Kaieteur News

Exxon would not walk away easily if Govt. demands changes to contract

The conversation about changes to the “sanctified” ExxonMobil oil contract took a U-turn on Friday, when the company’s President committed that it would not walk away if government demands more from its sweet light crude, discovered in the lucrative StabroekBlock.

President of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)ExxonMobil GuyanaAlistairRoutledgewasatthe time being pressed by this newspaper on returning to the table with the country’s leaderstodiscussmorefiscal benefits for the nation, in light of the continued success of the oil blockwhich happens to be the country’s largest - when he initially started off by describing the contract as “competitive”.

The oil company’s representativealsosoughtto shift this newspapers attention to the future benefits of the arrangement. He explained, “This agreement was competitive at the time that we signed it and we still believe it to be the case, and we have made investment on the basis of thecontractasitstands.That

continued question really misses the point which is: How does the country maximizethevaluefromthe contractsthatithasandfrom futurecontracts.”

Routledge also boasted that this is the “most valuablecontractthecountry has”, therefore, the country ought to focus on how to make it work. In fact, he explained,“Themomentwe try to change the contract, the investment will stop, the local content development willstop.”

K a i e t e u r N e w s immediately sought clarity from Routledge on whether he believes ExxonMobil Corporation would walk away if the administration asksfora10percentroyalty forinstance.

Tothisend,heexplained, “History will tell you that when disputes start about contracts, investments stop, investors hate uncertainty.” Hewashowevertoldthatthe question was directly about Exxonandifitispreparedto pack up and leave Guyana over such a dispute, especially since it has already made over 30 discoveriessince2015.

In response, Routledge explained, “No company

walks away easily I have lived through Venezuela in 2004, 5, 6, 7 when the government imposed a new contract on our operations and we worked extremely hard to avoid that but the government created an environment where we couldn’tstayanditendedup in international arbitration and in the meantime, no further investment, you can see what happened to the country, it has a huge endowmentofresources,but sadly has lacked investment for many years and has moved from a production of 3millionbarrelstolessthan 600,000 barrels of oil per day.”

Last year during a Local Content Forum, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat noted that if the government interferes with the two percent royalty or any other fiscal provision in the 2016 PSA, signed with ExxonMobil and its partners, it could not only risk chasing away investors but even hurt the country’s reputationasasafehavenfor companies’investments.

Bharrat said over the years, the company would havefacedcriticismsforthe PSAsignedin2016.“Butwe have made a commitment andourpositionisclearthat we will not renegotiate this contract because we want Guyanatobeseenasastable country where investments are secured and there is predictability in companies

Child,9,missing aftermonsterwave sweptheraway

enezuelan est

(WCD) swept away Friday afternoon.

Feared dead is Alejandra José Peralta Rodriguez of Zeelugt,WCD.PolicetoldKaieteurNewsthatbasedonthe reportsitsrankshadreceived,thegirldisappearedbetween 14:30to15:00hrs.

Rodriguez had reportedly gone swimming with her siblings when tragedy struck. A huge wave came in and sweptherawaywhilehersiblingsbarelymanagedtomake itbacktoshore.

Niña Venezolana desaparecida, Viernes en Zeelugt, WestCoastDemerara,Guyana.

Según reporta la policía estuvo nadando con sus hermanosenelmarcuandolasolasarrastróconella.

investing in our country; otherwise, we would be doing an injustice to our country,”theministerstated.

He also pointed out, “ThisisnotaboutthePPPor the Coalition, this is about our country Because if we dothat,believeme,investors will no longer line up in Guyanabecausetherewould be this fear that every time the government changes, therewouldberenegotiation of contracts. We don’t want Guyana to be seen as that, thisisabouthowpeoplelook atusasapeople.”

Even though this has been the strong point by the government in refusing to amend aspects of the c o n t r a c t , c e r t a i n stakeholders are adamant thiscouldnotbefurtherfrom factual.

Meanwhile,inaninvited comment,Dr YogMahadeo, anadvocateforabetterdeal told Kaieteur News on Saturday, “The fact is that Exxonwillneverwalkaway from Guyana Everyone knows that, even the governing cheerleaders of Exxon.We must be the only country on earth that allows Exxon to be superior to our constitution and our National Assembly and refuse to do anything about it!”

Mahadeo was keen to note also, “We know that

Guyana is their cash haven!

That is the reality We represent cash flows that Exxonwillneverwalkaway from, but we also represent opportunities for corrupt politicians so they will forever kneel and bow to Exxon. We the people have to now take matters in our own hands and stop the steal.”

Assuch,hetoldKaieteur News, “As Guyanese, we mustrealizethatweholdthe real power, not Exxon, not the Government in cahoots with the opposition. It is us as Guyanese that must stop the steal. Let us realise our valuetoExxon.”

Leader of the Alliance ForChange(AFC),Khemraj

Ramjattan also explained in a previous interview that he is of the firm view that Exxon will not leave Guyana’s shores if the

GovernmentofGuyanawere tochangethelopsideddeal.

“ExxonMobil will never leave Guyana anymore.You can argue that you need a betterdealandtheywillgive youabetterdeal,”hesaid.

Ramjattan is adamant that “No investor would want to leave Guyana when over 11 billion barrels of oil have been found”. He said that Guyanese ought not to accept the suggestion by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration that a change to the Stabroek Block PSA would drive investorsaway

TheAFC leader said his partybelievesthatduetothe changed circumstances in the prolific Stabroek Block, which ExxonMobil holds, there is need for the country to secure better terms. This, he said, will not chase investors.

MISSING:Alejandra José Peralta Rodriguez (Daily News)

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

ANSWERS, PLEASE

Some shareholders of American oil giant, ExxonMobil, are agitated. When shareholders becomejittery,thentheydonotsitontheirhands, theymovewithenergyanddeterminationtogetanswers.

They seek real answers that make sense, answers that helptherecipientstodetermineiftheirinvestmentremains aviableone,andshouldbestayedwith,orthatitissuddenly looking risky and ought to be dumped as quickly as possible. This is what is rocking ExxonMobil, as a shareholder subset, Mercy Investment Group, is pressing for answers on the possible Guyana exposures, and the financialsignificanceofthem.

Shareholders in any company either invest their own money,orthatofotherpeople,andintheinstanceofreally hugeshareholders/investors,itcouldbeinthebillions.For his or her own funds, there is a personal stake in the investment,whichcouldbeasignificantpartofassetbase, which harbours reasonable sensitivity if there is reason to believethattheinvestmentcouldbeinjeopardy

Asifthatisnotbadenough,whenashareholdergroup, or investment manager, aka a portfolio manager or hedge fund manager, is using other people’s money then that introduces certain elements into the mix that lends to vigilanceandanabundanceofcaution.

When it is other people’s money being invested, there must be a level of care, and continuing prudence manifested,inboththefundsinvestedandthemanagement ofit. Itiswhatfundmanagersandportfoliomanagersare paidhandsomelyfor,wheninvestmentsaresuccessful,asin recordingmarketgainsoryields.

Theseshareholdergroups,investmentmanagersandso forth, must complete their due diligence, and always be keeping abreast of developments relative to a company in whichenormousamountshavebeeninvested.

It is this diligence and vigilance that informed all ExxonMobilshareholdersofthelandmarkrulingcomingof Guyana,anditsmanymeaningsfortheirinvestmentinthe company

The substance of the ruling issued by Judge Sandil Kissoon is that ExxonMobil has to provide a parent companyguaranteetocoveranyandalldamagesresulting fromanoilspillinitsoffshoreoperationsinGuyana. Those shareholders of ExxonMobil who were very pleased with the rich contributions of Guyana’s high-quality oil to the company’s bottom line, and their own dividends were suddenlyjarredintohighalert.

High alert because a parent company guarantee, as ordered, has massive financial implications. First, it is goingtobecostly. Second,itwouldbeanannualdrainon ExxonMobil’searnings. Andthird,onceitremainsinforce, thenitaffectsnegativelytheusualsweetdividendstream.

To make matters worse, it is blindingly apparent from the wording embedded in the judge’s ruling that ExxonMobil’s Guyana subsidiary (Esso Guyana) has draggeditsfeetinanumberofareas. Oneofthoseareasis in responding to its risk management responsibilities with dedication,energy,andtimeliness.

Riskmanagementrelativetoanoilspill,andhavingall of the field safety requirements locked in place, plus the proper coverage for possible damages, regardless of the extent.

This is what is causing considerable alarm among the shareholderswhohavepouredmillionsuponmillionsinto buyingthestockofExxonMobil. Inaworst-casescenario, an investment could lose significant value overnight. In another,thedividendstreamfromExxonMobilcouldjustas quicklydryup. Moreover,thecompanycouldbesubjectto costly claims of gross negligence, for which the consequencescouldbeincalculable. ThoughExxonMobil hassignaledthatitisappealingJudgeKissoon’sruling,that isnocomfort.

This is because one of the key ingredients emerging from his decision is how Esso Guyana has played fast and loosewithitsobligationsinitslocaloperations. Howmuch riskisthere?

NEW VALUES CREATE NEW PRECEDENTS

DEAREDITOR, 150 years ago, the world hadothervalues.

They thought that pollutioncouldbesolvedby garbage collection The concept that our lifestyle choices eventually affect us gradually sank in with the development of laboratory chemistryandbiology

But only in the last 50 years has a new subject called Environmental Science been created. Our ownUGdidnotmanagethat

until 30 years ago, and only in this century did CXC get intotheact.

Life began to be valued, monetarily: more highly by the rich for the rich than by thepoorforthepoor (Thesocialscientistscan study various combinations of how the rich value the poor and the poor value the rich). As education spread, the poor began to recognise the inequities and are trying to push back against exploitation,onlysometimes

violently responding to the imposedcontinuedviolation oftheirspaces.

In Guyana, we are fortunate to have some wise judgesinthejudicialsystem, who can begin to redress inequities and reduce the burden of responsibility on the ordinary people, whose economic outputs would havetobeusedtorepayany debt. There has been what the scientists call a ‘paradigm shift’ in values during the 150 years the

study of natural sciences developed and became available to the ordinary person. There is now increasing precedent for damage to the environment to become quantified as much for the poorasfortherich.Moreand more people are becoming aware of the value of land and ecosystems The BP Macondooilwellblowoutis a well-known example of spirallingcosts.Peopleare

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What

isthemagnitudeoftheserisks? Whathasbeendone tomitigatethem? HastheExxonMobil’sGuyanasubsidiary done everything to manage the exposures? These are the troublingquestionsthatarecausinggreatanxietiesamongthe

shareholders of ExxonMobil. Now that the ruling is for an unlimited parent company guarantee, all of ExxonMobil’s shareholdersandeveryoneelsehavecomealive,andtheyare screamingforanswers. Theyhadbetterbetherightones.

President Dr.Ali is Relentless inAdvancing the Interests of Guyanese and Humanity Worldwide

DEAREDITOR,

Since becoming a Cooperative Republic on February 23, 1970, Guyana has had ten presidents, nine of which had full executive powers and authority to governthenation.

The only non-executive president was His Excellency, Mr. Author Chung, who acted on and carried out the instructions of the late Prime Minister Forbes Burnham. During this period, the country was plaguedwithmanyproblems ranging from economic, political, race riots, and the alleged claims by some of riggedofelections.

And even though no one has been charged for the latter,thegeneralperception isthatfrom1968to1992,the

countryexperiencedaperiod ofundemocraticprinciples.

However, among the nine executive presidents is His Excellency, Honourable Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali who assumed the reins of power on August 2, 2020, after a prolonged period of five arduous, scary, and nerve-wracking months orchestratedbytheGrangerled coalition regime who usedeverytactic,illegaland legaltoremaininpower.

It did not work because the foreign observers, especially those from the United States, Britain and Canada knew from the inceptionthatgovernmentof thedayhadwontheelection. Such conclusions were based on the statement of polls produced by GECOM

and the PPP/C, while to this day,theAPNU+AFChasnot produced their statement of pollstothepublic.

Realising that the nation was seriously fractured with deep divisions between the supporters of both APNU+AFCandthePPP/C, President Dr Ali knew that as the head of state, the country was divided and in disarray.

And while there was no instructional manual of how to govern the country, President Dr. Ali in his address to the nation immediately after taking the oath of office, asked Guyaneseathomeandinthe Diasporafortheirsupport.It was one of his most sincere speeches, in which he told thenationthathewillgovern

We must salute our traffic ranks

DEAREDITOR,

It is with great admirationandrespectthatI salute the brave men and women of the traffic department within the Guyana Police Force who worktirelesslytoensurethat our traffic flows smoothly, particularly during peak hours.

Often clad in their blue and black uniform, these officers are the unsung heroes of our highways, working in all weather conditions with limited resourcesandpoorpay.

Despite the challenges they face, our traffic police officers remain steadfast in their commitment to public

safety They endure long hours and intense pressure, directing traffic with a firm yetcompassionatehand,and ensuring that drivers and passengers arrive at their destinations.

It is easy to forget the important role these officers playinourdailylives,aswe goaboutourbusyroutines.

Butwemustneverforget that they are humans too, subjecttothesameemotions andfrustrationsastherestof us.

It takes great strength and dedication to remain calm and professional in the faceofangerandaggression fromfrustrateddrivers.

Yet, our traffic police

officers rise to the occasion every day, demonstrating t h e i r u n w a v e r i n g commitment to public service and safety They are the giants among us, and they deserve our deepest respectandappreciation.

So let us take a moment to salute our traffic police officersinblueandblack,for their selfless service, dedication, and tireless effortstokeepourroadssafe andtrafficflowingsmoothly

They are a shining example of public service and sacrifice, and I am very gratefulfortheirgoodwork.

Yourssincerely,

Hon.GaneshMahipaul, M.P

in the interest of all and that all Guyanese, regardless of race, ethnicity, or party affiliationwillbeinvolvedin the development process of Guyana and that no one will beleftout.

Truetohisword,himand thePrimeMinisterBrigadier MarkPhillipsembarkedona countrywide out-reach tours to almost every town and village including some PNCR strong holds to hear the views of the people, solve their problems, heal the racial divide, and unite thecountry

Approaching three years in office, President Dr Ali has established a pathway for the country that is dynamic and never seen before in the history of the nation. It is a pathway to prosperity and opulence for the people, thus reducing or ending poverty and homelessnessinthecountry

On the international scene,hehasadvancedsome high-level policies that have madeGuyanabecomeoneof the most recognizable countries in the Caribbean andtheworld.WithitsGDP hoveringatabout43percent due largely to huge oil

revenues and with huge

foreign and local investments and with peace and stability, Guyana is on pace to become one of the most prosperous nations

economically in the undeveloped world, thus movingitfromGlobalSouth ( T h i r d W o r l d ) underdeveloped status to a Global North (First World) nationranking.

During the past three years, President Dr. Ali has advocated several global policies including food, energy, and climate change security to protect the environment and promote

the well-being and prosperityoftheeight-billon peopleonearth.Inhisrecent

visit to Qatar to open the country’ssecondembassyin the Middle East, His Excellency repeated his call forfood,energy,andclimate securitywhichheclaimedis paramount for the existence of mankind He also proposed some new ideas that would benefit all nations, developed and underdeveloped.

Among them are his urgentandcrucialappealfor a commitment by the developedcountriestoshare their technology with the underdeveloped nations, diversification of the global economy, and the strengthening of relations at alllevels;economic,

(Continuedonpage6)

Plot to dismantle and replace IDPADA-G thickens

DEAREDITOR,

Theplottodismantleand replaceIDPADA-Gthickens and unfolds before our very eyes, on a daily basis. It startedwiththosewhonever wantedanIDPADA-G.They failed.

It continued with those who sought to seize the reignsofIDPADA-Gbyany meanspossible.Theyfailed. It was accelerated by attempts to defame and finger the leadership of IDPADA-G, as corrupt. It failed.

The attempt to cripple the organization by withdrawing its subvention has also failed. But the plot

continues in the form of the latest effort to supplant IDPADA-G by a so-called cluster of “seven main organizations”. That will be exposed and is destined to fail because it is but the connivance of those who refuse to recognize the state of the African Guyanese; deny them justice; and undermine their efforts to develop.

In response to a letter which is in circulation, and purportedlyaddressedtothe PresidentbyoneRasKhafra, theplotandthemotiveofits author(s) are hereby exposed, and the call made, on the African Guyanese

community and all rightminded Guyanese, to let goodsenseprevail.

First, the existence of a “cluster of seven main organizations” is a figment of Khafra’s mind for the following reasons: a) Parliament identified a cluster ofAfrican Guyanese organization for the sole purpose of making recommendations to the Parliament in relation to the African Guyanese community’s representation on the Ethnic Relations CommissionandtheWomen and Gender Commission That cluster completed its work; made its submission,

by virtue of which it was dissolved and no longer has anystanding.

Presumably, that group could voluntarily retain its formation for purposes mutualtoitsmembershipbut cannot impose itself on the African Guyanese community b)

In this instance, Khafra has reconstituted the group unilaterally; designated himself as leader; identified representatives of the original organizations that constituted that cluster without any reference to the organizations and or even the named individuals There is therefore no real

group. It is fake. Khafra’s self-designation as the “ o f f i c i a l e l e c t e d representativeofthecluster” isatbestcontrived.

Second, Khafra’s contention in the letter that there was ‘recent governmental intervention into the affairs of IDPADAG, at the request of a large portion of IDPADA-G’s membership’ is another of Khafra’s figments. Even the organizations in the contrivedcluster,suchasthe Pan African Movement Guyana, ACDA and ironically IDPADA-G, among others have not invited such intervention. In fact,of65organizationsthat constitute IDPADA-G only fourareonrecordasinviting suchintervention.

Third, IDPADA-G’s involvement in the UN’s PermanentForumforPeople of African Descent and the

UN Working Group of ExpertsonPeopleofAfrican Descent is not an act of protestation IDPADA-G relates and reports to these UN mechanisms as is provided for in their modus operandi.

Fourth,Khafra’sresortto “Idonotsubscribe”and“I’d like to propose” in his purported letter to the President belies his own consciousness that he is not speaking for any cluster of, or the wider, African Guyanesecommunity Heis operatingasasoleactor

It is worrying that Khafra, in his attempt to ingratiate himself with the Government, offers up the African Guyanese community and speaks to ‘crafting, aligning and integrating an African Guyanesedevelopmentplan intothegovernment’s

(Continuedonpage11)

NEW VALUES CREATE NEW...

Frompage4 valuing their living space andlivelihoodsmoreandwe can no longer say some things are unprecedented. Our judges can now give consequence to the recognition that things are not the way they were when the rich could dictate their valuestoapoor,supposedly sovereigncountryandnotbe liablefordamagesinexcess of any insurance cover they may have. Guyana and the Caribbeanshouldbeentitled to claim as much as, say, litigants in the USA would beabletoget.

Technology has also advanced, learning from each mistake, so it is unlikely that previous

mistakes will be repeated. Therefore,itshouldbeeasier to safeguard guarantees to poor Guyana Parent companiescannothidefrom their responsibilities in the developed countries so they should not be allowed to do soinGuyana. SinceourEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) hasalloweditselftobecome pliant, signed parent company guarantees will keep the oil companies and theirshareholdersvigilantto ensuresafety MostordinaryGuyanese would like the oil to be exploited by the best qualified oil companies in thebusiness,butfairly

AlfredBhulai

President Dr.Ali is Relentless...

Frompage5 cultural, and political to promote the prosperity of peoplethroughouttheworld.

President Dr Ali has become the first recipient of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) award for an outstanding job in managing the affairs of the country and for being a strong and vibrant advocacy onregionalandglobalissues suchasregionalcooperation and integration, gender equality, food and energy security, the impact of climate change on nations, especially the undeveloped countries, and sustainable developmentamongothers.

Some of the most

prominent initiatives launched by President Dr Ali at the regional level includehiseffortstosupport member CARICOM states to achieve agricultural development, selfsufficiency in food, the revival of the aquaculture andthelivestockindustry

We are proud to acknowledge the work of HisExcellencyandthatheis deserving of such special award for his vision for a betterGuyanaandtheworld, his relentless effort to advance the interests of Guyana and the Caribbean globally and to improve the livesofhumanity

Sincerely, Dr.AsquithRose.

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WHATDOESGUYANAHAVE?

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The PresidentAli is scarcer than gold…

The VPJagdeo is now an investor confidence man!

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The PPPGovt. is busy attacking Guyanese!

The judiciary (parts) seeking to protect Guyana…

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The Parliament is still searching for patriots.

The PNC,AFC, Opposition is woefully non-existent…!

The media is in a mostly dilapidated state!

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The houses of prayer are not for the good of Guyanese.

The bigger segments of civil society look out for itself.

Attorneys are in a hurry and looking for a hustle!

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So, what do Guyanese have with their oil?

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They have Exxon.

Who do Guyanese have?

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They haveAlistair Routledge.

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Jagdeo to monitor oil sector after completing new PSA, Petroleum Act

Vice President

Bharrat Jagdeo onThursdaysaid government will shift its focus on monitoring the oil and gas operations once it completes the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) to govern future oil blocks, and update the1986PetroleumAct. He was at the time responding to a question from this newspaper during his press conference on Thursday, regarding

monitoring of the ongoing productionactivitiesfroman environmental perspective, as more projects continue to beapproved.

TheVPexplained,“Isaid wearetryingtodealwiththe framework first and that is why you have seen us focus on a lot of things we criticized when we were in Opposition- the PSA, the Petroleum Act not being sufficient we're fixing those two. We criticized the NaturalResourcesFundAct,

we fixed that.We passed the new Local Content Law, so these are things that we said we need to fix and auction andallofthose.”

Jagdeo added, “I admitted that last time that because our focus has been on the framework, the next wave of the attention of the ministryandthegovernment will be on building greater monitoringcapability.”

The VP said that after strengthening those provisions, the government

will ensure for example that the data ExxonMobil supplies the nation with is accurate.

“Sotheywillhaveafiber that they are building that willhaveanoperatingcentre that is remote in the Headquarter, that is why when we spoke about the headquarter, it's not just a headquarter,itwouldhavean operating center there where they can remotely address anyissueontherigs,likeshut off and things like that,” he

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

noted. Jagdeo said government will be pursuing one of two

options to conduct monitoring of Exxon's operations; these include utilizing an independent remote technology or accessing the feed from Exxon's headquarter that is currently being constructed atOgle,EastCoastDemerara (ECD).

Thissystemheexplained will verify the amount of oil flowingthroughthepipelines and other real-time data on thecompany'sactivities.

He noted that during a visittoGhana,hemetwitha group that is monitoring gas fields. According to him, it was a Canadian company, owned by Guyanese

Subsequently, the firm submitted a proposal to the Guyana government, pressing the administration tomoveontheissue.

The VP indicated that even though proposals have been made by the company, government's intent is to go outtotender

Bethatasitmay,hesaid, “Wewillgoouttotenderbut of course there will be preferences if there is a Guyanese-owned company thatcandothisandtheyhave great international capability looking at offshoremonitoringetc.”

As such, he conceded, “Clearlythatisabitdeficient at this point, but this is the nextwaveofwhatwehaveto do.It'stheprogression.”

Ghana Chamber of Commerce to be launched Monday

…during high level visit of delegation from Ghana

The Ghana Chamber of Commerce will be launched on Monday, May 22 at 9 am. Theceremonywilltakeplace onthethirdflooroftheAmici building on Church Street, the Ministry of Foreign AffairsannouncedonFriday

In a brief statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saidthatGhana'sMinisterfor Trade and Industry the Honourable Kobina Hammond, is leading a Government-private sector delegationfromMay19to24

to further explore possibilities for trade and investment between Ghana andGuyana.

Other Government Ministers on the delegation

include the Honourable Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture and the Honourable Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education.

The delegation also includes the Deputy Ministers of Trade and Industry and of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and a number of p r i v a t e s e c t o r representatives.

The delegation will meet with Ministers of the Government of Guyana and the private sector over the period May 22 and 23 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT INTERESTED IN REASON

Vice President Jagdeo and his mouthpieces would want you to believe that the Marriot Hotel was built by government in order to stimulate investment. The argument goes that Guyana needed a hotel of international standard and since there were not many foreign investors interested at the time, the government hadtostepin.

Jagdeo and his cronies seemed to have overlooked thatconstructionofthehotel did not begin until November 2011. By then Guyana already had an international-standard, the

Princess Hotel, which was built, with support from the government, for the Cricket WorldCup.

Itisthereforeabsurdand inaccurate to claim that the hotel was built at a time when the government was starvedforinvestments.That couldhardlybetruesincenot only was the Princess Hotel constructed in the period preceding the construction of the Marriott but the government itself was boastingaboutitssuccessin attractinginvestment.

InhisBudgetSpeechfor 2011, the Minister of Finance did not convey the

impression that the country was starved for funds. He reported that foreign direct investment had totaled US$692 million, credit by the commercial banks to the private sector grew at an average annual rate of more than 15 percent, a total of 946 new companies were registered,andtaxespaidon businessprofitsincreasedby 65.5 percent over the past fouryears.1.6M.

According to statistics provided by this newspaper, the average FDI inflows increased from US$135M between 2005 and 2009 to US 294M in 2012, meaning

Comprehensive review of local content framework on horizon as citizens complain about exclusion from oil sector

The Government of Guyana will soon be reviewingthecountry’slocal content framework with a view to remedying complaints lodged by citizens that they are being excluded from opportunities intheoilandgassector

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

AnilNandlallduringarecent airing of his programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ announcedthattherewillbe a comprehensive review of thelocalcontentframework. Nandlall said that despite government’s efforts to strengthen laws and regulations some sects are dissatisfied.

“We continue to receive complaints in relation to the localcontentframeworkand the local content legislation. Reports indicate that

Guyanese citizens are being denied fair opportunities to participateintheoilandgas sector and related industries,”Nandlallsaid.

He emphasized that, “When the legislation was enacted, we acknowledged its pioneering nature in the Caribbean region and anticipated the need for adjustments as we gained more experience in this new sector…

With each passing day, our understanding of the sector deepens, drawing attention to pertinent issues that necessitate our immediatefocus.”

The government is keen on addressing emerging issues such as fronting. The private sector has complained about foreign companiesemploying“renta-citizen” tactics which run

Dem Boys Seh...

counter to the spirit of the Local Content law He said government will soon initiate consultations with stakeholders.

Guyana’s Local Content Secretariat (LCS) has been lookingintoamendingthe (Continuedonpage17)

DeGeorgetown

Seawall is a lawless place!

When yuh go to de Georgetown Seawall,yougattowearearplugs.Denoise fromdemgeneratorwahdemvendorsgatis enoughfuhbussyoueardrum.

De Seawall supposed to be a place of relaxation. But dem vendors turn it into a placeofstress.

Imagine people spend nuff fuh mek de place nice. And as soon as dem finish, somebodygoanderectabigredtentonde walkway and dem running generator wah keepingnuffnoise.

How can Guyana progress with a situationlikethis?Weweretolddatdemgat special place for vending But who enforcing de new rules? Unless there is enforcement,itnahmeksensesettingrules.

Imagine you gat high blood pressure

and you go out there to relax. Only to find somebody turn on a small generator wha pollutingdeairandkeepingnoise.

Imagine children gat endure all that noise. It remind dem boys of story of de fatherwahbringhebabysonandputhepon a generator De father tek he son and laid himoutonderunninggenerator

He wife was surprised and asked him whyhewoulddothat.

Defatheranswerhowhewantedtosee what de boy gan be when he grow up. He toldhewife,“Ifhefallsasleep,hewillbea mechanic!Whatifhecrieshiswifeasked? Thenhewillbeanequipmentoperator.”

It look as if Guyana gan get nuff mechanicindenextfewyears. Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

that it doubled during that period.

The government even bragged about the increases in hotel rooms. In his 2012 BudgetSpeech,theMinister ofFinanceindicatedthatthe hotel industry capacity had over the previous five years increased from 1,700 rooms to,3,000roomsattheendof 2011.

Itisalsonottruetoclaim that the original intention wasforgovernmenttobuild thehotelandthentodispose it.Theforensicauditintothe construction of the hotel establishes that this hotel wasintendedtobeownedby a foreign national of New York with whom PPP/C leaders were extremely close.

It then morphed into a public private partnership. Butitishardtofindapublic announcement at the time the hotel was being constructed which indicated thatitwastheplantodispose ofitsuponcompletion.

What was reported was thatitwastheintentionfora HongKonginvestortoinject US$8 into the hotel and in the process acquire a staggering 67% controlling interest.Thiswasreportedin the Stabroek News of 17th April2015andisevidenceof the controversial nature of thishotel.

The PPP/C has always been accused of plans to build the hotel with taxpayers’ funds and loans andthenhandingitovertoits friends and cronies The PPP/C has denied such allegations pointing out that the hotel was owned by the GovernmentofGuyana.

Inotherwords,thehotel was built with taxpayers’ monies or monies which were borrowed and guaranteed by the State Public funds were also used to divert the country’s sewage lines.Aplot of land on which the hotel was erected was once a public swimmingpool.

Itwastaxpayers’monies which helped to build this moneyanditwastaxpayers’ monieswhichhadbeenused to service the syndicated loan payments at a time when the hotel was losing money The hotel is now makingmoney Sowhynow that the hotel is making money should the government be so eager to putinonthemarket?

Almost everything that the PPP/C has done in relationtothishotelhasbeen mired in controversy Only recently, it invited expressions of interest for thepurchaseofthehoteland when these expressions camein,thegovernmentsaid

it was merely testing the market,meaningthatitmade afooloutofthosecompanies which went to the trouble of submittingbids.

Thehotelisnowlikelyto besoldtooneoftwobidders. And thus, the profits which the hotel will generate and which should rightly go to taxpayers will now be pocketedbythenewowners. This will happen unless the Guyanese people protest peacefully and demand that the hotel remains the property of the people of Guyana.

The government is immunetoreasoningwhenit comestokeepingthehotelas a public asset Unless, therefore, the Guyanese people take peaceful action, this profitable hotel, built with public funds, will end up in hands of some rich person.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC

H@RD TRUTHS

GHK LALL

PARENT COMPANY GUARANTEE –GUYANA COULD STILL GET SHAFTED

Judge Sandil Kisson hasruled. Exxonis appealing. This is standardExxon.

Itwillnowwageawarof attrition, as it has customarily done for decades wherever it has

operations and runs into trouble, including its own hometurfofAmerica.

If Exxon could conduct itself in the way that it has repeatedly done in the US, then what about here in L’il Guyana?

As Exxon appeals, I thinkthattheclockisagainst it, plus its own shareholder sentiments, and there is still thatbiggestofthebiggest:it is the CCJ. This appeal is going to reach there Bluntly,IthinktheCCJwill

look at the big picture, and shrink. Not for Exxon; not evenforGuyana. Butforthe region. Remember,Isaidit. Imoveon.

What I really want to focusontodayisthisparent companyguarantee.

My position is that there is going to be one Regarding how “unlimited” it is going to be, that’s anotherstory.

But there will be one, if only for the reassurance of Exxon’sownpeople,tokeep them from jumping ship. I speak not of employees, but ofinvestors.

So,let’slookatthissome more, as I think of how Exxon is already weighing how to outwit and outflank Guyana. There is a parent c

Everybody is happy, with simulations done, risks recognized, and protective financialstructuresinplace.

Having complied, even Exxon gets to declare how happy it is in its best corporate soldier fashion. Guyana gets a piece of binding legal paper for its safety deposit box at the BankofGuyana.

Whateverisdone,donot leave it in American hands; accidents happen Remember Venezuela and itsfunds.

NowExxonhasthesame piece of paper called this dreadful parent company guarantee. It is a live grenadewiththepinalready pulled.

Unlike Guyana, the

companycannotsitonit.

The people at Exxon know that they have only one choice. They have to move quickly to hedge their open-endedexposure,which is what “unlimited” means. It is what the authentic corporate players do: they hedge, as in passing off the exposure to somebody else foraprice.

It is what America is builton:hedges. So,Exxon reaches for Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and others of like caliber An instrument is needed,oravehicle,tocover potential liabilities beyond maximum insurance coverage obtained, which has the delightful setup (to Exxon) of Guyana paying the premia from it oil revenues.

All of the illustrious namesIjustidentifiedabove aregoingtojumponthatbig money-making opportunity fromExxon.

When spread across a consortium of deeppocketed, big leagues hitters,allriskslookrelative, as la Long-Term Capital Management and Enron Big money it is going to be, and it could cost millions uponmillions(andmultiples ofthose)annuallytoprovide the hedge for, say, US$30B or US$50B or US$70B, which is where BP and Macondo in the Gulf of Mexico,astheguide.

The bottom line is that Exxon has to come out-ofpocket to finance that

astronomically expensive hedge, and it is one that has to be maintained for the life of its operations in the offshoreoilfieldsofGuyana.

At this point, Exxon has two choices. The first is to take it on the chin, grin and bear, and move on, with a rueful nod that this is the downsideofdoingbusiness, risky business or the company can get creative in finding ways to layoff those e x p e n s e s o n t h e unsuspecting Anybody know any sucker around, a newkidontheoilblock?

One that doesn’t know its elbow from its eardrum. Of course, it would be terribly bad form to seek to smuggleitunderthecoverof qualified expenses to be deductedfromcostoil.

But, that does not rule out other possibilities, especially when the counterparty-a partnerwouldnotbethewiserforit.

I face this reality, as harshanddiscomfortingasit is: we really do not know whatExxonusesouttherein terms of expensive materials,orthetrueamount ofoutputwhatittakesaway, andsomuchmore.

What we do know, we depend on the company, in itsgoodgraces,tosharewith us.

It is not the best of workingrelationships,butit is what we have lazily and proudly and wastefully maintained. Justlookatour infernal politicians across the board: they are all wrappedinExxon’sflag.

But I trust that by now my fellow Guyanese have latched onto my drift. In a nutshell, this is it: ExxonMobil USA is going to come up with some innovative way to stick the costofthatunlimitedparent company guarantee right backatGuyana.

I know these people, whattheyarecapableof,the lengths to which they will go, and how nothing stops them. Take it from me; that’sall,folks.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s affiliates.)

EPA's 'incestuous' relationship with Exxon raises concerns among its shareholders

The Government of Guyana has a relationship with ExxonMobil's local subsidiary which has been described as “cooperative.” This can also be seen in how Exxon relates with government regulators like theEnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) However,

this sort of kinship has resulted in one Exxon shareholder raising concerns about whether it could interfere with proper regulation of the Stabroek Blockprojects.

A report from The Guardian, a UK news entity, indicated that two

shareholder resolutions were filed in the aftermath of the High Court ruling ordering theprovisionofanunlimited guarantee by ExxonMobil. One of the resolutions, from Anna Marie Lyles, Ph.D, indicated worry that there could be a loss of trust in ExxonMobil, arising from

operational and reputational issues connected to legal action brought against the companyinGuyana.

“Someofthelitigationin Guyanaconcernstheriskofa blow out or other accident. Media reports indicate that Esso (Exploration and Production Guyana Limited) is operating its floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels above their safety limits, aboutwhichtheformerHead of Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [Dr Vincent Adams] has expressed serious concerns (alsonotingthiswouldnotbe possible in the US, where he worked for the Department of Energy for many years),” the shareholder said. It was also noted that Exxon has dismissed concerns about its Guyana operations by e m p h a s i z i n g h o w “cooperatively” it works with the country's EPA While Exxon management may prefer this kind of relationship, the shareholder said “safe operations require robust enforcement of rules andregulations.”

The EPA's “cooperative” manner of dealing with Exxon is demonstrated, for example,inhowithastreated with higher than expected production at the Liza Phase One project Originally designed to produce at 100,000 bpd with safe sustainment at peaks of 120,000 bpd, the Liza Phase 1 environmental impact assessment said oil production can go as high as 144,000bpd.

However,LizaPhase1's p r o d u c t i o n s i n c e debottlenecking in 2022 has surpassed this, producing over150,000bpd.

When the concern about production was raised with ExxonMobil's Country Manager, Alistair Routledge onFriday,hesaidthecurrent levels are safe. He explained

that debottlenecking can sometimes be pursued to increase production at a project, but that these high productionlevelsareusually only sustained in the early daysoftheproject.

In summary, what the shareholderworriesabout,is that if the EPA is indeed allowing Exxon to contraveneitsenvironmental permits in the spirit of cooperation, this could open Exxontobeingsuedmore.

One journalist asked RoutledgeonFridaywhether Exxon tells its shareholders that the government is helpingthem.Buttheofficial did not agree that the government is “helping” Exxon.

He said, “What I would say is, we don't feel the governmentishelpingus.We feel the government is creating an environment that is attractive to investors to come to Guyana and make thoseinvestments.”

He said Guyana is a developing country which has a risk profile from the past that has not attracted investors He believes ExxonMobil has been acting as a weather vane for other international investors as to whether they should come, based on how much it is

willingtoinvestandhowitis beingtreated.

“You know I don't think the government is specifically helping us I think the government is thoughtful about how it attracts international investment,” Routledge stressed.

The nature of the relationship between Exxon and the EPA, as well as the wider government, would alsobeofconcerntocitizens ofGuyana.

The High Court recently ruledthatExxonisinbreach of its environmental permit for the Liza Phase One project,andthattheEPAisin derelictionofitsduty,whenit comes to protections that shouldbeinplaceincaseofa devastatingoilspill.

T h e E P A a n d ExxonMobil have both decided to appeal the High Court's ruling. Stakeholders believe such a joint action givesmuchtothinkabout!

The resolution which describes the relationship between the EPAand Exxon as “cooperative” can be a c c e s s e d h e r ehttps://investorexxonmobil com/sec-filings/all-secfilings/content/0001214659-

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat and Exxon Guyana Head,Alistair Routledge during the recent signing of the licence for the fifth project

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Plot to dismantle and replace...

Frompage6 national 2030 development plan’. What representation wouldthatbe?

The African Guyanese community requires its leadership to pursue the goals of the Decade and to advocate for policies, programmes and projects that would address the legacies of slavery and colonialism provide for ethnic equity and facilitate the community’s attainment of recognition, justice and development as articulated intheUNdeclaration,rather than the mere alignment withanextantplan. Should the Government respond positively to Khafra’s overture, it would

be vindicating the contention of those who accuse this Government of bad governance and all that flowsfrombadGovernance; andmoreparticularlyhaving an agenda to dismantle IDPADA-G, as Khafra’s proposal implies. IDPADAG has, in the normal course of the pursuit of its mandate and in response to public accusations, reached out to theGovernment,repeatedly, with the objectives of engaging in discussions a i m e d a t m u t u a l understanding; advocating for projects, programmes and policies aimed at addressing and advancing thesituationofGuyaneseof African descent based on

IDPADA-G‘s StrategicPlan and current realities; and h e i g h t e n i n g t h e Government’s sensitivity to the Decade and its Goals of Recognition, Justice and Development, in relation to Guyanese of African descent.

Notwithstanding not having received a response to our requests, over twelve months, for a meeting, IDAPADA-G remains committed to meeting with His Excellency and Government Officials, in pursuit of the objectives outlinedabove.

Yourssincerely,

VincentAlexander Chairman IDAPADA-G

Sunday - May 14, 2023

Fifth oil ship builder paid US$115M before project was approved

MODEC, the company responsible for building the floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Uaru project in Guyana, earned a significant sum of US$115M in 2022 for its Guyana work. This income was generated through contracts awarded for early studies before government approvals were obtainedfortheproject.

Exxon’s in-country project manager, Anthony Jackson, has said these preliminary studies are necessary to develop a comprehensive field development plan (FDP) The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Guyana Geology and Mines C o m m i s s i o n ( G G M C ) collaborated with ExxonMobil and engaged in pre-submission discussionsfromMaytoNovember 2022 to ensure alignment with to operate the FPSO for an initial party We are a capable party that is disclosure. So what did we do? As preparing to lodge an appeal on regulatory frameworks and period of ten years, with potential notcompromised,”Jagdeosaid. soon as we got in, we reformed the another decision of the EPA to international best practices. In a options for extension. Kaieteur W h i l e t h e s e c h a n g e s Natural Resources Fund,” Jagdeo waive an EIA for a radioactive statement announcing the approval News is not in receipt of conceptually mean to ensure a said. waste facility by Schlumberger, at of Uaru in April 28, the Ministry information about the value of this fairer distribution of benefits, they Healsodiscussedtheeffortsthe H o u s t o n , E a s t B a n k said the production license contract, but the Uaru project is the are so far pointless in practice. government has made to introduce Demerara.Vanda Radzik, who had application and accompanying most expensive of all Exxon’s Exxon has discovered 11 billion Local Content Legislation and successfully challenged the FDP underwent an extensive development undertakings in the barrels in the Stabroek Block, and secure value for Guyanese regulatorinCourtontheexemption review process by the MNR, Stabroek Block at a whopping those barrels will be exploited at a nationals. He stressed that the of the detailed study for the said GGMC, and an independent US$12.683B. The Ministry noted breakneck pace under the lopsided government is working hard to project, said she is prepared to do consultant procured through the thatthisamountiscostrecoverable. termsthatJagdeooncedescribedas defend the interests of the thisagainifnecessary World Bank. It said this review “shitty”. Guyanesepeople. In an interview with Kaieteur process took over four months, and Oil deal benefits Exxon Jagdeo stated explicitly when Jagdeo is involved in News onSaturday,Radzikreasoned that the entire approval process and gives little to Guyana he revealed the new terms last year c a m p a i g n i n g f o r L o c a l that the Environmental Protection lastedmorethan11months. – Jagdeo tells Linden rally that they will not apply them to Government Elections, in which Act makes provision for five

On November 1, 2022, Exxon’s deal. This, coupled with the People’s Progressive Party members to be appointed to the MODEC, Inc. announced the Vice President Dr. Bharrat the government’s opposition to Civic (PPPC) is hoping to make EAB. She said for the time she has signing of a contract to perform Jagdeo delivered a fiery speech on Guyana getting an unlimited significant in-roads into historical known the Board, it has always Front End Engineering and Design Saturday denouncing the lopsided strongholds of the APNU+AFC, been outfitted with “high ranking (FEED) activities for the FPSO StabroekBlockProductionSharing including Linden and the city of government officials”. The civil vessel, which will be named Errea Agreement (PSA) signed by the Georgetown. As the campaign society member said she had Wittu for the Uaru development previous government with Exxon intensifies, voters will need to publicly made a proposal for the project. The FEED contract was duringacampaignrallyinLinden. carefully consider whether critical body to appoint its full five funded by ExxonMobil’s “The oil and gas industry that Jagdeo’swordsmatchhisactions. members, with at least two subsidiary, Esso Exploration and we left because they found oil professional, independent Production Guyana Limited before APNU got into office, they

Monday - May 15, 2023 members of civil society or (EEPGL), and it aimed to initiate made a mess of it and in 2016 environmentalists. “Why is this not FEED activities for the FPSO signed a contract that they hid from Civil society member says done? Why are we, all the time, design and secure the second the people of this country, that is so ready to go long route for with just three government M350TM hull for FPSO service. lopsided that today, you hear about planned radioactive facility employeesinchargeofwhatshould This is where MODEC got its early iteverydayinthenewspapers.That in Houston …as recent EAB be a completely independent earnings. gave most of the benefits to the ruling favours EPAdecision Board? It is not right,” she insisted.

The final investment decisions investors and very little to us and it Radzik strongly believes that in the (FID) and the commencement of was a contract signed in 2016…

The recent ruling by the absence of “independent the second phase of work were Here in Linden, you know about Environmental Assessment Board specialists”theEABisdeficient. contingentupontheapprovalofthe that,” Jagdeo said at People’s (EAB), a body mandated by law to Radzik told this newspaper that Uaru project by the Ministry of Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) preside over the concerns of the she has made appeals under the Natural Resources and the rallyintheminingtown. public, and act as an independent three most recent EABs. Presently, Environmental Protection Agency While he highlighted the appeal group into the decisions of she is preparing to lodge another (EPA)inApril. unfairness of the deal and outlined

the Environmental Protection appeal under the current Board, guarantee from Exxon in case of an

Under an engineering, hisparty’seffortswithanewmodel Agency (EPA), has caused some Chaired by Dr Mahendar Sharma, oil spill, raises serious questions procurement, construction, and PSA, there was a glaring members of civil society to lose who is the Head of the Guyana about the government’s installation (EPCI) contract, omission—he failed to mention confidenceinthebody EnergyAgency(GEA). commitmenttoprotectGuyana. MODEC will construct and install that the new terms would not be

The Vice President also the FPSO in Guyana. The FPSO appliedtotheStabroekBlock. that the EAB’s ruling on May 10, announced that it has exempted the criticised the handling of the will be based on MODEC’s M350 “We raised the 2 percent to 10 which upheld the decision of the Schlumberger radioactive waste US$18M signing bonus by former new-build design and will have the percent now [We raised] the zero

This newspaper was even told The EPA on April 17, 2023

EPA to waive an Environmental facility at Houston from an EIA. It FinanceMinister,WinstonJordan. capacitytoproduce250,000barrels income tax to 10 percent income Impact Assessment (EIA) for the mustbenotedthatthisisthesecond

“Hesaidhethoughtitwasagift, of oil per day, treat 540 million tax. We have reduced the amount Wales gas-fired power plant is waiver of the study that has been the US$18M. So we said this is cubicfeetperdayofassociatedgas, set aside for cost recovery to 65 illegal. approved by the regulator To this never going to happen again. We and inject 350,000 barrels of water percent, so that more will come to In the meantime, other end,Radziksaidherletterof promisedinthepre-electionperiod, per day MODEC is also expected Guyana, because we are a capable members of civil society are still (Continued on page 15) we said we’d criminalize non-

Civil society member, Vanda Radzik

From page 14 contended, “The EIAis what Raghubir said that she Tuesday - May 16, 2023 objection will be filed to the a l l o w s t h e p u b l i c pursued re-election with the EAB, highlighting the need participation of citizens, not intent of reforming aspects Ray Daggers for this study of what she in one consultation, but in a of the Constitution and to completes walk against believes is Guyana’s first series of consultations continueherdefenceoflocal “barefaced” Exxon radioactive facility Even conducted by best practices media. She said she does not contract from Berbice though the EAB has just andqualifiedscientists.” b e l i e v e i n s t a t i n g to Charity in 12 days ruled against their appeal in S h e s a i d t h e s e “unrealistic” goals but the waiver of an EIA for the consultations are lacking intends to continue her work Publisher of Kaieteur 300-megawatt power plant, even though this is a right of in developing the media News,GlennLallexclaimed, Radzik pointed out that Guyanese to have a say and landscapeinthecountry “It’s a victory for all membersofcivilsocietywill have the requisite expertise On Sunday, members of Guyana,”momentsafterRay continue to use the avenues respondoncriticalmatters. the press gathered at the Daggers on Monday prescribed under the rule of According to her, “Our Theatre Guild, Kingston, to afternoon completed his law where these projects are Judge ruled categorically cast their votes. The other cross-country walk for a concerned. against Schlumberger under executive members who change to the “lopsided

She explained, “Our the last EAB and we are were elected are: Rawle ExxonMobilContract”. wholepremiseisthattherule objecting again and if Toney as Vice President, Daggerswalkedatotalof of law is the supreme law of necessary, we go to Court Svetlana Marshall as 202 miles from Moleson Guyana. We, the ones that again.” Treasurer, Ariana Gordon as Creek, East Corentyne are protesting what is going Secretary, and Denis Berbice, Region 6 to Charity on in this country, we are in Nazima Raghubir re- Chabrol, Alva Solomon, Iva on the Essequibo Coast, thatframeworkofruleoflaw elected as GPAPresident Wharton and Nyjel Fraser as Region Two within twelve must prevail and therefore FloorMembersoftheGPA. days. The 65-year-old man wegothroughthemotions.” With a landslide win TheGPAhasfourtiersof started his final day of his

While Radzik did not Nazima Raghubir was on membership including journey around 09:00 hrs at relaymuchconfidenceinthe Sunday re-elected as the journalists, editors, La Union, Essequibo Coast outcome of the process, she President of the Guyana v i d e o g r a p h e r s a n d and arrived in Charity maintained, “We believe in Press Association (GPA) – photographers The body around 15:30 hrs after the rule of law The law says the second oldest media also has associate members walking a distance of 22 EIAs are an essential part of advocacy group in the such as persons involved in miles. As Daggers walked the business of the EPA E n g l i s h - s p e a k i n g other aspects of the media into the Charity Market which is a public agency and Caribbean,whichhasalways platform inclusive of public Square, school children we are further saying that beenamembershipbodythat relations, communications, came out to greet him and Schlumberger for its campaigns on behalf of technical support and scores of Essequibians who construction and operation journalists and media corporate memberships accompanied him on the and everything to do with it workersinthecountry (mediahouses). final leg of his journey requiresanEIA.” Raghubir was first

The latter is free to have applauded him with cheers

She was keen to note, elected as President in 2018 representativesparticipatein andchants. “ therefore if the EPA and was motivated by her trainings and meetings Ray Daggers being led keeps waiving an EIA, we colleagues to run again. She Lastly, student membership into Charity by two school willcontinuetoobjecttothis had also served in various is also catered for, to allow girls who came out to meet because we feel it is a breach capacities in the GPA since University of Guyana (UG) him as he completed his of the law and of citizens’ 2002 Yesterday, she s t u d e n t s p u r s u i n g cross country walk for a right to have a professional received 70 votes, while her Communication Studies to change of the Stabroek independentEIA.” lone challenger Neil Marks join the body. Notably, BlockoilDeal Radzik pointed out that who served as president of corporate, associate and D a g g e r s a f t e r the conduct of an EIA is the the association from March student members are not completing the journey said only mechanism that allows 2015 to January 2018 got 25 empowered to vote but are that the experience was a for the public’s participation votes. free to participate in good one filled with through a series of In an invited comment trainings and other activities enthusiasm which was made consultations. The advocate with this publication, andraiseissues. possible by the support and love he received from his change of the ExxonMobil has done so without any help fellow Guyanese throughout Contract but also to educate from government agencies, his walk. “It was a walk in the masses of how the oil but with the help of his staff, the park I enjoyed it,” companyhasbeen“robbing” and he has been providing a Daggers said, while adding thecountryofitsfairshareof great service to this nation,” that he intends to return to revenue. “They have been Daggers had said before Berbicewithhiscellphoneto shafting us, inflating settingoutonhiswalk. witness first hand some of costs…the more educated the stories of poverty he the people are, the less they Appeal Court to test heard while walking through will be able to come after us merits of EPA’s challenge thecounty andshutusup,”Daggerssaid – turns down request for

“With the things I heard as he urged Guyanese to join stay of judgment about little Africa, Little i n t h e f i g h t f o r a Justice Kissoon’s ruling… IndiaandBlackBushPolder, renegotiation of the oil I will go back there with my contract. The Environmental cellphone to see for myself

Born in Mahaicony, Protection Agency (EPA)’s some of the conditions Daggerslivedforquitesome challenge to the High Court people are living under,” time overseas but paid ruling against it and the DaggerstoldKaieteurNews. attention to key occurrences Exploration and Production In an earlier interview in Guyana. The 65-year-old (Guyana) Limited (EEPGL), with this newspaper, man said he was inspired to will see oral arguments Daggers had related that he undertake the walk against takingplaceonthe29thMay was told by Berbicians of the Exxon contract by the The Court of Appeal childrenasyoungasfiveand unrelenting efforts by Lall, intendstoapplythemerittest six-years-old skipping who has been fighting for a to the EPA appeal against school to hunt crabs so that change to the Exxon High Court Judge, Sandil their families could earn a contract. “Mr Lall has been Kissoon’srulingfor living. Daggers has been putting forth the facts and he (Continued on page 16) walking not only for a

The new GPA executives

GPA President, Nazima Raghubir

GPA Vice President, Rawle Toney

From page 15 beprovidedbyEEPGL.

Appeal intends to apply the ExxonMobil (Guyana) to The EPA argued that the merit test to the EPA appeal provide parent company trial court erred in law and against Justice Kissoon’s guarantee for offshore oil m i s c o n s t r u e d t h e ruling. operations it is engaged in Environmental Protection

The EPA had filed a with its co-venturers in the Act and its Regulations to Notice ofAppeal against the Stabroek Block in the event determinethattheAppellant, High Court ruling that is in ofanoilspill. a statutory body had specific favour of Guyana receiving Justice of Appeal Rishi statutory powers which in unlimited parent company Persaud has fixed May 29 at fact it did not. The EPA guarantee from. EEPGL and 10:00h to hear arguments on argued too that the trial court its parent company, Exxon whether the appeal has a e r r e d i n l a w a n d Mobil in the event of an oil reasonable prospect of misconstrued the substance spill. success. During Monday’s and effect and wrongly

In the document seen by proceedings into the case a s c r i b e d t o i t a n this newspaper, the EPA is before the Appeal Court, interpretation superior to the seeking to reverse the High EPA’s lawyer, Sanjeev Environmental Protection Court decision on the Datadin asked for a stay of Act and thereby ascribed grounds that the trial court theMay3orderdirectingthe meaning to it which was erredinlawininterpretation, EPA to issue ExxonMobil’s expressly contrary to the c o n s i d e r a t i o n a n d local affiliate, Esso specific provisions of the application of the combined Exploration and Production saidActanditsRegulations. effect of Clause 14 of the (Guyana) Limited (EEPGL), Further, the EPA Environmental Permit withanEnforcementNotice. submitted that the trial court issued to EEPGL, and

He asked the Appeal erred in law in directing and erroneously concluded that Court to issue the stay on or determining the exact the financial assurance must beforeMay9,2023.Thestay manneroftheexerciseofthe beprovidedbyEEPGL. will put a hold on the order discretion of the EPA in a

The EPA argued that the for the company to provide, manner contrary to trial court erred in law and within 30 days, unlimited establishedlawandpractice. m i s c o n s t r u e d t h e Parent Company Guarantee IneffecttheEPAsaidthat Environmental Protection Agreement and/or unlimited the trial court substituted its Act and its Regulations to liability Affiliate Company own discretion as the determinethattheAppellant, Guarantee, together with decisionoftheEPAwhenthe a statutory body had specific environmental liability Agency at all material times, statutory powers which in insurance, as is customary in had exercised its discretion fact it did not. The EPA the international petroleum and acted well within it argued too that the trial court industry. statutory and regulatory e r r e d i n l a w a n d

Scores of Essequibians joined Ray Daggers for the final leg his protest walk against Exxon's “barefaced” contract. The 65-year-old completed the 12-day trek from Moleson Creek,Berbice to Charity, Essequibo

Datadin’s application for powers. As a result, the EPA misconstrued the substance thejudgmenttobesuspended seeks a stay of execution of and effect and wrongly pending the hearing and the judgment of the Court as a s c r i b e d t o i t a n determination of the appeal it contends that irreparable interpretation superior to the beforeJune10—thelastda was, however, refused, with harm would be suffered by Environmental Protection y for compliance with the Judge indicating that he thenation’seconomy Act and thereby ascribed JusticeKissoon’sruling. intends to hear arguments on Director of the EPA, meaning to it which was

“We’re opposing any the reasonable prospect of Kemraj Parsram in an expressly contrary to the OrderforaStay,”saidSenior success and render his ruling affidavit inter alia lamented specific provisions of the CounselSeenathJairam,one before June 10 the last day that Guyana as a nation now saidActanditsRegulations. of the lawyers representing for compliance with Justice earns billions of dollars Further, the EPA therespondents,Presidentof Kissoon’s ruling ”We’re annually from the petroleum submitted that the trial court the Transparency Institute of opposing any order for a activities conducted on the erred in law in directing and Guyana Inc (TIGI), stay,” said Senior Counsel Liza1andLiza2fields;both determining the exact Fredericks Collins, and Seenath Jairam, one of the are subject to the permit manneroftheexerciseofthe Guyanese citizen Godfrey lawyers representing the suspension or cancellation discretion of the EPA in a Whyte. respondents, President of the w h i c h w i l l h a v e a manner contrary to Alfred Ramdhani, Transparency Institute of catastrophic effect on established law and another lawyer for the EPA Guyana Inc (TIGI), n a t i o n a l f u n d s f o r

practice.In effect, the EPA also urged the court once Fredericks Collins, and development and also the said that the trial court more, to grant the interim Guyanese citizen Godfrey private sector which substituted its own

Rishi Persaud on Monday granted, it would have put a stay, while noting that if the

Whyte The EPA had filed a supports the activities on the discretion as the decision of refusedtooverturntheruling holdontheJudge’sOrderfor judgment is not granted in Notice of Appeal against the saidLiza1and2fields. the EPAwhen theAgency at of Justice Sandil Kissoon in the company to provide, the EPA’s favour on May 29, High Court ruling that is in Justice Sandil Kissoon all material times, had which he ordered that within 30 days, unlimited 2023, then it would only favour of Guyana receiving ordered the EPA to issue an exercised its discretion and ExxonMobil Corporation to Parent Company Guarantee afford the agency and the oil unlimited parent company Enforcement Notice to acted well within it statutory provide an unlimited parent Agreement and/or unlimited companyabouttwoweeksto guarantee from EEPGL and EEPGL and its parent and regulatory powers. As a companyguaranteeforitsoil liability Affiliate Company comply Justice Persaud its parent company, Exxon company, Exxon Mobil to result, the EPA seeks a stay operations in the Stabroek Guarantee, together with made it clear that his words Mobil in the event of an oil ensure it provides unlimited of execution of the judgment Blockwithin30days. environmental liability spoken to deny same was spill parentcompanyguaranteeto of the Court as it contends When the matter was insurance, as is customary in alreadyclear

In the document seen by safeguard Guyana against that irreparable harm would called for case management, the international petroleum J u s t i c e P e r s a u d this newspaper, the EPA is the devastating effects of an be suffered by the nation’s a t t o r n e y f o r t h e industry instructedthelawyersforthe seeking to reverse the High oilspillbyJune10. economy

Environmental Protection Datadin’s Application EPA as well as for Exxon’s Court decision on the Director of the EPA, Agency (EPA) Sanjeev for the judgment to be affiliate, Esso Exploration grounds that the trial court Wed. - May 17, 2023

Kemraj Parsram in an Datadin requested a Stay of suspended pending the and Production Guyana erredinlawininterpretation, affidavit inter alia lamented Justice Kissoon’s Order but hearinganddeterminationof Limited (EEPGL) to have c o n s i d e r a t i o n a n d Appeal Court tells EPA, that Guyana as a nation now his request was bluntly the appeal was, however, theirsubmissionsbenomore application of the combined Exxon Justice Kissoon’s earns billions of dollars refused. refused, with the Judge than 10 pages as the issue effect of Clause 14 of the ruling stands annually from the petroleum Datadin had asked the indicating that he intends to before the court is a narrow Environmental Permit — Orders lawyers to limit activities conducted on the Appeal Court to issue the hear arguments on the one. The parties agreed. The issued to EEPGL, and submissions to ten pages Liza1andLiza2fields;both Stay on or before May 9, reasonable prospect of courtalsosetMay25fororal erroneously concluded that aresubjecttothepermit 2023. Had the Stay been success and render his ruling arguments. The Court of the financial assurance must Appeal Court Justice (Continued on page 65)

Appeal Court Justice, Rishi Persaud Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram

US$2B parent guarantee only to cover oil spill damage to Guyana - Exxon Guyana

…12 other Caribbean countries that could be affected are not covered

The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors on Saturday approved a US$80 million grant for the Decentralized Sustainable andResilientRuralWaterandSanitationProject in Haiti.This financing aims to increase access to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable potable water services to 250,000 people and access to basic sanitation services for 125,000 people, including50%ofwomenfromsmalltownsand ruralcommunitiesacrossthecountry

“Access to clean water and sanitation are

essential aspects of attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), as they drive economicgrowth,supporthealthycommunities, andareessentialandfundamentalforlifeitself. In Haiti, recent improvements in access to qualitywaterandsanitationhavestalledand,in some areas, deteriorated because of, among other things, prolonged instability, increasing violence and insufficient investment in the sector,”saidLaurentMsellati,WorldBank (Continuedonpage70)

World Bank approves US$80M to improve rural Haiti's access to decentralized, sustainable and resilient water and sanitation

Children wait in line for water from a station in Haiti (World Bank photo)

Waterfalls The Waterfalls

The Blue Dragon

Young Entrepreneur

(Glaucus Alanticus)

A liyah Hassan

Meettheabsolutelygorgeous AliyahHassan,abroadcaster,smallbusiness ownerandtheprogrammecoordinatorforNorthwell HealthintheUSA.AliyahisatrainedKathakdancer,whose maininterestsareclassicaldanceandtheatre.Thisbeautydreams ofcreatingasignificantimpactwithintheglobalhealthspaceto supportcountriesthatneeditthemoststartingwithGuyana. Herfavoritequoteis: “Intelligence without ambition is like a bird without wings” - Salvador Dali

1.5°C IS UPON US. ARE WE PREPARED?

By:Sir.RonaldSanders

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’sAmbassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www sirronaldsanders com

)ThereportonMay17,from the World Meteorological Organization, (WMO) that global temperatures are likely to surge to record levels in the next five years should have sent all Caribbean institutions, such a s t h e C A R I C O M Secretariat, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Caribbean Community ClimateChangeCentre,into overdrive to explore further ways in which the region could accelerate efforts to avert this calamity Immediately, there should also have been a loud and collective cry from government ministers, responsible for the environment and climate change,deploringthisrecent news, and insisting that the world’s biggest emitters of harmfulgreenhousegasesbe held to account. It should furtherhavebeenmadeclear that the existential threat, which has been plaguing small island states and countries with low-lying coastlines, is now agonisingly imminent, and that no country will sleepwalk into their own catastrophe. In the latter regard, victim states of climate change and global warming should have been very vocal in emphasizing that,intheirdeterminationto save their own societies, there can be no ideological or other political considerations. Instead of expressions of outrage, alarm, and anger, there has only been silence at the d e e p l y t r o u b l i n g announcementbytheWMO that, “There is a 66% likelihood that the annual average near-surface global temperature between 2023 and 2027 will be more than above pre-industrial levels foratleastoneyear.”

At1.5°C,conditionswill be intolerable for many small states. As the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutteres, has repeatedly pointedout,“thealarmbells are deafening and the evidence is irrefutable”: climatechangeisa“codered for humanity,” and we must

useallourresourcestobuild a sense of urgency” to limit global temperature rise to 1 5°C of pre-industrial levels. He and the great body of science have stressed that the failure to meet this target will have certain and catastrophic c o n s e q u e n c e s f o r humankind as a whole, and Small Island States in particular some of which may vanish as a result of rising sea levels. Why then, thesilence? Isitbecausethe problem is too great to contemplate, yet alone to act; or is it because it is considered undiplomatic to calloutcountrieswithwhom thereareotherrelations?

Ifitisthelatter,thenitis misplaceddiplomacy Large countries, especially those who are members of the Organization for Economic C o o p e r a t i o n a n d Development (OECD) have no hesitation on putting smallcountriesonblacklists, damaging their reputations and killing their nascent financialservicesindustries. In other institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund(IMF),theWorldBank (WB) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) their dominance on governing boards, ensure that their policies of denying some Caribbeancountiesaccessto concessional financing, or special and differential treatment in trade, severely limit the possibilities for social development and economicgrowth.

Itisfairgame,therefore, for victim states to deploy every possible diplomatic tooltoadvancetheirinterest, regardless of which countries are identified as the main polluters. It should be evident now, if it wasn’turgentlysobeforethe WMO report, that victim states have virtually run out oftime. Therefore,inevery council of the UN, the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States, victim states should

be finding ways of speaking out collectively and vociferously on this disturbingissue.

And,ifitisparalysisthat has gripped government officials, generated from whatwouldappeartobethe overwhelming nature of the problem, they need shake themselves out of unresponsiveness and dig deep into their creative minds to act strongly and swiftly

They have nothing to lose.Thedreadfulimpactof climate change is no longer creepingupontheirpeoples andtheircountries;itisnow speedingalong.

Intheend,thepeoplesof victim states will hold their political leaders to account first. Inaction will be an indictment At best the cripplingriseintemperature of 1 5°C above preindustrial levels should not have happened until 2030. Eventhoughthatdateisonly a mere 7 years away, it did present a brief and small space for victim states to formulateamoreaggressive survival plan than they have deployedsofar Butwiththe knowledge that, “There is a 98% likelihood that at least one of the next five years, andthefive-yearperiodasa whole, will be the warmest on record”, as the WMO report states, even that brief opportunityhasnarrowed.

The alarm bells should be ringing everywhere and governments should be alerting the business community and nongovernmental organisations of every kind to begin the process of building greater resilience to the impact of climate change, as well as joining an international campaign to fight for the rights of victim states

It is alarming that the initiative by small island states, led by the Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda and Tuvalu, with the support of the leaders of Niue, St Lucia andVanuatu,

toestablishaCommissionof Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) mandated to seek justice for small states, did not receive immediate support from other small states. Part of COSIS’ mandate is to seek anadvisoryopinionfromthe InternationalTribunalofthe Law of the Sea (ITLOS). Persuadedthatthereisacase to be heard, ITLOS has scheduled a hearing for September 11 in Hamburg, Germany Leaders of small states do themselves and their countries a disservice bydelayingadecisiontojoin

the case before ITLOS. After all, it is their future thatis at stake and that now hangs thinly in the balance. Professor PetteriTaalasisthe Secretary-General oftheWMO.

He says: “A warming El Niño is expectedtodevelopinthe comingmonthsandthiswill combine with humaninduced climate change to push global temperatures intounchartedterritory

This will have farreaching repercussions for

h ealth, food security, water management and the environment. We need to be prepared.” Butarewe?

Responses and previous commentaries: www.

Sir. Ronald Sanders

Former Finance Minister,

Jordan freed of misconduct charges related to sale of State property to BK

US$2,000,000. It was noted Winston Jordan was on Tuesday however, that the agreement of freed of the charge alleging he sale stated that the title must only misconduct himself in public be passed upon full payment of office by selling state property purchaseprice. way below market value to BK

The police also reported that Marines Limited at a price that investigators have evidence to wasgrosslyundervalued. establish that a facility which is a

The former minister made his mere fraction of the size of the first court appearance in state property that is under December2021whenheappeared investigation, and located seven before Chief Magistrate Ann miles upriver, was sold by a McLennan and was placed on private company for US$17 $3Mbail. million.

The paper committal trial in

APPEAL

…State to appeal ruling

thematterwasslatedtocommence

By Renay Sambach

Following the ruling by the on Tuesday before Senior Magistrate, the Attorney General Magistrate Leron Daly at the (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC, issued a GeorgetownMagistrates’Courts. statementhighlightingthatSenior issue. He underscored that the two

However, the magistrate Magistrate Daly erred in law by cases are almost identical in both upheldano-casesubmissionmade not following the ruling by the issues of facts and law, and the on behalf of Jordan by his lawyers company owned by the of public funds and state High Court which set the decision of the learned Chief Roysdale Forde, SC and Dawn Government of Guyana, between properties, estimated to value precedent on the issue, that a Justice in the Dr Singh case Cush. February 26, 2020 and July 31, billionsofGuyanadollars. minister can be charged as a constitutes a binding precedent on Jordan’s lawyers contended 2020 at Main Street, Georgetown, According to the police, the “Public Officer.” TheAG said too thelearnedmagistrate. thattheprosecutionfailedtoprove he willfully misconducted first transaction that he was that the magistrate’s decision to Further, the attorney general a key element of the charge, to himself. interviewed about is in relation to not follow the ruling by the higher reminded that first-year law show that their client is a public It was alleged that the former the alleged sale and vesting of the court amounts to an “egregious students are taught that the officer Their argument is that minister acted recklessly when he State’s largest wharf facilities error.” doctrineofStareDecisis,byvirtue Jordandoesnotmeetthecriteriaof signed NICIL Order, No. 50 of located at Kingston, Georgetown, He referenced a similar case of which the decision of the High a public officer, as he was 2020, transferring to and vesting v a l

where Dr Ashni Singh was Court on a particular principle of appointed to serve as a minister of in BK Marines Inc., Mud Lots

with a similar charge in law, is binding precedent on a theformergovernment. situated at North Cummingsburg, reportedlysoldforUS$500,000. relation to him selling State magistrate, to the extent that the

After reviewing the defence Georgetown, being over 2.553

It was alleged that the property while he was Minister of magistrate has no jurisdictional submission, Senior Magistrate acres, by paying $20,260,276, for purchaser BK Marines Inc., only Financebetween2011and2015. freedom to depart from that High Daly upheld the no-case a property valued over $5B and paid US$100,000, which is 10 According to Nandlall, the Court’sdecision. submission highlighting that the being sold at a price that was percent of the purchase price, and validity of the charge was

Moreover, at his recent press prosecution failed to provide grossly undervalued to such a Jordan issued a Vesting Order challenged in the High Court on conference on Thursday, Vice sufficient evidence that Jordan degree as to amount to an abuse of passing Title to the purchaser, similar grounds, that as Minister President(VP),Dr BharratJagdeo was classified as a public officer the public trust and without withoutthepaymentofanyfurther of Finance, Dr Singh was not a vowed that the Magistrate’s ruling

Public Officer However, after willbechallenged. thecaseagainsthim.

The magistrate then discharged reasonableexcuseorjustification. sumofmonies.

The charge was brought

It was further stated that the reviewing the submissions made

The Vice President shared Jordan was not required to against him by the Special Vesting Order stated that the to the court, the Acting Chief similar sentiments like the plead to the indictable charge. He OrganisedCrimeUnit(SOCU),an property is being sold free from Justice (CJ), Roxanne George- Attorney, on that ground he was slapped with a charge which arm of the Guyana Police Force encumbranceandliabilitiesandno Wiltshire ruled that Dr Singh can disclosedthattheStatewillappeal alleges that while being and (GPF). further sum of money is owed by be charged with the offence of SeniorMagistrateDalyruling. performing duties of Minister of Kaieteur News had reported thepurchaser

‘Misconduct in Public Office’

Also, subsequently the notwithstanding that he was a information you can contact me responsible for the National December 2, 2021 and later transportwasreportedlyissuedfor Minister Nandlall’s argument is v i a e m a i l : Industrial and Commercial released on bail for a series of the property and the value stated that with the CJ ruling not being naesambach@gmail.com Investments Limited (NICIL), a allegations relating to transactions o n t h e t r a n s p o r t w a s appealed, it remains law on the

To s h a r e a n y u s e f u l Finance and being the Minister that Jordan was first arrested on

Vice President (VP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

Mythsofexerciseandweightloss(Part1)

supplements.

ICANEAT UNHEALTHYBECAUSE IWENTTOTHEGYM

If you are desperately tryingtoloseweight,thisis something you definitely want to steer clear from! Eating unhealthy will simply undo all your hard work and effort during exercise.

After starting my personal weight loss challenge about two years ago,Ilearnedthatnoteverything Ireadorheardaboutwasfactualandactually worked.Infact,I’llbesharingwithyouafew mythsIdiscoveredalongmyjourney

Ipersonallystartedexercisebecauseofa medical condition that required me to lose about10-15poundsatthetime;andIdid.At first, even though I was trying my best, the weightseemedmoredeterminedthanIwas! Thisactuallybringsmetothefirstpoint.

If the number on the scale isn’t going down,I’mnotlosingweight.

Whilekeepingtrackofthenumberonthe scale is important, do not let it break your spiritanddeteryoufromcontinuingonyour journeytoweightloss.

The truth is, even though you may be seeingahighernumberonthescale,thiscan beasaresultofanumberoffactors,including how much water you had before weighing and perhaps what and how much you ate before getting on the scale. The bottom line is, the time that you check your weight is important, since research shows that several factorsimpactthenumber.

Importantly,whilefoodordrinksmaynot be impacting the number reflected on the scale, this may also be as a result of added

ringexercise.

WEIGHTSWILL MAKEMEBULKY

Asawoman,Iwasparticularly scared of adding weights to my workoutroutine,asIwasfearfulit would make a “muscle maniac”.

Contrary to this, weights helped me shed my fat faster and have beenhelpingmetobuildmusclein differentpartsofmybody

Whilethis may be a legitimate fear for most women, be assured that for a woman to become “bulky” she will have to be engaged in tons of strength training, follow a strict diet and workout programmes that will likely feature muscle-building

Be sure to remind yourselfthatfoodisfuelfor the body and proper nutrition is the best way to get results, along your exercisejourney.

STRETCHINGWILL PREVENTINJURIES

While warm-up activities are a vital aspect of any exerciseroutine,itisimportant to acknowledge that stretching alonewillnotpreventaninjury Many of us can perhaps testify tothis!

As a child, you may recall playing sports and doing stretches before and after, but this has never really helped to prevent an injury did it?While stretching has been shown to help prepare the muscles for movement and ease workout recovery,studiesshowthatthis willnotreducethelikelihoodof aninjury Infact,preventingan injury is entirely dependent on your form and movements duringexercise.

Music Guide: New Music From Bad Bunny, Summer Walker, Post Malone, Kesha and More

Check out the must-hear releases of the week

(Billboard) Billboard’s Friday Music Guide with Clear 2: Soft Life, a nine-song stopgap serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most defined by her uncompromising perspective, essential releases — the key music that everyone whether it’s applied to yearning for company will be talking about today, and that will be (like on the Childish Gambino collaboration dominatingplayliststhisweekendandbeyond. “NewType”)orrejectingeasycomforts(like

This week, Bad Bunny has a summer banger to onthespectacularlyperformed“Hardlife”). offer, Summer Walker checks in between full- Post Malone, “Mourning” lengths, and Post Malone is working at a furious “Gotalotofs–ttosay,couldn’tfititinthe pace.Checkoutallofthisweek’spicksbelow: chorus,” Post Malone declares at the end of Bad Bunny, “Where She Goes” the“Mourning”hook,andhe’s correct,even Bad Bunny is not satisfied with simply outside of the context of the song: after dominating one summer: after Un Verano Sin Ti 2022’s Twelve Carat Toothache marked was released last May and proceeded to take the Posty’s first full-length in three years, he’s worldbystorm,thesuperstarburstsbackintoview already back next month with Austin, his with “Where She Goes,” a new single that, unlike fifth studio album, which was preceded by his recent Grupo Frontera team-up “un x100to,” is the single “Chemical.” Unlike that more clearly designed to conjure summertime pop-leaning offering, “Mourning” finds PostMaloneoperatingwithinsingsongrap, yelling at God and refusing to sober up while grappling with the excesses of fame; in this prolific period, the superstar is prodding at his sound and identity, and t h e r e s u l t s a r e intoxicating.

Kesha, Gag Order

The reinvention of Kesha’spopcareerduring her years-long legal battle against Lukasz “Dr Luke” Gottwaldhassimultaneously been heartbreaking and revelatory: while the personal trauma that the “TiK ToK” singer has experienced during this time has been incalculable,shehasminedthedepthsofher artistryandcomeupwithwhollyimpressive perspiration. After about 40 seconds of stormy sonic explorations like new album Gag synths and emotional crooning, the clubby Order This album demands attention: as percussion kicks in, and Bad Bunny morphs into a Kesha embraces throbbing cacophony and master of ceremonies, his energy never flagging tries to make sense of senseless even as the tempo of the track shifts around him. circumstances, her songwriting and vocal Bad Bunny is in a Midas-touch phase of technique evolve with zero abandon and commercial success — but even divorced from the rivetingresults. timingofitsarrival,“WhereSheGoes”soundslike Lewis Capaldi, Broken By a surefire smash, ready to pounce upon the season Desire to Be Heavenly Sent withhungrymelody

The list of modern artists not named Summer Walker, Clear 2: Soft Life EP Adele who can guide heart-wrenching

At the beginning of 2019 — a year that would ballads to the billion-stream club is be momentous for Summer Walker, thanks to the exceedingly short, but Lewis Capaldi, who October release of her Over It album — the R&B earned international success with “Someone singer-songwriter released and EP, Clear, which You Loved” and “Before You Go,” is on it, would continue the momentum from her Last Day understanding the cocktail of vulnerable of Summer mixtape and set the parameters of her songwriting, tender production and vocal artistic formula. While fans await the proper skillneededtoaffectthetearducts follow-up to 2021’s Still Over It, Walker returns (Continued on page 50)

Post Malone

Kesha

Bad Bunny

Kaytraminé

Summer Walker

This Day in History - May 21

American Red Cross founded

Huge earthquake hits Chile

May21,1960

On May 21, 1960, the first tremor of a series hits Valdivia, Chile. By the time they end, the quakes and their aftereffects kill 5,000 people and leave another 2 million homeless.Registeringamagnitudeof7.6,the first earthquake was powerful and killed several people. It turned out to be only a foreshock, however, to one of the most powerfultremorseverrecorded.

At 3:11 p.m. the following afternoon, an 8.5-magnitude quake rocked southern Chile. Theepicenterofthistremendousshakingwas just off the coast under the Pacific Ocean. There, the Nazca oceanic plate plunged 50 feet down under the South American plate. foreshock30minutespriortothelargetremor

May21,1881

recordsshehadcompiledduringthewarshe

In Washington, D.C., humanitarians succeeded in identifying thousands of the Clara Barton and Adolphus Solomons Union dead at the Andersonville prisonerfound theAmerican National Red Cross, an of-warcamp. organization established to provide She was in Europe in 1870 when the humanitarian aid to victims of wars and Franco-Prussian War broke out, and she natural disasters in congruence with the went behind the German lines to work for InternationalRedCross. the International Red Cross. In 1873, she

Barton, born in Massachusetts in 1821, returnedtotheUnitedStates,andfouryears worked with the sick and wounded during later she organized an American branch of the American CivilWar and became known theInternationalRedCross. as the “Angel of the Battlefield” for her The American Red Cross received its tirelessdedication. first U.S. federal charter in 1900. Barton

In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln headed the organization into her 80s and commissioned her to search for lost died in 1912. Solomons served alongside prisoners of war, and with the extensive herasvicepresidentfor12years.

Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo, nonstop

May21,1927

American pilot Charles A. Lindbergh lands at Le Bourget Field in Paris, successfully completing the first solo, nonstop transatlantic flight and the first ever nonstop flight between New York to Paris. His single-engine monoplane, The Spirit of St. Louis, had lifted off from Roosevelt Field inNewYork331/2hoursbefore.

transatlantic flight

The earthquake caused huge landslides of had forced many people outside, where they debris down the mountains of the region, as werelessvulnerabletostructuralcollapses.In well as a series of tsunamis in the coastal addition, the people of the area knew to region of Chile.At 4:20 p.m., a 26-foot wave expect a tsunami and most evacuated the hit the shore, taking most structures and coast immediately. After leaving Chile, the buildings with it when it receded. But the tsunami traveled hundreds of miles west worst was still to come. Minutes later, a toward Hawaii, the Philippines and Japan, slower 35-foot wave rolled in; it is estimated where hundreds also died. In fact, the waves that this wave killed more than 1,000 people, set off by this earthquake bounced back and including those who had thought they had forth across the Pacific Ocean for a week. movedsafelytohighground. Aftershocks were recorded for a full 30 days

Given the tremendous force of the quake, afterthemaintremor the death toll could have been far higher. A

Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to make solo, nonstop transatlantic flight

May21,1932

were enamored with the daring and modest

Five years to the day that American young pilot. For her solo transatlantic aviator Charles Lindbergh became the first crossing in 1932, she was awarded a pilot to accomplish a solo, nonstop flight Distinguished Flying Cross by the U.S. across the Atlantic Ocean, female aviator Congress.

Amelia Earhart becomes the first pilot to In 1935, in the first flight of its kind, she repeat the feat, flew solo from landing her plane in Wheeler Field in Ireland after flying Honolulu, Hawaii, across the North t o O a k l a n d , Atlantic Earhart California, winning traveled over 2,000 a $10,000 award m i l e s f r o m posted by Hawaiian Newfoundland in c o m m e r c i a l justunder15hours. interests. Two years

Unlike Charles later, she attempted, Lindbergh, Earhart along with copilot waswellknowntothepublicbeforehersolo FrederickJ.Noonan,toflyaroundtheworld, transatlanticflight.In1928,asamemberofa but her plane disappeared near Howland three-person crew, she had become the first Island in the South Pacific on July 2, 1937. woman to cross the Atlantic in an aircraft. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Itasca picked Although her only function during the up radio messages that she was lost and low crossing was to keep the plane’s log, the in fuel—the last the world ever heard from eventwonhernationalfame,andAmericans AmeliaEarhart.

3,600-mile journey, was cheered and lifted

Lindbergh convinced the St Louis Chamber of Commerce to sponsor the flight, and a budget of $15,000 was set. The Ryan Airlines Corporation of San Diego transatlanticattemptfor a week. On the night volunteered to build a single-engine aircraft of May 19, nerves and a newspaperman’s to his specifications. Extra fuel tanks were noisypokergamekepthimupallnight.Early added,andthewingspanwasincreasedto46 the next morning, though he hadn’t slept, the feet to accommodate the additional weight. skies were clear and he rushed to Roosevelt The main fuel tank was placed in front of the Field on Long Island. Six men had died cockpitbecauseitwouldbesafestthereinthe attempting the long and dangerous flight he eventofacrash.ThismeantLindberghwould wasabouttotake. have no forward vision, so a periscope was At the Le Bourget Aerodrome in Paris, added.Toreduceweight,everythingthatwas tens of thousands of Saturday night revelers notutterlyessentialwasleftout.Therewould had gathered to await Lindbergh’s arrival.At be no radio, gas gauge, night-flying lights, 10:22 p.m. local time, his gray and white navigation equipment, or parachute monoplane slipped out of the darkness and Lindbergh would sit in a light seat made of made a perfect landing in the air field. The wicker Unlike other aviators attempting the crowd surged on The Spirit of St. Louis, and flight, Lindbergh would be alone, with no Lindbergh, weary from his 33 1/2-hour, navigatororco-pilot.

The aircraft was christened The Spirit of above their heads. He hadn’t slept for 55 St. Louis, and on May 12, 1927, Lindbergh hours. Two French aviators saved Lindbergh flewitfromSanDiegotoNewYork,settinga from the boisterous crowd, whisking him new record for the fastest transcontinental awayinanautomobile.Hewasanimmediate flight. Bad weather delayed Lindbergh’s internationalcelebrity

Thousands of Jews die in Nazi Gas chambers; IG Farben sets up factory

Jews

May21,1942

On May 21, 1942, 4,300 Jews are deported from the Polish town of Chelm to the Nazi extermination camp at Sobibor, where all are gassed todeath.Onthesameday,the German firm IG Farben sets up a factory just outside Auschwitz, in order to take advantageofJewishslave

(Continued on page 35)

Compiled by Richard Francois. (From history.com)

American Red Cross

Charles Lindbergh

Amelia Earhart

How People Are Judging You, Based on These 10 Subtle Traits

(The Healthy) You may well,” she says. The ideal more telling how you treat devote gobs of time and handshake, according to peoplewhenyoudon’t. energy to exercising, Barth, is a firm-but-friendly How glued you choosing outfits, and getting grip with natural eye contact are to your phone your makeup just right, but that sends a message of When someone checks then something as small as engagement and trust with a their phone obsessively your handshake could send dashofwarmth. while in your company, it very different signals about People judge you on the demonstratesthatthey’renot yourpersonality colors you wear fully present with you. “It

Consider the impression Whenpeoplewearbright sends a message that this you could be making with colors like fuchsia, teal, inanimate object is more these everyday gestures and turquoise or burgundy, it’s ‘interesting’ and worthy of habits. usually a sign of either a big theirtimethananactualflesh showed being late is typical Clearly not listening gives (consciously or People made judge you if personality or an interest in and blood person,” Barth of people who multitask, or People judge you based unconsciously) that send you avoid eye contact living a larger-than-life says. “Conversely, it shows are high in relaxed, type B on how attentively you these negative signals:

Maintaining eye contact existence,saysBarth. consideration when they personalitytraits. appear to be listening, failing to make eye contact, whensomeoneistalkingwill These bold fashion announce ahead of time “Conte’s study found a c c o r d i n g t o using closed or defensive help build trust because it choices can invite attention something like, ‘You’ll have that type B individuals are communications expert body postures, and not shows genuine interest. Not and may cause people to to excuse me, but I’m often late because they Leslie Shore, author of noddingperiodically making eye contact can notice and approach you. “It dealing with an urgent experiencetimemoreslowly Listen To Succeed “When To be perceived as warm create feelings of rejection could also be a hunger for matter, so I may get a phone than the rest of us. Bottom we feel we are not being and friendly, Shore and dismay “Some people them to feel more self- call or a text during our line here is not to read too listened to, we feel recommends maintaining refuse to make eye contact expressed, and they’re using meeting. It will only take a much into people showing unwelcome, unappreciated, eye contact, leaning forward with you if they don’t know color as a way to access that moment to address and then up late. It’s better to ask and devalued, and usually in a discussion, and you,”saysTinaGilbertson,a partofthemthatisdormant,” I’mallyours.’” what’sbehinditthantomake perceive the listener as cold commenting from time to psychotherapist in Denver Barth says Beiges and People judge you on assumptions,” the article and arrogant,” she says time to reassure the speaker and author of Constructive neutrals, on the contrary, your choice of pet suggests. Visual clues that a listener thatyou’repayingattention. Wallowing “It could be due sendamessageofneedingto Whether you own a to shyness, but the lack of soothe, relax and not stand Garfield or a Fido may eye contact conveys influence how some people arrogance o l lf j d and your esteem ” Eith n a l i t y , withholding according to an direct gaze, you icle from p r o j e c businessinsi personality d e r c o m cuesofbeing T h e unfriendly a r t i c l e a n d cites a unapproach r e c e n t able. study that

Not smiling found that

W h e t h e “people who you mean to prefer dogs are frowning or not, ally more unhappy expression t i c a n d suggest that you’re a Debbie outgoing, while those who Downer Obviously you out too much. “Often people prefer cats tend to be more can’t go around grinning all who get overstimulated introverted and sensitive.” daylong,butflashingasmile easily want to calm down by The same study also or at least a neutral wearingmoresedatecolors,” suggests that cat people tend expression when you meet she adds.And those who are tobemoreintelligent. people can go a long way more laid-back may choose Any nervous habits toward conveying a positive earthtones,whichBarthsays Biting your nails, pulling attitude. “represent people who crave on your beard, twirling your

The strength of your to be more grounded and hair or picking at your skin handshake downtoearth.” typically indicates that

Handshakes are like a How you treat service y o u ’ r e n e r v o u s , non-verbal welcome mat, people overwhelmed and not in saysLoisBarth,aNewYork- “People who are control, according to an based human development c o n d e s c e n d i n g o r a r t i c l e o n expert and author of the new patronizing to waiters, h u f f i n g t o n p o s t c o m book Courage to SPARKLE: busboys, porters, coat check R e s e a r c h f r o m t h e

The Audacious Girls’ Guide people and cab drivers are University of Michigan to Creating a Life That showing their true colors: suggests that these nervous Lights You Up. “A limp, arrogance, grandiosity and habits are indicative of a what I call ‘wet dishrag’ entitlement,” Barth says perfectionistpersonality,and handshake sends a strong “People who are considerate that perfectionists are more message around the person’s and respectful to service likely to engage in these ambivalence to both professionals are showing habits when they’re engaging and connecting their compassion, empathy, frustratedorbored. with a person,” Barth says. and kindness ” This Being habitually late

On the flip side, a way-too- barometer is one of the most T a r d i n e s s c a n firm handshake, where you effective at assessing who demonstrate lack of respect feel your hand is going to the person really is inside. or interest or not, break off, can be seen as a “It’s easy to be nice to according to the Huffington signofaggressionandaneed someoneyouhaveapersonal Post article. to dominate “Often the agenda with, like clients, The article references a person can show a need for customers or a prospective San Diego State University control in other areas as partner,” she says. It’s much study by Jeff Conte that

y of Queen Char e

The Blue Dragon

By Shervin Belgrave bright colours,

according to prey within its finger –like marine biologists, is an appendages which uses to

Given the name of a example of a phenomenon stinginself-defence. Asting mythical creature, the Blue calledcountershading. from a blue dragon is even Dragon(GlaucusAtlanticus) harmful to humans and can also known as nudibranchs, T h e b r i g h t b l u e lead to intense pain, nausea, is a type of mollusk or sea underside of the creature vomiting, acute allergic slug that spends its entire helps it blend in with waters’ contact dermatitis and postlife floating upside down on surface making it almost inflammatoryinflammation. thesurfaceoftropicalwaters impossible for the flying Another interesting fact throughouttheworld-mainly predatortotellthedifference about blue dragons is that the Atlantic, Pacific and while its grayish backside they are simultaneous Indianoceans. Thiscreature helps it to blend in with the hermaphrodite. This means is no more than three ocean when spotted from that each blue dragon carries centimeters long and is able below both male and female to stay afloat and not sink Blue dragons, however, reproductiveorgans. because of its unique ability do not only depend on its

After a pair mates, they to store air bubbles in its bright coloured body for will lay a string of about 16 stomach. protection. These animals eggs in the water which will

Like the name suggests, feed on venomous sea take about three days to its blue in colour with a creatures such as the hatchintoalarvae. greyish backside but its Portuguese Man-O’-war and Source of information: colourful appearance is not can ingest the toxic cells (https://oceana org/marinejust for beauty Instead, it from the prey to make itself life/blue-glaucus/), serves as a camouflage to toxictoo. (https://www oneearth org/s protect the creature from Blue dragons store the pecies-of-the-week-blueflyingandseapredators.The toxic cells from it venomous dragon/)

Thousands of Jews die in Nazi Gas...

From page 31 ultimately die because of brutal work laborers from the Auschwitz concentration conditions and the savagery of the guards. camps. Several of the firm’s officials would be Sobibor had five gas chambers, where convicted of “plunder,” “spoliation of about 250,000 Jews were killed between property,” “imposing slave labor,” and 1942 and 1943. A camp revolt occurred in “inhumanetreatment”ofciviliansandPOWs October1943;300Jewishslavelaborersrose after the war The company itself came under up and killed several members of the SS as Allied control. The original goal was to well as Ukrainian guards. The rebels were dismantle its industries, which also included killed as they battled their captors or tried to the manufacture of chemicals and escape The remaining prisoners were pharmaceuticals,soastopreventitfromever executedtheverynextday posingathreat“toGermany’sneighborsorto IG Farben, as well as exploiting Jewish worldpeace.”Butastimepassed,theresolve slave labor for its oil and rubber production, weakened, and theWestern powers broke the alsoperformeddrugexperimentsoninmates. company up into three separate divisions: Tens of thousands of prisoners would Hoechst,BayerandBASF

A blue dragon floating in the ocean

A blue dragon floating in the ocean

Merlot -A Guide to the Basics

Merlot contributes to some of thegreatestwinesintheworld,but it still doesn't always get the widespreadcredititdeserves.

(Food&Wine)Merlotmaynot receive the same widespread adulationasCabernetSauvignonor Pin

otNoir,butitisabsolutelycapable of producing wines with the same level of complexity and longevity

Sure, there is plenty of overcropped, excessively oaky, and boringlyfruit-forwardMerlottobe found, but the good stuff is mindbogglingly delicious. Best of all,

of dollars on a bottle of Château Pétrusfortheexperience(although if that's an option and within budget, then you should certainly feelfreetodojustthat!)Ultimately, Merlot from Bordeaux to Napa Valley and lots of other locations around the world is capable of greatness. The trick, as always, is simplyknowingwheretolook.

WhatisMerlotWine?

Merlot is a red wine that is producedfromthegrapevarietyof thesamename.Stylistically,itruns the gamut from fruit-forward and sweet with oak to more structured and nuanced, capable of aging for decades.Foranentiregenerationof wine drinkers, however, Merlot

was known for the kind of cheapand-cheerful bottles that could be pickedupforlittlemoney,andthat were intended to age for approximately as long as it took to

drive home from the supermarket. But the stereotypes never tell the wholestory:Merlot,afterall,isone ofthekeycomponentsintheclassic (Continuedonpage49)

(PHOTO: KIRBYHAMILTON / GETTYIMAGES)

How To Answer ‘What Is Your Greatest Strength?’ In A Job Interview

( F o r b e s ) H i r i n g Although it seems easy, Whenyoutellyourstory,say managers and human you can trip up on the it with conviction and resources professionals love answer Bedirectandhonest. enthusiasm. asking the basic, standard Youdon’twanttoliebecause What To Say interview questions. Instead it will come back to haunt You can point out your of thinking up interesting, you down the road, once s t r o n g s o c i a l a n d t h o u g h t - p r o v o k i n g you’re working at the communication skills, questions, they resort to company ability to get fellow coprosaic questions, like Focus on sharing workers engaged in a “What are your greatest strengths that specifically project, and penchant for strengths and weaknesses?” relate to the job you’re taking on challenging tasks, The good news for job applying for Don’t interpret exceeding expectations and hunters is that these the question outside the staying cool under pressure. questions are relatively easy scope of the hiring process If you are the creative type, toanswer and bring up unrelated you can showcase your Strategies ForAnswering personal attributes. Explain portfolio.

The “What is your how you’ve leveraged your A salesperson can greateststrength?”interview strengths to add value to the politely boast about question is a cliché at this c o m p a n y , e x c e e d consistently beating their company by recruiting top party recruiters An ways to save money and cut point. Despite the fact that expectations and made a quota and receiving candidates and cutting down accountant can subtly brag costs without having to lay it’sover-utilized,youneedto significantimpact. accolades and rewards. An onthecostsofutilizingthird- about how they discovered offworkers. play the game. View it as a Align your answers with in-house attorney can way to sell yourself by the skills and experience discuss how they saved the offering examples of how referenced in the job firm millions by avoiding you’ve succeeded under description. You can share costly litigation matters. A adversity and came through your unique qualities and h u m a n r e s o u r c e s with a big win, such as experiences that set you professional can share the landingalargeclient. apart from other candidates. large savings for the

Health Facts

High blood pressure: monitoring and evaluation

High blood pressure is a blood pressure reading of The top common condition that 130/80mmHgorhigher numberis affects the body’s arteries. Bloodpressureisdivided 140 mm

It’s also called hypertension into four general categories. H g o r

If you have high blood

Ideal blood pressure is higher or the pressure, the force of the categorizedasnormal. bottom number blood pushing against the Normal blood pressure: is 90 mm artery walls is consistently Blood pressure is 120/80 higher too high. The heart has to mmHgorlower Blood pressure higher When to see a doctor workhardertopumpblood.

By Rehanna Ramsay

Elevated blood pressure: than 180/120 mm Hg is Bloodpressurescreening

WorldHypertensionDay The top number ranges from considered a hypertensive is an important part of was observed on May 17 120 to 129 mm Hg while the emergency or crisis. Seek general health care. How last, a day dedicated to bottom number is below, not emergency medical help for often you should get your highlighting the importance above,80mmHg. anyone with these blood blood pressure checked ofmonitoringbloodpressure Stage 1 hypertension: pressurenumbers. depends on your age and and bringing global

The top number ranges from Untreated, high blood overallhealth. awareness to the 1 billion 130 to 139 mm Hg or the pressure increases the risk of Ask your provider for a people living with high will share some short facts measured in millimeters of bottom number is between heartattack,strokeandother blood pressure reading at blood pressure worldwide. onthecondition. mercury (mm Hg) In 80and89mmHg. serious health problems. It’s leasteverytwoyearsstarting

This week, the waterfalls Blood pressure is general, hypertension is a Stage 2 hypertension: importanttohaveyourblood at age 18. If you’re age 40 or pressure checked at least older,oryou’re18to39with every two years starting at a high risk of high blood age 18. Some people need pressure, ask for a blood more-frequentchecks. pressurecheckeveryyear

Healthy lifestyle habits Yourhealthcareprovider such as not smoking, will likely recommend exercisingandeatingwell— more-frequent readings if can help prevent and treat have high blood pressure or high blood pressure. Some other risk factors for heart people need medicine to disease.

treathighbloodpressure. Children age 3 and older Symptoms may have blood pressure

Most people with high measured as a part of their blood pressure have no yearlycheckups. symptoms, even if blood Ifyoudon’tregularlysee pressure readings reach a care provider, you may be dangerouslyhighlevels.You able to get a free blood canhavehighbloodpressure pressure screening at a for years without any health resource fair or other symptoms. l o c a t i o n s i n y o u r

A few people with high community Free blood bloodpressuremayhave: pressure machines are also Headaches available in some stores and Shortnessofbreath pharmacies.The accuracy of Nosebleeds these machines depends on H o w e v e r , t h e s e several things, such as a symptoms aren’t specific. correct cuff size and proper They usually don’t occur use of the machines. Ask until high blood pressure has your health care provider for reached a severe or life- advice on using public blood threateningstage. pressuremachines.

Ed Sheeran, Adele and Harry Styles among richest Britons under 35

(BBC) Ed Sheeran, singer has sold more than Rich List is Gopi Hinduja Adele and Harry Styles are 100 million albums, and and family, who own a vast among the UK’s richest earlier this year she conglomerate of businesses people under the age of 35, announced that her lavish across the world and whose according to the Sunday Las Vegas residency would combined wealth is £35bn, TimesRichList. beextended.Reportedly,this upfrom£28.4bnlastyear

The musicians all have pays£500,000pershow Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes a He made his fortune through he feared losing everything fortune of £600m. However, an estimated wealth of more Harry Styles had the return to the top 10 of Ineos, a chemicals and raw during the pandemic, has he is wealthier than his late than £150m after successes biggest-selling UK album Britain’s richest people after materialsbusiness. seen his wealth almost halve mother, Queen Elizabeth II, intheUKandUS. last year with “Harry’s twoyearsdowntheranks. While the Rich List is to £2.4bn. The man behind who was worth £320m,

But they are not quite House”, and is currently on Now worth £29.6bn, Sir madeupoftheuber-wealthy, the airline Virgin Atlantic accordingtolastyear’slist. moneyed enough to make tour in the UK. The 29-year- Jim is perhaps best known at this is the first year that the said he lost £1.5bn as Covid ConsiderablyricherisJK the main Rich List where old’s wealth is pegged at the moment for his battle to number of billionaires has lockdowns grounded flights Rowling, the author of the people must boast wealth of £150m. buy Manchester United, his fallen since the global andkepthishotelsandhealth Harry Potter books. She is £350mormore. Sittingontopofthemain footballteamsinceboyhood. financial crisis in 2008 clubsshuttered. worth £875m, a rise of £25m

That includes UK when the banking industry Mr Sunak and his wife from the previous year She Prime Minister Rishi nearlycollapsed. Ms Murthy have also seen could become wealthier still SunakandhiswifeAkshata There are now 171 their fortunes fall by £200m, - the writer is reportedly in Murthy, though their billionaires listed, down from the £730m they were talks with the TV network wealthhasfallen. by six from the previous worthlastyearto£529m. HBO about making her most

For those under 35, Ed year Theeconomicimpact The majority of their famouscreationintoaseries. Sheeran, 32, is ranked the of COVID-19, high wealth comes from Ms Meanwhile, two of the seventh wealthiest with a inflationandrisinginterest Murthy who owns a sizable stars of the Harry Potter fortune of £300m, helped rates - which make it more stake in her father’s IT films are on the list of the by his fast-selling sixth expensive to borrow businessInfosys. richest under 35s. Daniel album“Subtract”. money - have weighed on The newly-crowned Radcliffe, 33, is worth £92m

Adele, who is now 35, thefortunesoftherich. King Charles III has the while Emma Watson, also is in ninth place with Sir Richard Branson, relativelylowrankingof263 33, has an estimated wealth £165m. The London-born who recently told the BBC on the Rich List with a of£60m.

Ed Sheeran is one of the richest Britons under 35, according to the Sunday Times

Singer Adele reportedly makes £500,000 a night for her Las Vegas residency

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy are worth £529m

Lessons from a Lashpreneur !!!

LET’S TALK ABOUT OUR 2 NEW STYLES

ByLatoyaZephyr

Hey

lashbabes,Let’stalk

about the two new styles thatweoffer,Ylashesand Silklashes.

YLASHES

Asthenameimplies,a lash splits into two and form a Y shape eyelash extension. Hence, it’s called Y lash. Unlike other lashes, Y-Lashes have the same lengths The distinctive quality of these eyelash extensions is their natural and soft vibe. This is to imitate natural lash growth, to appear natural. It gives your eyes the attention they deserve.As Y lash is thin in diameter,ithaslessercontact withyourskin.Besides,you don’tneedasmanylashesas it’s Y shape. Apart from saving you time in your makeup routine, Y-Lashes are a way to enhance your features.Yes, you look good without appearing overlydone. Y-Lashes have an easier and faster application technique The Y-Lashes have greater retention than Russian Volume and Classic Lashes. The Y shape lash gives a fuller look as comparedtoclassiclashes.

SILKLASHES

Silk Lashes are a

ByLatoyaZephyr

premium option for enhancingtheappearanceof your natural lashes. Silk lashes are known for their soft,fluffyandfeatherylook, theyarealsolightweightand comfortabletowear,making them perfect for everyday use.

The silk fibers are also more flexible and durable than synthetic fibers, p r o v i d i n g a m o r e comfortableandsecurefit. These lashes are perfect for those who want a subtle enhancementtotheirnatural lashes, giving them a more definedandpolishedlook. They are also great for special occasions, such as weddingsandparties,asthey can be worn with or without makeup, and can be used to create a variety of different styles.

How to treat dandruff yourself

Dandruff occurs, essentially, when small bits ofdryskinareshedfromthe scalp. You might spy these flakesinyourhairoronyour shoulders.

Dandruffmaymakeyour scalp itchy, too It’s a commonproblem,butitisn’t as simple as it seems Dandruff is actually quite tricky to define because it overlaps with seborrheic dermatitis(achronicformof eczema) and other skin conditionsthatleadtoascaly scalp.

Here’s what you need to know Signs and Symptoms

skin cells renew, causing dandruff, notes Amy McMichael,MD,aprofessor ofdermatologyandthechair of the department of dermatology at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

For those without dandruff, it takes a whole month for new skin cells on the scalp to mature, die, and shed. But for those with dandruff,thisprocessoccurs inameretwotosevendays, according to a report in the Journal of Medical Chemistry

ofDandruff

The big tip-off that an individual may have dandruff are the telltale patches of white flakes on the scalp, made up of dead skin,thatcomelooseinyour hair AccordingtotheMerck Manual,othersignsinclude:

Attimes,thescalpcanbe itchy

GREASYORDRY

SCALESONTHE SCALP

Yellowish to reddish scalyraisedbumpsalongthe hairline(inseverecases)

CAUSESANDRISK FACTORSOF DANDRUFF

Dandruff can happen for anumberofreasons.

Seborrheic dermatitis If you have a particularly bad caseofdandruff,it’slikelya mild case of seborrheic dermatitis(SD),accordingto the American Osteopathic CollegeofDermatology

SD is a chronic form of eczema that affects areas of the body that secrete the mostsebum,oroil,notesthe N a t i o n a l E c z e m a Association People with oily skin are often more prone to dandruff The reason: A yeast called Malasseziaglobosafeedson oils on the scalp Some people’sbodiesperceivethis breakdown of oil as an irritant,sothescalpreactsby upping the speed at which

Still, it’s important to note that while M. globosa has long been thought to be the main risk factor for dandruff, a causal relationship has yet to be firmly established, noted a July 2019 report in the journal Experimental Dermatology Contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis is skin irritation caused by either an allergen or an irritant, resulting in an itchy, possibly painful rash. And in the case of dandruff, that reaction is on the scalp. This generally occurs because of hair-care products or dyes, according totheAmericanAcademyof DermatologyAssociation.

Dry skin If cold winter air dries out your skin all over, including your scalp, then dry skin may be the cause of your dandruff When dry skin causes dandruff, the flakes are usually smaller and less oily thantheflakescausedbySD. (In addition, cold and dry climates can worsen SD, according to the Cleveland Clinic.) Almost anyone can have dandruff, but the following factors can make you more susceptible Shampooing habits “For thosewhoarealreadyatrisk for dandruff, washing infrequently can worsen the condition, ” says Dr McMichael.

Dry scalp caused by a lack of moisture can cause itching and flaking skin.

GUYANA REMAINS A BRITISH COUNTRY

BY:PATDIAL

In early May, Prince CharlesandhisconsortLady Camilla were crowned King and Queen of the United Kingdom. In Guyana, until the beginning of the 1970’s, such an event would have evoked widespread and sustained coverage in the media and the population wouldhavebeenmovedwith a spirit of patriotism while enjoying the unique and magnificent medieval ceremonial of the

coronation From the beginning of the 1970’s and for a generation thereafter, Guyanawas governedby an authoritarian regime which diditsutmosttodevalueand diminishourstrongtieswith Britain. Britain,ontheother hand, seemed to have been affected with a spirit of isolationism and its cultural and economic ties began to fallintodesuetude.

Now that Britain has divorced itself from the European Union, she has

again begun to resuscitate her economic ties with her former colonies including Guyana. Withinthelasttwo years, it became easier to visit Britain with the easing of visa restrictions; the establishment of a Guyana/ Britain Chamber of Commerce; the visits of several Trade Missions with highleveldiscussionstaking place, an example being last November, when the Guyana Foreign Minister Hugh Todd and the British

Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean Mr Jonathan Knott signed a partnership agreement and several British companies have began partnering with Guyanesecompanies.

At the function held by theHighCommissionerJane Miller to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, an occasion was presented to sum up this trend of the developing economic relationships

between Britain and

Guyana: “The signing of a government to government partnership arrangement”, remarked the High Commissioner, “meant the UK will work alongside the Government of Guyana and the Private Sector to deliver fairer, faster and greener economic growth to the country We continue to advocate and support countries that will bring to Guyana efficiency, transparency, quality and innovation and those that wantlongtermrelationships w i t h G u y a n a ’ s development.”

Hon Gail Taixeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and representing the Government of Guyana responded: “Guyana considers the UK as a development partner and believe our ties will strengthen as Guyana collaborates with the UK to address some of the more urgentissuessuchasclimate change,investmentandtrade opportunities, fair trade relations between and a m o n g c o u n t r i e s , particularly small and developingcountries…”

The resuscitation of close economic relations betweenBritainandGuyana is very welcome but we should not lose sight of the fact that such would operate on a common civilized and cultural substructure. As a memberoftheAnglosphere, which would include countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand we share similar values and worldview with Britain itself. Totrytodescribethe characteristics of this cultural substructure could notbedoneinashortarticle; we shall therefore remind ourreadersofafewofthem.

First,thereistheEnglish Language. Englishopensup to Guyanese a treasury of ancientandmodernlearning and knowledge of finance and wealth. It allows for communication with the countries of the world since in all countries educated persons know the language andeaseoftravel.Englishis the language of the Sea and ofIT

ThenthereistheEnglish Common Law which is probablythegreatestsystem of Law with universal applicabilityeverdevisedby Man. It is a system which brings fairness, justice, humanity, protection of the poor and powerless and secures Democracy GuyanaandBritainsharethe

CommonLawandGuyanese could seek redress and protection from the Law in the Commonwealth countries and the United States.

Since the Industrial Revolution, Britain has always been a great innovator in the Arts and Sciences and this was especially so in the 19th century Examples are the invention of the railways whichhasbeenamainagent i n t h e e c o n o m i c development of United States and Argentina and other countries; the discoveryofvaccineswhich have eliminated the scourge of Smallpox from the world and a number of other vaccines which have continuedtosavethelivesof scores of millions of people from infectious diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis. Even in Sport Britain had laid down the rules and structures of several international sporting events, the most knownbeingFootballwhose name most foreign languages have retained in acknowledgement of its British origin. In all this effulgence, Guyana, being a Britishcountry,shared.

In Guyana, British institutionsandculturecould befoundeverywhere. There are,forexample,Parliament andthesystemoflaw,which still operate from British buildings-theParliamentor Public Building and the Victoria Law Courts and the Georgetown Magistrates Court British names proliferateeverywhereinthe names of people and places. But most importantly, GuyanaandBritainsharethe samethoughtprocess.

Now that relations betweenGuyanaandBritain have awakened from their somnolence, the momentum should be maintained Economicrelationsareagain on the rails but cultural and civilized relations must be resuscitatedto thebenefitof both countries A comprehensive plan of this hastobeworkedoutandthe elements of this should include: Support for the University of Guyana by supplying teaching staff for theOilandGasDepartment, for the English Faculty and the Law School to be established next year; grant of scholarships for Journalism and Diplomacy; andthatGuyanabeincluded in the itinerary of British artistes, exhibitions, etc touringSouthAmerica.

MEASUREMENTS IN LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION

H a v e y o u e v e r c o n s i d e r e d h o w measurements affect the appearance, taste, texture or smell of your food? The amount of each ingredient added to any food product, the time taken between p r e p a r a t i o n a n d consumption and the temperature at which it is stored are among ways in which the right or wrong measurements can impact the food you consume. On Saturday, May 20, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joined with other measurement institutions globally to commemorate World

Metrology Day (WMD) 2023 under the theme

“Measurements Supporting theGlobalFoodSystem.”

The theme for this year places the spotlight on measurement and its importance in food production where reliable and traceable measurements of temperature, mass, volume and pressure is crucial.

To better support the foodindustryinGuyana,the GNBS conducts verification andcalibrationofmeasuring instruments such as thermometers which play a criticalroleinqualitycontrol during the preparation and storage of food products. The Bureau also verifies hopper, electronic, platform andweighbridgescalesused in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors during food production and distribution Further, instruments used in commerce at shops, supermarketsandotherretail outlets to buy and sell food and other products are verified and monitored for accuracy

On the national and global scale, time is measured to ensure food is producedinaccordancewith supply and demand. This allows farmers and producers to effectively avoidspoilageorshortageof specific food products and provide sufficient items for thepopulationtoconsume.

In keeping with this year’s WMD theme, the GNBS conducted free trainings for local manufacturers and agro processors in Regions Two, Four and Six on the importance of metrology in

food production Topics addressed include the use of scalesapprovedfortrade,the printing of accurate net contents on pre-packaged goods,andtheresponsibility of the manufacturers to ensure there is accuracy in trade.

WMDisdedicatedtothe signing of the Metre Convention by delegates from seventeen countries in Paris, France on May 20, 1875, paving the way for a universally recognized standard measurement system now commonly known as the Metric Units.

The metric units of measurement were adopted by Guyana on January 01, 2002 and business persons involvedinthepackagingof food products and other items are reminded that net contents must be printed in metricunits.

As the National Measurement Institute, the GNBS promotes the use of the metric units and is mandated to enforce the 1981 Weights and MeasurementsAct, working with stakeholders across the various sectors to ensure measuring instruments used in trade, manufacturing, transportationamongothers, areaccurate.

As we observed World MetrologyDay,wecontinue to remind stakeholders within the various sectors and consumers to ensure they adopt and implement the International System of Metrics (Metric System) duringdailyactivities.

In addition to ensuring reliable measurements, the GNBS offers training on national and international standards which are geared towards the promotion of safe and healthy food practices.

Finally, to enhance t r a n s p a r e n c y o f measurements especially in food production, the GNBS for WMD 2023 launched its newest service, the

Verification of Net Content onpre-packagedgoods. The monitoring of net contents will ensure consumers benefit from the correct weights and measures.

F o r f u r t h e r information, kindly contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 2190066or219-0069.

Spinach Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

Introduction:

Youmighthavewatched Popeye the sailor man, gulping down spinach and saving Olive! Well, that showdidgetsomefactsright aboutspinachevenifitwasa cartoon! Spinach juice is packed with vitamins, mineralsandmacronutrients essential for your health.

Spinach (Spinacia oleraceae) is a nutritious vegetable that is consumed by boiling the fresh leaves. You can consume spinach raw as well as in cooked form.Spinachleavescontain plenty of antioxidant

compounds that can potentially really save you fromalotofhealthtrouble.

Many believe spinach originatedinPersiaandthen spread across Europe and Asia. As more and more people are trying to make better dietary choices, such nutritious foods are spreading rapidly to countrieswheretheyarenot native. Spinach juice can be an excellent choice in this regard because of the presence of its high nutritional value. Continue reading to find out what's in

itforyou!

Propertiesof SpinachJuice: Spinach juice may demonstratetheseproperties as observed in various research.

·Itmayshowantioxidant property

· It may show antiinflammatoryproperty

· It may show antiobesityproperty

·Itmayshowanticancer property

· It may help manage

blood glucose levels (Hypoglycemicproperty)

· It may help reduce b l o o d p r e s s u r e (Hypolipidemicproperty)2

Potential Uses of Spinach Juice for Overall Health:

Spinachisarichsourceof manyphytochemicalsand nutrients.Therefore,itmay havepotentialuseinmany healthconditions.

1.Potentialusesof spinachjuiceforchronic conditions

Theantioxidantandantiinflammatory properties of spinach juice may help manage chronic disease conditions.

Spinach extract showed good antioxidant activity in lab and animal trials. As observed during a clinical trial conducted on elderly women, consuming spinach juice in a diet could show antioxidant properties in humans.

In another clinical study, it was observed that the consumption of spinach in healthy men and women couldreduceoxidativestress inthebody

Inflammation is the body's natural response to stress and injury Inflammation for prolong periods can lead to diseases likecancer,heartdiseaseand type2diabetes.

Therefore, you need to getridofinflammationinthe body Functional foods like spinach can be a safe and effective way to manage inflammation. Spinach has shown anti-inflammatory propertiesinseverallabsand animal studies. Animals receiving spinach showed a decrease in the levels of chemical markers of inflammation More researchisneededtosupport the consumption of spinach

juice in managing and preventing chronic disease conditions. Therefore, you must talk to a healthcare providerincaseofanyhealth issue.

2.Potentialusesof spinachjuiceforobesity

Healthcare experts often recommend lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise for people looking to lose or manage weight. Spinach can be essential dietary addition for people whowanttomanageweight. Spinach extract may help induce satiety (feeling full) and thereby reduce calorie intake as per studies conducted on humans and animals. Evidence suggests thespinachdietreducesfood intake, controls hunger, and reduces weight gain in people However, more researchisneededtosupport the use of spinach juice in obesepeoplelookingtolose weight. Avoid making any changes to your diet before talkingtoyourdietician.

3.Potentialusesof spinachjuiceforcancer

Cancerisaseverehealth issue and one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Diets rich in dark green vegetables such as spinach may help reduce the risk of cancers. Many studies demonstrate spinach's protectiveroleagainstcolon, breast, and oesophageal cancers.

As per a case study, the consumptionofspinachwas associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer in women Though the protective effects of spinach have been observed in clinical and animal trials, more research is needed to support the consumption of spinach juice in cancer in humans.

4.Potentialusesof spinachjuicefordiabetes

Several animal and humantrialshaveshownthe glucose-lowering property ofspinachinhyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or type 2 diabetes. During a trial, a spinach diet could improve insulin sensitivity and reducebloodglucoselevels. Therefore,consumingwhole spinach or in the form of juice may help reduce the levelsofglucoseinthediet.2 However, spinach or other

natural remedies should not be used as an alternative treatment for diabetes. Do not use herbal remedies for diabeteswithouttalkingtoa doctorfirst.

5.Potentialusesof Spinachjuice forcholesterol

Increased blood cholesterol is a significant risk factor for liver disease, pancreatitis, and heart disease. Thylakoids present in spinach may help reduce the levels of lipids, as observed during a trial conducted on men and w o m e n S i m i l a r observations have been madeinanimalstudiestoo.2 However,donotusespinach juice to control blood cholesterol without consulting your healthcare provider

Though some studies showthebenefitsoftheherb in various conditions, these arenotsufficientandthereis a necessity for further studies to establish the true extentofthebenefitsofherb onhumanhealth.

HowtoUse SpinachJuice: You may consume raw spinach juice to enjoy the numerous health benefits that this leafy vegetable offers To make spinach juice, blend some fresh spinachleaveswithaglassof water to a consistency of yourchoice.

Onceitisblended,strain the mixture into a glass. Voila! Your spinach juice is ready

You must consult a qualified physician before taking spinach juice or otherherbalsupplementsas medical treatment for any health condition. Likewise, you should not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern m e d i c i n e w i t h a n a y u r v e d i c / h e r b a l preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.

SideEffectsof SpinachJuice:

Spinach juice shows no side effects when taken in prescribeddoses.

H o w e v e r , o v e r consumption of spinach juicemayposehealthrisks. Before using spinach juice foranyhealthcondition,talk to your healthcare provider about the possible side effectsofspinachuse.

Merlot -A Guide to the Basics

Frompage36 blends of Bordeaux. On the Right Bank, in Pomerol in particular, it is often crafted into wines (or incorporated into blends, typically with Cabernet Franc) that rank among the most profound in the world. Merlot is one of the great grapes, and it deservestobeconsideredso.

WhereDoesMerlot WineComeFrom?

Merlot is most famously grown and produced in Bordeaux and California. In the former, it is one of the most important of the five main permitted varieties, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, PetitVerdot,andMalbec.

It reaches its peak of quality and expressiveness on the Right Bank, and in Pomerol, home of Château Pétrus, it can fetch serious money on retail shelves, at auction, and on restaurant winelists.

Merlot also does brilliantly in neighboring

St.-Emilion. It is also a key component in the affordable and often delicious wines labeled simply Bordeaux Supérieur

Great Merlots are producedinNapaValleyand SonomaCountytoo,andare often used to add further nuance and silkiness to Cabernet Sauvignon-based reds.Ofcourse,theyalsocan make great wines on their own; throughout California, in fact, it's easy to find terrific examples of Merlotbasedwines.

Tuscany is also a source ofworld-classMerlot;wines like Massetto, Ornellaia, Antinori'sIlBruciato,andLe Macchiole's Messorio lead the way, either as 100% Merlots or blends that includeit.

Australia's McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley are also home to excellent Merlot, as are Chile, Argentina, Washington State,andmore.

Why Should You Drink MerlotWine?

If you haven't tasted Merlot in a while or more fully explored what it's capableofaroundtheworld, thenthisisagreattimetodo so.Merlotexperiencedwhat can only be called a "grapevariety meltdown" in the mid-2000s; it arguably reached its popular lowpointinthemovieSideways, which famously features Paul Giamatti passionately proclaiming to his friend before heading into a restaurant, "No, if anybody orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I am not drinking any Merlot!").

Yetinthenearly20years since, producers around the world have redoubled their efforts to plant Merlot in more-perfect places, not over-crop it, and craft it into the kind of serious wine its fans always knew it was capable of producing. As a result, Merlot has seen something of a comeback in the popular American imagination.

Because of its often

softer tannins and plush texture,Merlotiswell-suited tobeingsippedonitsown.At the table, Merlot offers fantastic food-friendliness, too. Classic pairings like steak and hamburgers are easy and enjoyable, but the generous plums and dark berriesofagoodMerlotalso work well alongside fruitbased sauces glossing lamb andduck,too.

Merlot is a solid option with cheeses like cheddar and gouda, whose own subtle sweetness finds c o m p l i m e n t a r y characteristics in the ripe fruitofMerlot.

When it comes to bold blue cheeses, however, or funkierwashedrindcheeses, proceed with caution, as more tannic expressions of Merlotwilllikelynotpairas well as, say, Port with the former and Sauternes with the latter (though red

Burgundy is a solid option forÉpoisses,too).Merlotisa wonderful partner for chocolate; just make sure that there is a high enough percentage of cacao and not too much sugar, as that will make the tannins in the Merlotfeelgrittyandoverly assertive.

In general, Merlot is a wine whose range of styles and expressions make it far more versatile than it often getscreditfor

WhatDoesMerlot TasteLike?

Merlot generally boasts notes of red and black berry fruit, currants, cherries, and plums.It'snotuncommonto findunderlyinghintsofdried herbs like sage, and if it's beenagedinnewoak—ora percentage of new oak — it can take on aromas and flavors that are reminiscent of chocolate, vanilla, and

cafe mocha As it ages, M e r l o t m a y s h o w characteristics of cigar tobacco, leather, dried mint, andleather Its tannins range from medium-grained and relatively velvety to more assertive,especiallyinwines that are meant to age for a longerperiodoftime.

Merlot is best enjoyed at slightly warmer than cellar temperature: If you keep your wines at 55°F, it's best to enjoy a bottle of Merlot approximately 20 minutes afteritwasremovedfromthe cellar or wine fridge. If it's being stored at room temperature, then placing it in a refrigerator for approximately 20 minutes willbrightenupboththefruit andacidity.

Merlot is best enjoyed from either a universal or Cabernet Sauvignon-style glass.

Music Guide: New Music From Bad Bunny...

Frompage29 of global listeners. On Broken By Desire to Be Heavenly Sent, the Scottish singer-songwriter doesn’t ripuptheformulathatmadehima star — instead, he offers more stories that aim to stir, using songs

like “Haven’t You Ever Been In LoveBefore?” and lead single “Forget Me” to reach wide and inspire as many listeners as possible to simply, effortlesslyfeel.

KaytraminéKaytraminé

The combination of singerrapper Aminé and production multi-hyphenate Kaytranada not only makes sense on paper as a fusionoftwolike-mindedcreatives who have worked well together overtheyears,butKaytraminé,the

duo’s self-titled debut album, also works brilliantly as a late spring release,primed to soundtrack

Memorial Day Weekend

hangouts and months of

hazy beach days With

guests like Freddie Gibbs,

Kaytranada’s luxurious beats, Kaytraminé is a summer essential on the same level of shorts and sunscreen.

BeenieManLamentsTheLossOfJuggling RiddimsInContemporaryDancehall

(DancehallMag) King of

DonCorleon’slegendary managed to feature the Dancehall Beenie Man, Drop Leaf was also a Dancehall stars including likemanyofhiscompatriots, massivehitin2005,withhits Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Dexta is concerned that with the such as T.O.K’s Footprints, Daps, Elephant Man, migration of many of Jah Cure’s Longing For, Konshens, Shenseea, Jamaica’s most prolific Tanya Stephens’ After You, Jahmiel and I-Octane on his producers, juggling Bounty Killer’s Its OK and Good Good Productions’ riddims, which are critical Gentleman’s Intoxication. Liquid Sunshine juggling components of the genre, Jeremy Harding’s riddim. have all but disappeared

Playground riddim, which The riddim, which fromthemusicallandscape. was released in 1997, was featured 19 tracks, had

“Yuh memba one time also a scorcher, giving the relative success with the top when artiste used to deh pan world hits such as Sean song being Dexta Daps’ Call one riddim? Dat nuh gwaan Paul’s Infiltrate and Beenie Me If again. Yuh memba when

Man’s own Who Am I (Sim However, most of the DaveKellyputoutariddim? Simma). songs contained sexually

All 15, 20 artiste deh pan it, S t e v e n “ L e n k y ” explicit material and when Shocking Vibes a put

Marsden’s Diwali also expletives, which may have out a riddim, when stormed to musical glory hampered its success, since Penthouse put outta riddim? Released in May 2002, they could not be played in Dat nuh gwaan again Diwali shot up the charts allpublicspaces. becauseeverymanhavedem with tracks such as Sean T h a t r i d d i m , own producer and dem Paul’s Get Busy and Wayne nevertheless, erased barriers producer naw voice you if

Wonder’s No Letting Go. as it was the first time since you an’ dah man deh nuh

One of the last explosive 2015 that Vybz Kartel and talk. Dat is what killing riddims, which attracted Mavadowerefeaturedonthe D a n c e h a l l b e c a u s e creativity, and pointed out withthe Sleng Teng riddim, beingformedbyartists,who, many of Dancehall’s hottest sameproduction. Dancehall artiste is not that back in the day, artists this is after producer King as a consequence, refuse to artists and had a slew of hits, Prior to that, Zum had together,” the Girl Dem and producers would Jammy, following the voice on the same beats, or was Overproof. seen massive success his Sugar singer stated in a cooperate to ensure that no reception to Wayne Smith’s with producers they believe That beat, created by Money Mix juggling riddim recentOnstageinterview two songs on any beat Under Mi Sleng Teng, to be associated with their producers Justus Arison and in 2017, which gave “Dat(jugglingriddims)a sounded similar, as artists recorded a slew of singers camp’smusicalrivals. the late Patrick ‘Roach’ Dancehall fans a string of come from King Jammys would not mind their and deejays on the iconic A m o n g t h e m o s t Samuels of JA Productions, hits, the biggest of which dem, from Jack Scorpio compatriotslisteningtowhat beat, before other producers outstandingjugglingriddims featured songs from 25 was Masicka’s hit track 10 dem. Suh weh yuh think theyhadalreadyvoiced. could make knock-off over the last three decades singers and deejays, among Outta 10, followed by Echo Minott and Admiral He had also revealed that versions of the riddim, as were several from Dave them Mavado with Settle Yanique Curvy Diva’s Bailey dem and Shabba when he produced his Drop wasthetrendthen. Kelly’s Madhouse, among Down, Konshens with Bad Lifestyle and D’Angel and Rankin dem and all a dem Top riddim, he had reached Over the decades, them Pepper Seed in 1994; Gyal andKhago’s Tun Up Di Spice’s No Worries It also come through? Pan di out to some of the younger juggling riddims became Joy Ride and Buy Out also in Ting. featured Vybz Kartel’s Poco juggling riddim. When yuh artists to record on the beat responsible for a slew of 1996, Showtime in 1997 and In 2020, Montego Bay- Man Skank, Mavado’s Fresh listentoa80sjugglinriddim, and was told flatly that ‘dem crossover hits, among them, Bruck Out in1999. based producer Zum had Cash andShenseea’s Wine. yuh hear every man pan one don’t do jugglin’, because Beenie Man’s Who Am I riddim; yuh listen to a 90s perhaps they did not (Simma) and Girls Dem jugglin yuh hear every man “understand the power of Sugar, Tanto Metro and pan one riddim , ” he whatjugglindid”. Devonte’s Everyone falls in added. The Tight Up Skirt artist Love Sometime, Sean Paul’s

In February last year, had said though, that he Like Glue and Gimme Di veteran Dancehall artist and believed juggling riddims, Light, and Wayne Wonder’s music producer Red Rat had which took root began in the No Letting Go. contended in an interview early 1980s, could take back As Beenie Man posited, with DJ Kash, that some its once-dominant space as a over the last several years, veteran producers should featureofDancehall. concernshavebeenraisedby shoulder responsibility for The pattern for juggling producers and selectors, the decline in the number of riddims was set in Jamaica about the various ‘camps’ the genre’s juggling riddims, the production of which is now few and far between, as artists steer away towards solobeats.

Red Rat had argued that the music producers, who were adept at the production of juggling riddims, ought nottohavestoppedchurning out the compilations, particularly since they were still in high demand by disc jockeys.

“I blame the producers that used to do it. Why dem stop? A Shams and a Dave Kelly and Tony Kelly. Why did you all stop? You shouldn’t stop because something new started. It shouldcontinue;Istilldoit,” the former Main Street artist hadsaid.

Red Rat had contended that juggling riddims helped artists to use up their

Beenie Man

Nike rhymes with spiky - and you’re saying all these wrong too

(THE GUARDIAN)Nike rhymes with “bike”, doesn’tit?Well,no,actually itrhymeswith“spiky”.Nike chairman Philip Knight has confirmedthecorrectwayto pronouncethebrand’sname, after two men sent him a letter asking him to circle either “Ni-ke” or “Ni-key” andanswerwhattheycalled “one of life’s big unansweredquestions”.

To celebrate, here’s a definitive guide to the pronunciation (not pronoun-ciation!)ofsomeother commonly mispronounced

brandnames. Hermès Nightmare: another Greek deity turned global brand.Obvious,isn’tit?You take “her”, add “me”, and put an “s” on the end. Put themtogetherandwhathave you got? “Her-mees”. Mais non, non, non! In fact, one dropsthe“h”,andsoundsthe “e” as in “dress”. Plus you needtosoundthesmorelike az:“Ermez”.

Givenchy

Howaboutthis?“Given” (nounoradjectiveor–ifyou prefer – the Irish

goalkeeper), plus “Chi” (as in tai chi) “Given-chi” Maisnon,again.Rather,one softens the “g”, sounds the second syllable as in “on” and softens the “chi” to “shi”. Ji-von-shee. How do weknow?Givenchy’sglumsounding footsoldiers say it thusinadsfortheirhigh-end scents.

Porsche Does this sound like the Shakespearean heroine (Portia)orlikethatthingthat keeps the rain off (porch)? More like the former – it definitely has two syllables,

and their official spokespeople confirm as much in their stupendously boringpromotionalvideos.

Adidas

Long “i” or short? Wars have been fought over less. Run DMC adjudicated on thisvexedissueyearsagoin theirstirringifhagiographic hip-hop paean to their footwear of choice “Adeee-das,” they sang. But, with respect, what do Run DMCknow?Thissideofthe pond, we wear trainers, not sneakers, and keep that “i” niceandshort.Who’sright? There is no Nike-like ruling

eye-wateringly tedious promo films. That sounds unprepossessing and pretty stupid, but no more so than “Sih-NECK-doh-kee”, whichishowyoushouldsay synecdoche should the occasion arise Which it won’t.

Audi

Remember American war hero and actor Audie Murphy?Meneither,buthis first name was pronounced “Or-dee”, which – quite possibly – has led to

confusion about the

pronunciation of the uninteresting motor car

syllablelikethewomanwho got banished with Adam from the Garden of Eden. Got it? “Eve san law-ron” (but don’t sound either “n” too strongly). There’s also this fun footage of a Frenchman making an oreille de cochon of trying to teaching English speakers how to say Yves Saint Laurent As he suggests, you could always justsayYSL.

MoëtetChandon

The “t” in Moët, somewhat counter intuitively, is sounded. The result should sound like

on the pronunciation of Adidas.

Saucony

Another trainer brand with a confusing name? You’dbetterbelieveit.Take a female pig, the thing you puticecreaminandthekind of appreciative noise Wallace makes when he’s had some fine Wensleydale cheese. Put them together: “Sow-cone-ee”. Nope. It’s more like “sock-a-nee”, say Saucony’s people in their

company It’s not pronounced “Or-dee”, but “Ow-dee” – imagine you’re a cowboy who drops his aitches if that’s any help. Whichitprobablyisn’t.

YvesSaintLaurent

Another day, another hard-to-pronounce French couture brand. You don’t get this sort of problem with Paul Smith. Here’s how to say it: drop all the terminal letters and say the first

“Mwet eh Shan-don” rather than “Mway e Shan-don”. Apparently one says it this waybecauseMonsieurMoët was of Dutch-German origin. The same doesn’t apply with rival champagne brandVeuveClicquot:don’t soundtheterminal“t”likea loser Don’t look at me like that–Idon’tmaketherules. Hope that helps. Next time on Pronunciation Today: does “scone” rhyme with“on”or“own”?

The Whizzing Roundabout

Zoey uses a wheelchair, but can't play on the playground equipment. Her friendsareheretohelp!

Zoeyisinawheelchair–“My legs don't work…” she tells people who ask. And Zoeycandomanythingsjust like all children, but not everything. Zoey goes to schoolandplaysmostofthe games, but not all of them. Zoeygoestotheplayground and that is the problem. She plays in the sand, she plays catch the ball and then she watches her friends on the swings, slides and roundabouts.

“Why aren't there any rides for Wheelie Kids? I wish, I wish…” Zoey tells hermother

“Whatridesdoyouwish, Zoey?” the lady sitting with hermotherbythesandasks.

“Slides and swings and roundabouts ” Zoey laughs.

“ B u t t h e r e a r e wheelchair roundabouts, you know,” the lady tells Zoeyandhermother

“But not in our park.” Zoeylooksaround…

Zoey's mother and the ladystarttotalk.“Grownup stuff, boring.” Zoey shakes herheadandshefinishesoff her Sand City, which starts her thinking swings and roundabouts again, until Daisyjoinsherandthe'Sand City'getsbiggerandbetter

OnthewayhomeZoey's Mom talks about the lady in the park “Nina, that's her name, thinks a wheelchair roundaboutwouldbeagreat thing for all the children. We're going to get one…” Zoey turned her head and laughed. “Are we?” And that's what happened, bit by bitbybit.

TheParkMansaid“Yes, butitcostslots…”

The mothers said “We'll askpeopletohelp…”

A sign went up. Zoey painted it with her friend Daisy

Help Zoey get her WheelchairRoundabout!

We need helpers and money Daisy's Dad found a Wheelchair Roundabout, not new but good, for sale. Zoey's Dad found helpers. TheLadyintheparkstarted collecting money for the roundabout…

“Oh.”saidtheParkMan. “Ican'tsaynonow,canI?If youcollecthalfofthemoney andeverybodyhelpstosetit up, then Zoey can have her wheelchairroundabout…”

In the next weeks there were Roundabout Parties in the park – cookies and juice forZoey'sRoundabout.And most people joined in and evengavealittleextra….

Daisy's Dad agreed a

price for the wheelchair roundaboutandanotherDad withapick-uptruckwentto collect it A Wheelchair Roundaboutneedsabighole toputitin….soawheelchair canrollonandrolloffeasily So, there was a 'dig a big round hole party' and the Park Man couldn't stop laughing.

“Zoey, do you know what you've started with your idea? I can hardly believeitmyself.”

And, bit by bit by bit –Zoey's Wheelchair Roundabout was ready The ParkMantesteditoutandit was time for the very last party Thebiggestparty!The Wheelchair Roundabout Party! Cookies and juicebut this time free. Bright balloons on the roundabout and Zoey's wheelchair A manfromtheTVcamewith a camera and the park was fullofchildrentohelpZoey test her whizzing roundabout.“Zoey,youhave to be the first to whizz around with your friends, I triedyesterday,anditisfine, but that doesn't count!” the ParkManlaughed.

And so, Zoey's Mom wheeled Zoey onto her own special roundabout. Daisy, Kitty and Sam her schoolfriendsjoinedin,four fit on… and who was going togiveitagreatbigspinning push?TheParkManlaughed “What did I get myself into?”AndtheTVmanmade a film of the first whizzing spin The wheelchair roundabout spun and spun, and everybody clapped, and Zoey laughed and laughed, spinning and whizzing and shedidn'twanttostopatall.

“I feel giddy, it's great, my very own whizzy

roundabout, I never would havedreamedit.”

ButZoey'sMomshouted “Stop,youdon'twanttospin too much, and let all the other children take a turn Zoey!”“Yes.” Zoey agreed

“I love my whizzing roundabout, but after all thosecookies,Ifeelatinybit sick,notagoodidea!”

Zoey's Mom laughed “Yes, wheelie kids can get sick on a whizzing roundabout, too, but Zoey please,nottoday,please!”

The Park Man laughed too and whispered to Zoey's Mom.“Thereisawheelchair swingandIhaveaplan,but, pleasepleasedon'ttellZoey yet,Ineedarest!”

QuilledHot Air Balloon Craft

This Quilled Hot Air Balloon Craft is perfect forkidsyoungandold!

Brilliant for exercising fine motor skills and encouragingcreativity

Materials 1. Quilling Papers. 2. Quilling tool. 3. Craft papers. 4. Glue. 5. Cardstock paper 6 Scissors.7.Pencil.

instructions

Step 1: Take a quilling strip of your desired colour

The length of the strip dependsonthesizeofthehot airballoon'sshape.ThestripI usedis5incheslong.

Step 2: Use the quilling tool to roll the strip into a quilled coil. Make sure the coilistight.

Step 3: Similarly, make morecolourfulcoils.

Step 4: Cut out the heart shapeusingthetemplate.

Step 5: Start gluing the quilledcoilsontheborderof

FUNWITHPOETRY

Helping Out

by Uncle Roy

theheartshape.

Step6:Gluequilledcoils allaroundtheheart'sborder

Step 7: Now make two loose coils and glue them insidetheheartshape.

Step 8: Fill up the heart shape by gluing one more loosecoilinsidetheheart.

Step9:Cutoutthehotair balloon's basket from the template.

Make a brown (the basket's colour) loose coil and glue it on the top corner ofthebasket.

Step10:Fillupthebasket withmorebrownloosecoils.

Step 11: First, prepare your card. Then glue the quilted heart on the top side ofthecard.

Step 12: Then leave a 3centimetregapandthenglue thebasketonthebottomside ofthecard.

Step 13:Take a black (or any coloured) quilling strip and glue it on the side of the hearttothesideofthebasket.

Step 14: Similarly, glue two more strips, one on the middle and one on the other side.That'sit,youhaveyour completed Quilled Hot Air BalloonCraft.

always try

It makes me feel so good When I make people happy, That I always try to do something To help someone daily.

I help my Mommy clean the house, And even wash the dishes, I help my brother with his homework, And brush my father's shoes.

I sometimes help the old folks next door To shop and clean their place, I share my lunch with one of my friends, It puts such a smile on her face.

of this

Develop your feeling of Acceptance in all areas of your life by this Sense of Belonging

To develop this vital sense of belonging within an environment which is safeandleadingtheminthe right direction, teenagers will need to involve themselves in the following threeareas:-

1.The creation of an accepting environment in whichtheyaresupportedby theirpeers.

Thiscanbeachievedby getting involved in organisations which are geared toward providing some service to themselves andtoothers.

As members of an organisation, all have the obligation to contribute towards achieving mutual understanding, acceptance andinclusionofallothers.It mustberememberedalways that other persons have the sameemotionalneedsaswe have and, as we must help them to satisfy these, awe willbeabletobenefitinthe sameway

Everyone must be treated as equals, even though some would be in positions of authority

M e m b e r s h i p o f a worthwhile organisation givesasenseofgrouppride

and increases this feeling of belonging.

Anytimeonefeelsapart of something larger than oneself, especially if one is doing his bit to keep it running, it enhances this sense and our personal worth.

Socialandemotional support is essential to the development of selfconfidence in every human being.

Forthoseadolescentsin whosehomesthissupportis l a c k i n g , b e c a u s e

parents/relatives are emotionally distant, harshly critical, abusive or neglectful, then it is

Sincerely make the effort to help others, and you will reap immense rewards when you see this helping to develop yourself.

Kakuro Puzzle

Ka k u r o puzzles are like a cross between a crossword and a Sudoku puzzle Insteadofletters,each block contains the digits1through9.

The same digit will never repeat withinaword.

If you add the digits in a word, the sum will be the number shown in the clue. Clues are shown on the left and right sides of “across” words, and on the top and bottom sides of “down”words.

Need some help? v i s i t krazydad.com/kakuro

What

Independence means to me

(by Uncle Roy)

WewillsooncelebrateIndependence Ofourcountrythatisnowfree; Wherebeforewewereruledbyothers, Wenowenjoynationalliberty.

Bythiswetaketheresponsibility Forourowncountry'sdevelopment, Fortakingcareofallofourpeople, SothatallGuyaneseenjoyunityandcontentment.

important that they get this brace from their peers in a healthymanner

Again,ifyouexperience any feelings of shame, lonelinessorsadness,itmay be necessary to look for pleasant and respectable friends,especiallywhohave similar experiences and whom you can trust, and discuss your mutual problems.

2. Make use of opportunities for social interaction.

This may already be takencareofincarryingout your obligations towards an organisation,butyouneedto purposelymakethetimefor strengthening the social relationships among your peers, keeping this within the bounds of proper conduct, and in an atmosphere of appreciation foreachindividual.

3. Develop supportive behaviour While competition is useful in getting the best out of us, if wearenotinthetopthirdof our group, we can be easily discouraged.

Whatcatersforeveryone is cooperative behaviour which makes us willingly contribute to the common goalsofourgroupandmake ourselves available to be of servicetoothers.

Thishelpstodevelopour character by instilling a senseofsocialresponsibility in contrast to only looking outforoneself.

By taking the steps to helpotherstobelong,weget thesatisfactionwhichcomes from being unselfish, and this serves to maintain this sense of belonging which is necessary for our personal development into a mature adult.

Soletuscelebratetogether, Whereverwemaybe, Andpraythatwewillalwayslive Inlove,peaceandharmony.

UNCLEROY Tellitto

Hello,readers, UncleRoyisagainaskingallofyoutotryinsome way to make a contribution to this page, and thus to the welfare of you and your fellow readers.This contribution can take any form that you feel would be valuable – an account of what is going on in your community and country, any advice you would like to pass on to your fellowteenreadersand,onabroaderlevel,anycommentor recommendation you would like to make to your fellow Guyanese.

Please remit same to my email –roypaul2002@yahoo.com, and be assured that your worthwhilecontributionwillhaveaprominentplaceonour

Solutions to last week’s

6 Ways to Wellbeing

Wellbeingisatermthatcoversmanydifferentareaswithin ourlives.Initssimplestformitcouldbedefinedassimply feelinggoodandbeingphysicallywell,weknowthough, throughexperience,thatwellbeingisnotassimpleasthat.To help,weusethesixwaystodevelopingandmaintaining wellbeing.

BeActive-Regularphysicalactivityisassociatedwith lowerratesofdepressionandanxietyacrossallagegroups. Exerciseisessentialforslowingage-relatedcognitivedecline andforpromotingwellbeing.

Whileitmayworkforsome,joiningagymisn'tfor everyone–butthereareplentyofotherwaystokeepfit!

Stepoutside.Cycle.Playagame.Garden.Dance. Exercisingmakesyoufeelgood.Mostimportantly,discovera physicalactivityyouenjoy;onethatsuitsyourlevelof mobilityandfitness.

KeepLearning-Continuedlearningthroughlifeenhances self-esteemandencouragessocialinteractionandamore activelifestyle.

Tokeepyourmindactive,whynotreadabook,completea crossword,visitamuseum,orwatchadocumentaryon somethingyouknownothingabout. Spendsometime learningaboutsomethingcompletelynewthatinterestsyou.

Trysomethingnew.Rediscoveranoldinterest.Signupfor thatcourse.Takeonadifferentresponsibilityatwork.Fixa bike.Learntoplayaninstrumentorhowtocookyour favouritefood.Setachallengeyouwillenjoyachieving. Learningnewthingswillmakeyoumoreconfident,aswellas beingfuntodo.

Give-Individualswhospendtimegivingtoothersarenot onlymorelikelytoratethemselvesashappy

Isthereaparticularcharityyousupportoradmire?

Charitiesalwaysappreciatethehelpofvolunteers.Perhaps youhaveaclosefriend,familymemberorcolleaguewhomay bestruggling.Ifso,whynottakethetimetoreachoutto them?Practicingrandomactsofkindness,orevensimply saying'thankyou'workswondersforyourwellbeing.

Dosomethingniceforafriend,orastranger Thank someone.Smile.Volunteeryourtime.Joinacommunity group.Lookout,aswellasin.Seeingyourself,andyour happiness,linkedtothewidercommunitycanbeincredibly rewardingandwillcreateconnectionswiththepeoplearound you.

Connect-Feelingclosetoandvaluedbyotherpeopleisa fundamentalhumanneedandsocialrelationshipsarecritical forpromotingwellbeingandprotectingourmentalhealthand resilience.Infact,accordingtoresearch,closerelationships withfriendsandfamilycanadduptosevenyearstoourlives –that'sthesamebenefitasgivingupsmoking!

Whetheryou'rearrangingtomeetsomeoneforcoffee, checkinginonthephone,orsendingalettertoyourlongdistancebestfriend,therearelotsofwayswecanstay connectedwithourlovedones.

Connectwiththepeoplearoundyou,withfamily,friends, colleaguesandneighbours.Athome,work,schoolorinyour localcommunity Thinkoftheseasthecornerstonesofyour lifeandinvesttimeindevelopingthem.Buildingthese connectionswithsupportandenrichyoueveryday

TakeNotice-Bypressingpauseonceinawhile,youcan strengthenandbroadenyourawareness.Beingawareofwhat istakingplaceinthepresentdirectlyenhancesyourwellbeing, andsavouringthemomentcanhelptoreaffirmyourlife priorities.

Heightenedawarenessalsoenhancesyourselfunderstandingandallowsyoutomakepositivechoicesbased onyourownvaluesandmotivations.Nexttimeyou'reoutin nature,takethetimetosavouryoursurroundingsandquite literally,breathe.Itmaybeanaturalbodilyfunction,butyou'd beamazedathoweasyitistoforgettotakeconsciousbreaths.

Becurious.Catchsightofthebeautiful.Remarkonthe unusual.Noticethechangingseasons.Savourthemoment, whetheryouareonatrain,eatinglunchortalkingtofriends. Beawareoftheworldaroundyouandwhatyouarefeeling. Reflectingonyourexperienceswillhelpyouappreciatewhat matterstoyou.

CareforthePlanet-Areyoudoingmorehomecooking? Tryingtoreduceyourplasticwaste?Walkingtotheshops insteadofdriving?Writedowneachtimeyoudosomethingto helpourplanetanduseitasaguidetocontinuetomake positivechanges,andencourageotherstodosotoo. https://www.mentalhealthresource.org.uk/6-ways-of-wellbeing

Young Entrepreneur

ByAllyiahAllicock

If you are looking to make

your cooking way easier with already prepared ingredientssuchasyourgingerand garlic,then‘FlavorMe’hasgotjust whatyouneed.

‘Flavor Me’ was created with the idea of making meal preparationfasterwhileatthesame timebringingthatnaturallyorganic flavortoyourfood.

You may have seen their products on the local shelves of some popular supermarkets but have you ever wondered how it all did came to be, or who is responsibleforitsmaking?

Well, ‘Flavor Me’ was one of the many businesses which got started during the pandemic. Its proprietor Itisha Primo, 29, in a recentinterviewwiththismagazine said the business was officially launched in March 2020 but was later re-launched in November 2021 after a short break with her nowco-owner,AndrewZephyr

She said what prompted her to start this business in the first place were the time-consuming tasks of having to blend or grate garlic and ginger every time she wanted to preparehermeals.

“I was home-cooking a lot during the pandemic. I love using garlic and ginger when preparing

my meals, but I hate the task of preparing the garlic and ginger when cooking. Because this increases the time it takes to preparemymeals.Iwantedtofind an easy way to make my cooking timeshorterwithoutleavingoutmy two favorite ingredients,” she explained.

Primo said then is when she decidedtoonedayhaveeverything prepared in advance, so the next time it would not take up as much time as it did to have her meals prepared.

According to Primo, in the processofdoingso,shethoughtof other persons who too think it is time-consuming to have to blend and grate all the time. “I am sure I am not the only person that hates the task of preparing garlic and ginger when cooking. Also due to the pandemic, I knew more people were using a lot of garlic and ginger,”sheshared.

Primo recalled that after making a few samples of grated garlicandginger,shestartedtosell to family and friends, and though the support from them was good, sheaddedthatwhenshedecidedto test the waters and showcase her products on Facebook, she was blown away by the amount of supportandfeedbackshegotfrom

personswhotriedherproducts.

After seeing persons’ reaction, she related “So, I decided to make thisintoabusiness,Icameupwith a name and began the task of getting ‘Flavor Me’ products into everyhome.”

Primo recalled that when she firststartedthisventure,herbiggest challenge was financing and managingit.

Sheexplainedthatthisbusiness shestartedwithhersavings.“Idid not have a clue how to run a business,Ijustwantedtomakethe productsandgetthemoutthere.So, becauseofmenotknowinghowto run a business, I mismanaged my financesandIhadtoputapauseon ‘FlavorMe’.”

Herbusinessthencamebackto life after she met a friend,Andrew Zephyr who already had a successfulbusinessofhisownand was interested in ‘Flavor Me’ and theconceptbehindit.

She said the two then in 2021 became business partners and relaunched‘FlavorMe’.

“Also, I decided I needed to learn how to run a business and managemyfinances.Hence,Itook a few classes and learned a few things from my business partner I am still learning how to not make the same mistakes again,” the

youngbusinesswomanadded.

As for the pandemic, Primo commented that it affected her ventureinaverypositiveway.She shared that it helped their business tremendouslybecausepeoplewere using ginger and garlic products a lottopreventthemandtheirfamily from getting sick, noting that the products were in high demand. “Also, I realized that ‘Flavor Me’ products were making consumers workinthekitcheneasier.”

With ‘Flavor Me’ offering products such as ginger and garlic pastes,pickledonions,garlicchilli oil,peppersauce,gratedgarlicand ginger, Primo said their long-term goals are to have a wider range of products that are healthy and organic for consumers. Also, they are aiming to one day be a householdnameworldwide.

Meanwhile, when asked what roleshethinksyoungentrepreneur playinoursociety,Primosaidthat theyareasignificantimpactinour country

According to her, “The role youngentrepreneursplayinsociety is to bring fresh new innovative ideas, such as the introduction of new ways to prepare and market products, that will make completing many cooking tasks easierandfaster.”

She added that what can be done in society to push small businesses further is helping to create an easier way for small business owners to access the finances they require to help with theirbusiness.

Our featured entrepreneur also suggested that free workshops and networking events can be held too so that young entrepreneurs would be able to have the knowledge to buildtheirbusinessesandmakethe public aware of their products. “Also to create incentives for supermarkets and shops to stock localproduceproducts,”sheadded. For persons interested in procuring ‘Flavor Me’ products, theyareavailableinsupermarkets suchas:BountyatitsKitty,Grove, Regent Street branches; at Massy at its Providence, Turkeyen, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara branches; DSL at its Sheriff Street, Diamond and Ruimveldt branches; Coss Cutter atitsSheriffStreetandFarm,East Bank Demerara branches; at Jermaine and Family Linden; at James and Son Line; and at the Guyana Shop located at Robb and AlexanderStreets,Bourda.

Persons can also contact telephone numbers (592) 6289336or695-4463.

Guyana's political Opposition showcases gross ineptitude on oil and gas matters

Gu y a n a ' s petroleumsector has changed the trajectory of this country, and has tremendously impacted the way the country operates If the sector is to develop in an accountable manner, it is therefore critical that there be an informed opposition that can hold the government's feet to the fire onhowtheresourceisbeing managed.Thusfar,Guyana's political opposition has yet torisetotheoccasion.

TheOfficeoftheLeader of the Opposition holds weekly press conferences w i t h a p a n e l o f representatives led by Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton.

While the Leader is extremely critical of the administration, he is yet to prove that the opposition, often regarded as the government in waiting, has the aptitude to address variousoilandgasmatters.

The most recent press conference is an example of this. After the Opposition read a series of press statements last Thursday, and fielded questions on the content of those matters which included poultry economics,themediasought tosolicitcommentsfromthe Leader on various oil matters.Insteadofproviding an in-depth view of their policypositions,Nortonand his team, including his Economic Advisor, Elson Lowe and Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, repeatedly maneuvered away from addressing critical questions They spent s w a t h e s o f t i m e continuously pivoting away from the questions posed, and displayed a worrying lack of knowledge of the oil issues they chose to introduce into the conversation.

The first question asked by a Kaieteur News journalist was for the thoughtsoftheLeaderonthe government's recent approval of Exxon's fifth project.

Lowe, to whom Norton deferred the question, said, “We've seen yet another approval of a project.This comeswithinthecontextof the ongoing court case regarding coverage, full liabilitycoverageforinthe event of any oil spill offshore Guyana And really what one would

think is that given that we're looking at yet another approval, the government would be in a strongpositiontoadvocate f o r G u y a n a ' s environmental rights and to ensure that our country's interests are protectedinthisparticular case. Of course, the governmenthasgoneinthe otherdirection...”

This opening response broke open the floodgates for various members of the oppositionpaneltochimein and talk about the matter of oil spill liability, and not the fifthproject'sapproval.

For 17 minutes, the Opposition representatives bounced aimless thoughts offeachotherconcerningthe matter of liability for an oil spill,andevencostrecovery

Realising the question was not answered; Kaieteur News sought to more pointedly ask the Leader what he thought of the fifth project of Exxon being approved under the current terms, and whether projects should continue to be approved with the current fiscalregime.

Nortonsaidhethoughtit was a good opportunity for Guyanatogetmorebenefits. He also gave a brief lecture on how multinational companies operate, but chosenottogiveadefinitive position on what to do with the Stabroek Block production sharing agreement(PSA).Thisisthe same PSA that has been heavilycriticisedforthepast seventoeightyears.

with Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, a reporter poses a question about upgrades to the National Psychiatric Hospital at New AmsterdamandtheMinister suddenlystartstalkingabout heartdisease.

T h e o p p o s i t i o n representatives also demonstrated daunting ignorance about oil and gas matters which have been widely reported on For example, in his random comment on cost recovery, Mahipaul remarked that there is no mechanism in place to verify what goes into oil companies' cost banks.

Readers will remember thatfirmswerehiredtoaudit Stabroek Block precontracts costs, and expensesleadingupto2020. Norton, in adding his two cents, said that no capacity building is being done on this front that would allow Guyana to monitor This is not true either It has been wellventilatedthatthemost recent contract award for cost audits includes a clause for capacity building of Guyanese auditors The government has also indicated that work is ongoingtobuildthecapacity of auditors and accountants of the Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA).

andwhenweareready,we are going to- we are a politicalparty. We will head to an election. We have to time when we say what. And when we begin to do our election campaign, etc., we

will state clearly what is it we intend to do, how we intend to do it, and what changes we think are needed in certain areas.

LikeIjustsignaledtoyou, we see no problem in a proper system of ring-

fencing.”

While the opposition refuses to give policy positions on critical oil and gasmatters,asitwaitsforthe 2025 election, the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration has just approved the fifth oil project.

The 6th project is currently in the application stage,andthegovernmentis likelytoreviewandapprove itearlynextyear

By 2025, Guyana will become the world's largest producer of crude per capita and a global powerhouse in theenergyindustry

In the same year, Guyanese are expected to know the stance of the political opposition on matters crucial to proper governance of this trilliondollarsector

conference

He said the party will discuss and agree on a response internally then come forward Again, severalmembersoftheparty hijacked the question to makerandomisedcomments on oil matters. One can imagine the absurdity if, during

Journalists from Kaieteur News and another media houses continued to pose questions about specific oil and gas matters, but the Leader refused to give concrete positions on anything. Lowe eventually addressedthequestionofthe approval of the 5th project, explaining that the oppositionprefersapprovals to be spaced out so that Guyanacanbuildcapacityto monitor

To the other substantive questions, Norton said, “We have looked at these issues

Works on new US$260M Demerara River Bridge progressing

DPI - Construction has commenced and is moving apace on the highlyanticipated US$260 million Demerara River Bridge, whichwillreplacethecurrent bridge that has outlived its spanbysome40plusyears.

With a timeline of two years set by the government, this landmark infrastructure when completed, will alleviate traffic congestion onbothsidesoftheriver

The project is being conductedbyChinaRailway Construction Corporation Limited, and is currently at thepiledrivingstage.

The announcement was made by Minister of Public

Works,BishopEdghillonthe sidelinesofaneventhostedat theMarriottHotelonFriday

“Wearegoingtoactually see a ramping up of pile driving in the actual river because the contractor is right now creating an area where you will have to cordon off to be able to start doing actual physical construction,”heupdated.

Minister Edghill said the construction team has already completed the driving of piles to establish four concrete batching plants,twoontheeasternside andtwoonthewesternside. These plants will play a vital role in providing a

constructionprocess.

Theprocesswilladvance furtherwiththearrivalof250 containers of steel, which will be used to construct a temporary bridge along the alignment where the permanent bridge will eventuallybelocated.

This temporary structure will serve as a base for the construction of the main bridge, enabling the project tomoveforwardsmoothly

Minister Edghill emphasised that the government is holding the contractor accountable for

delivering the project within thestipulatedtime.

“So work is progressing and we are holding them to the deadline so that engagement is continuing,” theministerstated.

This commitment ensuresthatprogressremains steady, and any potential obstacles are promptly addressed.

With such an approach, the new Demerara River Bridge is on track to becoming a significant addition to Guyana's infrastructurallandscape.

The new crossing will have a positive impact on economic activity allowing

for improved movement of goods.

It will also create new opportunities for further

u r b a n i s a t i o n a n d development, attracting investment and stimulating growth.

Thenewhybriddesigned bridge will feature a modern four-lane structure (two carriageways), cycle lane, witha2.65kilometreslength, drivingsurfaceofabout23.6 metres or 77.8 feet, with a lifespanofsome100years.

Stakeholders, citizens team up for National Clean-up Campaign

DPI-PresidentIrfaanAli on Saturday once again spearheaded the National Clean-up Campaign on Saturdaytoaddresstheissue of littering and promote a cleanerenvironment.

The initiative aims to rally the nation together, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in keeping the country clean with various stakeholders and citizens actively participating.

Thecampaignhasgained significantmomentumandis making a tangible difference in communities across the country The involvement of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF),particularlytheCoast Guard, highlights the commitment of military personnel to the goal of the campaign.

Commander David Shamsudeen, a Coast Guard Officer, emphasised the importance of setting an example and discouraging litteringamongcitizens.

“We don't want to condone littering in Guyana and I think we as military persons, want to set that example. We want to tell the nation that this is something that we should not condone. This is something that every Guyanese should get on board and try as much as possible to deal with this situation,”henoted.

The Coast Guard has dedicated a team of officers to clean up specific areas, working to remove garbage and enhance the cleanliness oftheirsurroundings.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to several participants

who expressed support for the clean-up exercise and encouraged citizens to m a i n t a i n a c l e a n environment.

Lieutenant Lucas Singh, commanding officer of the Martin Law Enforcement Department, said “We are doing our part as the Coast Guard to ensure that our environment is clean. We could instil some sort of sense of pride in the community and do our part by maintaining a healthy environment.”

He urged people to maintain the environment as the country continues to e x p e r i e n c e r a p i d development.

“WhatIwouldliketosee is that cleanliness is maintained.Andthat,people, have this sense of pride that theydon'tdumpgarbage,use the bins, and just maintain a healthy environment and our country looks good, as we develop,”hesaid.

LieutenantAndreKwang emphasised the significance of cleanliness and its correlationwithwell-being.

“Asamilitaryofficer,we a r e v e r y k e e n o n cleanliness… and it's very hard to see the amount of garbage sometimes on the road. So, we're here, or I'm here personally to make sure that we play our part as a citizen in the clean-up of Guyana.Ofcourse,weknow cleanliness is close to godliness.”

Meanwhile, Minister withintheMinistryofPublic Works Deodat Indar highlightedthegovernment's strongcommitmenttothe (Continuedopnpage70)

From page 16 suspension or cancellation w h i c h w i l l h a v e a catastrophic effect on n a t i o n a l f u n d s f o r development and also the private sector which supports the activities on the saidLiza1and2fields.

Justice Sandil Kissoon ordered the EPA to issue an Enforcement Notice to EEPGL and its parent company, ExxonMobil to ensure it provides unlimited parentcompanyguaranteeto safeguard Guyana against the devastating effects of an oilspillbyJune10.

American businessman bids US$90M for profitable Marriott Hotel – Guyanese consortium comes in second with US$86.1M

American businessman, Integrated Group Guyana ofthehotel. was reported that the US whatever purpose is Ramy El-Batrawi, has Limited,headedbyPrashad. The Vice President made body had filed fraud charges determined.” submitted a new proposal of At the Bid Opening, theannouncementduringhis in 2006 against Ramy El- Notably, a decision by US$90 million to purchase representativesofonebidder party’s press conference, Batrawi, and others arising the former administration the profitable Guyana were physically present, explaining that the out of US$130 million stock has resulted in US$1.1 Marriott Hotel, with his lone while a representative of the government went to tender loan and manipulation million ($226 million) of challengerRavindraPrashad other attended virtually via testingthemarketbut,“none scheme. taxpayers’ dollars coming biddingUS$86.1million. ZoomVideoConference. of the bids meet our price Notably, while El- out every six months (since O n M a y 2 , t h e decline occurred in just a Mr. Sharma, Company expectation, and we will not Batrawi never accepted 2017) to service the US$27

Government of Guyana matteroftwoweeks.

Secretary & In-House proceed with any of those wrongdoings, in April 2010 million loan from the bank –(GOG)informedsixbidders, K a i e t e u r N e w s ’

Attorney of NICIL Arianne bids.” thefinaljudgmentresultedin for a 13-year period. This X, LLC owned by Batrawi independent checks also McLean, and Manager of The Vice President him being barred from was after the hotel was (US$65 million), Integrated showed that the stock price

Internal Audit and Risk assured that the hotel will running a public company unable to service the loan. In Group Guyana Limited, wasUS$115twodaysbefore Management of NICIL, continue to be owned by the for five years This order to prevent the hotel headed by Prashad (US$55 the May 3 judgment but then Naresh Balkaran were government until an publication had also from being acquired by the million), Robert Badal, slipped to US$105 after the present at the Bid Opening appropriateofferthatmirrors highlighted that El-Batrawi b a n k , t h e f o r m e r owner of the Pegasus Hotel rulingwasissued. Meeting.Thetenderboxwas the true value of the hotel is visited Guyana twice last Government in April 2017 ( U S $ 5 5 5 m i l l i o n ) , Westervelt’s report also opened in the presence of all received.“Weknowwhatthe year, October 2022, and made the decision to transfer Georgetown Investments quotes Chief Executive andthebidswereopenedand true value will be in the November 2022 The the hotel’s financial and Management Services Officer (CEO) and president read aloud in the presence of current contexts So that American businessman had obligations to the Central Inc.(PrincessHotel)(US$50 o f t h e C e n t e r f o r all present. The bidders and matter should be put to rest, praised the time he spent Government. However, VP million), NCB Capital International Environmental their respective bids were thatwewillnotproceedwith with President Irfaan Ali Jagdeo stated that while in MarketsLimited,aJamaican Law, Carroll Muffett on the recorded, signed and any of the bids, because we duringhisvisitstoGuyana. Opposition, the People’s Company headed by Steve significance of the case for acknowledged by the believe that they are too low One month later, NICIL Progressive Party (PPP) Gooding (US$33 million), the industry He said lawyers bidderswho werepresent,as based on the value of that a n n o u n c e d t h e administration was opposed and Muneshwers Limited, from around the world well as the Representatives asset now and its capacity to Government’s decision to to the hotel’s financial owned by Amarnauth fighting similar matters are ofNICIL. earn,”Jagdeocontinued. sellthehotel.InMarch2023, obligationbeingtransferred. Muneshwer(US$25million) looking to the case for Kaieteur News had The Marriott Hotel Jagdeo revealed that despite that their initial bids were inspiration Muffett is reported that given the new started, under the Jagdeo the criticism the hotel faced Thursday - May 18, 2023 rejected, because the bids quoted in the piece saying, p r e r e q u i s i t e , l o c a l administration when he was when the construction was were too low and did not ”Lawyers from around the businessman and owner of President, using taxpayers’ announced – the hotel has Justice Kissoon’s reflect the true value of the world who are fighting oil the Pegasus Hotel, Robert dollarsandwithasyndicated emerged as a profitable landmark ruling plunges hotel. The Government then and gas, off the coasts of Badal, had pulled out of the loan through the Republic venture,butjustifiedthesale ExxonMobil’s stock price invited the bidders to make a southern Africa, off the race. Badal, was among the Bank Limited of Trinidad of the hotel by stating that it by nearly 12 % new proposal for the hotel coast of Mozambique, and six who had submitted their and had opened its doors on wasabusinessdecision. …Int’l lawyers monitoring but with a minimum bid in other places in the proposal to NICIL and he April17,2015.

In fact, the VP said case for precedent in priceofUS$85million. Caribbean are going to be was also the second highest Under the syndicated during a press conference ongoing insurance matters

The deadline for the looking at this decision bidderwithabidofUS$55.5 loan agreement, the thatwhilethehotelismaking submission the new bid was and, paying close attention million When contacted, preferred rights go to those a profit, it is of no supreme A comprehensive onTuesdayMay16,2023.In to whether the financial Mr Badal explained that he investors – meaning that in benefit to the Government analysis published yesterday astatementissuedyesterday, guarantees being provided has already submitted his the event of the hotel being owning it anymore. Jagdeo by British daily newspaper, Chief Executive Officer in other oil and gas best bid price for the hotel. unable to service the loan – continued by saying that The Guardian, noted that (CEO) of National Industrial e x p l o r a t i o n a n d As such, he noted he will not the unknown investors within a few years several ExxonMobil Corporation’s a n d C o m m e r c i a l developmentpermitsareat be inclined to proceed any would have the first lien on hotels are expected to come stock price dropped by more Investments Limited anequivalentlevel.” further theproceedsofanysale. on stream and in order to than US$10 following the (NICIL), Mr Radha Krishna

The Guardian report also Several days after the six Kaieteur News had avoidcompetition,thisisthe landmark ruling by Justice Sharma, disclosed that only noted that Justice Kissoon’s bidders submitted their highlighted that the hotel’s best time to maximise the Sandil Kissoon ordering the two of the six initial bidders ruling promoted two new proposals, Vice President top bidder was barred by the profitandsellthehotel. oil giant to provide Guyana have resubmitted their shareholder resolutions that Bharrat Jagdeo announced United States Securities and According to Jagdeo, the with an unlimited parent proposals for the acquisition are to be heard and voted on that the “bids are too low” Exchange Commission proceeds of the sale is to be guaranteeforoilspills.Inthe oftheKingston,Georgetown at ExxonMobil’s annual and added that the (SEC) back in 2010 from used, “to clear off the article authored by award hotel. The two bidders are shareholders’ meeting on government will not proceed acting as an officer or remaining loan and some of winning journalist and BatrawitheownerofX,LLC May31,2023.Thereport withthesaleofthehoteluntil director of a public company it will come back to the podcaster, Amy Westervelt, and local consortium, (Continued on page 66) thebidreflectsthetruevalue for a period of five years. It Treasury to be used back for shesaidthenearly12percent

American businessman, Ramy El-Batrawi

CEO of NICIL, Radha Krishna Sharma

Guyana Marriott Hotel

From page 65 deepwaterdrilling. beenandcontinuestobethat company’s settlement with states thatone proposal from K a i e t e u r N e w s the Permit Holder is individuals who filed a shareholder group seeks to previously reported that the exclusively and solely m e d i c a l c l a i m s compel Exxon to conduct a landmark ruling by Justice responsible for all such immediately after the study on the impacts of a Sandil Kissoon was issued liabilities arising from its accident could cost BPwell worst-case scenario spill on on May 3, 2023 after it was o p e r a t i o n s w i t h o u t into the future, with more Guyana and 12 other first filed last year limitationorexception. recent lawsuits filed by Caribbean territories September by the legal team Expounding further, hundreds of individuals Another shareholder for Frederick Collins and Justice Kissoon noted that with late-occurring health proposal also seeks to Godfrey Whyte. They were Condition 14 of the permit effectsstillpending.” ascertain an actuarial successful in getting the titled Financial Assurance Taking the foregoing assessment of the potential court to declare that and Liability for Pollution pointsintoconsideration,the cumulative risk to Exxon ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Damage provides at: 14:1 g r o u p c a l l e d f o r from current environment- Exploration and Production that: The Permit Holder is shareholders to vote for its related litigation against the Guyana Limited (EEPGL) liable for all costs proposal on May 31, 2023 at company and its affiliates, was not in compliance with associated with clean up, the Annual Shareholders including the recent ruling, the insurance provisions of r e s t o r a t i o n a n d Meeting which will demand which is one of seven cases its Liza Phase One Permit, compensation for any transparency on the the company is facing here. which requires an unlimited damages caused by any liabilities and risks (The full Guardian analysis parentguaranteeforoilspills d i s c h a r g e o r a n y emanating from the Guyana by Westervelt can be intheStabroekBlock. contaminant including the operations.

the EPA, to unilaterally, spill. Failure to comply with accessed via this link: The EPA had argued in cost of all investigations

The group said asset arbitrarily and unlawfully the court order would result https://www theguardian co court that the country is into pollution incidents or managers and other cap its unlimited liability in the suspension of the m/world/2023/may/17/coul poised to receive a US$2B discharge of contaminants fiduciaries that seek to andfinancialassurance.” Company’s environmental d-guyanas-exxon-ruling- parent guarantee from conducted at the instance exercise due diligence in Justice Kissoon has permit. scare-big-oil-off-risky- Exxon. But Justice Kissoon oftheAgency managing portfolio risks given the EPA and EEPGL The investor group also exploration.) had said that even then, Justice Kissoon also would be well advised to uptoJune10tocomplywith urged shareholders to

Separately, Westervelt EEPGL would still be in ruled that, “Condition 14:01 vote in favour of this his order The EPAalso has a observe the court’s finding shared with Kaieteur News breach of its permit doesnotcontainanywordor proposal. pending appeal on the thatEEPGL“wasengagedin that Steve Coll an American obligations. term of limitation upon judgment set for hearing and a disingenuous attempt journalist, academic and J u s t i c e K i s s o o n liability, quantum of costs,

Aubrey Norton waiting on decisiononMay29,2023. which was calculated to award-winning writer was categorically stated that the quantum of damages nor general election to reveal deceive when it sought to interviewed about Exxon’s Liza Phase One Permit restrictions on the his plans for oil sector Friday - May 19, 2023 dilute its liabilities and operations in Guyana. He carries a confluence of circumstances of release or settled obligations stipulated alluded that Guyana is measures, specifically at d i s c h a r g e n o r o n

The Leader of the Shareholders to and expressed in clear increasing in its importance Condition 14 which containment nor restriction Opposition, Aubrey Norton challenge Exxon to unambiguous terms” in the toExxon.Collsaid,“Aplace stipulates and imposes full, on the sphere of adverse is reluctant to disclose any come clean on oil spill L i z a P h a s e O n e like Guyana where they’re complete and unlimited effects caused directly or plans relating to the risks in Guyana in view of environmentalpermit. onthehookfor25percentof liability upon the Permit indirectly.” managementoftheoilsector Justice Kissoon’s ruling The investor group said their production, that’s Holderforanydischargeof Justice Kissoon said the at this time. He said his the decision affirms that the actually leverage because any contaminant into the unlimited liability which is strategy will be revealed An investor group called p a r e n t c o m p a n y ’ s they can’t afford to lose that environment and for all exclusively that of EEPGL, closertoelections. Mercy Investment Services obligations under the much daily liquids costs of clean up, is by no means unusual in Norton gave this has disseminated Justice environmental permit production ” In essence, restoration and any any sense. Considering all explanation on Thursday Sandil Kissoon’s landmark require it to assume Guyana more than has the damages all of which the submissions, Justice during his weekly press ruling to ExxonMobil unlimited liability for all right and the increasing constitute legitimate Kissoon ruled that, ”It is conference, while being Corporation’s shareholders costs of “clean up, power/leverage to demand liabilities under the simply not open to the pressed by Kaieteur News’ forurgentconsideration. r e s t o r a t i o n a n d that its environment is Permit. The Judge said the Permit Holder to say it is reporters to reveal some of

The group believes that compensation for any properly protected from the norm or standard in relation engaged in a frolic of its the changes he would like to the judgment is a serious damages caused by a dangers that come with toactivitiesofthisnaturehas own, aided and abetted by seeintheindustry cause for concern as it has d i s c h a r g e o r a n y According to him, “we ordered the provision of an contaminant.” It also took have looked at these issues unlimited parent guarantee note of the court’s and when we are ready, we for oil spill operations pronouncement that the are going to we are a offshoreGuyana. existing guarantee to the political party, we will head

The group also brought extent of US$2 billion from to an election, we have to to the attention of Exxon “does not fulfill the time when we say what and shareholders, certain key obligation” of the permit or when we begin to do our observations about the May even what is “considered election campaign etcetera, 3, 2023 ruling. The investor environmental liability wewillstateclearlywhatitis group highlighted that insurance as is customary in we intend to do; how we Justice Kissoon’s ruling the international petroleum intend to do it and what outlined that ExxonMobil industry.” changes we think are needed failed to comply with the The group further noted, insomeareas.”

Financial Assurance “For the company to Opposition Leader, obligation stipulated in its provide an unlimited Aubrey Norton environmentalpermitforthe P a r e n t C o m p a n y In the meantime, Norton Liza Phase One Permit. The Guarantee Agreement to wouldonlysaythathewould group also pointed out to Guyana clarifies the scope like to see the current shareholdersthatbyJune10, of material liabilities that Stabroek Block projects be 2023 ExxonMobil as the c o u l d f a l l u p o n ring-fenced. parent company of the ExxonMobil from these When further pressed by Guyana subsidiary, Esso o p e r a t i o n s F o r the newspaper to explain Exploration and Production comparison, estimates what exactly is preventing Guyana Limited (EEPGL) suggesttheBPMacondooil h i m f r o m s h a r i n g must provide unlimited spill has cost BP and its information regarding insurance coverage to drilling partners at least aspects of the contract he safeguard Guyana against US$71 billion to mitigate wantsadjusted,thathasbeen the “grave potential danger the disaster’s effects. Even publicly criticized over the and consequences to the this figure may continue to years,hemaintainedthat State and citizens” of an oil increase over time, as the (Continued on page 67)

Justice Sandil Kissoon

From page 66 his positions are again…I am very

conference warned that the court’s these will be revealed at the right confused because they don’t seem ruling that the EPA must secure time. to have a clear position on any unlimited parent guarantee from

“As a party, we are working on issue, except to parrot what other Exploration and Production our policy position. While the people are saying but when Guyana Limited (EEPGL) parent newspaper has a right to ask cornered, don’t have any original c o m p a n y, E x x o n M o b i l whichever question it wants, as a thought or a clear position on any Corporation could hurt investors’ party, we have a right to time when matter.” confidence and deter future we respond to achieve the Jagdeo said it is still unclear as investmentsinthecountry’soiland objectives that we need to achieve to whether the Opposition wants to gasindustry and so the party at some stage, and renegotiate the terms of the Also, on the evening the ruling not very far, will present a Stabroek Block PSA, whether was handed down, Attorney comprehensive policy position on comments will be submitted on the General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC theenvironmentonoilandgas,”he new PSA and if the party has issued a statement signaling the explained. anythingtoshareinthisregard. government’s intention to appeal

Norton noted that the same will Jagdeo argued, “They have no the ruling, also saying that, “This be done for health and education, policy-makingcapacity.” ruling can have profound since “…as a political party, you ramifications and grave economic havetobestrategicandtactical.”

Saturday - May 20, 2023 and other impacts on the public

He added, “We will determine i n t e r e s t a n d n a t i o n a l the strategy for ourselves. We Exxon paid bill for independent development…” understand that newspapers have consultant who provided US$2B

In response, Dr Adams shared aninterestthattheywantthingsthat parent company guarantee that he recently read in the media will sell it but we also understand estimate for Guyana thecommentsthatweremadeabout that we have a constituency and we

Oil and Gas Industry He said, “We and liabilities of its operations the impact the court’s ruling could have to first of all educate them Head of Esso Exploration and are also doing a follow up study whichcouldaffectnotonlyGuyana have. before we actually say to the world Production Guyana Limited which uses the UK standards and but 12 other Caribbean nations. “Are you telling me that a [ourplans].” (EEPGL), Alistair Routledge has whichispartofsomeofthehighest That challenge is expected to company that gonna come in

While the Opposition Leader is confirmed that his company paid standardsintheworld.” manifest by way of two proposals Guyana to explore for oil, and adamant that his plans to adjust the the bill for the independent Routledge added, “…We paid come May 31 at Exxon’s Annual because it’s a requirement for them Stabroek Block deal will be consultant that was used to forthebillfortheconsultantbutthe ShareholdersMeeting. to take care of any damages that revealed later, the party is also yet determine how much its parent work has been done and very they have incurred they’re not to share its comments on the two c o m p a n y, E x x o n M o b i l t r a n s p a r e n t l y f o r t h e Stand up for the people, not a gonnawanttocomein,”Dr Adams model Production Sharing Corporation, should give Guyana Environmental Protection company looking to exploit asked. Agreements (PSAs) that will to cover oil spill costs That Agency…” Guyana’s resources – Dr. According to him, the talks g o v e r n f u t u r e o ff s h o r e consultant determined that US$2B Routledge also noted that the VincentAdams tells Govt. about discouraging investors, is development projects in other oil is sufficient enough to serve as a documents pertaining to the justatactic. blocks. parentguarantee. US$2B insurance guarantee are In response to claims made by He explained that while at the Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo That sum complements a being finalized with the other the Government of Guyana (GoG) EPA, and before the change of has called out the Opposition on US$600M package that has been partners on the block, namely Hess that the recent court ruling by government, he was working on whathebelievesisa“lazy”attitude providedtoGuyanabyEEPGL. Corporation and CNOOC, and will Justice Sandil Kissoon could cause securing a parent company being portrayed by the political During a press conference soonbeprovidedtotheEPA. harm to the momentum of the guarantee from Exxon, before the group. Jagdeo during his press yesterday at its Kingston Office, He was also keen to note that investment in the country’s oil and EPA approved another Stabroek conference yesterday again chided Routledge said the estimate was the company’s position is that this gas sector – Former Executive Blockprojectfortheoilcompany theLeaderoftheOppositionforthe provided by an independent expert is a sufficient sum for a parent Director of the Environmental He assured that Exxon was laxapproach. that does this kind of work on a guaranteethatcoverscrediblecosts Protection Agency (EPA), Dr aware of the deal that they were

He said, “Norton again, on the global basis while using standards pertaining to an oil spill. Routledge Vincent Adams, has called on the abouttosign.“Exxonknewthedeal oil and gas side, I don’t know what that are applied in the Australian said the company firmly disagrees government to stand up to its moral theyweresigninghowcomewedid with the demands of a recent court responsibility to the citizens, rather not discourage them when they ruling for an unlimited parent than worrying about discouraging signed up for the parent company guaranteeagreement. investors from a company that guarantee? How come they didn’t

That ruling was handed down “wantstoexploitourresources.” refuse and say well okay you know on May 3, 2023 by Justice Sandil On Friday, Dr Adams, a whatI’mgonnaleave…”headded. Kissoon in relation to a case filed memberoftheAllianceForChange The former EPA head argued last September by two Guyanese. (AFC), made the aforementioned that as a Guyanese, he would tell Justice Kissoon had disregarded statement during the Party’s press the oil companies “we don’t need copies of unsigned documents conference. you,”claimingtheyarejustcoming pertaining to the US$2B parent Vice President (VP) Bharrat to Guyana to get rich, destroying guarantee. He categorically stated Jagdeo, during his recent press thecountryintheprocess. inhisrulingthattheLizaPhaseOne Environmental Permit calls unequivocally for an unlimited parent guarantee agreement, adding that anything less leaves EEPGLanditspartnersinbreachof thepermit.

He has since given EEPGL as well as the EPAto comply with the provisions of the permit by June 10 or see its suspension. Both parties have since appealed the case, the judgment for which is expected in May29.

Internationally, the ruling has hadasignificantimpactonExxon’s stock price. It plunged by 12 percentinrecentweekstoUS$105.

ExxonMobil shareholders have alsotakennoteoftherulingandare poised to challenge the oil giant to comecleanaboutthepotentialrisks

ExxonMobil Guyana Head, Alistair Routledge

Joint Services to vote in LGE on June 2

Eligible members of the Joint local democratic organs. Local Services will on Friday, June 2, democratic organs which include 2023 vote in the upcoming Local Neighbourhood Democratic Government Elections (LGE) C o u n c i l s ( N D C s ) a n d Local Government Elections are municipalities provide a link scheduledforJune12,2023. between the central government

A Gazetted Order was released andcommunities. on Saturday outlining the various

They are responsible for polling stations in which eligible assessingtheneedsofresidentsand officers and ranks of the Joint ensuring development at the Services, which includes the communitylevel. Guyana Police Force (GPF),

This includes implementing Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and enforcing local laws such as Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and building codes, zoning regulations, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), a n d b u s i n e s s l i c e n s i n g willbeallowedtovote. requirements, maintaining roads

In the meantime, members of and public spaces, and waste the Joint Services have begun management,amongothers. participating in the training

LGEs are therefore important, sessions to better handle any as they allow citizens to have a situationthatmightariseduringthe direct say in who will represent upcomingelections. them and make decisions on their

Members of the Joint Services who are participating in the training exercise (Guyana Police Force)

The possible scenarios will be behalf at the local level. It also discussed and tested in Regional givescitizensavoiceinshapingthe PoliceDivisions4A(Georgetown), policies and priorities of their B (East Coast Demerara), and C community and ensures that local (EastBankDemerara). Headquarters,EveLeary Superintendent Mahendra Singh, increased joint services presence in government officials are held

As such, this past week, Among those present were Commander 4B and Deputy various regions as it is pertinent in responsiblebytheirconstituents members of the Joint Services Assistant Commissioner Simon Director of Prisons (ag), Kevin the lead up to the elections set for Eligible voters will cast their Training Committee conducted a McBean, Commander 4A; Pilgrim. July12,2023 ballots for representatives within Command Post Exercise 1/2023 at Assistant Commissioner Khali Members of the public are LGEs are necessary for the the country’s 10 municipalities and the Police Officers’ Mess, Police Pareshram,Commander4C;Senior being advised to not be alarmed by appointmentofpersonsinchargeof 70NDCs.

DIGICEL Guyana Scoops 3 Ookla Speed Test Award for Best Network in Guyana

DigicelGuyanahasbeen downloadspeeds. confidenceincustomers,validating reliable internet connectivity, the company’s daily operations, recognized by Ookla, Gregory Dean, the CEO of their decision to choose Digicel as enabling them to leverage and Ookla’s recognition of

the global leaders in Digicel Guyana, expressed his their preferred network provider advanced digital technologies and Digicel’s Fastest Mobile Network, internet testing and analysis, for satisfaction with this achievement, Dean credited the tireless efforts empower their operations. With its Best Mobile Coverage, and Best offering its customers in Guyana emphasizing the company’s and unwavering dedication of robust infrastructure and high- MobileNetworkawardsservesasa the Fastest Mobile Network, Best commitment to providing Digicel’s exceptional teams speed capabilities, FibreX offers testament to the collective hard Mobile Coverage, and Best Mobile customers with the best network throughout the region for this businesses the necessary tools to workofallstaffmembers. Network. experience. accomplishment. thriveintoday’sdigitalera. ItisalsoatestamenttoDigicel’s

Thisacknowledgementisbased Dean highlighted Digicel’s Moreover, Digicel has Dean also reaffirmed Digicel’s unwavering dedication to enabling on Ookla’s Speedtest testing data continuous investments in network introduced FibreX, its cutting-edge promise to customers, which is to its customers to fully embrace and for the period from July to infrastructuretoensurethedelivery fiber optic network, to further offer the best network with enjoy their digital lives through December 2022, which showcased ofsuperiorservices. revolutionize the connectivity unparalleled coverage across Digicel’s superfast connectivity,

rk He further emphasized that this landscape. FibreX provides Guyana. He emphasized that available to everyone, everywhere achieving impressive upload and recognition from Ookla instills businesses with ultra-fast and fulfilling this commitment drives inGuyana.

The recipients of the Ookla Speed Test Award

$10M to construct Smart Classroom at Kuru Kuru Primary

The Ministry of Education will soon expend some $10M to construct a Smart Classroom at the Kuru Kuru PrimarySchoollocatedonthe Linden-SoesdkyeHighway

Thiswasrevealedatarecentopeningoftendersatthe Procurement andTenderAdministrationBoard(NPATB) office

Two contractors have since submitted bids for the project They are KPL Buildering Concept Inc and OBGeneralConstruction. Thisyear,with$12billion set aside to improve educationalinfrastructure,some25 smart classrooms are scheduledtobeconstructedatvarious schools across the

SupremeCourtofJudicature

ConstructionofannextoSuddieMagistrate’s Court,RegionTwo

countryTheSmartClassroom initiativeinitiallystartedback in 2014 when the first was constructed at the North RuimveldtSecondarySchool

The initiative is in keeping withtheMinistry’svisionof incorporating technology to transform the education sector Kaieteur News under-

Reconstruction

stands that the smart classrooms are usually equipped withaninteractiveboard,audiosystem,smartcameras,a wirelesstelevisionforremote accessandmotionandvoiceactivated cameras complete with a face recognition feature.

Belowarethecompanies andtheirbids:

withIndo-Pacificleaders

Rehabilitation

MinistryofHealth

Suppliesanddeliveryofprinterinkforprogramme1-8.

ReconstructionofHomeEconomicsandIndustrialArts Building–Queen’sCollege.

MinistryofEducation

ConstructionofSmartClassroomatKuruKuru PrimarySchool

ConstructionofInformationTechnologyLab–Stewartville Primary

AP PresidentJoeBiden triedtoreassureworldleaders on Saturday that the United States would not default as he consulted with the heads ofAustralia,JapanandIndia ina meetingofthe so-called Quad partnership that had been hastily rescheduled because of the debt limit standoffbackinWashington.

Hoping to avert an outcomethatwouldrattlethe globaleconomyandproveto be a boon to Beijing, Biden openedhisthirddayinJapan attheannualGroupofSeven meeting of the world’s most powerfuldemocracieswitha briefingfromhisstaffonthe latest fits and starts in talks overhowtoraisethefederal debtlimit

The president also squeezed in meetings aimed at challenging China’s buildout across the IndoPacific

publiclydiscussthesituation and spoke on condition of anonymity

The shortened trip has reinforced a fundamental tension shaping Biden’s presidency:Ashehasworked tosignaltotheworldthatthe US isreclaimingthemantle of global leadership, at key moments, domestic dramas keepgettingintheway

UntilSaturday,Bidenhad largely stayed out of the public eye at the summit, forgoing big public statements and leaving Friday’s leader dinner early He has been spending time insteadbyavideomonitorin aroomnexttohishotelsuite, where aides in Washington have been keeping him apprised of the back-andforthofdebtlimittalks.

RehabilitationofScienceLabatTheBishops’HighSchool

The Quad members originallyhadplannedtomeet inSydneynextweek,butgot together instead on the sidelines of the G7 so Biden could return to Washington earlieronSundayinhopesof finalizingadealtoincreasethe US borrowinglimitbeforethe governmentruns outof cash topayitsbills

“The first meetings weren’t all that progressive, the second ones were, the thirdonewas,”hesaidbefore a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Andthen,whathappens is the carriers go back to the principals and say, ‘This is what we’re thinking about ’ And then people put down newclaims Istillbelievewe’ll beabletoavoidadefaultand we’ll get something decent done ”

Nationalsecurityadviser Jake Sullivan acknowledged that world leaders have pressed Biden about the standoff in Washington

But press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that, while there was intense interest in how the president would resolve a domestic showdown that has geopolitical ramifications, therewasnopanic—atleast not yet

“It’s not a hair-on-fire type of situation,” she said

On the margins of the summit,Bidenheldtalkswith Albanesein lieuof thenowscrapped visit to Australia U S officials said the trip would be rescheduled, and BidenhasinvitedAlbaneseto Washington for a state visit

Biden apologized for skippingAustralia Albanese said he understood the circumstances

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation

In a sign of a renewed bargaining session in Washington, food was brought to the negotiating room at the U.S. Capitol on Saturdaymorning,onlytobe carted away hours later No meetingwaslikelySaturday, accordingtoapersonfamiliar withthestateofthetalkswho was not authorized to

“I would have done exactly the same thing,” he toldBiden,adding,“I’mvery muchlookingforwardtothe state visit ”

The leaders signed a compact pledging to deepen their partnership on developingtherawmaterials used in clean energy technologies—astheyeach seek to move supply away fromrelianceonChina.

ConstructionofsciencelabatEastRuimveldtSecondary School.

ConstructionofHomeEconomicsLabatEastRuimveldt SecondarySchool.

ofsciencelabatNationalCenterofEducation ResourcesDevelopment(NCERD).

ofmainbridgeofmainentranceovercanal atLeonoraTechnical&VocationalTrainingCentre.

ofPhysicsLab-President’sCollege.

ofsciencelabatMackenzieHighSchool.

President Joe Biden

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ICCmembers‘deeplyconcerned’byRussia’s decisiontoputprosecutoronwantedlist

Reuters - The member states of the International Criminal Court on Saturday said they are “deeply concerned”byRussia’sdecision to place a court prosecutor and several judges on a wantedlist

The ICC’s British prosecutor,KarimKhan,hasbeen addedtotheRussianInterior Ministry’swantedlist,stateowned news agency TASS reportedonFriday,citingthe ministry’sdatabase

The Presidency of the AssemblyofStatesPartiesto theICC,thecourt’smanagement oversight body, said in a statement it “regrets these acts of intimidation and unacceptableattemptstoundermine the mandate of the InternationalCriminalCourtto investigate,sanctionandpre-

vent the commission of the gravestinternationalcrimes.”

TheHague-basedICCissued a warrant for President VladimirPutininMarch,accusing him of the war crime ofillegallydeportingchildren fromUkraine

ItsaidtherewerereasonablegroundstobelievePutin and Russian child rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova bore individualcriminalresponsibility

“The International CriminalCourtisawareand profoundly concerned about unwarranted and unjustified coercivemeasuresreportedly takenagainstICC officials,” the ICC said in a separate statement on Saturday

“TheICCfindsthesemeasures unacceptable The

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RussiawarnsWestof‘enormousrisks’ ifUkraineissuppliedwithF-16jets

CNN — Russia’s deputy foreign minister has warned Western countries of “enormousrisks”ifUkraineisprovided with F-16 fighter jets, Russian state media TASS reportedSaturday

Thecommentscomeafter USPresidentJoeBidengave his backing for Ukrainian pilots to be trained to fly F16s, reversing his previous position

F-16sareconsideredhigh performanceweaponsystems witharangeof500miles(860 kilometers),andwouldbean upgrade to the aircraft currentlyinUkraine’sfleet.

Respondingtothemove, AlexanderGrushkosaid:“We see that the Western countriesarestilladheringto theescalationscenario

“It involves enormous risks for themselves In any case, this will be taken into account in all our plans, and we have all the necessary means to achieve the set goals ”Earlierthisweek,the UKandtheNetherlandswere reportedly building an “international coalition” to help Ukraine procure F-16

fighterjets

A handful of European countries have a supply of US-madeF-16s,includingthe Netherlands, which has signaled a willingness to export some of them to Ukraine But the US would have to approve that thirdparty transfer because of the jets’sensitiveUStechnology Since Russia’s invasion started, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has

struggled to get F-16s to aid his fight, over fears they could be used on Russian soil,potentiallytriggeringan escalation between NATO andRussia AftersayingKyiv did not need the fighter jets earlierthisyear,USPresident Joe Biden reversed his objections by signaling to European allies that they would allow F-16 exports to Ukraine.Biden’stopnational security adviser, Jake

Sullivan, told reporters Saturday in Japan Biden believes in equipping the countryforalong-termfight against Russia

In March, the US hosted two Ukrainian pilots at a military base in Tucson, Arizona, to evaluate their skillsusingflightsimulators andassesshowlongitwould take them to learn to fly various US military aircraft, includingF-16s.

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page 64 NationalClean-upCampaign

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Underhisleadership,the committee responsible for planning and mobilisation has been actively engaging various sectors of society

The campaign has witnessedwidespreadparticipation from the private sector, governmentinstitutions,and regionalauthorities.Thiscollaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and impactfulclean-upacrossthe country

Minister Indar acknowledged the existing challenges, such as significant garbage piles and improper waste disposal practices

However,hestressedtheimportance of behavioural change

“Sincewecameintogovernment, we have had about fiveofthisalready,whichwe put up massive mobilization inplacefortheclean-upofthe wholecountry

Weareallherewearedoing our part and we expect

that you know, there’s a changeinbehaviour

“If you plying a trade or you’re doing something keepsyoursurroundingclean at least

We have to change that asapeople,asacountry,we havetochangethat,”MinisterIndarnoted

The President’s National Clean-upCampaignservesas a beacon of hope, uniting Guyanesefromallwalksoflife in their commitment to a cleanerandgreenerfuture

Public Prosecutor KarimKhanpreparesfor the trial of Mahamat Said Abdel Kani at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. Peter Dejong/Pool via REUTERS

Courtwillremainundeterred in the conduct of its lawful mandate to ensure account-

abilityforthegravestcrimes ofconcerntotheinternational communityas

Retired colonel explains why F-16 jets could be a 'game changer'

Boat used in death-row inmate's escape from Mazaruni Prison recovered

-$10millionrewardofferedforescapee'scapture

-Captainclaimshewasforcedtotransportgunmen

The boat used on Fridaytofacilitate the escape of death-row inmate, Mark Royden Durant also known as Royden Williams and “Smallie”fromtheMazaruni Prison, has reportedly been recovered and its owner and captaindetained.

AccordingtotheMinister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, the boat captain is allegingthathewasforcedby three gunmen heavily armed withAk-47 andAR-15 rifles to assist them in the mission tofreeWilliams.

“…We can confirm that the boat used in this attack was found and we can also confirm that boat man was forced to facilitate in the movements of these persons,” Benn said on Saturday at a press conference held at the Ministry of Home Affairs' Boardroomsaid.

Theministersaidtoothat the gunmen are said to be all Guyanese who are no stranger to police They reportedly exited the boat at the right bank of the Cuyuni

River in the vicinity of Baracara Quarry located a few miles away from the MazaruniPrison.

Benn noted that checkpoints have been setup atexitandentrypointsinthe area including the river Mining camps, properties and houses in the area along with vehicles will also be searchedasthejointservices ranks continue its manhunt forWilliams,thegunmenand perhaps more criminals who

PoliceStation.

The Home Affairs Ministerdisclosedthattwoor three prison officers are among persons being questioned on the suspicion of involvement in Williams' escape.

“…The information we havesofaristhatitwaswell planned, that they may be persons, perhaps in the prison system and otherwise who may be involved… in relation to the issue we have

in custody assisting with investigations.

The GPS said that prison guards were escorting Williamsbacktohisholding cell on an ATV (four-wheel bike) when they came under firefromthegunmen.

“The ranks dismounted

theATV and returned fire at theassailants.

At that point, one of the boatoccupantscameontothe land and continued to discharge several rounds towards the prison officers,” GPSstated.

While the exchange of

gunfire was ongoing, Williams still in his foot chains managed to run towards the riverbank and jumped overboard The gunmen helped him into the boat and then sped off in a westerlydirection,thePrison Servicestated.

could have joined him along theway

The Home Affairs Minister believes that Williamscouldstillbeinthe general area where the ranks are searching. However, he pointed too that the possibility exists that he can slipoutofthearea.

Prisonofficersinvolved

Meanwhile, a $10M is being offered for any information that can lead to the recapturing of Williams.

Personswithanyinformation can contact the police on telephone numbers: 2256940, 225-8196, 225-2317, 227-1149 or the nearest

to determine that properly as result of the investigations that have started already,” Bennsaid.

Williams escaped around 14:30hrs on Friday with the assistanceofseveralmenina speedboatarmedwithAK-47 rifles.

According to the statement issued by the Ministry of HomeAffairs on Friday afternoon Williams escapedwhilebeingescorted back to his cell after receivingavisit.

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) disclosed that a woman visited the death row inmate. She is presently

Reward offer for recapture Royden WilliamsAKA“Smallie”

Zelensky dominates summit as G7 leaders call out China

BBC - Volodymyr

Zelensky made a scenestealing arrival at the G7 summit in Japan on Saturday, as world leaders issued a veiled warning to China.

The Ukrainian president arrived in Hiroshima on a French government plane, after a stopover in Saudi Arabia.

His hastily-organised visitpromptedG7leadersto

issue a statement early, in which they condemned Russia.

Theyalsowarnedagainst “economiccoercion”,which Beijing is accused of using againstseveralcountries.

This year’s gathering of the world’s richest democracies saw them extending invitations to severalemergingeconomies in the so-called Global South, as well as India and Australia.

Top of the agenda is the Ukraine war, and Mr Zelensky’s last-minute appearance has added heft a n d u r g e n c y t o discussions - as well as star power

He arrived hours after Washington said it would train Ukrainian pilots on American-madeF-16fighter jets and allow allies to provide the advanced warplanes to Kyiv - a move condemned by Russia but hailed by M r Z e l e n s k y a s “historic”.

Crucial questions as US supports fighter jets to Ukraine

For the previous 24 hours,a“willheorwon’the” drama over Mr Zelensky’s trip to Japan dominated the news cycle News of his possible visit broke on Friday and stole the limelight, just as leaders visited a peace m e m o r ial park in Hiroshima.

But even as news outlets scrambled to confirm it, there were confusing signals from Ukrainian officials on whethertheUkrainianleader was coming. It was a sign that, while his visit was reportedly mooted weeks ago in chats between Mr Zelensky and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, the final decisionwasmadeabruptly

Even his exact arrival time was shrouded in secrecy, until JapaneseTV stations suddenly flashed live footage of him arriving at Hiroshima airport on a plane loaned to him by his close ally French President EmmanuelMacron.

Mr Zelensky was brisk upon touchdown, running down the stairs into a waiting car and diving straight into one-on-one meetingswithvariousworld leaders, including British PrimeMinisterRishiSunak, who greeted him with a friendly“Youmadeit!”.

Now that he is here, Mr Zelensky’spresencenotonly

adds a zing to the placid diplomatic proceedings, it overshadowsthem.

But it is unlikely the G7 leaders will mind Their sanctions so far have failed to stop Russia’s invasion, and Friday’s pledge to “starve” Russia of resources for its “war machine” remainsvague.

But with world leaders literallystandingshoulderto shoulder with Mr Zelensky, the optics send a firm message to Moscow that theymeanbusiness.

The leaders also sought to deliver a message to Moscow’sally,China.

Besides addressing key topics such as nuclear nonproliferation and climate change, their joint final statement talked about their commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, which they tried to demonstrate by inviting countries such as Indonesia, IndiaandtheCookIslands.

They stressed their support of South East Asian and Pacific countries, which have been heavily wooed by Beijing, and called for a “free and open IndoPacific” - rhetoric used in the past in response to China’s territorial claims in theSouthChinaSea.

More importantly, the

leaders took a strong stance against what they called “economiccoercion”-using trade to bully other countries - and called for China to “play by internationalrules”.

S t r e s s i n g t h e i r commitment to “economic resilience”, they vowed to take steps to “reduce excessive dependences in ourcriticalsupplychains”-a reference to how the G7 countries are still inextricably linked to China intrade.

But they also said they wanted “constructive and stable relations” with China and added that their polices were “not designed to harm China nor do we seek to thwart China’s economic progressanddevelopment”.

China on Saturday expressed “strong dissatisfaction” with the G7’s joint statement, and complained to the summit organiser Japan, Beijing’s foreignministrysaid.

“The G7 insisted on manipulating China-related issues, smearing and attacking China, ” a spokesman for the foreign ministrysaid.

Thesummitwillcloseon Sunday with Mr Zelensky, US President Joe Biden and Mr Kishida expected to speak.

Volodymyr Zelensky made a scenestealing arrival at the G7 summit in Japan on Saturday (Getty Images)

Manchester City win Premier League for third successive season win third

r t

Manchester City have been crowned Premier League champions for the third successive season after title rivals Arsenal lost at NottinghamForest.

TheGunners,topforthe majority of the campaign, are four points behind City with only one game left to play after being beaten 1-0 onSaturday Pep Guardiola’s side

have won the title in five of thepastsixcampaigns. They also have a chance toclaimtheTreble,withthe FA Cup and Champions League finals to come next month.

Only Manchester United, in 1998-99, have previouslyachievedthatfeat - and it is their derby rivals whom City will meet at Wembley on 3 June, before facing Inter Milan a week later in Istanbul, where they will seek their first ChampionsLeaguetriumph. City will lift the trophy

after they play Chelsea on Sunday(16:00BST).

Captain Ilkay Gundogan - who has scored four goals inthelasttwoleaguegamessaid:“ThePremierLeagueis without doubt the most demanding and competitive league in the world, so that tells you everything about whatanachievementthisis.

“Tohavewonthistrophy threetimesinarowandfive times in six years is incredible. That quality and consistency helps sum up what Manchester City stand forandensurestheclubwill continuetostriveforsuccess goingforward.

“It has been a season I willneverforget.

Persaud delighted with South Africa tour

All-rounder Basil Persaud stated that he is overwhelmed with his maiden tour of SouthAfrica with West Indies over-50 team that participated in the recently concluded World C u p l i m i t e d - o v e r tournament.

According to the former Essequibo Inter-County player, despite his side’s failuretowintheprestigious trophy, his experience is memorable.

Persaud represented West Indies in five matches churning out some impressive performances with both bat and ball Against Wales, he bowled eight overs for 28 runs and snappedawicket.

I n t h e 1 4 - t e a m tournament, there were two groups with the top two teams contested in the final. Englandcameoutvictorious having defeated the hostscountry.For the Essequibian Persaud, it was exciting cricketandagreathonourto play at an event of this magnitude.

“Iwashappytorepresent the West Indies over-50 team;itwasindeedalifetime experience; yes, little disappointing we didn’t win the trophy but generally we played good and committed cricket,” the 52-year-old right-handed batsman related.

Quizzed on what were some of the challenges,

Basil Persaud

especiallyagainstabunchof quality teams, Persaud responded: “I think every team was there to be victorious; it was a huge tournament and it was a worldcupsoyouwouldhave expectedcompetitivecricket from the beginning,” the right-armseamerexplained.

In West Indies GroupA, New Zealand led the points table while West Indies finished at number 5 with

three victories and three defeats.

InGroup,B,Englandled the standing. The other 11 participatingcountrieswere: Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, the United States of America, Pakistan, India, Wales, the United Arab Emirates and Namibia.

West Indies team was captainedbyformerGuyana (Continuedonpage75)

City unfurled a giant flag at their Etihad Stadium moments after the title win was secured. (Getty Images)

Springer, Cornette, Newton advance to 200m finals in Colombia

Tianna Springer in action in the Women’s 200m in Colombia

ease on his way to winning hisrace,running21 10s Newton’s time was the fastest on the track over the distanceas he sets his sight

on adding a gold medal to h i s c o l l e c t i o n o f achievements.

The curtains will come down today on the 2023

SouthAmericaninAthletics Championships with the Guyanese trio aiming to leave their mark at the prestigiousevent.

ByRawleToney

Tianna Springer, Jaheel

Cornette and Ezekiel

Newton registered

Personal Best times in the their respective 200m semisyesterdaytoadvance to the finals in the South

A m e r i c a n U 2 0

Championships in Athletics

Returning to the track in Bogota, Colombia one day after breaking the meet’s 400m record, Springer ran 24 07s to finish second

behind Brazilian Sullen De Santanna(23.78s)butahead of Venezuela’s Beynailis Cordoca(24.75s).

Springer is hunting an unpresented ‘double’, having already bagged Guyana’sfirstgoldmedalof thebiennialevent.

Karese Lloyd didn’t look her usual self in the women’s 200m, with her 25 78s time just good enough for fifth-place and will not seeing her advancingtotoday’sfinal.

Meanwhile, Jaheel Cornette and Ezekiel Newton will go head-tohead in today’s men’s 200m finals, after both sprinters werefastenoughtoadvance.

Competing in the first group, Cornette finished third with a time of 21.39s behindwinnerEnocRomero of Colombia (21.08s) and Brazilian Joao De Melo (21.33s).

Already securing a bronze medal in the Men’s 100m, Newton looked at

Young Achievers secure thrilling win over GDF -

DVA League return on Monday

Inathrillingmatchat the Demerara V o l l e y b a l l Association (DVA) League, the Young Achievers Volleyball Team emerged victorious against the Guyana Defence Force Team.

The match was held at

the National Gymnasium and was witnessed by enthusiasticvolleyballfans.

The Young Achievers Team started strong, taking thefirsttwosetswithscores of25-18and25-23.

However, the Guyana Defence Force Team fought back in the third set, dominating with a score of 25-15.TheYoungAchievers

YoungAchievers Volleyball Club

regained their confidence in thefourthsetandclosedout thematch26-24.

Klondyke Rodney and CrestonRodneywerethetop scorers for the Young AchieversTeamwith11and

eightpointsrespectively On theotherhand,OmariJoseph was the top scorer for the Guyana Defence Force Team with an impressive 14 points.

promises to continue its exciting action as the Premier Eagles Volleyball Team takes on the VenGuy Volleyball Team on May 22 at 8pm in the National Gymnasium.

Aliyah Abrams to Headline 2023 AP Invitational

Thefifth-fastestwoman intheworldthisyearinthe 400m,AliyahAbrams, will headline the acclaimed Aliann Pompey Invitation, set for June 24 at the National Track and Field CentreinEdinburg.

“It means a lot, and it’s important to me because I haven’t competed in Guyana in a few years, so I’mexcitedtobegoingback and competing in front of family and supporters,” Abrams said when asked about competing at home for the first time since the 2021 National Senior Championships.

“The API brings together elite athletes and performances while getting to showcase what Guyana has to offer It also allows track and field fans in the countrytowitnessthesport liveanddirect.

It is important to show the world that we are capable of putting on a high-calibre meet that can attract world-class talent,” Abramssaid.

Abrams is having a sensational season with the former University of South Carolina stand-out athlete resetting Guyana’s 400m record at the NACAC New Life Invitational in The Bahamas.

Championship Bronze Medallist.

Abramssaidshehad“a sense of fulfilment” when shecrossedthelineonMay 13toreplaceAliann’s2009 timeof50.71s,proclaiming “the record was a longstanding goal of mine and afteryearsofseemingtoget close but not quite there, I didn’t focus on the time I was just running to compete, so that being the resultwasimpressive.”

Her time places her in thetopfiveintheworldthis year, with only Britton Wilson (49.13s), Gabrielle Thomas (49.68s), Rhasidat Adeleke (49 90s) and Stacy-Ann Williams (50.12s)runningfasterthan Abramsinthe400m.

Already qualifying for the World Athletics 2023 World Championships in Track and Field, Abrams said one of her goals this season is to be a finalist at theeventsetforAugust19–27 in Budapest, Hungary, while also “dipping under 50s.”

Meanwhile, Pompey, highlighting her reason for choosingAbramstojointhe likes of Kim Collins and Kirani James on the list of athletes to headline her much-celebrated meet, noted, “Aliyah is having a greatyear

thisyearislegacy Whenthe competition started, the goalwastobringthebestof theworldheretoGuyanato compete against our best athletes Aliyah has catapultedus,andGuyana’s best is also one of the world’sbest.”

Pompey, Guyana’s Commonwealth Games 400m gold and silver medallist, saw her fifth edition of the AP Invitational, like most sports events in 2020, cancelled because of COVID-19.

The Olympian made several attempts to host the championships, but in 2022, she was curtailed by several challenges, including relaying of the track at the country’s lone syntheticfacility

In February 2020, the AP Invitational was announced by World Athletics as part of its structured World Athletics ContinentalTour World Athletics had stated that the impetus for creating the Continental Tour was to provide more competition and earning opportunities for more athletes.

Gomez, Stacey-Ann Williams and Sada Williams, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and World

She’s the 5th fastest woman in the world this year, our new 400m national record holder, all this with both World Championships and Olympics on the near horizon.”

According to Pompey, “One of the recurring themes of the competition

At the 2018 AP Invitational, Kirani James, the 2012 Olympic Champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist, clocked 44.99 seconds to win the ‘AP’ Invitational 400m and set a new Track Record.

The AP Invitational, which ran off its inaugural event in 2016, saw 11 athletes, all from overseas, move on to compete at the OlympicGamesinRio.

DDL/Savannah Milk National Junior Golf C/ships rescheduled to accommodate CSEC

The Demerara Distributers L i m i t e d -

sponsored Savannah Milk National Junior Golf Championship set for May 21 will be extended to accommodate students who are taking CSEC exams according to the tournament coordinators Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen GolfAcademy

“With almost 300 studentstakinggolfasapart ofPEthisyear,wefeltitwas important to give them a chance to play in the tournament without distracting them from their exams”, said DDL Brands Communications Manager SchemelPatrick.

The first-ever National Chip, Putt & Drive contest will be the source from which the future National teamisdrawn.Thisteamwill be trained with the purpose of representing Guyana in

upcoming competitions aroundtheregion.Savannah MilkistheTitleSponsorfor the event and will be providing product samples to participants and spectators.

According to President of the GGAAleem Hussain, “Based on discussion with the DDL Savannah Milk team,weareconsideringthe prospectofhostingtheevent in multiple locations to accommodate players from differentregions.

Areas under review are Rosignol, Anna Regina and Linden in addition to the Nexgen Golf Academy in Georgetown and The Westside Golf Course in Vreed-en-Hoop.”

Fewcountrieshavebeen able to develop the sport, especially to young players and female players at the level that has been accomplished in Guyana. In the past two years, golf has

developed into a prominent sport with the support of the Ministry of Education Unit ofAlliedArtsandthousands of learners now have access toplayinggolf.Withthehelp of volunteers and donors whobelievedinthevisionof t h e G u y a n a G o l f Association, programs for autistic, cerebral palsy and visually challenged players have also been a part of the growth.

The massive tourism potential of golf locally, r e g i o n a l l y a n d internationally has not escaped the attention of President Dr IrfaanAli who hasincludedagolfcoursein h i s p l a n s f o r t h e development of Silica City Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Turkey, Spain,VietnamandPortugal are all promoting golf tourismthatbringsinvestors and hundreds of millions of dollarsintotheircountries.

Windies ODI series against UAE to start a day earlier

(SportsMax) - The three-match ODI SeriesbetweenUAEandtheWestIndieswill now begin a day earlier with the two teams playing the opener on Sunday, June 4, at the SharjahCricketStadium.

Thefirstmatchwasoriginallyscheduled for Monday, June 5. The West Indies Men’s team will arrive in Dubai onThursday, June 1.

The second match will be played on Tuesday, June 6, with the third and final matchscheduledforFriday,June9.

All three day-night matches will start at 4:30pm with the toss at 4pm at the iconic

Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both teams will departfor Zimbabweattheend of theseries for their World Cup qualifying campaign whichbeginson18June.

The all-important tournament will confirm the remaining two spots for the 10teamICCCricketWorldCup2023,India.

Fullsquad:ShaiHope(captain),Brandon King (vice captain), Alick Athanaze, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith,DevonThomas.

GGA President Aleem Hussain, LPGA Girls Site Director Philip Haynes, DDL Brand Communications Manager Schemel Patrick (centre) and Junior Golf Championship Contestants at the launch of the event.

Crawford and Clarke claim top spots on opening day of Independence Three-Stage Cycling Race

Theopeningdayof the40theditionof the National Sports Commission

(NSC)/ Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Independence Three-

Stage Cycling race saw RomelloCrawfordemerging asthewinnerinthefirstleg, while Phillip Clarke copped first place in the second leg onSaturday

Yesterday, Crawford showcased his exceptional cycling ability, completing thechallenging40-milerace from Corriverton to New Amsterdaminanimpressive timeofonehour,forty-eight minutes, and twenty-seven seconds(1:48.27s),followed by a dominant performance fromPhillipClarke.

Curtis Dey, representing Team Evolution, secured a commendable second place finish in the first leg of the race, closely trailing behind Crawford.

Emmanuel Gayral from Antigua and Barbuda displayed exceptional sportsmanship and claimed thethirdspotonthepodium.

The event kicked off yesterday morning amidst great enthusiasm and anticipation.

The competition was fierce, with numerous talented cyclists vying for thetoppositions.

Cycling enthusiasts gathered at Corriverton at 7:00hrs to witness the thrilling start of the second

leg. Over in the junior’s category, Alexander Leung exhibited natural talent to clinchthetopposition.

He was closely followed by Aaron Newton and Jair Norton, who secured the second and third places, respectively

While in the Juveniles division, Sidwell Sandy p r o d u c e d a s o l i d performance to secure the topposition.

TorellNoelalsoputupan impressive performance to finishsecondandsolidifyhis position as one of the top contendersinthiscategory

Moving on to the Women’s category, Clievcia Spencer emerged as the champion, showcasing her

exceptional cycling abilities and determination while Tandeia Noel delivered an impressive performance, securing second place finish

In theVeterans category, experienced cyclist Kwame Ridelyclaimedthefirstplace position in the 40-45 Age Group, displaying his strengthandexpertiseonthe challenging course Robin Persaud finished in second place as Alex Mendes securedthethird.

T

category saw Phillip Clarke secure the first place, Paul Choowenfinishedinsecond place, while Ian Jackson coppedthird.

Meanwhile, the second stage commenced at 14:00 hours from the Berbice Bridge to CarifestaAvenue, Georgetown, seeing Clarke cruising to a comfortable victory

Podium finish for the First leg, Curtis Dey (second) Romello Crawford (first) and Emmanuel Gayral (third)

i

fi

Cyclists will embark on a grueling 65-mile journey f r o m L i n d e n t o Homestretch Avenue to wrapuptheevent

Powerlifting Intermediates/ Masters Championships set for May 28

The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation is all set to host its Intermediates/Masters Championships on Sunday, May 28 at the Chase Academy Auditorium, ParadeStreet,Kingston,just oppositetheTheatreGuild.

The championship is saidtobeeagerlyawaitedby athletes and fans alike, as it brings together some of the best-trained lifters in the country and creates a euphoric atmosphere for

supporters present The competition is being made possible by the generous support of “Amateur

Powerlifting Godfather”

Jamie Mc Donald of Fitness Express, for which the federation is immensely grateful. Approximately 25 lifters will be showcasing their skills at this year’s event, and it promises to be an exciting display of strength and determination.

Lifters are reminded that weigh-in time starts at

07:00hrs sharp, and the first lift of the competition will beginat09:00hrs.

Patrons will be charged an entrance fee of $1000, which will go towards supporting the federation’s efforts to compete in upcoming international competitions.

Additionally, the federation will be hosting a referee’s clinic, facilitated by International Referee Gordon Spencer at the same venueonSaturday

One Guyana Breeders Cup offers the largest purse for local and Suriname bred-horses

Guyana’s most recognized racing stables are preparing for the main attraction on Sunday, June 11,2023fortheOneGuyana BreedersCup.

The race will be held at the newly refurbished Bush LotUnitedTurfClub,which features a scenic ambiance combined with feat of being the first all-weather track in Guyana,willdefinitelywow allinattendance.

The Bush Lot United Turf Club is expected to be furthertransformedwiththe construction of elevated seating accommodation with a specially designed parade ring in comparable with international standards

Through a guidance of an extremely competent committee the standard of horse racing has definitely evolved to a higher standard

The JJRC has outlined certain regulations that are mandatory for all horse owners, trainers, horsemen, jockeys and supporters too follow

Additionally, the JJRC Definitely has created the opportunity for patrons to cash in on race day since incentives will be rewarded for the best dressed male,

At a simple handing overceremonyonThursday at the Massy Distribution’s Eccles location, Archery

G u y a n a ( A G ) w a s p r e s e n t e d w i t h a sponsorship cheque for t h e i r u p c o m i n g

Independence Open 2023 Competition, which will be heldontheweekendofMay 27 and 28, at the Muslim YouthOrganization(MYO) Ground.

On hand to receive the cheque were Chairman of t h e C o m p e t i t i o n Committee, Jeewanram Persaud, AG President, Vi d u s h i P e r s a u dMcKinnon and SecretaryGeneral/Head Coach, NicholasHing

Presenting the cheque were Massy Guyana’s representative Lata Devi Ori, Massy Gas Products CEO, Lekhnaraine Shivraj, an

ice President, Finance and

female, couple and the most creativeDarbyHat.

T h e J J T R C h a s created an elegant twist to fashion at local horse racing arena much to the like of internationalracing.

The derby hat makes a bold statement as it provides much need shade fromthesunattheseoutdoor events.

The details of the 7 racessetareasfollows:

Race 1 - Open to all

Administration, Afzal Karim According to the company, Massy is an organization focus on people with a passion for growth and development and it is for such reasons that they are proud to contribute to the sport of ArcheryinGuyana

“Massy is a publicly traded company on the Trinidad & the Jamaica StockExchangeand2023is Massy’s Centennial anniversary TheGrouphas been operating in Guyana since its incorporation in 1968 Weareallproudofthe past and excited about the next100years!”

Our Guyana Portfolio of Companies includes Massy Distribution, Massy Gas, Massy Motors, Massy Services and Massy Stores.

horses Guyana & Surinamebred.

Distance:5Furlongs

Totalpurse:$1,937,500

Pursedivided:

1st-$1,000,000

2nd-$500,000,

3rd-$250,000

4th-$125,000

5th-$62,500

Entryfee:$116,250

Lateentryfee:$93,000

Race 2 - E Class & Imported Non Earners (Guyana) & North

Renovation works are still ongoing at the Bush Lot Turf Club

-$400,000 2nd-$200,000

-$100,000 4th-$50,000

-$25,000

Entryfee:$46,500

Lateentryfee:$62,000

Race5-KClass Distance:8Furlongs

Totalpurse:$678,125

Pursedivided:

-$350,000 2nd-$175,000

-$87,500

-$43,750

-$21,875 Entryfee:$40,700 Lateentryfee:$54,250

6-LClass Distance:6Furlongs Totalpurse:$581,250 Pursedivided:

-$300,000

-$150,000

-$75,000

-$37,500

American Non Winners (LastStart)

Distance:8Furlongs

Totalpurse:$1,162,500

Pursedivided:

1st-$600,000

2nd-$300,000

3rd-$150,000

4th-$75,000

5th-$37,500

Entryfee:$69,750

Lateentryfee:$93,000

Race 3 - H Class & Lower

Distance:6Furlongs

Totalpurse:$968,750

Pursedivided:

1st-$500,000

2nd-$250,000

3rd-$125,000

4th-$62,500

5th-$31,250

Entryfee:$58,125

Lateentryfee:$77,500

Race 4 - J Class & Lower & T&T Bred First TimeStartersInGuyana

Distance:6Furlongs

Totalpurse:$775,000 Pursedivided:

-$18,750 Entryfee:$35,000

Lateentryfee:$46,500 Race 7 - 3 Year Old& Over Guyana & Suriname BredMaidens

Distance:6Furlongs

Totalpurse:$532,825

Pursedivided:

-$275,000

-$137,500

-$68,750

-$34,375 5th-$17,200

Entryfee:$32,000

Lateentryfee:$42,700

AG Competition Committee Chairman, Jeewanram Persaud,receives the cheque from Lata Devi Ori, in the presence of Massy Gas Products CEO, Lekhnaraine Shivraj and AG President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon

business “Massy Values” lays the foundation for strong relationships with

all

stakeholders

committed to, “creating value, transforming life”and wewillcontinuetoreachout

Winners of the first and second leg Romello Crawford (left) and Phillip Clarke