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Wednesday Edition British firms hunting AIETEUR more investment NEWS opportunities in Guyana as trade with UK soars to £1.6 billion November 29, 2023 - Vol. 18 No. 46

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 (VAT Inclusive) readership yesterday, 61,481

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Oil Company must handle all costs without limitation for oil spills in Belize - Contract ‘No stone will be left U.S. army officials arrive in unturned to defend Guyana as Venezuela prepares Guyana's territorial - Minister Parag for December 3rd referendum integrity’ …urges citizens to trust Govt., armed forces Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in conversation with a US Army rank. (Photo: U.S. Embassy Guyana)

Man shoots off schoolgirl's thumb while playing with gun Jealous man, 70, stabs Spanish woman who refused to leave boyfriend for him Security Advisor :

Guyana should maintain

strong diplomatic relations amidst border controversy In absence of Petroleum Commission… p. 3

Govt. and Opposition should- Dr. Vincent urgently agree on national Adams

negotiation team for oil blocks

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Pressuring and duping The streams of phone calls were constant. The emails were never-ending. The pressures intense and relentless.

This is a glimpse of the determination and strength of the people leading the charge on the ExxonMobil side of the then oil contract negotiation with Guyana's representatives.

ExxonMobil went into overdrive, threw all its considerable weight, to get a contract signed and sealed with the then Coalition Government in 2016. The Coalition of President David Granger held out for a time, then it collapsed under the remorseless pressures from ExxonMobil.

The discussions became so tense that President Granger also got involved, and he too became a victim of the American oil company's bruising encounters. He yielded and ExxonMobil walked away with a contract that is a felony, a corporate leprosy.

Little of this has come out in the book titled “From Destiny to Prosperity” written by Raphael Trotman, the minister who signed the contract on behalf of this country.

The pressures applied by ExxonMobil were part of the damning conclusions compiled by Clyde and Co. which was engaged to examine the circumstances leading up to the signing of the ExxonMobil contract.

The Clyde and Co Report not only documented some of the details of the pressures applied by ExxonMobil on the Granger Government, but it also noted how Guyana was duped by the people in a ruthless company. What was revealed was how the opportunists and schemers at ExxonMobil are quite capable of pushing a wheelchair bound person in front of a speeding express train. The people at ExxonMobil duped, conned, and cooked the Granger Government, subjecting it to full body burns. To date Guyana is still to recover, limps along under an even shakier, sloppier set of people in the PPP/C Government.

ExxonMobil duped the Coalition Government when it withheld vital details relating to the discovery of oil in the Liza-2 well. This was of the greatest materiality to Guyana, as it had many elements that may have changed the entire complexion of the contract negotiations, and in Guyana's favour. What ExxonMobil did was low, cheap, and obscene.

It withheld discovery information to the significant disadvantage of Guyana, while enriching itself substantially for decades to come. This is the kind of partner that ExxonMobil is, the class of oil company that Guyana's Vice President Bharat Jagdeo now fiercely defends in his own turn. It certainly is mysterious that if Jagdeo is prioritizing Guyana's interests that he sees honesty in ExxonMobil.

This is the vile corporate entity that has robbed Guyanese of their birthright, and which Guyana's Jagdeo, a former president himself, sees fit to embrace tightly as a trusted presence in this country.

One cannot help looking back and thinking of how Cheddi Jagan or Forbes Burnham would have reacted first to ExxonMobil's pressures, and second to the disclosure of how the company tricked Guyana.

There is no question that when the pressures came from ExxonMobil, both would have smelled a rat, a dead one, as concealed in the company's hand. Further, all hell would have broken loose when they discovered how ExxonMobil played a cruel game with them, through its delay in sharing the Liza-2 discovery information with Guyana.

ExxonMobil would have been made to pay the steepest price for its cunning. Both of those Guyanese warriors are now gone, but there is Jagdeo to carry the torch that has been passed to him.

Frankly, it could be asserted that Jagdeo is the worst person to be around the inheritance of the Guyanese people, the weakest representing Guyana before ExxonMobil. If Jagdeo has one drop of Guyanese blood in him, he would

Wednesday November 29, 2023

VP Jagdeo's statement about female MP is disgusting and disrespectful Dear Editor, As citizens of Guyana, we believe we have a right to expect a certain standard of behaviour from those persons who seek and are given positions of leadership; and from whom we must expect conduct befitting role models for our young people.

It must further be noted that public statements from persons who accept high office can be considered policy statements, which makes their personal attacks on private citizens for voicing their opinions whether opposing or contesting, an unfair and unacceptable use of power. We therefore say:

the abusive utterance of Guyana's Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, calling an Executive member of the Alliance For Change, Member of Parliament and former Minister of government a “low life” is disgusting and disrespectful.

We condemn this language.

And Mr. Jagdeo is not the only one in high office to react in such a ridiculous manner, it seems that this has now become the norm.

It would appear that as long as you ask hard questions or you don't agree with or speak the language of the government, you have to be prepared to get a 'cussing'.

Is this acceptable behaviour

for HIGH office bearers?

Are we then to become a nation of yes men and women?

Governments, whether this one or any other must understand that they are placed in that position to serve the people of the country and are therefore accountable to the nation.

As free and thinking citizens we will not agree on everything and therefore have a right to voice our concerns. As leaders you have to listen, and to lead by example. You have to be prepared to accept criticisms which are most times for your own good. Criticism can be used as a selfexamining /evaluation tool.

This atrocious behaviour and bellicose manner of addressing citizens must stop.We call on Mr. Jagdeo to respect the position to which the people of Guyana have elected him and to make a public apology to Mrs. Hughes.

In addition, we call on all leaders, government, opposition, and others to respect yourselves, your office and everyone else and therefore conduct yourselves appropriately.

Sincerely, Joy Marcus, Halima Khan Wintress White Susan Collymore For Red Thread.

A debt of gratitude is owed to our fallen heroes Dear Editor, News about the deaths of comrades Dalchand, a tribune for ordinary people of West Demerara; Ayube Khan a farmer from Jacklow, Pomeroon River; Rudy Insanally the consummate diplomat, and Justice Prem Persaud the judge, made me think once again about the relationship between the living and the dead.

It amazes me how, after someone we know dies, we the living must continue life's journey knowing that one day or night, we will end up dead just as the person we know has died.

It is a surreal sensation that makes you feel free from death until such time when death eventually conquers.

Never mind the desire by some, who would like to live beyond the biblical three score and ten and, if possible, an extension thereof. To many, death might be a mystery, to others life is clear enough.

I have no doubt that there is a relationship between the living and the dead. It is stored in our 'memory banks,' the system in the brain responsible for storing and retrieving memories.

The relationship is manifested in our dreams as well as in our speeches or writings in the form of

obituaries about the life work of the deceased.

Life imposes upon us the necessity to carry on with what we must do for the sake of survival and reproduction.

We know that with the passage of time the pain and sorrow of losing someone eases, though our relationship with the deceased tends to get lost in the inexorable ageing process.

Dalchand, Insanally, Khan and Persaud were, in my view, forward-thinking souls. Their contributions to Guyana's development were made in completely different fields; at the executive, parliamentary, magistracy/ judicial and grass roots levels. They helped make Guyana what it is today.

What is of interest to me is the philosophical, political and ideological outlooks of these four individuals and what to say about them.

As I think about them, I have to concede that their contributions were made not by fleeting ideas but by dint of hard and sustained work based on tested and proven practices. I once described Samuel 'Rudy' I n s a n a l l y, a s G o d ' s custodian of caution. As a senior practitioner of the diplomatic art, he played an important role as custodian

look at the people of ExxonMobil with anger and revulsion.

But Jagdeo now joins with the Americans to continue the duping of Guyanese, with his skirting around fighting for more from ExxonMobil.

When he talks about sanctity of contract and better contract management, those are his versions of duping Guyanese. A contract built and signed in this tricky manner is the stuff of the sewer. He should want no association with it, and only manifest most contemptuousness with those who orchestrated it. Instead, he plays along as though duped, could be part of the ongoing duping.

of the diplomatic system and propriety.

He made multiple speeches on behalf of Guyana at multiple international fora. He published numerous articles and books in which he shared his thoughts on complex international issues with humanity.

Rudy succeeded me as Minister of Foreign Affairs in May 2001. For fourteen years he served as Guyana's Permanent Representative at the United Nations. Between 1993-1994, he presided over the 48th session of the UN General Assembly. He assisted me formulating my speeches as Foreign Minister to UN General Assemblies and in lobbying support for President Jagan's New Global Human Order and for Justice Mohamed Shahabuddeen to be elected to the International Court of Justice. He assisted in chairing meetings of the G77 and China between 1999 -

2000 and, above all, he was of great help to me in realizing a proposal I submitted and had approved by cabinet calling for the establishment of a sixmember Commonwealth Ministerial Monitoring Group on Guyana/Venezuela Relations, officially launched in 1999 at the 16th CHOGM held in Durban, South Africa.

While Rudy hobnobbed with Heads of State, prime ministers, colleague foreign ministers and diplomats from and in foreign lands he was always conscious of his role to seek information which will be of advantage to the government of the day.

In the case of Dalchand, with his feet on the ground and many times wearing 'long boots' he could be seen in his old but sturdy Land Rover traversing the villages on the West Bank of Demerara. Dalchand grounded with farmers and (Continued on page 5)

Govt. and allies must work together to bring about peace Dear Editor, CRG extends its congratulations to the Government and the GDF on their recent display of our strength in international military cooperation.

The team of Allies that our Nation has assembled will serve as a strong reminder to all would be invaders and their allies that Guyana does not stand alone, and we are ready and capable of defending ourselves.

Our territorial integrity and our Nation's sovereignty is now safer because of our cooperative efforts on the

international stage. We must continue to embrace this cooperative spirit within our borders and be united as One People, in One Nation with One Destiny during both times of conflict and times of peace. May the team of allies assembled (USA, China, UK, France, India, Canada and Brazil) and the GDF be successful and work effectively together to bring peace to our world.

Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

Wednesday November 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

Guyana lost two outstanding sons Dear Editor Guyana has lost two outstanding sons, in the p e r s o n s o f D r. R u d y Insanally and Justice Prem Persaud.

Dr. Insanally can be regarded as the country's foremost diplomat having

served in several capacities which included that of President of the United Nations General Assembly.

Justice Prem Persaud had distinguished himself in the field of law and jurisprudence and served at one time as a member of the

Judicial Service Commission and also as Chairman of the Public U t i l i t i e s Commission.Guyana is indeed poorer for the passing of these two luminaries.

May their souls rest in peace.

Hydar Ally

A debt of gratitude is owed to...

From page 4 villagers high and low irrespective of ethnicity and political persuasion.

He was the consummate local authority advocate, if not grass roots specialist.

Many sought his advice on issues affecting their community.Ayube Khan was from Jacklow Pomeroon. He was known for his painstaking work among the farming communities on the banks of t h e P o m e r o o n R i v e r.

Mondays at Charity Market became the venue for Khan to interact with farmers providing them with valuable advice on D&I and agricultural matters.

He served for many years as Chairman of the Charity/Urasara NDC. He was a self-educated person who believed that hard work is better than Harvard.

Judge Prem Persaud

came from the village of Beterverwagting on the East Coast. He is known to have maintained contact with his BV roots.

He was an able and wellliked person by the magistracy and Judiciary where he served for years at both levels.

During his magistracy, a controversy arose whether patrons should stand when the national anthem was played in cinemas.

He served his country as Chairman of the Trade Union Recognition Board, Chairman of the Interim Committee of the GPSU Credit Union, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, and member of the Judicial Service Commission.

Justice Persaud was known for his simplicity.

He frequently walked on the sea walls in afternoon

hours.

He harbored no airs and graces that is commonplace with some associated with legal profession.Thus, by forging ahead on their separate and distinct paths, these four Guyanese proved to be seasoned and experienced in different fields of human endeavor. In this way, they won the respect, admiration, and support of their respective constituents.

All four men are from 'One Guyana' yet they developed personalities and profiles different from each other in pursuit of their respective callings committing themselves to serve the nation. I call them the four horsemen of peace, hope and goodwill.

We owe each of them a debt of gratitude.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

PAGE 05

Fire equipment should be part of rental agreement with stall holders Dear Editor The spate of fires continues with another market partially gutted. Lives and livelihoods displaced. Community economy has taken a blow. Businesses suffer tremendous losses.

This time it is believed the cause of the fire was electrical (SN Nov 28). Too many fires, with the cause given as electrical, are taking place. Destruction is swift.

It begs, are these public places equipped with firefighting equipment? How often are electrical checks conducted to ensure compliance and safety of equipment and

appliances housed in stalls?

Markets countrywide, given the nature of business conducted there, with highly flammable goods and material, should be inspected by the relevant authorities frequently.

The installation of fire equipment by stall holders should form part of their rental agreement.

All the while the Parika Market, which was also destroyed by fire, remains a work in progress.

Shamshun Mohamed

PAGE 06

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2023

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Wednesday November 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

CARICOM has insisted that Venezuela's Referendum on December 3 to drum up support for a unilateral seizure of Guyana's Essequibo Region “has no validity, bearing, or standing in international law.”

CARICOM has categorically stated that the Referendum is a purely domestic construct, but its summary effect is likely to undermine peace, tranquility, security, and more, in our Region.

CARICOM has also reiterated its support for the finality of the judicial process being overseen by the International Court of Justice.

That Court has determined that it has the jurisdiction to hear the Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2023

PAGE 09

Jagdeo needs to tone down his rhetoric!

I

n recent days, Venezuela has toned down, appreciably, its anti-Guyana rhetoric. This is likely due to the private efforts of several Caribbean governments with which Venezuela enjoys friendly relations.

The Prime Minister of Barbados had called on both Guyana and Venezuela to not do anything that would affect the Region as a zone of peace.

She has said, “I hope that the rhetoric and noise between Venezuela and Guyana does not turn our Caribbean into anything that is not a zone of peace.

Because it matters to us that this Caribbean remains a zone of peace and we ask those parties to recognize that their actions go beyond their two countries.”

There was nothing improper or irregular about this advice. However, the local Opposition has issues with this leader over the stance that she took in relation to their attempt to benefit from rigged elections in 2020. So, it came out and tried to create a s t o r m i n te a c u p b y contending that Guyana did not threaten anyone, totally misconstruing the appeal for both Guyana and Venezuela to avoid rhetoric that was hostile.

While Guyana did not threaten anyone, if it adopts too hostile an attitude towards Venezuela, and if its leaders in so doing engage in inflammatory rhetoric, this could aggravate tensions and disturb the peace of the region.

A war of words is one way

of aggravating tensions between the two countries.

The escalation from verbal hostilities to a potential military conflict is a real possibility.

It is for this reason that suggestions have been made for both sides to refrain from actions that could lead to a disturbance of the peace.

Following the announcement by Venezuela of its plans to hold a referendum and response to this from Guyana, the UN Secretary General's Office issued a statement.

The statement expressed the hope that both parties will demonstrate good faith and avoid any action that would aggravate or extend the controversy.

The tenor of that advice is to the effect that countries involved in such a controversy should not say anything that can inflame tensions and lead to a possible disturbance of the peace.

This is standard language when addressing conflicts between states.

Following private talks with leaders from CARICOM, Venezuela has since toned down its rhetoric.

The government has signaled that it has no intention of invading Guyana.

One of its members of parliament told an audience in Trinidad and Tobago recently the same thing: it had no intention of invading Guyana. Jagdeo himself has said that Maduro told the leaders of CARICOM that he has no intention of invading Guyana.

But it appears that Jagdeo

did not get the memo about the need to tone down the rhetoric.

He was in typical belligerent mood last Sunday at a meeting held in Anna Regina. In contrast to the tone from Caracas, Jagdeo accused Venezuela of having “imperial designs on Guyana.”

This was a low blow – even by Jagdeo's own standards – and one that will only attract the ire of Venezuela.

That country is not establishing any empire. It is pursuing a claim against Guyana, and no matter how spurious Guyana feels is the basis of that claim, this does not give Guyana the right to s a y t h a t Ve n e z u e l a i s pursuing imperial designs on Guyana.

Jagdeo went on to insult Venezuela by claiming that their ID card was useless.

Was it useless when he joined PETROCARIBE to finance his Guyana's imports?

Was it useless when he a c c e p t e d Ve n e z u e l a n assistance to build housing schemes in his support base?

Jagdeo's rhetoric may be suitable in certain circumstances but in the context of the appeal for both sides to not say or do anything to inflame tensions, it was unhelpful and unnecessary.

Jagdeo went too far in deriding the citizenship of a neighbouring state. At one time, Guyana was in similar economic straits as Venezuela is in today. But that country never sought to belittle our citizenship.

Jagdeo's actions went beyond

DEM BOYS SEH

Dem boss nah like ambitious people Yuh ever notice who is de people who does get promote at dem wuk place. Is dem wah does stay quiet and stay in dem corner and don't try fuh show how smart or ambitious dem is.

Deh gat some workers, when dem come fuh wuk, is like dem believe dem gat a share in de business. So dem does always like fuh talk up and even oppose de boss.

But deh gat some others who does only see de workplace as somewhere where dem earning a living and dem don't give too much of a hoot about what is right and what is wrong and who should do what and when.

Dem is de people who does get promote because de boss does not see dem as a threat.

But once you start fuh show that you gat brains and you can outshine de boss and yuh gat ambition, de boss and de

owners does tek a serious look at you and yuh goose does be cooked.

Guyana gat some politician like dat. Dem nah want smart people around them. Just dem wah gan be like robots. Dem nah want independent opinions. Dem only only want “yes” people around them. Dat is why de country is where it is.

So is not talent or ability dat in de main thing wah does cause yuh fuh get promote, it is conformity. Dem boys want you fuh do as you are told and not as you feel.

We have a fellow in we company. We used to call he “The Computer”. Is not because he know everything or because he was quick at his work. No, it was because if he was not doing anything for 15 minutes he would go to sleep.

Yuh know he get promote. Today he is de boss.

Talk half. Leff half.

the pale, even for two states that are at odds with each other.

Jagdeo needs to tone down the rhetoric to give diplomacy a chance to work in easing tensions while we await the Court's decisions.

Nothing that the ICJ decides on Friday will remove

Venezuela's claim.

And unlike what some local commentators are claiming, the ICJ does not have the power to enforce its own decisions nor has the Security Council ever enforced an ICJ ruling.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the

author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10 S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

L

LAL

Wednesday Monday November May 02,29, 2022 2023

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Gratitude to President Alistair Routledge I marvel at the sophistication of Exxon's Guyana President Alistair Routledge. In less than a handful of words two weeks ago, he made known the irreversible position of Exxon. In one tight sentence, Guyana's master oilman Routledge displayed the trump in his hand. Guyana has a good deal, there is no need for renegotiation. I am overcome. Almighty God needs ten commandments to convey his position. Exxon's almightier Alistair Routledge only saw the need for one: Thou shalt not renegotiate the 2016 oil contract. A cardinal sin it would be, especially considering how lavish it is to Guyanese.

I am in awe of President Routledge's power and profoundness, but there is higher regard for his wellschooled intelligence. It is deep, and it is broad. For there was the choice of channel and audience from the man from Exxon. The Financial Times is one of those bibles of business, almost like the Wall Street

Journal, and followed and absorbed as if its every word came down from heaven. It was from that lecture theater, that pulpit, that Alistair Routledge (Mister Routledge, I rush to remind myself), waxed in scintillating verbal sparkle.

Good deal and no renegotiation. It was two birds with one stone, if not more, and the smartest choice of venue.

Because the Financial Times has its following.

Men with money weighing down their pockets, money coming out of their pores by the billions of droplets. Talk about the right audience, and there was one. There could be none that is better, none more on the right side.

Obviously, when Exxon has something to say, the crown jewel must be on display in the center of the table, with Byronic and Shakespearean lines gracing the occasion.

Think Guyana. Whoever thought that Alistair Routledge, Darren Woods, or Katryn Mikhils don't have the required savvy to market

their Guyanese beauty is a total dummy.

The people who read the Financial Times don't want to know about the Permian Basin, or some godforsaken place in Africa. They want to know about Guyana. The money-big money, sweet money, easy money - is there in Demerara. Guyana is the pearl of oil frontiers: gushers of gold, moochers for leaders, gropers for regulators.

Guyana is paradise and all those Savile Row Financial Times types hang on to every word breezing past President Routledge's lips. When he speaks, he speaks for more than Exxon. He speaks for Guyana, thanks to President Ali and former President Jagdeo.

Read the fine print, my fellow citizens, whether a PPP man or a PNC one.

Detect the echoes from Mr. Routledge bouncing off the pages, the walls of tony, old money clubs.

No renegotiation of the contract means just that, and then this.

Any money that is invested in

Guyana is super safe, as in guaranteed. I can smell the smoke all the way over here from the excitement prompting a deep draw on the pipe. High grade Afghan opium doesn't generate a bigger rush. The rich returns from cheap oil are more than good.

They are great, brimming with cream. Put money in Exxon's Guyana projects, and sleep like a baby. There is Jagdeo who is as one with Routledge on zero renegotiation. Which investor could ask for better, dream of anything greater? I did say that Mr. Routledge was as smart as they come, didn't I? The second bird brought down by President Routledge's slingshot wielded before the Financial Times, had this stone, and these words written on it.

'Guyana has a good deal.' It is a lovely line, one heard around the world, about how good Exxon is to Guyanese.

Remember this is the 21st century, where political correctness and gimlet-eyed watchers make code words

necessary.

G uyana has a good deal, means that Guyanese have a good deal. Thanks for the favour, Mr. Routledge.

Now I am going to hang these same words from the highest tree in Guyana or California.

Guyana has a good deal sounds eerily like the slaves are happy.

Guyanese have a good deal resonates with they have never had it this good.

Guyanese have a good deal, thanks to Exxon's contract generosity that keeps on giving good gifts. Hence, the Exxon contract will not be renegotiated, because it is written on stone tablets. Just like the Ten Commandments now reduced to only one: thou shalt not renegotiate.

Mr. Routledge's listeners and readers of the Financial Times must have gone to their places of worship with happy hearts and praised their respective gods for his (or her) magnanimousness.

Clearly, Guyana is God's country, according to Mr.

Ro utledge, and populated by the right kind of helpful, collaborating leaders. Count me as an infidel, a Mongol, a Hun. How about an abolitionist, Mr. Routledge?

Considering all of this, has anybody seen Dr. Ali (wrong end of the stick), or Dr. Jagdeo (review and renegotiate), or Dr. Norton (don't use that word renegotiate)?

This man Routledge dictating openly and powerfully how things are going to be in Guyana (no renegotiation), and these fine brothers all take that sitting down. Man, I would run him out of town.

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

Wednesday November 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2023

PAGE 21

Oil Company must handle all costs without limitation for oil spills in Belize - Contract Belize, one of the world's smallest oil producers, does not leave anything to chance when it comes to protecting its people against the grave financial and environmental ramifications of an oil spill.

The CARICOM member state's Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Belize Natural Energy (BNE) is a testament to its commitment to shield its people from any impending danger.

This agreement, overseeing the daily production of approximately 5,000 barrels from two fields, mandates comprehensive coverage of all costs not addressed by standard insurance policies.

Under the PSA, BNE is required to maintain a diverse portfolio of insurances.

These include: a Workmen's Compensation Insurance, an Employer's liability Insurance, Commercial General Liability Insurance with Bodily Injury (other than automobile), Pollution Liability which addresses

sudden and accidental damage, Umbrella Liability or Excess Insurance which covers claims in excess of the underlying insurance, and an Automobile Liability.

BNE is also required to have in place, an Energy Exploration and Development Policy which addresses insurance for the damage caused by a well blowout, drilling, and other similar works.

The PSA also states that the oil company must indemnify, defend and hold the government harmless against claims, losses and damages, and without limitation, claims for loss or damage to property or injury or death to persons caused by or resulting from only petroleum operations conducted by or on behalf of the company.

In Guyana, the situation is quite different, especially as it pertains to the Stabroek Block which is operated by an ExxonMobil-led consortium. Guyana's PSA with the Exxon group does

not demand any of the forms of insurance obtained in the Belizean PSA. Citizens over the years appealed to authorities to close this loophole, by demanding that there be a separate policy or agreement in place demanding full coverage of all costs.

The government has unfortunately refused to demand that ExxonMobil be tied to any policy of that n a t u r e . T h u s f a r, t h e government has accepted a US$2B affiliate liability coverage for the Stabroek Block which measures 6.6 million acres.

In that concession, Exxon has unlocked 11 billion barrels of oil. It also has permission to set up five projects which would produce approximately 3.2 billion barrels of oil. Each project also has a US$600M per occurrence insurance policy.

While regional and local stakeholders have urged the government to have ExxonMobil provide a parent

Skeldon Market fire was - Fire electrical in nature Service The fire which destroyed the Skeldon Market on Monday was electrical in nature, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) reported on Tuesday. “ P r e l i m i n a r y investigations reveal that the fire originated from an electric fan left plugged into the wall of one of the stalls and switched on,” GFS said noting that the fan which was plugged into an outlet overheated and resulted in the subsequent ignition of flammable materials that were nearby.

Reports are that the Skeldon Market fire started just around 18:45h Monday and destroyed a section of the building.

Several stalls were destroyed, including two grocery stores within the market. Vendors and stall owners were reportedly angry at the Fire Services response time.

Kaieteur News understands that the GFS did not arrive promptly at the scene and when they arrived, they ran out of water several times.

Several stall holders and first responders formed a bucket brigade to oust the fire ahead of the firefighters'

The destroyed section of the Skeldon Market, Corriverton arrival. Some used hammers and other tools to break into their stalls and save their goods.

Notwithstanding the challenges experienced by the Fire Service, this publication understands that the GFS was able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to throughout the market.

“This is a sad moment for Skeldon Market, a lot of people got losses here tonight,” a resident noted.

Around 20:00hrs, sections of the market's roof collapsed even as the firemen fought the blaze.

According to Anil

Sugrim, a member of the Corriverton Town Council, the market rakes in at least $3 million in earnings monthly from vendors. While at the scene, Sugrim told Benchop Radio that in the past, an official of the GFS proposed that the Town Council places a fire hydrant at the southern section of the market.

However, the Mayor objected to the idea, and instead he proposed that the hydrant be placed at the front of the market.

Meanwhile, it was reported that persons attempted to loot stalls as firefighters attempted to save the market.

company guarantee for the Stabroek Block which would cover all costs not handled by the US$2B or US$600M policy, the administration has insisted that it is more than enough. It has maintained this position, even though many of Exxon's

environmental reports have said that an oil spill from any of its projects could not only cause irreparable harm to Guyana's coast but also devastate more than a dozen nearby nations.

The demand for financial coverage beyond the US$2B

policy is currently engaging the attention of the Appellate Court.

In the interim, numerous requests by Kaieteur News to see a copy of the US$2B policy Exxon submitted to authorities remain unanswered.

PAGE 22

Wednesday November 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

Man shoots off schoolgirl’s thumb while playing with gun WANTED

VACANCY

Wanted! Male & Female workers for packaging pasta and chowmein on the Back Road (Mandela Ave). Call: 611-7839.

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Truck and Canter Driver, ages 30 years & older. Must have atleast 5 years experience. Call: 613-0855 9am4pm.

A able-bodied live-in Housekeeper to work in Virgina U.S.A. Between the ages of 30-50. Call: 845-325-8241/ 592-615-5476.

One licenced car Driver, ages 40-50 years. Must have atleast 10 years experience.

Call: 613-0855 9am-4pm.

Office Cleaners, Inventory & Bond Clerks and Security Guards needed. Call: 6236383/ 227-1964, Email: nhlhrasst@gmail.com One experienced Domestic needed to work 3 days per week in Bel-Air Park. Call: 226-2322.

FOR SALE Yamaha 300hp HPDI outboard motors for sale. Call: 655-6283/ 673-9593.

Empty 20ft containers for sale. Call: 701-6735.

Handyman needed to work in Campbellville, 1/2 day 5 days.

Call: 621-5140.

Workers needed to work on Cash Crop Farm, $6000 per day. Call: 695-6139, 6797552.

Male & female Staff needed to work in a Printery at Campbellville. Ages 18-25 years. Call: 621-5140, 6188842.

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Business/ residential PFSGYD$58M, Visa Application, advertisements, graphics design, passport application forms & i130 application. Call: 626-7040.

LAND FOR SALE Riverside Land at Timehri & Parika. Call Persaud real estate: 653-2477.

Over 1 Acre of land at Timehri Call Persaud real estate: 6532477.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale at L.B.I and Kuru Kuru Sosedyke Linden High way & Diamond Golden Grove. Contact: 653-2477.

FOR RENT 4 bedroom furnished house, 6 beds and 2 parking available at Lamaha Gardens, Garnett street. Call: 679-2966.

Commerial Property for rent Vreen- en- Hoop & Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D. Contact Persaud real estate: 6532477.

Shop for rent at Stewartville, opposite secondary schoool.

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FOR RENT Commercial building for rent at Zeelugt public road, E.B.E. 4500 SQ FT. Call: 650-0402/ 652-0251.

A 21-year-old ‘delivery man’ found himself in hot water on Monday after he shot off a schoolgirl’s thumb while playing with an illegal gun.

Police said that investigators learnt of the incident around 14:40 hrs on Monday while the girl, 14, was receiving treatment at Kitty Health Centre.

Ranks were sent to the location and they questioned the child on what led to her injury in the presence of her guardian. She told police that she was at female’s friend home in Norton Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown, when the accidental shooting took place.

She alleged that a female friend’s boyfriend was playing with a gun when it suddenly went off.

The next thing she re-

called was a burning sensation to her left thumb which was bleeding.

She claimed that the man went to his backyard and hid the firearm among some concrete blocks before taking her to the Kitty Health Centre.

The ‘delivery man’ was present at the health centre when police arrived. He was promptly arrested following the girl’s allegation.

Police took him back to the Norton Street house where they found the gun in the exact location which the girl mentioned earlier.

Police described the weapon as a .32 pistol with the serial number filed off; it had one live round in the magazine when it was seized.

When police asked the man to produce his firearm licence, he had none and he

The gun which the delivery man was playing with when he accidentally shot off the school girl’s thumb told the cops that a friend by the name of ‘Anthony’ gave him the gun.

He is presently in police custody as investigations continue.

Justice Younge orders NIS to pay Toolsie Persaud Limited staffer High Court Justice Damone Younge has ordered the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to pay a former staffer of Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL), Shariff Zainul his full benefits.

The ruling was made after Zainul was able to prove to the court that he worked with the company for several years and that the contributions were deducted from his salary.

The High Court ordered the NIS to credit Zainul 354 contributions which his former employer, TPL, failed to remit to NIS while he worked there from 1992 to 2000. The NIS was also ordered to pay Zainul his NIS Pension effective October 16, 2011, to the date of his 60th birthday.

“The applicant should not be made to suffer for failure of the respondent [NIS] and TPL to reconcile their records or to have an accurate record of the contributions made by the applicant, for the failure of TPL to pay over the applicant's contributions made by the applicant, or for the failure of TPL to pay over the applicant's contributions to the respondent,” the judge said in her decision.

In court documents seen by this newspaper, the applicant states that on attaining the age of 60, he made an application to the NIS for the payment of his pension and was informed by the insurance entity that he did not qualify to be paid a pension because he did not have sufficient contributions.

Justice Damone Younge

Zainul was then informed that there was no record of any contributions for him for the period 1992 to 2000 and that he had amassed only 374 contributions which entitled him to the payment of an Old Age Grant.

The man subsequently appealed to the Appeal tribunal against NIS' decision not to pay him. He was advised to procure testimonies from two of his former work colleagues who worked with him during the period of his employment that could not be accounted for by NIS. The Applicant obtained a letter from the former Personnel Officer of TPL, Krishendatt Sahadeo, and statutory declarations from two former employees of the company, Surujpaul Danpaul, and Kenneth Gordon, attesting to the fact that he was an employee for the years in question.

He also presented pay slips from TPL evidencing NIS deductions for the years

1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 were also submitted.

However, the man was still told that his appeal was unsuccessful. As a result, he hired attorney Christopher Thompson from the law firm Christopher Ram and Associates to take the matter to court.

In a ruling dated November 27, Justice Younge pointed out that in the court's considered view, that contribution schedules should by no means take 'precedence' over later documents to the exclusion of those later documents.

The respondent is required to consider all documents put before it before coming to a decision on the calculation of an insured person's contributions and his or her entitlement to pension benefits under the Act. She continued that, “the applicant, having been unable to obtain his employment records from TPL despite his valiant efforts, did what he

could to provide proof that he was employed by TPL and that he made the requisite number of NIS contributions to entitle him to the payment of his pension.”

The judge noted that former Personnel Officer at TPL, Krishendatt Sahadeo substantiating that Zainul worked with the company from May 4, 1992, to December 31, 2000, is “good and sufficient proof of his employment there.”

The judge stated too that statutory declarations dated May 7, 2019 and attributed to Surjupaul Danpaul and Kenneth Gordon “attesting” that the man worked there from 1992 to 2000 were also “good and sufficient evidence” that Zainul worked with the company.

In his evidence before the court, Zainul also produced pay slips from TPL showing NIS deductions for 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 to the NIS tribunal but was informed orally that his appeal was still unsuccessful.

As such, Justice Younge ordered that Zainul be paid his pension with interest on his arrears of pension at a rate of 6 percent per annum from October 16, 2011, the date of his 60th birthday, to November 27, 2023, the date of judgment, and thereafter 4 percent per annum until fully paid.

The court said that the sums received by Zainul as grants must be deducted from the arrears of pension.

NIS was also ordered to pay the man GY$150,000 in costs by December 29, 2023.

Wednesday November 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Wednesday November 29, 2023

Jealous man, 70, stabs Spanish woman who refused to leave boyfriend for him

By Christal Young A 41-year-Venezuelan woman identified as Maria Pinango remains hospitalized in a critical condition after a pensioner, age 70, stabbed her several times about her body on Friday last because she refused to leave her boyfriend and marry him.

Recounting the horror to Kaieteur News on Tuesday, the woman's daughter, Marquelis Pierre, sobbed as she said, “I went and see her (mother) just now and she is not getting any better.”

Pinango was stabbed in front of Demico House at Stabroek by the jealous pensioner, Raymond Daniels, with her own knife which she carries in her bag for protection.

Pierre said that she received a call at about 17:00hrs on Friday and she was informed that her mother was stabbed and is in a critical state at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

During the call, she was told that it was Daniels who attempted to kill her mother. “When he see

men around my mother, he does get very jealous, even though they don't have nothing going on and he know that my mom has her own partner,” she said.

On Friday last, Pinango left her home at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and travelled to Georgetown. There she spent some time chatting with a friend who vends at the Stabroek Market. The friend had reportedly warned her that Daniels was close by.

Despite the warning, Pinango proceeded to her usual liming spot at Demico House.

Eyewitnesses said that Daniels appeared intoxicated when he approached Pinango. He reportedly held on to her hand and threatened to kill her.

The woman's daughter said that she was told that during the altercation, her mother opened her bag to reach for a cigarette and Daniels saw the knife inside her purse and he grabbed it.

Pinango reportedly tried to calm the suspect down by talking to

him. He eventually let go of her hand but as she was walking away, he stabbed her in the back.

The woman turned around and Daniels allegedly stabbed her again; three times in the region of her chest.

She collapsed and fell to the ground as persons close by intervened to prevent Daniels from stabbing her again.

An ambulance was called and the victim was rushed to the city hospital while Daniels was promptly arrested by police at the scene. Pierre recalled that when she arrived at the hospital, doctors told her that her mother had to undergo emergency surgery. The surgery was done but Pinango's daughter told this publication that the woman is not showing signs of recovery.

“When I went back at the hospital this morning (Tuesday), the doctor said that about 03:00hrs, she (Pinango) started to panic for breath, and they had to put back the thing (intubation tube) down her throat, in order for her to breathe.

Maria Pinango

The man accused of stabbing Maria Pinango They did an x-ray on her chest, and noticed blood all over (internal bleeding),” Pierre told Kaieteur News. Asked why Daniels would want to harm her mother, Pierre responded that Daniels is not known to the family but her mother told her that he is a friend who wanted to be more than just friends.

Pierre said that her mother

complained that Daniels would continuously ask to marry him although he knows she already has a boyfriend.

The man had gotten so desperate that he tried to persuade her that if she marries him, Guyana will grant her full citizenship. But she turned down all his offers, which he presented to her.

Teen suffers spinal injuries after Int’l, local firms vying to struck by bus on Sheriff Street construct National Control Centre An 18-year-old schoolgirl, who was struck by a bus on Monday at Sheriff Street, is unable to walk and is nursing spinal injuries. The teen, identified as Vanessa Persaud, of 204 Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) is currently bed ridden.

Kaieteur News understands that Persaud was on her way to Morgan’s Learning Center in Campbellville, Georgetown when a route 40 minibus struck her. The accident occurred just about 15:30h.

Footage of the accident showed that Persaud had exited a green and white minibus in front of Royal Castle on Sheriff Street. That bus waited for Persaud to cross the road heading towards Garnett Street but as she was doing so, a blue route 40 minibus overtook the green and white minibus on Sheriff Street hitting her.

The teen was seen trying to evade the minibus by sprinting across the street to no avail. The footage showed public-spirited citizens rushing to Persaud’s aid. An ambulance was called and Persaud was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Persaud’s relatives were informed immediately after and made their way to the hospital. When they arrived, doctors informed them that Persaud sustained injuries to her spine.

Doctors assured the relatives that the teen would be able to walk again but could not provide a timeframe.

Persaud was discharged from the hospital.The driver of the minibus was detained but released on station bail as investigations continue.

Screen grab from footage of the accident

to manage 300MW power plant

Injured, Vanessa Persaud

Two international companies and two local firms are competing for the contract to construct a building to house the Guyana National Control Centre (GNCC), a project being undertaken through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

Back in September, the OPM issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the provision of “Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Services” for the construction of the building to support the integration and dispatch of the new 300 MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) Power Plant and to allow the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to supervise, manage and control the new and upgraded power system.

During the opening of bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on Tuesday, it was revealed that the four companies are Zeco Group of Services Inc. (local firm) who submitted a bid of $4,750,295,164; Home Designs & Engineering Inc. (local firm) in joint venture with Kee – Chanona Guyana Inc. (T&T) which submitted a bid of US$9,989,237.25; Power China International Group Limited (Beijing, China) who bid US$8,685,814.23; and Kalpataru Projects International Limited (India) whose bid stood at US$18,492,869.

The Office of the Prime Minister explained that the scope of works includes all EPC activities necessary to complete the building and install all systems as specified in the employer requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, the contractor’s overall responsibility for designing, procuring, constructing, commissioning, defects notifications period, and maintaining the building to meet the specified performance and functional standards.

The RFP also explained, “The scope of work also includes the supply and installation of a complete diesel-fire generator set, with duty to operate continuously. The capacity of

the generator set shall be ISO rated at 125% of the design load capacity of the GNCC Building. Additionally, the scope of work includes an appropriately dimensioned building to house the generator unit and ISO fuel tank capacity to allow for an autonomy of 24 hours.”

The EPC contractor will be required to complete all civil works relative to the installation of the transformers, as directed by GPL. This publication had reported that back in April 2022, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Bharat Dindyal revealed plans to establish a national control centre in Eccles, East Bank Demerara, where the present isolated systems located in Essequibo and Linden, would be integrated into the new national grid.

NEW POWER PLANT The 300-megawatt (MW) CCGT power plant is a component of the highly touted Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project. It includes a 12inch pipeline, being funded by ExxonMobil, to transport natural gas from the Liza One and Liza Two fields in the Stabroek Block, to the Wales Development Site.

There, the gas will be processed by a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility which will separate and treat its components to supply other products for resale, such as cooking gas.

A portion of the treated gas will be utilized to generate some 300 MW of electricity to supply power to the national grid.

The NGL facility and power plant are expected to be financed through a loan from the United States (US) Export Import (EXIM) Bank. Government has said the application is still pending approval.

Notably, the pipeline component is expected to cost US$1 billion, while the contract for construction of the gas plants were awarded to CH4-Lindsayca, to the tune of US$759M.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2023

PAGE 27

Madhoo to represent Guyana at 2024 PDC Covent Garden Sec claims 2023 Plyers Cup title

In the heart of darting fervor lies a tale of determination and skill, embodied by Norman Madhoo, a 59-year-old Guyanese dynamo is set to represent Guyana at the pinnacle of darts excellence the 2024 Professional Darts Championship (PDC) Paddy P o w e r Wo r l d D a r t s Championship, scheduled to unfold from December 15, 2023, to January 3, 2024 at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London England.

Madhoo, a proud member of the Foreign Links Dart Club, is poised to join the ranks of 96 players vying for supremacy in the sport's most illustrious tournament, where a staggering £2.5 million in prize money awaits the triumphant

contender.

This Guyanese darts maestro's ascent to this grand stage was no stroke of luck.

His journey was paved with remarkable achievements, notably clinching the title of the 2023 Championship Darts for Latin and Caribbean (CDLC).

Madhoo's path to glory saw him navigate through four individual CDLC qualifiers, emerging as the ultimate victor among 32 fiercely competitive players.

N o t a b l y, M a d h o o ' s prowess extends far beyond mere statistics. With an impressive tally of 102 wins, including 42 losses, he stands as a testament to unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of perfection. His triumph in

Norman Madhoo

O

the final qualifiers, securing a total of 44 points, cemented his place among the elite contenders poised to seize the darting crown.

However, Madhoo's quest for greatness transcends personal milestones. As the sole representative not only from

Wednesday November 29, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19 Uncertainty about your financial future might have you developing some sort of savings or investment plan to give you more security.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You deserve a day off.

Why not play hooky from your duties and surround yourself with beautiful works of art? Better yet, try to create some yourself.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You have an exciting, intense day in store. Your curiosity is at a peak, and today it combines with a vivid imagination. This makes you ideally suited for medical research projects.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Try as you might, you may spend the better part of the day with your foot in your mouth. It's one of those days when anything you say to clear up the confusion only confuses matters more.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Just because you're stressed now doesn't mean that you need to be stressed tomorrow, or the rest of the day for that matter. There are steps you can take to soothe your troubled soul.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)Your tendency is to rush headlong into a new project.

Not everyone is caught up in your enthusiasm. Be careful not to steamroll over those you care about most.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) It's likely that you've been working too hard and too long. Don't you think the time has come for a bit of a break?

Even if you manage to drag yourself out of bed, you're unlikely to accomplish much.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Out with the old and in with the new! That seems to be your mantra for the day, especially where your home is concerned.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's time to expand your horizons. No more waiting around for events to change of their own accord.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, as the saying goes.

You're likely to receive some good news today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) As much as you want to change your financial situation, don't act rashly. If there are several options to choose from, you're advised to refrain from making any decision until your thoughts have crystallized.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Doubts about a romantic or business partnership could have an energizing effect on you today. You're determined to resolve any problems or disagreements you may have with your partner. You'll probably do it.

Guyana but also from the Caribbean, South America, and Latin America, he embodies the hopes and aspirations of an entire region. Amidst the daunting lineup of formidable opponents, Madhoo aims for nothing short of the bullseye, poised to etch his name among the legends of the sport.

Norman Madhoo stands on the precipice of history, armed not just with darts but with an unyielding spirit that embodies the essence of sportsmanship and the thrill of competition. The club extends thanks to Massy Distributors, Sunny and Sweety Food Snackette and Pereira Logistics for their generous support towards offsetting his participation at the upcoming championship.

n Saturday last, Covent Garden Secondary school defeated Annandale Secondary school to lift the 2023 Plyers Cup. Organised by Trevon Boston, the thrilling 8-a-side, 5 overs, Tapeball cricket competition concluded at the Durban Park, Tarmac.

Batting first, Covent Garden Secondary posted a formidable 50-3 from their allotted 5 overs. In response, Annandale Secondary school were restricted to 48-4 in their 5 overs which lead to a comfortable 2 runs victory, as Cobven Gardens clinched the 2023 title in an exciting final match.

The tournament, generously sponsored by Gafoors, culminated in Covent Garden Secondary being awarded the championship trophy by organiser Boston, recognizing their outstanding performance.

Rose Hall Town NAMILCO...

From page 33 promising 16 year old Ramesh Bharat and Sinclair then added a crucial 39 for the 6th wicket before bharat was caught off Madan Budhram for 19. Sinclair 38 and all rounder Keith Simpson 7 not out then guided the home team to 128 for seven of their allotted 20 overs. Bowling for Port

Mourant Cricket Club, Vinod Samaroo took two wickets for 31 runs, Madan Budhram 2 for 10 from 4 overs while Joshua Ramsammy, Josh Harrichand and Yogindra Harrinarine took one wicket apiece.

Needing to score 129 from 20 overs, Port Mourant were rocked back early when Pestano had Andy Mohan for 2 off the second ball of the innings.

Madan Budhram and Rampersaud Ramnath added 22 for the second wicket before pacer Keon Sinclair had Budhram caught and bowled for 8.

The Port Mourant team never recovered and were eventually dismissed for 70 off the fifth ball of the 20th over. The batsman dismissed for Port Mourant were Ramnath 14, Navin Budwa 0, Samaroo 0, Williams 4, Permaul 0, Harrinarine 2, Ramsammy 8, while Khan was unbeaten on 7 not out.

Senior inter-county fast bowler Slyus Tyndall took three wickets for five runs from three hostile overs, left arm spinner Simpson two for 16 and Clinton Pestano 2 for 13. Keon Sinclair, Ramesh Bharat and Eon Hooper took a wicket apiece.

The fixtures for quarter finals to be played on a date set by the Berbice Cricket Board are: 1. Rose Hall Town NAMILCO vs Blairmont @ Area H 2. Albion vs Port Mourant @ Port Mourant 3. Tucber Park vs Rose Hall Canje@ Canje

Wednesday November 29, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

GCF's Board bunkers down for another term

T

he Guyana Chess Federation held its biennial Annual General Meeting on November 26, 2023 via Zoom, to report on its activities for the period 2021-2023 and to hold elections for Office Bearers for the next 2 years.

Mr. Anand Raghunauth, the lone candidate for the election, was declared the President by the Returning Officer, Mrs. Tanya WarrenClement. Mr. Raghunauth presented his team of eleven members of the Board and

Executive Management of the GCF. R e t u r n i n g a s Vi c e President is Mr. Irshad Mohamad, Company Secretary – Mrs. Marcia Lee, Directors: Mr. Loris Nathoo, Mr. Davion Mars, Mr. Shiv Nandalall and Mrs. Yolander Sammy. Five new committee members were added, Ms. Sabine McIntosh, Ms. Jaishree Lam, Ms. Sheriffa Ali, Mr. Gilbert Williams and Mr. John Lee. These individuals have all served on subcommittees in the previous

leadership except for Mr. Williams, a long-time chess player and Federation member. Members of the various committees will be appointed during the coming weeks, to complete the organizational structure of the Federation.

Committee members will be nominated according to their willingness and dedication to volunteering their time and effort towards the GCF. In his report, GCF President Anand Raghunauth informed the meeting that the Federation

has achieved significant milestones over the past two years, including strengthening relationships with key international bodies and expanding chess programs in schools.

The GCF President mentioned the partnership with the Ministry of Education's Allied Arts Department to introduce chess into the school curriculum and train teachers to teach the game.

As a result, over 500 children are now learning chess in Georgetown with several

The Guyana Chess Federation executive.

Five Committee Members added

schools establishing active chess clubs.

The report also described the significant progress in promoting women's chess, with tournaments for girls becoming a norm and a local outreach event attracting international attention. The Board and Executive Management will continue working assiduously

towards the development of the organization, with an emphasis on training and expanding the Chess in Schools Programme within the country.

The GCF is committed to fostering a sustainable culture of chess in Guyana and ensuring that the sport continues to grow and thrive in the years to come.

Letter to the Sports Editor Upcoming GFF Congress is raising eyebrows over some very sneaky behaviour Dear Sports Editor, The upcoming Guyana Football Federation Electoral Congress is raising eyebrows about the sneaky behaviour of the current executive.

Many members have been extremely worried about the lack of response pertaining to queries about the eligibility of electorate.

According to many members of the electorate, they are being kept in the dark about their eligibility status and are asking the GFF and Electoral Committee to be more transparent about the requirements needed to vote at the Congress.

Suspicions have also arisen about the nondisclosure of the other contending slate.

According to a source close to the governing body, these developments have

created unease within the fraternity and members are hoping that Guyana football does not return to the dark period when the country was banned and an Interim Management Committee had to be installed by FIFA. The source added that the only plausible reason that could be thought of is that the incumbent President might be struggling to fill a slate.

The source informed that even at this stage it is not known whether the current President is running and this according to the insider is an indictment on him and the Federation.

The disgruntled members are asking the administration to be more forthcoming and transparent about its preparation for the impending Congress.

Football Enthusiast.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2023

PAGE 29

BCB 2023 cricket season, Diors Bits and Pieces Under 23 tournament...

Rain affects majority of opening round, Rose Hall Town Pepsi and Albion register victories Heavy rainfall throughout the day affected the opening round of the Berbice Cricket Board Diors Bits and Pieces Under23 tournament on Sunday last.

With a record 20 Under23 teams participating in the tournament, ten matches were scheduled for the opening round but heavy rainfall throughout the county affected eight of them. Cricket was only possible at the Jai Hind cricket ground and the Area H ground. Matches scheduled for Skeldon, Goed Banana Land, Rose Hall Canje, Locaber, Blairmount, Bush Lot, Cotton Tree, Kennard's Memorial and D'Edward grounds were all washed out. They will now be played on Saturday.

At the Area H ground, Rose Hall Town Pepsi defeated A spirited Kendall's Union Sports Club by 5 wickets after the match was reduced to 25overs from the original 40. Batting first after

Jeremy Sandia

winning the toss, Kendall's Union were bowled out for 128 in 24.3 overs as the Rose Hall Town Pepsi bowlers maintained a good length and line throughout the innings.

Khemraj Parmangal top scored with an attractive 41 before he was brilliantly caught of the bowling of Ramesh Bharrat.

His innings included two sixes and five boundaries.

ANSA McAL supports Petra Org. for 2023 Goodwill Int'l Football Series ANSA McAL, a prominent beverage company, held a simple presentation at their Beterverwagting site yesterday to announce their partnership with the Petra Organisation for the fourth annual Goodwill Football Series, scheduled from December 12th to 22nd.

During the ceremony, Director Troy Cadogan presented a sponsorship cheque of $1,260,000 to support the 2023 tournament expenses. This year's event, hosted by Guyana under the Petra Organisation, will welcome three international school teams, including the reigning 2022 Digicel champions from Jamaica, the esteemed Claredon College, as well as St. Benedick's College from Trinidad and Tobago, who clinched the 2022 College football championship along w i t h t h e Vo o r g e z e t We t e n s c h a p p e l i j k Onderwijs Four (VWO-4) runner-up of Suriname's 2022 Schools football season.

Among the confirmed participants are defending champions DC Caesar Fox Secondary School and St

Ignatius Secondary, with additional slots open for the top three finishers in the ongoing Limacol U18 Football League. Presently, Chase's Academic Foundation, Carmel S e c o n d a r y, B a r t i c a Secondary, and Santa Rosa occupy the top spots on the points table.

Troy Mendonca, Director of Petra Organisation, expressed gratitude to ANSA McAL for their enduring support.

He highlighted the tournament's significant growth potential, evolving from a modest event with three teams, including a single foreign team, to this year's expanded lineup of eight participating teams.

The tournament, featuring matches on December 12th, 14th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd, will kick off with a March-Past at the Queen's College ground on December 12th.

Each playing day will feature four matches, culminating in the grand finale on December 22nd.

Fans can expect exciting clashes and spirited competition throughout the event.

Mark Baker supported with 30. The best bowlers for the home team were Arthur Lucas 3 for 24 Jeremy Sandia 3 for 27 and Matthew Pottaya 3 for 24.

Rose Hall Town Pepsi in reply reached 135 in 17.2 overs with Ramesh Bharrat 15, Ramzan Koobeer 20, Tyree Sealy 30, Jeremy Sandia 29 not out and Sohil Mohammed 12 not old all batted well. Hemchan Harris took 2 for 38 for Kendall's Union.

At the Jai Hind him ground, Albion Community Center easily defeated

Edinburgh by 8 wickets to advance to the second round.

The visitors were restricted to 55 all out in 15.4 overs as another promising Berbice fast bowler produced a good spell. Berbice Under17 pacer Shiv Harripersaud took six wickets for 18 runs from six overs, while Naeem Khan, Govrav Ramesh, Kelvin Omrao and Kumar Deopersaud took wicket a piece. In reply, Albion raced to 56 for 2 in 5.3 overs with Berbice youth players Ari Arizal Kadir 40 not out and Damian Cecil 10 not out.

T h e B C B h a s

rescheduled the following matches for Saturday: 1. A c h i e v e r s v s D'Edward @ D'Edward 2. B l a i r m o n t v s Woodley Park @Blairmont 3. Cotton Tree vs Bush Lot United @ Bush Lot 4. Guymine vs Mt. Sinai @ Locaber 5. Tucber Park vs Police @ Goed Banana Land 6. Port Mourant vs Skeldon @ Skeldon The tournament is been sponsored by Sandie Ross of Diors Bits and Pieces Boutique in West Coast Berbice.

Shiv Harripersaud

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Wednesday November 29, 2023

Head Coach Omar Khan reveals strong Lady Jags squad for crucial today’s showdown in Concacaf W road to Gold Cup against Dominica

L

ady Jags' Head Coach Omar Khan has finalised a formidable squad which includes captain Chante' Sandiford and forward Annalisa Vincent for the crucial November 29 clash against Dominica in the Concacaf W Road To Gold Cup. This match is pivotal for Guyana as they strive to solidify their lead in League B, Group A with just one more game remaining in the qualifying round.

The Senior Women's National Team boasts three wins and one loss, accumulating nine points, with Suriname trailing in second place with six points.

Antigua and Barbuda, along with Dominica, stand at four points each, at third and fourth positions in the league standings.

Finishing the group stage atop the standings would mean Guyana's ascent to League A, a significant achievement akin to the Golden Jaguars' success earlier this month.

Head Coach Omar said the team is geared up for the final two matches in League B with a collective goal to hold onto the top spot. “We are ready to play the last two matches in our league B, we

know it will not be easy but we all have one goal and that is to maintain that leading position. That would mean that we can, following the men who set a good example by being promoted to the A League, write history by

competing at the highest level with both teams. This group of players and staff would certainly deserve that.”

He added: “The last two games against Suriname gave us six important points,

but looking back at the game, there is still a lot of room for improvement that we will work hard on in the near future. We hope that the people will be able to support us as much as possible even though we are not playing in

our home country. Hopefully we will make everyone and ourselves proud by closing this window with the group win.”

The lineup for Wednesday's game at the IR Franklin Essed Stadium in Suriname from 7 p.m. features: Goalkeepers Chante' Sandiford Raven EdwardsDowdall Aneesa O'Brien Defenders Anya Tribune Anika Sproxton Kristen Bettencourt Glengie Lewis Rylee Traicoff Ghilene Joseph Reece Scott Savanna MondesirSingh Midfielders Stefanie Kouzas Brianne Desa Samantha Banfield Tiandi Smith Hannah Baptiste Jalade Trim Forwards Otesha Charles Shanice Alfred Neema Liverpool Annalisa Vincent Dylana Makarowski Sandra Johnson The Concacaf W Road To Gold Cup, featuring 34 registered senior women's

national teams, is a qualifying platform for the much-anticipated 2024 W Gold Cup. This tournament stands as the premier competition for senior footballers across the Concacaf region.

The top team from each League B group, making a total of three teams, will progress to the 2024 W Gold Cup Prelims.

Guyana's final group stage match is set against Antigua and Barbuda on December 3, scheduled for 5 p.m at the IR Franklin Essed Stadium in Suriname.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde said he is confident that the chosen squad will triumph for both pride and country. “Our national teams are excelling on the global stage with remarkable performances.

The GFF remains steadfast in its commitment to investing in the national team programme,” Forde said.

“In this pivotal game, the Lady Jags foremost goal is to sustain their lead in the group, striving for promotion to League A, mirroring the recent triumph of the Golden Jaguars.

The Lady Jags' remarkable display already fills us with immense pride."

BCB AGM and General Elections to be held on 17th of December 2023 The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) would be hosting its annual general meeting (AGM) and general elections on Sunday the 17th of December 2023 at the St. Francis Community Developers Training Hall Portuguese Quarter, Port Mourant.

The AGM is scheduled to start at 10am and a total of 14 cricket clubs and three sub associations are expected to participate.

The annual general meeting would see minutes of the last general meeting being submitted and adopted along with the president's report, secretary report treasurer report and the chairman of competition committee report. The elections, which would be conducted by the cricket ombudsman, would be for the position of president, vice president- cricket development, vice president- administration, vice presidentfinance, secretary, treasurer, assistant secretary and assistant treasurer.

The clubs and sub association of the Berbice Cricket Board are Berbice River Cricket Association, West Berbice Cricket Association, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association; Clubs are RHTYSC, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, Blairmont Cricket Club, Port Mourant Cricket Club, Kildonan Cricket Club, Whim Cricket Club, Chesney Cricket Club, Young Warriors Cricket Club, Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Guymine Cricket Club, Mt Sinai Cricket Club, Police Sports Club and Fort Canje Mental Hospital.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2023

PAGE 31

2023 Vurlon Mills Youth Football Festival officially launched Young footballer scores during the Bend it Like Enet challenge

Winners of the Bend It Like Enet challenge pose for photo-op at yesterday's launch John Fernandes' Princessa Wilkie in her element during the 'How Messi Are You' challenge

Y

esterday marked the initiation of an exciting new collaboration as the esteemed mobile network, ENet, joined hands with the visionary founder of Vurlon Mills Football Academy.

Their partnership aims to present the highly anticipated 2023 Vernon M i l l s Yo u t h F o o t b a l l Festival, slated to unfold on

December 2-3 at the Saints Stanislaus ground on Carifesta Avenue.

The ceremonial launch of this partnership witnessed an outpouring of support from influential public figures.

Notable personalities such as Enet Mobile Manager Robert Hiscock, Mark Viera from Vieira 66 Logistics, Stephen Grell of Republic Bank, Princessa Wilkie

All set for exciting end to Women's Gold Cup qualifiers SportsMax - The final window of the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup qualifiers begins today, Wednesday, as the race for spots to the 2024 Women's Gold Cup intensifies.

League A By the end of the window next Tuesday, December 5, three teams will know if they have qualified for the Women's Gold Cup group stage and another six teams will be slotted for the Women's Gold Cup Prelims.

Mexico will get their first crack at winning Group A of League A on Friday at Puerto Rico with El Tricolor holding a two-point edge on the Boricuas. If Puerto Rico and Mexico draw, Mexico win the group and Puerto Rico would seal their place in the Prelims, as they currently sit three points ahead of Trinidad and Tobago, who close the window against Mexico on December 5.

Panama can win Group B in a Wednesday visit to Jamaica, as the Canaleras own a two-point advantage on Guatemala. However, should Panama drop points, it could open the way for Guatemala or Jamaica on Sunday to win the group. A Jamaica win against Panama could set the stage for a dramatic final matchday on Sunday, with all three teams alive for a first-place finish.

Haiti only require a draw at Costa Rica to clinch Group C of League A on Thursday. However, a Ticas win could make for an interesting final matchday in the group next Monday. Costa Rica

Guyana can win Group A of League B with victory over Dominica today. host St Kitts and Nevis, but would need to win by a wide margin, with Haiti currently at plus-25 goal difference.

League B The winners of the three League B groups will advance to the Women's Gold Cup Prelims versus the secondplace group finishers from League A. Guyana can win Group A of League B with victory over Dominica today, provided Suriname drop points at Antigua and Barbuda. Should Guyana and Suriname win their first matches of the window, Guyana can clinch the group win and a Prelims spot with a draw in their final fixture against Antigua and Barbuda.

El Salvador have already punched their Prelims ticket as winners of Group B of League B, but in Group C, Bermuda and Dominican Republic are in a dogfight, with the former slightly ahead by a point.

representing John Fernandes Limited, Marissa Jordan of Ramps Logistic, and Hits and Jams' Kerwin Bollers, alongside Enet's Tariq Dakhil, graced the event with their presence among other.

Vu r l o n M i l l s , t h e academy's founder and former national footballer, expressed profound gratitude to E-Net for their unwavering support. Mills emphasized that the sponsorship materialized following his initial interaction with E-Net, marking the pivotal moment that led to this collaboration.

Simultaneously during the launch, academy members (youngsters) engaged with representatives

from various corporate entities through skill-based challenges.

Activities like "Bend It Like Enet" and "How Messi Are You" saw enthusiastic participation from both the young talents and E-Net representatives, competing for the chance to secure ENet's memorabilia.

E-Net's active involvement in community development via sports underscores the company's steadfast commitment to nurturing and fostering emerging talents.

This partnership embodies their dedication to supporting and uplifting local communities through sporting initiatives.

Keegan Petersen made 67 for South Africa "A"

South Africa “A” reach On Friday, Bermuda host St Vincent and the Grenadines, while Dominican 266-6 at stumps on day one Republic head to Barbados. Should those two sides win, a final matchday of second unofficial “Test” clash between the Dominican Republic and Bermuda in Santo Domingo, would against West Indies “A” be a winner-take-all affair.

League C A group win is there for the taking for three teams in League C. With a sixpoint cushion, Belize can win Group A with a draw at Bonaire on Thursday.

Cuba can clinch Group B should St Lucia fail to beat Guadeloupe on Friday. However, a St Lucia win, would set up a final day contest, with Cuba only needing a draw to win the group.

Grenada have already emerged as winners of Group C, but Curacao still have work to do in Group D. They have a two-point lead over Anguilla and face Anguilla on Thursday. A draw would be enough to win the group for Curacao.

SportsMax - South Africa “A” were 266-6 after 85 overs at stumps on day one of their second unofficial “Test” math against the West Indies “A” at Buffalo Park in East London yesterday.

Keegan Petersen (67) and Raynard Van Tonder (50) led the way for the South Africans after they were put in to bat by the West Indies “A.” Tony De Zorzi (44) and Khaya Zondo (35) also batted well yesterday.

Shamar Joseph has, so far, taken 2-39 from his 17 overs while Kevin Sinclair and Jair McAllister also have two wickets, each.

The West Indies lead the series 1-0.

Full Scores: South Africa “A” 266-6 from 85 overs (Keegan Petersen 67, Raynard Van Tonder 50, Tony De Zorzi 44, Khaya Zondo 35, Ruan De Swardt 25*, Shamar Joseph 2-39, Kevin Sinclair 2-53, Jair McCallister 2-64)

Wednesday November 29, 2023

PAGE 32

st

District 11 retains Swimming Supremacy at 61 National C/ships Members of the North Georgetown District swimming team shared photo at National Aquatic Centre.

I

n a resounding display of dominance, District 11 (North Georgetown) once again clinched the prestigious swimming title at the 61st National Schools' Cycling, Swimming, and Track and Field Championships.

This victory marked yet another year of unyielding control in the pool for the

district, further solidifying its reputation as the powerhouse of national swimming.

Boasting a cadre of the country's top-tier swimmers and fortified by dedicated coaches alongside the state-of-the-art National Aquatic Centre at Lilliendaal, District 11's triumphs seem almost predestined.

Their unwavering success in swimming remains unparalleled, with an official from the district proudly declaring a streak of over 15 years without a loss in this event.

However, this year's championship was not without its challenges.

While District 11 continued to reign supreme, the event witnessed commendable strides from other districts, signaling an increasing level of competition in the swimming arena.

In Monday's closely watched battle, District 11 surged ahead with a staggering 441 points, outpacing District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) which secured 349 points. East Georgetown (District 12) followed with 260 points, trailed by Bartica (District 7) at 237.5 points, Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon (District 2) at 202.5 points, and Rupununi (District 9) rounding off the top six among the 15 competing districts.

While District 11's supremacy remains unshaken, the rising competition from other districts promises an exciting future for swimming in the National Schools' Championships.

DeSouza, Bristol to collide in U8 400m finals …Records tumble at Edinburgh

A

thrilling showdown is on the horizon for the Boys U8 400m finals at the National Schools Championship, featuring the remarkable talents of 6-yearold Kester DeSouza from Leguan and 7-year-old Jaden Bristol from Nabacalis, East Coast Demerara.

Representing District 3 and District 4 respectively, Kester and Jaden delivered exceptional performances in their heats at the National Track and Field Centre in Edinburgh yesterday.

Despite the dominating displays from high-profile athletes Tianna Springer and Javon Roberts in the 400m, it was DeSouza and Bristol who stole the show.

The 400m finals are set for Friday.

Meanwhile, Track and

Field has taken off in full swing at the 61st National Schools' Cycling and Track and Field Championships, witnessing record-breaking moments in the field events.

Romarion Wolfe of District 4 (East Coast Demerara) unofficially raised the Boys' Under-14 High Jump record to 1.66m, surpassing the previous record held by Isai Thorne of District 15 (New Amsterdam/Canje) at 1.63m.

In the Boys Under-12 Discuss, Michael Mohamed o f D i s t r i c t 3 ( We s t Demerara) potentially set a new record with an impressive throw of 24.04m, surpassing the previous record of 22.23m set by Jamie Fraser of District 5 (West Coast Berbice).

A k e e l a We b s t e r o f District 3 showcased her

prowess by securing gold in the Girls' Discuss with a throw of 21.14m, potentially breaking the Under-14 record previously held by Anna Headley at 20.47m.

Organisers will officially confirm these recordbreaking performances in the coming days.

Azizi Christiani from District 2 (Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon) made a notable mark by winning the male teachers' discus under21 in his inaugural 'Nationals' with a throw of 29.22m.

Today's events include the highly anticipated 100m heats and final.

Additionally, organisers confirmed that District 11 (North Georgetown) and District 9 (Rupununi) secured victories in swimming and cycling events respectively.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2023

PAGE 33

BCB 2023 cricket season... Rose Hall Town NAMILCO Thunderbolt

flower defeat Port Mourant to emerge zone C winner

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owerhouse Rose Hall Town N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour on Saturday emerged as the winner of zone C in the Berbice Cricket Board Premier T20 cricket tournament. They easily defeated arch rivals Port Mourant by 58 runs at the Area H ground to advance

tothe quarterfinals along with Port Mourant.

R o s e H a l l To w n NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour captain Clinton Pestano won the toss and elected to bat first in hot humid weather in front of a fair size crowd. The aggressive Vidal Crandon and national under17 vice captain Matthew Pottaya

Jason Sinclair

Sylus Tyndall

added 34 for the first wicket before Pottaya was caught off the bowling of Vinod Samaroofor 14 in the 4th over. Veteran batsman Jason

Sinclair joined Crandon and the added 14 for the second wicked before Crandonwho struck 4 boundaries was brilliantly caught by Ravin

Budwa off Samaroo for 22.

National player Clinton Pestano 6, former national arounder Eon Hooper and West Indies female vice

captain Shemaine Campbell were dismissed cheaply to leave the home team at 70 for 5 in the 10th over. The (Continued on page 27)

Romarion Wolfe of District 4 (East Coast Demerara) won the Boys Under-14 High Jump.

rts o p S

DeSouza, Bristol to collide in U8 400m finals …Records tumble at Edinburgh

Kester DeSouza of Leguan, won his 400m heat.

ANSA McAL supports Petra Org. for 2023 Goodwill Int'l Football Series

Petra Org. Secretary Jacklyn Boodie receives sponsorship cheque from ANSA McAL Lucozade Brand Manager Kristoff Stoll (center) as Director Troy Codogan and Troy Mendonca (Petra) share the moment.

Head Coach Omar Khan reveals strong Lady Jags squad for crucial today’s showdown in Concacaf W road to Gold Cup against Dominica Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.