Kaieteur News

Caricom leads tributes for Mahdia students killed in dorm fire

Condolences poured in on Mahdia Secondary School brothers and sisters in Guyana, affected by coverage of this Monday as news circulated about dormitory fire We offer our offering our support and tragedy The GPA encourages you the death of 19 children who deepest condolences to the sympathies as the community to seek our support if counseling is perishedinafireatthedormitoryof bereaved families, loved ones and navigates this period of immense needed. the Mahdia Secondary School all Guyanese #prayforMahdia sorrow

The Council, Executives, Sundaynight. #PrayForGuyana Our thoughts May the souls of all lives lost in Management and Staff the Leading tributes was and prayers are with the families this tragic fire rest in peace, and Caribbean Examinations Council CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr and people of Mahdia. We express may their memories be a source of (CXC) also offered heartfelt Carla Barnett, who in extending our deepest sympathies for those inspirationforasaferfuture. condolences to the Government sincere condolences to the beautiful children who perished in The Guyana Press Association and people of Guyana on the Government and people of Guyana the fire last night. Best wishes for a (GPA) also joined the nation in passingof19students.“Thelossof said the “CARICOM Community speedy recovery to those who were mourning the tragic death of these young people with such has received with great sorrow the injured ” Canadian High several students of the Mahdia bright potential is shocking and shockingnewsofthefireatthehigh Commissioner Mark Berman in a Secondary School in their painful.We pray at this time for the school in the Guyanese town of terse statement expressed deepest dormitory on Monday “Our survivors and family members of Mahdia.” She added: “We mourn condolences to the parents and thoughts remain with the families those students whose lives were with the families, friends and families of those who died in the ofallaffected.TheAssociationalso lost,”CXCsaid. rest in peace and rise in glory,” communities who are impacted by fire. wishes speedy healing and Also offering condolences was GPSU said. “The Guyana Public this horrifying event. “On behalf of Intheirtribute,theGovernment recovery to the children injured. the Guyana Public Service Union. Service Union (GPSU) conveys its CARICOM, I extend sincere andPeopleofGrenadasaidtheyare The GPA takes this opportunity to “The trauma on the families, condolences to the bereaved condolences to the Government deeply saddened by the news of the remind members of the media of relatives and friends of the families, relatives, friends, and the and people of Guyana. “We pray a tragic dormitory fire. “Our hearts international guidelines for deceasedissharedbyusall.Theill- entire Mahdia community, hoping speedy recovery for those injured go out to the entire community of reporting on trauma, and the fated circumstances leading to the that the Almighty that took their and otherwise impacted and offer Mahdia,especiallythefamiliesand guidelines for the use of images of demise of these children is a lesson children from the trials of mankind the support of CARICOM Member loved ones who will be eternally minors as well as those affected by that would ensure that there should would grant them solace, strength States as the community returns to affected by this devastating tragedies,” the statement read never,everagain,bearecurrenceof and courage. GPSU prays that the normalcy “Our thoughts and incident,” Prime Minister, Dickon According to the GPA, the media this kind.Asmall nation in need of Government of Guyana, Regional prayers are with you at this time of Mitchell lamented. “We extend our remains critical to the its peoples, but carelessly Administrations, Education unimaginable loss,” the Secretary- deepest condolences during this dissemination of information in surrenderingthelivesofsomanyis Departments, among others, use Generalsaid. time of profound grief and loss.” any tragedy of this nature, but we but an abomination. Guyana can ill the circumstances of this horrific

The United States Embassy The Government and People of must remember our obligation to afford this wonton loss of life, loss as a tool for future corrective said: “On this sad day, the U.S. Grenada continue to monitor this ensure that the dignity of others are especially so many of these measures, to ensure that there is Embassypausestomournthetragic unfolding tragedy and stand in respectedinthistime.Additionally, promising souls snatched by death neverarecurrence.” ThePrivate death of young lives lost in the solidarity with our affected our member workers may be atsuchtenderages.Maytheirsouls (Continued on page 10)

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett

Exxon dodges KN’s request for full disclosure of formula used to arrive at US$2B parent company guarantee

Gu y a n e s e , i t adequate and adds to the One Environmental Impact prevention and mitigation. It Justice Sandil Kissoon in the case, the judgment for appears, may US$600M insurance Assessment (EIA) includes is important that you reflect relation to a case filed last which is expected on May never know the packagealreadyprovidedby examples showing that oil that in that decision- S e p t e m b e r b y t w o 29.

formula used by Exxon’s subsidiary and can flow into the Caribbean, making.”

Guyanese. Justice Kissoon Internationally, the an independent consultant to Stabroek Block operator, affecting a dozen of Routledgealsonotedthat had disregarded copies of ruling has had a significant determine that US$2B was Esso Exploration and Guyana’s counterparts such the documents pertaining to unsigned documents that impact on Exxon’s stock an adequate enough a sum to Production Guyana Limited as Trinidad and Tobago, the US$2B insurance were presented to him on the price It plunged by 12 be provided as a parent (EEPGL). Routledge said, “That is a guaranteearebeingfinalized US$2B parent guarantee. He percent in recent weeks to guarantee by ExxonMobil He further noted that worst-case scenario and not withtheotherpartnersonthe categorically stated in his US$105. Corporation for oil spill EEPGL has a growing pool a credible case.” He said it is

ess ruling that the Liza Phase E x x o n M o b i l liabilities in the Stabroek of assets which currently true the company is required Corporation and CNOOC, One Environmental Permit shareholders have also taken Block. Last week at a press stands between US$18B to to examine all scenarios. He and will soon be provided to calls unequivocally for an note of the ruling and are conference, Kaieteur News US$19B He said those saidhoweverthatthisisdone t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l unlimited parent guarantee poised to challenge the oil made pointed requests for assets can be used to cover with the aim of informing all ProtectionAgency(EPA). agreement, adding that gianttocomecleanaboutthe this information to be made any liabilities regarding a the protective and mitigative He also contended that anything less leaves EEPGL potential risks and liabilities public but those demands spill. measures that ought to be US$2B parent guarantee is and its partners in breach of ofitsoperationswhichcould were dodged by Head of Routledge said too that adopted. Routledge stressed in line with the demands of thepermit. affect not only Guyana but ExxonMobil Guyana, thesumwasarrivedattaking that the basis of the parent the Liza Phase One He has since given 12 other Caribbean nations. AlistairRoutledge. into consideration all guarantee estimate has to Environmental Permit, EEPGLaswellastheEPAto Thatchallengeisexpectedto

The Exxon official had “credible and reasonable reflect what is reasonably though a court ruling has comply with the provisions manifest by way of two said the independent costs” that are likely to arise credible. foundotherwise. of the permit by June 10 or proposals come May 31 at consultant was paid for by during an unmitigated oil Expounding further he That ruling was handed see its suspension Both E x x o n ’ s A n n u a l his company and utilized spill scenario at the Liza said, “So it is the worst down on May 3, 2023 by parties have since appealed ShareholdersMeeting. standards from Australia Phase One Project which is credible case [one must Routledge said he believes producing about 155,000 consider], given the that the US$2B guarantee barrelsofoilperday investments made [by the from ExxonMobil is While the Liza Phase partners in the block] on

Woman dies in accident at Camp Street

Policeareinvestigatinga fatal accident which occurredonSundayMay21, 2023 at about 23:00 hrs at Camp and Church Streets, Georgetown.

Policeinastatementsaid that the accident involved motor car # PAD 8395 owned and driven by Shawn Phillip Parasram, age 34 years; and motor car # PTT 7041 owned and driven by SheikRahman,age63years, with occupants Ronda Holder, age 30, and Natisha Natalie Fernandes (nowdeceased), age 30, of Kitty, Georgetown.

Enquiries disclosed that motor car PAD 8395 was proceeding east on the of motor car # PTT 7041 Mercy Hospital to receive southern side of Church were transported to the medicalattention. Streetandontheapproachat Georgetown Public Hospital

The scene was visited by the intersection of Church Corporation(GPHC). ranks of the Brickdam and Camp Street, where a U n f o r t u n a t e l y , Traffic Department A traffic light is erected and Fernandes succumbed to her breathalyzer test was done was flashing red in his injuries while receiving on the driver of motor car # direction,thedriverofmotor medicalattention. PAD 8395 and the results car#PAD8395failedtostop Her body is currently showed 14% and 33% BAC at the intersection and lying at the Georgetown and the driver of motor car # collided to the right rear Public Hospital Mortuary PTT 7041 — the results portion of motor car# PTT awaiting a post-mortem showing 3% and 6% BAC. 7041 which was proceeding examination. Both vehicles are currently South on the eastern drive Ronda Holder and Sheik at Alberttown Police Station lane of Camp Street. As a Rahman are currently to be examined by a result of the collision, both receiving medical attention Licensing and Certifying vehicles were damaged at GPHC and Shawn Phillip Officer extensively Parasram was escorted by Further investigations

Thedriverandoccupants the police to the St. Joseph areongoing.

Dead - Natisha Natalie Fernandes

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

Opposition and oil

The Opposition spoke about oil recently Frankly, Guyanese would have been better off if the Opposition had stayed silent, said not a single word. For when the Opposition was pressed to say something about the nation’s oil patrimony and its stewardship, a mess resulted. For all that the Opposition put on the table before the nation about oil, it did not say much of substance, nor provided any inspirationforGuyanese.

The Opposition Leader, Mr Aubrey Norton, in his last pressconference,spokeinthesegreatabstractions.Thebest that we can say is that he offered haze for a start, then added layers upon layers of more haze. The subject was oil, what the world is talking about relative to its Guyana discoveries and their significances, and the best that Guyana’s main politicalOppositioncouldcomeupwithisthatthepartyhas to be “strategic and tactical” and “ we are working on our policy position” and “we have a constituency and we have to first of all educate them before we actually say to the world [our plans]”.

This is not just dense, but appalling in content, and strikinginimplications.Oilwasfirstdiscoveredabouteight years ago, and for anybody in Guyana to talk about “educate” or “working” on this or that aspect of their oil position is indicative of great sloth, arguably incompetence, and definitely unpardonable dereliction of duty What sort of utter nonsense is this that the Guyanese people are hearing? Surely,thebiggestpoliticaloppositionpresencein Guyana and its leader could have come up with better than thisfluff,thisverbalandmentalshallowness,coulditnot?

With the PPP/C Government juggernaut on a roll, and manglingthemanagementofthisoil,Guyaneseneedaclear and coherent understanding of where the Opposition stands with their patrimony Instead of getting a robust understanding from the Opposition, there is this deliberate vagueness, which could be reflective of its pathetic cluelessness, it unreadiness to take the helm and do battle to getjusticeforthehopefulpeoplesofthiscountry

After almost five years in government, and now close to three years in Opposition, it is more than reasonable to expect, to demand, that the Opposition show its hand, and pull its weight, with this trillion-dollar (American) oil and gassector BythetimethattheOppositionisreadytounveil its long-awaited plans for the sector, such could be meaningless, for the commodity would have been long depleted. OppositionLeaderNortonspokeofeducatinghis constituency; if that is still a work in progress, then he has already missed the boat. The world is not waiting on him with bated breath, to assess the strengths and visions embeddedinhisplans. Itiseitherhispartyhasthemnow,or itdoesn’t.

Further,ifafterallthistime,theOppositioncouldlookat Guyanese in the eye, and speak of “working on our policy position” where this rich sector is concerned has to be more thanacrueljoke.Itjustmightbeasmokescreenforsomany othermaneuversandgamesbeingplayedbehindthescenes. Taking only the approximately three years that the group is inOpposition,itisalreadywaytoolongandnowuselessfor anyone to speak about still refining their “policy position”. Moreover, “strategic and tactical” are nothing but buzzwords utilized by those who have little in their tank. None of this is persuasive, and suggests that Guyana’s political Opposition is over its head where oil and gas is concerned.

Vice President Jagdeo, a special oil case by himself, has dismissedtheOppositionas“lazy”.Onthisone,wethinkhe isontosomething,anditisvast. TheVicePresidentalsosaid that“Mr Norton…ontheoilandgasside,Idon’tknowwhat his positions are…” It would be a shock if anybody in Guyana does, and this extends to Opposition Leader Norton himself.

The problem with this oil, as we assess matters, is that both the government and the Opposition have played fast and loose with this oil wealth, and nobody has strongly calledthemoutonit,sharplycondemnedthemforit.

Guyanese are more aware that something is definitely wrong with the Exxon contract

DEAREDITOR, already done, it would be should be the basis for consider holding a national

One of the things about interesting to see a single presenting a case of referendum on the Exxon which I am confident is that a r

a r i l y fraudulentmisrepresentation contract to put an end to the Guyanese are now more documenting every issue by the Government of continuous squabbles in our certain than ever that there is within the contract which is Guyana when signing as nationalnewspapers. something definitely wrong not in the interest of the representatives of the People Regards, w i t h t h e e x i s t i n g PeopleofGuyana. ofGuyana. Craig Sylvester, GoG/Exxoncontract. This little piece of script T h e c u r r e n t Democratic National If this has not been is what I am suggesting administration is urged to Congress

Thoughtsand prayers for the relatives of the victims of the Mahdia tragedy

DEAREDITOR, Yet to date, sprinkler national school system. New responsibility given to them. Our deepest condolences systems, fire hydrants and schools are being built Enough is enough! Those tothefamilieswholostloved fire extinguishers have not withoutsprinklersystems. under whose watch these ones due to the fire in been made mandatory at How many more must fires and the lack of Mahdia. May their young eacheducationalfacility. die? How many more of our responsible investment in soulsrestinpeace. T h i s i s u t t e r l y children’s lives must remain adequate fire protection and Givenwhathasoccurred, irresponsible on the part of at risk for these ministries to firesuppressionintheschool we must see a change at the both Ministries. They have give fire prevention and fire systemsmuststepdown. Ministry of Education and seen the near misses and suppressionsystemsthehigh Too many fires have the Ministry of Public have witnessed the fires that priority needed to keep our occurred for there to not be a Works.CRGhasbeenstating have occurred over the years children safe? Lack of change in the requirements adamantly for a very long since the first Queen’s making safety a top priority and building codes for the time that our schools require College fire with numerous hasresultedintragedy educational system We fire prevention and fire fires occurring recently There must be a change! cannot afford any more suppression systems Now the worst has Those who will act delay Itistimeforachange! Billions are being spent on happened and these responsibly to safeguard our With utmost concern, new structures to support the Ministrieshavenotevenput children, our teachers and Mr Jamil Changlee national school system and forward a plan to upgrade our citizens must replace Chairman numerous fires have the fire prevention and those who have shown that T h e C o o p e r a t i v e occurred. suppression systems in our they are not worthy of the Republicans of Guyana

We are too dishonest for our own good

DEAREDITOR, the windows of the to run any

business in and the would-be burglar

The recent deadly fire dormitory – sensibly put in Guyana, it is imperative that could be encouraged to act tragedy at Mahdia, where at place for security reasons I the proprietor be physically contrary to his normal least 20 schoolgirls lost would like to assume – all or present to “watchman” the proclivities. Guyana is now their lives when their most of those girls would running of shop, dredge or making enough money that dormitory became engulfed have been alive today in the minibus– for otherwise the ought to keep both politician in flames, tells us one light of early reports that returns will just never be and burglar happy without fundamental truth about haveemerged. anywhere near to accurate as theantisocialbehaviour ourselves – a truth that But for the known fact employees will always With such a positive Guyanese do not even see that residential buildings in dishonestly seek to do their adjustment of collective because it is so endemic in Guyananeedtobeprotected own business within the national attitude, grills can our society – the plain truth against invasion by business. become a measure deployed that we are too dishonest for burglars, security grills Lost are some 20 young inexceptionalcircumstances ourowngood would not have been soulswhowouldhavehadso only, rather than as an

Firstly, and I am sure I considered for installation much to enjoy in the new automatic security bolt-on state this on behalf of all over dormitory windows as Guyana that is emerging that usually puts health and f e l l o w G u y a n e s e considerations of health and before our very eyes – and safetyatrealrisk. irrespective of race, region, safety would have taken each one would have played Our actions taken to religion or party affiliation, precedence a part in the reinvigorated protect property should my heartfelt condolences are It is sadly the case, nation building process always be weighed against extended to all the bereaved however, that Guyanese Beyond the utterly terrible h e a l t h a n d s a f e t y families. have become so inherently family tragedies, this considerations Grills

Twoofmychildrenspent dishonest that protecting manifestation of the real should not be installed over significant years of their oneself or one’s property is consequences of having to upper floor windows, for lives living in school dorms, automatically given top guard against dishonesty example, as a matter of or the equivalent at priority It’s the reason why represents a huge loss to our course university, with like-minded sensible ladies carry country

Proper security lighting, other youngsters for handbags tucked under one It is also a wakeup call a n d i n a p p r o p r i a t e furtheringtheireducation. arm rather than show off the for all of us Guyanese– it is circumstances disciplined

I can well imagine how bag’s design that attracted a collective responsibility, human security, ought to be wracked with grief the them to buy it in the first so no finger-pointing or preferred options instead of bereaved parents feel having place. holier-than-thou attitude the potentially deadly to not seen or maybe even It is why passengers will allowed– to strive to be occupants but reliable spoken with their lost child lock car doors – not against honest in our interactions burglar-deterrent grills possibly for weeks in some inquisitive and playful witheachother Today all Guyana mourns cases. children but against robbers Public figures should losing the lives of many of

To a significant degree, – rather than consider that leadtheway;demonstrateby ouryoungcitizensinasingle dishonesty is to be blamed an unlocked door would your actions that you are tragedy May their souls rest for the distressing deaths of give rescuers easier access beyond reproach about inpeace. those hapless girls. But for intheeventofanaccident allegations or even Yours truly, the security grills in place on It is also the reason why suggestions of corruption, Ronald Bostwick

THE E-ID CARD PROJECT IS LACED WITH INCONSISTENCIES

DEAREDITOR, Simple logic would even produce an accurate mis-guided Amalia Falls, president is still being paid which are of little Contracts in Guyana dictate that if Guyana were Voters’ List 57 years after and the silly and unthinkable by the government to correct importance to the people, havethetendencytosweeten interestedinanelectronicID Independence! President Surendra Hospital. Such a theirownmistakes. more that 60 percent of the the palate and plunge system that would allow Ali’s defence of the contract huge expenditure could be In Guyana, the PPP/C population are poor and are headlong into the labyrinth entry into the country and a was, as usual, flaccid, and better used to improve the government is wasting struggling to put food on the of misuse and inflated costs range of other hassle-free lackinginsubstance.Hetold poor conditions at all the billions of dollars to build tableorsendtheirchildrento to outright theft of state interventions, then it would the virtual signing that the hospitals throughout the roads,bridges,andastadium school. Benjamin Franklin, funds. Up comes the PPP’s issue invitations for public Government’s commitment country, repair the wide and at Palmyra in Berbice which one of the Founding Fathers decisiontoissueanewbrand tender, and these would then to promote e-governance is deep potholes on the only a handful rich persons of the America, and who of ‘hi-tech’ Identification be tendered to the National to improve the productivity roadways including the so- will use because of the high many Guyanese has held in cards The electronic Procurement and Tender ofbusinessesanddeliveryof called poorly constructed cost of transportation. No their hands on the US$:100 citizenship card project Administration (NPTAB) government services highways, and the collection one, except the honcho and bill, has said “where all men stands as another example of for an evaluation committee through e-health, e- of garbage in the rat-infested de facto president, knows think alike no man thinks at this government’s autocracy t o m a k e t h e f i n a l education, e-security, e- Capitalandothercitiesinthe how much the stadium will all.”Wehopethehonchoand i n b y p a s s i n g t h e determination. Now this is agriculture, electronic country where a few inches cost or how the contractor d e f a c t o p r e s i d e n t constitutional channels in not a matter of urgency so permits, and licence of rain would cause severe was awarded the contract. understands the wise and spending taxpayers’ dollars there is no justification processing. So here is the flooding. The time has come Were there any kickbacks well thought out words foraprojectthatshouldhave because the project cannot Head of State squashing the for the taxpayers and the andifso,whoitwaspaidto? issuedbyFranklin. beenevaluatedinsteadofthe be classified as being one of purpose of the Procurement people in general to question So, while the government is Sincerely, faitaccomplidecision. national security so why did Commission which leaves how the PPPC government investing heavily in hi-tech L e y l a n d C h i t l a l l

This is a constant the government do its own many to believe that the E- headed by the honcho and ID cards and infrastructure Roopnaraine reminder of the unfettered procuring thereby trampling Identification cards project the de facto president is powersofFreedomHouseas on its own procurement islacedwithinconsistencies. spending their dollars. For exhibitedseveraltimesonall brother? So here is another example, it has been ten issues by the honcho and de However, the real potential casualty brewing, years and counting since facto president who believes catastrophe emanates from exposing the propensity of construction of the Cheddi he knows it all and who thedatabaseofallGuyanese the de facto President and JaganAirporthasstartedand wants things to be done his names – the National honcho for ill-conceived today, it is still not way, or the highway for Registration Records – a projects like the white completed. Lousy work by those who refused or highly flawed, diseased elephant Skeldon sugar the Chinese contractor who objected. document which cannot factory, the ill-advised and are friends of the de facto

Guyana mourns: As 20 perish in Mahdia School fire

DEAREDITOR, collectively responsible and abet the illegal construction by the various relevant civil Guyana mourns today guilty Weareguiltyofbeing of shacks, roadside vending and electrical agencies. We The grief, the pain, the sorry complacent, of not stands and other structures m u s t d e m a n d m o r e is palpable. Collectively, we demanding and holding to that violate so many regularized and effective all feel and share these account the various ordinances. inspection of all aspects of profoundemotionsasweare agencies, bureaus, NDC’s We are guilty of not building construction. We jolted out of our sleep with and Ministries with direct demandingbetter must reject shoddy and the horrific news of the fiery responsibilities for national It should not be that our sloppy work and demand death of 20 girls at the standardsandpublicsafety preference is for these higher quality We must Mahdia school dorm in We are guilty of creating foreign made counterfeit demand that inspectors Region8. our own death traps with our fakes that fail at the first rigorously issue certificates

Indeed, the nation illegal constructions, of instance of stress and load. of non-compliance and mourns with the small unauthorized and un- Our preference ought to be deficienciesandfollowupas miningtownandcommunity inspected, substandard and our demand. Our demand required. ofMahdia.Onecanonlyfeel overloaded electrical ought to be directed to those None of this guilt will forthevictims,theirfamilies connections.Weareguiltyof agencies that allow for these bring back the 20 children and friends. Words are not utilizingthecheapestforeign materialandequipmenttobe who perished in the early enough to express our electrical equipment and readily available across the morning blaze but if we act condolences to those who material that does not meet country upon our guilt and the raw must now live and carry on the basic internationally We must demand that all emotionsthatnowenvelope mourning the tragic loss of recognized standards We new building be built to (Continued on page 6) their loved ones, their are guilty of turning a blind modern standard and codes. children, children of the eye to the death traps that We must demand that all nation.At the personal level, exists in the many old, building plans meet the while I’m deeply saddened dilapidated and overgrown minimum requirements for at the loss of lives, I’m buildings across the country fire, life and safety; that all angry; very angry that yet We play politics and aid and plans are officially approved another fire has destroyed a public building and that this time around the result is the gruesome deaths of 20 young innocent children with an untold number injuredandtraumatized.

I’m angry that the recurring incidents of burning public buildings have not been met with a s t r o n g r e s p o n s e o f deterrence, of introduction of modern building standards, life, fire and safety codes and protection systems While those in authority have failed and continue to fail the nation, we as a people are also

Mahdia: A prayer

DEAREDITOR,

Father God, before you, I lay the heavy hearts of those mourning losses, crying and begging for comfort of some kind.OnlyyouLordknowsthepainamotherandafathermay feel after losing their innocent child, their little baby These angelsaresleepingnowandithurtsmyhearttosaytheyarein a safer place. I pray you heal and restore, touch them so that theycanbecomfortedduringthistimeofgrief.

Amen

My deepest, deepest heart-felt condolences. I too shed tears for the innocent littles ones who died from the fire and those too, that were injured. Thinking about how much the relatives are struggling to grasp that they are no longer here. GodwatchoverthechildrenofGuyana.

Regards,

Saaya Prasad

Support for National Mourning

DEAREDITOR,

Itisbeingreportedthatfirefighterswerefacedwithwater shortageinthedevastatingMahdiafirewhichclaimedseveral lives(DemerarawavesMay22). Anotherfireinthetownship, as I recall another disastrous fire some time ago, in which several business places were destroyed. Devastation and anguishhasvisitedthecommunityagain.

I support the call that Independence festivities be toned down.

Regards,

Shamshun Mohamed

Caribbeanpeople? and therefore invalid was lodged with the courts

One thing seems clear and that is that ExxonMobil is ripping off Guyana through this deal

MelindaJanki,oneofthe insurancepolicy? refers to Egypt and not lawyers who represented

Guyana mourns: As 20 perish...

From page 5 protection of our lives and the nation, we can effect safety While we pray that changecollectively theAlmighty Lord grants the In this small nation of family and loved ones’ 750,000souls,onelifelostis patienceandstrengthtocope one life too many May the during these difficult times, deaths of these 20 innocent our prayers and thoughts are children, our children, not enough. We ought to be children of this nation not be angry and we must let that in vain. May their death be angerbeknown! the catalyst that spurs us on Sorrowful and angry! to effect changes for the Jay Mobeen

2. Instead of a signature, Guyana? What does it mean

DEAREDITOR, permit requirements for Caribbean countries The Frederick Collins and there is what appears to be a that an insurance document, On Monday, May 29, insurance. potential environmental and Godfrey Whyte in the case company stamp, AON UK already lacking a parent EssoandtheEPAgetanother Exxon’s own modelling economic damage should againsttheEPAandEEPGL, Limited. Is the EPA aware company guarantee, is chance to argue for a stay of shows that an oil spill will make us all pause. A parent has called for Guyanese to that the document they have unsigned, expired, and Justice Kissoon’s ruling that not be confined to Guyana, company guarantee is what read the judgment,as well as and that was lodged with the identifies Egypt for Esso was in breach of the but will affect other the permit requires. Let us the court documents which courts is missing signatures operations taking place spell that out: It consists of a are public. One of the and can they tell the offshore in Guyana’s signed commitment that documents submitted by the Guyanese public who AON waters? How are we not to Exxon will cover the EPA to the court was Esso’s UKLimitedis? conclude that this looks like remaining costs that are not insurance policy, number 3. On Page 26 of the ‘eyepass’ to Guyanese and covered by the insurance ENOFC2200219. document, the territorial Caribbean people? What are payout in the event of an Having read it, these limits specified for an we to make of the fact that accident. For those who are three questions are directed insurance document instead of ensuring that saying, this is asking too totheEPA: covering Esso Exploration adequate and valid much (of a company that US 1 The Period of and Production Guyana documents are on file, the President Joe Biden has said Insurance in the document Limited (EEPGL) and/or EPA has taken to the courts earns more than God), ask lodged with the court clearly Hess Guyana Exploration to argue against the parent yourself this: without this says “From 1st February Limited and/or CNOOC companyguarantee? signed commitment, who 2022 to 31st January, 2023, Petroleum Guyana Limited Whether one is for or will pick up the remaining both days inclusive Local is “onshore and offshore against oil drilling, and even costs? Guyanese taxpayers? StandardTime at the address Egypthoweverworldwidein those at home and abroad of the Named Insured.” This respect of Transit and who remain unconvinced of means that even as this case Cargo ” What does the the need for a parent is going to appeal, NO valid referencetoEgyptmean??Is company guarantee, we insurance exists. Is the EPA Exxon aware that the should all welcome a awarethatitholdsanexpired document they have and that response to these three simple queries. One thing seems clear and that is that ExxonMobil is ripping off Guyana through this deal. Whydoesn’tthegovernment demand that Esso complies with the court order instead of looking to shift US$ billions of potential liability on to the Guyanese taxpayers and business sector?

Sincerely,

Alissa Trotz

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Opposition‘lazy’-PartI Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo had that one right!

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

The Opposition is lazy!

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

It is so lazy that it still cannot speak about oil…

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

With authority, with conviction!

Is this an Opposition, or is it part of Guyana’s imagination?

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Exxon ‘shaky’ on supply of gas from Liza Field

As the discussion sparked worry that there is continues on the not enough gas to fuel the n e e d f o r a Government of Guyana’s

Guyana President,

feasibility study, (GoG’s) Gas-to-Energy to utilise the gas in the Liza (GTE) project that is Fields for the purpose of currently pegged at US$2.1 electricity generation to billion. President of power the national grid, ExxonMobil Guyana, operator of the Stabroek Alistair Routledge was on Block, Esso Exploration and Friday, during a press Production Guyana Limited conference, asked to explain (EEPGL)- ExxonMobil why the GTE venture is Guyana- has signaled that beingpursuedifthereistruly the supply of the natural no excess gas in the Liza resource is just on the border Field In response, of impacting the recovery of Routledgeelucidatedthatthe oil. company examined the gas Forthoseunfamiliarwith available and has been using the process, during the alltheresourcesasfuelorfor recovery of oil from a well, re-injection. gasandwaterisalsopumped Sharing Agreement (PSA)

Meanwhile, as it relates from the reservoir Both the makesifclearthisisrequired tothe50millioncubicfeetof produced water and for utilization of the excess gas per day (mcfd) required associated gas can be re- gas ExxonMobil Guyana by government to power the injected into the well to had pointed out that there is 300-megawatt gas plant, he maintain a stable pressure in noexcessgas,hencenoneed said,“wearewithinthesort the safe recovery of the for this study to be of error of margin on will liquids. There has been an c o n d u c t e d there be an impact or not ongoing discussion of the https://www kaieteurnewso on the liquids recovery.” needforafeasibilitystudyto nline com/2023/05/18/no- Routledge noted that the oil examinetheprosandconsof feasibility-study-for-use-of- company believes “there transporting the gas to shore excess-gas-in-liza-required- may be certain things we can for the uses outlined above, exxon/ dotomitigatethatovertime since the 2016 Production This statement however (Continued on page 9)

More than twenty-seven persons arrested, one person sentenced for littering

In January alone, more than 27 persons were arrested, one of whom was charged for litteringinthecity

Director of Solid Waste Management at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Walter Narine revealed on Saturday during a cleanupexerciseinkeepingwiththevisionto transform the capital city into a scenic tourismdestination,as wellas toimprovethe sanitary and environmental conditions countrywide.

Routledge - Solid Waste Director

Narine said that the Solid Waste Management Department of the Georgetown council is working with the police to clamp downonpersonscaughtlittering.“Wehavea such, he urged drivers to ensure that their police unit coming out here every day to vehicles are equipped with receptacles to arrest persons. Not only that, but you also preventpassengersfromlittering. havealotofbusinesspeoplepayinghomeless Further,Narinestatedthatthedepartment peopletodisposeoftheirgarbage.Andasyou is looking to collaborate with the Ministry of know, that is a way of earning a living from Education,toconducteducationalsessionsin them, so they just dispose of it anywhere,” schools to emphasise the need for persons to Narineexplained. refrainfromlittering,andeducatechildrenon

He noted that the campaign is a the laws and penalties surrounding the continuous exercise that the council wants offence. civil society to be a part of. “If you see He urged community leaders to also somebody littering, you have to report it. We ensure that they correctly dispose of their have our numbers out. Just call us, and we waste and take responsibility for the will ensure that they are arrested. We have to appearanceoftheirsurroundings. cutoutthisscourgeinsociety,andweallhave “We are proud Guyanese, and we need to to be patriotic about where we’re living, and care for our environment. We tend to blame we have to become cognisant of the everyone else, but as community leaders and environmentwelivein,”heurged. community representatives, we can come out

The Director also addressed the issue of once a week, or once a month to clean up our litter being thrown from public and private environment.And I think if we start from the transportation,pointingoutthatwhensuchan community level, these exercises will move offence is committed, both the driver and on to more meaningful enhancement offender are arrested. And if the offender projects,” Narine stressed. (Modified from cannotbeidentified,thedriverisarrested.As DPI)

ExxonMobil

Alistair

Director of Solid Waste Management at the City Council, Walter Narine

Haiti’s problem is not security

Guyana and Haiti were once listed as the two poorest countries in the western hemisphere

Because Guyana fell so far behind the rest of the countries of the Region duringthelastdecadeofthe 1980s, it struggled to lift itself out of the ranking of the second poorest country inthewesternhemisphere.

The discovery of oil has changed all of that. It has catapulted Guyana many placesupthepercapitaGDP income scale. Haiti in the meanwhile has remained stagnated and is still the poorest country in the neighbourhood. Presently, Haiti has descended into violence and chaos

Marauding gangs are now roaming and controlling parts of the country But the peoplearenottakingitlying down;theyarefightingback by organizing vigilante groups to help protect their neighbourhoods.

T h e C a r i b b e a n Communityhasattemptedto

engage in order to resolve the crisis The Prime MinisterofJamaica,Andrew Holness, paid a one-day MissiontoHaitiinFebruary of this year The following month the Heads of CARICOM and urged continued dialogue among the stakeholders. But what dialogue were the Heads referring to? Haiti is now ungovernable.OneNGOhas described the country as being on the brink of civil war The government has asked for an International Stabilization Mission – a euphemism for military intervention. CARICOM Heads also promised to support the security forces withtraining.Theyalsosaid they would seek African support for Haiti. It might have been better if they had simply admitted that they candonothingtohelpHaiti.

TheWashingtonPosthas reported that the United States was pushing Canada andtheCaribbeantosupport this idea. But nothing has happened and the situation

in Haiti continues to deteriorate Brazil has decided to assume greater regional leadership on the question of Haiti.At the G7 Summit held this past weekendinJapan,President Lula called for quick action to alleviate the suffering of the people of Haiti. He also said that the problem with Haitiwasnotoneofsecurity butofdevelopment.

He is right about Haiti’s p r o b l e m s b e i n g development in nature. But he and many others have failed to appreciate the role that demography plays in Haiti’s pauperization. Haiti’sproblemisthatithas toomanypeopleintoosmall apoorcountry Letuslookat the same of the numbers. In order to get a better insight, we will compare it to what exists in Guyana. Guyana is morethan7timesthesizeof Haiti.Yet Haiti’s population ismorethan15timesthatof Guyana This has implications for the average number of persons occupying a unit of space –

Exxon ‘shaky’on supply of gas...

Frompage8 whichiswhywetrulydon’t believethereisexcessgas.”

Stillonthesupplyofthe 50 mcfd, Routledge said, “We think it is right in the modeling, it is right on the edgeofthelevelofaccuracy that we have, we are only three years into the life of operating a huge field and we are trying to make a forecastover20to30years of how the reservoirs will perform.

So our agreement with governmentisthatitisclose enough that on a risk basis, we can make available the 50mcfd and over time, we will assess and work out what are the mitigation, what are other sources of gasthatwecanfindthatwill ensure we don’t affect in any substantial way the recoveryofliquidsfromthe field.”

During an Alliance For

Change (AFC) press conference last month, executive member of the political group and former head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Vincent Adams accused Exxon of breaching the ‘sanctity of contract’ for failing to conduct the feasibility study for use of theexcessgasinthefield,as requiredunderthePSA.

Article 12.1 (b) of the Exxoncontractstates,“…If there is any excess Associated Gas in the Oil Field after utilisation pursuant to Article 12.1(a) the Contractor shall carry out a feasibility study regarding the utilisation of suchexcessAssociatedGas ofsuchOilField.”

Inflaggingtheissue,Dr Adams argued, “No feasibility study has been doneatthatlocation(Wales, WestBankDemerara).

Dem boys seh...

As a matter of fact, it (Exxon) violated this sanctity that this administration keeps talkingabout.

They violated the sanctity of the contract…it says before any gas project isimplemented,therehasto be a feasibility study and there was no feasibility study.”

He continued that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo hasmerelygivenassurances that the project is a “nobrainer”.

Dr Adams, a Petroleum Engineer however noted, “Every project starts with planning and it ends with planning,” adding that this detailedplanwouldcraftthe necessary steps regarding possible changes in the economics of the country, taking its development and other factors into consideration.

Children of fire

You went to bed to dream the dreams of a betterdayahead, Not knowing that the next day you would be dead. Your laughter is no more, Your smiles we will neverseeagainforsure. Your departure has left

usinshock, Not sitting or standing on any rock.Our hearts are filledwithsorrow, Knowing that your innocence will not be there togreettomorrow

Whowouldbelievethat fire,thesourceoflight, Would extinguish something that was so

what is referred to as the density of the population. Haiti’s population density is more than 100 times that of Guyana.

Butthemainworryisthe populationinthetowns.The capitalPortauPrince,which is about half the size of Georgetown, has more persons than the whole of Guyana. As at 2022, the population of Haiti’s capital was estimated at more than 1.2 million. Now imagine if the population of Georgetown as to swell by tentimes.Whatdoyouthink would happen? The PPP/C government is of the mistaken view that when you create high population densities, you stimulate greater economic activity

Well,evenifthisisso,there comesapointatwhichthere are diminishing returns Haiti is an example of what canhappenwhenpopulation density becomes an obstruction to development. Lula is right Haiti’s

problems are about development. But all the plans which the western nations have piloted to supportHaiti’sdevelopment have flopped And not merely because of corruption or lack of institutions as is offered as the common excuse. The development plans have failed because they did not bring about a shift in the urban-ruraldivide.

Thereareothercountries in the world which have far higher population densities than Haiti and do not suffer the same problems as Haiti. But guess what.All of them except Bangladesh have very small populations Bangladesh population is hugebutitisalsoapovertystricken country like Haiti.

So, population and population density does matter Also most of the othercountrieshavesuffered one-tenth of the problems whichHaitihasexperienced throughout its history,

including 19 years of US occupation. None of them have had to pay reparations for daring to fight for their Independence. Sowhenyou compound the historic problemsofHaitialongwith itsdemographicproblems,a clearer picture emerges that anyfuturedevelopmentplan has to involve a shift away fromurbanizationinorderto relive population pressures. Seventy years ago, nine out ofeverytenHaitianslivedin rural Haiti. Today almost 7 outofeverytenpersonslive in Haiti’s cities and towns. These cities and towns unfortunatelycannotsustain their population. And this remains the source of much ofHaiti’sfailuretoclimbout ofpoverty

bright?

In our tears, your memoriesarewashedclean andpreserved

In our hearts, there is a special place always reserved

We cradle you with our love

Soartoyournewabode likeadove.

Mahdia - distant disaster, a close-up national tragedy

Nineteen of Guyana’s abruptly, dreadfully, everything else where they heartofferatleastoneforthe children is bad enough; to have to be officially near to young children are dead in wrenched apart. This is belong: on the back burner, fallen and another for their lose almost a score in one the proceedings, I urge that Mahdia. A fire in a school beyond the homes of the farthest one. Everything stricken families. I would conflagration,anditisthatto there be mindfulness of the dormitory ended their young Mahdia; this is a piercing in else that we are engaged in - suggest that we rally around thosegoneandthosearound, n u m b n e s s o f t h e lives, with seven more our soul, at a collective, all the arguing and these brothers and sisters is a horror story beyond any circumstances, and that we injured and being attended deeply wounding national squabbling and raging at (fathers and mothers) and contemplation. manage ourselves well, keep to, as this is written. May level. eachotheroveranythingand extend a hand in whatever In this hour of loss and the reflexive sentiments in theymakeitthrough,despite I took a step back when everything - comes to a little or big way that we can. weakness, it is my hope that check, and use the moment thescarsandtraumasthatare the early online headline standstill, can be dismissed Letusdosoquietly,andwith not a single dissonant to comfort the survivors. sure to visit them for the rest slappedmerightbetweenthe as of so little significance. I every regard for the dignity element creeps into our This is all that matters at this oftheirlives. eyes: 20? Must be a typo. don’t think that I can recall a of the mourning families. I hushed conversations, none time.

For the families, hurting Except that it isn’t; though fire, or an occurrence in think that they could use any of the usual disturbances. I I think we all need to parents, siblings, and others, there was the small blessing Guyana, in the last 50 years, simple graciousness, as note the presence of Prime show that we are capable of we hope that they will find of one less dead, with the that had such a high death stirred by the care, Minister Phillips, Ministers rising to the demands of the the strength somehow to grim tally of burnt bodies toll at one going. It is as compassion, and love in our Benn and Manikchand, and moment, as tough as they manage and to continue. still now at 19 in the blink of thoughwehavebeenhithard spirits. there are broad shoulders are, as incredibly agonising

Thisisnotonesetofparents, an eye, in one incendiary byourownversionofamass Though a rather scarce and big hearts there astheyare. Maythefamilies but a community of parents, swoop. What could have killing. commodity in this country, Whateverelsemaybeonour be visited with peace. May a possibly huge number of gone so wrong so quickly The fact that this is a let that love shine through in minds, I exhort that our this Guyana of ours that villages spread across that so many were felled in r e l a t i v e l y r e m o t e thistimeofcommunitypain, agitated spirits be calmed, if grieves for its dead do so different places, that are s u c h h a r r o w i n g community,asegmentofthe I would say national pain. only for the briefest of with dignity, grace, impactedfortheworst. circumstances, would be the population that is largely To lose a tiny handful of seconds. For those who godliness.

What to say? What to firstquestion. Itdoesn’thelp poor, and the victims are of write? Who wants to write about who was at fault, for such tender years makes this about anything at a time like that does not return a single more than a calamity, it is a this? I certainly don’t when child to life, to the nationaltragedy so many are weeping, for I welcoming arms of a mother I heard that it is all girls, feel the oxygen slipping now beside herself, a father which only adds to the away, as the Nation mourns stoic in his anguish. The sorrow that hangs like a pall its youthful dead. Having answers, whatever they are, overthiscountryatthistime. been close to loss in my are not going to be easy to It is at times like these that personal space, and huge accept, but we must have our humanity must show tragedy, not once but twice, them and at the earliest; at through, and in the most in the wider arena, there is theveryleast,Iamexpecting tangible terms. What to do, some frail grasping of what the straightest, clearest andhowtogoabout? this means in those homes a n s w e r s F r o m m y I have heard about shattered into pieces, the perspective, something of prayers, and I firmly believe communities now so this grim nature puts inthose.MayeachGuyanese

Caricom leads tributes for Mahdia...

UG deploys specialist team to survivors of Mahdia tragedy

— rolls range of other services

From page 2

and prayers, fervently hoping that you find Sector Commission (PSC) in its tribute said strength in the embrace of your loved ones they will do everything in “our power to and in the outpouring of love and support support the affected and hope for the speedy from the entire Guyanese community May recoveryoftheinjured.” the memories of these cherished young lives

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services be a source of comfort and inspiration, Association (GMSA)said it was utterly reminding us all of their indomitable spirit devastated upon receiving the heart- and the joy they brought to the world. In the wrenching news of the horrific fire. “The face of such profound tragedy, we stand flames, fueled by unfathomable tragedy, united, offering our unwavering support and ruthlessly snuffed out the lives of 20 vibrant collective determination to work tirelessly to and promising young Guyanese students, prevent such devastating incidents in the leaving an indelible void in our hearts. The future.” weight of this unimaginable calamity bears The GMSA said the memories of the down upon us with a profound sense of loss students should be honoured by advocating and despair Each soul lost in this inferno for improved safety measures, ensuring that represents a world of dreams, aspirations, no other child has to endure such a tragic andpotentialabruptlycutshort.” fate

AccordingtotheGMSAthemagnitudeof “In the midst of darkness, we find solace this tragedy is truly overwhelming, as the in the power of unity and compassion. Let us flickering flames devoured not only their join hands, shoulder to shoulder, as we innocent lives but also shattered the hopes navigate the turbulent waters of grief and and futures that were intertwined with them. mourning. Together, we will navigate this “In this time of immeasurable sorrow and harrowing journey, providing comfort and shattered dreams, we come together as a strength to one another, for no burden is too community to offer solace, compassion, and heavy when shared by a compassionate unwavering support to the families and community May the hearts of the bereaved friends who are left to grapple with the find solace in knowing that their pain is not unbearable pain of losing their beloved borne alone. In our collective embrace, may children.Weextendourdeepestcondolences, they find a flicker of light amidst the as mere words can hardly express the depths darkness, a gentle reminder that they are of our empathy and grief. To the grieving surrounded by unwavering support and families, we hold you close in our thoughts love,”theGMSAstatementconcluded.

The University of of Social Sciences is additional medical support Guyana has announced a supporting the Ministry of at the location so that range of initiatives to help Education’s Welfare Unit there is no interrupted bring relief to survivors of and has reached out to medical services including the tragedy Sunday night other stakeholders. UG’s mental health nursing which claimed the lives of Social Work graduates in specialists are required as 19 persons when the female the Mental Health Unit of well as our Amerindian dormitory of the Mahdia the Ministry of Health are Studies Unit in the Faculty Secondary School went up also on standby to travel to o f E d u c a t i o n a n d inflames. thetownship. Humanities.

In a press release, the Moreover, the Vice- For its part, the UniversityofGuyanasaysit Chancellor as Chair of International Decade for shares the grief and extends UG’s Mental Health Task People of African Descent d e e p a n d s i n c e r e Force convened a meeting A s s e m b l y - G u y a n a condolences on the loss of Monday afternoon with (IDPADA-G) also extended lives, property and trauma U G ’ s C o l l e g e o f condolences to the families experienced in the Mahdia Behavioural Sciences and and friends of the twenty fire in the wee hours of Research (CoBRES), precious children who lost M o n d a y m o r n i n g Institute of Resiliency, their lives in the devastating “Institutionally, the Inclusion Unit and Social fire at the dormitory “The university has immediately Work Departments on member organisations of a c t i v a t e d s e v e r a l development of an IDPADA-G join the nation mechanisms internally and emergency mental plan for in mourning this shocking externally aimed at quick deployment which tragedy We hold the ascertaining any students includes support to first familiesandallofGuyanain and staff who may be responders. prayer as we grieve this directly affected Several Additionally, Dean of painfulevent. students have been U G ’ s C o l l e g e o f A loss of one is identified already. The Behavioural Sciences and tremendous more so the loss University of Guyana will Research (CoBRES), Dr of twenty children of host a Vigil of Compassion KatijaKhanin her capacity Guyana under such tragic from6pmto8pm tomorrow as President of the circumstances. at George Walcott Lecture Caribbean Alliance of Forthosefamilieswhose Theatre (GWLT) at the National Psychological children were injured or Turkeyen Campus. Those Associations, also pledged affected, please know that wishing to join online support and that of their we are praying for their m a y d o s o a t Disaster Mental Health healing and recovery from https://zoom us/j/92423592 Committee in any way both the physical and 766.” needed at this time. UG’s emotional trauma suffered

Additionally, the College of Medical inthisdisaster university said its Social Sciences is also We mourn together,” Work Unit in the Faculty mobilising to lend IDPADA-Gsaid.

Mahdiafire… Dorm mother loses 5-yr-old son while trying to rescue students

…angryresidentsstageprotest, Pres.declaredthreedaysofmourning

By Renay

TSambach time they got there, the fire dormitory building, that she dormitory “Going forward, reached a stage where it shares with her son “I we have to look at the h e M a h d i a became difficult for them to understand when she was systems that are in place for S e c o n d a r y extinguishit.”Hecontinued: alertedtothefire,sherushed dormitory and schools, and

School female “It was compounded by the out of her apartment and ran ensuring that the necessary dormitory fire which fact that we only have one tosavethem,leavingherson precautions are taken,” he claimed the lives of 18 girls fire tender in the town ship behind. It was during the added. and a 5-year-old boy is and what made it also chaos that her son ended up He shared that several possibly the largest mass difficult is the fact that they perishing in the fire,” Mr government officials fatality resulting from a fire had no fire hydrant in the Adamssaid. including: President Irfaan inthehistoryofGuyana. area where the fire took

To this, the mayor added Ali, Prime Minister Mark Following news of the place. So the firefighters had thathebelievesthereasonso Phillips, Minister of tragedy, Guyanese flooded to shuttle water from the many children died in the E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a social media platforms creek to the school, where fire is because of the Manickchand, Minister of e x p r e s s i n g t h e i r thefirewas.Theyreallytried windowsanddoorsthatwere Home Affairs, Robeson condolences to the bereaved their best, given the grilled and padlocked B e n n , M i n i s t e r o f relativesofthevictims. circumstancesandwhatthey “Public-spirited persons had Amerindian Affairs, Pauline

Duringaninterviewwith hadtoworkwith.” to break the walls of the Sukhai among others, were this publication, Mayor of Sharing how Carletta dorm to help some of the in Mahdia rendering Mahdia, Mr David Adams Williams, the dorm mother children to get out,” Mayor assistance to the grieving shared, “My information is lost her 5-year-old son Adamsdisclosed. f a m i l i e s a n d t h e that the fire started 10 Adonijah Jerome, the mayor When questioned Mayor communities. minutes to 11p.m. and the explained that Williams has Adams shared that he does When asked if the fire tender arrived 25 her own apartment that is not believe that there was childrenwhosurvivedwere minutes after 11pm. By the attached to the female any fire extinguisher at the (Continued on page 18)

Images from the protest outside of Mahdia Secondary School

President Irfaan Ali and other cabinet members during the briefing yesterday

Persons from the villages where the students who died in the fire are from, protesting yesterday (Michael Mc Garrell photos)

CoalitioncallsforNationalDayofMourningonFriday

The APNU+AFC that we are deeply saddened continue to keep the The Guyana Gold and to the families of the c o m f o r t f r o m t h e Coalition has by the loss of lives. “We situation under review and D i a m o n d M i n e r s students who were victims outpouring of support from

c a l l e d o n wish all those that are will make a full statement at Association has extended of this tragedy Parents of Guyaneseandothers Guyanese to make Friday- injured a speedy recovery a later time as we demand a deepest condolences to the victims, those who were Those who survived the Independence Day a and express our support and thorough investigation into families, relatives and injured,otherstudentsofthe horrific ordeal are left National Day of Mourning gratitudetothemedicalteam thishorrificincidentthathas friends of those who lost school and teachers are traumatised and the for the deaths of some 18 and others who are engaged resulted in the loss of theirlivesinthetragicfireat today bearing the brunt of Commission’s fervent wish school girls and boy at the intheprocessoftreatingand innocentyounglives. the Mahdia Secondary deep trauma resulting from is for them to be able to Mahdia Secondary School helping the injured and hope Also in a statement, School dormitory Sunday this incident. With so many overcomeandhealovertime dormitorySundaynight. there are no more fatalities. UNICEF Guyana & night. others, I join in sympathy, through the necessary

“In light of this tragedy, Special appreciation and Suriname said it is deeply “The Association joins deep concern and prayer as interventions and support we wish to call on all to thanks to our brave pilots saddened by the loss of life in sympathy with all we all try to comprehend the mechanisms,”the ERC said. make this Independence and the Joint Services who of 20 children after a fire Guyanese, as we share in profound loss and pain,” “The ERC thanks H E Day a Day of Mourning in playedandcontinuetoplaya enveloped the dormitory at this collective sadness and Bishop Alleyne said President Mohamed Ali, solidarity and support with key role in the entire the Mahdia Secondary mourn this national tragedy (FrancisAlleyneOSB). government agencies and the families, friends, operation. We also wish to School,Guyana. ThecommunityofMahdiais Fortheirpart,theEthnic Region 8 officials involved, relatives, the citizens of express gratitude to the “Our hearts and prayers close to our hearts; we offer Relations Commission, the Joint Services, the Mahdia and Region #8 and people of Mahdia who are with the impacted our prayers for the children (ERC) said it is collectively Private Sector and all all Guyanese and a Day of worked assiduously to children and families, of Mahdia. You will forever saddened and shocked at citizens who continue to Support to the injured, their rescue the children trapped especially those who lost be in our hearts,” the mining the deaths of the nineteen contribute towards easing families, friends, relatives in the Mahdia Secondary their loved ones.We express bodysaid. children “This tragedy has t h e i m p a c t o f t h e and the people of Region 8,” School dormitory. Our our deepest sympathy to the Catholic Bishop, Francis inflicted unimaginable pain catastrophe. the Coalition said in a gratitude is also extended to victims, families and Alleyne recalled in a on the affected families

The ERC prays for the statement. our Regional Member of communitiesaffectedbythis statement that early Monday The Commission shares affected families, relatives, The parties also Parliament, the Mayor and incident. UNICEF Guyana morning he was alerted to their pain and sorrow and friends and the communities expressed condolences to Deputy Mayor for their & Suriname is in contact the tragic news that twenty o f f e r s i t s d e e p e s t of Mahdia and Region 8 as the families, relatives, compassion and positive with nationalauthoritiesand young persons perished in a condolences on their tragic they seek support and solace friends,residentsofMahdia, involvement in helping to has offered to provide fire at Mahdia Secondary loss and trusts that they be from the reverberating Region #8 and all Guyanese give leadership during these support and assistance to Schooldormitory strengthened during this impact of the irreplaceable aswemournthelossoflives tryingtimes.” affected children and “I offer my deepest and extremelydifficulttimeand loss of the young souls,” the of our children and to state The Coalition said it will families.” most heartfelt condolences be able to find some statementadded.

WANTED VACANCY

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

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

One able- bodied male and female to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 226-1497, 658-8559.

TM Truck Drivers for Interior, Canter Drivers and Porters for Georgetown. Contact: 223-5273, 621-5907.

Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta, required to work shift hours. Call: 611-7839.

Canter Drivers needed, must have car, van & lorry license and atleast 3 yrs experience. Call: 644-7088/ 624-7248.

Hauler Drivers required, must have atleast 3 yrs experience. Call: 644-7088/ 6247248.

Two attractive Waitress required. Call: 626-6547/ 2276544.

One active/ retire grade 3 Teacher needed to privately teach a Student @ Alabama Trading, Robb St. Call: 6231615.

Live-in or live-out Domestic needed. Must be honest & mature. Call: 623-6383.

Taxi Drivers needed at Princess Taxi Service, Ramada Hotel. Must have hire car licence. Call: 265-7075/ 76 or 616-5419, 690-2242.

Cooks and Domestic Workers needed. Preferably from East Coast Demerara. Call: 223-5273/ 223-5274.

One female needed for domestic work, residing on WCD/WBD. Call: 624-0239.

Excavator and Bobcat Operator needed. Call: 682-0138.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Hy-ab Chevrolet lorry/ truck C7H model. Excellent working condition. Call: 2252192/ 691-9691/ 629-1667 during working hours.

One CRV Honda, $3.3M negotiable and 1 Toyota Allion, $3.350 M, fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage . Contact: 649-0956.

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

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

Urgently need Kitchen Assistant at 592 House of Soup, Duncan St. Call: 644-5884.

Experienced Hair Colorist, Receptionist/ Massuese, Nail Techs, Barber and Domestic needed. Call/ WhatsApp: 649-5005/ 226-6705.

One male Porter/ Warehouse Assistant needed. Experience will be an asset. Apply at Mike's Pharmacy, Lot 1 Bel Air or Email: mikeswholesaledepot@ yahoo.com

SERVICES

Visa Application to Canada and U.S.A, graphics design, advertisements,USA passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 6267040.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.

For low cost repairs for AC units, refridgerators, freezers, gas stoves, washing machine, dryers, etc. Call: 6294946, 225-4822.

FOR SALE

Pure honey, wholesale and retail quantity. Call: 621-4273.

Pit Monster pups for sale. For more information call Krishna: 622-5717.

LAND FOR SALE

Carmichael Street and Lethem Commercial zone, 69 X 200 ft. Call Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

The township of Mahdia

Mahdia is the capital of the Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana,[2] located near the centre of the country at an altitude of 415 metres (1,362 ft).

Commerce is centred on the area’s gold and diamond mining operations. As such, it is affected by the economic booms and busts and attracts immigrants, both local and foreign, to obtain wealth through mining.

The population in Mahdia as of 2012 was 2,563 people, and is of three groups. The Patamonas, an Indigenous Amerindian tribe, are involved in farming, hunting and mining. The Coast Landers, residents from the coastlands of Guyana, migrated to the hinterland to seek employment mainly mining. The third group, called Islanders, are immigrants, and their descendants are from the Caribbean Islands, particularly, St. Lucia and Dominica.

They focus on farming and burning charcoal. Within recent times, there has been an influx of a new group, the Brazilians, who are also involved in mining and other businesses. On 10 September annually, the Amerindians celebrate Heritage Month in the community of

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

FOR RENT

Two bedrooms apartment at 266, New Market St ( opposite Medicare Pharmacy) with parking space and residential area. Call: 682-0304, WhatsApp: 718-564-3909/ 663-5429.

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

TOURS

Suriname tour "Bold Caricom weekend trip" to Suriname. June 30th (Fri) - July 3rd (Mon),2023. Call: 639-2663/ 673-2348.

Campbelltown, Mahdia, while the Islanders celebrate the La Rose Festival at the end of August. This festival was originated in St Lucia.

Mahdia being the Regional Administrative Centre of Region 8, Potaro-Siparuni has the following relevant infrastructure: A Regional Hospital; A nursery, primary and a secondary school; a commercial sector which includes dry goods, boutiques, a fuel station and 11 restaurants. Four hotels; two guest houses and four brothels; a police station; a post office; two artisan wells, a Regional Administrative Office and an airstrip.

Residents still depend on rainfall and water from the Salbora Falls. While electricity is currently provided by local businessmen. Mahdia was established in 1884, by the Africans after their eman-

cipation. Most of them travelled from the county of Berbice and the East Coast of Demerara in search of gold.

The British Consolidated Mining Company, expanded the mining exploration in Mahdia and established, Colonial Administrative offices.

During this period, Mahdia was only accessible by waterways. Gold mining attracted a number of St. Lucians to Mahdia, bringing with them the French Patois (Kweol) language and cultural traditions such as La Rose celebration.

In November 1933, a bridge was constructed over the Garraway Stream, linking Mahdia to Bartica by trail. This bridge which is suspended by cables was named the Denham Suspension Bridge, after the then Colonial Governor Sir Edward Denham. It is still in use to-

day and has become a tourist site. In 2018, Mahdia received a town status. There are one hundred and fifty (150) land dredges in the mining district of Mahdia. Most miners use excavators to extract the overburden and utilize gravel pumps to extract the gravel with gold from the pits.

On most occasions, the pits are not refilled which causes the anopheles mosquito to breed and so increase the spread of malaria. Recently, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission has embarked upon reinforcing the amendment regulations, 2005, for environmental management, which has instantly created an impact in the community, by curbing the pollution of water ways and encouraged soil reclamation and replanting trees in areas where there has been deforestation. (WIKIPEDIA)

Russia alleges border incursion by Ukrainian saboteurs; Kyiv claims they are disgruntled Russians

(AP) — Russian officials claimed that Ukrainian military saboteurs launched an attack across the border Monday, wounding eight people in a small town.

Kyiv officials denied any link with the group and blamed the fighting on a revolt by disgruntled Russians against the Kremlin.

Neither version of events could be independently verified in an area that has witnessed sporadic spillover from the almost 15-month war in Ukraine.

The governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, said that a Ukrainian Armed Forces saboteur group entered the town of Graivoron, about five kilometers (three miles) from the border.

The town also came under Ukrainian artillery fire, he said.

Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said eight people were wounded and most residents had left the area, but the situation remained “tense.”

In nearby Zamostye village, a projectile hit a kindergarten and caused a fire. One woman was wounded in her hand, Gladkov said.

He also reported that Russian anti-aircraft systems shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle over Belgorod region.

Gladkov said a counterterrorist operation was underway and that authorities were imposing special controls, including personal document checks and stopping the work of companies that use “explosives, radioactive, chemically and biologically hazardous substances.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about the alleged saboteur incursion.

An effort to “push them out from the Russian territory and liquidate them” was underway, he said.

Peskov described the action as an attempt by Ukraine

to divert attention from the eastern city of Bakhmut, which Moscow claimed to have captured after months of battle but where Kyiv says it is still fighting.

But Ukrainian military intelligence officials didn’t confirm that Kyiv had deployed saboteurs.

Instead, they claimed that Russian citizens seeking regime change in Moscow were behind the Graivoron incursion.

Ukraine intelligence representative Andrii Cherniak said Russian citizens belonging to murky groups calling themselves the Russian Volunteer Corps and the “Freedom of Russia” Legion were behind the assault.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s advisor, Mykhailo Podolyak, said on Twitter that Ukraine “has nothing to do with it.”

He suggested an “armed guerrilla movement” was behind the attack.

18girls,1boydieindormfireatMahdiaafterupsetstudent...

Fromcenter

Scotland confirmed that the fire which took approximately three and a half hours to be extinguished, was suspected to be that of arson. “The initial investigation by the fire service identified that the fire was maliciously set, also the point of origin was identified to the south western end of the building,”heexplained.

Kaieteur News understands that the fire was allegedly set by one of the female students at the dormitory, who was reportedly upset after her cellphone was taken away prior to the incident by an administrator The findings from the Fire Service have since been handed over to the police for further investigation. At the briefing too, Commissioner of Police (ag), CliftonHickenassuredthattheinvestigation willbeconcludedinaswiftmanner Hesaid that while post mortem examinations have been conducted on six persons, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing will bedoneon13bodiesthatwereburnt.

In addition to the six patients that were medevaced to the city hospital, on Monday afternoon, Kaieteur News learned that three moreinjuredstudentsweretransportedtothe GPHC. In a press briefing earlier yesterday, the GPHC officials had reported that of the initial six patients that arrived, one child immediatelywentforalimb-savingsurgery for her leg due to the severity of her burns. They are all being monitored closely As investigation into the devastating fire continues, President Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister, Mark Phillips; Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Minister of

Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and other government officials are in Region Eight, assisting family members and residentsonawayforward.

Sadness

Meanwhile, scores of organizations and sister countries dispatched messages of condolences on the passing of the children. The Alliance For Change said it is deeply saddened and mourns the passing of the school girls. “The Leader and the entire Executive and membership express condolencesandofferheartfeltsupporttothe parents, relatives, and colleagues of those who passed. The nation’s immediate focus hastobeonaddressingthepainandsuffering broughtonbythistragedy Thisisanational tragedy, and all of Guyana must join hearts and hands in national mourning and commiserations,”theAFCsaid. According to the party, immediately afterward, “our attentionhastobeputintofindingoutwhya tragedy of this magnitude could have occurred and finding answers to the many questions that must be answered – why was there no means of escape?; why was the response of the Guyana Fire Service once again below the minimum standards expected?;whereweretheadultSupervisors and Dorm Mothers?; why was the fire bowser removed from Mahdia to Lethem?”

TheAFC said it expects and demands a full CommissionofInquiryintothistragedy,and for the inquiry to be extended, and recommendationsmade,forallplaceswhere studentsareaccommodatednationwide.Our prayers and support go out to the grieving parentsandrelativesofthebereaved.

MayorofGeorgetown,UbrajNarinesaid ashereflectedonthetragedy,hecannothelp but raise the question of development and equityinourcountry “Whileweboastofthe biggestbudgets,wehavefailedtoprotectour children These unfortunate events in Mahdia grieve me as a parent and as a leader.” The Mayor asked: “Why was there onlyonedormmothertosomanystudents?

Where was the security guard?; Where werethekeystothegrillofthedoors?

Where was the fire truck?; Where were theclosestfireextinguishers?”

He said the tragedy warrants a CommissionofInquiry,whichcouldprovide answers in the shortest possible time to the parentsandmembersofthepublic.“Wemust beconfidentthatthistragedywillnothappen at another school dormitory in Guyana. We must ensure that investment is made in our Indigenous communities to adequately respond to disasters Our health care facilitiesmustbedevelopedequitablytogive ourindigenouscitizenscomparablemedical treatment.We must provide safe and secure accommodationforourIndigenousstudents to facilitate their education and full contribution to the development of our nation,”theCityMayorsaid.

Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party, Lenox Shuman also extended its “sincere condolencestothefamiliesandfriendsofthe deceased.

“Thereisnogreatertragedythantohave yourchildleavethisworldbeforeyou.Such a tragic loss hits the heart of the nation and most notably, the Indigenous community Indigenous peoples work tirelessly and

against great odds to send their children to obtainadifferenteducationandsuchalossis inexplicable. Education and Health as the most important issues in Indigenous communities were discussed extensively through our stint in Parliament with the Government,andmanyofthosehavefound veryreceptiveearsinHisExcellencyandhis team,”Shumansaid.

Headded:“Weareawarethatpriortothis tragedy, there was significant planning in processtoinspectandupgradeallfacilitiesto bringthemallinlinewiththedormslocated in Georgetown inclusive of equipment, fire drills, evacuation plans and emergency contingenciesanditismostunfortunatethat those plans could not have rolled out soon enough to prevent this heart wrenching tragedy We call on the Government to swiftly investigate this matter and, if found to be a matter of malicious intent, that the perpetrator(s) be brought to justice in the swiftest of manners. We also call on the government to take the immediate action to ensure that this never occurs again by expeditiously implementing their plans to inspectalldormitoriesacrossthecountryand upgradingthemwiththeutmosturgency.We would like to commend His Excellency in mandating that the Golden Arrowhead be flown at half-mast in recognition of this tragiclosstotheFirstPeoplesandtheNation and extend our gratitude for the support the government has committed to helping the bereavedfamiliesandthoseaffectedbythis tragedy We ask that the public respect the families’righttoprivacyandgivethemroom togrieve.”

VP Jagdeo confident US bank will approve loan for Wales gas project

Vice President Bharrat that they may have other initiativebeblocked. Minister of Finance [Dr Jagdeo is confident that interests they may even Her points were raised AshniSingh]hashadseveral g o v e r n m e n t ’s l o a n payevenscantierattentionto with the President and engagements with EXIM application to the United it.” Chairman of the Board of Bank, and we from what he States Export Import (US- TheVPexplained that he Directors of the institution, , said, it’s making progress EXIM) Bank will be recently met with a senior RetaJoLewis. toward the conclusion of the approved for the Gas-to- State Department official According to the missive loan. Energy(GTE)project. responsible for Energy seen by this newspaper, that So, progress is being

At a news conference during a visit to Guyana was also brought to the madeinthatregard.”Budget hosted at Freedom House, where extensive discussions attentionofUSAmbassador, documents indicate the of adherence to the rule of project to move forward Georgetown last week were held. “They have given Sarah Ann-Lynch, Deane- government is seeking law as is stated in the because this project will Jagdeosaidthatwhileefforts us the full assurances they Hughes objected to the loan GY$134 billion (US$646 Environmental Protection mean transformation in are being made by Guyanese are working on this project. application by the GoG, million) for the project, Act and its guiding Guyana…they are worried to halt funding for the T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s specifically to finance the raising further concerns regulations. this would have a political initiative, he is certain the government is fully 300-megawatt power plant about the country’s debt

During his engagement impact.” bank would not be supportive of this project, and Natural Gas Liquids record. The activist in her with the press on Thursday, He questioned whether i n f l u e n c e d b y t h e U S c o m p a n y i s (NGL)facility.

objection to the loan Jagdeo said Deane-Hughes the move was based on good “naysayers”. “We have had implementing the project T h e s e a r e t w o application pointed out that is one of the people from the intentions, since Deanes o m e r e a l l y g r e a t andwebelievethat’smoving components of the project, to date no financial and/or “so-called environmental Hughes is sister of Nigel engagements with the smoothly,”hereported. the third aspect being a any feasibility study for this lobby” who is concerned Hughes. Also, he said the EXIM-Bank at the most To this end, Jagdeo pipeline to transport the project, which involves about government polluting brother of Deane-Hughes senior level, the President of explained that the project natural gas to shore from the approximately 25km of on- theworldandnot following just recently filed a Court the Bank and the process is will be completed on the Liza One and Two Fields in shore pipeline, has been the rules in the production of case against the GoG as he going forward smoothly stipulated timeline, set for the Stabroek Block The sighted by the people of oil and gas. According to was not satisfied with the They know about the December 2024. Attorney- pipeline is being funded by Guyana, despite repeated him, “I believe that there is a compensation he was paid naysayers here, they have at-law and civil society American oil major, requestsforthesame. bigger agenda here and that forthelandbeingacquiredto seen them, they have heard activist, Elizabeth Deane- ExxonMobil and would be Further, she advised that many people don’t want this facilitatethepipeline. them many times before. In HughesinaletterdatedApril repaid by Guyana through a civil court case numbered fact, they tell us a bit about 22, 2023 to the US-EXIM thesaleofthegas. 456/2023-FDA has been the naysayers, they know Bank flagged seven On April 16, this filed in the judicial system, people who are serious and discrepancies in the Wales newspaper reported that c h a l l e n g i n g t h e whoarenot,”Jagdeosaid. Gas-to-Energy (GTE)

Vice President Bharrat Environmental Permit (EP)

As such, he noted “I project, requesting that the Jagdeo announced the issued to Exxon for the don’t believe these fringe loan being sought by the official loan application to pipeline aspect of the elements and especially now government to fund the the Bank. He said, “The project, on the basis of lack

Dormmotherloses5-yr-oldson...

From page 14 abletowritetheCaribbeanSecondaryEducationCertificate (CSEC) examination, the mayor explained that they were unable to sit their exams and a request was made by the parents to the Minister of Education for the exams to be suspended. However, he related that the minister informed themthattheycanre-writetheexaminJanuary2024.

He added that given the tragedy, the children will be housed in the secondary school tonight. Additionally, he said some parents have requested that their children be sent back home to be with them, to give them some time before they return to school. Finally, the mayor shared that the people of Mahdia are our in solidarity expressing their sympathytothevillagerswholosttheirdaughtersinthefire.

Three

days of mourning

Meanwhile, President Ali yesterday announced three daysofmourningforthe19childrenthatperishedinthefire and pledged government support to the grieving families. During a briefing, the President explained that for the students who die in the fire, Guyana will need external assistance with the DNAanalysis so that we can support the identification of the students. “We have already sought the assistance of regional international partners, we are hoping before the end of today, that support will be received,” Ali said.HesaidtoothattheMinistryofEducationisworkingon the reprogramming of all education requirements, which include the CXC examination. Regional Health Officer (RHO), Ravindra Dudnauth, for Region Eight, shared during the briefing that the moment he was informed of the fire, all the doctors and nurses were called into the hospital. “Our first patient was received around 11:30pm, subsequently more patients started coming to the hospital. We had a total of 26 patients coming into the hospital. However, we would have received a call from the Ministry of Health asking if help is needed, we indeed accepted that request and we got a team from the Georgetown Public HospitalCorporation,”theRHOdisclosed.

Protest

Whiletheofficialsmetwiththeparentsandguardiansof the victims, residents of Mahdia protested outside of the MahdiaSecondarySchool.

The protesters called for “justice” as they hold up their placards. One protester called for more fire trucks in the mining township. “Every mother weep, every cow cry for their calf…who feel it knows it,” another protester said. Moreover, MichaelMcGarrellsharedseveralprotestphotos stating,“Astheymournthelossofseveralstudentsfromthe village in the fire which occurred last night at the Mahdia Secondary School’s dormitory, residents of Chenapou are callingforjustice.”

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Guyana identified by Barbados & T&T for prep stagesa - GBA President welcomes venture

Guyana has been officially selected by Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados as their base for the staging of boxing training camps and seminars, prior to upcoming International engagements.

A five-member Barbadian team is scheduled to arrive, here, from June 3 - 13.

The four-member team that is accompanied by one trainer has selected Guyana to unload their preparatory stage for the upcoming Central American and Caribbean

Games (CAC) Games. Additionally, a Trinidad and Tobago contingent, larger than that of the Bajans, will also be utilizing Guyanese services during the month of July to prepare for the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior championships in August on local shores.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle, stated that the decision to utilize the expertise, facilities, and personnel of the association as part of their

regimen for the CAC Games, is a testament to the historic profile, portfolio, and pedigree that has been attained by the entity within the English speaking Caribbean.

Ninvalle further mentioned, “This is a momentous moment for Guyanese boxing. The fact that nations have identified Guyana as a base for the staging of training camps is indicative of the advancements the association has made, and achieved in the discipline both from a personnel and infrastructure standpoint.”

Tuesday May 23, 2023

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Your usual lazy attitude is apt to receive a burst of energy tonight, Aries. It's in your nature not to want to lift a finger, but for some reason you may be compelled to get up and get moving.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You may find your emotions difficult to deal with, Taurus, especially later in the day. Consider taking an intellectual instead of emotional approach.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Communication with others could be extremely rewarding, Gemini, especially later in the day. Project more of your energy outward and join others in projects.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Make sure you solidify your affairs early in the day, Cancer, because the sparks are going to fly after sunset. People might try to throw you off balance with fast talk and fancy ideas.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Things are looking up for you, Leo, especially later in the day. Pieces should be coming together and things flowing into place naturally. You will find that your outward-directed energy is better balanced now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22)

The energy is apt to pick up in your life today, Virgo. You may be asked to report to duty. Don't make promises you can't keep. Your words will be taken seriously.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

There's extra aggression in your world today, Libra. Realize that this is probably due more to your reaction to a situation than to the situation itself. It could be that you're in conflict.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

There may be a bit of aggravation in a part of your life that's urging you to get up and do something, Capricorn. It could be that you're getting overly emotional about a certain issue.

.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Things are going to get better and better for you as the day progresses, Sagittarius. Try to get your grounded, practical, and logical self collected during the day.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

There may be a bit of aggravation in a part of your life that's urging you to get up and do something, Capricorn. It could be that you're getting overly emotional about a certain issue,

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

You may feel a bit stodgy today, Aquarius, but things are going to pick up tonight. There will be a great deal of air to fuel your fire, and you're ready to burn.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Get things taken care of in the morning so you can be carefree and laid back in the evening. It's important for you to square things away in your head.

“We now possess two three-star coaches, a Cuban trainer, and quality training partners in the form of worldranked boxers which will be utilized by our visitors. This camp is in recognition of our collective labour to advance boxing which is not a random event.”

“Guyana is the leading light in the English-speaking Caribbean, our results are evidence of such a status and our Caribbean brothers and sisters have opted to tap directly into that heritage and culture of achievements. What Jamaica is for our track and field and football athletes, we strive and envision and to match for Caribbean boxing, especially in the English-speaking region”, he added.

GBA President, Steve Ninvalle

KFC Elite League… Santos defeats Milerock in second round

Santos Football Club on Sunday snatcheda3-0win overMilerockFootballClub to move to six points on the KFCEliteLeaguetable.

In a highly competitive May21secondroundmatch at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara, Santos Football Club secured their second winofSeasonFive. Bothsidesfailedtoscore in the first half of the game, but Santos Football Club found the breakthrough in the 74th minute with a magnificent goal from captainStephonReynolds.

MilerockFootballClub’s attempts to level the game were met with a strong Santos Football Club defence.

Daniel Ross secured his club’s second goal in the 88th minute, with the last goalfromJamalCoddington in the 90th minute, just before the final whistle. In a post game interview, Santos Football Club captain

Reynoldssaidhisteamhada slow start, but as the game progressed “we started playing football and we startedtogettheopportunity andwestartedtoscore.”

Headdedthatheishappy with the team’s overall performance Santos FootballClub’sfirstwinwas against visitors Victoria KingsFootballClubonMay 16 at the Guyana Police Force Sports Ground in Kingston,Georgetown.

The visiting team lost 70.

The KFC Elite League, whichkickedoffonMay14, isapriorityforGuyana’stop clubs with the champions automatically qualifying for t h e C O N C A C A F / C a r i b b e a n S h i e l d Championships.

A total of ten clubsFruta Conquerors Football Club, Guyana Police Force Football Club, Guyana Defence Force Football Club, Den Amstel Football Club, Victoria Kings Football Club , Buxton

United Sports Club, Milerock Football Club,

Ann’s Grove Football Club, Guyana Police Force Football Club and Santos Football Club - will be competing against each other over the next two months for a chance to win more than four million dollarsincashprizes. Teamshavetoovercome the first hurdle of the knockoutstagesinthehighly competitive league to make it to the two-million dollars championshipmatch. There will be more footballactionwithadouble header on Tuesday, May 23 attheGuyanaDefenceForce Ground, Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.WesternTigers Football Club will play Buxton Football Club at 7 pm and Guyana Defence Force Football Club will opposeDenAmstelFootball Clubat9pm.

TheKFCEliteLeagueis a key part of President Wayne Forde’s strategic strategytogrowthefootball audience in Guyana, while givingplayersacompetitive platform to showcase their talent.

GOA continues sponsorship of Willion Cameron

The Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has announced that they continuedthesponsorshipof Willon Cameron, who is the Physical Education Teacher at President’s College pursuing a Sports Coaching degree at the University of

the West Indies Open Campus.

During the last semester, Cameron completed four

courses: SPKN 2102

Exercise Physiology 1, SPKN 2104 Motor Control & Motor Learning, SPKN 2107 Sport & Exercise Biomechanics and SPKN 2108 Pharmacology &

DopinginSport.

Cameron shared his experiences with the Executives during a recent meetingonWednesday,May 17,2023.

He shared that in Exercise Physiology, the class spent a lot of time understandinghowtoassess fitness and how the body

Exclusive Visa Pre-Sale Window for CPL Finals Tickets opens today

A limited number of ticketswillbeonsaleonline exclusively to Visa customers for the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League knockout stages from 9am ECT on 23 May 2023. This exclusive Visa pre-sale window will be open until 30 May or until this limited allocation of ticketshasbeensoldout. The tickets will be on sale at www.cplt20.com and during this pre-sale window onlyVisawillbeacceptedas paymentduringthisperiod. Details on tickets going

on general sale for both the knockout and group stages will follow in the coming weeks.

First started in 2013, the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnivalatmosphere.

Thebroadcastanddigital viewership in 2022 was 721.8million to make it one ofthemostwatchedleagues

in world cricket. Jamaica Tallawahs are the current Republic Bank CPL champions, and the other competing teams are Barbados Royals, Guyana AmazonWarriors,StKitts& Nevis Patriots, Saint Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders The 2023 tournamentwillrunfromthe 16Augustto24September

For further information visitwww.cplt20.com

The four games that will beincludedintheExclusive Visa pre-sale window are as follows:

responds to exercise, in Motor Control and Motor Learningandtheywereable to understand the processes involved in learning and developingskill.

Sport and Exercise Biomechanics was about understanding movement and forces associated with the body and sport and in Pharmacology and Doping in Sport they studied the

WADA standards and discussed the mechanism of actions for various banned substances.

T h e E x e c u t i v e Committee congratulated Cameron on his GPA after having completed year 1, which was 3.92, and on his making the honours roll in bothsemesters.

Intheupcomingsummer semester, he plans to

undertake three courses, SPCH 2001 Sport Coaching and Learning, SPCH 2010 Coaching Practicum 2 and SPCH 3010 Coaching Practicum3.

At the handover ceremony at the Olympic House, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, the Executive Committee wished Cameron continued successinhisstudies.

From left to right: Assistant Secretary of the Guyana Olympic Association, Emelia Ramdhani watches on as Willon Cameron receives a sponsorship cheque from Vice-President Philip Fernandes in the presence of GOATreasurer, Garfield Wiltshire.

Big wins for Cummings Lodge of Day 2 OceaneeringU14IndoorHockeyLeague…

The second day of the Oceaneering

U14 Indoor Hockey League held on Friday, May 19, at Saints Stanislaus College saw strong performances by first timeparticipantsCummings Lodge Secondary School (CLSS).

With Cummings Lodge enteringtwogirls’teamsin theirfirstevercompetition, it was the CLSS Samurais whotastedtheirfirstvictory with a defeat of Richard Ishmael Secondary School by8to1.

All eight of the Samurai’s goals were scored by the standout female player of the day, SaryshaPhillips

It was the CLSS Scouts turnnext,andtheyalsocame

outvictoriousbyedgingpast N o r t h R u i m v e l d t Multilateral by 2-0 and returned later to defeat Richard Ishmael, RISS Top ShelfTitans,by4–2.

KeitanaPercivalwasthe outstanding player for the Scoutsandscoredtwogoals ineachmatch.

Kadence Belony meanwhile scored all 6 goals for the GCC Challengers to give them an easy victory over HikersJuniorJets.

I n t h e b o y s competition, YMCA Old Fort led by an 8 goal tally by Richard Marques, dominated the RISS Blade Runningby10-0.

The GCC Outlaws meanwhilehadtheirhands full against the SHC

Minions, and narrowly escaped with a 3-2 victory in one of the most exciting matchesoftheafternoon.

The league will pause this Friday due to the Independence Day holiday and will continue Friday, June1,atMarianAcademy

Currentpointstandings

GirlsCompetition

CLSSScouts-9points

GCCChallengers-4

SHCSensations–3

CLSSSamurais–3

RISSTopShelfTitans

–1HikersJuniorJets-0

Multi-0

BoysCompetition:

GCCOutlaws–6

YMCAOldFort–3

SHCMinions–3

GCCPitbulls–0

Multi–0

RISSBladeRunning–0

Delroy Tyrrell sets new national records at Tt’s National Long Course Swim meet

Delight swept over the National Aquatic Centre in Balmain, Couva, as Delroy Tyrrell,atalentedswimmer from Guyana, emerged victorious at Trinidad and Tobago’s National Open Long Course Swimming Championships which concludedonSunday

With a phenomenal performance at the meet, Delroy sets new national records in both the 50 and 100Meters(M)Backstroke events.

The meet, spanning from Thursday last to Sunday, witnessed Tyrrell, representing the Dorado Speed Swim club, showcased his exceptional skills and left an indelible mark by shattering local records.

Delroy’s dominance became evident on the opening day of the championship, particularly duringHeat#7.Competing in lane #4, the bright and aspiring young swimmer stunned the crowd with a masterful display He clockedanastonishingtime

of 26.87 seconds, not only securingvictoryintheHeat but also obliterating the Guyana national record of 28seconds(flat)inthe50M backstrokeevent.

Under the watchful eye of coach, Jaime Skeete, TyrellreturnedonSaturday morning, ready to make furtherwavesinthepool.

He later surpassed the existingrecordinthe100M backstroke,whichhadbeen previously held by national swimming sensation, Raekwon Noel (1 00 56 sec). Delroy lowered the record to an impressive 1:00 01s Later that evening, during the finals, h e d e l i v e r e d a n extraordinary performance, obliterating his own record with a remarkable time of 59.35seconds.

F o l l o w i n g h i s outstanding achievements in Trinidad, he is eagerly anticipated to compete at Guyana’s Long Course Swim meet, scheduled to takeplacefromMay25-28 at the National Aquatic Centre,Lilliendall.

25candidatescertifiedforLevel1...

Frompage25 participantsofboththeCWI Level1and2courses.

Heindicated,thattheGCBis of the view that the information shared on recommended coaching approaches will aid the knowledgebase and “knowhow”ofthecoaches. Further,hespecified,thatthe

enhanced capacities of the coaches will enable them to effectively intervene in the growth of the players, in a manner that acknowledges t h e i r u n i q u e characteristics, and creativity, to build on the special West Indian flare and glamor of playing the lovelygameofcricket.

Jaron Isadore of SHC Minion being challenged by GCC’s Kyle Couchman

CWICoachingEducationCoaches(Guyana)concludes…

25 candidates certified for Level 1, 23 certified for Level 2

Cricket West Indies (CWI) wrapped up its Coaching Education Courses at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Sunday, May 21, 2023 The courses commenced with the CWI Level2CoachingCourseon Thursday,May18,2023,and the CWI Level 1 Coaching Course on Friday, May 19, 2023.

The CWI Level 2

Coaching Certification

Course which was conducted from May 18, 2023, to May 21, 2023, had 23 candidates, including Ravi Rampaul, Anthony Bramble, and Assad

Fudadin Two females, NadineSmithandKarishma Ramnauthparticipatedinthe same course. The Coach Developers for this Level 2 Course were Ryerson Bhagoo, Keshava Rampaul, andRyanHercules.

The CWI Level 2

Coaching Certificate is expected to be used for training at the Senior Club level, Female and Male Under-19 Regional

Tournaments, Female and Male Under-17 Regional Tournaments, and Female and Male Under-15

Regional Tournaments, Upper School’s District Cricket (e.gCricket training and competitions for Lower 6 and Upper 6 forms, and other vocational schools for youths older than fifth form age),andGirl’spreparations Camps The certified

Coaches at this level are generallyreferredtoasCWI RepresentativeCoaches.

The CWI Level 1

Coaching Certification Course which was held at GNS, Providence from May 19, 2023, to May 21, 2023, had twenty-five (25) candidates, including national female player Erva

Giddings Two other females, Rhonda Jones and Sonia Benn participated in this Course The Coach Developers were Brendon Ramlaland Junie Mitcham. They were ably assisted by the GCB’s Territorial Development Officer, Colin Stuart.

The CWI Level 1

Coaching Certificate is expected to be used for training at the Junior Club level, at the Community level involving adolescents playing the game of cricket, Primary to middle school competition (First to Fifth formofSecondaryandHigh Schools), as well as Camps.

ThecertifiedCoachesatthis level are generally referred to as CWI Competition Coaches.

The CWI Coaching Education Courses provide individuals with an opportunity to learn and develop contemporary coaching philosophies and techniques that will allow themtothriveinthetraining a n d c o m p e t i t i o n environments from Under11 to senior-level cricket activities.

Further, the CWI

ing Certificate is expected to be used for entry-level training activitiesforchildrenages6 years old to 11 years old, including Primary School cricket The certified Coaches at this level are generally referred to as the CWIFoundationCoaches.

Additionally, the CWI Level3CoachingCertificate is expected to be used for training and competition for West Indies Senior teams, West IndiesAand BTeams, including President X1 matches and training assignments, Franchise Cricket, CPL matches and training assignments, and West Indies Aged Group teams.ThecertifiedCoaches at this level are generally referred to as CWI HighPerformanceCoaches.

Apart from the need for successful participation and/or assessment for certification at all levels in theCWICoachingeducation pathway, individuals are required to have a First Aid Certificate, Child Protection Certificate, and a valid Police Clearance for the applicablecertification.

In relation to the CWI Coaching Education Courseswhichconcludedon Sunday, May 21, 2023, the GCB President Bissoodyal Singh expressed his happiness, and that of the GCB Executives, in the interestshownbythe (Continuedonpage24)

Centre Left - Coach Developers Ryerson Bhagoo, Ryan Hercules and Keshava Ramphal flanked by CWI Level 2 Coaching Course Candidates (Missing is Ravi Rampaul, Anthony Bramble and Assad Fudadin)

Delroy Tyrrell at the National Aquatic Centre in Trinidad

ArielAdams of RISS Top Shelf Titans on the attack against CLSS Scouts

Coach Developers Junie Mitcham and Brendon Ramlal, seated in front ofAssistant Coach Developer, Colin Stuart, are flanked by CWI Level Coaching Course Candidates.