Kaieteur News

Army veterans to finally get NIS pensions

eterans who

Vknow, are in default,” he President Ali for the swift have had issues explained. action in ensuring their NIS affecting their

The Finance Minister woesareaddressed.

r e c e i p t o f added, ”Even in those cases, E l r o y B l a d e s , a

pension from the National we are not turning people pensioner said that over the Insurance Scheme (NIS) away We will try our best to past four years he has been benefitted from a special unravel, to get to the matter engaging the NIS to receive three-day outreach at the of those matters…and try his pension. He is relieved Guyana Defence Force our best to resolve those that we will finally benefit ( G D F ) B a s e C a m p matters but those will take a from his pension after many Ayanganna. longertimetoresolve.” years of service to the

TheoutreachfollowsHis There was also one case country Excellency, Dr Mohamed of a pensioner who “I feel very happy that Irfaan Ali’s recent acknowledged that he did the service has come to engagement with the n o t h a v e e n o u g h me…I am happy that I could Guyana Veterans’ Legion contributions to access a have talked to the Minister (GVL) where he committed monthly pension but is and the General Manager to addressing pending issues eligibletobenefitfromaNIS and I think I will receive my facedbyGDFveterans. grant. Minister Singh said pension by December,” he

Many of the veterans the pensioner was able to said. who attended the outreach with NIS contributions Dr Singhannounced. “ S o m e o f t h o s e apply for that grant and will Former Army Corporal, were able to leave with their statements that reflect “Persons who are companies are still in be receiving the same within June Johnson, who matters resolved and a missing contributions, as waiting for three, four, five existence, some are not amatterofdays. accompanied a fellow promise to receive their well as persons who did not years for their pension Some of those companies Dr Singh also used the veteran to resolve her issue, pensions before December have adequate constitutions shouldbeabletoaccesstheir may not have been paying opportunity to assure the commended the initiative month-end or a promise that toreceivepensions. pension within a matter of over NIS deductions and in veterans the Government which allows for a hassleinvestigations will be done Senior Minister in the weeks and I have in fact, some cases, it would be very values immensely the freespacetoresolvepending in a bid to resolving their Office of the President with asked the [NIS] General difficult and challenging to distinct and dedicated NISissues. matterssoonest. responsibility for finance, Manager to ensure that they verify those periods of service that they gave to “It is less running around Among the issues Dr Ashni Singh, said that access their pension before e m p l o y m e n t w i t h Guyana, and want to ensure and fatigue for these addressedonMonday,isthat having examined each of the Christmas,”hestated. employers, for example, that they enjoy a dignified pensioners…it is good for of persons who have cases, immediate actions In those complicated who are no longer in retirement. t h e m , ” s h e s a i d exceeded the age of were taken to have most of cases, where the issues do existence or whose records Veterans satisfied (Department of Public retirement and have been the matters resolved within a not relate to employment are incomplete, or who we Several veterans thanked Information) waiting for years to access timelymanner with the army but with other their pension because of Those persons who have private companies, Minister incomplete or inaccurate been waiting years to access Singh said that the NIS will records. their contributions will do so attempt to verify those There were also persons before the end of December, periodsofemployment.

Former Pres. of Brazil Central Bank elected Pres. of IDB

Former President of the is the Bank’s highest Central Bank of Brazil Ilan authority Each member Goldfajn was elected country appoints a governor, president of the Inter whose voting power is American Development proportional to the capital in Bank (IDB) on Monday theBanksubscribedbyhisor during a Special Meeting of her country Governors are the Bank’s Board of typically finance ministers, Governors. central bank presidents, or

The meeting was held at o t h e r h i g h r a n k i n g IDB Headquarters in economic authorities. The Washington, D C , with Board of Governors holds delegations attending

Ilan Goldfajn has been elected president of the Inter-American Development Bank

Goldfajn will be the

annual meetings to review virtually and in person Bank operations and make Nominated by Brazil, key policy decisions. It also Goldfajn will take office for occasionally holds special a five year term on meetings,includingtoelecta December19,2022,thebank president. saidinapressrelease.

Goldfajn is an Israeli- Board of Executive IDB’s seventh president. He born Brazilian economist, Directors of IDB Invest, follows Reina Irene Mejía former President of the which works with the Chacóna.i.(2022);Mauricio Central Bank of Brazil and region’s private sector The Claver-Carone (2020-2022); former Director of the president also chairs the Luis Alberto Moreno (2005International Monetary Donors Committee of IDB 2020); Enrique V Iglesias Fund’s Western Hemisphere Lab, the Bank’s laboratory (1988-2005); Antonio Ortiz Department. Goldfajn was for innovative development Mena (1971 1988); and born in Haifa, Israel. He projects. Felipe Herrera (1960-1971). graduated in Economics Tobeelectedpresident,a The Inter American from the Federal University candidate must receive a Development Bank is of Rio de Janeiro, received a majority of the total voting devoted to improving lives. master’s degree from the power of the IDB’s member Established in 1959, the IDB Pontifical Catholic countries as well as the is a leading source of longUniversity of Rio de Janeiro support of at least 15 of the termfinancingforeconomic, andadoctoratefromMIT. 28 regional member social and institutional

As president, Goldfajn countries (26 borrowing development in Latin will manage the operations member countries, plus America and the Caribbean. and administration of the Canada and the United The IDB also conducts Bank, which works with the States). The IDB has a total cutting edge research and public sector of Latin of48membercountries,with provides policy advice, America and the Caribbean. offices in all borrowing technical assistance and In addition, he will chair the countries as well as in training to public and Board of Executive EuropeandAsia. private sector clients

Directors of the IDB and the The Board of Governors throughouttheregion.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr Ashni Singh interacting with one of the veterans (DPI)

‘Exxon’s tax practices overseas undermine public interest in a fair tax system’

ritish advocacy

Bcorporate tax avoidance –group, Oxfam on and emissions from oil and Monday filed a gas are also fueling the

shareholder’s climatecrisis.

– shareholder says in resolution

O x f a m c h a l l e n g e s Guyana. resolution against American “Oil and gas companies companies for their lack of This is due to the oil giants, ExxonMobil, frequently point to their transparency and their Production Sharing C h e v r o n , a n d contributions to the tax base broader lack of social Agreement (PSA) Guyana ConocoPhillips calling them in producer countries as a responsibility including signed onto with Exxon. out on their alleged

justification for their p r o m o t i n g c l i m a t e Underthe2016PSA,neither ‘secretive’taxpractices. continued operations, disinformation and lobbying Exxon nor its affiliates pay

Oxfam is a British particularly in poor against extractive industry taxes. In fact, Guyana has founded confederation of 21 countries, but secretive tax transparencymeasures–and agreed to, under the taxation independent charitable practices make it impossible uses its shares in the p r o v i s i o n s , t o p a y organisations focusing on to verify whether the companies to hold the ExxonMobil’s share of the alleviation of global companies actually framework. company to account,” Corporation and Income poverty The resolution that contribute to shared The reports would Oxfam stated in the press Tax. they filed, is called a prosperity,”saidMulé. include country-by-country release.

As such, it would mean submissions in the case and ‘shareholder resolution’ “If oil and gas projects reporting (CbCR) of certain Moreover, Jason Ward, that Guyana foregoes each oral arguments into the case which is usually a 500 word are alleviating poverty, why c o m p a n y f i n a n c i a l Principal Analyst at the year, billions of US dollars. will be conducted on request submitted to a hide the numbers?” he information, including Centre for International O n t o p o f t h i s , December 12, 2022 and company by a shareholder added. revenues, profits and losses, C o r p o r a t e T a x documentation to this effect February 22, 2023 was set asking the company to It was explained that and tax payments within AccountabilityandResearch is then provided to the US fortheruling. addressanissueofconcern. public country by country each jurisdiction – critical ( C I C T A R ) s a i d , based company allowing it The KN’s publisher’s In their shareholder’s reporting allows companies i n f o r m a t i o n t o “Shareholders need a full to not have to pay any taxes court case seeks to overturn resolution,Oxfamstatedthat to get out ahead of potential understanding risks of profit understanding of potential in its home country for its the expansive tax provisions oil majors’ lack of impending regulatory shiftingandtaxavoidance. risks,”adding“Corporations earningsoverseas. granted to the oil companies transparency creates a changes and can help to DanielMuléPolicyLead should respect shareholders Guyana’s Stabroek as part of the PSA for oil material risk for long-term showwhethercompaniesare on Extractive Industries and and lead the way to let the Block is 6.6 million acres drilling exploration in the investors who want to paying taxes in line with Tax at Oxfam America said, sunlightin.” (26,800 square kilometers) StabroekBlock. safeguard against risks of their economic activity in “Exxon, Chevron, and Oxfam’s shareholder’s and has approximately 11 Among the grounds, Lall reputational damage every country where they ConocoPhillips’s threadbare resolution comes at a time billion proven barrels of oil. argues thatArticles 15.4 and “Worse still, these secretive operate. tax disclosures leave when Exxon’s subsidiary, In January 2022, Kaieteur 15 5 of the petroleum practices undermine the According to Oxfam, its investors, watchdog groups, Esso Exploration and News Publisher, Glenn Lall, agreement requiring the public’s interest in a fair tax resolutions would be put to and the general public in the Production Guyana Ltd approached the High Court Minister responsible for system, especially in Global shareholders at Exxon, dark about the companies’ (EEPGL) the operator of tochallengetheGovernment Petroleum to pay taxes for South countries with the C h e v r o n , a n d secretivetaxpractices.” Guyana’s prolific Stabroek ofGuyana’s(GOG)decision andonbehalfoftheERPGL, greatest tax revenue needs” ConocoPhillips’s annual Oxfam in their press Block and its partners Hess to grant massive tax waivers and the Commissioner Oxfam said in a press general meetings in May release stated that a GuyanaExplorationLimited totheoilcompaniesandtheir General to issue certificates release. 2023. It was also stated that November 2022 report and CNOOC Petroleum affiliates. to that effect is therefore a Oxfam’s resolutions ask the company expects to shows that public CbCR Guyana Limited are Earlier this month, Lall’s violation of the Petroleum the companies to publish tax attract co filers on the could reduce tax revenue enjoying tax-free profits in l a w y e r f i l e d f i n a l Act. transparency reports in line resolutions prior to the filing losses due to cross-border with the tax standard of the deadlines. profit shifting by US$89 Global Reporting Initiative

“As a shareholder that billion and that the oil and (GRI), the world’s most advocates for responsible gas sector is a particularly utilised corporate reporting corporate governance, high risk sector for

Oil prices plunge as OPEC+ considers production hike

(OIL PRICE.COM) the Biden Administration, production hike is only half OPEC’s de facto leader which has lobbied OPEC of that amount, the move Saudi Arabia and OPEC+’s members to increase could go at least part way other members are production over the last few toward mending broken discussing an oil production months. fences between Saudi increase, OPEC delegates Despite President Arabia and the White said on Monday, according Biden’s heavy handed House. totheWallStreetJournal. attempt at persuading the OPEC’s talk about

The full group will meet group to produce more, production increases also next on December 4 to set OPEC+’s October meeting comes on the back of out OPEC+’s production ended with the group another noteworthy fencep l a n s f o r J a n u a r y deciding to cut its oil mending event. Last week, 2023 and the group is production targets by 2 the Biden Administration reportedly considering an millionbarrelsperdayinthe called for immunity for increase of up to half a months of November and Saudi Crown Prince million barrels a day The December Mohammed bin Salman in timing of the production While a half million the ongoing lawsuit about target increase if the barrel per day production his participation in the group agrees to it—would hike for January would be a killing of U.S.-based Saudi be just one day before the far cry from offsetting the 2 journalist Jamal Khashoggi, effective date of both the million bpd production cut, arguing that his position as EU’s Russian oil embargo the actual production cut Prime Minister of the andG7oilpricecap. was thought to be Kingdom should serve as a

A production hike from s u b s t a n t i a l l y shield from such lawsuits. the group would be a less somewhere near 1 The move was generally welcomed development for million bpd. While this new seenasanolivebranch.

Chief Executive of ExxonMobil Corporation, Darren Woods

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210

EDITORIAL

RAMPS LOGISTICS: THE NEXT CHAPTER

The fallout from the Ramps Logistics, Inc. fiasco continues. This is despite the judicial calming of

the waters. Apparently, it sounds like only a temporary measure, generally speaking, since the PPPC Government is not taking anything sitting down complacently Ithasneverbeenitsstyle,anditisnotgoingto depart from what has worked well for it before.The sounds andsignalscomingoutofthePPPCGovernmentindicatethat itisalreadyplottingitsnextmovesinthelearning-on-the-job scenariowithLocalContent.

MinisterofNaturalResources,VickramBharratmadethe openingovertureonbehalfofthegovernment.Ascaptioned in our November 18 edition, “Foreign companies cannot pluck random Guyanese from the sky to front as partners …vowstoplugloopholesforabuse-MinisterBharrat.” We hear the minister loud and clear, and we agree with that positionofthegovernment. Foreignersaresittingbackand closely studying our Local Content Law, and going through its provisions with a fine-toothed comb. Many pairs of eyes areemployedineffortsonhowtotakeadvantageofopenings togametheGuyanasystem.

One of the long-practised tricks of business has been to examine laws, rules, and regulations that provide for equal opportunity,setasidesforminorities,andsoforth,andcome up with smooth arrangements that do the equivalent of driving a ‘sand truck through what was well-intended to benefit a protected group or class’. In this instance, it is Guyana’sLocalContentLaw,nowinitsearlystagesofonthe ground implementation, and with outsiders coming up with schemesthatmaynotviolatetheactualletterofthelaw,but definitely the overall spirit of it. It is how businesses make some of their money, and their legal advisers prove their worth.

Inpassing,andthoughwehavenowishtogoneartothe Ramps Logistics matter, now adjudicated, there was something about that citizenship setup that didn’t sit right withus.That’sallwewillsayinthisprickly,muchwatched, matter But,wethinkthatMinisterBharrat,broadlyspeaking, is on to something, which needs to be addressed. It is quite likelythatGuyanese,randomornot,naïveornot,andwilling ornot,canalwaysbefoundbyenterprisingforeignersgoing to great lengths to fulfill their local content visions and ambitions.

Any new legal and rule-based provisions must be keen enoughtoanticipatewherewhatispresentlyinplacecanbe skillfully circumvented and, sometimes, before we know it. Theremustbethatkindofcomprehensiveduediligence,so as to prohibit these kinds of intrusions in our Local Content Law, to the disadvantage of bona fide, business-oriented Guyanese seeking opportunities to capitalize on our wideopen oil and gas sector Whenever foreigners succeed in pullingafastoneonGuyana,usingourLocalContentLaw, andthroughusinganyGuyanesethattheycanpickupoffthe road, then that means that one genuine (or group of) Guyanesethirstingforafairchanceiseffectivelylockedout frombenefitingfromoilwealthopportunities.

We take the position that being Guyanese, and meeting standing requirements, as properly amended, should give those who are eligible, the first priority in our oil and gas opportunities. Thisiswhatisduefrombeingtheownersof thiswealth.Wemakenoexcusesforthat,andtherearenotwo waysaboutwherewestand.

Meanwhile, as the Government considers how to close existing loopholes in our Local Content Law, it is our hope that schemers in the PPPC Administration do not get too greedy and self-serving, under the cover of remedying defectsinthelaw.Toelaborate,anyamendmentstothelawto benefit Guyanese first and foremost must not be about only benefitinginsidersandothersinthebroadPPPCcabalofthe favoured.Thiswouldbeastepinthewrongdirection,andadd more controversy to what is on the books. Our final recommendationissimple:fixtheLocalContentLawinthe right way with the right objectives in mind, and all will be well. Guyanese meeting sensible and practical eligibility requirementsmustbefirstinlineandbenefit.

Is the PPP looking to reintroduce overseas voting?

DEAREDITOR, historyandculture. The PPP’s about-face and overseas can claim Letmeignorethebloatin The AG’s third position resistancetocleaningthelist Guyanese citizenship once AG Nandlall’s letter in SN reaches the fundamental ofGuyaneselivinginforeign one or both of their parents 17 November (titled: question of a citizen’s right lands open the gates to areGuyanese. ‘ N a m e s t h a t a r e tovoteandtheCJ’sdecision external(overseas)voting.Is As Guyanese citizens, constitutionally authorised that(asthelawnowstands)a this the PPP’s ultimate they have a right to vote in to be on the voters’ list can Guyanese, once registered, project? principle, even though most neverbeconsidered“bloat”) is always registered, barring Nolessapersonagethan of them have never visited and put to rest his three a few limited exceptions, RalphRamkarranin2010(in Guyana,haveweakbondsto pointsofrelevance. such as death and insanity his PPP days) demanded of it, and/or have dual

First, he argues As I explained in a previous GECOM to put in place citizenship Perhaps, AG deceptively:“namesthatare response to the AG, these measures for such overseas Nandlallcanadviseusonthe constitutionally authorised rights must be balanced by votingforthe2011election. rightsofthesecitizenstorun to be on that list, and otherobligations,suchasthe External (overseas) forofficeinGuyana. therefore,lawfullythere,can requirement that elections voting however is rife with The devil then is in the neverbeconsidered“bloat”.’ mustbefairandcredibleand problems. Christopher Ram detail in any absolute Our focus should not be on winthepublictrust. highlighted one in a letter in embrace of the right of all definitions and descriptors, ThePPPcannothonestly SN May 2021, titled ‘I adult citizens to vote. The butonessencesandrealities. believe that Guyanese have support a residency absence of a residency test Beingsoauthorizeddoesnot confidence in a list that requirement for voting’—in severely undermines the automatically make the contains 200,000 odd which he wrote “I feel very integrity,accuracy,morality, inclusion of the names personswhohaveeitherdied strongly about any person and acceptability of morally, politically, (locally and overseas) or not resident in and not elections. The call for a administratively, or plainly who now live permanently subjecttothecountry’slaws residency requirement as of sensible. abroad. As a nation, we do having the same rights and now, therefore, makes Constitutionality does not trust such a bloated list. privileges as those who completesense. not render matters problem- And rationally so reside in Guyana ” His To include a residency free nor fit for purpose—the (notwithstanding the AG’s position goes to the core of requirement may only purpose here being the arguments in his letter in d e m o c r a c y a n d require re-activating Article holding of fair and credible Monday’sSN). representation. But overseas 159(c)oftheconstitution(a elections.

Bloat provides ample voting also presents sunsetclausethatapparently

Nor does “bloat” , scopeforelectoralfraud.The insurmountable and has already set years ago). however relabeled, change Opposition has produced contentious administrative, This article allows thenumericalrealitythatthe official reports from the logistical, political, and registration to be also voters’list is almost as large Chief Immigration Officer financialhurdles. governed by “such other as the total population thatshowthatpersonsvoted If one understands who qualifications as may be Again, let us deal with inthelastelectionforwhom qualifies as a Guyanese prescribed by or under any essences. no record of entry into citizen, then it is easy to law.”

Second,Nandlalltellsus Guyanaexists. grasp the chaos and perils Its re-activation would that the list in some In 2020, Mr Nandlall intowhichthePPPmaylead reincarnate the residency Caribbean countries is and the PPP GECOM us. clauses already enshrined in similarly bloated without a commissioners threatened Onecanbecomeacitizen the National Registration problem.Letusbehappyfor the commission with legal inthreeways:citizenshipby Act. them. action should it investigate descent(‘lawoftheblood’), Where is the sweat in

But electoral matters are this alarming breach citizenship by place of birth doingthat?TheAGproposes inherently country-specific. GECOMthusbackedoffand (‘law of the soil’), or public consultations on the We in Guyana must neverdid.Whatmoredowe citizenshipbynaturalization. matter Sure,whynot? determine what works best wanttohear? Basedonblood,hundredsof Yourssincerely, for us, given our political But a bigger devil lurks. thousands of persons born SherwoodLowe

PPP has done more than coalition for teachers

DEAREDITOR, didn’t want the five percent. (were) to cut back on its “Some 100 teachers across BackinSeptember2018, We made noise about it. But wasteful spending, it would the country will be during that infamous withthefivepercent,wegot manage to cover a benefitting from duty-free teachers’strikes,theGuyana a whole lot of non-salary reasonable increase for the concessions in the near Teachers’ Union (GTU) benefits.” She detailed then country’s teachers.” In fact, future (and as we know), firmly stated that “… the also that, “For the first time thecurrentVPanderstwhile this concession, issued by nation’s educators had inthehistoryofthiscountry, President did itemize seven Government, will allow received more under the ourteacherswereabletoget areasofwantonwastetothe them to acquire their own People’s Progressive Party clothingallowance,dutyfree tune of $5.1 billion”… that vehicles without any duty (PPP) Administration than concessions,andallowances could have been easily cut, commitments to be paid, whatthey(werethengetting) for additional qualifications. so that there was money to thereby lowering the overall under ‘this’ coalition While the PPP Government pay for the teachers’ better costsignificantly.” Administration…” as it was was in power — and you wages and the de-bunching It gets better as the news the APNU AFC (A know I don’t want to sound for the teachers, housing reflected that, “All CPCE Partnership For National political, but we have to allowance, all of these trainees will get salaries Unity/Alliance For Change) make the comparison things…justhere.” fromJanuary2023”Thisisa who were in power At that because of all the untruths Fast forward, and I see ‘first,’ as “Currently, only juncture, and being very theypeddlingoutthere…” thatthiskindofthinkingand persons living in the dorms unhappy with APNU/AFC, So,whatnow? philosophy is still with the are given a stipend of about the GTU General Secretary, This pro PPP/C song PPP/C. $11,000.

Coretta McDonald, voiced should be louder and longer

For example, just a few Now, this will be that “If we look at what and with good reasons. So, days ago, the news headline modifiedsothateveryCPCE transpired under the PPP getting back to that 2018 readthattherewillbe“Duty- studentwillreceiveasalary, Governmentwhentheywere crisis, I recall former free concession for 100 since and right fully inpower(priorto2015)and President Bharrat Jagdeo teachers, UG scholarships.” reasoned by the Minister, what is transpiring now s t a t i n g t h a t “ i f The word from Minister “They’llbeinschools (2015-2017)…rememberwe Government (APNU/AFC) PriyaManickchandwasthat

Why welcome hemp, but kick marijuana?

DEAREDITOR, lesson.

own Guyana, I remember a

This letter is an attempt All one can do from this verydisrespectfuleditorialin onmyparttomakeupforthe distance is to use events as the state owned Guyana many issues I failed to teaching lessons, especially Chronicle demeaning comment on, because of a whenactualteachingisgoing Rastafarians and causing the changeinmysituation. on in the location at home in late Andaiye, an authentic

I am now accepting an Guyana and is perhaps being middle class womanist o f f e r o f h e l p i n largelyignored. feminist, to write a sharp communicating, some days The first teaching rebuke which the newspaper after a friend read to me the moment,forme,whichjolted published. column by Freddie Kissoon meintoactionwaswhenIsat Therehasbeenpersistent in Kaieteur News on long- at a press table at the failure to treat the herb as an delayed and incomplete Magistrate’s Court I, aspect of the political legislationontheoutstanding Georgetown, and heard the economy of certain groups. I issueofmarijuana. Chief Magistrate, a male, expectonedisputationonthis

From all that can be order the police to take an opinion, and welcome it, gleaned by my friend’s unrepresented prisoner from since I am also in search of search,therulingculturaland the docks, and have him information. political groups in Guyana shaved and brought back in I want to close by have not freed themselves theafternoon. referring to the almost redfrom the well known Iresolved,thereandthen, carpet treatment given to the colonial attitudes toward the to begin having my hair advocatesofhempduringthe herb From the article I braided, and returned to the 2020 general election mentioned, I learned that court as often as I could, to campaigntothepresent. there was recent legislation attract the magistrate’s AsIrecallit,Ifirstheard that introduced some attention.

advocacy of hemp on a New welcome reforms, but Ifailedtodoso. York television programme ultimatelyleftthesacredherb Guyana is perhaps the hosted by Guyanese anxious essentiallycriminalized. country least responsive to break out of the limits of

GY$200B IN RELIEF MONEY

DEAREDITOR, air, but one that has the some manner, of each and The problem with factual and complete every Guyanese citizen numbers is they are several accuracyaboutit,ontheface That’s serious money ofthem. Numberscansayso of it. There is a certain Speaking for myself, I will much, conceal still more. powerful, compelling logic gladly take it, so rich it is. Theyalsocanmeandifferent about 33% and GY$200 This is the magic and things to different people, billion. mysteryofaverages. somewithdifferentcontexts; Having said that, I now It is also part of the myth of some with different assert that the devil is in the numbers, statistics, and so objectives, including either details,orasIprefertosayin forth: they only tell part of axes to grind, or points to this way: what is it that lies the story, and it is usually prove or just for the hell of behind the kimono? Where what is convenient to the them. As I view numbers, a did that GY$200 billion go? storyteller, whoever he or little bit of all of those, More pointedly, who sheis,whatevertheintent. sometimes a considerable were/are the prime Editor, in essence what I amount,seepsintothem,and beneficiariesorrecipientsof amsayingisthattotalsarea reveals one story, while that pot of cash? Take that pleasing, comforting leavingoutothers. GY$200billionanddivideit blanket, which can be

The current word is that by 750,000 (or something massaged into any kind of GY$200B from this year’s around that) and we are smoothness desired. While national budget has been set talking about a couple that most-likely-to-succeed aside, paid out, delivered, in hundred thousand dollars ‘averages’serveasthe one way or another, to the ending up in the hands, in (Continuedonpage6) Guyanesepeople. Athirdof any national budget claimed to be people-oriented is a significant percentage, and one which should come in for the highest praise Because directly or indirectly GY$200 billion, or 33%, for the people is a figure that is hard to challenge,hardertobeat. To make matters even better, GY$200 billion is not a number plucked out of the

PPP has done more...

Frompage4 evenastheyarelearningand sotheyaregoingtobepaid.”

Afewwordsofsolidarity since independence to the the traditional economy. at this point with the needtocarryoutasocialand Before that, I read about Rastafarian Council is of scientific study of the herb hemp in geography books. little help to them and the from a historical and social The advocates of hemp had cause, but should help as I justiceperspective. clearlydonealotofstudyand intend to use it as a teaching In my activities in were able to convince the communities along the coast authoritieswhotookoverthe andinthehinterlandoverthe administrationofthecountry years, it became clear to me Within a year or two, the that however, the use of the government was able to herbbeganitalwaysseemsto announce officially that be an issue of ethnicity hemp growing was on the relating only to certain age- agenda. groups in the African and The question is whether Indian communities (I find enough investigation has thispointsomewhatunclear). been done to explore the

Editor, as my tone has reflected, I bear grievous angstthattheGuyanaPublic Service Union (GPSU) and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU)aredeemingtheeight p e r c e n t i n c r e a s e (retrospectivelytoJanuary1, 2022) in public servants’ salaries as ‘disrespectful’, ‘arbitrary’ and ‘minuscule’.

In fact, Joseph Hamilton, Minister of Labour, is rightfully incensed His Stabroek News November 20, 2022 letter, “McDonald herself proclaimed that life forteacherswasbetterunder the PPP/C Government,” highlightsthis. Hetoonoted that ”… since returning to office, the PPP/C government (has been) implementing holistic economic policies to lower pricesforgoodsandservices which have increased globally He added that, “… we have reversed the punitive taxes that had been imposed byAPNU+AFC on electricity, water, medical services and educational supplies, basic household necessities, and basic constructionmaterials.

Enoughsaid.

Yourstruly, H.Singh

As I argued in my potential of marijuana as an introduction to Horace agriculturalcropwitha Campbell’s1987book Rasta market in any section of and Resistance,theRastafari t h e h e a l t h a n d culture has been very pharmaceuticalsectors. enabling to aspects of the Withgoodluck,Ihopeto lifestyle of many classes as explore some other events of they broke out of their the recent past which strike original strata. In return, the me as teaching lessons that bulk of them received some have not received the notoriety, much persecution, attentiontheydeserve. and jail sentences in Yourssincerely, unexpected places. In our EusiKwayana

Child Protection Officers labour under many challenges, need incentives

DEAREDITOR, childrenand,alongwiththis, Beingabletodothiswillbe relationship service and Permit me space in your there is ongoing media good for the delivery of the passion must be one of your newspaper to make a point criticism of the Agency for service, which is personalvalues. for the frontline Social Care not doing enough and relationship service the Thosewhowishtobetop Workers to be recognised in failing. However, this is not building of empathetic, officers/managers must thespecialgrouporcategory unique to Guyana, it is caring, and compassionate either come to the job with of workers that are being normal territory for child relationships.Withoutthese, requisite skills and consideredforspecialsalary protectionofficersanywhere there would be no effective experience to deliver on the adjustments Frontline intheworld. interventions, treatment, principles highlighted Social Care Workers, and I Child Protection work, therapyandclient’spersonal and/orareself-reflectiveand am particularly referring to withnodoubt,isdemanding changeanddevelopment. humble enough to acquire Child Protection Officers & and there is no room for The public service and further develop these Probation&SocialServices lapses, but the remuneration appraisal system must be necessary skills, for the Officers. Yes, these two here in Guyana is not able to determine who are benefit of improving the groupsaredeservinggroups, encouraging and more so the effective workers and s e r v i c e d e l i v e r y andbothmustbeconsidered. now with new graduates havethecapabilitytobeable Notwithstandingallthatwas However, as for me who with the master’s level of toretaintheseofficers.Since said, there must be has lived experiences as a qualificationinSocialWork. the productive capacity, as workforceincentive,soIam leaderinbothofthegroups,I They are leaving for more was described above, is humbly pleading, to the have to single out the Child lucrative positions in other heavily concentrated in President of Guyana, the Protection Officers for fields. “human capital,” which Hon. Dr IrfaanAli, thecase special mention.This is still There are workforce represents the knowledge, forChildProtectionOfficers a relatively new group of issues in Child Protection attitudes, and skills of & Probation & Social social workers in Guyana’s Services, and steps must be employees, developed Services Officers to be history and their clients are taken to address these, I am overtime, and cannot be recognizedinthecategoryof children, the most devoting personal time to easily transferred to others. frontline workers to be vulnerable, but the job research what it takes to However, I must emphasize considered for the special entails working with the build a strong workforce in herefortheofficers,thatitis salaryadjustment. family Child Protection HumanServices. However, not just getting higher Yourstruly, work is very challenging fornow,attentionneedstobe degrees master’s or AnnGreene with voluminous reports to given to the salary Workers whatever This only means Retired Chief Probation respond to with insufficient who,overtime,havegained you are certified, but who & Social Service Officer, resources and supports higher qualifications should says you are qualified. You 2005 Officersdailyhavetoputup earnmoretoencouragethem become qualified when you F o r m e r H e a d o f with negative responses to stay and decrease the develop those special Childcare & Protection when intervening to protect frequent turnover of staff. qualities identified for the Agency

IN RELIEF MONEY

Frompage5 argued that, were it not for finestglossfortheskewsthat the government’s provisions they dress up, disguise, in 2022, each Guyanese sometimes inadvertently would have been an discard. additional GY$200,000 plus Ontheonehand,thereisthe outofpocket,orindebt. tiny minority in the 750,000 But they are not, thanks population,whowouldhave to their equal portion of the absorbed and gobbled up a average, and thanks to a most significant fraction of benevolent government. In thatGY$200billionfromthe the counter, I keep on 2022 budget. I have called insisting, contend, that a that enriched group the less great deal of that GY$200 than 1% people in Guyana. billion ended up with They go by the names of Guyanese who have never entrepreneurs, investors, stopped receiving this year: businesspeople, private gold, construction, sector,andsoon;andwhenI exemptions, and those other say private sector, the segments of the populations distinction must be made speciallyfavoredwithactual between the woman vendor cash in hand. Or the first atthecorner,versustheman among equals, such as operating at the heights in fishers and farmers and some air-conditioned tower sugar Ihaveonelastpointto (or shadows). It would be share. I am going to accept interesting for Guyana to that almost 6% official learn of the approximate inflation rate, but on one percentageofthe33%ofthe condition. If any citizen of 2022 budget that was aimed this rich land, could share at them primarily, and withmethathisorherbillfor sucked up by them food essentials and consistently transportationandmedicine,

On the other hand, there went up by $5 for every istheothersideofwhatIam existing $100 in price for a labeling skew: it is of the relateditem,thenIwanttobe multitude of citizens theirbestfriend. Iwouldbe compelled mathematically, utterlyselfishandseektobe but unknowingly, into a their only friend, so I can basket christened the capitalize on that most “average” which possesses welcomedreality. itsownprofoundtruths. Sincerely, Isupposethatitcouldbe GHKLall

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

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

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

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

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

WhatdoesGuyanahave?

Guyana does not have needed equipment for an oil spill.

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

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

Guyana does not have money in sufficient quantity to give to its people.

Guyana does not have what its own people (Local Content) expect from this oil.

What does Guyana have?

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

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

Guyana has corruption.

Guyana has feeble politicians.

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

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

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

Guyana has plenty cloak and dagger business with its oil wealth.

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

DemeraraBankrakesin$2.9Binafter-taxprofits

Demerara Bank said he is pleased with the L i m i t e d financial results for the year d i s c l o s e d 2022 given the level of

yesterday that uncertainties being faced its pre-tax profit for the globally financial year ended The results, he said, September 30, 2022 totalled clearly shows that DBL is $4.9B. capable of steering through Itsafter-taxprofitforthe the ever-changing operating year was $2.9B. Chairman landscape, while remaining Mr Komal Samaroo, in his committed to its core statement said that the responsibilities towards the bank’ssolidperformanceisa peopleofGuyana. clear demonstration of its Over the last year, the resilience in the midst of a financial institution lowered challenging macroeconomic itshomeloanratesinsupport environment and is of the government’s home attributedtothecommitment ownership policy, thereby of the Bank’s staff and the making access to finance efficient deployment of its easy and affordable to resources. persons of all income

The bank’s total deposits brackets. saw an increase of 15% to Apart from the housing $106.98B as at September sector, the bank also 30, 2022, while loans and continued to support other advances grew by 25% from major sectors of the $46.38Bto$58.19Boverthe economy including rice, saidperiod. forestryandservices.InMay

In addition to this, the 2022, the bank launched its bank reported that prudent Farmer’s Credit Line where management of its credit rice farmers were offered establishing a $900M village of Leonora, West services similar to that interim dividend paid was riskshasresultedintheBank unsecured facilities up to the revolvingfundtosupportthe CoastDemerara. offered across its branch $0.40pershare. having zero non-performing value of $1.5M to aid with forestry sector Continuing

T h i s n e w s p a p e r network.

This brings the total loans as at the end of the the rising cultivation costs. in its stride, Demerara Bank understands that this branch

Owing to the Bank’s dividend payments to $2.00 periodSeptember30,2022. LaterinOctober2022,itwas Limited,whichcurrentlyhas will be integral to bridge the performance, the Board of per share for the full year, Commenting on this announced that government eight branches located bankingneedsofresidentsin Directors recommended a subject to an approval by the performance, the bank’s in collaboration with across the country, will soon theareaanditsenvirons,and final dividend payment of shareholders’ and Bank of CEO, Pravinchandra Dave Demerara Bank will be be opening its doors in the will provide a full line of $1.6 per share while the Guyana.

COVID-19ISNOTYETOVER!

have dropped time locally due to vaccine variant vaccine comes in. average number of annual adopting an evidence-based their guards following a resistance, suppression of This vaccine is said to offer road fatalities. Too many approachtoinfections. periodofalmost3monthsin deaths will have to be a protection against the main personshavediedinGuyana Withfourpersonsinthe which there were no priority of the Ministry of originalvariantaswellasthe and we developed a sort of COVID -19 Intensive Care deaths and increases in COVID-19deathsandonlya Health. Omicron variant – thus the selective amnesia towards Unit and two new deaths as severelyinfectedpersons. smallnumberofdailycases. This means that greater namebivalent. thisproblem. at yesterday, the situation is (The views expressed in But that situation is now in attention has to be paid to About a month ago, US COVID-19 is far from far from comfortable. But this articles are those of the reverse with two deaths protecting the vulnerable PresidentJoeBidenreceived over Guyanese are learning do not tell that to Guyanese author and do not announced yesterdayTow T h e M i n i s t r y h a d his shot on the bivalent to live with the virus. But andtheirgovernment.’ necessarily reflect the persons from Region 6, one anno9unced earlier than vaccine.Itisbeingrolledout living with this deadly virus The general attitude is opinions and beliefs of this elderlyandonepersonsaged immunity begin to wane for elderly and the meansthatweshouldstillbe thateverythingisfine.Butit n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s 43 recently succumbed about four months after vulnerable, immune taking precautions and isnotjudgingfromtherecent affiliates.) whilebeinginfectedwiththe vaccination.Well,ithasbeen compromised persons and disease. morethanfourmonthssince frontline health workers

The total number of the last booster dose was being given priority But the detected daily cases is low given to those wishing to vaccine can also be but this is because of low takeit. administeredtopersonsover testing because of most No announcement has 6yearsofage. infectedpersonsonlyhaving been made as to whether The United Kingdom is mild cases. However this therewillbeanotherbooster offering the bivalent to past week, there have been dose for those who have personsover50yearsofage. anincreasesonsomedaysin received their last booster But with a fresh wave of infections, But the total dose. But this silence is COVID 19 infections number of persons in the typical of how the Ministry expected over the autumn Intensive Care Unit has of Health works.After more and winter seasons, the UK suddenlyspikedto4andthis than2yearsithascontinued is also stepping up booster isaworryingdevelopment. with its unimaginative daily shots.

The government’s scorecard of infections and In the meantime, in vaccination campaign has deaths and persons in the Guyanathereisnowordasto slowed, as it has in most COVID-19 Intensive Care whether Guyana has sought countries of the world. Less Unit. toprocureanysuppliesofthe than 60% of the total A World Health bivalentvaccines.Itmaynot population has been fully Organization expert argued have seen the need to do so vaccinated (with 2 doses) in that there is not strong but the least that those Guyana.Thisisanextremely evidence that there is not highly-paid individuals in worrying statistic even strong evidence to support theMinistryofHealthcando though it is far higher than taking a booster for those is to at least let the public many Caribbean countries who have already been know about its future plans including Barbados, vaccinated But there is to protect those who wish to TrinidadandJamaica. strong evidence that new beprotected.

At that level of variants are emerging and In the first two and half vaccination, herd immunity that there is need for years years since the is not going to be achieved. protection against these pandemic, Guyana recorded Sincetherateofvaccination variants. morethan1280deaths.This has been slowing for some Thisiswherethenewbi- ismorethanseventimesthe

World’s longest-ruling leader looks set to secure new term after 43 years in power

(CNN) Preliminary “I am sure that the c o a s t a l m a i n l a n d election results released by victory is for PDGE,” he sandwiched between Equatorial Guinea’s said,referringtohisparty CameroonandGabon. government on Monday Two opposition “It is a total fraud,” showed the ruling party candidates are standing: EsonoOndotoldReutersby winning over 99% of votes Buenaventura Monsuy phone, saying his party counted so far in Asumu, who has already would challenge the result presidential,legislative,and stood in the previous five incourt. municipal elections held on elections,andAndrésEsono Hesaidsomesemblance Sunday Ondo, who is running for of fair voting was taking

The tiny, authoritarian, the first time. Early, partial place in the island capital oil producing Central results showed Obiang’s Malabo, but his party had African state is run by ruling Democratic Party of evidence that officials President Teodoro Obiang, Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) elsewhere were casting the world’s longest-ruling and coalition with 67,012 ballots on voters’ behalf or headofstate,whoisseeking votesoutof67,196counted forcingthemtovoteforthe to extend his 43 years in so far The count will rulingparty office. continue on Monday, said a Government and

“What you sow is what s t a t e m e n t o n t h e officials of Equatorial you reap,” said Obiang, 80, government website. More Guinea’s election whohasregularlywonmore than 400,000 people directorate could not be than 90 percent of the vote registered to vote in the reachedforcomment. in elections conducted over country of about 1 5 Enteryouremailtosign the course of five terms million, which is split up for CNN’s “Meanwhile since he seized power from betweentheislandofBioko in the Middle East” hisuncleinacoupin1979. in the Gulf of Guinea and a Newsletter

Guyanese

Slaveryandthediaspora A conversation on two subjects:

Dr Persaud is the indentureship with slavery when I joined the UG much press here. He said signatures. constitutional Hesaysheresentsthat. teaching staff. I came home countless number of them As we look at the affairs advisor I think any historian and in 1984 after leaving the have said to him that they diaspora names

to President Ali. any educated person who University of Toronto to will never return when he please bear in mind

7- Dr Cary Gildarie He returned home after 40 knows a little bit of history serve the Maurice Bishop raisedthequestion. Dr Persaud’s two points – lives in New York. He left years from Guyana. He was wouldresentthat.Itisdeeply Government of Grenada IsuspectDr Persaudhad c e r t a i n d i a s p o r a Guyanayearsnow professor of international offensive and racist. Slavery (Guyana should name in mind those diaspora personalities are getting too

8 – Terry Roopnaraine relations at the American is the world’s worst something after Bishop who signaturesthatsignedaletter much press and they are lives in his homeland of the University in Washington, miscarriage of justice and fully supported the anti in the Stabroek News of never coming back. I will UK. He may be nearing his DC. I ran into him last the most deadly expression dictatorship struggle against Sunday,November13,2022. avoid any analysis of the fifties. Sunday ofman’sinhumanitytoman. Burnham; PM Bishop told The advocacy in the letter is names I am about to outline.

9 Pauline Melville As we talked about Slavery is the most me that Cheddi Jagan was for a cessation of oil and gas I will avoid any comment moved to the UK since the politics, two subjects were terrible tragedy of the entire oneofhisheroes). operationinGuyana. whatsoever IwillensureIdo early1950s. raised that I found myself in history of civilization. For IhadnoideathatUGwas Presidential advisor on not get a libel writ. I will just 10 – Alma O’Connell completeagreementwithDr any academic to equate sobarrenwhenIcamehome. security, Jerry Gouveia on statethefacts. livesinCanada Persaud and thus was born slaverywithindentureshipis I served that institution for the Gildarie Freddie 1 – Dr Janet Bulkan

11 – Christina Samaroo this column. I did not know unfit to be an academic. Dr 26 years and it was an Kissoon Show told me that serves the University of movedtoNewYorkin2008 until Dr Persaud informed Persaudnamedbothmen. experience of a patriotic the word asinine is too mild BritishColumbia.

12 – Luke Daniels lives me that two well known I know both gentlemen journey to address the demand of 2- Dr Alissa Trotz intheUK Indian academics in the and I am disgusted that they I resent people from the these signatures. In fact as I serves the University of Iamnotgoingtomention diaspora have equated c o u l d m i s u s e t h e i r diaspora who “push their write, former UK Prime Toronto children and family scholarship in such racist mouths” into the affairs of Minister,TonyBlairhassaid 3- Dr Nigel Westmass members that live in the fashion. I am tempted to this land and never that British PM, Rishi Sunak serves Hamilton College in developed world but I am name them but I have to get contributed one hour of is about to issue license for NewYork going to end by pointing out Dr Persaud’s permission elevating the physiology of further oil drilling in the 4- Dr. Maya Trots serves that the countries these first. UG. NorthSea. the University of South names above live in, the

The second topic was Professor Persaud told Before I go further, I Florida fossil fuel industry is in full about some elements in the me he has just returned from need to mention that one of 5 - Isabelle DeCaires operation and is now of Guyana diaspora. This is a a week’s visit to the US and the signatures, Gerald lives in her homeland of the urgent value because of the mental burden that has been he thinks some elements in Pereira, the leader of the UK where her son plays Ukrainianwar tormenting me since 1986 the diaspora are getting to small political party, cricket in the country (The views expressed in Organization of the Victory c h a m p i o n s h i p f o r this articles are those of the of the People, told me he Middlesex. a u t h o r a n d d o n o t would like to cancel his 6–AbyssinianCartoisof necessarily reflect the name because he would not Rastafari orientation that opinions and beliefs of this like his name to be lives in New York. He left n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s associated with some of the Guyanaaverylongtimeago. affiliates.)

Frederick Kissoon

Linden teacher stabbed to death after ending abusive relationship with child father

A 22 year old teacher was on Sunday night reportedly stabbed to death by her son’s father at One Mile Extension, Wismar, Linden.

Dead is Kelly Charlotte, a t e a c h e r o f t h e Christianburg Primary School.

According to reports, the suspect, Leston Baynes, a 28 year old truck driver stabbed Charlotte to death justafterreturningtheirson.

Police in a report said that at about 10:00h on Sunday, the suspect visited the home and collected his son and at about 21:15h, he returned with the child. On knife…Icouldnothavedone with me here before she his arrival, Charlotte went to anything else, I run in the moved with him...his own the front door to collect the bedroom with my kids and mother told me they always child and upon opening the that was it, the kids saw fighting in the bedroom…,” door,shemetherdemise. everything...I went into the shetoldthispublication.

The deceased’s sister, bedroom and called the Charlotte died on her 27-year-old Rayan Prince police,” the distraught way to the Linden Hospital said she was in the kitchen womantold Kaieteur News Complex, where she was when she heard her sister The traumatised woman being transported by police shouting and calling her told Kaieteur News that her and relatives. The woman’s name. She said she ran to the sister was stabbed several body was taken to the front of the house where she times before the suspect Pensioner’s Funeral Home, saw the suspect stabbing her dropped the knife and made and is awaiting a post sisterwithaknife. goodhisescape. mortemexamination.

“Last night she said he Charlotte had only Kaieteur News was told came to drop back the child recently ended her abusive that Charlotte had recently and this boy (the suspect) relationshipwithBaynesand started teaching and was come and stabbing my sister was residing with Prince. “I focused on caring for her all about she body I tried told her she can stay as long son. Police are on the hunt holding she, and this boy as she want because our f o r t h e s u s p e c t a s looking at me with the mother died and she was investigationscontinue.

Hundreds of millions unaccounted for under flood relief programme

- Auditor General launches special investigation

Aspecial investigation is being conducted by the Audit Office of Guyana following the discovery major discrepancies in the Government’s Flood Relief Programme.

Auditor General (AG) Deodat Sharma in his 2021 Report explained that the Office of the Prime Minister had received an amount of $183.500 million for ‘Other e x p e n s e s ’ w h i l e a

Supplementary Provision of $10 billion was approved for Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Management giving a revised allotment of $10.184billion.

Notably, the sum of $8 665 billion was expended. According to the Report,warrantswereissued balance on the warrants of highlighted that $295.838 t o t h e M i n i s t r y o f $476M represents amounts million in items were singleAgriculture for Flood Relief that were unreleased and sourced for the Civil Assistance to farmers and c h e q u e s t h a t w e r e Defence Commission households to the tune of cancelled ” As such, the (CDC) hampers The $7 600 billion However, Audit Office said it was in document explained that “The sum of $7.124 billion the process of conducting a some 42 payment vouchers was recorded as expenditure specialaudit. wereexaminedwhenitwas asat31December2021.The Additionally, it was (Continued on page 18)

Private sector must get with the “jet boat flow”

...Oil industry not moving like MV Torani and MV Malali – Minister Vickram Bharrat

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat recently urged members of the private sector to move with a sense of alacrity in building their capabilities and forming the partnerships necessary to take full a d v a n t a g e o f t h e opportunities that abound in the country’s lucrative oil andgassector

During an engagement last week with industry stakeholders, Bharrat said the oil industry is moving at Be that as it may, he said end of 2023 utilising the an unprecedented pace. He companies still have a duty Prosperity FPSO with a said the pace is much like a to take the necessary steps production capacity of jet boat that outruns the that will give them a greater approximately 220,000 speed of the MV Torani and advantage via strategic gross barrels of oil per day. MV Malali two large alliances as opposed to The fourth development, vessels which have been considering themselves Yellowtail, is expected to traversing the nation’s major standalonecompetitors. come online in 2025, waterways since the 1960s. The Natural Resources utilising the ONE GUYANA In true Guyanese fashion, Minister reminded as well of FPSO with a production Minister Bharrat encouraged the level of protectionism capacity of approximately companies to “get with the offered to locals with the 40 250,000 gross barrels of oil jet boat flow ” He also ring fenced categories of perday stressed the need for local work in the Local Content APlanofDevelopmentis companies to desist from Legislation. Some of those expected to be submitted to fighting with each other but sectors include catering, the Government of Guyana instead, see how their transportationandsecurity before year end for a fifth strengths can be pooled, The Act is expected to development, Uaru, which is thereby increasing their undergo its first periodic expected to come online at competitive advantage in the review where these the end of 2026 with a gross oilsector industries are likely to be production capacity of Bharrat said, “Local expandedtoallowcitizensto approximately 250,000 companies need to stop take advantage of increased barrels of oil per day The fighting with each other and opportunities that will flow StabroekBlockis6.6million seeing each other as from the four sanctioned acres. competitors; otherwise, we developments on the ExxonMobil affiliate will miss the boat and StabroekBlock. Esso Exploration and foreigncompanieswillcome The Liza Phase One and Production Guyana Limited in and sail away with it and L i z a P h a s e T w o is operator and holds 45 we will be left on the shore developments are currently percent interest in the quarrelling and fighting operating at their combined Stabroek Block Hess amongourselves…” gross production capacity of Guyana Exploration Ltd

Bharrat said government more than 360,000 barrels of holds 30 percent interest and will do as much as it can to oil per day The third CNOOC Petroleum Guyana provide an enabling development at Payara is on Limited holds 25 percent environment for businesses. track to come online at the interest.

UK citizen fined for assaulting ‘Guyanese Critic’

Bazilio, a 28

year-old British citizen and of Lot 281 Blue Saki Drive South Ruimveldt, Georgetown was on Monday finedforassaulting Mikhail Rodrigues, aka ‘GuyaneseCritic’.

The woman appeared at Sparendaam Magistrate’ Court before Magistrate Alisha George.Shepleaded guilty and was fined $15,000.

A video recording was circulated on social media recently showing an altercation between the accusedandRodrigues.

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

Olivia Reneesia

Olivia Reneesia Bazilio

Dead: Kelly Charlotte Suspect: Leston Baynes

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma (left) presented the 2021 Auditor’s General Report and five performance audit reports to Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir back in September this year

First Lady assures children of continued support during World Children’s Day event

Guyana’s First Lady Arya Ali has assured the nation’s children that they will be supported and are loved during a special event held at StateHouseinobservanceofWorld Children’sDay

The event was held in collaboration with UNICEF under the theme ‘Art therapy for mental health’ saw the State House - the official residence of the President–being transformed into a safe space for children and other youth who were invited to creatively express theirfeelingsthroughart.

“Theeventwasverygreat.Igot to go and say a poem. It was very nice,Ican’tbelieveIgotto…theart pieces were beautiful, they all did a wonderful job… [It’s] something thatIwouldwanttogobackanddo again,” said 11-year-old Neerav Persaud, who recited a poem, ‘Rising’ to the assembled children anddignitaries.

The poem celebrates survival and not giving up despite challenges. The World Children’s Dayeventfocusedonmentalhealth and participants included students, children with disabilities, migrant told the children that they are all through their art and reminded want

children, youth advocates, and veryspecial.“Iwelcomeyoutomy themthattheyaresupported.

other youth including UNICEF home, State House, and want to let “We were once children too. So

volunteerswhoprovidedsupportto you know that you are now part of we know sometimes it gets hard. First

thechildren. my extended family…we want you We know you have your own

Art facilitators, including a all to know that we love and challenges and sometimes you feel

therapist, peer educators, and appreciate you That is why like there is no one you can talk to. here today, I implore you to took the opportunity to recognize counsellors from the Ministry of UNICEF and my office organized Let me remind you that we are here continue to play a meaningful role young people who were Health, were also present to lend thiseventforyou,”shesaid. for you. We love you and we want in your children’s lives. Let us courageously sharing their stories supportandshareinformation. The First Lady encouraged the you to always remember that you ensure we provide them with and

First

The First Lady in her remarks children to express themselves are never alone. Even if you do not adequate support to realize their (Continued

Local artistes to earn double for ‘One Guyana’ concert

– President Ali

The earnings of production was borne He said that more than Guyanese Pride the Government has been local artistes who c o m p l e t e l y b y t h e 100,000 persons viewed the Further, President Ali able to build a product that

performed at the Government. concert. said he was elated by the brings economic prosperity ‘One Guyana’ concert We brought in the “Iwanttosaytoyouthat development of local talent. and artistic and cultural during this year’s Cricket corporate sponsors to get we continue to be your “I wanted to tell you today development, the Office of Carnival will be doubled, them to sponsor tickets partner in your own how very proud I am of the President said in a press President Irfaan Ali Everysinglecentinrevenue, development, in the Guyanese talent…Our talent release. announcedMonday $6.9M went to those 89 development of our culture, might still be raw and fresh TheMinisterofTourism,

During a meeting with artistes ranging from the development of your in many ways, but we never Industry and Commerce, the local artistes at State between $100,000 to talents and the promotion of and will never lack the Oneidge Walrond; the House, the President said $300,000, as promised,” the ‘One Guyana’ as a capacity and capability to Minister of Culture, Youth that his government will Presidentsaid. destination that is not only makeitonanystage. and Sport, Charles Ramson continue to invest in the PresidentAli said that an diverse by people and And I intend to invest in Jr; the Minister within the entertainmentindustry equivalent $6.9M will be culture but is rich in talent talent that we have, to make OfficeofthePrimeMinister,

“We had 89 local artistes providedtocomplementthat and ready to explode on the it regional and global,” the Kwame McCoy and other on the One Guyana stage, 89 which was already allotted international stage,” the Presidentsaid.

Government officials also local artistes. The cost of the fortheartistes. HeadofStatesaid. The President said that attendedthemeeting.

totalktousrightaway,talkto true potential. The government

your friends. That is what friends standsreadytoextenditssupportto

are for – to support each other,” the ensure our children have a better

Ladysaid. life,”HerExcellencyemphasized.

Mrs.Ali continued, “And to the U N I C E F D e p u t y

parents, guardians and caregivers Representative Mr Irfan Akhtar

thankedthe

Ladyfor

on page 15)

President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali (centre) and, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative Mr. Irfan Akhtar join youth participants at this year’s World Children’s Day event held at State House. (Office of the First Lady)

President Irfaan Ali

President Irfaan Ali (centre), Ministers of Tourism and Culture Oneidge Waldron and Charles Ramson Jr. respectively with local artistes at State House on Monday. Also photographed is Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy.

UN Secretary General backs calls for oil companies to be taxed

- cites damage to environment, windfall profits

Secretary General of the this is what her people United Nations (UN), expect, as she went on to AntonioGuterreshasthrown lobby the Heads of h i s s u p p o r t b e h i n d Governments present, to governments to tax oil c o n v e n e a s p e c i a l companies operating in their convocation that includes oil countries in wake of the companies to impress the environmental damage they need for such changes cause during drilling

Guterres said in his operations. presentation that while the

In an address on Sunday, loss and damage fund is Guterres sought to thank the essential, it is not all that is Egyptian Government for required. To this end, the hosting the 27th United leaderexplained,“Theworld Nations Framework still needs a giant leap on Convention on Climate climate ambition. The red Change (COP27) before line we must not cross is the urging leaders to push for linethattakesourplanetover real climate action the 1.5 degree temperature According to the Secretary limit. To have any hope of General,“Afundforlossand actors and the stakeholders, keeping to 1.5, we need to damageisessential.”Hesaid the oil and gas companies massively invest in he welcomes the decision to and those who facilitate renewables and end our establish the fund and to them,needtobebroughtinto addictiontofossilfuels.” operationalise it in the a special convocation

The UN Secretary comingperiod,asthiswasan betweennowandCop28.” General also pointed out that important step towards The Barbadian leader, developed countries should justice. who has also been named finally make good on their

Prime Minister of one of the World’s most promise to deliver $100 Barbados, Mia Mottley influential women reasoned, billion annually in climate during her address to the “How do companies make finance for developing Conference was keen to $200 billion (US) in profits countries. In addition, he note,“forlossanddamageto in the last three months and s a i d m u l t i l a t e r a l work, we believe it can’t not expect to contribute at development banks and only be an issue of asking least 10 cents in every dollar international financial state parties to do the right ofprofittoalossanddamage institutions must change thing- although they must- fund?” theirbusinessmodelsto but we believe the non-state Mottley pointed out that (Continued on page 15)

GPHC launches probe into death of ECD school teacher

The Georgetown Public further recovery as per Hospital Corporation s t a n d a r d o p e r a t i n g (GPHC)onMondaysaidthat procedure, the hospital it has launched a thorough shared. investigation into the death

On November 17, of a school teacher who died however, the patient’s days after undergoing a condition started to surgery at the medical deterioratetothepointwhere institution. Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Dead is, Shonnata care was required, GPHC Rowena Sawh, who was a said. “Subsequently, while teacher at the Mon Repos receivingcareintheICU,the Nursery School. In a release, patient succumbed on the hospital stated that Sawh Friday, November 18, u n d e r w e n t a 2022,”thereleasedstated. c h o l e c y s t e c t o m y

Shonnata Rowena Sawh

On November 16, Sawh hospital further noted that it

“While we will not (gallbladder removal divulge the specifics of the surgery) at the hospital and patient’s diagnosis and subsequently died on medicalmanagement,weare November 18, 2022. Upon committed to a thorough receipt of this information, investigation; where action the hospital stated that they procedure with underlying is required, we are immediately launched an morbidities which her team committed to act swiftly on investigation to ascertain the ascertained were sufficiently those recommendations of facts surrounding the controlled to allow medical that investigation,” GPHC patient’scareandsubsequent clearancefortheprocedure. assured Additionally, the death.

According to GPHC, a underwent what was remains committed to review of the patient’s described as an uneventful providing any support and records indicate that she was surgery, recovered from information to the family of admitted on November 15, anaesthesia, and was Ms. Sawh as they mourn her 2022, for the elective transferred to the wards for unfortunateloss.

Corentyne woman missing, suspected to be abducted

Twenty one year old pants,andbrownshoes. Amrita Sampal of Line Path She is suspected of being Corentyne, Berbice has been abducted and held against missing since Sunday her will by a 29-year-old November20,andherfamily identifiable male ofAngoy’s is asking for help in locating Avenue, New Amsterdam. theyounglady

Informationrevealedthatthe Amrita was last seen by suspect threatened to kill her her mother, 58 year old if she tried to leave him or Phulatie Sampal, at about end their relationship, which 08:30 hours, police said in a was her intention. Anyone release. Amrita Sampal is 5 with information about the feet tall, fair in complexion, whereabouts of 21-year-old with black and gold hair and Amrita Sampal is asked to blackeyes.Shewaslastseen contact the nearest Police wearing a pink top, blue Station.

Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres

Twenty-one-year-old Amrita Sampal

Canada contributes over US$11M to PAHO’s initiative to strengthen the regional manufacturing of vaccines

P A H O T h e in access to health care and partnership on this critical Government of Canada has exposed the Region’s high issue for the region,” announced a $15 million dependence on imports for Ambassador Hugh Adsett, Canadiandollarcontribution vaccines, medicines and PermanentRepresentativeof (equivalent to US$ 11 2 othermedicalsupplies. Canada to the Organization million) towards a Pan Countries with local of American States (OAS) A m e r i c a n H e a l t h productioncapacitywerethe said. Building on existing Organization (PAHO) firsttobenefitfromCOVID- capacities in the region, the initiative to increase vaccine 19 vaccines, but much of PAHO initiative will support production capacities in Latin America and the training and technology Latin America and the Caribbean had to wait for transfer, strengthen regional Caribbean. these to become available value chains to source the Launched in 2021, the from centralized external necessary components for PAHO Regional Platform to manufacturers, leading to vaccine manufacturing, and Advance the Manufacturing significant delays in the bolster regulatory systems of COVID-19 Vaccines and rollout of campaigns to and enabling functions for otherHealthTechnologiesin protectlives. vaccinesproduction. the Americas aims to “ T h i s d i s p a r i t y As part of the PAHO increase the Region’s ability underscored the need to effort, in September 2021 to respond more quickly and invest in efforts to diversify Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ autonomously to health the production of vaccines in Brazil and Sinergium emergencies and to improve and their components across Biotech in Argentina were access to much needed countries,” the PAHO selected to be part of a vaccines, medicines, and Director said, while taking technologytransferinitiative othermedicalsupplies. advantage of new health for the development and “ W e t h a n k t h e technologies, such as production of mRNA-based Government of Canada for messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccinesintheregion. this generous and timely vaccines that can be used Representatives from contribution, which will be beyondCOVID-19. both institutions took part of crucial in making the region “Canada is pleased to in training at the World better prepared for future support PAHO’s innovative Health Organization mRNA challenges, ” PAHO’s work to strengthen vaccine global hub, Afrigen Director Carissa F Etienne production capacities in Biologics, to accelerate the said. The COVID-19 health Latin America and the development of the crisis uncovered major rifts Caribbean and to deepen our technologyintheregion.

FirstLadyassureschildrenofcontinued...

From page 13 is increasingly becoming an continue to provide loving being an important important aspect of the support to one another; the champion for young people health and wellbeing of support we provide to each and recognizing the children. other would make the importanceofmentalhealth. “In all our outreach work difference, would create the “I want to encourage all over the last 10 years in the change, reduce the stigma today to let us work together Regions of Guyana, we have and improve access to toensurethateverychildhas found first hand that art mental health services,” she the right to survive, thrive, therapy helps children to indicated Meanwhile, and grow up in a safe and expresshowtheyarefeeling, President IrfaanAli attended protective environment, if there is anything that is the event and greeted and including access to quality troubling them, that that interacted with the children m e n t a l h e a l t h a n d childissadorhappyorneeds and other participants. Miss psychosocial support,” said help in some way,” she said, World Guyana 2022 Andrea Mr Akhtar whileaddingthatwemustbe Kingal also participated in H e h i g h l i g h t e d readytohelpchildrengetthe the activity and recited the UNICEF’s commitment to help he or she may need so Mental Health Pledge working closely with that difficulties being developed by Guyanese different stakeholders to experienced are addressed youth, which was then invest more and develop properly signed by the officials and relevant mental health UNICEFisworkingwith children. programs and initiatives for various partners on mental World Children’s Day, children in Guyana. “We health and in her remarks, themed ‘Inclusion, for every recognizethatwemustfocus Cilandell Glen, Coordinator child’ is UNICEF’s Global not only on the clinical of the Adolescent Health Day of Action for children, aspect of mental health but a Unit said that the activities takingplaceeveryyearon20 multi-sectoral approach to provide children and November, the anniversary prevention, promotion, and adolescents with the tools of the adoption of the care at the community and and skills needed to not only Convention on the Rights of familylevels,”hesaid. improve their mental health the Child On this day, Chairperson of the and wellness but with UNICEF advocates and Rights of the Child opportunities to contribute raisesawarenessforthemost Commission Ms Aleema positivelytosociety pressing issues facing Nasir said that mental health “It is imperative that we children.

UN Secretary General backs calls for oil companies to be taxed

From page 14

Stabroek Block, should not be touched. accept more risk and systematically PresidentIrfaanAliwasaskedrecentlyifhis leverage private finance for developing government will be following in the countries at reasonable costs. He reasoned, footsteps of other countries to impose “Let’s be clear Our planet is still in the windfall taxes when he explained this route emergency room. We need to drastically cannotbetrottedbyhisadministration. reduce emissions now – and this is an issue The term ‘windfall’ simply refers to the this COP did not address...the Just Energy excess profits being made by the oil Transition Partnerships are important companiesasaresultofthehigheroilprices pathways to accelerate the phasing out of being earned, due to the Russia, Ukraine coal and scaling up renewables.” Guterres war urged, “We need all hands on deck to drive ThePresidentsaiditmustbeunderstood justiceandambition.” thatGuyanaisanewcomertotheoilandgas

This newspaper had reported that while sector and many countries that are the Barbados PM has made her position implementing this tax system have been clear, Guyana’s Head of State believes that producing oil for decades. Ali also said that the excess profits, currently being earned by in Guyana’s case, the country has an ExxonMobil, operating Guyana’s prolific agreementwhichmustbehonoured.

WANTED

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

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

One Male between 25-45 years to operate Hardware Store. Residing on WCD or WBD. Call:# 264-2524 Mon-Fri 8am to 4:30pm.

Waitress 18-25yrs from around Ogle, 8 hrs shift $22000 wkly. Call: 610-3974.

One experienced cook and one kitchen assistant. Call: 603-1278/ 665-5074.

Diesel Mechanic, Security Guards, Office Cleaner.Tele: 227-1964, 225-7442, 6236383

Urgently need one female bar assistant/ kitchen attendant for the Interior. Call: 689-4461/ 662-6254 for more info.

Male porters ages 1830yrs & female cooks for supermarket in the Interior. Call: 687-7638 /6913942.

Two sales person needed at Bourda & Stabroek, Salary- 8-6 $90,000, 8:30-4:30 $70,000. Call: 669-9258.

Experience Carpenters and Masons preferable from E.C.D or East Bank. Contact 614-7669 RJD Construction.

Seamstress, Tailor wanted. Call/ Whatsapp: 691-1918. Live-in domestic/ maid and canter driver to work in the Interior. Call: 614-1819.

Carpenters, Masons & Labourers required. Call: 645-9805.

VACANCY

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

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

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

General cleaner, office assistant, maintenance workers and Labourers needed. Call: 621-6969, 615-7784/ 505-9107.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop @ Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call 645-8443 or 642-9823.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office. English & Mathematics, grade one or two, email application to: techserigy @yahoo.com or call 6159132.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area call 6159132.

Water Delivery Driver and Porter for E.C.D. Tel: 6761363/692-6768.

Wanted: Experienced supervisor, cashier, counter person, cooks and labourer. Apply @ Shanta's, 225 Camp andNew Market Sts.

Caregiver to take care of elderly woman, must be 30-35 yrs old in Georgetown on weekends. Call: 650-5496.

Vacancy at People's Choice kitchen for two experienced cook & pastry maker. Call: 679-9449.

For porters.Apply in person to Alabama Trading,65 Robb St Bourda.

Professional pastry maker needed. Must be able to make burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, dhal puri, etc. Call: 678-4275/ 694-4481.

Three firms submit bids to build new Brickdam Police Station

Three companies are competing for the contract to reconstruct the Brickdam Police Station.

During Thursday s opening at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office it was disclosed that R. Bassoo & Sons Construction Company in association with Qigjian Group Company Limited; Hookmally Ali Limited in association with Steel Structures T&T Limited; and Nabi Construction Inc. have submitted bids to build the Police Station which was destroyed by fire in 2021.

Prior to Thursdays bids, seven companies had submitted proposals for design services for the reconstruction of the police station. The firms that bid were SRKNgineering & Associates Limited in association with Mackay Practice, and Jensen Hughes; Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services; PME Consulting Engineering Inc. in association with Aleron Limited & Stages Consulting Engineers Limited; WSP Caribbean Limited (T&T); KS & P Limited (T&T); AI Architects; and Beston Consulting Inc.

On October 2, 2021 a devastating fire flattened the Brickdam Police Station, along with two vehicles and a business place close by. According to reports, the fire reportedly began around 11:06hrs in

the upper part of an eastern building and spread to several other buildings in the compound.

Immediate investigations led to the root of the fire, which was found to be caused by arson. A prisoner, who was arrested earlier for robbery under arms, confessed to the crime.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn at an event in December said that several discussions were held with stakeholders, along with engineers on the rebuilding of the Brickdam Police Station. He disclosed that the government intends to construct an 11-storey building to replace the police station. Some

$400M was allocated to the Ministry of Home Affairs in this years budget for the construction of the new complex.

Meanwhile, in September, the Ministry of Home Affairs conducted a geotechnical investigation (soil testing) which lasted four days. In a press release, the Ministry had stated that the investigation is to aid in the selection criteria for the foundation of an 11-storey building, approximately 120ft by 80ft. The building will be used as the new headquarters of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Ministry noted.

“The objectives are to perform geotechnical tests to acquire information on the

ground strata and engineering properties. These objectives are to determine the classification of soil at each layer and the depths of the layers, the cohesion and adhesion of each soil stratum, the angle of friction of the soil at each soil stratum, and the rate and magnitude of soil consolidation groundwater condition and permeability of the soil,” the press release said.

The Ministry of Finances Mid-Year Report said that the construction of the new police station should start during the second half of this year.

Below are the contractors and their bids:

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

FOR SALE

Good quality carpets for sale at reasonable price. Call: 669-9258.

FOR RENT

2 and 3 Bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments to rent. Tel:# 682-2585, 6648641, 691-1432.

One business spot on Durban Street, $60,000 per month. Call: 623-2900.

3 apartment house for rent (furnished) located on South Road, for business or residence. Call: 614-0495.

Venezuela urges World Court to examine the history behind arbitral award in border case

Concluding his country’s address before the World Court, Samuel Moncada Acosta, Permanent Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Nations urged the Court to examine the historic claims behind the 1989 arbitral award, which is at the centre of the border controversy between Guyana and its Hispanic neighbour.

FOR

SALE

application: Canada and UK & U.S.A. Graphics design & advertisements. Wedding decorations & elderly grooming: hair, nail etc. Call: 626-7040.

Adult Learn to swim program, Every Wednesday & Thursday, at Swimtropolis, Enachu Street Sec. K C/ Ville. Call Edna on 614-9340.

Venezuela had argued that Guyana is not a proper party to the proceedings, but rather the United Kingdom which had negotiated the settlement of the then border dispute. As such, Venezuela contends that the UK should be added to the proceedings; if not then Guyana’s application for a full and final settlement of the border controversy is to be dismissed.

The International Court

of Justice – the principal judicial organ of the UN, is holding public hearings on the preliminary objections raised by Venezuela in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela). The hearings started last Thursday and will conclude tomorrow at the Peace in The Hague, the seat of the ICJ. The sessions are being presided over by Judge

Joan E. Donoghue, President of the Court.

To wrap up the presentations, Mr. Acosta, Venezuela’s co-agent, urged the court to find Guyana’s application to determine the validity of the 1989 award inadmissible. He told the ICJ that Venezuela has also held international law and world peace in high regard. As such, Acosta said the country “would never claim or aspire to something that does not belong to us.”

He continued: “We were deceived in 1989 but today we know the truth it is impossible to deceive us once again. Venezuela is aware of the crime committed against our nation so we come to the International Court of Justice, to tell the truth, but also to extend a helping hand to Guyana...” “Let us not allow

Fire destroys the Brickdam Police Station in October 2021

Visa

Samuel Moncada Acosta

20 contractors bidding to construct Bureau of Statistics guard hut

Twenty contractors are also opened for the design competing for the contract and supervision service for to build a guard hut at the theconstructionoftwonew Bureau of Statistics schools. building, Main Street, Minister of Education, Georgetown. Priya Manickchand at a During the recent recent event disclosed that opening of tenders at the the construction of the new National Procurement and schools is part of her Tender Administration ministry's plan to achieve Board's (NPTAB) office, it universal secondary wasrevealedthattheproject education. is estimated to cost $6.4 Shesaidthenewschools million. will assist in ensuring that Additionally, 14 every secondary school contractors are competing student is able to complete for a contract to extend the his or her secondary Bureau of Statistics education.

building The extension Below are the projects projectisestimatedat$6M. andbidsduringtherecent Meanwhile, bids were openingoftenders:

CentralHousingandPlanningAuthority(CH&PA) ConstructionofCoreHouses inRegionFour,forLots1to3.

BureauofStatistics ExtensionofBureauofStatisticsbuilding.

Canada Sanctions Haiti Ex-President Martelly for Financing Gangs

(REUTERS) Canada Canada’s ambassador to has sanctioned former Haiti,repliedonTwitterwith Haitian President Michel thewords“Iconfirm.” Martelly and two former Martelly served as primeministersforfinancing presidentfrom2011to2016, gangs, Canadian authorities taking office in the wake of saidonSunday,thelatestina the devastating 2010 series of measures targeting earthquake.

alleged backers of Haitian A pop singer who criminalgroups. performed under the stage

In September, Haitian name Sweet Micky before gangscreatedahumanitarian becoming president, crisis by blocking a fuel Martelly was strongly terminal for nearly six backed by the United States weeks, halting most before and during his economic activity and presidency, and made a

Designandsupervisionservicefortheconstruction ofamodernschoolbuildingtohouse1200students.

ConstructionofguardhutatBureauofStatisticsoffice.

triggeringU.N.discussionof living playing shows in a possible foreign strike South Florida after leaving forcetoopentheterminal. office.

Canada and the United Hewassucceededbyally States have sanctioned Jovenel Moise, who was political leaders who assassinatedin2021. allegedly finance the gangs, Ceant served as prime which according to policy minister from 2018 to 2019. makers are backed by Reuters was unable to Haitianelites. contacthimorMartelly

“These latest sanctions Lamothe,whowasprime target a former president of minister from 2012 to 2014, Haiti and two former prime describedtheannouncement ministers of Haiti suspected as“theFakestofFakenews,” of protecting and enabling notinghehaspubliclysought theillegalactivitiesofarmed foreign intervention to fight criminalgangs,”theofficeof gangs.

GuyanaCivilAviationAuthority InstrumentFlightProceduredesignservice.

MinistryofEducation Designandsupervisionserviceforthe constructionofamodernschoolbuilding tohouse800studentsatTurkeyen,RegionFour.

Canadian Prime Minister “Canada cannot provide Justin Trudeau said in a once piece of evidence, statement, which did not because there is none,” he nametheindividuals. wrote in a text message to Radio-Canada journalist Reuters.“ThisisAbsurd.” Louis Blouin wrote on Police took back control Twitter that the sanctions of the terminal this month targeted Martelly, as well as and fuel has started to flow former Haitian Prime again, but gang kidnappings Ministers Laurent Lamothe are on the rise and armed andJeanHenryCeant. groups continue expanding Sebastien

Brazil’s Lula discharged from hospital after throat treatment

Cuba’s president to visit China Nov 24-26

(REUTERS) Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz Canel will visit China fromNov 24-26,Chinese state media reported on Monday.At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Díaz-Canel,firstsecretary of the CPC Central Committee and president of the Republic of Cuba, will pay a state visit, CCTVreported.

Bolsonaro.

Carriere, controlofterritory

Former Haitian President Michel Martelly speaks at a ceremony marking the end of his presidential term, in the Haitian Parliament in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, February 7, 2016.

REUTERS/Andres Martinez Casares/File Photo

(REUTERS) - Brazilian also called ‘smokers

President-elect Luiz Inacio keratosis’, can be caused by LuladaSilvalefthospitalon repeatedinjuryandirritation Mondayafteraprocedureto or exposure to smoking and remove potentially pre alcohol. In a minority of cancerous patches from his cases, it can develop into vocal cord, doctors said, cancer Thedoctorssaidina adding that they had found note that they had found no no abnormal tissue mass in signs of “neoplasm,” or the process. Doctors at Sao abnormaltissuemass,during Paulo’s Sirio Libanes the procedure. Lula’s Hospital,wherethe77-year gravelly voice had gone old Lula was treated for hoarseinthefinalmonthsof throat cancer 11 years ago, Brazil’s presidential said the procedure had election, which he won last removedsmallwhitepatches month, denying a second called‘leukoplakia’fromhis term to right-wing President vocal cords Leukoplakia, Jair

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel

From page 16

the consequences of the unlawful conduct of the United Kingdom, the absent State in these proceedings to continue to affect the future of our nations,” Acosta urged.

ProfessorChristianTams also made a presentation during the final round of Venezuela’s preliminary arguments before the World Court. He held that in light of the arbitrary fraud challenge raised by VenezuelaagainsttheUnited Kingdom, Guyana cannot plausibly pretend that the UK has no legal interest in thevalidityoftheaward.

“The United Kingdom stands to have breached international law by the United Nations principal judicial organ…” the lawyer said noting that the allegation is a valid charge under the Monetary Goal Doctrine—Procedural legal rule that came with the historical practice of the ICJ which means that international courts are not competent to settle disputes between states unless those states agree to exercise jurisdiction over this dispute by the court. “The United

kingdom is at risk, at risk of being found to have acted unlawfully… To say that the United Kingdom has no skin in the game is absurd. It’s skin is the same skin as that of Indonesia or Albania in similar situations ” ProfessorTamssaid.

He noted that so far Guyana’s attempt to discredit Venezuela’s contention has been weak andunfounded. “Howcould such British conduct be irrelevanttoyourcase?What we have heard here are highhanded dismissals…” Prof Tam added. The attorney advanced that Guyana’s argument that the UK is a third party to the proceeding shouldbeseenasnothingbut a smokescreen since “the United Kingdom is not a third party State, it is the other State, and the only otherStateinthematter.”

Professor Paolo Palcetti held similar sentiments. He told the World Court that Guyana has said nothing about UK’s responsibility in the matter resulting from its conduct. He urged the ICJ to reject claims by Guyana that the UK had given consent to the course, exercising its jurisdiction. The lawyer

noted that while Guyana shared the view that the UK has no interest in the disputed territory, Guyana remains silent on the issue of the UK and its international responsibility and the obligations that arise from such responsibility He said, “Guyana at first mounted a timiddefencesayingthatthis was the first time that Venezuela was raising the question of the United Kingdom’s conduct but this is not a new argument. This has historically been Venezuela’s position ” Palcetti continued, “As Professor Tams has just told us, Guyana also raised in its memorial the question of deceit, corruption, and coercion by the United Kingdom.” Further,hesaid that contrary to Guyana’s claims, Article 4 of the Geneva agreement makes no reference to consent by the UK for purpose of the ICJ proceedings.

Consequently,inkeeping with the Monetary Goal Principle, Palcetti said the Court must first determine the truthfulness of the allegedillegalconductofthe UK before its rule on the validityofthearbitralaward.

Hundreds of millions unaccounted...

From page 12 observed that eight contractors were hand picked and awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board(NPTAB),throughthe direct contracting or single source method. “According to the data sheets attached to the NPTAB awards, the Ministry was advised that once the contracts between the Office of the Prime Minister and the suppliers have been signed, the date of signing of the contracts should be inserted on the sheets and returned to NPTABimmediatelysoasto facilitate publishing on the NPTAB website within five days of the signing of the contracts,” the Report outlined.

Furthermore,theAGsaid that audit checks of Payment V o u c h e r N u m b e r 0200001563 for $79 074 million revealed that items totalling $1.652M were not recorded in the store’s records of the Civil Defence Commission. As a result, it could not be determined if theitemswerereceived.

As such, the completeness, accuracy, and validity of the payments could not be determined,theAGsaid.

In response to the Auditor General’s findings, the Office of the Prime M i n i s t e r s a i d t h e department, “During the end of the fiscal year 2021 was pressed to implement as much of its budgetary allocation. It was during this haste that these lapses occurred.” It assured that the Office has since been implementing the process r e q u i r e d f o r restoring/updatingcontracts, records, and correspondence related to this programme.

T h e A u d i t O f f i c e recommendedthatthePrime Minister’s Office put systems in place to manage and execute contracts in compliance with the FMA ActandtheProcurementAct and also to ensure that all suppliesarereceived.

objective of the activity was achieved, beneficiaries received their grant without prejudice of any minor post review documentation issues.”

While the Auditor General assured there is no better audit evidence than first hand witness, he noted that the task comes with its own challenges as it is very tedious and time consuming.

“The Audit Office has to sendstaffontheroadandwe are still in the COVID period, so those are some of thechallenges,”headded Sharmasaidthentoothat the full audit of the various cash grants was ongoing.

“So we are doing real-time monitoring to ensure that things go how they are supposed but we are also working on the full audit of the cash grant distribution which once completed, the reports will be handed over to the Parliament Office,” Sharmaadded.

Also at the time of reporting, the Ministry of Finance did not provide 76 and another six payment vouchers amounting to $484 470 million and $134.236 million for line items Others - 6294 and Dietary

6292, respectively

Back in September when hehadpresentedhisreportto the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, Sharma had told reporters that his office had started to p r o v i d e r e a l t i m e monitoringofGovernment‘s expenditure on the series of cash grants being distributed to the public He told reporters “Our teams of auditors were engaged in real-time audits where we were able to ensure the

T h e P e o p l e ’ s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has issued a series of cash grants since 2020, these include $25,000 COVID 19 cash grant, the $25,000 one-off cashgranttopublicservants, the $25,000 ‘Because We Care’ education cash grant, the $250,000 cash grant paid to fisherfolk and the $100,000 cash grant issued tochildrenwithdisabilities.

Guyana’s National Oil Spill Plan deficient on protection of sensitive areas, handling affected vessels - AG Report

Auditor General, Deodat risk spills with potential acknowledged the foregoing and stabilisation are Sharma has found that places of refuge identified flaw Notwithstandingthis,it achieved.” Guyana’s National Oil Spill and procedures put in place said it must be noted that at In most spill scenarios, into the safety zone, Contingency Plan is for their implementation the time of any spill the CDC said vessels remain anchoragelocationsandsafe particularly deficient in a Sharma said too that these response, the tactics and inthelocationoftheincident channels. number of areas - one such plans should be tailored to strategies to be employed since movement and

“It must be noted that being that there are no protect sensitive areas from will determine how a vessel relocationcanexacerbatethe given the dynamics of our provisions on how vessels in the impacts of possible spills will be treated which issue and cause more coastline,thereareverylittle distress would be removed to save time during the includes position. It said, environmentalpollution. options for marine vessel andtakentoaplaceofrefuge critical first few hours of a “The ultimate priority at the At this time, the s h e l t e r i n g w i t h o u t duringanoilspill. vessel response. Much to his time of an incident would be Commission said the only increasing the risks to the In his performance audit dismay, Guyana’s National tosavelives,containthespill authority on the issue of area. MARAD is in the report,Sharmasaidplacesof Oil Spill Contingency Plan and recover or treat safety zones and anchorage process of reviewing this refuge during oil spills are does not identify potential pollutants Removing the i s t h e M a r i t i m e issue and will provide essential to protect human placesofrefuge.Assuch,the vessel may only be done, in Administration Department appropriate feedback on the responsible parties are being life and the environment. AuditorGeneralsaiditcould Guyana’s context if the (MARAD). plan moving forward,” the actively engaged in Elaborating further, Sharma not be determined how vessel is in the channel of The CDC said that CDC said in its response.As protecting sensitive areas said a ‘place of refuge’ is a decision makers will any of the main rivers that agency will advise based on for the issue of sensitive and leveraging their pre-defined site where a ship respond to vessels in distress are being traversed or at the the dynamics of the incident areas being protected, it said resourcestodoso. in need of assistance can be and how sensitive areas will time when full containment where vessels can be towed taken to stabilize its be protected during an oil condition and reduce the spill. hazards to navigation, and The Civil Defence protect human life and the Commission, whi

h environment.

He said the development

of contingency plans should document in collaboration provide for specific, high-

Two Berbice men die of COVID-19, as death toll rises to 1,283

After reporting that the age category, he noted, are last COVID 19 death on presenting a severe form of September 15 last, the COVID-19 and may require Ministry of Health on hospitalisation “We have Monday revealed that two been encouraging people 50 men from Region Six are years and older to come and now the country’s latest get their booster shots COVID-19fatalities. because they are more

The men, a 43-year-old vulnerable. As you get older, and a 93 year old, the some people would start MinistrysaiddiedonSunday g e t t i n g c h r o n i c n o n while receiving treatment a communicable diseases medical institution As a which put you at risk for result of this Guyana’s COVID 19,” the health COVID-19 death has moved minister pointed out to1,283. during Wednesday’s

Meanwhile, via it latest COVID-19Update. dashboard, the Ministry The number of older revealed that four patients persons receiving booster are currently admitted into doses is lower than the COVID 19 Intensive anticipated, thus, Dr Care Unit (ICU), within the Anthony is encouraging last 24-hours only four new them to get boosted. “If you caseswererecordedbringing are not boosted, then, your the total number of immunity would drop and if confirmed cases in the your immunity drops, then country to 71,545. The you will become more dashboard also shows that vulnerable to COVID 19 five persons are institutional infection,” he said. The isolation, 81 are in home health minister also isolationandtodateatotalof highlighted the importance 70,172 persons have of getting tested for COVIDrecoveredfromthevirus. 19 since it helps to

Only last week Health differentiate between flu and Minister, Dr Frank Anthony COVID 19 “ I w o u l d reiterated the call for older encourage people even if persons, who received their they have flu-like symptoms firstandseconddosesatleast because the presentation of four to six months ago, to COVID has changed and a taketheirCOVID-19booster lot of people might have flushots. He also noted that l i k e s y m p t o m s w h i c h there has been a slight include fever, cough, and upward trend in new Covid- runny nose,” Minister 19cases.Personsintheolder Anthonypointedout.

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma

Pooran relinquishes white ball captaincy of the West Indies Men’s Team

ST JOHNS, Antigua Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed yesterday that Nicholas Pooran has decided to relinquish the white ball captaincy of the West Indies Mens team following the teams exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 tournament just completed in Australia.

Pooran said: “I have given the captaincy a great deal of thought since the enormous disappointment of the T20 World Cup. I took on the role with great pride and dedica-

tion and have given it absolutely everything over the past year.

“The T20 World Cup is something that must not define us and I will readily get involved in the upcoming reviews. And whilst it will be several months until we reconvene as a squad, I want to give CWI plenty of time to prepare for the matches against South Africa in March and beyond.”

He added: “This is not me giving up. I remain ambitious and still view the captaincy

of West Indies cricket as an honour that is bestowed upon you. There is no doubt I remain fully committed to West Indies cricket and I look forward to providing my services as a senior player in a supportive role. By stepping down now as the West Indies white ball captain I believe it is in the best interests of the team and for me personally, as I need to concentrate on what I can deliver to the side as a player. I desperately want us to be successful and the most value I can give to the

Tuesday November 22, 2022

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Today you'll find that you're the missing puzzle piece that people need in every situation, Aries. Engage in light conversation in social arenas and feel free to turn your charm up full blast.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You may find that people want to do a great deal of talking but not a great deal of feeling today, Taurus. Go ahead and put your emotions on the back burner and let your mind take over.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You should be able to evaluate your emotions from a very neutral, detached perspective today, Gemini. Use this opportunity to take action based on what you feel.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

If you're talking about another person today, Cancer, make sure you aren't saying anything that would be upsetting if they were standing right there. Gossip may be running rampant.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

You might find yourself a bit unfocused and confused about which way to go, Virgo. The baffled look on your face isn't helping anyone else figure out how to help you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) You might find yourself a bit unfocused and confused about which way to go, Virgo. The baffled look on your face isn't helping anyone else figure out how to help you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

It's important for you to get outside and feel the wind blowing, Libra. Reconnect with nature and be aware of the four elements. Take deep breaths and fill your lungs with this energizing life force.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Make practical use of the thoughts you have synthesized over the last few days, Scorpio. Stretch your boundaries and extend your wisdom to the people around you. This is a day to take action.

SAGIT (Nov.22–Dec.21) This is an important day for you to make valuable connections with others, Sagittarius. You'll find yourself engaged in fastpaced, witty conversations and debates from which you can learn.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) = It could be hard for you to get a handle on things today, Capricorn, as your focus seems to jump from one subject to the next without finding resolution for any.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You might come across strong opposition today from someone who seems to want to cut straight through to your heart, Aquarius. In reality,

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Act on your instincts today, Pisces, and you won't go wrong. You may need to give up a bit of control and put logical thinking aside for the day. Let the wind take you where it wants you to go.

team is through fully focusing on the role of consistently scoring runs at crucial times.

“I am very thankful to CWI for the opportunity and faith shown in me and for the support that I have received by our devoted fans since taking the role, and to my teammates who have worked so hard as well. I know we have it in us to carry West Indies cricket forward and be proud.”

CWI Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams thanked Pooran for his time leading the two teams.

Adams said: “On behalf of CWI I want to thank Nicholas for his time leading our white ball teams. Having spoken with him I know he remains fully committed to West Indies cricket and I am convinced he has a big role to play in our future.”

Last year and earlier this year, Pooran led the West Indies in the absence of Kieron Pollard, enjoying a T20 International (T20I) Series win against Australia at home (41). He was officially appointed West Indies Mens white ball captain in May this

year when Pollard stepped down. Overall, Pooran led the team in 17 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 23 T20Is, recording Series wins against the Netherlands (ODI 3-0) and Bangladesh (T20I 20).

The West Indies Mens next white ball series is against South Africa in March 2023 (directly after the two Test Match Series) and consists of three ODIs and three T20Is.

West Indies Mens Tour to South Africa 2023

Thursday, 16 March: 1st

ODI at Buffalo Park, East London (day/night)

Saturday, 18 March: 2nd ODI at Buffalo Park, East London (day/night)

Tuesday, 21 March: 3rd ODI at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Saturday, 25 March: 1st T20Is at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Sunday, 26 March: 2nd T20I at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Tuesday, 28 March: 3rd T20I at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (night)

Victories for Guyana in Suriname Independence Online Blitz event

FM Anthony Drayton, Jessica Callender and LandonMohabirmanagedto amass victories for Guyana over competitors from Suriname and across the Caribbean in the Srefidensi Online International Blitz Tournament.

Thetournamentwassplit into two divisions, a Master Class division restricted to playersratedabove1750and a Challenger Class open to everyone who does not meet thisrequirement.

ChallengerClass

JessicaCallenderwasthe Best Female player in this division and the top finisher for Guyana in ninth place overall after earning five points from seven rounds. She was Guyanas only female competitor in the event.

Young Julian Mohabir won Best Under10 in the tournament with three points Guyana also saw exceptional performances from Roberto Neto (19th on 4 points), Kyle Couchman (26th on 3.5 points), Owen Mickle(34thon3points)and Landon Mohabir (49th on 1.5points).MasterClass

Guyanasonlycompetitor in this division was Fide

Master Anthony Drayton (2.5 points) who came away with the prize for Best under 2100 rated player and finished sixth overall in this division.

Stage One of the tournament was held on November 19 and 20, and featured 60 competitors across Guyana, Suriname, Dominica, Barbados, Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba andJamaica.

The event was hosted by the Surinamese Chess Federation (De Surinaamse Schaakbond). It is an annual event commemorating the anniversary of Suriname gaining its independence from the Netherlands on November 25th, 1975

Srefidensi translates as Independence.

Thisyeareventfeaturesa special Stage Two where the top two male and top two female finishers across the Caribbean will face off as a team against China in December

The second stage will be organised by the Chinese ChessAssociation.

As the best woman at the conclusion of the event, Jessica Callender will competefortheCaribbeanin this team which also features Cuban Grand Master Jimenez Luis Lazaro A g u e r o , B a r b a d i a n International Master Orlando Husbands and Surinamese Womens Fide MasterCatherineKaslan.

By Rawle Toney

The 61-member French Guiana delegation will arrive today for their participation in the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) which will start on Friday (November 25) and concludes on Sunday, November27.

Catering to student athletesattheU-20level,the IGG was last held in 2017 in Surinameandfirsttookplace in 1967. Football (basketball started in 1972) was the first sport played between Guyana and Suriname at the Inter-GuianaGames.

At this year s event, French Guiana will compete against Guyana and Suriname in basketball and Track and Field Players from the French territory are known as fierce rivals in basketball and had been particularly good in the field events since the inception of theirIGGparticipation.

According to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, the

Surinamese contingent is slated to arrive on Thursday morning, while the opening ceremony is slated for Thursday evening from 7:00pm at the Guyana NationalStadium.

Ninvalle informed that Surinames Minister of Regional Development and Sport, Gracia Emanuel, is expected to arrive with her countrys athletes and officialsfortheIGG.

Over 500 athletes and officialsfromthreecountries will feature at the IGG in the disciplines of Football (female), basketball, volleyball, table tennis, t e n n i s , b a d m i n t o n , swimmingandcycling.

The National Racquet Centre on WoolfordAvenue, the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, the National Aquatic Centre, as well as the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and National Gymnasium are the venues beingused.

ThereturnoftheIGGisa

manifestation of a promise made by President IrfaanAli and Surinames Head of State, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, following discussions last August during a State visit to Guyana.

During Presidents Santokhi four day visit, discussions were held on a series of areas to strengthen bilateral agreements, includingsports.

The return of the Inter Guiana Games according to President Ali is part of the Guyana and Suriname P e o p l e t o P e o p l e partnership, which he said is “bringing our people together, in a safe space that theycanshareandappreciate eachother.”

At the inaugural IGG, Suriname and Guyana battled for the Forbes Burnham/Johan Pengel Trophy

Johan Adolf Pengel served as Prime Minister of Surinamein1967.

Anthony Drayton (Photo Credit Khushal Lam)

Finalist decided in Region 6 leg of One Guyana football competition.

Corentyne River and New Amsterdam team to

The finalists of the East Berbice Corentyne /Region 6 leg of the One Guyana Football Competition have beendecided.Thetwoteams making it to the final are North New Amsterdam and Siparuta. This was after the conclusion of two cliff hanger semifinal games played on Sunday at the Scott Church Ground, Princess Elizabeth Road, NewAmsterdam,Berbice.

The games that were played saw Siparuta from The Corentyne River

winning from Lower

Corentyne4-3.

The Corentyne River team after falling behind on two occasions held their composure,makingsurethat their over 120 miles travel was not in vain as they showed good resolve to squeezehomeasvictors.

The inform Ronald Felix led their charge with a triple in the 18th, 34th, 80th, while Jeffery Joseph hit home the sealerinthe82ndminute.

Scoring for Lower Corentyne were Kevin

Williams, Compton Cudjoe andaowngoal.

T h e N o r t h N e w Amsterdam team made full use of home advantage as they squeezed past South New Amsterdam 2-1 in a cliff hanger which went downthelastwhistle.

The final is slated for Saturday 26th at the same venue between North New AmsterdamandSiparuta.

North New Amsterdam will be looking to make full use of home advantage and their familiarity to the costal

Invaders, CCC 2 record victories in ESCLs Over-40

Invaders Masters and defending champions Caribbean Cricket Club (CCC) 2 registered victories in the latest round of the 2022 Essequibo Softball Cricket League (ESCL) O v e r 4 0 , 2 0 o v e r s competition at Hibernia ground, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Invaders beat Sunrisers by110runswhileatthesame venue, CCC 2 got the better of Queenstown Tigers by 20 runs.

Invaders compiled a formidable 247 all out off 19.4 overs while Sunrisers only responded with 137 in the18thover

GopaulDeenledtheway for Invaders with 50, while Roy Gonsalves contributed 41 as Seow Sankar grabbed 3-48fromhismaximumfour overs. HubbardThomas also inthewicket-columnwith234(4).

When Sunrisers batted, Gary Ragnauth and Ravi Beharry made 28 and 22 respectively Richie Bishop was the star bowler by snaring 4-21 in his four tidy overs.

CCC 2 raced to a competitive 220 all out off 1 9 5 o v e r s w h i l e Queenstown Tigers roared backwith200in19.3overs.

Kumar Dass struck five sixes in his fighting knock off 55 and 41 from Motielall Deepnarine Ekie Baksh

pickedup4-31offfourovers to churn out an excellent bowling performance for the winner Yaseer Mohamed captured 2-28 from three overs.

For CCC 2, Mohammed proved his all round capability by top scoring with 50 laced with five sixes and four fours Deolall Rooplall contributed a vital 35 as dynamic all-rounders Deepnarine and Dass claimedtwowicketsapiece.

T h e s e v e n t e a m tournament is slated resume this Sunday with three more

matches in its preliminary round.

Sunrisers will collide with Hibernia Strikers while Queenstown Tigers will come against Invaders and CCC 2 will trade punches with Ravens Sports Club. Devonshire Castle Sports Club has drawn the bye. Venuestobenamedsoon.

Notably, the tournament isbeingplayedinmemoryof Dave Tajeshwar who was a supporter to softball cricket. His brother Vo is one of the sponsors for the ESCL from itsinception.

clash

condition as they press for thewin.

Siparuta on the other hand will want to make sure

Yaseer Mohammed

North New Amsterdam marksmen

Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate Championships… Defending Champions GDF share title with Police -PatrickHarveyadjudgedBestBoxer

Threeentertainingnightsofboxinginthe 2022 Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate Boxing Championships ended with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Police Boxing Gym finishing as joint Champions.

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) organised event commenced on Friday, November 18, at the National Gymnasium and concluded on Sunday evening. Apart from spirited performances by boxers from the victorious gyms, it was their strength in numbersthatpropelledthemtothetitle.

Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) finished third with one of their members, Patrick Harvey, copping the Best Boxer award after impressive performances in the JuniorWelterweightDivision.

Other gyms involved in the tournament were Republican, Vergenoegen, Young

Finalnight…

Fifteen pulsating bouts were on the card for the final night as the School Boys (40 42KG) got the evening going as Youhance Marshall and Shamario Issacs, both fighting out of the red corner, defeated Khumda AlexanderandOkenwaBushel,respectively

Jeremiah Duncan gained a walkover victory from Joshua Thamabran in the only Juniors (51 54KG) bout, while Travis Inverary stopped Garvel Hyman in their Youths Welterweight (63 6KG 67KG) match.

In the Elites, GDFs Ronaldo Sutton stunned club mate Komal Kissoon and the spectators with a 2nd round stoppage in their Minimum Weight (46 - 48KG) bout. After that, Deron Williams was clinical in his

Flyweight victory

againstPoliceclubmate,CarltonWong.

FYFs Richard Howard triumphed over GDFs Jermain Grant in a closely contested Light Weight showdown before the female exhibition match between Alesha Jackman and Abiola Jackman unfolded.

Harvey was the next to showcase another best boxer performance when he stopped Junior Hyman in the second round.

Apart from the opening bout, Duncans walkover decision and Howards fight that ended unanimously, the other 12 boutsallendbyTKO.

Polices Donovan Richardson disposed of GDFs Kerion Vossey in their Welterweight fight while FYFs Mark Crawford defeated GDFs Colin Hinds in a Light Middleweight battle

The Light Heavyweight bout saw FYFs Brian Harris get past GDFs Akeem Dublin as Jowart Thomas won the battle of the Cruiserweights against Police team mate Moheen Scott

In the penultimate showdown of the evening, Emmanuel Pompey was the superiorHeavyweightafterheprevailedover Kevin Harris. The Super Heavyweights headlined the show but GDFs Troy Glasgow

triumphed over Polices TulsiPersaud.

At the conclusion, Terrence Poole and Dexter Marques, representing GDF and Police, respectively, shared the Best Coach award while best referee/judge award was wonbyJermaineCraig.

Secondnight…

The second night of action saw Bushel defeated Ceaafa Chris in the SchoolBoys

boutbeforetheElitestookcentrestage. WilliamswonagainstLincolnMurrayin the Flyweight Division while Richard Howard and Grant were victorious in the Lightweight Division against Michael MaynardandAnthonyPatterson.

Harvey humbled Nadir Walker in their Junior Welterweight fight while Junior Hyman secured his win via a walkover fromChristopherCummings.

For the Welterweights, Kerion Vossey got past Daniel Melville while Donovan RichardsondefeatedIshmaelGlen

The only Light Heavyweight bout was won by FYFs Brian Harris, who defeated PolicesChaves

Flemings

Maheen Scott and Jowart Thomas recorded Cruiserweight wins overs Grenville Harris and Kartel Cort, respectively, while Emmanuel Pompey claimed a Heavyweight walkover victory fromTerrenceLindo.

ThetwoSuperHeavyweightboutsthat concluded the evening saw Troy Glasgow win against Tevon Bell while Persaud got pastJohnCampayne

Achievers, Rose Hall Jammers and Pace and PowerBoxingGym.

Abiola Jackman (right) effectively lands against Alesha Jackman in their Exhibition Bout on Sunday evening.

FYFs Patrick Harvey

Deron Williams lunges in with a solid right against club mate Carlton Wong during their Flyweight bout.

North Soesdyke win EBDCA SPL T10

NorthSoesdykedefeated Farm by 80 runs to win the final of the East Bank D e m e r a r a C r i c k e t Association SPL T10 which was contested recently at Farm.

North Soesdyke batted first and managed 159-4. J. Hinckson made 44, S Yearwood 39 and T Gonsalves 33 Farm responded with 79 6 K Morrisscored30.A.Persaud

claimed 3-10 and K. Leitch 2-8.

In the semi finals, Herstelling A scored 106-2 while North Soesdyke repliedwith112-2.

Farm made 112-7 and Eccles scored 84-7 in reply The winning team received $500,000.K.Morristookthe best bowler and J. Hinckson the best bowler awards Kaysia Schultz collected the emergingplayerprize.

Mohamed’s Enterprises supports Archery Guyana

Azruddin Mohamed (centre) hands over sponsorship chequeto Secretary-General of Archery Guyana, Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon, in the presence of Head-Coach, Nicholas Hing.

Saka at the double as dynamic England hit Iran for six

DOHA, (Reuters)

England got theirWorld Cup campaign off to a flying start as they rattled in the goals pastashell-shockedIranand cruised to an impressive 6-2 GroupBvictoryyesterdayin a timely return to form for GarethSouthgate’sside.

England, semi finalists in 2018, came into the tournament without a win in six games, but a dynamic opening45minutesinwhich Jude Bellingham scored his first England goal, Bukayo Saka doubled the lead and Raheem Sterling grabbed a third set up a second-half stroll.

Saka’s second goal allowedEnglandtotaketheir foot off the gas and opened the door for Iran to grab one back through Mehdi Taremi, before substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish rounded off England’s scoring.

Although Iran’s Taremi grabbed another from the penalty spot in the 13th minute of stoppage time,

bringing the total to an astonishing 26 minutes in both halves, England’s work wasdone.

“We haven’t played the best coming into the tournament. There was a lot of talk and speculation about our form but we showed everyone how much quality we have and what we can do,” said Saka, whose last major tournament ended withhimmissingapenaltyin theEuro2020finalshootout.

Yet England manager Gareth Southgate was not gettingcarriedaway

“I’m a miserable so and so, I should be more excited but I’ve got to keep the team ontherighttrackandwewill have to be better,” he said, grumbling about the two goalsconceded.

OFF-PITCHISSUES

A t a Wo r l d C u p dominated by politics, despiteFIFA’sdetermination that the football should be left to do the talking, the buildup to the game was overshadowed by issues off

thepitch.

England’s captain Harry Kanehadabandonedplansto wear a ‘One Love’ armband when FIFA made clear that those who bore the multicoloured symbol of diversity and inclusion could be booked, with the striker opting for a FIFA-approved “No Discrimination” version.

There was also swirling speculation that Iran’s players would use the platform to show solidarity with anti government protests at home and as the Iranian national anthem blared out, the players stood stonyfacedandsilent.

The game eventually took centre stage and it was not long before England wereintopgear

Their cause was helped when Iran’s influential g o a l k e e p e r A l i r e z a Beiranvand was forced off the pitch after 20 minutes following a sickening clash ofheadswithateammatebut Southgate’s side took full

advantage.

ROLLSROYCE

Team Mohameds has yet again widened its philanthropic ideals in the sporting arena beyond motor racing, chess, boxingandfootballinGuyanaby embracingArchery Friday, November 18, 2022, marked the historic moment when Azruddin Mohamed became an official sponsor of Archery Guyana Inc , the governing body for Archery in Guyana with an annual sponsorship commitment of $400,000 as Team Mohameds seeks to assist in promoting the sportlocally

Archery Guyana received the first sum of $100,000 to assist with the hosting of the 2022 National Archery Championships and entered into a sponsorship agreement whereby Mohamed Enterprises will support on a quarterly basis withsaid$100k.

This first installment is expected to go towards procuring targets to be used at the upcoming 2022 National Outdoor Championships to be held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre on December 3rd and 4th,2022

minute

England’s 19 year old midfielder Bellingham purred like a Rolls-Royce in the engine room and his opening goal set England on their way at Khalifa InternationalStadium.

Timing his run perfectly, Bellingham rose to meet Luke Shaw’s cross, and directed a looping header intothetopcornerinthe35th minute to become the first player born in or after 2000 toscoreattheWorldCup.

Shaw was the provider again for England’s second as his corner was headed backacrosstheareabyHarry Maguire to Saka, who volleyedhomeexpertly

The game was ended as a

England were not done, however, as Saka grabbed his second in the 62nd minute.

Sterling, whose place in the side had been under scrutiny following mixed form for Chelsea, turned in midfield and fed Saka, who jinked, before dropping his shoulder and calmly placing the ball into the bottom corner Iran pulled one back when Taremi smashed the ball into the top corner, but Rashfordcameoninaraftof England changes in the 70th

Grealish turned in England’s sixth from close rangeinthe90thminuteafter fellow substitute Callum Wilson’s run and cross from the right, before Taremi’s late spot-kick, given after a VARreviewforaminorshirt pull.

“At the beginning it was clear the difference between high level competitive football... every single week a n d o u r p l a y e r s unfortunately they don’t have the same experience,” said Iran manager Carlos Queiroz.

His side face Wales on FridaywhenEnglandtakeon theUnitedStates.

contest when Sterling added a third, finishing with the outside of his boot on the volley from Harry Kane’s cross after Bellingham was again involved in the buildup.

and cut inside a defender before slotting his side’sfifthmomentslater

England’s Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford celebrate after the match. (REUTERS/Lee Smith)

The winning North Soesdyke team

Sports

FYFs Richard Howard tees off against GDFs Jermain Grant as the ref steps in announce the TKO.

Nicholas Pooran (Pinterest)

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle (right) during one of his overseas visits to aeeange for the IGG.