Kaieteur News

Two journalists among K NEWS several killed by Israeli bombing on refugee camp AIETEUR

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Tuesday Edition

November 21, 2023 - Vol. 16 No. 46

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Guyana waived US$2.3B in taxes to oil companies; earned less than US$1B ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

‘No end in sight for drop in prices for greens’ ...Pres. Ali blames dry weather, market forces

Corentyne Big turnout man stabbed for Venezuela's to death ‘mock Essequibo during fight referendum’

Teen tortured by police sues State for $150 million

Tortured teen, Jaheim Peters

Customer trades bullets with gunmen during …one supermarket robbery wounded

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Tuesday November November 21, 07, 2023 2023

Kaieteur KaieteurNews News

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Waiting two years before the end of production to set up decommissioning fund is “ill-conceived” - Dr. Kenrick Hunte W

aiting two years before the end of production to set up decommissioning fund is “ill-conceived”Dr. Kenrick Hunte Former Ambassador and Professor, Dr. Kenrick Hunte, has labeled the timeline outlined in Guyana's Petroleum Activities Law for e s t a b l i s h i n g a decommissioning fund “illconceived.”

He expressed concern over waiting until two years

before the expiration of a petroleum licence or the anticipated end of production. Hunte emphasised that this delay could burden Guyana financially.

In the oil and gas industry, decommissioning refers to the process of safely dismantling and disposing of offshore and onshore oil and gas facilities once they reach the end of their productive life. This involves cleaning up the site, removing equipment, plugging wells to

Guyana gets $58.6M grant from CDB to boost export of greens, pineapple To further its mission to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance food production, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a grant of USD$280,906 (GYD$ 58,657,306) to implement a food traceability system designed to boost the export of leafy greens and pineapples in Guyana.

The pilot will lay the foundation for a traceability system throughout the agrofood value chain while collecting insights on the system's impact and providing solutions to mitigate risks, the CDB said in a press release. CDB entered the partnership with the Government of Guyana (GOGY) because of the vital role agriculture plays in driving economic expansion, generating employment opportunities and fostering food security at both the local and regional levels.

CDB's Head (Ag), Private Sector Division, Ms. Lisa Harding, noted that “food traceability is becoming a requirement for access to regional and international markets and many countries, including emerging economies, have put traceability systems in place.”

“Food traceability also represents one of those areas in which critical investment is required as it is an essential element of food safety,” she added.

The anticipated upturn in food production and subsequent increase in the consumption of agroprocessed products locally and regionally means CDB's assistance will help bolster Guyana's agricultural production processes, cultivate enhanced customer loyalty, and consumer confidence and increase that country's overall competitiveness in the international market.

Highlighting the significance of a traceability system in Guyana, Mr. Martin Baptiste, CDB's Division Chief, Social Sector said “the project holds considerable importance for GOGY in its efforts to enhance the national food safety system, in line with CARICOM's goal of reducing the regional import expenses by 25% by 2025. It is also critical, as Guyana, which is often referred to as the foodbasket of the Caribbean, is central to policy initiatives which serve to strengthen food security within the region.”

The collaboration with GOGY furthers CDB's drive to increase production resilience and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in its Borrowing Member Countries.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e programme is expected to contribute to the region's agricultural development and food security objectives.

prevent leaks, and restoring the environment as closely as possible to its original state.

The recently enacted Petroleum Activities Law mandates companies, including Exxon, to submit a decommissioning plan and budget for ministerial approval. Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, recently highlighted that these rules apply to all of Exxon's projects in the Stabroek Block, regardless of their initiation date.

The law states that the company would have to submit for the minister's approval, a proposed decommissioning plan and budget no later than two years before the expiration of a petroleum licence or no later than two years before the anticipated end of production. Once that plan is approved, the minister would i n s t r u c t t h a t a Decommissioning Fund is created. The company would have to make contributions to

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat that fund to ensure that when the time for “clean up” arrives, there would be adequate funds to cover the associated expenses.

Importantly, the law states that the minister will dictate the terms and conditions of the fund for deposits and disbursements.

In a letter to this newspaper, Dr. Hunte said, “this approach by the

Government on this matter is ill-conceived, to wait until two years before the expiration of a petroleum licence or no later than two years before the anticipated end of production' can only be identified as another bill to be paid by Guyana from its already meagre share of 14.5 barrels out of every 100 barrels of oil.”

Moreover, the Commonwealth Secretariat in a guide published earlier this year warned its member countries in the oil and gas industry of the uncertainty of decommissioning costs, which can result in the price tag to restore the ocean floor, easily moving from USmillions to US-billions. As a result, the Commonwealth urged its member countries to secure money to restore the ocean's floor in order to avoid taxpayers having to foot the bill.

The Secretariat highlighted too that in the instance of an oil company

Former Ambassador and Professor, Dr. Kenrick Hunte failing to clean-up the ocean's floor, “If such a situation arises, governments will likely have to undertake and pay for decommissioning, because it is in the public interest and/or because it is required to meet the country's international obligations.”

In this regard, the Secretariat urged Governments to secure financial assurance and

Govt. working to complete new EITI report before deadline Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat has assured that Guyana's 2021 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) report will be submitted on time to avoid a repeat of the country's suspension from the body.

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global standard to promote open and accountable management of natural resources.

It seeks to strengthen government and company systems, include civil society participation, inform public debates, and enhance trust. In each implementing country, it is supported by a Multi-Stakeholder Steering Group (MSG), which comprises government agencies, extractive companies, and civil society organisations working together.

The EITI Board had temporarily

- Minister Bharrat says suspended Guyana on 1 February 2023 for failing to publish its 2020 EITI Report. The body lifted the suspension on Guyana in July 2023, saying that its board was satisfied that the outstanding EITI Report was published within ahead of the deadline.

During a press conference last week, Minister Bharrat explained, “As you are aware, we are tasked this year with producing two reports. Unfortunately, we were temporarily suspended because our last, the 2020 report wasn't submitted by the 31st December 2022, however...we are well on our way to ensuring that our next report is submitted before the 31st of December this year when it is due.”

He said he is happy with the progress so far and committed that the

Ministry will meet this year's deadline and avoid “any other issue for the country”. The EITI Board approved Guyana's application to join the EITI at its meeting in Manila on 25 October, 2017.

EITI sets out to promote an understanding of natural resource management, strengthen public and corporate governance and accountability, and provide the data to inform policymaking and multistakeholder dialogue in the extractive sector.

By becoming a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), countries commit to disclose information along the extractive industry value chain – from how extraction rights are awarded, to how revenues make their way through government and how they benefit the public.

Kaieteur News

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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

Rape reports According to the Guyana Police Force, there were 182 of rape reported up to November 13 of this year. Though 182 reported rapes represent an 11.6% decline from 206 in 2022, it is still an alarming number. Notwithstanding the decrease in reported rapes, this has to be frightening to a law-abiding society, especially the weak, naïve, and vulnerable in Guyana’s population.

We take this position just from what the numbers themselves say. Because 182 rapes reported in 11 months average out to slightly over 16 per month. What raises anxiety levels is that 16 rapes a month equates to a rape every two days. In a society as small as Guyana, this is shocking, when our women (mainly) are victimized and brutalized, and then stigmatized, which only makes their ordeal more agonizing. Some of these rapes are at the hands of strangers, others from those known and trusted. It is likely that some rapes are not reported, due to fears of being ostracized, or relationship with attacker, or worry about intimidation and more violence inflicted.

Another concern is that some rape victims are aware of the status of their perpetrator in local society, and refuse to come forward. It is felt that the pursuit of justice is a waste of time and energy, influencing victims to stay silent.

Presently, a doctor is being sought by the police for the alleged rape of a Venezuelan woman, but he has disappeared. Several years ago, an ex-policeman was wanted for several rapes, and he eluded law enforcement for an extended period, before he was finally cornered and killed by police. The general perception in society was that the ex-policeman had protectors in the police, and they reached high. Still higher, a member of parliament was accused of rape, and that matter took on sharp partisan dimensions, with all Guyana shamed. The victim was made into a spectacle, which added insult to injury. Apparently, a huge sum and other inducements were delivered to the victim’s family to settle the matter.

Such a heinous matter may have faded under the weight of bigger developments in Guyana; however, what has stuck with citizens, though, is how money and power could be used to thwart the long arm of the law, and the (in)justice that usually follows. When a country with a population as tiny as Guyana’s stares at the statistic (and reality) of one rape every other day, the conclusion cannot be helped that one crime breeds another, and then with a flood of them being part of a pattern, given time. There is the sense that the law is ineffective and selective, and that one can get away with murder, which has been known to happen here.

Whether murder or rape, or some other felony, there is disregard for what law upholds, because the perception is that the law itself is falling down. That is, the law does not apply to all, and when it is applied, there is unevenness that fuels the commission of more crimes of brutality against persons, of which rape is but one.

Blue-collar perpetrators look at their white-collar equivalents in high places here, and shrug off restraints.

Meaning, the law lacks severity, and leaves much to be desired about vigor and fairness. When street level rapists know that there are those who have done worse than them, but get off scot-free due to reach and pull (or powerful protectors), then sexual violence against women is taken casually. The need to dominate and control, the right to pluck the fruits of power, when expressed in violent and criminal ways, spawns its own cottage industry of imitators. If they (he) can get away with doing that, then the odds of nonaccountability expand, because there is the belief that things could be worked out should a rape occur. In such circumstances, reported and unreported crimes (rapes included) multiply, regard for women and the young plummet, law and justice take a backseat. The leadership assaults and batteries that characterize the top (words, postures, attitudes) cascade down into regular daily fight to survive in one piece in today’s Guyana. It is a symptom of the moral and ethical decay that plagues Guyanese life at many levels.

Tuesday November 21, 2023

The use of the UN Security Council is not optional and should not be delayed DEAR EDITOR, The recent press conference held by President, Irfaan Ali to address a number of issues including the current controversy with Venezuela was both informative and disappointing. Although the President is trusting in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process and working closely with strategic and development partners in addressing the current conflict, it is imperative that the conflict also be brought to the UN Security Council for a resolution as soon as possible. Not doing so could result in a perception that the current administration is willing to break its alliance with the US and their allies.

We must also avoid the perception that the major parties are reverting to their non-capitalist (Communist and Socialist) ways by avoiding a serious commitment against Venezuela and their Allies (Iran, China, Russia, North Korea and Turkey). Some of whom are members of the Security Council. China is currently in a conflict over Taiwan and Russia is in an armed conflict for territory in Ukraine. Like Venezuela,

these two permanent members of the UN Security Council also do not recognise the jurisdiction of the ICJ. Venezuela is about to carry out what China is preparing to do and what Russia is in the midst of doing.

We must not be naive in thinking that what we saw at the ICJ was not very serious.

We all remember and will never forget the videos shown of the President of Venezuela and his military.

When speaking on the upcoming referendum, he screamed to the people of Venezuela, “Jamas, Jamas, Jamas!”, which is pronounced Hamas and means Never. He was telling them that he would never give up Essequibo. There was also the video of his military troops saying, “A el combate”, which means “to the combat”. They are resolute and committed to going to combat over Essequibo. They are also building a military logistics airport to aid them in their pursuit of conquering E s s e q u i b o . We m u s t remember that war is filled with deception. They prepare to invade while saying that they do not want war. Actions speak louder

than words.

We must prepare for military operations at the border. The only deterrent to the military of Venezuela and their allies is a stronger and more powerful military force. For this very reason, we must allow the United States and their Allies to make military preparations at the border with the GDF. For those who may be thinking of religious conviction as a reason for breaking away from our current Allies, we must not allow the pitfalls of religious belief to change our current course of economic development.

The UN Security Council is also the place where concerns over the conflict between the Israelites and the Palestinians / Philistines should be addressed.

There is no business or concern more important than that of our sovereign Nation.

T h e Ve n e z u e l a n s a r e preparing to take our wealth and would prefer to see us impoverished.

They are planning to take away the oil and other natural resources that are both on and offshore Essequibo. As a member of the UN Security Council, we

must use this forum to bring forth the key issues that we believe are currently a serious threat to global peace. The conflict with Venezuela is such a threat. It not only concerns Guyana, but more importantly, it concerns the peace of the region and the security of the United States.

As Guyana continues to aspire to global leadership, we must use this opportunity to be stewards of peace and allow for a discussion at the UN Security Council on the current conflict with Venezuela to help us and our Allies gauge the receptiveness for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and respect for the ruling of the ICJ. It will also open the door to a broader discussion on Sovereignty, which may help bring an end to the current conflicts and wars around the world that are also rooted in territorial integrity.

We must not hesitate in using the UN Security Council to prevent armed conflict that could result in its very members taking up arms against each other.

Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

‘Fact-finding in Guyana’s ethnic context’ DEAR EDITOR Welcome to the factfinding delegation from the USA that is here to assess the allegations of racial, political, and other forms of discrimination being made against the Government of Guyana. It is the democratic and constitutional right of Guyanese to complain to whomever they believe is best located to help their cause if they believe that they are being discriminated against.

I note that the government was informed about the mission’s visit and invited to participate but belatedly and not surprisingly chose not to be involved, which is their democratic right. The activities of such groups have the potential to topple the Peoples’ Progressive Party’s (PPP) decades-long effort to establish ethnic/political dominance in Guyana.

The situation in Guyana is arguably more complex than in the USA, where superiority racism has led to the institutionalization of myriad discriminatory

actions against Africans and others. The result is that these minorities have suffered from persistent inequality due to centuries of racism, discrimination and the long-lasting effects of slavery, which have created conditions that make it difficult for them to get ahead. The question is not whether the PPP is discriminating against African Guyanese and their social/political organisations: it does not even make a great effort to hide it any longer! Its approach is total and allencompassing but its supporters would want us to view such behaviour as political even if dictatorial!

For example, trade unions have been the foundation of the major political parties in Guyana and their leaders have routinely been aligned to one party or another, but a few days ago, considering the government’s behaviour towards the recognised teachers’ union, the Stabroek News, which is not entirely unsympathetic to the PPP stated. “The PPP/C, …

considers that a significant proportion of the teachers… public servants, vote for the opposition [and] seems to believe it can win over opposition voters to its camp now that it has oil money to dispense…President Ali has been undermining local authorities … which are opposition controlled by the expedient of bypassing the elected councils and appealing directly to the residents. Leaving aside the special case of the GPSU (Public Service Union), which has been circumvented for many years, there is every appearance that the attempted miniaturization of the GTU (Guyana Teachers Union) is underway. Talking to everyone, over the head of the union or whatever, comes under the head of state’s rubric of ‘One Guyana’. “ The reference to the GPSU negates any suggestion that the PPP’s behaviour is new and has anything to do with G u y a n a ’s r e c e n t o i l discoveries and the ‘whatever’ indicates that the

behaviour is widespread. In 2013, I concluded that ‘… there is not a single area in African social life that the PPP has not sought to dominate or depress.’ And in 2015, I put together a book on the subject - Political and Ethnic Dominance in Guyana: Meaning, Consequences and Solutions. Gateway 2 Dialog, London).

The chair of the Guyana chapter of International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPADAG) has already outlined to the delegation the travails the organisation is facing as the PPP tries to control its activities and prevent it from identifying and speaking about Africans who are being discriminated against.

I am certain that the PNC has already spoken of the PPP’s efforts to undermine its support base and ignore the p a r l i a m e n t a r y representatives of Africans.

At about the turn of the century, the PPP began to lay the foundations of its drive for ethnic/political dominance, and this led to (Continued on page 06)

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Encourage consumers to produce their own solar generated electricity to address blackouts blackouts in visits to G e o rg e t o w n a n d N e w Amsterdam.

L i n d e n h a d continuous, steady supply of electricity virtually for free.

When I visited Linden, I was shocked to observe that buildings, including homes, had lights turned on during sunlight hours.

On the Corentyne, villages that supported PPP experienced continuous blackouts while those that supported Burnham had a steady supply of current. I was told that the same conditions existed in Demerara and Essequibo.

In recent times, blackouts have not been politically motivated.

Blackouts and rising bills affect lifestyle.

The continuous rise in electricity rates over the last several years have impacted day-to-day activities and production of goods and services.

People noted that rising prices serve to drive up prices in goods, increase inflation, bringing hardship to the working class,

especially the poor.

And blackouts impact on productivity as well as studies. Many told me they are returning to the Burnham period of using oil lamps, bottle lamps, and diyas for light.

People are dissatisfied w i t h g o v e r n m e n t ’s performance in meeting the demand for electricity but are fearful of consequences to express their disgruntled views in public.

They came to me to c r y. I n a l l f a i r n e s s , meeting demand for electricity would cost a lot of money — perhaps US$50M to purchase plants leading to even higher rates.

The public may find s u c h a m o v e unaffordable. Any further increase in rates for electricity may lead to protests and political fallout. At the same time, b l a c k o u t s a r e u n a c c e p t a b l e .

Government has to tread c a r e f u l l y. T h e p u b l i c need quality service at

Gouveia’s interview was a set of inaccuracies and bias

DEAR EDITOR The final of the Cricket World Cup fizzled and died as the men in blue could not reproduce their earlier magic with either bat or ball.

In the end it was a tame, one-sided affair with the better side winning.

Much was expected in the final between two evenly matched sides.

Alas, this was not to be.

The seemingly lackluster performance by the men in blue set the stage for the ensuing heartbreak.

Let nothing take away

DEAR EDITOR, There are complaints all over the coast about blackouts amidst rise in electricity rates.

There is rising demand for electricity as standard of living increases.

Demand is not met resulting in shortfall and blackouts.

Demand is not likely to be met until the power generating plant comes on stream in two years.

People complain they don’t get good reliable service but still have to pay for electricity that is not available.

It reminds me of the 1970s and later on the Corentyne. For months, there was no electricity, but we still were required to pay a minimum amount for non-existent supplies of power. And those who didn’t pay for blackouts had their wires cut not that it would have made a difference because either way there was no power.

Electricity supplies deteriorated after the Burnham government nationalized the power grid.

During colonial rule and up until the early 1970s, the

DEAR EDITOR, I listened to the first part of an interview with Captain Gerry Gouveia, National Security Advisor to the President and Government.

Gouveia’s interview was a set of inaccuracies and bias obviously intended to serve and satisfy his new masters. I shall deal only with two matters of which I am aware.

First, he ascribes the motto and the ideological position of commanding heights of the economy to the Government which preceded the 1992 change of Government.

He went out of his way to say that the late President

private sector reliably provided current. It wasn’t available 24 hours but at least for several hours during dawn and dusk, there was the availability of electricity for a price. The estates provided electricity to temples, masjids, and churches.

Initially, only churches received electricity free from the estates.

After protests, mandirs and masjids became beneficiaries.

Under private sector generation of power, I don’t recall ever having a blackout. In late evening or early hours, kerosene and other oil lamps were used to generate light for studies or cooking or holding wakes.

Then the government learned that the people were getting electricity and that the system was working too well.

The government decided to nationalize electricity companies and outlawed private generation of power.

Government introduced a new concept among Berbicians called blackouts.

Blackouts were probably experienced in the other counties also although I didn’t experience much

Desmond Hoyte started to change this policy of commanding heights of the economy, as he glorified the position, potential and power of the Private Sector.

First the statement about controlling the commanding heights of the economy started with the PPP years ago under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan and there was good reason for this ideological position.

It is no secret that in Guyana you’ve had good and terrible members of the Private sector.

Those who underpaid their workers, buy inferior goods with high markups

and do not support ordinary people in their sporting and cultural activities.

The gentleman boasted of the extended National Service but unless he did so before the end of the interview which was cut off, he failed to tell his interviewer of the benefits of National Service to this nation.

I hope that in the future Mr. Gerry Gouveia will c o n s u l t t h o s e knowledgeable persons before he launches out on his next expedition.

Regards Eric Moseley, MS

affordable rates.

One way to address blackouts or shortfall of electricity and rising demands is to encourage consumers to produce their own electricity from renewable solar generation of power. In the USA, government has been encouraging people to produce electricity thru windmills or from solar.

Government has been giving tax breaks to switch to solar or wind generation of power.

The government or electricity companies buy the electricity from consumers.

Several Guyanese in different parts of America generate power from solar, earning large amount of revenues. The electricity is injected into the power grid; a meter continuously monitors how much power is injected into the grid.

The amount of power consumed monthly is deducted from that injected in the grid.

The government or company send a bill for any deficit or a cheque for the

surplus. Through this system, there is hardly a shortfall in electricity production or meeting rising demand.

Blackouts are rare in USA. Companies are fined for blackouts; they also have to compensate consumers for damages to electronics and equipment that uses electricity. Because the fine is so high, companies ensure blackouts don’t occur.

Also in USA, rates for electricity are determined by a public board appointed by government on the recommendation of elected representatives or the public.

Companies cannot arbitrarily change electricity rates. Rates are set by the public board.

This white man model of generating electricity and rates for electricity should be considered in Guyana. To help brighten the villages during dark hours, we should encourage the lighting of diyas. Make every night Diwali until blackouts are eliminated.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

CWC final fizzled from the match winning performance by the Australians They were simply superb when it mattered.

The men in blue have a lot to ponder in this crucial game, their only loss of the tournament.

They have the next four years to so do.

All in all, it was a revealing CWC with

disappointing performances from three of the big gunsPakistan, England and Sri Lanka.

Afghanistan was a game stealer and changer.

They can be proud of their all-round performance.

So too can the Netherlands.

Much are expected in the future from these two teams.

Sincerely Shamshun Mohamed

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday November 21, 2023

“Self-preservation is the first law of nature” DEAR EDITOR, Listening to President Ali and the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharat, one would be convinced that Guyanese are now enjoying a paradise.

Of course not to mention the US$214M scandal.

The President and the Minister avoided comments found in Stabroek News, Village Voice and the revelations by Glenn Lall on Kaieteur Radio. These were avoided like the plague. In an earlier piece, I reminded Guyanese that we are now in the season of ‘Believe it or Not’. But listening to the two gentlemen, one would assume that Guyanese, in the religious concept, are sharing in the glory of contentment and abundance.

I said we are the paradise of the modern world.

I was brought to reality as a black-out occurred even as I was dictating this letter, but Editor the gravamen of this letter and its main purpose is to get the truth from the top-brass and in particular their purported Security Advisor, to whom I am copying this letter.

For the opening session of the Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly on Monday, November 6, 2023, to discuss the current issue of the Border, I had the honour

to sit alongside Gerry Gouveia, Security Advisor to the President and Carl Greenidge who made a powerful presentation on the Guyana Venezuela Border issue at a later occasion.

Present at the Opening session at 10:00 a.m. was the former President, now Vice President, the oil czar but more importantly, General Secretary of the PPP Party in Office. This makes him the most important person on the Government’s benches and since he has talked publicly about giving Venezuela a corridor and then we heard a n a g g r e s s i v e pronouncement supporting Venezuelans who have crossed the border into Guyana and telling us why it is proper that those persons can obtain Guyana passports and therefore earn the right to vote at National and Regional Elections.

Here it’s necessary to note that based on its t r a d i t i o n a n d notwithstanding changes in its Constitution from time to time, the General Secretary of the PPP, unlike other parties and political institutions, is not an ordinary man and not an ordinary member of this Government. The General Secretary of the PPP is regarded as the voice of that

Party and over the years considered the “Primus inter pares,” first among equals, interpreted generally and understood as the boys say to be the “Boss Man.”.

As such, on Monday, November 6, 2023, I looked forward to hearing this honourable gentleman deliver in Parliament, the position of the Party and the Government on the Venezuela Border situation.

We were all shocked and disappointed. The General Secretary, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo disappeared after about twenty minutes from Parliament and we understand he repaired his underground bunker at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. That operation of course is another matter and not the gravamen and purpose of this letter.

Recently, eighty persons who were allegedly fleeing from the tribulations in Venezuela were rescued off Tuschen, on the East Bank of Essequibo, when the vessel in which they were traveling broke down. The eighty were allegedly processed in a matter of minutes and handed over to friends and relatives who were expecting them.

The VP talked about some of these persons being second generation

Guyanese, no evidence provided and that they would be entitled to Guyana passports and therefore the right to vote at Regional and National Elections. Ms. Amanza Walton-Desir, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, has tabled a question on this matter and I hope someone on the Government’s side will give us a truthful answer that is, assuming some folks know the difference between truth and falsehood, between reality and fiction. I have earlier made it clear that in circumstances where we are supposed to be the fastest growing economy, we should be willing to help those seeking a better life, calling them refugees or what have you, my problem is how to interpret the silence in Parliament of the man who should have been in the vanguard of the debate on Monday, November 6, 2023, but miraculously lost his way and his voice. Every Guyanese including PPP supporters deserve an explanation. I am reminded of my favourite quote from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar when Caesar observed “mischief thou art afoot.”

As an ordinary citizen, I’m respectfully and humbly

asking for an explanation.

I’ve deliberately said nothing earlier in order to give the administration an opportunity to respond to concerns expressed since the Parliament met.

Only a few days ago, the distinguished Professor Emeritus of Ethics and Political Philosophy, Adela Cortina emphasized on Monday at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), that the migration problem is global and needs global response. This is important and Guyanese Officials on both sides of the political divide should not trivialize this matter.

Beyond these complexities any sane, sensible Government with even a spattering of patriotism must know that dealing with people from a neighboring country that for whatever reason is convinced that two thirds of our country belongs to them, we ought to sift with care and professional competence every single Venezuelan alien found in our territory.

Every Guyanese even as we wish to be gracious hosts, must condemn any act or statement, which

compromises our 83,000 square miles.

I would like to welcome them all and offer them the hospitality that Guyana is known for over many generations, but only an idiot would open his doors without checking each and every one before allowing him to enter his house. It is unnecessary for me to burden this letter with immigration problems in every corner of the globe but I give just two examples related to our biggest and best-known neighbour in the hemisphere, the United States of America.

First, the US boasted that they are a country of immigrants; yet in normal circumstances to visit the US or even pass through a US Port requires you to satisfy certain established conditions. But recall that when for obvious political purposes, they waived this requirement to let in Cubans.

We are aware of the anxiety of the US administration to score political points to waive the usual requirements and restrictions to let Cubans into the US. What some of us found amusing was the ship load movement from Mariel (Continued on page 17)

‘Fact-finding in Guyana’s ethnic context’...

From page 04 economic stagnation.

According to the IMF 2007 Working paper, ‘After a period of exceptionally strong economic performance, Guyana’s growth has stagnated since 1998’ and many lives were lost during the period that the opposition - mimicking the Northern Ireland situation called ‘the Troubles’. The PNC claimed that some 1,300 (Stabroek News put the number at about 400) mainly African youths were killed by a ‘phantom’ squad associated with the PPP. Of course, as the mission may have already heard, likely political deaths have not stopped.

What is at present taking place in Guyana is the result of some three generations of political struggle between two ethnic groups - Indians (PPP) and Africans (PNC) – that are today of almost equal size and get about 90% of their support from their ethnic group. Since before independence, the problematical nature of this conflictual context was observed.

‘Spokesmen of the Negro PNC consistently put

the blame on the rival PPP, while PPP spokesmen blamed the PNC. … [but] [t]he root causes of racial tension undoubtedly lie far deeper; they are not to be found in …the unscrupulous imaginations of local politicians, or in a real or in imagined partiality on the part of the British rulers…

The burden of the evidence indicates that the cause of the problem of these societies rests not, as we are often told, in the machinations of unscrupulous leaders but in the very nature of the specific type of multiethnic communities’ (Ernst Halperin -1965- ‘Racism and Communism in British Guiana).

In a competitive, majoritarian political system such as the one which exists in Guyana, no one group can sufficiently dominate the other to effectively rule in a liberal democratic manner.

Attempts by one group, usually using its majority, to try and dominate the other are not uncommon in this kind of ethnic/political reality: look at Israel, Fiji, Northern Ireland, etc. For nearly three decades, the PPP regimes has been

attempting to suppress Africans to drive them into its ranks or migrate. When a government representing essentially one ethnic group t a k e s a w a y t h e socio/political rights of another, what some want to perceive as political is the worst kind of racial/ethnic discrimination!

The Carter Center has been warning for decades about the winner-take-all majoritarian system and suggesting that it must change and become more inclusive. Recently, in an unprecedented move, the United States Department of State not only called upon the present government to change the system but also suggested a similar direction for that change.

The PPP continues along the old path. If you consider G u y a n a ’s a s p i r a t i o n a l national motto ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’, the present talk about ‘One Guyana’ is not new.

What is new is that it is now only being used to camouflage the decades-old PPP drive towards ethnic dominance.

Sincerely Dr. Henry Jeffrey

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N T B .

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Tax giveaway U .

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T U T L N N T U U L N L B and the PPP/C U .

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L N LU ...BLUNT. LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . .

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T BLU T...BLUN BLUNT...B UNT...B . .

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BL T...BLUN BLUNT.. UNT...B . .

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T B UN Tuesday November 21, 2023

Kaieteur News

Chris Ram, Chartered Accountant recently let the cat out of the bag. It is a big one that makes the Opposition, PPP/C look very bad.

In the scheme of things, the man who looks the worst is the then Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo.

The issue is the oil contract between Guyana and ExxonMobil in general and, more specifically, the tax giveaways.

According to Ram in former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman's book, From Destiny to Prosperity, the PPP/C (now in government) is also on the hook for being a party to the tax giveaway.

Trotman's book noted that the Opposition PPP/C was in parliament, and Bharrat Jagdeo was right there, when the tax giveaway came up for debate.

Most conspicuously, nothing in the form of an objection came up from either the party or its leader, Jagdeo. This does not look good for the PPP/C or Mr. Jagdeo who now stands as the de facto head of the same oil sector, and who have had so much to say about the 2016 oil contract, almost all bad.

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Tuesday November 21, 2023

Kaieteur News

Guyana waived US$2.3B in taxes to oil companies; earned less than US$1B

T

he onerous Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with U.S oil major, ExxonMobil and partners has placed Guyana in a position where it is waiving billions in taxes, but earning less than it has given away.

Since production activities commenced in Guyana in December 2019 on Guyana's first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel- Liza Destiny- the country began losing massive resources to the oil companies.

The PSA states at Article 15.1 that the Contractor (ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) as well as its affiliates shall not be subjected to tax, value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge or impost in respect of income derived from petroleum operations, property held or transactions except as specified under the agreement.

It goes on to state at Article 15.4 that the sum equivalent to the taxes owed by the company will be paid by the Minister responsible for Petroleum to the Commissioner

General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). A legal suit brought against these abusive tax giveaways by the Publisher of this newspaper, Mr. Glenn Lall was unsuccessful as the Court dismissed the case in February of this year.

An analysis done by Kaieteur News of the tax exemptions granted between 2019 and 2021, utilizing the Auditor General (AG) Reports show that a whopping US$2.3 billion in taxes were waived to Exxon and other oil companies operating here, while the country only earned US$932 million. This means Guyana lost more than two times the revenue it earned in tax waivers.

According to the AG report, a total of US$600 million in tax exemptions were granted to the oil companies in 2019. That same year- in December- Guyana commenced oil production and registered an earning of US$150 million. https://www.kaieteurnewsonlin e.com/2020/12/25/guyanareceived-us150m-in-oil-revenues-

this-year-but-gave-away-us600min-taxes-for-2019/ In 2020, the report highlighted that another US$685 million in tax waivers were granted while Guyana earned a meager US$149 million during the period. https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.c om/2021/12/15/guyana-loses137b-to-oil-companies-in-2020/ Meanwhile, in 2021, the AG report stated that the tax exemptions grew to just over

US$1B, while revenues from the sector only amounted to US$633 million.

This means the total tax waivers to oil companies in the three years totaled close to US$2.3 billion and revenue flow to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) only amounted to US$932 million between 2019 and 2021.

The report by Auditor General, Deodat Sharma for the year 2022 has not yet been made public. It is

likely however to be consistent with the previous years in which tax exemptions supersede the country's oil revenue.

IMF urges countries to cut tax breaks to oil companies In September, this newspaper reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a 2023 report has urged countries to cut back on concessions granted to oil companies as fossil-fuel subsidies surged to a record US$7 trillion in 2022.

The bank said as the world struggles to restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and parts of Asia, Europe and the United States swelter in extreme heat, subsidies for oil, coal and natural gas are costing the equivalent of 7.1 percent of global gross domestic product.

That's more than governments spend annually on education (4.3 percent of global income) and about two thirds of what they spend on healthcare (10.9 percent), the IMF said in the article written by its staff Simon Black, Ian Parry, and Nate Vernon.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 21, 2023

PAGE 09

Ideological neutrality is a fallacy

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harrat Jagdeo’s assertion that the P e o p l e ’ s Progressive Party (PPP) is committed to the working class while simultaneously disavowing any allegiance to specific ideologies raises questions about the party’s evolution since the death of its founders Cheddi and Janet Jagan.

At his last Press Conference, he is quoted as saying, “We want to work for people to get into the middle class and get wealthy so if any ‘ism’ whatsoever is inconsistent with that, it cannot continue to be the prevailing philosophy of our party.”

The PPP, originally established as a national p a r t y, u n d e r w e n t a transformation from a broad-based political entity to one with explicit socialistMarxist-Leninist leanings.

This history behind this evolution is well-known and needs no repeating here. This evolution, however, prompts scrutiny as Jagdeo, the General Secretary, distances the party from any particular ‘isms.’ Such a departure from ideological labels creates ambiguity around the PPP’s commitment to its historical roots and workingclass orientation. It also raises concerns as to why Jagdeo is not scared of being seen as being part of any ‘ism’, especially when it was a country with an ‘ism’ and a party attached to an ‘ism’ that was responsible for his higher education.

B u t t h e m o r e transformative evolution of the PPP took place under Jagdeo’s presidency when the party came under the ambit of the bourgeois class.

Jagdeo’s tenure as president marked a departure from the socialist ideology that once defined the PPP. The wholesale adoption of neoliberal economic policies

by Jagdeo saw his government embrace a path of economic liberalization, privatization, and an open economy. Even Desmond Hoyte did not go as far as Jagdeo did in removing the harnesses of the economy.

This shift and the cozy relationship between elements of the bourgeois c l a s s a n d J a g d e o ’s government raised concerns about a departure from traditional working-class principles of the PPP. One of the paradoxes highlighted by Jagdeo’s stance is the seeming control exerted by the capitalist class over the PPP. The party’s embrace of neoliberal economic policies aligns with the interests of the capitalist elite, raising questions about whether the working class truly remains at the forefront of the PPP’s priorities. Today, it is the bourgeois class that is believed to bankroll the operations of the PPP/C since the party no longer has a commercial arm.

J a g d e o ’s i m p l i c i t assertion that a party can be committed to the working class without subscribing to any specific ideology is inherently contradictory.

Ideology serves as a guiding framework for political parties, shaping their policies and actions. By disavowing ‘isms,’ the PPP risks losing its ideological compass, leaving the working class without a clear basis for assessing the party’s commitment to their interests.

A crucial aspect of any party’s commitment to the working class lies in the formulation and implementation of policies that address the needs and concerns of this demographic.

The tension between working-class advocacy and the adoption of neo-liberal policies is a central dilemma facing the PPP. Can a party genuinely champion the working class while simultaneously embracing economic policies that may exacerbate social inequalities?

The notion of ideological neutrality within a government or political party is a tempting concept.

But it is an illusion, since every decision and policy inherently reflect underlying values and beliefs. There is no such thing as ideological neutrality. And if at his age, Jagdeo does not know this he is in the wrong profession then he needs help because every decision made by a government or political party is inherently rooted in a set of values and principles, whether explicitly acknowledged or not. The very act of governance involves choices that reflect a particular worldview, moral stance, or understanding of societal priorities. Even if a party claims to be neutral, the absence of a declared ideology does not negate the presence of implicit beliefs shaping its actions.

Neutrality in governance often implies a detachment from ideological influences, but policies crafted under the guise of neutrality can have profound ideological implications. Decisions

DEM BOYS SEH

Where ignorance is bliss…

W

henever Prezzy keeps a press conference, you can count on entertainment value. You can be sure, he will say something that either makes no sense, or makes sense only to him.

When dem boys was growing up dem did hear a man tell another man, during an argument, that “where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise.”

Dem boys did small when dem bin hear dis and so dem had to find out what it meant.

Dem boys find that de saying really mean that there are situations where

not knowing or being unaware of certain facts can bring happiness or contentment. In such cases, seeking knowledge or wisdom may lead to unpleasant truths or harsh realities, which can bring about a sense of regret or discomfort.

Or sometimes, it is best to leave people happy in their own ignorance than to make then unhappy through wisdom. “Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise.”

Well, de Prezzy come up with a new one this weekend. In response to a question as to why he did not respond directly to the

comment of the Venezuelan Vice President, Guyana’s Pressy said, “It is not necessary to match ignorance with ignorance.”

Now if we break dis down what is being suggested is that some of the assertions of the Venezuelan Vice President is ignorance. But why does his response have to be ignorance also.

Should he not have said, “It is not always necessary to respond to ignorance with wisdom.”

Perhaps this Thursday, the Vice President will explain what the President really meant or should have said.

regarding taxation, social welfare, education, and healthcare inherently embody values and priorities, affecting various segments of society differently. The claim to ideological neutrality can obscure the real impact of policies on different socioeconomic groups, potentially exacerbating inequalities.

Examining historical examples reveals the difficulty of maintaining true i d e o l o g i c a l n e u t r a l i t y.

Governments and political parties often emerge from

specific historical, cultural, or social contexts, shaping their values and priorities.

The PPP arose from the working class. It has deep roots within the working class.

Even when professing neutrality, political parties and governments are influenced by prevailing ideologies, making the idea of complete detachment from ideological moorings unrealistic and a fallacy.

Jagdeo must be bold enough to come forward and admit that the PPP was seized by the bourgeois class during

his time as President.

The PPP/C now acts at the behest of the bourgeois class.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10 S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

Tuesday Monday November May 02, 21,2022 2023

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Bonus and raise

The President's $25,000 bonus and a pay increase, which is yet to be announced has found favour with some Guyanese. I limit myself to this reaction: $25,000 is better than nothing.

However, it is nothing about which a Christmas Carol could be happily hummed.

The news is that there is more to come from President Ali for other sections of the local workforce, and other citizens. Good, I say; but I venture to ask: are these efforts at easing the pain of living in Guyana good enough, have some staying power?

Life has become a constant pain for those at the

bottom of the economic ladder in Guyana. It is not the matter of a nip here and nag in some place on the anatomy, but a full body affliction. Cost-of-living is the culprit, according to the incessant laments of Guyanese who feel it. Those who feel it know it, because they live with its harsh bites and stings. They need a hand; a two-fisted effort I would recommend, and urgently. Without a doubt, $25,000 is a welcome development for those who have nothing, or are close to such a frightening state. As much as I commend the President for his Christmas gift, I sincerely regret having

to report to him that it is a drop in the bucket. Since the sun is so relentlessly hot, the $25,000 drop disappears in a hurry.

It is back to square one, and staring at the grim costof-living wall, managing to coexist with it, somehow.

Frankly, this is pitiful in a country the subject of so many glittering economic calculations.

Today, Guyana certainly has a glamorously inviting appeal to foreign investors, but there is the grossness of Guyanese below the middle grappling to get by. In such circumstances, $25,000 comes and goes. It was President Ali himself who

said (BBC interview, I think) that cash handouts are not the best option. Having said so, he has to be at a different place mentally, through programmes and provisions that help Guyanese out of poverty. The World Bank says that Guyanese are a 'high-income' people. Tell that to the Guyanese who labour to pay their rent, toil to buy food for a barebones existence.

Next, assuming it is an 8% raise, judging from last year's increase, it may have merit. But for an entry level public servant ($80,000 approximately) that is a mere $6,400 monthly.

For a $800,000 worker, inclusive of constitutional officeholders, it is $64,000, which is more than the current monthly minimum wage of $60,147.

If I were a minimum wage worker, I may have become radicalized.

So, what is it going to be this time around, when the next hike is official, $60,000 to $75,000, a big, fat, juicy 25% increase?

Whether $75,000 or $80,000 (or more), this still doesn't cut it. I think that the hopeful and the watchful already have a clue from Vice President Jagdeo: the unions are talking in these crazy numbers, like 50%. I have a guarantee: 50% it is not going to be. The calamity is that even 50% fails to close the cost-of-living gap, notwithstanding being better

than 25% and $75,000.

In this world-shattering economy, Guyanese had better brace themselves for the long haul. There is an economy that powers forward on Super BComplex, and a huge population segment that plods along on Tylenol to numb its head.

In this poor man economic offering, all the gaudy economic numbers are absorbed, but where is the beef (or chicken)? Some feast on strawberry and cream, while countless many Guyanese flinch when they think of food. From where, and by what means? I add up all the billions (education, social services, tax threshold, and energy and utility subsidies), and when compared to national budgetary spending on bricks and mortars, a primeval scream rents the air.

There is no comparison between what is spent on infrastructure versus human infrastructure (helping citizens make a living, assisting them in earning a wage that introduces the joy of living).

Unlike any other season in Guyana's history, money is not a problem. It is what is done with it that provokes severe differences. Some projects can wait; hungry and weak people can only wait, hang on, so long. Unless the plan is to cultivate a dependent citizenry, while setting them up for the kill.

That is, they become so desperate that they will gratefully accept what they get, and go their way to celebrate, while such pittances last. I, too, would extol the virtues of the multiplier effect when the conditions of poor, working class Guyanese multiply for the better. It is not. Give citizens real money that matters.

How I wish that the drive and determination of those at the helm to make this country most hospitable and prosperous for foreigners included locals.

Last, the call is for the same leadership enthusiasms for asphalt and steel and glass structures to be extended to Guyanese, who don't have much of the good going for them.

Even what is comfortable is not pleaded for, just the reasonable. I have a special holiday gift for Guyana's President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali: Guyanese should no longer be celebrating Christmas in the last week of December only. Please, Excellency, don't go MIA on this particular exhortation.

(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.)

Murder rate up by 18.7% - police The murder rate in Guyana has climbed to 18.7% when compared to last year, the Guyana Police Force has revealed.

At the same time, serious crimes across the country have declined from 1397 to 1149 this year, representing a reduction of 17.8%.

Overall for this year, there have been 25 more people murdered which takes the total murder for the year to 133 in comparison to last year's 108, amounting to an 18.7% increase.

The Guyana Police Force last week released their crime data January 1st to November 13, 2023. The data released shows comparative figures for 2022 and 2023.

Serious crimes were broken down into ten categories and each category showed reduction from last year's number with kidnapping remaining at zero. The detailed data went on to breakdown the serious crimes by police division as well as region. For this year, Region 4A saw the highest number of serious crimes combined from each of the 10 categories at a staggering 255. Region 4B followed with 179, Region 3 with 177, and Region 6 with 176. Region 2 has the lowest with a total of 22 serious crimes committed for the year up to November 13th.

The police statistics also show that robbery offences recorded a 15 percent decrease; robbery under arms saw a 23 percent decrease; robbery with violence 33 percent; larceny from the person decreased by 33 percent while an 11.6 percent decrease was recorded for rape offences for the year.

Moreover, the most prevalent offence which is break and enter and larceny recorded a 15 percent decrease, while there were no recorded offences of kidnapping in Guyana for the year. “The Guyana Police Force continues to be proactive in combatting firearms-related matters, by aggressively cracking down on illegal networks that supply guns to criminals,” the Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum said.

Additionally, the Force seized 1,425 kilogrammes (3,141 lbs) of cannabis, the largest quantity confiscated within the past five years. As a consequence of these seizures, a total of 188 persons were charged and placed before the court. Meanwhile, about 14 police ranks were charged with varying criminal offences for the same period, demonstrating the Force's commitment to accountability and transparency.

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Truck driver on $1.5M bail for Corentyne fatal accident at Madewini man stabbed to death during fight

The driver of the truck that crushed to death a 63-year-old man while reversing last Thursday was granted bail in the sum of $1,500,000, when he appeared at the Diamond Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Twenty-seven-year-old Rameshwar Persaud, a truck driver of Farm Madewini, made his first court appearance at the Diamond Magistrate's Court, before Magistrate Judy Latchman, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty. The accused was charged with the offence of 'Causing Death by Dangerous Driving.'

Magistrate Latchman placed him on bail in the sum of $1,500,000.

On Thursday last, at Farm Track Access Road, Madewini, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Arnold De Santos lost his life in a gruesome manner, after a truck driven by Persaud, bearing registration number GAD 8213, reversed on him. The driver of the truck was allegedly reversing at a fast rate of speed and in the process, knocked down De Santos.

His head was crushed by one of the truck's rear wheels. He was officially pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Center.

The truck involved in the accident

Arnold De Santos's body at the scene

Granted bail: Rameshwar Persaud

Teen tortured by police sues state for $150M A $150 million lawsuit has been filed against the State in relation to the 17-year-old boy who was allegedly burnt and tortured during July 2022 while in custody at the Vigilance Police Station, East Coast Demerara (E.C.D).

Attorney-at-law Eusi Anderson is representing Jaheim Peters, a resident of Annandale, E.C.D. The lawsuit names Curtis Europe, both in his personal capacity and as a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as the first named defendant and the second named defendant is the Attorney General of Guyana, Anil Nandlall, S.C, who is being sued in his capacity as the legal representative of the State of Guyana.

Peters alleges that while he was a minor, he was detained by the police in connection to an alleged armed Tortured teen, Jaheim Peters robbery. He said he was set on fire holding him in custody. The claimant and burnt about his body, while being tortured by Europe, to confess to conducted himself in no way to suggest resistance to arrest or an crimes.

According to the court document, i m p e d i m e n t t o t h e p o l i c e the abuse and torture started on July investigation,” the court papers said.

According to the document, the 10, 2022, when Europe went into the claimant's cell and started to ignite the policeman personally lit the lighter and lighter against the claimant's skin on took minimal steps to out the fire only his lower arm while the claimant was up to when the claimant began to handcuffed. After doing so repeatedly, holler, scream and cry out in pain as the the claimant's jersey which he was fire spread about his body.

The document further states that wearing at the time, ignited. The fire the claimant, while still handcuffed quickly spread on his clothes.

The claimant was, at the time of the managed to take off his jersey but it incident, he was in the custody of the was too late to avert the injuries. The police for several hours. “He had done court document outlined that at the nothing to provoke violence or invite time of his arrest the claimant had no torture to his body or person by underlying conditions and was not anyone. He was cooperative with the experiencing pain of any sort. “The police and, at all material times, pain he now endures is as a result of the showed a calm disposition and torture, cruel and inhuman treatment compliant with all orders of the ranks meted out to him by the policeman,”

the court document states.

It details that the claimant sustained several, severe multidegree burns about his torso and upper limbs and back. Peters was hospitalised for several days and required surgery including skin grafts to treat the burns about his body. The document states too, that the claimant has permanent partial disability, scars, burn marks and trauma that can never be erased as a result of the actions of Europe.

Notably, the claim includes punitive damages, emphasizing Peters' status as a minor held in an adult prison cell, subjected to interrogation and torture in violation of basic human rights.

The negligence claims against the Commissioner of Police and agents at Vigilance Police Station revolve around the breach of duty of care. It is alleged that they knowingly caused harm, failed to transfer Peters to a juvenile facility, and disregarded protocols for treating minors in custody.

The lawsuit demands a declaration of constitutional rights violation and substantial damages. The breakdown includes $50 million each for substantial, punitive, and general damages related to the injuries sustained by Peters. Furthermore, it leaves room for any other measures the court deems just. The Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) had launched an investigation into the torture allegations. Subsequently, the police had announced that three policemen were to face disciplinary charges in connection with the case. At trial, the claimant will contend that the defendants committed acts of negligence.

Police in Region Six are currently investigating the death of a 29-year-old Corentyne, Berbice resident who was fatally stabbed on Sunday night during an argument with another man.

Dead is Ramanand Mingo, a construction worker of Lot 247 Clifton Settlement, Corentyne Berbice. The incident occurred about 22:50 hrs at John Village, Corentyne Berbice.

Information reaching this publication, revealed that on Sunday, Mingo had left his home to play cricket in the area and was later seen imbibing at a supermarket on John's Public Road, when his brother came and collected him. While on their way home, they stopped at Metalist Shop, which is located in the John community. There it was reported to investigators that Mingo had left his brother outside and went into the shop.

Ramanand Mingo The brother told police that shortly after waiting, he saw Mingo and another man called 'Andrew' (suspect) arguing inside the shop. The man said upon seeing this, he went inside the business place to separate the two when he saw the suspect pulled out a knife from his pants waist and stabbed his brother to his chest.

The injured Mingo was picked up by his brother and rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.

According to police reports, upon examining the body, one stab wound was seen to Mingo's left side chest.

His body was later taken to the Ramoo's Funeral Parlour, where is it awaiting a postmortem examination. As the investigation continues, police are currently searching for the suspect.

Father of five further remanded for robbery Remanded: Kirth Smith A 45-year-old man was further remanded to prison when he appeared virtually, via zoom at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, where he was charged for robbing Onessa Thorne of cash and valuables amounting to $1,010,000.

Kirth Smith, a gold miner is accused of robbing Thorne of $1,000,000 in cash and a black purse value $10,000 on October 16, 2023 at Water Street, Georgetown.

The accused made his second court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, before Magistrate Rondell Weever. He was refused bail and will return to court on November 27, 2023.

Tuesday November 21, 2023

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Kaieteur News

Dozens of premature babies evacuated from Gaza to Egypt Group of 28 infants evacuated from the besieged al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City arrive in Egypt (AL JAZEERA) A group of 28 premature babies has been evacuated from al-Shifa Hospital in the besieged Gaza Strip and taken to Egypt for urgent treatment as Palestinian officials say Israeli forces have attacked another hospital in northern Gaza.

The newborns had been patients at al-Shifa, Gaza's largest medical facility, where several others had died after their incubators stopped working for a lack of fuel as medical services collapse

during the Israeli military's ground and air assault on Gaza City.

The babies were transported on Sunday to AlHelal L-Emirati Maternity Hospital in Rafah in southern Gaza, so their condition could be stabilised before making the trip to Egypt through the Rafah border crossing on Monday. “Three babies still remain at the Emirati hospital and continue to receive treatment,” a World Health Organization (WHO)

spokesperson told the Reuters news agency. “All babies are fighting serious infections and continue needing health care.”

Medics prepare premature babies for transport to Egypt after they were evacuated from alShifa Hospital in Gaza City to a hospital in Rafah [Fatima Shbair/AP Photo] Last week, Israeli forces seized al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza, to search for what they said was a Hamas tunnel

Medics transfer a premature Palestinian baby in an incubator from Gaza to an ambulance on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing[Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population/Handout via Reuters]

Medics prepare premature babies for transport to Egypt after they were evacuated from al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to a hospital in Rafah [Fatima Shbair/AP Photo]

network and command centre built underneath the complex. Hamas has denied the allegations.

During the Israeli operation, hundreds of patients, medical staff and displaced people left al-Shifa at the weekend and moved to the southern Gaza Strip.

Since al-Shifa doctors have raised the alarm about the situation at the hospital for premature babies and the lack of clean water and medicines in the neonatal ward, eight infants have died,

according to hospital officials.

Attack on Indonesian Hospital At another hospital in northern Gaza, at least 12 people were killed by artillery fire on Monday and dozens wounded, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said. The ministry said hundreds of people were trapped at the facility, which was encircled by Israeli tanks.

Reporting from the hospital, journalist Anas al-

Sharif described the scenes inside as “chaotic”. “There is an overwhelming state of panic among patients,” he told Al Jazeera. “Victims are piling up on the floor.” The WHO's chief said the United Nations agency was “appalled” by the attack on the Indonesian Hospital.

“Health workers and civilians should never have to be exposed to such horror, and especially while inside a hospital,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X, (Continued on page 16)

Woman dies after Police yet to arrest man who allegedly brutalized stepson motorbikes collide A 25-year-old woman lost her life on Saturday after her motorbike collided with another along the Mibicuri Public Road, Corentyne.

Dead is Tina Khan of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice. Khan was on her way home from a Bar-BQue event when the accident occurred. She was riding on one bike and her husband on another when a third motorcyclist collided with the young woman's bike. The impact flung her into the air and she landed on the road side under a Deceased, Tina Khan p a r k e d t r a i l e r. H e r husband picked her up and It is alleged that the rider took her to the Mibicuri who caused the accident, Hospital. Unfortunately, fled the scene.

Investigations are Khan succumbed to the ongoing. injuries while being treated.

Police are still on the lookout for the 29-year-old man who allegedly brutalised his stepson last month which had left him hospitalised.

The child was identified as four-year-old Travis Morrison of Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo.

According to Region Three Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh while the child has since been discharged from the hospital and has been recovering, they are yet to apprehend the suspect.

Police had identified the suspect as David Josiah also of Parika.

It was reported to the police that on October 8, the man went home after imbibing on the road.

He then became involved in a heated argument with his commonlaw wife, 32-year-old

Rebecca Premdass. As a result, they began fighting in the presence of the little boy and his elder brother, Kevin Morrison. Police learnt that as a result of the altercation, the boys ran out of their home to seek help.

On seeing them running away, the suspect then ran behind them and managed to grab hold of the younger child and allegedly gave him several blows to his body and head, before making good his escape. Police reported that Premdass had gone to the Parika Police Station with her son Travis, where she reported that her son had fallen down the previous night and that the suspect never hit him. She was then sent to the hospital to do a medical for her son.

Morrison was later admitted to the West Demerara Hospital after a CT scan found that he had suffered a

Travis Morrison when he was admitted in the hospital receiving treatment.

fractured skull. He was then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital

where he was later discharged from the institution.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 21, 2023

‘No end in sight for drop in prices for greens’ . .Pres. Ali blames dry weather, market forces

Mohamed Haniff photos

President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali on the sidelines of an event speaking to reporters on Monday

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 21, 2023

PAGE 15

Guyana signs Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action Youths of Guyana will now be included at the policy level as agents of change for climate action as Prime Minister Mark Phillips on Saturday signed the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action.

The declaration developed by young people from across the world, identifies their priorities for climate action, UNICEF Guyana said in a press release. It urges States to consistently consider children's specific needs, rights and perspectives in their climate policies and action at all levels.

The signing marked a new milestone for UNICEF G u y a n a , a s t h e intergovernmental organization in collaboration with the First Lady's O f f i c e o b s e r v e d Wo r l d Children's Day in advance with over one hundred children and youths at the State House Benab, Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

The ceremonial signing of the declaration signaled Guyana as a new signatory to the declaration joining 42 other countries around the

world. Prime Minister Phillips said Guyana is pleased to endorse the Declaration also given that it is consistent with the actions the country has taken and the actions they will take in securing a sustainable future for children and youth in Guyana.

He explained that the government recognizes the unique vulnerability of children to the impacts of natural disasters and other extreme weather events and in recognizing their v u l n e r a b i l i t y, t h e government hasalready taken concrete actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This he noted is evident is the government Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

“The LCDS recognizes the pivotal role of youth in shaping our nation's destiny.

It incorporates a dedicated section that proclaims the goal of mainstreaming youth participation in the Strategy.

We believe that involving our youth in the decision-making processes related to climate action is not just a question of inclusion; it is an acknowledgement of the

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips joined by Guyanese youth for the signing of the declaration unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless energy they can bring to the process,” the Prime Minister said.

He added, “The endorsement of this 'Declaration' is not just a strategic move but a moral imperative. By championing the principles outlined in this 'Declaration', Guyana ensures that our children and youth inherit a sustainable future.”

Meanwhile, during

remarks, Nicolas Pron, UNICEF Guyana and Suriname Country Representativelauded the Prime Minister for signing the declaration, while noting it marks an historic event for UNICEF and children in Guyana.

He said, “Climate change presents the greatest threat to children's futures, and it is having an impact on children's health, access to safe water, nutrition, basic services and infrastructure,

education, and child protection in Guyana and around the world.”

Pron highlighted that UNICEF works with all stakeholders to ensure the rights and protection of every child across the globe. “One of those rights, is the right to a safe and sustainable environment. This right, however, is threatened by climate change,” he stated.

The UNICEF Representative further thanked the Prime Minister for displaying the

Government of Guyana's continued commitment to not only ensuring a bright future for children in Guyana, but for also ensuring their voices will be heard and their needs will beaddressed.

Additionally, during remarks, Pron along with other attendees at the event observed a one minute of silence for children affected in conflict situations around the world. He made a call for peace, safety and protection (Continued on page 17)

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the EU Delegation at the Guyana Mariott Hotel

President Ali urges EU businesses to seize lucrative investment opportunities available in Guyana

P

resident Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Monday, urged a visiting European Union (EU) business delegation to explore the vast investment opportunities that Guyana has to offer.

During a forum held at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, G e o rg e t o w n , P r e s i d e n t A l i emphasised the substantial investment opportunities that Guyana presents, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and new technologies. The event marked the beginning of a threeday EU Global Gateway Economic Mission to Guyana. This inaugural mission brings together representatives from 23 companies across various industries.

In his keynote address,

President Ali highlighted that trade between Guyana and the EU has skyrocketed over the past three years. In fact, between January 2017 to September 2023, Guyana's total trade within the EU amounted to US$11 billion. Notably, the president revealed that the trade grew by 778 per cent between 2021 and 2022, a movement from US$614 million to US$5.4 billion.

The delegation is being encouraged f to invest in Guyana at a time when the country is experiencing remarkable economic growth, averaging over 43 per cent in the past three years, far surpassing the global average of 2.3 per cent.

This growth has been fueled by the discovery of significant oil and gas reserves, with Guyana poised to produce at least one million barrels

of oil per day by 2027.

It is against this backdrop, President Ali said, Guyana's policy agenda and framework must position this country to give investors the best possible competitive advantage in providing and selling their services and products from Guyana.

“What we're seeking to do is to create competitive advantages within Guyana, so that you can relocate your services here or expand your services here to better compete and get access to those markets,” Guyana's Head of State underscored.

He noted the growing trend of European companies partnering with local institutions to enhance healthcare facilities and establish Guyana as a regional hub for

medical services.

“This is the place we want to be if we are to create a health care system that is second to none,” President Ali emphasised.

He further noted that Guyana has established specific agreements with markets in countries such as Argentina, Canada, China, Cuba, the United States, and the wider Caribbean, providing businesses with a distinct competitive edge.

F u r t h e r, t h e p r e s i d e n t underscored the immense potential of Guyana's tourism industry. He described Guyana as 'the world's best eco-tourism destination' and encouraged EU businesses to capitalise on this untapped market.

He warned that delaying investment in Guyana's tourism sector could lead to missed

opportunities, as the country's attractiveness as a tourist destination is bound to increase in the coming years.

“This event today, must reset not only the relationship, but reset your own strategic thinking on what we can offer you here in Guyana, how we can present a platform for your own businesses to expand and develop,” he told t h e d e l e g a t i o n . To f o s t e r investments in the various sectors, the government has implemented a zero-per cent corporate tax policy and incentives, creating an attractive environment for foreign investors. Over the next two days, the delegation will have the opportunity to engage with key sector heads and private sector bodies on opportunities here. (DPI)

PAGE 16

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Kaieteur News

473 households in Region One receive solar systems, boosting electricity access – $500M expended to provide over 8,700 solar panels in region

WANTED

VACANCY

Washbay Workers needed at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara. Call: 233-5227, 682-1616.

Sales and Delivery Clerks needed. Apply at Lens 136 Sheriff Street. Call: 2272486/ 227-1511. Email: lensgy@outlook.com

Experienced Taxi Drivers needed at Princess Hotel.

Must have hire car license.

Call: 265-7076 or 616-5419, 690-2242.

Two Housekeepers needed for hotel and one Nanny preferably from ECD. 223-5273/ 225-0254.

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

One Handyman needed to work in Peter's Hall. Call: 6748723.

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

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

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FOR RENT 4 bedroom furnished house, 6 beds and 2 parking available at Lamaha Gardens, Garnett street. Call: 679-2966.

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Commerial Property for rent Vreen- en- Hoop & Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D. Contact Persaud real estate: 653-2477.

Vacancy exists for experienced heavy duty Mechanic.

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Email application: techserigy @yahoo.com or Call: 6159132.

One bedroom apartment $40,000 monthly, internet, water and light included.

Call: 638-8858.

On Saturday, 473 more households in hinterland communities in Region One gained improved access to electricity through the government’s Solar Home Systems Project.

The distribution of the solar systems took place in several villages, including Kariako Village (113 systems), Kokerite (33 systems), Chinese Landing (49 systems), Waikrebi (74 systems), Warapoka (102 systems), Unity Grant (12 systems), and Santa Cruz (90 systems).

The beneficiaries expressed immense gratitude for the panels, which will significantly enhance their access to electricity. Toshao of Kariako Village, Collis Samuels in lauding government’s expression of care to his community, emphasised the substantial improvement, which the solar panels would provide for residents who were previously without access to electricity.

“It will help us out a lot because we have our genera-

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

Vacancy for a Maid and a night Watchman cleaner.

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LAND FOR SALE L.B.I, Riverside Land Timehri & Parika. Call Persaud real estate: 653-2477.

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Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal addressing residents

tor but it is not reaching to much of the households. It is just a few [residents] getting the generator,” he shared.

Teacher of Kariako Primary School, Mark Boyal underscored the enormous benefit of the solar panels to residents, especially students.

Boyal added, “I feel much joy in my heart to receive the panels in the village, because it will give the students in our school more opportunities to read at night, to do their homework and assignments.”

Toshao of Kokerite, Rufus Rodrigues noted that with the distribution of the panels students in the Village will now be able to advance their studies. Kokerite resident, Nigel Courtman described the donation as timely, noting that the purchase of the panels is outside the financial reach of many of the residents.

He expressed, “many times, we are in darkness because not all of us can afford to buy solar panels. There are many people in the community who feel happy about the panels. The children can do something better with their

education. And we, the old people, could do some things much better. There are many things, without light, that we cannot do.”

Beneficiary, James Henry, who was brimming with happiness, highlighted that residents of his village were eagerly anticipating receiving the panels which will improve their lives. “I cannot express my feelings because it is filled with overjoy…for having to witness this joyous occasion, where we will be benefitting greatly from our government… Sometimes, we would go and charge our phones elsewhere, sometimes very far where there are no shops,” Henry told DPI. Beneficiary Camille Courtman, happily expressed her joy that her children will finally be able to revise their schoolwork in the evenings with the enhanced access to electricity supply.

Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during his remarks at Kariako Primary School highlighted that government continues to invest heavily in the future of Guyana, noting that

some $500 million was expended to provide over 8,700 solar panels throughout Region One. Government is assiduously working to bridge the gap between the hinterland and the Coastland, to ensure that equitable opportunities, programmes and resources are provided, the minister assured. “A lot of resources are being poured in communities…whatever programme we have committed, we are ensuring that it is delivered…” the minister stressed.

Through this initiative, Moruca sub-region is benefitting from over 3,000 solar panels, with an injection of approximately $190 million.

An investment of $6.7 million was expended for the panels for Kariako and $2 million for Kokerite. The minister was joined by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bishram Kuppen, Regional Vice Chairman, Annansha Peters and Senior Hinterland and Building Works Engineer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Cy Rodrigues. (DPI)

Dozens of premature babies evacuated...

From page 13 formerly Twitter. Indonesia’s foreign minister condemned the attack on the hospital, which was built in 2016 and funded by Indonesia, and called it a “clear violation of international humanitarian laws”. “All countries, especially those that have close relations with Israel, must use all their influence and capabilities to urge Israel to stop its atrocities,” Retno Marsudi said.

“We are very concerned about the fate of our colleagues and the fate of wounded and patients as well as [displaced] people who may have still [been] shelter-

ing there. No ambulances can reach them, and we’re afraid the wounded will die,” said Nahed Abu Taaema, director of Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza. Like most hospitals and clinics in the northern half of the Gaza Strip, the Indonesian Hospital has largely ceased operations but is sheltering patients, staff and displaced people who have sought shelter at the site after Israel launched its assault on Gaza last month.

As fighting continues between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza, US and Israeli officials said a Qatari-mediated deal to free some of the captives held in the Palestin-

ian enclave and pause fighting temporarily to enable aid deliveries to stricken civilians was edging closer. About 240 hostages were taken during a deadly assault on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7. About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to Israeli tallies. After the attack, Israel promised to topple the armed group, which has governed Gaza since 2007, and it launched a devastating bombardment and ground offensive on Gaza. At least 13,000 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 5,500 children, according to Palestinian officials.

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Kaieteur News

HR practitioners integral to boosting public service – PM Phillips

A section of the gathering at the Personnel Practitioners Workshop at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has emphasised the critical role that personnel practitioners play in developing effective strategies to boost service delivery across the country.

He was at the time delivering remarks at the opening ceremony for the Annual Personnel Practitioners Workshop at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday. The PM said that effective human resource management e n c o m p a s s e s e ff i c i e n t planning, recruitment, training, employee engagement, diversity, and inclusion, among other factors. “It is important that every employee at every level understands the mission, and once they understand the

mission, everyone focuses on the mission, our mission is to build an effective and efficient public service for the delivery of public goods and services in an efficient and effective manner to all the people of Guyana,” he said.

Against the backdrop of a growing economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) set to feature further double-digit growth in the coming years, Guyana must have practitioners capable and efficient in managing this growth. “This is management in the sense of ensuring that the goods and services demanded by the Guyanese population is delivered in an effective and efficient manner. If the public service is not properly

managed, it affects the delivery of service,” PM Phillips asserted.

He urged all in attendance to place emphasis on developing robust workforce planning strategies to organise current and future demands, as well as to identify gaps and formulate strategies to overcome them. According to the PM, the provision of central services to the public, and the adequate delivery of these services hinge on the motivation and capabilities of the personnel. Therefore, it is up to the personnel practitioners to communicate effectively with their employees, as well as provide incentives to promote quality performance.

Meanwhile, Minister of

Public Service, Sonia Parag, highlighted that the workshop aims to sensitise practitioners on their responsibilities, and discuss innovative strategies to boost service delivery in the public service. “It is very critical to have at least once a year, those who turn the wheels of government be able to have the opportunity to speak on what they know, to gain exposure on what they do not know, and to learn as they progress in how they can better be able to function in their jobs, as well as to give service that is expected of them.

“You are the ones who will make the rest of the public service give the kind of service that is expected by the public.

You are expected to give a service of excellence, not a mediocre service,” she told the gathering.

The two-day workshop will see human resource practitioners benefitting from discussions surrounding leadership strategies, public service employment, leave allowance, occupational safety and health, and performance evaluations, among other areas. The workshop is being held under the theme: “Strengthening the Public Service through Human Resources Management”.

(DPI)

PAGE 17

Guyana signs Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action...

From page 15 for every child, especially those in conflict situations.

Sharing the same sentiment on climate change affecting those who have contributed the l e a s t t o t h e crisis—children, Mrs. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana made a call for everyone to make the necessary investments to protect the planet and safeguard the future of our children.

“My office, and by e x t e n s i o n t h e government stands ready to support efforts which are aimed at protecting the welfare of children,” she said.

The observance of the World Children’s Day event culminated with an upcycling activity facilitated by Everything Makes Craft, UNICEF Volunteers and Rights of the Child Commission’s Child Rights Advocates with children from various orphanages in Guyana.

Children at the event learned how to upcycle

plastic bottles, toilet paper rolls and scrap cardboards to make art and crafts.

T o f u r t h e r commemorate WCD 2023 on November 20, UNICEF Guyana will light up the State House in Blue.

The blue light up is a visual element that c o n n e c t s a l l Wo r l d Children’s Day activities around the world. It is a visual reminder of the shared responsibility to protect, promote, and advocate for the rights of every child, everywhere. Every year on November 20, UNICEF in over 190 countries celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

O n t h a t d a y, t h e intergovernmental organization highlights critical issues affecting children’s lives , and support the engagement of children and young people as advocates for their own rights.

“Self-preservation is the first law of nature”...

From page 06 to Miami. Castro administration, sensing this anxiety to let in all Cubans to the US, organized a batch from the prisons, undesirables and those with psychiatric problems and facilitated their movements from Mariel to Florida.

Why do we think that Maduro has not been organizing a similar operation recognizing the PPP’s anxiety to accommodate and to settle these Venezuelans? Listen to Jagdeo’s Press Conference.

I have referred to the recent incident where two Venezuelans were arrested by the police in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge with illegal drugs and this week a report about the taxi driver, Shon Smith who was chopped, slashed and robbed by five Venezuelans and had to play dead to tell the tale.

I spoke with a man who has a small room which he rented to a Venezuelan. The Venezuelan refused to pay the agreed rent, told the

Guyanese Landlord that he has friends in high places, and later secured a job with a senior Government functionary.

The Guyanese man is reluctant to go public because he says he fears for his life and with the perceived belief that certain members of the government hierarchy are supporting these new immigrants.

On a lighter note, on Wednesday, I spoke with two ladies who make their living as nocturnal horizontal acrobats complaining that the Venezuelan senoritas are putting them out of business.

Recall, when the first wave of Spanish-speaking settlers came, a Guyanese male customer died in the embrace of a senorita in Robb Street. Taken into custody, she explained what happened and was released.

Her language was not indecent and if the editor or anyone is interested in what she told the police, call me at Tel No. 227-3194 and I will tell you what she said which earned her immediate

release from the lock-ups.

This question with the Venezuelan Referendum on December 3, 2023 should be the concern of every Guyanese irrespective of race, colour or political persuasion. Let me make it clear that speaking for myself and others, while we consider the behaviour of some folks at home and abroad, as opponents, we must avoid labeling them as enemies.

In this regard, in spite of the fine words and unanimous passage of the motion in Parliament on Monday November 6, 2023, the Government had already shown its lack of faith and belief that they are the font of all wisdom, the Alpha and Omega of everything about Guyana and so Thursday with great pomp the Government announced that they will be presenting to Parliament a Bill to establish a new Security Entity, a Border Patrol.

There are two worrisome things about this announcement, one, there is

no need for a special border patrol, all that is necessary is the deepening of cooperation with the Police, the Army and the Intelligence Agencies and increased cooperation with the Guyanese residents and miners who operate in these areas.

Second, if for whatever reason, such a new unit is deemed necessary there ought to have been some discussion with the Leader of the Opposition and other concerned institutions.

Dear Editor, instead of the Government creating conditions of harmony, they are doing the opposite by treating others outside of the Party in an offhand and disrespectful manner. That’s a recipe for discord and disaster. The PPP Administration seems unable or unwilling to learn from events in the last seven generations.

1773, the Korean war, P r e s i d e n t J o h n s o n ’s embarrassing withdrawal from Vietnam, the role of the United States in the Russian-

Ukraine situation, the role of the United States and the super powers in the Middle East What are the conditions that are driving the genocide in the Gaza strip? The security breaches that led to Pearl Harbor attack.

J a g d e o ’s s i l e n c e i n Parliament may very well mean that there was or is some deal arrangement or understanding related to our oil and therefore who should be the beneficiaries of these huge natural resources.

I am satisfied that our present Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Natural Resources lack the intelligence gathering capability and to understand the rapid and significant changes that are taking place in the world today.

The new submarines, for example, could be lying at a point north of the Pomeroon River and north-west of the Corentyne River and even developed countries lack the technology to detect their presence and both defensive and offensive capabilities.

We live in a world

encumbered, encircled and dominated by greed, arrogance and as far as this government is concerned propaganda will lead them from darkness to light.

They are wrong, very wrong. Our present crop of leaders, even within the ruling Party cannot understand that they must listen and learn from the voices of experience and therefore wisdom.

The trouble, Dear Editor, is that when we hit the iceberg as we see in Africa, Europe and parts of the Middle East, the innocent children and women are the first casualties.

Mr. Jagdeo, President and his Security Advisor must prepare this nation for post December 3, 2023 if we are to inherit God’s gift to us and that our oil, gas, gold, diamonds, gold, coals, etc. are not a curse but a blessing.

I end this letter with this universal wisdom ‘selfpreservation is the first law of nature.”

Hamilton Green Elder

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Customer trades bullets with gunmen during supermarket robbery …one wounded

I

t was a scene like the movies when an armed customer at the Lucky Central Supermarket on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt Park, fired back at two gun-toting men who attempted to rob the business location on Monday night.

Reports are that around 20:00hrs on Monday, two gunmen dressed in hoodies and wearing face masks, emerged from a car which was parked two houses away from the supermarket.

They entered the business, firing shots indiscriminately as they announced a robbery.

“Two men went in the supermarket armed with guns and started firing,” an eyewitness said. He said the security guard, who was on his phone at the time, could not respond as he was “backing” the gunmen when they entered the business entity.As the drama unfolded, several customers who were inside ran for cover. One customer was shot, the eyewitness said.

As the customers ran for cover, an armed member of the presidential g u a r d peeked out from behind an aisle and fired back at the gunmen, the eyewitness

The Lucky Central Supermarket on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt Park which was robbed on Monday night.

said. The gunmen ran out of the building and their getaway car drove off, leaving one of the perpetrators behind.

He reportedly ran along Aubrey Barker Road and turned into the Festival City Exit, and disappeared under the streetlights as he headed in the direction of Sophia.

Police later arrived at the scene and commenced investigations into the

robbery.Monday night was not the first time bandits pounced on the supermarket.

Last year, a security guard was shot when gunmen attacked the business entity.

Supermarkets on Aubrey Barker Road have been targeted by bandits over the years.

The robberies at the supermarkets in the area usually occur when the businesses are preparing to

close for the day.

Meanwhile, residents of the area are calling on the security companies to vet their employees since many are usually seen openly consuming alcohol and smoking marijuana while on duty. Some are also seen on

their phones most of time.

At the Awen Supermarket at the corner of Kaikan Street and Aubrey Barker Street, the smell of marijuana is usually high, as groups of men can be seen in front of the business nightly and

during the day, openly smoking the illicit substance.

The security guards at that business entity are usually seen in the company of the men, leaving customers with feelings of unease as they shop.

Two journalists among several killed by Israeli bombing on refugee camp

(AL JAZEERA) In the past 24 hours, six media professionals have been killed by Israeli bombing,

including journalists Sari Mansour and Hassouneh Salim. They were hit by an Israeli air strike on the Bureij

refugee camp in central Gaza. At least 55 Palestinian media workers have been killed since October 7.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 21, 2023

PAGE 19

Big turnout for Venezuela's 'mock Essequibo referendum' V

enezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE), has recorded a high turnout for the nationwide mock Essequibo referendum held on Sunday, November 19, 2023.

Guyana has rejected the planned referendum and has sought the protection of the International Court of Justice against Venezuela's expansionist claims. Additionally, the Government of Guyana announced on Saturday last that it will carry out a series of activities to counter the referendum scheduled for December 3. “On the 3rd for example, we have a series of activities, the third of December that includes sending a strong national unified message from Guyana to those participating in the referendum,” President Irfaan Ali told reporters during a press conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center at Liliendaal, Georgetown Meanwhile, as a result of the high turnout Sunday, President of the CNE, Dr. Elvis Amoroso instructed that all electoral centres enabled at the national level for the simulation of the Consultative Referendum for Essequibo must remain open until there is not a single voter left in the electoral centres.

Amoroso indicated that the decision was made after electoral officials toured all the voting centres in the country and detected large influx of people who decided to participate in the simulation in order to become familiar with the automated voting system, as well as with the questions that will be asked on December 3 in the Consultative Referendum for Essequibo.

The president of the CNE took the opportunity to congratulate the people of Venezuela on “this great civic day” and invited them to participate, w ith the s ame e n t h u s i a s m , n e x t S u n d a y, December 3, in the Consultative Referendum for Essequibo. Finally, he reported that, at the main headquarters of the Electoral Power, in Plaza Caracas, two voting tables were installed so that residents who live nearby can exercise their right.

Meanwhile, Presidential candidate from the Primero Venezuela party, José Brito, defended the Venezuelan people's resolve to defend their sovereignty and territory. He underscored their fearlessness and determination in the face of any adversarial force.

Another Presidential candidate, Luis Eduardo Martínez from the Acción Democrática party, led the swearing-in of the Raúl Leoni campaign command in preparation for the referendum. Martínez has been on a national tour to encourage citizens' participation in the forthcoming referendum, placing a

A section of crowd which is part of the voter turnout for the mock referendum on Essequibo held on Sunday November 19, 2023. (Telesur Images)

significant emphasis on the defense of sovereignty.

Luis Ratti, another influential leader, also participated in the mock election and lauded the electoral organization for its successful conduct. He highlighted the unity of Venezuelans across political lines in defense of the Essequibo territory.

Diosdado Cabello, the First Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), stated that the government of Guyana seeks to deny Venezuela's historical claim to the territory west of the Essequibo River.

Despite the long lines, Cabello observed great enthusiasm among voters. This included opposition party members, social movements, and first-time voters, all casting their ballots in the name of the Essequibo territory.

Vi c e P r e s i d e n t D e l c y Rodríguez speaking last week during a hearing into a request by Guyana for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order a halt to parts of a consultative referendum in December on the future of the Essequibo region, stated that “Nothing will prevent the referendum scheduled for Dec. 3 from being held,” Rodríguez told judges at the International Court of Justice too that her appearance at the court's headquarters in the ornate Peace Palace in The Hague “in no way

implies recognition of the jurisdiction of this honorable court over the territorial dispute concerning Guyana.”

The Venezuela referendum on December 3 asks the Venezuelan people to decide on five things: They are asked to agree or reject the 1899 Arbitral Award. Mr. Reichler argued that most of them may never have heard of the Award.

They are being asked to say whether support the Geneva Agreement as the only means to settle the controversy.

The Geneva Agreement was reached in 1966 after Venezuela claimed that the arbitral award was null and void.

This was after it participated in the exercise to mark the boundaries (a proceed that ended in 1905 and was ratified in its Parliament.) The agreement, while allowing for dialogue and a diplomatic solution, also allowed for the SecretaryGeneral to seek a final end to the controversy if dialogue failed.

Dialogue was carried out over many decades and failed to achieve a solution.

They are being asked if they agree with Venezuela for not recognizing the jurisdiction or the legal right of the Court. The Court has already ruled that it has jurisdiction. And Maduro has already said Venezuela will “never” recognise the court, so Guyana argues the question is pure theatre.

They are being asked to oppose

Guyana's use of its maritime space.

Guyana is not asking for provisional measures on this question because the Court has ruled that it cannot entertain matters outside of the Geneva Agreement. Guyana has proposed talks with Venezuela on this

question but it has refused. They are being asked to agree with the creation of a “Guayana Esequiba”, essentially the territory of Guyana it claims, and grant Venezuelan citizenship and ID cards and then incorporate the territory on the map of Venezuela.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Tuesday November 21, 2023

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

‘Disgraceful’ fans boo umpires during medal ceremony after Australia beat India in Cricket World Cup final Independent - Indian fans are facing a backlash online for their partisan reaction to losing the Cricket World Cup final to Australia on Sunday, perhaps most notably for the way the umpires were booed during the medal ceremony.

Most of the more than 110,000 spectators – the overhwelming majority India supporters – had left the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat long before the trophy was lifted by Australia captain Pat Cummins, who had led his team to their sixth ODI World Cup title.

But boos could clearly be heard from those who remained as field umpires Rich-

ard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth, along with TV umpire Joel Wilson and fourth umpire Chris Gaffney, were called to the podium to receive their own medals for officiating the final.

The reaction baffled those watching and commentating online, with the match hardly marked by any particular moments of refereeing controversy.

The only real incident of note came with a possible LBW call on a Jasprit Bumrah ball to Marnus Labuschagne, which was given not out. A review showed the ball just clipping the leg stump, but with the impact too close to

call the final verdict went with the umpire’s original decision.

Some fans also took to social media to criticise Kettleborough, arguing that he had overseen a disproportionate number of Indian losses.

But others took to social media to slam the fans involved, calling the incident “a disgrace to cricket”.

“That’s just pathetic and immature from the Indian crowd at Ahmadabad,” wrote one social media user.

There was also criticism online for the way the crowd reacted to Travis Head reaching his century, on his way to

Tuesday November 21, 2023 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You'll notice that your emotions are coming to a monthly climax today, Aries.

Don't be alarmed but do be cautious about lashing out at people for no reason. You may feel on edge.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This is a terrific day for you, Libra, and you'll find that there is a great deal of power at your disposal. This is a day of new beginnings. You have the opportunity now to start over.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Extremes is the name of the game now, especially for you, Taurus. Today the emphasis is on action. You're the one to call to get the job done.

You won't wait another second to simply go for it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The fire is raging today, so be careful, Scorpio. Try not to be too impulsive in your actions. Your natural tendency may be to lash out against others without really thinking about the consequences.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be adventurous and strike out into new territory, Gemini. Be a pioneer. Work to make some new discoveries in the world. Today isn't a day to worry about consequences.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Go for the gold, Sagittarius.

Today marks the beginning of the rest of your life. Treat it with respect. You may be on a crusade and your combative instincts could be working overtime.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Certain situations may be difficult to deal with today as they take an emotional spin, Cancer. You're getting anxious.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may feel as if someone is poking you today, Capricorn, urging you to get up and get moving. Don't be surprised if someone seems to be picking on you for no reason.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You should find that the general mood of the day is favorable to your personality style, Leo. Take this opportunity to present more of your thoughts and ideas to the world.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This is a great day for you to get up on stage and make your presence known, Aquarius. Let people know that you're the leader of the pack.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) The fog has lifted and you're ready to take off, Virgo. The dreaminess you may have experienced lately has been nice, but now it's time to get moving again.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This is a good day to add spark to your life, Pisces. If things have seemed boring and stagnating lately, you may need to infuse a bit of excitement into the situation.

a player-of-the-match performance that saw him become only the third Australian player after Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting to hit 100 runs at the World Cup Final.

“Some 80 people among the 11000+ [sic] at the Narendra Modi Stadium

clapped their hands together as Travis Head raised his bat after reaching his 50,” wrote sports writer Bharat Sundaresan on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He added: “If the WTC knock at The Oval was special, this one, is extraordinary

& the quietest reception you’ll ever hear for a World Cup final century.”

Former Middlesex bowler Simon Hughes asked: “Has a brilliant hundred on such a massive occasion [ever] been greeted with such ambivalence?”

Thrilling weekend sees Bartica...

From page 20 applied relentless pressure on Rupununi Football Academy’s defence, resulting in a commanding 2-0 victory.

Ian Gomes stole the spotlight, netting goals in both the 66th and 80th minutes of the match.

The NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 National Academy Playoff is a vital component of the Academy Training Centre programme, which focuses on nurturing the talents of boys aged 14 to 17 years old. This programme holds the prestigious status of being an approved ‘Generation Next’ FIFA development initiative.

The participating teams have been strategically organised into two groups.

Group A includes Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank, the National Under-15 Team and Berbice, while Group B features Upper Demerara, Essequibo, Bartica and West Demerara.

GFF President Wayne Forde, who was present at Sunday’s games which were held at the Georgetown Football Club on North Road, emphasised that the academies and players’ commitment to grassroots development deserves significant applause.

“We witnessed yet another thrilling weekend of games from the Under-17 teams across the region. Fans had the opportunity to see these future stars battling it out in this prestigious tournament, shining a spotlight on our upcoming football talent.

“I once again thank

Namilco for supporting our grassroots vision and applaud all the academies and players for their dedication to grassroots development as we continue to prioritise and focus on nurturing talent at the foundation level. This is an opportunity for fans to witness the emergence of Guyana’s future football stars.”

Following the roundrobin phase, the most outstanding teams from each group will advance to the championship round.

These teams will fiercely vie for the esteemed title of national champions, promising an electrifying showcase of emerging football talent.

The playoff continues on Saturday, November 24.

Tuesday November 21, 2023

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Vice President’s/GSCL Inc T20 Extravaganza

Regal claim triple crowns R

egal have added to their extensive trophy cabinet as they jubilantly won the three respective categories when the curtains came down on t h e i n a u g u r a l Vi c e President’s/Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL) T20 Extravaganza on Sunday at Police Sports Club, Eve Leary.

Yusuf century propels Regal Legends to Over-50 title Opener Unnis Yusuf struck an unbeaten century as Regal Legends defeated Aash Decor by a commanding 122 runs in the final of the over-50 category.

Regal Legends entered into the contest as favourites having played unbeaten in the preliminary round, and the right-handed Yusuf continued his fine form with a typically aggressive 133.

He slammed 19 fours and six sixes and put on 45 for the opening stand with Suresh Ramdin who was dismissed for eight. Yusuf then added 56 for the second wicket with Rudolph Baker to steady the innings nicely.

Baker hit two fours and five sixes before he was caught off Lloyd Ruplall for 51.

Yusuf, despite being put down, continued to gather runs on both sides of the

wicket, and shared in a useful 91-run third wicket partnership with Wayne Jones who made 27; Khemraj Sumair contributed 14 not out as Regal Legends amassed 243-3. Mohamed Rafeek and Michael Ifill took one wicket each.

Aash Decor were pegged back early in the chase as they were reduced to 37-4 with pacer Parsram Persaud and David Harper making inroads. Persaud sent back Rafeek (03), Eon Lovell (01) and Patrice Stewart (11), while Harper disturbed the stumps of Lloyd Ruplall (00). Despite a fighting unbeaten 59 from skipper Seeraj Bhimsain and 29 not out from Jai Ram, Aash Decor were never in the hunt and were restricted for 1214. Persaud claimed 3-13 and Harper 1-32. Yusuf was named man-of-the-match and the most valuable player of the tournament. He received a trophy and one Supertronics Electrical Motor Cycle. Regal Legends pocketed a trophy and $300,000 and Aash Decor a trophy and $50,000.

Over-40 Rooplall, Bowlers lead Regal Masters to victory A fine half century by Patrick Rooplall coupled by a collective bowling effort

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo presents the Over-50 trophy to the victorious Regal Legends skipper Mahendra Anil Hardyal. guided Regal Masters to a 28-run victory over Ariel Masters in the final of the over-40 division.

Essequibian Rooplall prolific form continued as he led Regal Masters to a challenging 186-8, batting first. Rooplall and D. Singh handed Regal Masters a solid start with an opening stand of 95 before Singh was bowled by Samuel Kingston for 22. Rooplall struck four fours and eight sixes in an attacking 71 before he was caught of Rawl Reid.

Regal Masters were pegged back somewhat in the middle overs, however Lennox Marks with 19, Keith Fraser 17, E. Mohamed 17 and Khemchand Dindyal 13 propped up the total. S. Huberth claimed 2-40. Ariel Masters were bowled out for 158 in 17.3 overs in reply.

They were put on the back foot early in the chase as Balram Roopnarine and D. Wallace (1-42) grabbed wickets up front, reducing them to 24-3. However,

Amir Nizamuddin and Chien Gittens kept their team in the hunt with a fighting fourth wicket stand of 82, but D. Singh, aided by some smart fielding, removed them both and also accounted for Richard Latif (00) to trigger a procession; Nizamudeen made 49 and Gittens 43. H. Dilchand contributed 17 as Singh claimed 3-28, Roy Persaud 3-41 and Balram Roopnarine 2-28.

Rooplall was named man-of-the-match and MVP. He took home a trophy and one Supertronics Electrical Motor Cycle. Regal Masters received a trophy and $300,000 and Ariel Masters a trophy and $50,000.

Open category Regal beat Hyde Park by six wickets Regal beat Hyde Park by six wickets to win the final of the Open category. Batting first, Hyde Park could only muster 108-8. They lost the early wickets of Travis Drakes (04), K. Sinclair (04) and B. Mangra (00) to be at 20-3. However, Jonathan Fernandes and H. Doochan added 38 for the fourth wicket before Doochan departed for 22. Fernandes hit one four and eight sixes in a top score of 59 as Ricardo Adams and Marvin Bobb picked up two wickets each.

Regal lost opener Sachin Singh (05) with the score on 13, but skipper Fazal Rafiek and Adams put on 52 for the second wicket to stabilise the chase before Adams went for nine, caught off D. Mangra who also sent back Rafiek for 38. Bobb (07) soon departed, however J. Sampson (11*) and Ricardo Poloram (04*) saw their team home as they responded with 109-4 in 10.3 overs. Mangra took 2-7.

Fernandez was voted manof-the-match and MVP; he collected a trophy and one Supertronics Electrical Motor Cycle. Regal received a trophy and $300,000 and Hyde Park a trophy and $50,000.

D u r i n g t h e d a y ’s proceedings, a number of fans won prizes compliments of the sponsors.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Vice President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana H.E Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo congratulated the winning teams and outstanding players. He said that the Government has placed a lot of emphasis on sports as they are in the process of upgrading a number of grounds across the country.

GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 National Academy playoff...

Thrilling weekend sees Bartica, Georgetown and Berbice Football Academies secure wins Fans savoured four thrilling matches on S a t u r d a y a n d S u n d a y, witnessing unforgettable victories by Bartica, Georgetown and Berbice Football Academies in the Guyana Football FederationNamilco Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 National Academy Playoff.

Saturday, November 18, saw the Rupununi Football Academy clinch a win against Essequibo Football Academy through two stunning goals: one by Shavez Moses in the 6th minute and another by Adrian Carbal in the 89th minute. Rupununi’s defence remained impenetrable throughout the entire match

in Essequibo.

In another intense match, but this time in Berbice, East Coast Football Academy lost 3 - 2 to Berbice Football Academy courtesy of Shamar Johnson goal in the 64th minute and Tyrone Delph netting two goals in the 67th and 80+4 minutes.

In an attempt to equalise, Shaquan David scored two goals in the 17th and 77th minutes for East Coast Football Academy. Both teams showcased strong strategic play, but Berbice Football Academy secured the victory in the final moments.

I n G e o rg e t o w n , o n Sunday, November 19, Georgetown Football

Academy triumphed over the Under-15 National Team 2-1 in an enthralling opening match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Joshua Bentick of Georgetown Football Academy kick-started the scoring with an electrifying goal in the 8th minute, followed by another from teammate Charles Austin in the 48th minute.

Despite a late comeback attempt by Under-15 National Team Jade Adonis with a goal in the 65th minute, it wasn’t sufficient to alter the outcome.

In the second game on Sunday in Georgetown, Bartica Football Academy (Continued on page 21)

Part of the GFF Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Power Under-17 football action over the weekend.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 21, 2023

PAGE 23

NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

Fruta Conquerors, Santos, Den Amstel, Swan, Pouderoyen, Diamond, & Friendship All-Stars notch full points 4-0. Den Amstel also kept a flawless run intact when they beat Riddim Squad, 3-0.

Pouderoyen edged Timehri Panthers 2-1, while gaining full points as a result of their opponents not showing up

were Friendship All-Stars and Diamond United.

The lone draw of the day was recorded in the clash between Vengy and Eagles FC of Stewartville, 1-1. This Sunday’s matches will

decide the eight quarterfinalists (top two in each group) as the business end of the league will commence, t h e f o l l o w i n g week.Following is the latest points table.

Action in the match between Eagles FC and Vengy at the Agricola Ground on Sunday last.

W

hen day two o f theNational Sports Commission/East B a n k F o o t b a l l Association/Ralph Green Under-11 Leaguecontinued on Sunday last at the Agricola Community

Ground, seven of the eight matches carded ended with a winner, the other matches produced a 1-1 draw.

For the second week in a row, Fruta Conquerors recorded the largest margin of victory, one less than their openingday tally of eight when they

trounced Samatta Point Kaneville 7-0. Santos was also in very good form, defeating Herstelling R a i d e r s , 6 - 1 .

Swan, like Conquerors and Santos, kept their unbeaten record intact when they got past Agricola Red Triangle,

KFC Elite League Cup...

Santos FC no-match for GDF, as GPF thrash Western Tigers 3-1 GPF goal scorers Travis Henry, Neron Barron and Jamal Harvey.

T

he Lawmen took center stage over the weekend in the KFC Elite League Cup football championship at the Police Sports Club ground in Eve Leary.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Football Club showcased their dominance with impressive victories against Santos FC and We s t e r n T i g e r s F C , r e s p e c t i v e l y. G D F outplayed Santos with a resounding 5-1 win, while GPF secured a 3-1 victory over Western Tigers.

In the first match on S a t u r d a y, G P F f a c e d Western Tigers and asserted

control right from the start.

Travis Henry struck first for GPF in the 27th minute, steering the team to a 1-0 lead midway through the first half. Neron Barron added another goal for GPF in the 62nd minute, but Andrew Murray’s goal for Western Tigers in the 67th minute hinted at a potential comeback.

However, Jamal Harvey dashed those hopes with a brilliant goal in the 83rd minute, securing a convincing 3-1 win for GPF. Meanwhile, Sunday’s showdown between GDF and Santos FC resulted in a commanding 5-1 victory for GDF. Delroy Fraser played a

crucial role in securing the win for his team, scoring twice in the latter stages of the match.

Prior to that, it was Stephen McDonald (45+1’) and Sherwyn Caesar (73’) who netted the first two goals for GDF, paving the way for Fraser’s impressive brace (90’ and 90+3’) which solidified the win for GDF. Chris Macey also joined the scoring frenzy with a single goal inside the four-minute of stoppage time, sealing the emphatic 5-1 victory.

Despite Santos’ efforts, Ryan Dowdling was the lone player to breach GDF’s defence, scoring the team’s sole goal in a losing effort.

Matthew Forde, Sherfane Rutherford gets maiden call up, Joseph is vice-captain as Windies name squad for England ODI series SportsMax - Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled the 15-member squad for the upcoming CG United One-Day International (ODI) Series against England, slated to commence on December 3. Shai Hope will continue to lead the team, with the exciting addition of Alzarri Joseph as the newly appointed vice-captain.

The squad boasts two uncapped players, Sherfane Rutherford and seam bowling all-rounder Matthew Forde, who has earned his first callup to the senior international level. Additionally, the Selection Panel has recalled experienced wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich and opener Kjorn Ottley, adding depth and experience to the lineup.

L e a d S e l e c t o r D r.

Desmond Haynes expressed confidence in the squad’s composition, stating, “We have a clear vision. We are focused on building a solid team. Our main focus is to re-build for success at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.” Alzarri Joseph’s appointment as vice-captain

was attributed to his demonstrated maturity and leadership qualities during the recent CG United Super50 Cup. Dr. Haynes remarked, “We believe with exposure and opportunities he could be a future leader in West Indies cricket. Matthew Forde is a whole-hearted cricketer who has been impressive.

He is one of the players coming through the West Indies Academy programme who can form part of the future.”

The CG United ODI Series, consisting of three matches, will bowl off with two ODIs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on December 3 and December 6. The third and final ODI will be held at Kensington Oval, Barbados, on December 9.

In preparation for the series, the West Indies squad assembled for a camp in Antigua, starting yesterday, November 20. Head Coach Daren Sammy emphasized the importance of the camp, focusing on specific skills, fitness, and strength and conditioning sessions to prepare the team for the

challenging encounters with England. “We will have highintensity, purposeful training sessions, and everything that we do will be geared towards improving and winning,” Sammy declared.

Fans eager to witness the action can purchase tickets in advance through the Windies Tickets service presented by M a s t e r c a r d a t www.tickets.windiescricket.c om. Full Squad: Shai Hope (captain), Alzarri Joseph (vice captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas.

Match Schedule: Sunday, December 3: 1st CG United ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua – 9 : 3 0 a m Wednesday, December 6: 2nd CG United ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua – 1 : 3 0 p m Saturday, December 9: 3rd CG United ODI at Kensington Oval, Barbados – 1:30 pm

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Tuesday November 21, 2023

ExxonMobil Futsal Barbara Marshall birth anniversary dominoes tournament top-8 decided set to conclude Wednesday night The Barbara Marshall birth anniversary dominoes competition is set to conclude tomorrow, Wednesday, night at Dynasty Sports Club.

The quarterfinals and semi finals were contested last evening at Dynasty with 300, Spartans, Gold is Money, Mix Up A, Players and Vikings battling for supremacy.

The prizes are-1st Prize is $200,000 + trophy; 2nd Prize is $100,000 + trophy; 3rd Prize is $50,000.00 + trophy; most outstanding female a trophy, a medal and $10,000.00.

Organiser, Marshall, has expressed gratitude to her sponsors including Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall whom she said has always been supportive. “Sunich is such a kind individual, he always renders assistance to sports in Guyana and I would like to say a special thank you to him. I would also like to thank my other sponsors and let them know that without them this event would not have been possible”, she added. Among other sponsors are Rodrick Harry, Raymond Ali and Jermain Jackson.

The prizes up for grabs.

The ExxonMobil Futsal tournament, organised by New Era Entertainment, is diving headfirst into the heart-pounding action as the top eight teams gear up for an epic showdown on Wednesday at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.

With a dazzling $1 million winner’s purse up for grabs, at 7:00 pm, the undefeated Young Gunners, rulers of Group A, are set to go toe-to-toe with the slick second-placers from Group C, the Money Team.

Next up in the frenzy is a face-off between the Group B winners, LA Ballers, and the tenacious DC Ballers, who clinched second place in Group D. In another corner of the Futsal arena, Group C standouts YMCA are making waves, but standing tall in their way to glory is the formidable Hard Knocks, a team that knows a thing or two about giving their opponents a run for their money.

Action in the ExxonMobil Futsal tournament has reached the quarter-finals.

And for the grand finale of Wednesday’s spectacle, the undefeated pretournament favorites, Gold is Money, are throwing down the gauntlet against the spirited HH Ballers.

Andrew Major, the CoDirector of New Era Entertainment, stated that this year’s tournament has exceeded all expectations.

Recapping the last hurrah of group-stage action over the weekend, YMCA

slammed their way to an impressive 11-2 victory against Hillsyde, Gold is Money clinched a nail-biting 9-8 win over Anybody Gets It, and Hard Knocks and Young Gunners played to a 3-3 stalemate.

Besides the coveted $1 million top prize, teams snagging second through fourth place will be heading home with $500,000, $200,000, and $100,000, respectively.

Novak Djokovic wins record seventh ATP Finals title after defeating Jannik Sinner to cap stunning year for world No. 1 CNN - Novak Djokovic won an outright record seventh title at the ATP Finals on Sunday, defeating Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-3 in Turin, Italy.

The victory capped off a stunning year for Djokovic, adding to the grand slam titles he won at the Australian, French and US Opens.

The 36-year-old now begins a recordextending 400th week at the top of the world rankings.

“Playing Sinner tonight in front of his home crowd and the way I finished the tournament and finished the season is amazing,” Djokovic told reporters. “I’m very, very proud of the performance.”

World No. 4 Sinner had beaten Djokovic earlier in the tournament but the Serbian star was comfortably the better player in Sunday’s final.

The 36-year-old Djokovic got the opening break of the match when Sinner pulled a forehand wide

and proceeded to win the first set in clinical fashion, dropping just two points on his own serve.

Djokovic’s standard was as relentless and impressive at the start of the second set, breaking Sinner to love in the first game and narrowly missing out on another break when he clipped the top of the net with a passing shot.

It mattered little in the grand scheme of the match, though Sinner battled hard until the end.

Ultimately, it was a double fault that handed Djokovic the win in an hour and 43 minutes as the Serbian moved past Roger Federer with a record seventh victory in the season-ending tournament.

His dominance against Sinner was built on a superb serving performance, hitting 13 aces and winning 91% of his first-serve points.

N o w, t h e 2 4 - t i m e grand slam champion can begin to turn his attentions to next year’s lofty goals.

“You can win four slams

and Olympic gold, let’s see,” Djokovic told reporters. “I have always the highest ambitions and goals, that’s not going to be different for the next year, that’s for sure.

“The drive that I have is still there, my body has been serving me well, listening to me well.

I have a great team of people around me.

Motivation, especially for the biggest tournaments in the sport, is still present. It still inspires me to keep going.”

The Paris Olympics, which will follow the French Open and Wimbledon, make for a congested summer scheduled next year, and Djokovic said that he has no plans to retire while he is still beating the best young players in the game: Sinner, Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, and Danish star Holger Rune.“As long as I am able to win against them on the big stage, I’ll still keep going because why stop if you’re still winning the biggest titles?” he said.

“Once they start to kick

Novak Djokovic won a record seventh ATP Finals title. (Antonio Calanni/AP) my butt then I will consider probably having a little break or maybe a permanent break from professional

tennis.”

At the Australian Open in January, a tournament he has won on 10 previous

occasions, Djokovic will be attempting to add to his men’s all-time record of 24 grand slam titles.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 21, 2023

PAGE 25

GTA Sports Tourism, GGA Golf Exhibit a Resounding Success at GuyExpo Prime Minister current acting President Brigadier Mark Phillips shows his skills with the club.

T

he Guyana T o u r i s m Authority and the Ministry of Tourism have placed great emphasis on growing the Sports Tourism market in Guyana and have successfully launched a Golf exhibition to create awareness and sensitivity to the sport to the thousands of visitors to GuyExpo 2023.

Since the launch of the attraction on Thursday, which saw acting President Brigadier Mark Phillips, Speaker of the House Manzoor Nadir, Minister Oneidge Walrond, Minister Vindhya Persaud, and Minister Susan Rodrigues test the mini golf course which was designed by Aleem Hussain, hundreds of aspiring golfers of all ages have tried to win prizes, including an opportunity to

visit Kaieteur Falls. “ M i n i s t e r Wa l r o n d wanted to showcase a Sports Tourism product and I immediately thought of Golf since we ran the Putt for a Million$ promotion in 2022 with Nexgen Golf and the Guyana Golf Association,” said GTA Director Kamrul Baksh. “The response to this attraction has proven that golf will become both a domestic and international Sport Tourism attraction that will generate massive revenues for Guyana.”

According to GGA president Aleem Hussain who designed and built the mini golf course, “Our coaches who are attached to the Ministry of Education Priority Programme, were on hand to assist first-time

From left, GGA president Aleem Hussain, Minister within the Ministry of Housing & Water Susan Rodriguez and GTA Director Kamrul Baksh at this weekend’sGuyExpo showcase of sports and tourism. players.

Wi t h t h o u s a n d s o f learners in the Secondary Schools now engaged in sport on a weekly basis, this move by the Ministry of To u r i s m a n d G u y a n a

Limacol U18 Schools Football League...

Chase draw with Mackenzie High as Carmel and Bartica record narrow wins The Limacol Under-18 Schools Football League’s fifth round took place over the weekend at the Ministry of Education (MoE) ground on Carifesta Avenue. Bartica and Carmel Secondary secured victories in their latest matches, while Chase and Mackenzie High played to a 2-all draw.

Mackenzie High and Chase’s Academic Foundation clashed in a thrilling encounter that culminated in a 2-2 draw, showcasing Mackenzie High’s determination in this year ’s competition. Despite Chase Academy’s reputation, Mackenzie High held them to an impressive draw after scoring two early goals. Justin Alcindar of Chase scored the first goal for Chase Academy in the 9th minute, followed by Kersten Gonsalves brilliant goal which extended their lead some three minutes later.

Azainneo Benjamin narrowed the gap 60 seconds after, making it 2-1 before Deon Peters leveled the score 2-all in the 40th minute with a brilliant strike for Mackenzie.

However, both teams defended well for the remainder of the match, resulting in a 2-2 final score despite several attempts from both sides to secure a win.

In the other fixture, Carmel Secondary faced Ann’s Grove Secondary, resulting in a 1-0 victory for Carmel with Ian Daniels (60’) scoring the solitary goal of the match. The game saw four yellow cards issued during the tense clash.

Also, Bartica Secondary met Santa Rosa Secondary in a high-energy match on Saturday evening. Despite both teams making numerous attempts at goal, Rezier

Bartica’s Reizer Reid

Ried of Bartica broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Santa Rosa.

To u r i s m A u t h o r i t y t o promote golf as a Tourism product, will definitely add to the growth of the sport around the country.”

Today is your last chance to visit the golf attraction at

the GTA Tourism Village and win instant prizes from companies such as Comfort Sleep, Sunshine Snacks, Tw i n s M a n u f a c t u r i n g Chemists, BMI, and New GPC (Limacol), who joined

with Nexgen Golf Academy a n d G u y a n a To u r i s m Authority to give away snacks, pillows, beauty products, medical and nutritional supplements and household products.

Matthew Forde

Sherfane Rutherford

rts Spo

Alzarri Joseph

Matthew Forde, Sherfane Rutherford gets maiden call up, Joseph is vice-captain as Windies name squad for England ODI series Vice President’s/GSCL Inc T20 Extravaganza...

Regal claim triple crowns

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (C) with members of the Regal Open team and officials of the GSCL Inc. 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.