Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR Patterson thrashes Sunday Edition November 05, 2023

gas strategy as ‘most embarrassing document by a Government’

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VP Jagdeo orders Natural Resources Ministry to maintain ‘faulty’ oil website CCJ orders NBS to pay former CEO full pension $26M to reconstruct key Robb Street bridge

Annandale cutlass bandit shot dead Jagdeo shows no interest in arming future projects with penalties if audits of Exxon’s expenses continue to expose patterns of skullduggery

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

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VP Jagdeo orders Natural Resources Ministry to maintain ‘faulty’ oil website Vi c e P r e s i d e n t D r.

Bharrat Jagdeo has issued a directive to the Ministry of Natural Resources to address the ongoing issues with its Petroleum Management Programme’s website.

The website, which serves as the official portal for disseminating information about Guyana’s oil and gas sector, has faced persistent challenges related to data management and accuracy. Dr. Jagdeo’s call for action comes after multiple reports by this newspaper about the pressing need to ensure transparency and reliable information sharing on the oil sector.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has been under scrutiny for some time due to the recurring problems with the website, especially its data centre. Stakeholders have raised concerns about the ministry’s commitment to transparency and the accuracy of information available to the public. It has also raised questions about whether there is a designated

public servant or unit responsible for maintaining and updating the website.

One of the key issues at hand is the incomplete and fragmented upload of oil production data for the months of August and September. Notably, data for August 31 and September 30 is conspicuously absent. In addition, the detailed breakdown of production, which is typically included in monthly updates, was missing in the September release. This data gap has significant implications, especially considering recent mechanical issues that impacted production at the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.

Clear and consistent data are essential for transparency advocates to assess the situation accurately and making informed judgments.

While the government introduced a new graph interface in an attempt to a d d r e s s t h e w e b s i t e ’s persistent problems, its

effectiveness has been limited by inconsistent data updates. The success of this n e w i n t e r f a c e l a rg e l y depends on the government’s commitment to providing accurate, t i m e l y, a n d c o m p l e t e information to the public.

As Guyana prepares for first oil production at the Payara project, which is expected to reach a production rate of 220,000 barrels per day, the demand for reliable and up-to-date data becomes even more critical. Integrating this new production data with

existing information from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSO vessels requires a seamless and consistent approach to data management.

The deficiencies in the website’s content extend beyond production data.

Notably, years of well activities data are missing from the Petroleum Management Program website. This includes crucial information related to ExxonMobil’s drilling activities and other significant well-related data.

Despite prior reports

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo highlighting these data gaps, there has been no visible effort from the Ministry of Natural Resources to rectify the situation.

With the oil and gas sector playing a pivotal role in Guyana’s development, stakeholders are adamant

that the government must prioritize the maintenance and accuracy of platforms designed to inform the public. The reliability of these platforms is fundamental to fostering transparency and promoting investor confidence.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Self-promotion There is an old saying: ‘promote self, for no one else will do so.’ This is what the people at ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd (EMGL) have made their standard operating procedure.

EMGL seizes every opportunity that is available, plus creates its own, to sell itself to Guyanese, as this unmatched partner, this wonderful and caring presence, in Guyana.

EMGL has a right to market itself, its decayed greatness, and that we recognize. What we at this paper can never accept is when EMGL uses the money that should come to the Guyanese people to tell the citizens of this country how good it is for them. No matter how charitably viewed, that still comes across as the work of a scam artist, a cheap corporate hustler. Since EMGL places such a premium on brainwashing Guyanese about how well it means for them, then there is a principled way for the company to do so.

What EMGL should do, as a matter of consistent practice, is to have the decency to spend its own money. Use its own profits from Guyana’s low-cost, high-quality oil to fund its self-promotion efforts.

It would be an expression of honesty, the best example of the ethical moorings, of which EMGL’s CEO, Mr. Alistair Routledge, insists is part and parcel of his company’s DNA. ExxonMobil has the deep pockets, and ExxonMobil Guyana is making money hand over fist. Why be so low and sly and wanting every dollar and dime for the company’s treasury at the expense of the Guyanese people?

Why be so tricky and so slick that even expenses related to the company’s image, and how to make it sparkle before the gullible people of this poor nation are deducted from Guyana’s share? Why buy expensive perfume and cosmetics for EMGL’s face, but doing so through misusing what is due to the poor of Guyana like some drunken sailor on shore leave? EMGL can afford it, and should EMGL do the right thing by the Guyanese people, like a true and trusted partner, then it does not have to spend a nickel to spruce up its reputation among Guyanese. The quality of its partnership with Guyana, and the quantity of benefits that flow to Guyanese, would be the best promotion that there ever can be.

The audit of US$7.3 billion of EMGL’s expenses revealed that the company spent US$4.9 million on mascara, lipstick, conditioner, eye shadow, and similar such products to beautify itself before Guyanese. This is how EMGL woos Guyanese in the hopes of them letting down their guard, and then winning them over for the rapes and other commercial ravaging that have become the norm in Guyana. Social media management could mean that Guyanese betrayers on internet platforms are being paid by the company to spread its brand of propaganda to indoctrinate naïve Guyanese. Betrayers who are bitterly hostile towards the handful of locals who expose the greed and voraciousness of EMGL. Sponsorship millions at business events indicate how EMGL worms its way into the consciousness of Guyanese. Yet to come is how EMGL studies the culture of this country, and then cunningly moves to capitalize for maximum effect.

Cricket stands out as the biggest and brightest example, with EMGL splashing the money that belongs to Guyanese to sell itself. When the audit is done of this year’s EMGL expenses, the tale of that spending will surface.

The operators at EMGL are this smart and slick. They con Guyanese: spend lavishly on well-attended business and community events, and then give Guyana the bill.

Guyanese who are not fooled should weigh this question: is EMGL a partner, or is it a dirty swindler? Which person, what kind of company, pulls fast ones like what EMGL does, and as successfully as it does?

ExxonMobil has more money than God, but the devilish streak in its people drives them to these ugly actions, so that the company could accumulate still more money. EMGL gives with one hand, then snatches it back with the other.

This is the equivalent of someone helping to finance a funeral, then turning around and stealing the casket when the grieving family is sleeping. This is the reality of the ExxonMobil-Guyana partnership.

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Mennonites interest in Guyana’s agriculture DEAR EDITOR, I note with interest the Kaieteur News report that the Mennonites, an erstwhile US Christian group of German origin, if I may so describe them, is ‘eyeing’ the acquisition of large scale land in Guyana for agricultural development.

Incidentally the Mennonites Christian beliefs and practices are somewhat similar to the Amish sect but distant from that of the infamous former Jim Jones cult. I first came across the Mennonites group on a visit to Belize in the nineteen seventies with the Caribbean Agro-Economic Society while I was pursuing my career with GuySuCo Agriculture Research.

The Caribbean AgroEconomic Society, CAAES for short, is an arm of the Dept of Agricultural Economics and Extension of UWI at St. Augustine,

Trinidad and has been formally engaged since 1974 in holding these agroConferences on a rotating basis in different Caribbean countries.

The first West Indies Agricultural Economics Conference I attended was in 1975 when it was hosted by Guyana. I served as Secretary of the CAAES when the Conference was held in St. Kitts in 1978 and thereafter in Belize. If my memory serves me well, I believe Dr Carl Greenidge my fellow Guyana representative, was also elected Vice-President at that St. Kitts Conference.

Delegates visited the Mennonites establishment in Belize as part of a case study to provide production and systems analytical data. At that time there was interest in gathering comparative information, vis-a-vis the Mennonites agriculture, on

the economics and environmental sustainability of the ‘cut, burn and plant’ system of agriculture practiced by the indigenous nomadic MILPAS farmers.

At that time both culture systems were also in use in other Central American countries.

I remember being impressed by the industriousness, austerity and self-reliance of this allwhite Mennonites group with customs, way of life and social habits far removed from that of the regular Belizeans. Their farming operations were essentially mechanized with the community members having the general capability of equipment management and maintenance. Their farm holdings were fairly extensive, and from what I gathered, with the fairly predictive weather patterns and flat terrain, enabled little

reliance on external labour.

Their crops at that time were mainly red beans and peanuts, with some dairy livestock. During the farm visit, delegates were invited to make token purchases of red beans and cheese processed at the farm, items which were import restricted, particularly in Guyana at that time.

Proceedings of these past West Indies Agricultural Economics Meetings held under the auspices of CAAES and sponsorship by the respective host countries have been archived and available for interest.

Yours faithfully, Fritz C McLean Former GuySuCo Executive Director of Agriculture and Diversified Crops, Past Board Chairman of the Guyana Statistical Bureau and the Guyana School of Agriculture

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Recommendations for transforming Guyana’s criminal justice system DEAR EDITOR, Guyana’s rapid development undertakings and its increasing integration as a formidable economic partner within the global marketplace undoubtedly helped in attracting renewed, and sometimes envious focus on this former British colony’s transformation.

Prior to the discovery of oil, developed nations either dismissed Guyana as a Failed State, or ignored it as an impoverished micronation-state of minimal significance.

But, with oil reserves estimated to rival that of several of the giant oil producing countries, Guyana suddenly emerged to capture the attention of several developed nationstates around the world, many jockeying to establish relationships with this once economically forsaken British colony.

But, for most Guyanese, whether residing at home or abroad, their beloved Guyana was never viewed as a failed state, or insignificant micro-nation.

To them, their Guyanese grounding prepared them for success at home, and elsewhere.

So, it is not surprising that many today actively participate in discussions and debates on Guyana’s future, while earnestly offering suggestions and expressing their views on the country’s development and policy initiatives.

An example of such involvement is the International Center for Democracy (ICD), a Chat Platform utilized daily by Guyanese at home and abroad to share views/concerns on Guyana’s affairs.

Within the last year, among the numerous issues

discussed by ICD participants is Guyana’s crime rate, and its effects on the country’s stability and development.

On the Chat platform, crime emerged as a problematic, and sometimes contemptuous concern.

T h e d i v e rg e n t a n d sometimes divisive commentaries on the Chat led Dr. Tara Singh to orchestrate further discussions on Crime and Public Safety in Guyana on the Guyana Dialogue, a social media platform.

Dr. Singh emphasized that his effort should not be construed as instructing Guyanese policy makers on what they should do, but to offer suggestions on crime reduction/resolution within the country.

Given ongoing concerns about incidences of crime within Guyana, it could be beneficial for the

Draft monetization strategy must be actionable DEAR EDITOR, The draft Guyana Gas Monetization Strategy offers a good general overview of the sector with valuable background information.

However, most of what has been presented can be placed in an appendix of a proposed strategy.

The strategy must be actionable with enough specifics to garner support for an informed investment and budgetary commitment.

The draft strategy as it stands today creates more questions than answers.

Some initial suggestions on the draft strategy are as follows: 1. Needs an Executive Summary 2. Although demand scenarios for natural gas are provided, what it means for Guyana when considering other factors such as the examples provided must be part of what informs the strategy:· full energy portfolio mix being pursued · trade agreements with suppliers of value added products from the sector · value added products supply and demand scenarios · the environmental strategy being pursued by Guyana and the Guyana Shield. · installed and planned

capacity for the areas of interest in the value added sectors 3. A cost benefit analysis is also needed with a deeper discussion and presentation around · Natural gas extraction costs (the paper suggests that it may not be economically feasible). The financial analysis needs to be completed · Make vs. buy analysis on value added products · Projected financial scenarios 4. A clear outline of the recommendations should also be fully fleshed out and the draft strategy rereleased for review and analysis.

5. The natural gas comparison to renewables is missing the future scenarios that include technological improvements and performance projections.

Based on the construction timelines provided, a three to five year minimum time horizon should be considered.

6. Although pricing information is provided, the “where to play question?” is not clearly answered nor is the analysis complete with margin information.

A deeper review of the value added components of the sector is needed.

As stated in the paper (taken from Poten and

Partners, Trinidad and Tobago’s Natural Gas Master Plan 2015), “understanding the gas utilization options available and the relative value that each will generate for all parties is at the heart of solving this problem “.

The time should be taken to further analyze each value added option in order to make an informed recommendation for a monetization strategy of Guyana’s Gas. Overall, the draft is a good introduction to start a discussion on where to focus our efforts in the sector. It has answered the question, “Will the sector be needed in the near future and is it an area that we should take a closer look into?”

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

Government to consider decolonizing the criminal justice system, restructuring it in accordance with the constitutional mandates of the country.

Emphatically stated, the process of decolonization would take time and require in-depth analyses beyond the few suggestions presented in this article.

A s m a n y I C D participants noted, the institutional structures and relations colonizers imposed on Guyana have remained intact or partially transformed, and this includes the criminal justice system – a system structured and operated in accordance with authoritarian principles.

Indeed, it would be foolhardy to claim expertise on how to restructure, or reform, Guyana’s criminal justice system without valid analytical evidence.

Hence, the following are just suggestions gleaned from the voluntary commentaries of Guyanese residing within and outside of Guyana, ideas that the Government could take into consideration in transforming the criminal justice system.

These – presented below - along with my personal input, can be utilized to inform the decolonization and transformation of the judicial-criminal justice structure and relations Guyana inherited from colonizers. ( i ) R e o rg a n i z e t h e Appeals/Supreme court to include a group of at least five judges capable of reviewing and adjudicating over constitutional, criminal, and civil matters pertaining to the country – in addition, each judge assuming appellate review responsibilities over two of the ten regions.

(ii) Establish within the judicial structure, courts with specialized legal competencies in the areas of constitutional, criminal (all types, including corporate, c y b e r, a n d v e h i c u l a r homicide), civil, and juvenile justice.

These should be operational within each of the ten regions of the country, with qualified judges presiding in more than one region wherever such is warranted and feasible. (iii) Structure and incorporate at least three appellate courts within the t e n r e g i o n s t o accommodate timely case reviews and appeals. (iv) Restructure the district magistrate system established by colonials, redesignating such to adjudicate primarily over civil matters, while employing qualified judges to adjudicate over criminal (violent, hate, financial, etc.), constitutional, and cyber security matters. (v) Incorporate under the district magistracy a system of restorative-community justice, along with diversion programs for juveniles. (vi) Employ and train a cadre of competent regional prosecutors – preferably attorneys instead on relying on police officers poorly trained for such tasks. (viii) Modernize by decolonizing the Police Force through specialized training for community police, specialized criminal investigators, traffic police etc.

Establish specialized academies for continuing education and training.

It is pertinent to emphasize that the above does not constitute an

exhaustive list of what needs to be done to transform the criminal justice system but meant to provide some considerations for decolonizing the authoritarian structural arrangements Britain imposed upon Guyana, replacing it with one that is efficient and effective in serving Guyanese.

It is also worthy to emphasize that no single judge, or magistrate, is qualified to adjudicate in all matters and areas of criminality, constitutional, civil or juvenile justice as practiced under the colonial system of governance.

By restructuring the Criminal Justice system in accordance with the constitution, judicial competencies and specializations, along with conceptualizations of Guyana as an independent nation state, Guyanese would be better served legally in a timely and impartial manner.

Indeed, transformation takes time, and requires further analyses and considerations.

For too long, clogged courts, delayed justice, improper/failed p r o s e c u t i o n s , q u e s t i o n a b l e legal/judicial decisions have contributed to the disenfranchisement of many Guyanese, and eroded trust in the judicial system. Hence, it would be prudent for the Guyanese Government to decolonize the system, transforming it in accordance with the constitutional mandates and developmental principles of an independent Guyana.

Regards, Narayan Persaud, PhD. Professor Emeritus

Kaieteur News

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Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox The key role of the media in Guyana and the distinction between Journalists and Social Media Commentators DEAR EDITOR, I am writing to express my thoughts on the pivotal role that the media plays in Guyana and to highlight the significant differences between traditional journalists and social media commentators. As the media landscape continues to evolve in our nation, it is essential to understand the distinctive contributions of these two entities and the impact they have on society.

Guyana, with its rich cultural diversity and evolving political landscape, relies heavily on the media to inform, educate, and engage its citizens. The media serves as a watchdog, providing a platform for free expression and the exchange of ideas. It

plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, fostering transparency, and holding those in power accountable. Through traditional print and broadcast media, Guyanese citizens receive credible, well-researched, and factchecked information, which is vital in making informed decisions about their lives and their country’s future.

Journalists, as professionals in the field, are dedicated to upholding the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and objectivity.

They undergo rigorous training to ensure that their reporting adheres to ethical standards and journalistic i n t e g r i t y. J o u r n a l i s t s investigate, verify, and

cross-reference information before presenting it to the public, maintaining the credibility and trustworthiness of their work. They serve as gatekeepers of information, sifting through vast amounts of data to present the most relevant and reliable stories to their audiences.

In contrast, social media commentators, while playing a notable role in the dissemination of information, do not adhere to the same standards of professionalism and objectivity. Social media platforms offer a democratic space for anyone to express their opinions and views, which can be both a blessing and a curse. While this open

platform promotes free speech and provides a forum for diverse voices, it often lacks the stringent factchecking and accountability that professional journalism demands.

S o c i a l m e d i a commentators, often driven by personal opinions, biases, or sensationalism, may disseminate unverified or false information that can lead to misinformation, confusion, and even harm.

The lack of editorial oversight and the absence of professional standards in social media can sometimes undermine the public’s ability to distinguish between fact and opinion.

It is crucial for the Guyanese public to

differentiate between traditional journalists and social media commentators, a s t h e i r r o l e s , responsibilities, and impacts on society vary significantly.

Journalists are bound by a code of ethics and strive to provide accurate, balanced, and well-researched reporting, while social media commentators offer personal perspectives that may not always align with factual information. The discerning public should approach information from both sources with a critical eye, evaluating the credibility and reliability of the content they encounter.

In conclusion, the media in Guyana holds a key role in s h a p i n g o u r n a t i o n ’s

discourse, informing the public, and holding the powerful to account.

Journalists, with their d e d i c a t i o n t o professionalism and journalistic ethics, provide a reliable source of information. Social media commentators, on the other hand, contribute to the diversity of voices in our society but should be viewed with a more critical lens due to the absence of journalistic standards. It is imperative for citizens to value and support responsible journalism while being mindful of the potential pitfalls of unverified information on social media.

Sincerely, Wayne Lyttle

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil has a right to market itself, its decayed greatness, and that we recognize.

What we at this newspaper can never accept is when ExxonMobil uses the money that should come to the Guyanese people to tell the citizens of this country how good it is for them.

No matter how charitably viewed, that still comes across as the work of a scam artist, a cheap corporate hustler.

Since ExxonMobil places such a premium on brainwashing Guyanese about how well it means for them, then there is a principled way for the company to do so.

What ExxonMobil should do, as a matter of consistent practice, is to have the decency to spend its own money.

Use its own profits from Guyana’s low-cost, high-quality oil to fund its self-promotion efforts.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

Protest marches from US to Berlin call for immediate halt to Israeli bombing of Gaza Anti-war activists rally during a pro-Palestinian demonstration asking for ceasefire in Gaza at Freedom Plaza in Washington on Saturday. (AP/Jose Louis Magana)

(AP)-From Washington to Milan to Paris, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched Saturday, calling for a halt to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.

The marches reflected growing disquiet about the mounting civilian casualty toll and suffering from the I s r a e l - H a m a s w a r.

Protesters, particularly in countries with large Muslim populations, including the U.S., U.K. and France, expressed disillusionment with their governments for supporting Israel while its bombardments of hospitals and residential areas in the Gaza strip intensify.

The Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has reached 9,448, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza. In Israel, more than 1,400 people have been killed, most of them in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that started the war.

In the U.S., thousands converged on the nation’s capital to protest the Biden administration’s support of Israel and its continued military campaign in Gaza.

“Palestine will be free,” demonstrators donning black and white keffiyehs chanted as an enormous Palestinian flag was unfurled by a crowd that filled Pennsylvania Avenue — the street leading up to the White House.

Leveling direct criticism of President Joe Biden, Renad Dayem of Cleveland said she made the trip with her family so her children would know “the Palestinian people are resilient — and we want a leader who won’t be a puppet to the Israeli government.”

Dozens of small white body bags with the names of children killed by Israeli

missiles lined the street and demonstrators held signs calling for an immediate cease-fire.

Protesters held signs and banners with messages such as “Biden betrays us” and “In November we remember,” highlighting how the issue could be a factor in Biden’s re-election bid.

Jinane Ennasri, a 27year-old New York resident, s a i d t h e B i d e n administration’s support of Israel despite the thousands of Palestinian deaths has made her rethink voting in the 2024 presidential election, where Biden will likely face GOP front-runner Donald Trump. “We thought he would represent us, but he doesn’t,” she said, “and our generation is not afraid to put elected officials in their place.”

Ennasri, like many demonstrators, said they would likely sit out the 2024 election.

Biden was in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for the weekend and didn’t comment on the protests. In a brief exchange with reporters as he left St. Edmond Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, he suggested there has been some forward movement in the U.S efforts to persuade Israel to agree to a humanitarian pause, answering “yes” when asked if there was progress.

Steve Strauss, a 73- yearold Baltimore resident, said he is one of many Jewish people protesting Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.

“They are trying to kill as many Palestinians as they can get away with,” Strauss said. “I am here to stand up and be a voice for the people who are oppressed.”

In Paris, several

thousand protesters called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and some shouted “Israel, assassin!”

Banners on a soundsystem truck at the Paris march through raindampened streets read: “Stop the massacre in Gaza.”

Demonstrators, many carrying Palestinian flags, chanted “Palestine will live, Palestine will win.”

Demonstrators also took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron, chanting “Macron, accomplice.”

Paris’ police chief authorized the march from République to Nation, two large plazas in eastern Paris, but vowed that any behavior deemed antisemitic or sympathetic to terrorism would not be tolerated.

Multiple countries in Europe have reported increasing antisemitic attacks and incidents since Oct. 7.

In an attack Saturday, an assailant knocked on the door of a Jewish woman in the French city of Lyon and, when she opened, said “Hello” before stabbing her twice in the stomach, according to the woman’s lawyer, Stéphane Drai, who spoke to broadcaster BFM. He said police also found a swastika on the woman’s door. The woman was being treated in a hospital and her life was not in danger, the lawyer said.

At the London rally, the Metropolitan Police said its officers made 11 arrests, including one on a terrorism charge for displaying a placard that could incite hatred.

The police force had forewarned that it would also monitor social media and use facial recognition to spot criminal behavior.

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Sunday Monday November May 02,05, 2022 2023

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Exxon did it elsewhere, Exxon doing it here

I

t is fascinating how history repeats itself.

What was put in place and refined in other places before, that is the exact thing happening in Guyana today. Big tobacco did it. The asbestos people did it. Big oil did it. Why should it not be so, when big corporations buy time, make huge amounts of money on the unsuspecting, and look good in the process. Never forget also, there are those individuals who are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to collect.

The history of Exxon is throwing money at anything and anyone that would make

it look pristine, refined, and an entity worthy of credibility, because it has the work products of its expensive research.

Think tanks are engaged, prestigious academic institutions partnered with, and reputable scientists are recruited through a hazy maze of funding arrangements. The funding arrangements are sometimes in the open for all to know and observe; on many other occasions, the covert is what Exxon outs into action. The marching orders are as simple as simple can be.

This is the objective: come u p w i t h b a s e s ,

interpretations, positions, arguments, and conclusions that contradict the body of studies and knowledge of others. Climate change is a big, bright example of Exxon energized by profit visions, executive ambitions, and consumed by that plain old passion called greed, that state of mind known as hubris.

If some stretching of the studies have to be part of what is publicly presented, then that is alright.

If twisting facts and observations to suit Exxon's expectations is what has to be, then it is what has happened. Or, to say more

harshly, if falsifying and deceiving have to be in the mix to support Exxon's corporate postures, then that is what it has to be. Now, the lawsuits are filed, and the way that this oil behemoth operates gets more ventilation. As Big Tobacco lived richly for a long time and got away with at great cost to others, and finally got its comeuppance, today Exxon steps in that shoe.

Not for the first time. In summary, it is the long and sordid litany of what Exxon puts out, attacks with, or defends through, i.e., the shady work of those willing to be incentivized to do

shady work on behalf of the company. This has been the modus operandi of Exxon in the United States. It is how the company grabs hold of men and entities and use them as agents of deception and, if and when necessary, as instruments of sharp denigration of others.

The incentives on the individual level have been handsome, not easily matched by others.

Certainly, enriching enough to wash away any specks of residual honesty or call to a clean professional ethos.

The kind of ethos that would leave one haloed by recognition of ethical peers, and for works that are deep and thorough and authentic.

Where is the money in doing that, which could beat the cachet of performing for Exxon, and to beat what it has put on the table?

What about the stream of lucrative possibilities for aligning on the side of the company? Should that be foregone, and for what in their place?

This is the background of how Exxon operates. To reference, I urge every Guyanese interested in how oil companies operate to read the singular works of Steve Coll and Daniel Yergin, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his tour de force on oil, The Prize.

I also encourage my fellows to familiarize themselves with Ron Chernow's The Titan, which is the magisterial story of Exxon's founder, John D. Rockefeller. There are the media exposures from venerable institutions that are unchallengeable and damnable. With these as backgrounds, Guyanese would be well equipped to appreciate the battlegrounds of today's Oil Guyana.

Who Exxon has slyly engaged, recruited, and let

loose.

Which Guyanese have been only too willing to accept Exxon's blood money and brightly betray their fellow countrymen? Mostly poor the latter are.

Largely untutored the majority are about the intricacies of how oilmen function, and the lengths to which they will go to sell their stories, and to control the thinking and minds of locals. With subtle or blatant deviousness. Through the auspices of those who call themselves commentators and contributors, and who claim to be all about country, and what is clean. Some brand themselves as analysts and scientists and community activists when the reality is that they are nothing but willing or unwitting closet agents of Exxon.

The package is opulent.

The prestige of being near to movers and shakers, some political, many more about money, and whatever it takes to get as much of it as possible, and as quickly and quietly as could be. I repeat what was said previously: who has the money has the honey (and they can always find a ready pony).

Look at Guyana today.

There are hordes from the bowels of Guyana, who are of the slippery and the subtle, the rubbery and the brittle.

They are about half-truths and whole deceptions, and the beauty of it all is that dirty Yankee dollar is earned right here. History does repeat itself: Exxon's does.

(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.)

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday November 05, 2023

VP Jagdeo shows no interest in arming future projects with penalties if audits of Exxon's expenses continue to expose patterns of skullduggery To d a t e , G u y a n e s e authorities have completed two audits of ExxonMobil Guyana's expenses, covering 1999-2017 and 2018-2020.

These audits have exposed several financial anomalies with the usage of Guyana's profits.

According to the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), once an oil block is ringfenced, there should be no spending of revenues from that block to offset expenses in another block such as Canje or Kaieteur.

However, when auditors reviewed a sample of

ExxonMobil's expenses incurred in the 2018 to 2020 period totalling US$7.3B, they found that the Stabroek Block revenues paid for services related to the Kaieteur and Canje blocks.

To compound this alarming state of affairs, auditors also uncovered that Guyana's oil profits were also used to cover expenses that had nothing to do with the effective running of Exxon's operations offshore.

Auditors attached to Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting and Consultancy Inc with

backing from Martindale Consultants, said Exxon used a portion of Guyana's profits to cover social media ads to promote the company, puppet shows, staff parties, school fees for the expats' children and private drivers amongst other things which are not cost recoverable.

Another equally important point is that audits are still to be done on the third, fourth and fifth oil projects in the Stabroek Block worth approximately US$30B. With these audits still outstanding, Kaieteur News r e c e n t l y a s k e d Vi c e

President, Bharrat Jagdeo if future projects would be armed with stiff penalties if auditors continue to find a pattern of abuse or skullduggery.

The Guyanese official said that the government can only rely on its right to audit Exxon's expenses which is enshrined in the 2016 Stabroek Block PSA. He noted that this right is also afforded to local authorities via all agreements.

He further explained that, “The right to audit gives you a chance to see whether the expenditures were done illegally or they were inflated

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

and therefore you have a mechanism to address it.”

The Vice President said the mechanism the government has at its disposal is to instruct the oil company to return all disputed expenses to the cost bank.

Jagdeo noted that, “This

is how the world of economics (and) accounting works. So there is a mechanism for that, for the government to have oversight over this and it's been in all the contracts.

That's the mechanism that we are pursuing.”

Bail refused (remanded): Joshua Craig

Man remanded for stealing iPhones, cash A man was refused bail at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court on Friday, after answering to the charge of robbing another individual of over $600,000 in valuables including two iPhone model mobile phones.

Joshua Craig appeared at Georgetown Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Leron Daly, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that on October 28, 2023 at Fourth Street, Kingston,

Georgetown, Joshua Craig, stole from the virtual complaint, one iPhone 14 Pro Max model phone valued at $300,000, one iPhone 12 Pro Max model phone valued $300,000 and one black wallet valued $10,000, amounting to the value $610,000.

The prosecutor objected to bail given the nature of the offence. It was also noted by the prosecution that the defendant had led ranks to where he hid the stolen items. Consequently, the court refused bail and Craig was remanded to prison.

The matter was adjourned to February 2, 2024.

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

PAGE 13

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

SUNDAY – OCTOBER 29, 2023

price for the arrogance of our leaders.

Jagdeo's risky stance on interest rates While Suriname has been smart enough to stop oil giants from milking interest rates on their investments, G u y a n a ' s V P, B h a r r a t Jagdeo, insists we shouldn't "copy-cat" our Dutch Speaking neighbour.

A p p a r e n t l y, b e i n g prudent like our neighbours might be "dangerous" for us since Jagdeo is more concerned about being “competitive.”

B u t s h o u l d competitiveness mean letting companies exploit us?

With US$40B on the line for projects in the Stabroek Block, Guyanese are told to sit still in their ignorance and challenge not, the interest rate Exxon might be charging on its mega-investments.

Jagdeo might warn against "cherry-picking" fiscal strategies, but maybe it's high time we pick some lessons from Suriname, lest we be made to pay a horrible

MONDAY – OCTOBER 30, 2023 Exxon contract…

It has been called barefaced and lopsided!

It has been called twisted and one-sided!

The PPP in Opposition called the contract a curse!

The PPP in Govt. now curses those who call it a curse!

Whose side is the PPP Govt on?

Whose chamber is VP Jagdeo in?

TUESDAY – OCTOBER 31, 2023 Self-evident truths Some things don't have to be defended.

Some things speak for themselves.

Nothing has to be distorted or degraded.

Not when truth is a priority, justice rules.

Oil or clean governance: the truth will shine through.

Leadership deceptions, leadership games, only last so long.

WEDNESDAY – NOVEMBER 1, 2023 Happy for what Jagdeo?

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo in reacting to Chevron's buyout of Hess Corporation's 30% share in the Stabroek Block last week said Guyana is an attractive destination and that we should all be happy that the second largest US oil company is ready to invest billions here.

But what are we getting happy about Mr. Jagdeo?

Not a blind cent of that US$53B sale which comprises of 30% of the Stabroek Block is coming our way.

Hess, one predator has sold its 30% to another predator and their shareholders will continue to rape us of our oil in the Stabroek Block.

And Jagdeo wants us to be happy…!

THURSDAY – NOVEMBER 2, 2023 Jagdeo vs Guyanese Bharrat Jagdeo's failure to ring fence ExxonMobil's third, fourth, and fifth oil projects is costing every Guyanese household an estimated G$4 million per year, and this figure is a conservative estimate. The forgone sum of money has the potential to transform the lives of every citizen in Guyana, offering the promise of a decent existence and freedom from debt. But instead of this sum going to our people, it is being appropriated by ExxonMobil out of cost oil.

FRIDAY – NOVEMBER 3, 2023 Secure your future by demanding ring-fencing The stakes are getting higher every day and if Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo gives the green light to the sixth and upward oil projects without implementing ringfencing on them, it would

mean that every household in the country stands to lose an additional entitlement to another G$8 million.

The absence of ringfencing is like leaving your front door open for looters to come and take what they want. It is time for Guyanese to demand their share of the country's oil wealth by insisting on ring- fencing.

SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 4, 2023 Exxon wine and dine with Guyana's oil money There are millions of US dollars from Guyana's share unearthed by the audit that ExxonMobil used for fun and relaxation.

in tiptop shape, so that their minds are clear on how to ripoff Guyana some more.

There are still more millions seized from Guyana's share of its oil revenues, and spent by ExxonMobil to wine and dine its bigshots and their companions. Guyanese were brought to their knees by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there were the executives and managers and insiders of ExxonMobil, and their army of coconspirators, dancing to the stars, and rutting in the overflowing Guyana oil trough.

There are more millions from Guyana's piece of the partnership that ExxonMobil's people grabbed to keep themselves

Patterson thrashes gas strategy as ‘most embarrassing document by a government’ David Patterson, Member of Parliament and Shadow Natural Resources Minister, has issued a damning indictment of the government's draft National Gas Monetisation Strategy, deeming it "the most embarrassing document that can be produced in this era on behalf of a government."

The remarks came during a press conference last Friday by the Alliance for Change (AFC), wherein Patterson did not shy away from conveying his disapproval.

In no uncertain terms, Patterson stated, "It's almost kindergarten-like… I took the time out to go through all 42 pages, and it's such a poorly written document. It's almost like a kindergarten schoolchild used ChatGPT or something like that and wrote it. It's contradictory. In

one section, it says we can do this. The other section says, no, we can't do this. There's no clear plan. There's no clear idea.”

The document, which has been opened for public consultation until November 14, was intended to serve as a blueprint for harnessing Guyana's significant gas resources. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had previously hyped the strategy with an air of assurance, before its publication.

However, the tide of confidence seemed to shift when, at a subsequent press conference, he referred to the strategy not as a decisive roadmap but rather a " d i s c u s s i o n p a p e r. " Patterson said that the strategy has not only been criticized by him but also by

"all the technical persons," highlighting a lack of substance.

The former Public Infrastructure Minister also emphasized that he does not have faith in the consultation process. "We know that they're keeping consultation until November the 14th. We wouldn't be responding.

There is nothing really to respond to that, you know, I mean, if they would like the opposition input, set up a bipartisan committee to the Ministry of Natural Resources or to the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources.”

The shadow oil minister's call for a bipartisan committee stems from what he sees as a pattern of the government overlooking input from opposition parties. By

AFC Executive Member, David Patterson

proposing this committee, Patterson proffered that the AFC would be more willing to engage constructively on oil and gas matters, provided contributions are taken

seriously.

Jagdeo has urged the public to present their views, remarking, "So if you don't believe we have enough gas there and we shouldn't

pursue it tell us so, if you believe that there shouldn't be a lot of concessions to develop these then say so now, but justify it of course."

The Vice President refused a call to publish terms of reference for the strategy, which would delineate the scope of the strategy.

The approach to finalising the document involves reviewing comments and incorporating them into a revised draft, which may be subject to another round of consultation before being finalised.

This iterative process, as highlighted by Jagdeo, is meant to reflect both the government's and the public's vision for monetising the nation's gas resources effectively.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday November 05, 2023

WEEK-IN-REVIEW The Liza Destiny FPSO

SUNDAY Hess investors to benefit from multi-billion dollar merger with Chevron at the expense of a lopsided deal that shafts Guyanese – Int’l Body The global oil industry has been abuzz since last week when U.S. giant Chevron announced its US$53B takeover of Hess Corporation, a move supported by the Guyana Government. This significant acquisition will leave Chevron to assume Hess’s 30% stake in the lucrative Stabroek Block, rich with 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources.

However, the takeover has been met with a spectrum of reactions. Key industry watchdog, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), articulates a contrasting view. The US-based thinktank argued that the colossal deal primarily serves Hess’s shareholders, leaving the Guyanese populace grappling with the less favourable terms of the

rectify contractual loopholes that allow Exxon expansive fiscal liberties.

In a comprehensive report, IEEFA had lambasted Guyanese authorities for refusing to close a loophole which allows Exxon to lump expenses for projects spread across the expansive 6.6 million acres Stabroek Block and charge them against the profits made from two

IEEFA’s Director of Financial Analysis, Tom Sanzillo

Stabroek Block deal.

In many of its analytical reviews, IEEFA has placed the spotlight on many troubling loopholes in the 2016 Stabroek Block agreement between Guyana and energy titans Hess, Exxon, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (a China National Offshore Oil Corporation subsidiary).

I E E FA e x p e r t s h a v e persistently critiqued the arrangement, contending that Guyana’s acceptance of a modest two percent royalty constitutes a raw deal for the country.

The IEEFA has also criticized the Guyana government’s reluctance to

producing projects in the same concession. Like many local stakeholders, IEEFA has advocated that the implementation of a “ringfencing provision” could ensure that each project pays for itself in the Stabroek Block.

Considering the numerous loopholes for revenue leakage that characterize the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement, allowing Exxon and partners to consume the lion’s share of Guyana’s oil resources, IEEFA said Chevron was gunning for a piece of the action.

“The crown jewel of the deal is a Hess partnership in a

massive Guyana offshore oil project. The South American country’s share of offshore profits is sealed with a contract that is one-sided in favor of the companies.

During contract negotiations with ExxonMobil, Hess, and the China National Offshore Oil Co. (CNOOC), Guyanese officials clearly gave away the store,” IEEFA said in a statement issued two days ago.

The U.S. think tank said Guyana is once again poised to allow another oil company to benefit from the lopsided deal.

“Hess shareholders will have a nice payday and the people of Guyana will likely receive a tiny pay envelope.

According to the existing contract, Guyana may get US$100,000 for the (reassignment of the Hess interest in the Stabroek Block to Chevron),” IEEFA said, adding that such a sum would only be paid if the takeover is considered as a reassignment. “We do not know how all the lawyers, or the government and corporate leaders, will interpret the contract,” the organization said.

Unfortunately, IEEFA said the Guyana Government’s track record in dealing with Exxon does not give much hope that it will push to claw back more benefits from the ChevronHess merger.

“We have seen that ExxonMobil, the lead operator for the (Stabroek Block) has walked all over the country to avoid its clean-up obligations.”

Expounding on the clean-up costs, IEEFA said this has to do with

decommissioning of oil projects. Decommissioning in the oil sector refers to the process of safely shutting down and removing oil and gas facilities once they have reached the end of their operational lives. This includes dismantling structures, plugging wells, and restoring the environment to its previous state.

In this regard, IEEFA said Guyana is paying the oil companies USD$3.2 billion out of its current oil profits to ensure the wells and related infrastructure developed as part of the Liza Phase One Project is properly decommissioned in 20 years.

The institution said this represents 100% of expected costs.

“There is no provision to ensure that the money is set aside by the oil companies so that it is actually available in 20 years. This runs against industry standards.

ExxonMobil and its oil partners have a real opportunity to pocket millions, if not billions, with no accountability. If they take the money, sell the project before the wells are decommissioned, and pass the liability onto a weaker c o m p a n y, G u y a n a ’s taxpayers will be left footing the bill,” the institution pointed out.

Citing another national embarrassment, IEEFA said Guyanese authorities mishandled an audit into Exxon’s expenses totalling US$1.6B and incurred from 1999 to 2017. Auditors had said there was over US$214M in questionable spending but back-door talks saw the costs being reduced

to US$3M. When the local media exposed this, it was only then that a probe was launched and government officials clarified that they will stick by the US$214M that was flagged in a report compiled by British consultancy group, HIS Markit.

“So imagine, a simple matter like an audit has been turned into a complete disaster because of incompetence,” IEEFA commented. The US think tank said it remains to be seen if Chevron will be a better partner because they have deeper pockets than Hess.

Chevron had said on Monday that it is buying out all the outstanding shares at Hess Corporation for US$53 billion, or US$171 per share.

During a call with its shareholders, Chevron dubbed the Stabroek Block as “an extraordinary asset with industry leading cash margins and low carbon intensity that is expected to deliver production growth into the next decade.”

As a result of this deal, Chevron said it intends to recommend an increase to its first quarter dividend per share of 8% to US$1.63, which will be subject to the approval of the Chevron Board of Directors. It also plans to increase share repurchases by US$2.5 billion to the top end of its guidance range of US$20 billion per year in a continued upside oil price scenario.

In the Stabroek Block which stretches a massive 6.6 million acres, ExxonMobil is the operator with a 45 percent working

interest while China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) holds 25 percent. Since oil production commenced in December 2019 at the Stabroek Block’s Liza Phase One Project, Exxon successfully started another, the Liza Phase Two, in February 2022. Both projects are producing about 400,000 barrels of oil per day. Exxon and partners are also targeting over 1.2 million barrels of oil by 2027, making Guyana’s Stabroek Block, one of the world’s fastest-ever oil development hotspots.

ExxonMobil tight-lipped about mechanical issue at Liza Destiny vessel where it raised production to breakneck levels Hess Corporation, a 30% partner in the Stabroek Block, reported a mechanical issue at the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The company reported it in its third-quarter earnings report for 2023, finally bringing to light, a matter that had remained s hrouded in secrecy. The only indicator that something was amiss was reduced production, reported on the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Petroleum Management Programme.

According to Hess Corporation, the mechanical issue temporarily hampered production during the third quarter. Fortunately, repairs were promptly carried out by the operator, ExxonMobil, in October, resolving the issue.

(Continued on page 15)

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

From page 14 Currently, production at Liza Destiny ranges from 150,000 to 160,000 gross barrels of oil per day, Hess said. This is a notable high production level, up from the initial nameplate capacity of 120,000 barrels per day.

However, the journey to reach this heightened production level has not been without controversy.

ExxonMobil initiated debottlenecking activities in 2022, which raised production to approximately 150,000 barrels per day. These efforts, aimed at optimising production, raised concerns among some stakeholders who feared that pushing production beyond its initial limits could jeopardise the project’s safety and, by extension, the environment.

ExxonMobil, in response to these concerns, asserted that its production optimisation activities are safe. The company plans to implement similar debottlenecking measures across future projects in Guyana. Next up is the Liza Unity FPSO, designed to produce 220,000 barrels per day, has produced even higher in 2023.

Exxon had said it wanted to increase production to 250,000 barrels per day. Similar plans are likely for future project: Yellowtail (first oil: 2025), Uaru (first oil: 2026), and the Whiptail project (first oil: tentatively 2027), each with a capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.

The mechanical issue reported

by Hess Corporation raises questions about the safety and sustainability of Exxon’s plans.

The nature of this recent incident remains undisclosed to the public, raising concerns that it might be related to the high production levels. If this is indeed the case, it prompts speculation about ExxonMobil’s motives for keeping the issue concealed from public scrutiny, potentially to avoid

pushback against its plans to debottleneck all Stabroek Block projects.

What is equally concerning to stakeholders is the silence from the government, who, one would assume, are privy to the details of the mechanical issue. The lack of transparency regarding such a critical issue is understandably unsettling for stakeholders. It remains to be seen whether ExxonMobil will provide the transparency and assurances necessary to address these concerns and maintain trust in the integrity of the Stabroek Block projects.

MONDAY Jagdeo called Gold Board GM on Troy Resources US$7.2M payment, but failed to address Exxon’s questionable expenses exposed in audit – Glenn Lall Kaieteur News – Publisher and businessman, Glenn Lall, during his radio show, ‘The Glenn Lall

Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo Show,’ questioned Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo, priorities and the government’s selective focus on certain financial matters.

Lall’s primary point of contention is the situation involving Troy Resources, an Australian company that departed these shores without paying US$7.2 million in royalties owed to Guyana.

Bhojnarine Gopaul

Akashmati Ramnaraine

Tulsie Rampersaud

PAGE 15

Publisher and businessman, Glenn Lall

During his last press conference, Jagdeo seemingly accepted that his government is partly responsible for Troy Resources escaping with unpaid royalties. Jagdeo was seeking to shift most of the blame for “the great escape” by Troy Resources with Guyana’s cash on the previous David Granger-led administration.

The Vice President in response to a recent Stabroek News article headlined, ‘PPP/C govt. fully to blame over unpaid Troy royalties’, said that it’s the coalition government that failed to collect the bulk of the $2.6B owed yo Guyana.

Jagdeo said that he learnt this after doing some digging and calling the General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, Eondrene Thompson for some clarity. “So, she said to me in 2018, you had 5,639 ounces of gold in royalty that they should have paid, but did not pay. That is equivalent to the value of US$7.2 million or a Guyana dollar value of 1.5 billion dollars.

So that is the bulk of the money already made there in unpaid royalties in 2018”, the Vice President noted.

Jagdeo’s commented while admitting that he only called the General Manager of the Gold Board about the unpaid royalties which came under scrutiny by Lall during his programme on Friday night.

Addressing the Jagdeo’s response, Lall raised questions about the Vice President’s commitment to addressing more substantial financial irregularities.

Lall als o expres s ed his dissatisfaction with how foreign companies like Troy Resources and ExxonMobil are given leeway to benefit at the expense of Guyana’s resources. He highlighted that these entities walked away with substantial profits, including the US$7.2 million royalty, and criticized the blame-shifting to the Opposition.

Lall argued that while Jagdeo emphasized the money Troy Resources got away with, he downplayed the much larger amounts reportedly mishandled by ExxonMobil, highlighting

instances where they used Guyana’s profits for expenses unrelated to the nation’s benefit.

In fact, he said, “Now I am sure all of ayuh missed the most important words that came out that man’s mouth just now. Remember he said 30 minutes ago he called the General Manager for the Gold Board to find out that issue. The auditors that checked Liza 1 and 2 bills found out that ExxonMobil spend our profits, half million US dollars a day to have drill ships stand by to work in Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks for months, wha nah got nothing to do with Guyana as yet – that figure must be 10 times wha Troy gone with. Uncle, did Bharat Jagdeo call ExxonMobil?

No.” Moreover, Lall called into question the priorities of the Vice President.

“Uncle, ExxonMobil spend US$58.5 million USD, 8 times of what Troy run away with of our profits on COVID expenses for them, flying in chartered private jets, did he call ExxonMobil about that? Aunty, ExxonMobil used Guyana’s profits on Christmas cook-out, Zumba and Yoga classes for the foreigners – did Jagdeo call ExxonMobil?” Lall questioned.

Lall went on to state that the audit showed Exxon using money from Guyana oil resources to pay for like private drivers, and for Exxon employees’ children to attend private school.

“ExxonMobil taking out US millions in VAT… did Bharat Jagdeo pick up he phone and call Exxon? No, no uncle, he said Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the ministry gon deal with that.

But he can find time to call the Gold Board General Manager to find out about US$7.2 million Troy Resources thief out from we,” Lall noted.

Superbet cashier, two others arrested for scamming ATMs Kaieteur News – A Superbet cashier is among three persons who were arrested on Sunday for allegedly scamming several Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

From page 15 machines in the city. Police identified the cashier as Akashmati Ramnaraine, 37, of Coldingen, East Coast Demerara (ECD) while her accomplices were Bhojnarine Gopaul, called ‘Sandeep,’ a 37year-old technician of Coldingen, ECD and Tulsie Rampersaud, a 26year-old welder of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Detectives had them under surveillance and at around 00:15, they were nabbed.

Police had received a report that the trio was targeting ATM machines of several commercial banks.

The cops on Sunday trailed them to a Citizen Bank’s ATM machine at Giftland Mall. There, police saw Tulsie Rampersaud stepping out of the car dressed in a black ‘hoodie’ and red short pants.

He went into the ATM and spent about 40 seconds before returning to the car. After leaving the mall, the trio went to another Citizen Bank’s ATM machine, which is located at OMG on Sheriff Street, where Rampersaud repeated his action.

Police then made their move and intercepted the car in which the occupants were travelling. A search was conducted and the ranks found the group with four debit cards, a Bank of America Visa Debit Card, one New York State Medicaid Recipient Card, and two blank cards.

They were all taken into police custody.

TUESDAY Exxon spends US$millions of Guyana’s profits to promote self at local business events The latest audit report on ExxonMobil’s expenses totalling over US$7 billion has flagged a number of bills which are not in co n n ectio n w ith p etr o leu m operations.

According to the report compiled by Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc., with backing from Martindale Consultants, ExxonMobil spent US$4.9M on promoting itself at the events hosted by local business groups as well as for travel and rent expenses for its expatriates which were not in keeping with the conditions outlined in the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

Auditors said the PSA states that all costs, expenses and expenditures can only be recovered provided that they are relating to the petroleum operations. The team of experts said, “…a cost must be carried out for, or in connection with, production operations for the cost to be recoverable.”

Kaieteur News understands that Exxon acknowledged that the costs

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during his address

are not recoverable because it reversed more than US$2M charged in another case for sponsorships, social media management, and other similar costs. On such a premise, the auditors argued that Exxon must do the same and return the flagged sum to the Stabroek Block account.

It should be noted that this audit report prepared by Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc is yet to be released to the public. Another critical point of note is that this audit did not entail a review of every bill related to the 2018 to 2020 period as it was not a forensic audit. In fact, leader of the local consortium involved in the audit, Floyd Haynes, confirmed this with Kaieteur News in a previous interview.

He had further explained that the audit would not examine every single cost incurred by Exxon. He said no audit is ever done that way.

Haynes said auditors look at a sample of the costs incurred. He had said that sample is based on a number of things.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that the audit contract that was awarded to Haynes and his team back in 2022 for US$751,000 had a strict four-month deadline for completion. Notably, the US$7.3B costs which the auditors examined pertain to the investments for the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Projects which are currently producing approximately 400,000 barrels of oil per day.

Guyana negotiating US$500M loan from African bank AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2023…

– funding to go towards infrastructure projects

By Kiana Wilburg Kaieteur News – President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday revealed that Guyana is currently engaged in discussions with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for a substantial US$500 million loan.

This potential influx of funds is earmarked for the nation’s

ambitious line-up of transformative infrastructure initiatives. The announcement was a focal point during Dr. Ali’s keynote speech at the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, hosted at the Marriott Hotel, which concludes today. Emphasizing the challenges faced by African and Caribbean nations to tackle key issues—ranging from food to energy insecurity—he spotlighted the crucial role of institutions like Afreximbank. Such organizations he said provide essential financing that can enable nations to tackle and surmount their various challenges.

It was here that Dr. Ali confirmed the ongoing negotiations between Guyanese officials and the bank for the sizable bridge financing.

Furthermore, President Ali highlighted other significant collaborations with African financial entities that are opening doors for development in Guyana.

A notable mention was made about Guyanese businessman and accountant, Floyd Haynes, the founder of New Hayven Merchant Bank which launched just last year.The Head of State said Haynes has been a bridge between Africa and Guyana, undertaking multiple trips to foster discussions that bolster financial opportunities for the Guyanese market.

“Floyd has held many discussions with the Africa Exim Bank to do a number of things. Just like the government, they (his Merchant Bank) are in final stages of negotiating a US$15 million facility to support local businesses, that is, small and medium-scale enterprises here in Guyana. His bank is also working with the Exim Bank, I am advised, in support of one of the first local group of women (Sispro Inc.), who would have won two of the oil blocks here in Guyana,” the President said.

In a call to action, President Ali also urged the regional private sector to seize the moment. He emphasised the importance of engaging with Afreximbank officials present at the forum. His challenge to them was clear – to put forth proposals that could definitively address the region’s

Sunday November 05, 2023

recurring transport issues. The Head of State said, “I would be furious… I will even consider it a severe missed opportunity by the regional private sector if they cannot form a consortium and use this opportunity that the Exim Bank is offering to end our regional transport system failure and I speak specifically about our maritime transport infrastructure.”

He added, “We can plant and grow as much as we want. We can do agro-processing, manufacturing, and industrial development. We can reengineer the supply chain, but we have to move things. We have to move things throughout the region.” He said therefore that the matter of maritime and logistical trade woes must be top of mind. The President said he has received assurances from the African Exim bank that it is ready to examine a proposal from the regional private sector that offers a pragmatic solution.

“Every single state in CARICOM has made it clear that we will give all the incentives necessary to facilitate the building of a regional transport infrastructure system to solve the problem of regional transport. It is in your hands now. And we will champion it…We are too small to think and act in silos,” the President said.

Ali was also keen to highlight that the African Exim Bank has an asset base totalling US$35B. He then urged the private sector to bear in mind that financial services sector account for more than 50% of the bank’s loan portfolio, adding that oil and gas only accounts for 15 percent. He also noted that manufacturing accounted for 4.5%, power generation accounted for 4.2%, and construction 3.5%. “This tells you that the bank has a

diversified portfolio of opportunities you can tackle,” Ali said.

The president then charged the regional private sector to be proactive and embark on a new chapter of development for the African-Caribbean relations.

ABOUT THE FORUM AND BANK The idea for ACTIF2022 resulted from an official Afreximbank visit to Barbados in September 2021, which followed t h a t m o n t h ’s i n a u g u r a l Africa/CARICOM Summit.

During the visit, the Government of Barbados and Afreximbank identified the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum as a key strategic activity towards institutionalising the engagement between both regions’ private sectors to advance trade and investment relations. The inaugural edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum was held in Bridgetown, Barbados from September 1-3, 2022, and the second edition is being held in Georgetown, Guyana, from October 30-31, 2023.

As for the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank), it is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution, mandated to finance and promote intra-and extraAfrican trade.

For 30 years, the bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa.

A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), (Continued on page 57)

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

$26 million to reconstruct key Robb Street bridge The bridge at the busy junction of Robb Street and Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown which sank recently is being reconstructed by the Ministry of Public Works at the estimated cost of $26 million.

Speaking with this publication recently, an engineer attached to the project explained that the works are divided into two phases; each phrase has an estimated cost of $13 million.

He stated that the bridge will be built at a standard to which it can take the load of traffic which traverses there frequently, adding that the bridge will be a pre-cast concrete, deck bridge. The project has a three-week time span in terms of completion.

During an interview, the engineer highlighted two factors that contributed to the collapsing of the bridge, which were its age and the heavy trucks that would traverse it on a daily basis. He further noted that the bridge lacks weight control.

As such, for future references, this will be under consideration.

The Ministry of Public Works issued a public notice on Friday, highlighting that due to the reconstruction of the bridge, the normal flow of traffic will be disrupted.

The Ministry urges motorists and pedestrian to be cautious when traversing the area, and to pay attention to all caution and directional signs.

In addition, the Ministry said it regrets any inconvenience caused, and will work diligently to ensure that the road returns to normal function as quickly as possible.

The bridge that sank at Robb Street and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown

Kaieteur News

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Sunday November 05, 2023

Annandale cutlass bandit shot dead Police on Saturday shot and killed a 23-year-old man who was allegedly involved in a series of robberies committed between Annandale and Non Pariel on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Police identified the man as Joseph Fiffee of Buxton, ECD who is no stranger to the law. Fiffee was remanded more than once for his involvement in multiple criminal activities in the past and it is believed that he might one of the perpetrators involved in Tuesday night's robbery spree at Annandale that left two badly wounded from chop-wounds.

On Saturday, Fiffee had a run in with the anti-crime patrol ranks at Annandale and it ended fatally for him.

“This morning (Saturday, 4th November 2023), an unknown caller contacted Vigilance Police Station and reported that Fiffee was seen riding a bicycle at Annandale,” police said.

Crime patrol ranks were sent in search of him in GPF's pick-up.

“The robbery suspect was seen riding a red bicycle with a cutlass between the bar,” police continued in its report.

When Fiffee saw the police, he began riding faster and attempted to elude the lawmen by turning into a street. Police chased him and the lawmen alleged that Fiffee pulled out a handgun and fired two shots at

Dead: Joseph Fifee them.

Ranks said that they sought cover and one of them fired back at him. Fiffee then reportedly dropped his bicycle, scaled a fence and collapsed in a yard.

Video footage of the shooting seen by this publication showed armed police ranks ordering Fiffee not to move as he lay in the yard.

He was picked up by the ranks and was rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was later

Gun recovered by police at the scene of the shooting

pronounced dead around 09:44hrs.

Police recovered the gun which Fiffee allegedly used to fire at them.

Two .25 spent shells were also recovered.

Fiffee was only released from prison on August 30 last after he was charged with armed robbery.

O n Tu e s d a y n i g h t , t w o Annandale residents were almost killed after they were attacked by bicycle bandits.

One of the victims, a 22-yearold old man identified as Ryan Persaud, sustained a fractured skull after the assailants chopped him to the head in front of his home at Peter Street, Annandale. Persaud's life was reportedly saved by an emergency surgery.

Not long after Persaud's attack, the bicycle bandits struck again in Annandale, this time attacking a taxi driver, while he was reversing in the vicinity of a shop. He,

however, fought back but they overpowered him and dealt him several chops before carting away with his valuables including cash.

Kaieteur News was able to obtain video footage of the attack on the taxi driver.

Kaieteur News understands that Fiffee was also a suspect in the Annandale robberies and a spate of robberies that took place in the area from October 21 to November 3, 2023.

UG Road stabbing victim was trailed by attackers, cornered R

elatives of a 19y e a r- o l d m a n who was stabbed on Friday along UG Road, Turkeyen, Georgetown are alleging that he was trailed and attacked by a family.

The victim, Wilfred Simon of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara is currently hospitalized as police continue investigations. Kaieteur News understands that Simon is not the only individual nursing injuries. One of his friends who was with him at the time of the attack, was chopped to his head.

According to Simon's relatives, he was attacked by a woman, her stepson and a man believed to be the woman's husband. They alleged too that it was the woman who reportedly stabbed Simon.

They believe that attack might have stemmed from an

ongoing feud between Simon and the woman's stepson which started a week ago.

The relatives alleged that the woman's stepson and several other boys had attacked Simon's brother a week ago and beat him up.

They told Kaieteur News that they are not sure what might have caused the tension between Simon and the woman's stepson, however, based on what they learnt from the victim, it might be over a girl.

Simon and the woman's stepson are reportedly involved in a triangular relationship with the girl in question and the situation escalated.

On Friday, relatives recalled, Simon left home in his car.

He had picked up a few friends, all juveniles and were reportedly fuelling up at a gas station located in the

vicinity of Ogle, ECD when they noticed that they were being trailed by another car.

Simon reportedly became fearful and started turning his car through different cross streets to elude the car. On UG Road, however, they were cornered.

Relatives alleged that they learnt that woman and her stepson emerged from the car armed with a cutlass and a 'Rambo' knife and attacked.

“She stabbed Wilfred while he was still in the car,” one relative alleged.

The attack erupted into chaos and confusion along t h e r o a d w a y. S i m o n reportedly fell to the ground next to the car and the police were called to the scene.

When the ranks arrived, persons began scattering and police began apprehending everyone they saw running away as the commotion simmered.

According to the relatives, the persons police arrested were not the perpetrators; some were Simon's friend, they said. The real suspects managed to slip away from scene unnoticed, they alleged.

Police were able to recover a cutlass and 'Rambo' knife from the scene. It is also being alleged that police also shot someone during the chaos.

That individual is said to be a juvenile. Simon, the injured juvenile and Simon's friend, who was chopped to the head, were hospitalized while a few others were taken into custody to assist with investigation.

Kaieteur News contacted the Commander of Region 4 A, Simon McBean to confirm the claims made by the victim's relatives but calls to his phone went unanswered.

This newspaper also

Wounded: Wilfred Simon called the Head of the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Mark Ramotar but he did not answer the

calls. A message was also sent to Ramotar but up to press time, he did not respond.

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

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CCJ orders NBS to pay former CEO full pension

Former CEO of NBS, Maurice Arjoon The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has issued a judgment order directing the New Building Society (NBS) to pay its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maurice Arjoon his full pension.

According to documents seen by this publication, the CCJ released its judgment order on October 25, 2023, just two weeks after it heard oral arguments in relation to the case which dates back to 2011, when Arjoon had sued the financial institution for dismissing him wrongfully in 2007.

The former CEO was fired after being accused of conspiring with two others to defraud NBS of $69M – a case which went to trial and was subsequently dismissed.

The money reportedly belonged to Bibi Khan.

In 2017, High Court Judge, Brassington Reynolds, found that Arjoon was dismissed wrongfully

and was owed his pension benefits. Justice Reynolds ruled in favour of and granted a $79 million award to Arjoon.

Last year, the Court of Appeal slashed the judgment that NBS was ordered to pay to $18.8 million. Arjoon in turn appealed the ruling to the CCJ. The society also filed a cross appeal in the matter.

In the document, the CCJ noted that it allowed Arjoon’s appeal but struck out the Cross-Appeal by the NBS. The Apex Court also reversed a decision by Guyana’s Court of Appeal that Arjoon was not entitled to his pension benefits.

As a result, the Judgment and Order which High Court Justice Brassington Reynolds made on 20 July 2017 that Arjoon is entitled to his benefits with interests, was restored. The Final Court of Appeal also ordered NBS to pay to Arjoon the

additional sum of his leave pay and passage assistance for the years 2006 and 2007 in addition to standard costs.

The court on the other hand said that a decision on the issue of entitlement to severance pay is reserved.

Meanwhile, following the issuance of the judgment order of the CCJ, Attorneys at the law firm, Luckhoo and Luckhoo issued a letter to NBS demanding payments on behalf of Arjoon.

The letter outlined that the sums owed which NBS is instructed to pay immediately. Failure to pay

the sums ordered, the law firm warned, will result in its client taking steps to levy on NBS’s property.

Last month, the CCJ heard the appeal filed by the dismissed CEO over his pension. At the time, the court has said that it will determine the matter shortly.

Senior Counsel, Steven Fraser who had petitioned the CCJ on behalf of NBS asserted that the High Court had made a wrong determination by ruling that Arjoon was wrongfully dismissed. The lawyer said that he was therefore not

entitled to his pension.

In his submission, Fraser, inter alia, pointed to evidence that was tendered in the High Court but was not admitted. To this, judges of the CCJ sought clarity on his reasoning. “Did you argue that the trial judge was in error for not admitting that evidence or ought to have admitted that evidence?

What did the Court of Appeal decide about that and is this a ground of appeal before us?” Justice Peter Jamadar specifically asked.

“Well… your honours if I may answer… we do feel

that it is an egregious miscarriage of justice and we are fortified that this court, the Apex Court; even when there are cases of concurrent findings of fact is not shy to look at the inferences which are to be drawn from the findings or the primary findings of fact…” the attorney said in reply.

Justice Denys Barrow raised similar contentions.

He admitted that Fraser’s submissions bothered him.

“I must confess that I am gravely, gravely bothered…You want us to Continued on page 62

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

Sunday November 05, 2023

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Kaieteur News

s l l a f r e Wat The

Eco - Lodge

- a tourism destination borne out of university field trips

locally produced TV series

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

Tricia Harris

Meet Tricia Harris Tricia has been a digital portrait artist for the past five years.

She said it is enjoyable working with an unlimited amount of colours digitally but she says she is slowly delving into traditional art recently, most specifically oil painting, charcoal and graphite drawings. Tricia says she finds that it is more practical and a lot can be learnt from experimenting with different mediums.

“My favourite subjects to draw include flowers, landscapes, food, animals but mostly portraiture,” she said. She has rich ambitions to become an art tutor and she is slowly putting that into motion with her recently created YouTube channel.She believes that it is important to take a break and on days when she is not sitting at her easel, she ventures out in nature, where she reads a good book or seeks more inspiration to share with the world.He favourite quote is - “What is done in love, is done well.” - Vincent Van Gogh

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

A call to arms against the surge of gang violence By: Sir. Ronald Sanders

There has been a surge in gang violence and gun violence in Latin America and the Caribbean, leading to a high level of murders and heightened fear in many countries.

The figures are alarming not only for the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) but also for all other countries in the Americas, including the United States of America and Canada.

The situation has become so alarming that I was prompted, in my capacity as President of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS), to hold a Special Meeting on this matter on November 1, 2023.

Representatives of 22 countries spoke, painting a worrying picture from both humanitarian and security standpoints.

The consensus from the meeting was undeniable: this is a challenge too vast for any single country to tackle in isolation.

However, El Salvador claims that its aggressive measures, including jailing 71,000 gang members (about 2% of its population) have brought a great sense of security to a society that had been terrorized by gang violence for decades.

Human rights bodies have c r i t i c i s e d t h e administration of President Nayib Bukele, claiming that some of its stringent measure violate human rights law.

The experience in El Salvador is indicative of the tension between strong law enforcement measures to curb the criminal activity of armed gangs and international humanitarian law which demands that, at all times, individuals be guaranteed the enjoyment of fundamental rights and liberties.

How humanitarian law, in respect of uprooting criminal gangs, meshes with the call for a military force to remove over 60 gangs that are tormenting the country, is one of the paradoxes from which some governments have shied away.

In any event, the panel of experts, who vividly described the scale of the problem of guns, gangs and violence, left no doubt about three things: gangs and guns are in the hands of organised criminal enterprises which operate across borders; the infiltration of guns, mostly

from the United States of America (USA) is fuelling homicides including assassinations; and national law enforcement agencies lack the capacity to cope with the problem by themselves.

Such conditions partly explain the expansion of gang and criminal activity throughout the Americas.

But it is not the full explanation; other factors contribute.

Among these are disillusioned, disenchanted and desperate young people who are lured into gangs as a way of getting money and asserting themselves.

The presentation by Trinidad and Tobago’s Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Reginald Armour, to the OAS meeting was as startling as it was revealing.

For example, he pointed out that “in Jamaica, approximately 70% of the violence is related to criminal organizations, despite the Government’s drastic measures to combat g a n g s , b y t h e implementation of ‘Gang Suppression’ laws and States of Emergency, repeated military and police operations and the arrest of 149 gang leaders”.

He observed that “these gangs continue to evolve with new leaders and a ready supply of illicit firearms originating from the United States”.

M r. A r m o u r a l s o disclosed that “in Trinidad and Tobago, the combination of firearms and the fragmentation of competing gangs has increased the murder rate, with 614 homicides recorded in 2022”.

This situation in not unique to Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, the two most populous states of CARICOM, apart from Haiti.

In 2022, official figures showed that 5 CARICOM countries were among the top 10 nations in the world with the highest national murder rates per 100,000 people. The 5 countries were: Jamaica, St Lucia, Belize, Dominica and Guyana in that order. Of the other 5 countries, 4 were Latin American: Honduras, Mexico, Colombia and Brazil.

At the OAS meeting, Romain Le Cour Grandmaison, a senior expert at the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, pointed out that, “the proportion of firearms

involved in national homicides increased from 15% in 1997 to 70% in 2021.”

He said that now, around 50 people are murdered with firearms every day.

A similar point about the relation between firearms and violence, particularly murder was made by other speakers, including Maria Eugenia Mata of the Ministry of Public Security of Costa Rica.

According to an article from The Economist, “in previously safe countries, murder rates are hitting record levels, including Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Chile.

The article calls it the new narco-network: a cocktail of drugs, guns, and migration is fuelling gang violence across the region”.

The Caribbean and Latin America, therefore, lying next to each geographically with many of them bordering the Caribbean sea, have a common problem and a collective responsibility to their peoples to work together to address it effectively.

Undoubtedly, national efforts are underway, yet law enforcement agencies grapple with being underfunded and understaffed. Many are also in need of training and equipment.

The OAS Secretariat has done a great body of work that assesses strengths and weaknesses within these security forces, and it has expertise that should be utilized to improve national capacity.

In the face of such stark realities – where firearms, gangs, and transnational crime erode the fabric of our societies – the call for action has never been more pressing.

We stand at a crossroads where the only path forward is one of unity, collaboration, and unwavering resolve.

It is not just about enhancing law enforcement capabilities; it is about forging an unbreakable chain of solidarity across the Americas.

The OAS is well-placed to spearhead this initiative, transforming policy recommendations into concrete measures: from tightening firearm export controls in the United States to fostering regional intelligence-sharing protocols, from expanding support for community programmes that address the root causes of gang recruitment to bolstering judicial systems that can

withstand the corruption and influence of organized crime.

OAS member states should commit to mobilizing the necessary political will and financial resources to implement such a plan.

The time for concerted action is now; the cost of delay is simply too great.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador

to the US and the OAS. He is also the current President of the OAS Permanent Council.

The views expressed are entirely his own.

For comments and previous commentaries, s e e : www.sirronaldsanders.com)

Sir. Ronald Sanders

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

THE

Court Journal

By Renay Sambach In a nation grappling with the repercussions of electoral fraud, Guyana’s quest for justice remains a n e n d u r i n g j o u r n e y. T h e Magistrate Court is currently at the centre of this protracted legal battle, awaiting crucial guidance from Chancellor of the Judiciary ( a g ) , Yo n e t t e C u m m i n g s , regarding the allocation of a specialized court to handle the 2020 electoral fraud cases.

The roots of this complex saga traces back to the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, an event reportedly marred by controversy and allegations of manipulation. Following a comprehensive investigation, several former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials and other individuals found themselves facing over 20 electoral fraud-related charges.

Among those charged are prominent figures such as Keith Lowenfield, the former Chief Elections Officer of GECOM, and Roxanne Myers, Deputy Chief Elections Officer. Clairmont Mingo, a Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Returning Officer, Opposition members Volda Lawrence and Smith-Joseph, and several GECOM employees, including Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise BobbCummings, and Michelle Miller, have all found themselves entangled in the legal proceedings.

The date to watch is December 12, when Special Prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, QC, is expected to provide an update to Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, who presides over the cases at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The key moment of this update hinges on the Chancellor ’s guidance.

PAGE 25

Guyana’s electoral fraud case In a previous court hearing, Ramdhani proposed the consolidation of charges into a single unified case, citing a common origin of evidence.

However, Senior Magistrate Daly, already burdened by a significant caseload, expressed reservations.

To address these concerns, the prosecutor offered to engage in a dialogue with the Chancellor, with the possibility of appointing a dedicated magistrate to oversee these cases.

As the most recent hearing revealed, Ramdhani was poised to present the court with the Chancellor’s guidance. However, he conveyed that the communication had been dispatched, and they were eagerly awaiting a response. Importantly, Ramdhani noted the state’s full readiness to proceed in whatever direction the case might take.

Senior Magistrate Daly emphasized the importance of methodically organizing the extensive evidence to ensure a fair and efficient trial process.

Ramdhani reiterated his commitment to facilitating this process and ensuring justice is

Clairmont Mingo

PNCR Chairman Volda Lawrence

APNU-AFC activist Carol Joseph-Smith

On the legal front, the State’s legal team, led by Ramdhani, includes attorneys-at-law Glen Hanoman, Arudranauth Gossai, Ganesh Hira, Mark Conway, and George Thomas. Representing the defendants are Attorneys-at-law Hughes, Ronald Daniels, Eusi Anderson, and Konyo Sandiford.

In a significant turn earlier this year, retired Chief Magistrate Ann

The amended charges alleged that between March 2 and August 2, 2020, at Georgetown, the six defendants conspired with former GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes cast. Michelle Miller faced a separate charge

law and order, democratic stability, and the preservation of the people’s will.

Nandlall acknowledged the public’s frustration over the lack of progress, highlighting the significant role they played in calling for these charges.

However, he lamented the fact that despite three years having passed, the cases had not advanced as they

Darshan Ramdhani, QC

Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes

Keith Lowenfield

Roxanna Myers

served. Amidst these legal manoeuvres, the defendants’ attorney, Nigel Hughes, raised concerns and contested the Chancellor ’s jurisdiction to intervene at this stage.

However, accusations have surfaced that the State is stalling the case. In response, Ramdhani emphasized the prosecution’s readiness to commence their case, underscoring the urgency of resolving this matter.

McLennan granted an application to amend the charges against several individuals who were charged for their alleged attempt to rig the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. Notably, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) members, Volda Lawrence and Carol SmithJoseph, along with four employees of GECOM, faced amended charges to which they all pleaded not guilty.

related to her role in the GECOM Command Centre.

Yet, this journey toward justice has been far from conclusion, with Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall expressing his dissatisfaction with the slow progress of these electoral fraud cases in the Magistrates’ Courts.

He had emphasized the national importance of these cases, touching on issues vital to

should have.

In response to these delays, the Attorney General had written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar AliHack, seeking an update on the electoral fraud cases.

The public’s desire for justice in these cases remains palpable, with the outcome of these charges bearing significant implications for the future of Guyana’s democracy.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

Kourtney Kardashian has given birth to her first child with husband Travis Barker The little boy is the Blink182 drummer’s fourth child.

He’s dad to Landon and Alabama, and stepdad to Atiana with ex-wife Shanna Moakler. The Kardashians star shares kids Mason, Penelope and Reign with former partner Scott Disick.

Ahead of the newborn’s arrival, Barker revealed on the One Life One Chance podcast that the couple had selected the name Rocky Thirteen Barker.

“I was like, ‘He’s going to come out of my wife’s vagina doing front kicks and pushups,’” he joked at the time, and also revealed that the reality TV personality was due on Halloween or “the first week of November.”

One person who’s fully on board with the baby boy’s name? His big sister Alabama.

“It’s a cool name,” the 17-year-old told E! News. “We all have very authentic, weird names … I love Rocky, I do.”

Barker and Kardashian — who married in May 2022 — announced her pregnancy during a Blink-182 concert in June. During the show at the BMO stadium in Los Angeles, the Poosh founder held up a sign that read “Travis I’m Pregnant,” recreating a scene from the band’s “All the Small Things” music video.

The reality star has shared her pregnancy

PAGE 27

Creed Announces 2024 Reunion Tour

Kourtney Kardashian and her husband Travis Barker journey with fans, posting photos of her baby bump on social media. But in September, she shared a scary update, revealing that she had to have “urgent fetal surgery.”

“As someone who has had three really easy pregnancies in the past, I wasn’t prepared for the fear of rushing into urgent fetal surgery,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “I don’t think anyone who hasn’t been through a similar situation can begin to understand that feeling of fear. I have a whole new understanding and respect for the mamas who have had to fight for their babies while pregnant.” She also thanked doctors for saving her little boy’s life, as well as Barker for rushing home while touring overseas to be by her side. Kardashian concluded her post, “Walking out of the hospital with my baby boy in my tummy and safe was the truest blessing.”

Creed band members After plotting a 2024 reunion with their Summer of ’99 cruise, Creed has announced a 40-city North American tour, which will mark their first time hitting the road together in over a decade.

The 2024 Summer of ’99 tour, produced

by Live Nation, kicks off on July 17, 2024, and will run through Sept. 28. While 3 Doors Down will be direct support on the majority of the tour, Daughtry, Switchfoot, Tonic and Big Wreck will join Creed on select dates, and Finger Eleven will open all dates on the reunion run. “I feel like I’m as strong as I’ve ever been vocally, and looking forward to sharing the stage with the guys again,” says frontman Scott Stapp in a statement. “The fans have clearly let us know they feel it’s long overdue. I want to give them what they deserve. I’m ready to bring it.”

In the middle of the tour, Creed will head to San Bernardino, Calif. to top the bill of the

inaugural Summer of ’99 and Beyond Festival, which will corral the openers on various legs of the tour and welcome a few other special guests. 3 Doors Down, Daughtry, Finger Eleven, Fuel, Vertical Horizon, The Verve Pipe will join Creed on Aug. 31 at San Bernardino’s Glen Helen Amphitheatre.

“Summer of ‘99 and Beyond Festival in San Bernardino is going to be so special for all of us,” says guitarist Mark Tremonti. “It is giving us a chance to bring performances from the cruises and tour together in one location. That show is going to be a highlight for us next year.”

In July, Creed announced their first shows together in 12 years as headliners of the Summer of ’99 cruise, setting sail from April 18-22, 2024. The band added a second cruise the following weekend, and both trips are sold out.

Mariah Carey sued for ‘All I want for Christmas is You’ At the dawn of the global Mariah Carey Season, TMZ reports that the elusive chanteuse has been sued over her genredefining Christmas anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The plaintiffs claim Carey “palmed” the lyrics, title and credit to their Christmas song of the same name, calling her origin story for Singer Mariah Carey

the song “incredulous.” While the suit is not the first lodged against her iconic track, it echoes the sentiment of many across the industry that Carey is neither a reputable songwriter or producer.

They’re wrong, of course, and her rich discography towers over her contemporaries and musical offspring.

In the suit, co-plaintiffs Andy Stone and Troy Powers allege that their Christmas tune

of the same name was copied by Carey for her own 1994 hit, citing similarities in the hook, melody, and Christmas nature of the track.

What’s interesting is, on repeat listens, I’ve found nary a similarity outside the overall Christmas theming, which Stone and Powers claim as the basis of their lawsuit.

From a purely legal standpoint, their suit being successful would open a can of worms about musical rights. If Christmas songs cannot substantially differentiate themselves using motifs like the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, fireplaces, or snow, then what other basic similarities might one sue over in a love song, or a breakup anthem?

I care less about the lawsuit, because the previous suit of the same nature — also courtesy of Stone — went nowhere meaningful for the plaintiff.

What matters more here is the very nature of the accusation, which includes words like “incredulous” to describe Carey’s ability to write a song, and more broadly, produce one.

In an interview with Rolling Stone at the time, songwriter Priscilla Renea pushed back against mainstream sentiments that Carey did not write or produce her own music: “[Wendy Williams] made a comment about how Mariah just walks into a studio and songs are made for her and she just sings them. I want to let her know: No. Mariah writes all her records. She’s very involved in every step of the way. She knows her stuff.”

Adele and her partner Rich Paul

Adele is ready to expand her family During one of her Las Vegas residency shows, the “I Drink Wine” singer, 35, revealed that she’d like to have another baby, according to fan videos posted on TikTok. “I really want to be a mom again soon,” Adele shared after a pregnant audience member asked her for help choosing a name for her future daughter.

The Grammy winner — who has a 10year-old son, Angelo, with her ex-husband Simon Konecki — said she’s already preparing for a new bundle of joy by saving name ideas on her phone. “I’ve actually been writing lists,” she continued. “So every time I see a name that I like, I write it down in my phone.” Adele and Rich Paul attend the basketball game between Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies Round 1 Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on April 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Adele said her boyfriend Rich Paul already has a favorite baby name. It seems her boyfriend, sports agent Rich Paul, might have

a favorite contender. When the concert-goer asked for Adele’s opinion on the two names she’s considering for her baby-on-the-way —Spencer and Parker — the songstress dropped a little intel.

“I can’t say Parker because Rich likes that name,” she replied, choosing Spencer.

Adele also shared that she likes the name Ray, prompting the surprised fan to explain that that will be her daughter’s middle name.

Babies have been a hot topic amid the British star’s concert series in Las Vegas.

Earlier this month, she helped two fans announce the sex of their baby. While attending a “Weekends with Adele” show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Chris Dare and his wife Shantelle Lord held up a sign that read: “Adele, will you do our gender reveal?”

Adele happily obliged, calling the couple up onto the stage, as seen in a video they later shared on social media. As she sat on the edge of the stage, she opened the sealed envelope and told the crowd, “Shantelle and Chris are having a baby … boy!”

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This week in History Franklin D Roosevelt was elected 39th President of the United States November 5 The 1940 United States presidential election was the 39th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on Tuesday, November 5, 1940. Incumbent Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated Republican businessman Wendell Willkie to be reelected for an unprecedented third term in office. Until 1988, this was the last time in which the incumbent’s party won three consecutive presidential elections.

The election was contested in the shadow of World War II in Europe, as the United States was finally emerging from the Great Depression. Roosevelt did not want to campaign for a third term initially, but was driven by worsening conditions in Europe.

He and his allies sought to defuse challenges from other party leaders such as James Farley and Vice President John Nance Garner. The 1940 Democratic National Convention re-nominated Roosevelt on the first ballot, while Garner was replaced on the

Lincoln’s Breakthrough at the LincolnDouglas Debates November 9 Evander Holyfield, who emerged victorious in their previous encounters, stunningly defeating Tyson on November 9, 1996 and enduring an infamous ear-biting incident in their rematch a year later, has managed to reconcile with his former foe.

Talks of a potential third bout have reignited the interest of fans worldwide.

The American boxer, is the only

US President, Franklin D Rooseveldt ticket by Secretary of Agriculture Henry A. Wallace.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States November 6 The senatorial campaign featured a Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th remarkable series of public encounters on the president of the United States over a deeply slavery issue, known as the Lincoln-Douglas divided Democratic Party, becoming debates, in which Lincoln argued the first Republican to win the against the spread of slavery, presidency. Lincoln received while Douglas maintained that only 40 percent of the each territory should have popular vote but handily the right to decide defeated the three other whether it would candidates: Southern become free or slave.

Democrat John C. Lincoln lost the Breckinridge, Senate race, but his Constitutional Union campaign brought candidate John Bell, national attention to and Northern the young Republican Democrat Stephen Party.

Douglas, a U.S. senator In 1860, Lincoln won America’s 16th President for Illinois. the party’s presidential Abraham Lincoln Lincoln, a Kentuckynomination. For preserving born lawyer and former Whig the Union and bringing an end representative to Congress, first to slavery, and for his unique gained national stature during his campaign character and powerful oratory, Lincoln is against Stephen Douglas of Illinois for a U.S. hailed as one of the greatest American Senate seat in 1858. presidents.

Home Alone Movie premiered

November 10 Home Alone premiered in Chicago on November 10, 1990, and was theatrically released in the United States on November 1 6 . W h i l e t h e f i l m ’s reception was initially mixed, in later years reception has been generally positive, with praise for its cast, humor, and music.

professional fighter to win the heavyweight championship four separate times and thereby surpass the record of Muhammad Ali, who won it three times.

Standing 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 metres) tall and weighing 218 pounds (98.9 kg), Holyfield often faced much larger opponents as a heavyweight, but his diligent training habits and exceptional durability in the ring helped to make up for his lack of size.

Dorothy Dandrige was born November 9 television.

Dorothy Dandridge, in full Dorothy The young Dorothy and her sister Vivian Jean Dandridge, (born November 9, began performing publicly as 1922, Cleveland, Ohio, children and in the 1930s joined U.S.—died September 8, a third (unrelated) girl as the 1965, West Hollywood, Dandridge Sisters, California), American singing and dancing. In singer and film actress the 1940s and early who was the first black ’50s Dorothy secured woman to be a few bit roles in nominated for an films and developed Academy Award for a highly successful best actress. career as a solo Dandridge’s nightclub singer, mother was an eventually appearing entertainer and comedic in such popular clubs actress who, after settling as the Waldorf Astoria’s in Los Angeles, had some Empire Room in New success in radio and, later, York City.

Dorothy Dandridge

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g tin s... s e er re Int eatu Cr

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Blobfish “the world’s ugliest animal”

(A National Geographic Article) National Geographic- If you were asked to think of the ugliest creature you can imagine, you might picture the blobfish: a pale pink gelatinous blob with a droopy, downturned mouth and large, sagging nose.

After being named the world’s ugliest animal in 2013, this hideous fish soared to fame—with memes, songs, soft toys, and even TV characters created in its honor.

However, according to scientist Richard Arnott, this viral image of the blobfish is nothing more than “a vast bullying campaign.” The fish only looks like a miserable, pink lump when it has been torn from its home, and suffered devastating tissue damage due to the rapid depressurization as it was dragged to the surface.

I n i t s n a t u r a l habitat—thousands of feet underwater—the misunderstood blobfish looks like a normal fish.

Appearance Blobfish look almost unrecognizable underwater: These tadpole-shaped fish have bulbous heads, large jaws, tapered tails, and feathery pectoral fins. Rather than scales, they have loose, flabby skin.

They don’t have strong b o n e s o r t h i c k muscle—instead they rely on the water pressure to hold their shape together. That’s why blobfish collapse into a squishy mush when they are pulled up to the surface.

Because they live at such incredible depths, these fascinating fish are hard to study in their natural environment. Much of what scientists have learned about them comes from dead blobfish pulled up to the surface—hence why their above-water form is more widely recognized.

Habitat Blobfish are usually

A blobfish out of its normal habitat

found in dark, cold habitats deep at the bottom of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans, between 1,970 and 3,940 feet deep.

Most known marine species live in the surface layer of the ocean—above around 650 feet—where there is still light. Once you descend into the deep ocean, the harsh conditions make it difficult for animals to survive. Those that have adapted to these murky and mysterious depths include creatures such as the giant squid, anglerfish, and bioluminescent lanternfish.

Much of the ocean’s depths remain a mystery to scientists—we have better maps of Mars than of the ocean floor. Below 656 feet, the light quickly begins to fade—and none remains below about 3,280 feet.

Without sunlight to heat the water, the average temperature at this depth is 3 9 ° F. A n d b e c a u s e photosynthesis cannot take place without light, there’s also a lack of food for animals to eat.

The deeper the water, the more pressure there is from the accumulated weight of the water above. The human eardrum can rupture at just seven feet deep. At around 3,280 feet, the pressure is a hundred times stronger than on land. At this depth, the lungs and other air-filled spaces in the human body would collapse.

How blobfish withstand extreme pressure The blobfish’s fascinating physiology is key to the animal’s survival in these extreme conditions.

Unlike many other fish, which use a gas-filled sac to control buoyancy, blobfish don’t have a swim bladder. If they did, it would implode due to the extreme pressure.

Instead, the animal’s soft body has a high water and fat content, which helps them withstand the high pressure.

The thick layer of jelly-like flesh under their skin makes

blobfish slightly less dense than water and allows them to bob along the seabed.

Diet But how does the blobfish keep itself alive in a dark, dangerous habitat where food is scarce? These animals are lie-in-wait predators, meaning they sit at the bottom of the ocean and eat anything that passes by, such as crustaceans, brittle stars, anemone, and carrion.

This allows them to preserve energy, which is key to their survival.

Reproduction Researchers believe that blobfish reproduce in groups, laying large clutches of around 100,000 eggs in each nest, perhaps to

A blobfish in its normal Habitat

increase the offspring’s chances of survival. The devoted parent stays close to the nest, tending the eggs while they develop.

Threats to survival These flabby fish have no known predators, but may be threatened by destructive human

activities, such as deep-sea fishing and bottom trawling, which is when a weighted fishing net is (Continued on page 46)

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Heidi Klum dubbed Céline Dion Makes Rare Public ‘Queen of Halloween’ Appearance - Her First in 3½ Years in peacock costume amid Stiff-Person Syndrome Diagnosis

T

Heidi Klum, center, in blue, arrives at her 22nd annual Halloween party at Marquee on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) What could top the worm? Heidi Klum unveiled her 2023 costume Tuesday night in New York, hosting her annual Halloween bash as a peacock. Heidi Klum shook her tail feathers Tuesday for her latest elaborate Halloween costume, dressing up as a peacock with several acrobats forming her tail feathers. Klum capped her resplendent costume off by having her husband, Tom Kaulitz, accompany her dressed as her egg.

Klum’s party has been a staple of the spooky season for more than two decades, drawing a host of celebrities since its first iteration in 2000. The German-born supermodel typically undergoes hours of makeup, emerging in past years as Fiona from “Shrek,” Jessica Rabbit from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” and last year’s giant rain worm.

Klum made her grand entrance on the carpet accompanied

by Cirque du Soleil performers. “A lot of planning goes into it,” she said. “First you have to have an idea. And the idea for me was to do something with many, many people.”

Klum called herself in costume “he” — proving the model did her research as male peacocks have elaborate tail feathers while the females have shorter, duller tails.

North West covers i-D magazine North West

i-D Magazine shared a new interview with North West, the daughter of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. The cover feature is the 10-year-old’s first ever and an honor that she shares with British talent Sampha as part of the publication’s “New Wave Issue.”

Within i-D‘s pages, North opened up about a variety of different topics, including her favorite song — Ye’s The College Dropout classic “Through The Wire” — and the fact that she gets “a little bit” of her dancing and performing skills from her star father. Much of the exchange proved just how strong confidence remains in her bloodline, as she considers herself a style icon who creates exceptional art and lives an athletic-focused lifestyle. “The best ever,” North said when asked what three words she would use to describe herself.

he legendary singer, 55, who revealed late last year she was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, attended an NHL hockey game on Monday night, per photos from the evening.

After enjoying the game at between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Montreal Canadiens at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Céline stepped into the locker room to greet her hometown team in a white, quilted vest over a tan sweater.

The “My Heart Will Go On” musician was spotted shaking hands with team members and posing for pictures with her son RenéCharles, 22, and twins, Eddy and Nelson, 13.

The Canadiens’ vice p r e s i d e n t o f communications shared photos alongside Céline to Instagram with the singer’s arm around her.

“We had a beautiful visit at the game in Vegas y e s t e r d a y. T h a n k s @celinedion for your

Chantal Machabee and Céline Dion.

PHOTO: CHANTAL MACHABEE/INSTAGRAM

generosity. The whole team is so happy to have met you and your family,” she wrote in French alongside the images.

Dion’s condition — a rare and incurable

neurological disease that can cause debilitating muscle spasms — affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord, according to the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation.

“Patients can be disabled, wheelchair-bound or bedridden, unable to work and care for themselves,” they s a y, a d d i n g t h a t t h e neurological disease with autoimmune features can include symptoms like “hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety,” and muscle spasms “so violent they can dislocate joints and even break bones.”

In May, a source told PEOPLE that Dion, 55, was “doing everything she can” to be healthy enough to return to the stage after canceling her concert dates through April 2024. “It’s heartbreaking that she has had to cancel touring but she is suffering mobility and other issues from the disease disrupting her daily life,” an insider told PEOPLE. “She is doing everything she can while working with doctors because she wants to perform,” they added. “She has not given up at all. She is hoping to get all of the issues with this disease under control so she can sing again.”

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Eco - Lodge - a tourism destination borne out of university field trips

As Guyana celebrates Tourism Awareness month, a new tourist destination within driving distance from the capital city has opened its doors, offering visits scenic views and experiences to remember while connecting with nature.

Bimichi Eco Lodge which sits at the village of St. Cuthbert’s Mission off the SoesdykeLinden Highway has been in operation since 2014 and came into fruition after several visits following field visits by students of the University of Guyana. The lodge offers visitors a host of activities including canoeing, archery, artisanal crafts and unique opportunities to connect with nature.

Abigail Ally, who runs the facility along with her parents, told The Waterfalls that the lodge has its origins around 2014 when students would camp out in the area at her parent’s residence where there was a benab. At the time, a lecturer who led the students on a trip mentioned the idea of a lodge to her parents. “ For students who want to do field trips, it was an opportunity to go to another place to escape the city and two, its accessibility makes it easy to visit,” Ally said, noting that the 2014 visits of the students was significant to the project’s fruition. “From time to time, they would make a field trip to the lodge,” Ally said.

She said too that her mother and father, who worked in the nursing and forestry sectors for more than 30 years each, had attained retirement and as such, the project was ideal for the duo to explore.

Ally said that it is a family-oriented project and she noted that her personal change of career and academic plans contributed to the project’s birth.

She recounted that she was pursuing

studies at the University of Guyana when she had a change of heart and decided to return to St. Cuthbert’s Village where she was born and raised. She said she spent some three to four months reflecting on life and while there, she received a call about a job in the aviation sector at Air Services Limited (ASL).

Ally said her cousin had applied for the job; however, she was not successful. “My cousin told them about me and then former general manager, the late Fazal Khan offered me the job,” she said.

She recalled starting the job on April 1, 2004 and she noted that she worked in a junior role at Air Services Limited. While at work, Ally said that she thought about pursuing studies at the University of Guyana once more.

This time, she decided to pursue studies in the field of tourism and graduated successfully in 2014.

Ally then started her own family and she decided to spend quality time with her daughter instead of sending her off to play school. She said that it was around that time that the university students were making visits to St. Cuthbert’s Village.

BUILDING A LODGE Ally recalled the first batch of students camped out under tarpaulins during their first trip to the area. However, to make them more comfortable, she and her parents decided to construct a lodge, which she described as a small building with three rooms; two single rooms and one double room. The building accommodates eight persons.

She said there were hammocks for visitors as well. She said as time passed, they constructed another building since the calls started to become frequent as people had an Continued on page 51

Bimichi Wines are also available to visitors. The wines are made

by Amanda Mahadeo, one of the founders of the lodge.

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Sunday November 05, 2023

Ethiopian-born Virginia teen wins America’s Top Young Scientist prize L FOR HIS POTENTIA SOAP EATING SKIN-CANCER-TR

A

14-year-old student has created a new kind of soap that he hopes could potentially be used to treat skin cancer someday.

Heman Bekele, a high school student in Fairfax, Virginia, says it costs only $8.50 to create a batch of 20 bars of the soap, which he calls Skin Cancer Treating Soap, or SCTS. “People might not have the equipment or have the facilities to be able to treat this disease,” Heman told ABC News about the innovation, which he said could eventually be used in the early stages of skin cancer if proven to be effective.

“A bar of soap is just so simple, so affordable, so accessible in comparison to these modern new skin cancer treatments.”

According to Heman, who created the soap in 8th grade, when skin cancer cells develop, they weaken dendritic cells in the body that boost human immune responses, allowing the cancer to take over. He said SCTS contains agents that could potentially reactivate dendritic cells that help eliminate the cancer cells.

“It does this

Heman Bekele, an Ethiopia born high school student in Fairfax, Virginia. as a sort of a compound-based bar of soap,” he said. “It’s charged with different cancer fighting chemicals. And the main one, there is this drug called imidazoquinolines.”

Heman Bekele won the title of Heman earned the title of America’s Top Young Scientist and a $25,000 prize last month after his innovation won first place in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, an annual competition that gives 5th through 8th grade students “the chance to change their world for the better with a single innovative idea,” ac

cording to the 3M Young Scientist Lab. A 12-year-old girl wins $20,000 for inventing device to help prevent hot car deaths. Super smart teen girls from India invented an app to deal with e-waste.

This 14-year-old inventor designed a bulletproof wall to protect students during school shootings.

“He is an incredibly bright, passionate and focused young man,” Deborah Isabelle, Heman’s mentor for the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and a product engineering specialist at 3M, said about him in a statement. “Heman is both compassionate and charismatic, which are great traits for a scientist. With his curiosity and determination, I have no doubts he will change the world for the better.”

When asked the likelihood of SCTS actually treating skin Continued on page 45

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Woman sees late husband, who died nine years ago, eating at a restaurant Iheartnews.com With so many restaurants out there, many turn to social media to promote their establishment. They share photos and videos that show off their eatery’s delicious foods or warm ambiance.

However, when one Indian restaurant in England posted a video of happy diners enjoying their favorite dishes, they got a very surprising response in the comments section.

The clip was captioned, “Join us for a perfect blend of exquisite flavors, with classical and unique dishes inspired by ancient family recipes,” but one viewer didn’t take much note of the food. That woman, named Lucy Watson, responded to the video by asking, “How old is the footage? My late husband and his son are on the first shot and he died in 2014??”

Likely bewildered by the comment, the restaurant, Spice Cottage, responded by saying, “Sorry to hear this; This footage was recorded last week.”

Of course, the strange comment got a lot of engagement. Some people suggested that the husband faked his own death, while others were certain that Lucy was just a plant and this was all a publicity stunt - the brainchild of some marketing genius who knew it would make the restaurant go viral.

Some took the opportunity to joke, writing things like, “I was there on this day and the flat bread that I ordered arrived after our main course, it was my late man.”

The Mail got a hold of the widow and was able to delve deeper. The 59-year-old Lucy described to the paper how she stumbled upon the video, noting, “I don’t really use Facebook apart from snooping on friends or catching up with people. I

was scrolling through and the video popped up. The moment I saw the thing I thought, ‘Oh my God – that’s Harry.’ It was so instant. I didn’t even have to think.

He’d be eating a chicken korma because that’s all he ever ate.”

She added, “There was no doubt in my mind it was my husband. I couldn’t pause the thing so I had to replay it about 30 times and each time, I was surer and surer.”

The main reason she is so positive it is Harry is because of his distinctive look - a big build with white hair.

Lucy is also convinced the restaurant is lying about their claim that the video was filmed days before it was posted. She asserted that the eatery never has that many people in it these days, stating, “They are never busy like that anymore, that’s the problem. They have obviously posted this to generate customers because they are really up against it now.”

The restaurant took the time to respond to everything, posting a comment to “clarify some misunderstandings.” They wrote that they recently renovated and the video, which was filmed just days before it was posted, reflected those changes.

They explained that before 2023, white and red tablecloths adorned the tables so the footage had to be recent. The comment ended, “This is a very unusual situation and we hope this clarifies any confusion.”

As for the rumors that her husband had faked his death, Lucy has nonetheless debunked those, recalling his final days in 2014 when he was very sick in the hospital as he awaited a liver transplant. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it. For now, there is no certain information on what is the actual truth.

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Sunday November 05, 2023

Capleton granted UK work permit, Spring tour set for next year

Veteran reggae artiste Capleton

(Jamaica Observer) KINGSTON, Jamaica- Veteran reggae artiste Capleton has reason to celebrate as he was recently granted a work permit to perform in the United Kingdom. Capleton last performed in the UK in 2010.

Cabel Stephenson and Tameka Reynolds, the principals of Free People Entertainment, are the masterminds of the move that has paved the way for Capleton’s return to the lucrative UK market.

Stephenson, head of Free People Entertainment, dubbed the development a “momentous occasion”

and a “great day for reggae music”.

“We approached the task with an open mind and we focused on Capleton’s ability as an artiste, a humanitarian and a great human being.

There was an objection for obvious reasons but we’re past those obstacles, h e ’s e v o l v e d b e y o n d c e r t a i n perceptions,” Stephenson told Observer Online.

“Capleton is a loving person, a humanitarian person, he has applied himself in his community everyday, he gives to the less fortunate and indigent in his community, his door is always open to them. He doesn’t discriminate

against people based on any orientation,” he added.

Capleton is presently on a tour organised by Free People Entertainment and Mediacom in Europe. The Wings of the Morning artiste has upcoming dates at Evenstar in Mouilleron-le-Captif in France on November 2, before heading off to the Le Splendid in Lille on November 3, and Lyon on November 7.

His remaining seven performances will snake through The Netherlands, Italy, the Slovakian capital Bratislava, with additional performances in France.

Capleton will also be doing a Spring (Continued on page 47)

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Sunday November 05, 2023

WEAVING STANDARDS INTO THE GROWING GNBS IN FOCUS TOURISM FABRIC OF OUR COUNTRY

W

e are already i n t h e penultimate month of this very

transformative year for our country, and as customary, November is designated Tourism Awareness Month.

The month of activities provides stakeholders in the sector with opportunities to showcase their offerings

including their tour and a c c o m m o d a t i o n experiences, culinary and other services. The theme for

this year’s observances is, “ C u l t u r a l Ta p e s t r y : Investing in our people, enriching our heritage”.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has been developing and promoting Standards for use in the various sectors, and tourism stands to benefit from the implementation of these national requirements.

Once implemented, standards can improve the products, processes and services of establishments which ultimately benefits tourists and other end users.

For local tourism, players in the sector can apply standards to boost confidence in available products and services.

Weaving these requirements into the exciting, unique, and indigenous experiences we have here in Guyana can tremendously help operators to consistently address the safety and environmental concerns our visitors and users may have.

F o r e x a m p l e , implementing food safety related standards and agriculture grading standards can give the assurance to those indulging in our various cuisines that what they consume is safe and wholesome.

Food service providers including restaurants and fast-food establishments are at the forefront to receive these benefits.

Similarly, increased visits to our shores continue to push the demand for more exquisite indoor and outdoor experiences which may require adjustments to the housing and accommodation and surroundings.

Therefore, quality products based on standards must be utilized in construction, furnishing, landscaping,

electrical installation, plumbing, etc.

Accommodation providers can be guided by the requirements of the Bed and Breakfast facilities (GYS 514:2016) standard which can be implemented by homeowners and other providers, and the Code of Practice for Assessment, licensing, registration, classification, and grading of the accommodation sector (GCP 15:2003) which specifies the requirements for the monitoring and management of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses.

Additionally, for those providing the outdoor experiences, the Code of Practice for tour operators and tour guides (GCP 18:2003) specifies acceptable practices to be used by tour operators and tour guides.

Tour operators can integrate these guidelines when facilitating adventures for our tourists.

As we celebrate Tourism Awareness Month with a list of daily activities, let us not forget to integrate the requisite standards in our establishments now and beyond.

As citizens of a country with a quickly advancing economy, let us continue to appreciate the usefulness of standards in supporting the delivery of quality products and services.

F i n a l l y, t o u r i s m providers are encouraged to contact the GNBS to acquire and learn more about available National and International Standards relevant to their businesses.

For further information on this subject, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp: 692-4627.

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Ethiopian-born Virginia teen wins America's Top Young Scientist...

From page 38 cancer, Isabelle replied that it was possible, but it would need to undergo typical clinical trials that could take between five and 10 years. At this point, Heman said he has not performed any physical trials, instead using digital molecular testing, secondary data analysis and formulaic computations to reach his results.

According to Isabelle, there are topical creams that treat skin cancer, but they are more expensive than SCTS,

and use different ingredients and formulations.

Heman was born in Ethiopia and moved to the U.S. at age 4. He said he remembers the toll poverty took on many of the people in Ethiopia and how they would live, work and toil under the glaring sun.

According to the young scientist, those images stuck with him, leaving him to wonder how constant exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun was affecting the people of his homeland.

“This isn’t even an issue that’s strictly in Ethiopia. It’s an issue that’s worldwide,” Heman said. “So, then, when they do end up developing issues like skin cancers, it’s really just incredibly difficult for them to be able to afford the cures.”

For now, Heman said he has a five-year plan: At the end of it, he hopes to have created a nonprofit organization where he can provide equitable and accessible skin cancer treatment to as many people

as possible. But to accomplish his goal, he would have to get his treatment through clinical trials, obtain a provisional patent and have it certified by the Food and Drug

Administration, he said.

When asked by ABC News what motivates him to reach for such lofty goals, Heman responded, “I think I can condense that answer into one word, and it all

revolves around it: It’s ‘impact’ — making sure the science that you’re working on can have a direct impact on the world or make it a better place, in one way or another.” (ABC News)

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From page 33 dragged along the sea floor.

As a fish that thrives in cold water, they may also be affected by the world's warming oceans.

But groups like the Ugly Animal Preservation Society aim to raise awareness of the need to

protect the blobfish, along with other aesthetically challenged creatures, which are less likely to be researched or protected than their cuter counterparts.

Source of information: (https://www.nationalge ographic.com/animals/fi sh/facts/blobfish)

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Capleton granted UK work permit, Spring tour...

From page 42 tour in the UK in 2024.

Capleton, the ‘Fireman’, has been bringing back the authentic vibe and energy in reggae music which Europeans love and are accustomed to.

He is getting ready to complete his new studio album—the first studio project in over a decade— which is expected reenergise his huge fanbase internationally.

Capleton, 56, whose real name is Clifton George Bailey III, was in the past, criticised for lyrics that allegedly advocated for

violence against homosexuals.

In 2004, according to an article published in the Independent, Capleton was one of eight reggae stars investigated by the Home Office because of his antigay lyrics and public incitements to violence.

It was a strange time for reggae and during that era, the Crown Prosecution Service had been examining the lyrics from songs by the eight artistes to establish whether there were grounds for prosecution.

The other artistes were Elephant Man, Beenie Man,

Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, Sizzla and the group T.O.K. No action was ever taken.

Capleton’s brand of reggae music is simultaneously entertaining while reflecting his Rastafarian beliefs and ideals that deal with love, freedom and peace among the human race.

He has explained in interviews that ‘fire burning’, a favourite subject of his lyrics, are metaphoric references of purification, not violence or murder.

In another article published in The Guardian,

Capleton was one of several Jamaican artistes, including Beenie Man and Sizzla, who signed the Reggae Compassionate Act, pledging not to sing songs “inciting hatred or violence against anyone from any community”.

Nevertheless, things reached a head in 2010 when several tour dates of Capleton were cancelled in the US after pressure from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.

Capleton remains one of

the most enduring artistes of his generation.

His album ‘Prophecy’, released by DefJam, peaked at number 65 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart in 1995.

He scored seminal dancehall hits such as ‘Tour’ which peaked at number 57 on the Hot 100 Chart, ‘Wings of The Morning’ which soared to number 79 and ‘Heathen Rage’ which was number 79 on the R&B Hip Hop Songs Chart.

He has enjoyed other successes during his career with Grammy nominated albums, and worldwide

tours. He has had several local hits like ‘Bombo Red’, ‘Lotion Man’, ‘Almshouse’, ‘More Fire’, and ‘Jah Jah City’.

The ‘Fireman’ was recently featured in DJ Khaled’s 2023 Grammy nominated album God Did on the track ‘The Streets Know My Name’ with Skillibeng, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, and Buju Banton.

He was also featured on the album, Khaled Khaled, on the track ‘Where You Come From’ along with Buju Banton, Barrington Levy, and Bounty Killer.

- Claude Mills

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The Goose Who Tried to Keep the Summer There was once an old Wild Goose who had led the flock of other wild geese every fall for years and years on their way south. He had a thick coat of white feathers, he wore orange-coloured boots, and his bill was like a gold trumpet when he opened it to call, Honk, honk, honk!

That was the signal for the others to rise from the meadows and the marshes.

He flew at their head, and the rest followed, one line on one side and one line on the other. He thought himself most important.

Over the woods and the fields and the waters, everyone looked for the old Wild Goose in the fall.

Honk, honk, honk!

That was the Wild Goose telling them that it was time to get ready for the winter in the woods, and in the fields, and over the waters. He knew they waited for him, so he had grown to feel very proud of himself. He lived in a marsh that was sheltered on both sides by trees and was comfortable, even if there was a frost now and then. A robin had once stayed in those trees all winter and he sang proudly about it.

"Why do I trouble to go south?" the old Wild Goose thought to himself. "The weather here will not grow cold if I stay. Honk, honk; I shall not trouble myself to migrate this fall and then we shall see what will happen!

Very likely I shall keep the summer!"

No one knew what the Goose had decided, and they listened for him.

The dandelion looked up from her home in the field and bobbed her little head as she waited to hear the call of the Wild Goose. Every fall she had sent a flock of winged seeds flying along with him as far as they could go. Then they would drop in other fields and begin making more dandelions for

FUN WITH POETRY

next year. She knew she must not wait too long. She listened, but she did not hear his honk, honk, honk!

Puff, whirr; off she sent her tiny, winged seed without the call of the old Wild Goose.

The farmer buttoned his coat tightly and looked up among the grey clouds to see the Goose. Every fall he listened to hear the call of the Wild Goose as he gathered his harvest. He knew, though, that he must not wait too long. He took his grain to the mill and filled his barn with red apples, and orange pumpkins, and yellow corn.

He made warmer beds for the cows and horses and cut logs to burn in his fireplace.

He was soon ready for winter without the help of the old Wild Goose.

The brook called and called for the Goose. Every fall she waited for him to fly over and then she built her winter roof, for she knew then that no other wild bird would need to drink from her waters. She must not wait long, though. There were her fish, and the water spider, and the beaver to shelter all winter. So the brook forgot, at last, about the old Wild Goose and built a smooth ice roof to keep her children warm until spring.

Honk, honk, cried all the other wild geese. "It is time to migrate! Come with us!"

Honk, honk, honk, cried the old Wild Goose, from the sheltered marsh where he did not know what was going on. "I am not flying south this year. I am staying

Praise God everyday

When searching for God, You don't have to look far; He is always here with you, And not in some star.

God is in your heart, God is in your soul, God is in your spirit, Loving God must be your goal.

Your heart is a temple, Where God lives always, So be kind and honest, And praise God every day.

north to keep the summer."

Honk, honk, "What a terrible time it will be!" cried all the other geese. They talked among themselves, saying that no good could come of turning the seasons about, and of how he would probably be eaten in the end.

Then they selected a wise young goose who had been end man the year before, and they made him their leader.

His boots were quite as orange and his bill as golden as those of the old Goose, and he could honk very well indeed. They went south with the new leader.

Soon Winter came. He wore a crown of snowflakes.

His cloak was embroidered with frost, and he carried a huge icicle as his sceptre.

Every one was ready for him. The dandelion bowed her bare head as Winter passed. The barn doors were closed, and the cattle stood, safe and warm, in their stalls.

But the Wild Goose felt Winter coming. An icy wind blew through his feathers.

His throat was so stiff with cold that he could not blow his trumpet. His orange boots froze stiff as the marsh turned to ice.

"It must be the winter coming in spite of me," he thought to himself. "It seems that I have not kept him away after all. I shall die, for he will freeze me. What shall I do?"

Then a sunbeam, that was still strong enough to help a little, heard the faint cries of the old Wild Goose and was sorry for him. She melted the ice so that the Goose could pull out his feet, first one, and then the other. She stood for a moment in Winter's path as the Goose rose and stretched his stiff wings, and then started south.

The chilly air was like a blast on his head. He was obliged to fly slowly, but he managed to call as he went, "Honk, honk, Here I am.

I fly to tell you that Winter is coming."

He looked down at the woods, and the fields, and the waters. How strange!

They had known it. They had not waited for the call of the old Wild Goose.

Sunday November 05, 2023

Junior page

Glittery Book Page Fall Leaves SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

BY GIUSTINA MILLER Materials: Book Pages Leaves Pattern Highlighter or Pen Mod Podge Paint Brush Cutter Bee Precision-Cut Scissors Scrap Paper Fine Glitter – I used Sugar Coating Metallic Glitter Assortment INSTRUCTIONS First, place the leaf on a piece of book paper and use it to trace the shape.

Remove the leaf and use the scissors to cut the traced leaf.

Don't worry about trying to cut off all of

the pen lines, the glitter will cover it up.

Continue this process until all of your book page leaves are traced & cut.

On your first piece of scrap paper apply the Mod Podge on the edges of the leaf. Then remove the leaf and place it on a different piece of scrap paper & sprinkle on the glitter.

Once the glue has dried shake off the excess glitter on the scrap paper & funnel it back into the glitter container. Repeat on all of the book page leaves.

Then apply a thicker coat of Mod Podge on top of the glitter edge fall leaves & a second coat of fine glitter.

Once all of the leaves have a second coat of Mod Podge & glitter, & have dried thoroughly, apply a third & final coat of Mod Podge & let dry.

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

TEEN TIME Strengthen your Personality with Continuous Renewal of your Spirit Your spirit is your core, the centre of your being, and the faculty that enables you to create and commit yourself to the things that you value most and will lead you to being the best you can be.

It draws you towards the sources that inspire and uplift you to what is truly good and blessed.

When you accept the Almighty Being who is the source of all power, and you earnestly request His intercession in all you do and want in your life, you will feel renewed, strengthened, really on the road to goodness, and committed to serve Him and

your fellowmen.

You can achieve this by daily prayer and deep thinking about what is going on in your life and around you in the world. You can also renew your spirit by other means by which you

connect with it, including listening to soothing music, reading great literature and trying your best to help others to live their lives in a spiritual manner.Other ways of connecting spiritually include thinking about the

big events in your past life, celebrating the victories your remember in this, and developing the determination to have faith in the Creator that He will provide for you all you need for a just and secure life in the future.

When you have the confidence to move forward after all this, you would do well to take the time and effort to formulate a life purpose to achieve all you need to make it worthwhile. This sense of purpose will serve to keep you on track to achieve the sense of success and happiness which we all need.

PAGE 49

My God is alive!

by Roy Paul (Uncle Roy) (From the poetry book: Shape up Your Personality, which shall soon be published locally) I often wonder that there are men, Who deny an Almighty experience, Yet at the same time powerless to explain The origin of our complex existence.

They say that this limitless, wondrous world Just happened by chance to evolve; But then choose to ignore the simple question -From whence did this matter devolve?

Countless men of science have proved The impossibility of Creation from nothingness; There must have been an Intelligent Source Who engineered and directed this process.

Even so I myself need no proof That the Lord above is undeniable; I need just look into mind, heart and soul For evidence that is entirely credible.

My mind can observe, envision and reason, My heart just feels and knows the truth, My soul ever longs for a benevolent Creator, Thus there is simply no room for dispute.

Your spirit will be renewed and strengthened when you practise prayer and meditation every day.

SLITHERLINK In a Slitherlink Puzzle, you connect horizontally or vertically adjacent dots to form a meandering path that forms a single loop, without crossing itself, or branching. The numbers indicate how many lines surround each cell.

Empty cells may be surrounded by

any number of lines (from 0 to 3).

There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing. You may find it helpful to make small x's between dots that cannot be connected.Need some solving help? Visit krazydad.com/slitherlink

Halloween Sudoku

Solutions to last week’s

BINOX PUZZLE

PAGE 50

Benefits & Uses of Castor Oil Castor oil is a popular natural treatment for common conditions such as constipation and skin ailments. You can often find it in natural beauty products.

Castor oil is a multipurpose vegetable oil that people have used for thousands of years. It's made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.

These seeds, which are known as castor beans, contain a toxic enzyme called ricin. However, the heating process that castor oil undergoes during production deactivates the ricin, allowing the oil to be used safely.

Castor oil has a number of medicinal, industrial, and pharmaceutical uses. It's commonly used as an additive in foods, medications, and skin care products, as well as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component.

In ancient Egypt, people burned castor oil as fuel in lamps, used it as a natural remedy to treat ailments like eye irritation, and even took it to stimulate labor in pregnancy (1Trusted Source).

Here are 4 potential benefits and uses of castor oil. We also cover its use as a hair treatment and precautions to consider.

1. A powerful laxative Perhaps one of the best-known medicinal uses for castor oil is as a natural laxative.It's classified as a stimulative laxative, meaning that it increases the movement of the muscles that push material through the intestines, helping clear the bowels. Castor oil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a stimulative laxative.

Stimulative laxatives act rapidly and are commonly used to relieve temporary constipation or to clean out the bowel before medical procedures.Here's generally how it works: When you consume castor oil by mouth, it's broken down in the small intestine, releasing ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid in castor oil. The ricinoleic acid is then absorbed by the intestine, stimulating a strong laxative effect .Several studies have shown that castor oil can relieve constipation.

SUMMARY- People use castor oil as a natural remedy for occasional constipation. It's approved by the FDA as a stimulative laxative. However, it can cause side effects, like cramping and diarrhea, and you should not use it to treat chronic constipation.

2. A natural moisturizer Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid.

These types of fats can be used to moisturize the skin. They act as occlusive moisturizers, which prevent or reduce water loss through the outer layer of the skin.Castor oil is used in cosmetics to promote hydration. Manufacturers often add it to products like lotions, makeup, and cleansers.You can also use this rich oil on its own as a natural alternative to store-bought moisturizers and lotions.

Many popular moisturizing products found in stores contain potentially harmful ingredients like preservatives, perfumes, and dyes, which may irritate the skin and harm overall health.Swapping out these products for castor oil can help reduce your exposure to these additives. Plus, castor oil is inexpensive and you can use it on both your face and body.Castor oil is thick, so people often mix it with other skin-friendly oils — like almond, olive, and coconut oil — to make an ultra-hydrating moisturizer. Though applying castor oil to the skin is considered safe for most, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people.Also, using pure castor oil may irritate some people's skin, so it's best to dilute it with another oil, like jojoba or coconut oil.

Try testing the combination on a small area of skin to see how your skin tolerates castor oil before applying it on larger areas.

SUMMARY- Castor oil can help lock moisture in the skin.

Though this natural alternative to store-bought products is considered safe for most, it can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some people.

3. May promote wound healing Applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment that may help promote healing and prevent sores from drying out.

Venelex, a popular ointment used in clinical settings to treat wounds, contains a mixture of castor oil and Peru balsam, a balm derived from the Myroxylon balsamum tree.

Venelex is used as a wound dressing for chronic and acute wounds and skin ulcers, including: * pressure ulcers * diabetic ulcers * burns * surgical wounds It helps reduce odors, protect wounds, and create a moist environment to promote healing (11).

Additionally, ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil, has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. It may help reduce skin inflammation, support healing, and aid in pain reduction in people with wounds (12Trusted Source).

Studies have found that ointments containing castor oil may be effective for treating a number of different wounds.

SUMMARY Some people apply castor oil to wounds to promote healing.

Often it's mixed with other medicinal ingredients, like Peru balsam, for this purpose. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/castor-oil#3.-May-promote-wound-healing

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

PAGE 51

Eco - Lodge

Joshua and Amanda Mahadeo and their daughter Abigail pursued a tourism idea which they made into a business.

Abigail Ally at the Bimichi Eco Lodge in St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

From page 36 interest in overnight trips and making day travels to the community. “In total, we have seven rooms and we can accommodate 16 guests for overnight trips and 30 guests for day trips,” she said.

Ally said she has been utilizing her tourism study knowledge to develop the business along with key inputs from her parents, Amanda and Joshua Mahadeo.

‘BIMICHI’ The business was registered in 2018 and received their tour operator licence in 2021 from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

She said the name ‘Bimichi is an Arawak word meaning hummingbird.

She noted that her grandfather was part of a guitar band many years ago and his “call name” was ‘Hummingbird.’ As

A nature trail lies in the distance beyond this bridge at the lodge.

such, the family decided to relive his memorable time by utilizing the name for the business.

Ally noted that she has been taking part in training sessions with the GTA and she noted that one of the highlights of the business occurred in 2021 when the tourism body launched Tourism Awareness Month at the lodge.

In terms of visitors, Ally said each year around July, people would make bookings for the highly anticipated heritage day event at the village in September. The business is usually booked out weeks in advance, she noted, given the popularity of that day at the village when hundreds of visitors would converge there.

Ally said she manages the social media accounts of the business from the city and she would try her best to accompany visitors to the village although this can be a challenge given her day-to-day work and family commitments.

In future, she said the lodge will host a ‘Pakuri Fin and Feathers’ adventure event as well as bird watching activities sometime this month. “This would be a new package where visitors can experience birding, fishing and boat tours,” she said.

In addition, the lodge plans to host culture-based events as well as more recreation activities to boost its already packed calendar. “One of the plans I have for the business also is for it to operate in a sustainable way and to support community development in our village,” Ally said.

Ally said too that given its roots, the lodge will host visits by university students at its farm where there are over 40 species of trees. “So for university students, it is an education tour and there is much for them to learn, “ she added.

She said she is usually touched by the feedback given by visitors, both in person and in the lodge’s registry. “That makes you want to do more and to just keep going and improving the product and serviceability,” the excited Ally added.

Visitors can relax at the lodge in hammocks during day trips or overnight adventures.

PAGE 52

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

PAGE 53

Repairs to Mazaruni Prisons admin. building nearing completion

Permanent Secretary Andre Ally during his recent visit at the Mazaruni Prison.

W

orks which commenced earlier this year on the rehabilitation of the old Administration Building at the Mazaruni Prisons in Region Seven is set to be completed shortly.

During an impromptu visit to the Mazaruni Prison recently by the Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent

Secretary (PS), Andre Ally and other officials, it was noted that the repairs to the building are 75 percent completed.

Kaieteur News had reported that the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) had awarded a contract to Dassco Inc. to the tune of $75,514,050 for

BEFORE

The Mazaruni Prison Administrative Building before and after.

AFTER

rehabilitation of the building.

Back in October 2022, during an inspection exercise at the Mazaruni Prisons, the Ministry had identified a number of structures that are in dire need of repairs.

The Prison’s Administrative building was one of the identified structures. It was reported that this building was established in 1887 and that rehabilitation works on the building will be done in accordance with Chapter 20:03 of the National Trust Act 7/1972, which is to restore and preserve national heritage.

These projects at the prison encompass a diverse range of initiatives designed t o e n h a n c e t h e infrastructure, living conditions, and overall functionality of the prison.

During his visit, the PS was informed that the construction of the Mazaruni Prison Phase Two, a pivotal project aimed at enhancing the correctional infrastructure, has reached 75 percent completion with an estimated cost of over $700 million being spent.

Upon its completion, the facility is set to aid in the minimization of overcrowding while meeting international standards.

Another project is the

extension of ten living quarters dedicated to the prison officers, valued at over G$89 million; it is 95 percent completed, the PS was told during his visit.

This project aims to significantly improve the residential facilities for the staff, thereby ensuring an optimised working environment.

The construction of the fence at the prison is also currently at 95 percent completion.

This project cost over $66 million. It was noted that the project is a significant step towards fortifying the security infrastructure of the prison, ensuring a safe and controlled environment within the premises.

Additionally, during the visit, the PS was informed about the evolving boundary fence and watchtower construction, which is currently at 50 percent completion.

Meanwhile, the commencement of the o f f i c e r s ’ m e s s reconstruction, designed to provide recreational space for both senior and junior officers, which will cost over $57 million; it is currently at five percent completion.

The ministry in a statement noted that the PS visit did not only focus on infrastructure but also Continued on page 62

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 54

locally produced TV series

“The Bad Family Music” a label and brand made up of Guyanese and Venezuelan artistes on Tuesday November 7, will be releasing a trailer and official theme song called “Pablo” for “Zeppe El Gigante (Zeppe the Giant)” a television series being filmed and produced in Guyana.

“Zeppe El Gigante” is a crime series that is set to hit the screens for the years 2024 and 2025 and features local talent in Guyana's creative industry.

The film might very well be the first of its kind produced in the country. Guyana produced a television series before but it was a comedy sitcom called “Agree to Disagree”, starring the late Henry Rodney.

Speaking with The Waterfalls, the Director and Producer of the film, Ruiz Raymond Young better known as Richie Rich said that it is crime, drama and thriller that target both the Guyanese and Venezuelan audience.

The Detective

(Nicky V), Javier Semple (Gringoman), Emmanuel Gonzalez (Mr. Spanish Man), Ruiz Young (Richie Rich), Marlon Newton, Jesse Newton (the Crixmaster) and Shervin Mendonca Belgrave (the Detective).

Richie Rich, the producer of

the series, said that he and the screenwriter, Osmar Lugo have already finished the “first season on paper” and is only waiting on approval for equipment, permits from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Models and for more sponsors to come on board to start filming Season One.

Richie Rich said, “It is a fight for big business owners to invest because they have no faith in the Guyanese talent, but we (he and the Bad Family Music) are using all our resources to accomplish our goal of releasing this series early 2024”.

Screenwriter of the crime series, Osmar Lugo “It will bring to reality the hard times and struggle of these artistes (The Bad Family Music) to the screen”, Richie Rich said.

“Zeppe El Gigante” is a tale written by Osmar Lugo, a Venezuelan screenwriter based in Peru and is a story of the artistes' (main actors in the film) past lives before becoming involved in the music industry.

It begins with a plot where there is rivalry between the Guyanese and Spanish cartels for dominance in the crime world.

The main actors featured in the film are Freddy Centeno (Zeppe), Isabel Menendez (Issibaby), Nikoles Vasquez

The individuals behind The Bad Family Music, “ Gringoman from the extreme left followed, Issibaby, Richie Rich, Nicky V, Mr. Spanish Man, the Crixmaster and Zeppe in the center”

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 55

Catering for your next big event

By Allyiah Allicock

P

lanning that next big event and looking for party supplies, why not check out ‘Essential Party Supplies’.

‘Essential Party Supplies’ is a small business owned by 24-year-old Ronetta Drepaul, a teacher who originally hails from the county of Berbice.

Drepaul is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Special Education on a scholarship at the University of the Southern Caribbean. In 2020, the young woman graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and started her teaching career in 2021.

Her business was established in February this year and provides party supplies such as cocktail tables, disco lights, fog machines and more.

During a recent interview with this magazine, Drepaul said what had inspired her to launch her business was her desire to achieve numerous goals.

The young woman said that by recognizing the need to support herself beyond her role as a teacher and her responsibilities, including paying rent; she embarked on a journey of personal

“Young entrepreneurs are essential in society, offering hope to those who hesitate to start their businesses. While the initial phases can be daunting, persistence is the key to success.

Achieving your desired business level demands significant effort, faith, and dedication.” improvement. “In 2021, I initiated preorders for my first business, ‘Everything Online Fashion’, when things didn’t go as planned, I reflected on what else I wanted to succeed in,” she said.

That was when the idea for ‘Essential Party Supplies’ came about, she added.

“Living in Georgetown, the capital city and with various events taking place, I decided to offer essential event items like cocktail tables, disco lights, fog machines etc.

I’ve secured bookings from several promoters, including those in my hometown of Berbice.

Though it took time, I believe it was a worthwhile investment, as the business continues to evolve,” she explained. Support Drepaul said having pushed the business up on its feet, the support she received has been tremendous. She related that her family has been providing assistance in promoting her business and lending a hand during events. Also, her friends played a crucial role as they were her initial set of customers. After being established close to a year today, the young woman said her customer-based support has been steadily

growing, “which brings me optimism as an entrepreneur and brings me closer to achieving my goals.”

Challenges She conceded that bringing her business to where it is today was no easy walk in the park, as it had its fair share of challenges.

Drepaul briefed that finding ideal clients and obtaining capital for her new venture was challenging. “It required immense strength to disregard the negativity from others, including intimidating remarks. I’ve made some progress by leveraging social media to promote my businesses, overcoming obstacles through unwavering focus on my objectives and tremendous effort,” she elaborated.

Not letting the hurdles get in the way of her achieving her ultimate goals, the young woman related to The Waterfalls magazine that she aspires to achieve a few things moving forward with her business. One goal she highlighted, is obtaining a commercial property to establish a supply store with residential overlay. She noted that by offering

exceptional services, she aims to become a highly reputable service provider in her field and she plans to serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, our featured entrepreneur is of the belief that small business owners are important to our society as they inspire others to follow same. She said “Young entrepreneurs are essential in society, offering hope to those who hesitate to start their businesses.

While the initial phases can be daunting, persistence is the key to success.

Achieving your desired business level demands significant effort, faith, and dedication.”

When asked what more she thinks can be done to boost small businesses in our country, the young woman expressed that it is crucial to create more opportunities for them to attend conferences and connect with experienced professionals for networking purposes.

Moreover, given the current employment landscape, it is imperative, she added to allocate additional grants to entrepreneurs, facilitating the launch and growth of their businesses.

Drepaul, a young woman who wears many hats, is also the owner of a business called ‘Ronny’s Custom Jewelry’, which specializes in customized stainless steel necklaces,

bands, and earrings.

For those who may be interested in acquiring Drepaul’s services, one can contact her on WhatsApp on mobile number (592)645-5970.

Young Entrepreneur, Ronetta Drepaul

Kaieteur News

PAGE 56

Sunday November 05, 2023

Murders:

Who murdered Anita Persaud?

T

his is the question living rent free in the minds of a Good Faith Mahaicony family to this day.

The birth of a child is one of the most joyous occasions in a family and children are often the pride and joy of their parents.

While some unions may bear multiple children of both genders, some may not be so lucky.

Nevertheless, no parent wants to know what it feels like to lose an offspring.

Unfortunately for Mr. and Mrs. Persaud, a little over 22 years ago death came knocking at their door and their little girl was snatched away from them in one of the most brutal manners possible. Sunday, August 19, 2001 is the date that is etched in the memories of the Persauds forever, as the day they lost a jewel.

Anita Persaud was the couple's daughter; she was a lively18-year-old who was engaged to be married the following year to her fiancé who lived abroad. Neatly clad in a pair of white pants and a green blouse, she left her parent's home on Sunday August 19, 2001 at Good Faith Mahaicony to visit the Satya Cinema, a corner away from her home.

Around the time she left the house, the only other occupants in her immediate surroundings were her father Ramesh Persaud and a friend who were reportedly in the back yard, engrossed in fixing an outboard engine. The teen's father would later relate that he assumed she had joined her mother two buildings away at a wedding house.

Upon her return, his wife informed him that their daughter had sought her permission to go to the cinema.

Thinking that she was indeed there and considering the fact that she had her own keys to the

family's home, they retired for the night.

Anita's room door was shut the next morning and assuming that she was catching up on some beauty sleep after her night out, everyone went about their business, failing to check in on her. When Anita failed to make an appearance from her room around 09:00hrs, her mother decided to check on her only to find her room empty.

The wedding her mother that attended continued into the next

overseas.

On her way home from the police station, her mother noticed a familiar object on the road. It was a shoe that in fact looked like the one her daughter wore. She picked it up and took it home.

She remembered the shoe during a conversation with her husband about the places her daughter can possibly be. Even though she returned to the police station with the shoe, everyone including the police, were still of the belief that Anita ran away

He came running back breathless and gasping, shortly after frantically pointing to the canal that ran in front of their home. “Body floating,” he eventually mumbled. The family rushed to the canal, and saw Anita lying face down, with a rope around her neck and clad only in her white pants.

The autopsy reportedly revealed that her lungs had traces of mud, which suggested that the young woman was still alive when she was dumped overboard.

day and the family enquired of the guests if they had noticed Anita passed by, unfortunately no one had seen the young woman.

A friend of their eldest son had told him that he saw Anita walking on the Mahaicony Public Road, and he in turn passed the information to the family.

Subsequently, a report was made at the Mahaicony Police Station.

The police enquired if Anita had a boyfriend. Her mother explained that Anita could not run off with her fiancé, since he lived

with her lover.

Anita's aunt on her mother's side lived in Corentyne, Berbice and her mother travelled there while being hopeful that her daughter had gone to the Ancient County.

The trip proved futile. Her sister had no information to offer with regard to her child.

Tuesday, August 21, 2001, Persaud sent her eldest son to question the friend who said he has seen Anita walking in the company of a boy.

Four suspects were detained shortly after, including two brothers convicted twice for murder and freed on appeal.

Since they were all reportedly able to provide alibis for the night Anita went missing, they were released.

Mr. Persaud and his friend who were reportedly fixing the boat engine on the fateful day Anita left home were also detained along with the mother.

Her mother was released the following day but her father spent

72 hours in police custody before being released. No one else was ever arrested.

What do the parents believe transpired on that fateful night?

Anita's parents' theory is that a gang abducted Anita, took her out of the area, then brought her back and dumped her, still alive, in the canal near her home. But what is left unanswered is why would this 'gang' take a risk of transporting their victim back to the scene from where she was abducted?

As for the young man who had claimed to have seen Anita walking with a boy on the night she was killed, he reportedly later told the family that he had made the story up as a joke. At Mrs. Persaud's request, Anita was buried near a tree in the family's backyard.

“She hadn't a chance to live a full life, because some selfish person or persons took her away from us,” Mr. Persaud told Kaieteur News, some years ago.

“The thought that these persons have not been brought to justice rips at our hearts each day.

That is what we have been feeling and may have to live with for the rest of our lives.

But I know that there is a God, and whoever killed our daughter will come to justice someday.”

To date, no one was charged for the murder of Anita Persaud and it's an unanswered question that will always be lingering in the minds of her loved ones, “Will justice ever be served?”

If you have any information about this or any other unusual/ unsolved case, please feel free to reach out and contact Kaieteur News at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office. Our numbers are 592-225-8458, 592-2258465, 592-225-8482 and 592225-8491. You need not disclose your identity.

Sunday November 05, 2023

From page 16 Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of 2022, Afreximbank’s total assets and guarantees stood at over US$31 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.2 billion.

WEDNESDAY Jagdeo as opposition leader approved of Coalition’s massive tax giveaway to Exxon – Raphael Trotman reveals During his tenure as Opposition Leader, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo was a prominent and unwavering critic of the previous A P N U + A F C administration. He consistently claimed that the former regime had unduly granted significant concessions, essentially selling out the nation’s patrimony to a consortium led by ExxonMobil in the oil rich Stabroek Block.

But did Dr. Jagdeo play any role in facilitating such concessions to Exxon and its partners? This implication is hinted at by the former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, in his revealing new book, “From Destiny to Prosperity.”

Chartered Accountant a n d A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Christopher Ram is undertaking a thorough r e v i e w o f T r o t m a n ’s publication. In a recent segment of his analysis, which appeared in Stabroek News, Ram shed light on a pivotal revelation about Jagdeo from Trotman’s work.

The columnist, referring to Chapter V of the book which deals with the Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement wrote, ”The chapter discloses that prior to the tabling in the National Assembly of the Order to approve the tax concessions specified in the (Stabroek Block) Agreement, he (Trotman) had been informed that the Leader of the Opposition had been “briefed” on them and ‘would offer no objection.’”

Trotman did not name the Leader of the Opposition but at the time it was now Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The column continued, “ Tr o t m a n c l a i m s t h a t unanimous approval was granted on August 8, 2016, more than 15 months before the agreement was released to the public…” In light of the foregoing revelation, among others, Ram told this newspaper, in a brief comment, that it underscores all the more a need for a Commission of Inquiry into the APNU+AFC’s mishandling of the 2016 agreement.

The order mentioned by Trotman was also reported on by this newspaper on August 10, 2016. Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan had moved the motion to apply section 51 of

Kaieteur News

the Petroleum Act, which allows for the waiver of the application of certain laws in favour of licensees with whom the government has entered into production share agreements.

Jordan had said too that the order provides investors with the necessary comfort and assurances that the agreement will be respected in its entirety. Since the signing of the 2016 PSA, ExxonMobil and its partners which include Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, have unlocked over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources. The partners also have over US$40B invested for five sanctioned oil projects. It is currently in discussions with authorities to approve a sixth development worth almost US$13B. Auditors could not check expenses for over 1000 travel records for Exxon – found oil giant’s accounting extremely tedious, requiring intensive concentration and diligence to understand A team of local and international auditors which examined ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s expenses incurred in the Stabroek Block totalling US$7.3B have made it clear that they were not able to examine every record of expenditure.

As an example of this, auditors attached to Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc with backing from Martindale

PAGE 57

Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram Consultants said there were more than 1,000 travel expense reports by ExxonMobil. Those records are for the period 2018 to 2020.

The report with the finding of the auditing team said, “We requested and reviewed the larger dollar ones as well as smaller dollar amounts expense reports where the contractor ’s information may have suggested a non-Petroleum Operations nature of the expense.”

The report added, “We identified many travel expenses that were not for Petroleum Operations.” The auditors said many of these expenses it found were for corporate activities and had nothing to do with the petroleum operations in the Stabroek Block.

Auditors also outlined the complex nature of auditing Exxon’s books as they said the company’s accounting “is extremely tedious, requiring intensive concentration and diligence to understand.” Auditors

outlined for example that Exxon has more than 180 files that costs are booked into, with many of those costs then flowing into a second set of folders and then further broken down into other tiers. There are even cases where a cost booked into one file must be traced through five other features to see the eventual charge or full allocation.

Be that as it may, the auditors said they were able to understand a lot of Exxon’s accounting which they believe will be invaluable when applied in future audits.

It should be noted that this audit report prepared by Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc is yet to be released to the public.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that the audit contract that was awarded to Haynes and his team back in 2022 for US$751,000 had a strict four-month deadline for completion. Notably, the US$7.3B costs which the auditors examined pertain to the investments for the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Projects which are currently producing approximately 400,000 barrels of oil per day.

THURSDAY Lopsided deal was signed after pressure from meeting with Exxon and Granger’s team – Trotman reveals in book Former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman has long borne the brunt of public criticism over what many see as a lopsided oil agreement that gave an ExxonMobil-led consortium the privilege of consuming the lion’s share of the

country’s substantial oil reserves, now tipping the scales at an astonishing 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

But in his book, ‘From Destiny to Prosperity’, Trotman sheds the burden of silence laying bare the intense pressures and the overshadowing influence that curtailed his autonomy in pivotal negotiations. He unveiled a hierarchy of decision-making that positioned former President David Granger, as the ultimate arbiter in the i n d u s t r y ’s h i g h - s t a k e s agreements.

Chartered Accountant a n d A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Christopher Ram in his most recent column published by Stabroek News believes this is a salient point that ought not to go unnoticed. Ram found it quite revealing that Trotman’s book exposed that Granger was in key meetings with oil companies, playing a primary role in overseeing the outcome which Trotman had to follow.

In his book, Trotman pointed to two instances where it was quite clear that upon assuming office in 2015, there was a certain structure he would have to follow. He cited the case of having to deal with the British and Canadian High Commissioners on matters pertaining to Tullow and CGX respectively.

With respect to Tullow, the High Commissioner representing this British company was pushing for the APNU+AFC regime to sign and execute a contract for the Orinduik Block which was negotiated just before the PPP/C administration was ousted in the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Meanwhile, the Canadian envoy was strongly advocating for an extension for CGX, one of the companies involved in exploring the Corentyne Block. CGX needed an extension having failed to complete its work programme within the scheduled time.

Trotman wrote, “What was very interesting and impactful to me was the way these two High Commissioners strongly lobbied for these companies…In the end, the President acquiesced to both requests and I believed then, that the state interests and reciprocity were foremost in (Continued on page 58)

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PAGE 58

From page 57 his mind when he made the decisions.”

He further noted that Granger’s office at the time, subsequently sent over a draft of the agreement for the Orinduik Block. “My instruction was to sign the agreement ‘as is’ and without any negotiated changes,” the former minister said in his book.

Turning to the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement, Trotman said he a n d h i s l e g a l o ff i c e r “harboured some discomfort about signing.” The former minister said this did not go down well with Exxon, following which a high-level delegation from the company made its way to Georgetown for a meeting with Granger.

“The meeting was held in June 2016 and I was one of the ministers present. Suffice to say that after that meeting, I left with the clear belief and understanding that the signing of the agreement must be proceeded with.

Thus, the date of June 27, 2016 was earmarked for the signing in Georgetown, Guyana,” Trotman said, further noting that the signing would take place on the evening of June 27, 2016.

The Stabroek Block PSA has faced significant criticism from various stakeholders for its perceived generous terms to Exxon and its partners which include Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

Major concerns raised

include the paltry two percent royalty which many argue does not fairly compensate Guyana for exploitation of a nonrenewable resource; the costly absence of ringfencing provisions which allows costs from one oil field to be deducted against the revenues of another; and the permanent stability clause which forbids Guyana from introducing new laws adverse to the oil companies until 2056, barring any extensions. According to the columnist, the criticisms weighed heavily on Trotman and in an apparent pique, he wrote that he was becoming “weary of carrying the burden of the agreement alone and wanted to speak out some more”.

Govt.’s draft strategy says country does not have adequate gas for LNG plant to make money The recently unveiled Draft National Gas Strategy, released by the Government of Guyana (GoG), has sounded a cautionary note regarding the reliance on associated gas for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production.

For those who may not be familiar with the term, associated gas is gas which is produced with oil primarily in an oil field. In contrast, non-associated gas is gas found in a reservoir which contains no crude oil, and can, therefore, be produced in patterns best appropriate to its own operational and

Former President of Guyana, David Granger market requirements.

The draft strategy emphasizes that LNG is essentially natural gas cooled into a liquid form to reduce its volume significantly. It acknowledges the intricate nature of LNG value chains and the reliance on longterm contracts to support substantial capital investments and mitigate risks along the value chain.

The document also highlights the fact that the number of countries engaged in LNG production has nearly doubled, increasing from 12 to 23 between 2000 and 2022. Nevertheless, it points out that despite the considerable global LNG production capacity under construction, there is continued demand for additional LNG supply beyond 2026.

Importantly, the draft strategy notes that the vast majority of LNG projects worldwide rely on large nonassociated gas reserves. In contrast, Guyana has primarily focused on oilrelated activities thus far. It

Sunday November 05, 2023

Former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram was emphasized that while there is a significant amount of associated gas in the region, relying on the associated gas entails greater risks compared to sourcing it from dedicated, nonassociated natural gas reservoirs. In the case of the Stabroek Block, all currently produced gas is either reinjected to support oil production or used as on-site fuel.

This revelation comes at a crucial time, especially since Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had previously expressed enthusiasm about the PPP-administration gas strategy, emphasizing its role in the government’s larger plan to monetize some 17 trillion cubic feet of gas found in the Stabroek Block.

He had stated, “We’ve made it clear; we want to monetize our gas assets. This strategy will outline our approach to the industry.”

Moreover, Guyana is actively pursuing the use of natural gas in the Liza One and Liza Two fields for the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, situated at Wales, We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a (WBD). ExxonMobil Guyana will be funding a 12inch pipeline to transport the resource to Wales, where a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant will process and separate the gas for use in a power plant.

This power plant is expected to generate 300 megawatts of electricity for the national grid and produce products like cooking gas for sale, aligning with the government’s goal of energy self-sufficiency. Despite some expert concerns about the projects’ nearly US$2 billion cost, the government remains resolute about its viability.

For access to the Guyana Gas Monetisation Strategy and participation in the public consultation, interested persons can visit the ministry’s official w e b s i t e a t https://petroleum.gov.gy/.

The deadline for public consultation is November 14, 2023.

FRIDAY ExxonM used Guyana’s Oil Profits to pay for Puppet Shows and Go-kart Rentals for Expats and Families While the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) governing the Stabroek Block explicitly statutes that ExxonMobil may take some of the revenues made to cover any expenditure related to oil production, a key report has found that the oil giant has been abusing its access to the nation’s oil profits.

A report prepared by a team of local and international auditors found that the company used a portion of the country’s oil profits on a number of corporate activities which are entirely unrelated to the safe pumping of oil from the Liza Phase One and Two Projects in the Stabroek Block.

In the report seen by this newspaper, auditors said Exxon used US$285,422 or $60 million on hosting social gatherings for its staff, Christmas parties and other corporate and goodwill events.

Expounding on these events, auditors said they discovered that Guyana’s oil profits were used to fund Christmas parties, dinners, gifts, bands, and decorations as well as Family Fun Day supplies for its expatriates such as catering, tents, tables, performing artists, puppet shows, engraved trophies, rental of go-karts and gifts and prizes. A portion of the funds also went towards securing Executive airport lounge access.

Auditors also flagged unnecessary costs for expatriate travel.

Auditors said the foregoing have nothing to with Guyana’s oil operations as per the terms of the agreement and are therefore not cost recoverable.

“A cost must be carried out for, or in connection with, production operations for the cost to be recoverable. These costs were not directly for production operations; they were for corporate goodwill and general morale,” the auditing team said.

Furthermore, the auditors said Exxon acknowledged that these types of costs are not recoverable because in other instances, it reversed more than US$12M spent on similar activities.

The auditors said Exxon (Continued on page 59)

Sunday November 05, 2023

From page 58 agreed to return US$ 53,686.23 in the case mentioned but denied the remaining $ 231,736.25 requested.

Exxon argued that the remainder was spent on p e r i o d i c s t a ff e v e n t s , employee team building events, health awareness and seasonal awards which are typical in any organization and common practice in the international oil and gas industry in connection with the exploration and production of petroleum.

Whether a customary cost or not, auditors insisted that these corporate costs are not recoverable and further insisted that the remaining US$231,736 be returned.

The report compiled by Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting and Consultancy Inc with backing from Martindale Consultants, is yet to be released to the public.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that the audit contract that was awarded to the consortium back in 2022 for US$751,000 had a strict four-month deadline for completion.

Notably, the US$7.3B costs which the auditors examined and found several discrepancies pertain to the investments for the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Projects which are currently producing approximately 400,000 barrels of oil per day in the Stabroek Block.

Opposition, business community bemoan incessant blackouts …GPL says more generators being procured to alleviate crisis Amid incessant blackouts here, Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce on Thursday voiced their dissatisfaction with the ongoing power outages that have plagued the citizens of Guyana for the past several months.

But the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has stated that it experienced a historic peak in electricity demand, reaching 182 Megawatts (MW) on September 29, 2023, attributed to rising temperatures in the region.

GPL’s Development and Expansion Plan for 20232027 projected 186.6 MW in

Kaieteur News

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

GPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bharat Dindyal

2023, leading to the acquisition of 28.9 MW of generation through public tenders. The additional generation is expected to become operational in midDecember, addressing the current peak demand challenges. GPL acknowledged that, to prevent total system shutdowns, they have temporarily de-energized some distribution feeders during peak demand periods, resulting in service disruptions. The company assured customers that the situation will be resolved by mid-December.

In response, the Opposition called on the Government of Guyana (GoG) to provide a clear explanation to the public regarding the persistent electricity rationing, especially after the government’s claims of removing “big businesses” that were supposedly straining the generation capacity. The Opposition contended that this situation either reflects a fundamental misdiagnosis of the issue or a significant failure in addressing it. Immediate rectification is necessary, and they demanded accountability from President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill for the failures in planning, management, and execution.

The Opposition emphasized that GPL had consistently warned of the need for additional generation capacity in 2023, and the lack of support in acquiring this capacity led to the current crisis. This crisis was exacerbated by a recent 46.5 MW generation failure at the Garden of Eden Plant, East Bank Demerara.

According to GPL’s own

reports, 63% of generation capacity for the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected system is classified as “unreliable.” The Opposition called for an end to this unreliable practice and a focus on adding reliable capacity to the system until the Gas-toEnergy project is completed.

They also stressed the importance of investing in a reliable transmission and distribution network to ensure electricity supply r e l i a b i l i t y, a l o n g s i d e improvements in generation capacity. The Opposition advocates for substantial investment in this infrastructure in the future.

Regarding the Amaila Falls Hydro project, concerns about its feasibility persist, especially due to low water levels in the Amaila River during the dry season.

The Opposition suggests exploring various renewable energy sources, such as solar, as viable alternatives.

Moreover, the Opposition emphasizes that Guyanese citizens deserve reliable electricity service and calls for a shift in the government’s focus from the Amaila Falls project to addressing the ongoing blackouts. They also advocate for evaluating long-term power generation options, including natural gas, solar, hydro, or wind power and consistent investment in the electrical transmission grid to ensure reliability.

Additionally, the GCCI a l s o e x p r e s s e d disappointment with the continuous power outages, emphasizing their adverse effects on enterprise productivity and overall economic performance.

H o w e v e r, t h e G C C I supported projects like the Amaila Falls Hydropower

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President of the GCCI, Kester Hutson

Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo

Project, the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) Project, and Solar Farms as the future of Guyana’s energy supply. The body called for measures to bridge the current generation gap and improved forecasting, planning, and investments in the energy sector.

Vice President Jagdeo, during his press conference, blamed the blackout woes on the previous administration, citing that they “killed” the PPP-ambitious Amaila Falls Hydro project. He also blamed the administration for a lack of investment in the energy sector. Notably, Jagdeo also said that the government is equally concerned as the ordinary citizens about the blackout woes.

N o t a b l y, t h e Vi c e President was asked if the additional power that will be added to the grid in December will be sufficient to last the country until the GTE project is completed – he made it clear that it would not be possible and said that

the government will have to continuously invest until the GTE project is on stream.

SATURDAY Exxon eager to ramp up production beyond 220,000 barrels a day for shareholders’ pocket – Senior VP Payara to start pumping in two weeks…

E x x o n M o b i l Corporation’s Senior Vice President, Neil Chapman recently disclosed that his company’s third oil project in the Stabroek Block called Payara is scheduled to start pumping oil in midNovember. This project worth a whopping US$9B is expected to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

Officials have said that a 10 to 20 percent ramp up of production would occur shortly after.

During his company’s 2023 third quarter earnings call, Chapman said, “We’re really encouraged by what

we’re seeing in Guyana. I mean, let’s just start with the two boats that are in operation today. The Liza Destiny had a nameplate capacity of 120,000 barrels a day. We’re consistently running that at about 150,000 barrels a day.”

T h e S e n i o r Vi c e President said the second vessel, Liza Unity, has a nameplate capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per day but production has already jumped above 240,000 barrels a day. He said, “So those two combined are getting close to 400,000 barrels a day, which is quite a bit above. And this comes from, I would just say, good operational performance.

You look at every aspect of the operations, you tweak them, you push them, and you can get more and more out.”

With respect to the Payara Project which will use a vessel called Prosperity, he said it carries a 220,000 barrels a day nameplate capacity. “We would hope, we would expect to have a similar type of uplift. There is no reason to think that we wouldn’t, but we have to start that up.

The plan is to start that up in the middle of November,” the Senior Vice President said.

With those three ships alone, Chapman said Guyana would have a combined production output of 560,000 barrels a day. He noted that the intention is to take this beyond 600,000 barrels a day of production.

With respect to future projects, Chapman shared (Continued on page 60)

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PAGE 60

From page 59 that Exxon and its partners which consist of Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited have three more Guyana Projects in the pipeline. These are the Yellowtail, Uaru, and then Whiptail. Chapman said these projects will use boats that are bigger than the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity and Prosperity, adding that they will each produce 250,000 barrels a day.

The Senior Vice President said the boats for Yellowtail and Uaru are already in construction. As for Whiptail, Chapman said, “We’ve submitted the development plan to the government. And we would hope and expect to reach a Final Investment Decision in 2024 for that. And that will give us a combined nameplate capacity of 1.2 million barrels a day at the end of 2027.”

The Senior Vice President was keen to note that the 1.2 million target does not include the uplift in performance Exxon has planned for its Guyana vessels. He said the company’s mission is to get maximum production out of the boats, including Payara, adding that this would redound to sweet financial returns for its shareholders and the Stabroek Block partners.

Jagdeo says he did not object to massive tax giveaway to ExxonM because lopsided deal was already signed Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has refuted the claims made by former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman that he and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) failed to

object to the massive tax waivers that was handed to ExxonMobil Guyana Limited in 2016.

Responding to Trotman’s damning allegations made in his book from ‘Destiny to Prosperity’, the VP at his press conference held on Thursday, pointed out that concessions were enshrined in the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which the then coalition government signed with Exxon before taking the document to parliament.

As a result, Jagdeo claimed that deal was sealed and it made no difference whether the PPP/C as parliamentary Opposition, had objected to it.

According to the VP, Trotman is now seeking to lay the blame on someone else for something he did.

He defended himself by saying, “So Trotman now says in his book that Jagdeo and the PPP approved the tax concessions for Exxon. He said that he was told that the Jagdeo was briefed. Told by whom? The fact is they signed the agreement in June of 2016 and the document went to parliament in August 2016.”

The VP continued, “So after the signing of the agreement now for a sensible person … the reporters should ask so what if the parliament didn’t approve the fiscal concessions… would that have changed the PSA that you signed, because the concessions were enshrined in the document that he signed unto several months before he went to parliament.”

Jagdeo believes therefore that Trotman should face consequence for acting outside of the parliamentary process.

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman “If anything he should be facing consequences because he admitted to signing an agreement without the parliamentary approval on the fiscal terms and in that agreement all of the same things that people say are too generous,” Jagdeo’s response comes after Kaieteur News reported that Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram in his undertaking of a thorough review of Trotman’s publication pointed out that Jagdeo had a pivotal role in the approval of the concessions.

The columnist, referring to Chapter V of the book which deals with the Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement wrote, “The chapter discloses that prior to the tabling in the National Assembly of the Order to approve the tax concessions specified in the (Stabroek Block) Agreement, he (Trotman) had been informed that the Leader of the Opposition had been “briefed” on them and ‘would offer no objection.’” Trotman did not name the Leader of the Opposition but at the time it was now Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

The column continued, “Trotman claims that unanimous approval was granted on August 8, 2016, more than 15 months before the agreement was released to the public…” In light of the foregoing revelation, among others, Ram told this newspaper, in a brief comment, that it underscores all the more a need for a Commission of Inquiry i n t o t h e A P N U + A F C ’s mishandling of the 2016 agreement.

The order mentioned by Trotman was also reported on by this newspaper on August 10, 2016.

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan had moved the motion to apply section 51 of the Petroleum Act, which allows for the waiver of the application of certain laws in favour of licensees with whom the government has entered into production share agreements.

Jordan had said too that the order provides investors with the necessary comfort and assurances that the agreement will be respected in its entirety. Since the signing of the 2016 PSA, ExxonMobil and its

Sunday November 05, 2023

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo partners which include Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, have unlocked over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources. The partners also have over US$40B invested for five sanctioned oil projects. It is currently in discussions with authorities to approve a sixth development worth almost US$13B. Jagdeo says he did not object to massive tax giveaway to ExxonM because lopsided deal was already signed Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has refuted the claims made by former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman that he and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) failed to object to the massive tax waivers that was handed to ExxonMobil Guyana Limited in 2016.

Responding to Trotman’s damning allegations made in his book from ‘Destiny to Prosperity’, the VP at his press conference held on Thursday, pointed out that concessions were enshrined in the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which the then coalition government signed with Exxon before taking the document to parliament.

As a result, Jagdeo claimed that deal was sealed and it made no difference whether the PPP/C as parliamentary Opposition, had objected to it.

According to the VP, Trotman is now seeking to lay the blame on someone else for something he did.

He defended himself by saying, “So Trotman now says in his book that Jagdeo and the PPP approved the tax concessions for Exxon. He said that he was told that the Jagdeo was briefed. Told by whom? The fact is they signed the agreement in June of 2016 and the document went to parliament in August 2016.”

The VP continued, “So after the signing of the agreement now for a sensible person … the reporters should ask so what if the parliament didn’t approve the fiscal concessions… would that have changed the PSA that you signed,

because the concessions were enshrined in the document that he signed unto several months before he went to parliament.”

Jagdeo believes therefore that Trotman should face consequence for acting outside of the parliamentary process.

“If anything he should be facing consequences because he admitted to signing an agreement without the parliamentary approval on the fiscal terms and in that agreement all of the same things that people say are too generous,” Jagdeo’s response comes after Kaieteur News reported that Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram in his undertaking of a thorough review of Trotman’s publication pointed out that Jagdeo had a pivotal role in the approval of the concessions.

The columnist, referring to Chapter V of the book which deals with the Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement wrote, “The chapter discloses that prior to the tabling in the National Assembly of the Order to approve the tax concessions specified in the (Stabroek Block) Agreement, he (Trotman) had been informed that the Leader of the Opposition had been “briefed” on them and ‘would offer no objection.’” Trotman did not name the Leader of the Opposition but at the time it was now Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

The column continued, “Trotman claims that unanimous approval was granted on August 8, 2016, more than 15 months before the agreement was released to the public…” In light of the foregoing revelation, among others, Ram told this newspaper, in a brief comment, that it underscores all the more a need for a Commission of Inquiry i n t o t h e A P N U + A F C ’s mishandling of the 2016 agreement.

The order mentioned by Trotman was also reported on by this newspaper on August 10, 2016.

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan had moved the motion to apply section 51 of the Petroleum Act, which allows for the waiver of the application of certain laws in favour of licensees with whom the government has entered into production share agreements.

Jordan had said too that the order provides investors with the necessary comfort and assurances that the agreement will be respected in its entirety. Since the signing of the 2016 PSA, ExxonMobil and its partners which include Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, have unlocked over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources. The partners also have over US$40B invested for five sanctioned oil projects. It is currently in discussions with authorities to approve a sixth development worth almost US$13B.

Sunday November 05, 2023

10 Fun Facts You May Not Know About Hair

Done by: Luxy Hair Extensions Do you think you know a lot about hair? Think again, my friend. Today’s blog post is about ten interesting and fun facts on hair that will blow your mind (and hair hehe…). Grab a smoothie or some tea, and enjoy the read!

1. Hair is mostly made out of Keratin.

Keratin is the same protein that we find in our outer layer of skin and our fingernails, and also surprisingly what constitutes animals’ hooves, claws and feathers. Who knew that we have so much in common with our animal friends?

2. Hair may grow quicker in warm climates.

Heat stimulates circulation in the body (including in the scalp) and encourages hair growth.

Though this is the case, genetics and diet also play a role in our hair growth obviously!

3. A wet strand of hair can stretch up to 30% of its normal length.

Have you ever been disappointed when you realized that your recently cut wet hair seemed longer?

Then discovered it suddenly shrunk when the hairstylist blow-dried it? Don’t worry, it’s not just you - this happens because water stretches hair to be longer than it naturally is!

4. All hair that we can see is dead.

The only hair that is not dead is the hair that is still inside the epidermis of our scalp - how weird is that?

This is so surprising since we often focus on the hair that’s on the outside, when we

should very much consider that what we put inside our bodies directly affects the hair that we can see!

5. Black is the most common hair color and red is the most rare.

1% of the world’s population has natural red hair and the second most rare hair color is blonde (2% of the world’s population).

Dark hair colors are the most common with black being the most common. Embrace your natural hair, no matter what color it is!

6. Hair contains important information that is used as forensic evidence in trials.

Scary fact: hair contains information on what your bloodstream has contained in the past. Scientists can know what you ate and drank as well as the environment that you lived in from only a tiny strand of hair!

7. Each strand of hair can support up to 100 grams of weight.

To p u t t h i s i n t o perspective, let’s use a mental image. If every strand of your hair can support 100g, and people have on average 100 000 to 150 000 strands of hair on their scalp, your entire head can support the equivalent of two elephants - yikes!!

8. Hair is the second fastest growing tissue in the body.

The fastest is the bone marrow.

9. Blow drying alters the shape of the hair by changing their hydrogen bonds.

Water also changes the hydrogen bonds, which makes our hair flatter when we take a shower.

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$161M for additional construction works of Leonora Market The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is looking to spend some $161 million for the continuation of construction works on the Leonora Market in Region Three.

At the recent opening of bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), it was revealed that three contractors are interested in executing the works.

They are Industrial Fabrication Inc., Builders Hardware General Supplies & Construction, and Panko Steel Fabrication & Construction, the contractor undertaking the Parika Market project.

It was reported that in December 2022, the ministry inked a contract with S&D Construction to the tune of $149 million to complete phase one of the Leonora Market project.

The Ministry had noted that after over five decades,

vendors will now benefit from a new market space conducive for plying their trade at the Leonora Market.

The $149 million contract, the Ministry stated, was signed for the construction of an 8000sq. meter tarmac and upon completion of this project, it will cater to just over 700 vendors at the Leonora Market space.

The Ministry noted too that in the near future, more work will be completed at the market which will see the construction of sanitary facilities, upgraded drainage and electricity will be catered for and as time goes by, it would have an upgraded parking lot.

It was reported that when the works on the market tarmac are completed, vendors would be able to operate under better and improved conditions and this will in turn reduce the traffic congestion which would usually occur at the market area.

Rehabilitation of Bridge at ‘A’ Field, Sophia.

Construction of Bridge No.2 at ‘C’ Field Sophia.

Below are the companies and their bids: Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Construction of Leonora Market (Phase 2), Region Three.

Construction of Hydronie Market.

Repairs to Office at Southern Building of Ministry.

PAGE 62

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

CCJ orders NBS to pay former CEO full pension...

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From page 19 make finding of fact in relation to the right to dismiss Mr. Arjoon. I look at your cross appeal, it states the court erred in law when it failed to consider the grounds on which the appellant was dismissed.

[But] You make no complaint that the High Court failed to admit relevant evidence and failed to give proper consideration to this evidence.”

At one point, Fraser asked the court to bear with him as he sifts through the contents in relation to the case. He started to point to inferences in rela-

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vited him to a meeting to show cause why he should not be disciplined or dismissed…the reaction was the appellant went to court in order to seek an injunction to stop the meeting being held…”

He claimed that Arjoon failed to attend the meeting but sent his attorney in his place. He claimed that the single act of insubordination should be basis for summary dismissal.

Meanwhile, in his submission on behalf of Arjoon, Senior Counsel Mr. Edward Luckhoo pointed to evidence that there was no wrongdoing by his client.

“All the investigations of Raja Ram, the internal accountant, he testified in the Magistrate Court that he didn’t find those transactions to be illegitimate…He claimed all the rules had been followed.”

The lawyer therefore reasoned that Arjoon should be awarded his full pension package and other benefits.

“I think the appropriate calculation will be under the rules of the pension scheme… There is a method of calculation for this that was done by Mr. Arjoon.”

Luckhoo asked the Court to restore the judgment of the High Court in relation to the calculation of the pension. He noted in relation to the pension, the High Court ordered severance pay. He said that “If an employer acts wrongly and dismisses you then the employee is entitled to pension and severance.”

The CCJ, however, found difficulty with this submission. In the Court’s view, Arjoon was not allowed to double dip; it is either his full pension or severance.

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From page 53 encapsulated the essence of rehabilitation initiatives.

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tion to the facts but asked to take a break.

‘Your Honours, we are 41 minutes almost so I would be happy if we could be given a break.’ However, President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders interjected stating that he thinks the lawyer should “cut to the chase!”

“Why do you say this man should have been rightly dismissed what are the inferences that the Court should have drawn that it did not draw? he asked.

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scored the prison’s commitment to rehabilitation and skill development, aiming to provide inmates with opportunities for productive reintegration into society.

This wil l a i d i n minimising recidivism and encapsulating Minister R o b e s o n B e n n ’s F r e s h Start initiative,” the ministry stated.

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 63

GRA prefers to issue press releases rather than host press conferences - Jagdeo

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters on Thursday that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) may prefer to issue press releases rather than hold press conferences to answer some of the burning questions surrounding the management of Guyana's oil and gas sector.

The VP was at the time responding to a question from the Kaieteur News as to when exactly the GRA would host a long overdue press engagement which he had announced earlier.

According to Jagdeo, the GRA may be reluctant to meet the press since it is a technical agency, and as such, it would prefer to work through press releases.

Jagdeo noted, “I don't have any issue with the Commissioner General speaking to the public and this is my public position on these matters, if he chooses to stay silent it's because he has s o m e f i d u c i a r y responsibilities and he can't speak about some issues, not everything is for the news, people tax records, how you approach certain things, they have professional ethics too, s o m e t i m e s t h e newspapers…sometimes don't understand that the need to know sometimes need to be tempered by the professional ethics of these bodies.”

The VP had previously stated that he believes that the GRA as the technical agency must address the public on matters concerning issues

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

such as the audits of Exxon Mobil Guyana's expenses as well as the GRA's staff shortage to in relation to conducting the audits.

During a press conference in early September, Jagdeo had said that Commissioner General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia will be solely responsible for addressing the current human resource shortage at the agency's Petroleum Unit, as the government will not be intervening.

In this instance, the VP said that the GRA boss informed him that the vacant spots were advertised locally and internationally, however, the remuneration sought by the skilled auditors was “very high.” Jagdeo said he informed Statia that this should be discussed if it hampers the work of the agency.

According to Jagdeo, “He is going to deal with this matter and the reason I want him at the technical level to deal with matters surrounding audit is that I made it clear that as

politicians we want to stay away from any issue dealing with audits.”

Th e Vice P r es id en t explained that while the government is concerned

about the lengthy timeline to complete oil audits, it is focused on ensuring that there is adherence to the Local Content provisions.

He, however, made it clear that the government will not be stepping in.

“We don't want to give directions in relation to audits which is an entirely technical matter because it would seem if we intervene, it would seem we are favouring one party or another and this is not how audits are done and so that is why he (Statia) should deal with it purely from a technical perspective and our position remains the same.”

On July 31, 2023, during

a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting, Statia informed the Parliamentary Committee that the Petroleum Unit, tasked with conducting audits of oil companies, was lacking half of the staff required for the job. He pointed out that the agency has 31 on roll while 65 persons are required for the job.

ExxonMobil's US$1.6 billion expenses between 1999 and 2017. Meanwhile, another audit that was signed in 2022 for the oil company's US$7.3 billion expenditure, racked up between 2018 and 2020 is yet to be finalized.

Jagdeo previously

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo explained that while the auditors have wrapped up the review, the iterative process between the GRA and the oil company has been stalling the completion.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 64

Sunday November 05, 2023

The average Palestinian in Gaza is living on 2 pieces of bread a day, UN official says (AP)-The average Palestinian in Gaza is living on two pieces of Arabic bread made from flour the United Nations had stockpiled in the region, yet the main refrain now being heard in the street is “Water, water,” the Gaza director for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Friday.

Thomas White, who said he traveled “the length and breadth of Gaza in the last few weeks,” described the place as a “scene of death and destruction.” No place is safe now, he said, and people fear for their lives, their future and their ability to feed their families.

The Palestinian refugee agency, known as UNRWA, is supporting about 89 bakeries across Gaza, aiming to get bread to 1.7 million people, White told diplomats from the U.N.’s 193 member nations in a video briefing from Gaza.

But, he said, “now people are beyond looking for bread. It’s looking for water.”

U.N. deputy Mideast coordinator Lynn Hastings, who is also the humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, said only one of three water supply lines from Israel is

operational.

“Many people are relying on brackish or saline ground water, if at all,” she said.

In the briefing, U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths also said intense negotiations are taking place among authorities from Israel, Egypt, the United States and United Nations on allowing fuel to enter Gaza.

Fuel, he said, is essential for the functioning of institutions, hospitals and the distribution of water and electricity. “We must allow these supplies reliably, repetitively and dependently into Gaza.” Backup generators, which have been essential to keep hospitals, water desalination plants, food production facilities and other essential services operating “are one by one grinding to a halt as fuel supplies run out,” Hastings said. White pointed to other major problems.

Sewage is not being treated and instead is being pumped into the sea, he said.

“But when you speak to municipal workers, the reality is once their fuel runs out, that sewage will flow in the streets.”

In addition, he said, cooking gas that was brought into Gaza from Egypt by the

private sector before the war is increasingly in short supply. Aid organizations like UNRWA “are not going to be able to step in and replicate the network of distribution by the private sector for this essential item,” he said.

White said close to 600,000 people are sheltering in 149 UNRWA facilities, most of them schools, but the agency has lost contact with many in the north, where Israel is carrying intense ground and air operations following Hamas’ surprise Oct. 7 attacks. An average of 4,000 displaced people in Gaza are living in the schools without the resources to maintain proper sanitation, he said.

“The conditions are desperate,” with women and children sleeping in the classrooms and men sleeping outside in the open, he said.

The U.N. can’t provide them safety, White said, pointing to over 50 UNRWA facilities impacted by the conflict, including five direct hits.

“At last count, 38 people have died in our shelters. I fear that with the fighting going on in the north right now, that number is going to grow significantly,” he said.

Palestinians loot a truck with humanitarian aid near the Rafah border in the Gaza Strip on Thursday Nov. 2, 2023. (AP photo/Hatem Ali)

Griffiths, the humanitarian chief, said 72 UNRWA staff members had been killed since Oct. 7. “I think it’s the highest number of U.N. staff lost in a conflict,” he said.

The Gaza Health Ministry’s total of more than 9,000 people killed in Gaza is four times as many deaths as during the 50-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in 2014 when just over 2,200 Palestinians were killed, Griffiths said. He added that the real toll will only emerge once buildings are cleared and rubble is

taken away.

Griffiths called for humanitarian pauses to get aid to millions of people. He also urged the immediate release of all hostages and protection of all civilians by both sides as required under international humanitarian law.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly called for a full cease-fire, and Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, criticized Griffiths for talking about humanitarian pauses, something the United States

is also urging.

This means “Israel continues killing the Palestinians, but gives us few hours every now and then, in order to get food and other stuff,” Mansour said.

He said a cease-fire is essential to save lives, saying that “almost 50% of all the structures in the Gaza Strip” have been destroyed

by Israel and the situation for Palestinians “is beyond comprehension and beyond description.”

“It requires from all of us to do everything that we can to stop it,” he said.

Turkey recalls ambassador to Israel over ‘humanitarian tragedy in Gaza’ (AL JAZEERA) Turkey says it has recalled its ambassador to Israel for consultations over Israel’s sustained bombing of civilians in the Gaza Strip and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday that Sakir Ozkan Torunlar was being recalled “in view of t h e u n f o l d i n g humanitarian tragedy in Gaza caused by the continuing attacks by Israel against civilians and Israel’s refusal of calls for a ceasefire and the continuous and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid.”

The move comes as A n k a r a ’s r h e t o r i c i s becoming increasingly critical of Israel, which has killed about 9,500 Palestinians, including 3,900 children, in the Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at a rally in solidarity with Palestiniansin Gaza in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 28, 2023 [Dilara Senkaya/Reuters]

Strip since the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which killed about 1,400 people.

Spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lior Haiat, criticised the decision as “another step by the Turkish president that sides with the Hamas terrorist organization,” in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Turkey hosts members of Hamas, which it

does not consider a “terrorist” organisation like the United States and the European Union. It has called for an immediate ceasefire, unlike Western governments. On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was breaking off contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Netanyahu is no longer

someone we can talk to. We have written him off,” Turkish media quoted Erdogan as saying. But he added that this does not mean Turkey is cutting its relations with Israel and his intelligence chief is in contact with Israeli and Palestinian authorities as well as Hamas.

Erdogan also said that when the war is over, Turkey

wants “to see Gaza as a peaceful region that is a part of an independent Palestinian state, in line with 1967 borders, with territorial integrity, and with East Jerusalem as its capital”.

Last month, Israeli diplomats had left Turkey for security reasons after many pro-Palestinian demonstrations erupted across the country. Its

Ministry of Foreign Affairs later said it had recalled the diplomats to assess the state of bilateral relations.

According to Erdogan, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will visit Turkey at the end of November.

Erdogan also plans this month to attend a summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Riyadh to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza with regional actors.

Even as international calls for a ceasefire in Gaza grow, Netanyahu has refused any such prospects as the Israeli military pushes into Gaza on the ground and continues to bomb it.

Humanitarian aid started trickling into Gaza late last month from the Rafah crossing, the only passage into the enclave not controlled by Israel, but rights organisations continue to warn that the humanitarian situation is dire.

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

PAGE 65

Nepal rushes aid and rescue operations after strong quake shakes its northwest, killing at least 157 (AP)-Survivors of a strong earthquake that shook Nepal ’s northwest in the middle of the night described sudden shaking followed by houses collapsing and burying entire families, as the death toll rose to 157 on Saturday.

Most of those killed were crushed by debris when their houses — usually made by stacking rocks and logs — crumbled under the force of the tremblor midnight Friday, local media reported.

While rescuers were scrambling to rush aid, operations were hampered by the fact that many of the mountainous villages could only be reached by foot.

Roads were also blocked by landslides triggered by the earthquake. Soldiers could be seen trying to clear the blocked roads.

The government is trying to get as much aid to the affected areas, Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said on Saturday.

Remnants of the earthquake which struck Nepal on Friday night. (Photo: Kathmandu Post)

Tents, food and medicine were flown in as thousands became homeless overnight.

“I was fast asleep when all of a sudden it started shaking violently. I tried to run but the whole house collapsed. I tried escaping but half my body got buried in the debris,” said Bimal Kumar Karki, one of the first

people to be brought to the regional hospital.

“I screamed, but every one of my neighbors was in the same situation and screaming for help. It took nearly a half-hour to an hour before rescuers found me,” he said.

Another injured man recovering in the hospital

Panama president signs into law a moratorium on new mining concessions A Canadian mine is untouched (AP)-Panama’s President, Laurentino Cortizo, signed into law an indefinite moratorium on new mining concessions Friday.

The law also prohibits renewing existing concessions.

P a n a m a ’s N a t i o n a l Assembly approved the bill Thursday. An article was removed, however, that would have revoked a controversial mining contract that sparked nationwide protests over the past two weeks.

The new law will still allow Minera Panama to operate an open-pit copper mine in the state of Colon for 20 years, with a possible extension for another 20 years.

Environmentalists argue the mine threatens to destroy more of the dense jungle surrounding it and imperils local drinking water.

Minera Panama is a local subsidiary of Canadian mining company First Quantum.

Some lawyers

welcomed the decision, warning that revoking that contract could have left the government open to multi-million-dollar legal liabilities.

However, experts said those could be avoided if the country’s Supreme Court rules the original c o n t r a c t w a s unconstitutional in any one of eight such cases brought against the deal so

far.

Another bill also awaits debate, which would put the contract to a popular referendum. Cortizo initially gave his final approval to the contract on Oct. 20.

Protests continued across the country Friday, drawing supporters from Indigenous groups and unions across the education, construction and medical sectors.

also described getting buried while he was asleep.

“I was asleep at night and around 10 or 11 at night it started shaking and the house caved. So many houses have collapsed and so many people have been buried,” said Tika Ram

Rana, who had his head wrapped in a white bandage.

Besides aid, rescuers were focused on finding survivors.

Local television aired footage of troops recovering bodies while others helped dig out and carry the injured.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 and occurred at a depth of 11 miles (18 kilometers) .

Nepal’s National Earthquake Monitoring & Research Center said its epicenter was at Jajarkot, which is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) northeast of the capital, Kathmandu.

In Jajarkot district, a mostly agricultural area, at least 105 people were confirmed dead while 52 were killed in the neighboring Rukum district, officials said. Another 184 were injured.

Security officials worked with villagers through the night to pull the dead and injured from fallen houses. The death toll was expected to rise as communications were still cut off in many places, authorities said.

PAGE 66

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

Sunday November 05, 2023

Baird throws ‘historic’ Javelin bronze at Pan Am Games …Guyana ends 19th edition with two bronze, one silver

By Rawle Toney It was another historic night for Guyana at the 19th Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile, following Lesalin Baird’s third-place finish in the men’s Javelin event.

The Julio Martínez National Stadium had already proven to be favourable for Guyana’s track athletes, and now it was Baird’s opportunity to make his mark on one of the most significant sporting events in the Americas.

In his first three attempts, Baird achieved distances of 72.87m, 73.48m, and 68.37m, which had him in fifth place.

However, it was his fourth attempt that truly made a difference. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard Senior Petty Officer launched the javelin to an impressive 78.23m, which propelled him to a well-deserved spot on the podium.

Baird, who is also Guyana’s National Record

Holder with a distance (78.65m), claimed the third position, just behind Henrique Nunes of Brazil (78.45m) and the USA’s Curtis Thompson (79.65m).

His achievement marked a historic milestone for Guyana, as Baird became the first athlete from the country to earn a medal in the Javelin event at the Pan Am Games.

Overwhelmed by emotions, Baird following the medal ceremony, stated, “I’ve

Sunday November 05, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) People are apt to try to hit you square on the head with their ideas and thoughts today, Aries, so be ready for the onslaught of information that may come your way.

There's a distinct advantage.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) People would be foolish to challenge your thinking now, Libra. The power behind your words is volatile, and you may find yourself going to extremes in order to get your point across.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Anchor yourself in practical matters before you try to prove your point to others.

There's a great deal of primal energy rising within you today and searching for some sort of outlet.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your old ways of thinking have carried you quite far, Scorpio, but you may now find that it's time to seek a new platform for your ideas.

Look for more adventurous ways to express yourself. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) One quick phone call to a friend may turn into a long discussion about the meaning of life, Sagittarius.

Be conscious of the fact that there's a great deal of momentum building in your mind now.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't take no for an answer today, Gemini. Know what you believe in and stick with it. There's a distinct advantage to holding true to your inner nature.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be a pioneer thinker today, Cancer. There's a noble courage in your thoughts, so don't let this quality go to waste. You will be surprised at how cutting edge you can be when you put your mind to it.

PAGE 67

Kaieteur News

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It could be that you feel a bit of pressure today to start or create something that you aren't quite ready for, Capricorn. There is hesitation on your part that indicates you should take it slowly .

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Be aggressive and forceful when it comes to exerting your will, Leo. Let others know that you won't be a pushover. Your opinions are extremely important,

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Move forward with your plan of attack today, Aquarius. There's an anxious rumble within you that's urging you to get going with a current plan. You have all the facts you need,

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Today may be one of those days in which you come to a four-way stop and no one knows whose turn it is.

Don't sit and wait for everyone else to go first, Virgo.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Add spark to your life today, Pisces. It could be that things are getting stale and boring. If so, consider the possibility that you simply aren't challenging yourself.

earned this medal through sweat, tears and blood. Two years ago, I didn’t see this possible due to due to the meniscus (knee injury) that I had, but I pushed through and today I stand with a Pan Am Medal.” Baird singled out Coach Johnny Gravesande for special mention, crediting him for guiding him through the rounds, culminating in his exceptional performance in round four, which secured his place as a medal contender.

While Guyana competed in archery, boxing, taekwondo, table tennis, weightlifting, and esports, it was the athletics team that excelled and made the most significant impact on the country’s medal count.

Emanuel Archibald concluded his remarkable 2023 season by securing a bronze medal in the men’s 100m event, while Jasmine Abrams secured a second-place finish in the women’s 100m finals.

Abrams and Archibald’s silver and bronze medals carry historical importance for Guyana, as they became the first track athletes to medal in the 100m at the Pan Games since 1959. Their achievement marked a significant milestone in Guyana’s athletic history, and it had been two decades since Guyanese athletes Marian Burnett (800m silver) and Aliann Pompey (400m bronze) stood on the podium during the 2003 games in the Dominican Republic. In total, Guyana has earned 20 medals at the Pan Games, with athletics contributing nine of them: one gold, four silver, and four bronze.

Notably, the only gold medal in athletics for Guyana was clinched by James WrenGilkes, who emerged victorious in the men’s 200m event at the 1975 Pan Am Games in Mexico City.

Guyanese athletes who competed in various sports at the Pan Games include: Archery (Devin Persaud), Athletics (Emmanuel Archibald, Leslain Baird, Keliza Smith, Jasmine Abrams, Aliyah Abrams), Badminton (Priyanna Ramdhani), Boxing (Desmond Amsterdam, Keevin Allicock, Alesha Jackman, Emmanuel Pompey), Table Tennis (Shemar Britton, Chelsea Edghill), Taekwondo (Ceili Peterson), Weightlifting (Krystol Chanderban, Shammah Noel), Swimming (Alika Persaud, Raekwon Noel), Esport (Hemchandra Persaud).

Every long rope has an end...

From page 72 like ‘royals’ for their blind support, a feature that everyone au fait with the sport blamed for its dysfunction and bad image for so long.

It has not stopped, and one could rightly argue that it has become worse under the current leadership, prompting calls for a change in personnel in the highest office in the sport here.

It does not take a fair degree of administrative acumen to understand the importance of building partnerships with important stakeholders.

The current administration has clearly done the opposite, struggling to garner meaningful support from the corporate community for its projects and programs, thus making it extremely difficult to advance the sport’s fortune.

Football is the biggest

spectacle in sport worldwide, and even in Guyana, it once enjoyed similar levels of viewership and corporate assistance like cricket, but poor governance and the perceived unwillingness to be transparent have ultimately succeeded in destroying the image of the sport.

Forde, who promised stakeholders to rectify the sport’s image following his ascension to office seemed to have also succumbed to the habits of some of his predecessors, choosing to rule by an iron-fist instead of sticking to his previous promise of democratic and transparent governance.

Well, as we have all seen in the past, there is a price to be paid for such deviations and come December 9, he will mostly likely suffer a similar fate as those before him.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 68

Sunday November 05, 2023

Action bowls off today at Enmore Ground Banks DIH/GT Beer East Coast 5/5 Tapeball…

GT Beer Brand Manager Dwain Bristol (seventh left) and Key Accounts Manager of Banks DIH Limited Shameer Shahib (centre) pose with some representatives after a team briefing

The East Coast Demerara champions of the GT Beer seven-a-side 5/5 T a p e b a l l competition,sponsored by Banks DIH Limited, bowls off today with a number of exciting games held at the Enmore Community Centre Ground.

Following up the tournament in Essequibo,

Banks DIH rolled out their East Coast leg of the competition, with the first set of games starting today November 5 from 09:30h, with 19 teams going for the gold.

The final group of roundrobin matches will be played on November 19 while the knockout games as well as the final will be hosted on

November 26 under lights.

Some GYD$400,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs. The winning team will pocket 200K. The losing finalist will collect take home 100k while third and fourth receives 40k and 20k, respectively.

Regarding format, teams will be awarded 2 points for a win and 1 point for a tie or

no-result. Admission to the games is free, and apart from the on-field action, there will be several family-oriented activities beyond the boundary.

Meanwhile, GT Beer Brand Manager Dwain Bristol said there is the bonus of the champion side representing East Coast Demerara in a national

p l a y o ff f e a t u r i n g t h e winning teams from other districts. “We’re looking forward to the games being played in the right spirit. I know we’re all competitive and want to win, but just come out and have fun and make it a tournament to remember,” said Bristol.

He added that following the end of the Essequibo and

East Coast legs, action will resume in other areas in January 2024.

Meanwhile, Key Accounts Manager of Banks DIH Limited and one of the coordinators Shameer Shahib said the ultimate aim is to cover eight catchment areas around the country, with the winners meeting in the national playoffs.

ICC World Cup 2023: Zaman century leads Pakistan Chanderpaul, Hetmyer set up to crucial win over NZ crushing 7-wicket win for Guyana CG United Super50 Tournament 2023…

H a l f - c e n t u r i e s f r o m Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul and Shimron Hetmyer headlined a strong 7-wicket win for the Guyana Harpy Eagles over Jamaica Scorpions during last evening’s battle.

The pair of left-handers oozed class during their chase, with Chanderpaul scoring 77 off 110 balls with 8 fours.

Hetmyer, on the other hand, cracked 62 not out off 53 with five fours and a couple sixes, punching the lights out of the Scorpions.

The duo’s respective knocks allowed the Eagles to easily fly past their target of 181, finishing on 184-3 in 39 overs.

The 2 West Indies players found support in Tevin Imlach who scored a gritty 30, hitting a solitary four in his 57-ball knock which allowed Chanderpaul to settle after losing his opening partner.

Hetmyer played a good supporting cast role, scoring aggressively while allowing his partner on the other end to focus as the he took Guyana home with relative ease following the removal of Chanderpaul.

A string of bits and pieces scores from the Jamaicans headlined an ordinary batting outing. Brad Barnes (36), Rovman Powell (33), Chadwick Walton (26), Andre Mccarthy (23) and 20 apiece from Odean Smith and Nkrumah Bonner took the Scorpions to 181 all out in the 47th over.

The Eagles again showcased their depth in the bowling department, led by a returning

Nial Smith

pacer Niall Smith (3-26) with Kevin Sinclair’s offspin providing support with 348.

Captain Veerasammy Permaul snapped up 2-38 as he continued to add to his overall tally while Sherfane Rutherford matched with identical figures of 2-38, wrapping up a solid performance with the ball.

(BBC Sport) - An astonishing batting display kept Pakistan’s World Cup semi-final hopes alive in a rain-affected encounter against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

Set 402 to win, Pakistan raced to 160-1 in 21.3 overs with Fakhar Zaman hitting a sublime 63ball century before the rain fell.

Pakistan were given a revised target of 342 in 41 overs but only four more overs were possible.

Fakhar finished with 126 and captain Babar Azam 66 in a crucial 21run win.

The Black Caps piled up 401-6 after Rachin Ravindra’s masterful 108, but struggled with a depleted bowling line-up after injuries to seamers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson.

P a k i s t a n ’s b a t t e r s capitalised on a good batting pitch, with Fakhar smashing 11 sixes in his knock while Babar played

a supportive role.

Despite their bowling woes, New Zealand’s batting was strengthened by the return of captain Kane Williamson, who made a majestic 95 in a secondwicket stand of 180 with opener Ravindra.

Cameos from Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips propelled New Zealand past 400 as Pakistan’s bowlers also struggled.

Haris Rauf ’s figures of 1-82 were the most expensive by a Pakistan b o w l e r i n Wo r l d C u p history, only for Shaheen Afridi to break the record minutes later with 0-90.

The result keeps the group stage open, though New Zealand remain favourites for a semi-final spot because of their superior net-run rate to Afghanistan and Pakistan, with all three teams on eight points.

Pakistan’s next game comes against England on 11

N o v e m b e r, w h o w e r e eliminated by Australia later on Saturday.

Fakhar’s heroics keep Pakistan dreaming Chasing such an imposing total required something very special from Pakistan, and 33year-old Fakhar was fearless in the face of such a challenge.

His performance was all the more incredible given the nature of his World Cup campaign so far: he played in Pakistan’s opening game of the World Cup against the Netherlands, was dropped for the next five, then returned with a swashbuckling 81 against Bangladesh in their most recent outing.

It was a brutal innings but a smart one, too.

There was pressure on New Zealand’s strike bowler Trent Boult, given their limited resources, and Fakhar wisely targeted him to take 42 runs from his opening four overs.

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

PAGE 69

GGA, Region 5 schools launch Golf in Priority Programme

R

egion Five Head Teachers along with Head of the Priority Programme Saeed Zameen and Regional Education Officer Lallchand Sakik were joined by Nexgen Golf Academy Head Coach Aleem Hussain and his team of golf coaches for the region yesterday to commence golf as a PE subject on timetable in all Secondary schools.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education Priority Programme, Saeed Zameen expressed his gratitude to the Region and Head Teachers for their willingness to engage learners in the programme, “This gives me great pleasure to see the level of interest and enthusiasm from the highest levels and we are looking forward to seeing golf grow as a part of the Ministry’s push for every student to have been exposed to at least one sport.”

According to Mr. Salik, “we will fully support the Honourable Minister Priya Manikchand’s mandate to promote sport as one of the five priority areas and you can expect that Region Five will become a force to

Teachers across Region 5 welcomed Golf to their classrooms on Friday as the GGA’s school program continues its growth across Guyana. reckon with in golf.”

Donnette D’Andrade, Head Teacher for Rosignol Secondary welcomed the programme saying, “Rosignol Secondary has been the leading school in CSEC golf for the past two

years thanks to Sir Kevon Jawahir and we are happy to see this programme being implemented across the region. We certainly welcome the competition but do not intend to give up our top position.”

Head Coach Aleem Hussain said, “Senior coaches Avinash Persaud a n d Vi s h a l D h a n a i , currently the top two highest ranked golfers in the country are o v e r s e e i n g t h e

implementation of the program nationwide and as we expand this program to include the other regions, it is expected that more than 16,000 learners will be given an opportunity to

play golf.”

Learners will also be given the opportunity to sign up for the LPGA Foundation programme which gives them access to scholarships and cash grants throughout the year.

ICC World Cup 2023: England’s defence ended by Australia defeat (BBC Sport) - England’s World Cup defence is over after old rivals Australia added the final nail with a 33-run victory in Ahmedabad.

England were already all-but out, but a fifth miserable defeat in succession and sixth in total ended any hope of a freak turnaround.

They did well to bowl out Australia for 286 and showed some fight with the bat, but were still dismissed for 253.

Jonny Bairstow was caught down the leg side off the first ball of the chase and Joe Root followed for 13, leaving Ben Stokes to play a lone hand as he threatened another special knock.

But, just as he began to move through the gears, A u s t r a l i a ’s g r e a t e s t tormentor in recent years was tamely caught off legspinner Adam Zampa for 64

from 90 balls.

Chris Woakes threatened the unlikely late on but his 32 only delayed the inevitable as England were dismissed in the penultimate over.

Defeat leaves England bottom of the table with two matches still to play - first against the Netherlands on Wednesday, before their tournament concludes against Pakistan on Saturday.

Their attention now turns to attempting to avoid the embarrassment of failing to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy by finishing outside the top eight in India.

Meanwhile, Australia are on the brink of securing their semi-final place and move on buoyed having ended the reign of their Ashes foes.

Zampa boosts Australia’s total England’s bowlers could

take little blame for defeat by India last week and again they did a decent job to restrict and eventually dismiss Australia.

Until Zampa frustrated by helping add 38 for the ninth wicket with Mitchell Starc, they had done little wrong.

Woakes was dropped after a miserable first three games of this tournament but he summed up England’s belated improvement with two impressive spells.

He struck in the second over to have Travis Head caught at slip - breaking the opening partnership with David Warner that put on 175 in Australia’s previous game - and then had Warner caught off a top edge with a slower ball.

Afterwards Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, two thorns in England’s side

Mitchell Starc picked up the first two England wickets quickly. (Associated Press)

from Ashes series past, attempted a rebuild with a stand of 75 from 96 balls but England conceded only six boundaries in that time to prevent the score running away.

Adil Rashid bowled superbly through the middle

and was rewarded when Smith cut a wide ball to short third. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis then hit a reverse sweep to the same fielder.

Mark Wood was more expensive, his 10 overs cost 70 runs, but one of his two wickets was that of

Labuschagne - trapped in front by a ball that would have hit the top of leg stump flush.

Still, Australia scrapped, something which England have struggled to do throughout this tournament, to seal a fifth straight win.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 70

Sunday November 05, 2023

Hikers Demerara Mutual 7-A-Side Mixed Hockey Festival returns The Hikers Hockey Club is proud to announce the return of the Hikers Demerara Mutual 7-A-Side Mixed Festival.

This exciting event, now in its 3rd edition, will take p l a c e o n M o n d a y, November 13, 2023, at the Everest Sports Ground in Eve Leary, starting at 10:00hrs.

Nine teams, generously sponsored by a diverse group of corporations, will converge for a one-day tournament. Demerara Mutual takes pride in its place as the Gold sponsor, while loyal partners, Germans Restaurant, INET Communications Inc. and Jai Signs and Auto Designs, make a triumphant return.

Additionally, we welcome new sponsors to the fold, including Cole’s Screen Printers, Dyrock

Construction, Muse Sports Bar, Hoyte Logistics, Sensodyne, and Brand It Apparel Company. The unwavering support of Ramesh Trophy Stall and Guinness as a sponsor adds to the event’s success.

What sets this tournament apart is its unique style of hockey, characterised by two key features. Teams have ten players, requiring a minimum of two women.

Moreover, these teams must include players from various clubs across Guyana.

Expect a thrilling and competitive tournament featuring national male and female players who have proudly represented Guyana at the highest levels of the sport.

Their skills will be complemented by the energy of other enthusiastic players.

The finalists of the 2016 finale took a photo op in great spirits at the end of the tourney This form of hockey fosters camaraderie among players who may not typically play together but must unite as a team to achieve success.

Despite its relatively small size, the Guyanese

hockey community is vibrant. Hockey is recognised as one of the 12 core sports to be taught in schools by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, reflecting a commitment to

nurturing the sport’s growth.

The Guyana Hockey Board wholeheartedly supports this tournament, sharing the vision of expanding the reach and impact of hockey in the country.

All patrons are free to attend, while the focus is on hockey, it is a festival, and fans are encouraged to come early, watch good hockey, eat, drink and have fun in a hockey-driven atmosphere.

Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Football Tournament...

Limacol Schools U-18 Football League…

St. Pius reclaims the title

Second round kicks off today

Petra Co-Director, Marlan Cole (left), had the opportunity to present the Most Supportive Parent prize.

Part of the action on the opening day of the League.

St. Pius Primary School added another Pee Wee title to their already impressive trophy cabinet when they defeated Redeemer Primary School in the final of the Courts Optical Under-11 Schools Football Tournament, yesterday at the Ministry of Education Ground.

The new champion made their way through the campaign as the 2022 runner-up, after they narrowly missed out on the title a year ago.

Their Most Valuable Player (MVP) and

captain Aaron Vasconcellos, was once again instrumental in their triumph and ended the tournament as the highest goal scorer.

More details will be available in tomorrow’s issue.

This tournament is sponsored by Unicomer through their Courts Optical Brand, organised by the Petra Organisation with support from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Guyana Football Federation, Sterling Products Limited and MVP Sports.

The second round of the highly anticipated Limacol Schools’ Under-18 Football League is billed to kick off today at the Ministry of Education Ground (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, with a quartet of matches on the card.

At noon (12:00hrs) the action gets underway with the first match that will feature Mackenzie High and Bartica Secondary. In the second showdown that begins at 13:30hrs, Ann’s Grove goes head-to-head with Chase’s Academic

Foundation (CAF).

The penultimate match of the day will see Carmel clash with the League’s defending champion, Christianburg/Wismar, at 15:00hrs while the day wraps up with East Ruimveldt taking on Santa Rosa at 16:30hrs.

Last weekend the League commenced with the first four matches at the same venue as Bartica delivered an upsetting blow to the defending champion to achieve a 3 – 0 win then Carmel sank Mackenzie

High 2 – 0 while Chase’s Academic Foundation steamrolled East Ruimveldt 6 – 0.

The final match of the evening featured Ann’s Grove going head-to-head with Santa Rosa, which ended in a 1 – 1 draw.

This edition of the tournament is sponsored by the New GPC Incorporated, organised by the Petra Organisation with support from the MoE, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and MVP Sports.

Kaieteur News

Sunday November 05, 2023

PAGE 71

Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate C/ship off to thrilling start GDF’s Jamal Booker tumbles to the canvas from the fist of Travis Iverary

Javon Thomas (right) punishes Hosea Tumbler during their Light Heavyweight 80kg contest

T

he 2023 Lennox Blackmoore N a t i o n a l Intermediate Boxing Championship kicked off in style at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, delivering an electrifying night of pugilistic action with seven intense bouts were carded for the opening night of the tournament.

The tournament commenced on Friday (November 3) and ends November 5.

Day one was a

rollercoaster of emotions as emerging fighters put on a spectacular show for the couple in attendance.

As Oswald Jewan of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Boxing Gym, Christopher Henry also of GDF, Travis Iverery of Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Boxing Gym, and Javon Thomas (GDF) showcased their skills and determination to claim opening victories as the tournament move into the second day of competition.

Dubbed “A night of

triumphs and defeats”, four fighters stood tall and emerged victorious from the grueling contests.

The first bout of the evening saw Lennox Harvey of the Police (POL) Boxing gym squaring off against Oswald Jewan of GDF in a the first Lightweight 60kg quarter final bout.

H a r v e y, h o w e v e r, succumbed to Jewan, just 1 minute and 32 seconds into the first round as Harvey was subject to four eight-count stands, which ultimately led to his defeat. Christopher

Henry also secured a firstround victory in the Light Middleweight 71kg quarter f i n a l m a t c h u p , overpowering Shawn Rodney with a relentless assault which forced the referee to stop the contest at 1 minute and 53 seconds in.

Over in the semi final clash Jamal Booker (GDF) met with Travis Iverary (FYF), but it was Iverary who dominated the bout.

Booker was knocked down twice in the first round, and I v e r a r y ’s i m p e c c a b l e footwork in the second

round constantly pushed Booker onto the ropes, where he faced a barrage of punches.

I v e r a r y ’s e v a s i v e combinations caused even more damage to the clueless Booker.

Booker endured two more eight-count stands in the final round, sealing an easy win for the dominant Iverary.

While in the final bout of the evening, Javon Thomas (GDF) took on Hosea Tumbler (POL) in the Light Heavyweight 80kg

semifinal matchup, Thomas emerging victorious after just 2 minutes and 41 seconds of boxing.

Meanwhile, uncontested victories went to Septon Barton, Malachi Clarke and Zidhan Wray with each boxer securing respective victories by walkover.

The tournament continued on Saturday evening at the same venue, promising even more thrilling action. Sunday’s proceedings will see these aspiring fighters continue their quest for glory.

KMTC to hold tradition Boxing Day Horse Race Meet …Preparations underway

By Samuel Whyte The prestigious Kennard M e m o r i a l Tu r f C l u b (KMTC) will be holding its traditional Boxing Day horse race meet on December 26th.

The club which is situated at Bush Lot Farm Corentyne Berbice has already begun preparations with rehabilitation works ongoing at the venue.

The club is now under the stewardship of Matriarch, Honorary President Mrs. Chan Kennard. She took over the reins of the Club from her late husband Retired Chancellor, Justice Cecil Kennard and has been doing a splendid job.

Mrs. Kennard is well learned and has been associated with the sport of horse racing for decades with close to 60 years of involvement in the activity.

She is one of the seniors still around since the days of Durban Park.

The KMTC has constantly been doing work on the track in an effort to keep the turf in excellent shape.

The KMTC is being dubbed the premiere horse racing facility in the country with several requirements for proper horse race meets in place. It undoubtedly has

the best facilities among the horse racing tracks in Guyana.

The club has also taken the decision to help small owners. It has decided to

concentrate on staging races mostly for local owners and those of the lower classes especially those classified G and lower. The KMTC has constantly been doing work

on the track in an effort to keep the turf in excellent shape. Stating that they do not want horses and jockeys to fall and get serious injuries. It has also decided

to pay all prize money before t h e e n d o f t h e d a y ’s proceedings.

The Boxing Day meet is one of the biggest meets organised by the club.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 72

Sunday November 05, 2023

ENET Caribbean clash of Champions…

Team Mohameds resets track record - Races start at 11:00hrs today An intriguing day of motorsport is set to unravel today as the ENET Caribbean clash of champions gets underway following a record breaking performance from the Team Mohameds camp.

It was the bikes that achieved the feat for Team Mohameds on what could be described as a great day for racing.

James Westmoreland clocked 1:15.798s in the superstock class to take the

outright fastest lap of the track and pole while his teammate Daniel Linfoot (1:16.397s) was second and Lee Jackson (1:17.089s), third.

Heernand (Nicholas) Boodram heads the

Team Mohamed’s James Westmoreland superstreet pole with a time of 1:22.710s ahead of Allain Hopkinson and Dowayne Caesar.

Mark Vieira stood firm against the visitors for his provisional front row start with a time of 1:16.596s, just over two-thousands of a second gap to Trinidad’s Franklyn Boodram (1:16.769s) and Vishok Persaud (1:17.006).

Group three has Danny Persaud provisionally starting on pole ahead of Anand Ramchand and Mahendra Boodhoo with Shan Seejatan (1:26.973) staring on provisional pole for the Prem’s Electrical Group two.

Neil Persaud (1.27.257) and Mohamed Shiaraz

Roshandin (1.27.257) will start second and third on the grid provisionally.

Steven Nobrega (1:25.095) will line up on the front row provisionaly for the BM Soat Renegade Starlet cup ahead of Anand Ramchand and Nyron Maraj.

Azaad Hassan took Sport Tuner provisional pole from Adrian Fernandes and Ryan Rahaman while Zafiro Ramierez took street tuner provisional pole ahead of Vickey Persaud and Paul Jiwanram.

Tariq Baijnauth will provisionally start on pole for the rookies ahead of Mohamed Ashad Ali and Shawn Sattaur.

Today’s event begins at 11:00hrs.

Every long rope has an end.

There is an adage that says, ‘every long rope has an end’ and this expression appears to fittingly describe the impending fate of the current executive of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) which is scheduled to hold its Electoral Congress on December 9, 2023, at its National Training Centre, Providence.

The current executive, led by President Wayne Forde, has been in office since 2015 following the dissolvementof the FIFAappointed Normalisation Committee (IMC) which was spearheaded by Clinton Urling.

Forde, who assumed office following a closely contested election against Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes, has largely failed to transform the sport locally and this has negatively impacted the game both in terms of development and interest.

The sport in Guyana in recent years have experienced highs and lows,

but under Forde’s tenure organized football has almost disappeared from the local landscape.

Save and except for a few encouraging performances from national teams, made up mostly from players who reside overseas, it is easy to describe Forde’s performance in office as an abysmal failure.

He has failed to integrate the various stakeholders to move the sport forward, instead, he has created an unforgivable divide between the governing body and other relevant stakeholders, making it extremely difficult to enjoy true development of the sport locally.

The little life the sport enjoys presently, has largely been provided by private promoters, while the support for member associations has been selective and sparse.

The level of nepotism and marginalization of associations and individuals has once again resurfaced with ‘loyals’ being treated (Continued on page 67)

Sunday November 05, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 73

Directors of Sports ink protocol agreement Inter Guiana Games 2023…

Thursday last (Nov 2), the signing of the protocol agreement that is compulsory for the staging of the 2023 Inter Guiana Games (IGG) took place during a formal meeting that included the respective Directors of Sports for the three competing nations.

This was the final step in the confirmation of the games and it was conducted in conjunction with the official inspection of the sports facilities and accommodation apparatus.

Accompanying Guyana’s Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle, Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Vice President and board member of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Christy Campbell.

The 2023 edition of the IGG will officially be staged from November 17th–19th.

The historic event, which was initially pencilled for the October 26th–31st window, was deferred for several weeks owing to a dearth of fiscal resources from the Surinamese administration.

Suriname previously staged the 2017 edition, which was the last iteration before the five-year hiatus.

Following Thursday’s p o s t - s i g n i n g p r e s s e r, Ninvalle said, “I bare you greetings from the honourable Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., and just to say that we are very happy that Guyana can once again be participating in the IGG. We would have had site visits and inspections of the accommodation facilities in Suriname, and we are very happy with what we saw.” “ It is important that we note that the IGG in our thinking is not about any one country being victorious on the field of play, but I think we all will come out winners because of the bonds and friendships that we would have earned and developed during the course of the IGG.” Ninvalle added, “Now that the IGG is over 50 years old, we have seen the closeness that it has brought the three nations, and I would expect that coming out of the IGG in 2023, we would become even closer.”

“It would be remiss of me if I did not urge and

- Games scheduled for Nov 17 - 19 The Directors of Sports display the signed Protocol Agreement

encourage my colleagues that after more than 50 years, I think it’s appropriate and appropriate that we come together and try to have a logo that will carry us through to the other years, and adding to that, it is my hope also that we will have a flag that we can proudly display as an IGG flag and as a representative of the friendship and camaraderie that would have been harnessed over the 50 years.”“We expect to be very competitive; we expect that the level of camaraderie and brotherhood will hold for IGG 2023 as it has held for all the other years, and we will expect that from this we can only develop into better nations. Come IGG 2024, we expect to have much more rounded and impactful games. This is my personal wish, and I also share that this is the wish of my h o n o u r a b l e m i n i s t e r, Charles Ramson Jr.,”, he further added.

Meanwhile, GOA Vice President Campbell said, “For us, it’s not about domination, as Director Ninvalle would have mentioned; it’s more about unity and embracing our sister countries. We have had this partnership for decades, and we just hope that the games continue to foster good relations and that we have a good brotherhood and sisterhood moving forward.

It would be difficult for me to isolate and say that Guyana is going to dominate in any one sport because we are not an arrogant nation. We never underestimate our opposition, and we just look forward to fair play and

mutual respect across the board, and hopefully all of the athletes and officials have a good time as well.”

The aforesaid sentiments were also echoed by Director Ninvalle, who, in closing remarks, said, “The only thing I think that we all will dominate in is the fostering of unity, and that is what I hope that we all can dominate.”

Meanwhile, the eight disciplines that will be contested are: chess, futsal, football, lawn tennis, swimming, basketball, volleyball, and athletics. The two disciplines that have been removed from the initial list of 10 sports following a request from the hosts are table tennis and badminton.

The staging of respective international competitions in the aforesaid disciplines during the same window is the primary reason for their removal from the competitive list. The arrival date for the travelling delegations is November 16th, while the departure date is slated for November 20th.

The IGG was first held in 1967 and is traditionally staged on an annual basis.

However, the games were rekindled last year by the P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic (PPP/C) government following a five-year hiatus, a period that encompassed the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 edition on local soil featured over 400 athletes and coaches.

The IGG not only showcases the future young athletes of the three

countries, but it also serves as a cultural and educational

platform. The IGG helps forge unity, trust, and

understanding among the peoples of the Guianas.

Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Football Tournament... rts

Spo

St. Pius reclaims the title St. Pius celebrate becoming the champion of the 2023 Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Tournament

Historic! Leslain Baird finished 3rd in the Men’s Javelin at the Pan Am Games

Chanderpaul, Hetmyer set up crushing 7-wicket win for Guyana

Shimron Hetmyer

Baird throws ‘historic’ Javelin bronze at Pan Am Games …Guyana ends 19th edition with two bronze, one silver

CG United Super50 Tournament 2023…

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