Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR Local Miner refutes NEWS

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

Wednesday Edition November 09, 2022 - Vol. 17 No. 46

Canadian Company's claim on Puruni gold field

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 76,465

‘We never sold or relinquished our rights'- Alphonso

ExxonMobil Country Manager says...

Gas project

shows importance of 'right Government' ...Overseas Investors must be welcomed with confidence of making money PSC Chair calls for expansion of Local Content targets Overflowing bins on Norton Street, Georgetown on Tuesday night.

Health Ministry signs off on $12.1B in drug contracts without vital penalty clauses- Audit Report

Carjackers jump house, steal car

GT in a mess

...as new garbage trucks break down

Cameraman dies as President's Media Boat capsizes in Pomeroon River Trevor Patrick

Claim Number*

Map Designation

K-11/MP/000 K-7/MP/000

Mining Permit

6

547/2003 ref. file no A 298/001

Prospecting Permit Medium Scale

A-14/MP/000 Mining Permit (MP)

A-14/MP/001 Mining Permit A-14/MP/002 Mining Permit

Trail Railroad Prospect Bank Mining Deformation Zone Andesitic Volcanics

Mining Permit

Local Miner refutes Canadian Company’s claim on Puruni gold field ‘We never sold or relinquished rights’ - Alphonso

By Shervin Belgrave

5

Granodiorite to Diorite Intrusives

4

Location of claims and Geology

3 2 PURINI PROJECT

Type of Permit

1 2 3 4 5

6

Peters Mine

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

1 PURINI PROJECT

Map depicting the size of its Puruni Gold Project.

D

ays after it was reported that Alerio Gold Corp boasted of a ‘gold fever’ in Guyana, a local Miner, Henry Alphonso, has come forward to refute claims made by the company that it owns the 9000 acre Puruni Gold field , Region Seven.

In a statement sent out on Wednesday by Gunraj & Co., a law firm in Guyana that represents Alphonso, it was stated that he is the rightful owner of the property and had never sold it or relinquished his rights to the gold field.

“Henry Alphonso is adamant that he has not sold, leased or in any other way alienated his rights, titles and interests held under the permits aforesaid,”related the law firm.

Alphonso reportedly became aware of the Canadian company’s claim after reading a Kaieteur News article published on Sunday last reporting that the corporation had bought out three large gold fields in Guyana from another company called Goldeneye.

Among the three properties was the Puruni Gold Field, the other two were identified as Tassawinni and Harpy.

Henry Alphonso Alerio Gold had reportedly informed its shareholders on January 14, 2022, via a statement published on its website with the headline, “Gold fever in Guyana” that it was entering a deal to buy the Puruni property.

Months later, the company notified its shareholders in another statement that the deal was successful and it is now the owner of the property.

Alphonso was able to verify that the company has indeed made public claims that it owns the property and decided to make enquiries at Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to see if Gold Field still belongs to him. According to Gunraj & Co., inquires revealed that Alphonso is still Continued on page 3

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Gas project shows importance of ‘right Govt.’

ExxonMobil Country Manager says...

...Overseas Investors must be welcomed with confidence of making money ExxonMobil Guyana Country Manager, Alistair Routledge, on Tuesday sang praises of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government while referencing the Wales Gasto-Energy (GTE) agreement which was reached earlier this year.

Routledge was at the time delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of the Guyana Supplier Forum at L e o n o r a , We s t C o a s t Demerara (WCD) where he said the gas project is a major development project for Region Three.

“We will deliver 50 million cubic feet per day of gas from the Liza Field

onshore, through a high pressure pipeline...talking again to how important it is to the country that we have the right Government, the right longer term vision to invest in the country, to be thoughtful of the infrastructure but also to welcome overseas investors to create the right environment for partnerships, for investment so those in overseas markets can come confident that they can invest, confident that they can make a return but also confident that they can make a difference here in Guyana,” he said.

The ExxonMobil Official noted that after

Local Miner refutes...

From page 2 the legal owner of the property and has since labeled the claims made by Alerio Gold as a ‘False Representation’.

“The Guyana Geology & Mines Commission has revealed that the said properties are still held by Henry Alphonso, who is a Guyanese Miner involved in the extractive industry for over two decades,” stated the Law Firm. Via his legal representation, Alphonso,

according to release will move to ‘Communicate the developments to the local regulatory agencies, including, GGMC, the Canadian regulatory agencies, and the country’s National Stock Exchange where the company is listed’.

The local Miner will also ‘explore litigation and alternative remedies against Alerio Gold Corp for alleged false claim of owning the Puruni Gold Field’.

much consideration on the gas project, “we aligned with the Government on the fundamentals of the project”.

Routledge explained that more than 1000 local businesses have benefitted f r o m h i s c o m p a n y ’s investment in the development of the country’s oil since 2015. He also boasted that Exxon and its contractors have spent more than US$700M or over GYD$114B through those suppliers since 2015.

“In the first half of this year alone we spent more than US$127M or $25.4B local currency with those suppliers,” Routledge remarked.

It must be noted that the PPP Government is pursuing the GTE project in the absence of updated feasibility studies, even though the cost of the venture has increased by hundreds of millions of US dollars.

On the other hand, the major political Opposition, the APNU/AFC, has said plans to reduce electricity costs involves the use of renewable energy, as this has been proven to be the cheaper and safer method.

However, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton told this newspaper that he has not ruled out the use of gasto-power electricity but believes this option must be

ExxonMobil Guyana Country Manager, Alistair Routledge, delivering remarks at the Guyana Supplier Forum pursued only after proven feasible.

T h e G a s - t o - E n e rg y project will encompass three major aspects, that is, the pipeline to transport the gas to Wales, the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will treat and separate the gas, and the power plant to

generate some 300 megawatts of electricity.

So far, Guyanese have been told that the pipeline aspect, which is being pursued by ExxonMobil, will cost around US$1.3B, while the other two facilities are expected to cost approximately US$700M.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Wednesday November 09, 2022

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

ANYTHING TO GET AWAY FROM RENEGOTIATING THE EXXON CONTRACT Leaders in the PPP/C Government think they are smart and smooth. It is revealing as to the lengths to which our Leaders in Government would go to deny any conversation, to diminish any movement, towards renegotiation of the 2016 oil contract that Guyana has with ExxonMobil. When renegotiation is the issue at hand, the President and Vice President are busy sabotaging all efforts towards that end.

First, it was President Ali on international television, AlJazeera, with a mouthful of jazz about Eco-tourism and Food Security. He was not just off subject, President Ali made sure to deliberately bury himself in ecotourism and food security.

It would have been better if Guyana’s Head-of-State had done what is now the norm of his Government, which is to duck interviews and Press Conferences, so as to avoid sharing clean and clear information with the Guyanese people. Or so as not to answer the hard questions that he knows are now going to come about oil and gas because straight answers are not given to Guyanese.

Then, it was the Hon. Vice President, Bharat Jagdeo’s, turn in the public eye. Once again, it was the same story of leadership dodging through distractions to disengage anxious Guyanese from the issue of paramount importance, which is renegotiation of the 2016 contract between Guyana and ExxonMobil. The Vice President’s focus was on the auction of oil blocks, and his brand new talking toy, the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). When closely examined, what came across was how both President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo were trying their hardest to get Guyanese to focus on anything, but renegotiation of the 2016 contract.

So that everyone understands where we at this publication are, eco-tourism and food security are serious matters, but they have their place, and both should have been much lower down on President Ali’s list of top priorities and talking points. The same must be said for a rewarding auctioning of our oil blocks, and the revised financial terms of a new PSA. For emphasis, those are positive developments, but they fade into insignificance before the biggest whale of an issue that is before us. All other matters are aced by renegotiation of our oil contact with ExxonMobil and its other profiteering partners.

Out of sheer necessity, it is compulsory that oil and gas is the first, second, and third items on the list of any Government of Guyana Leader participating in a media interview, be it with local professionals or those that are foreign based.

Whenever oil is pushed into the conversation, it must take center stage, which means that renegotiation of the oil contract is a must.

Renegotiation has to be a ‘must-be’ aspect of such interviews. Renegotiation and how we are being robbed must be brought to the attention of the whole world. And renegotiation and how Guyana must get more, must do better, and must be a real partner (and not some straggler and hangeron), pounded and hammered into the consciousness of all who listen. This is so the world is made aware of the unconscionable deal, the full-out highway banditry, executed by the corporate villains and scoundrels at ExxonMobil and Hess. When we study how President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo are attempting to let ExxonMobil off the hook, and also pull the wool over the eyes of locals, we detect their usual trickiness and slipperiness when it comes to confronting ExxonMobil and dealing with the American supergiant. The President and Vice President are twisting themselves into knots so as not to face ExxonMobil and demand more through renegotiation.

The 2016 oil deal is bad, and the world knows that Guyanese have been had. ExxonMobil was ruthless, and for this reason alone, the PPP/C Government and its Leaders should not be doing the company any favors, or giving it any space, where renegotiation is concerned. Our people are hungry, and we must get more now. Our people can’t make ends meet in the richest country in the world (by computer calculator), and the PPP/C Government shrinks from tabling renegotiation as their highest priority. The leadership dodges and distractions will only work and last so long. Change must come, and it starts with immediate renegotiation.

More Pensioners begging for help from Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection DEAR EDITOR, Old age pensioners were glad when they learnt that the Welfare Officer from Bartica would be visiting Saxacalli on 2nd November, 2022 to issue Old Age Pension books and pay the long awaited cash grant of $28,000.

Sadly, a few of us were disappointed when we learnt that our names were not on the list.

I have been receiving pension for the last twentysix years. When I became sixty-five, I like all Saxacallians applied to the Bartica Welfare Office in Region # 7.

Although Saxacalli is in Region # 3, because it is just

twelve miles from Bartica we have always been serviced by the Region # 7 Office.

Suddenly, about ten years ago, my name was taken off the Bartica list and every year since then there has been a royal run around to get my book.

This happens every single year. I have to keep begging for my book. Last year I appealed to the Minister by a letter in the press to look into this matter.

It would seem that this

problem is unsolvable as far as the Ministry is concerned.

At first only myself and one other pensioner Mr.

Rudolph Greenidge suffered.

But now all newcomers are affected.

Mr. Banwarie, Chief We l f a r e O f f i c e r, h a s expressed his frustration when he told me that he has advised that my name be put on the Region 7 list, but to no avail.

My wife Lilette Lobert, who became eligible this year did not receive her book or grant.

Madame Minister I am not begging, I am demanding my cash grant, keep the book if you so desire, but I want my $28,000 now.

They really don’t care.

They are well looked after, large salaries and many

perks, so why should they care.

They like to dress up and have their fat faces in the papers.

I have appealed to President Ali so much lately that I hesitate to do so now.

But who knows Dr. Ali is apparently always willing to listen to the people. “Gie Jac é jacket”. Dr. Ali is making a difference.

I often wonder how he tolerates these misfits. I have already made my new year’s resolution.

Every October (as long as the Lord gives me life) I will dress up in rags and

present myself to the Ministry of Human Resources and beg for my pension vouchers.

Sincerely, E.C. Lobert

NIS needs comprehensive overhaul DEAR EDITOR, We are approaching the 10th anniversary of the publication of the Actuarial Report on the NIS, published in SN of November 15, 2012.

There was the explicit concern of a shortfall of $1.4B, with only 6,100 employers out of 27,000 registered reported to be making the statutory contributions. The report showed that only 30% of 29,000 self-employed were actively remitting contributions.

Reasons given at the time by the Scheme’s General Manager included the following: - An expanding informal workforce not complying with the NIS regulations - Non-registration of employees by certain industries - An ever-aging population - Decreasing return on investment Unfortunately, the writer cannot yet verify whether there have been subsequent reviews, and if and when published.

In this connection however, the particular Actuarial Review made a n u m b e r o f recommendations, including the following for immediate execution: - Raise the contribution rate from 13% to 15% - Hike the wage ceiling to $200,000 per month - A phased raising of the pension age from 60 to 65 (Guyana still has the lowest pensionable age in the world

– 55 years) The Actuarial Report bemoaned the fact that an NIS Reform Committee appointed by the Government in 2007 had m a d e s o m e recommendations, but there was no meaningful change.The Financial Consultants at the time noted that the NIS experienced its first ever deficit in 2011 in its 42 year history – in the sum of $371M. According to SN they predicted that the “entire Fund will be exhausted in less than 10 years if the contribution rate increases and benefit reforms are not made immediately” …. “the NIS should therefore engage all stakeholders and the public at large very early in reform discussions”.

These would include: 1. “Revise pension accrual rates so that the maximum 60% benefit is attained after 40 years of contribution instead of 35.

2. Lift the number of years over which insurable wages are averaged for old age pension calculation from 3 to 5 years 3. Hike the minimum survivor’s pension to 50% of the minimum old age pension and up the maternity grant to at least $5,000.

B u t t h e recommendations did not end there. It was also urged that high priority be given to, among other things:Conduct a thorough review of the Act and Regulations; and include expunging sections that are no longer relevant; and

ensure current processes are consistent with international best practices.

There were lots more observations to the extent that the SN’s Editorial of November 19, 2012 observed ‘the review drew immediate riposte from…the Minister of Finance Ashni Singh, and the long-serving Chairman of the NIS Dr. Roger Luncheon.

According to the Editorial, Singh was emphatic that the Government would ‘never let the NIS fail’.

It went on to remark as follows: ‘The fact that the word ‘failed’ is referenced at all signifies the depth of neglect and disengagement shown by the government to the Scheme over the last 20 years.

How prophetic a scenario, as in 2022 the very Minister who was seen publicly to ‘reach-out’ to the Scheme’s Management about their ‘outreaching’ clients, was heard to remark that he could not help the Scheme’s management.

On November 18, 2012 Christopher Ram in his column ‘Business Page’ did quite a comprehensive and unflattering critique of the management of the NIS as observed in the aforementioned Actuarial Report. Ram & McRae went on to comment on a range of subject areas, including the following, but which regrettably are too exhaustive to expand: 1. “Increase the contribution rate from 13%

to 15% no later than January next year 2. Increase the wage ceiling to $200,000 per month 3. Freeze pension increases for two years or until contribution rate is increased.

4. Move up the pension age from 60 to 65 in a phased manner” Suffice it to say that he did not necessarily agree with all the Actuary’s recommendations.

In his conclusion Ram & McRae remarked: “The workers of the country are being called upon to pay for the inertia, intransigence and, I dare say, the stupidity of the government for more than ten years, aided by the perpetual breaches by directors of their statutory and fiduciary obligations”. “and amid the only private sector response I have heard so far is the shameless admission that the private sector will increase its evasion of their obligations under the NIS Act as we witness with the Vat Act, the Income Tax Act and the Corporation Tax Act.” Respectfully however, one must also acknowledge Anand Goolsarran’s timely but neutral contribution in his regular submission – A C C O U N TA B I L I T Y WATCH – on the very issue.

In the final analysis we all are still left to be concerned about the viability of the NIS. E.B. John

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 05

Pension Book collection Govt. needs to do something about plastics littering 2022 a royal mess DEAR EDITOR, The letter ‘Headache to uplift pension book’ (KN Nov 7), told a very realistic situation at Christ Church last Friday, one of the identified areas, for the 2023 pension books distribution exercise plus one-off cash grant. I am told similar situations occurred at other locations in the City and elsewhere.

I arrived at the location at about 11:30hrs and finally left after 14:30hrs, and left persons there who arrived before I did.

Everything mentioned in the letter I endorse, including the preferential treatment meted out to persons, and I am convinced a simple process, (the process is simple), was made difficult and humongous by the persons managing and executing it.

For starters, there should have been someone at the gate with the list (or computer, nowadays the technology is mobile) to check persons eligibility for that location and entitlement to the grant, and where to go, if that location was where they should be.

Many persons after waiting hours only to be told they were at the wrong location. This could have

and ought to have been avoided if a better system was in place.

On arrival one was given a number chit (myself and another person had the same number. A human error?

Perhaps). Numbers were called and chits collected in batches of forty along with the 2022 books by the roving staff, working under pressure, but keeping their cool. Now this is where it gets difficult to understand.

Instead of calling out the numbers, names were being called instead. So, what was the purpose of the numbers?

The numbers should have been matched to the collected books and called in numerical order. It was just pure damn nonsense (that line again) that while you are waiting patiently for hours other persons could come in, speak to someone at the table, and get through and be gone.

I fully agree that the best process, which was smooth, unhindered, and efficient, was in 2021, for my area was located at the Parade Ground. So, it is not the process, in my view but the management and execution which made the difference between the two years.

Some quick observations in closing:

• Persons calling names should be familiar with the pronunciations • Those persons must speak fluently and project their voices to be heard.

Calling names with the voice projected downward to the table does not help • If name calling persons cannot be loudly and fluently, then consideration should be given to the employment of a public address system or some voice enhancement system • Consideration should have provided for some snacks, especially water.

Some persons I am told was at the location ‘before bird wife wake’.

• There should be a separate desk/person(s) to deal with queries and emergencies, which was time consuming to the main desk,in order to ensure the process is moving. All in all, the exercise could have been better executed. There was probably a system, but it was not evident or poorly executed. Each year we do this.

Better must be done (it was done before).

Pensioners expect and deserve no less.

Shamshun Mohamed

DEAR EDITOR, Is it not time for the Government to create an enabling environment for businesses to solve the massive problem of water/juice/soft drink plastic bottles littered all over Guyana?

This sort of business can easily be started in a garage, the foreign recycling equipment is cheap to purchase; however, the trucks/vehicles to collect littered bottles for recycling are expensive items for this kind of business.

As far as I am aware there are no local plastic recycling businesses in Guyana that focus on recycling plastic bottles.

If so, most of us have not seen plastic bottle recycling bins in most public spaces for citizens to dispose of their plastic bottles. We just throw them on the streets, where they are left uncollected.

Why is this country, regardless of location, littered with plastic bottle

rubbish? Why does this small oil rich country have this problem? The bottom line for any business is the profit margin, but the profit margin for recycling bottles and reselling the end products is very slim. The second hurdle is, even the market for recycled bottles in Guyana is small. Those businesses using plastic bottles already have their existing sources (I guess); so, accessing this market is difficult.

In summary, not many people are going to want to undertake this venture. It is, therefore, necessary that the Government offers sufficient grants and other financial incentives for citizens to start plastic bottle recycling businesses countrywide.

Recently, we see that Guyana will be a top tourist destination for 2023, which is a few weeks from now, so the question needs to be asked specifically to the Ministry of Tourism, and other Ministers living comfortably - Exactly what

impression of Guyana are we to give this huge wave of tourists, expected to come here?. As it is, some foreigners who stay at the Princess Ramada, a hotel that is highly recommended, can be heard commenting on the amount of water/juice and other plastic bottles littered along the entire length of Red Road which passes Massey stores.

Most guests there are foreign business people, including Guyanese who live abroad.

Guyana is far behind its plastic recycling efforts, and the problem with littered plastic bottles in the entire nation, in and out of Georgetown - is a BIG mess.

City Hall, based on its track record, cannot take care of this problem, so the final question to ask is who is going to take care of this mess, in a country that is designated to be a top tourist destination next year?

Or is it not important enough.

Chi Kansi

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Wednesday November 09, 2022

House passes Restorative Justice, Bail Bills

T

he National Assembly on Monday passed two pieces of legislation critical to the administration of justice in Guyana. The Restorative Justice Bill 2022 and the Bail Bill were both passed at Monday’s sitting of the National Assembly in the absence of members of the A Partnership For National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Party.

Restorative justice is an approach to problem solving that, in its various forms, involves the victim, the offender, and the community. Restorative justice programmes are based on the fundamental principle that, criminal behaviour not only violates the law, but also injures victims and the community.

Its main objective is to repair the harm caused by the offence. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC informed the National Assembly that the new concept is not a substitute for imprisonment, but is rather aimed at reducing prison terms based on the facts and circumstances of the case.

“We now have this new concept of restorative justice as part of our statutory

landscape.

As I said, it is a new concept, it is evolving, it is exciting, and it will allow our courts to make orders outside of the conventional penal nature of orders that it is now circumscribe to make, and explore a whole host of potential and opportunities to address in a real way, in a practical and pragmatic waythe circumstances that may have led to criminal conduct and also for that conduct to be rehabilitated for compensation to be paid and for society to also benefit,” he said.

The passage of the Legislation allows for the subject Minister to appoint a Director of Restorative Justice to manage and organise the restorative justice programmes and supervise persons in the programme. It is important to note that the restorative justice concept is not open to all criminal offenders but a few outlined in the act.

These include, any offence under Section 160; (b) simple larceny under Section 164, other than larceny of agricultural products or livestock; (c) larceny from the person under Section 182; (d) larceny by a tenant or lodger under Section 183; (e)

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC larceny by a clerk or servant under Section 184; (f) larceny in a dwelling house under Section 187; (g) embezzlement by a clerk or servant under Section 190; and (h) fraudulent conversion of property entrusted for sale under Section 198.

Offences such as murder, terrorism, treason and other offences outlined in the Bill are exempted from restorative justice.

The Attorney General also noted that the Bill will ease the overcrowding in the country’s prisons. The Bill was supported by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn who said the prison population has increased by 40 percent.

“The overall question of restorative justice is critically important, first as a concept at the levels of schools as I said and particularly having persons know that there is a formal

way of resolving conflict, of getting victims support and compensation too,” Benn said.

The Restorative Justice Bill is part of Government’s commitment to strengthen the justice system and reducing the prison population through alternative sentencing.

Meanwhile, the long awaited Bail Bill was also passed in the National Assembly.

This Bill allows for regulating the granting of bail across the country.

Nandlall said the Bill has been anticipated for a long time since other countries within the Region already have the legislation in place.

“Some feel that bail is too rigidly granted, and others argue that it is too capriciously granted, and the granting of bail is not consistent. Most countries in

the world have moved in the direction of putting a statutory code in place to govern the grant of bail,” he explained.

The Attorney General said while bail is usually determined by the tribunal before which a charge is pending, the new law will allow police officers to grant bail as well, in the absence of a warrant for arrest.

The Bill addresses primarily a Defendant’s right to bail, amendments to the conditions of bail, bail procedures and appeals, and the right of a court of law to refuse bail under special circumstances.

It also reduces confinement time from the current 72 to just 24 hours, while allowing for necessary extensions of time under reasonable suspicion that a suspect has committed a crime.

The Attorney General assured that the Bill is a consensual product of both the legal fraternity, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the practicing Bar, and the Judiciary to aid stakeholders in administering a fine and enforcing this law.

The extensive Bail Bill will provide bail reform in Guyana, which is a key component in remedying the overcrowding of prisons, as well as the unnecessary imprisonment of persons who have not been found guilty by a court of law.

Further, the Bill provides for Courts to hear and determine bail applications without undue delay, and also sets out requirements for the legal system to fulfill in its granting or revoking of bail, and outlines clear circumstances under which bail may be refused.

GT in a mess

- as new garbage trucks breakdown Scenes taken of Gordon Street on Tuesday.

Several areas in Georgetown have been in a mess for the last week after the Mayor and City Council’s (MCC) garbage trucks broke down.

Residents from Norton Street and areas in Kitty have been complaining bitterly to Kaieteur News that their streets are beginning to look like a dumpsite with overflowing garbage bins.

The scent, they said, is starting to become unbearable, and that flies are beginning to enter their homes.

They were reportedly promised that trucks would return to normal schedule on Monday and had waited all day and night but none showed up.

Up to press time on Tuesday, Residents said that their garbage still remained piled up in front of their homes.

Kaieteur News last Friday had reached out to the city’s director of Waste

Management, Walter Narine, to find out the reason for the garbage pile up in the city and he had said that it was because the trucks had broken down.

“We had one truck working for the entire week now we got back the trucks out of the work shop, the trucks are working”, he told this newspaper.

He had related that the repaired trucks would start cleaning up the city that same afternoon and return to normal schedule on Monday, especially in Kitty.

Kaieteur News had made a follow up with Narine on Sunday evening and he promised the Kitty residents that their garbage would be removed the following day (Monday) but no truck arrived.

It is unclear if the trucks had encountered other mechanical issues that had further caused a delay in the garbage pick-up across the city.

H o w e v e r, r e s i d e n t s might not have to wait much longer because Chinese Company, Zijin Mining Inc. on Thursday last donated a new garbage truck to M&CC. This is the third garbage truck that has been donated to the City Council within the last three years. The first was purchased in 2019, by the then Ministry of Communities, under the previous coalition Government for over $45M. A second was procured for over $38.4M the following year, and was paid for out of the subvention money handed over to the council by the same Government.

Narine back then had said that the acquisition of the trucks would assist M&CC to save millions paid to contractors to collect garbage from around the city.

At that time he also said that the City Council had owed Puran Brothers some $32M for garbage collection.

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Wednesday November 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

We applaud Minister Nigel Dharmalall’s involvement in cleanup exercises.

We recommend that it be his full-time duties.

He should get good at it, which would benefit Guyanese.

It should keep him out of trouble, also of value for all citizens, male and female.

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Kaieteur News

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Wednesday November 09, 2022

Health sector exposed to massive losses, serious health risks due to poor drug storage practices - AG Report Poor storage practices over the years has resulted in the Ministry of Health suffering massive losses while exposing the public to serious health risks due to expired drugs and medical supplies.

According to a performance report conducted by the Audit Office of Guyana, poor storage practices by the Ministry of Health have resulted in spoilt supplies.

The report documented that in 2018 at the Kingston Bond, Auditors found over 4,000 spoilt Hepatitis B vaccines stored in a walk-in freezer among usable supplies.

“Our inquiries revealed the spoilage occurred because the vaccines were not stored at the right temperature during shipment to Guyana.

However, the actions being taken by management to dispose of the vaccines and the strategies in place to correct the unsatisfactory situation, could not be determined,” the Auditors said.

The audit report stated

Boxes with medical supplies damages by termites.

that the management of Regional Health Facilities should comply with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) storage guidelines.

However, there was a failure on the part of management to protect the areas against termites and other insects.

Over at the Ocean View International Hotel now renamed as the Covid Hospital, boxes of medical supplies were found stored

on the floor and stacked against the wall in seven rooms. The Auditors could not count the items because of how the boxes were packed.

Another instance occurred during a visit to the Mibicuri Hospital in August 2018 where the Auditors also observed drugs and medical supplies stored on shelves that were damaged by termites.

Similarly, a visit to the

Mahdia Hospital showed termites in the ceiling of the storage bond. The walls of the Lethem Hospital Pharmacy Bond showed evidence of mold and insects during a visit in August 2018.

As a result, the auditors could not validate the accuracy of $950M shown as the value of expired drugs and medical supplies from 2015 to 2017.

The value of the drugs

was also unknown because none of the facilities presented a cost list to the Auditors. Further, there was a lack of accountability on the part of Health Facilities to keep records of expired drugs and medical supplies.

The Auditors said, “We found no system in place to promptly remove damaged and expired drugs and medical supplies at Health Facilities. At the West Demerara Regional

Hospital, we noted items were on hand even though they had expired since 2010.”

As such, the auditors recommended that the Heads of Budget Agencies put measures in place to ensure that there is compliance for the accounting, storing, and removing of expired items of drugs and medical supplies.

The WHO guidelines require the issuing of products that will expire first after ensuring that they are not too close to or past their expiration date.

The WHO guidelines state that “The shelf life remaining must be sufficient for the product to be used before the expiry dates …so stocks can be sent to facilities at least 6 months before they expire.”

Meanwhile, the audit report said that stock counts are a fundamental aspect of inventory monitoring and are used to confirm the accuracy of stock levels in a warehouse.

“Frequent counts can assist in signaling Continued on page 12

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 09, 2022

The official name of the country must be changed N

ow that the law has been passed f o r t h e establishment of a Constitutional Reform Commission, it is time for hearings to be organized and for suggestions and recommendations to be taken on board to create a Constitution that truly reflects the idea that sovereignty belongs to the people.

This column will not waste time trying to justify the need for changes. Instead it will make a few recommendations which will help to ensure a People’s Constitution – that is a Constitution that serves the interests of the citizens and not solely that of the political elite.

The first suggestion concerns the name of the country. It should be changed from The Cooperative Republic of Guyana, to Guyana. The country is no longer a cooperative republic.

Cooperatives are no longer the principal instrument for creating a socialist state and in fact have become dysfunctional and shunned by the people. Most citizens refer to the country as ‘Guyana’.

Second, the reference to the country being in transition from capitalism to socialism should be deleted.

The prospects of socialism died when Burnham and Jagan passed to the Great Beyond. The former failed to establish socialism and the latter abandoned any hope of doing so in the post-Cold War era. If anything the

country appears to be in transition towards neoliberal capitalism.

Third, all declaratory provisions that are nonjusticiable should be deleted from the Constitution. These provisions, especially Article 13, merely speak to the political, economic and social objectives of the State but are not enforceable in any court of law. They create more confusion and polemics rather than help the ordinary citizen. They are part of the arsenal of bourgeois promises that are never given effect. They are rhetorical devices that overload the Constitution.

The Constitution already has a preamble which speaks to the aim and objectives of the State. There is no need for declaratory provisions which have no enforceability in a court of law.

Fourth, Executive Authority should be modified. There is no need for an Executive President. It is not consistent with democratic government to have a situation where sovereignty is said to belong to the people and is exercised through their elected representatives when those very representatives in Cabinet merely act as advisers to the President. A way has to be found to vest Executive Authority in Cabinet.

The President can still be the Chief Executive but should be accountable and subject to Cabinet. We have creative legal drafters who can achieve this feat.

Fifth, the Constitution establishes a number of

Service Commissions which should be dissolved. They are costly and do not satisfy the purposes for which they were created. For example, the Teaching, Police and Public Service Commissions can hardly claim to be independent when their members are appointed by Politicians.

Immediately therefore these Service Commissions should be dissolved and the rights of officers in the Public, Teaching and Police Services protected by law.

The Judicial Service Commission should be revamped.

Similarly, the Ethnic Relations Commission, Human Rights Commission, Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Rights of the Child Commission should be dissolved. They are a drain on the Treasury and serve no purpose which cannot be served more cheaply and efficiently by Government Departments.

S i x t h , L o c a l Government has to be revamped-Their system is too unwieldy. It is not simply, a case of lack of resources. There are far too many layers of local governance without the requisite number of qualified persons to administer the organs. As was stated in a previous column, many local government organs are occupied by persons who attend meetings more for the stipend rather than to participate in decisionmaking.

Dem boys seh...

De Media mekkin de News Like dem Reporters mekkin’ de news more den dem reporting de news dese days.

We gat some of dem before de Court allegedly fuh some offence.

We gat another one wah get charge with cyber crimes.. And one of dem bin get charge and put before de court on a narcotics offence.

Yesterday a boat with some media people turn over in de Pomeroon River and sadly one of dem Photographer died. Dem boys sorry and express sympathy to de family.

De odder day, some of dem N Cee N workers talk how dem get harass at ah APNU meeting. De Opposition deny any such thing happen. But de Press Association come out in support of dem media workers.

But dem boys more interested in whether some of dem Reporters gan appear before de Commission of Inquiry into de

March 2020 elections. Dem Reporters bin see what going on during de attempted rigging.

Dem boys remember also how outside of GECOM some of dem Reporters get rough up. Dem get call all manner of names also and some of dem girls start fuh cry.

So dem boys waiting fuh see how many of dem Reporters gan appear before de COI fuh tell dem experience.

Dem boys waiting fuh see how much of dem gan turn up and give evidence against dem people wah bin abuse and assault dem.

Dem boys might have to wait in vain because nuff of dem Reporters does be afraid fuh go and give evidence dat can incriminate any political party and dem activists.

But dem good at writing and issuing statement.

Talk half and Leff half.

Seventh certain constitutional appointments should not require the consent of both the Leader of the Opposition and the President. For more than a decade and a half, there has been no substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice appointed because the country’s two main political offices could not agree on who should hold these

positions.

The formula enshrined in the Constitution has led to gridlock. Guyana needs to look towards a new formula, one which removes the need for political consensus. The CCJ has an interesting model which may be adapted here.

Lastly, a decision will have to be made as to samesex marriages and unions as well as to lesbian, gay,

PAGE 09

bisexual and transgender rights. This is an issue which cannot be avoided and for which there may be need for a referendum.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday Monday November May 02, 09, 2022 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

COBEER PERSAUD AND THE LAWYERS THAT WILL PROTEST FOR HIM C

obeer Persaud is a long-standing friend of mine.

He has been known to me as Anand, and that’s the name I always use.

I will refer to him as Anand in the rest of this column.

But I also call him by the name Joey Jagan whenever we met up.

Anand runs a largedental clinic in Peter’s Hall.

Anytime Cobeer calls me or anytime we run into each other, I do not resist the temptation to laugh about an incident. I will always remember that incident.

Joey Jagan had a problem with him and threatened sanctions against Anand over the employment of a Columbian dentist.

That was long ago. Joey Jagan has left these shores ages now for the US where he told his interviewers recently in a Zoom programme that he is a card bearing member of the

Republican Party.

You never would believe that the son of one of the world’s great anti-colonial protestors, Cheddi Jagan would become a cardbearing member of a powerful global organization that sounds very much like the speakers at Nazi rallies and may soon cause an implosion of American society. The Republican Party poses a clear and present danger to the US and the world.

Anand of course is still in Guyana, plying his trade and is going nowhere else to live but serving his country. I ran into him yesterday and as we chatted, he told me what he witnessed in his own country.

He said when he is at the Marriot and the Princess Hotel; White folks are seen openly smoking. That is illegal. Guyana has the Tobacco Control Act which prevents indoor smoking at

public places. You cannot smoke in the restaurant, hotel, supermarket etc.

Anand told me that exactly one year ago, he published a letter in the Chronicle titled; “Smoking in public places must not be tolerated.” He said since he wrote that missive, the danger continues.”

What Anand is concerned about is that the local staff is afraid to instruct the White patrons not to smoke.

So Anand invoked his brave mentality and went up to one of these persons and told him not to smoke, it isn’t allowed.

The gentleman said he didn’t know that because he does it when he is at the hotel and he was never told this. It happens because the local staff is afraid to admonish these White people.

We are returning to the sickening days of racial exclusiveness of colonial

society in this country. A foreign firm wants to build an exclusive gated community in Guyana. You know the consequences of that; you must.

The police will not be allowed to enter the compound. Just imagine a local company, Banks DIH, refused to talk to the traffic chief over an offensive violation of the traffic laws of this country.

The company’s big boys and big girls saw the traffic chief on the surveillance cameras and refused to speak to him.

I know this because I was the one that brought the traffic chief over the situation and was right there.

If a local company can behave like this, imagine what that foreign-occupied gated community will do.

We are returning to the pathological days of colour superiority.

You know what I saw on

several occasions at Bounty Supermarket in Frederick Kissoon Kitty?

When the $5000 bill had just come out, a the Marriot.

After Anand’s cashier would run her finger under the bill looking for a complaints, there must be security feature. But she no-smoking signs put up by only did that to local the Ministry of Health in all customers. I stood aside and restaurants, hotels etc. At least some patrons will see looked at her approach.

The Chinese should be the sign and desist.

There is finally good the most welcomed news for people like Anand, foreigners in Guyana, unlike the Canadians, Americans me and the countless thousands who do not want and Europeans.

They do not live in gated tobacco smoke in their nose. communities and are seen A group of lawyers who openly dining at all kinds of recently protested over restaurants and buying in the police violation of one of their colleagues will now be local markets.

I know a super-rich protesting every violation of Chinese investor who mixes the law by whoever does it. with the Guyanese nation. So there will be a picket by You will never find this type these lawyers over the nonof attitude with a White recognition of the Tobacco European, American or Control Act. (The views expressed in Canadian. He will send his d r i v e r t o b u y a t t h e this article are those of the supermarket and will never w r i t e r a n d n o t t h i s dine at any restaurant except newspaper.)

Wednesday November 09, 2022

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Health Ministry signs off on $12.1B in drug contracts without vital penalty clauses A performance audit of the Ministry of Health, conducted by the Auditor General’s Office has determined that between 2015 and 2018 the Ministry of Health entered into $12.132B contractual agreements with local and international contractors and/ suppliers that contained no performance criteria or penalty clauses.

This represents a blatant disregard for the Procurement Act 2003 which requires that suppliers or contractors whose tenders have been accepted sign written contracts that conforms to all tender regulations.

It is expected that the Ministry of Health and the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) effectively manage all contractual agreements with suppliers/contractors by preparing contracts that include performance criteria and penalty clauses.

The absence of such critical stipulations leaves the Ministry and the RDCs exposed and without recourse, should there be cases of unsatisfactory performance of suppliers.

All contracts between 2015 and 2018 were signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and the

- Audit Report

suppliers, binding the parties to the terms and conditions of each contract.

The report said that the Ministry of Health entered into 318 contracts valued at $12.132B over three years - January 2015 to August 2018 - with suppliers and/ contractors.

Further, the Audit Office noted that the contracts did not include provisions to prevent delays by contractors nor measures to recover any overpayments.

Specifically, the contracts had no start and end dates and penalty clauses.

However, the contracts included a clause stating that delivery will be made at the request of the Ministry.

The Audit Office said that the failure to include specified dates and penalty clauses in contracts denied the Ministry recourse from delinquent suppliers.

The Audit Office has recommended that the Accounting officers and Head of the Budget Agencies ensure that contracts include contractual terms and conditions that will protect the Ministry from delinquent suppliers.

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Health sector exposed to massive losses, serious...

From page 8 impending stock outs of commodities. We found poor inventory management on the part of the Ministry and Regional Health Facilities to confirm the accuracy of stock levels and the balances in the records maintained,” the report said.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e report noted that there was no evidence that Health Officials undertook inventory counts for the years 2015 to 2017.

“To test the accuracy of stocks on hand, we conducted independent stock counts during the period 28 September to 3 October 2017,”the report added.

Further, the audit report noted that agreements were not in place with warehouse owners for the storage of

drugs.

The Ministry had in place two permanent sites for the storage of drugs and medical supplies. In addition to the two permanent sites, the Ministry operated six privately owned offsite warehouses. However, there was no agreement between the Ministry of Health and the owners of the warehouses for the proper storage of the drugs.

As a result, the auditors noted that the Ministry lost significant amounts of money from drugs and medical supplies that did not have the required shelf life.

The Audit Office has recommended that the Permanent Secretary review the system to ensure that drugs and medical supplies received from suppliers have the required shelf life.

Wednesday November 09, 2022

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Wednesday November 09, 2022

ExxonMobil partners with Govt. on first public Guyana Supplier Forum A two-day Guyana Supplier Forum on Tuesday kicked off at the Leonora National Stadium in Region Three.

The event is geared at providing the platform for local businesses registered with the Local Content Secretariat to connect with ExxonMobil and its prime contractors in the industry to form partnerships, and areas for future collaboration.

This is the first year that the public can attend the Guyana Supplier Forum. It was first hosted in Region Four back in 2018 and then again in 2021 on a virtual platform owing to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This year’s venue was strategically selected due to the increased economic

activity that will take place in the Region, as a result of the natural gas project and t h e Vr e e d - e n - H o o p shorebase among others planned.

The Centre for Local Business Development is a key partner in hosting the event. According to Director of the agency, Dr. Natasha Gaskin-Peters speaking at a packed conference room said, “For the first time we have opened this forum, not only to businesses but also to the people of Region Three.

You should be proud of yourselves that this new forum is not opened to only businesses but also to the people of the Region to ensure that you will be prepared for all the economic activities that are

Officials cut the ribbon to declare the expo open coming your way via the Gas-to-Energy project.”

Tuesday’s opening was attended by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan

Rodrigues, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, Region Three Chairman, Inshaan Ayube, President of the Region Three Private Sector, Halim Kahn, and Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab.

Meanwhile, another highlight at the event was the Guyana Supplier Forum exhibition where about 30 local and foreign businesses

showcased their services.

Notably, persons interested in jobs took the opportunity to drop their applications off at the Strategic Recruitment Solutions Inc. booth.

Some of the other companies at the expo included the Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc, Technip FMC, Stena Drilling, Saipem, Impressions, IPED, GTT, Gaico, ExxonMobil, the Centre for Local Business Development, Subsea 7 Van Oord, Saipem and Guysons.

Today is the final day for

the Supplier Forum. A series of technical discussions are planned with presentations, followed by question and answer segments by ExxonMobil G u y a n a ’s O p e r a t i o n s Manager, Mike Ryan, the Director for the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab, Partner of the Vreeden-Hoop Shorebase Inc, Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, Country Manager for Baker Hughes, Jon Rhodes, and Supply Chain Manager for SBM Offshore, Flavia Werneck among others.

GAWU inks labour pact with Gold Board ...paternity leave, overtime among benefits

GAWU and Gold Board Officials after the signing of the Collective Labour Agreement The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) on Tuesday signed their first Collective Labour Agreement (CLA).

The 16-page Agreement addresses thirtythree clauses on a range of matters. Among the issues considered by the CLA are the payment of overtime, annual leave, subsistence allowance, meals allowance, hazard allowance, the mechanism for promotion, sickness leave, occupational safety and health (OSH), among a host of other conditions.

A new feature in the CLA is the provision of Paternity Leave where fathers would receive one month’s leave with pay on the birth of their child (ren). It is the first time GAWU has been able to negotiate such condition and an issue which is important in our contemporary times.

During a simple signing activity at the Ministry of Labour, GAWU’s General Secretary Aslim Singh expressed the satisfaction that the agreement was reached at the bilateral level. He noted that through

frank and full discourses, issues were fully ventilated and each side had the opportunity to make their points-of-view known. This, he said, augured well for the relationship between the parties as the General Secretary indicated the Union looked forward to fruitful relations with the GGB. Similarly, GGB’s General Manager, Eondrene Thompson expressed satisfaction with the agreement. She said the Board recognises the importance of ensuring that employees are comfortable.

Thompson said that the discussions took place in a manner which lend to mutually satisfactory outcomes.

Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine congratulated GAWU and the GGB and noted that the Ministry of Labour was pleased that the parties were able to finalise an agreement.

The GAWU in latter 2021 secured bargaining rights on behalf of the employees of the Gold Board. Since then the Union has been working with the workers to develop and negotiate the CLA.

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Kaieteur News A view of the dining area at Amici, Guyana’s newest Italian restaurant

OPENS TO THE PUBLIC

A

m i c i , G u y a n a ’s newest Italian restaurant, officially opened its doors to the public on Friday last at its 301 Church Street, Queenstown location.

The restaurant, located on the rooftop of the building offers visitors authentic Italian flavours in an environment that encapsulates a majestic view of the old Bourda Cricket Ground and the capital city of Georgetown.

Iman Cummings, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amici, Guyana said, “We are thrilled to be opening Amici in Georgetown.”

“Driven by our passion for travel and delicious authentic food, we are delighted to bring to Guyana an elite restaurant experience. A place where friends and family can come together in a relaxing, comfortable environment to share delectable food, great wine, and even better conversation,”

the CEO was quoted as saying in a Press Release.

Amici serves a range of Italian foods, catering for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The menu was expertly curated by award winning chefs, Anthony Falco and Ryan Rutherford, to bring traditional Italian flavours to customers.

In addition, the restaurant boasts a modern bar from wines to cocktails prepared by local and international mixologists.

“The Amici experience boasts of a vibrant, classy, upscale décor, bringing the Italian experience of fine dining to Guyana,” the Press Release stated.

Amici opens Tuesday to Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 12 pm and on Friday to Sunday from 4:30 pm to 1 am. While walk-ins are welcomed, guests are encouraged to make reservations i n a d v a n c e , o n https://amicigy.resos.com/booki ng

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Wednesday November 09, 2022

PSC Chair calls for expansion of Local Content targets …even as Local Content Secretariat boasts of surpassing targets

C

hairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Paul Cheong on Tuesday called on the Local Content Secretariat (LCS) to expand the areas set aside for Guyanese to benefit from the oil and gas sector.

“It is time that we expand those 4o categories. The capacity and skills of the Guyanese and their businesses are expanding,” Cheong said at the opening of the Guyana Supplier Forum, a two-day event being held at the Leonora National Stadium, Region Three.

The PSC Chair also encouraged local businesses to work together to strengthen their output.

“We believe that there is no substitute for working together.

We need to stop seeing each other

as competitors but rather as partners and use the synergy to achieve even greater success,” he urged.

Cheong said that with Guyana ranking among the fastest growing economies in the World, the opportunities for Guyanese exist but require carefully drafted plans to improve capacity and skillsets to tap into these offers.

In the meantime, Director of the LCS, Martin Pertab, who provided an update on the achievements of the Department, said that several targets for the year have already been met.

“Based on our initial estimate, we have anticipated an additional 836 new hires in the industry.

However, based on preliminary assessment, as of June of this year

the industry had created an additional 1,125 new jobs opportunities of which 858 were filled by Guyanese, taking the total amount of Guyanese in the oil and gas industry to 3,689,” Pertab said.

Additionally, he pointed out that close to 80 percent of the recruits were employed to fill technical positions. This means that the Secretariat not only managed to reach its target of new employees in the first six months of the year but also exceeded its projection by 34.5 percent.

Similarly, when it comes to the capacity building element of local content, the Secretariat was expecting the contractors and subcontractors to expend US1.8M this year as formerly signalled by

the investors. However, by the end of the first half of the year, the companies had already spent US3.3Mto train locals. This represents an increase of 83 percent, the Director disclosed.

Pertab reported that so far the Secretariat has registered in excess of 350 companies and are well on track to achieve the 500 registered companies target by the end of this year.

“We are also reviewing the Local Content Act not only to help close all potential loopholes but to further enhance prioritisation of Guyanese nationals in the supply of goods and services to the oil and gas industry,” he said.

Following the opening ceremony, Kaieteur News asked Pertab to elaborate on the

Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab additional areas the Secretariat intends to expand. However, he said it would be premature to disclose the information without first engaging stakeholders.

Wednesday November 09, 2022

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EU/Guyana Forest Partnership MOU timely - President Ali President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday said the Forest Partnership between Guyana and the European Union is timely and underscores the strong commitment to continuing the bold, ambitious, and innovative programme on climate, the environment, and forests.

The Head of State made this assertion at State House during a virtual address, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Forest Partnership between the European Union and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

According to an Office of the President Press Release, the activity was held on the sidelines of COP 27 in Egypt. “This MoU demonstrates our shared values of sustainable forest management and the protection of the environment. It furthers the process of promoting the trade in legally produced timber and timber products.”

This collaboration culminated with the signing of the ‘Forest Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, between the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Government of Guyana.

The MoU, which underlines the genuine partnership between Guyana and the EU, focuses on long term sustainability and reflects the unwavering commitment of Guyana to protect its unique rainforest.

With an initial €5m grant from the EU, immediate results are expected in supporting indigenous peoples and local communities, supporting small-scale producers, promoting sustainable trade in forest and agriculture commodities, and building capacity to drive behaviour change. Youth and women are expected to play important roles in the p l a n n i n g a n d implementation of activities related to the partnership.

The President reminded all of the ‘long and fruitful’ cooperation between the EU and Guyana in advancing work on shared priorities in programmes on the environment, sustainability, and forest governance. The signing, he added, is a continuation of this longstanding collaboration.

TIMELY INTERVENTION President Ali said too that the partnership comes at a time when the world is

concerned about the continuing adverse and devastating impacts of climate change and the alarming loss of biodiversity.

“It is fitting that this MoU is being signed during the hosting of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27).

The Forest Partnership is underpinned by the recognition of the role of Guyana’s pristine forest, to the health and well-being of the global environment.”

He pointed to the local, regional and global importance of Guyana’s forests while outlining that the country has one of the world’s highest rates of forest cover.

This, he stressed, is a result of sustainable management. “Guyana’s forests also provide critical environmental services, including carbon sequestration. They are mainly responsible for Guyana being among the handful of countries that are rated as net carbon sinks, with an estimated storage of 19.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. The economic value of the ecosystem services which our forests alone provide have been estimated at between US$40bn-US$54bn annually.”

GUYANA’S STRONG STEWARDSHIP President Ali pointed to Guyana’s ‘visionary’ Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which he said is reflective of the country’s continuous strong stewardship on forests, climate, and the environment.

“This ‘strategy’ details how our forests and biodiversity can be maintained whilst the country expands green jobs, transitions the domestic energy supply to clean and renewable energy sources, and adapts to the impact of climate change.”

He added that Guyana’s LCDS 2030 commits Guyana, among other objectives, to complete and implement a Voluntary Partnership Agreement under the European Union Forest Law Enforcement Government and Trade process that would permit the trade in legally forested and certified timber, with European Union members, implement an assurance system for the certification of forest products, maintain low levels of deforestation,

expand our mangrove forests and Protected Areas System, and enhance watershed protection while ensuring stakeholder participation in forest governance, and mainstream environmental policies in forest management.

“Guyana, therefore, welcomes this Forest Partnership. It is an integral aspect of our national plans to secure our patrimony, protect our environment, and promote sustainable forest management and enhanced

livelihoods of our people.

Together we can, together we will, and together we must.” Guyana, along with Mongolia, The Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Uganda, the Republic of Zambia, and the EU signed the Forest Partnerships, providing new, holistic cooperation frameworks for joint work on forests and the activities and communities t h e y h a r b o u r. T h e s e partnerships aim to enhance the socio-economic role of Continued on page 22

Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen following the signing of the partnership.

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Parliament receives third notification of petroleum revenues paid into the NRF Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh on Tuesday presented Notification Receipts to the National Assembly of all petroleum revenues paid into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) during the period 1 st July 2022 to 30 th September 2022, pursuant to Section 33 (2) of the NRF Act 2021, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

At the end of September, the Natural Resource Fund's balance

stood at US$1B. The notification was published in the Official Gazette on the 17th October, 2022.

Amendments to the NRF Act 2021 were aimed at strengthening the governance architecture of the Fund through the establishment of a Board of Directors tasked with the overall management of the Fund, reviewing and approving the policies of the Fund and monitoring its performance thereby separating the management of the Fund from

the Minister responsible for Finance, DPI said.

In addition, a 9-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC), responsible for providing non-governmental oversight of the operations of the Fund, replaced the 22-member Committee previously proposed.

The Board of Directors and PAOC members were appointed in August 2022.Last week Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced new

fiscal terms as part of an updated model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for all new contracts. Fourteen (14) oil blocks have been identified and will be auctioned for the country's firstever competitive offshore oil and gas licensing round. As part of this new model agreement, the royalty has been increased from the meager 2 percent granted to the Stabroek Block to 10 percent.

DPI has reported that the

current 75 percent cost recovery ceiling has been lowered to 65 percent. Profit sharing after cost recovery remains the currently applied 50/50 system between the Contractor and the Government of Guyana.

The Government's Information Agency said that the “new terms would double Guyana's share from 14.5 percent to 27.5 percent, alongside the newly introduced 10 percent corporate tax.”

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Cameraman dies as President’s Media Boat capsizes in Pomeroon River

VACANCY

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Driver, sales man, porters to work in warehouse.

Must have experience , attractive salary offered. Call: 696-4444.

Two sales clerk & one delivery clerk needed at Lens.

Apply @ 136 Sheriff Street, C/Ville or Tel: 227-1511/2272486

Taxi drivers needed at Princess Taxi Service, Ramada Hotel. Call: 265-7075/ 76 or 616-5419.

CLERICALASSISTANTS LIVE-IN ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE FOR OUT OF TOWN APPLICANTS COVID VACCINATED PERSONS ONLY. CALL: 223-7500.

CLERK AND DOMESTIC NEEDED. LIVE-IN FACILITIES FOR BERBICIANS AND ESSEQUIBIANS. CALL: 223-7500.

Carpenter, Mason, Labourer, Painter & Joiner Contact: 686-2861/611-4545.

Computer technician required. Send applications to: info@synetechgy.com or Call: 592-223-9521.

Seamstress, tailor wanted.

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A 48-year-old Cameraman and part-time Radio Announcer at Radio Essequibo, lost his life Tuesday morning when a boat transporting President Irfaan Ali’s Press Team capsized in the Pomeroon River, Region Two. The incident reportedly occurred between 8:30am and 9:00am as the boat neared Charity. The President and his Press Team were on a visit to communities in the area.

The deceased, Trevor Patrick, a father of three, was a resident of Charity, Essequibo Coast and a former employee of RCA television station.

According to reports, the boat transporting the media team was behind the one transporting President Ali when the driver lost control, causing the boat to capsize, tossing all occupants into the

Meanwhile, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) has expressed its sympathy to Patrick’s family and friends on its Facebook page.

Additionally, the Alliance for Change (AFC) in a statement expressed sympathy to the relatives and friends, as well as the media

Shuman tells of Mingo making premature declaration, former minister threatening observers The Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections on Tuesday continued with Lenox Shuman, the then Presidential candidate for the Liberty Justice Party (LJP) testifying.

Shuman, now Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, testified about the events that occurred at the Ashmin’s building- the seat of the Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, which was located at Hadfield and High Streets, Georgetown. The ballots for District Four were tabulated at the Ashmin’s building.

According to Shuman’s testimony during the tabulation of the votes for Region Four, there were several discrepancies in the figures that were being called

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fraternity on the death of Patrick.

“Today’s news of the tragic accident has left the AFC and the nation in shock and mourning. This incident and other recent boat mishaps in our rivers bring into focus the need to reexamine our safety protocols and regulation, including the licensing regime and the competence of boat captaincy,” the AFC statement said.

The AFC wished those involved in the river accident a speedy recovery while noting that the public seldom pays attention to “the great risks Reporters and Camerapersons put themselves at to satisfy our thirst for information.” The Party said too that the nation owes “a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid” to members of the media.

COI into 2020 elections…

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Pomeroon River.

Patrick, who was wearing a lifejacket, was pulled from the river in an unconscious state and was rushed to the Oscar Joseph Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A police investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident.

Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali met with Patrick’s wife, children and other relatives shortly after the incident. According to one of Patrick’s daughters, the President has committed to supporting the family with funeral arrangements.

“I was at school when I got the phone call about the incident. I don’t know if he was trapped or what, because he can swim and he had on a life jacket when the accident happened,” his distraught daughter told Kaieteur News.

by Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees. To this end, he explained that the figures that GECOM that did not corroborate with the Statements of Poll (SOPs) himself, and other party agents received from other party members that worked at the various polling stations.

To this he stated that several objections were made by party members for all other parties except agents representing the APNU+AFC Coalition. Notwithstanding the objections made, Shuman stated that R.O Mingo still went ahead to declare what he described as a ‘premature declaration.’

Shuman stated that when Mingo attempted to make the declaration he was faced with party members protesting.

Notably, Shuman stated that Mingo only went ahead to make the declaration after a team of former Government Ministers stormed into the Ashmin’s building and held

a discussion. Moreover, Shuman also testified to witnessing former Foreign Affairs Minister, Karen Cummings, threatening international and local observers to revoke their accreditation.

On Monday, Former Executive Member of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Jonathan Yearwood and Executive Member of The New Movement, Dr. Josh Kanhai, testified witnessing discrepancies with the tabulation of the votes and other incidents that occurred at the Ashmin’s building. The CoI is being conducted by Justice of the Appeal (ret’d) of the Turks and Caicos, Stanley John, who is the Chairman of the Inquiry as well as former Chancellor of the Judiciary (Guyana), Carl Singh, and High Court Judge (Belize) and former Justice of Appeal (ag.) in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Godfrey P. Smith.

The Commission is tasked

Lenox Shuman, Presidential Candidate for the Liberty Justice Party (LJP) with determining what attempts, if any, were made to obstruct, frustrate, subvert and prevent the counting, ascertainment and tabulation of votes polled and (Continued on page 23)

EU/Guyana Forest Partnership MOU timely...

From page 17 forests and their ongoing contribution to climate and biodiversity protection.

Forest Partnerships contribute to the EU’s Global Gateway that works to protect people and the planet.

The MoU has four main objectives: (1) increasing the area of protected, restored or

sustainably managed forests, including mangroves, (2) increasing the number of forest-related jobs, (3) maintaining the close-to-zero annual rate of deforestation of natural forests and (4) looking for ways to facilitate investment and trade in legal and sustainable wood products between Guyana

and the EU. According to EU Ambassador to Guyana, Rene Van Nes, Guyana is unique in that it is one of the few countries in the world that has a negative carbon footprint. Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat signed the MoU on behalf of President Ali.

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Bids in for construction of Justice Centre at Lusignan, rehabilitation of Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Responding to the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport invitation for bids (IFB) to rehabilitate the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, a total of 19 contractors have applied for the contract.

This was revealed on Tuesday when tenders opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. The Sports Ministry, this year had received some $3.2 billion in the budget for the continued development of sport in the c o u n t r y. U t i l i s i n g i t s allocation, the Ministry has estimated that $103,674,160 million would rehabilitate

the Sports Hall.

During the debate of this year ’s budget, it was reported in the media that some of the upgrades the facility will have are to its seating section, whereby the seats will be upgraded to buckets seats, also works on the flooring of the facility just to name a few.While the Ministry is looking to upgrade the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Heritage Games last September had mentioned that the Government has plans to construct Sports

Halls in several Regions come 2023.

These facilities he shared will be placed in Regions One, Three, Seven, Eight and Nine. Ninvalle said, “We are having funds to make sure that there is the construction of Sports Halls in all of these regions to the tune of $80 million each.”

Also opened at the Tender Office on Tuesday was the construction of a one stop Justice Centre which will be

located at Lusignan.

The Ministry in its IFB had noted that it had received a loan from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) to support the construction of this facility.

At the tender opening, it was revealed that the construction of the Centre will cost US$391,479.

Below are the projects and their bids which opened at the NPTAB office.

Supply, delivery and installation of Elevators at GRA headquarters.

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Supply and delivery of the Human Resource Capital Management Payroll System.

Ministry of Legal Affairs Construction one stop Justice Centre- Lusignan.

Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports Procurement and Installation of Flood lights for Uitvlugt Ground, Region Three.

Rehabilitation of Cliff Anderson Sport Hall- Homestretch Avenue.

OP: ED The Mocha Matter

may be of more to come

Ministry of Housing and Water Central Housing and Planning Authority Construction of four-lane highway from Meer Zorgen to Schoonord, West Bank Demerara- Lot 9 to 11.

Ministry of Agriculture - Fisheries Department Provision of security services for 2023.

The media carried stories on November 8 of an attack on two Cameramen at an Opposition APNU+AFC event in Mocha, East Bank Demerara.

Amidst the clashing accounts of what took place, and who is responsible for this unpardonable and unacceptable attack, I come across several challenges, which I now layout in the clearest terms.

First, there are four accounts of this development, with each advancing its own version of truth. Who is to be believed, will take centerstage in the days to come. This is my position: I disagree with this attack, I am against such developments, and I condemn it. If it is the Opposition is behind this attack, in any form or shape, I denounce it. Second, in this instance, NCN, the Press Association, the victimized, and the Opposition have all come out with assertive or defensive statements of their own, which either seeks to allocate responsibility, or distance from what actually happened. What I detect is a four-way struggle for truth of what unfolded in Mocha.

Third, I discern something missing from the accounts of some of the parties giving their versions of the sequence of events, and hands involved.

The Opposition contests the media identity of the two Cameramen, and attacking

anyone; the same two men have reported being attacked and prevented from going about their professional duties; NCN has come out to claim employment ownership of the two Cameramen; and the Press Association is not buying what the Opposition has advanced in its defence.

Cutting through the bog, I can gather, this is a story with four claims to the facts and accuracy of what took place.

Each set of advocates has been stubborn in sticking to their position, with the usual care taken to express the proper degree of righteous anger. I don’t like any of this, and have great difficulty with all of it. This should not be rearing its ugly head, not with how and where this place is precariously perched.

What occurred at Mocha has some parallels to what unfolded at Mon Repos. We had dozens of people attacked at Mon Repos in circumstances that didn’t add up, and with members of the Guyana Police Force out in strength in the area. To this day, there are disputes over who was responsible, what was orchestrated, by whom, for what objective(s).

The GPF was also present at Mocha. Given that the GPF is the common denominator in both Mon Repos, and Mocha, I would be interested to get its official version of who did what to whom at Mocha. This is fresh, and

By GHK Lall should be easy to recollect or track. Hopefully, this put this issue to bed, with firm conclusions reached as to what happened, and that everyone given notice of a harder line to be taken in the future.

This has to be, if we are not going to deteriorate to places that we don’t want to go, that always seem to lurk menacingly, and that looks increasingly inevitable. The latter is my concern, hence additional focus. We have managed to avoid degrading into the dangerous unknown in the 19 months of 20182020. Since, then little to no effort has been made to recognize that Guyana is a severely troubled society, and that a different route must be travelled. If I were to talk about the required knitting that leads to healing and possibly some semblance of reconciling as a community of people, I guarantee that I would both

be laughed and run out of town. Yes, it is now this kind of town, and ‘One Guyana’ whatever its authentic and admirable features is not the platform on which to build and give us the breathing space, or the growing room, to stand tolerantly on our feet.

We n e e d t r u e governance; we get pure politics, with lots of campaigning in between.

In leaving, I note the growing frustrations of a segment of this society at being discarded to the dumpsite in Guyana. There is an existential battle looming for a part of the prosperity and the process leading to it (for all).

Meanwhile, I observe the subtle, yet palpable, uneasiness in this land of many minerals and more oil barrels. I see Mocha as an expression of that, be it composed, arranged, and directed by the PNC, or otherwise. My unmoving position is that nothing is as it seems in this country, as I have learned to my regret.

Though the last truth is never lasting truth in Guyana, I still want to hear it, and I urge the GPF to step forward. In the bigger picture, we have some tensions already building around elections.

If we thought that the last one was problematic, a more unpleasant surprise may be in the making. There is recoiling from the turns that matters are taking. The gravity concerns.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Carjackers jump house, steal car Republic Financial Group records A car was stolen from the home of a West Bank Demerara resident during the early hours of Monday, November 7, 2022.

Kareem Algernon, of Lot 29 Recht-DoorZee, West Bank Demerara, told Kaieteur News that after returning home from work at about 12:45 hrs, he parked his car on the parapet in front of his house. This was due to ongoing construction work being done on his bridge.

He related that the Carjackers apparently entered his home through an open window, and found his car keys, phone charger, and approximately $6,000 cash on a counter and stole everything. The intruders then exited the house and disarmed the car using the alarm's remote control attached to the car's key.

“The sound that the alarm does make when it turns off is what woke my wife up at the time and she pulled the curtain and saw the car lights on. She then wake me up to check and when I peep I saw the car driving off,” Algernon to Kaieteur News.

Algernon disclosed that he is a Plumber and as such regularly keeps a number of standard tools as well as heavy duty tools in his car. He said that the tools that were in the car when it was stolen carry an estimated value of about $500,000 to $600,000. Apart from the tools, he said all of his valuable documents including his passport, identification card, driver's license, insurance papers and banking cards were in the glove compartment of the stolen car.

Algernon said he made a Police report following the incident and in about half an hour the Police arrived at his home. During the Police inspection of the scene, Algernon said that they had found a backpack on the road not far from the spot where his car was stolen. He said that in the backpack the Police apparently found a cell phone, a passport sized photo of a person and an electric cord. The Police took

US$228.4M in end-of-year profits

R

The stolen car, PJJ 688.

the bag and left, telling Algernon to visit the station at 09:00 hrs. When he got to the Police Station he found out that another man had made a report to the Police, claiming that his house was also broken into and that the perpetrators took his backpack which turned out to be the same backpack Police found near the scene of the alleged car theft.

Algernon said that the Police took the fingerprints of the man to whom the bag belonged and no further information was disclosed to him. Investigations are currently ongoing. Just two weeks ago Kaieteur News reported that an average of two cars is stolen each month. This newspaper has since reached out to the Crime Chief to get information with regard to the amount of car thefts that have occurred for the year.

It has been almost three months since that request was made and to date, no answer has been forthcoming.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of PJJ 688 is asked to make contact with 667-2316 or the nearest Police Station.

Recht-Door-Zee, La Parfaite Harmony, West Bank Demerara.

e p u b l i c Financial H o l d i n g s Limited (RFHL) on Monday announced that it has recorded an end-of-year profit of US$228.4M. This represents an increase of US$32.6 M or 16.7 percent over the 2021 reported profits of US$195.8 M, and US$8.1 M or 3.5 percent below the 2019 reported profits of US$236.7 M. RFHL, the parent company of Republic Bank, is headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Chairman of RFHL, Vincent Pereira said that the profit is attributable to equity holders for the year ended September 30, 2022.

He said this year's profit performance reflects the impact of the Group's expansion, revenue diversification and cost management strategies, the uptick in economic activity as well as the increase in yields in the US dollar denominated financial instruments held across the Group.

“Over the past financial year, the countries in which RFHL operates continued to relax their COVID-19 protocols. Borders and schools were re-opened, restrictions on gatherings and public mask mandates were removed and almost all commercial activities resumed. The resulting resurgence of economic activity, especially in the

Chairman of RFHL, Vincent Pereira tourism dependent economies, augured well for the Group. Throughout this period RFHL continued to serve its stakeholders, providing support to our customers as they navigated new challenges to their business model. We also worked to improve the customer experience through increased investment in our digital offerings,” Pereira said.

Further, the Chairman said that in 2022 RFHL has strengthened its sustainability focus, by adding capacity and executing capability to the Group through the creation of an Office of Sustainability.

“Additionally, through our Group flagship Power to Make a Difference Programme we are forging new, valued partnerships with NGOs and groups

whose specific focus aligns to the pillars of our sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) effort.

By continuing our focus on responsible banking and sustainability, our goal is to actively shape a more sustainable future for all,” he said.

The Board of Directors has declared a final dividend of US$0.52 (2021: US$0.45) per share, which brings the total dividend to US$110.1 M or US$0.67 (2021: US$0.60) per share for the fiscal year, an increase of 12.5 percent in total dividend payment over 2021, and in line with the 2019 dividend payment. At a closing share price of US$20.96, this dividend represents a dividend yield of 3.21 percent (2021: 2.93%). The final dividend will be paid on December 1, 2022, to all shareholders of record on November 17, 2022.

Describing the 2022 performance as “good” despite both challenges and u n c e r t a i n t y, C h a i r m a n Pereira said that, “This success could not have been realized without the talented, resilient and dedicated staff across each of the fourteen (14) countries in which we operate. For their continued high level of commitment and their dedication to our customers, I am truly grateful.”

Woman chopped by husband bled to death - autopsy A Post Mortem examination carried out on the body of Oma Devi Virasamy- the 30-year-old woman of Bloomfield Corentyne, Berbice who was chopped to death by her husband revealed that she died from a cut artery of the foot compounded by shock and hemorrhage.

The autopsy was performed by Government Pathologist, Vivekanand Bridgmohan at the Port Mourant Hospital yesterday.

Mahendra Paltoo, a Labourer also of Bloomfield confessed to chopping Virasamy, his reputed wife, during an argument on Sunday. Paltoo had told relatives and police initially that she fell on the cutlass and cut herself. He relayed to Investigators that Virasamy was making up the bed when she fell on the

Deceased, Oma Devi Virasamy

Murder accused, Mahendra Paltoo

cutlass that was between the two mattresses. He said he helped dress the wound and they went to bed but when he woke up at approximately 04:40 hrs, he found Virasamy lifeless on the bed.

Deodat Arjuman who is the Uncle of the dead woman, relayed that his niece was "a good gyal" and that she shared a relationship with the

accused for several years.

However, he was charged and sentenced to one year imprisonment for wounding a man and was released in March of this year. The couple shared a child together. Arjuman said that Paltoo was abusive towards Virasamy and he even prevented her from attending her own mother's funeral.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 09, 2022

PAGE 25

No media worker should be barred from public events - Norton O

p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r, Aubrey Norton during a Press Conference on Tuesday said that no media worker should be barred from covering public events.

Norton was at the time responding to questions from Reporters about recent allegations made by the National Communications Network (NCN) that an Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) had attempted to prevent two of its Cameramen from recording a political meeting held on Sunday at Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

“I was there. I don’t know about the hostility that people are talking about. What I said when it was brought to me, is that it is being live stream and therefore, I ain’t see no reason why nobody can’t video it”, Norton said while adding, “I observed that they were trying to link it to other things but that is people prerogative. For me because it was live streamed, in my opinion it was public and

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton therefore nobody should be stopped from recording it, because it was an open forum.”

NCN alleged in a statement issued on Monday that during the course of executing their duties, two of their Cameramen were attacked and intimidated by APNU

+ AFC Member of Parliament, Nima Flue-Bess.

NCN said MP Flue-Bess demanded that the Cameramen present their IDs. The duo reportedly informed the Parliamentarian that they are employed by NCN and were told there was no need for them to record the event.

According to the state owned broadcaster, having stood their ground to execute their duties, MP Flue-Bess then called the Police officials present to have the Cameramen removed.

The Inspector and Sergeant on the scene engaged the Cameramen and then reportedly threatened to seize their equipment if they recorded the event, NCN reported while noting that it was only after the intervention of a Senior Officer, that the Cameramen were able to execute of their duties.

NCN said Sunday’s incident was not the first instance during which its staff have been attacked, intimidated and denied access to

Opposition Member of Parliament, Nima Flue-Bess events hosted by APNU + AFC. The Guyana Press Association (GPA) had also joined condemning the alleged actions taken by the Opposition Party towards the videographers.

A P N U + A F C , h o w e v e r, responded with a statement

refuting the claims made against the party.

According to the Opposition, at no time “were media operatives attacked by any APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, supporter or any person at the public meeting in Mocha, East Bank of D e m e r a r a o n S u n d a y, 6 t h November 2022.”

The Coalition said that on Sunday MP Flue-Bess, in the company of People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Public Relations Officer, Shaneika Haynes, approached two unfamiliar men attempting to record the public meeting without a press pass or any form of identification and inquired whether they were members of the media and representatives of which organization.

“They were then cautioned against impersonating the media in the presence of the Police and allowed to record the meeting without interference,” the statement said.

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 09, 2022

PAGE 27

D' Edwards CC defeat Achievers by eight... 'One Guyana' football tournament... as a resounding success and presentation ceremony were From page 28 Navindra Rampersaud 2 for 36, Akash Harrilall 2 for 22.

Devendra Lalsa and Keith Fraser took a wicket apiece for 29 and 25 runs apiece.

In response, D' Edwards CC raced to 78 without loss in the tenth over as Altaz Khan and Romesh Boodram tormented the Achievers bowling attack. Khan was dismissed for 31 by Steffeen Adams at 78 for 1 off the fourth ball of the eleventh over. Boodram was joined

by K. Bissoondyal as they took the score to 143 before Bissoondyal was dismissed for 33. Victory came in the 18th over when Boodram smashed Angel for a huge six to end on 71 not out while Heeralall Bridgelall was eight not out.

BCB President Hilbert Foster hailed the tournament

also expressed thanks to the Government Member of Parliament for his sponsorship. A total of fourteen teams played in the tournament and Foster informed the gathering that the countywide BCB/ Dave West Indian 40 overs tournament would start on Sunday 13th of November with over ninety teams.

Mr. Faizal Jaferally MP hailed the outstanding leadership of Foster and announced to loud applause that he would continue the sponsorship of the tournament and a Cricket Trust Fund once Foster remains head of the BCB. Jaferally also congratulated D'Edwards on retaining their title and wished Achievers all the best in the future.

Other speakers at the

BCB Chairman of Competition Leslie Solomon and WBCA President David Black. The winning team and runner up received trophies and financial prizes. Romesh Boodram was named Best Batsman and Player of the finals while Ricky Moore copped the Best Bowler Award.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today is likely to be a bit gray, Taurus. You won't be able to see how you can get out of your current situation.

You may have some financial or physical problems at the moment.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You're wasting your energy, Gemini, and you know it. You try your best to go about your everyday routine, but you're never really present.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Have you been indulging in too many goodies, Cancer?

You might feel under the weather because of all this abundance.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Now is the time to be thinking about your professional orientation, Leo. You may need to get some more fun in your life and experience pleasures that you've never had before.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may be worn out, Virgo, but you will have to push forward anyway. You're entering a long period of work and perseverance.

general football matters, including infrastructure to support the sport.

During the meeting, held at State House, Forde also spoke about more significant support for the development of youth football.

As it relates to infrastructural development, Forde told President Ali of the immediate upgrades needed

Akshaya Persaud to replace Tagenarine Chanderpaul...

From page 26 27.83 and a strike rate of 55.29.GHE will playTrinidad and Tobago today, Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad. In their first encounter of the preliminary rounds, GHE beat Trinidad and Tobago.After four rounds of the CG United Super 50, GHE is currently top of the points table in Zone A with twelve (12) points, followed by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force with ten points, Windward Islands Volcanoes

Wednesday November 09, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19 You will feel as though your back is against the wall, Aries. And this particular wall is impeding your progress. Others will ask you questions and ask for your opinion.

From page 31 President Ali “...to get together with a technical team to create a format and launch the tournament sometime this year”.

President Ali and Forde also discussed the Federation's needs regarding the Golden Jaguars' participation in the CONCACAF Nations League campaign, as well as

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Ÿ In a series of days that have tested your patience to the limit, here comes the moment of truth that could make or break you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Are you hankering for a little fun and longing for a little experimentation and perhaps even childish play?

Tempting as these prospects are, you will have to ignore them.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Do you feel as though your self-expression is being stifled, Sagittarius? Perhaps you need more time to choose a direction in life.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Is there someone persecuting you, Capricorn?

Is there a situation that feels unbearably oppressive?

Today you won't have any trouble identifying the source of your problems.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Although your current mood is somewhat reserved and modest, you probably feel tempted to strut your stuff every once in a while.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Obviously, you have an important role to play, Pisces.

The mood today may be somewhat frustrating, but the way you handle it will earn you rewards and recognition in your workplace or at school.

with eight (8) points, and Combined Colleges and Campuses with two (2) points. Zone A matches are being played in Trinidad and Tobago, whereas, Zone B matches are being played in Antigua. After three rounds of action in Zone B, Leeward Islands lead the points table with 10 points, followed by Barbados Pride with six points, and Jamaica Scorpions with four points based on a superior net run rate over the West Indies Academy whose points also stands at four.

at the National Track and Field Centre.

The Golden Jaguars, since the inception of the venue in 2015, have been using the Leonora facility as its home base for International m a t c h e s i n F I FA a n d CONCACAF competitions.

FIFA recently placed the venue under the microscope, where its state and the quality of its lights saw Guyana only playing in the afternoon during the CONCACAF Nations League.

The football pitch at the National Track and Field Centre is the only facility to accommodate football m a t c h e s i n t h e We s t Demerara region.

CWI lauds...

From page 29 Director, Ricky Skerritt, paid tribute to Chanderpaul.

“On behalf of all West Indies cricket stakeholders, I congratulate Shivnarine 'Shiv' Chanderpaul for receiving the highest honor of his career to date. Shiv's story exemplifies all that is good about him and the game of cricket – his hard work, commitment, adaptability and his resulting growth and achievements on and off the field.

His love for the game is unmatched, and he demonstrated throughout his two decades on the field that he was the man for all seasons.”

“From the early days in the Under-19 set-up in Guyana shiv showcased his immense batting talent.

He honed his skills and worked tirelessly to become the number 1 ranked batsman in the world.

He embodied the statement 'heights of great men reach and kept were not attained by sudden flight'.

Shiv toiled hard to improve and at every stage was able to re-invent his game to meet the demands.

We salute Shiv for his immense contribution to West Indies cricket and world cricket.”

West Indians previously inducted into The ICC Hall of Fame: Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Learie Constantine, Joel Garner, Lance Gibbs, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Sir Wes Hall, the Most Hon. Desmond Haynes, George Headley, Michael Holding, Rohan Kanhai, Brian Lara, Sir Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Garry Sobers, Courtney Walsh, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Frank Worrell.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Akshaya Persaud to replace Tagenarine Chanderpaul in GHE Super 50 Team ...Chanderpaul off to West Indies Test Tour of Australia

T

he Senior National Selectors of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) led by Chairman Ravindranauth Seeram have selected Akshaya Persaud to replace Tagenarine Chanderpaul in the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) Super 50 team.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul recently received his maiden call-up to the West Indies test

squad, a release from the GCB informed.

West Indies will begin their 2022 test tour of Australia with a Three-Day practice match against ACT/NSW, from November 17, 2022, at St. Philips Oval, Canberra. This match will be followed by a Day/Night Four-Day practice match against the Prime Minister's X1 which is scheduled to be

played at Manuka, Canberra.

These matches will provide useful practice and game readiness for the two test matches with the first scheduled to be played from November 30, 2022, to December 4, 2022, at the Perth Stadium and the second from December 8, 2022, to December 12, 2022, at the Adelaide Oval.

Akshaya Persaud made

his first-class debut for Guyana against Jamaica in January 2018 and his List-A debut for the Combined Colleges and Campuses against the Leeward Islands in St. Kitts in November 2019. Persaud has so far played five First-class matches and eight List-A matches with the highest score of 55, at an average of (Continued on page 27)

Akshaya Persaud

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

Chandrabali's Construction ploughs $385,000 into ACCCC for second division sponsorship

PAGE 29

MVP Sports Futsal Tournament…

A part of Saturday night's MVP Futsal action at the National Gymnasium.

C

handrabali's Construction of the United States of America has ploughed $385,000 into the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC), as sponsorship of the Club's Second Division Team for the 2022 Season.

At a simple launching ceremony held recently at the Albion Community Centre's M a i n H a l l , M r. D e v a Chandrabali, the proprietor of Chandrabali's Construction, located in New York, USA, disclosed to the audience via a live social media appearance that he was extremely happy to be associated with Albion's cricket.

“I am from Nigg, I spent a lot of time at the Albion Community Centre in my childhood days and I am delighted to invest in this outstanding Club. It is always a pleasure for me to give back to my people,” said Chandraballi.

President of the ACCCC, Vemen Walter, thanked Chandraballi for the gesture and assured him that his sponsorship of the Club's Second Division Team will assist tremendously not only toward the development of Albion's cricket but also cricket in Berbice, Guyana and by extension the West Indies.

“This sponsorship will not only assist the ACCCC but will also contribute towards the development of game in Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies generally. As

Semifinal spots to be claimed in both divisions tonight ACCCC's President (left) receiving the sponsorship cheque from a representative of the sponsor. we all know, Albion is a major player in Berbice, Guyana and West Indies' cricket, having known to produce top quality cricketers over the years.

Cricket is a very expensive game and I must thank Mr. Chandrabali for this sponsorship.”

Walter also took the opportunity to thank Mr. Fabian Naiken, who was very instrumental in the development of Albion's cricket in the early 1990s, before migrating to Canada, for the role he played in securing the sponsorship.

The Albion Second Division Team for the 2022 season will be known as the “Albion Chandrabali's Construction Second Division Team.”

Among those also present for the launching were Naiken via social

media, along with former Guyana and West Indies opening batsman Sewnarine Chattergoon, currently the Head Coach of Albion, Jonathan Foo and several other members of the Club's First and Second Division Teams.With the exception of the Albion First Division Team, which is partly sponsored, all of the Club's other teams are now fully sponsored.

The Club's Under 19 Team is sponsored by K.P. Jagdeo General Contracting while O r v i n M a n g r u ' s Contracting Services is t h e U n d e r 1 7 Te a m ' s sponsor, Permaul's Trading & Distribution (PT&D) – Under 15, Harichand's Business Establishment – Under 1 3 a n d C e l l To w e r s Builders of the USA - Under 21.

To n i g h t , t h e P e t r a organised MVP Sports Futsal Tournament continues with the quarterfinal stage in the Men's Division while the Group stage in the Women's Division concludes at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The ladies once again grace the stage from 18:30 hrs as Avocado Ballers take on GT Panthers in the night's opening match before Tiger Bay and Herstelling collide in the match that follows from 19:10 hrs.

GDF and Fruta Conquerors then leap into battle from 19:50 hrs while Police go head to head with Santos to end the Group stage. Unfortunately, four teams will be knocked out while the successful teams advance to the semifinal

round.After two rounds, Conquerors lead Group A with six points followed by GDF (4), Tiger Bay (1) and Herstelling (0). In Group B, Police command the board with six points while Panthers (3) sit second, Avocado Ballers (3) are third and Santos (0) are fourth.

For the Men, the path will become narrower at the end of the night as four teams find the exit while the triumphant teams secure their semifinal berths and take one step closer to the 2022 MVP Sports Futsal Title.The first quarterfinal final commences at 21:00 hrs as Gold is Money face off with Sophia then Bent Street and Campbellville lock horns from 22:00 hrs. At 23:00 hrs, Future Stars will challenge Sparta while

Stabroek Ballers and Back Circle meet at midnight.

The spoils for final four will see the Champion cart off $500,000 while the runner up will have to settle for $300,000. Third place carts off with $200,000 while the fourth place finishers walks away with $100,000.

In the Ladies' Division, the Tournament winner pockets $200,000, second place bags $100,000 while third and fourth incentives amount to $50,000 and $25,000, respectively. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award will also be up for grabs in both divisions.

The tournament is supported the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Ansa McAl, through their Magnum and Lucozade brands.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Hamilton Green celebrates Birthday today, Inter-Ward football tourney returns January Former Prime Minister and City Mayor Hamilton Green will be celebrating his

88th birthday today November 9th.

Former National football player and

Coach and also Coordinator of the Mayor's Cup Committee, Lennox Arthur,

who has organised a football tournament in Green's honour over the years, is extending birthday wishes to Green on behalf of the Committee and all well wishers. Arthur disclosed that as was usually done in the past an Inter Wa r d / Vi l l a g e f o o t b a l l tournament commemorating Mr. Green's birthday will be held next January.

Attempts to play that tournament was last made in 2019 but had to be scrapped due to the advent of the covid-19 pandemic.

Arthur disclosed that the tournament has been fixed for January 28th to March 12th and will involve teams out of Georgetown, East Bank, West Demerara and

Hamilton Green Berbice.

This event has been staged under Prime Minister's Cup and Mayor's Cup for over 30 years and

will now return as the Hamilton Green Cup to honour this former Guyanese politician and official.

Arthur noted that teams have a few months to get in gear...but with yearend football tournament of a similar format in the wind…the action coming out of this tournament promises to be exciting as players will be in top shape after the yearend event being supported by the President Dr Irfaan Alli himself and government.

Arthur has lauded the many sponsors that have supported him over the years and is again soliciting their support along with new sponsors to come on board for this next event.

BCB/ Jafferally MP West Berbice 20/20 Tournament 2022...

D' Edwards CC defeat Achievers by eight wickets to lift title - MP renews sponsorship for 2023 D' Edwards CC on Sunday last successfully d e f e n d e d t h e i r BCB/Jafferally MP West Berbice 20/20 title when they easily defeated Achievers by eight wickets.

Playing at the Shieldstown Ground in front of a large and colorful crowd, D' Edwards CC under the dynamic leadership of Jaipaul Heeralall won the toss and elected to field on a lightning speed outfield. The tournament sponsored, Faizul Jaferally MP and President of the West Berbice Cricket Association David Black spoke to both teams before the game.

Achievers were rocked back very early with the departure of Quacy McPherson for duck in the very first over with the score at 1 for 1 and it took a crucial innings of 63 from the

Man of the Finals Romesh Boodram receives his award. experienced Raffel Estraido to steady the innings after the talented Shamal Angel was dismissed for 10 at 32 for 2 in the 6th over. Estraido struck five delighted boundaries and cleared it twice. He received support from

Arthley Bailey 16 and Carlton Nurse 22 as Achievers collapsed from 130 for 4 to 155 all out in 18.2 overs. Bowling for D' Edwards, Rickey Moore took 3 for 27 from 3.3 overs, (Continued on page 27)

The winning D' Edwards team pose with Mr. Jafferally and BCB Officials.

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 31

Archery Guyana's CWI lauds Shivnarine Chanderpaul National Indoor - inducted into ICC Hall of Fame Championship commences Archery Guyana commenced their National Indoor Championships on Monday evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

The five-day event saw Archers compete yesterday, November 8, rest today Wednesday, and then compete from November 10 – 12 to bring the curtains down on the tournament, which runs from 17:00 hrs to 21:00 hrs, daily.

Monday, the Male and Female Under-18 and the Women shot in the barebow ranking stage. However, tonight is dedicated to the Men's barebow ranking.

When the tournament r e s u m e s o n T h u r s d a y, November 10, the card will feature the Men's under-18 recurve ranking, Women under-18 recurve ranking along with the Men and Women recurve ranking.

The competition format has been set at an 18-meters range.

Archery Guyana will be providing the required target faces to archers who register.

Scoring will be on an honour-based system and subject to observation by the Directors of Shooting or their nominees. The scores must

include the total number of 10s and 9s shot by each archer.

Archery Guyana will provide a digital template for the scores to be recorded.

The qualification round shall require Archers to shoot 12 ends of 6 arrows each in 2 halves of 36 arrows in 3-hour blocks.

Meanwhile, to compete in the elimination round, if there is a tie for positions from 1 to 8, the number of tens and nines will be considered first, and in case the tie persists, a draw will be made. Once the draw is made and the top 8 positions have been determined, the names of the 8 qualified archers will be announced and the elimination schedule will be coordinated.

The Recurve elimination and finals rounds will be shot using the set system.

Each set will consist of three arrows. The archer who first reaches 6 set points will win the match.

In case of a tie at 5 set points, the winner will be decided on a single closest-tothe-center arrow.

Each elimination match will be monitored by the judges, who will decide on the value of questionable arrows.

ST JOHN'S, Antigua – West Indies cricket legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul was announced as one of the new members of International Cricket Council's (ICC) Hall of Fame on Tuesday afternoon in Australia (Monday night Caribbean Time). He has joined the list of fellow cricketing icons who have received this prestigious honour. The ICC announced Chanderpaul will be inducted in the Hall of Fame alongside Pakistan legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir and England trailblazer Charlotte

Edwards.The left-handed Chanderpaul played at the international level for over to two decades and is among the leading run-scorers in the game's history. He made his Test debut in 1994 at age 19 against England at Bourda in his native Guyana. He played 164 Test matches – the most by a West Indian – and scored 11,867 runs at an average of 51.37, which included 30 centuries.He also played 268 One-Day Internationals and made 8,778 runs with 11 centuries at an average of 41.60; while in 22 T20 Internationals he made 343

These two Hall of Famers, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Sir Curtly Ambrose, recently coached the Jamaica Tallawahs to the 2022 CPL Title. (Getty Images)

runs. His first-class career was outstanding with 27,545 runs in 385 matches at an average of over 53. He had 77 centuries including a

career-best of 303 not out for Guyana against Jamaica.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) President and ICC (Continued on page 27)

Wednesday November 09, 2022

PAGE 32

Caribbean RADO and CANOC sign historic MOU (Bridgetown, Barbados) The Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) and the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) have signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing the fight against doping in sport in the region.

The agreement – the first of its kind between the two regional bodies – was officially signed during the

CANOC General Assembly on November 5th 2022 in Trinidad and Tobago. The MOU will ensure support for doping control and testing, anti-doping (clean sport) education and research in the Caribbean, while facilitating the sharing of information, resources, and technical expertise, including areas related to enacting legislation and developing policy frameworks.

P a t r i c k We r l e m a n ,

Chairman of the Caribbean RADO believes this partnership will benefit athletes in the region.

“After a long period of preparation and negotiations, we finally did it and I'm extremely happy!

This brings us yet another step closer to making sure all of our athletes in the region receive key education in antidoping, which helps to create a level playing field for our athletes,” said Werleman.

MOU Signing during CANOC General Assembly by former CANOC President, now General Secretary, Brian Lewis [left] and Caribbean R DO Chairman Patrick Werleman [right].

“We see this as one of the moments in a much longer journey on our mission to lead, promote and coordinate clean sport in the Caribbean region – to realize our vision of a unified region, committed to clean sport.

It is now that we need to cultivate a stronger community of practice to ensure that our governments are engaged, that our work is athlete-centered, and our policies facilitate levelling the playing field for the athlete's right to participate in clean sport.”

Werleman and Brian Lewis, the then CANOC President, signed the MOU during the gathering of CANOC member-country representatives.

Lewis who now holds the position of CANOC General Secretary following recent elections, hailed the new agreement as an “amazing initiative” focused on fostering regional collaboration on anti-doping.

He also outlined the importance of the partnership.

“The signing of the m e m o r a n d u m o f understanding between CANOC and the Caribbean RADO is historic.

It is significant as it sends

A

Caribbean RADO Chairman Patrick Werleman [right] with former CANOC President, now General Secretary, Brian Lewis after MOU signing. a very powerful and strong signal, not just to the region, but to the entire Olympic and Commonwealth sports movement, that we in the Caribbean are committed to clean sport.

We have a lot of young people who do very well in sport, especially track and field, cycling and swimming; and for us in the Caribbean, it is about levelling the playing field,” said Lewis.

On the opening day of the two-day meeting which featured the CANOC Annual Workshop, Caribbean RADO Executive Director Dr. Sasha Sutherland led regional representatives in a 'Clean Sport' Education session which focused on the role National Olympic Committees can play in strengthening the AntiDoping movement in the Caribbean.

Wednesday November 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

Guyanese men finished 11th at FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup - Women's team placed at the bottom of the table

By Rawle Toney

W

h e n t h e curtains came down on the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup over the weekend in Miami, Florida, the country's men's team ended 11th out of the 18 national teams on show at the FTX Arena.

Things weren't as good for the women's team, which failed to secure a win and finished 12th place out of the 13 teams at the November 46 tournament.

The James brothers, Gordon and Delroy, Shelroy Thomas and Nikkoloi Smith, were placed in the tournament's qualification round with Haiti, Ecuador and Aruba, where they had to finish on top to advance to the main draw.

The Guyanese men had a sensational display in basketball's shortest format, playing undefeated in their run, where they outplayed Aruba (20-14), Haiti (19-17) and Ecuador (13-12).

In the other round, Guyana pushed on to play Mexico and Canada where a win would've placed them in the quarter-finals.

Against the Mexicans, Guyana went down 15-16 in a dramatic game that went down to overtime.

Facing Canada, Guyana showed little flight in their 921 defeat, as Delroy James had told Kaieteur News that the team was deflated from their loss to Mexico.

In the men's tournament, Guyana finished with a total of 76 points in five matches, with an average of 15.2 points per game.

Delroy James, the AEK Athens talisman and proballer, finished as the topscorer for Guyana in the tournament with 26 points.

Bounty Colts point guard, Shelroy Thomas, piled in 21 points.

Things didn't go so well for the women's team of Kesann Charles, Tamara Hunter and Kennesha Leacock.

Unlike last year when they had to play through the qualifying round, Guyana featured in the main draw but was hammered by Colombia (3-21) and the USA (2-21).

The second edition of the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup tournament was won by USA's men's and Canada's women's sides.

In the men's category, the USA successfully defended their AmeriCup title after defeating Puerto Rico in the final (21-18).

The number one 3x3 player in the US (and 27th in the world) Kareem Maddox had a game-high nine points in the final.

Former college star and NBA player Jimmer Fredette scored the gold-winning two-pointer. His teammate Canyon Barry was named MVP of the competition after leading the USA in scoring in Miami.

In the women's category, Canada won their first AmeriCup title after beating Brazil in the final (15-11).

Team Guyana at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in Miami, Florida (L-R) Shelroy Thomas, Nikkoloi Smith, Delroy James and Gordon James.

The Women's Series winner and Final MVP, Michelle Plouffe, led all players in scoring in the title game with nine points and added yet another MVP silverware to the trophy cabinet.

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball

played worldwide and is considered the world's number one urban team sport.

Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.

It was played successfully for the first time in an international

competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly city-based FIBA 3 x 3 Wo r l d To u r a n d national-team FIBA 3x3 World & Continental Cups.

On July 24, 2021, 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games.

'One Guyana' football tournament to help unearth new talent ...Kick-off schedule for this weekend - Forde

By Rawle Toney

President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, believes the President Irfaan Ali ‘One Guyana’ Cup football tournament, will open a new frontier of players to the local governing body for football locally.

The proposed ‘One Guyana’ President's Cup, football tournament is scheduled to start on Sunday, November 13, after football stakeholders recently met with the Head-of-State.

According to a release, the GFF-run ‘One Guyana’ President's Cup will kick off with an inter-ward competition in all 10 Regions.

Out of this phase, 10 regional teams, comprising 25 of each region's best footballers, supported by a team of a five-member technical staff, will contest the inter-regional round-

The 'One Guyana' President's Cup trophy up for grabs at the inaugural tournament.

robin championship, with the finals set for January 1, 2023.

Speaking with Kaieteur

News, Forde said the ‘One Guyana’ President's Cup gives the GFF “...access to communities that in the past

would have been considered off the football grid, thus expanding our range of scouting.”

“We believe that there are players across many communities within coastal Guyana and beyond that are yet to be discovered. This tournament helps us to discover the talent that would have otherwise been undiscovered,” Forde explained.

President Ali, following the announcement of the first-of-its-kind tournament, said “The Government of Guyana said they will continue to invest in and promote sport which is key to bringing people together.”

Forde noted that the GFF is pleased to work with President Ali to bring this tournament to the people of Guyana.

“The President and I have been discussing this initiative for several months.

I am happy with the planning and commitment we both bring to this project. We will be working with all of our partners to deliver a remarkable inaugural ‘One Guyana’ President's Cup,” Forde lamented.

On October 8, Kaieteur News reported on plans for t h e a n n u a l Ye a r - E n d tournament, with Forde highlighting that the GFF has been working closely with the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation to bring off a successful event.

An announcement was also set to be made on the tournament, while Forde had highlighted that this year, more clubs, stretched across the respective affiliated Member Associations, were set to compete in the preliminary round.

Since the announcement of the ‘One Guyana’

tournament, organisers have been tight-lipped on other details of the tournament.

Several clubs had already started investing in preparation for the GFF/Kashif and Shanghai tournament.

When asked by this publication if players will be disenfranchised by the absence of the year-End tournament, Forde highlighted, “We (GFF) are developing concrete plans for the staging of the Super 16 Cup and will be making an announcement soon.”

Earlier this year, in June, to be exact, President Ali met with the GFF president and discussed the hosting of a President's Cup Football tournament during their meeting, which also focused on the Government of Guyana's support for the 'Beautiful Game.

The GFF President said a commitment was made to (Continued on page 27)

CWI lauds Shivnarine Chanderpaul

President Irfaan Ali and GFF President, Wayne Forde, following their meeting in June, 2022.

- inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Shivnarine Chanderpaul played 164 Test matches – the most by a West Indian.

'One Guyana' football tournament to help unearth new talent s ...Kick-off schedule for this weekend - Forde t r o Sp Archers take aim on the opening night of the National Indoor Championships.

Archery Guyana's National Indoor Championship commences Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.