Kaieteur News

Ram questions capacity of guarantors to provide US$2B oil spill guarantee

...as agreement fails to mention credit rating of companies

The capacity of the guarantors utilized by ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC to provide the US$2B oil spill coverage in theeventofamajordisaster in the Stabroek Block is

being questioned by

Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, ChristopherRam.

In his recent column ‘Every Man, Woman and Child in Guyana Must

Become Oil-Minded’ publishedbyStabroekNews on Tuesday, the Lawyer delvedintotheprovisionsof

39-page Guarantee and IndemnityAgreement(GIA) accepted by Executive D i r e c t o r o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Kemraj Parsram.

Ram observed, “The three GIAs assure that the Guarantor is rated by an internationally recognised credit rating agency (however) it seems that the EPA forgot to ask the name of the credit rating agency, andtheactualrating.”

Consequently, the Attorney posited, “The lawyerrepresentingtheEPA should feel extremely uncomfortable about this omission.”

The Liza One, Liza Two andPayaraPermitsissuedby theEPAforthethreeprojects currentlyproducingoilinthe Stabroek Block requires the Operator, ExxonMobil Guyana prove the guarantor is authorized to provide the guaranteeinthejurisdiction. For instance, the Liza

One Renewed Modified Permit, dated October 27, 2022statesatSection14.10, “ThePermitHoldermust,as soon as reasonably practicable,providefromthe ParentCompanyorAffiliate CompaniesofPermitHolder and its Co-Venturers (“Affiliates” one or more legally binding agreements to the Agency, in which the ParentCompanyorAffiliate CompaniesofPermitHolder

and its Co-Venturers undertake to provide adequatefinancialresources forPermitHolderanditsCoVenturers to pay or satisfy t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e environmental obligations regarding the Stabroek Block, if Permit Holder and/or its Co-Venturers fail todoso,andtosoindemnify and keep indemnified the AgencyandtheGovernment of Guyana, against all such

environmental obligations regarding the Stabroek Block.”

It goes on to state that evidence must be provided to prove: (a) that the Affiliate(s)areauthorisedto provide that guarantee or agreement in this jurisdiction; (b) that the Affiliate(s) have sufficient financial strength for the amount of the potential liability and (c) that the Affiliate(s) have the corporate legal capacity to enterintotheagreement.

Ram believes that the US$2B affiliate company guarantee, lodged by the Stabroek Block CoVenturers, ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC is woefully inadequate and couldleadtoGuyana’sentire Natural Resource Fund (NRF) being cleaned out afterjustonedisaster

In his column, the Lawyer said, “The maximumtotalsumpayable under the three GIA is

US$2B,lessthanbirdfeedin relation to the average US$15Bcostofthelastfive international environmental disasters.”

To further explain the danger faced by Guyana, Ram pointed out that the numerous wells are producingsimultaneouslyin relatively close proximity to each other in the Stabroek Block which exponentially increases the risk of things goingwrong.

Consequently, the

Attorneynoted,“IftheGIAs are all the country can insist o n i n r e l a t i o n t o environmental insurance, then Guyana is dangerously exposed.Any spill can spell disaster, wiping out the Natural Resource Fund in onestroke.”

ExxonMobil is the operator of the Stabroek Block with a 45% interest, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30% interestandCNOOC

Continuedonpage3

Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram

Hess facing 3 lawsuits over disclosures in Chevron deal

(Reuters) - Oil producer Hess on Tuesday said it is currently facing three lawsuitsalleginginadequate disclosuresoveritsproposed saletoChevron.

Chevron last October offered to acquire Hess in a move to gain a foothold in oil-rich Guyana’s lucrative offshorefields.However,the dealhasbeenstalledduetoa conflict with Exxon Mobil and pending regulatory approval by the Federal TradeCommission.

Allthreelawsuitsseekto further delay or block the $53 billion deal Hess shareholders are scheduled to vote on May 28 on the deal The allegations regarding deficiency in disclosures “are without merit”,thecompanysaidina securities filing on Tuesday, but added that it was voluntarily supplementing theproxystatement“tomoot plaintiffs’ disclosure claims and to avoid nuisance, potential expense and delay”. In addition to these

lawsuits, several purported stockholders of Hess have sent demand letters alleging similardeficiencies.

The fight over Guyana’s oil, between oil majors

Chevron and ExxonMobil has since also triggered an investigationintotheirassets bytwofederalagenciesinthe UnitedStatesofAmerica

Thismuchwasreportedly recently by Forbes, which noted in its report that the assets of ExxonMobil and Chevron as well as other oil companies are currently being evaluated by the Securities and Exchange Commission,andtheFederal Trade Commission because of climate related concerns andcompetitionlaw

This publication previously reported that, the two have been in a battle over Hess’ 30 percent stake in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana – the centrepiece of Chevron’s deal for Hess Corporation.

Chevron’s US$53 billion acquisition of Hess

Ramquestionscapacity ofguarantorstoprovide...

Frompage2

PetroleumGuyanaLimitedholds25%interest.Eachpartner hasashareintheUS$2BGuaranteerelativetoitsparticipating interestinthePetroleumAgreement.

JamestownInsuranceCompanyLimitedistheGuarantor for Hess; while CNOOC Limited, a company organized in Hong Kong and Exxon Equity Holding Company is the GuarantorforCNOOCandExxon,respectively Appeal Court Judge, Justice Rishi Persaud had ordered ExxonMobilGuyanatolodgeaUS$2Bparentand/oraffiliate company guarantee as a condition to a stay of execution grantedonalowercourt’sorder Thatorder,originallyissued by High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon called for an unlimited parent company guarantee to be provided to the EPAbyJune10ortheLizaPhaseOneProjectPermitwouldbe suspended.

Consequently, the Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement wasenteredintoonJune9,2023.

potentially gives it access to Hess’ stake in the Stabroek Block and positions the oil major to profit from Guyana’s emergence as an oil powerhouse, boasting one of the world’s fastestgrowingeconomies.

On October 23, 2023

Chevron announced that it entered into a definitive agreement with Hess Corporationtoacquireallof

the outstanding shares of Hess in an all-stock transaction valued at $53 billion, or $171 per share based on Chevron’s closing price on October 20, 2023. Under the terms of the a g r e e m e n t , H e s s shareholders will receive 1.0250sharesofChevronfor each Hess share. The total enterprise value, including debt,ofthetransactionis$60

billion.

Chevron had said the acquisitionofHessupgrades and diversifies Chevron’s alrea

portfolio.

The oil company in making the announcement had noted, “The Stabroek Block in Guyana is an extraordinary asset with industry leading cash margins and low carbon intensity that is expected to deliver production growth intothenextdecade.”

To this end, it signaled, “The combined company is expectedtogrowproduction andfreecashflowfasterand for longer than Chevron’s current five-year guidance.” Chairman and Chief

Executive Officer (CEO) of Chevron, Mike Wirth said the company is now positioned to strengthen its long-term performance and further enhance its “advantaged portfolio by addingworld-classassets.”

Exxon however, is claimingarightoffirstrefusal over Hess’ Guyana assets under a joint operating agreement that governs the Stabroek oil block, which is estimated to have 11 billion barrels of oil and gas Exxon controls 45 percent of the Stabroek block, while Hess hasa30percentstakeandthe China National Offshore Oil Corporation, or CNOOC, controlling the remaining 25 percent

Kaieteur News

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Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

A US$500M cap Guyanese must wear

The leaders of ExxonMobil delivered a scheme that shouldleaveGuyaneseaskinghowthisoilcompanycanever be thought of as a genuine partner ExxonMobil’s scheme is to set US$500M as the full and final expression of its liabilities for what it called any oil ‘incident.’ We are not constrained by the games that this American oil giant is playing, so we call ‘incident’for what it is: an oil spill that is devastating, one from which it would be costly to return a levelnationalfooting.

Conspicuously, it could be said that what cowardly Guyanese members of parliament on the PPPC Government sidecouldn’tgetdone,darenotgonear,ExxonMobilshowed Guyana’s parliamentary weaklings how to execute. In substance, what Guyana’s members of parliament did not have the brain capacity to do, ExxonMobil did with a flourish,whichiswhatcitizensmustnowgrapplewith.

Ahugefight,onebigstink,tookplaceinparliament,with PPPC MPs taking up the cudgels for ExxonMobil. When they did so, they left Guyana naked and exposed, subject to thewhimsandmaneuversoftheoilsupergiant. Government MPs were quick to follow in lockstep their shameless comrades with what was nothing but hogwash and trash. Theysaidthatanunlimitedparentcompanyiscallingforthe undoable, since it could neither be defined nor quantified. Another parliamentary star spoke of the highly unlikely probability of a catastrophic oil spill, one of such destructive proportions, that it would require an unlimited parent companyguaranteewouldbeneeded,havetocomeintoplay This is the type of agents that Guyanese have in their highest national legislative body, and they are devoted lock, stock, and barrel to the ExxonMobil cause. Better flunkeys the Americansbuccaneershavenothadinalltheirhistoryacross the globe. Rather than let the strong and the smart of ExxonMobil carry their own load about a parent company guarantee, there were Guyanese in parliament doing the heavylifting,andnotcaringhowtreacheroustheylook,how much of a brownnoser they make themselves into. Where local politicians, a largely rotten bunch in normal circumstances, were fearful of going, ExxonMobil hemmed and hawed about industry levels, bought time, engaged top Guyanesepoliticianstocollaboratewiththem,andpresented Guyana with US$500M for what it carefully calls an incident. Notanaccidentorbecauseofwhatisnegligent,but in what it minimized almost to the point of the trivial, an incident. Without a doubt, the company is focused on looking for any new way to trick citizens, and they have the best aiders and abettors in the PPPC Government. It would not take much to insulate Guyana from economic loss, to remove its liability for an oil spill that spreads far The company, however, is at the other end of the spectrum. It is totally focused on extracting as much oil as it can in the shortesttimeatthelowestcost Fortakingunknownrisksand exposing Guyana to untold dangers, ExxonMobil is happy to declareUS$500Masitsbestnumberforanoilincident,where it has been adjudicated to be negligent For ExxonMobil to think that it can get away with something as assaulting and degradingasthattothedignityofthiscountry’speople,then it mustbeharboringacoupleofideas.

First, it is that this country is comprised of lifeless zombieswhoexistinahelplesshaze. Second,thatitsblatant bigotrywouldpassunnoticed,andunmentionedforthesheer contempt in which Guyanese are held. From ExxonMobil’s perspective, a measly 2% royalty and a suspect 50:50 profit sharing arrangement after inflated expenses is a major revenue contributor to Guyana’s coffers. ExxonMobil’s President of its Guyana operations himself said that the contract provisions represent an unmatched revenue stream. It is clear that a similar standard was part of the company’s thinking in that US$500M is the absolute top for an individualoilincident. Ifasked,ExxonMobil’sRoutledgeis suretosaythatUS$500Manincidentisthebestintheworld. With a government like the PPPC and leaders it has, he doesn’thavetofearbeingchallengedordisgraced.

Police recruitment

DEAREDITOR, commissioners and senior In addressing recruiting, solving, empathy and the TheGuyanaPoliceForce officers. They also demitted Wayne W Bennette and ability to successfully (GPF) recently embarked on office with tertiary Karen M Hess in their book interact with members of a robust recruitment education. If you do not M a n a g e m e n t a n d diversecultures.” Theissues programme in all the believe the above statement, Supervision in Law and concerns alluded to regional police divisions. talk to retired Assistant Enforcement, posited, above must be taken into Was it a success? Not Commissioners Paul Slowe “Today’s law enforcement serious consideration during surprising, the police have andClintonConway. agencies seek a new breed of the recruitment process as not yet updated the public on When recruiting, the officers - a balance of brawn persons with undesirable therecentrecruitment. legal role of members of the and brains - one who behavioural traits including The extended acting Guyana Police Force must possesses not only physical psychopaths will easily be Commissioner of Police at come into play Here is it. qualities traditionally recruitedintheforce. the Police Officers’ Annual Section 3 (2) of the Police associated with policing, Applicants who passed Conference 2024 bemoaned Act Chapter 16:01 “ The suchstrengthandendurance, the entrance examination, the fact that there are major prevention and detection of but also the emotional and who are physically fit; have challenges in recruiting and crime. The preservation of intellectual characteristics no known criminal record; retaining members of the law and order The needed to effect public order are cleared by the Police force. As part of the new preservation of the peace. in an ever - changing and Special Branch; satisfy the ‘ recruitment policy the police The repression of internal diverse society ‘People background checks ‘ raised the educational disturbance. The protection skills’have become a critical conductedbypersonnelfrom standard for entry in the o f p r o p e r t y T h e tool for law enforcement the various regional police forcetothatoftheCaribbean apprehension of offenders. officers.” divisions where they reside; Examinations Council The due enforcement of all The authors were writing are in possession of two (CXC)levelandabove. laws and regulations with fortheAmericansociety Itis recent character references

The law enforcement which it is directly charged relevant to the Guyana and produce six photographs agency however, did not and shall perform such PoliceForce. ofthemselvesareguaranteed indicatethenumberofCXCs MilitaryDutiesinGuyanaas Renowned former New automatic entry into the required, the required grades may be required of it by or York Police Department, force. I am not certain why and whether or not passes in under the Authority of the Commissioner of Police Bill the police require six English Language and Minister.” In addition, there Bratton who conceptualised photographs from the M a t h e m a t i c s a r e are some unwritten a n d s u c c e s s f u l l y applicants. compulsory Raising the expectations imposed on the implemented CompStat No psychological entryleveltothatoftheCXC police by the society all model of policing that assessment of the applicants will definitely prevent many members of the force swore drastically reduced crime in is being conducted by the persons with lower to serve and protect. The NewYork,opined:“Weneed r e c r u i t m e n t t e a m s educational qualifications, citizens expect the police to individuals who see policing T h e r e f o r e , m a n y but, who have the desired be:courteous,fair,impartial, as a calling, not just as a job; undesirables will fill the attributes to become honest, reliable, dedicated, who see the community as a existing vacancies in the excellent police officers dependable, incorruptible, partner, not as a problem and force. from becoming members of community-friendly so as whocanbetrustedtoenforce A very good strategy to theGPF Thispolicydoesnot not to alienate the public and the law without violating it use in addressing the issues cater for late developers. to respond to well founded themselves ”Lonsway and concerns alluded to History is replete with criticisms with a willingness (2001) suggests, “The above is to establish and persons joining the force tochange. selection process should implement what is known as with just their birth Also, persons on joining emphasize the skills and Assessment Centers. Both certificates and primary the GPF swore to perform characteristics needed for the Axis and Allies used education Many became theirdutieswithoutfavouror community - police officers, themduringWorldWarIIto v e r y d i s t i n g u i s h e d affection,maliceorillwill. communication, problem (Continued on page 5)

This year’s Independence Day celebration is insensitive

I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y and the Ali Administration nation’s history Denial and festivities. This year the Ali have been pushing for racial the turning of a blind eye to

DEAREDITOR, Administration has decided harmony within the “One the realities surrounding the O u r N a t i o n ’ s to have the celebrations Guyana” movement. Their feelings of many Guyanese Independence date has occur in the very same place e f f o r t s s h o u l d b e about our Independence date always been one rooted in where the massacre commended, especially will not aid in the racial controversy due to the occurred, bringing back the when given the urgent need healingthatneedstooccurin massacre that occurred in memories and emotions for racial harmony during a Guyana. We must have an Wismar on May 26th 1964. surrounding that horrific time when Venezuela is o p e n a n d h o n e s t “GEORGETOWN, British massacre. threatening our country with conversation about the Guiana, May 26—Thirteen The Linden area is one war In order to move closer events surrounding our hundred East Indians, driven that many Indians avoid due to achieving the goal of independence. fromtheirhomesbyNegroes to this history and the deep racial harmony, we must The ERC can play a during 36 hours of racial rooted belief that it is an area begin by acknowledging the significantroleinfacilitating violence in the Mackenzie that is predominantly black wrong that occurred during such a national discussion. If mining district, arrived here and strongly committed to the Mackenzie massacre and t h e m o v i n g o f o u r today on two river steamers. the PNC, a political party seekreconciliation. I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y Police Commissioner; Peter that many Indians see as A m e m o r i a l a n d celebrations is not desired, Owen said that at least two oppressive to Indian culture memorial service that then we should ensure that a East Indian men had been and Indian existence in our acknowledges the lives lost memorial service is held killed, hundreds of people country The naming of the on both sides of the political annually to acknowledge injured and six East Indian mining town after past divide has never been those who suffered and lost women raped. Hundreds of President Linden Forbes established, and the their lives during the homes were burned, he said. Samson Burnham has denouncing of those horrific massacre leading up to our Two rioters were wounded, reinforced the feelings of atrocities has never I n

n c e T h e by police bullets” oppression, and the political occurred. Mackenzie massacre has not (Reference:NewYorkTimes violence that has been These two things are been forgotten and we May27th1964) experienced over the years necessary for the healing should directly address it so The result over the years has strengthened this process to begin. The events as to help improve race has been a low turnout of the perception. of the Mackenzie massacre relationsinourcountry Indian population of the This year the Ethnic are not even taught in our Sincerely, c o u n t r y d u r i n g t h e Relations Committee (ERC) schools as a part of our Mr Jamil Changlee

The State of Palestine and Recognition around the World

DEAREDITOR, Strip borders Egypt to the primarily under the

President of the State of However, due to political in the i

I observed a letter southwest and Israel to the administration of the Palestine, a position he has divisions, the PLC has been recognition of Palestine was writer’s curiosity regarding east and north. It fronts the Palestinian Authority, held since 2008 following largely inactive since 2007. the United Nations General the State of Palestine in one Mediterranean Sea to the though Israel retains his role as President of the The Council includes Assembly vote on May 10, of the daily newspapers, west. Governed by Hamas significant control over Palestinian Authority from notable members such as 2024. During this session, especially following the since 2007, this densely certain areas, including 2005.

Ismail Haniyeh, Saleh al- the General Assembly recent Memorandum of populatedareahasGazaCity military and administrative · Prime Minister: The Arouri, and others from passed Resolution 143-9, Understanding (MOU) as its principal urban center oversight and settlement PrimeMinister,appointedby variouspoliticalfactions. with25abstentions,granting signedbytheGovernmentof The region faces significant regions. the President, is the head of · Judiciary: The judicial Palestine new rights and Guyana Allow me to socio-economic challenges,

governmentandoverseesthe system in Palestine is requests and reconsidering provide a detailed overview exacerbated by the ongoing Captured and later annexed Council of Ministers. The independent and includes its request to become a full of the State of Palestine, g e n o c i d e a n d a by Israel in 1967—a move Prime Minister’s role various courts, such as the UNmember including its geography, comprehensive blockade n

includes implementing Supreme Court, which This vote marked a motto, governance structure, imposedbyIsrael.

recognized borders, recent · West Bank: Situated to

governmental policies and ensures the rule of law and

interpretstheconstitution.

recognitions, and the latest the west of the Jordan River, significant religious sites administrative affairs. The The borders of the State internationalrecognitionand UNvoteonitsstatus. theWestBankisencircledby held sacred in Judaism, current Prime Minister is of Palestine recognized by statehood, although the · The State of Palestine, Israel to the south, west, and Christianity, and Islam Mohammad Shtayyeh, who the United Nations are based

recognized internationally, north, and Jordan to the east. Despite Israeli control, hasbeeninofficesince2019. on the pre-1967 lines, membership was vetoed by includes territories such as This region features a Palestinians insist on having Legislative Council: encompassing the West the United States in the the Gaza Strip, West Bank, diverse landscape, ranging East Jerusalem as the capital The Palestinian Legislative Bank, including East Security Council in April and East Jerusalem, located fromthefertileJordanValley oftheirfuturestate. Coun

d b o t h citieshereincludeRamallah, presidential republic system, laws, approving the budget, Israel during the Six-Day remains dire, particularly in

PLC) is a Jerusalem, and the Gaza 2024. in the Middle East. These in the east to the arid, hilly · The State of Palestine unicameral legislative body Strip. These borders reflect As of mid-2024, the regions are distinctly terraininthewest.Important operates under a semi- responsible for enacting the territories occupied by situation in Palestine s e p a

Police recruitment

From page 4 p

s An recruitment stage eliminate assessment center is a place persons with unacceptable where a series of events or cha

ance andoverseeingtheexecutive War in 1967 and are the Gaza Strip, which has administratively administrative capital, as structureoutlinedasfollows: branch.MembersofthePLC considered the basis for a faced extensive military · Gaza Strip: A narrow well as Hebron, Nablus, and P r e s i d e n t : T h e are elected by popular vote. two-state solution by the operations, the slaughtering coastal enclave, the Gaza Bethlehem The area is President of Palestine serves It was created as part of the internationalcommunity of civilians including as the head of state and is Oslo Accords as the In recent years, several women and children and elected by popular vote. The legislative branch of the countries have officially significant humanitarian President has significant Palestinian Authority (PA) recognized the State of crises The ongoing executive powers, including and is meant to represent Palestine, further solidifying genocide has resulted in a the authority to appoint the Palestinians residing in OPT its international status.As of high number of casualties Prime Minister Mahmoud (i.e. Gaza, the West Bank, May 7, 2024, all 14 and severe infrastructure Abbas serves as the current and East Jerusalem) CARICOM states now damage, exacerbating the recognise Palestine as a already challenging living State The most recent conditionsforPalestinians. countries to do so were Additionally, Prime Barbados on April 19, M i n i s t e r B e n j a m i n JamaicaonApril22,Trinidad Netanyahu’s policies have and Tobago on May 2, and contributed to further TheBahamasonMay7. entrenchingtheoccupation A significant milestone (Continued on page 6)

om scenarios will occur Among becoming members of the the activities conducted at an force. However, it will result assessment centre are: in a higher quality of persons management game or joining the force but quantity simulation; leaderless group will decrease. In order to discussion; in - basket attract a better quality of exercise; role playing; recruits there must be a psychological testing, case paradigm shift in the analysis and in-depth recruitment strategy to interviews. This is done by include the operation of trainedassessors.Spacedoes assessment centers In not permit me to go into addition, the public image of detail of those methods of the force must be greatly assessment. Tinsley (2002) improved. There must be contends, “ The assessment better salary and allowances. center is - still is - one of the Improved conditions of best methods available for serviceisasinequonon. selecting suitable candidates May God help the for either employment or GuyanaPoliceForce. advancement in law Yours sincerely, enforcement agencies.” This Clinton Conway

It is still a choice for Govt. to join or not the Exxon case

DEAR EDITOR, contract, but is every related

The CCJ ruling that issue raised by concerned allows the Government to citizens subject to the join Exxon in the parent - ‘sanctity of contract’? guaranteecasedoesnotforce Perhaps the Government the Guyana Government to should morally consider join Exxon. It is a choice the joiningwithcitizenswhoare Guyana Government has the looking after the interests of freedomtomake. Guyana; interests, which the Sanctityofcontract may Government is elected to ‘prevent’ the Government lookafter from challenging certain Regards, terms of the oil and gas FaiyazAlli

Is AG Anil Nandlall on his way out?

DEAREDITOR, Th

President and his Vice the2020elections. heneverutteredawordinthe

Just a bit of pre-ambling, Caribbean Court finds conjured up peccadillos, topping the list. However, to I r e c a l l A n n a n desperate third-term case thenuntomyletterproper,as Granger’s appointment of there is ‘not a blot on his have profusely besmirched Boodram’s incisive letter, that Jagdeo was seeking to I am s

p

exed G

C O M C

m a n escutcheon,’ legally, characters and ‘serial “The PPPseems to be facing win, and to date, he has regarding reasons for a few “flawed”-18 June 2019; professionally, socially and sinners’win more votes than a dil

mma over the remained wisely mute in the propogandists, chanting Caribbean Court of Justice politically. the esteemedAnil smacks of Presidential Candidate,” $20 mill

‘fairness and transparency’ makes landmark rulings

However, and as a esoteric chicanery and pre- Stabroek News December

atthelastPPP/C’sCongress. a g a i n s t G u y a n a ’ s caveat, I now sound a planned machinations. The 14, 2010, that ended quite against him in a libel suit I mean, did anyone accuse government (APNU/AFC)- prophetic message to this likes of a tainted Kwame tersely: “And unless a brought by Opposition the PPP/C’s hierarchy of any JUNE 20, 2019; CCJ arduous and a

backroom deal is in the MemberofParliament(MP), skullduggery,orisitacaseof invalidates Guyana Court of champion, that is, his days Dharamlall, and mediocres, making,Mosesshouldeasily Annette Ferguson. Of note the ‘wicked fleeing when no Appeal ruling on election with the PPP/C are such as Zulfikar Mustapha, outvote Ralph in both the too, accusations on the manispursuing?’ results (posited by numbered and that his Vickram Bharrat, and Gail Central Committee and the President’s academic, So first, I invite readers APNU/AFC)-July 8, 2020; rightful accession to the Teixeira, many of whom Executive Committee. So, s e e m

The State of Palestine and Recognition...

From page 5 Palestinian people’s enduring hope for selfand thwarting the prospects for a Palestinian determination and independence. The MOU state. signedbytheGovernmentofGuyanaisastep

to go back in history InAug Red House remains as Chief Presidency is rapidly would be hard-pressed to themillion-dollarquestionis qualification, found him un2017, Chief Justice (Ag) Justice rules in favour of evanescing. It should have pass CSEC and GCE, is a this: does (then) President involved. Justice Roxane George that Cheddi Jagan Research been,butwillneverbe.What case of intellectual Jagdeo, who has outwitted, Editor, I am left to ‘slapped in the face’ of the Centre Aug 16, 2020; CCJ aloss? dysphagia. delimited and diminished wonder where history will thenAttorney-General,Basil rules Guyana Govt. (PPP/C) Readers, consider this, Let us not forget that Freedom House for most of head out come post 2030. I Williams, who had touted canjoinExxonMobilinfight the headline, “President Dr when Donald Ramotar was his Presidency, have one last mean there are just many thatthatthePresidentandhis against unlimited parent Irfaan Ali received the most foisted on the nation, and cunning strategy up his unturnedstonesinthePPP/C actions were immune from company guarantee for oil votes in the People’s then Irfaan Ali, people were sleeve, or will the old guard camp and among many legal challenge and that the spills- May 15, 2024; and Progressive Party (PPP) shocked. The natural front- succeed in wresting back personneltherein.Anil,ofall Applicants leases were Nandlall wins $10M internal elections for its new runner was and will always totalcontrol? people, is quite capable of invalid, because they were defamationsuitagainstBasil 3 5 - m e m b e r C e n t r a l be Anil Nandlall. With this Read that letter, and legally upending the PPP/C not signed by the then Williams-Jul 3, 2023; and it Committee.” As the details last Congress, the shock apply it to what just took if things go awfully awry for President, Donald Ramotar goesonandon. show, “The elections were remains traumatic. Any pole place and you have your him. I repeat: Bear in mind In fact, the Court held that Now Editor, I will need recently held at the Arthur onwhoisthemostdominant, answer Readers, remember, thatAnilNandlall(SC)isnot the Applicants’ leases were too much time and space to Chung Conference Centre qualified and forceful Anil Nandlall, as the the ‘ordinary.’ He is quite a properly executed and were itemise Anil Nandlall’s and Dr Ali received 2,309 politician in Guyana will see consummate legal luminary, kahuna. And most of all he valid and binding. As you ‘golden role’ in delivering votes,overr BharratJagdeo, Anil Nandlall way ahead. To has never compromised his w i l l n o t ‘ j i g g l e can guess, the Applicants the PPP/C from the throes of who mustered 2,257 votes. date,heremainsthesaviorof stand. He never’ tried’ any spasmodically’ nor engage were represented by a slew APNU/AFC and keeping And apart from Dr Ali and the PPP/C, especially in kind of contortion when himself in any form of of Attorneys-at-Law, led by them in power; hence the Jagdeo, the other top 10 matters most crucial, that is, Bharrat Jagdeo was in ‘arrhythmic gamboling and present Attorney General, sample above. In fact, I will members are: Zulfikar at the legal front, and of egregious error He is galumphing’. His eminence AnilNandlall. boldly claim, that in Mustapha (2,174 votes), course, he is the nemesis of selective and rightfully so, precludes these types of Now I will list just a few Guyana’shistory,legallyand Vickram Bharrat (2,046 the Opposition. He, almost and thus far, his silence on knee-jerking and ad hoc of Anil Nandalall’s politically,Anil has no close votes), Gail Teixeira (2,015 all alone, thwarted the theNigelDharamlall’smany clumsiness. momentous wins, that had second. Not Cheddi Jagan, votes), Nigel Dharamlall Opposition’s brazen and rape accusations is Yours truly, serious and seminal nor LFS Burnham His (1,912 votes), Collin Croal sustained attempts to steal impactfully eloquent. Also, Prescott Mann overtones for private ability to spontaneously rise (1,792 votes), Kwame Mc citizens, as well as for the to demanding and necessary Coy (1,721 votes), Anil People’s Progressive occasions and with the Nandlall (1,690 votes), and Party/Civic (PPP/C), both requisite savvy, erudition, Pauline Sukhai (1,688 when they were in expertise and general ‘know votes) ” Now what is Opposition,andalsowhenin how’ is unparallel. His shockingisthatAnilscoreda Government. Afterwards, I contribution to the general mere 1,690 votes, making will present my points and well-being of Guyana, the himallbutlast,ashecamein my opinions on a few issues citizenry as a whole, and for number9amongthefirstten. of great and grave sure, the PPP/C’s rescue and I mean at this internal importanceinGuyana. triumph is quite heroic, and level, I can accept the

In a recent speech, Palestinian President towards strengthening diplomatic relations Mahmoud Abbas outlined the political and supporting the Palestinian cause on the identity of the Palestinian state, emphasizing international stage. For those seeking further human rights, women’s rights, and the rule of information, numerous resources and maps law He reaffirmed the commitment to the are available through international 1967 borders and a two-state solution while organizations such as the United Nations and addressing the international community’s varioushumanrightsorganizationsdedicated expectations and the importance of non- tothePalestinianissue. violence and political reconciliation within Sincerely, Palestiniansociety Guyana Solidarity Movement with

The State of Palestine represents the Palestine

Familypleadsforjusticemonthsaftersonwas gunneddownatLusignanautodealership

Monthsafterayoungmanwasshotdeadat an auto delearship at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara his parents are calling for justice evenastheGuyanaPoliceForcesaidthatthey are still awaiting advice from the Director of PublicProsecutions(DPP)

DeadisJaredJagnandan,an18-year-oldof MonRepos,EastCoastDemerara OnMarch 21, 2024 police in a press statement reported that they were investigating an alleged shooting incident which occurred at about 11:10hrsatShafAutoSaleslocatedatLot157 LusignanWest,EastCoastDemerara.

According to the police release back then enquiries disclosed that Shaf Auto Sales is owned by a 27-year-old who resides in Canada Thebusinessishoweveroperatedby his brother of LusignanWest Jagnandan, the policesaidwasemployedasahandymanwhile thesuspectisemployedasaSecurity Officer atthesaidbusinesslocation.

According to the businessman, at about 11:08 hrs on the day in question, he and his wife returned to the store after transacting

The incident involved a 20-year-old SecurityOfficerattachedtoCerberusSecurity Service, who was armed with one 12-guage shotgun, which is owned by the security company and which resulted in the death of Jagnandan

business At the time they met the suspect on duty and the now-deceased teen seated in a chair,ashortdistanceawayfromtheSecurity Officer’sdesk

The businessman said he and his wife proceeded to his office A few minutes later they heard a loud explosion in the store The businessman said he immediately exited his officewherehesawtheteenlyingmotionless on the ground with blood about the lower sectionofhisbody

The Security Officer told him Jared was shot Jared was picked up in an unconscious state and placed into a motor car, which is ownedbyCerberusSecurityServiceandtaken toWoodlandsHospitalwherehewasseenand examinedbyaDoctorandlatersuccummed

The matter was reported to Vigilance Police Station and acting on information received, Police went to Woodlands Hospital where the body was examined and a gunshot woundwasseenontheupperleftleg Several personswerequestionedintheareaandcertain informationwasreceived,policehaddetailed.

The area was also canvassed for CCTV cameras and several were seen affixed at the building. The suspect was arrested and the shotgun was lodged along with 5 live cartridgesandonespentshell.

NOPROGRESS

However, since then the family of Jared said they have not received justice “We Avalon and Reshma Jagnandan feel we have no choice but to address the public on somethingthathashaltedourlifeasweknewit and the only way we can hope to get back to somesemblanceofnormalcyisifwecan get justice,” Jared’s mother and father said in a statement issued on Tuesday They detailed thatonthe21stdayofMarch,2024anarmed security guard attached to a private security service owned by Cerberus Security Inc. “unlawfully shot and killed our dear son, Jared Jagnandan. At the time, he was employed at Shaf Auto Sales Inc. as a marketingandsalesrepresentative.”

“It has been disclosed that the security service negligently and recklessly permitted the guard to possess the loaded firearm knowingthathehadnolicenseorpermittodo so IthasalsobeendisclosedthattheSecurity Servicehasnotcooperatedwiththepoliceby providingcertainrecordsthattheyarelegally requiredtomaintain.Itdoesnotmakesense that the police force is not able to compel cooperation,”thedeadchild’sparentssaid.

“At this time, some two months after our son was killed, no charge has been laid The policehavesuggestedthatthefilehasgoneto theDPP’sofficeforadvice Ourattorneytold usthatitdoesnotordinarilytakethislongfora mattertobeinvestigatedandadvisedupon We havebeenadvisedbyourattorneythatunder the Private Security Act, every director of Cerberus Security Inc. can be criminally chargedforbreachesoftheAct.TheSecurity Licence can be cancelled or suspended, firearm licenses can be revoked. The law recognises that you cannot just set up a security firm, fail to provide adequate training, fail to acquire requisite licences, cause death by the combination of this negligence and escape free from penalty underthelaw Whenyouputgunsinpeoples’ hands you must be held at a very high standard,”theparentssaid.

Additionally,theparentssaidtheirattorney advisedthatundertheCriminalLawOffences

Jared Jagnandan

Act and other pieces of legislation, Cerberus SecurityInc canbejointlychargedwiththeir employees as a principal offender in the unlawful killing of Jared Jagnandan together withothercriminaloffences.

“EvenbeforeaSecurityFirmcanoperate, theyrequiretheapprovalofthepoliceforce Is it that this approval is given recklessly or negligently?AndwhatoftheShafAutoSales Inc ? Jared was an employee of this establishment and rather than render immediate assistance they shifted all responsibility to the security company to provideassistance.Havethepolicedoneany investigations as to their potential criminal responsibility? Our son was shot on their premises,whichhasmanycarsonit,beingan autosale,yethewasmadetobleedoutwhile awaiting a vehicle from the security service instead.Thesecriticalwastedmomentscould have saved our son’s life. We call upon the authorities to investigate Shaf Auto Sales,” thefamilynoted.

Additionally,thefamilysaidthethepolice have not shared anything meaningful with them in terms of documentary evidence, not eventhepostmortemreport.“Justashorttime ago,afatheroffourwasstabbedtodeath,the policeforceinthatmatterrightlyactedfastto begin the judicial process, indeed charges were laid and even a court hearing was scheduled a few days after the incident, the aggrieved family received the full cooperationofthepoliceforce. Twomonths afterourson’sdeathwefeelnofurtherahead, why is our matter being treated with differently?Whydon’twedeservejustice?”

“We are also considering instituting civil proceedingsinadditiontowhatissupposedto takeplaceinthecriminalrealm;thiswouldbe achieved far more efficiently with the cooperationofthepoliceforce Wefearifthis drags on without action much longer, the securityguardwhoshot our son will flee the country,theownersoftheautosalewillflee thecountry,thesecurityfirmwillfindaway out, and the matter will be swept under the rug.Lifewillgoonforeveryonebutus.”

“OursonJaredwas18yearsold,hehadhis wholelifeaheadofhim Hewasabrightand affable young man who lit up every room he walkedin,thisworldismuchlesswithouthim CerberusSecurityInc andShafAutoSaleInc must be held accountable for their gross negligence and recklessness, which resulted inthedeathofourbelovedson.

No person is above the law, and all are equal under it If we cannot guarantee the sanctity of this principle we have failed as a nation, our youths are the future of this “One Guyana” Wethereforecallontheauthorities forafullandtransparentinvestigation,wecall forjustice”

Minister Young meets with oil spill-compensation team

(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Minister of The release confirmed that

Energy and Energy Industries Stuart Young, representatives of the T&T Coast Guard, centre, meets with representatives of the Ministry of Works and Transport and the International Oil Pollution Compensation Institute of Marine Affairs were also present (IOPC) Fund yesterday along with officials at the meeting at the Ministry of Energy’s from his ministry, the Coast Guard and the International Waterfront Complex, head MinistryofWorksandTransport. office,Port-of-Spain.

Ministerof Energy and Energy Industries During the meeting, Minister Young Stuart Young, centre, meets with reiterated the intention of the Government to representatives of the International Oil take legal action against the owner of the Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Fund barge, Gulfstream and the owner of the tug, yesterday along with officials from his Solo Creed and assured the IOPC that T&T ministry,theCoastGuardandtheMinistryof will continue to aggressively pursue leads WorksandTransport. utilisingallavailableresources.

Just under two weeks after it was The IOPC representatives indicated that confirmed that T&T’s submission to the thenextstepsincludetreatingwiththeclaims International Oil Pollution Compensation that encompass economic loss due to the oil (IOPC) Fund was accepted, Energy Minister spill. Last month, Young led a high-level Stuart Young met IOPC representatives delegation to London with the goal of yesterday championing T&T’s case for compensation

InanewsreleaseonMonday,theMinistry for its oil spill response activities, said the saidYoung met with officials from the IOPC ministry Fund to discuss the next steps in the claims The release explained, “This transparent process for compensation relating to the andthoroughprocesswillbeledbytheIOPC Tobagooilspill. with the aim that all claims are validated and

At a press conference confirming the considered for compensation. All parties IOPC’s agreement to compensate T&T for pledged full cooperation and continuous the clean up efforts, Young stated the cost communication to ensure a seamless claims incurredcouldcrossUS$30million. process.”

Spain recalls Argentina ambassador in Milei insult row

Argentina’s Javier Milei made his controversial remarks at a far-right rally in Madrid.

socialism, Spain’s Socialist prime minister, andhiswife.

“Whenyouhaveacorruptwife,let’ssay, it gets dirty,” he said. Last month, Pedro Sánchez threatened to resign when a preliminary inquiry was opened into allegations of corruption against Begoña Gómez made by a right-wing anticorruption group. No charge has been levelled against her and the public prosecutorinMadridsaidthecaseshouldbe shelvedforlackofevidence.

Mr Albareshasnotruledoutcompletely (BBC NEWS) Spain has “definitively” cutting diplomatic ties if no public apology recalleditsambassadortoBuenosAires,ina is forthcoming from Argentina. At a news rapidly escalating row over comments made conference onTuesday he said Spain had no in Madrid by Argentina’s President Javier desire for further escalation, but the Milei. Government had an obligation to defend the President Milei said the decision was dignity and sovereignty of its institutions. “absurd”. For now Madrid will maintain its chargé At a far-right rally on Sunday, he had d’affaires in Buenos Aires, but could go described the wife of Spain’s left-wing further prime minister Pedro Sánchez as “corrupt”, Argentina’s far-right president has been without directly naming Begoña Gómez. no stranger to controversy since he came to Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel power last November, launching personal Albares summonedArgentina’s ambassador attacks on the presidents of Brazil and Roberto Bosch the next day to demand a Mexico. Doubling down on his remarks, he public apology from President Milei, but no told Argentine TV that he had not accused actionwastaken. anyone by name during his address in Mr Albares described the case as unique Madrid. “I am not going to apologise from indiplomatichistory “Thereisnoprecedent any point of view, if I was the one attacked,” for a head of state who goes to another hetoldTodoNoticias. country’s capital to insult its institutions and Earlier this month Spanish transport flagrantly interfere in its internal affairs,” he ministerÓscarPuenteaccusedtheArgentine said.Spainhadinitiallywithdrawnitsenvoy, leader of using drugs during his election María Jesús Alonso, at the weekend for campaign. consultationsbuttheforeignministersaidon At the time, President Milei brushed off Tuesday that the ambassador would now the “slander and insults”, by suggesting the remain in Madrid indefinitely Argentina government in Madrid had more pressing would no longer have a Spanish envoy, he things to deal with, and brought up the said. corruptionallegationsagainstMr Sánchez’s Mr Milei had been invited to the Europa wife. In his TV interview he asserted that Viva 24 conference by Spanish far-right relations with Spain would not break, as it party Vox, along with several other political was people not leaders that built a leaders, ahead of European Parliament relationship. In a further attack on the elections in three weeks’ time. While other Spanish leader he said Mr Sánchez was far-right leaders spoke about migration and “usingitpoliticallybecausehehasproblems strong borders, President Milei targeted andneedstopolarisethem”.

Gunmen rob Diamond family during home invasion

Three masked gunmen invaded the home Ragbeer,and44-year-oldBahanuRoop. of a Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) The home invasion occurred just about family early Monday morning and robbed 03:00handthefamilymemberswereawaken themofcashandjewellery by demands for cash and jewellery Fearful Police said that the victims run a business fortheirlivestheycomplied. at their home. They have been identified as The bandits reportedly carted off with 46-year-old Mahase Roop, 19-year-old over$1.2millionincashandJewellery Akash Roop, 14-year-old Komaladevi Investigationsareongoing.

Guyana - More of men, less of laws

It wasAmerica’s second president and Founding Father, John Adams who spoke of a “government of lawsandnotmen.” Though centuries old, it remains the idealofideals.Forwhenthe majesty of the law takes

precedence over the machinations of calculating men,thentherecouldbethe hope, if not the cherished experience and reality, of a justsociety

Nottoolongago,former DemocraticSenateMajority

Leader, Harry Reid, flourished thunderously that “We’reanationoflaws,and not of men and women.”

Hear, hear! Echoes of John Adamsandareminderofthe dominance of the law that should be under all circumstances, that which conquersallcomers. Itison occasionslikethesethatIam one proud American. But

only when there is

consistency in its application, through Sturm and drang, in that all other considerations occupy a distant second place are groundintodust. As a Guyanese, I acknowledge that there is a reservoir of law, a reasonably spacious and growingone. Butwhereare themen,ofwhatcanbesaid about them? Where are the men with all the power in their hands to make the law light up our world and be a delight to all citizens? We are about to embark on the serious and draining business of Constitutional Reform, but what degree of reformations to existing law is to be expected out of that enterprise?

thelawwhenthecourageous andthanklesseffortsofafew Guyanese men and women in civil society keep the flame burning. The little faith left in the law here is restored to its precarious perch.

Morepointedly,whereis the caliber of men and women in government and civil society, properly reformed to fight for laws that benefit all citizens not justinconceptandonpaper? Butinprincipledapplication for the greatest good? Frankly, I have all but given up on the law when the men and women of the PPP Government are involved. Though difficult, at times, I stillholdontothetendrilsof

Wearenotshortoflaws, with small hills of paper to testify to their noble existence. On paper, other than for newly discovered loopholes [lacunae], the noble, what should be fair because it is on the merits and balanced, is there? The conflict is in the sweeping application of the laws, the adherence to them, and the determination to deliver beyond the logic and the results of jurisprudential enlightenment.

The trouble is when confidence men overpower and replace the convictions ofthelaw Whenconfidence men takeover, authentic confidence loses its pervasiveness and drops out ofheartandoutofsight. The crisis is when unruly men and women bent on getting

theirwayprofanethelawby putting rank political considerations before the rights of the people, now routinelyviolated.

When the basis of the law is used to develop constructive polices, then theregulationsandrulesthat follow, the procedures that arise, will be good in their visions.Whatdesecrateslaw anditsderivations(rulesand regs)arethoseinstancesthat register complete contempt forthecleanest,clearest,and fairest implementation (and enforcement) of them all, without fear, without favor And,towhichIadd,without biasandbigotry,andwhatis absent of partisanship and prejudice.

Guyanesearelivingwith an unwanted ringside seat relative to a series of developments devoted to denuding the substances of collective bargaining agreements. What is it then thatreignssupreme? Isitthe law being paid the homage that is due because of its primacy of place? Or has it not been subject to the capricesandartificesofmen and women reduced to thoughtlessness and cleverness via maneuversthatputall those involved to shame?

P

At

General, a commandingFieldMarshall ofthelawnoless,wouldcare to have his say on these assertionsofmine. Myhope isthatthislearnedmanofthe law in Guyana, and this sometimes-slippery brother of mine, would see an invitation and not any condemnation,acautionand notsomecomparison.

Proceeding briskly along, there is that blinding violation of law and procedure in the handiwork of the nationaltender board, and then the shamelessly convenient toothlessness, the joyful self-inflicted worthlessness, of the Public Procurement Commission What do Guyanese have there? An instance of the law triumphing over the whims and schemes of men (andwomen)?

Or, of the manipulations of men and women of the planks provided by the law towalkdownhillandstraight into hell? They and others can claim process and

compliance that were less thanperfect. Butthenwhois practicing still more deceptions? Itismen. Who is tampering with deepest confidence, when it is irrefutable that the law has been flagrantly violated And to pile insult upon injury, intelligence is then cunningly subverted. It is men.

How we love to flare dazzlingly in Guyana about thelawanditsglory Reality stepsinquicklyandidentify the men and women who makeamockeryofitall. We can spout all the persuasive case law, summon the powerful precedents, and resonate with inspiring citations. But what of the men in this country to make thelawcomealivewithwhat represents respect for the law,submissiontoit? What menthen?

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

NewUNstudyfindshigh foodinsecurityinCaribbean

— three million

people in crisis in Dutch, English speaking Caribbean

A recent study has found that despite modest improvements last year, food insecurity in the English- and Dutchspeaking Caribbean remains persistently higher than pre-pandemic levels, driven by the cost-of-living crisis, global economic volatility and the lingering impacts of the pandemic.

The Caribbean Food Security and LivelihoodsSurvey,carriedoutjointlybythe United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) found that43 percent of the population - or three million people -are estimatedtobefoodinsecurein22countries andterritories.

These Small Island Developing States (SIDS)continuetograpplewithhighcostsof food and inputs for productive sectors, and theoverwhelmingmajorityofthosesurveyed (96percent)reportedrisingfoodpricesover thepastthreemonths.

With a high dependence on imported goods, coupled with limited economies of scale, the unique challenges of Caribbean SmallIslandDevelopingStates(SIDS)mean that much of the population continues to struggletoaffordahealthydiet.

With a highly active Atlantic hurricane season forecast to kick off on 01 June, the

threat of natural hazards on food security looms large for those living in the region. Morethanathirdofthosesurveyedreported having been affected in the last 12 monthsmainly by heat waves, floods, drought and tropicalstorms.Thishasfurthererodedtheir capacitytocopewithyetanothershock.

Theseclimateshocks,combinedwiththe lingering socio-economic impact of the pandemic,combinedwiththerippleeffectof the crisis in Ukraine, have created major challengesforpeopleandtheirlivelihoods.

“Inthefaceofpersistentfoodinsecurity, impactful investments in agriculture, finance, and social protection are urgently needed Robust investments in disaster managementarecriticaltofosteringresilient foodsystems.Everyindividualinthisregion deserves consistent access to nutritious and affordablefoodfortheirfamilies,”saidRegis Chapman, Representative and Country DirectorofWFP’sCaribbeanMulti-Country Office.

While levels of food insecurity have declined over the last two years, from 4.1 million in 2022 to 3 million in 2024, the overall picture remains deeply concerning. Those involved in productive sectors, farmingandfishing,continuetobearthe Continued on page 22

Auditors find…Exxon attempts to claim millions extra with overstated invoices forFPSO payments

An audit has revealed

s i g n i f i c a n t overstatements in the Cost Recovery Statement submitted by the ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) led consortium, working in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) seeing the company looking to reclaim millions not due to it as a resultofoverstatedinvoices. The audit was undertaken by VHE Consulting and relates to the expenditureincurredbetween2018 and2020.

According to the auditor’s findings the contractor included

costs for Guyana Withholding Tax (WHT) on recurring invoices related to the Destiny Floating ProductionStorageandOffloading (FPSO) vessel’s financing, despite contractual terms stipulating that these amounts were inclusive of WHT and, therefore, not recoverable

It was pointed out that the originalcontractspecifiedthatthe d

f $46,163 00 were inclusive of WHT Additionally, the daily capital cost component of $327,053 00, billed alongside the financing costs, also included the

“inclusive”language

However, whileWHTwas not assessed on the capital cost component, it was erroneously addedtothefinancingcostsonthe invoices

The report noted that an amendment to the contract executed on December 15, 2017, retained the “inclusive of” WHT language for the financing component but the contractor continued to charge WHT separately, arguing that the “Total interestdueforthePeriod”needed tobegrossedupforWHTtoarrive atthecorrecttotal.

According to the Auditors, EMGL in response, claimed this was due to an administrative oversight in the contractual language

Despite the assertions, the auditor emphasized that both the original contract and the subsequent amendment clearly indicated that financing costs were inclusive of WHT and that contractor’s explanation did not provide a contractual justification fortheseparateWHTcharges. Furthermore, the argument that including WHT in the financing rate was necessary to

ensure financial institutions received actual debt financing costs was dismissed by the auditor This rationale was deemed insufficient to alter the non-recoverable nature of WHT under the Petroleum Agreement inkedin2016.

As such, the auditors concluded that the contractor’s inclusion of WHT in the Cost RecoveryStatementresultedinan overstatement of costs and consequently, EMGL has since been requested to credit the Cost Recovery Statement to rectify thesenon-recoverablecosts

Five successful cleft surgeries done at GPHC

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC)successfullycompleted five cleft surgeries on Sunday Three addressed cleft palate repairs, while the remainingtwofocusedoncleftliprepairsfor patientsagedtwoto16.

Cleftlipsandpalatesarebirthdefectsthat happen when a baby’s lip or mouth doesn’t formproperlybeforebirth,leavingasplitor gapinthelipand/orpalate.

The successful cleft repairs were made possiblethroughtheGPHC’splasticsurgery department, in collaboration with Smile Train, an international non-profit organization.TheGPHChasbeenpartnering with Smile Train since 2019 and in 2023 earnedacertificationasaSmileTrainCentre.

According to the press release issued by GPHC, charity organization aims to

“empower local hospitals and doctors by providingessentialresource,knowledgeand skillsforsustainablecleftcare”

Kaieteur News understands that the surgery to correct cleft lips is performed on patients from three months old and cleft palates surgeries are conducted on patients whoareninemonthsandolderprovidingthat theyareingoodhealth.

To date, the department has completed surgical corrections for 76 patients at the hospital. Accessing these interventions is easy and free of cost, the hospital said in its statement.

Additionally, GPHC also offers nutritional and psychological support to all patientsandtheirfamiliesforpost-operative careathome.InJanuary,ninesuccessfulcleft surgeriesweredoneatthehospital.

Fivefamiliesreceivekeysto corehomesinRegionThree

Beneficiary, Shelley Persaud receiving her keys and certificate of completion from Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

Five familiesfromcommunitiesinRegion Three, West Bank Demerara, on Monday receivedkeystotheirnewcorehomes

Thisinitiativeispartofthegovernment’s broader programme to assist vulnerable families in achieving homeownership MinisterofHousingandWater,CollinCroal, alongwithChiefExecutiveOfficerofCentral Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) Sherwyn Greaves presented the keys to the residents during a simple handing over ceremony

Motherofthree,ShelleyAlleyneofLusten-Rust no longer have to worry about floodingintheapartmentthatherfamilyonce lived.“Itwasnotconditionedformyfamily I am really grateful for this home that the government has granted me. It is an honour andablessingindisguise,”sheadded.Similar sentimentsweresharedbyRupertAlleyneof Onderneeming, who lived by the river dam withhisfamilyforover20years.

Heexplained,“ItwasbadsinceIusedto Continued on page 17

Two babies before and after cleft surgery

Guyana is now 3rd largest non-OPEC oil supplier globally

…surpassesNorway,China, Mexico,Canada,ArgentinaandQatar

With production now at some 645,000 barrels per day (bpd) up from 98,000 bpd from its first full year of production,Guyanaisnowrankedasthethirdhighestglobal supplierofcrudeoutsideoftheestablishedOilProducingand ExportingCountries(OPEC).

ThisisaccordingtoarecentlypublishedreportbytheUS’ EnergyInformationAdministrationwhichsaidthat“Guyana increased crude oil production by an annual average of 98,000 b/d from 2020 to 2023, making it the third-fastest growingnon-OPECproducingcountryduringthisperiod.”

TheUnitedStatesofAmericaandBraziltakethetopspots respectively, while Guyana’s present production surpasses thatofNorway,China,Mexico,Canada,ArgentinaandQatar, among others. Crude oil production has been the largest contributortoGuyana’seconomicgrowthinrecentyears.In 2022, Guyana’s GDPgrew by 62.3 percent, the highest real GDP growth in the world that year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The most recent estimateofrecoverableoilandnaturalgasresourcesismore than11billionoil-equivalentbarrels,anddevelopersarestill exploringthecountry’soffshorewaters,thereportre-iterated.

ThefirstsignificantoildiscoveryinoffshoreGuyanawas madebyExxonMobilin2015atwhatisnowtheLizaproject intheStabroekBlock.

Since then, ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), have made more than 30 additional offshore oil and natural gas discoverieswithintheStabroekBlock.

Guyana’s oil production comes from three floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels: Liza Destiny,LizaUnity,andProsperity Thesevesselsproduceoil and natural gas from the Liza and Payara projects. All associated natural gas is reinjected into wells to support its productionandusedason-sitefuel.Aproposedprojectwould bring associated natural gas onshore to processing facilities viapipeline.

Currently, the block’s partners plan for the combined production capacity to reach approximately 1.3 million b/d by the end of 2027, with plans to develop three additional projects:Yellowtail, Uaru, and Whiptail. Once realized, the increasedproductionwouldmakeGuyanathesecond-largest crude oil producer in Central America and South America behindBrazil,accordingtoEIA.

Additionally,itwasnotedthatthefutureofthecorporate partnership at the Stabroek Block is uncertain, since Chevron’sacquisitionofHess,whichholdsa30percentstake in the Stabroek Block, may face delays due to arbitration filingsbyexistingblockpartnersExxonMobilandCNOOC, whichclaimpreemptionrightsoverHess’sstakeintheblock. ExxonMobil holds a 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block,andCNOOCholdsa25percentstake.

Fivefamiliesreceive...

Frompage15

livebytheriver…Itwasamudflat…Now,thisisabighelp.” According to Alleyne, his family no longer have to worry about inadequate access to basic necessities. Paul DeSouza of Lust-en-Rust described his previous living condition as horrible, as the entire house was leaking. DeSouza told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that he is now comfortableandhappyinhisnewhouse.

Meanwhile, Mother of two, Mohini Persaud, also of Lust-en-Rust, expressed that her family is super excited about their new home. The Core Home Support initiative falls under the $5.8 billion Adequate Housing and Urban AccessibilityProgramme(AH&UAP),fundedbytheInterAmericanDevelopmentBank(IDB).

Each home costs $5 million, with beneficiaries only requiredtocontribute$100,000towardsconstruction.Some 105outof323houseshavebeenhandedovertobeneficiaries through this programme to date. As part of the initiative, infrastructural works are being undertaken in the communities to ensure families have access to various amenities.(DPI)

UGandUSEmbassyhostinter-faculty debateforWorldPressFreedomDay

IncommemorationofWorldPress FreedomDay(WPFD),theUniversity of Guyana’s Centre of Communication Studies (CCS), in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Guyana, hosted an interfaculty debate at UG’s Turkeyen campusonFriday

The debate saw the CCS; Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES),arguingontheimportanceof the media The moot of the debate ‘Media, the Most Important Entity to Address the Environmental Crisis’ was strategically aligned with this year’s theme for WPFD ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of theEnvironmentalCrisis’

The CCS team took the role of proposers while the FEES team as opposed

Present at the event was US Ambassador to the Guyana, Nicole Theriot who expressed gratitude for thecollaborationinhostingthedebate Joining her were notable figures includingthe11thVice-Chancellorof the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed, Deputy ViceChancellors Professor Emmanuel Cummings, Dr Melissa Ifill, and Dr DiannaGobin,aswellasRegistrarDr Nigel Gravesande, and other members of the University’s Senior ManagementTeam.

The Centre of Communication Studies was represented by Tanacia Karim who was the first speaker; Jagnanand Jailal, the second speaker and Francwa Fortune,the third speaker

The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Science was

representedbyDexterPellow,thefirst speaker; Ariel Yong, the second speaker, and Christal Craig, the third speaker

The proposing team argued that, “the media has the power to dispel false information and advance scientifictruth”

Karim, of the CSS posited that journalists are able to give evidencebased reporting, refuse myths, and fact-checkassertionswhileaddingthat themediaalsoplaysasignificantrole inraisingawarenessofenvironmental issues, disseminating false practices, andshowcasingsuccessstories

“Itactsasamiddleman,educating and empowering the public to have discussions around the issue and to seekoutviablesolutions Itplatforms importantfiguresworkingtocombat

Continued on page 22

Dexter Pellow, who was adjudged best debater, receives a token from U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot. (UG CSS photo)

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot (right) with members of the debating team and judges of the World Press Freedom Day debating competition. (UG CSS photo)

Impose stricter penalties on repeat traffic offenders – Road Safety Council

Stricter penalties imposed on repeat traffic offenders can help to reduce the number of road accidents, Chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Earl Lamberthassaid.

Lambert made the call last week during an informative programme on Radio Eve Leary Lambert said most accidents occur becauseroadusersfailtocomplywithtraffic rules.

“It’s amazing that you keep preaching

one thing and talking about the 5 C’s but whenyoulookatthewayaccidentsoccuryou realize that persons are not really paying attention to the way they should use the road,” he said noting that those guilty are “beingselfish”.

Headded,“It’sjustcaringaboutyourself andnotcaringaboutothers.”

As a result, Lambert proposed the suspension of the licences of repeat traffic offenders. This, he said, will serve as a

powerfuldeterrent.

“Oncetheperson’slicenceissuspended, theywillhavetogobackthroughtrainingso that they can learn how they should use the road.Ifthatsystemstarts,wewillbesending amessage,”theNRSCChairmanopined.

Lambert continued: “We are going to canvastheauthoritiestomakesurethat…itis inthebookalready It’sjustthatitisnotbeing enforced,andweneedforthattobeenforced, sothatit[servesasa]deterrenttothosewho

are using the roads, especially the drivers, thatthereissomethingthatcancauseyouto loseyourlicences.”

The Chairman’s call to action reflects a growingconcernovertrafficlawcompliance and the impact of reckless driving on public safety

By pushing for the strict enforcement of theexistinglaws,Lamberthopesthatthereis areductioninthenumberoftrafficaccidents andlivesareultimatelysaved.

ExxonMobil’s billion-dollar investor wants

Darren Woods, directors ousted

Ttoall12membersofExxonMobil’s future shareholders who seek board of directors and its chief answers from a company’s leader executiveofficer”. be ignored because of a legal

The CalPERS also urged other

Exxonshareholderstodothesame, ExxonMobil”CalPERSquestioned “to send a message that our before calling the lawsuit (shareholders) voices will not be “reckless” and stating that

he California Public silenced”.

“ExxonMobil’s directors should Employees’ Retirement

ExxonMobil, according to the knowbetter” System (CalPERS), a

American Pension Fund Manager, The CalPERS said, “We helped company with a U.S. billion dollar had a better option to combat the elect many of the directors we are stake in ExxonMobil, said on shareholders’ climate friendly now voting against, and we do not Monday that it will be voting to proposal but still chose to go ahead takethissteplightly Butwehaveto remove the American oil giant’s with an anti-shareholder lawsuit in act”. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Texas (a USA sate) federal Daren Woods and its board of court. directorsfromtheirposts.

“A company that wishes to CalPERS is the largest pension

fund manager in the United States shareholder proposal at its annual of America (USA) worth some meeting can seek permission from US$484Billion. the U.S. Securities Commission”,

In an open letter on Monday

urging other investors of the

“ExxonMobil’s directors are CalPERS argued while noting that company to vote against the CalPERS’ CEO, Marcie Frost and allowing Chief Executive Officer the commission has approved two- election of Executive Chair and the President of its Board of Darren Woods to pursue a reckless thirdsofallsuchrequeststhisyear Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Administration, Theresa Taylor and destructive effort and we It is CalPERS view that despite Darren Woods at the upcoming saidthatthecompanywillbevoting cannotofferthemoursupportatthe this option was on the table AnnualMeetingonMay29,2024 against Exxon’s leadership team at the two groups reportedly to May 29 annual meeting”, ExxonMobil insisted that the In a Notice to shareholders, the oil’s giant’s upcoming preventtheresolutionfromcoming continued CalPERS before adding regulatory process was not good through a Securities and Exchange shareholders meeting on May 29, up on the agenda at the upcoming

“It’s important to point out that enough for the company and Commission (SEC) filing, the two 2024. meeting. almost all shareholder resolutions pursued a lawsuit even after the investors pointed out that Woods

According to the letter, ThemoveforcedAjunaCapital’ are non-binding, meaning that shareholders had dropped their andLeadIndependentDirectorand CalPERS is up in arms against and‘FollowThis’towithdrawtheir ExxonMobil’s real agenda here proposal-a move that CalPERS NominatingandGovernanceChair, Woods and company because proposal and keep quiet but seems to be intimidation, considerstobeadangerousone. Joseph Hooley have demonstrated Exxon silenced two of its own ExxonMobil did not drop its empowering corporate leaders at “The repercussions of the d

shareholders with a lawsuit for a lawsuit against them despite the expense of the investors who lawsuit could be devastating” shareholders and are willing to use climate change proposal it was CalPERS urging the oil giant to do own the company and provide CalPERS said while explaining the threat of lawsuits to silence seeking to bring forward at the so. capital.Wecan’tletthatstand”. that if ExxonMobil succeeds in them. meeting.

“Now, decades of shareholder CalPERS is the third investor silencing voices and “upending The investors described Theshareholdersarereportedly rights are under threat from a thatispushingforDarrenWoodsto

Exxon’s treatment of shareholders environmentally focused activists, lawsuit filed by leaders of a be ousted over the lawsuit that democracy” it puts every other as “hostile” Westpath and Mercy ‘AjunaCapital’and‘FollowThis’. powerful U S corporation, ExxonMobil filed against the two issue on the table at risk and can reasoned, “We believe the action Reports are that the two designed to punish two small climatefriendlyshareholders. result in shareholders becoming taken by Exxon represents a Shareholders were proposing a groups that dared to speak truth to MediareportsinAprilsaidthat powerless broader threat to shareholder rights resolutionforExxontoworkharder power”, CalPERS said in its open two ExxonMobil shareholders, “What other subjects will the amid continued concern regarding in reducing green house emissions letterbeforeadding“Thatiswhyon

leaders of any company make off the company’s management of fromitsproducts. May 29, 2024, CalPERS will cast

limits? Worker Safety? Excessive climaterisk”. ExxonMobil in February sued our shareholder votes in opposition Investment Services Inc are executive compensation? Might

80 surgeries conducted at new Aishalton theatre - Min Anthony

Si n c e 2 0 2 3 , “Even now…We still Sand Creek health facilities approximately 80 have some work that we intheRupununiregion.

surgeries have have to do and we’re Meanwhile, Minister been successfully completed committed to doing Anthony noted that the at the newly constructed that…Since we’ve put that government has invested surgical theatre in Aishalton operating theatre in place, $300 million over the past Village,RegionNine. we have been able to send years to improve all health T h e $ 7 0 m i l l i o n in teams of surgeons…and facilities across Region i n v e s t m e n t b y t h e they did more than 80 Nine. government has eliminated different surgeries for the This is part of the the need for residents to residents here and government’soverallagenda travel to Lethem or s u r r o u n d i n g to expand health services to Georgetown for surgeries communities,” Minister the hinterland, ensuring andsupportingtreatments. Anthonydisclosed. residents enjoy quality and They can now access Surgical capacity has efficient services in the these services right in their alsobeenintroducedinother comfort of their homeland. village. regions,includingMorucain State-of-the-art hospitals are This is according to the Region One and Kamarang, set to be constructed in MinisterofHealth,Dr Frank inRegionSeven. Moruca, Kamarang, Kato, Anthony during a recent Mini theatres are also andLethem,whichwilloffer engagement with Aishalton expected to be established at expanded health services residents. the Annai, Karasabai, and (DPI)

Man robbed of jewellery after leaving wedding house

A mechanic was on Sunday Morning Tottoram had just left the wedding house robbed of his gold jewellery, cell phone and and was walking on the same street the cash after leaving a wedding house on weddingwasheldwhenthebanditspounced BennetDam,Rosignol,Berbice. onhim.

Police said that the mechanic, 26-year- Police said that the suspects fired several old Ramesh Tottoram of 91 Zor en Hope, shots in the air after relieving the mechanic Blairmont, West Bank Berbice (WBB) was of his belongings before making good their attackedaround01:00hrsbytwomenarmed escape. withagun. Investigationsareongoing.

Soldier robbed while bathing in backyard

A25-year-old soldier was on attackedbythegunmenat22:00h. Monday night robbed of his gold According to Police, Daniels was

chains by two gunmen while showering in his yard when two men armed bathing in his backyard at Blueberry Hill, with a gun attacked him; pulled off his two Wismar,Linden,Region10. gold chains valued at $389,000 from around

Police identified the victim as Guyana hisneckandranaway Defence Force (GDF) Rank Cleveland The victim reported the incident to police Daniels. andaninvestigationwaslaunched.

The 25-year-old man was reportedly Noarrestshavebeenmade.

ExxonMobil’s CEO, Darren Woods

CalPERS CEO, Marcie Frost

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ExxonMobil to complete drilling new exploration well in July

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) is currently conducting exploration drilling operations at the Trumpetfish-1 well site in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

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The exploration activities are slated to be completed on July 31, 2024, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said in a Notice to Mariners published in Tuesday’s edition of Kaieteur News.

According to the Notice, the MODU Stena Carron vessel will be engaged in the drilling activities and will incorporate the use of 21 other vessels.

The well site is situated approximately 127.4 nautical miles or 235.9 kilometers off the coast of Guyana and covers an area of 0.29 square nautical miles.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge during a press conference last month revealed that the company is pursuing two exploration wells this year.

He said, “We have just spud the redmouth well and we actually did what we call the open water works, the

top hull section for the trumpet-fish well just before that so those two wells are the big, what we call, the anchorhunting wells that potentially step out new anchor discoveries.”

By mid June, Exxon expects the drilling results from the redmouth well.

According to Routledge, Exxon strategically assesses

Map showing location of the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana

the inventory to understand the best spots to conduct its drilling operations. He explained, “We continue to work through the inventory and understand where would it make sense to drill, whether that’s what we might call more near field wild cats; so trying to understand resource near to some of the current anchors or potential anchors versus

out in the more open acreage where we don’t have discoveries.”

Exxon has so far made one discovery in the Stabroek Block for the year. The Bluefin well, announced in March, is located approximately 8.5 kilometres southeast of the Sailfin-1 well, in the southeastern portion of the Stabroek block.

Bluefin is the 41st successful oil find in the prolific Stabroek Block since 2015.

Despite the discovery announcement, the company provided no update on the estimated recoverable resources in the block. In the early days of exploration activities however, the oil company’s discovery announcements shared detailed information on the recoverable oil estimates.

This newspaper previously reported that the company’s last resource count, dated April 26, 2022, declared the recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block at nearly 11 billion oilequivalent barrels.

Since then, eight new discoveries have been made but Guyana has received no update on the Stabroek Block reserves.

New UN study finds high food insecurity...

From page 10 brunt of inflation. Livestock farmers reported increased feed prices and higher prices for tools and machinery. Meanwhile, nearly 80 percent of surveyed people engaged in fishing activities were affected by the rising cost of fuel for their operations.

“Continued investment in our regional food systems as SIDS is critical if we are to transform the regional food security position into one that creates equitable wealth and economic prosperity. The collective efforts of the region must address food production, distribution, food transportation, movement of capital, reform of sanitary and phytosanitary challenges, improving the use of technology and promoting investment has to position the region to becoming more food secure,” said Joseph Cox, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Integration, Innovation and Development at CARICOM Secretariat.

German shepherd mix with Husky available. Call : 6480111.

As world leaders prepare to meet at the 4th International Conference on SIDS next week, this survey presents key data for a region that continues to call for greater equitable access to resources to achieve development goals.

Overall, the survey’s findings indicate that there is hope for the region and highlights the need for greater international support to accelerate progress on Zero Hunger and help build

pathways towards sustainable food systems.

WFP’s Caribbean MultiCountry Office was opened in 2018 and covers 22 countries and territories across the English and Dutch Caribbean. In the region, WFP works with national governments and regional institutions like the CARICOM Secretariat and the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency, to strengthen disaster management, social protection and food systems. These investments place the most vulnerable at the forefront with the aim of strengthening resilience at the individual, community and systems level. The survey was completed with the support of the Government of Canada, the European Union and the United States Agency for International Development, Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance.

UG and US Embassy host inter-faculty...

From page 18 climate change and calls out the corporations aiding it. With all of that being said, it is evident that media is both the voice of the people and a necessary vehicle of change,” the first speaker said. Meanwhile, the opposing team highlighted the media’s limitations in addressing environmental crisis. In his arguments, first speaker Pellow said, “The media, the main means of mass communication is significantly better for dealing with environmental imbalances stemming from climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Media in itself cannot tackle the

complexities that causes environmental degradation; social, economic, and political. As its primary roles are just ‘inform the public, but over decades, they have consistently failed to communicate the urgency of the planetary emergency.”

Pellow said too that the government, and nongovernmental organizations, as well as academia informed by science, are the most important entities in tackling the environmental crisis because they possess the authority, expertise, assets and financial resources required to bring about significant and lasting

environmental change thereby address crisis.

After a riveting exchange of arguments, the opposing team emerged victorious, securing 141 points out of a total of 280, while the proposing team garnered 126 points.

Dexter Pellow was recognized as the best speaker of the night for his exceptional contribution.

The inter-faculty debate not only provided a platform for intellectual discourse but also underscored the critical role of media in addressing pressing global challenges, particularly the environmental crisis.

$144M estimated for construction of Parika fire station

The new Parika fire constant readiness to station scheduled to be built respond to threat of loss of in the future is estimated to property or endangerment cost$114million. of person cannot be

This is according to an overstated.

estimate provided by the As a result, the Ministry of Home Affairs’ government has been engineer’s department, the upgrading the physical National Procurement and facilitiesoftheFireService. Tender Administration Minister Singh disclosed B o a r d ( N P T A B ) that $545 million was announced. expended in 2023 for

Attheopeningofbids,it infrastructural and was revealed that 23 maintenance works at fire contractors have applied for stations in Leonora, Ogle thecontract. andWalesaswellastheFire K a i e t e u r N e w s Service Headquarters at understandsthatfundingfor DurbanPark.

the project comes from the Meanwhile, Kaieteur Ministry’s $44 8 billion Newsreportedthatthisyear, budgetedfor2024. infrastructural investments

Senior Minister in the include the completion of Office of the President with the Diamond Fire Station, responsibility for Finance, construction of additional Dr Ashni Singh had said in fire stations at Charity, th is y ear ’s b u d g et Parika, Soesdyke and presentation that the Wisburg as well as the government has always extension and rehabilitation been committed to building of fire stations in Linden, the capacity of the Guyana RoseHallandTimehri. Fire Service (GFS) to Atotalof$572.8million discharge its important has been allocated for the mandate. projects.

Further, the importance B e l o w a r e t h e oftheGFSbeinginastateof companiesandtheirbids:

Ministry of HomeAffairs

Construction of Parika Fire Station, Region Three.

National Data ManagementAuthority (NMDA) Procurement of servers.

Ministry ofAmerindianAffairs Supply and delivery of 20 new outboard engines lot1 to 6.

Guyana Power and Light

Engineering Designs, including BoQ and Cost Estimate for L1/L3 Transmission Lines.

Ministry of Public Works Emergency Repairs to various bridges.

Israel shuts down Associated Press news agency’s Gaza live feed

The Associated Press camera was broadcasting from the Israeli town of Sderot, where northern Gaza can be seen. (file photo)

(BBC NEWS) The Associated October. The Associated Press Press says Israeli authorities have reported that officials from the seized a camera and broadcasting Israeli communication ministry equipment belonging to the US seized its camera broadcasting a news agency in southern Israel, generalviewofnorthernGazafrom shuttingdownitslivefeedofGaza. the southern town of Sderot on AP’s vice-president Lauren Tuesday afternoon. The officials Easton said it “decries in the “handed the AP a piece of paper, strongest terms the actions of the signed by Communications Israeli government” Israel’s Minister Shlomo Karhi, alleging it communications ministry said the was violating the country’s foreign equipment was confiscated because broadcaster law”, it said, adding it was violating a new media law by that the agency had rejected a providing images for broadcasts on verbal order to cease the live the Qatar-basedAl Jazeera network transmissionlastThursday Earlier this month, the ministry shut The agency stressed that it down Al Jazeera’s operations in complied with Israel’s military not transfer their broadcast to Al reinstate our live feed immediately Jazeera in the northern Israeli city Israel,accusingitofbeinga“Hamas censorship rules, which prohibit Jazeera, they continued to do so,” a so we can continue to provide this of Nazareth and confiscated a mouthpiece” and harming national broadcasts of details like troop statement said “The law and important visual journalism to camera and other equipment. It security Al Jazeera rejected the movements that could endanger directives do not distinguish thousands of media outlets around came four days after the ministry allegationthatitwasanddenounced s o l d i e r s H o w e v e r, t h e between Al Jazeera itself and the theworld,”sheadded. closed Al Jazeera’s offices in the ban as a “criminal act” that communications ministry accused suppliers who transfer materials to White House Press Secretary occupied East Jerusalem, stopped violated human rights It was also the AP of broadcasting footage of the[newsagency]fromIsrael.” Karine Jean-Pierre described the the network’s broadcasts on Israeli condemned by journalism Gazafromthebalconyofahousein The AP report quoted Ms report as “concerning” and said it cable and satellite companies, and organisations as a blow to press Sderotthatincluded“theactivityof Easton as saying that “the believed journalists had the ability blocked access to its websites in freedom Israel Defense Forces combat shutdown was not based on the andrighttodotheirjobs. Israel In April, the Israeli Al Jazeera has continued soldiersandtheirlocation”. content of the feed but rather an Israeli opposition leader Yair parliament approved a new media operations in the occupied West “Even though communications abusive use by the Israeli Lapid said the confiscation of a law allowing foreign networks BankandGazaStrip,whichforeign ministry inspectors warned them government of the country’s new majorUSmediaoutlet’sequipment considered a threat to national journalists have been banned from thattheywerebreakingthelawand foreignbroadcasterlaw”.“Weurge was“anactofmadness”.On9May, securitytobe“temporarily”banned entering since the start of the war that they should removeAl Jazeera the Israeli authorities to return our communicationministryinspectors for a period of 45 days at a time, between Israel and Hamas in as a recipient of their content and equipment and enable us to raided a studio being used by Al whichcouldberenewed.

Americans involved in foiled deadly coup, DR Congo military says

CNN American citizens were involved in an attempted coup d’état that left at least three people dead on Sunday in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a military spokesperson told CNN Monday

The attempted coup, which targetedtheresidenceofCongolese politician Vital Kamerhe and the country’s presidential palace, was led by opposition leader Christian Malanga, who was killed in a gun battlebetweenthearmedputschists and the presidential guards, according to army spokesman General Sylvain Ekenge. Ekenge also claimed Malanga was a US citizen, though the S

The Congolese Republican Guard and police block a road around the scene of an attempted coup in Gombe, Kinshasa on May 19, 2024. Arsene Mpiana/AFP/Getty Images

e Department said later it had no Spokesperson Matthew Miller said country “will cooperate with the details. Malanga, 41, who had been politician Kamerhe’s ome “were recordsofhim. the US is aware of two other DRC authorities to the fullest exiledintheUS,headedtheUnited killedonthespot.” “I confirm the death of individuals “reported to be” US extent as they investigate these Congolese Party which describes The DRC, Sub-Saharan Christian Malanga neutralized citizenswhoareincustodyafterthe criminal acts and hold accountable itself as an “opposition political Africa’slargestnation,isoneofthe during the exchange of fire at the failed coup attempt. Miller said anyUScitizeninvolvedincriminal party-in-exile.” five poorest countries in the world, Palais de la Nation (presidential privacy laws prevented him from acts.”

Flanked by his son and other according to the World Bank, palace),”EkengetoldCNN,adding confirming whether or not the US It is not immediately known armed men in military fatigue, despite its vast mineral wealth. that Malanga’s son Marcel, “was had reached out to the Congolese whether President Felix Malanga was seen in a live-

Parts of the Central African nation amongthosearrested.” government to be granted consular Tshisekedi, who secured re- streamed video posted on his arealmostoverrunbyarmedmilitia Ekenge named three other accesstothetwoindividuals. election for a second term after last Facebook page railing against groups who mastermind deadly Americans, identified as Benjamin Videos widely shared on social December’s disputed vote was at Tshisekedi’s government and attacks against civilians in their Reuben Zalman-Polun, Patrick media, but not verified by CNN, the presidential palace during the Kamerhe on the morning of the battle for territory and control over Ducey, and Taylor Thomson were showed a man with a bloody face attack. attack, accusing them of doing the country’s natural resources. involved in the foiled coup being surrounded by Congolese Sunday’s incident was the “many stupid things in this Sub-Saharan Africa has grappled “Patrick Ducey and Taylor militarypersonnel. second coup attempt by the now country,” according to Reuters. A withaspateofcoups,withthelatest Thomson are the same person who US ambassador to the DRC, deceased Malanga, a former DRC government statement happening last August in Gabon, have two different identities.We’re Lucy Tamlyn, said in a post on Congolese military veteran, commended the “prompt reaction” the DRC’s Central African going to check his passport,” he social media platform X, that she Ekenge told CNN. “He tried it of the DRC’s security forces in neighbor The African Union added. was “shocked” by reports of the without success in 2017,” Ekenge foiling the attack, stating that two condemnedCNN’sKylieAtwood’s

attempted coup, adding that her said but did not provide further police officers stationed at contributiontothisreport.

Women’s CPL games to feature... Golden Jaguars stand a chance!

From page 28 be able to work with Cricket edition of the WCPL, where world class international West Indies to have the a total of seven matches Men’s cricket, followed by WCPL take place at the were held, including the the best female cricketers in same time as these Men’s final,amongthreeteams. the region competing T20 Internationals. It is South Africa are alongside some of the best another example of how the scheduled to tour the overseas players in the two organisations are Caribbean for two Tests in world,”headded. working in harmony to Trinidad and Tobago, and All the WCPL games providethebestoutcomefor Guyana fromAugust 7.This will take place at the Brian fans, players and cricket in will be followed by the Lara CricketAcademy, with the region. We look forward three-match T20I series at the double-headers to another successfulWCPL the Brian Lara Cricket scheduled forAugust 23, 25 as the tournament continues Academy from August 23 and27.PeteRussell,CEOof to grow year on year,” aheadoftheCPL. the Caribbean Premier Russellreasoned. The two teams will also League, also expressed The Hayley Matthews- play a four-day warm-up excitementatthemove. led Barbados Royals gameaheadoftheTestseries “We are very excited to clinched the previous inTarouba.

From page 31 predominantly locally-based relationship between the resuming World Cup team that faced Trinidad and Government of Guyana and qualifiers in 2025. They will Tobago in a two-match the football fraternity “It’s playNicaraguaonJune6and friendly at the Hasely just a gap to be filled hostMontserratonJune10. Crawford Stadium on May b e t w e e n e g o s a n d

Wednesday May 22, 2024

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You really don't need to prove anything to anyone. You may be feeling under a bit of pressure to get a lot of work done But some projects, especially those that require creativity, simply can't be rushed.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

You really don't need to prove anything to anyone, Leo You may be feeling under a bit of pressure to get a lot of work done Tthose that require creativity, simply can't be rushed

“We have a lot of tough 13 and 15 According responsibilities Once we opponents to play against, Garrett,theintentionofthese haveallofthatsorted,Ithink but each team that’s in the games was to provide thesportcangoalongway.” World Cup qualifier have at exposure and help broaden Headded,“There’savast the back at their head that the pool of players available majority of opportunities out they’re going to qualify to the national programme. there for local players, but as somehow,” Kellman added. Garrett, who captained long as the egos and the According to Kellman, “The Guyana at various youth- responsibilities are sorted, Coaching Staff emphasis l e v e l i n t e r n a t i o n a l wewillbegood.” hard work and commitment tournaments, expressed the G u y a n a ’ s m o s t as the only way of us getting joy of representing the significant advancement in to the World Cup. Playing Golden Jaguars in the World the Cup Qualifiers occurred against countries like Cupqualifiers. in the lead-up to the 2014 Panama, that is ranked 44 in The 24-year-old Garrett tournament in Brazil, where theworld,Ithinkforustoget said qualifying for theWorld the Golden Jaguars reached past them, we have to do Cup would be a “dream the penultimate round in the what the coach says and I c o m e t r u e , ” CONCACAFregion. think once we focus as a butacknowledged that During this campaign, group, and buy into what the realistically, several systems the Golden Jaguars faced Coaching staff is telling us, needtobeputinplace. eventual qualifiers Mexico wewillbecomesuccessfulin “I think a cohesive and Costa Rica, along with theirfixtures.” relationship is needed,” playingElSalvadorinhome-

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

It seems that you're ready for a major change in your life, Libra. But take care that you don't implement change merely for the sake of change. Thinkcarefullyaboutwhatyou reallywanttodo.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You have a keen mind, Scorpio, and are always absorbing new bits of information. What is amazing is how much of it you manage toretain.Today,however,even yourconsiderablebrainmaybe taxedbeyonditslimits.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Take care not to take on too much today, Sagittarius. Your intentions are certainly good and your motivation pure, but evenyouarelimitedbythefact thatthereareamere24hoursin aday

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Don't take anything at face value today, Capricorn, especiallyifitinvolvesmoney It's likely that a friend or colleague will approach you with a deal that is too good to passup.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

You may find yourself overwhelmedwithinformation today, Aquarius. By midday both your voice mailbox and your email box could be full up. It seems everyone needs a pieceofyoutoday

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Eventhoughyoumighthaveto work today, Pisces, you should still try and take things fairly easy You're just not ready to embrace your workload with your usual vigor Be sure to eat ahealthybreakfastandlunch.

A s p a r t o f h i s Garrett said, speaking on the and-awayfixtures. preparation, Coach Jamaal Shabazz assembled a

After 382 days on the sidelines, Jofra Archer is set to return for England

Jofra Archer enjoys a lighter moment at England training. (PA Photos/ Getty Images)

ESPNcricinfo - Jofra Archer “You have to temper your way, it’s easy - as an will play an international match in expectations. He’s been out of individual, or a group - to go a little England for the first time in nearly international cricket for a long bit internal. [You should] keep four years tonight, ending a 382- time, and you can never quite putting the team first every time, day wait since his most recent replicate that. We all know what a and make decisions based around professional appearance Jos superstar he has been, but manage that.” Buttler,England’scaptain,saidthat those expectations: don’t expect

But he said England will not Archeris“desperate”toreturnafter too much too soon. He’s got such a focus too much on their 50-over such a long injury lay-off and high level of skill that he’s always struggles over the coming weeks. confirmed he will feature against going to perform well, but [he “It’sadifferentformat.Timesmove Pakistan at Headingley if the needs to] just enjoy being back on: there are different chapters in weatherallows. playingcricket.AsEnglandcaptain the book. It’s a real honour to go to Back and elbow injuries have andasafan,peoplewanttoseehim another World Cup as defending restricted Archer to seven matches backenjoyinghiscricket.” champions again, but it also feels for England in the last three years, Buttler confirmed that Archer like a new time. There are guys all of which came on tours to South will play on Wednesday night - if coming into the side who are more Africa and Bangladesh in early therainholdsoff-andsaidEngland establishedandproperplayersnow. 2023. He has been gradually will “manage him through” the It’s their team as well to take working his way back to four-match series. “He’s fully fit, forward.” competitive cricket, playing for his and the medical team will advise Buttler comes into this series club Wildey in Barbados and how best to manage that,” he said. after hitting two centuries in three bowling a six-over spell for “[He’ll play] as many as possible: Archer but do not fear him. “As a Matthew Mott, England’s innings at the IPL last month, and Sussex’s2ndXIlastweek. he’s missed a lot of cricket and he’s team, we are very excited to play white-ball coach, oversaw training said he is in “a really good space” England have named Archer in desperate to get back out there and Archer,” Babar said. “We have that in Leeds on Tuesday after missing with his batting. Across 22 innings their provisional 15-man squad for beabigpartoftheteam. pace of bowlers: Haris Rauf, Monday’s session for family for Paarl and Rajasthan Royals this June’s T20 World Cup, which they “AnyplayerofJofra’scalibreis [Mohammad] Amir, Shaheen reasons.While performances in the year, he has averaged 40.36 while must finalise with the ICC by a huge asset to any team [Afridi]. We are facing it everyday next nine days will be more striking at 142.30: “Sometimes, I Saturday He bowled with good Absolutely, he makes us a better We are not [feeling] fear; we are importantthanresults,hissidehave feellikeabitofavictimofmyown pace in the nets on Monday - side and [gives us] a better chance excited.” not won a T20I series since they expectations,”hesaid. including to Buttler - and had a of winning games. But we have to Harry Brook will also return to became world champions in He also confirmed he will keep lightertrainingsessiononTuesday, temper expectations, not put too international cricket on Australia 18 months ago and will wicket in this series, but is likely to in anticipation of his return on much pressure on him, ease him Wed

y,

ing wanttobreakthatstreak. hand the gloves to Phil Salt at least Wednesdaynight. backin.Thegreatsuccesswouldbe England’s Test tour to India on Mott and Buttler both came once since his wife Louise is

“He’s got a big smile on his himcomingthroughthisserieswith compassionate leave. “He’s got a under pressure during England’s expecting the couple’s third child face,”Buttlersaid.“It’sgreattosee abigsmileonhisfaceandhisbody brilliant head on his shoulders,” catastrophic group-stage exit at the imminently “My family comes him back fit and bowling fast, and holdingup.Thatwouldbeasuccess Buttler said. “He can handle most 50-over World Cup last year and first: I’ll be at the birth,” he said. just being back around the group. I tome.” things… watching him bat, he cannot afford a repeat in the “I’m not a doctor These things can know how much he’s missed that. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s looks in great touch and he’s going Caribbean. Buttler said he had come on at any time. But I’ve got a [Facing him] is never that fun, but captain, said his team are “looking to be an England player in all learned valuable lessons in India: plan in place… fingers crossed, he’slookinggreat. forward” to the challenge of facing formatsforalongperiodoftime.” “Sometimes, when results don’t go everythingwillgowell.”

Starc shows the way as KKR blow away Sunrisers to march into IPL final

ESPNcricinfo - Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma are used to going bang, bang and pretty much killing off gamesinthefirstsixoversat IPL 2024. But in the first qualifier in Ahmedabad, it wasMitchellStarcwhowent bang, bang, bang in the powerplay to secure Kolkata Knight Riders’ spot in the IPL final on Sunday in Chennai.

After Starc scythed through SRH’s top order in anopeningspellof3-0-22-3, Varun Chakravarthy took over in the middle overs to help dismiss SRH for 159 in 19.3 overs. In reply, Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer made unbeaten halfcenturies as KKR ran down the target with more than six overstospare.

Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer added 97 off 44 to take KKR home. (Associated Press)

Mitchell Starc picked up wickets off consecutive balls in the fifth over. (AFP/ Getty Images)

Sunrisers Hyderabad AnukulRoyonasurfacethat powerplayinIPL2024. of Tripathi summed up At 126 for 9 in 16 overs, Narinefor21off16balls,but will face the winner of the was a mix of red and black Tripathi counters KKR SRH’snight. SRHwereindangerofbeing KKR’s openers had already Eliminator between soil and had some early Tripathi, who kept his Varun’s variations bundled out for a sub-140 done enough damage in the Rajasthan Royals and Royal moisture, had Abhishek place at No. 3, repaired Heinrich Klaasen had total,butCummins’30off24 powerplay by slashing 63 Challengers Bangalore, for a Sharma scooping a catch to SRH’s innings with a half- taken Sunil Narine for 16 off balls dragged them to a more runsofftheirtarget. shot at a rematch with KKR Andre Russell at short cover century He combined power eight balls, but KKR’s other respectable159. The Iyers - captain inthefinal. for3. w i t h i n v e n t i o n t o mystery spinner, Varun KKR ace the chase ShreyasandVenkatesh-then Swingin’Starc SRHplungedintofurther manufacture scoring Chakravarthy, struck in his After doing a good job struck up an unbroken 97 Starc’s first ball to Head trouble when Starc snagged opportunities. He whacked first over to cut Klaasen’s behind the stumps, partnership for the third was an outswinger that was Nitish Kumar Reddy (9) and Arora over midwicket and innings short on 32 off 21 Rahmanullah Gurbaz eased wicket off only 44 balls to squeezed to extra cover His Shahbaz Ahmed (0) off ramped a bouncer from balls. Varun darted one into himself in with the bat in turn their chase into a cruise. second threatened to angle successive balls in his third Harshit Rana for six. He the pitch and didn’t allow what was his first outing this Along the way, both batters in, but swung and seamed over Starc could have also reached his fifty off 29 balls Klaasen underneath the season. posted half-centuries and it away late to breach the dismissed Rahul Tripathi in when he reverse-swept length as he dragged a catch Phil Salt had left the IPL was Shreyas who finished it defences of Head and leave his second over when he Varunforfour to deep midwicket. He then to link up with the England off in grand style in the 14th hisstumpssplayed. speared in a yorker that Tripathi, however, could pinnedBhuvneshwar Kumar side, and Gurbaz slotted into over,withasequenceof6,4, Head was gone for a struck him flush on his boot not press on as Russell lbw with a wrong ‘un in the his role and picked off 23 off 6,6offHead. duck. This was the fifth time and would have cannoned capitalised on a mix-up to 16th over that cost KKR just 14 balls He hit four

Scores: Kolkata Knight thatStarchadtakenoutHead into leg stump. But KKR run him out for 55 off 35 one run. It was Varun’s 40th boundaries and when he Riders 164 for 2 (Shreyas acrossformats-fourofthose decided against a review and balls Tripathi was so wicket in 27 IPL innings aimedforafifth,TNatarajan 5 8 * , Ve n k a t e s h 5 1 , wicketsducks. SRH went on to finish the distraught that he sat on the since the 2023 season hadhimholingoutinhisfirst

In the second over, pacer powerplay on 45 for 4. Only stairs in Ahmedabad, with started. No other spinner has over Sunrisers Hyderabad 159 Vaibhav Arora, who was twice in 14 innings have his head buried in his knee, more wickets than Varun T

(Tripathi 55, Starc 3-34, picked ahead of spinner SRHscoredfewerrunsinthe for a long time. That image duringthisperiod. Cummins bounced out Varun 2-26) by eight wickets.

Bravo joins Afghanistan as bowling consultant for T20 World Cup

SportsMax - The time T20 World Cup- champions Chennai Super Afghanistan Cricket Board winning West Indies side, Kings, a position he took has appointed former West retired from international over after retiring from the Indies allrounder Dwayne cricket after the 2021 T20 IPLinDecember2022. Bravo as their bowling World Cup but continues to Afghanistan play their consultant for the 2024 T20 play in T20 leagues around first warm-up game against World Cup, to be held in the theworld. Oman on May 29 followed CaribbeanandtheUSAfrom Earlier this year, he bythesecondoneonMay31 June1-29. featured for eventual againstScotland. Afghanistan have champions MI Emirates in At the World Cup, already arrived in St Kitts theILT20. Afghanistan are placed in and Nevis and are expected He is currently the Group C alongside West to begin a ten-day leading wicket-taker in T20 Indies, New Zealand, Papua preparatory camp, during cricket with 625 wickets in New Guinea and Uganda. which Bravo will join the 573games. They start their campaign team. Bravoisalsothebowling against Uganda on June 5 in Bravo, part of the two- coach of five-time IPL Providence.

Dwayne Bravo conversing with Sam Billings (center) and Ben Dunk during the IL T20.

Spankhurst, Stolen Money leads Guyana horse racing earnings

Stolen Money is ranked second among Guyana’s top 10 horses.

Jumbo Jet’s top horse places. The underdog horse, Royal Racing Stables sits in Spankhurst and Simply Bossalina started in two sixth while Easy Time is Royal Racing Stables races and is ranked third as seventh, despite starting in champion horse Stolen Guyana’s top horses in 2024. only one race this season, Money are currently Bossalina has earned andrecordingasecond-place Guyana’s top horses for the G$2,500,000, recording one spot. Money Time is in eight year 2024 after five races. firstplaceandonethirdplace whileJessica’sPrideandShe According to the earnings in the two starts she ran this WBO On Time are the other calculated, Spankhurst has season. Country Rock sits in horsestocompletethetop10 earned G$4,500,000. Stolen fourth. The three-year-old horses in Guyana after five Money, who got the better of horse had three first places officialracedays. Spankhurst in the last race and one second place in four The next race day is day in April, has earned starts Country Rock has billed for July 1 at the Port G$4,450,000. The horse of earnedG$1,750,000. Mourant Turf Club. That t h e y e a r f o r 2 0 2 3 , Firecracker rounds out race will be a preview of the Spankhurst, has four starts the top five horses after five Jumbo Jet’s Guyana Cup this year, and has secured official race days in 2024, which will run off onAugust twofirstplaces. securing two first places in 19 at Rising Sun Turf Club.

Stolen Money had five the two starts which had Horses will use the July 1 starts; racing on each race stakes equi

days for the year thus far and G$1,375,000 Creemore, competitive preparation for has recorded two first- another horse of the Simply themarqueeeventinAugust.

Despite a recent defeat, Spankhurst is still Guyana’s leading horse.

- Guyana leg of Trophy Tour gets underway ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy arrives

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20

W o r l d C u p Trophy arrived yesterday (Tuesday) to a cultural Guyanese welcome at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport(CJIA),Timehri.

Accompanied by Damon Leon Head of Public Relations for Cricket West Indies(CWI)andmemberof the ICC World Cup committee, the silverware was displayed at the CJIA Arrival area yesterday afternoon, where a number offans;mediaoperativesand some ICC officials shared a lightmoment.

to local fanfare

Leonsaidthatthetrophy, hosting the World Cup as an First Lady will partner with which had been on tour incredible moment; adding children from orphanages recently, made appearances that the event is one for all andthosewhoaredifferently at the Miami grand prix, Guyanese to come out and able as they interact with NBA playoff games, before support. CricketAmbassadors. stopping in co-host nation Assistant Director of The Trophy is expected Guyana; before heading to Sports Franklin Wilson to head to the majestic, theUSA. added that it was a “Historic Kaieteur Falls on Thursday T h e t r o p h y w a s moment” in Guyana and one while President of Guyana previously displayed which signaled a time to Dr Irfaan Ali and members throughout Caribbean shine. of the Cabinet will receive countries like Barbados, W i l s o n t h a n k e d the trophy on Thursday Antigua and Barbuda, Saint everyone for supporting the morning. Lucia, and the Twin Island, event, adding that it’s about T h e p r e s i d e n t i a l Republic Trinidad and putting one’s shoulder to receptionofthetrophyalong Tobago. wheel going forward; as he with a number of other Guyana will bring down wished the West Indies all events will highlight the the curtains for the trophy the best in their pursuit of remainderofGuyana’slegof tour within the Caribbean, winningtheCup. the ICC Men’s T20 World with Leon citing Guyana Today, the Office of the CupTrophyTour

Women’s CPLgames to feature alongside Windies, SAT20I series inAugust

SportsMax - For the first time, a Indies,describedthemoveasanexcitingnew women’s franchise game will be played concept for the second edition of the WCPL, alongside a men’s international, as Cricket whichisscheduledforAugust21to29. West Indies (CWI) announced the fixtures of “Women’s cricket continues to be a this year’s Women’s Caribbean Premier strategic priority for CricketWest Indies, and League (WCPL) to be held in Trinidad and this is another exciting new concept for Tobago,inAugust. WCPL2024,”Gravesaid.

Three WCPL matches will be a part of “We are certain that there will be huge double-headersalongwithWestIndiesmen’s interest from people in Trinidad in these T20internationalseriesagainstSouthAfrica. doubleheaders,asfanswillbeabletowatch Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West (Continued on page 27) Barbados Royals’ Women are the defending champs.

Damon Leon ICC Men’s head of Public Relations and Assistant Director of Sports Franklin Wilson pose with trophy.

King honoured to lead West Indies for the first time “Couldn’t be scripted better”:

Brandon King is set to captain the West Indies for the first time in their three T20Is against South Africa in Jamaica. (CWI Media)

SportsMax - Opener Brandon King will captain the WestIndiesforthefirsttimewhentheytakeonSouthAfrica inthreeT20IsfromMay23-26atSabinaParkinKingston.

The 29-year-old has scored 1150 runs in 47 T20Is at an average of 28.04 since his debut against Afghanistan in Lucknowin2019.

Captaincy is not new for King as he most recently captained the Jamaica Scorpions in the West Indies Championship after leading the Jamaica Tallawahs in last season’sCaribbeanPremierLeague.

“Definitely,” was King’s response when asked about whether or not it is an honor to lead the regional side for the firsttime.

“It couldn’t be scripted better It’s an honour to lead the WestIndiesinanycapacityandevenmoretodoitathomeso I’mveryhappy,”headded.

InadditiontoleadingtheWindiesforthefirsttime,King also expressed joy at getting to do it in his home country Jamaica.

“Obviously,extremelyhappy I’malwaysexcitedtoplay at home. It’s good that we get some cricket in especially leadinguptotheworldcup.Itbringssomeexcitementtothe fanssoI’mhappyaboutit,”hesaid.

The squad recently had a training camp and King is looking forward to the squad getting an opportunity to get some match practice ahead of the world cup set for June 129.

“Match practice is something that you can’t replicate in training. We’re coming from a training camp and this is our opportunity to put those plans and skills in place so we’re verymuchlookingforwardtoit,”hesaid.

Despite some regular squad members being missing fromthesquadduetotheIPLplayoffs,Kingsaystheplayers present are looking to implement some of the plans that manyhopewillleadtoWestIndiansuccessattheworldcup.

“A few of the guys aren’t here as yet but I think the communication has been clear with the whole group. We know how we want to play and the guys that are here, we’re lookingtoimplementthatinthisseriesandseehowitgoes,” hesaid.

Guyana’sSchoolGirlsWindball rd teamfinished3 inBarbados

The team take a picture with their awards won at this year’s tournament after the closing ceremony.

TheGuyanaSchoolGirls participating at the West Theteamanditsofficials Minister, Minister of Windball Cricket team will Indies Women’s Windball are extending special thanks Housing & Water, Minister return today in two groups tournament the team to those who made the withintheofficeofthePrime from Barbados, the first at registered a place in the last journey possible. Among Minister, some of the 10:55am at Timehri and the four as they ended 3rd. Over them are Dominion Parents, C&L Construction second group at 6:45pm at the years they never got out Enterprise, ASTP, Minister Inc, Chris Fernandes and A. Ogle. For the first time since oftheQuarterfinals. CYS, Office of the Prime Tyndall.

Lusignan Golf Club mourns the passing of Pope Emmanuel London

The Lusignan Golf Club acknowledgingtheprofound (LGC) is deeply saddened to impact he had on the club announcethepassingoftheir and the sport. “It is a tough Captain Pope Emmanuel loss for the LGC, but there is London, a pivotal figure in no denying that London left the club’s history and the animpactonthesport.Itwas mastermind behind the his brainchild to get children esteemed House of Majesty involved in golf and bring Golf Tournament. Captain them in masses from London’s contributions to differentregionstotheLGC. the sport and the community Hetooktheresponsibilityon have left an indelible mark and sacrificed his own time. that will be remembered for He was a dedicated golfer, yearstocome. but he was very helpful to Since its inception in any newcomer that wanted 2013, the House of Majesty to learn the game of golf and Golf Tournament has been a he was very patient. He was r e g u l a r a n d m u c h - an asset to the LGC and we anticipatedeventattheLGC, will miss him dearly,” said thanks to Captain London’s Persaud. visionary leadership His London’s dedication, commitmenttothesportwas extended beyond organizing exemplified by the April tournaments He was tournament, where he passionateaboutintroducing emphasized the inclusive thegameofgolftoanyonehe nature of golf. He often met, eagerly sharing the art remarked that these of the game and the mental tournaments were designed discipline it required. His of the club, further The Lusignan Golf Club to engage individuals from s e l f l e s

demonstratinghisleadership

all walks of life, fostering commitment to teaching and and dedication to the LGC. condolences to the family connections and promoting mentoring new players His passing is a significant and friends of Captain Pope the love of God through the showcased his character and loss to the club and the EmmanuelLondon. game. hisloveforthesport. broader golfing community, His contributions to the L G C P r e s i

Flashback! Captain Pope Emmanuel London.

Golden Jaguars to face Fluminense FC, Flamengo FC in Rio

As the Golden h o m e - b a s e d a n d America.

De Janeiro, Brazil and initiatives to our national players get into the correct J a g u a r s internationalplayers. Fluminense FC also Georgetown,Guyana.” teamprogramme. mind-set to start their World

intensify their The invitation for the played Manchester City in According to Faizal He added, “I want to Cupjourney preparations for the start of training camp was extended the finals of the FIFA Club Khan, “I am happy to thank State Transport Shabazz shared that he their FIFA World Cup by Reis and facilitated by World Cup this year, losing facilitate this opportunity as Secretary, Washington Reis, willusethetrainingperiodto qualifiers campaign, they Guyanese businessmen 4-0. this is the type of public forinvitingournationalteam “develop a distinctive will face Fluminense FC, Faizal Khan, head of the Guyana will also play private collaboration that to train in Rio de Janeiro. playing style within our Flamengo FC, Caxias FC, British Chambers of Flamengo FC, celebrated as will build long-standing This opportunity allows the tactical framework, both in and Club America in Rio de Commerce, and his brother oneofBrazil’spremierclubs footballing and business Golden Jaguars to prepare possession and out, during Janeiro,Brazil. KabirKhan. with the second-largest relationships between both for the 2026 World Cup in a transitions and set-piece

The Golden Jaguars are The opportunity aims to global fan base; Caxias FC, Guyana & Brazil I new setting and to face scenarios, while fostering a currently on a two-week provide the Golden Jaguars Reis’ second division club; commend President Ali for formidableopponentswithin strong team spirit and training camp in Rio de with a new environment to and Club America, whose supporting this project Brazil’s club system. The confidenceamongthesquad, Janeiro, gearing up for their hone their preparations for president is Brazil’s former through the Ministry of GFF continues to embrace enabling the players to first 2026 World Cup the2026WorldCup. superstar striker Romario, Sports as well as the GFF for partnerships that contribute deliver their optimal Qualifier match against G u y a n a w i l l b e nowasenator acceptingourinvitation.” to the ongoing growth of performanceforGuyana.” PanamaonJune6. thoroughly tested with four The Brazilian official Wayne Forde, president footballateverylevel.” Following their match

The camp, organised and matches against Fluminense said that he is delighted to be of the GFF, shared that the Meanwhile, Golden against Panama on June 6 in hosted by the Rio de Janeiro FC, the reigning champions able “to host the Guyana Federation welcomes Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Panama City, the Golden State Transport Secretary, of Brazil’s National League National Football Team, as partnerships that contribute Shabazz said the games Jaguars will then take on Washington Reis, began on and winners of the Copa the start of building stronger to the progress of football, against the Brazilian clubs Belize in Barbados on June May 19 and includes 28 Libertadores in South relationships between Rio ranging from grassroots will undoubtedly help the 11.

ExxonMobilBoysandGirlsU14FootballTournament

Teachers and Coaches briefed ahead of Saturday’s Kickoff

Petra Officials along with ExxonMobil representative share photo-op with Teachers and Coaches at the National Library yesterday.

The Petra Organisation, attended by numerous Director of the Petra Saturday’s start,” Mendonca CottonTreeSecondary,New commencement “We at in collaboration with title teachers and coaches from Organisation, highlighted stated. Campbellville Secondary, ExxonMobil are thrilled to

nMobil participating schools, where the essential role of teachers The 2024 tournament Christ Church Secondary, kick off our fifth annual Guyana, held a coaches and critical topics regarding the and coaches in the will see participation from Annandale Secondary, Hope Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 teachers briefing at the safety and fairness of play tournament. He emphasized schools across regions 1, 2, Sec

y, Brickdam Football programme,” NationalLibraryConference throughout the competition their contributions in 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10. Notable Second

ry, Patentia Hoppiesaid.Heunderscored Room yesterday This were discussed The organisingandmanagingthe participants include East Secondary, West Minster ExxonMobil’s commitment preparatory meeting comes tournament will feature a teams and students, ensuring R u i m v e l d t , N o r t h Secondary, Three Mile tosupportingthetournament ahead of the much- round-robin format, with they are prepared for the Ruimveldt, Vergenoegen Secondary, St John’s and the pivotal role of anticipated kickoff of the eight groups in the boys’ games amidst ongoing S

College, Queen’s College, teachers in nurturing the 2024 Schools Under-14 division and five groups in industrialchallenges. Wellington, Bush Lot President’s College and development of children Boys and Girls Football the gir

d

vision, “The dedication of the Secondary, St Cuthbert’s many more. ExxonMobil’s throughsports. Tournament, scheduled for comprising56teamsfrom41 teachers and coaches has

Saturday, May 25, at the schools—32boys’teamsand been unwavering, helping us

Advisor, Ryan Hoppie, upcoming tournament will Ministry of Education 24girls’teams. coordinators to ensure the Secondary,MackenzieHigh, expressed excitement about beissuedandmadeavailable ground. The briefing was Troy Mendonca, Co- teams are game-ready for Wismar Christiansburg,

today

GoldenJaguarsstandachance!

- Curtez Kellman, Jeremy Garrett speaking World Cup qualification into existence

By Rawle Toney competed in the world’s USA receiving automatic biggest single-sport event, qualification for the June 11 Tommy Lasorda, the just 11 are from the – July 19, 2026 tournament, legendary Hall-of-Fame Confederation of North, Guyana can compete for the baseball manager, once said, Central America, and three remaining slots “The difference between the Caribbean Association available. impossible and the possible Football (CONCACAF)

The Golden Jaguars are l i e s i n a m a n ’ s region. currently in Rio de Janeiro, determination.” With the 2026 FIFA Brazil, preparing for their Every player dreams of World Cup on the horizon, June 6 clash against Panama competing in the FIFA World Kellman and Garrett in Panama City, followed by Cup, and for Curtez Kellman believes that Guyana could a match against Belize on and Jeremy Garrett of the join Cuba (1938), Haiti June11inBarbados. Golden Jaguars, their (1974), Jamaica (1998), and After their match in aspirations are no different Trinidad and Tobago (2006) Barbados,Guyanawillfocus from those of athletes as Caribbean countries to ontheCONCACAFNations re p re s e n t i n g t h e 2 11 r e a c h t h e p r e m i e r League,LeagueA,before countries affiliated with tournament for the Beautiful (Continued on page 27) football’s global governing Game. body

“I think we do stand a However, just only 80 great chance of Qualifying countrieshaveeverqualified fortheWorldCup,”Kellman for the FIFAWorld Cup, and noted, adding that with of that amount that have Mexico, Canada, and the

Jeremy Garrett in action for Guyana.

FLASHBACK! Curtez Kellman battling T&T’s Isaiah Lee during their recent international friendly at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.