Kaieteur News

Ray Daggers completes walk against “barefaced” Exxon contract from Berbice to Charity in 12 days

Publisher of Kaieteur

N e w s , G l e n n L a l l exclaimed, “It’s a victory for all Guyana,” moments after Ray Daggers on Monday afternoon completed his cross-country walk for a change to the “lopsided ExxonMobilContract”.

- promises to continue fight for a fair deal

Daggerswalkedatotalof 202 miles from Moleson Creek, East Corentyne Berbice, Region 6 to Charity on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two within twelve days. The 65-year-old man started his final day of his journey around 09:00 hrs at La Union, Essequibo Coast and arrived in Charity around 15:30 hrs after walking a distance of 22 miles. As Daggers walked possible by the support and about little Africa, Little school to hunt crabs so that will be able to come after us the Exxon contract by the into the Charity Market love he received from his India and Black Bush Polder their families could earn a and shut us up,” Daggers unrelenting efforts by Lall, Square, school children fellow Guyanese throughout I will go back there with my living. Daggers has been saidasheurgedGuyaneseto who has been fighting for a came out to greet him and his walk. “It was a walk in cellphone to see for myself walking not only for a join in the fight for a change to the Exxon scores of Essequibians who the park I enjoyed it,” some of the conditions change of the ExxonMobil renegotiation of the oil contract. “Mr Lall has been accompanied him on the Daggers said, while adding people are living under,” Contract but also to educate contract. putting forth the facts and he final leg of his journey that he intends to return to DaggerstoldKaieteurNews. the masses of how the oil Born in Mahaicony, hasdonesowithoutanyhelp applauded him with cheers

Berbicewithhiscellphoneto In an earlier interview companyhasbeen“robbing” Daggerslivedforquitesome from government agencies, andchants.

witness first hand some of with this newspaper, thecountryofitsfairshareof time overseas but paid but with the help of his staff,

the stories of poverty he Daggers had related that he revenue. “They have been attention to key occurrences and he has been providing a completing the journey said heardwhilewalkingthrough was told by Berbicians of shafting us, inflating in Guyana. The 65-year-old great service to this nation,” that the experience was a thecounty childrenasyoungasfiveand costs…the more educated man said he was inspired to Daggers had said before good one filled with

“With the things I heard six-years-old skipping the people are, the less they undertake the walk against settingoutonhiswalk. enthusiasm which was made

A jubilant scene at Charity on the Essequibo Coast after Ray Daggers completed a 12-day walk from Berbice to Essequibo for a change to the Exxon contract

- turns down request for stay of judgment

Appeal Court to test merits of EPA’s challenge

heEnvironmental

Tbefore June 10—the last day The EPA argued that the and acted well within it P r o t e c t i o n for compliance with Justice trial court erred in law and statutory and regulatory Agency (EPA)’s Kissoon’s ruling. “We’re m i s c o n s t r u e d t h e powers.

challenge to the opposing any order for a Environmental Protection Asaresult,theEPAseeks High Court ruling against it stay,” said Senior Counsel Act and its Regulations to a stay of execution of the and the Exploration and Seenath Jairam, one of the determinethattheAppellant, judgment of the Court as it Production (Guyana) lawyers representing the a statutory body had specific contends that irreparable Limited (EEPGL), will see respondents,Presidentofthe statutory powers which in harm would be suffered by oral arguments taking place Transparency Institute of factitdidnot. thenation’seconomy onthe29thMay Guyana Inc (TIGI), The EPA argued too that Director of the EPA,

The Court of Appeal Fredericks Collins, and the trial court erred in law Kemraj Parsram in an intendstoapplythemerittest Guyanese citizen Godfrey and misconstrued the affidavit inter alia lamented to the EPA appeal against Whyte. substance and effect and that Guyana as a nation now High Court Judge, Sandil

The EPA had filed a wrongly ascribed to it an earns billions of dollars Kissoon’s ruling for Notice ofAppeal against the interpretation superior to the annually from the petroleum ExxonMobil (Guyana) to High Court ruling that is in Environmental Protection activities conducted on the provide parent company favour of Guyana receiving Act and thereby ascribed Liza1andLiza2fields;both guarantee for offshore oil unlimited parent company meaning to it which was are subject to the permit operations it is engaged in guarantee from. EEPGL and expressly contrary to the suspension or cancellation with its co-venturers in the its parent company, Exxon specific provisions of the w h i c h w i l l h a v e a Stabroek Block in the event Mobil in the event of an oil saidActanditsRegulations. catastrophic effect on ofanoilspill. spill. Further, the EPA n a t i o n a l f u n d s f o r

Justice of Appeal Rishi

In the document seen by submittedthatthetrialcourt development and also the Persaud has fixed May 29 at (Guyana)Limited(EEPGL), insurance, as is customary in this newspaper, the EPA is erred in law in directing and private sector which 10:00h to hear arguments on withanEnforcementNotice. the international petroleum seeking to reverse the High determining the exact supports the activities on the whether the appeal has a He asked the Appeal industry Court decision on the manner of the exercise of saidLiza1and2fields. reasonable prospect of Court to issue the stay on or Datadin’s application for grounds that the trial court the discretion of the EPA in Justice Sandil Kissoon success. During Monday’s beforeMay9,2023.Thestay the judgment to be erredinlawininterpretation, a manner contrary to ordered the EPA to issue an proceedings into the case will put a hold on the order suspended pending the c o n s i d e r a t i o n a n d established law and Enforcement Notice to before the Appeal Court, for the company to provide, hearinganddeterminationof application of the combined practice EEPGL and its parent EPA’s lawyer, Sanjeev within 30 days, unlimited the appeal was, however, effect of Clause 14 of the IneffecttheEPAsaidthat company, Exxon Mobil to Datadin asked for a stay of Parent Company Guarantee refused, with the Judge Environmental Permit the trial court substituted its ensure it provides unlimited theMay3orderdirectingthe Agreement and/or unlimited indicating that he intends to issued to EEPGL, and own discretion as the parentcompanyguaranteeto EPA to issue ExxonMobil’s liability Affiliate Company hear arguments on the erroneously concluded that decisionoftheEPAwhenthe safeguard Guyana against local affiliate, Esso Guarantee, together with reasonable prospect of the financial assurance must Agency at all material times, the devastating effects of an Exploration and Production environmental liability success and render his ruling beprovidedbyEEPGL. had exercised its discretion oilspillbyJune10.

3 persons missing as boats collide in Cuyuni River

Police seeking family of Ralph De Castro

as boats

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is seeking the help of the public in identifying the family of Ralph De Castro, who was killed in an accident on Saturday May 13, 2023 on the Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Monday morning.

A search is now D e m e r a r a , a n d o f Landing enroute to San wenttothescene,wherethey underway for three persons Eteringbang Landing, and a Martin, and he was at the pulled out Boyde from the who were involved in a boat 17 feet wooden boat time reportedly transporting waterandrushedhimtoseek mishap which occurred in powered by a 40Hp Yamaha two passengers. Reports are medical attention in the wee hours of Monday outboard engine which was that between that time too, Venezuela. It was reported along the Cuyuni River, operatedbyCreesBoyde. Boyde had left San Martin, that he sustained severe RegionSeven. The incident occurred Venezuela, enroute to injury to his right leg and According to police sometime between 03:47hrs Eteringbang Landing As minor injury to his hands. r e p o r t s , t h e y a r e and 04:30 yesterday It was they were both navigating However, as it relate to investigating a river mishap reported to the police that across the river, the two Obermul

his involving a 19 feet wooden Obermuller and Boyde boats ended up colliding, passengers a search was boat powered by a 75Hp would normally transport causing the passengers, as carried but they were not Yamaha outboard engine, persons from Eteringbang well as the boat captains to found Their boats and which was operated by Landing to San Martin beflungintotheriver engines are presently lodged Lloyd Obermuller, a 60- Landing, Venezuela On Persons from the area, at the Eteringbang Police year-old of Crane Housing

The accident involved motorcarPAD7001,owned and driven by a 41-year-old female resident of Enmore, ECD. Enquiries disclosed surface and receive injuries. that around 19:30hours the The pedestrian was picked woman was proceeding east up from the road in an along the northern driving unconscious state by public lane of the northern spirited citizens and was carriageway, when she escorted to Georgetown allegedly saw a man Public Hospital where he suddenly walking from was seen an examined by a north to south across the Doctor on duty and road into the path of her pronounced dead on arrival. vehicle. The investigation into the

o n d a y m o r n i n g , who learned of what S t a t i o n w h e r e a n

t Obermuller left Eteringbang transpired, immediately investigationisongoing.

Itwasreportedthatupon matter is ongoing. Anyone seeing that, the driver who can assist the Police in applied brakes but the left identifying De Castro’s side front of her vehicle family is asked to contact collided with the pedestrian 911 or the nearest police whowasflungontotheroad station.

Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram

The two boats involved in the mishap on

Dead, Ralph De Castro

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

Global COVID emergency over, Guyana contract crisis continues

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 needles to fear, the freedom to mix and mingle, shake hands, even exchangeahugandakiss. Citizensinopensocietiesaround the world are definitely rejoicing. Unfortunately, there is nothing of the kind in the now confirmed (again) fastest growingeconomyintheworld,Guyana.

Instead, it is the lamentable lot of Guyanese to be continuedtobesickenbyavirusofastrangesort:Guyanese are afflicted with a case of political Covid. It is national in scope, and comes in several strains: leadership Covid, government Covid, divisive Covid, but always a severely sickeningCovid.

Guyana’sCovidisongoing,hasbeengoingonforthelast 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 spectrum with a deep-seated madness. They are those who cannot stop themselves from gushing about oil and ExxonMobil, and how much both have come to mean for Guyanese. While others stricken by leadership Covid are unable to breathe a straight or clean word for Guyana’s oil andagainstAmerica’sExxonMobil. ThenationalGuyanese family must take stock of all this, and wonder who stands withthem,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 low by this version of Covid that it is now inseparable from ExxonMobil. This is how badly government is infected by this peculiar sickness that it cannot even standup and defend theinterestsofGuyanese. Mattershavedeterioratedtosuch a wanton state thateven a former President is jumping through hoops, in supporting ExxonMobil, while leaving localstodefendthemselveshowevertheycan. Whetheritis the ruling PPPC Government,or its leading spokespeople, racing to reverse a decision that is favorable to locals, Guyanesefindthemselvesinthesamepatheticboat:theyare theirown.

Considering the actions of the PPPC Government, there should already have been a no-confidence motion, given the rank betrayal that has occurred. Whatever happened to our honorableandpatrioticGuyaneseparliamentarians? 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: there may not be so much as a small handful of them to make a difference, so pitiful they are in the clutches of foreign masters, foreign entanglements. And there is something that still has to be said. Though it sounds highly impossible, it may be extremely difficult to find that single Guyanese MP, man or woman, who is willing to be unselfish and sacrifice for what couldhavebenefitsforGuyaneseforgenerationstocome.

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 them and their families. This has already been happening in the money department, in the national leadership department, and the

Inequity in the Uaru project

DEAREDITOR, EEPGL employs the Guyana will receive from a captures US$48.6 Billion. In Reference is made to d e b o t t l e n e c k i n g non-renewable resource that other words, for every your article dated 5-13-2023 technology(https://onepetro. will be exhausted in or US$1 00 that Guyana and captioned, ‘After o r g / O G F / a r t i c l e - before 2034. Consequently, receives for its oil, EEPGL approving fifth oil project, abstract/3/03/57/205372/De the Government of Guyana receivesUS$5.90. Govt. now asks Exxon to bottlenecking-Existing- shouldexplainhowthispoor This is the inequity and study what it will do with O f f s h o r e - project evaluation was unfairness, for out of excess gas’ in which it was Production?redirectedFrom accepted. Guyana’s share of US$ 8.24 stated that the Uaru project =fulltext)) as was done Meanwhile, Table 1 Billion,Guyanahasto: will cost US$12.7 billion; recently; and raise the daily below has an estimate of 1 Pay the taxes of produce 812 million barrels production to 360,000 per what would be the share of EEPGL; GRA needs to of oil; have a production life day, then the life of the Uaru revenue that Guyana will publish the value of the tax of 20 years; will produce project with higher risks will receive, assuming a price of receipts given to EEPGL; 250,000 barrels of oil per be only 6.18 years, and not US$70.00perbarrel. transparency is needed, for day;andwillstartproduction 20 years! Moreover, in2027. reflecting on the comments

W h a t c a u g h t m y (KN: 5/14/2023) made by attention in this article was ExxonMobil Corporation’s the fact that the production Senior Vice President and life of the project of 20 years Chief Financial Officer was highly misleading and (CFO), Kathy Mikells who horribly wrong; and here is said’ that the oil giant is the proof: Since Uaru has an sparing no effort in inventory of 812 million maximising value from barrels of oil; and since Guyana on all fronts, as 250,000 barrels of oil will be quickly as possible. …’. I produced daily, this implies was again disappointed that that the oil will be fully the people of Guyana, in The gross value of the oil other governments will extracted in 3,248 days or broad daylight, were being in Uaru is US$56.84 Billion know of the taxes Guyana 8.899 years, assuming 365 takenadvantageof,giventhe from which Guyana will never received, while days per year More small share of the total only receive US$8 24 participatinginafraudand significant is the fact that if revenue (14 5%) that Billion, while EEPGL (Continued on page 6)

Liability insurance and the submissiveness or lack thereof of the EPA

DEAREDITOR, “request, examine, review, contaminant and the enable the costs associated

Being focused on the evaluate and approve or developer’s programme for withanyspillofcontaminant pleasurable pursuits of a reject environmental impact rehabilitationandrestoration to be easily determined.This singleretiredlife,Ihavepaid assessments and risks oftheenvironment. model can be configured to fleeting attention to the analyses and make suitable The EPA has never simulate duration and ongoing debate related to recommendations for the createdanyStandardsand/or quantity of contaminant EEPGL liability insurance mitigation of adverse effects Code of Practice with limits released to determine both and the submissiveness or of any proposed activity on o n t h e r e l e a s e o f the impact of the release and lackthereofoftheEPA.Inow theenvironment”. contaminants into the the associated costs of addmytwocents! Part IV of the EP Act environment as mandated by remediating the release.This

The Environmental 1996, 11(5) (c) (iii) requires the EP Act 1996. In the predictive analysis will Protection Act, 1996 was all Environmental Impact absence of these standards satisfy Part IV of the EPAct promulgated after the Assessments to contain “a there will be significant 1996, 11(5) (j) of the EPAct tailings dam failure at Omai description of the likely difficulties and differences 1996.

protection department. This one is homegrown, and did not come out from a laboratory in some distant country. Guyana’s Covid came out of our political, racial, and social 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 their ownhead,thinkdeeply,actwisely

Gold Mines and was significant effects of the on acceptable cleanup levels These flaws at the EPA adequately configured to proposed project on the intheeventofareleasetothe have existed since the address all the issues now in environment resulting environment Further, the promulgation of the EP Act the public domain The fromthe emission of EPA has never requested, in 1996. Several people have Environmental Protection contaminants,thecreationof examined, reviewed, served a wide range of Act 1996 (EP Act, 1996), n u i s a n c e s a n d t h e evaluated and approved or political directorates in the Part II, 4(2) (g) and (h) elimination of waste, anda rejectedany environmental intervening period without respectively identify the description by the developer impactassessmentsbasedon addressing these issues. The f u n c t i o n o f t h e of the forecasting methods a comprehensive risks submissiveness of the EPA Environmental Protection used to assess the effects on analysis. The EPA approval is therefore nothing new! Agency (EPA) to “formulate theenvironment.” of EIAs without a risk Liabilityinsuranceshouldbe standards and codes of Part IV of the EP Act analysis may enable a provided for all industrial practice to be observed for 1996,11(5)(i)and(j)further developer to circumvent operations in Guyana as is the improvement and requires all Environmental responsibility in the event of reflected by the Guyana maintenanceofthequalityof Impact Assessments to a spill since the entire Geology and Mines the environment and limits contain an emergency function of the EPA may Commission request for o n t h e r e l e a s e o f response plan for containing becomequestionableandthe bonds to be posted for contaminants into the and cleaning up any spill may be in fact be mining operations. The environment;” and to pollution or spill of any attributed to the EPA failure quantum of the liability tofulfillitsmandate. insuranceshouldbebasedon The liability insurance the EP Act 1996 mandated anditsquantumcanbeeasily “developer’s programme for determined if the EPA in rehabilitationandrestoration accordancewithitsmandate, of the environment”. The requires that Part IV of the ongoing debate fails to EP Act 1996, 11(5) (c) (iii) incorporatethatmandate. and Part IV of the EP Act I now return to my 1996, 11(5) (i) and (j) be pleasurablepursuits. satisfied Use of a Regards, hydrodynamic model will Charles PCeres

Increasing financial independence for the nation

al it necessary to aggressively help finance the required use of the financial capital

A recent interview on Al improvement programs in pursue the extraction of the insurance for the sector In assigned to the project. The considered in order to Jazeera with the IMF educationandhealthcare. resource. With this in mind addition, the funds for the fundswouldbebetterusedin correctly prioritize our M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r Focusing on the first key we must also accept that the decommissioning of the the establishment of a solar investmentoptions. Kristalina Georgieva was objective mentioned, which sector’s assets for which we wells continue to be in the farm which will generate a Non revenue generating spotoninhowthestrategyof is to enable countries are paying will also be less hands of the supplier, which significantly larger amount investment options should the IMF is structured. The receiving funds to be able to valuable at the end of the prevents the nation from of affordable energy Amulti be considered based upon Managing Director of the create and attract additional extraction process, not to earninginterestonthefunds. regional or a centralized social needs and the must IMF clearly outlined that the financial capital, we can mention the depreciation Instead, we are borrowing solar farm project is better haves required for our funds provided to countries consider the momentum process which also has an from Exxon to complete the structured to produce a citizens to indirectly are to enable them to create being gained in the oil and impact on the value of the pipeline and will be paying positive cash flow for the strengthen the country and and attract additional gas sector The sector is assets Given these interest on those funds country and we will avoid its pursuit for health, peace financial capital. She also booming and as mentioned considerations we must borrowed. unnecessaryborrowingfrom and prosperity Sea defense spoke of the importance of a by the government there is a adjust our strategy and As the government oursupplierExxon. and improved drainage progressivetaxstructurethat relatively short window of rescind the option to moves towards negotiating G o o d f i n a n c i a l systems are areas that have ensures that those at the opportunity to benefit from purchase the assets, thus the implementation of managementisamustforthe yet to be given the adequate lower income brackets do the resource on the world refusing the associated cost unlimited liability insurance nation as we navigate the levels of funding and the not pay at the same level as market as the transition to in our profit and loss inthesector,thesekeypoints many opportunities that are required high priority We those at the upper income renewable energy sources statement. must be included in the now viable as a result of the must resist placing the cart brackets,whilealsoallowing accelerates. This transition The resulting refund discussion as must haves to current enhanced financial b e f o r e t h e h o r s e space in the funding intheenergysectorhasmade obtained should be used to ensure an equitable capabilities that the oil and Unfortunately, a gas to agreement. gas sector has provided energy pipeline with a

Vishnu Bisram predicts landslide for PPP/C at LGE

DEAREDITOR, was likely to contest in all many constituencies

Theprojectedfindingsof seats inclusive of traditional including in areas it won in an ongoing opinion survey strongholds where it had the 2018 and 2016 local being conducted by this zero chance of victory in elections. Voter turnout writer for the North previouselections. among PNC supporters is American Caribbean AsrevealedbyGecomin expected to hit an all time Teachers Association to early May, many local low determinetheoutcomeofthe government seats (and a few In the contested NDCs June 12 local government NDCs) are not being and municipalities, the trend elections (for 80 local contested by more than one as found in the NACTA poll authorities) show the candidate, landing wins to is an overall sweeping incumbent People’s the PPP nominees as the victory for the PPP As Progressive Party winning a NACTApollshadprojected. earlier NACTA polls found landslide. The PNC seems and now confirmed by the

As earlier NACTA polls hamstrung with funding latest poll, the PPP is found, there was a lack of challenges and leadership attracting cross over racial enthusiasm for the issues. There is a paucity or appeal. The PPP has been opposition Peoples National scarcity of the party’s making in roads in every Congress which has had campaign paraphernalia in local authority The PPP has miniscule overall support in the public domain And made gains everywhere in the local bodies. In several many donors who supported voter support including in NDCs and in many seats, the the party’s campaign in the traditional PNC strongholds PNC showed no meaningful 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020 and will wrest seats from the (or no) presence; there has elections have said they will opposition party although it been hardly any sign of an not fund the party under the is too early to say whether election contest from the c u r r e n t p o l i t i c a l the PPP can dethrone the main opposition party A dispensation. PNC in its hard core base. NACTA poll conducted last In addition, a large Only in the traditional January and February found majority of traditional strongholds of Georgetown, zero presence of PNC supporters express a lack of L i n d e n , a n d N e w activists in hundreds of confidence in the leader and Amsterdam and a few other constituencies suggesting are not enthused about areas is the PNC putting up that the party had thrown in voting.Also,unlikeinearlier strong resistance to PPP the political towel and was elections, volunteers appear political encroachment not likely to contest in those very scarce to canvass and However, the findings of the seats especially in PPP rural motivate voter turnout poll reveal that the PNC strongholds. In contrast, the Political and voter morale in could lose several rural PPP Civic that has been strongholdsisverylow The NDCs that it won in or has governing at the center since party has virtually no controlled since the 2016 August 2020, has a strong or campaign (staff and or and 2018 local government dominant campaign paraphernalia) presence in elections. presence of activists several of the 70 NDCS and Yours truly, everywhere suggesting it ten municipalities and in Vishnu Bisram (PhD)

With the IMF’s strategy Traditional financial financial structure befitting in mind, which is geared management must be ofasocialprogram,isofless towards lending to countries embraced,withpositivecash importance when compared to enable them to create and flows and the ranking of to the nation’s need for attract additional financial opportunities based upon improved sea defense and capital, we must adjust our estimated return and the drainage. strategyfortheuseofthegas associated risk Investing Best regards, being generated in sector along the efficient frontier is Mr. Jamil Changlee The current strategy of a gas not an optional pursuit, but Chairman to energy pipeline is not a one required to ensure that T h e C o o p e r a t i v e project that makes the best t h e r i s k / r e t u r n Republicans of Guyana

Insensitive for VP Jagdeo to single out GPA head

DEAREDITOR, members of the judiciary and the whole idea Recently,readershavebeensuppliedwith of their appointments as permanent jurists manycommentsconcerningtheratingsofour were last aired this very functionary, theVice country Guyana in the international concept President, Mr Jagdeo, made a comment of freedom of expression as represented by excusingthedelayonthepartofthePresident the newspapers. What particularly attracted in getting down to negotiations about the me, because it was not strange to us as appointment of the acting judicial citizens, was a statement by a highly placed functionaries. statesman with much executive power, the Mr Jagdeo said something to this effect Vice President Mr Jagdeo. This executive thatthePresidentwasnotreadyyet;hehadto member is reported as saying that he blames look at the track record of the persons the Guyana Press Association for reducing concerned.Inotherwords,heistellingusthat Guyana’s place in the international ratings of when it comes to appointing judges, the where countries stand in freedom of president has to look at how they decided expression. This may look like a chance cases to look at their track records. I don’t remark from a politician, but it is more than knowwhatelsehemeansbytrackrecord. So, that to me. When the appointments of acting (Continued on page 6)

Inequity in the Uaru project

Neil Marks cries foul following 70-25 defeat at GPA elections

DEAREDITOR, elections, media people are dues and be eligible to vote.

Never in my wildest generally tardy in paying When inquiries were made, dreams could I have their fees and we wanted the new members of the media, imagined that I would have broadest participation who met the criteria for tobewritingtoputonrecord possible. membership (three years of the lack of decency, On May 8, 2023, I practiceasajournalist),were transparency, accountability, emailed the remaining bluntly told that their and fairness by the Guyana members of the executive to applications would be Press Association (GPA), an seeacopyofalistofeligible looked at by the new organisation that all citizens voters. I believe this was a executive. I protested this and my colleagues should fair request, given that Ms andMsRaghubir’sreplywas trust as the guardians of such Raghubir was seeking re- that members were free to principles. election and that the make their applications and

From page 4 level of spending is the third the revenue and cost of a corruption: Shame, Guyana, largest amount. Only Brazil barrelofoilwilldecline.And Shame! andtheUKhavehighercosts if EEPGLincurs a loss (total

2. Pay the insurance and (Table2above). revenue is less than total environmental protection F u r t h e r m o r e , expenses), EEPGL has no costs; thank you Judge acknowledging that there is trouble as all losses are Sandil Kisson and all the no information on the chargedtotherevenueofthe Guyanese who brought the averagecostofabarrelofoil next month. Consequently, environmental matter to our in the Uaru project, it can be inflated costs, understated Legalsystem; inferred from the Production profits and the transfer of

3 Pay the real-time Sharing Agreement (PSA) losses are all elements that auditingexpenses; that the conjectured total d r i v e t h e i n e q u i t y

4. Allocate money for cost (TC) is 75 percent of arrangements and these c l e a n - u p c o s t a t total revenue:TC = 0.75 PQ, elementsmustbedismantled decommissioning; public where P is the price of a Editor, in conclusion, monitoring will be barrel of oil, and Q is the permit me to choose another necessary; number of barrels of oil. statement from Kathy

5. Disburse money to Therefore, the speculated Mikells in which she stated fishermen for the loss in averagecostofabarrelofoil that ‘… that the company’s income;and (ACBO=0.75PQ/Q)isequal approach has resulted in

6. Set aside money for to 0.75P If the price of a tremendous financial future generations; political barrel of oil is US$70.00, success ’ Equally control must be balanced by this implies that the cost of a significant is the statement civilsocietyinput. barrel of oil is US$52.50 by John Hess (KN 5-14-

Interestingly, if Guyana which is more than the cost 2023) who said, ‘Successful was a private company that of a barrel of oil in all the execution of our strategy (at ownedthe820billionbarrels countries listed above in EEPGL) has uniquely ofoil,theGuyanaownership Table 2, where the highest positioned our company to in EEPGL, which is cost is US$44.33 per barrel deliver significant value to currently zero, would have intheUK. shareholders for years to been greater than zero and a It should also be pointed come…’. significantshareholderinthe out that to calculate the

While noting that these Company As a result, the averagecostofabarrelofoil senior executives have said distribution of the returns that is based on formula nothing about Guyana, I would have been better; and ACBO = 0.75P is a false wouldliketoaddaGuyanese there would have been no method that inflates costs proverbwhichstates: information problems, as is and understates profit ‘If oil ah float, watah deh currently the case For whenever the price of a ah battam’, meaning that ‘A example, Guyanese do not barrel of oil increases. For little evidence can tell the knowthetruecostofabarrel example, if the price of whole story’. Thank you ofoil. barrel of oil increases to Kathy Mikells, and John

Another concern is US$80.00 or to US$100.00 Hessforopeningthedoorfor related to the total project per barrel, the speculated us to see the cake EEPGL costs of US$12.7 billion. averagecostofabarrelofoil will receive as against our While no breakdown of how will automatically increase crumbs; for out of every 100 this project cost has been to US$60.00 and US$75.00, barrels of oil extracted from determined, it can be respectively our patrimony, EEPGL inferred that the average B u t t h e r e i s n o captures 85.5 barrels, while capital spending for a barrel justification for this increase poor Guyana, the owner of ofoilisUS$15.64(US$12.7 in the cost of a barrel of oil, the resource, receives 14.5 billion /812 million barrels as the oil price change has barrels.Inequity? of oil). Comparing this nothing to do with the total

Sincerely, capital spending of operating cost of EEPGL. Dr. C Kenrick Hunte US$15.64 per barrel of oil Alternatively,whentheprice Professor and Former with other countries, this of a barrel of oil falls, both Ambassador

I was a contender for the Secretary, Mrs Svetlana thatitwouldbeprocessed. role of the Presidency of the Marshall-Abrams, and the I reached out to the GPA at the elections of May two others on the Executive Secretary to confirm if 14, 2023, at the Theatre – Mr Rawle Toney and Mr “processed” meant approval Guild in Georgetown. Denis Chabrol – were open and she said this was not Beforetheelections,through to nomination to once again automatic. So effectively, a plethora of emails and sit on the Executive of the many members of the media posts in a WhatsApp Group GPA. were disenfranchised and of members, I raised many In reply, Ms Raghubir unabletovote. concerns that threatened to said, “The elections for However, checks with bring the GPAinto disrepute office bearers are conducted other media houses revealed if the elections were not ‘conventionally’for decades that the Secretary simply conducted in a transparent with the voting process laid walked into media houses andaccountablemanner before the AGM at the said where they presumed they

Before I state these meeting.” Nothing about a had support and signed up concerns, let me point out a list. new members, even fewthingsforcontext. Days later, after writing b a c k d a t i n g t h e i r

When I announced my two other emails, Mrs membership to reach the candidacy to replace Gordon Marshall-Abrams replied three-yearrequirement. Moseley as President in that “In the interest of There was no committee March 2015, I was fairness for all GPA on hand to vet applications, unchallenged When I members, the list of eligible so to make it seem like completed my term, I voters will be read on approval depended on some nominatedNazimaRaghubir Sunday to ALL members lengthy process was a sorry for the post in January 2018 present.” excuse for the shenanigans and there was no challenger I replied that this could afoot. Persons who did not Hence, in those past two not be fair, taking into meet the eligibility elections, there was no need consideration that I, or any r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r to vote for the position – and other potential candidate, membershipandvotingwere therefore, no need for a would not be able to see the signedup. challengertodemandtoseea list and register any The Secretary in listofvoters. objections given that the statements at the AGM did

In those two elections I executive retained control of admit she went on this referenced, many persons thelistandwasalsostanding “outreach” and signed up were allowed to sign up for forre-election. members on the spot. There membership and pay their The Executive did not wasnocommitteeorprocess duesonthedayofelections– budge. to make a decision about and vote. Existing members I raised this issue for fear w h o s h o u l d g a i n were also able to pay that the list was padded. The membership. That process outstanding dues – and vote. Executive set up a deadline started and ended with Mrs We did this because we of May 6th by which Marshall-Abramsinamatter realised that in between members could pay their (Continued on page 16)

Insensitive for VP Jagdeo to single...

From page 5

sheer chance because of the treatment I had is this an admission that the president, in received from one very important newspaper appointing the Chancellor and the Chief enjoying government patronage and because Justice, will Americanize the system, so to I had to appeal to the Guyana Press speak, and takes note of how judges have Associationforredress. decided cases? I do not want to draw further NowtheVicePresidentisamanwithreal conclusions, but this remark has gone power Heknowswellthatpointinghisfinger uncorrected into the public sphere. After at a functionary of this kind may alert certain much controversy decades ago, the Guyana activistsonhissideofthepoliticaldivide,and constitution was amended to require they may feel it their duty to bring this agreement between the President and the functionary into line, and that can take Leader of the Opposition on the judges to be variousforms.

appointed Chancellor and Chief Justice, I will leave it at that But I want to respectively emphasise that it is extremely insensitive,

But when the sameVice President speaks and I regard it as menacing for the Vice on press freedom and singles out an agency, President, and some people believe, the The Guyana Press Association, as being President in Chief, to name the head of a responsible for Guyana’s reduced ratings in voluntary agency, the purpose of which is to freedom of expression internationally, this is bring some measure of fairness and something that citizens should take note of. accountability for practicing media

The Guyana PressAssociation at present has operativesandinstitutions asitschiefexecutiveawomanwhosenameis Yours respectfully, Ms.NazimaRaghubir Icametoknowherby Eusi Kwayana

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Daggers did it!

Ray Daggers, 65, yesterday completed his marathon walk from Berbice to Essequibo. What a feat!

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His courage and determination in the face of the barefaced sellout of our patrimony by the PPP/C and PNCR governments will be etched in the history books of this great nation.

If only, our leaders had the guts like Daggers to stand up against the oppressors and demand our rightful share, we as Guyanese would have been living much better lives.

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They have chosen to collect bribes and then turn around and trample on the rights of our citizens. History will judge them harshly

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We salute the heroics of Daggers and all those who accompanied him throughout the arduous journey including our Publisher, Glenn Lall.

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Guyana gets US$5 million grant to boost leadership capacity of over 560 educators

T h e M i n i s t r y o f

The project is expected l e a d e d u c a t i o n Education is poised to to target 10 Regional transformationinGuyanaby benefit from a US$5M grant Education District Officers a d d r e s s i n g s e v e r a l from the Global Partnership (RDEOs), officials at the challenges. for Education (GPE) with Ministry of Education, and The IDB pointed out for management of the funds the 445 primary and 116 example that one of the provided by the Inter- secondary school leaders in problems Guyana faces in American Development Guyana. They will receive developing human capital is Bank (IDB). The grant will orientation and guidance on the unequal delivery of go towards strengthening t h e i r r o l e s a n d educational services across instructional and cultural responsibilities. As a result, regions The bank said leadership across several students will benefit from stakeholder consultations schools in an effort to help better prepared school highlight that disparities ensure the successful leadersandREDOs. experienced by riverine and transformation of Guyana’s Disbursements for this hinterland regions in human, educationsystem. project are expected to start material and financial

The specific objectives by the fourth quarter of 2023 resources are attributable to of the programme are to: with implementation in remoteness and difficult strengthen school and 2024. terrain, high cost of living district leadership and S p e a k i n g t o t h e and limited technology in i m p r o v e s e c t o r justification of the project these regions. It was also management These responsive leadership by (a)

3) Component 3- platforms, systems and funding, the IDB said attributed to inefficiencies objectives will be achieved establishing a leadership Improved Collaboration protocolsthatallowformore culturally responsive leaders and inconsistencies in through funding for the a c a d e m y , a n d ( b ) (US$500,000). This aspect efficient and effective at school and district levels resource allocation and followingcomponents: strengthening culturally will improve coordination dialogue and collaboration are essential for building distribution mechanisms

1) Component 1- responsive planning at among schools, regional among school, district and “inclusive schooling Inclusion of vulnerable Capacity Building for districtandschoollevels. departments, and central centrallevelpersonnel. environment for students groups of students is Leadership Training

2) Component 2- units of the Ministry of 4 ) P r o j e c t and families from ethnically therefore not sufficiently (US$2,500,000). The aim of I m p r o v i n g S e c t o r Education, through the Management, Monitoring and culturally diverse prioritized, the bank this module is to equip M a n a g e m e n t establishment of more and Evaluation, Audits, backgrounds”.Thebanksaid observed. It also noted that district and school leaders (US$1,500,000). The aim of effective communication a n d C o n t i n g e n c y too that leaders constitute the allocation of resources forleadingtransformationin this aspect is to strengthen mechanisms at the central, (US$500,000). This will critical change agents to and financing of the sector schools and districts, with the country’s accountability regional, district and school support the implementation improve learning outcomes. should be revisited to better specific attention to and resource allocation levels. The expected outputs and evaluation of this It said the programme’s addressregionaldifferences. inclusion and culturally system. include communication project. strategy therefore aims to (Continued on page 15)

Daggers gave the nation hope!

He did it! Ray Daggers has completed a marathon walk from

Moleson Creek to Charity, a distance of 180 miles. After 12 grueling days, Ray Daggers completed his mission yesterday. He was accompanied by a large following.

It was an emotional moment, for all involved, when the walk finally ended atCharity,onthebankofthe PomeroonRiver

It was fitting that Daggers should have ended his heroic walk in the presenceofsomanypersons who trekked with him along thejourney

The final leg was by far the most taxing. The day started out in La Union, almost 20 miles away from Charity

But the distance seemed muchlonger

Yesterday, Daggers walked non-stop for 6 and halfhours.Howheremained standing after such an arduous final leg is beyond comprehension.

Iftherewasmoreroadon which to walk, Daggers could have gone much further

Despite being 65-yearsold, he completed 180 miles in a mere 12 days He averaged15milesperday,an astonishingfeat.

Had the Coast been 60 mileslonger,Daggerswould have eclipsed the 240 miles Salt March of Mahatma Gandhi which was done in 24days.

Even more significant wasthatsuchawalkhasnot been attempted in Guyana forthepast37years.Thelast person to complete such a

walk was Dr Rupert Roopnarine.

Since then, no one has attemptedtodosuchawalk. AsGlennLall,whowaswith himalongtheentirejourney, said, “It was a marvelous journey.” It was not only marvelous, it was gallant.

RayDaggerswasthemanof the moment not only yesterday but over the past 12days.

He had the nation’s attention for the last two weeksafteritwasannounced hewouldbeundertakingthe walk.

Even though the mainstreammediaexceptfor Kaieteur News, and many social media platforms did not cover the walk–one newspaper carried two stories when the walk started–Guyanese at home and abroad were able to see this brave effort via a live stream on the Facebook pagesofKaieteurRadioand KaieteurNews.

As a result, people all over the world saw this heroic act and people were cheering him on and congratulating Daggers on what he was doing for the countryandpeople.

Itwassofittingthatatthe endofthewalkhewasjoined by two school children becauseitistheirfuturethat he was helping to secure.

Ray Daggers is now a householdname.

Guyanese along the way cameoutintheirownprivate way and supported the walk morallyandmaterially

And the number of personswhowalkedthefinal two days with Daggers showed that the walk had picked up momentum as it progressed.

Dem boys seh...

When the history of Guyana is written – long afteryouandIaregonefrom this world– the name Ray Daggers will be featured prominentlybecauseofwhat hedid.

Thiswalkwasnotforthe history books, not in the senseofbreakinganyrecord. But it will end up in the historybooksbecauseofthe tremendous courage of Ray Daggers who was prepared to put his body through a punishing regimen in order toshowhisoppositiontothe unfair deal which Guyana got from the oil companies. Ray Daggers therefore has walked straight into the historybooks.

When the victory for a better deal is won, Ray Daggers will receive more thanhonorarymention.

He will be seen as an example and inspiration for others and someone who stoodupwhenneededto.

His marathon walk has inspired tens of thousands acrossGuyana.

He has shown the power of peaceful and orderly protest. He has shown the power of self-sacrifice. He was not only prepared to criticize what he saw as wrongbutheliterallywalked thetalk.

Thatisthestuffofwhich champions are made. By his courage, super-human strength and stamina, Ray Daggers has given this nationhope.

There were many who werepreparedtothrowtheir hands up in despair and frustration, unable to see a way forward in the struggle toensureabetterlifeforthe present and future generations.

All ten in place!

Dem boys had to check fuh mek certain. De man walk180milesandhedoit in only 12 days. So dem boys had to check fuh mek certainthatallhetoesstillin place. Because any normal humanbeingwahwalksuch alongdistanceinsoshorta time, could end up wearing down three or four of dem toes.

Dem boys pleased to confirm that all Daggers toes are in order De man socks did not even have a

hole. De man is to walking what Forest Gump is to running,exceptthatdeman isderealthinkwhileForest is a character from d movies.

Glenn Lall stump he toes so much times over de past 12 days, dat he had to check fuh mek certain he hadtoes.Desamemanwah like mash people corn had to check fuh mek certain nobody did mash he own. Dejourneydone.Nowisde journeyfuhcomeback.And

People now have more inspiration to continue the fightforabetterdeal.

People are now energized by the example of RayDaggers.Hopehasbeen restored to the struggle for a

betterdeal.

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.

nobodynahindemoodfuh walkback.

Yuh know sometimes yuh does tek longer fuh drivetoaplacedantodrive back from de same place. Dem boys does never understand why dat is so. Butisdeoppositewhenyuh walking. If yuh does tek 5 minutestowalkfromhome toderumshop,yuhdoestek 30 minutes from de rum shoptohome.Dedifference isstaggering.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf

Cardiologist notes increasing heart attack rate among young Guyanese

Statistics going back a n d C a r d i a c the most is I am starting to descendants etc. we have a more than a decade ago Electrophysiologist, Dr see persons in their 20s and higher risk of heart disease would show the average age MahedraCarpen. early 30s coming in with while persons of Afro for a Guyanese hit by a heart During an exclusive massive heart attacks. It is descendants have a higher attack to be within the 40s to interview with Guyana females and males, but it risk of hypertension, stroke, 50s range. In recent times Standard, Dr Carpen, who seems like it’s a little bit kidneyfailure,etc.” however, a worrying trend heads the Medical Services moreinfemales.”

Dr Carpen said there has developed where and Cardiology Department He said this is to be in seemstobearapidtransition Guyanese in their 20s and at the Georgetown Public stark contrast to his of such illnesses into the 2030s are heading into local Hospital Corporation observations in 2012, where 30-year-old group “A hospitals with massive heart (GPHC), said his finding the average age of heart number of those patients, attacks. became most prevalent attacks stood within the 40s when you delve into what’s

Cardiologist Dr. Mahendra Carpen

T h i s c o n c e r n i n g duringthepasttwoyears. and 50s range. “Because of going on with them, there is observation was shared by Dr Carpen said, “The our population make up, this new habit of vaping you Interventional Cardiologist thing that has bothered me where you have SouthAsian know, the whole ‘woke thing’ about smoking and having a smoke with your expressed concerns about surgeon appealed while friends. There are too many other contributing factors notingthatfromtimetotime, people who have that factor such as poor eating habits. he too indulges in his fair incommonformetojustsay, As oil-driven development share of egg balls and fish ‘Welloh,it’scoincidental.” remains on an accelerated cakes.

Dr Carpen said the link axis,Dr CarpensaidGuyana The cardiologist also between cases of vaping or is likely to see an influx of advised for persons to s m o k i n g o f o t h e r fast-food chains. Even as practice regular health instruments and young persons indulge in these screening which provides people with heart attacks is delights,heimploredthatthe key information on blood the most concerning finding majority of one’s diet must sugar and cholesterol levels he has come across as a consistofnutritiousfood.He as well as kidney function. cardiologist with 10 plus s a i d t h i s m u s t b e Dr Carpen said this would years of experience in this complemented by a goafarwayinensuringearly country. He said it is sustainable exercise routine. interventive action is taken advisable that persons avoid “I’m not saying don’t eat the to improve one’s health. suchhabits. fast food, but do so in (Republished from Guyana

the heart Standard)

- says vaping is a link that can’t be ignored

Digicel Guyana distributes food hampers to moms in need on Mother’s Day

For the recent observance of Mother’s Day, Digicel placed the spotlight on mothers in need. In partnership with local relief organization ‘Least of These Foundation’, Digicel distributed food hampers to mothers from Norton Street, Georgetown, Bachelor’s Adventure, Enterprise, and BarerootontheEastCoastofDemerara.

Over the Mother’s Day weekend, staff members of Digicel volunteered to deliver the food hampers to mothers in need. Some of the recipients expressed delight and even cried tears of joy because they were thought of on Mother’s DaybyDigicel.

TheywereVenezuelanimmigrantsandGuyaneseindire need.

Digicel has over the years shown commitment to supporting communities and on Mother’s Day the company celebrated mothers everywhere. For this activity together with ‘The Least of These Foundation’, food hampers were deliveredtothosewhoneededthemmost.Eachfoodhamper was tailored to the needs of each mother, and contained a variety of nutritious and delicious items. The hampers included pantry staples such as rice, flour, oil, beans, and cannedgoods,aswellastoiletryandself-careitems.

And also just in time for Mother’s Day, Digicel afforded theircustomerstheopportunityofwinningfivefullystocked French door refrigerators.Winners came from Georgetown, theEastBankofDemerara,LindenandSoesdyke.

ChiefMagistrateColonel AnnMcLennanretires

After a combined 37 years of service, District. She was later appointed Chief Chief Magistrate and Guyana Defence Force Magistrate in 2015.The GDF reported that at (GDF) Colonel, Ann McLennan officially arecentcocktailreceptionheldinherhonour, retiredonMonday McLennanhadenlistedto Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan join the army in September 1985 and congratulated Colonel McLennan for her successfully graduated from the Standard stronganddedicatedservicetocountry Officers Course # 17 in 1986 making her a Colonel McLennan recollected her years graduateoftheStandardOfficers’Course17. asanOfficer,stilldelightedbyherdecisionto

In a press release the GDF said Colonel enlist. “I thank God for bringing me through McLennan was fortunate to have been the rigors of the Standard Officer Course 17 afforded the privilege at a time when few and further, for allowing me to stand here Officers were pursuing today 37 years and 9 academics,toreadfor months later a a law degree both at satisfied Officer, the University of fulfilled and happy Guyana (UG) and the that the military Caribbean. career choice that I She attained a made back then in Bachelor of Laws 1985, as a teenager Degree with honors was an excellent from the University choice, and if I had to of the West Indies do it all again, I (UWI), Cave Hill cannot think of Campus, in 1994, a anything that I will Legal Education changetotradeforit,” Certificate (LEC) she said as she from the Sir Hugh addressed Officers, Wo o d i n g L a w Soldiers, relatives School, Trinidad in and friends attending 1996 and a Post theevent. Graduate Certificate Of her military in Diplomacy from career,shesaid,“This the University of profession is both Guyana. noble and unique as it

Thereafter she was stands alongside the admitted to the Bar in Guyana in 1996. She legal profession as being noble but, the returned to the Force and held several uniqueness is beyond any other and this is appointments including Trainee Welfare because the military profession is one upon Officer, Admin Officer Ground Forces which any other profession can be built. I on Group, Personal Assistant to the Force theotherhand,amprivilegedtobelongtotwo Commander, Commanding Officer, Medical noble professions, each of which was Corps and Legal Services Department, Staff demanding as the other My success as a Officer 2 within the G1 Branch and Staff Judicial Officer, if I may say so, was only OfficertotheChief-of-Staff. because I had this military foundation,” she

In 2007, enthusiastic to expand her legal stated.

career and to give further service to country, Colonel McLennan has worked under ten permission was granted for her to be of the twelve Chiefs-of-Staff since the seconded to the Judiciary to sit as a establishmentoftheGDF Shehaslaudedthe Magistrate in the Georgetown Magisterial (Continued on page 16)

Some of the recipients of Digicel’s Mother’s Day food hamper distribution.

Chief Magistrate, Colonel Ann McLennan

First shipment of onshore pipeline for Gas-to-Energy project expected in Guyana soon

As American oil On March 27, 2023, two m a j o r , citizens, Elizabeth DeaneExxonMobil Hughes and Vanda Radzik,

races to meet its through their Lawyers, 2 0 2 4 d e a d l i n e f o r Melinda Janki, Abiola completion of the Gas-to- Wong-Inniss and Joel Ross Energy pipeline- a moved to Court seeking an c o m p o n e n t o f t h e Order of Certiorari to quash Government of Guyana’s the decision made by the (GoG’s) Gas-to-Energy Environmental Protection (GTE) project- the first Agency (EPA) to award an shipment of onshore pipes, Environmental Permit to that will be used to transport EEPGL – ExxonMobil the natural gas is expected to Guyana to undertake the arrive in Guyana soon for GTE project activities, on installation. thegroundsinteraliathatthe Commercial Manager at decisionwasinbreachofthe Inland and Offshore p r o v i s i o n s o f t h e Contractors Limited, Environmental Protection

Sherena Khan in a post Act (Cap. 20:05), and more publishedfivedaysagosaid, p a r t i c u l a r l y , t h e “Tonight over 50 persons Environmental Protection gathered from various (Authorisation)Regulations. stakeholder groups to The Permit by the witness/ execute this regulator, authorizing the loading. Being present in the pipeline aspect of the GTE

Stakeholders congregate to witness the shipment of the pipeline to Guyana

the substantive matter will Offshore Energy, Craig midst of these activities project was granted on be set for 16 June 2023 for Broussard, Vice President reinforced the value of November25,2022. the submission of written for Subsea 7 US, said, “We stakeholderrelationships.” The citizens argue that arguments. are honoured to have been

Thestakeholdersshewas the decision to grant the

(Photo credit: Sherena Khan)

In July last year, EEPGL selected for Guyana Gas to referring to are those Permit to Exxon was awarded the contract to lay Energy. This is an important involved in project

“unauthorised and contrary

the US$1.3 billion pipeline project to support the including, ExxonMobil to law, in excess of to Subsea 7 and Van Oord, Guyanese people and we Guyana, Van Oord, Guyana jurisdiction,failuretosatisfy

t w o i n t e r n a t i o n a l look forward to continuing Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) or observe conditions or companies. The scope ourrelationshipwithEEPGL andGAICO. procedures required by law, c o v e r s t h e p r o j e c t in one of the most prolific

Khan described her unreasonable, irregular or management, engineering, and exciting development experience as “witnessing improper exercise of and installation of basinsintheworld.” some history in the making discretion, abuse of power, a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 9 0 Hans van Gaalen, for Guyana” as the first conflictwiththepolicyofthe kilometres of pipeline, with Commercial Director for loading of onshore pipe for Act, error of law (and) an associated shallow water Van Oord, adds, “Van Oord the project was conducted. It breach of/ omission to portion and onshore is honoured to have been

is unclear where the performaduty.” approach making landfall to selected for the Guyana Gas infrastructure was being The applicants are the west of the Demerara to Energy project in importedfrom. therefore seeking a River, along the coast of cooperation with Subsea 7. ExxonMobil is pushing declaration that the Guyana. Developing the coastal ahead with the development respondent acted in breach EEPGL has been infrastructure for the project of the US$1.3 billion, 12- of the Environmental reportedtosayaminimumof will allow our Subsea 7 and inchdiameterpipelinethatis Protection (Authorisation) 50 million standard cubic Van Oord consortium to expected to convey gas from Regulations; a declaration feet of gas per day (mmscfd) positively contribute to the the Liza One and Liza Two that the Permit is null, void News reported that in the the case. The decision as to will be transported through development of Guyana’s fields in the Stabroek Block, and of no legal effect with matter against the EPA, whether the two parties will thepipelineby2024andthat electricity supply which in whilealegalchallengeisstill costs and such further order Exxon and Guyana’s be made joinders to the the pipeline would have a turn will reduce Guyana’s pendingoutcomeinthelocal theCourtconsidersjust. Attorney General, Anil matter is set to take place on maximum capacity of 130 dependence on imported HighCourt. Only yesterday Kaieteur Nandlall, SC, applied to join 12 June 2023. Thereafter, mmscfd According to fuels.”

Moruca

resident stabbed to death at ‘Chiney Creek’ Backdam

Police in Region Seven are onanotherdredge. ground and shortly afterwards investigating the fatal Investigations revealed that at becamemotionless.

stabbing of Raynold John about 17:30hrs on Saturday, John Police said that on arrival at the of Moruca Village, Region One left his camp and went to another scene, they examined the body, and which occurred in the wee hours of camp nearby that sells alcohol. a single stab wound was seen to the Sunday at the Chiney Creek While there he imbibed with some centreofthechest. Backdam located along the Puruni friends,includingthesuspect. Checks were made for the River The police said while imbibing, suspect,whowasarrestedatanother According to reports, it was an argument ensued between John camp some distance away At the revealed to investigators that John and the suspect, resulting in John scene, the knife used in the act was and the suspect are known to each leaving for his camp. Reports are foundonabenchinthecamp. other as they work in the same area. that the 23-year-old suspect then John’sbodywastakentoBartica Twenty-four-year-old John was followed John into the camp where Regional Hospital, where he was employed by Francis Henry, a heworks. officially pronounced dead As dredge owner, while the suspect, a There, it is alleged, that the investigation into the fatal stabbing 23-year-old gold miner from suspectpulledaknifefromhispants continues, the suspect remains in Karawabe Village, Pomeroon waistandreportedlystabbedJohnto custody at the Bartica Police River, Region Two was employed his chest where he collapsed on the Station.

A police officer inspecting the body of Raynold John.

Miner nabbed with unlicensed firearm at Baramita

The firearm recovered by the Police

Pres. Ali engages Qatari

Govt. officials, private sector during official visit

Arrested, Kelton Royden McLennon

Twenty-nine-year-old Kelton Royden shop located at Return Village, Baramita, McLennon, a miner of Arakaka Compound, NWD,wheretheysawMcLennon.Theranks North West District (NWD), was arrested by searched him and found the weapon on him. the police on Monday allegedly with a .32 As a result, the ranks conducted checks and TaurusPistolwithanemptymagazine. confirmed that the suspect was not the holder

The police reported that around 10:21 of a Firearm License. McLennon was placed hours,ranksfromtheBaramitaPoliceStation into custody and is slated to be charged acted on information received and went to a shortly.

Wanted bulletins issued for two suspects in the Linden double-murder

President Dr Irfaan Ali held talks with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce In Doha. The Chamber was represented by its First Vice Chairman, Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Twar Al-Kuwari, while President Ali was joined by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh. (Office of the President)

President Irfaan Ali on President Ali is in Qatar met with Qatar’s Prime Monday held talks with the onanOfficialVisit. Minister and Minister of Q a t a r C h a m b e r o f Bilateral discussions Foreign Affairs Mohammed Commerce in Doha with Qatar’s Minister of bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Discussions focused on State for Energy Affairs, and Minister of Finance, Ali investment opportunities in Engineer Saad bin Sherida bin Ahmed Al Kuwari this Guyana, the Office of the AlKaabiwerealsoheld.The m o r n i n g i n D o h a President said in a Facebook Guyanese leader also Discussions centred on post. presented a painting from several areas of mutual

The Chamber was local artist Dillon Craig to cooperation between represented by its First Vice theQatariMinister GuyanaandQatar,theOffice Chairman, Mohamed Bin The Head of State also ofthePresidentsaid. AhmedBinTwarAl-Kuwari, while President Ali was joined by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance,DrAshniSingh.

During his visit to Qatar,

Wanted: Troy ‘Blacka’ Bruce Wanted: John ‘Junior’ Ross

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on was seen lying naked on the bathroom floor Monday issued wanted bulletins for two Thecrimescenerankexaminedthebody,and suspects believed to be involved in the home five chop wounds were seen, one to the right invasionatBlock22Wismar,Lindenthatleft shoulder,onetohisforehead,onetotheupper twopersonsdeadandonecritical. right back, one to the centre of the back, and Wanted are 30-year-old Troy ‘Blacka’ one to the lower right back,” the police Bruce of Lot 26 Wismar Hill, Linden and statementsaid.

John‘Junior’RossofFiveCorner,Linden. Meanwhile,thesurvivingvictim,20-year Police have since arrested one suspect -old Denzil Roberts remains hospitalized in while another was found dead with multiple the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the chop wounds reportedly inflicted by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation victimsduringtheattack.Thesuspect,whois (GPHC). Family members told reporters that yet to be identified, was found in an he is conscious but is unable to speak as the unfinished house in Block 22 Wismar, bulletremainslodgedinhischin. Linden, lying naked on the bathroom floor Doctors are hoping to remove that bullet withmultiplechopsabouthisbody soon. Other warheads were removed from “The building has several glass windows, Roberts’ body Roberts, who lives next door all secured by manufacturer locks. The tohisgrandfather,rantohisgrandfather’said building has two main entry and exit doors. when he heard the screams. He tried to fend One to the northern side and the other to the offthebanditsbutwasshotintheprocess.His western side. The ranks observed that the 87-year-oldgrandfather, Johnson Bowen and lowerhalfofthewesterndoorwas‘wrenched his 58-year-old uncle Emanuel Dos Santos off’.The ranks entered the house through the didnotsurvive. said door and searched the house. The body Investigationsareongoing.

P r e s i d e n t A l i a l s o participated in bilateral discussions with Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and I n d u s t r y , S h e i k h Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani. At that meeting, he was accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, DrAshni Singh; Presidential Assistant and Personal Envoy to Greece, the Middle East and Africa, Ambassador George Hallaq and Director of Presidential Affairs, Mrs Marcia NadirSharma.

President Dr Irfaan Ali held bilateral discussions with Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani (Office of the President)

$447.8M Deeds and Commercial Registries HQ in Region Two on track for completion

ttorney General atSuddie.

Athebuildingwillbeequipped It also deals with laws geographical indications, business names, powers of and Minister of The contract duration is with an elevator, parking relating to trademarks, copyrights, trade unions, attorney, bills of sale Legal Affairs, 12 months and despite facilitiesandastoragevaults

companies, partnership, contracts,andotherdeeds.

SC on Monday inspected the inclement weather and In January 2021, the ongoing construction of the supply chain issues, the Attorney General had office for the Deeds and project is slated to be announced that the Deeds Commercial Registries completedontime and Commercial Registry in Authority (DCRA) at Currently, the DCRA’s the Region Two would soon Suddie, Essequibo Coast, work is housed at the haveitsownbuilding. RegionTwo. Supreme Court Building in T

In October 2022, the Suddie. Commercial Registry was DCRA signed the contact Upon completion, the established to efficiently and withJAICAMConstructions four storey building will expeditiously administer the and Services Inc. to the tune house the operations of the laws enacted by Parliament of G$447,862,666, for the Deeds and Commercial affecting land, whether by construction of a new four- Registries, and living way of transport, leases, storey building next door to quartersforstaff. mortgages or any other the Supreme Court building It was disclosed too that alienationthereof.

The ongoing construction of the DCRA Region Two building

Guyana gets US$5 million grant...

From page 8

maximum results if issues such as low Turningitsattentiontoeducationdata,itwas leadership capacity at district and school keen to note that the Education Ministry levels, existing inequities in the produces annual statistical reports on a distribution of human, financial and regular basis and has information on material resources, and inefficiencies in nationally representative large-scale coordination and management of the learning assessments, sex-disaggregated educationsectorremainunaddressed. attendance and achievement data. Be that as

OTHER STRATEGIES it may, the bank said more information is

The IDB was keen to note that the needed on key education statistics proposed operation will complement its disaggregated by disability status, sector- ongoing efforts as well as those with wide performance assessments, system differentdevelopmentpartners. diagnoses and gender analysis and Kaieteur News understands that the IDB diagnostics. is preparing an operation Support for

Tobeeffectiveandculturallyresponsive, Educational Recovery and Transformation it said school and district leaders need: (i) (GY-L1079) which focuses on addressing timely, accessible, comprehensive, the existing infrastructure gap in primary disaggregated student participation and education across regions, providing schools achievement data; (ii) accurate data on the in remote areas with improved basic availability and quality of infrastructure, infrastructure (i e , water, energy), learningmaterialsandhumanresources;(iii) connectivity and digital devices, and adequate access to technology or alternative supporting the MOE in expanding services solutions; and (iv) the ability to use tostudentswithspecialeducationneeds. technologyandtoanalyzedataforevidence- In parallel, the World Bank has four baseddecision-making. operations in execution that focus on

The Education Sector Plan of the improving the teaching of math in primary Ministry of Education identifies improving education and secondary education, governance and accountability as one key improving learning at the early childhood prioritytoimprovethequality,effectiveness education level and the EMIS, and and efficiency of the education sector The expandingaccesstotechnicalandvocational ministry has since embarked on projects to education(TVET). address fundamental challenges to the The Caribbean Development Bank and education sector, including teacher training, Caricom also support the ministry in curriculum reform, connectivity and the recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic establishment of an Education Management through the Model Learning Recovery and Information System (EMIS). The IDB said Enhancement Programme for Caribbean these efforts are unlikely to yield Schools(REAP).

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British residents in $58M cocainesmuggling-bust for court May 17

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A retired nurse is among three British residents who will face the courts on May 17 over the alleged attempt to smuggle $58 million worth of cocaine on a flight to the United Kingdom from the Sangster International Airport in St James.

The incidents happened on May 6. The three are Loran Bartley, a 59-year-old retired nurse from West Bromich; 37-year-old Luke Bradly, a construction director of Erdington, and Burthland Hodges, 49, of Erdington - all in Birmingham, England. In the first incident,

Bradly was arrested at about 1:45 p.m., while he was in the process of boarding the flight that was destined for Birmingham. During routine checks, cocaine weighing approximately five kilograms was found concealed in his luggage, the police say.

In the second incident, about 4:20 p.m., Bartley was arrested when he was attempting to board the same flight. He was allegedly caught with cocaine also weighing approximately five kilograms— the illicit drug was seen concealed in his luggage.

Hodges, believed to be a co-conspirator, working with Bartley, was later arrested in St Ann.

Hodges is the organiser for the contraband that was found in the possession of

Bradly. The police claim that Hodges would source the drug locally and pass it on to carriers. Bartley and Bradly were charged with possession of, dealing in and attempting to export cocaine as well as conspiracy to export cocaine.

Hodges was charged

jointly with Bradly with conspiracy to export cocaine. All three men were charged on May 10 after they were interviewed in the presence of their attorneys. They are scheduled to appear before the St. James Parish Court on Wednesday.

Chief Magistrate Colonel Ann McLennan retires...

From page 12 progress of women within the Force and made reference to the female paratroopers and women now serving on border locations as impressive strides as women continue to work along with their menfolk.

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“Women have qualified themselves in almost every academic discipline alongside their men folk in the Force; lawyers, doctors, educators, chefs, football referees internationally at FIFA just to name a few,” she said. In this regard,

she encouraged the members of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) to continue to break glass ceilings. She alluded to the fact that never were there two female full Colonels among the membership of the Corps; referring to herself and Colonel Lorraine Foster who currently commands the Training Corps.

“To the male Officers and other ranks, keep a watchful eye for the members of the WAC for there is so much

more to come,” she said.

After 37 years, Colonel Ann McLennan says she has enjoyed every moment of her career journey where endurance, patience and support from her mother and other family members were key factors.

“I am grateful to the GDF and by extension each Chief of Staff under whom I served for believing in me and for their guidance and support every step of the way, firstly to my course officer Major

Pickering and the course Principal Instructors, one of whom, is now the Honourable Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, who was also a Chief of Staff, for believing that I was officer quality and seeing my potential,” she stated. Colonel McLennan proceeded on pre- retirement leave early last month. According to information from the Judiciary, Principal Magistrate, Sherdel IsaacsMarcus is currently acting Chief Magistrate.

Neil Marks cries foul following 70-25 defeat...

From page 6 of minutes. While this “outreach” was done at some media houses, it was not done at others where the Executive believe members would vote for me.

pay, no concession was made and she was flatly denied voting rights.

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Again, this locked out participation in these elections to many. There was no outreach to colleagues in Berbice or Essequibo and they too were denied participation in the elections. In one case, a longstanding member of the GPA was denied voting for missing the May 6th deadline due to a mix-up. When she called to point this out and to

Days before the elections, the editors of 10 media houses sent a petition for a release of the voters’ list and they were rejected. It was members of these media houses who were denied membership.

On May 12, in a last-ditch effort to secure some form of compromise and transparency, on behalf of these editors, I again wrote the Executive seeking an urgent meeting to discuss our concerns. The only reply I received was one asking for an agenda. I immediately provided this, giving the following options to be considered:

1. Publication of the list of eligible voters for the upcoming elections

AGM just before the start of nominations. No copies were shared with anyone, even at that late moment, to make objections. In any case, the Returning Officer, Ronald Burch-Smith, had no powers to accept objections and strike anyone off the list. After I raised concerns, he did allow me to take photographs of the pages he was given with the members who could vote.

media manager.

Under the constitutional provisions, their jobs make them ineligible for voting under the GPA constitution. With the photos of the list now with me, I quickly could see others who do not qualify – a taxi driver, a farmer, and a handyman.

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2. Reverting to the convention of accepting applications on the day of the AGM

3. Extending the deadline for the processing and approval of new members to the GPA by Saturday at 4 p.m. and accepting dues of existing members by the said deadline.

I received no reply.

The list of “eligible” voters was only read out to the

As per the Constitution of the GPA, a person is eligible for membership of the GPA if that person “devotes a major part of his/her time and earns a major part of his/her income from journalism” with journalism being defined as “gathering, editing, presenting and commenting on news, information and events and editorial policy-direction of the content of newspapers, magazines, press or syndicated services, professional or business publications, radio, television, cinema and the teaching of journalism.”

As the Returning Officer read the list (before I took photos of the list), I immediately recognised and pointed out how the list was padded – a Bollywood show producer, a control operator, a

On the list too were former editors and media workers who no longer work or contribute to news gathering or dissemination in any way. There were certainly many who recently started working in the media and did not meet the three-year requirement to vote.

So there is no other way to say it – the GPA elections were rigged.

This was a shame and disgrace on us as journalists who seek to champion democracy, transparency and accountability. Those elected on the basis of rigged elections have lost credibility to question anyone on such issues. The credibility of the GPA has been severely harmed – and to me, that is the greatest shame.

Regards,

Neil Marks Editor

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EPAwaivesimpactstudyforsevenoffshorefuel supplyvesselstosupportoilandgasoperations

…public has 30 days to appeal decision

The Environmental

with the oil spill and Secondly, the EPA ProtectionAgency (EPA) on pollution preparedness, detailed that the probability Monday announced on its prevention, and response of collision is low, as a result website, the waiver of an mechanisms in conformity o f t h e n a v i g a t i o n , Environmental Impact with standards established m o n i t o r i n g , a n d Assessment (EIA) for seven by MARPOL 73\78 and a communication systems of vessels, seeking approval to Hazardous Identification the vessels being installed. conduct bunkering services and Risk Assessment Additionally, the vessels are within the Stabroek and (HIRA) for offshore equipped with double-hull Corentyne oil Blocks, bunkering activities ” tanks reducing the potential offshoreGuyana. Additionally, EPA outlined ofspillsintheunlikelyevent

Bunkering, for those that the bunkering activities of a collision. The vessels whomaynotbefamiliarwith will be required to adhere to also ensure that hydrostatic the term, refers to the supply preventative measures such pressureinthetanksremains of fuels to ships, similar to as ensuring that all intactduringtidalchange. what a petrol station does on environmental conditions Asitsthirdreasonforthe l a n d F i v e P r o j e c t (weather, tide action, waivers, the environmental Summarieswereuploadedto based firm and Van Oord is project will be required to four reasons for its decision l i g h t i n g , e t c ) a r e bodynotedthatairemissions the EPA’s website, which headquartered in the submit an Emergency onthewaiveroftheEIA.The appropriate. It will also be such as CO2, SO2, and NOx specify the project each Netherlands The two ManagementPlan(EMP). riskofanoilspillduringfuel required to implement leak will not have a significant bunker vessel will support. companies are seeking The Agency was keen to operations was first on the detection mechanism (for impactontheenvironment. The Breaux, Saavedra, authorization for three note, “Please be advised that agenda The Agency example automatic locks on Fourthly, the EPA Aldemir Souza Tide will vessels, namely Coastal this decision is in no way an explained that while there is the feeding hose); perform pointed out, “The vessels support the Wei-1 drilling Challenger, Ella F, and indication that these projects a risk for fuel spills to volumetric checks prior to have obtained a permit to campaign in the Corentyne Sayan Polaris which will are approved.” In fact, it potentially affect water every bunkering activity; operate within Guyana’s oil block, while the Gerard store, transport and advised that any person who quality and biodiversity, the and inspecting all transfer Exclusive Economic Zone Tide will support the Liza distribute the fuel in the may be affected by the impacts would not be hoses, valves and pipeline (EEZ) from the Maritime Destiny and Liza Unity 26,800 square kilometers proposedprojectsmaylodge significant. It said, “…the prior to all bunkering Administrative Department developments in the StabroekBlock. an appeal against the vessels (are) being equipped activities. (MARAD).”

Stabroek Block Both In a Public Notice, EPA Agency’s decision (EIA not permits are being sought said it screened the required) within thirty (30) from Tidewater Marine applications for the granting daysofthepublicationofthe International Inc. – Guyana, o f E n v i r o n m e n t a l Notice. Appeals against the a company headquartered in Authorization in accordance EPA’s decision should be Houston,USA. with section 11(2) of the addressed to:The Chairman, Meanwhile, Van Oord Environmental Protection T h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l andSubsea7-thecompanies Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Assessment Board or via Eawarded contracts for the Guyana; and has determined m a i l : pipeline aspect of the Gas- that the projects will not eabguyana21@gmail com to-Energy (GTE) project- significantly affect the o r o n i t s w e b s i t e : are also looking to secure a environment While the www.epaguyana.org. permit for bunkering operations, according to the As mandated by the services to support the said regulator do not warrant an Environmental Protection initiative. Subsea 7 is a UK- impact assessment, each Act, the regulator shared

Decomposed body of woman found in Corentyne home

The decomposed body Mother’sDay that her mother lived alone ofa60-year-oldwomanwas Investigations into her and has a medical history of on Sunday found at her death so far revealed that suffering from high blood Johanna North, Black Bush Ramsookwaslastseenalive pressure.

Polder,Corentynehome. on May 9, 2023 at a wake

While an investigation

Accordingtoreports,the house located in Mibicuri, has been launched into her body of Cecilia Ramsook BlackBushPolder death, her body has since c a l l e d ‘ S i s t o ’ w a s The woman’s daughter been taken to the Ramo discovered sometime Dropatie Ramsook, who Funeral Home, awaiting a around 0

:

hrs on lives at Mibicuri, reported post-mortemexamination.

The Coastal Challenger

The Sayan Polaris

The Ella F. Vessel

ICC scraps soft-signal rule for contentious catches

(Cricinfo) - On-field umpires will no longer be required to give a “soft signal” while referring contentious catches to the TV umpire, according to the revised ICC playing conditions that will come into effect from June 1, 2023.

The on-field umpires will now simply consult with the TV umpire before a final decision regarding a referred catch is made, without any soft signal having been made. The change was recommended by the ICC’s Men’s Cricket Committee, endorsed by the Women’s Cricket Committee, and ratified by the ICC’s Chief Executives Committee. While the soft signal was scrapped by the IPL in

2021, it continued to be used in international cricket, and the TV umpire had to find conclusive evidence of a catch being clean or not to overturn the soft signal, irrespective of whether the onfield umpires had a clear line of sight to the catch while making the soft signal.

“The committee deliberated this at length and concluded that soft signals were unnecessary and at times confusing since referrals of catches may seem inconclusive in replays,” Sourav Ganguly, the head of the Men’s Cricket Committee, said.

There was brief confusion about the Free Hit rule with the ICC saying a “minor

Tuesday May 016, 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.

addition” had been made to it. That tweak deemed that runs scored off a free hit when the batter is bowled would count as runs towards the batter, as opposed to byes. The most high-profile recent incident was in the last over of India’s epic win against Pakistan at the MCG in the T20 World Cup last year. Kohli was bowled by Mohammad Nawaz off the free hit, but as the ball went to deep third, the batters picked up three runs.

Soon after the release, however, the governing body clarified that was not the case and that the rule, when a batter is bowled, remains the same: runs scored after a batter is bowled off a free hit will continue to be categorised as

extras and will not be credited to the batter.

In the revised playing conditions, the ICC also made

Tickets for ‘Return of the Scorpio’...

From page 25 Dharry and Dexter ‘De Kid’ Marques respectively.

it mandatory for players in “high-risk” positions to wear helmets. This includes batters facing fast bowlers,

wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps, and fielders standing close to batters in front of the wicket.

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.

Dharry will enter the squared circle against Ramos Ronald in an eight-round Bantamweight fixture whilst Marques will battle Luis Carrillo in an eight-round Super Bantamweight encounter.

A Caribbean rivalry will also recommence as Terrence Adams is penciled to face off against Barbadian Ricardo Blackman, while Anthony Augustin will match skills with Emmanuel Anderson of Barbados. The card will also feature a six-round Super Flyweight bout between Natalya Delgado and Darianis Garcia

In the amateur segment, Jamaica’s Britney MacFarlane is scheduled to battle local star Alesha Jackman whilst Trinidad and Tobago champion Lee Ann Boodram will enter the squared circle against Abiola Jackman, the sibling of Alesha.

The sisters are the firstever Guyanese female pugilists to attain a world ranking from the International Boxing Association (IBA), after their participation at the Women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India.

Abiola Jackman is now ranked 27th in the world in the Elite Women 81 and over Kg or heavyweight division, with Alesha seeded 58th in the Elite Women 60-63 Kg or junior welterweight division.

The May 21st fight night will mark Dharry’s return to the ring in over a year and will serve as a tune-up for his July encounter on local shores with Hugo Hernandez of Mexico for the WBC Silver Belt. Dharry, 37, fought for the WBA Super flyweight title in 2019 but suffered a controversial ninth-round stoppage loss to Australian Andrew Maloney in Melbourne.

Umpire Richard Illingworth gives a soft signal against Kohli - which was overturned by the third umpire. (Getty Images)

Bent St, Sparta Boss to battle for $1M at One Guyana Futsal finals on Saturday

ByRawleToney

The One Guyana Futsal tournament has reached its finalstage,withSpartaBoss andBentStreetsettofaceoff in a highly anticipated clash at the National Park on Saturday, May 20 The winnerofthematchwilltake home $1M, courtesy of Mohamed’sEnterprise.

Bothteamssecuredtheir place in the final with

impressive performances in thesemi-finalslastSaturday

Sparta Boss overcame a determinedBackCircleside byascorelineof6-4,thanks toabracefromRyanHackett (21’, 39’) and Sheldon Shepherd(5’,33’),aswellas goals from Jermaine Junor (29’) and Curtez Kellman (31’).

Despitethebesteffortsof StephanMcLean(26’,29’),

Simeon Moore (5’) and RavinNaughton(13’),Back Circle were unable to match theresolutedefendingofthe eventualfinalists.

Meanwhile, Bent Street showed why they are consideredfavouritestowin the tournament with a dominant 9-2 victory over CaliforniaSquare.

Job Caesar’s hat-trick (22’,33’,39’),coupledwith

a double fromAdrianAaron (21’, 22) and goals from DanielWilson(19),Sheldon Holder (21’), Pernell Shultz (6’) and Colin Nelson (16’) proved too much for CaliforniaSquaretohandle.

David George and Gerry Burnett were the only players to find the net for California Square, who will now face Back Circle in the third-place playoff for a

prize of $200,000. The final promises to be an exciting affair, with both teams boasting a wealth of talent andexperience.

Sparta Boss will rely on the attacking prowess of HackettandShepherd,while Bent Street will look to Caesar and Aaron for inspiration. The winner of thematchwillnotonlyclaim the coveted title of One

Guyana Futsal champions butalsoaheftycashprizeof $1M.Organisersdubbedthat tournament has been a resounding success, showcasingthebestoffutsal talentinGuyana. The second-place team will receive a prize of $500,000, while the third and fourth-place finishers willtakehome$200,000and $100,000,respectively

Curtis Jones has scored three goals in his last four games for Liverpool

(BBC Sport) - Curtis Jones scored twice as inform Liverpool brushed aside hapless Leicester to maintain their recent winning streak and push the Foxes closer to Premier Leaguerelegation.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have won their last seven games to bolster their push for a top-four finish andnowlieapointbehind N e w c a s t l e a n d Manchester United, albeit having played a game more

Another dismal loss for Leicester leaves the 2016 Premier League champions firmly rooted in danger in 19th position, two points adrift of safety with only two gamesremaining

The Reds scored twice in the space of three firsthalf minutes through the same combination, Mohamed Salah twice feeding Jones who finished confidently to

claim his first Premier Leaguedouble It should have been 3-0 before half-time but home goalkeeper Daniel Iversen made a superb reaction save to deny Cody Gakpo from close range. Salah claimed

his third assist in the second period by laying off a freekick for Trent AlexanderArnold to curl a sublime finishintothetopcorner Liverpool maintain hunt fortop-fourfinish

Has Liverpool’s charge

foraChampionsLeaguespot cometoolate?

The two Uniteds above them need two wins from their last three games to guarantee a top-four finish but Liverpool are right on theirtailsandpoisedtoprofit

fromanymishaps.

The Reds started slowly at Leicester, Luis Diaz smashing into the sidenetting and Fabinho blazing over the pick of their early openings.

Buttheyclickedintogear

on the half-hour mark as midfielder Jones took his tallytothreegoalsinhislast fourgames.

Hisfirstwasacontrolled finish at the far post from Salah’s deep cross and the second he thumped home following the Egyptian’s throughball.

Salah provided a hattrick of assists by rolling t h e b a l l o f f f o r Alexander-Arnold’s stunning second-half strike, but the Egyptian must wait for his 20th goal of the campaignafter a remarkable miss late on, putting wide when through ongoal.

L i v e r p o o l f a c e European-chasing Aston Villa at home on Saturday and round off their season against relegated Southampton knowing maximum points in those games may complete a stunning turnaround in an otherwise disappointingseason.

Curtis Jones has scored three goals in his last four games for Liverpool

Bent Street wreckers! (L-R) Sheldon Holder and Job Caesar

Sparta Boss goal scorers (L-R) Ryan Hackett, Curtez Kellman and Jermaine Junor

C-Point victorious in Salute to Mothers Dominoes Tourney

In a night which was filledwithtwistsand turns, ups and downs, cheers and disappointments as the curtains came down at Strikers Sports Club’s Tribute to Mothers Dominoes Tourney on Thursday last at its clubhouse.

Heading into the final match of the ten-round encounter, Cody Girls and Big Girls were tied with 29 points with C-Point closely behind with 28 points, In Time had 26 points, 1966 LAWand Cevon’s Big Boss Girls both had 25 points each.

The matches of the evening were Big Girls versus In Time versus Cody Girls while Cevon’s Big Boss Girls took on C-Point and1966LAW

The eventual winners were C-Point, who amassed atotalof33pointswhileBig Girlscameinsecondwith32 points and In Time had 31 points. The victorious team won $150,000 donated by

Cevon’s Waste Disposal Services, second place received$70,000donatedby Western Union and third place was awarded $50,000, sponsored by HJ94.1, each prize was accompanied by a trophy.

The overall MVP was Yonette Christmas, who amassed 158 games overall andwasawardedonepairof gold earrings compliments of Kabie’s Jewellery Establishment, one hamper compliments of Big Boss Transportation Services and also an exclusive designer sun glasses from 4EVA Summa.

BarbaraLeealsocopped adesignersunglassesforher feat of being the first to administer a double love in thefinals;tokensweregiven compliments of Western Union Individual prizes were also awarded to June Watts of C-Point, Lavern Devine and DawnAdams of BigGirls.

The winning team all r e c e i v e d h a m p e r s compliments of Ryan

Rambalak and Triple M Investments,whiletheMVP of the five remaining teams, was Alverene Jaundoo of Cody Girls with 133 games, Loraine Rodney and Roslyn Taylor both of In Time with 126 points, June Watts and Susan Collymore with 135 games apiece of C-Point, Thandika Adams of 1966 LAW with 115 pointsand Tricia Leander of Cevons’s BigBossGirlsamassing127 points. They each received hampers compliments of Luminous Electrical, Raphael’s Trading, Team Diamond, Austin’s Imports, RJ Services, Big Boss Transportation Services, Blue Flames Sounds and StrikersSportsClub.

Managing Director of Cevon’s Waste Disposal, MorrisArcher,inhisclosing remarks complimented the organizers for the implementation of such a gesture in having females coming together to have fun inaconduciveenvironment, in a male dominated sport. He further promised his

Sound Box, Exodus and Coomacka among winners

The $1M Linden One Guyana Beach Football tournament of the People’s Progressive Party /Civic Linden outfit began with some exciting wins on Sunday outside the office in Mackenzie,Linden.

Tostartthetournament, Sound Box were too loud for Young Gunners winning 3-1 behind MalachiHumphreyscoring a hat-trick while Damian Stellingburghadabraceand the Gunners’ Damian Williams getting the other goalintheencounter.

Exodus then showed up for their match against Street Lights, who gave a walkover victory to the opponents

The third scheduled game finished with the Coomacka Mines blasting pastAnybody Got It with a 7-1score-line

The consolation strike

for the losers was netted by Sharma Jordan Young Ballersekedouta1-0victory

against Talibans with Osapho Ross getting that importantgoal.

In the fifth game of the night Elite Ballers beat Hi StarsasKesterRandolphand Dennison Sealey scored for the winners with Jermain King striking the only goal forHistars.

National Under 20 female football player SheenesaCornelius,inserted in the male dominated tournament, showed guts andattimeswasinthegame seeking goals for Speightland. However, the fourgoalswerescoredbythe aggressive Marvin Jeffrey for Speightland as Vichron Chantrenentpulledoneback fortheGennaysdewiththeir lone strike. Another set of matcheswillbeplayedwhen the tournament continues tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon outside the PPP/C OfficegroundinMackenzie, Linden.

company’s support in future ventures and congratulated alltheteamsthattookpart.

Theorganizerssunghigh praises to the sponsors for their support in making this eventasuccessandcalledon other corporate sponsors to come on board in support of women in sport, especially

dominoes.

The next event which will be hosted is referred to as the flagship of all female tourneys-“StrikersSummer Special Part 6”, which is dubbedforAugust.

All female teams will be vying for over $700,000 in prizes and giveaways. Last

year’s tourney was fiercely contested by 11 all-female teams and was won by Yarrowkabra females, who tookthecovetedfirstprizeof $200,000, a winning trophy andninemedals.Thisyear’s is set to be a thriller with more prizes and incentives upforgrabs.

Masks back in Giro d’Italia as COVID-19 hits the race

(Reuters) - Giro d’Italia followers coming into contact with riders will be requiredtowearmasksinthe wake of COVID-19 cases that hit the race and forced overall leader Remco Evenepoel to abandon the ‘Corsa Rosa’, race director Mauro Vegni said on Monday

Belgian Evenepoel pulled out of the race on Sunday, shortly after regaining the overall lead with a tight victory in the time trial after Colombian Rigoberto Uran and Italian Filippo Ganna were also ruledoutwiththevirus.

“We relaxed our attention too soon,” Vegni told Italian sports daily La Gazetta dello Sport on the Giro’sfirstrestday

“Wecannotletourguard down As early as this week we will put back some restrictions that had been abolished, such as the obligation to wear masksintheareaswhereyou

come into contact with the riders.

“Should we have done thisearlier?Probablyyes.”

Teamsarenotrequiredto

test their riders for COVID19

nd even in th

eventuality of a positive case, they are not obliged to pulltherideroutoftherace.

Roderick Harry presents the first prize with trophy, compliments of Cevon’s Waste Disposal, to team C-Point for the “Salute to Mothers” 2023 Domino Tourney

QuickStep’s Remco Evenepoel celebrates wearing the maglia bianca jersey (Reuters)

Marvin Jeffrey

Guyanese athletes depart for South American U20 athletics championships

- Team, officials pay courtesy call to Minister Ramson before departure

Ateam of seven athletes andthreeofficialsfrom Guyana departed for Colombia yesterday to compete in theSouthAmericanAthleticsU-20 Championships in Bogota, Colombia,fromMay19-21.

The team is spearheaded by CARIFTA Games 400m gold medallist, Tianna Springer (200m, 400m), and includes Ezekiel Newton (100m, 200m), Wesley Noble (800m), Karese Lloyd (100m, 200m), Jaheel Corvette

(100m, 200m), Erin Leitch (long jump),andIsiahTrim(highjump).

The unit will be accompanied by Kenisha Headley (Manager), Johnny Gravesande (Coach), and Akeem Stewart (Massage Therapist).

Prior to their departure, the team met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle in the boardroomoftheMinistryonMain Street.

The meeting was in keeping with the new mandate of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry to meet with teams representing Guyana prior to departure and upon their return.

The team’s sojourn is being supported by the NSC and by extension the Ministry of Sport

The top brass of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) expressedgratitudetotheMinistry of Culture, Youth & Sport, the

CG Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup…

Guyana beat Jamaica by 4 wickets in D/L game D/L

- Barbados sink WI by 73 runs

Guyana sneaked a huge w i n y e s t e r d a y b y Duckworth/Lewis in a rain affected day of action in the CG United Super50

Women’s Championships hostedacrossSt.Kitts.

Guyana beat Jamaica by 4wickets(D/LMethod)

TheGuyanesedidwellto keep Jamaica in line as they restricted them to 94 all out in 40.3 overs, with Natasha McLean the lone star with 31 Sheneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi, Ashmini Munisar all had 2 wickets each, supporting veteran spinner Flaffianna Millington who returned 321. In reply, Guyana were ahead of the run rate when

theraincame,endingon677 in 22.4 of the 28 allotted overs following the reduction.

Mandy Mangru (19), Katana Mentore (11) and Munisar 11*, were the heroes in Guyana’s much needed victory Celina Whytehad(3-14)whileKate Willmot and Nicole

Campbell had 2 wickets each,inlosingeffort.

B a r b a d o s b e a t

Windwardsby73runs

TwinfiftiesfromHayley Matthews (64) and In-form

Kyshona Knight (54) took Barbados to 228-6, with additionalhelpfromAaliyah Alleyne(47).

ZaidaJamesgrabbedtwo

wickets for Windwards but herteamwasbowledoutfor 155, with Matthews grabbing magical figures of 6-28 for Barbados Afy Fletcher was the top scorer yetagainwith43off35balls

Rain stopped play in Trinidadvs.Leeward

The Trinidadians piled on 256 for 5 in 50 overs, thanks mainly to Djenaba Joseph (90) and an aggressiveknockof45from 35notout(7x4),fromAnisa Mohammed.

Raintheninterruptedthe Leeward’s innings when Trinidad took the field to defend and as a result were unable to bat as rain washed outproceedings.

Guyana Olympic Association, the NSC, and sponsors for their continued support to the associationandthedevelopmentof TrackandField.

The Guyanese team is expected to put up a strong showingattheevent,withTianna Springerleadingtheway

Springer has been in excellentformthisseason,winning gold at the CARIFTA Games and setting a personal best time in the process. She will be looking to

continue her winning ways in Bogota and bring home another medalforGuyana.

The rest of the team is also expected to perform well, with several athletes having shown promiseinrecentcompetitions.

Wesley Noble, for example, hasbeeningoodforminthe800m and could be a medal contender in Bogota.

Karese Lloyd and Jaheel Corvette are also expected to do wellintheirrespectiveevents.

Guyana had a terrific day in the field to deny Windward Islands their first win of the season.

Athletes, officials and representatives of the AAG made a courtesy call to Minister Charles Ramson prior to their departure to Bogota, Colombia for the South American U20 Championships.

Western Tigers humiliate Milerock FC -McArthurpilotsPoliceFCtoGFFEliteLeagueopeningwin

ByRawleToney

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League made a triumphant return on Sunday with a double-header at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary

The league, sponsored by KFC, had been on hiatus since March 2019, but the opening day did not disappointwithtwoexciting matches.

Western Tigers kicked off their hunt for supremacy intheleaguewithacrushing 10-0 victory over Milerock FC.

Thegamewasone-sided from the beginning, with Daniel Wilson scoring the first of his three goals just threeminutesintothematch.

Wilson completed his hattrick with goals in the 50th and 83rd minutes of the lopsidedaffair

Jorrell Tyrrell (33', 58') also struck twice, Hubert Pedro(31'),AndrewMurray (44'),MalchiGrannum(71'), Trayon Bobb (80') and Jermain Beckles (90+2') all got on the scoresheet for Western Tigers. Meanwhile, former Elite League c h a m p i o n s F r u t a Conquerors suffered a 2-0 defeat to Guyana Police Force(GPF)FC.

Ticketsfor‘ReturnoftheScorpio’ Pro/AmCardonsalefromtoday

With anticipation reaching its proverbial zenith for the impending ‘Return of the Scorpio’ Pro/Am Card penciled for May 21st at the National Gymnasium,ticketsaleswill commencefromtodayatthe singular location of Hot and Spicy Creole Corner on Albert & Third Street, Alberttown.

Promoter of the anticipated fight night Seon Bristol stated, “Ticket sales will commence from tomorrow[Today].Itwillbe at Hot & Spicy Creole Corner and this is the sole location that will be utilised toselltickets.Theprizesare: VVIP $10,000, VIP $6000, Ringside $3000, and Stands $1000.”

Nicholas McArthur, a former Conquerors player, found the net twice for Police FC in the 28th and 83rd minutes, leaving Fruta Conquerors with a tough starttotheirtitledefence.

The GFF Elite League will continue on Tuesday at Eve Leary with Victoria Kings facing Santos from 19:00hrs and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) battlingAnn’sGroveUnited

from21:00hrs. DenAmstel FC, GDF FC, Victoria Kings,BuxtonUnitedSports Club, Milerock FC, Ann’s Grove FC, Guyana Police ForceFC,FrutaConquerors, Western Tigers, and Santos FCarethecompetingteams. The winner of the 2023 Elite League will receive a prize of $2M, while the runner-up purse stands at $1 8M Third place will pocket$1.2million.

According to Bristol, “The most important aspect isthatwearecoveringallthe layers of boxing and what I mean by this is that from juniors to elite, young professionals to junior and senior professionals will be on show We are covering both males and females. We have a very packed and balanced card which comprises five professional andfiveamateurbouts.”

Hefurthersaid,“Mostof our professional bouts are going to be Guyanese matchingupwithforeigners, we also have a female

supporting bout with a female from Panama versus a female from Colombia. The atmosphere is going to be electric and all systems are in place for an electrifying and thrilling night of action. Dharry is going to arrive on local shores on the 18th. All the other fighters will be travelling on the 18th and everyone will be in Guyana onthe19th.”

The ‘Return of the Scorpio’ Pro/Am Card is

considered by many pundits as the biggest fight card in more than a decade and is expected to exceed the atmosphere and quality of the Patrick Forde Memorial Championships,whichisthe yardstick for a local boxing event Five exciting professional bouts and an amateur section of equal measure are established for the impending fight night that will be headlined and co-headlinedbyElton

(Continuedonpage21)

Saints undefeated on Opening Day of Oceaneering Oceaneering

U14 Indoor Hockey League

Th e G u y a n a Hockey Board has recently revived its U14 Indoor HockeyLeagueafterathreeyear hiatus, much to the delight of young hockey enthusiasts.

The tournament, sponsored by Oceaneering, which commenced on Friday and will run until June 23, will feature matches every Friday in variousschools.

The pandemic has disruptedthesportingworld, and young athletes have beenparticularlyaffectedby the lack of opportunities to compete. Therevivalofthe U14 Indoor Hockey League provides a much-needed platform for these juniors to showcase their skills and compete against their peers.

In the Girls’ division, familiar faces returned to action, with Kaiyra Scott scoring all six goals for her team, SHC Sensations, in a 6-2 victory over Cummings Lodge Samurai. Scott has been playing in this tournament since she was sevenyearsoldwhenitfirst startedin2017.

Cummings Lodge

Samuraigotofftoawinning start, defeating Hikers Junior Jets with an exciting goalearlyinthesecondhalf

from Letifa Fields

M e a n w h i l e , G C C

Challengers and Richard Ishmael Top Shelf Titans drew their game, with Kadence Belony and Amya Norvillescoringagoaleach.

In the Boys’ division, Saintscontinuedtheirstrong performance in junior

tournaments,withtheirteam SHC Minions defeating GCCPitbulls4-0.

The team’s twins, Jarel andJaronIsadore,scoreda goal each, while Ezekiel Moses scored a double GCC Outlaws dominated in their first match against N o r t h R u i m v e l d t Multilateral, with a 9-0 victory led by a hat trick fromKyleCouchman.

The league will continue every Friday, with games starting at 4:00 pm andconcluding at 7:00 pm atSt JosephHighSchool

The revival of the U14 IndoorHockeyLeagueissaid tobeapositivedevelopment foryounghockeyplayersin Guyana, providing them with an opportunity tohone their skills and compete againsttheirpeers.

Daniel Wilson scored a hat-trick in West Tigers’10-0 win over Milerock FC

Some members of the Saints Minions Hockey Club

Promoter Seon Bristol

Western Tigers humiliate Milerock

- McArthurpilotsPoliceFCto GFFEliteLeagueopeningwin

FC

All eyes will be in CARIFTAGames

400m gold medallist Tianna Springerat the SouthAmerican U20 athletics Championship in Colombia.

Guyanese athletes depart for South American U20 athletics championships

-Team, officials pay courtesy call to Minister Ramson before departure

Tickets for ‘Return of the Scorpio’ Pro/Am Card on sale from today

Club

Saints undefeated on Opening Day of Oceaneering U14 Indoor Hockey League

Western Tigers’Jermain Beckles (#4) battles in for possession against Milerock FC. (Newsroom photo)

Some members of the Saints Minions Hockey