ensure that Guyanese receive the best constructed at a cost of over $40 million. It possiblecareinatimelymanner was reported that the lower flat of the Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer building will be used for the sole purpose of (RHO),Dr VishalyaSharmahighlightedthat expanding outpatient services in the region, thedepartmentwillhelpthehospitaltobetter while the upper flat will serve as a regional capture its data and guide regional policies, trainingroom. andresources.

Two citizens, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes and Vanda Radzik on March 27, 2023 filed irregular or improper exercise of discretion, the proceeding through their lawyers, abuseofpower,conflictwiththepolicyofthe Melinda Janki, Abiola Wong-Inniss and Joel Act,erroroflaw(and)breachof/omissionto Ross, seeking several reliefs inter alia a performaduty.” declaration the project is contrary to the The applicants are therefore seeking a environmentallawsofGuyana. declaration that the respondent acted in

The citizens are seeking an Order of breach of the Environmental Protection Certiorari to quash the decision made by the (Authorisation) Regulations; a declaration EPA to award an Environmental Permit to that the Permit is null, void and of no legal EEPGL – ExxonMobil Guyana to undertake effect with costs and such further order the the GTE project activities, on the grounds Court considers just. In their application to interaliathatthedecisionwasinbreachofthe the High Court, Radzik and Deane-Hughes provisions of the Environmental Protection stated that Pursuant to Regulation 17 Act (Cap. 20:05), and more particularly, the (2)(c)(iii) of the Environmental Protection Environmental Protection (Authorisation) (Authorisation) Regulations, an application Regulations. for an environmental authorization must

The citizens argue that the decision to contain “proof that the applicant either owns grant the Permit to Exxon was “unauthorised the facility or has a lease or other agreement and contrary to law, in excess of jurisdiction, with the landowner or occupier to enable the failure to satisfy or observe conditions or applicant to conduct the activity without the procedures required by law, unreasonable, consentofthelandowneroroccupier.”

The newly Outpatient Department which was constructed at the Port Mourant Hospital for over $40 million.

WANTED VACANCY

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.

Accounts Clerk and Cook needed from G/town area. Call: 231-5877.

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.

Ambitious agenda for Biden on upcoming three-nation Indo-Pacific trip as debt default looms at home

(AP) — President Joe Biden has an ambitious agenda when he sets off this week on an eight-day trip to the Indo-Pacific.

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.

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He’s looking to tighten bonds with longtime allies, make history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the tiny island state of Papua New Guinea and spotlight his administration’s commitment to the Pacific.

The three-country trip also presents the 80-year-old Biden, who recently announced he’s running for reelection, with the opportunity to demonstrate that he still has enough in the tank to handle the grueling pace of the presidency.

But as he prepares to head west, Biden finds himself in a stalemate with Republican lawmakers over raising America’s debt limit.

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If the matter is not resolved in the coming weeks, it threatens to spark an economic downturn.

biggest economies. He picked his hometown of Hiroshima, where the U.S. dropped the world’s first atomic bomb in 1945. The bombing destroyed the city and killed 140,000 people.

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A look at what’s at stake in Biden’s upcoming trip: WHERE IS

BIDEN GOING?

Biden first heads to Hiroshima, Japan, for the Group of Seven summit. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is this year’s host for the annual gathering of leaders from seven of the world’s

The United States dropped a second bomb three days later on Nagasaki, killing 70,000 more. Japan surrendered on Aug. 15, 1945, ending World War II and its nearly half-century of aggression in Asia.

The significance of Hiroshima resonates deeply today, given that Russia has made veiled threats of using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, North

Korea has stepped up ballistic missile tests and Iran pushes forward with its nuclear weapons program. Biden will then make a brief and historic stopover in Papua New Guinea. Biden has sought to improve relations with Pacific Island nations amid growing U.S. concern about China’s growing military and economic influence in the region. Finally, Biden travels to Australia for a summit with his fellow Quad leaders: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kishida.

Persistent Racism...

From page 6 margins of society especially in the 18th century. Other “races” were discerned and arbitrarily assigned their “place” on a “great chain of beings”.

In 1993, I wrote, “Race and racism, as we know them today, are very modern constructs arising out of a European 18th century “Enlightenment” discourse that ran parallel with the European conquest of the rest of the world and especially with the justification of African slavery.

Notable names such as Hume, Kant and Hegel were involved in the project, which gave a social significance to physical markers.

This is illustrated in Hume’s position that, “negroes… are naturally inferior to the whites”, and Kant’s view, summarised by his comment, “this fellow was quite black …a clear proof that what he said was stupid.”

“Race and racism” then, are part and parcel of the “Western Enlightenment,” exported as one weapon in the European arsenal of im-

perialistic conquest.” “African and Black” was constructed as the binary opposite to “European and White” and like all dualities it is not possible to eliminate one without the other.

Racism is not a phenomenon that ended with the abolition of slavery – and it has not ended even though many assert that “race” has no objective existence.

It persists in the totality of its relations that have become imbricated on the sinews of modernity.

Following Foucault, one can consider racism as a discursive field that incorporates beliefs, descriptions and actions, and the principles on which racist institutions are based.

The discursive formation that would include the normative rules and norms – including laws and moral rules about what we “ought” to act towards each other.

In the words of, once again, Cornell West, racism is a product of the “structure of modern discourse…the controlling metaphors, no-

tions, categories and norms that shape the predominant conceptions of truth and knowledge in the modern west.”

To appreciate its possible continued impact on the marginalisation of Africans in Guyana, one must inquire into the extent to which the premises of the old discourse of race and racism has survived into our particular socio-historical conjuncture and continue to influence our thinking, including that of Afro-Guyanese.

In the post-emancipation era, for instance, when Indians were introduced as indentured labourers, AfroGuyanese deployed the racist tropes concocted by Whites against them.

This persists into the present.

To suggest the enormity of this project, consider that even the tools we would probably use such as, say, social psychology, are all contaminated with premises of “races”, “racial differences” and “racial attitudes”.

Sincerely, Ravi Dev

From left, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are greeted by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, right, during their arrival to the Quad leaders summit at Kantei Palace, May 24, 2022, in Tokyo (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Barcelona crowned La Liga champions after derby win

(BBC Sport) - Barcelona sealed their first La Liga title since 2018-19 with four games to spare after a stylish win at the home of city rivals Espanyol.

Barca were 3-0 up by halftime, Robert Lewandowski scoring his 20th league goal of the season before Alejandro Balde, 19, doubled the lead.

Lewandowski added the third before Jules Kounde’s header made it 4-0.

Espanyol did reduce the deficit through Javier Puado and Joselu but remain in trouble near the bottom of the table. Barcelona have 85

points, 14 more than nearest rivals Real Madrid, with 12 points left to play for.

It is their first La Liga title since club legend Lionel Messi left in August 2021 and first since Xavi was appointed manager in November 2021.

Meanwhile, Espanyol are in danger of a second relegation in four seasons from La Liga after a ninth league defeat in 11 games.

They are four points from safety with four matches left.

Xavi delivers in first full season

Barcelona’s players will have to wait to get their hands

Monday May 15, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Get-togethers with friends or meetings with a small group, if possible, should prove informative and enlightening today, Aries, although some of it may be a bit perplexing.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Today things could be rather hectic at work, Taurus. You'll probably be very busy and happy with whatever results you produce. You could tire yourself out,

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Some new information about an interesting field could have you browsing the web and looking through books to learn more, Gemini. This could involve law, philosophy,

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Today you might learn about new and creative ways to increase your income, Cancer, possibly involving technology in some way. So much new information could come your way.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Social events could put you in touch with interesting people in intriguing professions, Leo. You might get involved in some fascinating conversations that provide you with a lot of useful information.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

A friend or colleague could recommend some books that you want to read right away, Virgo. Be sure you take breaks and rest your eyes from time to time to avoid eyestrain and headaches today.

on the trophy but they celebrated after the full-time whistle before making a hasty retreat to the dressing room after some Espanyol fans dashed on to the pitch.

Barca trailed Real Madrid by three points after losing 31 away to them on 16 October, while they made a disappointing exit from the Champions League after losing three of their six group games.

But Xavi, who won eight La Liga titles during a distinguished 17-year career playing in Barca’s first team, has delivered in his first full season in charge.

It was a particularly emotional night for captain Sergio Busquets, who has confirmed he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season after 18 years at the club.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Today your mind will be quick, insightful, and inspired, Libra. Your creative impulses should go a thousand miles an hour and ideas should pop in and out of your head like crazy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

If visitors are able to pop in and out during the day, Scorpio, you'll be in the right frame of mind to enjoy their company. Expect interesting news and stimulating conversation.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Don't be surprised if your inbox fills with email or your phone rings off the hook, Sagittarius. Friends, relatives, and colleagues could have great news and useful information.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It Inspiration is the word for today, Capricorn. Your creative talent should blossom and motivate you to work on wonderful ideas. This could involve music, painting, decorating,

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Today your physical and mental energy should be operating at a very high level, Aquarius. You probably won't spend much time inside if you can avoid it. Expect get-togethers

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Your intuition is likely to be very keen today, Pisces. Accurate psychic insights could come to you thick and fast. Your imagination is also strong, and you might come up with ideas to enrich your home,

This is the 34-year-old’s ninth league title with Barca but the future looks promising for the side, with Balde and Kounde scoring their first La Liga goals in Barcelona colours.

Barcelona will move out of their Nou Camp home next season while the stadium is redeveloped.

But fans will get a chance to celebrate the club’s first major trophy since 2020-21 during their last two home games - against Real Sociedad on Saturday and Mallorca on 28 May.

Barcelona’s players celebrated on the pitch after claiming their 27th La Liga championship. (Reuters)

One Guyana Breeder’s Cup confirmed for June 11 at Bush Lot United Turf Club

Horse racing returns to Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC), Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, on Sunday, June 11, 2023, following a successful openingdayonApril30,the organizing committee has

earmarked the most opportunetime.

C o m m u n i t y businessman and founder Nasrudeen Mohamed, who heads the Jumbo Jet ThoroughbredHorseRacing Committee, single handedly executed the refurbishment

of the facility at a cost exceeding $60 million, as a gifttothecommunity

The project was spearheaded by his son

Nasrudeen ‘Junior’ Mohamed, who closely monitored the earthworks to ensure the all new all-

weatherdesignwasexecuted correctly As a travelled horse trainer and owner, he was able to accomplish maximum results with the new mix design, therefore settinganewtrackrecordon theseven-racecard.

Mohamed advised the

The One Guyana Breeder’s Cup will feature seven races.

openingday’sracingwasthe first phase and work is in progress to transform Bush Lotracetrackintoamodern facility that can be the envy oftheCaribbean.

A state-of-the-art stabling facility and grandstand are amongst the immediate plans Other formsofsportingdisciplines will be catered for on the samepremises.

The much anticipated race labelled “One Guyana BreedersCup”willcapture7 exciting races commencing from noon, whereas an after party is expected to take place after the action concludesat18:00hrs.

The show is expected to feature over 10 of Guyana’s top DJ’s, due to an overwhelming request for a structured DJ Clash, the JJTRC has decided to host the said event as an added attraction.

There will be well stocked bars courtesy our proud sponsor, Banks DIH,

along with an array of local delicacies on sale for the duration of the event Patrons access one of our strategically placed elevated decks for an amazing aerial viewofthetrack. Special attention was placed on local and Suriname-bredhorseswitha higherpursebeingofferedto motivate horse owners and trainerstobreedlocally When contacted, Mohamed indicted, “We have been part of horse racinginGuyanaforover21 yearsandisstillanadvocate fortheupliftingofthesport. I am proud to see the response for the new track especially because it’s a communitytrack.

We have successfully completedthefirstphaseand is now entering discussions with external stakeholders for construction of other multipurpose facility Together we will strive to enhance and promote Horse RacingthroughoutGuyana.”

West Indies Women and Men’s winter tours of and Australia confirmed

ST.JOHN’S,Antigua–

The West Indies Women’s and Men’s teams will both tour Australia during the Australian summer, with dates and venues confirmed by Cricket Australia (CA) yesterday

The West Indies Women willtourinOctober2023for t h r e e O n e - D a y Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is), while the West Indies Men will tour in January and February 2024 fortwoTests,threeODIsand threeT20Is.

TheWomen’sODIsform part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Women’s Championship, whiletheTestswillbepartof the 2023-2025 ICC Men’s WorldTestChampionship.

The Women’s T20 International Series will bowloffattheNorthSydney Oval with two matches scheduled for Sunday, October 1st, and Monday, October 2nd, culminating withthethirdmatchatAllan Border Field in Brisbane on Thursday,October5th.

Following the T20I Series, the West Indies Women will gear up for the ODI series, which commences on Sunday, October8th,atAllanBorder Field, before heading to Melbourne for the final two matchesattheJunctionOval on Thursday, October 12th, andMonday,October15th.

Hayley Matthews, the captain of the West Indies Women, expressed her excitement about the upcoming tour “We are looking forward to this opportunity to play against Australia as part of the ICC Women’s Championship cycle. We look forward to putting up a strong fight, as we’ve been working hard to refine our skills and strategies. I’m sure the fans are going to see some entertaining cricket,” she said.

The West Indies Women will first be playing their next international fixtures against Ireland Women in JuneandJulybeforeheading to Australia, with the schedulefortheIrelandTour of the West Indies to be announcedshortly.

The West Indies Men’s tour of Australia will start with theTest Series, playing for the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy, named in honor of the former West Indies captainandicon.

The first Test will be played at Adelaide Oval on 17-21January2024.

ThesecondTestwillbea day/night match using the pink ball at The Gabba in Brisbane from 25-29 January

Following the Tests, the West Indies will play three day/night ODIs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (Friday, February 2nd), the

Sydney Cricket Ground (Sunday, February 4th) and the Manuka Oval, Canberra (Tuesday,February6th).

ThethreeT20Iswillbeat the Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Tasmania (Friday, February 9th), the Adelaide Oval (Sunday, February 11th) and the Perth Stadium (Tuesday,February13th).

MATCHSCHEDULES

Women’sTour

1st October: 1st T20I at NorthSydneyOval,Sydney

2ndOctober:2ndT20Iat North Sydney Oval, Sydney (night) 5th October: 3rd T20I at Allan Border Field, Brisbane (night) 8th

October: 1st ODI at Allan BorderField,Brisbane

12thOctober:2ndODIat JunctionOval,Melbourne

15thOctober:3rdODIat JunctionOval,Melbourne

Men’sTour

17th-21st January: 1st Test at Adelaide Oval, 10.00am

25th-29th January: 2nd Test at Gabba, Brisbane (day/night) 2nd February: 1stODIatMCG,Melbourne

GomesandAlphonsoshineasWoodpecke...

From page 22 made valiant efforts to challengeLowe’sdominance.Withatense 10-10scoreline,bothplayersfoughttooth and nail in the second game, but it was Lowe’s strategic serves that propelled her toa2-0lead.

With unwavering confidence, Lowe continuedherdominanceinthethirdgame, restricting Gomes to an 11-5 defeat, thus securing her maiden national title in style. In the Boys U15 third-place playoff, Brenno Da Silva fought valiantly against the formidable Richard Rodrigues. In a display of breathtaking skill, Rodrigues emergedvictoriouswithan11-7,11-8,1210triumph,leavingtheaudienceinaweof hisremarkableabilities.

SafirahSumner’spathtoglorycollided with Rylee Rodrigues in the U17 final.As thematchignited,Sumnerswiftlyclaimed an early lead. Game two became a fierce battle, with both players pouring their heartsintoeachshot.

With sheer determination, Sumner emerged triumphant, fueling her drive to secure the U17 title by claiming the

decisive third game. In the Boys U17 playoffclashbetweenShilohAsregadoand Josh Verwey, the former stamped his authority by winning the first two games with scores of 11-9 and 11-3. Despite Verwey’s solid efforts, Asregado’s robust performance propelled him to a commanding 3-0 victory, leaving spectators awestruck by his dominant display

TherivetingencounterbetweenJeremy Ten Pow and Demetri Lowe gripped the crowd’s attention, though it was a playoff match, it unearthed a championship response;theclashoftheTitans.

However, Ten Pow raced to a commanding two-game lead, but Lowe with unwavering determination staged a remarkable comeback in the third, eventually winning then moved on to deservinglysecurethefourth.

Thefinalgamewasrichlysupportedby the vocal parents sitting court-side, both players were hyped heading into the fifth but Lowe took control of the match halfwayintodeliveraspectacular3-2win.

(day/night) 4th February: 2nd ODI at SCG, Sydney (day/night)

6thFebruary:3rdODIat

Manuka Oval, Canberra (day/night)9thFebruary:1st T20I at Blundstone Arena, Hobart(night)

11th February: 2nd T20I atAdelaideOval,(night)

13th February: 3rd T20I atPerthStadium,(day/night)

The West Indies Men will tour Australia in January 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

FL Sport gets powerful support from General Marine

The pioneers of live streaming of sport in Guyana, FL Sport received a power generator from General Marine to assist with power woes especially in remote areas.

Live streaming depends on bandwidth while the equipment needs electrical power to create the final output. Since the start of 2022,FLSporthastraversed the coastline of Guyana to offerlivestreamingservices at various events but was hampered with fluctuating power In some cases, critical aspects of the event were missed which defeated the purpose of having video evidence.

After a trip to Region Five, Executive Producer of FL Sport, John Ramsingh shared the experiences with Managing Director of General Marine, Rahaman Khan and immediately they cameupwithasolution.

“FL Sport has made

streaming very popular and now there is a demand but without power we have no show That is why we are jumpingonboardtoplayour part to ensure continued coverage,” said Chief OperatingOfficerofGeneral MarineAnthonyKhanwhile handingovertheElitebrand generatorset.

The younger Khan who is also a former national youth cricketer remarked that the Elite brand is very popularandwillsufficiently handle the load associated with live streaming wherever team FL Sport goes. Khan also said that General Marine is also committed to offering servicing for free for the lifetime of the machine which is the norm for the company with every customer and for every product.

Upon receiving the timely donation, Ramsingh conveyed his gratitude on behalf of team FLSport and

further stated, “That after persons secure the services ofFLSport,thereisalevelof expectation. To deliver that expectation,FLSportcannot afford to have drop outs of eitherbandwidth,electricity, equipment or manpower so we are covering all bases. That is why this tool [generator] is so important. We feel empowered to continue to serve our stakeholders.”

Livestreaminghastaken off in a significant way during the height of the recent Covid-19 pandemic where persons adapted to social distancing and virtual interactions. It was around thesametimethatademand for streaming live sport also became popular which forced Ramsingh to expand the services to beyond the cricketfield.

In the second half of 2022andsofarthisyear,FL Sport has covered in excess of 50 events including cricket (hardball and

softball), swimming, football, field hockey, press conferences, launch ceremonies, prize giving ceremonies and crossfit games.

“We are open to any event which we pledge to execute in the most professional way We take bookings on a first come,

firstservebasisandrecently we even juggled multiple events on the same day so reachouttousandlet’sgive our athletes the recognition

they deserve, ” the

international cricket broadcastersaid.

Rahaman Khan and Ramsingh are executive members of the Everest

Cricket Club (ECC) where thehandingovertookplace. They both reckoned that ECC is an ideal hub for live streaming because of the layout and infrastructure including internet and electricity Khan said he is willing to provide further assistance as the demand growsforFLSport.

Gomes and Alphonso shine as Woodpecker Junior C/ships come to an ecstatic end

The Georgetown Club Courts (GTC) bore witness to a spellbinding conclusion on Saturday as the 31st edition of Woodpecker Products Junior National Squash Championship reacheditsepicfinale.

Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, the tournament introduced us to a dynamic

castofemergingtalentswho leftanindeliblemarkonthe hallowedcourts.

First up, Caribbean

champion, Michael Alphonso, was a force to be reckonedwithashestormed to victory in the Boys U19 final He showcased exceptional talent and unrivaled determination,

Louis DaSilva on the other hand,showedagreatamount of versatility to secure second place while also triumphing in the Boys U17 final, which further cemented his status as a risingstarofthesport.

In a heartfelt farewell, Kirsten Gomes bid adieu to her Junior Championships

journey, copping the Girls U19 title in spectacular fashion Her remarkable achievements were further celebrated as she received theesteemed2023‘Heartof a Champion’ award, a testamenttoherunwavering spirit.SafirahSumner,atrue warrior on the court, battled her way to yet another U17 title, solidifying her reputation as a fierce competitor

The ever-improving Demetri Lowe’s match with JeremyTenPowinthethirdplace playoff was the highlight of the day. Lowe, leaving no doubt about his immensepotential,stagedan exciting display of grit and tenacitytodefeatTenPowin the very last of five games after being in 10-10 deadlock, Lowe emerged victorious at the knack of timetosecurethethird-place place spot. After that, the stagewassetfornewcomers to make their mark; Kaylee Lowe, playing in her first Junior National event

dazzled spectators with a sensational performance, clinching the Girls U13

championship and announcing her arrival with authority, while, Malia

Maikoo and Richard Rodrigues showcased their prodigious talents, seizing victoryintheGirlsandBoys U15categories,respectively The action-packed day

witnessed a series of enthralling matches. Zoin Hickerson demonstrated his prowess on the court, overpowering Jacob McDonald in a welldeserved 3-0 victory In a monumental moment, KayleeLoweemergedasthe victorinahard-foughtbattle againstTianaGomes,who (Continuedonpage21)

Ronaldo McGarrell (left), Anthony Khan (centre) and John Ramsingh at the handing over of the generator at Everest Cricket Club.

Kirsten Gomes receives the ‘Heart of the Champions’trophy from Carl Ince

Safirah Sumner in full stretch during her U19 encounter with Kirsten Gomes

Juniors participants and officials pose for a group photo at the closing of the championship