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Friday Edition November 17, 2023 - Vol. 25 No. 46

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 56,679

...one dead, other critical

VP Jagdeo refuses to answer key questions not answered by oil minister DEAD: Zaleena Boyer

Girl, 12, dies after stung by scorpion

Berbice man charged with

Remanded: Neil Madramootoo

murder of fiancée

Mon Repos fisherman feared dead after boat sinks at sea

Feared Dead, Mahendra Jaipaul

Bus transporting ...served him Rupununi U-17 footballers with lawsuit crashes near Rockstone

Jagdeo finally found Su

Absence of a Petroleum Commission is a recipe for resource curse – Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram

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Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

PAGE 03

VP Jagdeo refuses to answer key questions not answered by oil minister A

number of key questions, relative to the management of Guyana's oil and gas sector are yet to be addressed by the political leaders elected by citizens of this nation to manage their resources.

On Thursday during his weekly press conference, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo was asked by Kaieteur News to firstly give government's position on the failure of U.S oil major, ExxonMobil to update the resources in the Stabroek Block after 19 months of exploration activity and a number of significant discoveries. In refusing to respond, Jagdeo asked, “What did the Minister say?

Did you ask him that question?”

He then instructed, “The next time Vickram Bharrat hosts a press conference ask him that one.”

He made it clear that he was not dealing with “routine matters” but those related to policy.

He was then asked by this publication to say what is in place to protect Guyana financially from an oil spill outside of the Stabroek Block during exploration activities. Jagdeo in response said: “you asked that question and I addressed that issue many, many times before when it was asked about whether a study was done to look at the overall impact on other countries, etcetera. I addressed that matter. I'm not senile, I know about it, so I'm not responding again there.”

While the Vice President

claims to have addressed the subject of oil spill impacts from other blocks, there is no such available information.

In fact, when the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat held his first press conference, after three years in office on Tuesday, he was asked to comment on this matter when he instead spoke of the existing insurance provisions for the Stabroek Block and the response mechanisms, such as a capping stack.

It must be noted that an oil spill poses significant threat to Guyana's economy.

This is particularly the case as the country has signed onto a lopsided deal with Exxon, resulting in meager profits being received. In fact, the dangers associated with an oil spill exist not only in the Stabroek Block, where oil production is already ongoing but in other active offshore blocks. For instance, the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) for a 12-well Exploration and Appraisal Drilling Campaign in the Canje Block has indicated that a spill can travel to 10 other countries.

ExxonMobil, the operator of the Canje block had submitted the study completed by its Consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM).

According to that document, Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , Venezuela, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica could be affected.

In the meantime, government is still to address who will be responsible for those costs.

Also outstanding are close to a dozen other matters that were raised with the subject minister who failed to respond to the technical issues. In fact, Minister Bharrat during his 'End of year press conference' did not invite a member of the Petroleum Unit to participate in the media engagement.

Joining the Minister at the head table were Commissioners of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Edward Goberdhan and Newell Dennison, respectively, as well as the Permanent Secretary of the M i n i s t r y, M r. J o s l y n McKenzie and Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab.

Arguably, one of the most crucial sectors- Petroleumdid not have a representative to respond to the technical questions that were raised by the media.

This raises serious questions regarding the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in the sector.

Unanswered questions During his engagement with the media on Tuesday at the GFC's Water Street, K i n g s t o n G e o rg e t o w n office, Kaieteur News asked the following questions, which were provided with incoherent responses, while some were not addressed at all:

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

1

With two audits for Exxon completed, what areas are seen as high risk for abuse? When will the first report be made public?

2

Has the ministry issued a Notice of Dispute to Exxon regarding the US$214 million?

3 To what extent was the ministry

involved in the preparations for the Whiptail Field Development Plan (FDP)?

4 Would you be willing to release

your advisor's reports such as those done by Bayphase on the FDP review?

5 What progress has Guyana

made to independently monitor the daily rate of production by Exxon? Can you say how soon those systems will be in place?

6

What mechanisms are in place to safeguard Guyana financially from a spill that occurs in the other blocks during exploration? Who will be responsible for those costs? Does Guyana have signed guarantees from the operator?

7

Can you please confirm the rate of return on Exxon's multibillion-dollar investments in the Stabroek Block?

8 Is the MNR prepared to release the reports submitted by Exxon to justify the extension approved for the company to keep the 20% of the Stabroek Block until next year?

9

When is the country likely to commen c e a uditing Exxon's expenses for the period 2020-2022 and is government considering an extended timeline to review the company's books?

UK, Guyana hold technical consultations on UN security matters

T

he Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Thursday engaged with representatives from the United Kingdom (UK) on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) matters.

The meeting is part of an initiative of a series of consultations with the five permanent members and 10 elected members of the UNSC, as Guyana prepares to

assume its non-permanent seat on the council.

Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud said the consultations are excellent opportunities for Guyana to learn of the various priority areas for security council members and explore areas for increased collaboration and further discussion.

“This type of dialogue allows us to have an understanding of what the views are and what are some of the issues that we would have to confront, and how we can come out with a more informed (Continued on page 24)

Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, British High Commissioner, Jane Miller and another official at the meeting

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

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

EDITORIAL ExxonMobil’s utter contempt for Guyana Guyana’s former Ambassador to South Africa, Dr. C. Kenrick Hunte has described what ExxonMobil has done with Liza I and 2 expenses as “utter contempt for Guyana.”

Our position is worth repeating: ExxonMobil is not a partner of Guyana; it is a slave master ruling over dominion subjects. Slave masters have more than “utter contempt” for the people over whom they stand, they dehumanize them and block them in every way that they can conceive.

Study some of the things that ExxonMobil charged Guyana for, as exposed by the Ramdihal & Haynes audit. It is more than shocking, it is a revelation of people who think and act along sordid lines, who are callous in their recklessness. ExxonMobil is dangerous to the full potential of the people of this oil-rich country.

For every dollar that should come to Guyanese, ExxonMobil schemes for a way to snatch 90 or more cents from it. The cost recovery audit revealed that, with anything and everything that could be billed to Guyana, being so. ExxonMobil not only did so due to its “utter contempt for Guyana”, but it also did so because it is confident that they could get away with such excesses. The thinking in the company’s Guyana office penthouses is that even if some strands of expenses were to be detected (and only some strands were), there was much more that went unexamined, and with more likely to be celebrated with ongoing and pending projects. With 75 percent of Guyana’s oil revenues up for grabs under the title of expenses, it is an open invitation to ExxonMobil to help itself because the territory for exploitation is so rich. A company as seasoned and tricky in the oil business as ExxonMobil could and would find any array of camouflages under which to present expenses that, in ordinary circumstances, would be greeted with a firm kick out the door. Guyana’s circumstances are not ordinary, but customized for a hundred years plus operator like ExxonMobil to gut this country in any way that enriches the company’s coffers.

Look at what Guyanese live with when they have a mouthwatering bonanza. Their political leadership is weak, compliant as putty - simply observe the PPP/C Government’s timid stewardship of this oil wealth. Their institutions have been castrated, and now serve as little more than pawns and rubberstamps for ExxonMobil - Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency is the biggest billboard displaying such placidness. Their leading oilman, Bharat Jagdeo, speaks a new tongue today - the language of investors and their visions, their concerns, their rights. Guyana’s professional class is on leave, and for the most part civil society is either afraid, or compromised, or indifferent.

This is the perfect situation for a powerful corporate predator such as ExxonMobil. It is why the company manifests such “utter contempt for Guyana” which means the Guyanese people, including the locals in high places who fawn over them, and roll on their bellies for them. When there are these types of locals lacking in backbone and self-respect, then ExxonMobil has the freedom to charge ahead as contemptuously as it could. As the audit revealed, ExxonMobil did so with some of the unbelievable items that it charged Guyana for, and to the tune of US$100 million. It is likely several more times this not insignificant amount, but that is a drawback of sampling which is a standard feature of audits. That is, for every game and dance move that ExxonMobil’s people enjoyed on Guyana’s oil dollar, there are possibly huge handfuls more that slipped through. This familiar saying has much application in the case of ExxonMobil, viz., where there is smoke, there is fire, which means more smoke. By any measurement, from its own audit output, ExxonMobil has used its greater muscle (unpresented documents) great accounting cunning (cumbersome systems), and great skillfulness with scope management (a wall of resistance) to diminish the audit. In aggregate, “utter contempt for Guyana” has become the norm. Dr. Hunte spoke of counting oil barrels, he should read ExxonMobil’s contempt for Guyana in that area, from its reaction to the auditor’s request for diagrams to confirm the company’s production numbers. It is beyond contempt; it is ExxonMobil slapping Guyana with its open hand.

Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

Do more to bolster road safety DEAR EDITOR Earlier this year and during the lockdown time of the dreaded COVID-19, loved ones were lost and man y w er e u n ab le to physically say goodbye.

Family members should have been provided with the hospital gowns, masks, gloves etc. to visit and say farewell? Decision makers throughout the world were so wrong.

Likewise, on our roads in Guyana, the increased number of vehicles on our overly-congested roads has given rise to more road crashes. Each day, many persons like myself fear leaving our homes to battle through the unruly traffic.

Drivers generally have no road sense and flout the

traffic laws. Some are speeding or drunk/drug driving. Pedestrians, especially our children run wild as schools no longer have road safety patrols.

This year, almost every day, innocent persons are killed or injured for life. 99% of the accidents are avoidable, and again we who are left behind are unable to say goodbye or afford the medical care.

Decision makers are so w r o n g .

When will road safety become a priority? Does anyone check the cost of losing our young people - our future, or the cost of treatment and care for the injured? Or the cost on families who can hardly afford to cremate or bury their loved ones? The cost to

our country is horrendous.

We can soon boast that we may become the richest Caribbean country, but unless our laws are enforced to stop these preventable deaths and injuries on our roads, we would have failed.

To those who supposedly care - our decision makers our lawmakers, let’s face reality. We have a pandemic on our hand.

O u r “ y o u n g ” inexperienced traffic ranks cannot cope.

The judicial system has so many victims going to court seeking justice month after month year after year to no avail, and it is a truly traumatic experience. One cannot blame victims of road traffic crashes to accept monies to conclude their

tragic court cases.

Motorcyclists no longer feel the need to wear helmets. This is against the law but few are stopped by the police. It is a known fact that we do not have the medical expertise to assist in head injuries, and the shortage of blood is another worrisome issue.

Worse yet, these so very guilty cyclists have their precious child/children as passengers with no protection. There is a lack of vigilance in reprimanding non-helmet users. Failure to address these and so many other road safety issues is a m o r a l and economic disaster.

Regards Denis Dias Mothers in Black

Shouldn’t we be ‘One Guyana’ anyway on any day and in every way?

DEAR EDITOR, T h e r e ’s a l o g o i n circulation showing the map of Guyana surrounded by its neighbouring countries and the Atlantic Ocean, with the expression ‘One Guyana’ written in the ocean and the words ‘Essequibo belongs to Guyana’ at the bottom of the logo which is set in a golden circle. Editor, I think the imagery is perfect – and so too is the timing of the presentation of this logo.

Like most people, I first heard of the expression ‘One Guyana’ when President Irfaan Ali launched his ‘One Guyana’ initiative. I immediately appreciated it. I saw it as the expression of exactly what our country needs at this juncture of our history – a reboot to galvanize us to grasp and become the true meaning of our national motto ‘One People One Nation One Destiny’ by encapsulating this aspiration in an easy two-syllable expression. I later realised that not all my countrymen and countrywomen viewed it that simply and straightforward.

It soon became apparent that traditional PNC supporters sceptically viewed the expression as a PPP thing – receiving its undoubtedly patriotic and unifying message with caution and requiring proof as to its sincerity. Such proof could only be established over time. I suspect that traditional PPP supporters also received ‘One Guyana’ with reservations based on some real scepticism as to

the practical workability of the initiative; a position that I think would have been similarly taken by the PNC faithful had former President Granger taken the initiative rather than his successor.

I recently uncovered an article published circa 2006

by Global Security.org entitled “Guyana – Political Parties – 2006”. This article opens by stating “Nomination Day went off with hardly a hitch 26 July 2006.

Eleven parties appeared at Georgetown’s City Hall to present their candidate lists...” The first of those parties was named as the P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic (PPP/C) with presidential candidate Bharrat Jagdeo. The second party on that list was named the One Guyana People’s National Congress Reform (OG/PNCR) with presidential candidate Robert Corbin.

The article went on to observe: “The ungainly OG/PNCR acronym made its first appearance on Nomination Day…The ‘One Guyana’ part of the platform includes the small National F r o n t A l l i a n c e P a r t y, unnamed unions, and u n n a m e d c i v i c organizations”. Editor, it is small wonder then, that traditional PNC supporters know not that the expression ‘One Guyana’ is in fact of PNC origin. I must assume that President Ali was fully aware of that fact – and adopted the expression not to revive OG/PNCR but because the expression

embodies exactly what is needed for Guyana today; oneness and patriotism as foreign faces from different places take an avid interest in getting a piece of the action happening in the oil-rich Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

In the face of Venezuela’s most recent aggressive statements supported currently by its military movements on the border, all of Guyana’s political parties have banded

together to reject Venezuela’s threats and present one united face to the international community upon whose support we depend, given the huge population and military disparity between the two countries. This is ‘One Guyana’ operating in practice out of bare necessity – but shouldn’t we be ‘One Guyana’ anyway on any day and in every way?

Yours truly Ronald Bostwick

Let us continue to pray for the Henry’s and other families who are still grieving the loss of loved ones and seeking justice DEAR EDITOR, Our nation and the communities of West Coast Berbice were thrown into a state of grief, after learning of the gruesome murders of young Joel Henry and Isaiah Henry in September 2020.

Their mutilated bodies were eventually discovered on September 7, 2020, in a clump of bushes.

Three years later, both families are experiencing further trauma with the sudden passing of the broken-hearted mothers of Joel and Isaiah. Isaiah’s mom, Patricia, died of a heart attack on October 18th, 2022 and now one year after her passing, Ms. Gale Henry, Joel’s mom, died of a ruptured blood vessel on November 10th, 2023.

Guyanese would recall the challenges experienced by these mothers and other family members in seeking

justice. Despite being assured by President Irfaan Ali that, in his own words, “no stone will be left unturned.” Their many appeals to him and the Guyana Police Force, for thorough investigations into the murders of their sons, were fruitless. Instead, sons from both families were later arrested and imprisoned, forcing both families into new levels of grief and stress.

Efforts by Lead Attorney, Mr. Nigel Hughes, and the Guyana Human Rights Association, to have a forensic expert from Argentina support local investigators were rebuffed.

Access to vital pieces of information was denied, bringing to an abrupt end any hope of a partnership with Argentina to solve the murders. Subsequently, (Continued on page 06)

Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

PAGE 05

Venezuela has never owned the Essequibo and never will DEAR EDITOR Venezuela has never owned the Essequibo and never will. Long before we became an independent country, the Essequibo region, that is all the land due west of the Essequibo River, within the boundaries of Guyana, was part of British Guiana.

Unfortunately, however, as Sir Shridath Ramphal, better known as Sonny to all of us, puts it in the book “The New Conquistadors, the Venezuelan Challenge to Guyana’s Sovereignty”, “there are classes and forces in Venezuela that have made the acquisition of most of Guyana their life’s cause, and sought to turn it into a national crusade”.

Venezuela is the 5th largest country of South America and Guyana is

among one of the smallest.

Venezuela is 4½ times the size of Guyana with a population of over 30½ million, Guyana is less than one million, but the Essequibo holds much of our wealth, including out to sea in our waters, oil and gas, so the Maduro government wants to grab it. Venezuela’s e c o n o m y, f i r s t u n d e r President Chavez and worse under Maduro, is on the verge of collapse and its people fleeing the country in order to survive, those who can, coming to Guyana as migrants. We must welcome them and ensure that they are duly processed as migrants.

Guyana’s borders with Venezuela were legally settled and internationally recognized between the United Kingdom and Venezuela over 100 years

ago. The Treaty of Washington, in 1897, agreed to a Treaty of Arbitration to settle for all time, the boundaries between Venezuela and British Guiana and to consider the results of the Tribunal of Arbitration as a Full, Perfect and Final Settlement of all the questions referred to the Arbitration.

Every Guyanese knows indeed, the world knows, that on October 3rd, 1899, the International Tribunal of Arbitration presented its Award. In fact, the Award was exceedingly generous to Ve n e z u e l a . I t g a v e Venezuela the Orinoco and control of the Orinoco Basin, which, at the time, was Ve n e z u e l a ’s p r i n c i p a l objective. What was left has b e c o m e , s i n c e Independence, the country

Hopeful of early PNC Congress DEAR EDITOR, Supporters of the O p p o s i t i o n P e o p l e ’s National Congress (PNC) are hopeful that their party will hold its bi-annual Congress sooner rather than the due date in December according to a survey conducted by this writer for NACTA. The party last held Congress in mid-December 2021. The Congress is constitutionally due by end of this year. But no date has been fixed for it with the party going into a general council session this weekend.

Although he might not bring it to the forefront, party supporters appear bent on forcing incumbent leader Aubrey Norton on holding of a Congress that is due in a month.

Norton is very unpopular among the PNC base and will go down to defeat in a leadership contest as well as against a popular President.

Overwhelming number of supporters of the PNC tell interviewers of NACTA’s ongoing tracking opinion poll that they would like for their party to hold a Congress at the earliest so that delegates can either

revalidate the current leadership and executive or choose a new leader and executive body to prepare the party for general elections due by August 2025. Opinion surveys conducted last October and August found widespread support for holding of a PNC Congress among Guyanese supporters of all political parties. The current November tracking survey and earlier opinion polls thru last June found Norton losing support among traditional PNC voters. If a general election were called now and he is the PNC Presidential candidate, he will go down to defeat to incumbent Irfaan Ali. It is a worrisome concern for supporters of the opposition.

The PNC, under Norton trails the PPP ‘Inder’ Irfaan in popular support. And whenever Congress is held, Norton will go down to a landslide defeat to Roysdale

Forde if there is no other challenger. He will also lose to Amanza Walton-Desir in a one-to-one contest.

The PPP will face a stupider contest against a new PNC or APNU leader.

Asked if the PNC should hold its Congress, 93% of traditional PNC supporters of 184 interviewed said it should be held when due or earlier. Voters, including supporters of other parties and independents, were also q u e r i e d o n N o r t o n ’s leadership and other issues.

Supporters of other parties are concerned about the weakness of the opposition.

The findings on other issues will be released in another report.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

of Guyana. Shortly after the Award, America’s President, Wi l l i a m M c K i n l e y, expressed his satisfaction in his State of the Union Address to the US Congress on December 5th, 1899, describing the Award as “equally satisfactory to both parties”.

History tells us that the boundaries determined by the Award were demarcated by a Commission appointed

by Britain and Venezuela and an official boundary map was signed on January 7th, 1905, by representatives of Venezuela and the United K i n g d o m . T h e Commissioner representing Venezuela, Civil Engineer, Dr. Abraham Tirado, and Head of the Boundary Commission, pronounced that “the honourable task is ended and the delimitation between our Republic and the Colony of British Guiana an accomplished fact”. In 1931, Venezuela, Brazil and British Guiana demarcated the trijunction boundary point on the summit of Mount Roraima, reaffirming the border between the three countries for all time.

For 60 years, successive Venezuelan governments honoured and respected Guyana’s borders with Venezuela but greed and avarice for the mineral wealth which lies within the Essequibo and now the oil and gas in the ocean within those boundaries, drives the ambition of the Maduro regime to take possession of two-thirds of our country.

Suddenly, in 1962 when Guyana’s Prime Minister, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, raised the m a t t e r o f G u y a n a ’s Independence before the United Nations, Venezuela demanded that the Arbitral

Award be revisited prior to any Independence being granted to Guyana.

Venezuela’s President, Romulo Betancourt, expressed concern to the US Ambassador in Caracas about Guyana becoming independent under a Communist government led

by Dr. Jagan. One year later, in 1963, US Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, prior to a meeting between President John Kennedy and UK Prime Minister, Macmillan, asked his Ambassador in the UK to explore how best to persuade the British government that British Guiana be prevented from becoming independent under a Communist government. All of this taking place behind closed doors.

T h e Ve n e z u e l a n government now challenged the legitimacy of the Arbitral Award, declaring to its people that Venezuela had been robbed and that the Essequibo region of Guyana must be reclaimed for Venezuela. Well, on what grounds? Believe it or not, a Memorandum written in 1944 by a junior American Lawyer, in the Arbitral Tribunal hearing, Severo Mallet-Prevost, published after his death in 1949, that is 45 years after the Tribunal was settled, contended that the 1899 Award was the result of a conspiracy to cheat the Venezuelans out of the land within the Essequibo region between Great Britain and Russia effected by the British and Russian Judges of the Tribunal, that is, none other than, the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, another Judge of the US Supreme Court nominated by the US

President and the Lord Chief Justice of England, presided over by an internationally recognised Professor of International Law from Russia. Not a shred of evidence supports this spurious and unfounded anancy story that the Venezuelans, to this day, are advancing in support of their claim to annex, take possession of Guyana’s territory in the Essequibo.

Today, of course, the US government, along with the British, the Commonwealth Commission, Canada, the CARICOM countries and the majority of the countries within the Organisation of American States, have firmly rejected the Venezuelan claim.

On the eve of Independence, Britain entered into an Agreement with Venezuela, the 1966 Geneva Agreement, joined later by an independent Guyana, to guarantee that Guyana’s borders would remain unchanged. The Agreement, identifying the “controversy” raised by Venezuela, stipulated the means to be followed to resolve the controversy which, if not settled by discussions between the two countries, be settled by law, the judicial process. A mixed Commission of Guyanese and Venezuelans, followed by a Moratorium of 12 years, followed by 27 years of a UN good offices process, all failed. So, Guyana, in 2014, as the Agreement provided, requested the United Nations Secretary General to choose another path for the settlement of the controversy. On January 30th, 2018, the Secretary General advised Guyana and (Continued on page 06)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Friday November 17, 2023

Guyana should seek military help as a deterrent DEAR EDITOR, As the war between Russia and Ukraine rumbles on and as the battle between Israel and HAMAS intensifies, it appears as though President Maduro of Venezuela is casting around the world for copycat antecedents that would serve as a one size fits all solution for his expansionist and occupationist ambitions irrespective of whether its accomplishment adheres to international law.

Venezuela is a deeply divided society and its political system is dysfunctional. Scenting what may turn out to be a huge loss at next year’s election due to popular displeasure already expressed by the electorate, Maduro is seeking to prop up his administration’s sagging popularity by creating another external enemy. In other words, to survive in power, and fear of an inglorious electoral outcome, the erstwhile Chavista has cast Guyana in the role of an external enemy, not dissimilar from how he views the USA. His weapon to accomplish this is the December 3rd referendum.

With Guyana like a bee in his bonnet, the Venezuelan ‘tough guy’ has

probably learnt from his comrades in governments in friendly countries that nothing brings together the domestic populace like an external enemy. In the eyes of a war-mongering military and ruling political elite, Guyana became the external enemy.

Like a ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ riding on the crest of anti-Guyana propaganda about the Zona de Reclamacion, Maduro’s now seeks through the use of its rubber-stamped referendum to make what Guyanese perceives to be an existential threat become a reality a mere three weeks from now.

As Attorney-at-Law, Paul Reichler, one of the legal representatives at the ICJ pointed out at the recent public hearings on Guyana’s application for provisional measures, “The threat is not a paper tiger.”

While the Venezuelan President continues to rant and rave that “Jamas!

Jamas!” Venezuela has never, and will never recognize the ICJ as an institution for the resolution of the controversy with Guyana” and to declare that “the sun of Venezuela is born in the Essequibo” he should know that whatever action or actions he takes, following

the YES vote at the referendum, it will be a bad copy of what he may have identified as best suited to accomplish his country’s spurious claim.

It is clear from the highly inflammable and reckless statements emanating from Venezuelan top guns, that Venezuela’s foreign and military policies at this point in time is to satisfy its longheld geopolitical interest by expanding its land mass and territorial sea at Guyana’s expense. Which of the two it chooses to first usurp is solely in Maduro’s head.

Any occupation of Guyana’s land or territorial sea through the use of force will result in the border controversy moving from a controversy to a conflict of unimaginable proportions.

The question is, is Venezuela pushing its ambitions so aggressively and proceeding with the referendum irrespective of the ICJ to force Guyana to the negotiating table and if so, to negotiate what?

If the Guyanese authorities are to forestall any preemptive military incursion by Venezuela into Guyana’s territorial land or sea, they have two options. First, is to secure CARICOM’s support for Guyana to propose a

resolution to the UN Security Council (UNSC) calling for UN-backed military assistance, though that would entail prolonged negotiations with the P5.

Second, would be, following consultations with CARICOM to go the bilateral route by requesting a friendly country to provide the assistance needed. In this

regard, only one of the P5 can be considered.

All things being equal, it is only the United States Guyana can turn to provide (Continued on page 23)

Venezuela has never owned the Essequibo...

From page 05 Venezuela that “having carefully analysed the developments in the good offices process during the course of 2017” and “significant progress not having been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy” he had “chosen the International Court of Justice as the means now to be used for its solution”. On March 29th, 2018, Guyana filed its application to the court.

The court has ruled that it can and will adjudicate on the merits of Guyana’s case in spite of Venezuela’s objection. Its determination on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the related question of the settlement of the land boundary. The Court’s judgement will be binding on both parties.

Refusing to abide by the court’s decision, Venezuela’s President, Maduro, has now announced a so-called Referendum proposing that Venezuela annex Essequibo by force, denounced by the Secretary General of the Organisation of American States. Luis Almagro, as “an irreputable violation of Guyana’s territorial rights”.

The Caribbean Community in a consistent stand with Guyana reaffirmed “that international law strictly prohibits the government of one State from unilaterally seizing, annexing or incorporating the territory of another state.

An affirmative vote as aforesaid opens the door to the possible violation of this fundamental tenet of international law.”

Let me conclude by

quoting again from Sir Shridath Ramphal.

“The Venezuelan claim of a massive chunk of Guyana’s territory is a calumny born of greed, nurtured by falsity and fable, and maintained by political demagoguery. It is a claim that is contemptuous of the rule of international law and scornful of the sanctity of treaties”.

Guyana’s appeal to the international community to protect our country, small and defenceless as we are against the military might of Venezuela, has been heard.

O n l y o n e c o u n t r y, Nicaragua, has supported the referendum.

The great majority have condemned it. Venezuela’s aggression against our country cannot, will not, succeed.

Sincerely Kit Nascimento

Let us continue to pray for the Henry’s...

From page 4 several persons, allegedly of unsound mind, were also brought before the courts for the murders of the Henry boys.

Editor, throughout this ordeal, no psychosocial support was provided to the Henry families by the government.

Thankfully, NGOs and concerned Guyanese provided this and other forms of support. It is difficult for any parent or sibling to endure the pain of murder of a loved one compounded by injustice.

Their cries and fight for justice will continue to linger in the hearts of Guyanese and I pray that Isaiah’s father, Mr. Gladstone

Henry, will draw strength from God and live to see justice for these boys.

I publicly express my profound condolences to the Henry families and pray that as you grieve, you draw strength from Psalm 34:18, “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Guyanese let us continue to pray for the Henry’s and other families who are still grieving the loss of loved ones and seeking justice.

Yours sincerely, Annette Ferguson Member of Parliament

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N T B .

U L . .

L T B .

N .

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B T LUNT. UNT...B BL Friday November 17, 2023

Kaieteur News

With 75 percent of Guyana's oil revenues up for grabs under the title of expenses, it is an open invitation to ExxonMobil to help itself because the territory for exploitation is so rich.

A company as seasoned and tricky in the oil business as ExxonMobil could and would find any array of camouflages under which to present expenses that, in ordinary circumstances, would be greeted with a firm kick out the door.

Guyana's circumstances are not ordinary, but customised for a hundred-year-plus operator like ExxonMobil to gut this country in any way that enriches the company's coffers.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8 10

Friday Monday November May 02,17, 2022 2023

Absence of a Petroleum Commission is a recipe for resource curse – Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram C

hartered Accountant, Christopher Ram believes the absence of a Petroleum Commission to ensure independent governance over the nation's multi-trillion dollar oil resources, is a grave misstep by the administration.

In his most recent column published by Stabroek News, Ram said, “It boggles the mind that we have a Forestry Commission; an independent Commission for gold, diamond and mining; a Broadcasting Authority; a Civil Aviation Authority; a Rice Development Board; a Livestock Development Authority and a To u r i s m A u t h o r i t y ; w h i l e petroleum, which dwarfs all the other economic subsectors combined, is firmly in the hands of politicians, who seem unfamiliar with the basics of the sector.”

In the absence of such a commission, Ram said stakeholders ought not to be surprised by the “demonstration of incompetence and recklessness” that was blatantly evident in the US$214M audit fiasco.

That debacle involved the audit of ExxonMobil's US$1.6B expenses by IHS Markit, a British Consultancy Group. Following its review of those costs, incurred from 1999 to 2017, the auditors flagged US$214M as disputed costs.

The Guyana Revenue Authority which serves as the government's advisor on these matters gave its no-objection to IHS's findings and recommended that the audit be closed with the said sum.

Despite GRA's advice, Senior Petroleum Coordinator, Gopnauth Bobby Gossai who is attached to the Petroleum Unit of the Natural Resources Ministry engaged Exxon in the unauthorized reduction of the disputed sums to US$3M. Following a probe that was ordered by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali to ascertain who was at fault, the ministry said Gossai was clearly out of line and would face “disciplinary action.” Gossai was subsequently fined 15 days' pay and given a warning.

Ram argued in his column that an independent Petroleum Commission could have prevented such incidents which underscore perceived weaknesses in ministerial leadership and political direction at the Natural Resources Ministry.

He noted too that the audit fiasco is a clear indication that stakeholders must also lower their expectations of the ministry as it pertains to ensuring good governance of the oil sector.

In a separate comment, Ram told this newspaper that the absence of a commission is a recipe for the resource curse, a term used to describe countries rich in natural resources, like oil, that often experience less economic growth and worse development outcomes than countries with fewer resources. This happens due to mismanagement, corruption, and a reliance on a single resource that can lead to economic instability.

Like Ram, several international

commentators have warned that the absence of a petroleum commission, an independent body that oversees resource management, can exacerbate the resource curse. Without proper governance and oversight, industry analysts have said that oil wealth may be poorly managed or become concentrated in the hands of a few, leading to corruption, inequality, and hindering broader economic development.

Prior to the 2020 General and Regional Elections, senior members of the People's Progressive Party had committed to ensuring that a petroleum commission would be established.

Specifically, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during his time as Opposition Leader, often roasted the former David Granger administration for failing to have a petroleum commission in place.

Jagdeo's commitment to establishing such a commission was also made several times after

Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram assuming office.

According to an August 14, 2020 report from the Department of Public Information (DPI), Jagdeo is quoted saying that the establishment of a Petroleum Commission would take place within eight months and would see more Guyanese having a prominent place in the Oil and Gas Sector and enjoying the benefits of (Continued on page 9)

Friday November 17, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Jagdeo finally found Su - served him with lawsuit

By Shervin Belgrave Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo has finally been able to locate his former friend and tenant, Zhi Rong Su - a Chinese businessman, who one year-ago implicated him (Jagdeo) in bribery and corruption.

Su had disclosed to VICE News reporters posing as Chinese investors that Jagdeo took “cash bribes” for multimillion dollar contracts and that he was his middle man. VICE News on July 7, 2022 premiered a documentary with its findings.

In the documentary, Jagdeo called Su “a good friend of ours” and his tenant during an interview with one of the VICE news reporters.

However, when the full documentary was aired and Jagdeo learnt of the corruption allegations against him, he threatened to sue that same “good friend” for $50M for defaming his character but reportedly could not find him to serve the lawsuit. One year and m o n t h s l a t e r, J a g d e o revealed that he has found Su. At his weekly pressconference on Thursday, Kaieteur News asked for an update on Su and he responded, “I-I yeah, yes it was filed and I think it should be heard very soon in court… I am hoping for an early (Court) date”. Pressed further to find out if he was finally able to locate the

Chinese businessman, Jagdeo said, “Yes he was served”. According to legal documents seen by this publication, Jagdeo through his attorneys, Manoj Narayan and C.V. Satram, outlined that the statements made by Mr. Su that were contained in the news broadcast clearly imputed criminal and unlawful conduct on the part of the Vice President.

The attorneys had described the statements m a d e b y M r. S u a s “defamatory and slanderous.” The lawsuit outlined that the said words were calculated to disparage Mr. Jagdeo personally and in the office he now holds.

According to the lawsuit, owing to the statements that were aired in the documentary, Jagdeo has suffered public condemnation, humiliation, r i d i c u l e , a n d embarrassment.

Additionally, the legal document noted the statements have caused serious injury to the Vice President’s reputation and his political standing locally and internationally.

In Vice News undercover investigation, the Chinese businessman was recorded saying that bribes would have to be paid to the Vice President for them to be guaranteed contracts in Guyana. He could be heard on the recording too telling the team that Jagdeo only accepts “cash.” The

documentary also showed that Su took the “fake Chinese investors to Jagdeo’s home to meet him.

The documentary was viewed by thousands of Guyanese in Guyana and the diaspora. Additionally, the extended YouTube edition of the report has attracted more than two million views to date.

Jagdeo’s defence is that he had repeatedly denied the allegations in the extended news report which was aired on the US television network Showtime and posted on YouTube. The allegations had triggered calls by a number of civil society groups and the Opposition for there to be a full independent investigation of the serious corruption allegations, which have all b e e n d e n i e d b y Vi c e President Jagdeo.

“Vice News came into my house to catch me doing something illegal and taking a bribe… and you couldn’t do that in my most unguarded moment…They have done this around the world with leaders they got taking bribes… they are never going to find anything of that nature with me,” Jagdeo had said.

Jagdeo had said too that he was not conducting official government business at his home but was rather meeting with an investor of Su. “Su did not get anything special here and it was not a government project, it was

Absence of a Petroleum Commission...

From page 8 the oil resources. Jagdeo had said, “The Petroleum Commission will be a technical commission because what you need is technical oversight with some of the best brains, and we hope that Guyanese would heavily be involved there with some foreign help until we train our people.”

The chief policymaker for the sector had also explained that the day-today functions of the petroleum industries will be carried out by the commission rather than having more input from the Ministerial or Presidential level.

“The Office of the President, or the Minister, will give more of a policy input as in they will be

required to clear policies or ensure that they remain faithful to the policy directions,” Dr. Jagdeo had clarified.

(See link for full r e p o r t : https://dpi.gov.gy/establis hment-of-petroleumcommission-to-see-morelocal-involvement-in-oiland-gas-sector/) Even President, Dr. Irfaan Ali had promised during his inauguration speech that a commission would be established and will “ensure that the oil and gas sector is not subjected to undue political interference”.

(See link for speech: https://www.guyanaembass y-kuwait.com/inaugurationaddress-of-h-e-president-drirfaan-ali/)

Three years since making those commitments, Guyana is yet to have a Petroleum Commission in place.

The government’s chief policymaker for the industry now argues that such a body does not mean corruption will be kept at bay.

Dr. Jagdeo also insists that the Natural Resources Ministry is already carrying out effectively, every function that would be done by a commission.

O n J a g d e o ’ s assessment of the performance of the Ministry, Ram said that anything else would be an admission of failure. In any case, Ram said he wonders what objective benchmark could have led to such a positive assessment.

his investor he wanted me to meet.”

Notably Su, the man Jagdeo had described in the documentary as a “friend” has amassed a significant portion of mineral-rich land u n d e r t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration. Su holds some 12,000 acres of precious stones and goldrich lands under his name.

This information is provided

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Chinese Businessman, Zhi Rong Su

in the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency

Initiative (GYEITI) documents.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10 S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

FridayMonday November May17, 02,2023 2022

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Take Dr. Jagdeo along to the next outing I have a little suggestion for Stabroek News. Please take along the good Dr. Bharat Jagdeo on the next visit to a village or other area in Guyana, when SN's conducts its next series of interviews about local costof-living, and its impacts on ordinary citizens. I am sure Dr. Jagdeo, not to be mistaken for any practitioner attached to the Ministry of Health, but the same one that sits as third in command of this country. First, second, or third, whoever else is counting, I am not. Rather, I am counting all those places and faces in SN's weekly wall of pain. It is a stain on the richest country and people in the world. Carry the man for a ride, and let the big boss man hear for himself about cost-of-living and get the strongest sense of the genuine and poignant

struggles of citizens.

Guyanese, and for his special delight, I include Venezuelans also. Since Dr. Jagdeo has developed a remarkable antenna in detecting whoever says what in this country, none like what displeases, he should have zero difficulty discerning the troubles of Guyanese constantly hurting from dealing with a punishing cost-of-living regime.

The recommendation is made because this worldfamous economist when asked about Guyana's costof-living travails, had the shortest of short and jarring answers: cost-of-living, what cost-of-living? To that I add these that were unsaid by Dr. Jagdeo: where in Guyana?

Who is impacted negatively?

How so, how can this be?

When is this happening? All

of that was embedded in the Vice President's quick and scornful dismissal of SN's cost-of-living series, as I gathered from a line here and there from his last press conference.

Truth be told, it is all I can stomach, and there aren't any GI issues, of which I know.

The SN cost-of-living series was at part 48, when El Supremo gave one resounding kick to SN's 48 weeks of painstaking effort, to what is probably among the few honest endeavours across Guyana's urban and rural spaces, and its remote areas too.

It is amazing that a man of the people, like Dr. Jagdeo could be so warm and endearing when the anxieties and priorities of foreign investors are involved or so energised when the issue is voting rights for

Venezuelans. Yet he can be so callous and cold when his own Guyanese people in the local landscape are falling behind, drag on their heels in trying to cope with spiraling cost-of-living demands. It has been a losing battle, a long and tiring one. I mean those are real people forced to deal with real prices (eggs, chicken, celery, bora, and much more) that are really racing away from them in Success and Chateau Margot), always tripping them up. In fairness to the Vice President, he could be absorbing the food inflation numbers recorded by the Bank of Guyana.

Whoever came up with those numbers either doesn't live here, doesn't buy local food items, or doesn't have the first idea of what they are calculating. Of course, the central bank's numbers could be driven by other considerations, besides baskets of goods and what they say. Whatever formula, the Bank of Guyana has been using for its food inflation calculations, it should be submitted to Stockholm for consideration in the next Nobel Prize for economics.

If there was one for politics, that might be a better fit.

Regardless of what Dr.

Jagdeo thinks about cost-of-living (or if it is his usual politics), here is a reality check that is a brutal gut check: many Guyanese can't buy food because they can't pay. For many of the basic items needed.

For what it takes to feed a family. For lack of sufficient funds, dollars to cover necessities [spending power]. Perhaps, Dr. Jagdeo should take a look at that United Nations report that notes Guyanese children 'wasting' away more from malnutrition than others in different places in the region.

Perhaps, the UN (like SN) also has hard feelings for the PPP by publishing what is exaggerated, or doesn't exist.

Then again, $25,000 one-off bonuses, and 8% goes very far in Jagdeo's impatient thinking in alleviating costof-living blues, and removing Guyanese living in a grey world to a shinier one.

Last, some book smart people speak of these developments in textbook tones, as though they have lost sight that it is flesh and blood people hurting around Guyana. Academics can wax mightily, smartly, and impressively about velocity of money and the multiplier

effect in the big national picture, with little pushback from this quarter. But the long and short of local costof-living is poor Guyanese do not have enough spending money in their hands. Not because they squander. But because they start with too little.

The concern is that the higher and the more insulated the ivory towers lived in by academics, men of politics, and other mystics, the more they lose touch with hardworking Guyanese not having enough money in hand, so they cannot buy enough. Enough as in what is needed for a decent existence.

This is not about textbook interpretations, applications, and extensions. It is about the violent battering that citizens endure from remorseless cost-of-living realities, even with bonus and 8 percent money counted.

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

Friday November 17, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

High Court to recommence execution sales more than two years after process was suspended The High Court is set to recommence conducting execution sales, some two years after the procedure was suspended to cater for amendments in its civil procedures rules.

During a recent broadcast of his programme 'Issues in the News,' Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC revealed that many litigants have been waiting on the High Court to resume execution sale.

Nandlall explained how the process works. He stated that an execution sale is an alternative method in which, “you obtain judgment in monetary form against a

party in a case and they fail to pay that judgment.”

The AG explained: “One of the things…an individual or entity can do is move to the court to levy on the property and it will be sold at execution sale. The proceeds of that sale will go to satisfy the judgment …For example, you take out a mortgage and you do not pay your installments when they are due. Then the bank has the right to foreclose on that property which means the bank has the right to take you to court and ask the court to sell your property in the execution sale for the sum of money owed. That sale is conducted by a marshal of

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC the High Court; it is a judicial exercise.”

As a result, the AG noted that the suspension of the

execution sale process has had a severe impact on many persons seeking justice through the local courts.

“For the longest while going on to two years, there has been no execution sales by the High Court because the judiciary felt that the current [2016] rules of court under which execution sales are conducted were deficient and needed some amendments,” Nandlall explained.

He continued, “As a result, the execution sale process was suspended but u n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h e amendments to the rules have taken an unusually long period. I am told that they have now been completed and will soon be promulgated. Once it is promulgated, I believe execution sales will recommence…”

He lamented, “Several persons have raised the issue with me. The bankers association has raised it with me. The private sector has

raised it with me and many private litigants who are affected have raised it with me.”

“I know the hiatus of not having execution sales has had an impact on both the creditors as well as on those in commercial sector in particular the banking sector.

I suspect that the banks have many, many cases where the properties have been foreclosed but they can't get their monies because the properties cannot be sold through the courts,” he added.

The Attorney General expressed optimism that the High Court has taken steps to rectify the rules which will make way for the process of execution sale to recommence.

“The drafting of the proposed rules of court have been completed and the amendments will come into force very shortly and execution sales will hopefully resume,” Nandlall added.

Auto industry saw $256 million in complaints for 2023 F o r t h e y e a r, t h e Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) has received a total of 109 complaints from the auto industry which translates to a whopping $256M. The body receives weekly complaints by citizens about issues encountered within the auto industry and as time goes by, the list is growing rapidly.

The CCAC has developed a Motor Vehicle Buying Guide to assist persons in their decisionmaking, when looking to purchase a vehicle. This guide can be accessed via the commission's website.

This was done to be proactive in providing useful information to persons based on an

analysis of value and number of complaints received in relation to that industry. The guide looks at a range of areas including measure or steps to take before purchasing a motor vehicle, supplier's compliance with the Consumer Affairs Act, development of a financial plan, and, “tips when purchasing a reconditioned vehicle, essential tips when purchasing a motor vehicle from a dealer outside of Guyana, vehicle warranty and a brief overview of the Hire Purchase Act.” The commission is encouraging consumers to seek redress through the agency for issues of perceived conflict with auto dealers. Complaints can be filed via the website ccac.gov.gy.

Friday November 17, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

UN Climate Report Warns of Inadequate Progress toward Paris Agreement Goals …Global Emissions Rising; Urgent Action Imperative at COP28 in Dubai A recent United Nations (UN) Climate Change report has highlighted that current national climate action plans fall short of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, jeopardising the Paris Agreement objectives.

Despite increased efforts by some nations, the report underscores the need for immediate, substantial action to redirect the trajectory of emissions and avert severe climate impacts.

“Today's report shows that governments combined are taking baby steps to avert the climate crisis. And it shows why governments must make bold strides forward at COP28 in Dubai, to get on track,” said the ExecutiveSecretary of UN Climate Change, Simon Stiell. He said too: “this means COP28 must be a clear turning point.

Governments must not only agree what stronger climate actions will be taken but also start showing exactly how to deliver them.”

Stiell stressed that the conclusion of the first global stocktake at COP28 is where nations can regain momentum to scale up their efforts across all areas and get on track with meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. The stocktake is intended to inform the next round of climate action plans under the Paris Agreement (known as nationally determined contributions, or 'NDCs') to be put forward by 2025, paving the way for accelerated action.

“The Global Stocktake report released by UN

Climate Change this year clearly shows where progress is too slow. But it also lays out the vast array of tools and solutions put forward by countries.

Billions of people expect to see their governments pick up this toolbox and put it to work,” Stiell said.

The latest science from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut 43% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels. This is critical to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe droughts, heatwaves and rainfall.

“Every fraction of a degree matters, but we are severely off track. COP28 is our time to change that,” Stiell said. “It's time to show the massive benefits now of bolder climate action: more jobs, higher wages, economic growth, opportunity and stability, less pollution and better health.”

UN Climate Change analyzed the NDCs of 195 Parties to the Paris Agreement, including 20 new or updated NDCs submitted up until 25 September 2023. In line with the findings from last year's analysis, today's report shows that while emissions are no longer increasing after 2030, compared to 2019 levels, they are still not demonstrating the rapid downward trend science

A plant grows in a patch of dried earth (Credit: andreas160578 | Pixabay)

says is necessary this decade.

If the latest available NDCs are implemented, current commitments will increase emissions by about 8.8%, compared to 2010 levels. This is a marginal improvement over last year's assessment, which found countries were on a path to increase emissions 10.6% by 2030, compared to 2010 levels.

By 2030, emissions are projected to be 2% below 2019 levels, highlighting that peaking of global emissions will occur within this decade.

In order to achieve peaking of emissions before 2030, the report says, “the conditional elements of the NDCs need to be implemented, which depends mostly on access to enhanced financial resources, technology transfer and technical cooperation, and capacitybuilding support; as well as the availability of marketbased mechanisms.”

“Using the Global Stocktake to plan ahead, we can make COP28 a gamechanger. And provide a springboard for a two-year climate action surge,” Stiell said. “We need to rebuild trust in the Paris process.

Which means delivering on all commitments, particularly on finance, the great enabler of climate action. And ensuring that we

are increasing resilience to climate impacts everywhere.”

“Today's synthesis report of national climate plans underscores the need for us to act with greater ambition and urgency to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – there is simply no time left for delays,” said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President Designate, adding, “COP28

must be a historic turning point in this critical decade for Parties to seize the moment of the Global Stocktake to commit to raise their ambition and to unite, act and deliver outcomes that keep 1.5C within reach, while leaving no one behind.”

“NDCs remain the cornerstone of our shared vision of achieving the Paris targets, including keeping the target of below 2 degrees and aspiring to limiting increase to below 1.5 degrees,” COP27 President and Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said.

He said too, “In Sharm El-Sheikh leaders discussed several initiatives to assist us to reach that goal, as well as assist the Global South in adapting their economies accordingly. We need to keep the momentum going as there is no time to waste or lose focus on the target.”

“It is essential while we (Continued on page 24)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Friday November 17, 2023

Five more families realise the dream of homeownership in Reg. 3 F

ive Onderneeming and Lust-en-Rust residents in Region Three received keys to their core homes on Tuesday, the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Under the umbrella of the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), the Core Home initiative is set to elevate the living conditions of vulnerable families.

The keys to the homes were handed over by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with some of the beneficiaries.

For Nicola Thompson, it was a joyous moment to finally turn the keys to her own home. “I am so overwhelmed and excited all together because I have waited so long, since 2018 for my home.

I went hopping from bank to bank to get a loan but I couldn't because my salary was so small,” the emotional mother expressed. After receiving loan approval from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), she was delighted to learn the next day that she was also qualified for a core home, thanks to a call from the ministry.

Thompson and her two children will be moving into the house which is located at Lot 2059, Onderneeming, as soon as possible. Enduko Glenmore and his wife will also be moving into

their new home.

“I would like to thank the Government of Guyana, the people from the IDB, and even the contractors for making me a homeowner…Before I was living in this little place here, and even sometimes I would sleep in my workshop,” Glenmore explained.

Another beneficiary, Desmond Cheong was ecstatic to finally have a place of excellent standard to dwell in.

“Thanks to the government and all the agencies that have

Tricia DaSilva and Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal Enduko Glenmore and his family

helped me to acquir e my new home. On two occasions I woke to my first house being flooded because I was living flat in a couple zinc sheets. So now I am

really grateful for this house,” Cheong said.

Cheong, whose wife died a few months ago, will now be moving into the home with his children.

Tricia DaSilva shared, “I am grateful to God, the government, the IDB and everyone else who made it possible for me to have my own home.”

DaSilva and her three children moved into their new home almost immediately.

Meanwhile, Condica Eastman

and her family will soon be moving from her grandparents' home and starting life in their new home.

“I'm really grateful for this home.

When I heard about applying for the core home, I was so happy, I went down to housing with all my paper works and I did everything and I waited and eventually got through.

Today I have a brand-new house for myself, kids and my husband,” the woman expressed.

Minister Croal while congratulating the beneficiaries stated, “This is what we [government] do, we bring upliftment to the lives of citizens and their families.

We want to provide a better

environment so that we can all prosper.

The core homes that are being handed over here today is the continuation from the adequate housing and urban accessibility programme.”

In addition to receiving the keys to their new homes, beneficiaries also received their Certificates of Inspection. Each core home features two bedrooms, kitchen, and washroom facilities.

The construction of the homes is supervised by engineers from CH&PA's Projects Department and staff of the Community Development Department to ensure they meet the specifications outlined by the IDB.

Sheriff Group explores partnership with Chinese architecture institute

Members of the Sheriff Group of Companies meeting with Chinese business officials

Sheriff Group of Companies is p r epar in g to embar k on a transformative partnership with ARCPLUS GROUP (INT'L) CO., LIMITED, and East China Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., LTD. This anticipated collaboration holds the potential to reshape the landscape of construction and development in Guyana starting with the soon to be announced “One Guyana HighRise”.In the forthcoming days, Sheriff Group of Companies will be formalising a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement with ARCPLUS GROUP (INT'L) CO., LIMITED, and its national company East China Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., LTD. This landmark agreement seeks to establish a comprehensive and dynamic partnership that will encompass a wide array of fullprocess construction consulting services. Tailored agreements will be crafted for the design and construction phases of various projects, including the muchanticipated One Guyana High Rise.

In a press release, Ameir Ahmad, Managing Director of Sheriff Group of Companies, conveyed his enthusiasm about the impending agreement, saying: “we are at the threshold of an exciting chapter and this agreement that we are about to embark on bears immense potential. It is what we hope will be a successful and lasting partnership. It also aligns well with our own development and investment agenda, and not to mention Guyana's trajectory as the world's fastest-growing economy.”

This partnership, the press release said follows a series of fruitful discussions held between representatives of the two companies in Shenzhen, China.

Sheriff Group of Companies was represented by Deputy CEO of Sheriff Security Inc., Divesh Ramjattan, Director of Projects Hayma Singh, and Director of Public Affairs and Community Engagement, Janelle Persaud.

“During our trip, we've dedicated our time to exploring architectural and construction firms in China, and we've

successfully identified a Chinese company that aligns perfectly with our vision for the One Guyana High Rise project. We're expected to return to China soon to formalise the agreement. Sheriff Guyana takes pride in contributing to Guyana's development and fostering the growing relationship between Guyana and China,” expressed Singh.

Meanwhile, Ramjattan believes that the agreement “signifies a new metamorphic attitude towards real estate development in Guyana, and marks the dawn of a transformative era in our nation's infrastructure.”

East China Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., LTD and its international company ARCPLUS GROUP (INT'L) CO., LIMITED, have distinguished themselves with their involvement in the design and construction of some of the world's tallest and most intricate structures. The formal signing of the framework agreement is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. The Sheriff team has been in China over the past week attending the China Construction Expo from November 7-9, 2023. They have engaged a variety of companies providing a

range of products and services in the construction industry.

“Our visit to China can truly be summed up as a successful one. Not only were we able to engage nearly 30 suppliers of goods and services useful to our work in Guyana, but it has resulted in a partnership that can solidify the vision of our group to change the infrastructural landscape of Guyana.” The China Construction Expo - Shenzhen is positioned as the preferred platform for centralized procurement for materials associated with major construction and infrastructure projects.

Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

PAGE 15

Berbice man charged with murder of fiancée N

ew Amsterdam, Berbice resident, Neil Madramootoo was on Thursday morning remanded to prison after he was charged with the murder of his fiancée, Ashmin Mahadeo.

Tw e n t y - n i n e - y e a r - o l d Madramootoo, an engineer, made his court appearance at the New Amsterdam Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Peter Hugh where the charge was read to him.

Madramootoo was represented by Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes.

He was not required to plead to the charge and was remanded to prison until November 22, 2023.

Late last month, Madramootoo was charged with attempted murder committed on Mahadeo late last month. It was reported that he had shot her to the neck.

He had appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate's Court and

Remanded: Neil Madramootoo

Dead: Ashmin Mahadeo was released on $500,000 bail.

However, the murder charge was read to the accused after his fiancée succumbed to her injuries

earlier this week.

This publication had reported that Mahadeo was shot on October 1, 2023 at around 07:40hrs at her

Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice residence.

Her fiancé told the police that he and Mahadeo shared a common-

law relationship for the past seven years.

He said that Mahadeo had an appointment to have her nails done and he went to her residence.

Madramootoo further disclosed that while packing up their vehicle, Mahadeo was heading back inside the house, some 40 feet away, when he heard a loud explosion. Upon looking around, he observed the woman lying in front of the gate.

The man said he immediately raised an alarm and he claimed that Mahadeo was picked-up and taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where she was seen and medically examined by a doctor.

She was later transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where she was admitted in a critical condition. Relatives confirmed with this publication that last Monday night, Mahadeo passed away while receiving treatment.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

Friday November 17, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Friday November 17, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Scenes from the exhibition's opening.

GuyExpo returns after 7-year hiatus with 250 exhibitors After a seven-year absence, Guyana's premier trade fair- GuyExpo has returned to the scene just in time for the holidays to give patrons a heads up of the businesses they were unaware of and can capitalise on.

The expo was officially opened on Thursday following the opening ceremony at the Sophia Exhibition Centre. It will be held for three days under the

t h e m e ' Tr a n s f o r m i n g Guyana through investment, innovation and resilience.'

The expo will see a number of businesses in Guyana as well as other entities display their goods and services.

At the opening c e r e m o n y, t h e r e w e r e cultural presentation in the form of dance, song and drumming. Government officials occupied the front row and got a first-hand view of the proceedings. Minister

of Tourism Industry and Commerce Oneidge Waldron in her remarks said that “As your government, we are delighted to return this prestigious exposition to your national calendar and to its original location. We have a young cabinet so I know many of us grew up hanging out at GuyExpo, this was the place to be seen at.”

She went on to say that there are currently approximately 250

The destroyed home

exhibitors at this year's expo, representing a diversity of sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, some foreign services, academia, service providers and government. They range from the largest companies to micro enterprises.

Prime Minister and Acting President Brigadier Retired Mark Phillips in his remarks said t h a t “ Tr a d i t i o n a l l y, GuyExpo has enabled businesses to create networks and increase their clientele. This has been the consistent feedback we have received.” He noted that this

is the reason why there has been a high demand for booths this year at the exposition. Exposure gained is a game changer, opening opportunities for all those who participate to exhibit.

Admission to the site is $500 for adults and $300 for

c hildren. Patrons can feast on delicacies readily available at the two food courts while they traverse the grounds and learn about the numerous exhibitors present at this year's expo.

Mon Repos fisherman feared dead after boat sinks at sea Fire destroys Mocha house On Tuesday afternoon, fire of unknown origin destroyed a house at Lot 76 Sixth Field, Plantation, Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD) owned by Glen Valentine.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), it received a call on Tuesday around 13:32hrs and was informed of the fire.

Firefighters from the Eccles and West Ruimveldt Fire Stations responded.

The structure which was

ablaze when the firemen arrived was a two-storey wooden and concrete house.

Although the firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the inferno, the building and valuables within the structure were destroyed.

The fire left Melissa Charles and Valentine homeless and according to the GFS, the origin of the fire is still unknown; it is currently being investigated by the Fire Prevention

Department.

The GFS is asking the citizenry to follow several “simple domestic measures” when they are away from their homes.

The GFS said the public should ensure all electrical appliances, which are not in use, are unplugged, that gas or electric stoves are turned off and all combustible materials are in a wellventilated storage area, away from potential sources of ignition.

A Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara fisherman is feared dead after a fishing boat he was working on sank at sea on Sunday.

Feared dead is Mahendra Jaipaul aka 'Jai' and 'Bonehead,' age 56. His sister, Bissoondai Pam Motyne, in a Facebook post said that her brother's co-workers alleged that the fishing boat sank around 03:00hrs in Suriname waters on Sunday.

Crew members held onto floating debris to survive but Jaipaul went under and failed to resurface.

Another boat rescued the other crew members around 08:00hrs on Sunday and took them to Suriname.

They were later transported to Springlands, Berbice, Region Six where a report was lodged. A search is currently ongoing for Jaipaul.

Feared Dead, Mahendra Jaipaul

Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

PAGE 19

Israel’s opposition leader calls on Netanyahu to resign over Hamas attack - Yair Lapid says the country has lost confidence in Netanyahu’s leadership after the security failure on October 7.

(AL JAZEERA)-Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down “immediately”, amid Israel’s indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza in response to Hamas’s October 7 attack.

Lapid called for a noconfidence vote in parliament that would allow for the formation of a new government led by another prime minister.

“Netanyahu should leave immediately … We need change, Netanyahu cannot remain prime m i n i s t e r, ” L a p i d s a i d o n Wednesday in an interview with an Israeli news channel. Lapid

accuses Netanyahu and the security apparatus under his leadership of an “unpardonable failure” for not preventing the October 7 attack. “We cannot allow ourselves to carry out a long campaign under a prime minister who has lost the people’s trust,” he said.

Four days after Hamas’s surprise October 7 attack on Israel, Netanyahu and another opposition leader, Benny Gantz, announced an agreement to form an “emergency government” for the duration of the war, but Lapid refused to join.

This is the first time Lapid has called for Netanyahu to step

down saying that the situation does not warrant early elections, rather the parties should opt for a national reconstruction with another prime minister from Netanyahu’s Likud party.

In a statement posted to Telegram, Likud immediately rebuffed the call, saying such a proposal in a “time of war” was “shameful”.

More than 11,500 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began bombarding the besieged enclave on October 7 after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 200 captive.

Yair Lapid has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down ‘immediately’ [Abir Sultan/Reuters] The UN Security Council passed a resolution on Wednesday calling for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip” to allow for aid delivery and medical

evacuations, “corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days” to safeguard civilians, particularly children, and asked for the unconditional release of captives held in Gaza.

Top EU diplomat says he Gazans facing “immediate possibility understands Israel’s anger of starvation” as food production after Hamas attacks, but urges collapses, UN organization says “not to be consumed by rage” European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, center, walks past debris during his visit to the Be’eri kibbutz near the border with Gaza, on November 16. Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images

(CNN) The European Union’s top diplomat Josep Borrell has urged Israel “not to be consumed by rage” as the country continues to reel from Hamas’ October 7 attacks.

Borrell spoke to the media alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen after touring Israel’s Be’eri kibbutz on Thursday. Borrell said he was there “to express the European Union’s solidarity with the Israeli people” and call for the “immediate” release of the hostages in Gaza.

“Nothing justifies what the terrorists from Hamas did here and in other places on the 7th of October. Nothing justifies abducting women, children, elderly people from their homes and taking them

hostages,” he said.

“I understand your rage. But let me ask you not to be consumed by rage,” Borrell said, describing this as the advice that the “best friend of Israel” would give.

“What makes the difference between a civilized society and a terrorist group is the respect for human life,” the EU official added. He said that although the EU recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself, any response must be in accordance with international humanitarian law.

“Not far from here is Gaza. And one horror doesn’t justify another.

Innocent civilians including thousands of children have died in the past weeks,” Borrell added. “One thing is to take

care of Israel and another thing is to take care of the people in need,” he continued, stressing this is why the EU is continuing to call for an “unhindered, rapid and safe humanitarian access” to Gaza.

Some context: Israel launched its military campaign with the stated aim of destroying Hamas and to save the more than 240 hostages taken during the militant group’s brutal October 7 attack, which killed over 1,200 people. At least 11,470 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah said Thursday, citing medical sources in the Hamas-controlled enclave.

(CNN) People in Gaza are facing an “immediate possibility of starvation” as fuel shortages cripple food production and distribution in the enclave, a United Nations organization that provides food assistance warned.

“Supplies of food and water are practically nonexistent in Gaza and only a fraction of what is needed is arriving through the borders,” UN World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain said in a statement Thursday.

According to the W F P, o n l y 1 0 % o f necessary food supplies has entered Gaza since the start of the war with fuel shortages severely impacting bread production as well as the distribution of essential humanitarian aid with aid trucks unable to reach their destination.

The WFP said it has provided emergency food aid to more than 700,000 displaced Gazans and is

planning to reach more than one million people in the next few weeks, but stressed these needs cannot be met with only the Rafah border crossing with Egypt open.

“The only hope is opening another, safe passage for humanitarian access to bring life-saving food into Gaza,” said McCain.

Meanwhile, a “total communication blackout” is underway in Gaza due to fuel shortages, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said T h u r s d a y. L a z z a r i n i interrupted a live news conference in Geneva to explain: “no fuel, no hospitals, no fuel, no water, n o f u e l , n o communications.”

The official, who did not specify where he got the news from, said the conditions were “amplifying the anxiety and the panic and also

accelerating the last remaining civilian order in the Gaza strip.”

UNRWA noted in a post o n X t h a t t h e communications blackout in the enclave means UN agencies won’t be able to coordinate aid convoys to the enclave, including a planned aid operation at the Rafah Crossing Friday.

More background: Internet monitoring firm, Netblocks, also reported earlier that “Gaza is now in the midst of a major internet outage as generator fuel supplies and backups finally run out; telecom services including landline, cellular and Wi-Fi are likely to be unavailable to most residents at the present time.”

Earlier on Thursday, the primary telecom provider in Gaza, Paltel, said that “all telecom services in Gaza Strip have gone out of service as all energy resources sustaining the network have been depleted, and fuel was not allowed in.”

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

Friday November 17, 2023

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Kaieteur News

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Friday November 17, 2023

Remittances to Latin America, Caribbean reach record US$155 billion in 2023 Remittances received by Latin American and Caribbean countries are projected to reach a record US$155 billion in 2023 if the trends observed to date continue, according to a new report by the Inter-American Development Bank.

This is an increase of 9.5% compared to the $142 billion received in 2022, completing fifteen consecutive years of growth. The sustained growth of remittances reflects new intraregional migratory flows and the contribution that migrants make

to their countries of origin. Despite a moderate increase between 2017 and 2019 and the extraordinary growth in 2021 (26.7%) during the COVID-19 pandemic, remittances to Latin American and Caribbean countries have shown sustained growth of around 10% annually for the past 10 years.

This increase in 2023 is mainly explained by the growth in remittances received by Central American countries (13.2%), the growth in remittances received by Mexico (9.8%), and the growth in remittances that South America

received (7.9%). In the case of the Caribbean countries, growth in 2023 is more moderate (2.6%).

This new report by the InterAmerican Development Bank also offers a detailed analysis of the origins and destination of remittances to the countries of the region based on data published by the Central Banks. The amount estimated for the year reflects the increase in the income of migrants, who improved their employment rates, as well as the progress of the migration process in previous periods, which allowed an increase

in the flows of remittances received by families in the countries of origin.

The South American region showed significant growth in remittances received during the first half of 2023, reaching a growth rate of 7.9% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Projecting this growth trend forward to the end of the year, the South American region will receive 29.5 billion dollars in 2023 (Figure 4).

During the first half of 2023, the remittances flow that grew the most

in the South American4 region c o r r e s p o n d e d t o A rg e n t i n a (26.3%), as a response to the strong devaluation faced by that country's currency. Such devaluations increase the value of dollardenominated remittances leading migrants to send more resources to support their families.

At the same time, the remittances that Paraguay received grew by 20.3% in response to those same changes in the Argentine economy, as Paraguayan emigrants in Argentina sent more remittances (Continued on page 24)

Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

PAGE 23

Cops struck down at roadblock - one dead, other critical

A

female police officer died on Thursday night while her colleague was critically i n j u r e d a fter an errant driver drove through a roadblock in front of the Beterverwagting Police Station on the East Coast of Demerara.

Dead is Constable Abel who died at the scene; the woman lost her left leg in the ac c i d e n t .

Another police office, Inspector Castello, was also struck down by the errant motorist.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a critical condition. According to reports, shortly before 23:00hrs on Thursday, the two officers were performing traffic duties in front of the police station when they were struck down by the car whose driver drove through

The scene of the accident outside the Beterverwagting Police Station. the red traffic light.

After running over the police officers, the car collided with two other vehicles which the police had pulled over.

Reports are that the errant driver was drunk;

he was promptly detained by the police.

The accident resulted in a traffic build-up and the police were forced to re-route traffic through the Railway Embankment Road as the police assessed the scene.

Guyana should seek military help...

From page 06 the military assistance and political support needed. And Guyana should insist that the support is prompt and visible otherwise Venezuela will conclude that in this hemisphere America’s bark is worse that it’s bite.

The arrival of an aircraft carrier along with an acceptable size of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group stationed at the northwest district would prove a powerful deterrent to any military actions contemplated by Venezuelan on land or at sea.

Were President Biden to respond positively and energetically to Guyana’s request as he did with Israel, at the domestic political level, his response is unlikely to impact negatively on his bid to be re-elected since Venezuela is not a popular cause in American politics.

How the governments in South, Central American capitals and Caricom member states would respond to such a request to the US by Guyana knowing the history of US intervention in Latin and Central America, is hard to say especially at a time when America is deeply involved in the Israeli-Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine wars.

What we can be sure about is that given the correlation of forces and geo-political considerations of the majority of Latin, Central American and Caribbean governments at this point in time, a UNSC resolution approving the desired action would be the preferred option. At the foreign policy and military cooperation levels, it is doubtful that in recognizing the unjust claim

by Venezuela and the disproportionate situation facing Guyana militarily, it is unlikely that hemispheric governments would staunchly oppose Guyana’s request for US military assistance thus putting to rest any noises about jeopardizing the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.

In the circumstance whereby a green light

is given for US military assistance to Guyana in any shape or form timing should be carefully knowing that the bellicose, reckless and untethered statements emanating from Caracas can, at any time, trigger one or more preemptive actions by Venezuelan. How long after the result of the referendum is announced and arrangements put in place for implementing the five Yeses will be key to triggering a response contemplated by Guyana for overseas assistance in defense of its territorial integrity. Already a call has been made to terminate diplomatic relations with Venezuela.

A factor that should not be overlooked is that the Venezuelan military-intelligence establishment in coordination with powerful financial interests seem to be calling the shots. Moreover, it is quite obvious that there are strategic, geopolitical and economic objectives behind Venezuela’s expansionist designs.

In this connection, care must be taken and due consideration given to the treatment meted out to Venezuelan nationals who have sought refuge in Guyana to improve their economic well-being. Inciting cross-border reciprocal xenophobia could prove to be detrimental and must be avoided at all cost on the part of Guyana.

The internal repercussions within Venezuela concerning military aggression against Guyana in fulfillment of the YES vote could prove fateful to Maduro electorally. There is a considerable body of political opponents in Venezuela who want to see the back of Maduro; they have voiced their dissenting opinions and expressed their disappointment with his handling of the controversy and are opposed to any military adventurism which they have recognized as a diversion from the internal economic crisis and to help boost Maduro’s sagging popularity.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

Reversing truck crushes man to death at Madewini

A

63-yearold man was on Thursday night crushed to death by a truck along the Farm Track Access Road, Madewini, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The dead man was identified as Arnold De Santos.

According to police, the accident occurred around 18:30 hrs. Police said the driver of the truck, bearing registration GAD 8213, reversed the vehicle south along the roadway at a fast rate and in the process, knocked down De Santos.

His head was crushed by one of truck’s rear wheels.

H e w a s o f f i c i a l l y pronounced dead at t h e D i a m o n d Diagnostic Center.

Police have since taken the driver of the truck, Rameshwar Persaud, 27, into custody.

Investigations are ongoing

The truck involved in the accident

De Santos body at the scene

PAGE 24

Friday November 17, 2023

Kaieteur News

Bus transporting Rupununi U-17 footballers crashes near Rockstone

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Several members of an under-17 football team from the Rupununi were taken to the Linden Hospital earlier on Thursday after the bus they were in crashed as a result of a tire blowout near Rockstone in Region 10.

The bus was heading to the city from Lethem and was transporting players from the Rupununi Academy Training Centre. According to coach of the team, Dexter Bentick, the accident occurred shortly after midday. He told this publication that the accident occurred some 20 minutes before Rockstone.

He said after the tire blew out, the bus careened into the bushes and toppled. “The driver tried to control the bus after the blowout but we ended up in some bushes and then the bus topple,” Bentick said. Bentick said the players did not sustain any life-threatening injuries, however one of the players sustained abra-

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From page 11 pursue our undertaking to continue seeking climate Justice and assist the Global South, who contribute the least in emissions yet bear the brunt of the most vicious effects of climate change, to not only survive but also transition into more sustainable economy through just transition pathways,” Shoukry said.

Long-term low-emission development strategies A second UN Climate Change report on long-term low-emission development strategies, also released on Thursday looked at countries’ plans to transition to net-zero emissions by or around midcentury.

The report indicated that these countries’ greenhouse gas emissions could be roughly 63% percent lower in 2050 than in 2019, if all the long-term strategies are fully

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ball Association are in contact with the parents and guardians of the players.

Several concerned parents told this publication that the GFF had gifted the RFA the bus. They however said the bus needed to be serviced before the trip to the city. “The bus went out to town and

came back and it wasn’t serviced,” a parent noted. The players are expected to match skills against several other teams as part of the 2023 Namilco Football tournament.

They are expected to play against the Bartica Academy on Saturday at the Georgetown Football Club.

implemented on time.

Current long-term strategies (representing 75 Parties to the Paris Agreement) account for 87% of the world’s GDP, 68% of global population in 2019, and around 77% of global greenhouse gas

emissions in 2019.

This is a strong signal that the world is starting to aim for net-zero emissions.

The report notes, however, that many net-zero targets remain uncertain and postpone into the fu-

ture critical action that needs to take place now.

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December this year.

Remittances to Latin America, Caribbean...

From page 22 as a way to protect their income from the strong devaluation.

Brazil showed negative growth rates (-8.7%) due to comparison of this year’s growth with the unusual growth observed in 2022 (22.5%).

Unlike the other subregions, in South America in aggregate, less than half of the remittances received come from the United States (35.7%).

On the other hand, 36.2%

of the remittances received originate in Europe, of which 19.7% come from Spain.

Around 19.5% come from intraregional sources within South America such as Argenti n a ( 8 . 4 % ) , C h i l e (7.6%) and Brazil (3.5%).

For several individual South American countries, the United States represents the main source of remittances, as in Ecuador (67.8%), Guyana (69.1%), Peru (56.5%), Colombia (53.4%), and Uruguay (39.5%). In the latter case, a

similar share of remittances is received from Spain (32.9%).

For Paraguay, the main source of remittances is Spain (58.6%), while Bolivia has other countries in the same region as the primary source of the remittances they receive (26.2%), mainly Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador. In 2023, the South American region was the recipient of 18.9% of the remittances that arrived in LAC, a slightly lower share (0.3%) than that observed in the previous year.

UK, Guyana hold technical consultations...

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According to a statement from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), the organisation sent a support team to transport the players to the Linden Hospital. The GFF and the Rupununi Foot-

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From page 3 approach in dealing with them,” he said.

Guyana has already held technical consultations with two permanent members of the UNSC: China and the United States, and consultations will soon be held with France.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) during Thursday’s session, British High Commissioner, Jane Miller said the UK aims to support Guyana in assuming its seat on the council, and this session seeks to ensure that critical areas are explored for a well-rounded

perspective.

“It’s a mixture between some of the processes, how the UN Security Council works, and how different people work together, and also on content such as food security, which we all know is one of Guyana’s big priorities.

It’s also a discussion on Guyana’s priorities, and what they will be discussing on the UN Security Council, and how we can work with them,” she explained. In June of this year, Guyana for the third time was elected as a nonpermanent member of the UNSC for the period January 2024 to December 2025.

In keeping with the theme:

“Partnering for Peace and Prosperity,” Guyana’s tenure will see a focus on five key areas including peace building and conflict prevention, women, peace and security, protection of children in armed conflict, and youth, peace, and security.

The government has maintained that this position will be assumed with utmost seriousness and dedication for the maintenance of international peace and security. Guyana’s election to the council for the third time speak volumes about the confidence the international community has placed in the country’s capabilities.

Friday November 17, 2023

Kaieteur News

Girl, 12, dies VP of South after stung Korean Exim by scorpion Bank on visit to Guyana T

w e l v e - y e a r- o l d Zaleena Boyer d i e d o n Wednesday afternoon at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital after she was stung by a scorpion.

According to reports, on Tuesday morning, Boyer was preparing to head to school at the remote community of Wauna in the Mabaruma subregion when she was stung by the insect which was in her shoe.

Her grandmother, Evelyn Willis told this publication that as Boyer was preparing to leave home for school, she placed her feet in her shoes when she was stung by the insect. The teary-eyed woman said the girl was the only child of her son. She said the child's uncle, who was home at the time, asked her if she was still going to school although she was stung by the insect. “She tell the uncle that she still going and he took her on the bicycle to the bus shed,” Willis said.

The family lives close to an hour from the bus shed, Willis said, and she noted that several minutes after dropping her off, her uncle received a call and was told that Boyer was unwell. “She tell the people that she feel weak,” Willis related. She said she called the community health worker and informed her of the situation. “She left the health centre and went to check my granddaughter and she also called for an

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, met with the Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of Korea, Dr. Jong-Kyu Park on Thursday at the Office of the Prime Minister on Camp Street.

During the visit, Prime Minister Phillips and Dr. Park, who is also the head of the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), the coordination group for the bank, discussed prospects for cooperation with the financial institution. Dr. Park was accompanied by the senior loan officer at EDCF, Mr. Dong Hyuk Lee. The EDCF was established on June 1, 1987, by the Government Prime Minister, Mark Phillips and Vice President of the of Korea to promote economic cooperation between Korea Export-Import Bank of the Republic of Korea, Dr Jong-Kyu and developing countries.

DEAD: Zaleena Boyer ambulance,” Willis said.

Boyer was then taken to the health centre in the area and an ambulance from the Mabaruma Hospital later went to her aid. “The ambulance took long to come f o r h e r, ” Wi l l i s s a i d .

Residents complained that the child was not given the medical attention that was required at the hospital, given her condition. Relatives are calling on the authorities to investigate the child's death.

Design & supervision service of new secondary school at Vreed-en-Hoop to cost $64M

W

i t h a n estimated cost of $1 billion to build a new secondary school at Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three, one of five consultancy firms is bidding some $64 million to provide design and supervision services for the construction of the new edifice.

This was disclosed on Thursday when bids for the Ministry of Education contract were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). The ministry was seeking design, construction cost and supervision services for the construction of the school. A total of five firms have signalled their interest to

PAGE 25

provide the services.

On Thursday, it was revealed, that Kalitech Inc. bid $22,060,000 for the contract, CB& Associates Inc. bid $64,011,000, Origin Investments bid as low as $16,050,000 for the contract, Sizwe Jackson Consultancy Service bid $33,910,000, while GR Engineering Company bid $19,900,000.

With contractors yet to be selected, it was reported that the construction of the school will be done in six lots. Some of the works include the execution of the superstructure works for the school buildings, electrical works, sanitation and plumbing works just to name a few.

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Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

Friday November 17, 2023

GRFU to host National 7’s tourney - team to be selected on Tuesday this Saturday for GRW7’s C/ship in Grenada The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) is set to host its final prepping event on November 18th at the National Park. Prior to Tuesday’s team selection, the mini Sevens (7’s) tournament caters for players desirous of selection. This is a crucial step leading to the upcoming Grenada Rugby World 7s championship happening later this month.

Ryan Dey, the GRFU President, emphasized the tournament’s importance, marking it as the last opportunity for players to showcase themselves after four months of rigorous training. Dey men-

tioned, “The all-important tournament on Saturday begins at 14:00hrs at the National Park, with the final squad for Grenada to be announced on Tuesday.”

The Rugby Jaguars, once known as the Green Machine, are gearing up for the Grenada International 7’s tournament scheduled from November 30th to December 2nd at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St George’s.

However, on Saturday, aspiring players aiming for a spot on the national rugby team bound for the Grenada World 7s will demonstrate their skills and fitness to se-

cure a place in the final squad.

Among the local talents in contention are Godfrey Broomes, Jamal Angus, Lionel Holder, Owen ‘Subs’ Adonis, Michael Barrow, Shawn ‘Juggernaut’ David, Renaldo Niles, Jonathan Garnett, D’Arcy Durant, and others. Former Sevens captain Claudius Butts will serve as the head coach for the trip.

Meanwhile, the Grenada World Sevens tournament draws players from the World Sevens Series, promising high-caliber competition for our young and developing squad. This exposure is expected to significantly en-

Friday November 17, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your brain is supercharged, Aries. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing a particularly tricky problem, this would be the perfect day to get started.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Libra. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside.

You are now beginning a more contemplative phase.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Taurus. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you're unstoppable!

You're a very hard worker by nature, and with the current planetary alignment you'll be able to accomplish even more than usual.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a good day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Scorpio. Do something inspirational that instills a sense of wonder deep in your soul. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A new phase in your life is beginning, Sagittarius. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Discard those items from the past for which you really no longer have use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Capricorn. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days.

Loved ones suddenly want to spend more time with you, and you'll want to invite friends over every night! By all means, do.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Aquarius. Now it is time for you to show everyone else by actually putting it to use in your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Feeling unusually adventurous, Virgo? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and the planetary configurations today .

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Kaieteur News

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit certain acts of self-affirmation that are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.

hance their skills and teamwork as they strive to regain their standing in Sevens Rugby. Moreover, the Grenada Rugby Union (GRU) has raised the stakes for this year’s championship, increasing the total prize money to an impressive US$20,000 in cash.

Gonsalves All-Stars win Courtney...

From page 31 who would have contributed in various ways to make the event a success.

Speaking also at the presentation was ex-Essequibo senior Inter-County skipper Elroy Stephney who reminisced on Gonsalves’ cricketing life.

He acknowledged Gonsalves’ unparalleled commitment during his days in the Cinderella County.

He mentioned it was truly an amazing effort by Ramnauth too, another Essequibo and Guyana youth player, to organise and spon-

sor the two games.

Leslie Gonsalves, the sister of Courtney Gonsalves also shared her great memories about Courtney commenting that he was a die-hard cricketer and no doubt his contribution was certainly recognised on this historical day.

Special mentions were made to Ramcharran Singh, Sahadeo Hardiaow, Mandolall family and Simon, Roy Gonsalves (son) and others for their support.

Ramnauth informed that the memorial matches will be played annually.

runs but Head broke through to bowl Klaasen for 47.

Head trapped Marco Jansen lbw on the next delivery to be on a hat-trick, which was saved by Gerald Coetzee, who put on a 53-run partnership with Miller.

The left-handed Miller smashed eight fours and five

The final is on Sunday at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

Scores: Australia 215 for 7 (Head 62, Shamsi 2-42, Coetzee 2-47) beat South Africa 212 (Miller 101, Klaasen 47, Starc 3-34, Hazlewood 2-12) by three wickets.

Coley eyes development as Head breaks South African... key objective... From page 28 sixes in his 116-ball knock.

From page 32 Tevin Imlach as his deputy in a squad that also boast the experience of left-handers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kirk McKenzie, as well as fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shermon Lewis.

Kevlon Anderson, fast bowler Shamar Joseph, and Jamaican spin bowling allrounder Abhijai Mansingh, are also in the squad.

Coley, a former Jamaica wicketkeeper-batsman, pointed out that while the main objective is to come away from the tour victorious, there are other goals that are equally important for the development of the West Indies squad.

Coley will be assisted by former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams and former Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait.

“You learn to win over time. We want to see our primary batsman scoring loads of runs, as well as the allrounders and bowlers averaging above 20 or 30 and building lower order partnerships, that will help to expand our batting options,” Coley said.

“Once we are able to tick the boxes that we have agreed upon, 75 per cent or more of what we have aimed for, that will help to define success,” he ended.a

Kaieteur News

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Friday November 17, 2023

Educational games donated to preschool learners by MATC New Amsterdam Mayor Waynewright McIntosh (second left) with some parents and a pupil at the sports and fun day.

Not leaving anyone out of its 132nd Anniversary activities since its establishment as a town, the Mayor and Town Council (MATC) of New Amsterdam continues to assist in various ways.

Recently Councilor Pollianne Shultz, a businesswoman, donated educational games to the learners of Grace Pre School, a Play school in the town of New Amsterdam.

The items were given to

Councilor of the New Amsterdam Town Council Pollianne Shultz (left) presents some of the educational games items to a member of the school

the children during the institution’s day of sport at the Esplanade Recreation Park in New Amsterdam.

Also in attendance at the activity was Mayor Waynewright McIntosh.

New Amsterdam is the oldest town in Guyana and has been observing its 132nd anniversary with a variety of activities.

This year under the guidance of newly elected Mayor McIntosh, who is serving his first stint as mayor, the celebrations have been extended over a period of time.

A variety of activities including sports and community based has been planned and successfully executed so far.

(Samuel Whyte)

Cricket Commentators’ Workshop concludes today - Informative opening session, well-attended Legendary cricket Broadcaster/journalist Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, alongside Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad, addresses the attendees during the opening day of the Cricket Commentators’ Workshop.

D

ay 1 of the C r i c k e t Commentators’ Workshop witnessed a large crowd turning out at the Georgetown Cricket Club Pavilion, as the star-studded panel bowled off the first of two interactive sessions.

Legendary cricket guru and Broadcaster Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, who was among the speakers of the panel, sat alongside Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad, who gave the opening remarks for Day 1, along with Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Secretary Ronald Williams, Master of Ceremonies Paul Chan-aSue, Match Referee and

former West Indies pacer Reon King among others.

Muhammad hailed Perreira for his immense contribution to cricket and journalism, adding that his input over the next few days will be invaluable to those in attendance.

He added that with sports being consumed on a whole different level compared to back in the days, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental breakdowns which will be given by ‘Reds’ during the course of the workshop.

Williams said he was pleased to have the workshop up and running following more than a decade-long hiatus. He said

the program lines up with the Boards developmental plans for not only players but officials and other key areas of contributions to the sport.

The former Guyana and Windies Test pacer turned international match referee, King, gave a detailed explanation on the origin, role and expectations of a match referee. A number of local players, past and present including former Guyana Captain Leon Johnson, all-roudner Steven Jacobs as well as a few Guyana’s cricket journalists’ were shown tapes among other areas which attribute to the focus of the practicum.

The workshop will conclude today.

Head breaks South African hearts as Australia set up World Cup final with India AFP - Travis Head starred with bat and ball as Australia set up a World Cup final clash with India after a tense three-wicket win over South Africa in Kolkata yesterday.

Chasing a tricky 213 for victory, Australia wobbled after Head hit 62 but Steve Smith (30) and Josh Inglis (28) helped the five-time champions reach their target with 16 balls to spare in the second semi-final in Kolkata.

As Australia reached an eighth World Cup final, South Africa were left to rue a fifth semi-final loss despite David Miller’s 101.

Australia slipped to 1375 and then 193-7 before Mitchell Starc (16) and skipper Pat Cummins (14) kept their nerve to steer the team home.

Left-hand batsman and part-time off-spinner Head stood out after taking two wickets and then with his 48ball innings laced with nine fours and two sixes.

Australia were in trouble when they were five down as spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi struck in quick succession to rattle the middle-order.

Maharaj bowled Head,

Travis Head had a cracking start, reaching his fifty in 40 balls. (Associated Press)

who was dropped on 40 and 57, and Shamsi, a left-arm wrist spinner, trapped Marnus Labuschagne lbw for 18 and bowled Glenn Maxwell for one in his next over.

Australia started the tournament with two losses but registered their eighth straight win.

Starc led the bowling charge with figures of 3-34 and Cummins also picked three wickets to bowl out South Africa for 212 in 49.4 overs.

Left-arm quick Starc struck in the first over to send back South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, who had said he was not “100% fit” at the toss, for a fourth-ball duck.

Josh Hazlewood claimed the wicket of in-form Quinton de Kock for three as Cummins took a stunning catch.

De Kock, who will quit one-day international after the World Cup, ended with 594 runs including four centuries to sit behind the t o u r n a m e n t ’s l e a d i n g batsman Virat Kohli (711).

The new-ball bowlers kept up the attack with the wickets of Aiden Markram (10) and Rassie van der Dussen (six) as South Africa slumped to 24-4 and were 44-4 when rain interrupted play.

Klaasen and Miller hit back after the 45-minute rain break as the two put on 95 (Continued on page 27)

Friday November 17, 2023

Kaieteur News

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New Central High among winners in latest MCYS NSC Janet Jagan Girls Windball Cricket

New Central High & Dolphin Secondary take a photo.

L

atest action in the MCYS NSC Janet Jagan “Birth Anniversary” School Girls Windball Cricket played at the National Gymnasium in Georgetown

show New Central High recording victory in the competition.

New Central High after a slow start eventually made 93-5, thanks to a solid knock from Aaliyah De Freitas 40

(6x6s). Bowling for Saint Roses High, Sahania Earle took 2-4 and Sacha Persaud 2-27.

Saint Roses High also got off to a slow start but never got their rhythm going and

were restricted to 72-1, opener Miel Campbell hit 30 and Ayrihanna Daniels 12 off two deliveries.

Freeburg Secondary, who made their return to the sport, batted first and was

under pressure from the first ball end up losing 3 wickets in the first over only scoring 2 runs.

They eventually made 26-6, with Clyeshia Arthur 12. Bowling for Dolphin

Secondary Samsara Hydralie took 2 -0 and Shellyann De Rouche 2-1.

Dolphin Secondary replied with 28-0 off 1 over with Talisha Taylor making 12.

GGA president says Schools Golf programme, new Course among plans for New Year - Cites 2023 as a ‘Phenomenal year of Growth’ Building on the momentum of this year’s success, Guyana Golf Association (GGA) president Aleem Hussain is optimistic that 2024 will be a year of even more productivity for the sport and the young upcoming pros.

Hussain told Kaieteur Sports on Wednesday that with the growth and experience the GGA has managed to acquire this year, 2024 is set to focus heavily on the fast-growing school programme.

Speaking on 2023 and the growth of the GGA as well as the sport, Hussain said, “2023 saw phenomenal growth because not only did we increase in schools but we had over 150 increase in students taking golf as their Physical Education (PE) elective in 2023”.

The GGA head further noted that moves between the GGA and Barbados as well as the Texas Golf

Associations, respectively, which occurred during 2023; will play a great role in the future of Guyanese golfers, having an avenue to purist a number of endeavors with golf being a structured foundation.

The support from Ministries of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Education, via their Allied Arts department is invaluable according to Hussain and remains the engine behind GGA’s plan to make Golf widespread across the education sector.

He said that golf has been a good tourism product for Guyana this year, with more and more persons, local and overseas, becoming involved one way or the other, in developing golf.

Under the Ministry of E d u c a t i o n ’s ‘ P r i o r i t y Programme’, Hussain said he expects by the end of the end of the first new school term, over 20 thousand

students countrywide could be expected to take up golf as part of their weekly PE programme.

“With both the Allied arts department and the Ministry of Tourism supporting golf, it will make it possible for every single Guyanese to play golf from a young age, with room to focus on one’s career and personal development while mastering a mentally beneficial sport,” he said.

In closing, Hussain said that plans for early 2024 include Expansion of the current school programme, a national school golf tourney, new golf courses with Berbice and Essequibo under review as the two counties to possibly have their own course by mid 2024.

The golf pro said that with extra facilities across the country and more students coming on-board, Guyana should become the strongest territory in the Caribbean.

GGA president Aleem Hussain says building on 2023’s growth is key for a successful 2024 for the Association and sport.

Kaieteur News

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Friday November 17, 2023

GGA to feature golf as part of this year’s GuyExpo The Guyana Golf Association (GGA) will be preparing to break new ground when they tee off activities at the upcoming GuyExpo event, which commenced yesterday at the National Exhibition Center, Sophia.

The move was backed by the Ministry of Tourism and is set to target the wider population who may be interested in taking up the sport as a hobby or as a professional pastime, according to GGA president Aleem Hussain.

Region Seven Tourism Committee headed by its President Magaiva Gonsalves, hosted a Tourism Awareness Month Diwali Sports Festival and for the first time Golf was included in the sports activities which ranged from triathlon, cricket, fusbal, basketball, volleyball, dominion, fitness challenge and scavenger hunt.

The event was sponsored

by the Ministry of Business, Industry, Commerce and To u r i s m , t h e G u y a n a Tourism Authority, Region Seven Regional Democratic Council, Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy.

A c c o r d i n g t o M r.

Gonsalves, “This was a fantastic event to promote Sports Tourism around the country in celebration of Tourism Awareness Month and we were excited to see the response to Golf, the latest sport added to our lineup.

Folks of all ages and athletes showed up to celebrate sports and fitness and we saw a tremendous turnout,” he ended.

Master Coach and Head of Nexgen Golf Academy Aleem Hussain personally traveled to Bartica to ensure that as many persons as possible were introduced to golf as a part of Region Seven’s Tourism initiative.

“The reaction, from kids

- Region 7 commits to Golf

Region 7 embraced the sport of golf as the GGA continues to expand with activities set for this year’s GuyExpo. to adults made the effort to be here worthwhile and we are continuing to work with t h e G u y a n a To u r i s m Authority and the Ministry of Tourism to promote Golf as a viable tourist

attraction.”

The Guyana Tourism Authority and Nexgen Golf Academy will also be, for the first time, featuring a golf promotion at the upcoming GuyExpo event Nov 16-19

where visitors can try to win prizes and experience Golf in a family atmosphere.

With golf now established as one of the sports under the Ministry of Education Priority

Programme in several Regions across the country, thousands of young learners are playing golf on a weekly basis as a part of Physical Education in secondary schools.

Hand-In-Hand Mutual Fire is the title sponsor for Big Man Cricket O40s T30 Inter County Tournament Dave West Indian Supermarket, Beacon Café, Beacon Roti, Rockaway Auto& Roti Shop, L. Mahabeer Cambio also on board...

G u y a n a ’s l o n g e s t established and AM Best Rated insurer, Hand-InHand Mutual Fire Insurance Co Ltd (HIHF), was established on October 25th 1865 and is the founding member of the Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies. The Company has since grown rapidly as a group. Since its original establishment, the Directorshave expanded HIHF’s footprint in the insurance industry when they established Hand-inHand Mutual Life Assurance Company Ltd just about a century later in 1966. In 2002, HIHF acquired 90% shareholding in GNCB Trust from the Government of Guyana and renamed it ‘The Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation Inc.’ Later in 1998, HIHF acquired 67% ownership of GCIS Inc., and this acquisition made HIHF by far the largest provider of Motor Insurance in Guyana.

Hand-in-Hand offers a complete range of Property, Motor, Individual Life, Group Life, Pension and Medical Schemes, as well as Accident, Marine, and L i a b i l i t y, i n c l u d i n g

performance and bid bonds.

It is no coincidence that the oldest and first established property insurer in Guyana, HIHF, has now joined forces with the first established masters cricket body in Guyana, Big Man Cricket-GY, which body administers cricket at the O40s, O50s and O60s age group levels in Guyana. Hand in Hand is the insurer of choice for several of the assets and liabilities of these masters’ cricketers and is especially proud to be associated with this premium group in the launch of its inaugural BMC Inter County O40s tournament.

HIHF believes that Masters’ cricket has a clearly defined role to play in the overall development of our cricket.

Several other sponsors have since come on board with this inaugural tournament, such as well known sports enthusiast, Dave Narine of D a v e We s t I n d i a n Supermarket, which entity has been a long-time sponsor of cricket at all age group levels in Guyana.

Dave’s West Indian Supermarket imports fresh produce and other delicacies from Guyana into the North

Ryan Shivram, HIH’s Marketing Officer hands over the sponsorship check to Brandon Persaud, BMC Representative.

American market catering mainly for the West Indian community.

Another popular sports enthusiast and sponsor is Hafiz Ali of Rockaway Auto Sales & Taxi Service and the

Rockaway Roti Shop of New Yo r k w h o h a s b e e n sponsoring cricket and cricketers from all parts of Guyana.

Beacon Café & Beacon R o t i ’s C E O , R a m d e o

Kumar, has also come on board for this auspicious inaugural tournament.

Beacon is more than just a premier restaurant - it is a culinary journey into the soul of Guyana. Specializing in authentic local cuisine, Beacon brings to your plate the rich traditions and diverse flavors that define o u r n a t i o n ’s c u l i n a r y heritage. Beacon is located in the vibrant heart of Georgetown. L. Mahabeer Cambio recorded its steady presence in the sponsorship arena also by partnering with Demerara Capitals. 3S Legacy Apartments from Parika has also joined the team of sponsors. They specialize in leasing furnished apartments in that area of Guyana.

BMC-GY had formed interim Committees to administer the various county teams including the selections of these teams.

These Committees were also saddled with the responsibility to raise sponsorship for their own uniforms and traveling. The other uniforms’ sponsors were as follow: Berbice Gladiators attracted sponsorship from

Big B’s-Baksh Restaurants and Permaul’s Wholesale Depot. These two businesses are well-known and reputable entities operating in the Berbice area and BMC-GY is happy to have sponsors from these areas to support the teams from their respective areas.

Essequibo Jaguars were able to attract Master Play Sporting Goods to sponsor their kits for their games at the Inter County level.

President XI Warriors attracted a team of wellwishers for their kits, namely: Swiss House Cambio, Nadira Supermarket from Patentia, West Bank Demerara; Dilip Variety Store from Georgetown, and Nickam Pharmaceutical Agency from Georgetown.

Big Man Cricket-GY wishes to express its sincerest thanks and appreciation for the willingness of these business entities that have agreed to partner with this tournament.

BMC-GY also would like to encourage all and sundry to support these businesses since they are exercising corporate social responsibility in their association with this inaugural tournament.

Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

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BCB, University of Guyana launch historic Berbice cricket Wall of Fame at Tain Campus History was created yesterday when the Berbice Cricket Board joined hands with the University of Guyana to launch the Berbice cricket Wall of Fame. The unveiling of the historic wall was done at the Tain campus of the university and the ceremony was attended by senior officials of the u n i v e r s i t y, B e r b i c e Cricket Board, cricketers and students of schools in the area.

Among these in attendance were Chancellor E d w a r d G r e e n , Vi c e Chancellor Doctor Paloma Mohammed Martin, Director of Tain campus Professor Gomes, BCB President Hilbert Foster, guest speaker Roger H a r p e r, i n t e r n a t i o n a l cricket commentator Joseph Reds Perreira, Regional Executive Officer Navindra Persaud and sports officer Randy Mangru.

BCB president Foster in a comprehensive report, stated that discussions started early in 2023 but was stalled for several months after he fell ill in February.

The two delegations met

again in July and agreed on the setting up of the wall of fame, two scholarships for cricketers, a Berbice cricketer electronic board, personal development sessions for youth cricketers, publication of coaching manual and honoring of legends of Berbice cricket.

A total of 31 players who represented the West Indies at the test, ODI or 20/20 level were inducted into the wall of fame starting with John Trim who made his debut in 1948 and ending with Ashmini Munsieur, who debuted in 2023.

The list of inductees were Trim, Rohan Kanai, I v a n M a d r a y, B a s i l Butcher, Joseph Solomon, Roy Fredericks Alvin Kallicharan, Leonard Baichan, Sew Shivnarine, Clayton Lambert, Narsingh Deonarine, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Davindra Bishoo, Sewnarine C h a t t e rg o o n , A s h m i n i Munsieur, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Brandon Bess, Shimron Hetmyer, Assad Fudadin, Candacy Atkins Shemaine Campbell, Erva Giddings, Sheneeta, Tremayne Smartt,

Shabaka Gajnabi, Romario Shepherd, Royston Crandon, Milton and Kevin Sinclair.

Foster expressed thanks to the University for their Cooperation in making the wall a reality and special mention was made of the vice chancellor.

Berbice cricket, Foster stated, was on the move and unveiled a wide range of impressive upcoming programmes including 100 youth cricketers receiving $8 million worth of gear, $3 million of coaching equipment for 23 youth teams and the hosting of an Under 9 inter club tournament.

Chancellor Edward Greene spoke on the role of cricket in the West Indies and stated that the university was pleased to be associated with Berbice cricket.

Vice Chancellor Doctor Paloma Mohammed Martin, in a well received presentation, stated that she was very impressed with the vision of the BCB and as such readily agreed to partner with it. She stated that the university would soon be hosting new courses in sports management and sports medicine.

BCB official pauses with University of Guyana Chancellor Professor Edward Greene after the launching of the Wall of Fame.

The vice chancellor also disclosed that the university would be giving out 20 scholarships including those to Berbice cricket. She expressed confidence that the relationship between the university and the BCB would be expanded in the future.

Famed cricket commentator Joseph Reds Pereira congratulated the two bodies for honoring the 31 heroes and stated that he was confident that the project would inspire the present generation to follow in the heroes’ footstep.

Former West Indies all

rounder Roger Harper stated that he was confident that the wall would inspire youths to dream big and to work harder, he noted that the BCB under the leadership of Foster was doing an outstanding job of properly molding its players.

Harper noted that players have to be prepared for hard work and that coaches can only prepare players for the task at hand if they are willing to work hard.

West Indies A vice captain Ashmini Munsieur expressed thanks to the BCB and university for honoring the heroes. She stated that it

was an honor to be recognized as a hero of the county.

BCB presented its highest award the tribute to heroes to Chancellor Greene,Vice Chancellor Doctor Mohammed Martin, Director Professor Gomes and Mr. Jainarine Deonarine.

The board also presented special gifts to Roger Harper and Reds Pereira.

A delegation of BCB and university of Guyana officials unveil the wall of fame to loud applause from the large gathering of guests which included six of the inductees.

Gonsalves All-Stars win Courtney Gonsalves first memorial 15-over match The victorious Gonsalves All-Stars team.

Gonsalves All-Stars defeated Invaders Masters by six wickets to win the the inaugural Courtney Gonsalves 15-overs fixture at the Reliance Sports Club ground, Essequibo Coast, Region 2, recently.

Needing 145 for victory,

All-Stars reached the target in the final over thanks to Narendra Madholall, who stroked 53 while Carlos Yhap contributed a vital 23 and 22 from former Guyana youth player Yogeshwar Lall. Another ex-Guyana youth cricketer Beesham

Seepersaud grabbed 2-17 from two tidy overs, including the last one in which All-Stars needed six runs to win.

Earlier, Invaders Masters won the toss and opted to take first strike. Barry Alphonso led the way with

43 while Ramesh Narine and Dharmendra Lackhan made 28 and 24 respectively.

Lall was the star-bowler for the All-Stars combination by snatching 324 from his maximum three overs.

The left-handed

Madholall, who struck six fours and a solitary six, was named player-of-the-match.

Meanwhile, preceding this encounter, Reliance Hustlers Sports Club got the better of Richmond Team in a 15-overs exhibition game by a comprehensive 58 runs.

Hustlers rattled up a sufficient 148-5 from the 15overs while Richmond Team only responded with 90 all out in the penultimate over.

R i c h m o n d Te a m ’ s innings never suggested permanence after pacer Ryan Lall tormented them with five wickets for 14 runs from his allotted three overs.

Ravindra Doodnauth was resilient though with an impressive 53. Yhap assisted Lall with 2-16.

Earlier, Yhap proved his all-round capability by slamming a top-score of 44 to pilot Hustlers’ total. He received solid support from former Guyana under-19 batsman Nathan Persaud with 37 while Mark Austin

scored 22 and 21 from skipper Trevis Simon. Ryan Lall was chosen as the player-of-the-match. He and Madholall collected a trophy each while the winning teams were also recipient of trophies along with the runners-up sides.

At the post-match presentation, Gonsalves, who represented Essequibo and Guyana at the senior level, was remembered for his invaluable contributions to Essequibo’s cricket for a lengthy period before his migration to Canada.

He died 2013 at the age 60 owing to illness. He coached Essequibo at different levels and served Guyana’s cricket as a national youth selector.

Founder of the Devon Ramnauth Youth Cricket League stated that he was excited to run off the one-day event. He expressed his gratitude to all the teams for their participation and all (Continued on page 27)

Kaieteur News

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Friday November 17, 2023

West Indies Academy and GSCL Vice-President’s Softball Emerging Ireland commence Cricket tournament set for Series today in Antigua exciting 3 days of action (From left) FL Sports’ John Ramsingh, GSCL president Ian John, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, secretary Telesha Ousman and cricket commentator Indrajeet Persaud during the launch at MYO.

T

he Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) officially launched their annual Vice-President’s Softball Cricket tournament, with over $1M in cash and prizes up for grabs.

Cricketers will compete in the Open, Masters-40 & over and Masters Over-50 categories following the recent launch at the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO)

Ground, Woolford Avenue.

In attendance was VicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo, president of the GSCL Ian, o f F L S p o r t ’s J o h n Ramsingh and GSCL Secretary, Telesha Ousman.

During his remarks, Jagdeo lauded all parties involved in hosting what will be an exciting tournament, adding that the Government’s commitment to sports

remains paramount while GSCL president John said he was pleased with the growth of softball cricket in Guyana.

Action which bowled off yesterday will continue today and end this Sunday with matches being played at the Tr a n s p o r t , Q u e e n ’s College, DCC, Enmore and the Police Progressive Youth Club Ground.

T

he List A (50 over) Series involving the West Indies Academy and Emerging Ireland will commence today with the first match being played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium from 9am (8am Jamaica). The tour also includes two four-day games.

West Indies Academy team will come from: Nyeem Young (captain), Kadeem Alleyne, Ackeem Auguste, Joshua Bishop, Teddy Bishop, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, McKenny Clarke, Jordan Johnson, Leonardo Julien, Johann Layne, Matthew Nandu, Ashmead Need, Kelvin Pitman, Junior Sinclair and Kevin Wickham.

The Coaching staff: Rayon Griffith (Head Coach) Jamal Smith (Assistant Coach) Emerging Ireland side will come from: Stephen Doheny (captain), Cade Carmichael, Murray Commins, Matthew Foster, Mike Frost, Fionn Hand, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Humphreys, Scott Macbeth, Tom Mayes, Liam McCarthy, Adam Rosslee, Tim Tector, Morgan Topping Their Coaching staff: Heinrich Malan (Head Coach) Boyd Rankin (Assistant Coach) Match Officials for today’s contest are: Stephen Proverbs (Match Referee), On field: Chris Taylor and Maria Abbott and Reserve umpire: Ryan Banwarie.

LIVE ball-by-ball action is available at: https://www.youtube.com/@WindiesCricket and LIVE scorecard at: www.windiescricket.com.

Pre-series photo of captains Nyeem Young (West Indies) and Stephen Doheny (Ireland) in front the Sir Vivian Richards statue at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

FULL TOUR SCHEDULE 17 November: 1st 50-Over match at SVRS 19 November: 2nd 50-Over match at CCG 21 November: 3rd 50-Over match at SVRS 25-28 November: 1st four-day match at CCG 2-5 December: 2nd four-day match at CCG

Coley eyes development as GFF President sends condolences key objective in West Indies to family of late former national A tour of South Africa coach Clarence Madramootoo SportsMax - Head Coach Andre Coley welcomed the West Indies A team tour of South Africa as a significant assignment to not only define, but more importantly, develop the region’s depth of talent in the longer formats of the game.

The Joshua Da Silva-captained team will engage their South African counterparts in three Tests between November 21 and December 8.

“It will give us an opportunity to boost our red-ball opportunities outside of the Caribbean. Earlier this year, we went to Bangladesh, and we did well there, and now we are going to another part of the world – South Africa. It will give us an opportunity to explore the brand of cricket that we want to play,” Coley said in an interview with CWI Media. “Our next international assignment is in Australia, and six months after that we go to England, so this A team is positioned to offer red-ball playing opportunities on the back of the just-concluded Super50 Cup,” he added. Coley, who is also Head coach of the senior West Indies Test side, is no stranger to South African conditions, having guided a Kraigg Brathwaite-led squad on last year’s tour.

“The South Africans are a team that want to play a specific way, and they always look to challenge you, but they respect our

Andre Coley

players. The pitches have offered pace, have offered bounce, so you will have pitches on which you can trust the bounce,” Coley reasoned. “Players can, therefore, express themselves, whether they are batting or bowling, but it has never really been a place where the spinners have excelled. So, it’s also an opportunity for our spinners to learn to be effective in those conditions, and I am looking forward to being there,” he noted.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Da Silva will have (Continued on page 27)

G

uyana Football Federation ( G F F ) President Wayne Forde has extended heartfelt condolences to the family of former national coach Clerance Clifford Madramootoo who passed away on November 14 at his residence in New Amsterdam, East BerbiceCorentyne.

“On behalf of the football fraternity, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Clarence Clifford Madramootoo’s bereaved family and friends. His steadfast passion and commitment as a football ambassador have etched an indelible mark on the football landscape in Guyana. His notable influence in Berbice and on the national stage attests to the profound impact he made in the beautiful game,” Forde shared on

November 14.

Fondly referred to as “Fuzzy,” Madramootoo was born on February 25, 1946 and had his initial encounter with football as a young man in Berbice. One of his noteworthy accomplishments was guiding the Berbice senior team in a match against the touring Russian Textile Union Team in 1978 at the Albion Sports Complex.

Following his playing days with Berbice, he seamlessly transitioned into coaching, taking charge of the Guyana Inter-Guiana Football Squad in August 1979.

He later assumed leadership of the national under-20 team in 1980, and despite the team’s exit from t h e C F U y o u t h championship at the hands of Suriname, his commitment to nurturing young talent remained unwavering.

Seven years later, in 1987, Madramootoo took on the role of national coach for the Shell Caribbean Cup, guiding a predominantly young team through numerous challenges. He also coached the Guyana Defence Force First Division team.

But his influence transcended coaching, as he played a crucial role with the Guyana National Service (GNS) Ajaxs in 1987.

Forde noted that “it is stalwarts like Madramootoo who propelled the game forward in Guyana out of love for a sport that positively impacts the lives of young people while uniting communities.”

Adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Madramootoo’s family during this difficult time of bereavement. His name will always be linked to youth football development,”

Kaieteur News

Friday November 17, 2023

PAGE 33

NSC/EBFA/Ralph Greene U-11 League...

Swan, Conquerors, Vengy, Eagles, Den Amstel, and Santos take full points on day 1

W

h e n competition in the 2022 edition of the National Sports Commission/East B a n k F o o t b a l l Association/Ralph Green Under-11 League got cracking at the

Agricola Community Ground on Saturday last, six of the 16 teams walked away with full points.

The biggest win of the day was recorded by Fruta Conquerors which defeated the home team, Agricola

Red Triangle, 8-0. Dane Vancooten and Gilbert Frank led with a brace each for Conquerors with one apiece from Fabio Kowlessar, Levon C r o f t , D o n t a y Kowlessar, and Dazell Fernandes.

Swan, based on the Linden Soesdyke Highway along with Vengy and Santos, both based in the city were winners via the walk-over route.

West Demerara’s Den Amstel and Eagles FC were both winners by identical scores of 2-0.

Den Amstel, led by Akroy Dos Santos, who scored both goals, took care of the challenge from Timehri Panthers, while Eagles flew past Diamond United compliments of

ExxonMobil Futsal continues tonight in Linden The competition for the coveted $1M first-place prize in the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal tournament continues tonight with five matches at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.

Hosted by New Era Entertainment, the action kicks off at 6:30 pm with an intense clash between Young Gunners and Coomacka. Following that, the undefeated LA Ballers will face off against the Gorillas.

In the third match of the evening, powerhouse teams Gold is Money and DC Ballers will go head-to-head, a game crucial for determining the leader of Group C. The penultimate match will feature Hard Knocks taking on Fearless, and the night will conclude with YMCA and Golden Stars battling it out. The tournament is set to conclude on November 25.

In Wednesday’s highlights, DC Ballers secured a 7-3 victory over Youths United, led

by Nicholas Gentle’s impressive hat-trick.

Alan Halley, Kwesi Quintin, and Jaushaun Moore also contributed to DC Ballers’ undefeated streak, earning them a spot in the quarter-finals.

Deric Bethune scored the lone goal for Youths United.

LA Ballers maintained their perfect record with a narrow 3-2 win against HH Ballers, courtesy of goals from Andre Mayers, Marcus Tudor, and Jermaine Beckles.

Despite Tevin Crawford’s own goal and Damian Spencer’s effort, HH Ballers fell short in their attempt to defeat LA Ballers.

The Money Team faced a tough challenge but emerged victorious with a 4-3 win over Golden Stars, thanks to Mark Jahlu’s double and contributions from Kentral Arthur and

Part of the action on Wednesday in the ExxonMobil Futsal tournament in Linden.

Ojani Whittington.

The win was crucial for The Money Team’s chances of advancing to the next round.

Genahside celebrated their first tournament win with a commanding 10-4 victory over Fearless.

Tyrese Simon (3), Tekuan Wilson (2), Teryl Johnson (2), Jermaine Mason, and Seon Murray played pivotal roles in Genahside’s success.

Michael Jackson (3) and Nolan Grey scored for Fearless, who are still seeking their first points in the tournament.

In additional results, West Side Ballers secured a default win after One Side failed to show up for their encounter, while Finishers and Hillsyde played to an exciting 3-3 stalemate.

Captain of Herstelling Raiders FC Kellyann Ellis, taking on a Friendship All Stars player in the League’s opening match at the Agricola Ground.

Tr e v a u g h n H e n r y ’s double.

Pouderoyen and Riddim Squad battled to a 1-1

draw, the result in the opening game was similar between Herstelling Raiders and Friendship

All-Stars.

Action will continue at the same venue, this weekend.

rt s Spo

BCB President Hilbert Foster unveils the plaque for the wall of fame.

BCB, University of Guyana launch historic Berbice cricket Wall of Fame at Tain Campus

GRFU to host National 7’s - team to be selected on Tuesday tourney this for GRW7’s C/ship in Grenada Saturday

Local ruggers engaging in scrubby match during a recent training session.

Head breaks South African hearts as Australia set up World Cup final with India Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.