Kaieteur News

Germany to levy 33% windfall tax on oil and gas companies

no taxes

As c o u n t r i e s around the world continue to hike and introduce windfall taxes on oil and gas companies amid their record-shattering profits– the German Finance Ministry on Tuesday announced its plan to levy same at 33 percent, the German national newspaper, DieWeltreported.

Awindfalltaxisaone-off t a x i m p o s e d b y a Government on a company, specifically targeting those that benefit from something theywerenotresponsiblefor In this instance, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has sent oil prices soaring and triggering a cost of living crisis in many countries Amid the war, oil and gas companies have been seeing record-breaking profits and as such, many Governments have introduced a windfall taxonthebigprofits.

On Tuesday, Die Welt reported that the German Ministry aims to introduce a 33 percent tax on oil and gas companies that have benefited from windfall profits The German newspaper cited a draft document and said that companiesintheoil,gas,coal and refining sectors whose profits for 2022 and 2023 are more than 20 percent higher than the average profits of 2018 to 2021 would have to paytheextratax.

It was stated that the Government aims to use the revenues and the skimming off of excess profits in the energy sector to cover the financing of an electricity price brake. From this the ministry has estimated to raise additional revenues of US$3.1billion.

On November 19, 2022, Kaieteur News reported that, four months after it introduced a windfall tax on crudeoilintheircountry–the Government of India announced that it will be further taxing domestically produced crude, amid the sudden spike in crude oil prices that have led to 'bigprofits.' It was reported that on July 1, 2022, the Indian Government introduced the windfall tax on crude oil. However,theGovernmenton November16announcedthat it has decided to move up the windfalltaxoncrudeoilfrom

thecurrentfrom9,500rupees (US$116 49) per ton, to 10,200 Indian rupees (US$125.22) per ton. The energyprofitslevyhavebeen introduced in several other countries like the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, andMongolia.

Kaieteur News also recently reported that British Finance Minister, Jeremy Hunt announced that the Governmentisincreasingthe windfall tax on oil and gas operators from the current 25 p e r c e n t w h i c h w a s announcedinMayof2022to 35percent.

T h e i i h Governm move to r the tax on the big profits b e i n g made by oilmajors i s t o alleviate the cost of living crisis and b a l a n c e

fact, President Irfaan Ali is adamant that Guyana is new totheoilbusinessandassuch he was reported in the media as stating that Guyana will not be implementing a windfall tax on the oil companies nor will Exxon and its affiliates be subjected to the new terms his administration annou forfutureoilblocks. This publication reported that Guyana has found itself in a conundrum where it is foregoing more than it e a r n s E x x o n ' s

affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd (EEPGL), is the operator of thecountry'srichestoilblock (Stabroek Block) and continues to enjoy tax-free earnings owing to the P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA) Guyana

CorporationandIncomeTax. As such, it would mean, that Guyana foregoes each year, billionsofUSdollars.Ontop of this, documentation to this effect is then provided to the US based company allowing ittonothavetopayanytaxes in its home country for its earningsoverseas.

na's Stabroek is 6.6 million acres , 8 0 0 s q u a r e kilometers) and has approximately 11 billion proven barrels of oil EEPGL holds 4 5 p e r c e n t interest in the Block Hess G u y a n a Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest, and C N O O C

US$515 million and CNOOC recording US$5.1 billion.

InJanuary2022,Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, approachedtheHighCourtto challenge the Government of Guyana's (GOG) decision to grant massive tax waivers to the oil companies and their affiliates. Earlier this month, Lall's lawyer filed final submissions in the case and oral arguments into the case will be conducted on December 12, 2022 and February22,2023wassetfor theruling.

signed onto with the oil major

According to the 2016 PSA, Guyana has agreed to, u n d e r t h e t a x a t i o n p r o v i s i o n s , t o p a y ExxonMobil's share of

P e t r o l e u m G u y a n a Limited holds 25 percent interest. For the third-quarter of 2022, Exxon announced that its overall earnings was a record shattering US$19.7 billion –whereas Hess reported that it earned a net income of

The KN's Publisher's court case seeks to overturn the expansive tax provisions granted to the oil companies as part of the PSA for oil drilling exploration in the Stabroek Block. Among the grounds, Lall argues that Articles 15.4 and 15.5 of the petroleum agreement requiring the Minister responsible for Petroleum to paytaxesforandonbehalfof the ERPGL, and the Commissioner General to issuecertificatestothateffect is therefore a violation of the PetroleumAct.

theireconomy Huntsaid,“I have no objection to windfall taxes if they are genuinely about windfall profits caused by unexpected increases in energy crisis ” He then disclosed that the energy profits levy will increase from 25 percent to 35 percent. He added that the increase will take effect from January 1, 2023 and last until March2028.

While countries are hikingthewindfalltaxonthe oil majors, other countries like Norway and Czech Republic are also clamping down on them and have signaled their intentions to raise US billions through a windfall tax on the companies. Also, earlier this month, President of the UnitedStatesofAmerica,Joe Biden threatened to increase the tax on the oil majors 'outrageous'profits.

I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e additional tax being imposed on oil and gas companies who are 'war profiteering' comes at a time when American oil giant, ExxonMobil subsidiary and its associates are enjoying tax-free profits in Guyana. In

…as Guyana refuses to do same although Stabroek block operators pay

German Finance Minister, Christian Lindner [Reuters photo]

President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali

Kaieteur News

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

TAXESCOULDBETHEDEATHOFUS

If we don’t look out with taxes, ExxonMobil is going to killus.TheAmericanoilsupergiantisalreadydrainingusto death with the taxes that it has squeezed out of us. Considering that billions ofAmerican dollars are involved, ExxonMobil is stabbing Guyana, slashing this country, bludgeoningitscitizens,andcondemningGuyanesetoaslow death.

This newspaper in the span of a few consecutive days beginningonTuesday,November22ndidentifiedthegeneral pictureofoilcompaniesandtaxes,andthenthespecificcase ofExxonMobilinwhatisdoesoverseas,andwhatthesame companydoeshere,whentaxesistheissueonthetable. In someshapeorform,taxesareinvolveddirectlyorindirectly, andalwaystothiscountry’sdetriment.

On Tuesday, November 22nd, we reported that UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, keeps calling for oil companiestobetaxed. Thisisonlyfairandtobeexpected, given what the operations of oil companies do to the environment, the devastated state in which it is left, and consideringtheexcessprofitsthattheyarenowreapingdue tohighoilprices. SGGuterreshasbeentheleadbellringerin holding oil companies’ feet to the fire, and calling for Governments to force them to share their massive profits, through payment of reasonable taxes. Unsurprisingly, oil companiesridingthehugeprofitswaveswouldnotgiveupa single penny of profit to taxes, if they can help it. It is the usual incomparable greed, the unwise selfishness, that has come to be a standard feature of the practices of those controllingoilcompanies’visionsandstrategies. Partofthat strategyis,notadimefortaxes.

Also,onTuesday,November22nd,oneofExxonMobil’s own shareholders, Great Britain’s advocacy group, Oxfam, filedaresolutioncallingoutthreeAmericanoilcompanieson their‘secretive’taxpractices. ExxonMobilisoneofthethree oilcompaniesnamed.Oxfam’sconcernisthatExxonMobil’s lackoftransparencyontaxescouldjeopardizetheinterestsof others No less important is Oxfam position that ExxonMobil’s tax practices are inherently unfair because they hurt those oil producing countries where the company operates,andwhichareindireneedofthemostrevenuesthey cangetfromtheiroilasset. WhileExxonMobiliscontentto be‘secretive’withtaxes,poorcountriesareleftinthedarkas to how they are possibly cheated, and which extends their seasons of grinding poverty This paints a grim picture for Guyana,wheretaxesareconcerned,withExxonMobilinthe localpicture.

OnWednesday,November23rd,anotheroversightgroup, the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT)Coalition,rappedExxonMobilforfallingbehindin the filing of their Global reporting Initiative standard tax reports.Any lapse on ExxonMobil’s part with tax reporting attractsourattention,sinceitdoesn’tsmellright,andtellsus thatthereisthelikelihoodoftricksandskullduggeryatwork. ThereportsthatExxonMobilfailtofilewouldhighlighttwo areasofkeeninterestforGuyana. Thefirstisforustogeta clearpictureofwhatExxonMobilmay(ormaynot)bedoing relative to profit shifting, which means tax avoidance. ThoughtheAmericanoilsuperpowerisnotpayingacentof corporate taxes here, it would be helpful for independent Guyaneseanalyststowraptheirmindsaroundhowmuchwe are losing in taxes not levied. It would relay to the nation what this means for this country, which the PPP/C Government admits is not getting enough from oil for developmentalneeds.

Last, on Thursday, November 24th, Guyana’s leading OppositiongroupinsistedthatGuyanashouldgetmorefrom its oil sector. In simple terms, this means that ExxonMobil must pay taxes, including regular corporate taxes, like all Guyanese companies, and what the Opposition has been pressingfor,windfalltaxes. WeagreethatExxonMobilhas beenshortchangingus,evencheatingusbynotpayingitsfair shareoftaxes. Somethingisgoingtohavetocometoahead withalltheseexcessesfavoringExxonMobil. Theymustnot be allowed to go on, Guyanese must become sufficiently enragedtopushformeaningfulchange. Taxesisastart,abig, juicy,lowhangingfruit.

FITUG: Involvement of all critical to addressing workers’ challenges

DEAREDITOR, to mitigate the exogenous understanding would be the representatives of the The Federation of challenges, the cost of helpful Alongside such workers. IndependentTradeUnionsof living would have been views we have heard of the We believe in an Guyana (FITUG) has much higher We are need to invest today for a atmosphere of respectful, recognised the recent conscious that every sound tomorrow Given the frankandmaturediscussions announcement by His measurehasalimitation,and deficits in health, education, muchcouldbeaccomplished Excellency President Irfaan in some instances, such as housing, and infrastructure across the table. We are Ali regarding pay rises for the excise tax on fuel, that tonameafewitisdifficultto conscious such suggestions 2022. In his address, the threshold was reached arguewithsuchcontentions. may evoke strong responses President contextualized the Despite the proactiveness of While certainly there is but given the stage of our eight (8) percent pay rise to the Administration to ease alwaysaneedtokeepaneye d e v e l o p m e n t , t h e State employees within the the situation, we have on the future, we recognize involvement of all is critical framework of other recognised the Ministry of toothatweshouldnotignore toourlong-termsuccessasa measures approved by his Finance 2022 Mid Year o u r p r e s e n t d a y nationandpeople. Government since coming report informing that circumstances. They have The President in his into office. Indeed, we have inflation up to June 2022 implicationsforthefutureas announcement has indicated takennoteofthosemeasures stood at 4.9 percent. More welland,webelieve,thereis that further efforts are being and we believe they were recent data from the Bureau anundoubtedneedtoensure pursued to address the undoubtedly aimed at of Statistics recorded that that we promote efforts to earnings of lower-earning improving the lives and inflation had risen to 6.5 ensure egalitarianism in our workers. Already we have wellbeing of our ordinary percent up to the end of society recognised that trainee people.Thishasnotescaped September2022.Shouldthis The FITUG has seen too Teachers will no longer our attention and kudos trend remain consistent then statements advancing the receive a stipend. These are whereappropriate. thereisarealfearthatinspite upholding of Collective crediblemeasureswhichcan We, however, have of the improvement granted Bargaining.Beforespeaking go a long way We shared the view that we do workersmayseearegression specifically to the issue, we nonetheless hold the view not believe that every intheirrealearnings. cannot fail to recognize that collaboration with all measure reached the We are certainly hopeful some who espouse the stakeholders can lend to intended beneficiaries – the thisisnotthecaseandmore concept of Collective credible outcomes in the ordinary people. It calls into updateddatawillallowusto Bargaining in a past era interest of all Guyanese. In question the axiom of drawaninformedview trampled wantonly on it. this regard, the pay rise trickle down economics TheFederationhasnoted Today they come with announcement,wehold,asa which has attracted some as well that statements crocodile tears heralding its firststeptoaddressingsome deal of criticism in recent juxtaposing the increase value. As a Trade Union ofthechallengestheworkers years. approved within the context Organization that is mindful face.

We are, however, of the of long-term sustainability. of our history and the Regards, considered view that had it Such contentions cannot be struggles of the working- F e d e r a t i o n o f not been for the proactive discounted. We believe that class,webelieveeveryeffort Independent Trade Unions measuresoftheGovernment data to provide a greater should be further to involve ofGuyana(FITUG)

Father Robert Barrow was the finest exponent of sermons that I have known

DEAREDITOR, sermonsthatIhaveknown. I marriagecounselingclasses. healthy sense of humour, I Fr Robert Barrow, recall during my days in the Iwasforcedtomakeweekly laughed heartily thinking he Roman Catholic Priest and Catholic youth movement, trips to Port Mourant to was being mischievous. But member of the Society of young persons from the attend these classes with my he was dead serious. And I Jesus,wasatoweringfigure, various Georgetown bride-to-be. During one of had to spend the next ten physically and in stature, parishes would visit the those classes, I sat in a minutesansweringabarrage within the Diocese of Sacred Heart Church on separate chair from my of questions. In the end, he Georgetown. Wherever he Sunday afternoons just to beloved future wife. Fr Bob embracedmeandtoldmehe served,beitatSt.Stanislaus listen to his homilies. And immediately told me that would see me in Church the College, Brickdam somewouldtakenotesashe fromthenceforth,wehaveto followingweek. Cathedral, the East Coast preached.Hewasthatgood! do things together including Timegetstousall.About parishes, Port Mourant or Heofficiatedjointlywith always sitting beside each ten years ago, when I met Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Lutheran Pastor, Errol other Thatlessonstuckwith him,hedidnotrememberme he had a huge following. Insanally, at my wedding, a me. At the end of our final at all, neither by name or This was mainly on account practice permitted by the session – one week before face, but he still greeted me of his pleasant and outgoing Church but rarely done mywedding–hesummoned warmly as he did everyone disposition but more so Despite my role in the meintohisofficeandtoldme else. because he was a brilliant Church,hewasasticklerfor thathehadheardthatIhada RestinPeaceFr Bob! homilist. Bob Barrow was therulesanddidnotgrantme child out of wedlock

Yourssincerely, the finest exponent of a waiver from attending Knowing him to have a WilliamCox

Role of men in curbing Gender-Based Violence

DEAREDITOR, and is inclusive of violence must be aggressive and in thehome,canalsocontribute Gender-Based Violence such as sexual, emotional, control’, are at the root of toward GBV cases as they (GBV) is often only seen as e c o n o m i c , a n d many cases of GBV This is often come along with the physical violence against psychological. partly due to our societal beliefthatwomenshouldnot women and girls This Men need to have a narrative that dictates how work, or that they must be limitingdefinitionleavesout vestedinterestincombatting women and girls should act, earning less than their some important elements of GBV through their and how men and boys are partner in order not to GBV that unfortunately individual beliefs and taught that any deviation threatentheirmanhood.This result in it constantly being behaviours and that of their from these social can often result in the very framed as a matter that only peers, as many harmful expectations is reason intentional controlling of affects those of the ‘weaker’ stereotypessuchas,‘theway enough for them to exert women’sfinancesinorderto sex. GBV however, is all- awomandressesdetermines control and violence against keep them dependent encompassing in nature as it her worth’, or indicates others.Stereotypes,suchasa Beliefsandpracticessuch also affects men and boys, consent, and ‘men and boys man must be the provider in

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Changes needed to NIS statutes

DEAREDITOR, claim NIS benefits for that theNISissayingyouarenot Recently I was watching same sickness now that you entitledtoanything.Giveme the news on local television are a Pensioner What a break NIS. I know many and the President was hogwash in this age and poor people who are in this addressing veterans on time. predicamentandIamcalling Remembrance Day H o w c a n t h i s onthiscaringGovernmentto celebrations.Whengiventhe Government allow such change this law so that NIS opportunity,aveteranbythe archaic law to still be in the Pensioners can get some nameofColonelGomeswas NIS statutes? The NIS help from the NIS to offset complainingtothePresident should be thankful that a their medical expenses in thatwhyPensionerswhohad person had no sickness or their hour of need. Come on no sickness or illness when illness during his working Mr President don’t forget they were working, cannot life, which would have put thePensioners,becauseafter claim NIS medical care more financial strain on allonedayyouwillalsobea benefits now that they are them, yet now when that Pensioner sick? personisoldandwouldhave Regards, Editor as you are aware, all kinds of complications, ImtiazBaccus the NIS has a policy or law that if you do not have a particularsicknesswhileyou were working, you cannot

Role of men in curbing...

Frompage4 as these must be actively challenged by men whenever they come up. Being your brother’s keeper does not mean supporting theminbehavioursthatharm others It means holding them accountable and pushing them in a direction that is positive. Teaching young boys about the importance of equality and shifting beliefs such as ‘woman’s work’ can go a long way in lessening the relevance of harmful gender rolesthatcontinuetoimpact us.Itisalsoessentialtoteach young boys how to channel aggression in healthy ways, so that violence and controllingtacticsarenotthe tools they readily reach for whenfacingconflicts.

Men can support survivorsofGBVbyholding abusersaccountablefortheir actions and supporting survivors of violence. This means moving away from ideas that often see them judging or doubting survivors of GBV, and insteadcreatingasupportive space for them to come forward.

Yoursfaithfully, AkolaThompson

C o m m u n i c a t i o n

Consultant,ChildLinK

To report or seek counselling, please call 9 1 4 / 2 2 7 0 9 7 9 / 2 2 7 2023/233-3500

AFC should leave politics altogether

DEAREDITOR, choosingtonotpartake?Yet Quite recently, the AFC foralltheywilltaketosocial has been in the news about media and bash the current their departure from the PPP/Cadministration. APNU,aswellasnottaking Secondly, why only now part in the Local theAFCisdecidingtoleave Government Elections the APNU? Is it because (LGE). The thing about it is their voices aren’t being that the AFC started off its heard? tenureasaviablethirdforce Are they running out of and because of its greed for excuses? Are they tired of power, went to bed with the the racial rhetoric being APNU (combination of spread by their counterpart many parties where the or should I say past majorityisthePNC). counterpart?

Firstly, it is quite sad to These are the things that see that a party who wanted theAFCmustanswertotheir to remain steadfast behind supporters. Infact,theAFC theAPNU during the partial should stop being a political political catastrophe, which partyaltogether,astheyhave almost destroyed our not once made any viable democracy in Guyana, contributiontothisnation!It would not be contesting the is impossible for people to LGE, especially when they trust such a party who havemouthpiecesinvarious wantedtosupportthestifling regions, who seem to have ofdemocracy! the answers for every little Sincerely, issue. Why are the Leaders Tanya Mohabir

No conductors on minibuses

DEAREDITOR, ensuring the safety of its such as spare parts are Please permit me space passenger expensive, fuel costs are to express my concerns for However, some of the high, conductors and the traveling public drivers filled their buses to stealingtheirmoneyetc. SincetheadventofCOVID, themaximumandevenwith Mr Editor, with all of I seldom travel much on overload These drivers these interventions that the minibuses however I have reallyandtrulybelievethatit GuyanaGovernmenthasand started using this mode of is the duty of the passengers continues to make to keep public transportation again to operate as Conductors in thecostsdown.Thetraveling sinceIdon’thavetheluxury openingandclosingthedoor publicismadetosufferatthe ofutilisingaprivatevehicle. and in most cases, are very hands of these unscrupulous MymatterofconcernisthatI hostile towards the drivers. In view of the have observed that most of passengers,stopandpulloff above, I now call upon the the minibuses don’t have without ensuring the safety HonorableMinisterofHome conductors any longer It ofthepassengersandcanbe AffairsandtheTrafficChief, must be noted that some of very rude when the to at all times, ensure that thedriversexerciseduecare passengers aren’t able minibuses with a certain for the safety of their carryingthisextratask.With amount of seats as required passengers by carrying one all of the interventions that by the laws of Guyana must passenger short in the front the Government is doing in atalltimesbeequippedwith seat as this will enable keeping the costs down, aConductor him/her in opening, and these hostile drivers are Regards, closing the door thus making all sorts of claims Mohamed.Z.Inshan

Deal with the message, Mr. Hergash, not the messenger

DEAREDITOR, to function as is demanded trickbythosewhoareunable Ireadintoday’sStabroek by our Constitution Mr orafraidtodealwiththereal News, a letter titled ‘Mr Hergash’s obsession seems issueathand. Green’s hypocrisy is to be an assault on my I take this opportunity to astonishing,’ written by characterand myrolewhile enlightenHarryHergashthat HarryHergashasaresponse in office. His obsession led being referred to as an to my letter critical of the himtoquestionmyreligious ‘Elder’ has absolutely present administration for beliefs. In his next effort on nothing to do with the failingtopracticebedrockof writing, I suggest he deals Christianfaith. a viable democracy, that is, withthemessageandnotthe Regards, consultation and allowing messenger. HamiltonGreen theothertiersofgovernance This has been a strident Elder

We must see the desired improvement in flood prevention

DEAREDITOR, up. The rule of law must be elsewhereandwhatneedsto continues to be the heart of Therecentfloodingisan used to bring about the be done in Georgetown to Guyana and its poor example of poor planning correctbehaviour ensure a smooth rainy management reflects on the and execution His

What’s missing? The season. Politics may play a countryasawhole.Onlyyou Excellency, the President countryhastheneededfunds role,butwithagoodprocess thecitizenscandecideifthe was reduced to playing to prevent the flooding.Are forfloodprevention,thiscan statusquoisacceptableorif Mayor of Georgetown. It is thefundsnotbeingproperly also be minimized. Fellow improvements must be the M&CC’s responsibility used or is there a larger Comrades, a capital that is made. Each vote during the to ensure the city is free of problem that has to do with beingmanagedbythePNC/ LocalGovernmentElections garbage,peoplearefinedfor the strategy towards flood APNU under a PPP will speak to what standard littering and that the city is mitigation and prevention? Government should not of living is demanded in prepared to for the rainy The evidence is before us. suffer due to political Georgetown and across the season.Somemaysaythata When a city is preparing for differences. country We must see the bad example was set by rainy season, it becomes Yes, if the Government desired improvement in rewarding someone who veryevidentforalltosee. and the M&CC were of the floodprevention. litteredwithajob.Astrueas The paths to the pumps same political party or the Bestregards, thismaybe,wemustnotstop are cleared and screens M&CC was managed by a Mr.JamilChanglee enforcing the law. The cleaned. The city engineers neutral party, things would Chairman correct punishment may be have access to the possibly be better. We must T h e C o o p e r a t i v e tohavethosethatlitterclean information of what is done remember that Georgetown RepublicansofGuyana

CITY FLOODING

DEAREDITOR, water from the heavens, but Iwasthinkingaboutthat of a virus from some high-profile cleanup, then laboratory Because I am the anticipated drain down playing this one safe, I am failedtomaterialize. Iagree not saying whether it is one thatthehandfulofpositives, intheEastortheWest. propaganda objectives and But that New Market value duly omitted, are Street, GPHC compound, o v e r w h e l m e d b y lingers with me. All these u n c o o p e r a t i v e billions spent to ease circumstances. floodingwoesinthebigcity, Likeclimatechange,and and we can’t make a single unseasonalcascades,leading little dent PPP/C tothatsurethinginGuyana. G o v e r n m e n t , P N C It is the constancy of being Government, the latter waterlogged, water-soaked, walkedwithitssidekick,the if not water-boarded, in its AFC,anditissametorrential torturingGuyaneseversion. storyoverandover

Icangivealittleglimpse Talking about torrents, I oftheabove,asIhadcauseto don’tqualifywhatwehadin ventureintoKaieteurFallsin the past few days as being Georgetown, and brave the torrential. Heavy showers rising rapids surfacing and copious ones, yes; but throughout the bedraggled torrential downpours, not capital city Sneezy, it is. just yet buddy What is Water might be the only going to happen then? This thing capital about present is enough public bedwetting liquidity,withabowtodirty as it is, so I am not going to money, and dirty politics compound matters by running a close second and blaming the PPP or PNC. third, not necessarily in that The sacrilegious is order, and with some substituted, I blame above, difficultyseparatingthetwo. whatever and whoever is For critics of naysayers, oil- responsible for up there. I related money is the best knowthatwateristhesource coverforotherkindstocome oflife,buttoomuchofit,and here and register their agoodthinggoestowaste. winsome presence. Check Consideringallthis,Ican withconstruction,forastart, give confident testimony to and another stop made at this:Guyananolongerhasa commercialbanksrecording May-June rainy season, and handsomeprofits. However, a December January one enough of that old story, Thefirstgroupingiscloserto which is the AG’s problem April-August, and the latter withCFATF,notmine. has now been declared

In this city of angels, NovembertoFebruary The wings got soggy in a hurry, Cascadeshaditright;‘listen and all over, as the rains to the rhythm of the falling decided on a pre-Christmas rain’. And those dratted visit. Itlookslikeitisgoing meteorologists pulled a fast to be a long stay, regardless one with their doppler of the kind of reception readings to extend the wet Guyanese give. Grumpy, season on the sly Like doesn’t matter And who COVID-19, climate change wouldn’t be, with streets now gets blasted for transformed into broad everything Look at pools, deep lakes elsewhere, Quamina Street, parts of and the occasional dismal Q u e e n s t o w n , swamp encountered? Cummingsburg, and these Incredibly, and this is not are only isolated strips of Ripley’s, the biggest swamp Georgetown passed through has to be the one in New inahurry Nexttime,instead Market Street in the vicinity of cleaning up grass, let’s of the Georgetown Public cleanup, clear, our minds Hospital. first.

Arguments may arise Is this what we wish for about if it is the largest the cosmopolitans and men swamp around, but none (sorry, no women) from the should whisper a syllable Sahara to see? Ah, about it being the most renegotiation, but that’s dangerous one. Given political heresy. And as for s e t t l e d s c i e n t i f i c 2%, it is the best thing ever, convictions, it could be a so stop the griping, will you case of COVID-19 in and Guyanese?

COVID-19 out. That is, of A little rain every now the hospital complex itself. and then never hurt anyone. People should be made to Theyshouldcomeandlivein quarantine both ways in Guyana. Last, if anyone some holding area. The thinks I am fooling around, question is where in this they couldn’t be more crampedtown. Man,weare wrong. in for more than a deluge of Sincerely, Noachian proportions. Not GHKLall

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Gone with the wind

We reported last week, two major nations that are enjoying superior royalty rates for their oil, slapping hefty windfall taxes on companies operating in their backyards.

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But not so in Guyana that has the lowest royalty rate of 2%.

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What is wrong with us, goat bite we?

India and England- two countries that we share deep historical ties with and nations that we admire for their development have hiked their windfall taxes twice in months to ensure their citizens benefit from their oil and gas resources.

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Here in Guyana, our Leaders have decided to pay the taxes for the oil companies.And despite the record-shattering profits they are reaping, PresidentAli and VPJagdeo said they will not demand a windfall tax.

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With each passing day, Guyana and Exxon remind us of thatAmerican classic film ‘Gone with the Wind’and by the time we wake up our oil and even the entire country would be gone with the wind.

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Police, Soldiers, Firemen get boost in salaries

…Opposition Leader says increases 'unacceptable'

President Irfaan Ali on Thursday announced salary adjustments for members of the Disciplined Services namely, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). No salary adjustment has been announced for the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).

Last week, the President announced an eight percent retroactive increase across the board for Public Servants and had promised to make another announcement for members of the joint services Thursday's announcement will see some 8000servicemenandwomen benefitting from the new salary scales from January 2023. According to the President, the announcement represents the first phase of

additional adjustments to salaries in relation to varying categoriesofworkers.

“ T h e s e s a l a r y adjustments come with great costs to the Treasury We expect you to honour these adjustments with dignity, with hard work, with accountability, and with transparency And we expect you to perform at all times at the highest level. We expect youtodeliverabetterservice to the people of our country,” President Ali said. Some $1B will be expended on the salaryadjustments.

GuyanaPoliceForce

The President announced that Constables will now have their current minimum salaryadjustedupwardsfrom $94,907to$102,488.Hesaid thisrepresentsanadditional8 percent increase on the current minimum salary paid

toaConstable.

Additionally, Constables with five to ten years' experiencewillnowreceivea salary of no less than $110,000, and those with more than ten years' experiencewillnowreceivea salary of no less than $115,000.

Lance Corporals will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $108,719 to $115,000 This would represent an additional 5.8 percent increase on the current minimum salary paid to a Lance Corporal Additionally, Lance Corporals with five to ten years of experience will now receive a salary of no less than $120,000, and those with more than ten years of experience in that rank will now receive a salary of no lessthan$125,000.

The minimum salary of a Corporal will be adjusted upwards from $111,327 to $125,000 representing an additional 12 3 percent increase on the current minimum salary paid to a Corporal Additionally, Corporals with five to ten years' experience will now receive a salary of no less than $130,000, and those with more than ten years' experiencewillnowreceivea salary of no less than $135,000, the Head of State announced.

Come January 2023, Sergeants will have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $128,056 to $140,000 representing an additional 9.3 percent increase on their

current minimum salary Additionally, Sergeants with five to ten years' experience will now receive a salary of no less than $145,000, and those with more than ten years of experience will now receive a salary of no less than$150,000.

The salary scale for Inspectors will be adjusted upwards from $163,712 to $170,000 Inspectors with five and more years' experiencewillnowreceivea salary of no less than $175,000 while Chief Inspectors will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $178,630 to $185,000. Chief Inspectorswithfiveandmore years' experience will now receive a salary of no less than$185,000.

Cadet Officers' salaries will increase from $171,224 to $185,000. This represents an additional 8 percent increase on the current minimum salary paid to a Cadet Officer while Cadet Officers with five and more years' experience will now receive a salary of no less than$185,000.

A s s i s t a n t Superintendents, will benefit from a 5.8 percent increase that will see their payment scale increasing from a minimum of $188,978 to $200,000.

President Ali announced that Deputy Superintendents, will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $188,978 to $230,000. This, he said, represents an additional 21.7 percent increase on their currentminimumsalary.

Superintendents will have their current minimum salaryadjustedupwardsfrom $200,299 to $240,000 representing an additional 19.8percentincreaseontheir currentminimumsalary

Senior Superintendents, ontheotherhand,willbenefit from an additional 8 percent increase on their current minimum salary which will be adjusted upwards from $296,296 to $320,000

Additionally, Senior Superintendents with more than 5 years of experience would also benefit from this minimum.

Assistant Commissioners will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $418,518 to $425,000.

As it relates to Rural Constables, the President stated that they will have

President Irfaan Ali

BIG MAN’S JOB IN LITTLE BOY’S HANDS

There is an old report. To which the Prime this means that too much experienced and matured to office in Guyana is party sayinginGuyana. Ministerinformedhimthatit depends on the consent and be able to deal with some of affiliation, despite many of “Youcannotputa washisdutytoknow approval of Ministers, thus the problems that will face those so fortunate to be

little boy to do a It is also the duty of stifling creativity and theminoffice.

selected not being bigman’sjob” Ministers to understand the imagination and crippling There are more committed ideologically to What is being exposed political process in which effective management challenges relating to the anycause. each passing day in Guyana theyoperate. When it comes to perceptions by the polity of This ultimately leads to isthetotalinabilityofcertain They are first and accountability, the measure the effects of Government sterility of thought and MinistersoftheGovernment foremost servants of the of this seems rooted in the policies than there are about action, thus an increasing alternatives occasioned by to cope with the demands of people, placed there not to belief that so long as finding the managerial relianceofpersonalability the brain drain and with the governance. enrichthemselvesortoboost accountsarepresentedtothe resources to execute When, as in so many ultimate consequence of Many of them are being their egos through the AuditorGeneral’sOfficefor governmentcontracts. instances in Guyana, havingtoasklittleboystodo thrown into the deep end of respect that people have for examination, that In the case of the latter, Ministers lack this ability, theworkofbigmen. politics and when it finally their office; not there as the accountability is being what is required are persons when the system of

(The views expressed in dawns on them that what is brotherwouldsay,“topamp served However, there of character, persons versed government becomes this article are those of the required is above their ascene”buttoserve.Andto remain major concerns in with an internal belief overcrowded with persons author and do not ability and experience, they serve means to have a plan Guyana as to the manner in system and who are without real talent to run a necessarily reflect the are resorting to photo andtobeabletoexecutethat which projects are committed to that belief country, what we have is opinions and beliefs of this opportunities as a means of plan. But building a plan conceived, the value that system. disaster in the making, an n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s indicating that they are does not mean simply

taxpayers are gaining for What invariably passes unsalvageable situation affiliates.) active. What Guyana needs cobblingprojectstogether;it money,thehighincidenceof off as qualification for high exaggerated by the lack of is not active Ministers but doesnotmeanthatthejobis deviations to original effective Ministers, persons simply about spending contract prices and the who understand their money quality and effectiveness of responsibilities, who It is about the use of supervisionandoversight. appreciate their limitations limited resources to While a great difference and thus are prepared to maximize the gains. It is can be made with simple utilise the talents of experts about proper stewardship of adjustments, there is a need andthosewithknowledgein the nation’s finances. It is for an urgent revisiting by the various sectors, about primarily working the ruling elite of this Ministers who are honed in with others, not trying to do philosophy of elevating the principles of ministerial alltheworkyourself. inexperienceandimmaturity responsibility and are Thereusedtobeatimein to high offices. The art of prepared to be accountable this country when senior governance relies less than fortheirportfolios. public officials were given most people think on

There was once an tremendous respect. Today, technical ability in the incidentwithintheBurnham because of the mediocrity specific areas and more on CabinetinwhichaMinister, thatpassesforgovernancein political acumen, and more who is now still active in Guyana,everythingrevolves importantlyoncharacter politics,wasaskedaboutthe around the Ministers. You Particularly in a country incident by the then Prime havetoseeaMinisterforthis like Guyana which has a Minister andaMinisterforthat. divided polity, what is most

TheMinisterrepliedthat TheMinistersaresimply demanded are persons of he did not know about the involved in too much- and moral fiber and who are

Dem boys seh...

DE EMPTY SEAT IN DE STADIUM

Everybody watching de World Cup rightnexttodepitch.Whenhesitdownand football.Andsomepeoplewonderingwhen de match start, he notice dat de seat next to GuyanaganevermekdeFinals. ge is empty He leans over and asks his WhenGuyanadifussplayaWorldCup neighbour if someone ganbe sitting there. QualifierdemdidbeatSurinameatBourda. ‘No,’saystheneighbour ‘Deseatisempty.’ Dehhadsomepeoplewahdidgatambitions “Datisincredible,”saidthe Triniman. datweganbeatWestGermanyindefinals. “Who in deh right mind would have a seat Guyana get knack out in de return leg in likethisfortheFinalandnotuseit?” ParamaribowhenSurinamekankcwefuh3 Deneighboursaidtohe,“Well,actually goals. de seat belongs to me. I was supposed to

Since then Jamaica and Trinidad did come with meh wife, but she passed away reach de finals. But Guyana still deh in de ThisisthefirstWorldCupFinalwehaven’t sameplaceandinlooklikeifweganleffdeh beentotogethersincewegetmarried.” fuhalangtime.

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. That’s People traveling from all over de world terrible….But couldn’t you find someone fuhsupportdemteam.Demnahgatnoteam else,afriend,relativeorevenaneighbourto from de West Indies in de football World takeherseat?” Cup.ButonemanfromTrinidadwenttosee Themanshakeshishead.“No,”hesaid. thematchesinQutar

“They’reallatthefuneral.”

He mek he way to de seat which was Talkhalf.Leffhalf!

THE RISE AND FALL OF AUBREY NORTON

The consensus of place in the pantheon of Robert Corbin On reignofthePPP,Corbinwas considerably so persons who are not society’sleadersandyouare becoming the leader of the the most willing voice to that today, the supportiveofthePNCisthat nowthefocusofthecountry. PNC, Corbin left his past compromise. All the actors National Union is a its current leader, Aubrey S e c o n d l y, y o u r behind. He remains one of involved in that event, from huge force in French Norton has failed to make responsibilityisnowgetting the most accommodating RaviDevtoKeithScott(the politics. the transition from street people and money to opposition leaders in brother in law of Walter Norton stayed on TheCreolemiddleclassand politics to boardroom preserveyourparty.Itmeans Guyana’s history. Gerry Rodney) have said that the streets when Desmond African entrepreneurs will deportment. you have to dialogue with Gouveiaindescribingonthe Corbin was eager for a Hoyteexpelledhimfromthe notfundNorton. It is a classic mode in thevarioussocialdimension Gildarie Freddie Kissoon solution and was not seat of the General

They are in fact, politics. You start on the of your country That was Show how Norton cannot recalcitrant. Corbin agreed Secretary Norton stayed on planning to birth another streets with extremist not your concern when you move off the streets, forthePNCtobesubsumed thestreetwhenagargantuan partythatwillcompetewith actions but when you enter were on the streets fighting contrasted Norton with under APNU and through dispute arose between him the PNC. Bobby Veira, a parliament or government, theparty’sbattles. Corbin. Gouveia revealed a this initiative, the PNC and Corbin. Never realising veteran PNCite, has formed you distance yourself from The explanation why fact about Corbin that was returnedtopowerin2015. that he would one day hisownpartytocontestlocal your pugilistic past. The street fighters do not make never publicised. He said Norton has not learnt become leader, he has government elections. If the t r a n s f o r m a t i o n i s successful leaders that win PNC supporters were from the experience of comfortedhimselfinsidehis PNCcontestsin2025,itwill theoretical, pragmatic and broadappealisbecausethey planning violence after the Corbin and others like him niche–thestreet. lose and Norton is gone. If commonsensical.Whenyou never believe they can PNC’s loss in the 2006 from around the world. In Norton is a lonely man the PNC abstains, then the arenottheleaderitiseasyto becomenumerounointheir election.Hedescribedhowa France,MarionLePenofthe w a i t i n g f o r t h e loss of a PNC presence in use street violence to organisationsotheybecome delegation from the Private extreme right wing outfit Shakespearian knives that Guyana with a ubiquitous strengthen your party You a fixture on the streets Sector Commission went to National Front started her heknowswillcome.Waiting IrfaanAli will galvanise his are not the focus of society People like Robert Corbin, Congress Place to see career as a semi fascist for Brutus that he knows colleagues to seek because you are not the AubreyNorton,JamesBond Corbin in an ambience When she succeeded her exist in his midst. Because leadership change. Aubrey leader You do not need to never believe they would pregnant with violence. He father as leader, she he has failed to make the Nortonislivingonborrowed liaison or dialogue with become the leader of the saidpeopleinthecompound underwentatransformation. transition from bully boy to time. various sectors of society; PNC Even after they were clamouring for “mo She toned down diplomat, his failure has

(The views expressed in thatisthetaskoftheleader graduated from the YSM to fyaah/slo fyaah ” Corbin considerably and even galvanised young turks and this articles are those of the When you become the theseniorparty,thesenames l i s t e n e d , w a s changed the name from others to plan for his author and do not leader, then language, never thought that one day accommodating and National Front to National removal. necessarily reflect the appearance and rhetoric they would lead their party Georgetownwasspared. Union. Her exit from the If he stays as leader and opinions and beliefs of this have to change for two The possibility was too Inthediscussiontoform streets and entry into the contest the 2025 general n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s fundamentalreasons.Oneis distantforthem. big tent politics with all the boardroom has widened her election, he will find it affiliates.) that you have taken your Then it happened to oppositionpartiesduringthe appeal to French voters impossible to raise funds.

FrederickKissoon

Company disappears after collecting over $100M for Road project - AG report

According to theAuditor General's2021Report,some $112M was overpaid on the

2015 contract signed by the Ministry of Public Works. That amount is yet to be recovered.

The Report states that a total of $132.649M was paid to the Contractor of which, $20.649 was repaid to the Government.

TheReportstatesthatthe

OP:ED

Contractor was written to asking for the outstanding amount to be returned on September 11, 2019 and January 29, 2020, but no r e s p o n s e h a s b e e n forthcoming.

Officials attached to the Public Works Ministry reported that despite a

reminder letter being sent to Contractor in January 2020, the Ministry has been unable to recover the $112M for the fiscal year ended December 31,2021.

The Head of Budget Agency has reported that the companywasdissolvedand (Continued on page 20 )

Warning to Guyanese:

don't expect much

By GHK Lall

The world thinks thebestofus. We think the worst of ourselves. We have one of the most in demand commodities in the world, butarecontenttonotdemand what is fair for ourselves. Somethingiswrong.

We are cautioned frequently Don't expect much. Don't get carried away Don'tgetideas.

The warning is be satisfied, despite being in a country with so much wealth.

Be happy, though little but the paltry and puny are comingthewayofGuyanese citizens.

Less than one million citizens,morethan11billion barrels of oil, and the best statistical pictures drummed up for any country in the longest while But Guyanese are reminded to expect the usual Hard times,hardcircumstances.

I make a simple inquiry: what good are all those delightful economic statistics?

They mock us, we who have so much hope. I think that hopelessness is one of the worst evils. Increasing hopelessness is what we havehere,nowlivewith,asI interpret the Hon. Dr Ashni Singh, Minister of Finance. According to Dr Singh, we don't have sufficient for developmentprojects.

I don't know if the Hon. Minister cares, but aside from his PPP Government's fixation (and follies) with development projects, there is a large host of hungry people.

They are Guyanese trapped in a cost-of-living hell, many condemned to the tormenting purgatory of a wretched daily existence in the richest country globally This just cannot be right, acceptable.

Thinking of Minister Singh's and the PPP's

GHK Lall

infrastructure addictions, Guyana risks the fate of Pompeii, that splendid Roman tribute to great constructions. Remember what circumstances did to it. We might be the next Dubai inlookinglikeone,amodern metropolis with gleaming t o w e r s a n d l o v e l y promenades on which to walk.

Think roads But Guyana, this oil rich province,wouldbelikethose folks who dress to the nines, and sparkle brightly, only to have no food in their fridges, or on their plates

Identically, Guyanese would be similar to those beautiful people who turn heads with their facial makeup and perfume, but can't turn the necessary dollars from all this fabulous wealth to feed ourselves, take care of our children.

Something is terribly sickeningaboutthatpicture.

Forget about Dutch leprosy. Forget about resource cancer. Think about how much more of the negatives that this oil has dumped on us. For one, it gave Guyanese hopes, dreams, aspirations. Now, they are being told sorry, there isn't enough to share. That's more than cruel; it is criminal. If we don't take care of our people, who will

take care of the roads? To take this deeper, who will care, give a damn, about democracy?

This oil wealth has to represent something. It is not a product of the imagination.

Here we are with the most gleaming GDP, an economy on the food that Superman eats, an oil discovery record that converts this country to the envy of the world, and we have people who can't buy a Tylenol. Or a tennis roll. MaybeevenacheapChinese toothbrush.

I w i l l s a y t h e sacrilegious: it might have been better if all those billions of barrels of oil had stayed undiscovered and locked away with the sharks, untilanewcropofGuyanese leaders could have merged. Or, in a worst-case scenario, thatit was on theVenezuelan sideofthesea. Yes,Iknow;I have progressed from the heretical to the subversive. This is what the PPP Government is doing to Guyanese.

This oil has to mean something for poor, bottom of the barrel, scavenging citizens of this country Guyanese have now degraded to that most harrowing of situations: a rat race in a crab barrel, with the coversealedtight.

Jesus Christ, we are going to devour one another Infact,Iwouldassertthatwe have already started doing so. This is on each occasion thatthePPPGovernmentand its leaders inject a few drops of blood into the barrel of Guyanese clawing, scarring, andback-stabbingeachother for a better foothold. If this is what oil means, then I utilize a four-letter word to express my conclusions aboutit.

Keep telling people that theyarethebestintheworld, and then string them along is arecipefortherepeatofa

Tr

Demerara (ECD) road projecthasdisappeared.

British firm wins contract to market Guyana's oil

BP International

L i m i t e d , a subsidiary of British Petroleum, has won the contract to market Guyana's share of profit oil from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. Thatcontractwilllastforone year

The firm beat 13 other firms to win the contract. Those firms and their respective bids are listed in the chart attached to this newsitem.

According to tender documents, BP International will be responsible for providing all functions of marketing, assessing regional and global demand centres, selecting customers and making appropriate transportation arrangements, providing support and guidance to the client in all operating and back office responsibilities of managing thesecrudesales.

Itwillalsobeexpectedto

facilitate timely and cost efficientcrudeoiloperations; and support the client in the continued introduction of the g r a d e t o m u l t i p l e geographies and refinery systems.

In addition to the foregoing, the Ministry of Natural Resources said BP will also be required to p r o v i d e b e n c h m a r k performance comparisons of prices paid for the client's crude while working closely w i t h t h e c l i e n t i n understanding the behaviour and yields of the Liza blend and how these affect pricing differentials.

The successful bidder would also have to support the client with market information requests related to the demand, supply, pricing and trade in the oil market and crude oil trading capacity as well as buttressing the client in u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d a d v o c a t i n g f o r a n y operational considerations that may affect the pricing of

-tohelpcountryexpand tradingcapacity

crude.

K a i e t e u r N e w s previously reported that Aramco Trading Limited (ATL), the London based trading subsidiary for the State controlled Saudi Aramco,hadinkedaoneyear contract with the Ministry to market Guyana's crude entitlement from the Liza PhaseOneProject.

That contract came to an endlastmonth.

ATL was among 15 bidders in the Brent-linked tender for Guyana's light sweet Liza grade, and “was identified as the lowest compliant evaluated bidder at the price of $0.025/bl,” the Ministryhadsaid.

The other bidders were, Bibi Energy Trading, Shell Western Supply and Trading, Chevron, Petraco Oil, China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Natural Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, and Heritage Petroleum, Hess, Vitol, Mercuria Trading, Total Energies, Litasco and

Trafigura Proposed commissions ranged from US$0.02/bltoUS$0.26/bl.

As for the Liza Unity crude, Government has been doing its own marketing. At least two cargoes were already sold but little is known about the buyers and howtheywereselected.

Importantly, sales agreements for the country's share of profit oil have not beenmadepublic.

The International Secretariat for the Extractive Industries Transparency

The Liza Unity FPSO

Initiative (EITI) has since calledforGuyanatodobetter onthisfront.

Ithasalsopointedoutthat the country is yet to declare consistently, information pertaining to the volumes of oil collected in accordance with the profit-sharing split in the Stabroek Block P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA), alongside the identity of the buyer for eachoilcargo.

Furthermore, the EITI had flagged Guyana for not publishing descriptions of

the process for selecting the buying companies, the technical and financial criteria used to make the selection, and any material deviations from the applicable legal and regulatory framework governing the selection of buyingcompanies.

The contract also comes weeks after Guyana signed a partnership pact with a UK Trade Mission as well as an announcement of visa free travel to the United Kingdom.

The list of bidders for the marketing of Guyana’s crude

One in five girls is a victim of child sexual abuse - EU, UN say in joint statement

On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, being observed today, the European Union and the United Nations Guyana reaffirm their commitment to ending violence against womenandgirls.

Violence against women affects every country worldwide, and escalates in times of crisis, the EU and UN said in a joint statement. According to them globally, 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime and 1 in 5 girls become a victim of child sexual abuse. “We strongly condemn all forms of violence against women and girls, including harmful practices, as a blatant violation of human rights. The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated the situation, leading to record high levels of domestic violence. Since the start of COVID-19, 45 percent of women reported that they or a woman they know, had experienced some form of Violence.”

The European Union (EU)-United Nations (UN) Spotlight Initiative grew out ofthisurgentneedtoaddress VAWG “The European Union recognises the

importance of this issue and prides itself on being the biggest investor in gender equality worldwide, making this one of its main global humanrightspriorities.

VAWG in Guyana is widespread, driven by an intersection of cultural, economic and social factors.

Findings from Guyana indicate that 20 percent of women have experienced non partner sexual abuse, while 1 in 2 women will experience intimate partner violenceintheirlifetime.”

The Spotlight Initiative in Guyana is therefore a timely action with a community level focus, designed to address Gender Based Violence and Violence Against Women & G i r l s b y m a k i n g interventionsincriticalareas such as Laws and Policies, Institutions, Prevention, Essential Services, Quality D a t a a n d C i v i l S o c i e t y / W o m e n ' s Movement.

The hard work with committedpartnershipofthe Government of Guyana led by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security with other partners within Civil Society, has already realized the achievement of manysignificantmilestones. This has set the stage for strengthening our collective

efforts to create an environment for women and girls to live a life free of violence, harmful practices, and intersecting forms of discrimination We are committed to doing all we can to tackle violence againstwomen.

The EU and the UN continue to stand in solidarity with the women and girl victims and survivors of violence and with civil society, women's rights organizations and human rights defenders d e m a n d i n g f o r accountability

“We also remember and pay special attention to violence against women in c o n f l i c t a r e a s a n d humanitarian crises such as thewarinUkraine.

Every girl born today should grow up without violence in her life, allowing her to flourish and become the best person she can be! We stand together to stop violence against women and girls,”thestatementended.

No action from Government

Meanwhile, in a separate statement the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) said by way of letters dated December 29, 2020, and September 23, 2021, it sought President Irfaan Ali's intervention towards the

Vendor charged with attempted murder

A25-year-old vendor was on

Wednesday charged with attempted murder when he appearedbeforeMagistrateEstherSam attheAnnaReginaMagistrates'Court.

The accused, David Forde of Lot 553 'C' Field Sophia East Coast Demerara (ECD) and New Road, Essequibo Coast, reportedly stabbed a 30-year-old man identified as Roy Thornecalled'ShortBoss'onSunday Kaieteur News understands that on the day in question, Forde had an argument with Thorne, a singer of Lot 38 Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). During the argument, Forde reportedly whipped out a knife and stabbed 'Short Boss' to the abdomen. The injured man wastakentotheSuddiePublicHospital whereheremainshospitalized.

On Wednesday, when Forde appeared in Court, he was not required to plea to the offence and was granted bail in the sum of $750,000 despite objectionsbytheProsecutor Forde is required to present himself every Monday and Wednesday to the CharityPoliceStation.

Heisscheduledtoreturntocourton December8,2022.

r a t i f i c a t i o n o f t h e International Labour

Organization Convention (ILO) C190 on Violence and Harassment that was adopted at the 108th International Labour Conference (ILC) session in Geneva on June 21, 2019. However, to date there has been no action on the matter According to the union, representation was also made for the simultaneous ratification of the ILO Recommendation № 206 “concerning the elimination of violence and harassment intheworldofwork.”

The ratification of the ILO Convention and related recommendation by the Parliament of Guyana have become long overdue, given that these have relative significance to incidence of violenceandharassmentthat arebeingfacedcountrywide, both in and out of workplaces, and which continuetoescalateinrecent time,theunionsaid.

“It would nevertheless appear that the powers that be, have attached little

significance to the ratifications of this very significant ILO Convention a n d r e l a t e d Recommendation The GPSU would nonetheless continue its activism for the r a t i f i c a t i o n o f t h e Convention C190 and Recommendation206bythe ParliamentofGuyana.”

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2022 is being observed under the theme “Unite! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls”, which would usher in a campaign that amplifies the voices of survivors of gender-based violencefromNovember25, 2022, to International H u m a n R i g h t s D a y December 10, 2022, through the mobilization of activists “for the prevention of violence against women”. The goal of the campaign is tostampoutviolenceagainst womeninternationally

TheGPSUsaidaspartof the vanguard devoted to

ending gender based violence will continue to advocate for the end to genderbasedviolence.

As such, it has been very vocal when such violence is seenintheseatofleadership, where examples must be set to the wider citizenry. “Everyone has a role to play, in the elimination of this scourge from the Earth. To tacklethisdeep-seatedcurse, efforts must begin within family units, to the communities, villages, cities and states. Transformative education from nursery to university is also key to the development of mindsets that engenders cultures of respect and love for women folk.

This of course would need the solid inputs of societies' leadership, as a main action base. In this regard, the Guyana Public Service Union will continue to advocate for stronger institutional changes and cultural trends that promote a culture of respect, care and protection of our women folk,”theUnionadded.

Drunk driver slapped with three charges after assaulting Police Officer

The man, who pleaded guilty, appeared virtually before Magistrate Faith McGusty at theWalesMagistrates'Court.

Nicholas Balkishun was arrested on Wednesday

Videos of Balkishun assaulting and verbally abusing the Police Officer, were sharedonsocial.

PoliceinaPressReleasesaidthatBalkishun was fined $10,000 for assaulting a Peace Officer, $10,000 for Disorderly Behaviour and $7,500fortheDUIcharge.

On November 28, it is expected that the Tailor will be charged with Use of Abusive Language and Damage to Property Charges at theVreed-en-HoopMagistrates'Court.

A28-year-old Tailor of Best Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was on Thursday chargedwiththeoffencesofDrivingunder the Influence (DUI), assaulting a Peace Office,andDisorderlyBehavior

A screenshot from the video showing the accused assaulting the Police Officer.

David Forde

Toy gun bandit slams shop owner'shead with scale weight during robbery

Three armed bandits armed with a toy gun on Tuesday used a scale weight to assault a pensioner during a robbery at his grocery shop t h located in 15 Street Diamond, East Bank Demerara(EBD).

Therobbery,accordingto police, took place around 16:00hrs. Investigators were told that the men pulled up in

firearm behind but it reportedly turned out to be a fake gun. The elderly man was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he received a number stitches fortheinjuryhesustained.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, the couple related that this is not the first time they havebeenrobbedbutthiswas the most violent attack they

a car and invaded the shop armed with knives and a gun. They held the owner (name provided) and his elderly wife at gunpoint and forced themtohandoverallthecash they had. The bandits also ransacked the place and forced them to hand over quantity of gold jewellery as well.

The victim tried to put up a resistance but one of the banditslocatedascaleweight and dealt him a blow to the head before making good their escape in a waiting car A 911 call was made and policeshowedupatthescene quicklyandfoundoutthatthe men had dropped their

had suffered Since the robbery happened the couple has not reopened their shop for business because they are fearful that the bandits might return. Commander of East Bank Police Division, Mahendra Singh has taken noteofthecoupleclaim'sthat bandits have been targeting them and assured that he will do his best to track down the culprits However, he is advising victims to report crimes when they happen. “Sometimes when crime happens, victims do not report these matters and ranks would be unaware of what is happening in the community,”Singhsaid.

The injury that elderly shop owner received to his head.

Venezuela's objections in border controversy case short on facts

Carl Greenidge , Guyana 's Co

A g e n t a n d

Advisor on borders told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday, that Venezuela's preliminary objections to the case is long onrhetoricbutshortonfacts.

The ICJ last week held public hearings on the preliminary objections raised by Venezuela in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899 (Guyana v Venezuela) During the conclusion of the preliminary hearing at the Hague-basedICJ,Greenidge

articulate proper grounds for its reason for asking the court to strike down Guyana'scase.

He said that one thing is a b u n d a n t l y c l e a r , “Venezuela really does not want this court to determine the merits of Guyana's claims. He said it was clear to the court throughout the hearing, Venezuela's arguments in support of its preliminary objections, have been rather long on allegations and rhetoric and somewhat short on substance.”

“Why, one might ask, is

- Greenidge urges ICJ to reject claims

a judgment in the case will, in its very essence, involve a determinationoftherightsof the UK? Or is it because Venezuela recognises that the legal and factual merits of Guyana's claims are overwhelming and a hearing will yield only one possible outcome?” Greenidge questioned.

Suriname accredits new Guyanese Ambassador

During his presentation, Greenidge noted that Venezuela is more interested in continuing to hold onto a falsehood, rather than a final and legal pronouncement on the truth. Further, during his presentation, Greenidge also has a

conclusion of the border controversy, but expects the legal one before the ICJ. Greenidge in his argument also took the opportunity to remind the court that it had earlier reached the conclusion that it has jurisdiction in hearing the case in respect of Guyana's claim concerning the validity of the 1899 arbitral award and the related question of the definitive settlement of the land boundary dispute between GuyanaandVenezuela.

Henotedthatinreaching that decision the court

upheld another careful and independent decision, namely the decision of the Secretary General of the UN made in 2018, to entrust the World Court with the responsibility for resolving the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, regarding the validity of the 1899 award and the settlementofthepartiesland boundarydispute.

Greenidge added that, “the court would be well aware this is a long standing issue which has stubbornly defied resolution for more thanhalfacentury

It has cast a long and menacing shadow over Guyana's security and development throughout its existence as a sovereign state, a shadow rooted in Venezuela's efforts to erase the long standing land boundary between our two countries and make claim to nearly three quarters of Guyana's land territory, the resolution of this dispute is therefore no less than existentialforGuyana.”

As such, he said, “Guyanasinceitsemergence as a Sovereign State in 1966 has been steadfast in its commitment to international law Insteadofproceedingto determine the merits of Guyana's claim, Venezuela urges the court to decline to exercisejurisdiction.”

“By making that argument, Venezuela once again invites the court to condemn the parties to perpetual deadlock and the indefinite continuation of a controversy which has blighted their relations for the entirety of Guyana's existence as a sovereign state,”Greenidgeadded.

(Rehanna Ramsay)

Police seeking public's help in identifying body found at UG Access Road in January

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is currently seeking the public's help in identifying the body of a manfoundonJanuary14last lyingalongtheUniversityof Guyana(UG)AccessRoad.

Investigatorsbelievethat man might have been the victim of a hit and run accident.

that of an accident victim.

Ranks however, have been unable to confirm their suspicion with an autopsy becausenorelativehascome forward to identify his remains.

belongs to an elderly slim builtmanofAfricandescent. He is about five feet nine inchestall.

accepted Letters of Credence from Virjanand Depoo accrediting h i m A m b a s s a d o r E x t r a o r d i n a r y a n d Plenipotentiary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the Republic of Suriname.

Ambassador Depoo replaces former Ambassador Keith George who served in that capacity for a number of years The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a Press Release on Thursday said that Ambassador Depoo has over thirty years of service in the public and private sectors in the fields of education, business, and community service.

The newly appointed Ambassador was welcomed by President Santokhi who reaffirmed Suriname's commitment to strengthening

relationswithGuyana.

The accreditation ceremony was also attended by Suriname's Minister of Foreign Affairs Albert Ramdin, International Business and International Cooperation of Suriname,

The bruises and other visible injuries seen on his body were consistent with

Almostayearhaspassed since he was found and Police are now asking the public to assist them in identifying his remains According to a Facebook post made by GPF, the body

The remains were found clad in a multi coloured flower shirt, grey trousers and a pair of black sneakers.

If anyone knows who he might be they can make contact with police or identify his remains at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.

President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi on Wednesday

Mrs Mellisa Santokhi Seenacherry,FirstLadyofthe Republic of Suriname, Mrs. Sandra Depoo, Spouse of Ambassador Depoo, and Ms. MalvieTalbot,FirstSecretary of the Embassy of Guyana in Suriname.

Carl Greenidge, Guyana's Co-Agent and Advisor on borders.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the Republic of Suriname, Virjanand Depoo presents his Letters of Credence to Suriname's President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the Republic of Suriname, Virjanand Depoo shakes hands with Suriname's President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi

A blurred photo of the unidentified man.

82 million living in extreme poverty in the region - ECLAC report

Despite the slight decline recorded in 2021, projections indicate that poverty and extreme poverty rates remain abovepre-pandemiclevelsin 2022 in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) warned in its Social Panorama of Latin America and the Caribbean 2022 report, which was presented on Thursday in Santiago, Chile and which addresses education as a central issue along with its role in the debate on policies fortheregion'srecovery.

“After a sharp increase in poverty and a slight increase in income inequality in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the extreme poverty and poverty rates declined in 2021 and the middle-income strata grew, but not by enough to fully reversethenegativeeffectsof t h e p a n d e m i c , ” t h e Publication explains. Thus, in 2021, Latin America's poverty rate reached 32.3% of the Region's total population (marking a 0.5 percentage point decline from 2020), while the extreme poverty rate was 12.9% (0.2 percentage points lessthanin2020).

ECLAC projects that by the end of 2022, poverty will stand at 32 1% of the population (a percentage equivalent to 201 million people) and extreme poverty at 13.1% (82 million), which

points to a slight decline in overall poverty and a slight increase in extreme poverty versus 2021, due to the combined effects of economic growth, labor market dynamics and inflation.

These figures mean that an additional 15 million people will be living in poverty in comparison with the situation before the pandemic and that there will be 12 million more people in extreme poverty than there werein2019.

The extreme poverty levels projected for 2022 represent a 25-year setback for the Region, the regional organization underscores.As in past years, ECLAC indicates that the incidence of poverty is greater in some population groups in the Region with more than 45% of the child and adolescent population living in poverty, and the poverty rate of womenfrom20to59yearsof ageishigherthanthatofmen in all of the Region's countries.

Similarly, poverty is considerably higher in the indigenous and Afro descendent populations. In 2021, income inequality (as measured by the Gini index) declinedslightlyversus2020 in Latin America, reaching 0.458, which was similar to 2019levels.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e unemployment projected for 2022 represents a setback of

22 years, particularly affecting women, whose unemployment is seen rising from 9.5% in 2019 to 11.6% in 2022. “The cascade of external shocks, the deceleration of economic growth, the weak recovery in employment and rising inflation are deepening and prolongingthesocialcrisisin Latin America and the Caribbean,” José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, ECLAC's Executive Secretary, stressed duringthepresentationofthe document. “We have not been able to reverse the pandemic's effects on povertyandextremepoverty, and countries face a silent crisis in education that is a f f e c t i n g t h e n e w generations' future,” the Senior Official warned, calling on countries to invest decidedlyineducationandto turn this crisis into an opportunity for transforming educationalsystems.

Latin America and the Caribbean experienced the longest educational blackout worldwide (with an average shutdown of educational establishments of 70 weeks, versus 41 weeks in the rest of t h e w o r l d ) , w h i c h exacerbated pre existing inequalities related to access, inclusion and educational quality In this period, one of the main limitations on educational continuity was u n e q u a l a c c e s s t o connectivity, equipment and digitalskills.In2021,in8out

Companydisappearsaftercollecting...

From page 12 advice was sought from the Ministry of Legal Affairs on thewayforward.

Meanwhile, Auditor General Deodat Sharma has explained to Kaieteur News that based on an Agreement (Section 1.5) dated May 20, 2 0 2 1 b e t w e e n t h e Government of Guyana and contracting firms, “ various Ministries & Departments and servants/ agents shall forebear from taking any steps to recover monies, debts and liabilities of the company until the expiry of seven years from thedatehereof.”

The AG Report also mentioned overpayments to other Contractors On

another occasion, the sum of $14.806M advanced to a Contractor for the upgrading of the highway from Triumph to Mon Repos, is still to be recovered. The report noted that in this case thecontractingcompanywas dissolved and the company won judgment in the matter, thusmakingthecollectionof $14 806M a virtual impossibility

In another case, the sum of $81 570M, which represents a Contractor's indebtedness to the Ministry, is yet to be recovered. This matter is before the High Court.

Similarly, the sum of $100M overpaid on the contract for the upgrading of

the road from La Bonne IntentiontoBeterverwagting is still to be recovered. The total sum overpaid was $120 683M, of which, $20.683M was repaid by the Contractor

Officials attached to the PublicWorksMinistrystated that reminder letters were sent to the Contractor in February2019.

However, there have not been any additional recoveries.

According to the Head of Budget Agency, despite a reminder letter being sent to the contractor in January 2020, there have been no further recoveries for the fiscal year ended December 3 1 , 2 0 2 0

of 12 of the Region's countries, more than 60% of the poor population under 18 years of age had no connectivity in their household.

Ifactionisnottakennow, ECLAC points to the risk of permanent scarring in the educational and labor trajectories of the youngest generations in the region. According to the United N a t i o n s R e g i o n a l Organization, learning losses in the Caribbean have already been measured, and, in Latin America, the percentage of young people from 18 to 24 years of age that neither studies nor does paid work increased from 22.3% in 2019 to 28.7% in 2020, especially affecting young women (36% of them were in this situation, comparedwith22%ofmen).

In addition, significant gender gaps persist in terms of performance and areas of education.

Female students have poorer performances on average in mathematics and science during basic education, with deeper disparities in the lowest i n c o m e q u a r t i l e s Furthermore, in the majority of the Region's countries, the proportion of female graduates in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields does not exceed40%.

Despite the progress made in recent decades on

access and educational inclusion at all levels, from early childhood to higher education, the Region's countries still had serious pending issues in terms of educational equality and quality prior to the crisis prompted by the pandemic, which were already hampering efforts to achieve the targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 by the year 2030. In line with the United Nations' Transforming Education Summit held this year, the d o c u m e n t p r o v i d e s n u m e r o u s p o l i c y recommendationstoturnthis crisis into an opportunity for transformation.

The social institutional framework is a critical factor fortheeffectivenessofsocial policiesandisacross-cutting element for achieving i n c l u s i v e s o c i a l development, ECLAC sustains in the Social Panorama2022.

Social spending by the central Government reached 13% of GDPin 2021 in Latin America, below the level seen in 2020 but far above whathadbeenrecordedinthe last two decades In the Caribbean, social spending reached 14.1% of GDP in 2021, marking a historic high.

In 2021, education spending amounted to 4.1% ofGDP(30.5%oftotalsocial spending) in Latin America and the Caribbean. “While

publicspendingoneducation in the countries of the Organisation for Economic C o o p e r a t i o n a n d Development (OECD) in 2019 averaged 4.9% of GDP, a figure similar to that of the region (4% of GDPin 2019), spending per student in OECD is six times the equivalent in Latin America and the Caribbean in preprimary,5.7timesinprimary, 5.3 times in secondary and 6.1 times in tertiary,” the publicationspecifies.

“We are facing a cascade of crises that has exacerbated the region's inequalities and shortfalls. This is not a time for gradual changes, but instead for transformative and ambitious policies,” José Manuel Salazar Xirinachs, ECLAC's Executive Secretary, reiterated. “Inter sectoral public policy efforts are needed that would link educational offerings to health, work and social protection, and that would allow for establishing mechanisms to guarantee a certain level of well-being and income in an era of volatility and uncertainty,” the Senior Official argued, urging countries to build “new social compacts accompanied by fiscal contractstomakeprogresson strengthening democracy and social cohesion and to ensure the financial sustainability of social protection systems in the Region.”

Body of missing US Tourist recovered

Carstens

Jr the United States of America (USA) citizen, who reportedly went missing after the boat he was in capsized during a fishing trip in Region Nine, was recoveredonThursday

Police on Thursday confirmed that his body was found in an area way up the Rupununi River which is a tributary of the Essequibo River The body is being transportedtoAnnaiwhichis alsolocatedinRegionNine.

Kaieteur News had reportedthatCarstensJr was a guest at the Kanuku EcoLodge Resort located in Region Nine and onTuesday around 10:30hrs he had left the Eco-Lodge with a boat captain/ tour guide whose identity is still unknown and another Tourist whose

identity is also unknown to goupriverforafishingsport.

The trio was expected to return to the Lodge at about 18:00hrsthatdaybutdidnot.

Police sources had revealed to this publication that around 19:00hrs that day aftertheboatdidnotreturn,a search party was launched and they went up the river and at about 20:00hrs, they found two people; the boat captain and the other tourist onalargerockintheriver

The two related to investigators that while going up the river, the boat capsized and everyone was hurled into the river where they began swimming to survive and that they came upon a large rock in the river where they took safety and awaitedhelp.

The two further reported thattheydidnotseeinwhich

F o l l o w i n g t h e disappearance of Carstens Jr., the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce had noted in a release that persons should ensure that their tours and tour operators are approved by the Guyana TourismAuthority

They noted that a list of approved operators is published on its website at mintic gov gy/approved tour operators and the Guyana Tourism Authority's Facebookpage.

The Ministry stated that tours which are unregulated and not approved by the Authority many times do not have the necessary safety systems and protocols in place.

An investigation has since been launched into the fatalincident.

Th e b o d y o f

Thomas

directionCarstensJr went.

GTU calls on Govt. to increase Teachers' salaries

Th e G u y a n a

Teachers' Union

( G T U ) o n

Thursday called on the Irfaan Ali led Administration to increase Teachers' salaries in keeping with the Union's proposal for salary and nonsalarybenefits.

The GTU's request follows President IrfaanAli's announcement of salary adjustments for members of the Disciplined Services (Police, Military and Fire). The new salary scales for the Discipline Services will take effect from January 2023 and is in addition to the eight percent retroactive increase for 2022 the President announced last week for PublicServants.

In a Press Release posted on the Union's Facebook Page, President Mark Lyte

said, “The GTU wishes to place on record that not only Police and Fire Service Officers' salaries need to be adjusted, but Public Servants andTeachers.”

Lyte said that Teachers have been subjected to meager salaries for far too long. “We believe that the country has adequate resourcestonotonlyincrease salaries for some sector workers, but all workers in Guyana,”hesaid.

Further, the GTU President said that Teachers are required to undergo, “far more training and rigorous studies to attain the status of Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher,HeadofDepartment etc ” while calling on President Ali to engage the GTU “to fix the salary issues affecting the nation's

educators.”

S t a t i n g t h a t t h e President's announcement of salary adjustments for the Disciplined Services is welcome by all “civic minded individuals who understandtheimportanceof service officers to the nation”, the Union said that, “better salary for Public Officers should reduce the level of corruption in public offices and raise standard of living.”

Lyte said that like the Disciplined Services, Teachers and other Public Servants “have every right to be elated while pleading, “President Ali, we await the announcement for Teachers increase.Thankyou.”

The GTU had said it was “grossly disappointed” with t h e G o v e r n m e n t ' s

Caricom stakeholders hail decision to set up climate loss and damage response fund

Stakeholders from

Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) have welcomed the decision to establish a loss and damage response fund from the recently concluded United Nations Climate Conference (COP27) in Egypt.

“We have literally exhausted all of our efforts to bring home the climate action commitments our v u l n e r a b l e p e o p l e desperately need,” said Minister Molwyn Joseph of Antigua and Barbuda, Chair of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS), in a statement issued Sunday (November 20).

“Our Ministers and Negotiators have endured sleepless nights and endless days in an intense series of negotiations, determined to secure the establishment of a loss and damage response fund, keep 1.5° alive, and advance ambition on critical mitigation and adaptation plans,”headded.

AOSIS has represented theinterestsofsome39SIDS and low lying coastal developing states for more than two decades in climate negotiations and sustainable development processes Labelled a breakthrough decision, the agreement to establish a loss and damage fund forms part of a package of decisions from the international negotiations. It f o l l o w s y e a r s o f deliberations on the call for financial support to help

developing countries

respond to post climate related impacts, including livelihoods loss; and the addition of loss and damage to the COP agenda for the first time. However, even as stakeholders celebrate, they are mindful of the work ahead to operationalise the fund.

Executive Director (ED) oftheCaribbeanCommunity Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), Dr Colin Young, said while the hard-foughtfor loss and damage decision wascertainlywelcomed,itis now time to ensure the fund becomes operational and benefits SIDS and other developing countries. “The details will need to be worked out, the criteria established, and the funding sources identified The designofthefundmustbefit for purpose and not repeat the mistakes of other funds that are very difficult to access and take years,” said the ED, who was present in Egypt from November 6 to 18.

UnaMay Gordon, former Principal Director for the Climate Change Division of Jamaica and current

Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the CCCCC who herself has been on the frontlines at many global climate negotiations, agreed. “This was a great step forward, but it is the first step.

Eyes will now focus on the construction of the Transitional Committee and the beginning of their

deliberations. I do hope the fight for loss and damage getseasierfromhereon,”she noted, fresh from her participation in the Egypt COP “It should not be so hard to agree on something everybody agrees needed to be addressed. But as I said earlier, good sense must prevail,”addedGordon.

AOSIS, meanwhile, has long championed financial support for loss and damage in the developing world and only last month published a briefing document detailing how a 'fit for purpose multilateral fund designated as an operating entity of the U N F C C C F i n a n c i a l Mechanism' should work.

AOSIS' membership (roughly39countries)which includes Caribbean SIDS, have called for the design and operationalisation of the fund to include important concepts such as 'climate justice'whentakingactionto address climate change as outlined in the Paris Agreemen, and flagged the need for an operating entity that is built to provide predictable support for expost response to loss and damage.

Beyond that, AOSIS has maintained that the programming of support should take a 'country owned, country driven, gender-responsive approach' and 'with operational modalities that realise enhanced direct access, especially through existing regional and national entities.'

announcement of 8 percent retroactive salary increase forPublicServants.

In a statement Lyte said, “Whatisincomprehensibleis the rationalisation for this meager increase when the inflation rate in Guyana is over50%.”

Lyte accused the Irfaan Ali led Administration of showing, “its disregard for the Rule of Law by again ignoring the constitutional rightofworking-classpeople orcollectivebargaining.”

“There is no end to the disrespect meted out to teachersinparticular

The President has ignored correspondences from the Guyana Teachers' Union since ascending to public office, a position that was unjustified and unimaginable,” the GTU head said in his Press Release.

Further, Lyte said that the Union submitted on several occasions, its Multi Year Proposal for salary and nonsalary benefits to the President, Vice President, Finance Minister and Minister of Education but, “there has not been the common courtesy to acknowledge receipt of the

document from these officials.”

Lyte reminded that Teachers are “owed debunching 2% retroactively in2017.”

He said too that Teachers employed from 2016 have received the previous year's salary

“The morale of Teachers continues to be low because of the way they are been treated,”hesaidwhilenoting t h a t T h u r s d a y ' s announcement demonstrates that Government's “attitude towardTeacherstellsus-they carelessaboutus.”

The GTU President said, “A caring Government must notonlysayitcaresbutshow itcares.

Wemuststandandletour voicesbeheard.”

President GTU, Mark Lyte

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Driver, sales man, porters to work in warehouse. Must have experience , attractive salary offered. Call: 6964444.

Domestic needed to work for 3 days 8-4pm, must know to cook and do general cleaning, etc. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village.

One male between 25-45 years to operate Hardware Store. Residing on WCD or WBD. Call:# 264-2524 MonFri 8am to 4:30pm.

One experienced cook and one kitchen assistant. Call: 603-1278/ 665-5074.

Seamstress, Tailor wanted. Call/ Whatsapp: 691-1918.

Live-in domestic/ maid and canter driver to work in the Interior. Call: 614-1819.

Carpenters, masons & labourers required. Call: 645-9805.

Motor Lorry drivers needed and Porters. Tel: 627-1835/ 626-4691.

Labourers to work on Cash Crop Farm, salary $5000. Call: 695-6139,679-7552.

VACANCY

Hotel attendant needed at Hick's Ville Hotel.Tel: 6400673, 227-7714, email: info@vegeworld.com

General cleaner, office assistant, maintenance workers and Labourers needed. Call: 621-6969, 615-7784/ 505-9107.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop @ Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call 645-8443 or 642-9823.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics, grade one or two, email application to: techserigy @yahoo.com or call 6159132.

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Wanted: Experienced supervisor, cashier, counter person, cooks and labourer. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp andNew Market Sts.

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Professional pastry maker needed. Must be able to make burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, dhal puri, etc. Call: 6784275/ 694-4481.

Police, Soldiers, Firemen get boost in salaries...

From page 8 their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $75, 203 to $85,000. This represents a 13 percent increase on their current minimum salary. While Neighbourhood Policemen and Policewomen will have their current minimum salary

adjusted upwards from $84,387 to $95,000.

Guyana Fire Service Firemen and Firewomen with five to ten years’ experience will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $102,488 to $110,000. This represents an additional 7.3 percent increase on the current minimum salary.

Additionally, Firemen/ Firewomen with more than ten years’ experience will now receive a salary of no less than $115,000.

less than $105,000, and those with more than ten years’ experience will now receive a salary of no less than $110,000.

President Ali said that Sub-Officers will have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $154,181 to $174,181 representing a 13 percent increase on their current minimum salary. Additionally, Sub-Officers with five and more years’ experience will now receive a salary of no less than $174,181.

Additionally, Recruits with five and more years’ experience will now receive a salary of no less than $100,000.

Privates will benefit from an 8.1 percent increase on their minimum salary moving it from $94,771 to $102,488.

Privates with five to ten years’ experience will now receive a salary of no less than $110,000, and those with more than ten years’ experience will now receive a salary of no less than $115,000.

FOR SALE

Good quality carpets for sale at reasonable price. Call: 669-9258.

Ginger, tumeric and morocott fish for sale at wholesale and retail. Call: 669-9258

Leading Firemen/ Firewomen will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $122,241 to $130,000. The $7,759 increase represents an additional 6.3 percent on their current minimum salary.

Additionally, Leading Firemen/Firewomen with five and more years’ experience will now receive a salary of no less than $130,000.

Section Leaders will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $154,172 to $174,172.

GFS Cadet Officers will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $171,938 to $185,000.

Additionally, Cadet Officers with five and more years’ experience will now receive a salary of no less than $185,000.

FOR RENT

2 and 3 Bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments to rent. Tel:# 682-2585, 6648641, 691-1432.

Three bedrooms unfurnished upstairs at New Road, Vreed-en-hoop. Call: 604-6664 or 682-6238.

Room attendant and laundry attendant, 25-50 years old at South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-2304.

Data Entry clerk needed. Apply to: Essential Care Pharmacy & Supercentre , Block X Mandela Avenue or G3 Building Diamond East Bank Demerara Or Via E-mail - essentialcarepharmacy@ yahoo.com

Pharmacist & Pharmacy Technician needed. Apply to: Essential Care Pharmacy & Supercentre, Block X Mandela Avenue or G3 Building Diamond East Bank Demerara or E-mailessentialcarepharmacy@ yahoo.com

Adult Learn to swim program, Every Wednesday & Thursday, at Swimtropolis, Enachu Street Sec. K C/ Ville. Call Edna on 614-9340.

Vacancy exist for male labourers between ages 2035. Interested persons whatsapp only # 691-5777.

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VEHICLES FOR SALE

One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

Additionally, Section Leaders with five and more years of experience will now receive a salary of no less than $174,172.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) will have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $88,143 to $95,000. Additionally, EMTs with five to ten years’ experience will soon receive a salary of no

Station Officers will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $251,639 to $260,000. Additionally, Station Officers with five and more years’ experience will now receive a salary of no less than $260,000.

Divisional Officers will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $337,364 to $345,000.

Guyana Defence Force

Recruits of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $94,485 to $100,000.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton in a statement issued shortly after the President’s announcement said the increase given to the Police is “unacceptable” The “miserly pay increase for Police is unacceptable,” Norton said noting that with the Government’s budget ballooning by nearly 50 percent this year, the increases that have been proposed across the different categories and ranks of Police Officers are unacceptable.

“Where have all these billions gone?” he asked. Norton continued: “The PPP/C can stand up and say to the nation that a Police Officer with over ten (10) long years of experience should only be paid $115,000 dollars a month is unbelievable.

Clearly they do not respect the hard work that Policemen and women do every day in service of our nation.”

Warning to Guyanese: don’t expect...

LEGAL NOTICE

MONEY LENDERS CERTIFICATE, APPLICATION FOR MONEY LENDERS CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 4 OF THE MONEY LENDERS ACTI Seretse Shortt, Director of Mercantile Unicredit Inc of Lot 20, Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Guyana hereby respectfully give Notice that we have applied to the Magistrate of the Georgetown Magisterial District for a Certificate under the MONEY LENDERS Act, authorising the grant to us of a MONEY LENDERS License to carry on business of a MONEY Lender under the entity Mercantile Unicredit Inc, Company Number 13715 at Lot 20 Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Guyana.

Notice of any objections to the application should be sent forthwith to the CLERK OF THE GEORGETOWN MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT and a copy of such notice should be sent to the subscriber, Applicants Seretse Shortt and Tracy Melville. DATED at Georgetown, Demerara 23rd day of November 2022.

From page 12 Rwandan tragedy here. Or that of an Iraq. The British did that to Ireland, with religion and caste playing pivotal roles. I detect some of that stirring right here. We have discord and no interest in accord, no movement to

what gives some breathing space, some maneuvering room.

Hungry people, punished people, disrespected and discarded people don’t forever take too kindly to their condition. Even the most passive and docile

reach their endpoint. Guyanese fit that bill through and through.

(The views expressed in this articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Visa application: Canada and UK & U.S.A. Graphics design & advertisements. Wedding decorations & elderly grooming: hair, nail etc. Call: 626-7040.

SERVICES

2003 Court Order continues to prevent GRA from collecting increased taxes from Professionals

An October 2003

Conservatory

Order continues to prevent the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) fromassessingandcollecting m o r e t a x e s f r o m Professionals, the 2021 AuditorGeneral(AG)Report said. The Court matter is currentlyinmediation.

The first Schedule of the Income Tax Act, Chapter 8 1 : 0 1 i d e n t i f i e s P r o f e s s i o n a l s a s Accountants,Auditors,Legal Practitioners, Medical Practitioners, Architects, Dentists, Optometrists, Engineers, Veterinary Surgeons, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists,andSurveyors.

The Schedule states that these Professionals are required to acquire a Tax Practice Certificate from GRA which is valid for one year commencing January 1 andendingonDecember31.

Further,TaxPracticeFees

are to be paid to the GRA by the end of February every year However, the AG's annual reports from 20172020 have recorded dwindling figures for Professionals filing for Tax Practice Certificates

According to the report, the GRAcontinuestoexperience difficulties in having practicing Professionals to comply with Section 37, Chapter 81:01 of the Income TaxAct.

The Revenue Authority's inability to collect increased taxes from the practicing Professionals is due to a 19year-old Court Order that barstheAuthority.

Until the Conservatory Orderisliftedbyacompetent Court,GRAisrestrictedfrom assessing and collecting any increase in taxes from the Professionals Most Professionals pay $10,000 as the Professional fees per annum.

- Audit Report

Notwithstanding this, the Revenue Authority uses information at its disposal to write Professionals who are engaged in private practice without a Tax Practice Certificate and those who have not yet renewed their certificates as a measure to ensure all are compliant with Section 37 of the Tax Act, Cap.81:01.

This challenge has been highlighted for years by the Auditor General's Office The2017AGReportsaidthat the total revenue collected fromProfessionalfeesforthe period January to December amountedto$5.6Mor0.01% of the total revenue collected by Internal Revenue Departmentin2016.

The Audit Report said thatasatDecember31,2017, there were 605 active registered Professionals in

Name mix-up causes accident victim to go missing for days

A name mix-up resulted in an accident victim going missingforfourdays.

The victim, 68-year-old Dennis Emmanuel, of C h a r l o t t e S t r e e t , Georgetown was reportedly found alive and receiving treatment for multiple injuries to his body at the New Amsterdam Hospital, Berbice,RegionSix.

Emmanuel had left his

home on Saturday and drove up to Berbice in his red wagon presumably to visit his relatives but never returned His son, Gary Emmanuel, became worried and started querying about his whereabouts. Relatives told him that his dad had left the area to return but Gary beganfearingtheworseafter he received information that his father might have been involved in a car crash en routetoGeorgetown.

He was even privy to a video of the crash scene and quicklyidentifiedhisfather's wrecked car Gary soon learnt that his father had collidedwithaToyotaAllion

in Berbice The video painted a horrific scene, two occupants from the Allion were seen lying on the roadways groaning in pain.

The person recording the video could be heard saying that someone still trapped in his father's car and was still alive.

Gary told Kaieteur News that he travelled to Berbice immediately and visited all the hospitals-including the New Amsterdam Hospital but was told that no one by his father's name was a patient at any of the hospital.

He even visited Police Stations and was told the same thing Gary even

Dennis Emmanuel, the accident victim who went missing for days.

Commissioner General of GRA, Godfrey Statia

visited a few morgues but stillcouldnotlocatehisdad.

Frustrated and fearing that his father was already dead and is probably lying in some funeral home waiting to be identified, Gary turned tothemediaforhelp.

Afew Reporters posted a missing person report on their Facebook pages and a day later, Gary received word that his father might be a patient at the New AmsterdamHospital.

Gary returned to the hospital and this time he was successful in locating his missing father Speaking with Kaieteur News on Thursday, Gary said that he was told that his father was taken into the hospital and registered with a different name and that is the reason why he was unable to locate himthefirsttime.

According to Gary, his father sustained multiple bruises and a head injury but isrecoveringwell.

the database of which only 260 Professionals or 43 p e r c e n t p u r c h a s e d ProfessionalCertificates.

“As a result, 345 or 57% of the active professionals h a d n o t p u r c h a s e d professionalcertificates,”the reportadded.

As for the period January t o D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 , professional fees amounted to$5.121Mor0.01percentof thetotalrevenuecollectedby

the Internal Revenue Department when compared to2017collections.

In 2019, the total revenue collected from professional fees for the year amounted to $4.911M or 4.47 percent less of the total revenue collected by Internal Revenue Department for the previous year.

Atthetimeofreportingin September 2019, the AG report noted that 170

professionals paid for certificates after the stipulateddate.

Similarly, at December 31, 2019, there were 688 a c t i v e r e g i s t e r e d Professionals in the database o f w h i c h o n l y 2 5 2 professionals or 37 percent purchased the professional certificates. As a result, 436 or 66 percent of the active professionals did not purchase professional certificates.

In 2020, the total revenue collected from professional fees for the year amounted to $3.930M, or less than 1 percent of the total revenue collected by Internal Revenue Department the previousyear

AsatDecember31,2020, there were 731 active registered Professionals in the database, of which only 291 Professionals or 39.81 percent purchased the professionalcertificates.

Screengrab from the car crash that Emmanuel was involved in.

ESPNcricinfo - Jofra Archer looks set to encouraging return to action in a three-day return to competitive cricket in South Africa warm-upmatchagainstEngland’sTestsquad, in January after becoming MI Cape Town’s hitting Zak Crawley in the head with a sharp wildcard signing for the inaugural season of bouncerinthefirstofninethreateningovers. theSA20.

Archer was signed by Mumbai Indians in Archer, the leading wicket-taker and thelastIPLauctionforINR8crore[US$1.06 Super Over hero for England in their 2019 million approx. at the time] despite the ODI World Cup triumph, has not played an franchise knowing he would be unavailable. internationalgamesinceMarch2021because He has, in fact, been retained for the 2023 of a long-standing elbow issue, which was season. And on Wednesday evening, he was followed by a stress fracture of the lower unveiled as a wildcard signing by MI Cape back. He has spent the last two weeks in the Town - the SA20 franchise and Mumbai UAE as part of an England Lions training Indians are owned by the same group, camp and, on Wednesday, made an Reliance.

Tatum leads Celtics past...

From page 30

Bullsplayersmademultiple3pointshotsinthevictory Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks, finishingwith36pointson15for 27 shooting while grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing seven assists. He scored all but eight of his pointsinthesecondhalf.

Pelicans 129, Spurs 110 ZionWilliamsonpiledupa season-high32pointsandtook 11 rebounds to help visiting New Orleans to an easy win oversinkingSanAntonio.

From page 28

the champions cart off with US$1,000 while the runners up receiveincentives.

Wills stated, “We at Demerara Distillers Limited are once again very [very] happy to be a part of this journey of hockey in Guyana. We believe in developmental aspects of sports in Guyana; hockey is no different. We’ve been with this tournament from the inception and will continue as the years goes on. Now we’re very comfortable, we’re very proud and we’re very happy about the way the tournament has been organised and managed by the Guyana Hockey Board. We are confident that there will be no hiccups just like previous years and that fans will come out and support andenjoysomebeautifulgames.”

Friday November 25, 2022

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Emotionally, things might get rather tense for you as others tend to demonstrate a selfish attitude, Aries Selfishness doesn't always have to be consideredanegative.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You might be stirred by the energypresentintheairtoday, Taurus.Putonyourarmorand get ready to do battle. Others maycowerwhentheylookout their window and see what's goingonoutside.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Move in for the touchdown today, and don't stop until you succeed. Don't let other people's insecurities become yours. Have confidence in yourself and the way you behavearoundothers.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Now is the perfect time to say something to someone that you've been meaning to say for quite some time, Cancer Getitoutintheopen.Keeping it inside will only eat away at you. Stop worrying about the consequences and make the move.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Your opinions might be the topic of conversation all day You have a very strong will and you aren't afraid to express it Feel free to enlighten others with your tremendous knowledge.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Your sensitive heart may be sparkedbyangertoday,Virgo. Don't be afraid of hurting other people's feelings. You'd be doing yourself and others a disservicebynotrevealingthe truescopeofyouremotions.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You might feel a great deal of physical power on a day like today, Libra. If someone asks you to come help move a couch, you're likely to be able to pick up the whole thing by yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21) Theshipisheadedout,soyou'd better hop on board, Scorpio. People aren't apt to be too sympathetic to your emotional sob story today, so keep it underwraps.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21) You'll want to jump into action today, Sagittarius. Feel free to order others around for a change and delegate An aggressive approach is exactly what's called for, and you have theabilitytodeliverthegoods.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Guard your heart today, Capricorn, for it's a prime target of the abrasive words flying around. Your sensitive nature feels alone and vulnerable in this harsh atmosphere, so you might be betteroffjuststayinginbed.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20 Feb.18) We need to have more people like you in places of power, Aquarius. And don't feel like it's out of the question. Today's astrological weather is helping you find the confidence and physical strength you need to boostyourleadershipabilities.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20) Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you, Pisces. The problem with the energy today isthattheremaybesomesticks and stones tossed in your direction.

The Pelicans manhandled San Antonio with Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas (22 points, 10 rebounds) dominating the paint and Devonte’ Graham bombing away from outside with six 3pointers Williamson’s 28 points in the paint tied for the mostinagameintheNBAthis season; he was 14 of 18 from the floor and added four free throws.

Devin Vassell led San Antonio with 26 points, with Doug McDermott adding 21, Jeremy Sochan 12 and Keita Bates-Diop 10. Jakob Poeltl pulled down 14 rebounds for the Spurs, who have dropped six straight games and 11 of theirpast12.

Heat 113, Wizards 105

Kyle Lowry scored 28 points and Caleb Martin collected a season-high 24 along with nine rebounds to propel short handed Miami pastvisitingWashington.

Lowry made 7 of 12 shots fromthefloorandjoinedTyler Herro by sinking five 3 pointerstohelptheHeatsnapa four-gamelosingskid.

Lowry eclipsed his previous season high of 24 points, set during Miami’s 107 106 overtime loss to WashingtononFriday Miami played without leading scorer Jimmy Butler (knee) and fellow forward Duncan Robinson (ankle), as well as guards Max Strus (shoulder impingement) and VictorOladipo(knee).

Kyle Kuzma had 33 points and Kristaps Porzingis collected 21 points and nine reboundsfortheWizards,who fell for just the second time in eightgames.

In other results:

Nets112,Raptors98

Pistons125,Jazz116

Timberwolves 115, Pacers 101

Cavaliers 114, Trail Blazers96

Hornets107,76ers101

Hawks115,Kings106 Nuggets 131, Thunder 126 (OT) (Field Level Media)

In Henry’s brief’s remarks, the disclosed, “We’re [TCL] pleased to be on board and join the sponsors of this prestigiousevent.InanutshellTLCGuyanaopeneddoorsin 2018 for a joint venture with John Fernandes Ltd and TLC SA Switzerland. We have recognized the hard work of the Guyana Hockey Board and applaud them in being able to continuestagingthisannuallysince2004.”

Meanwhile, Peters told the small gathering that Banks DIH has been looking for new frontiers to explore with squash and hockey being among the latest sports to garner the support of the company Being a hockey player for a number of years, Peters anticipates an exciting return and also knows that the Hockey Board will do their best for the event,whichisbeinghostedforthe18thyear

Stuttering Uruguay held by South Korea in entertaining stalemate

0-0 draw yesterday they made enough noise to

the lead

the 34th Edinson Cavani

Moon-hwan

a struggled to find the clinical were chanting away

inacontestwherebothteams drown out Al Rayyan and

Kim fizzed the ball into the lively presence, almost edge despite plenty of throughout the contest, the penaltyareaandintothepath connecting with Nunez’s attackingqualityonshow beat of their drums matching of Hwang in front of goal, fizzing shot which flew Clear-cut chances were the fast and frenetic pace of but the forward could not wide. Valverde unleashed a rare for either side in the play keep his composure and sent thunderbolt in the final Group H clash at the “We’re a very brave itoverthebar minute of regulation time Education City Stadium and team, we’re not afraid of our Hwang’s team mates fell thatstruckthetopofthepost although Uruguay created opponents,” South Korea to their knees after his miss andSonhadonefinalchance more opportunities, neither coach Paulo Bento told and they were almost made in the closing stages but team managed a shot on reporters. to pay for it just before the draggedhisshotwide. target.

“The bottom line is we break when centre back Uruguay have won the Uruguay captain Diego need to control all moments Godin rose highest to power openingmatchatonlyoneof Godin was denied by the of the game, knowing we’re a header from Valverde’s their last seven World Cups, woodwork while South in a different competition to corner but it bounced off the having drawn and lost three Korea forward Hwang Ui-jo ourqualifiers.Butthiswon’t goalcameinthe19thminute half-volleytowardsgoal,but leftpostandawayfromgoal. each but still progressed blasted over the bar with the hold us back from what we through Federico Valverde, his ambitious attempt went Gimenez made a crucial from the group stage in five goal at his mercy, leaving intendtodo.Andweshowed who connected with Jose justoverthebar tackle to deny Son five of those tournaments and both teams to rue missed todaywe’recapable.” Maria Gimenez’s pass and The South Americans minutes after the restart have a track record of deep chances before group rivals Uruguay’s first sight of took a touch before firing a had begun to find their following a flowing move runsinthecompetition. footing when South Korea, from South Korea, while They were semi-finalists having been patiently Jung Woo young blocked in 2010 and reached the controlling the first half so midfielder Rodrigo quarter-finals four years ago far, disrupted their rhythm Bentancur’s powerful strike in Russia, after winning all and launched a counter- at the other end. Uruguay three of their group games attack from a Uruguay saw more of the ball and withoutconcedingagoal. corner before the half-hour looked dangerous as the Thursday’s result left mark. game wore on but found few Group H wide open for both

Richarlison turns on style as silky Brazil see off Serbia

Son Heung-min picked chances to break through an teams before their second up the ball on the left flank organised Korean defence. group games on Monday, and cut inside, skipping past Forward Darwin Nunez was with Uruguay taking on two Uruguay defenders a threat on the counter with Portugal and South Korea before curling a right-footed his pace but endured a facingGhana.

Ronaldo makes history with goal as Portugal edge Ghana 3-2

LUSAIL, QATAR, (Reuters) - Brazil striker found himself isolated up front with outclassed Serbia 2-0 in their World Cup littleservice. opener yesterday as Richarlison’s second-

The second half was one-way traffic as half goals, including a spectacular overhead Brazil shifted through the gears, Richarlison kick, propelled the five-times champions to and Neymar wasting gilt-edged chances thetopofGroupG. insidetheboxandAlexSandroandCasemiro

TheTottenhamHotspurforwardhasbeen sending long range efforts against the in fineform when wearingthegoldenyellow woodwork. kit of Brazil this year and he opened the

Thebreakthroughcamejustafterthehour scoring with an easy tap-in before doubling from brilliant work by Neymar to find theleadwithhisacrobaticeffort. Vinicius, whose initial shot was saved by

Tite’s decision to go with four forwards - VanjaMilinkovic-Savic,butRicharlisonwas Neymar, Vinicius Jr., Raphinha and in the right place to tap in the rebound for his Richarlison - in his attacking lineup paid off firstWorldCupgoal. handsomely as the South Americans

Serbia had been playing conservatively dominated the match and made Serbia work up to that point and had no choice but to pour hardeverytimetheywentforward. forward, which gave Brazil more space and

Vinicius used his acceleration to good thesecondgoalfromRicharlisonbroughtthe effect to constantly beat his man while biggest roar of the night from the Brazilian Neymar, playing in a free role, often found contingent. pockets of space, but a well-drilled Serbian

As Richarlison attempted to control a defencekeptBrazilatbayinthefirsthalf. cross from Vinicius, the ball popped up over

(REUTERS/Jennifer

DOHA, (Reuters) - Portugal captain Mohammed Salisu saw the referee point to Cristiano Ronaldo shrugged off his bitter the spot. Ghana did nothing in the first half split with Manchester United to claim yet apart from defend deeply but gave their another record as he became the first player noisy bank of fans in the 974 Stadium to score in fiveWorld Cups with a penalty to something to cheer when Andre Ayew help steer his side to a nervy 3-2 win over equalisedinthe73rdminute.

Ghanayesterday

Joao Felix restored Portugal’s lead five

The first-half of the Group H clash was minutes later, however, and Bruno forgettable apart from a couple of Ronaldo Fernandes then showed his class with a chances,butitburstintolifeaftertheinterval jinking run before sliding a pass to Rafael asPortugalbelatedlybegantheircampaign. Leao to leave Ghana stunned. Osman

Ronaldo, a free agent after his second Bukari’s 89th-minute headed reply set up an stint at Old Trafford ended abruptly on anxious ending for Portugal

Switzerland are second in the group after

Serbia had been sweating over the fitness his head and he leapt up in the air to volley of their all-time top scorer Aleksandar home a bicycle kick and seal the win for Mitrovic but coach Dragan Stojkovic named Brazil. himinthestartinglineup.

Unlike Brazil’s forward line, however, they beat Cameroon 1-0 and Serbia are which threatened from all sides, the Fulham bottom.

thumped home a dubiously

in the 65th

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scores their first goal from the penalty spot.

Lorenzini)

but they Tuesday,

survived nine minutes of stoppage time to awarded penalty

minute after an win their opening game of a World Cup for innocuous coming together with thefirsttimeintheirlastfourappearances.

South Korea’s Cho Gue-sung in action with Uruguay’s Diego Godin. (REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji)

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, PortugalandGhanametlater

effort towards goal, but left frustratingafternoon. (Reuters)-Uruguayfaltered onyesterday back Mathias Olivera was Uruguay manager Diego in their World Cup opener There were only a few abletoclearitaway Alonso swapped one againstalivelyandenergetic hundred South Korean HWANG MISS stalwart for another when he South Korea after they were supporters in attendance but SouthKoreashouldhave replaced Luis Suarez with held to a

taken

in

after 64

minute when

minutesandthestrikerwas

Richarlison created his own bicycle kick in a moment of pure brilliance to the delight of the Selecao fans.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon: Embolo condemns birth nation to eighth successive World Cup loss

Sommer reach the knockout stages in as he once did, but Shaqiri centoftheirtotal. goal with Granit Xhaka

Breel

Switzerland’s Breel Embolo in action.

(REUTERS/

Carl Recine)

scored the winner fromatightangle20minutes each of the past four major just always seems to deliver Vargas frustrates awaiting a tap-in, and the against his birth nation as later, and a crucial Silvan international tournaments, for his national team. His He was full of running second involved him failing Switzerland beat Cameroon Widmer clearance denied and this was a big step to cross, cleverly pulled back and endeavour, but this was to beat Onana from close 1-0 at Al Janoub Stadium in TokoEkambiatap-in. continuing that streak in slightly, gave Embolo an largely a frustrating display range. their World Cup Group G Switzerland finished the Qatar easy finish for the winner, from the left winger What’s next? openeryesterday half stronger, however, and Shaqiri giving the experienced Although his two chances Switzerland face the The Yaounde born only a last ditch Jean dependable as ever winger his 12th goal created was a high for ultimate test when they attacker refused to celebrate Charles Castelletto tackle He may not carry quite involvement for the Swiss Switzerland, he wasted two tussle with Brazil on hissecond-halftap-inbuthis prevented Embolo a certain the same influence over over the last four major glorious opportunities: one Monday Cameroon will goal sparked jubilant scenes goal before Manuel Akanji Switzerland’s general play tournaments, exactly 50 per sawhimsliceacrossoverthe playSerbiathesameday for the Swiss at full-time as noddedjustwideinstoppage Murat Yakin’s side inflicted time. C a m e r o o n ’s e i g h t h Buttherewasnodenying successive World Cup Embolo just after the break defeat,oneshyoftherecord. as the Monaco forward The Indomitable Lions swept home from Xherdan hadthebetterof thefirsthalf Shaqiri’s low right wing and kept Yann Sommer cross. Andre Onana kept relatively busy in the Cameroon in the contest just Switzerland net, though past the hour with a fine stop there were a couple of to thwart Ruben Vargas, but warning signs for Cameroon Rigobert Song’s men were justbeforethebreak. unable to capitalise at the

Embolo had been otherend. involved in one of those What does it mean? Vital incidents and was fittingly win for Switzerland as the man to break the things only get tougher deadlock in the 48th minute, from here with Switzerland ultimately WithBrazilandSerbiato good value for the win after come, it was essential an effective second half Switzerland came through display Cameroon began this with a positive result –with the greater purpose and andthattheydid. should have scored 10 It certainly was not a minutes in as Bryan vintage performance from a Mbeumo blasted at Sommer sideYakin called “one of the and Karl Toko Ekambi best Swiss national teams inexplicably blasted over on that have ever existed”, but therebound. in the second half they often

Undeterred, Cameroon playedwithrealfluency continued to look more Switzerland are one of threatening, with Martin onlythreeEuropeanteamsto

SportsMax Breel Hongla testing

Embolo

GHBlaunches2022DiamondMineralWaterIndoorFestival

Under a week remains (DDL)BrandManagerLarry pandemic.” beforethecommencementof Wills, TCL Guyana DDL is the event’s Gold themuchanticipatedGuyana Commercial Manager sponsor, new partner TCL Hockey Board (GHB) 2022 Kristoff Henry, Banks DIH’s GuyanaInc.isonboardasthe Diamond Mineral Water BrandManagerJeffClement Silver sponsor while Banks Indoor Hockey Festival, a n d B a n k s D I H ’ s DIHhasoccupiedthepostof which will take place at the Communication Officer Bronzesponsor Cliff Anderson Sports Hall TroyPeterswerepresent. Fiedtkou was very fromDecember1–4. The tournament is to appreciative of the sponsors This was confirmed feature three teams from and the Ministry of Culture, during the event’s launching Trinidad and Tobago that Youth and Sport for the ceremony yesterday at the will match skills with their unwavering support that has Guyana Cricket Club (GCC) Guyanesecounterpartsinthe made the event successful Pavilion, where GHB Vice Men’s, Women’s and throughouttheyears. President Tricia Fiedtkou, VeteransDivisions. Following her brief Demerara Distillers Limited Speaking at the launch, synopsis of the tournament, F i e d t k o u s a i d , the Vice President revealed “Unbelievably it has already the incentives that will see beenthreeyearssincewelast the winners of both male and held our Annual Diamond female divisions receive Mineral Water International US$2,500 while the runners hockeyFestival. up have to settle for Of course you know that US$1,000.Fortheveterans, this is because of covid-19 (Continued on page 25)

Swiss Greens call for FIFA’s tax privileges to be revoked

ZURICH, (Reuters) - A proposingFIFAbetaxedthe Swiss political party is same as other companies of callingforFIFA’sstatusasa itssize. non-profit organisation to “FIFA’s ban on the‘One be revoked in Switzerland, Love’armband is definitely where the football thelaststraw,”saidTrede. governing body is T h e O n e L o v e registered. armbands, intended to send

“FIFA is not a ‘non- a message of tolerance and profit association’ but a opposition to all forms of profit machine on the back discrimination, have been ofhumanrights,”saidAline in the global spotlight since Trede,fromtheGreenparty FIFA threatened several “Let’s put an end to the tax European team captains privilegesforFIFA.” with yellow cards if they

In a statement yesterday worethemattheWorldCup the Greens, Switzerland’s to support of LGBTQ fifth largest political party, people in host nation Qatar, said they would introduce a where homosexuality is parliamentary motion illegal.

The gathering that attended that 2022 launching ceremony included (from left) GHB’s Alan Newark, TCL Guyana Commercial Manager Kristoff Henry, DDL Brand Manager Larry Willis, GHB Vice President Tricia Fiedtkou, Guinness Brand Manager Jeff Clement and Banks DIH Communications Officer, Troy Peters.

Part of the crowd watching as Director of Tourism Kamrul Baksh attempts $1,000,000 putt.

GTA/Nexgen Golf ‘Putt 4 Million$’ Fun Day in Region Five a Huge Success

The Guyana Tourism to see the best of local Kamrul Baksh was on hand local tourism and golf is the Director as he promised to Mendes, Pegasus Hotel & Authorityundertheauspices tourismas‘old’(cricket)met to kick off the Inaugural latest addition to our sports continue the expansion of Suites,TwinsManufacturing of the Ministry of Tourism, ‘new’(golf)andagrandtime Putting Event and Family tourismpromotion. golf activities around the Chemists, Marriott Hotel, Industry and Commerce was had by all as several Fun Day and was warmly With the efforts by country Wanderlust Tours, Kosmos, ‘All Sectors One Tourism’ persons came within inches received and cheered on by Nexgen Golf and the The persons winning Giftland Mall, Nayeli Spa, hosted the first of the six of winning the biggest prize theWestBerbicecrowdashe response from you all here prizes in the putting contest Ride Along Guyana, Black region Putt for Million$ ingolfhistoryandBlairmont too almost made the Putt. today, it is obvious that we were: Adrian Sukhwa, Water Adventures, Elite contest in Region Five at the pulled off a thrilling last “We see these regional must continue to support Dexter Razack, Hardat Kayaking, Toolsie Persaud, Blairmont Estate Ground on minutevictory eventsasbeingthekeytothe golfinthecomingyears.” Edwards (2), Rashad Da Silva’s Optical, Beacon Sunday Hundredsturnedout Director of Tourism successful development of Kevon Jawahir, PE Hussain (2), Kevin Cafe, Progressive Auto Teacher from Rosignol Aleerahoo (3), Balram Rental, ReminiScent, Royal Secondary, Frank Blair, Persaud. Chicken and GTT that Brandon Bess and the Local businessman include several mattresses physical education students Panko Steel sponsored the and 12,000 btu air of Rosignol Secondary graduating CSEC class from conditioners, vacuum school as part of their SBA, Rosignol Secondary School cleaners, tour packages, were the organizers of the in the putting contest and Canje River cruises, event that saw six 10/10 pledged his support for the Kayaking, gift baskets, cricketteamsparticipatingin eventinAlbion. dinners, lunches, hotel the tournament with

2022 KFC Goodwill Tournament launched

Kicks off December 14

The third edition of the youths are at the school KFC Goodwill Tournament competitionstage. wasofficiallylaunchedatthe Meanwhile, Manasseh sponsor’s head office on said, “On behalf of Beharry Vlissingen Road, yesterday, restaurant holding, KFC and is set to kick off on Guyana is pleased to take December 14 at the Ministry part in this occasion for the of Education Ground, third time This contest CarifestaAvenue. amplifies everything our W i t n e s s i n g t h e company stands for, it’s not significant ceremony were only to aid in the athletic KFC’s Marketing Manager development of our youths Pamela Manasseh, Petra but to also impart valuable Director Troy Mendonca, life lessons like how we get NSC Chairman Kashif along with others. We are Muhammad, Allied Arts thrilled to be a part of this Physical Education Officer event and we wish the (Waramadong) Secondary Kurt Braithwaite and participantstheverybest.” School, Trinidad and Guyana Football Federation The supportive entities, Tobago’sSecondarySchools (GFF) Public Relations Ministry of Culture, Youth Football League (SSFL) Officer,KeeranWilliams. and Sport, NSC, GFF and Champion, St Benedict’s Mendonca was very Ministry of Education College, and SVB Academy appreciative of all the disclosed that they were outofSuriname. entities involved in getting adamant in partnering with

Trinidad and Tobago’s one of the country’s revered Beharry Restaurant Shiva Boys’ Hindu College schoolsfootballtournaments Holdings Inc. and the Petra were the inaugural on the front burner once organisation to assist in the champions in 2018, while again He added that successfulhostingofanother the second edition of the preparations are going edition. tournament was hosted in swimmingly and they GuyOil/Tradewind 2019 and won by Annai anticipate a very well Tankers League Champion Secondary, who clinched the contendedevent. a n d r u n n e r u p , title from Lodge Secondary, The head of the Christianburg/Wismar in the finale. After that, the organising team further Secondary and Golden dreadedpandemicforcedthe stated that the two foreign Grove Secondary School, tournamentintoahiatus. teams will boost the level of will meet with Defending The tournament is billed competition and give a good championsAnnai Secondary to culminate on December account of where Guyana’s School, Desrey Fox 23.

Over 230 persons are rooms, jet ski rides, Blairmont pulling off a now eligible to win the scholarships to Nations thrilling come from behind $100,000 Comfort Sleep University, GTT services, win in the last few balls. prize package and with andmuch,muchmore. N a m e s o f t e a m s millions in cash and prizes NexgenGolfAcademyis participating were Young still on the line, the contest also giving away over $10M Warriors, Lusignan, will continue at the Anna in gift vouchers that allows D’Edward, Blarimont, Regina Car Park and Linden for a lesson with Teaching Number 48 Village, and Town Center on Saturday Professional Aleem Hussain CorentyneAchievers. November 26th and Albion and one hour of play at the

Nexgen Golf’s Aleem Sports Complex and Academy (a $3,500 value Hussain thanked all the Georgetown on Sunday that includes all equipment sponsors, players, Blairmont November27th. andballs). Estate Ground staff and All contestants have to Information on the supporters including the dotowinismakeone,twoor events, times, locations and JawahirfamilyandRosignol all three putts to walk away prizes is available on the students who worked hard to with cash or one of the many NexgenGolfAcademy,GTA maketheeventasuccessand prizes donated by Comfort and Ministry of Tourism echoed the sentiment Sleep, Service Guyana, websites and social media expressed by the GTA NationsUniversity,Farfan& platforms.

Global Boxing Forum to take place on December 10-11 in Abu Dhabi

The Global Boxing Forum is a platform

ofthe

The first two editions of the Forum, held boxingmovementtoopenlyexchangeideas, in2018inSochiandin2019inEkaterinburg, learn from the best practice in the sports already proved the effectiveness of this new industryandcreatenewconnections. format.

enabling all participants of the international

At the Global Boxing Forum, guests will Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the have the opportunity to participate in third edition had to be postponed, but will seminars, round tables, as well as master finallybe staged this year in the UnitedArab classes together with inspirational experts, Emirates, following the highest standards of world boxing stars, and top officials of organizationandhospitality

KFC’s Marketing Manager, Pamela Manasseh.

The 3rd Global Boxing Forum will be leading international organizations. The held on December 10-11 in Abu Dhabi, the Forum will be attended by a number of UnitedArabEmirates. Olympic and World champions, as well as

legends

sport.

Chanderpaul stars with 119 on day two of four-day warm-up match

Den Amstel win West Demerara zone

Den Amstel easily willreceive$80,000fortheir brushed aside Uitvlugt 2 – 0 participation, with the to win the West Demerara captain and head coach zone in the Inter Ward receiving $100,000 in a onefractionoftheinauguralOne offpayment. Guyana President’s Cup

For every match won up footballtournament. to the quarter-finals, teams

Played at the National will pocket $200,000 and Track and Field Centre on teams reaching the semiWednesday, Ruben Dainty finals are set to collect (15’) and Andrew Hector $400,000. (90+) scored in their side’s

Thetouristsmadeabrightstarttotheirinnings,movingto 94 without loss following strong efforts from Chanderpaul and Kraigg Brathwaite. But, when Brathwaite chopped on a Steketee delivery for 47, it sparked a collapse of 44 for 4 as WestIndiesbegantofold.

Western Australia paceman Joel Paris found the edge of Nkrumah Bonner’s bat to send him packing for a duck before spinner Todd Murphy bowled Devon Thomas and then trapped Kyle Mayers in front eight overs later Chanderpaul held the innings together, striking 13 fours and one six on the waytopostinghissixthfirstclasscentury

Victoria’s Murphy claimed 3 for 27 in an impressive display, while Western Australia’s Joel Paris also claimed threescalps.

Earlier, The PM’s XI made 322 in their first innings, leavingthefour-dayclashdelicatelybalanced.

The PM’s XI added a further 25 runs to their overnight score of 297 for 9 before Mark Steketee was last man out for 15. Paceman Alzarri Joseph was the pick of the touring bowlers with 4 for 65, while spinner Roston Chase finished with2for72.

Scores: West Indies 234 for 7 (Chanderpaul 119, Murphy 3-27, Paris 3-31) trail Prime Minister’s XI 322 (Renshaw 81, Harris 73, Joseph 4-65, Chase 2-72) by 88 runs.

The winning team will easy win as the knock-out take home $2M and secondf o r m a t t o u r n a m e n t place$1M. culminated.

T h e i n a u g u r a l

In the third-place match, President’s Cup tournament Pouderoyen defeated is a collaborative effort Stewartville4–1. between the Government of

With the West Demerara Guyana, the Guyana zone completed, the Region players, to vie for the chance tournament. Football Federation (GFF) 3 team will be selected, tolayclaimtothePresident’s

i o n a l

comprisingofthezone’sbest Cup

NBA roundup:

Tatum leads Celtics past Mavs

Reuters - Jayson Tatum’s injured ankle looked fine Wednesday night as he scored a team-high 37 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to help the Boston Celtics kick off a six-game homestand with a 125-112 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

Tatum was listed as questionable on the team’s injury report Wednesday withasprainedleftankle,but Boston coach Joe Mazzulla upgraded him to available before the game Tatum injured his ankle when he landedonDeMarDeRozan’s foot during Monday’s loss to theChicagoBulls.

Jaylen Brown (31), Al Horford (14), Malcolm 3

Brogdon(13),MarcusSmart

(13) and Derrick White (12), assists.

also scored in double figures

Dallas received a game-

fortheCeltics,whoshot53.6 high 42 points from Luka 15

percent from the field (45 of Doncic, who added nine finishedwith10. never led after the seventh 84) and made 17 of their 34 Warriors 124, minute and fell back by as Clippers 107 manyas29inthefirstoffour Andrew Wiggins hit six meetings with their Pacific 3-pointers en route to 31 Divisionrivalthisseason. points, Stephen Curry and Bulls 118, Bucks 113 Klay Thompson combined DeMar DeRozan scored for40moreandGoldenState 36pointsandtheduoofZach took advantage of the LaVine and Nikola Vucevic absence of Kawhi Leonard eachpouredin18asChicago and Paul George to thump beat earned its first regular Los Angeles in San season win in Milwaukee Francisco. since2017.

Curry finished with 22 The Bulls set a season points and Thompson 18, high for made 3-pointers, while Draymond Green going 18 for 42 from chippedinninepoints,seven beyond the arc. They hit rebounds and 12 assists, three consecutive 3-pointers helping the Warriors win for to erase a three-point deficit their third time in their last and take a 115-109 lead with four games. Marcus Morris 20.6secondsleft,withtwoof Sr went for a team-high 19 those treys coming from points for the Clippers, who CobyWhite.Sevendifferent saw a three-game winning

A t t h e R e g

and the Kashif and Shanghai

trophy in the Regional Tournament, each player Organisation. (Rawle Toney)

SportsMax Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored a hardfought119off293ballsyesterdaytolifthissideto234for7at stumps on day two of the pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’sXIinCanberra.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul celebrates his century, Prime Minister’s XI vs West Indies, Tour match, 2nd day, Canberra, Nov. 24, 2022 (Getty Images)

Den Amstel goal scorers, Ruben Dainty (L) and Andrew Hector.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket against Dallas Mavericks center JaVale McGee (00) in the second quarter at TD Garden. (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard John Wall (11) in the second quarter at the Chase Center. (Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports)

point attempts Smart assists and eight rebounds. streakcometoanend.

finished the game with nine Christian Wood added 26 With Leonard nursing a

points for the Mavericks. sore right ankle and George

Spencer Dinwiddie tossed in out with a strained right

and Dorian Finney-Smith hamstring, the Clippers

IGG starts today

– Guyana, Suriname reignite age-old rivalries

By Rawle Toney IGG,whichfeaturesstudent-

athletes at U20 level, will After a five-year hiatus, make a return for the first the Inter Guiana Guyana time since it was last hosted Games (IGG) will make a in2017inParamaribo. returntoday This time around, the First up, cyclists from three countries will compete Suriname and Guyana will in the disciplines of Track face each other in the and Field, Badminton, Individual Time Trials in the Cycling (male only), NationalParkfrom8:00am. Volleyball, Lawn Tennis, Over at the National Football(femaleonly),Table Track and Field Centre at Tennis, Swimming, and Edinburg, West Demerara, Basketball. athletes from the three ThereturnoftheIGGisa Guianas will look to manifestation of a promise continue where they left off made by President IrfaanAli in2017from3:00pm. and Suriname’s Head of Male and female State, Chandrikapersad volleyball will take centre Santokhi, following stage from 4:00 pm at the discussions last August National Gymnasium, while during a State visit to the Cliff Anderson Sports Guyana. Hall will host the clash President Ali said the between the Guyanese IGG is part of the Guyana

Athletes from Guyana’s contingent at the opening ceremony of the IGG at the National Stadium. (Rawle Toney photo)

womenandtheirSurinamese and Suriname ‘People to counterparts at 7:00 pm, People’ partnership, which followed by Suriname and he said is “bringing our French Guiana in men’s people together, in a safe action. space that they can share and T h e I G G o p e n e d appreciateeachother.” yesterday at the Guyana Director of Sport Steve National Stadium with the Ninvalle, who was tasked hoisting of the respective w i t h m e e t i n g h i s country’s flags and remarks counterparts in Suriname f r o m o f f i c i a l s o f and French Guiana to G o v e r n m e n t f r o m finalize plans for the IGG, Suriname, French Guiana saidthoughhe’shappytosee andGuyana months of planning being Thefeaturedaddresswas materialized in Guyana, “it’s given by Prime Minister still a job in process but it Mark Phillips, who spoke will culminate with a very p r o f o u n d l y o f h i s successfulIGG.”

Government’s investment in “It’sthefirsttimewewill sports and the importance of be having nine disciplines. It theIGGtotheGuianas. is the first time that we will

Phillips said sport plays be having over 400 athletes an important role in the and officials, so it’s a huge Government’s One Guyana task that we have undertaken initiative, as they continue to but we have a dedicated staff make investment in the and support to make this a sectoracrossthecountry. memorable event,” Ninvalle

The November 25 27 said.

Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana athletes at opening of the IGG at the Guyana National Stadium. (Rawle Toney photo)

KFC’s CEO Roger Hay (centre) presents the sponsorship cheque to Petra’s Jackie Boodie in the presences of GFF PRO nd Keeran Williams (left), MoE’s Kurth Brathwaite (2 left), KFC Marketing Manager Pamela Manasseh, Petra Director nd Troy Mendonca (2 right) and NSC Chairman Kashif Muhammad.