Kaieteur News

Barbadoes PM says:

‘Oil companies' excess profits must be taxed’

As countries around the globe intensify efforts to reduce the harmful emissions that drive global warming, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley has urgedthattheoilcompanies'excess profits be taxed, to contribute to a fund which she believes could stabilize nations when climate disastersstrike.

The Head of State was addressing her colleagues at the th recently concluded 27 United Nations (UN) climate change Conference of the Parties (COP) in Egypt, when she urged that the critical issue of loss and damage be addressed.

She was keen to note, “for loss and damage to work, we believe it can'tonlybeanissueofaskingstate parties to do the right thing although they must- but we believe the non state actors and the stakeholders, the oil and gas companies and those who facilitate them, need to be brought into a special convocation between now andCop28.”

The Barbadian leader, who has also been named one of theWorld's most influential women reasoned, “How do companies make $200 billion (US) in profits in the last three months and not expect to contribute at least 10 cents in every dollarofprofittoalossanddamage fund?”

Mottley pointed out that this is whatherpeopleexpect,asshewent on to lobby the Heads of Governments present, to convene a special convocation that includes oil companies to impress the need forsuchchanges.

As she left the stage, several leaders stood and applauded her powerfulspeech.

While the Barbados PM has made her position clear, Guyana's Head of State believes that the excess profits, currently being earned by ExxonMobil, operating Guyana's prolific Stabroek Block, shouldnotbetouched.

President Irfaan Ali was asked only on Friday if his government willbefollowinginthefootstepsof other countries to impose windfall

taxes when he explained this route cannot be trotted by his administration.

The term 'windfall' simply refers to the excess profits being made by the oil companies as a

result of the higher oil prices being earned, due to the Russia, Ukraine war

The President said it must be understood that Guyana is a newcomer to the oil and gas sector

and many countries that are implementing this tax system have beenproducingoilfordecades.

Ali also said that in Guyana's case, the country has an agreement whichmustbehonoured.

“The third thing is that we are nowenteringanextphaseofouroil development or our oil and gas development, in which there are a number of things happening on the international markets. Access to capitalforprojectsliketheseisvery difficult.

The cost of financing for oil projects is increasing so that is the marketconditionsunderwhichyou areoperating,”heexplained.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Guyana's oil helped the American oil major, ExxonMobil to reach a record shattering US$19 billion in thethirdquarteraloneof2022.

In fact, back in October, Exxon said its earnings were US19.7 billionorUS$4.68pershare.

This was also a significant increase over its earnings in the previous quarter which totaled a whoppingUS$17.9B.

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley delivering remarks at COP27

'Local Content Act lacks rules'

….Chief Justice warns against arbitrariness in enforcing law

Acting Chief Justice Roxane G e o r g e

Wiltshire on Friday c a u t i o n e d a g a i n s t arbitrariness due to the lack of rules and regulations in Guyana's Local Content Act of2021.

In December 2021, Guyana passed its local content legislation, which caters to locals getting first preference in the country's oil and gas sector The Local Content law is intended to regulate the way companies operate in Guyana's oil and gas sector; employ persons,

buyservicesandthewaythat theyprocuregoods.

Under the Act, the Local Content Secretariat (the Secretariat) has been established and functions as the focal point for the monitoring, evaluation, coordination, and reporting of Local Content in the petroleum operations of Guyana.

T h e r e f o r e , t h e Secretariat key role is to monitor and evaluate companies' performance with respect to the Guyanese utilization targets outlined in theAct.

Teenage mom pregnant with twins dies at Hospital

Teenage mother dies, twinsstillbornatGPHC

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has recorded anothermaternaldeath.

This time, the public hospital has stated in a press release that a 19 -year-old female died while her first twins were stillborn on Sunday The hospital reported that the mother and her babies are from Region Four–EastBankDemerara, While GPHC has not provided details of the deaths or medical history of the cases, the hospital has expressed its sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased, and will make every effort to provide all thenecessarysupportduring this difficult time, to render any assistance and informationneeded.

The GPHC is appealing to the public to respect the confidentiality of the deceased and her family and toallowthemtomourntheir unfortunatelosspeacefully

The report comes weeks after a Lodge woman and her unborn child died at the GPHC) on October 20, 2022, and then a Mahaica womanandherunbornchild died at GPHC on October 29,2022.

Not much information is

known about the previous maternal deaths. GPHC said investigations are ongoing into the death of Navita Maraj, the 39 year old mother of five who died on October29last.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of GPHC, Chelauna Providence, confirmed that thehospitalwaslookinginto the matter She revealed that post mortem results had shown that the patient had severe anemia, multiple organ failure and a uterine rupture.

Maraj of Helena Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, died along with her unborn child on Saturday, while she was in labouratGPHC.

The woman was heavily pregnant and reportedly under observation at GPHC, two days before her death. She was reportedly given oxytocin as a method of inducing labour, when she suffered complications and eventuallypassed.

Her common law husband, Phillip James, 46, told Kaieteur News he became suspicious after receiving conflicting information about her demise.

The man is now seeking answers as to what really transpired.

However, since its passage, there have been several local content issues that were raised by the local businesses and the private sector

The issue of the lack of rules and regulations in the Local Content Act was raised on Friday by the CJ during a court case, which saw a company challenging and winning to quash the government's decision to deny it a Local Content Certificate.

"ThisAct has no rules or regulations and this allows for arbitrariness," Justice George-Wiltshire said. She explainedthattheminutethe Secretariat realised that they neededcertainregulationsto better execute the mandate of the Local Content Act, they should have alerted the Attorney General Chambers to get those regulations implemented.

“The Local Content Act clearly needs regulations so as to prevent arbitrary decision making,” she furtherstated.

After reviewing the c o m p a n y a n d t h e government'ssubmissionsto the court, the Chief Justice ruled that Director of the Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab has until noon on Monday November 14, 2022, to issue a Local Content Certificate to Ramps Logistics or else he will be held in contempt of court.

Ramps Logistics, which is originally from Trinidad and Tobago had registered under Guyana's Companies

Act, but was denied a Local Content Certificate as required under the Act, for purportedly not being a 'Guyanesecompany.'

Contentions surfaced over the manner in which foreign companies are now using Guyanese nationals to fulfill their local content requirementforthecompany to be 51 percent locally owned. Ramps for instance, p r o v i d e d d e t a i l e d i n f o r m a t i o n t o t h e Secretariat regarding Deepak Lall, a Trinidadian born with strong Guyanese roots who purchased 51 percent of Ramps Guyana for US$1M, making it 51 percentGuyaneseowned.

However, in June 2022, the company's application for a certificate was denied and this led to them challenging the decision in court.

ARGUMENTS

During oral arguments on Friday, General Solicitor N i g e l H a w k e , w h o represented the State, admitted to the court that a company does not need a certificateinordertooperate within the oil and gas sector –thistoo,waspointedoutby the Director in his affidavits ofdefence.

As such, the CJ questioned that if a company does not need the certificate to operate in the energy sector,“WhyhavetheAct?”

The Chief Justice pointed out that while the Respondents in their affidavits highlighted that the Ramps Chief Executive

Officer (CEO) is before the court facing criminal charges – the Act does not make mention of criminal charges being taken into consideration when a applying for a certificate –and that the criminal charges were filed months after Ramps approached the High Court However, Hawke contended that the criminal charges being mentioned, goestoconduct.

Additionally, the Chief Justice noted that while the Respondents contended that Ramps did not meet the requirements under 'Form C'; she highlighted that 'FormC'wasnotexhibitedto thecourt,andalsothatitwas not a part of the law that governs local content. To this end, the General Solicitor accepted that all that was requested by the Secretariatunderits'FormC' is not required by law under theLocalContentAct.

RULING

The Chief Justice later ruled that there was no evidence submitted by the Respondents to show that Ramps did not meet the requirements under the LocalContentActsoastobe classified as a Guyanese company

As such, the CJ noted that she have considered and concluded that Ramps satisfied the requirements of the Local Content Act. The Chief Justice further pointed out that the 'Form C' which have a list of requirements that the Director referred to in his Affidavit of Defence,

havenostatutorybasis.

DECLARATIONS GRANTED

The Chief Justice granted a declaration that Rampssatisfiedthestatutory r e q u i r e m e n t s a n d preconditions necessary for thegrantoftheCertificateof Registration, a declaration that Ramps Logistics as a Guyanese company is entitled to be issued a Certificate of Registration and to be entered into the local content register; and a declaration that the decision by Minister Bharrat and/or Dr Pertab and/or the Secretariat to refuse to grant acertificateorregistrationto Ramps is unlawful, illegal, null, void and of no legal effect The other two declarations that the CJ grantedwasthatthedecision of the State officials or State agency misconstrued or misapplied Section 2A1 and 2A2 of the Act and that they breachedSection6oftheAct when it refused to grant the certificate to Ramps Logistics In addition, the Chief Justice granted a certiorari to quash the decision of Minister Bharrat and/or Dr Pertab and/or the Secretariat to refuse to issue acertificatetoRampsandan orderofmandamusdirecting the Director to register and issue a Certificate of Registration to Ramps Logistics on or before noon onNovember14,2022.

The CJ noted that if the Directorfailstodosohewill be held in contempt and imprisonedand/orfined.

24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456

Editor: NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Private sector wants better, so do Guyanese

A representative body of Guyanese businesspeople came right out and said what had to be said. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) didnt pull its punches. The GCCI wants more for its members,theGCCIiscallingforbetterforlocalbusinesses, the GCCI is demanding a level playing field, one like what ExxonMobil plays on. It is about the big billions in tax favours granted to ExxonMobil and others operating here. TheGCCIwantsomeofthatcheesecakeandsweetbread. It was in this very paper that the full story of how much theExxonMobil(s)inGuyanasworldcollectintaxwaivers. Billions upon billions, a staggering amount that is given in the form of tax waivers, tax exemptions, tax freeness that arelavishlydishedouttoExxonMobilanditskind.Itwould not be an exaggeration to posit that the total in tax waivers that Guyana gives to these corporate bandits would be enough to tear down and rebuild from scratch this country board by board, and brick by brick. We are giving away so muchthatwhateverwecollectisalmost40%less. Ifthisis business, it is a criminal business. What Guyana is giving away in the form of tax exemptions is so extravagant that it isamonsterbyitself. ItissorichandsosweetthatGuyanas privatesectorwantssomeofthesameforitsmembers. Like ExxonMobil, Guyana private sector, especially the bigger players, has snatched plenty for themselves, with the collusionofthePPPCGovernment,butthelocalsstillwant more. The private sector spokespeople want to be on equal terms with ExxonMobil where tax exemptions are concerned.

We say good for them, and good to hear a leader in the private sector (GCCI) going public to seek what is good for his group. We applaud the GCCI, in that what is good for ExxonMobil, is good for locals. It would be interesting to seehowthePPPCGovernmentrespondstothisone,sinceit owes so much to the private sector for where it is today, meaning, firmly entrenched in the corridors of power As weassessthis,whattheGCCIisaskingforisonlyfair,what is right, and makes sense, since Guyanese private sector operators, are also owners of our oil wealth. They own, so they must get what outsiders are already getting. To emphasize, Guyanese businesspeople are owners of those offshoreoilfields;theynottenantswithoperatingleases,but full-fledgedowners.

This has always been our contention. It is that all Guyanese citizens are the true and only owners of this oil treasure. Governments, be they a PPPC Government, or a Coalition Government, are not owners of anything. Governments and leaders are only the elected trustees of what has been given to us by heaven or geology (or other), which makes it imperative that they work diligently and forcefully on our behalf. Now, more than ever before, Guyaneseneedwhatwouldhelpthemtomanagetheirlives better,assistthemtoriseabovethetidethatbattersthem.

Guyanese need more money in their pockets and hands, and they need it now The private sector (GCCI) is clamoringforlesstaxesforitspeople,andtheydontwantto wait. On behalf of the Guyanese people, we make the call foreverycitizenofthiscountryalsotobefavouredfromtax relief, so that they can be given a boost in dealing with the challenges of living in Guyana today What ExxonMobil gets; Guyanese must get too. Today, we speak only about taxes, with all the other matters involving more money for Guyaneseheldinsuspensionforthetimebeing.

For too long, Guyanese have been hearing and reading about fancy numbers. They cant do or buy or arrange a singlebeneficialthingwithanyofthosedelightfulnumbers. PresidentAlimustdealwithreality ItistimethatGuyanese get their fair share. Do something with taxes (and actual cash, and real enduring benefits to lift the local standard of living). The Guyana Government must move to get those from ExxonMobil and other parties, so there is something forus.

Enforcement, education and a taskforce would be critical for new marijuana laws

DEAREDITOR,

Very shortly, President Irfaan Ali will give his signature to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill that was passed in the National Assembly late Monday night, making it law

In short, someone found with marijuana can have up to 30 grammes in his/her possession and not be jailed.

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e amendment, persons nabbed with one to 15 grammes of marijuana will have to u n d e rg o m a n d a t o r y counselling Those found with more than 15 grammes of marijuana but less than 30 grammes of the drug will be required to provide communityservice.

Editor,kudoswillhaveto be accorded to the Government for this amendment. We all aware

that the issue of marijuana has divided this nation. Many in the Rastafarian community have argued that marijuana is for recreational and medicinal purposes. The fact that the Government in its decision not to have jail time for up to 30 grammes but still some punishment is a clear acknowledgement that danger still lurks and that overriding concerns of our jails being overcrowded mainly due to small amounts of possession weighed heavily in the formation of thisamendment.

Health authorities have argued that the health risks are too dangerous The world, on the other hand, is relaxing its stance on marijuana.

Soon the authorities, including police and the courts, will have to deal with thenewregime.

Editor, it is a fact that

enforcement in Guyana of our laws has been a major issueduetolackofresources andcorruption.

The enforcers will have to insist that marijuana smoking should not be in public places where families gather

A n a g g r e s s i v e sensitisation will have follow Business places, i n c l u d i n g b a r s a n d restaurants will have the onus to ensure that their premises remain free of marijuana Instead of a $10,000 fine, it should be considered that the fines be $50,000 for the first offence and$100,000forthesecond.

The authorities may well considertheestablishmentof a broad task force involving representatives of the police, t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection Agency, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, and even the

Ministry of Education to monitorthenewlawswhenit becomesineffect.

Outdoor billboards and schools will have to be targeted for education. As a businessman, I am willing to be part of the task force, free of costs to the Government. My phone numbers are 2335927and233-5137.Iremain ready to serve These amendments are ground breaking decisions and places us in line with the rest of the modern world However, it would put us 10 steps backwards if we are to consider the changes are mere measures to reduce the prison population. Imagine people barefacedly smoking ajointinfrontofpoliceranks knowing that there is no jail time.

We have to hold ourselvestohighstandards.

Regards

Cobeer Persaud

The British High Commissioner has no right, no place, no duty to venture where she did

DEAREDITOR, I like to think that there are some things that we can actually decide for ourselves, and then do for ourselves Clearly, my outlook is either the poorest form of flattery, or the worst kind of self-deception. The British High Commissioner to Guyana took that away from us, and in so doing exposed us for who, how, and what we are. All of Guyana, from President to the lowest citizen are now reduced to dependents, who can t think for themselves, work out anything among themselves, and look back with pride and self-respect, and then say that we did that on our own, and it is a work of the best wisdom that we can manage. It is our handiwork. The longer President Ali remains mute onthisabominationfromthe UK High Commissioner about voters list, the more he would register as being complicit in what was publiclyarticulated.

I make my position chandelier clear: the British High Commissioner has no right, no place, no duty to venture where she did. It is appalling and deplorable, to deploydiplomaticdiction.

Regarding the British High Commissioners foray into the murky, nasty waters of what constitutes an

acceptable voters list, to actually pronounce on that much disputed list, I congratulate Her Excellency for stepping forward to take the baton of diplomatic leadership in Guyana from her sister, cousin Sarah Ann Lynch, the American Ambassador on her way out of Guyana. Clearly, Guyana for all of its claims to modernity, democracy, and national sovereignty needs timely, uninterrupted assistance with its diapers. Things are this bad, as unbelievableasitsounds.

Where is President Ali, whensuchavisibleintrusion occurs, with what is now routine apparent casualness, in the affairs of Guyana? What does the Leader of the Oppositionhavetosayabout what the British grand dame arrogated onto herself relative to what passes for a voters list? Does civil society not see anything wrong here? Why go to the t r o u b l e o f a r d u o u s constitutional reform ( a l r e a d y l a c k i n g authenticity), when others are calling the shots here, bringing their own judgments as what pertains, andwhatshouldbe?

We flung the door wide open for national elections many times before because we are so wretched in our deliberations, so scornful in

our evaluations of truth and trust in one another, and so dogged in not dealing with anythingthatwemayhaveto offertoeachother Theopen door has never been closed, and in now walks-indeed, r u s h e s w i t h o u t a n y deference to the protocols of etiquette, Her Excellency, t h e B r i t i s h H i g h Commissioner, to grace us with her Anglo Saxon perspicacity and sticking a stiff upper lip in Guyanas business.

As resistant as I am to any such foreign presences in the family matters of Guyana, I can muster some understanding, and look the other way for national elections. But for the deep domesticbackandforth,and resolution, of Local Government Elections, I draw a hard, red line. NO!

No way! Where does this stop? How long will this go on? If national elections in 2018 20, and now Local Government Elections in 2023 (maybe), then what next?

Just the other day, His American Highness, Alistair Routledge, took it upon himself to address the most sensitive issue in Guyana with incomparableboldness, and not a single Guyanese saw anything wrong with what he articulated. It was about what is “right

government” for Guyana Mosteerily,thatcameacross to me as an ominous pronouncement of which group, and which leaders, fit the special bill of what is considered to be the “right government” for Guyana Yet few citizens of this society saw anything wrong, or took umbrage, to that brazenexcursionintowhatis best left to the inhabitants of a sovereign nation. What will His Majesty Routledge come here and next declare to the satisfaction of all Guyanese (definitely more than half of it)? That we have the right EPA? That we have the right tax regime that applies to Exxon, and thatwewouldbedeadwrong to tamper with that provision?

Thinking of these developments, a rash of other questions flow Who is to decide that we have a clean list of voters or not, if not us, only us? Who here has given the unspoken clearance for outsiders to feel comfortable to take it upon themselves to dive feet first into our business? To delve into any of the domestic differences that wound us and tear us apart? Are we a sovereign nation or not? I assert, I now attest, that we are not. We just cant be. Notwhenanyand

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd.

Healthcare is ongoing and should be appreciated UK High Commissioner's comments are a violation of diplomatic expectations

Why hasn’t Ogunseye spoken up to clear this issue?

DEAREDITOR,

Kindly allow me to respond to Freddie Kissoon column of 11-12-22 titled ”Walter Rodney wanted to violently overthrow PresidentBurnham”. Iagree with the entire thrust of the article.

Freddie is correct in saying that “Roopnaraine and Rodney were extremely close in camaraderie and were the two leaders that planned and shaped the WPAs activism. He would know far more than Kwayana ever would about WPAs secret war against Burnham.”

I dare to say that history would record that Rodney did not trust Kwayana, and I made this fact known to the Rodney Commission of Inquiry (RCOI) in a written submission. Rodney must have been very aware that

Kwayana was against violence to overthrow Burnham. This was public knowledge. The truth of the matter is Rodney had penetrated the armed forces and was willing to incorporate them in his plans.

Roopnarine was being honest and spoke truthfully abouttheWPA’samassingof weapons This fact was c o r r o b o r a t e d b y Roopnarine’s driver who was a planted police spy and who gave evidence to the RCOI in this regard. What hasbeenthebigquestionleft unanswered is why Tacuma Ogunseye has remained silent up to now about Roopnarine’s revelation a b o u t t h e w e a p o n s amassment.

This is important as the WPA’s exclusive three-man committee members

responsible for weaponry was primarily composed of Rodney, Roopnarine and Ogunseye! Why hasn’t Ogunseye spoken up to clear thisissue?

Interestingly, it was an open secret among the Rodney brothers that Rodney’slong-termaimwas to merge the WPA and the PPP Thisfactwastoldtome by Rodney’s younger brother, the late Hubert Rodney Rodney must have known that Kwayana would have been strongly against a merger and was further reasontodistrusthim.

When Freddie writes that” I believe Mr. Kwayana is a historical figure who distorts historical facts and has done so throughout his writing career” he has hit the nailonthehead.

Sincerely, Sultan Mohamed

President Ali One Guyana plan and his 1000-men programme will make us one people with one destiny

DearEditor,

AstheformerMinisterof Housing and Tourism, Dr Ali became the PPPC Presidential candidate not only because he was elected by his party, but also, he had a vision to develop the country, improved the lives of the people, especially the poor, heal the deep-seated racial divide that had plaguedthecountryformore thanfivedecades.

One of his primary goals istounitethepeopleinpeace andharmony

President Dr Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips and the cabinet embarked on a meet the people tour across the country to listen to the citizens, learn about their problems and find solutions forthem.

They met with many individuals, regardless of their ethnicity, party affiliation or whether they had voted for the PPPC or APNU+AFC.

He has told the nation that the time has come for us not to see one another as Indo Guyanese, Afro Guyanese orAmerindian but asGuyanese.

In a recent statement, PresidentAli has vowed that the government will “destroy” and “bury” race as a political mobilization tool inthecountry.

Likewise, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips has wisely stated time and again that insularity,petty,recklessand partisan politics have no placeinGuyana.

He stated clearly that the

government will work with everyone in the country, regardless of race or party affiliation to make sure that they benefit from the governmentprograms.

Because of his constant trek to every town, village anddistrict,PresidentAlihas been dubbed the “hands on” or the “on site” president whichisafirstforGuyana.

Truth be told, in some areas of the country, people are saying that they did not support the PPPC, but they liked President Alis vision for the country and they believethatheishonest.

Many are of the opinion that President Ali has taken Guyanatonewheightsnever seenbefore.

Today, even with the high cost of living, the country is on the move on manyfronts.

In the area of housing, more house lots have been givenouttotheresidentsand more houses have been built than in the five years of the previousadministration.

Education and health care have and continued to be expanded and improved andthenationsinfrastructure isbeingmodernized.

Not to mention that the government has enlarged the agricultural sector by providing hundreds of thousands of acres of new agricultural land to farmers for rice cultivation, cash cropsanddairyfarming.

However, the most h e r o i c d e c i s i o n b y President Ali was to re open some of the sugar factories shuttered by the Granger led coalition

government

Now we turn to his other major achievements which havegrabbedtheattentionof nation.

O n e o f t h o s e achievements is his “One Guyana” vision which is to get everyone fully involved in the development of the countryandmoveitfromthe status of an underdeveloped countrytoasemi-developor developing country and finallytoadevelopednation. Also included in the One Guyana initiative is the Presidents heartfelt desire to heal the racial dissent which has afflicted the country for morethanfivedecades.

I t n e e d s t o b e emphasized that perhaps the boldest of all President Alis plans is his 1000 men programme.

It is a positive approach to help men and youths accept their responsibility and become not only leaders in society, but also decent, law-abiding and productive citizens.

The President has said many times that while each of us is responsible for our own actions, we are also responsible for the well beingofourneighbour.

Our own well-being is bound forever to the wellbeingofeveryone.

His “One Guyana” initiative and his 1000-men programme are bold plans that will inspire everyone to be involved in the development of the country and become one nation with onedestiny

Regards

Dr Asquith Rose

The British High Commissioner...

From page 4 everybody can come here and dictate to us what is “right government”, then what is an acceptable list of voters.

There is no value to that throwaway line of with proper“safeguards”,whichis assessedforwhatitis

That is, to put a neat ribbon for balance and the appearance of neutrality, and notgoingoverboard

Thenextthingwewillknow i s t h a t t h e H i g h Commissioner will lecture us on ganja laws and traffic

ones also. Undoubtedly, the British High Commissioner overstepped her duty, and to the level of detail she took in herhands.

In another era, she would be considered to have overstayed her short presence.

There! It is public, and every Guyanese is now made aware of what I think and where I stand Curiously, I am not hearing any offense taken by outraged Guyanese about foreign interference and internal meddling and domestic destabilizing and

diplomatic overzealousness. Itisnowclearthatthisoilhas transformed us from people into perversities, where honesty and dignity are concerned.

Inallseriousness,wasCheddi Jagan that off the reservation, when he railed against those dabblingoutsiders,employing the same or other terms? He paidhisprices Ourshavejust begun,andtheyaregoingtobe worse than “28 years of darkness ” This is what oil doestoGuyanese.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

The Great Guyana tax giveaway

The Guyana tax giveaway must be the sweetest anywhere in the world.

The math is a bit strange, if not totally stupid. The formula is giveaway US$1000M first Then collect US$663M.

This is how we are building this country. This is what makes Guyana the fastest growing economy since Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

Hinterland businesses unable to tap Local Content benefits - PSC Chairman

...says hindered by connectivity, access to finance

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheonghasbeenonadriveto expand the membership of the organisation and during recent branch out meetings across the country he has found that businesses in the Hinterland are unable to benefit from the country's flagship Local Content legislation intended to enable Guyanese to directly benefit from the oil and gas sector through jobs and provisionofservices.

In an exclusive interview with this publication at the

sidelines of the recently concluded Guyana Supplier Forum hosted last week, Cheong explained that a number of small business owners in the Hinterland region have complained of being unable to participate in the oil boom. Some of the specific challenges that have beenraisedsofarareinternet access and access to finance togrowtheirbusinesses.

“They have connectivity issues and some, access to finance. Different areas have different issues,” the private sector Chairman explained,

noting that the body is already working to address thesewhereveritcan.

According to him, the o r g a n i s a t i o n w a s a c c o m p a n i e d b y representative of the GTT on a number of their outreaches.

On the other hand, he said he has advocated for training opportunities to be extended to those individuals. He said there were also other p o t e n t i a l a r e a s f o r c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h government on assisting Hinterlandbusinesses.

For instance, Cheong

explained that he has engaged government on improving access to finance forthosefar-flungbusinesses as well as financial institutions At the same time, he explained that some businesses have internal issues which must be ironed out to tap the Local Content provisions.

The Chairman said, “It's getting involved so they can u n d e r s t a n d w h a t opportunities are there. If they are not involved in the conversation then it's difficult to participate so us reaching out to them and getting them involved gives them a better understanding. It also helps us to understand

whatareaffectingthemsowe can bring those things to the table and make proper representation on their behalf.”

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has said multiple times that the People's Progressive Party (PPP) will not change the lopsided P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA) with oil major ExxonMobil, but will seek to claw back value with key regulations such as the Local Content law The Act was passed last December andisintendedtoregulatethe way companies operate in Guyana's oil and gas sector; employpersons,buyservices andthewaythattheyprocure

goods.

The First Schedule of the lawring-fences40categories of work for Guyanese participation, which include: food supply, rental of office space, accommodation, insurance,accounting,legal

(Continued on page 16)

Auditor General flags

OP purchase of 100,000 birth certificates

...special investigation launched

The Auditor General has l a u n c h e d a s p e c i a l investigation into the procurement of 100,000 birth certificates by the Office of the President. This was revealed in the AG's report which was released lastweek.

According to the report the sum of $288.098M was expended for print and nonprint materials by OP The report stated that included in the said sum were amounts totalling $18.599M, which representedfullpaymentson two contracts for the acquisition of 100,000 birth certificates. The contracts were awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration B o a r d t h r o u g h t h e single source method of procurement, the AG report stated.

According to the report, the ministry in its request to NPTAB to utilise the single s o u r c e m e t h o d o f procurement stated that blank birth certificates are printed with highly sensitive security features which are confidential.

The ministry also stated that the incumbent supplier and its 'sister company' had successfully delivered on previous contracts and have proven to be reliable,

confidential and provided 'high quality security features enable blank certificates'. At the time of this report a special investigation was being conducted into the said acquisition of birth certificates.

Only last year August, government used its majority in Parliament to pass the Registration of B i r t h s a n d D e a t h s (Amendment) Bill 2021. At the time Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, MP, said a birth certificate is a critical representation of one's citizenship and there are many instances where persons have faced challenges acquiring this document. “Sometimes the process and systems work against people in the interior communities, particularly people who we have to acknowledge are the First Peoples of Guyana and who by any means necessary should obtain a birth certificate,”hesaid.

The amendment adds a new clause that allows an adult with no original document containing particulars of his or her birth or record of birth, to be issued a certificate after being validated by a high standing person in their

community which includes a Toshao. Minister Benn said then that the previous Department of Citizenship was accused of working against the interest of persons getting a birth certificate. He said this is coupled with the discovery offakestampsthatwereused to stamp birth certificates and other documents at the GeneralRegisterOffice.

“Our efforts now in bringing the amendments to the Registration of Births and Deaths, relates to strengthening the measures bywhichpersonscanvalidly be given their birth certificate, that we expand the architecture in respect of places where people could get documentation to prove that they were born as Guyanesecitizens.

“That we can ensure that there is a track record, that there is a paper trail in respect of ensuring that we can go back up the ladder to assure that documentation which is presented is valid, that we speed up the ability of persons to get birth certificates.”

The Minister said the delay in issuing birth certificatesconflictswiththe rightsofGuyanesetohavein their possession first form of identification.

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong

Listen to Glenn Lall!

One of the latest Tik Tok videos by the publisher of this newspaper is thoughtprovoking. It subtly hints at thepoorregulatoryoversight and underdeveloped regulatory framework of the oilandhassector

Glenn Lall draws a comparison between the appointmentofacompanyto oversee the construction of the gas plant, and the failure of the government to exercise proper oversight over the expenses of the oil andgassector Butthisisnot a mere lapse on the part of the government. It boils down to the failure of the both the APNU+AFC and the PPPC governments to construct a robust regulatory framework. The PPPC had been critical of the APNU+AFCs regulation of the oil and gas sector It claimed that the Coalition which was in office between 2015 and 2020 failed to use that period to entrench a s t r o n g r e g u l a t o r y framework In fact, the governmentspointmaninthe oil and gas sector, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, was stinging in his criticism of the APNU+AFCs readiness for oil production In 2019, Oil Now quoted then Opposition quoted him assayingthatafter5yearsof the Coalition government, the country did not have the necessary architecture to manage the sector and to ensure international best practices, transparent and accountability. He even criticized the APNU+AFCs failure to establish a Petroleum Commission Two years onward, his government is nowhere near e s t a b l i s h i n g t h e Commission, the absence of which allows political operatives to exercise

powers over the sector The government instead has spent time revamping the Natural Resource Fund Act which was enacted by the APNU+AFC and has passed a controversial Local Content Bill. But even more careless and negligent has been the PPPCs failure to audit over US$9 billion dollars in expenses by the stipulated deadline. By any standards, local or international, the person of persons responsible for such a failure should have faced criminal charges and should have been dismissed forthwith.

The government has since undertaken the audit. But the stable door has been closed after the horse has bolted. Whatever is found now is not going to be bindingontheoilcompanies since the deadline for filing objections and contesting claims have long elapsed.

The travesty of it all is that finding and technical expertise is not a problem when it comes to developing the necessary regulatory architecture Whatever criticisms can be hurled at t h e D a v i d G r a n g e r administration, the fact remains that the former President took action in this regard. Granger created a Department of Energy and brought it under his direct oversight. The Department recruitedexpertstoadviseit.

Granger also laid the foundation for improving oil and gas regulation. A US$20M agreement was inked with the World Bank. The Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project provided for enhancing the regulatory framework and f o r i n s t i t u t i o n a l strengthening to govern the

Dem boys seh...

oil and gas sector This project also included a c o m p o n e n t f o r t h e development of a fiscal

m a n a g e m e n t p l a n , something that the IMF recently demanded of the PPPC government The Project which will end in Marchnextyearprovidesfor the development of a Petroleum Commission.The project has not accelerated under the PPPC. When the APNU+AFC left office 21% of the loan had been disbursed. Two years under the PPPC and only 40% has sofarbeendisbursed.

The Report Article IV Consultation by the International Monetary Fund wasgenerallyfavorabletothe government but relayed concerns in relation to the management of the oil and gas sector and its revenues While commending the government for the transfer formula in the Natural ResourcesFundAct,theIMF insisted that the legislation did not provide an effective fiscal anchor and it urged the development of a medium termfiscalframework, atask whichmayprovechallenging for the specialists in the Ministry of Finance and governmentsfinancialgurus

Itisagainstthisbackground that we must consider the comments of Glenn Lall in relationtotheoriginalfailureto meet the deadline for auditing the US$9B expenses as comparedwiththeplanstohave a company supervise the construction of the gas plant. The Auditor General in his annualreportfor2021reported that the Guyana Revenue Authoritywasunabletorecruit thefullcomplementofpersons to audit the expenses But the GRAs audit must be distinguished from the governments audit The

Inflation and deflation affecting de Opposition

De Hay Eff Cee decide dat dem nah contesting de local government elections. Dem claim is de List but dem boys know dat dat is just an excuse. De real reason is inflation and deflation.

De inflation affecting de Hay Eff Cee. Dem tire getpuncturesincebeforede 2020 elections. De Pee N Cee did dis dem in de 2018 local elections and dem cork bin duck. Dem do too badlyanddewritingwason de wall. Dem was likely to get less seats in de parliament if de Coal-a-

Shun did win in 2020 general and regional elections.

De Coal-a-Shun did not win. And de Hay Eff Cee get deflated. Dem balloon puncture and dem start to crash land. But de real reason is dat dem lose nuff support and dem know dat dem nah gan do too good in de elections Dem boys believe dat to avoid embarrassment,demdecide nottocompete.

But dem is also victims of inflation. You see it does tek money fuh run an election campaign And

nuff of dem people wah does give dem Opposition parties money complaining how de inflation high and how dem nah mekking as much money as before Dem claim dem still recovering from de slowdown of de pandemic and so dem nah gat money fuh give away fuuh local governmentelection.

Sodecostoflivingnah only affecting dem consumers. It also affecting dem political parties. De AFCisdefussonefuhraise dewhiteflag.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf

GRAs audit is for tax purposes only and the findings cannot be shared with external persons or agencies since the Tax Act provides for confidentiality The question which remains outstanding therefore is about what steps has the Irfaan Ali administration taken to develop local

capacity to undertake cost audits With billions of dollars in expenses being thrownatGuyana,thepublic needs more than the assurance that the audits are ongoing.

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

Where do African rights leaders stand on the ganja bill?

Ihave over 50 years in social/political/huma n rights activism. I have been around academia since I entered UG as a freshman in 1974 and since October 1988, I have been a newspapercolumnist.

In all these years, in Guyana I have never seen the leadership of an ethnic community run and hide fromitsethnicconstituencies the wayAfrican leaders have done in November 2022. It hasneverhappenedbefore.

The League of Coloured People was relentless in its advancement of the Creole middle class. The British Guiana East Indian

A s s o c i a t i o n f o u g h t strenuously for the recognition of the rights of the former indentured labourers.

The People's Progressive PartyunderCheddiandJanet Jagan knew that without the embrace of the Indian peasantry, Indian rural proletariat and the general Indian petty bourgeoisie, the PPPwouldnotsurvive.

The PNC under Forbes Burnham, Ptolemy Reid and Hamilton Green assured the public servants and African Guyanese in general that the PNC was in existence to protect them from the IndianizedPPP

When Portuguese b u s i n e s s m a n , P e t e r D'Aguiar, formed the United Force and sought the hearts and minds of the Guyanese Portuguese community and the Amerindians, he got it and he stayed true to his constituencies.

The historical aberration has occurred in November 2022.

The governing majority in the National Assembly amended the law in relation to penalties for conviction of marijuana.Mandatoryprison sentence for small amounts hasbeenremoved.

But possession of even one gram is still a criminal

act for which prosecution is mandatory. The Rastafari communityprotestedoutside the National Assembly last M o n d a y w h e n t h e amendment was being tabled. I went to ground with them (see my column yesterday).

One of the Rastafari protestors openly said that the government is an enemy of the Rastafari people and also the PNC He made reference to the opposition threetimes. AsIcommented in my column yesterday, no one outside of the Rastafari community turned up to lend support. In Guyana, there is the PNC, WPA, ACDA,

C u f f y 2 5 0 , IDPADA-G and a school of lesser known African orientedorganizations.

These groups exist throughout Guyana W h e n i t i s Emancipation Day, they take to the National Park to proclaimtheirexistence.

None of them was represented at the picket last Monday? Why? Before we answer that question, there is more exposure to come There are a number of proAfrican rights commentators on social media. Yet none mentioned the retention in the legislation of one gram andtheRastafariprotest.

T h e a n s w e r i s excessively disturbing. You see 99 percent of the conviction for possession of marijuana, as distinct of possession for trafficking, is African Guyanese. Of those convicted, 100 percent are belowtheageof40.

In its election campaign of 2015 and in its manifesto, the PNC+AFC promised to decriminalise small amount. I shared the platform with Basil Williams in Paradise village in the 2015 election campaign in which the promise to decriminalise smallamountswasmade.

In 2015, the year the PNC took state power, the amendment was drafted by NigelHughesandwasputon the Order Paper to be read under the name of AFC parliamentarian, Michael Carrington.

In 2016, the item was taken off the Order Paper by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and the Carrington Bill sadly went through a death of betrayal. The great Guyanese revolutionaries Tacuma Ogunseye, David Hinds, Desmond Trotman, Clive T h o m a s , R u p e r t

R oopnaraine and Dr Maurice Odle from the WPA were part of the government but accepted the death of Carrington'sBill.

From September 2015 when Parliament first met under theAPNU+AFC to the end of July when the APNU+AFC legally lost the 2020 election, not one of the PNC and WPA leaders apologised to African Guyanese and offered an explanation much less an apology for the guillotined Bill.

The famous African rights organisation, ACDA and its long-serving head, Violet Baptiste (when is that ladygoingtogivewaytonew leadership?) and her deputy, Eric Phillips never commented on the deliberate deathofCarrington'sBill.

In 2021, without the explanation and apology, the PNC and AFC tabled an amendment in the name of Sherod Duncan to make possession of 100 grams legal.

Itwasajokecomingfrom both the PNC and Duncan and was rightfully thrown in thewastebasket.

Sowestillhavetoaskthe question why no African rightsleaderorgroupoffered support to the Rastafari protest or even commented publicly on the one gram retention.

And why none of the social media commentators objected to the one gram retention.

They had to hide and are still in hiding because if they open their mouths, African youthswilltellthem,theyare betrayers.

Frederick Kissoon

...FAO food outlook forecasts point to somewhat easing world market conditions, but increasing uncertainties

Alarming signs as the global food import bill set to rise to nearly US$2 trillion due to higher prices

Rome – The world food importbillisestimatedtorise to US$1.94 trillion in 2022, higher than previously expected, according to a new report released last by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(FAO).

The new forecast presented in FAO's Food Outlook would mark an alltime high and a 10-percent increase over the record level of 2021, although the pace of the increase is expected to slow down in response to higher world food prices and depreciating currencies against the United States dollar Both weigh on the purchasing power of importing countries and, subsequently,onthevolumes ofimportedfood.

The bulk of the increase in the bill is accounted for by high-income countries, due mostly to higher world prices, while volumes are also expected to rise. Economically vulnerable country groups are being more affected by the higher prices.

For instance, the aggregatefoodimportbillfor the group of low income countries is expected to remain almost unchanged even though it is predicted to shrink by 10 percent in volume terms, pointing to a growing accessibility issue forthesecountries.

“Thesearealarmingsigns from a food security perspective, indicating importers are finding it

difficult to finance rising international costs, potentially heralding an end of their resilience to higher international prices,” the report from FAO's Markets andTradeDivisionwarns.

TheFoodOutlookreport, which breaks down food trade patterns by food groups, warns that existing differences are likely to become more pronounced, with high-income countries continuing to import across the entire spectrum of food products, while developing regions are increasingly focused on staple foods. In this context, FAO welcomes the approval by the International Monetary Fund

of a Food Shock WindowbroadlybasedonFAO'sFood Import Financing Facility proposal - as an important step to ease the burden of soaring food import costs among lower income countries.

The Food Outlook also assesses global expenditures on imported agricultural inputs, including fertilizers. Theglobalinputimportbillis expected to rise to US$ 424 billionin2022,up48percent from the year before and as much as 112 percent from 2020.

Highercostsforimported energy and fertilizer are behind the foreseen increase. Bothareparticularlyrelevant

in import bills, posing strains for the current accounts of low income and lower middle-income countries. As a result, some countries may be forced to reduce input applications, almost inevitably resulting in lower agricultural productivity and lower domestic food availability “Negative repercussions for global agricultural output and food security” are likely to extend into2023,accordingtoFAO.

Food trends Issued twice a year, Food Outlook offers reviews of marketsupplyandutilization trends for the world's major foodstuffs, including cereals, oil crops, sugar, meat, dairy

and fish. It also looks at trends in ocean freight rates. Supplies of most of these major commodities are at or close to record levels, but multiple factors point to tightermarketsahead.

World wheat production is forecast to reach a record 784 million tonnes in 2022/23, buoyed by significantharvestrecoveries in Canada and the Russia Federation.That should push global wheat inventories to record levels, although the report notes that the accumulations are expected mostly in China and the Russian Federation, while stock levels are predicted to drop by 8 percent in the rest

oftheworld.

Coarse grain inventories are forecast to fall to their lowest levels since 2013 due to inventory drawdowns in major countries as a result of anticipated declines in production Global coarse grain production is forecast to fall by 2.8 percent in 2022, to 1 467 million tonnes. While it will likely drop in 2022/23, world rice output is envisaged to remain at an overallaveragelevel,buoyed by resilient planting levels in Asiaandrecoveringoutputin Africa Global oilseed production is forecast to reboundandreachanall-time high in the 2022/23 marketing year, with increased outputs of soybean and rapeseed expected to offset a likely drop in sunflower seed production.

Global sugar production is also forecast to increase, buoyed by expectations of a significant recovery in Brazil's production and larger crops in China and Thailand,whileconsumption is seen growing at a slower pace.

Worldwide outputs of meat and dairy products in 2022 are both expected to increase modestly, while t o t a l f i s h e r i e s a n d aquaculture production is expected to increase globally by 1.2 percent, with a 2.6percent expansion in a q u a c u l t u r e o u t p u t anticipated to more than offset a slight fall in capture fisheriesoutput.

Home of teenagers goes up in flames

Three years after losing their mom, two Berbice teenagers now have to deal with another difficult situation.

Their home was destroyed completely by fire Saturday night whiletheywereoutoftheregion.

Keiasha Reid, 19 and her 18year-old sister are now homeless following the blaze that destroyed their Semple Street, Sheet Anchor, East Canje Berbice home. Reid suspects that the fire may be an act of arson, but said she has no issues withanyone.

Reid said that she left with her sister to attend the birthday celebration of their other sibling thatlivesinDemerara.

She added that while there, she

The remains of the house destroyed by fire

gotacallaround19:30hrsthesame day to inform her that their house wasonfire.

"I suspect somebody went into the house because the lock was tampered with and also the gate because the fire service people say when they reach, the gate was alreadybroken,"shesaid.

She is pleading with persons to assist them in any way they can, to help them get back to some sort of normalcy during this difficult time.

“Since our mother dead, we ain't get nobody, we just asking for help,weneedlilhelp.”

Persons willing to assist can do so by contacting the sisters on numbers 659-0789, 332-0065 or 641-4070.

Food prices locally have skyrocketed in recent months

Millions in payments made to errant contractor of Leguan Ferry Stelling - AG report

The Auditor General Report for 2021 has chronicled a series of payments made to an errant contractor for works that he did not complete at the Leguan Ferry Stelling.

The rehabilitation project which was awarded to Sattrohan Maraj of S. Maraj Contracting Services suffered a series of setbacks.

It was eventually terminated and steps have since been taken by the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government to recoverthemonies.

According to the AG's report, the contract awarded for the rehabilitation of the Leguan Ferry Stelling in the sum of $413.259M wasmadeinSeptember2018.

By 2019, payments totalling $199.435M were made on the contract sum However, the estimated value of works completed at that time was $50.970M.

According to the report, as of December 2021, the Ministry of Public Works paid an additional sum of $151 316M to the contractor bringing the total sum paidto$350.751M.

It should be noted, however, thateventhoughtheadditionalsum was paid, auditors could not determine if the incomplete works valuedat$148.465Mweredone.

According to the status report dated June 6, 2022, the Ministry of Public Works indicated that the contractor has a balance of $60.047Monthecontractsum.

Further, it was noted that the th contractor, on 11 March 2022, proposed an increase of $168.058Monthecontractsum.

As a result, the contractor received payments in excess of $148.465M for works not done.

The audit office said that this led to a special investigation being conducted.

Atthetimethereportwasbeing compiled, auditors nonetheless

could not determine if works were still ongoing, as such, the Audit Office has vowed to conduct further investigations on the rehabilitation of the Leguan Stelling.

As a result of the series of delays made in completing the rehabilitation works, the contract for the $413 million Leguan Stelling was eventually terminated by the Guyana Government in 2021 The Government then initiated legal action to have the issueaddressed.

Attorney-General and Minister ofLegalAffairs,AnilNandlall,SC, informed the contractor, Sattrohan Maraj of S. Maraj Contracting Servicesviaaletterthathisservices were being terminated, following a fundamental breach of the contract signedonSeptember20,2018.

“The T&HD (Transport and Harbours Department) has granted several extensions of the contract and notwithstanding those extensions, the project has been

Pres. Ali hails sacrifice of war heroes

delayed for approximately 20 months,”theletterindicated.

Nandlall had reminded the contractor that, so far, his company had only completed a minimal amountofthescheduledwork.Asa result, the contractor was fired on the grounds of “failing to comply withthescheduleofworks,”aswell asspecialconditionsofthecontract for the inordinate delay in completion of works under the contract.”

Consequently, the Attorney General indicated that the government will be moving to enforce several provisions of the contract in relation to “the

performance bond of $43,325,926; the mobilization bond of $81,398,376;” as well as the “ten percent contract sum as liquidated damagesandthevalueofworksnot performed.”

“In addition, thereto, the GovernmentofGuyanareservesits right(to)institutelegalproceedings against your company for compensation for breach of contract and unjust enrichment,” Nandlall posited in his letter to the contractor.

The Attorney-General further instructed the company to have the construction site cleared immediately.

Green Gibraltar eager to expand spectrum

...to set up unit in Rockstone Village

Green Gibraltar Incorporated, the recently established telecommunications operator said, it will be demonstrating its service capabilities by setting up a unit at RockstoneVillage,Region10.

President Irfaan Ali reflected on the "supreme sacrifices" of fallen Guyanese World War One and World War 2 heroes as they soughtpeaceandfreedom.

He said that the world is “forever indebted” to the heroes during his address Sunday morning at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony held at the Georgetown Cenotaph. The Head ofStatecalledoncitizenstousethe solemn occasion to rededicate themselves to the search for peace everywhere and to renew their commitment to the development and well-being of our beloved country

The commemorative wreathlaying ceremony commenced with a military parade followed by the Presidential Salute, the last post, two minutes of silence, the sounding of the reveille, prayers and the laying of wreaths attheWarMemorial.TheCommander-inChief of the Armed Forces laid the first wreath, followed by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) the Honourable Mark Phillips; Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Godfrey Bess;

The Government of Guyana (GoG) has made connectivity of the hinterland a key issue, and Green Gibraltar, Inc., in a press release said, it is proud to provide a test unit andbelievesthatitcanbeakeycomponentin providing connectivity to underserved populations The company's aim is to demonstrate how connectivity advances the community in four key areas: medical, education, tourism/commerce and well being.

According to the company, the unit is completely self contained and solar powered, with battery backup. It is able to transmit fixed wireless access signals to the surroundingareas.Whenadditionalspectrum is issued, a cellular signal can also be broadcast. The unit has been specifically designed for Guyana's climate and environment.

The company further stated in its release that while it is grateful to the government, it remainseagertoreceiveadditionalspectrum, inordertofullyimplementoperations.

According to one of the Directors of GreenGibraltar,Jai“Don”Singh,“Thisisthe firststepofmany,increatingconnectivitynot onlytotheHinterlands,butallofGuyana.We are proud of our partners and associates and all the work that has gone into the upcoming event.Ibelieveinthiscountry,Ibelieveinour people, and for far too long we have had to play second fiddle. The time is now for us to connectGuyanatothefuture.”

Additionally, fellow director David Mahmalji said, “My early days in Guyana were in the Rupununi in the 90's. This

experience in the hinterlands has shaped my desire to provide modern services to these greatpeople."

Green Gibraltar Inc. is a 100 percent Guyanese owned company, established in 2019, which is merger of two companies, MHM Holdings, Inc. and Green Gibraltar Inc., led by Guyanese entrepreneurs. The companyisresolvedtoimprovingthelimited and poor-quality cellular service in the country According to the company, a formal application was submitted in response to the Telecom Liberalization act. The granting of thelicensewasthefirststeponthejourneyto realizingthisvision,andaftermorethantwo

President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lt Colonel ( Ret'd) George Gomes; Commissioner oftheGuyanaPoliceForce(ag),CliftonHicken along with the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, and other members of the diplomatic corps. Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday of November, while Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 annually by Commonwealth countriestohonourthosewhodiedintheWorld Wars.(OfficeofthePresident)

The Leguan Ferry Stelling

President Irfaan Ali about to lay a wreath in memory of the fallen soldiers

Veterans during Sunday's Remembrance Day activity

AFC says: Clean the list or we're not participating in LGE

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Alliance For Change (AFC) has announced that the party will not contest the Local Government Elections (LGE) slated for next year unless the current voters' list issanitised.

Boththegovernmentand the Guyana Elections Commission have rebuffed calls for a clean voters' list beforethehostingofLGE.

In a press release on Sunday, the AFC said after muchdebate,ithasarrivedat a consensus that the party will not contest the upcoming local government elections (LGE) without changes to the list of electors.

“TheAFChasconcluded that no election should be held on the existing list of electorsbecauseitisbloated, illegitimate and a source of e l e c t o r a l f r a u d , a s demonstrated during the publicisednationalrecount,” the minority opposition partystated.

AccordingtotheAFCon the face of it, the current list contains the names of the deceased, migrated and duplicates.

“It is manifest that our electoral system is far from perfect, but we must not wilfully perpetuate a deception on the people of Guyana.

During the national election in 2020, there were multiple instances where dead people, the migrated, and a host of o t h e r s h e n a n i g a n s interfered with the electoral process. We should not go thereagain!“

“The NEC believes that participating in these elections with a list proven deficient and containing widespread discrepancies would perpetrate a fraud on the Guyanese people and undermine our democratic system.

The AFC has already called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to produce a credible voters' list by conducting a certifiable h o u s e t o h o u s e v e r i f i c a t i o n a n d registration process Accordingly, we would

The AFC has called for a clean list of electors

go as far as supporting the postponement of the LGE as wasdonein1992topresenta “clean” voters' list to the electorate.

We have also indicated our acceptance of using biometricsandthenecessary electronic equipment to enhance our voting experience and reduce the p r o p e n s i t y f o r impersonation.

However, as warned, we will not participate in the u p c o m i n g L o c a l Government Elections if these changes are not made to bring legitimacy to our electoralsystem.

The people of Guyana have a right to feel confident in its electoral system, like the voting public in the United Kingdom or e l s e w h e r e , w i t h o u t unnecessary workarounds,” thepartyconcluded.

Back in September this year, the Parliamentary Opposition had said that it was prepared to meet with the Government to find a solution to clean what they described as a bloated list of voters, even if it means a delay of the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) slated for March 13, 2023.

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) parties have both called for a credible voters' list, hinting at a boycott of thepollsifthecurrentvoters' listisused.

Both parties have communicated to the Diplomatic Community n o n e t h e l e s s , t h e i r willingness to sit with the People's Progressive Party (PPP) Government and change the laws if

required, to ensure persons on the list are supposedtobethere.

Thecontentionisthatthe voters'listisbloatedwiththe names of Guyanese living overseas,aswellasdeceased individuals.

The names of these persons are used for impersonation voting, the Opposition and the Government have both alleged on different occasions.

APNU Member of Parliament and Shadow Attorney General (AG) Roysdale Forde in an interview with this newspaper back then said that, “the Opposition is prepared to do what is required to ensure that there is a clean voters' list and we are prepared to sit and meet with the Government in relationtothismatter.”

He said that the information was related to the international community as part of the Opposition's e f f o r t s t o g e t t h e Government to seriously address the deficiencies of thevoters'list.

Forde noted however, thatwhatishappeningisthat theGovernmentcontinuesto reject the underlining premise, which is what is necessary to clean the list and secondly, they have now takenthepositionthatthelist is in fact credible. “So that is the problem that we have,” theShadow AG related.

He said it is not that the Opposition has an unwillingness to meet with the Government to participate in a process that will result in the list being clean, “but we have the downright refusal from the government to recognise thatthereisaproblem.”

Green Gibraltar eager to...

From page 14 years of hard work and sound investments, the companies assembled an industry leading team of financial and technical partners.

It was stated too that the companies and their partners understand the desire of

Guyanesecitizensandbusinessestohavean option to connect with the world in a professionalandcost-effectivemanner With the necessary approval and issuance of the license, efforts were focused on the steps necessary to commence operations.

WANTED VACANCY

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

Start a career in the hotel industry, One female to work at a quest house, Call: 2256337 or Whatsapp: 668-0306.

Hymac operator for ( 580 C Hymac) and excavator operator to work in Charity Essequibo. Contact 2235273/223-5274

Porters, drivers/expediters, handyman. Contact 2235273 / 223-5274

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

Cook for bar, ages 35-45 yrs, 6 days per week. Call: 6505321.

Live in family, husbanddriving/ mechanic, wifesales person. Free living quarters. Call: 672-1703, 2271813.

Two sales clerk & one delivery clerk needed at Lens. Apply @ 136 Sheriff Street, C/Ville or Tel: 227-1511/2272486

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

Servicemen for Interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 615-0545 or 231-2250.

Carwash workers to work at Romain carwash & detail center. Call: 643-3939.

Experienced cashiers, security officers and plumbers. Contact the HR department of Ramada Georgetown Princess hotel on Tele # 265-7001, ext 205/127.

One general Domestic needed. Apply in person to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda.

Vacancy exists for one operator at a welding / machinist establishment. Contact: Brasimex Inc, 6963536/ 621-2239.

Vacancy exists for one Accountant Assistant/ Translator and one Marketing Assistant/ Translator. Contact: Brasimex Inc, 6963536/ 621-2239.

Toshaos head talks up LCDS at

While speaking at the 27th conference of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP27, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John outlined Guyanas Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

John joined Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, and hundreds of world leaders at COP27 which is taking place in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.

John is the Toshao of Moraikobai and was elected chairman of the NTC in July 2022. As the chair of the NTC, he represents the 20-strong Executive Committee, as well as the more than 200 elected Toshaos from villages across Guyana.

On Friday November 11, the NTC Chair spoke in the Nature Zone of COP27, updating participants on how Guyanas indigenous peoples and local communities had engaged with national efforts on the LCDS since 2008. John focused in particular on the recent national consultation to produce the LCDS 2030. At the Nature Zone event, the

Chair spoke of the importance of continued involvement by Toshaos, now that the LCDS 2030 has been finalised - highlighting their role in producing the Village Plans. These plans will underpin locally-led efforts for investment in priorities identified by villages themselves, to progress the overall objectives of LCDS 2030.

In August 2022, under Johns chairmanship, the NTC Council passed a resolution in support of the LCDS 2030 and its proposals for sharing the benefits of potential revenues from the sale of carbon credits in the voluntary carbon markets. These proposals are set out in the LCDS 2030 and envisage a dedicated 15 percent of funds for village-led priorities, alongside other programmes to support communities across Guyana which will be managed nationally.

Moreover, John participated in meetings where pledges in support of indigenous peoples were advanced, including the United Kingdoms pledge which was announced by British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. In sup-

port of these efforts, Minister Bharrat met with UK Minister Lord Zac Goldsmith, to discuss how the UK and Guyana could advance their ongoing partnerships as well as new potential actions coming out of COP27. The NTC Chair also witnessed the sign-

ing of the Guyana-European Union Forestry Partnership, to support trade in sustainable timber products from Guyanas forest communities the partnership was signed by Minister Bharrat and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.

Footballer caught with illegal gun during Futsal competition at Gymnasium

A local footballer was on Saturday busted with an illegal gun at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, where quarterfinal matches of the MVP Sports Futsal Tournament were being played.

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The footballer was identified as Jobe Caesar, a member of the Bent Street Futsal team that beat Campbellville 6-3 in one of the quarterfinal matches.

According to information reaching Kaieteur News, Caesar had scored a goal to help his team win but did not get a chance to celebrate the victory with teammates at the end of the match. Police were tipped off that he might be carrying an illegal

gun and ranks providing security at the tournament were instructed to search him.

The search uncovered the illegal firearm in his possession and he was arrested and taken into custody immediately.

Caesar is no stranger to the law. In 2019, he was sentenced to six months behind bars for assaulting a police officer at Pineapple Street, West Ruimveldt. He was also before the court for damaging his girlfriend’s car and robbing her of a cell-phone at gunpoint.

That case was however dismissed and Caesar was spared after the girlfriend decided not to press charges against him.

Hinterland businesses unable to tap Local Content...

From page 8 services, engineering and machining, aviation support,

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public relations, manpower and crewing services, dredging services, ventilation, environmental services and studies, and transportation. The foregoing categories carry varying percentages for participation that must be secured by companies in the oil sector by the end of 2022.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) Chief of Operations and Guyana Country Representative, Lorena Salazar recently said that the revenue stream from the burgeoning oil and gas sector must not stagnate on the coasts, but must trickle down to Hin-

terland communities in Guyana to ensure equitable development in the country.

She was at the time addressing the Guyana Basins Summit in October when she explained that decisions must be taken to diversify the economy which means not only targeting efforts to the oil and gas industry.

As such, the IDB Country Representative who hails from the oil producing state of Ecuador also gave specific advice to the government to ensure each citizen of Guyana benefits from the oil boom.

She said it is critical to leave no one behind. Accord-

ing to her, “that means not just focusing on the coastland but also checking the Hinterland.

What are the opportunities of the people in the Hinterland?”

The IDB Country representative argued that the opportunities should not only be extended to the education and health sectors, but also in the areas of communication and access among others.

Salazar was keen to note that the future of the country is its people, hence measures should also be taken to explore the skills needed that may not have been taught in school.

Local footballer, Jobe Caesar

Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John

Istanbul: Six dead, dozens wounded in Turkey explosion

(BBC)Atleastsixpeoplehavebeenkilled and 53 wounded in an explosion in a busy area of central Istanbul, Turkish authorities havesaid.

The blast happened at about 16:20 local time(13:20GMT) on a shopping streetinthe Taksim Square area, the Turkish city’s governorAliYerlikayasaid.

It is unclear what caused the explosion, which appears to have been captured on socialmediavideos.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the perpetratorswouldbepunished.

BBC correspondent Orla Guerin, who is in the area, said there was a heavy police presence around Istiklal Street, which had been cordoned off. Helicopters were circling

overheadasambulanceswentbackandforth.

Many shopkeepers standing in their doorways on the normally bustling street looked stunned, she said, adding that the incidentwillhavecomeasashocktomanyin thecity

Eyewitness Cemal Denizci was about 50m (54 yards) away when he heard the explosion.

“I saw three or four people on the ground,”hetoldAFP

“People were running in panic... There was black smoke. The noise was so strong, almostdeafening,”hesaid.

The street - usually packed with shoppers -waspreviouslytargetedbyasuicidebomber in2016.

First Guyanese turned back under visa-free arrangement to UK

A Lindener on Saturday becamethefirstGuyaneseto beturnedbackfromEngland under the new the visa free entry arrangement made betweenthetwocountrieson October18,2022.

It should be carefully noted that although the United Kingdom (England) hasliftedthevisarestrictions for Guyanese to travel to England, it does not guarantee entry into the country A Guyanese can purchase a plane ticket and travel, but only the immigration authorities in England can make the final determination if the traveler is eligible or not to enter the country the same also applies to persons travelling with visas. In making that

decision,officialsworkingat Heathrow International AirportinLondonareguided by England's immigration laws and other requirements beside the visa free travel arrangement.

The Guyanese man who hails from Linden, Region 10 learnt this on Saturday when he was denied entry and sent back on another flighttoBarbados,theIsland where he boarded a plane to London. His experience was shared by his sister who resides in England, and it went viral across the various social media platforms sparking a huge debate amonglocals.

According to woman, she did not see her brother for years and decided to

arrange for him to visit her and family in England, because the visa restrictions were lifted. She reportedly booked him a ticket and the Lindener arrived at the

Heathrow International Airport around 09:55hrs, Saturday

The woman went to pick him up at the airport, but he never came out and she later learnt that he was detained. One of the officials had called her and asked if she was expecting a visitor (her brother) and she replied in theaffirmative.

Theofficial,sheclaimed, promised to give her an update later bur reportedly nevercalledback.

She began querying why

her brother was detained and soon learnt that the authorities had confiscated his belongings and kept him incustodyattheairport.One of the officials reportedly told her that her brother did not have enough money to enter the country and will be sentbacktoBarbados.

The woman claimed that her brother only had £400 (pounds) in his possession and was worried that he will be left stranded in Barbados because he will have to find his own passage to return

fromtheretoGuyana.

He was kept the entire night at the Heathrow International Airport and was placed on a flight the followingday(Sunday).The Lindener was scheduled to arrive in Barbados around 15:00hrsonSunday

The visa free travel was put into effect since November 10 and the first flight with a number of the Guyanese on board has already landed, but the Lindener was the first Guyanesetobesentback.

Farmer loses home to fire

A farmer on Sunday returned from his farm to find his house on fire atAliki Island, UpperEssequiboRiver,RegionThree.

According to information received by Kaieteur News,themanhadlefthishomeon Sunday morning to go and tend his farm. When he returned hours later, his house was

on fire. There was not much that he could have done to save his property but watch it burntotheground.

Firefighters are currently in the area conductingthenecessaryinvestigations. More details to follow as investigations continue.

The Heathrow International Airport in England.

The rubble that remain after the fire.

Pooran’s unbeaten 99 steers Red Force into semis of CG Insurance Super 50

SportsMax - Nicholas Pooran just missed out on a century but helped Trinidad and Tobago Red Force defeat Windward Islands Volcanoes by seven wickets with six balls to spare at Tarouba on Saturday. The win means the Red Force have advanced to the semi-finals of the CG Insurance Super 50 competition.

In match reduced by rain to 40 overs, Pooran scored an unbeaten 99 and Darren Bravo 67 not out sharing in an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 155 as TT Red Force cruised to 249-3 (D/L). The West Indies white-ball

captain scored his runs from just 71 balls and hit 11 fours and two sixes along the way. Bravo hit nine fours in his 63ball knock.

Opener Kjorn Ottley made 43 for the Trinidad franchise while partnering in a 49-run second-wicket stand with Jason Mohammed, who made 25. Ottley was eventually dismissed after putting on 13 for the third partnership of 13 with Bravo, who would find a match-winning partner in Pooran.

Justin Greaves was the best of the Windward bowlers with 2-55. Preston McSween took 1-57. Earlier, the Wind-

wards recovered from a precarious 36-4 in the seventh over after Akeal Hosein 2-37

Monday November 14, 2022

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Your immediate goals and wishes might suddenly appear to come together today, seemingly of their own accord. This might be strange, Aries, and perhaps a bit frightening.

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Obstacles that you encountered in attaining your cherished goals could suddenly seem to melt away, clearing the way to make your dreams come true, Gemini.

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A lot of activity could occur at home today, Cancer. Perhaps you will have visitors or do some work on the house.

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Whatever goals you've been trying to reach may finally become reality today, Leo. Finalizing everything could involve a lot of running around in the car and meeting with other people.

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Events over which you seem to have no control seem to be coming together to make things happen for you, Virgo. You might find this a bit frightening, but don't let it get to you.

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and Shannon Gabriel 1-36 did the early damage.

The owed their recovery to an unbeaten knocks of 90 from Sunil Ambris and 68 from Andre Fletcher, who shared in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 165 that took the team to 201-4 from their 40 overs.

Unfortunately, thanks to Pooran and company it proved not to be enough.

‘Windies fans deserve much more’

Sports - West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards has insisted the cricket-loving fans of the region deserved more from the team in light of a disappointing World Cup campaign.

On Sunday, at the end of the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, either Pakistan or England will join the West Indies as two-time winners of the tournament.

The Caribbean team, however, once the standard bearers in the worlds shortest format, were nowhere close to hitting those heights in this edition as they crashed out of the tournament in the first round following losses to Scotland and Ireland.

Richards, who once thrilled as part of an all-conquering squad, insists such results are difficult for fans

in the region to take, particularly given the teams once proud legacy.

“There is a legacy where this whole thing is concerned and maybe thats why some of these players are currently on show,” Richards told the Good Morning Jojo Radio program.

“So, there are a lot of things to represent and I just think thats lacking. The West Indian fans deserve much more because we have had so many issues like the pandemic and we needed something to uplift us and there are times when we look to our sportsmen and women to do that and presently, the West Indies team is basically lacking where that is concerned.” The former captain, however, also believes the issue of player availability must be addressed.

Nicholas Pooran

- WI legend Richards concerned current players not living up to legacy

Queenstown, Blue Berry Hill secure opening day victory

The inaugural One Guyana President’s Cup tournament kicked off yesterday in Linden, EssequiboandBerbice.

The one of a kind tournament will feature two stages First, 16 interward teams in each administrative region of Guyana will compete for tophonours

The second stage will see a 25 man squad comprising the best players of each of the 10 Regions selected for a grand battle to decide the victors of the One Guyana Presidents CuponJanuary1,2023

At the Ann Regina Multilateral School Ground in Region 2, Queenstown

hammeredSaudi7 0,thanks to a hat-trick from Avinash Ramanan.

Ramanan netted his goals in the 60th, 63rd and 8 5 t h m i n u t e f o r Queenstown, which also had goals from Mario Walcott (40, 42), Rodley Carter (75) andJames(89)toadvance.

In Linden, where the Region 10 zone kicked off at the Wisburg Secondary Ground, only one game was played of the planned double-header

Fans were treated to an exciting clash between Block 22 and Blueberry Hill, where the two sides ended regulation levelled onagoaleach(1-1).

The match went to kicks fromthepenaltymarkwhere Block 22 came out winners

Part of the action between Queenstown and Saudi at the Anna Regina Multilateral Ground in Essequibo.

4-3. Matches were played in R e g i o n S i x w i t h a doubleheader at the Scott School ground in New Amsterdam Central New Amsterdam played lower

Corentyne,whileNorthNew AmsterdamtookonCanje.

A doubleheader was played at Region five Paradise battled Number 28 Village and Rosignol came

up against Number Five village at the Rosignol CommunityCentreGround. The results for those matches were not known at presstime.

Drivers brought the heat on damp day for racing at South Dakota

finished in secondandthird respectively

Over in Group 2, Shan Seejatan was unstoppable, winningallthreeraces.

The Starlet Cup races split between Ramchand and RameezMohamed.

Ramchand took the first

-MarkVieira,StefanJeffery flawlessontheday

race ahead of Mohamed, while in the second race, the positions reversed as the two battled to a fender-to-fender finishinbothraces.

Matthew Vieira again flexed his dominance in the superbike category, getting the better of his cousin,

Stephen Vieira and rival, KevinPersaud.

The GMR&SC Race of Champions not only culminated activities for motor racing in Guyana for the season but was the last event for racing in the Caribbean.

By Rawle Toney

Theweatherhadthefinal say in what was supposed to be a day of enthralling races at the upgraded South DakotaCircuit.

N o n e t h e l e s s , t h e competitorsensuredthelittle racing that was allowed, the fansweretreatedtotheusual thrills and spills at one of the Caribbeans most historic racingvenues.

While the sun kissed the surface of the now 1 6 miles long South Dakota Circuit during the morning hours, allowing for some exciting races, the latter part of yesterday saw an overcast and prolonged d r i z z l e , p r o v i d i n g conditions that werent conducive for high level racing

Yesterdays races also saw the curtains coming down on the Caribbean Radical Series, where Kristian Jeffery was hoping to be the first Guyanese to layclaimtothetitle.

He entered the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Race of Champions 15 points behind Trinidad and Tobagos Kristian Boodoosingh and had to get an almost perfect daytosnatchthetitle.

However, the former Caribbean champion would now need to wait until next season, since fell seven pointsshortofthetitlewhich waswonbyBoodoosingh.

In the first of three Radical races yesterday, Barbados Stuart Maloney took the chequered flag in the eight lap race in 11 minutes, 21 641 seconds (11:21 641), with Jeffery (11:35 837) finishing 14 196s adrift in fourth place.

Second place went to Suleman Esuf (11:22.189), a l s o o f B a r b a d o s ; Boodoosingh was third (11:28.454).

In the second Radical race, Jeffery had an improved performance, but his third place finish (14:03.873)sawhimcoming behind Esuf (14:03.311) and MarkMaloney(14:00.658).

The Radicals were the most talked about event yesterday, and Jeffery ensured that he gave the fans ashowinthefinalraceofthe series.

It was a nail biting climax as the drivers had a seesaw battle, but when the dustsettled,Jefferycameout on top (12:23.382) ahead of Jamaicas Senna Summerbell

( 1 2 : 2 4 3 0 9 ) a n d

Boodoosingh(12:24.671).

Over in Group Four, Mark Vieira rolled back the clock and reminded patrons why hes one of the countrys mostrecognizedracerswhen he went undefeated in the tworaces.

Vieira, a former Caribbean Champion, blazed his Mazda RX7 in the firstracetowininfrontofhis long time rival from

Barbados, Mark Maloney taking the 8-lap event in a timeofeightminutes,05.37s (8:05.37).

Maloney was second Another Guyanese, Kevin Jeffery and his ever dependable Mitsubishi Evo crossedthelinethird.

Race two saw the drivers crossing the line in the same order, only this time Vieira recordeda22-secondmargin ofvictory

Stefan Jeffery also had a flawless run in Group 3, winning his first race ahead of Danny Persaud and Vishok Persaud and taking the second by defeatingNeilPersaud.

In the final Group 3 race, Stefan Jeffery was too good for Annand Ramchand and Shiraz Roshandin as the two

Shiraz Roshandin and Rameez Mohamed had one of the most heated battles at the GMR&SC Race of Champions.

Mark Maloney spitting flames from his machine, but his fire was not strong enough to stop see him taking the podium.

Stokes leads England past Pakistan to win T20 World Cup

M E L B O U R N E ,

Australia (AP) England confirmed its reputation as the masters of short-form cricket by claiming the Twenty20 World Cup with a stirring five-wicket triumph over Pakistan at the MCG yesterday

A combination of miserly bowling and poised battingprovedthedifference as England claimed its

second T20 World Cup following its win in theWest Indiesin2010.

AfterrestrictingPakistan to 137-8, England struggled for a period in the middle of their pursuit before Ben Stokes lifted the tempo with five overs remaining in Melbourne.

The all-rounder steadied England through a testing time and burnished his

reputation for delivering in big matches by top-scoring with an unbeaten 52 runs off 49 balls. England had one over to spare when Stokes struck the winning runs throughmid-wicket,withthe left-handed batter jumping into the air in celebration afterasuperbinnings.

Largely dominant throughoutthetournament,a shock loss to Ireland in a

rain-affected match aside, England is the first nation to hold the T20 and 50-over WorldCuptitlesintandem.

In his first year as English captain, Jos Buttler led his country superbly throughout the month-long tournament in Australia and was delighted by his nations performanceinthedecider

SamCurran,whobowled superbly when taking 3-12 from four overs, was named both the player of the match and also of a tournament in which he finished with 13 wickets.

“I dont think I should be getting this, the way Stokesy played there (but) were going to enjoy this occasion. (Its)veryspecial,”hesaid.

“The way I bowl, I go into the wicket with my slower balls and keep the batsmen guessing. (To be the) world champions, how good.” While heavy rain fell around Melbourne on Sunday night, concerns that

(AFP/Getty

the final would be interrupted were unfounded with only a few drops falling earlyinEnglandspursuit.

That was fortunate for England, which slipped behind the required run rate in the middle stages until Stokes settling innings, and also the 80,462 fans in attendanceforthefinal.

Pakistan will ponder what might have been after star pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi injured himself while taking a catch to remove Harry Brook with thefinalstillinthebalance.

On returning to the field after treatment, Afridi was reintroduced into the attack

with five overs remaining but lasted just one delivery before again limping from theMCGindespair

This proved a reprieve for England, which still required 41 runs from 30 balls when Afridi was brought back on to bowl. It was here that Stokes launched the winning attack with the bat. It is a deserved triumph for the tournament favorites they were as methodicalwithboththeball andbatinhandinthefinalas theyhadbeenthroughoutthe month in Australia. Curran and right-arm leg spinner Adil Rashid were superb in helping restrict Pakistan, vindicatingButtlersdecision to bowl first after winning

and also at the death of Pakistans innings was Curran, who bowled superbly Buttler, who said on Saturday that he had dreamed of leading his nationtosuccessasaboy,set an aggressive tone for England at the top of the batting order after Afridi removed Alex Hales in the firstover

But when an innings featuring classical cover drives and innovative shots was ended by Rauf Haris for 26 off 17 balls, the proPakistancrowdcametolife.

StokesandBrookslowed the tempo when combining for a crucial 39 run partnership before the latter holed out to Afridi off the

the toss. Pakistans opening combination of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan combined for 29 runs before the latter dragged a delivery fromCurranontohisstumps inthefifthover Azam, the Pakistan captain, batted with measured aggression until losing his wicket caughtand-bowled to Rashid for 32 runs off 28 balls in the 12th over Rashids variety and ability to surprise when finishingwithfiguresof2-22 from four overs proved crucial in helping England restrict Pakistan at a pivotal momentintheirinnings.

As adept in the infancy

bowlingofShadabKhanina pivotalmoment.

But with Stokes at the crease and Afridi hobbled, England always looked likely to reach the target, with the hero at the crease praising the work of the nations bowlers. “In finals, especially when chasing, you forget all the hard work that came first. To restrict them to 137, the bowlers have to take a lot of credit,” Stokessaid.

Scores: England 138 for 5 (Stokes 52*, Rauf 2-23) beat Pakistan 137 for 8 (Masood 38, Curran 3-12, Rashid2-22,Jordan2-27)by fivewickets.

Sam Curran was adjudged player of the match as well as tournament.

Images)

Pakistan were left distraught after the loss in the final. (Associated Press)

MVPSportsFutsalTournament…

Final four decided in both Divisions

It was another thrilling nightoffutsalattheNational G y m n a s i u m a s t h e semifinalistsweredecidedin both the Mens and Womens Divisions of the MVPSports Futsal Tournament on Saturday Wednesday, November23,hasbeensetas the date the semifinalists collideinthePetraorganised event, which will see Fruta Conquerors battle GT Panthers while Police face Tiger Bay, to decide who enterstheWomensfinals.

For the Men, Stabroek Ballers and Future Stars will lock horns in the semifinal round as Gold is Money tackle Bent Street, to see whichteamsarethefinalists.

On Saturday, the WomensDivisionstartedthe night as GT Panthers were the first to acquire victory when they defeatedAvocado Ballers,4-0.Majorityofball possession and doubles from Feona Benjamin (4, 16) and Glendy Lewis (6, 12) put the victory beyond doubt. Tiger B a y t h e n d e f e a t e d Herstelling by the same scoreline (4 - 0) with the same format of goal scorers. OtaliaThompson (7, 17) and Nina John (5, 15) were responsible for Tiger Bays goals.

Fruta Conquerors eased to a 2 - 0 win against GDF with a goal each coming from Jessica Teasdale (17) and Jalade Trim (7). The last female Group stage encounter was won by

Police, who defeated Santos 2 1 Melina Larson produced a player of the match performance as her quick succession of goals in the seventh and eighth minutes proved too great for the opposition Mens Quarterfinals Gold is Money steamrolled Sophia to enter the semifinal round first. The 5 - 1 drubbing saw goals from Darren Benjamin (5, 7), Hubert Pedro (17), Michael Ballack (28) and

Dextroy Adams (15) for the victorious side while Jermaine Padmore (16) scored a consolation goal for Sophia.

Bent Street then forcefully got past Campbellville, 6 - 3, thanks to a helmet trick from Deon Alfred (8, 13, 25, 28), who wassupportedbyJobCaesar (13)andCliveNobrega(11). Campbellvilles scorers were Jamal Codrington (19), Oziel Small (27) and AnthonyAbrams

performance from Future Stars propelled them into the semis with a 7 - 6 win over Sparta. A fatal five from Tyrese Dennis (2, 25,30, 36, 38) left Sparta heartbroken as Jamal Cozier (3) and Jaleel Hamilton (24) accounted for the sides other goals.

Even with Jermaine Junors hat-trick (16, 17, 30) along with a goal each from Daren Niles (29), Gregory Richardson (15) and Pernel Schultz (38), it was not enough for Sparta to advance. Stabroek Ballers

were the last team to sign their name on the dotted line afterastunning7-2triumph overBackCircle.

Hat-tricks from Dorwin George (13, 15, 23) and Dacosta Aboagye (12, 27, 28) with a successful strike from Sean Taylor (30) blasted away Back Circles replies from Simeon Moore (26) and Jermaine Beckles (24). This tournament is supported by Ansa McAl, through their Magnum and Lucozade brands, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth andSport.

(16). A m o n u m e n t a l

Jalade Trim (left) lets off the successful shot that gained her team the lead on their way to victory against GDF

This Tiger Bay player (centre) tries to control the ball against two Herstelling defenders.

Drivers brought the heat on damp day for racing at South Dakota

Stokes leads England past Pakistan to win T20 World Cup

The picture-perfect moment - England celebrates their triumph. ( Hamish Blair/REX/Shutterstock)

- Mark Vieira, Stefan Jeffery flawless on the day

Sports

Battle of the Vieiras! Matthew Vieira holding off his cousin, Stephen Vieira during their battle at the GMR&SC Race of Champions. (photos compliments: GT CALLOUTS)

Mark Vieira carrying his chequered after taking one of his two Group 4 wins during the GMR&SC Race of Champions.