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AIETEUR Govt. withdraws

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

Monday Edition November 06, 2023 - Vol. 16 No. 43

$20.8 billion more from oil fund

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 (VAT Inclusive) readership yesterday, 50,343

‘Guyana is a jewel in Exxon’s crown’- Routledge President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge

…says Chevron is attracted to its high profit in Guyana ‘True massacre’:

Gaza children death toll crosses 4,000 as raids intensify - 1200 plus missing under rubbles

One dead after truck topples at Mon Repos Guyanese murder suspect escapes from Paramaribo hospital

Parliamentary motion “rejects any form of dialogue” with Venezuela on border controversy beyond ICJ ...denounces December referendum

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Kaieteur News

Monday November 06, 2023

Kaieteur News

Monday November 06, 2023

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Govt. withdraws $20.8B more from oil fund The Government of Guyana (GOG) recently withdrew an additional $20.8 billion from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF). This withdrawal, which marks the sixth for the year, was carried out in accordance with the Natural Resource Fund Act and the approved 2023 Budget.

The Ministry of Finance stated, “In accordance with the NRF Act 2021 and the approved Budget 2023, the Government of Guyana has made its sixth transfer, totaling US$100 million (equivalent to G$20.8 billion) from the NRF on October 24, 2023, to the Consolidated Fund.”

This withdrawal comes after earlier transfers of US$200 million (equivalent to G$41.6 billion) in August and September, and US$400 million (equivalent to G$83.2 billion) in February and May. While considering the 2023 national budget, the National Assembly, earlier this year, approved G$208.9 Billion to be withdrawn from the NRF in 2023. The Finance Ministry said this latest transfer brings the accumulated withdrawals to date in 2023 to $156 Billion.

According to the Minister responsible for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, the Government has been using the money to finance “national development priorities” in accordance with the NRF Act. Dr. Singh said, “It would be recalled that in August and September, amounts totaling US$200 million,

equivalent to G$41.6 billion had been transferred from the Natural Resource Fund to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities and in February and May of this year, the Government made withdrawals amounting to US$400 million equivalent to G$83.2 billion.”

In a previous statement, the MoF said, “The PPP/C Government will continue to work aggressively through sound and transformative investments of oil resources from the NRF, utilising these resources in a clear and transparent manner, to the benefit of present and future generations.”

Despite this commitment for transparency in the use of revenue from the NRF, the government has not defined what projects will be funded through this financial source.

In fact, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma recently told Kaieteur News that the transfers to the Consolidated Fund from the NRF allows for the revenue streams to be mixed, thereby preventing proper accounting for the funds.

He explained, “What we are doing is the Bank of Guyana has the Natural Resource Fund (report to show) how much money is received…so once the money goes there and is gazetted, it goes into the consolidated fund. The government now has it as budget support so they don’t have it specifically to say well they are doing x school or x road- it’s just budget

Minister responsible for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh support- so that’s what we are auditing.”

The AG added, “We therefore can’t say well Bishops’ High School repairs were done by the oil money or St. Rose’s School was built by that money. We are unable to say that because they are not specific in the Budget.”

A key concern for Guyanese is transparency in the governance and use of the revenue that flows into the account from the oil and gas sector. Stakeholders were especially disturbed that the legislation features no penalties for misuse of the funds.

Section 16.2 of the NRF Act explains that, “All withdrawals from the Fund shall be deposited into the Consolidated Fund and shall be used only to finance- (a) national development priorities including any initiative aimed at realizing an inclusive green economy; and (b) essential projects that are directly related to ameliorating the effect of a

Technical transportation challenges, high cost hinders Strategy hydrogen potential – Draftwarns Developing a hydrogen economy is considered pivotal in the fight against climate change. Hydrogen, a clean alternative to fossil fuels, finds applications in various industries, from transportation to power generation. It’s a colorless, odorless, flammable gas, the simplest element.

Recently, the Government of Guyana released its 43-page draft National Gas Monetization Strategy, aimed at managing the country’s significant gas resources.

However, the document lacks concrete, achievable steps for gas monetization.

The strategy, which Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo later described as a “discussion paper,” outlines the potential of hydrogen, specifically green and blue hydrogen, for sectors hard to decarbonize, such as steelmaking and long-distance transport. Yet, the high cost and technical challenges of transporting bulk hydrogen over long distances pose a significant barrier – it was highlighted in the document.

Ammonia is presented as a more viable solution due to its logistical advantages. It liquefies at a higher temperature, making it easier to handle and transport. Moreover, it offers more hydrogen per cubic meter and has a well-established international trade network.

Ammonia can be cracked to produce hydrogen at the import location or used directly as a fuel, making it a more practical means of hydrogen transportation. Liquid hydrogen, on the other hand, faces challenges due to its corrosive nature.

G u y a n a ’s Vi c e P r e s i d e n t h a s acknowledged issues with the strategy, labeling it a “discussion paper.” The consultants who prepared the document and its cost remain undisclosed.

To review the Guyana Gas Monetization Strategy and participate in the public consultation, visit the ministry’s official website at https://petroleum.gov.gy/.

Citizens have until November 14 to provide feedback.

major natural disaster.”

Government has not identified what are the “national development priorities” being funded by the oil revenue. This then begs the question as to how exactly the money generated from the nation’s natural resource is being put to use.

With little transparency regarding the use of G u y a n a ’s o i l w e a l t h , International Financial analysts worry that the revenue may not be used to develop the country and improve the lives of its poor citizens.

For instance, Director of Financial Analysis at the

Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Tom Sanzillo recently pointed out that the government has not been prioritising saving the funds generated from the industry like Norway but has instead embarked on a massive infrastructural and energy development scheme which may very well benefit its partner, ExxonMobil more than the citizens in the country.

He reasoned, “It may work to Exxon’s benefit to put in new roads, it may be Exxon’s benefit to build a new gas plant but they don’t need that kind of electricity system in Guyana and who knows if they actually need the roads that are being built because there is no public process so what you have is a plan and the plan is to use the money to keep the existing political structure in power and that’s what is going to be done.”

Meanwhile, Director of Energy at Americas Market Intelligence, Arthur Deakin, during a recent panel discussion on Guyana’s oil wealth shared the view that government lacks a clear structure on how the

resources from this sector will be used to transform the lives of Guyanese.

Deakin was asked to share his views on why Guyana still has high levels of poverty and why he was optimistic about the situation. In his response, the International Energy Analyst explained that the Government of Guyana has made “fruitful decisions” which led to investments from the ExxonMobil-led consortium in the Stabroek Block.

He noted that Guyana’s oil sector has been moving at one of the fastest paces known in the industry however, when it comes to translating that wealth to the population, this has been taking some time.

In fact, the specialist pointed out that for the wealth to benefit the population, it would require structural planning by the administration.

To this end, Deakin said, “The government lacks a clear vision, a clear plan on how it’s gonna spend the money it’s receiving from the oil revenue so I think there is a lot of room for improvement.”

Kaieteur News

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Monday November 06, 2023

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor-in-Chief: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Muppets and puppets in oil operations The people of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited are having the time of their lives. The same could be said of those in ExxonMobil’s High Command in Texas, who are also having a grand time. The best thing about their fun and games is that it is the oil money of the Guyanese people that is paying for all of their frolic and fooling around. This is what an audit of US$7.3 billion in expenses submitted by ExxonMobil has found for different things and in different amounts.

The list is long and sickening, what would make honest people cringe. Millions for holidays and the expensive treats that go along with them. Then, more millions for dining and living high and handsome in fancy eating establishments.

Plus, more millions for exercise classes and yoga to condition the minds of expatriates guzzling like pigs at the lavish Guyana banquet. It is eating as much as can be held, and carrying on as much as is liked, with the sky as the limit.

This is how huge wounds are inflicted on Guyana’s oil treasury.

How can this predatory American company, which one top Guyanese leader called a “superpower,” ever be considered a genuine partner? How can any Guyanese with a functioning brain ever look at ExxonMobil, and conclude that it is a partner that could be trusted to be conservative, considerate, and credible? How can any citizen with a conscience ever have any regard for this so-called partner, and not see in ExxonMobil, a corporate betrayer of the Guyanese people, a violator of the worst kind of Guyana’s promise? Look at the lengthy record of the excesses and extravagances at the hands of ExxonMobil’s people. Study the report of the audit conducted by Ramdihal & Haynes, Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting and Consultancy (with a good hand from Martindale Consultants). It is as if this greedy partner, this prowling company, and this stalking set of people, were all trapped in an uncontrollable addiction by the free money, the easy money, that Guyana’s oil has come to represent. This is not capitalism at its worst; it is exploitation driven by arrogance and recklessness.

In aggregate, it is spending in the millions of American dollars to entertain friends and hangers on, while a sizable part of the Guyanese population is living with the throes of grinding poverty. In reality, the staff of ExxonMobil and its high society collaborators in Guyana are living on scallops and shrimp, while Guyanese are forced to rummage around for scrapings from the bottom of the barrel. No expense is too much to keep the expatriate workers in good mettle. It is of Muppets and puppets to the tune of hundreds of thousands of American dollars, what Guyanese would call one big pappy show. This is reminiscent of the high living of the lords of the slave plantations, while those chained to backbreaking toil and whipped into submission, were compelled to fight with one another, with the fittest getting to grab the leftovers.

The numbers (American millions) are there from the audit as proof of the animal nature of ExxonMobil. If allowed, we are sure that these people would not only cannibalize Guyanese while they are alive, but they would also even eat the flesh of the dead, such predators they are.

Naturally, some logic would be found by ExxonMobil to link its rip-offs to oil operations in the Stabroek Block. All the while, the overjoyed expats at the company give a bright, white smile to Guyanese cooks and chauffeurs, while their minds work at warp speed on how to strip locals of their oil inheritance. As the Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., audit found, no expense is so remote, as to be considered off-limit, something not to be charged to Guyana. The reality is that ExxonMobil does not operate in this manner, for its own history from other places and time exposes it, condemns it.

All this explains why ExxonMobil, with the shady collaboration of the PPPC Government, is so bent on keeping thick veils of secrecy over its billions in spending. And this points to why the richest country on earth has so many poor citizens, who are hungry and suffering.

Ms. Alison Ward please stop with your destructive acts, we want to strive in peace DEAR EDITOR, In response to a letter written by Alison Ward (who the school has no acquaintance or knowledge of) criticizing the administration of Good Hope Secondary School, it is important to address the allegations made and provide accurate information.

Firstly, the claim of dictatorship traits within the administration is unfounded.

The administration of Good Hope Secondary School (GHSS) operates under established policies and guidelines set by the Ministry of EducationGuyana, ensuring a fair and inclusive teaching/ learning environment for all students and staff.

Decisions are made collectively, considering the welfare and interests of the entire school community, therefore one need to address the fact that Ms. Alison Ward has no authority to make

such claims because she is not a member of staff.

Indeed, everything is not glorious at Good Hope Secondary School, like any home, workplace and relationships which experience disputes but guess what, at the end of it all to make things work one has to ensure that unity is established in order to achieve success.

That is what we do as a school family at GHSS. So, Ms. Ward the school wishes to ask you from a grateful heart, to STOP advocating division.

We do not know you or have no interest in building any connection with mischievous individuals. We want our students to become rounded and marketable individuals at the end of their secondary school life.

Regarding the allegation of long assemblies taking away registration time from teachers, it should be clarified that assemblies are

held only on Mondays and last for less than 30 minutes from 08:15h.

This allows for important announcements and fostering a sense of community among the students and staff. Any disruption to registration time is minimal and does not negatively impact the overall functioning of the school.

From the article written one can notice that Ms. Ward is attempting to be disruptive and to cause emotional distress and learning lost. We are not in the liking to tolerate such; the school wants only positive motivators to be a part of our institution.

Furthermore, the allegation of a toxic environment is baseless, especially considering the fact that the school has only recently opened its doors on September 04, 2023.

It is unfair to make such judgments and assumptions a b o u t t h e s c h o o l ’s

environment without sufficient evidence or experience within the institution. Readers please note that Ms. Alison Ward is NOT a member of staff or friend of the school, Ms. Wa r d s e e m s t o b e a troublemaker who needs to find good ways to help the school develop not to destroy the true potentials.

In conclusion, it is crucial to critically evaluate the allegations made in the letter against the administration of Good Hope Secondary School by Ms. Alison Ward.

By providing accurate information and addressing each claim, we can ensure a fair and informed understanding of the situation.

Ms. Alison Ward please STOP with your destructive acts. We want to strive in peace.

Regards, Headteacher and Staff, Good Hope Secondary School

Rampant corruption at the GPL DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me to address matters of great importance that has led to the initiation of an investigation into massive corruption within the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL). Over the years, numerous letters and complaints have been submitted via the print media dating back to 2017 and nothing has come out of it.

It is my belief that many individuals who have been affected have tried to raise their concerns through the media, in the hope that the agency would take action by launching investigations and implementing necessary changes to address the alleged corruption by the staff of the commercial and billing departments.

Presently, a staff member has gone on investigative leave due to allegations of corruption. However, prior to this investigation, there have been consistent claims from staff members that a particular supervisor, who was and continues to be involved in corrupt activities, always manages to escape accountability due to her close association with a senior official of the company. It is clear that there are other individuals involved who are ready to continue these activities, as it appears to be a collective effort involving multiple

staff members even at the senior level and from other departments.

Editor, numerous staff have openly spoken about the supervisors, with a particular focus on the female supervisor, who has been accused of orchestrating the forgery of documents and signatures and subsequently approving and processing them.

Customers have also voiced their grievances, reporting that they were asked to provide a certain amount of money with the promise of receiving services in return, in the absence of the relevant and required documentation.

Another concern is the situation with the male supervisor who was transferred from the department but has continued to process documents, despite numerous breaches of procedures and activities that have raised concerns among junior staff members regarding their personal safety as well as securing their jobs.

What is also a matter of concern is the fact that the said supervisor after being transferred to another department was given the opportunity to act as a junior manager without having any degree or diploma and with the only certificate that he

possesses being his birth certificate. This clearly shows that corruption is being rewarded by those in authority.

T h e o n g o i n g investigation has given rise to a highly contentious environment within the c o m p a n y, a s s e v e r a l managers and supervisors seem to resist the idea of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

These managers appear to have their own motives and have chosen to overlook these issues, perhaps due to their awareness of the potential repercussions as well as their being guilty of these practices themselves. It is equally concerning that a specific manager is accused of accepting money from customers and providing preferential treatment by expediting documents and transactions for those with whom they have associations with.

The concerns also extend to the Manager of another department who, despite being aware of the corrupt practices, has failed to take any substantial action. This lack of transparency raises questions about his role in addressing the issue, and it appears that he is more concerned with preserving his own reputation (he doesn’t have a very good reputation to begin with).

Editor, these issues not only reflects a lack of honesty within the organization but also point to significant management problems that underscore a lack of professionalism. To create a fair working environment for all staff, it is imperative that immediate and lasting changes be implemented, especially in light of the fact that the corrupt individuals are fully aware of the ongoing investigations and may attempt to distract from the matter.

It is unhealthy for the agency to allow such practices to persist, particularly when it has caused the jobs of innocent individuals to be in jeopardy and has created discomfort among employees.

It is worth noting that the female supervisor in question displays questionable character in the workplace.

Furthermore, the allegations extend to another manager, who has publicly criticized the leadership of a director on social media, questioning their leadership style, decision making and claims of being victimized.

The issues at hand transcend mere dishonesty and encompass severe management shortcomings, which blatantly reveal a lack (Continued on page 5)

Monday November 06, 2023

Kaieteur News

I sensed a tinge of fear in his muttering as I strained my ear to hear his last words DEAR EDITOR, The call came via my Facebook Messenger. That was one hour before I started composing this missive.

The caller told me that the name he goes by on Facebook is not his real name. He said he works in a government ministry and he

is a diehard ‘PPP man.’ I said to him I was in no mood to have a back and forth with anyone from the PPP at that moment. He retorted quickly by saying that was not the purpose of his call.

He told me he saw my post on the GPL issue of frequent blackouts and my

Rampant corruption at...

From page 4 of professionalism. The managers of two departments do not speak to each other, the director and a few of her supervisors do not speak to each other. The manager of another department does not speak to his supervisors. This is to show how unprofessional is the working environment at GPL. It is disheartening to note that the manager of one department has refrained from taking decisive action to address these issues, and his reluctance to do so reflects a lack of transparency. His attempts to save face only contribute to the ongoing problem.

He has, on multiple occasions, indicated his awareness of the corrupt practices, making it even more essential to rectify these issues and establish a conducive working environment for all staff, both during and after this investigation. The individuals, who have been accepting financial incentives for processing transactions, as well as those who have approved such applications, should be held accountable. The supervisor who collects money without consequences is undoubtedly well aware of

2-storey

all these transactions and has, on numerous occasions, allowed documents to be forged.

It is crucial to address these issues and ensure that they do not persist within the organization, as they undermine the integrity of the agency and erode trust.

Editor, just recently after a letter was published in the print media about the supervisors and staff manipulating the formula that is used for calculating the security deposit of large consumption and business customers where the company was losing millions of dollars annually.

A decision was made to relieve that supervisor of that responsibility without her being subjected to any disciplinary action. The supervisor continues to act like she is indispensable because she enjoys the protection of that senior officer.

Thank you for affording me the opportunity to highlight these critical matters. It is my hope that highlighting this will bring awareness to the relevant authorities and serve as a catalyst for positive change within the company.

Sincerely yours, GPL Worker

call for mass demonstrations

by Guyanese against that entity. He said, “I am PPP and I have no intention of supporting any other political part.” I replied saying that was his right.

He continued. “I will not join any mass demonstration against GPL because the president and vice president know me personally. Mr Browne, my conscience is hurting me because I know all of us as Guyanese are suffering as a result of the daily blackouts. I don’t want to lose my job but I hope you can make my view public b e c a u s e I c a n ’t . ” I responded in the affirmative.

He told me that PPP supporters are Guyanese feeling the same pressure as APNU supporters and they should forget about party loyalty and march, as affected Guyanese, against GPL. ”We have to begin

uniting as Guyanese on national things affecting us.

We can remain committed to the PPP but we must also be committed to what is right and beneficial to us as Guyanese or we would be doing a grave injustice to ourselves and children because of blind loyalty to our leaders.” He pointed out.

I asked him if he would change his mind and join the protesters outside of GPL. He said he knows President Ali personally and he is no different to Mr Jagdeo. “ I would lose my job before the week is out if they see me out there.”

He muttered almost in audibly. I sensed a tinge of fear in his muttering as I strained my ear to hear his last words.

Sincerely yours, Norman Browne Social and Political Activist

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Calls for Old Age Pension increase will remain hollow DEAR EDITOR, The former mayor made a stirring plea on behalf of the elderly/pensioners (SN Nov 4) even as another withdrawal from the NRF, the sixth for the year so far, was made public.

The call for Old Age Pension to be increased to 100k monthly in the 2024 Budget will remain just a hollow call as the manifesto pride is 40k by 2025.

Imagine that!

Serious consideration should be given to the suggestion (good governance is about listening to the people) of removing the approved age to receive old age pension from 65 to 60.

With retirees receiving NIS pension at age 60, receiving the old age pension at that age too will greatly

assist in the daily cost of living struggle, fir these category of citizens.

Likewise, the age old, ongoing debate of retirees at age 55, receiving their NIS pension, still rages. These are the issues NIS must address in twenty-first century for Guyana to be relevant and appropriately purposeful rather than denying claimants their due because of the doctor’s handwriting or being one contribution short.

Six withdrawals for the year from the NRF, yet not one has trickled down to the populace, particularly the needy and vulnerable, in view of the daily struggle to make ends meet.

The tone deaf response is telling.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

Monday November 06, 2023

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Monday November 06, 2023

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Monday November 06, 2023

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Would Jagdeo have done any better?

Sometimes, you wonder whether Bharrat Jagdeo does not appreciate how absurd he sounds when he tries to wriggle himself out of accepting responsibility for his failings. In response to the contention that he did not object to the fiscal terms offer to ExxonMobil under the Production Sharing Agreement, Jagdeo gave a most ridiculous response.

Jagdeo first tried to contend that the agreement was signed in June 2016, while the Order seeking affirmation of the fiscal measures took place in August. Just what was the relevance of this, is hard to contemplate.

There is nothing unusual or irregular about government signing an agreement and then laying over an Order guaranteeing fiscal terms. It would be unusual if the opposite was true: laying over an Order for fiscal concessions without an agreement in place.

As was pointed out during the debate on the Order on the 8th August 2016, this practice was done before (under the PPPC government in relation to YPF Guyana Ltd., Order No.9/2010; CGX Resources Inc., Order No. 10/2010; and Canacol Energy (Guyana) Inc., Order No. 11/2010.

Jagdeo has also sought to o b f u s c a t e h i s p a r t y ’s negligence in not objecting to the fiscal terms of the Production Sharing Agreement 2016 by asking what if the Order had not been approved by the National Assembly. The Order was required to be approved by affirmation. It was therefore bound to pass given the majority of the APNU+AFC government.

But that does not obviate the failure of the PPP/C to object to the fiscal terms.

The PPP/C could have done so during the debate on the Motion seeking affirmation of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) (Tax Laws) (Esso Exploration and Production Limited, CNOOCNexen Petroleum Guyana Limited and Hess Guyana Exploration Limited) Order 2016 – No. 10/2016.

The Order was laid before the National Assembly on Thursday, 4th August, 2016. The Motion for the affirmation of this Order was moved, four days after on Monday 8th August 2016.

During the debate on that Motion, then Finance Minister, Winston Jordan told the National Assembly that following approaches by ExxonMobil and its partners, his government took the opportunity to review the 1999 agreement.

That agreement had been signed under the Janet Jagan administration.

Jordan went on to state that the review was aimed at strengthening the terms and benefits for Guyana and entailed hard bargaining. It was also reported to the National Assembly that on the 29th June 2016, the Government and the joint venture [partners], signed a production sharing agreement.

What it means is that as at 8th August 2016, the then Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo ought to have known that the government had signed a new Production Sharing Agreement with ExxonMobil and its joint venture partners. As Glenn

Lall has asked in one of his recent programmes why did Jagdeo not ask for the agreement. Or why did he not ask that it be made public so that the National Assembly can assess the full ramifications of the agreement including the fiscal concessions contained therein?

Two persons spoke on behalf of the PPP/C during the debate: Hon. Odinga Lumumba and Hon. Gail Texeira. Mr. Lumumba complained about the short notice that was given.

Texeira also bemoaned the inadequate notice and asked about the period during which the production sharing agreement would be valid. She went on to ask how would Guyana benefit during the pre- and postproduction period.

But there was not an immediate demand for the Production Sharing Agreement to be laid in parliament immediately.

This was strange indeed. As Leader of the Opposition and the General Secretary of the Party, looking to form the next government, it would have been in his interest to read the Production Sharing Agreement of 2016 or to demand that it be made public.

It was only after public outcry over the royalties that public agitation for the agreement to be made public became pronounced. It took a full 18 months for that agreement to be made public.

The key part of the puzzle to be solved is whether Jagdeo had knowledge of the terms of the PSA prior to August 8th 2016, and if so whether he was satisfied with the then

Dem Boys Seh...

Where dis food coming from?

Yuh ever see somebody smile and cry at de same time? We gat people in Guyana wah specialize at doing dat.

But what dem boys never see is somebody laugh and sigh at de same time.

Well, dem boys read something that make them laugh and sigh at the same time!

Guyana planning fuh export fruits and vegetables to Barbados. We even establishing a food terminal on the Soesdyke Linden Highway.

Yuh go in de market dese days and yuh hardly finding vegetables and fruits. And de little dem gat, expensive like hell. So where we gan get de fruits and vegetables fuh export?

De price of a watermelon which used to sell before de pandemic fuh $101 now gone to $400. And yuh hardly get a parcel of callaloo, ochroes or bora, or boulangers fuh $100. Five forced ripe mangoes are now

$500 if yuh lucky. Vegetables is $200 and up per parcel. Pumkin selling fur $500 per slice.

And a slice of fish is now $400. Even bangamary price gone up. Chicken is now Mr. Chicken.

So where dis food coming from to export? Please don’t ask de Vice President at he next press conference because he gan only tell yuh fuh talk to de Minister of Agriculture. He nah answering uncomfortable questions.

On Saturday was one big confusion in de city. Dem tek a main carriageway on de western side of Vlissengen Road one of the few exits from de city to East Coast, and dem shut it down fuh hold farmers’ market.

And dem gat a large parapet which dem could have use running alongside de same road. But dat is how we does operate in Guyana.

Talk half. Leff half.

existing terms and this is why no demand was made during the debate for the Agreement to be made public.

If indeed he did have prior knowledge, it would lend plausibility to the proposition that had it been Jagdeo who had to sign that

PSA, the terms would have been less favorable than the lopsided ones that now exist.

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

Kaieteur News

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Monday November 06, 2023

Poor Vickram Bharrat The Big Boss Man, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo, made his story clear: he is now into policymaking, which will occupy his time. This means that majors and captains are going to have to step in the breach, and take matters from there about the routines of the day relative to the oil and gas sector, and nuisances such as audits of what Exxon is doing or delivering.

In normal circumstances, and when dealing with ordinary people, that would be that, with no further questions asked, and all returning to their routines.

But Guyana is not a normal place, and Vice President Jagdeo is not an ordinary character. In fact, he is an extraordinary character straight out of Shelley or Bram Stoker, a man Robert Louis Stevenson would have conjured in one of his clearheaded moments.

For when Dr. Jagdeo says he is stepping back that means he is stepping on someone. I look around at the two men identified to

step up in the VP’s place, and by process of elimination see the Hon Minister of Natural Resources, Vi c k r a m Bharrat, as the last man standing.

To this patient, longs u ff er in g , min is ter o f government, goes the honour of carrying the baton, and wearing the hero’s helmet. Should matters take a wrong turn or go downhill, as I would hope against hope does not happen, then some new dunce cap has already been fitted with his name on it. Guess who did the customizing?

For when VP Jagdeo says he is stepping away, all that means is that he will be operating even more controllingly from behind the scenes. Look, since nobody wants to say it, then that heavy duty falls on me: Bharat Jagdeo is not the man to take a backseat.

Not on the biggest development in Guyana.

Not with the biggest thing in the world. Not when he is the master of the local

political stage. Why would a m a n l i k e D r. J a g d e o willingly consent to be the phantom of the opera (his own one), when he could be the powerful but invisible mover and shaker from behind the curtain?

In this way, Minister Bharrat gets to take all the blows and blame, while Jagdeo gets to ride into town on his white horse and white cowboy hat to the rescue, like Alan Ladd did in Shane.

In the event that any Guyanese wants to know, the cowboy hat is a gift from Exxon’s people in Texas.

The cows are on the way on the next American Airlines flight.

Poor Vickram Bharrat, political life has dealt him a weak hand. He is a minister, but he has no church, no pulpit, not even a few people who believe in him. In fact, the hymnbook from which he has to sing he got from arranger, conductor, and choirmaster Bharat Jagdeo.

Sure, the bandmaster is not Ravi Shankar nor OP

Nayyar, but the minister will have to learn to make do. He is the natural resources man, so he now has a chance to manifest how resourceful he can be.

Meanwhile, the other figure of note in the Vice President’s creole cook-up is none other than Mr. Godfrey Statia, Commissioner G e n e r a l o f t h e moneymaking Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

I am glad that the man from Central High has now been hauled to center stage and raised on a high pedestal.

My man Godfrey is going places in the local hierarchy.

Already he has proven that he is a Thin Man in that he saw through the Vice President’s version of Shakespeare, and decided that this stepping away from the limelight was Much Ado about Nothing.

For sure, CG Statia is no poke, and he neatly sidestepped that Trojan Horse that the Vice President

rolled all the way from the Office of the VP to the GRA HQ on C a m p S t r e e t .

Commissioner Statia is reported to have said that he will not Meet the Press (this is not America), he will send a memo via cyber d e l i v e r y, f o r t h i s i s backwater and blackwater Guyana.

I had taken it upon myself to warn the Hon. VP repeatedly to cut the gimmicks and antics, but to no avail. The short form is that he has been so long at his sneaky games that most Guyanese now see through his games, including this one about concentrating on policy. He is like the boy who hollered about wolves once too often, so now nobody believes him. That is, except for me when there is some rare cosmic alignment. It is what the economist in Dr. Jagdeo should recognize and should bring a shiver to the shaky

timbers in his already tormented soul: it is called the law of diminishing returns. The Germans found that out in 1945, but by then it was too late.

So, now it is time for the Vickram Bharrat Show. I will guarantee my fellow Guyanese one thing from now: it is not going to be Showtime, a la the Los Angeles Lakers. The poor minister -he has just been set up to be a sucker by a longstanding master with one of his patented tales from the crypt.

(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.)

Former Georgetown Mayor urges Govt. to reduce qualifying age for old age pension The qualifying age for old age pension in meet,” he said.

Therefore, raising the pension amount to Guyana is 65-years-old and the current amount allocated to pensioners is $33,000 $100,000 can provide them with the per month. According to various analyses necessary support to afford their medical including, macrotrends.net, the present life expenses, food, and other basic needs, he expectancy or average number of years added. “Our senior citizens have dedicated their lives to building our society/ country, someone is expected to live in Guyana is 70.

Taking this into consideration, the high and it is only fair that we prioritize their wellcost of living, the life expectancy age of being in return.”

The former mayor noted that the old age Guyanese, Former City Mayor Ubraj Narine pension is currently falling is advocating for the short of providing adequate qualifying age of old-age financial support which pension be reduced to 60. makes it difficult for elders to In a letter recently written meet their basic needs. He to this publication, Narine said by increasing it to said that, “As a nation, it is our $100,000, “the government duty to ensure that the wellwill greatly alleviate their being and dignity of our financial burdens and allow elders are safeguarded. In them to enjoy a decent light of our abundant oil standard of living.” resources, it is high time that He went on to say, the Ali-led PPP government “Moreover, many individuals takes a bold step towards retire at the age of 60 and face improving the quality of life difficulties in finding for our senior citizens.”

Former Mayor of adequate employment Ubraj also urged the G/town, Ubraj Narine sources, leading to financial government to increase the struggles. Reducing the old age pension to $100,000 and reduce the pension age from 65 to 60 in pension age from 65 to 60 can reduce this the upcoming 2024 national budget. financial hardship and help our elders live a “Furthermore, since the appointment of Dr. more comfortable and stress-free life.”

It is his belief that the oil revenues can be Vindhya Persaud, as the Minister of Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, she used to facilitate the pension increase. “The hasn’t done anything for our elders, and I discovery of oil resources has undoubtedly hope that she will support such a gesture to brought economic prosperity to our nation.

However, true progress lies in how we utilize uplift our elderly population.”

He further stated that the current amount this newfound wealth to uplift the lives of all of $33,000 allocated to pensioners is Guyanese citizens, especially our elderly inadequate for the elderly population to population. By allocating a portion of the oil cover basic necessities. “The cost of living revenues towards improving pension has increased significantly over the years, benefits, the government can demonstrate its Continued on page 15 leaving our elders struggling to make ends

Monday November 06, 2023

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Monday November 06, 2023

Parliamentary motion “rejects any form of dialogue” with Venezuela on border controversy beyond ICJ The motion which will be debated by parliamentarians in the National Assembly today will among other things, reject the proposal to return to any form of dialogue with Venezuela on the border controversy outside the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On Sunday, the National Assembly released the motion which will be discussed when parliament convenes today at 10:00hrs.

The motion denounces as provocative, unlawful, void, and of no international legal effect, the purported referendum in Venezuela that is scheduled for December 3, 2023.

select the means of resolving the controversy.

On Friday the ICJ said it will hold public hearings in the Guyana v. Venezuela Controversy specifically to deal with a complaint from this country over a scheduled referendum by Venezuela to among other things seek the permission of its citizens to seize the Essequibo.

Guyana wants the court to block several questions to be answered by Venezuelans in

the upcoming December 3 referendum.

The special hearing is set for Tuesday.

November 14, 2023 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court.

In a press release the ICJ said it is recalled that on 29 March 2018, Guyana filed an Application instituting proceedings against Venezuela in which it requests the Court “to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the Award regarding the Boundary between the Colony of British Guiana and the United States of Venezuela, of 3 October 1899.”

aggression and neo-colonialism against Guyana, using its superior military, economic and political power to try to weaken and force Guyana to agree to the nullification of the 1899 Arbitral Award; 2 AND WHEREAS, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has always relied on international law and justice, and the support of its international partners including the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community; and its bilateral partners and friends to secure its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to be able to withstand the continued and systematic onslaught from the Government of Venezuela, relating to its illegal and unjust claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory; AND WHEREAS the Cooperative Republic of Guyana despite the aggression of Venezuela, has always abided by the strict terms of the Geneva Agreement, in furtherance of which and in need of respite, invited the United Nations SecretaryGeneral to refer the matter of the Venezuelan

claim of invalidity of the 1899 Arbitral Award to the International Court of Justice, of which both the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela are members; AND WHEREAS the United Nations Secretary-General, having determined that no progress was made towards the resolution of the controversy after twenty- eight (28) years of bilateral dialogue between the Parties, did so in 2018 in accordance with the powers conferred upon him by Article IV(2) of the Geneva Agreement; and the matter remains extant before the International Court of Justice; AND WHEREAS the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela raised two preliminary objections to the Court’s adjudication of the matter; first challenging the existence of the Court’s jurisdiction then secondly, challenging the exercise of that jurisdiction, both matters of which were dispensed with by the Court which in its judgement of December 18, 2020 affirmed its jurisdiction based on the provisions of the Continued on page 14

....denounces December referendum It also “affirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

In addition, the motion reaffirms its recognition and acceptance of the 1899 Arbitral Award as a “full, perfect and final” settlement of the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela and Article IV (2) of the 1966 Geneva Agreement as giving the mandate to the United Nations Secretary-General to

>>> See full text of the Motion below <<< MOTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF THE COOPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA AND REAFFIRMING RECOGNITION OF THE 1899 ARBITRAL AWARD AND THE 1966 GENEVA AGREEMENT WHEREAS the Arbitral Award of an Arbitral Tribunal constituted under the Treaty of Arbitration signed in Washington on 2 February 1897, determined the boundary line between the Colony of British Guiana and the United States of Venezuela in 1899; AND WHEREAS by the 1897 Treaty, the United Kingdom and Venezuela agreed that the results of the Arbitration would be a full, perfect and final settlement of the questions referred to the Arbitrators, and in 1905 signed the Agreement with regard to the Map of the Boundary which outlined the boundary and accepted the coordinates thereof; AND WHEREAS, for over six decades, the boundary was internationally recognized, accepted and respected by Venezuela, Guyana and the international community as being the land boundary between the two

States; AND WHEREAS the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela arbitrarily and unilaterally sought, from 1962, to challenge and impugn the 1899 Arbitral Award, thus, giving rise to a controversy over the validity of the Award; AND WHEREAS the Geneva Agreement of 1966 which was concluded among the Parties adumbrated the means of peacefully and legally resolving this controversy and in compliance with its terms, both the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela agreed and referred the choice of the means of settlement of the controversy to the United Nations Secretary-General; AND WHEREAS the United Nations Secretary-General first selected a Good Offices Process in 1989 which was effected until 2016 with an enhanced mediation process in 2017, the entire period during which the Government of Venezuela was never able to prove its claim of nullity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, but instead embarked on a pattern of intimidation, threat, economic

Kaieteur News

Monday November 06, 2023

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‘Guyana is a jewel in Exxon’s crown’– Routledge C h e v r o n ’s r e c e n t acquisition of Hess for US$53 billion has granted the U.S. supermajor access to one of the most promising prospects in the global resources industry – Guyana’s vast offshore oil reserves, as reported by the Financial Times.

The British daily newspaper highlighted in the article that there was little interest in the South A m e r i c a n c o u n t r y ’s potential as a fossil fuel producer when ExxonMobil began exploring Guyana’s waters for oil in 2008. That changed in 2015 when an Exxon-led consortium, including Hess and Chinese giant CNOOC, made a significant discovery at the Liza field, in the 6.6mn acre Stabroek Block.

It was reported that the consortium has made more than 30 significant discoveries since then, with the latest announced. The steady stream of oil output should help sustain Exxon’s - and now Chevron’s - crude business for decades.

“It should also transform one of Latin America’s poorest nations, home to just 800,000 people. Oil output has gone from zero to 390,000 barrels a day last year. The unusually fast ramp-up could push production to 1.2mn b/d by 2027 - equivalent to about a third of Exxon’s current daily production. Last year Guyana’s economy grew by a record 62.3 per cent, the highest rate in the world, as the petrodollars poured in.

The IMF (International Monetary Fund) expects it to expand by another 38 per cent in 2023,” the media entity stated.

All of this is happening in a global context where the world is gradually shifting away from fossil fuels, and environmentalists are vocally opposing further oil and gas development.

However, the investments by U.S. oil majors are positioning Guyana as one of the last petro states to emerge in the oil era – Financial Times reported.

Alistair Routledge, Exxon’s Guyana president, told the Financial Times, “It is a jewel in ExxonMobil’s crown. It’s a significant resource. It fits very well with the execution capability of ExxonMobil.”

When asked for his thoughts on Chevron’s takeover of Hess, Routledge emphasized, “Clearly what’s attractive to Chevron is that ExxonMobil is operating at a very high level... From first

…says Chevron is attracted to its high profit in Guyana

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge discovery in 2015 to first oil in 2019. I mean, [it’s] just unheard of really to develop a new resource in a brand new basin with no existing infrastructure in that short a timeframe.”

Moreover, it was stated that Wall Street analysts have hailed the Exxon-led investment in Guyana as “the best oil deal in modern history.” Notably, it boasts a low break-even price of US$25-$35 per barrel, even as global oil prices hover above US$90 per barrel.

However, the U.S. supermajor and its Guyana project have faced criticism.

EXXON’S STORY OF SUCCESS GUYANA E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, ExxonMobil Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods, during a discussion on Tuesday at the annual S&P G l o b a l C E R AWe e k conference held in Houston, Texas, boasted about “the story of success” Guyana.

Woods was also proud to highlight the company’s rapid pace of development in the country.

Exxon’s boss and S&P Global Vice Chairman, D a n i e l Ye rg i n , h a d a discussion on future investment strategies in the energy sector, when Yergin stated, “So let me ask you, mega projects, you did mention Guyana. I mean that’s pretty incredible how fast that developed.”

To t h i s , Wo o d s responded, “Yes it is…Yeah I mean if you look at that it’s really a story of success, and I would also tell you that we are very focus as we grow that production.”

Exxon’s Guyana is operator and holds 45 percent interest in Guyana’s lucrative Stabroek Block, which is 6.6 million acres and has 11 billion of proven barrels of oil. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. Now Chevron holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

Speaking about Exxon

success in Guyana, Woods shared that the company was able to move from first discovery to first oil within five years, beating industry record. “We brought that like from discovery to first production in five years which is of not industry record is pretty close to it.

When you think about what typically the timeframe (is), (it) typically (takes) the industry about 10 years,” Exxon’s CEO said.

He continued: “If you then look at what we have delivered since that timeframe, we are bringing in those ships [Floating production storage and offloading vessels] and that production ahead of schedule, we’ve beaten schedule for the two ships [Liza Destiny and Liza Unity] that we’ve got and the third one [Prosperity] that we are working on, that is expect to beat schedule.”

Woods bragged about EEPGL being able to run production, “at a higher level than we have anticipated when we made those investments and staying focused,” adding that the company is also focused on, “helping reducing emissions.”

Exxon CEO also shared that the company is working on the US$2B Wales gas-toenergy project with the Government of Guyana (GoG) to bring gas onshore.

Continued on page 15

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Kaieteur News

Monday November 06, 2023

Teen fatally stabbed at Canje Parliamentary motion “rejects...

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the Dead, death of 17-year-old Shawn Shawn Persaud, called ‘Buckman’ of Besty Persaud Ground, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six. Persaud was reportedly stabbed by another 17-year-old boy around 19:00 hrs on Saturday at Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice.

Details about the alleged murder remain sketchy. However, police said that a villager related that he only heard shouts that “Buckman get bore”.

He then ran to a cross street in Persaud was taken to the New Amsterdam Adelphi Village where he saw a crowd that Public Hospital, where he was pronounced gathered around a bleeding Persaud lying on dead on arrival by a doctor on duty. the ground.

Investigations are ongoing.

From page 12 Geneva Agreement and in its judgement of April 6, 2023 rejected the preliminary objection of Venezuela; AND WHEREAS in another attempt to avoid the scrutiny of its illegal claim under international law and to nullify the binding legal process before the International Court of Justice, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has demanded that the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana return to the now defunct bilateral dialogue on the issue of Venezuela’s illegal claim; the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana refused to enter into such dialogue 3 and reaffirmed its commitment to the process before the International Court of Justice; AND WHEREAS the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on September 21, 2023 decided to hold a Referendum on December 3, 2023 where it will put to its populace, five questions relating to the controversy between the two States, including whether citizens “agree with the historic position of Venezuela not to recognize the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the controversy over the territory of ‘Guayana Essequiba’” (Question Three); and in a most flagrant disregard for international law, Question Five speaks to the annexation of the territory awarded to Guyana (then British Guiana) by the 1899 Arbitral Award coupled with inter alia, granting Venezuelan citizenship and identification cards to Guyanese citizens in that region; AND WHEREAS the Government and people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana deem this purported Referendum to be contemptuous of the legal process prevailing before the International Court of Justice and repugnant to the accepted principles, tenets, norms and practices of international law; BE IT RESOLVED that this National Assembly: 1. Affirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; 2. Reaffirms its recognition and

acceptance of the 1899 Arbitral Award as a “full, perfect and final” settlement of the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela and Article IV (2) of the 1966 Geneva Agreement as giving the mandate to the United Nations Secretary-General to select the means of resolving the controversy; 3. Denounces as provocative, unlawful, void, and of no international legal effect, the purported referendum in Venezuela that is scheduled for December 3, 2023; 4. Supports the Government in its pursuit to ensure a peaceful and lawful resolution of the controversy before the International Court of Justice and rejects the proposal to return to any form of dialogue with Venezuela on the controversy outside of the process before the Court; 4 5. Supports Government’s formal approach for the urgent protection of the International Court of Justice, with the filing with the Court a Request for Provisional Measures for an Order preventing Venezuela from taking any action to seize, acquire or encroach upon, or assert or exercise sovereignty over, the Essequibo Region or any other part of Guyana’s national territory, pending the Court’s final determination of the validity of the Arbitral Award.

6. Calls for the deepening of engagements among all national stakeholders on issues relating to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, particularly within the context of the meetings of the bipartisan Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Guyana/Venezuela Controversy.

7. Encourages the citizens of Guyana to remain fully engaged on developments surrounding the controversy; 8. Expresses its appreciation to the partners and friends of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for their support and expressions of affirmation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

Proposed By: Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dated: November 4, 2023

Monday November 06, 2023

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Kaieteur News

One dead after truck topples at Mon Repos A 19-year-old man, identified as Glenroy James, was killed around 01:45hr on Sunday after a truck toppled in the vicinity of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority at Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

James, a resident of

Agriculture Road, was one of the occupants of the truck at the time. Police said that driver of the truck, Mahendra Surujpersaud, 20, alleged that he was driving south along Agriculture Road when he ran over a 25 feet long electrical pole that was lying across the western side of the road.

As a result, the truck toppled several times and he along with James and another occupant, identified as 32year-old Anand Motielall, were thrown out of the vehicle. Persons stopped and assisted the injured men.

Motielall and the driver were conscious and they were

immediately rushed to the hospital while an unconscious James was picked up police.

Motielall and the driver were treated for bruises about their bodies and discharged but James was pronounced dead on arrival.

Investigations continue.

‘Guyana is a jewel in Exxon’s crown’ From page 11 He said, “We got a project that we are working on with the Government of Guyana to bring gas onshore to back out some of their higher emission intensity power to substitute that with gas. So we lower emissions and get better more reliable power to the people that’s a real win-win situation.”

Guyana signed onto a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with the oil major, which has been heavily criticised for being lopsided and benefiting the oil company more than the country.

The 2016 deal gives Guyana an industry-low 2% royalty. Presently, Guyana shares revenue with ExxonMobil after the company deducts 75 percent towards the cost incurred to develop the resources in the Stabroek Block.

This arrangement, with the lack of ring-fencing, sees Guyana paying for projects that are yet to commence production activities. Each month bills from future producing developments are added to the list of expenses to be cost recovered by Exxon.

After the 75 percent is deducted to pay back the oil company, Guyana then shares 50/50 of the 25 percent

remaining with Exxon as profits. This amounts to 12.5 percent of profits from the operations.

Also, under the signed deal, Guyana has agreed to, under the taxation provisions, to pay ExxonMobil’s share of Corporation and Income Tax. As such it would mean, that Guyana foregoes each year, billions of US dollars.

On top of this, documentation to this effect is then provided to the US based company allowing it to not have to pay any taxes in its home country for its earnings overseas.

Though Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has maintained that the mere 2 percent royalty, massive tax breaks, and the absence of a ring-fencing provision, are three key flaws of the 2016 Stabroek Block PSA, his government will not seek to renegotiate the deal.

CHEVRON’S ACQUISITION OF HESS Paul Sankey, the lead analyst at Sankey Research, recently shared his perspective on the acquisition of Hess Corporation

by Chevron Corporation during a segment on CNBC’s ‘Squawk on the Street.’ Sankey was queried about his take on this significant deal. He remarked, “Well, we know Guyana is the best asset and global oil. It’s

remarkable so Hess was trading as a takeover play? And the question was, can you get a high enough premium for the actually to be a consummated deal?”

This publication reported that under the terms of the agreement, Hess shareholders will receive 1.0250 shares of Chevron for each Hess share, making the total value of the transaction an impressive US$60 billion.

Of particular note, Chevron’s acquisition of Hess provides it with exclusive control over a highly coveted prize—30% of the working interest in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. In this expansive deepwater block spanning 6.6 million acres, ExxonMobil operates with a 45% working interest, while China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) holds 25%.

Since the commencement of oil production in December 2019 at the Stabroek Block’s Liza Phase One Project, Exxon has successfully launched another project, Liza Phase Two, in February 2022. Both ventures are contributing approximately 400,000 barrels of oil per day.

Exxon and its partners are aiming for over 1.2 million barrels of oil production by 2027, solidifying Guyana’s Stabroek Block as one of the world’s fastest-developing oil

‘True massacre’: Gaza children death toll...

From page 6 Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Khan Younis, said there seems to be a “systematic attack” on Gaza’s refugee camps by Israeli forces.

“These repeated air strikes on refugee camps in central and southern Gaza are the reason why people are not taking the Israeli announcement of guaranteeing safe corridors to travel to the south seriously,” he said.

According to the United Na-

tions, 1.5 million people are now internally displaced in Gaza out of a population of 2.3 million.

The strikes and displacement come as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank on Sunday.

Blinken reaffirmed Washington’s position calling for “humanitarian pauses” in Gaza to protect civilians and allow foreign na-

Former Georgetown Mayor...

From page 10 commitment to the well-being of our elders.”

Narine urged government to seize the opportunity at next year’s budget to make the elderly population comfortable.

“In the 2024 budget, the Ali-led PPP government has a unique opportunity to prioritize our elders and demonstrate their commitment to social welfare.”

Narina added, “By increasing the old age pension to $100,000 and lowering the pension age from 65 to 60, we can significantly improve the quality of life for our senior citizens.

Let us harness our oil resources not just for economic growth. but also for the betterment of those who have contributed so much to our society. I eagerly await the government’s response and hope that they will act in the best interest of our elders, securing a brighter future for all Guyanese.”

tionals to leave while “still enabling Israel to achieve its objective” to defeat Hamas.

Both Egypt and Jordan rebuked that position publicly at a news conference on Saturday, instead calling for an immediate ceasefire – echoing the stance of other leaders in the region.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again rejected the idea of halting the offensive, ignoring appeals and protests across the world.

“There will be no ceasefire without the return of our hostages, we say this to both our enemies and our friends. We will continue until we beat them,” Netanyahu told air and ground crews at the Ramon Air Force Base in southern Israel on Sunday.

Israel says it is targeting Hamas fighters and assets, accusing the group of using civilians as human shields.

Critics say Israel’s strikes are disproportionate, considering the large number of civilians killed.

hotspots.

Hess’ CEO, John Hess, has repeatedly emphasized that the Stabroek Block boasts five governmentapproved projects, each capable of generating over US$1 billion in annual profits for the company.

The remarkable profit potential of Guyana’s Stabroek Block hasn’t escaped Chevron’s notice, as reflected in the company’s comments on Monday.

Chevron has labeled the Stabroek Block as “an extraordinary asset with industry-leading cash margins and low carbon intensity, expected to drive production growth into the next decade.”

The company also designates Guyana’s Stabroek Block as a priority asset, with over US$11 billion barrels of oil equivalent in discovered recoverable resources, promising high cash margins per barrel, a robust production growth outlook, and potential exploration opportunities.

Additionally, the large oil producer has expressed significant interest in the cash flow that will follow the startup of Payara, the third oil project expected to commence by year-end, as well as Yellowtail, the fourth oil project scheduled for 2025.

WANTED

VACANCY

One male and female ablebodied Staff needed to work in a store. Call: 225-2313, 2261497, 658-8559.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

One experienced Driver to work in Georgetown. Interested persons can contact: 701-4000 between 8am-4pm.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics required. Call: 615-9132, Email application: techserigy @yahoo.com

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

SERVICES NTech professional repair services, we repair all brand phones, Computer E.C.T. Call: 645-3184/ 652-2019.

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

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

Business/ residential PFSGYD$58M, Visa Application, advertisements, graphics design, passport application forms & i130 application.

Call: 626-7040.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 649-0956.

FOR RENT LAND FOR SALE Land 30X112 ft located at Robb and Bourda street.

Call: 623-1615.

4 house lots totalling 205X115 ft in Kase village 6 street, Cummings Lodge.

Call: 623-1615.

19 acre of road side land at Friendship, East Bank Demerara. Call: 623-1615.

Recently constructed 4 storey building at Parika in the business district, two and a half floors available.

Call: 699-4513.

3 bedroom upstairs for rent with double parking at 1919 Herstelling, EBD. $120K. Call: 636-5715, 265-3095/ 6961994.

Restaurant for rent at Parika.

Contact: 688-7018.

One male Cleaner needed for Eccles area. Call: 615-9132, 645-8443.

Two experienced Waitress with food handling certificate. Preferably on the West Bank. Call: 679-2612.

Receptionist, Deskstaff, Room Attendant, Laundry Attendant, Security Guard & Handyman needed at 233, South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

Live-in Domestic/ Maid needed. Must know to cook.

Call: 614-1819.

Male & female needed to work in the Interior, ages 18 years and older. Call: 6998486, 614-1819.

Experienced able-bodied Yard man needed, flexible hours. Call: 614-1819.

Sales and Delivery Clerks needed. Apply at Lens 136 Sheriff Street. Call: 2272486/ 227-1511. Email: lensgy@outlook.com Warehouse Manager/Forklift Operator and Truck Driver (Part time or Full Time) at Lens. Call: 227-2486/ 2271511. Email: lensgy @outlook.com One Maid needed to work 4 days per week, must know to cook. Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom with ID and recommendation.

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

Accounts, Bond & Office Clerks, W/Union CSR'S, Truck Drivers, Sales Supervisor, Cashier, Shelf Restockers and Porters.

Call: 609-2995, 227-5286-9.

WANTED

Agents needed to work in Georgetown to distribute drinks & water. Must own van or canter. Call: 617-1809.

Driver/ Salesman, male and female Sales Reps to work on canter. Call: 617-1809.

Bond Staff and Delivery Porters needed. Must be able to read and write. Call: 617-1809.

FOR SALE Close down sale on school supplies, party, picnic and a variety of hardware items.

Call: 630-5622/ 694-1895.

Maid needed to clean at East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

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Monday November 06, 2023

Monday November 06, 2023

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Monday November 06, 2023

Guyanese murder suspect escapes from Paramaribo hospital

T

Murder suspect, Jason Isaacs

h i r t y - f o u r- y e a r- o l d Guyanese murder suspect, Jason Isaacs, who was hospitalized after he was shot in the legs by the police during his arrest in Suriname on October 13, escaped from the Paramaribo University Hospital on Saturday night.

According to a report on the Suriname media website, Waterkant.com, Isaacs who is wanted in Guyana for the 2021 murder of US-based Guyanese Hemraj Pardessi, was hospitalized since his arrest last month for his involvement in a shooting incident.

The report stated that it is still unknown how he escaped from the hospital.

Isaacs is suspected in Suriname of shooting dead a man on the corner of Waaldijk and Eugene Gesselstraat on the evening between Thursday, October 12 and Friday, October 13, 2023.

The report stated that investigations revealed that an argument had probably arisen between two men near a bar. During the argument, one of the men pulled out a handgun.

The victim attempted to mediate between the two men and the armed man allegedly shot at the victim.

After the shooting at the aforementioned intersection in Paramaribo, Isaacs got into a car

with a 44-year-old man and they drove away. The later was tracked down and arrested on Friday evening, October 13, around 7 p.m., the report stated.

After detailed information, Isaacs was spotted shortly afterwards in the Latour district, after which members of Capital Offenses, in collaboration with the Central Regional Assistance Team, made the arrest around 7:30 p.m. , the report stated.

During his arrest, the officers were forced to use firearms, causing the suspect to be hit in the legs by bullets.

He was transported to the E m e rg e n c y D e p a r t m e n t b y ambulance and was subsequently

treated in the hospital.

All Surinamese police posts and units have been informed of Isaacs’ escape.

Efforts are underway to have his arrest again.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for Isaacs in August 2021 following the murder of Pardessi 60, who was killed shortly before midnight on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at his Reliance Settlement, East Canje home.

Five persons were subsequently arrested, one who of whom confessed to robbing Pardessi.

Isaacs was identified as the sixth suspect but has been on the run ever since.

Monday November 06, 2023

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Monday November 06, 2023

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Monday Thursday November November 06,24, 2023 2022

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India blow away South Africa to raise Rockaway Legends hopes of third World Cup triumph assist ECD residents KOLKATA, (Reuters) It was meant to be a battle between the two World Cup heavyweights but the manner in which South Africa were blown away by India on Sunday illustrated the gulf between the hosts and the rest of the teams competing at the 2023 tournament.

Three days after they skittled out Sri Lanka for just 55 runs to record a huge 302run victory over the 1996

World Cup champions, India’s batting and bowling were once again on fire at Eden Gardens.

A century from Virat Kohli and a five-wicket haul from Ravindra Jadeja spurred the host nation to a 243-run win over South Africa — their heaviest ever World Cup defeat.

South Africa arrived in Kolkata with high hopes of defeating India considering they had won six of their

previous seven matches and also enjoyed the kudos of being the only team to have beaten India when the Asian side last hosted the tournament in 2011.

On that occasion India imploded and lost their last six wickets for 13 runs as South Africa secured a threewicket win with two balls to spare in a group-stage match in Nagpur.

Twelve years on and South Africa suffered the

Monday November 06, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your mind will expand today.

You'll feel like there's a ton of information crammed into your head that needs processing. Regarding big projects, try to finish them as quickly as you can.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Join others before you make your big travel plans. The smallest idea can be quickly transformed into a huge plan of attack, thanks to the prevailing winds of the day. There's a light, communicative feeling in the air encouraging cooperation.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Try not to read too much into other people's words today.

You may have spent hours tearing apart every off-thecuff remark. You may build up a wild scenario in your head regarding what that person is thinking.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't get stuck doing just one thing today. The more varied your activity, the easier it will be for you to integrate the different pieces of the puzzle.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Long-term trends are coming to an important climax now.

This dramatic period is highlighted by the added amount of information being thrown your way.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You might be in a whirlwind today, and there will be information buzzing around asking you to do this and go there. You're the one most perfectly suited to deal with the tone of the day. Stay lively and upbeat.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Take a break from what you're doing. Look at what people are doing around you. Check your plans in relation to those of others and see if there's a way you can combine forces and kill more birds with fewer stones.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You might be jumping around today. This is one of those situations in which you don't want to stay in one place for too long. Each place is an individual step that leads to where you want to go.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Get involved with the energy of today so you don't get left o u t o f t h e l o o p . Yo u r contribution to the group is important. You should foster positive relationships among all parties. Think big.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your audience will be attentive to you today. Take the lead and others will follow. Be yourself and project your voice into the auditorium of eager listeners.

Information will flow freely, and you shouldn't discount any ideas from the peanut gallery.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can add more tools to your toolbox today. Express your concerns and you'll find helpful remedies present themselves.

Keep the lines of communication open and let the information flow.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You could feel confident today, and you should have a strong idea of exactly what it is you want. Information is power.

Others are working to wield power over you.

ignominy of being bowled out by India for 83 — their lowest ever total in a 50-over World Cup. “The first 10 overs with the ball made it a challenge,” said South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, whose side struggled to contain a rampant Indian side which reached 61-0 after five overs and then 91-1 after 10 overs.

“Biggest challenge was taking wickets and India built big stands. The conditions are the biggest learning. Wicket played as we suspected it to play — expected it to deteriorate but we didn’t adapt well. It will be up to us to adapt our skills accordingly.”

Inevitably India did not sustain the early 12.2 or 9.10 run rates over 50 overs but a rock solid 101 off 121 balls from Kohli, who scored a record-equalling 49th ODI century to draw level with S a c h i n Te n d u l k a r ’s milestone, set the South Africans a daunting victory target of 327.

From the moment opener Quinton de Kock perished in the second over for five, the battle for survival proved to be a difficult one for South Africa, with seven of their batsmen failing to reach double figures.

“Going hard in the first 10 (overs) isn’t something we’ve discussed. That’s how (Shubman) Gill and I have batted together. We let our instincts take over,” said India captain Rohit Sharma, whose unbeaten side are guaranteed to finish top of the World Cup group standings after winning their eighth successive match.

“If the wicket is good, we keep going and things fall in place. “Kohli batted to the situation... Jadeja has been really good. Big matchwinner. He keeps doing the job, goes under the radar but today is a classic case of what he does — score late runs and take wickets.”

Although both sides had already qualified for the semi-finals before Sunday’s showdown, the result at Eden Gardens has raised hopes that come Nov. 19, India will be lifting the 50-over World Cup trophy for a third time following their triumphs in 1983 and 2011.

Scores: India 326 for 5 (Kohli 101*, Iyer 77, Maharaj 1-30) beat South Africa 83 (Jansen 14, Jadeja 5-33, Kuldeep 2-7) by 243 runs.

Rockaway Legends softball team have rendered assistance to a number of residents on the East Coast of Demerara.

Chief Executive Officer of Rockaway Group of Companies, Mr. Hafeez Ali, spearheaded members of the Rockaway Legends team on an outreach in several villages on the East Coast of Demerara where they distributed meals to residents.

In an invited comment, Mr. Hafeez Ali Chief E x e c u t i v e O ff i c e r o f Rockaway Group of Companies said he is delighted to once again reach out to residents in the area. He added that he is always happy to be able to undertake such ventures.

Mr. Ali happily informed that he has been blessed with a grandson.

Mr. Hafeez Ali during his outreach on the ECD A number of residents expressed gratitude to Mr. Ali for the work that he has been doing over the years in the community.

M r. A l i h a s a l s o supported sports across Guyana and in the USA over the years. Rockaway Legends participated in the recently concluded GSCL Inc Prime Minister’s T20 Cup.

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Lakeram Ramsundar was the overall winner.

The 16th MACORP Golf Tournament got off to an incredible start at the Lusignan Golf Club on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

The tournament saw 62 players battling it out, but in the end, Lakeram Ramsundar and Eureka Giddings emerged as the male and female champions.

At the presentation, the General Manager and President of MACORP, German Consuerga, said, “Those who have participated have demonstrated the testament of our collaboration in fraternity and camaraderie. I

have met numerous customers and players who have been attending this tournament for many years, showing their loyalty by coming back year after year.

They are dedicated to the tournament and the values it represents. You have helped create lasting memories of this event. Once again, I would like to say thank you and let us rejoice in the values and benefits that golf provides.”

LGC Vice President Brian Hackett echoed the same sentiments, stating, “We want to thank Macorp for partnering with the Lusignan Golf Club. Today’s

Ramsundar, Giddings crowned MACORP Golf Tournament champions tournament saw a total of 62 players, which is a testament to the impact that Macorp has. We are grateful for this partnership and we look forward to continuing it in the future.”

Sixteen years ago, MACORP began its collaboration with the Lusignan Golf Club and has been providing continuous support to the club ever since. MACORP is known for its support of community service projects and sports in Guyana. MACORP is the only authorized dealer of Caterpillar products in Guyana.

The results for the

tournament were as follows: Best Net Male 0-9 1st Rakesh Harry - Gross 77, HC 9, Net 68 2nd Jeetendra Dhanpat Gross 75, HC 5, Net 70 3rd Mohanlall Dindanauth - Gross 78, HC 7, Net 71 Best Net Male 10-18

Monday November 06, 2023

Eureka Giddings was the female champion.

1st Lakeram Ramsundar - Gross 75, HC 14, Net 61 2nd Paton George- Gross 81, HC 17, Net 64 3rd Miguel Yunes - Gross 78, HC 11, Net 67 Best Net Male 19-36 1st Raj Misir - Gross 88, HC 20, Net 68 2nd Maurice Solomon-

Gross 90, HC 21, Net 69 3rd Clifford Reis - Gross 92, HC 20, Net 72 Best Net Female 1st Eureka Giddings Gross 98, HC 25, Net 73 2nd Joaan Deo - Gross 88, HC 13, Net 75 3rd Shanella London Gross 85, HC 8, Net 77

EBFA/Ralph Green/NSC Under-11...

From page 25 also thanked for allowing the use of the ground for the duration of the League.

Each team was presented with a set of numbered tops which included the goalkeeper, and two balls while the respective Coaches also received a jersey to be worn at all matches.

The players of the winning team as well as the runner-up would receive trophies whilst the third and fourth-placed team players would each receive medals.

Plaques would be awarded for the Best Team Sportsmanship, Best Coach, Most Promising Player, Most Valuable Player, Most Disciplined Player, Best Goal Keeper, and Highest Goal Scorer.

The sixteen (16) teams would be placed into four (4) groups of four (4) play each other with the top two (2) advancing to the quarter-finals, the start of the knock-out stage. Each team is guaranteed at least three matches.

Those contesting teams are Herstelling Raiders, Timehri Panthers, Diamond United, Swan, Friendship All-Stars, Den Amstel Primary, Friendship Primary Jaguars (East Coast), Samatta Point/Kaneville, St. Cuthbert Mission, Pouderoyen, Eagles FC (Stewartville), Agricola Red Triangle, Santos, Riddim Squad, Vengy and Fruta Conquerors.

Matches would be for 30 minutes, with two halves of 15 minutes each.

Kaieteur News

Monday November 06, 2023

PAGE 23

2023 Lennox Blackmoore Intermediate Boxing C/ship

Zidhan Wray into the Super Heavyweight final Guyana Defence Force (GDF) heavyweight prospect Zidhan Wray emerged victorious in a thrilling and brutal showdown at the 2023 Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate Boxing Championship as the championship moved in the second day of competition on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium located along Mandela Avenue.

Wray secured a well-deserved win against Guyana Police Force (POL) boxer Deandre Abrams in the super heavyweight (+92kg) semi-finals. The atmosphere was electric as both fighters squared off in a battle of epic proportions.

Despite Abrams’ reputation for knockout power, Wray held his ground throughout the fight.

The first round started with a burst of energy, showcasing the fighters’ determination. They traded fierce blows, with both landing heavy punches. The crowd was treated to a display of skill and heart as the fight went the distance, lasting three full rounds.

In the end, the judges awarded Wray a narrow victory on points.

In other notable fights,

Rondell Captain dominated the We l t e r w e i g h t 6 7 k g c l a s h , positioning himself as a strong contender for the finals. However, GDF’s Sherwyn Gravesande fell short in the Light Heavyweight 80kg semi-finals against his gym mate Malachi Clarke.

Oswald Jewan and Camara Chandelier also had noteworthy performances in the Lightweight 60kg and Cruiserweight 86kg semi-finals, respectively. Jewan won his match against Christopher Albert, while Chandelier emerged victorious when Jaleel Weekes abandoned the contest due to an injury sustained from a fall.

Septon Barton of the Forgotten Youth Foundation advanced to the Lightweight 60kg finals with a win against Mark Ben, and two other fighters, Rayon Harry and Christopher Henry, received a pass to the finals due to their opponents’ medical reasons.

The excitement continued with more thrilling bouts at the same venue, promising an actionpacked continuation of the championship last evening.

Deandre Abrams hits the canvas yet another time during his Super Heavyweight +92kg clash.

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Farfan & Mendes/ Woodpecker Products First Division Hockey Leagues

Nicolette Fernandes (second from left) netting her second field goal during Saturday’s clash with YMCA Old Fort.

Monday November 06, 2023

Participants at the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam Fitness and Polio walk.

The Rotary Club of New Fernandes Amsterdam successfully stages hat-trick set up commanding annual Polio and fitness walk

6-0 victory over YMCA Old Fort Nicolette Fernandes showcased her remarkable skills, securing an outstanding hat-trick for Woodpecker Hikers in a resounding 6-0 victory over YMCA Old Fort.

This victory propels them closer to the quarterfinals in the 2023 Woodpecker Products First Division Hockey League, with the action unfolding on Saturday at the National Stadium in Providence.

The dominant force, Woodpecker Hikers, initiated their scoring with a successful penalty corner in the 7th minute, executed by Tonza Sarrabo. Shortly after, Fernandes capitalised on two scoring opportunities, finding the back of the net in the 8th and 11th minutes.

With a commanding 3-0 lead, the Hikers added another goal to their tally, this time courtesy of Trinity Greaves. Maria Munroe extended their lead further, scoring in the 52nd minute before Fernandes returned with another goal in the 57th minute to secure her first hat trick of the competition.

With this victory, Woodpecker Hikers move one step closer to securing a spot in the quarterfinals. They are set to face the winner of the GBTI GCC and Saints match.

The tournament continued yesterday with two thrilling matches. In the men’s division, Saints squared off against Pepsi Hikers, while GCC clashed with Saints in the women’s category.

This year, the activity took on the form of a walk and breakfast. The funds raised will be donated to help those affected by Polio.

The walk got underway at 06:00hrs from the Cumberland Primary School, East Canje Berbice to President Raffick Kassim’s Residence, No 2 village, East Canje Berbice.

The participants included members of the rotary club, their partners in service, family, friends and well-wishers had a good time as they participate in the activity.

Speaking to those in attendance at his residence, Club president Rafeek Kassim stated that the RCNA has joined with Rotary International in an awareness walk on the fight against polio.

He said that Rotary launched Polio Plus in 1985 and was a founding member of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988.

Rotary in collaboration with other partners has raised more than US$2 Billion worldwide and has helped vaccinate more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries.

Poliovirus cases have decreased by over 99 per cent since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases in more than 125 countries to 6 reported cases in 2021. According to information there are thirty-one countries reporting polio cases in 2023.

Immediate past President Tajpaul Adjodhea in remarks said, The RCNA has committed to contribute US$1500 towards the continued international fight against polio. He said that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is matching the Rotary contribution by a 2-1 scale to help eradicate the disease. .

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can infect a person’s spinal cord, causing paralysis. The virus can be prevented by vaccination.

Before undertaking the three miles walk participants were engaged in fitness training, warm up session. (Samuel Whyte)

Monday November 06, 2023

Kaieteur News

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EBFA/Ralph Green/NSC Under-11 League set for kick-off on Saturday at Agricola Gr. The Fifth edition of the East Bank Football Association / Ralph Green Under-11 League with the marquee sponsor being the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport(MSYC) through the National Sports Commission (NSC) is set to kick off this Saturday at the Agricola Ground, East Bank Demerara.

The League was scheduled to be played in 2022 but owing to some challenges including ground availability, it was not played. However, the teams are all set and ready to take

- Equipment and gear handed over to the 16 teams

The respective teams and Coaches display their uniforms and balls following the presentation on Saturday after last at the Agricola Ground.

President of the East Bank Football Association, Orien Angoy (left) receives equipment on behalf of Diamond United FC from Franklin Wilson.

on each other as they not only hone their skills but also get the opportunity to meet new friends and learn from each other.

At the handing over of the branded gear to the teams on Saturday at the Agricola Ground, former East Bank Football Association President, Franklin Wilson under whose watch the League commenced told the players that they are all

winners despite one team being crowned champions.

EBFA President Orien Angoy extended thanks on behalf of his Association to all who made the competition a reality, especially the MCYS, NSC,

Messer’s Green, Wilson, and the contesting teams.

Wi l s o n e x p r e s s e d gratitude to all the clubs, schools, RMA’s, GFF, MCYS, NSC, and the EBFA which will be coordinating the League for their support

in making the tournament a reality for the youths to grow and play the game they love.

Mr. Timothy Blair, Chairman of the Central Management Committee for the Agricola Ground was (Continued on page 22)