Kaieteur News

After giving ExxonMobil “unusually sweet oil deal” Guyana now banking on ‘ravelings’ for sustenance

Guyana intends to use its oil wealth to among other things, protect itself from the harsh effects of climate change. Local stakeholders havesaidthatGuyana'soilwindfall could bring some insurance against adverse changes in the same way it is being utilised for infrastructural development.

This is despite the unusual oil deal the country has with Exxon subsidiary, Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), a Bloomberg report highlighted earlier this month. The report which focused on the role Guyana's oil wealth will play against the climate dilemma was keen to note however, several unfavourable conditions involving the country's oil contract with Exxonandenvironmentalconcerns amongothers.

Thefinancialentityhighlighted thatwhileGuyana'soilrevenuehas a 50-50 split with a 2 percent royalty paid to the government, industryanalystsinsistthatGuyana wouldhaveprovided“anunusually sweet deal for Exxon”. “It's the most favourable (contract) I think I've ever seen in the industry, anywhere,” Tom Mitro, a senior fellow at Columbia University's Center on Sustainable Investment told the agency As a financial officer at for three Chevron decades,BloombergsaidthatMitro crafted deals with governments in several developing nations and later jumped to the other side of the table, consulting on behalf of developing countries, including Angola,intheirdealingswithfossil

fuelcompanies.

Exxon defends its contract with Guyana, saying that it took on significant risks by gambling on a country with no history of oil production and very little energy infrastructure.

“The terms of our petroleum agreement with the government of Guyanaarecommonintheindustry and competitive with other countries at a similar stage of

significantly larger share, often through increased royalties, Mitro reported A Rystad consultant, Bloomberg said, also noted that global average for a government's take in offshore projects is 75percent.

It was noted however that beyond the basic percentage splits, more surprising concessions are buried in the Exxon contract. “For example, the contract stipulates

There are additional benefits to Exxon in the contract, Mitro continued “The company is allowed to use current oil revenue to repay itself for future expenses for decommissioning and abandoningitswells.Thecompany likely won't incur those costs for decades. “I've never seen that, anywhere.”

Mitro added that the even the geographic size of Exxon's

Exxon effectively pays itself back for those costs out of the oil that otherwise would go to the government ” Most production sharing agreements covering large areas allow such deductions only withinsmall,specifiedareas,Mitro said,“noteverywhereunderlease.”

On conclusion of annual spending, Guyana is provided a two-year time limit to audit the costshandedoverbyExxon.

Apart from local stakeholders expressing concern over the short timelimit,theyhavealsoexpressed reservation about government's failure to audit within a timely manner as well as the type of audit conducted.

This is especially the case since Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, the lead official on the oil sector was adamantthatGuyanadoesnothave co-management status with the oil companiesandcannotmonitorcost in real-time. He urged therefore that Guyana's power lies in the audits conducted to ensure that the costs presented are not bloated and Guyana in turn loses more than it should.

spokesperson for Exxon told the firm. “But the terms with Guyana were drawn up after the discovery had been publicized as being unusually large,” and according to Mitro, Exxon was aware of the resources in Guyana. A roughly even split isn't unheard of for highriskoperationwithashakypromise of payoff but when the probability of success is greater, the government generally gets a

that any income taxes imposed on Exxon and its partners be paid for by the government However, Guyana passes the companies a receipt for those taxes, which Exxon can use to earn a foreign tax creditintheUnitedStates.”

And while Exxon has claimed that this is common practice, Mitro clarified that this was once true, “but now describes the practice as “highly unusual and beneficial to thecompanies.”

lease—26,806 square kilometers (10,350 square miles) matters. “It's about nine times larger than Exxon's average international offshore lease,” Mitro has calculated, “and roughly 100 times larger than the average lease in the GulfofMexico.

The Guyana contract includes an unusual provision allowing the company to immediately recover costs for additional exploratory work anywhere within that area.

Last Sunday, Financial Analyst and Certified Accountant, Floyd Haynes clarified that the ongoing cost oil audit covering more than US$7B in bills to Guyana is not a forensicauditorawitch-hunt.

He said that a forensic audit is done with the aim of identifying fraud and embezzlement with the goal of gathering evidence to be used in a court. He said the goal of the audit however, is to verify the accuracy rather than the legitimacy andvalidityofthecostclaimed.

Workers prepare equipment for offshore drilling (Bloomberg photo)

Kaieteur News

24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL- TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

GASTO SHORE: GUYANA’S EPAHAS DONE ITAGAIN

It was a foregone conclusion, just a matter of when the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) would be approved. There were never any ifs or buts or maybes about the GTE happening,theExxonMobilpipelinepartofit. Itwasalways a done deal, whenever Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could muster the courage, and suppress its shame, to do the bidding of the political bosses that are responsibleforappointments,paycheques,andjobsecurity Financialstudyornot,updatedfeasiblestudiesornot,the GTE in all its three prongs was going to happen. The GTE being the most expensive project to date that this country is abouttoundertakehadnobearingonthefinaldecisions,and thisisregardlessofwhatisgoingtobethefinalcost. Thisis how transparent the PPPC Government, the President, and the Vice President were all about this project. To repeat our standing mantra: Guyanese urgently need a cheap and reliable source of energy for both residential, commercial, andotherreasons. Weatthispaperareallforsuchaproject, butunderseveralnonnegotiableconditions.

First, that Guyanese are presented with the clearest understanding of the essentials of the project. Second that the proper studies by proven and credible international expertsarecompleted. Third,thatthereportsofsuchexperts aremadepublic,sothatcitizenscanappreciatewhattheyare getting, that it makes sense, and that there is a basis for this project. Thefactthatthepeople,whoarepayingfortheGTE have not been fully informed of what the GTE involves leaves them guessing, and wondering about the need for all this secrecy, this continuing leadership resistance to coming cleanonitselements.

Now, from the EPA’s mouth, there is the disclosure that ExxonMobilisbeinggranted“reasonabletime”sothatitcan provide“financialassurance”(“EPAgivesapprovalforGasto Energy project without insurance guarantee”, KN November 28). Giving a savvy and cunning set of people, like those running ExxonMobil, “reasonable time” is the equivalent of giving them all the time in the world to play their usual delaying games. ExxonMobil’s thinkers and strategistshavemorethanenoughtimetocomeupwithnew tricksandgimmicks,andtodefine“financialassurance”that suits only the company, and the compromised sellouts we haveforpoliticiansinthiscountry.

In the EPA’s own words, it “is satisfied that the project can be conducted in accordance with good environmental practices, and in a manner that avoids, prevents and minimizes any adverse effects which could result from the activity.” We don’t have the confidence, many Guyanese alsodon’t,thattheEPAreallyknowswhatitisabout.Itdoes not have the expertise or the depth of experience to make those pronouncements. Truth be told, the EPA clearly struggles with what is its first priority, its primary duty, which is to lookout for, and protect, the Guyanese people, andsafeguardtheirinterests.

Further, the EPA persists in speaking of ‘reviews’ and ‘independent international experts’and ‘recommendations’, yet these have all been hidden from the Guyanese public. Having said this, it must be recognized that the EPAand its supervisory board(s) are not their own decision-makers. Instead, there are those master puppeteers that jerk the strings of this vital State Agency, and makes its people run outinpublic,anddoanyembarrassingdancetosuittheir(the puppeteers) ambitions and visions. When consideration is giventothefancyfootworkthattheEPAengagesin,through “reasonable time” and “financial assurance”, it becomes clear it is nothing but the same old cloak and dagger governance practices of the PPPC Government at work. ExxonMobil is on top of the world with its record shattering earnings,andhereisbackward,woefulGuyanatalkingabout giving it time to provide “financial assurance.” It wouldn’t beforGuyana,butforitself.

The fingerprints of those involved in this GTE project speak a certain language. It is of what alarms, and informs Guyanesetaxpayersthattherearebigdosesoftroublelikely to come with this project. When frankness was important, Guyanese got secretiveness. When politicians had to be clearandclean,theycouldn’thelpthemselves.

DEAREDITOR, a form of greed and have to mobilize as a race administration to uplift the Yet we live with so much selfishnessthatdoesnogood within a multiracial lives of the poverty class, we fear and willingness to for humanity and eliminates environment to favourably will be digging our own compromise on fundamental the virtue of giving and change the disadvantaged graves. A country cannot be principles, instead of living sharing. state of most of the governed in a multi-racial with the purpose to improve There will never be a descendants of our manner, when the poverty thelivesofthemarginalized. utopiaonthisearth,however ancestors. No other group is rate of one group is double We sell our souls and the when the poverty class is the going to initiate this and the poverty rate of any other souls of the descendants of largest class in any nation, certainly their contribution race group, it simply means our ancestors for money we have serious governance will invariably only come, that the governance is not and/or status. Are we so problems and it represents when forceful demands are multi-racial but instead the temporal, materialistic and t h e c o w a r d i c e a n d made for them to share the governing administration is stunted of mental aptitude ingratitude of those who are power and wealth.When we implementingracistpolicies, thatlivingwithambitionand in a position to uplift the have an Advisor to the projectsandprograms.Ihave avoidinggreedisinsufficient poverty class.The time will President of Guyana stating no doubt the oil windfall that for a good life? The two come, must come when the that the opposition’s mission has been bestowed on greatest virtues are courage poverty class will organize is to “Disrupt the economy, Guyana in the form of over and giving, while the two and stand their ground destabilize the country, and ten billion barrels via the greatest vices are cowardice against being economically destroy public buildings and graceofGodandProvidence and ingratitude. The purpose disempowered, however public infrastructure”,we are isthewealthwehavetoshare of life ought to embrace they need leaders and in a bad place and action is and allocate to significantly thesevirtues. leadership from any class needed now by the improve the livelihood of all

Merely accumulating thatarefearlessandwholive OppositionLeadersandtheir Guyanese, especially those wealth for fame and glory, a life of purpose to supporters to counter the living in poverty And to epitomizes greed, for insofar meaningfully contribute to innuendos and insinuations showcase a Guyana, where as you accumulate wealth alleviating poverty With the of the statement made by the every single racial group has beyond a level that allows consciousness that life is Advisor equity in prosperity and live youtoliveacomfortableand now and we should not look We know that our fight with human dignity that will contented life, the excesses to the distant future to cure has to be unified locally and standasamodeltotheworld. you accumulate in monies, thecurrentillsofsociety internationally, because if Regards, assetsandpropertyarereally It seems to me that we we wait on this governing Nigel Hinds

PPP’s continues its quest to dominate and control in Linden

DEAREDITOR, at the base of his back. He andnationalprocesseswhere circumstances in that town. Theyardhadalotoffruit wriggled in futility, both of citizens will be held at He knows about his two PPP trees and there was a half- his arms trying to no avail to ransom, punished and be c o m r a d e s f o o t b a l l builthouseontheland. assuagetheaffectedpart. shutoutiftheirviews,beliefs tournament and their I had spotted a big ripe He shot off like a jet andconvictionarenotinline undying allegiance to him guava and decided to climb plane up the road. “Dis is me with those of the dictatorial andthePPP the tree in the yard with the property, is me own! Run regime.

The General Secretary of unfinishedhouse. yuh….!” the owner angrily Linden is known for the Mackenzie Sports Club, Perched comfortably on shoutedafterhim. standing up to the regime, Mr Joe Chapman, has a branch high up, I dug my The Ministry of Sports but fear is being instilled in promised to sit down with teeth into a ripe guava under Minister Charles residents.

VOD TV to tell the devouring half in one bite. Ramson has taken away the They are hesitant to Guyanese world about the My dietary needs were MackenzieSportsClubfrom speak out openly because of government’s taking over of interrupted by a neatly the people of Mackenzie, fear of being victimised and thatfacility dressed man calling out to Linden.Thishappenedatthe targeted. Minister Ramson is Ihopehetellsitallsoour the occupants of the house behest of Kashif and now being called upon to people can understand and nextdoor Shanghai, two PPP give back ownership and decide if an injustice has

The patriarch emerged sycophants who have tried control of the Mackenzie been done to the people of and a conversation ensued. for decades to gain full Sports Club to the rightful Linden. That was when I heard the controlofthatfacility owners. My mind returns to the man saying to the neatly The duo who has, in the It belongs to the people man and his land and the dressed man, “I tell you past, been rejected by the of Linden. Ramson and his greedyandselfishnegotiator already, he ain’t selling dis people of Linden, would regime do not understand or and hope that the actions of houseandland!” have manipulated some will ever appreciate the the people of Linden in

The neatly dressed man executive members of that historical relationship the protest will result in a keptinsistingtellinghimthat historicsportsvenuetoagree people of Linden have with ‘broadside’ that will see he would give him an offer to the government’s taking that venue that was gifted to Ramson,histwolackeysand hecouldn’trefuse. overofit. them. the PPP running helter

The owner went quiet S o m e e x e c u t i v e He never spent his skelter away from the momentarily and looked members do not approve but Christmas at the No Big MackenzieSportsClub. thoughtful. the government has gone Thing Show, or has he Sincerely yours,

“Gimme a second, ah ahead with the bullying and mournedthefinalviewingof Norman Browne coming back.” he said. It has released a public friends,familyandcomrades Social and Political happened in a split second. statement claiming full who died under tragic Activist Theownerhadreturnedwith ownership. a cutlass and was upon his The government will unwantednegotiator buildamodernsportsfacility

“Move from in front of there and that is welcomed, meh blasted gate and doan but why wrestle ownership comeback!” away from the people of

The man turned to walk Linden. It has to do with the away, looking alarmed and PPP’s quest to dominate and confused at the same time. control with the view of Thatwaswhenthebroadside making the populace bow to of the cutlass land with force them to be a part of any local

More violence meted out against women

DEAREDITOR,

It is heartbreaking in the 16 days of activism against violence to women and girls that two aged women met their demise, under different circumstances. My condolences to bothfamilies.

Shamshun Mohamed

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd.

In a multiracial society, it speaks when the poverty rate of one race is double that of any other

Brigadier Phillips was a problem solver, PM Phillips, a condoner of marginalization and victimization

DEAREDITOR, underseveralseniorofficers, representation of those issues.

Wildclaimsinpressmustbesubjectedtochecks

DEAREDITOR, is Nigel Hinds in his own considerationhereisnothing country, and destroy public

The missive that was ofcivilunrest.” IamastaunchGuyanese including Brigadier Mark voiceless citizens who are All of these individuals dispatched just a few days TosaythatIamappalled who has given yeoman Phillips, who has since adamant that they are being affixedtheirsignaturestothe ago certainly was not a by the Prime Minister’s service to my country in retiredfromthemilitaryand victimizedandomittedfrom document headlined, figment of my imagination stance and pronouncements manyrespectsbutprimarily, into political service as the their share of the nation’s “Organizations representing butareal-lifeexperienceofa is really putting it mildly as a Commissioned Officer Prime Minister of Guyana. patrimony.Recently,Ijoined African Guyanese and mass of Guyanese who are Thisisagentlemanwhohad of the Guyana Defence Ever since stripping my several other prominent others, condemn the all intent on changing the commanded my respect Force (GDF). I, for my part, military fatigues, I have Guyanese nationals in government’s persistent acts status quo. Apparently, the during my many years have attained the rank of dedicated my energies, as a support of an allegation of of racial discrimination and Honourable Prime Minister adornedingreen. Lieutenant Colonel, serving social activist, to the racial profiling among other victimization.” was irked by its contents, This is the very leader I obviously took umbrage, have admired for his strong and penned a lengthy stance and principles during diatribetotheeditorinoneof my illustrious years in the the daily newspapers that, military It is for that reason must I say, was well below that, upon reading the my expectation of someone missive, I questioned of the military ilk, boasting whether the Prime Minister of staunch patriotism and, hadactuallypenneditunder mightIadd,self-discipline. somekindofduress.

In 2006, I had a words - “It seems to me that shortofnumerousviolations buildings and public substantive discussion with wehavetomobilizeasarace both domestic and infrastructure” are, in fact, formerpresidentJanetJagan within a multiracial international norms. Since the words of people who on the state on Guyana’s environment to favourably when is it acceptable to share Nigel Hind’s call for politics. The most crucial change the disadvantaged openly call for a “race “race-based”mobilization. point made by Mrs. Jagan state of most of the based” mobilization to Secondly, the near was that the letter section of descendants of our pursue political objectives? treasonous assault on the the newspapers in Guyana ancestors” (SN, Ibid). To To boot, Nigel Hinds adds public imagination in pose the greatest threat not underline his point, Hinds vinegar to the wound by Guyana also surfaced in only to the PPP, but also to further states that “no other twisting the context of Kaieteur News’ daily democracy and political groupisgoingtoinitiatethis National Security Advisor “Blunt” page The page stability in this country I and certainly their Jerry Gouveia who sounded invoked Thomas Sankara thinkJanetJaganhaditright contribution will invariably an alarm about calls for who carried out a coup in then, and that her concerns only come, when forceful disruption of the political BurkinaFaso.Thetotalityof are as relevant today as they demands are made from and economic condition in the Sankara allusion were then. Allow me to them to share the power and Guyana. The words amounts to a threat to s u b s t a n t i a t e m y wealth”(SNIbid). attributed to the NSA, President Ali and Vice observations. Editor, Hinds’ letter in namely “Disrupt the PresidentJagdeo,and

Firstly, I refer to a letter Stabroek News under economy, destabilise the (Continuedonpage6) by Nigel Hinds (Stabroek News29/11/22)whoclearly, and without ambiguity calls for a “race-based” political mobilization against the democratically elected governmentofGuyana.Here

The Prime Minister’s Butthenagain,Icouldbe missive begins thus, “It is wrong for, as they say, against this backdrop that I “politics attract strange offer my response to a most bedfellows, a statement that mischievous letter issued by hasbeenforcefullyendorsed a group calling itself the in Brigadier Phillips’ Institute for Action Against missive Unfortunately, Discrimination in which the something must have gone purported author, Lelon wrong ever since the Saul, who identifies as the Brigadier has proverbially secretary of the group, ‘thrown his hat’ into the makes incredibly fraudulent political ring. I am further and misleading statements tempted to denounce his that the Government is acquiescencetosuch pushingGuyanatothebrink (Continuedonpage6)

President Ali believes he is vested with the Divine Right of Kings, he should recall Charles I

DEAREDITOR, describe centuries ago as the irksome is that for all of this their leaders should always The old folks say “you divinerightofKings. year, the cost of living has b e n e f i t f r o m t h e i r nah see thing a daytime T h e p r o b l e m i s been going up week by experiences. With fanfare and tek firestick fuh see it exacerbated by a group of week However, knowing this year, we welcomed with night time,” simply means Cabinet Members, Advisors the proclivity of sections of great joy the new King of to be mindful of the signs and others with one or two the Guyanese community to England,CharlesIII. thatsurroundyou.Whenyou exceptions who see nothing splurge at Christmas, this It may be helpful if we areabletoseeclearwarnings wrong with this march to announcement and payout is recount as part of our about a situation, you should leadingaKingdom,ignoring conveniently timed for education, the first King heed them, instead of the norms of protocol, our Christmas2022. Charles I. King Charles I ignoring them, as ignoring Constitutionandworstofall, The main beneficiaries believedintheDivineRights them might bring you pain our cherished belief in of the back pay will be the of Kings and that they anddisaster consultation. merchants, who bring in all answered to God for their Observations below Last week, the President sorts of stuff to help public actions and not to their points in this direction, but announced an across the servants enjoy, and I subjects. first a saving grace are the board increase to Public emphasize enjoy Christmas, This allowed King erudite Editorials in the Sector employees of 8%. At and I say to the public Charles to ignore Parliament independent media such as thetime,Iwassomedistance servants, avoid a shopping and the Institutions, which the Kaieteur News and away from my radio and I spree, practice deferred kepttheKingdomintact.His Stabroek News helping to thought I heard an across the gratification and not for fateishistory focus the search light to board increase of 38%. It v i c t i m s t o a w e l l Centuries later in pierce darkness are the likes was 8%, but the quantum is orchestrated plan to keep Guyana, we see a revival of of Village Voice, Channels 6 not relevant for the purposes some of us at the bottom of those beliefs, where the and9. ofthisletter theladder Head-of-State can ignore all

Thedangerwefaceinthe It is speaking to the lack I quote in the present others and make unilateral Cooperative Republic of or any form of meaningful c i r c u m s t a n c e s , t h e pronouncements as His Guyana is the mantra led by consultationwiththeUnions Introduction written by R.R. wont. PresidentDr IrfanAli. a n d A s s o c i a t i o n s Madden, just the opening Let us remind our Listen and observe his representing workers in the sentences “Behold the President that ‘One Guyana’ body language and tone of PublicSector peace that’s owned by him includes the Unions and delivery, our Head-of-State This is the hallmark of a who feels He does no Representatives of the sincerely believes that he is dictatorship. wrong, or outrage when he Workers and not to exclude doing what is right and A noticeable feature in deals In human flesh; or them, and let me remind him properforhissubjects. human history has been yetsuppliesthegoldTostir andallandsundry,attherisk The philosophical where leaders assumed the the strife, whose victims of repeating myself that the underpinnings of his right to decide what the youbehold” “road to ruin is oft times unilateral pronouncement peopleneed,allontheirown We have emerged as a l i n e d w i t h g o o d suggest that the President or with the connivance and Nation State out of the intentions.” reallybelievesthatheisnow complicityofacabal. experiences of our erstwhile Regards, invested with what we In this instance, what is masters and Guyanese and Hamilton Green

Wild claims in press must be subjected to...

From page 5 in fact, Mr Norton and the Thirdly, Kaieteur News accompanied by a measure an invitation to Opposition PNC already had a run at also published a letter under of responsibility Failing Leader Norton to become things, but one that the title “Guyanese replaced that, the promotion of “interested” in a Sankarian resembled more the slave masters with...” The political violence will only adventure. Kaieteur News disastrous governance of piece is nothing short of a escalate. appears to be unaware that, PresidentCamporé. catalogue of unsubstantiated Only days ago, a wellclaims, and the call for the known personality stated letter writer and all public that he cannot renounce service workers to be paid violence in pursuit of his morethan$6M. politicalobjectives.

This claim is at once These kinds of things are comical and irresponsible. usually published only in Editor, I also ask – why are fringe newspapers or in the these kinds of claims darkcornersofcyberspace. published without the Janet Jagan’s warning minimum vetting for about the racialised accuracy Guyanese enjoy sensationalism in the letter more than a free press. Yet, sections of our newspapers that freedom should be could not be more relevant today

I urge those who have institutional authority in the publishing world to exercise t h e i r p r o f e s s i o n a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s Constructive debate should not be allowed to the empowerment of those who w a n t “ r a c e b a s e d ” mobilization.

Sincerely, Dr. Randolph Persaud

PARTY AT MOVIETOWNE PARKING LOT

DEAREDITOR, the divisional commander I read in my favourite for final approval. It is news columnaboutadusktodawn of me to hear that a party at the Movie Towne Magistrate had issued a parking lot. It was stated that permitforsuchanevent. a permit was given by a The divisional police Magistrate. I did not know department needs to answer that the police are no longer as to why no police showed the ones that issue permits up when complaints were for such events. I served in made about the after-hours the Guyana Police Force and noise. The only reason I during my tenure, an could think of is that certain application was made to the high officials were involved, district police for any event and the police were told to like the one in question. It ignore any complaints was up to the district comingforthatlocation. subordinate officer who Regards, makesrecommendationsand Kenneth Singh forward the application to TORONTO

BrigadierPhillipswasaproblem...

From page 5 officials at the Ministry of unintelligible jargon. Even Agriculture to address the as a copout, he could issue of land appropriation possibly admit that he is just by the MMAand clearing of a confused military officer the backdam in the bereft of the requisite skill BelladrumDistrict. whocannotdecipherhisnew I could almost sense the role as a politician, or he smirk on Mr Phillips’s face could admit that he blindly as he reveals that I was executed the task—anything among those benefitting would be better than the from President Ali’s bilge this esteemed benevolence.These were his gentleman wishes us to exact words, “Recently, the swallow purported author was the

During my career as a onlypersonwhohidbehinda military officer, I admired mask among a group that the Brigadier as someone received agricultural who resolutely offered equipmentlessthan96hours viablesolutionstoproblems. after President Irfaan Ali’s I am astounded that he shed recentvisittoBelladrumona that quality and is willing to political outreach to the condone the marginalization Mahaica Berbice region ” and discrimination of a Contrary to the Prime significant proportion of the Minister’s claim, my only population. request was that they clear

The unsavory tactic to the backdam, restore the ‘sic’ the vicious pit bull drainage and irrigation, within the executive rank assist residents with and file after those Africans seedlings and address the ‘presumptuous’ enough to issueofappropriationofland buck the system is nothing by the MMA, all community new The evidence suggests relatedissues. thatmyformerbosshasbeen Those were certainly not infected with this blight and personal favours and might I was used to besmirch my saythattodate,noneofthese character instead of issueshasbeenresolved. addressing the issues and Finally,Mr Phillips,Iam concerns highlighted by the a Pan Africanist, a rights group. I will affirm that activist, and a patriotic and Africans are victims of the concerned Guyanese who is PPPdiscriminatorypractices committed to equal rights and policies. I was a farmer andjusticeirrespectiveofthe in the Belladrum community affected person or group’s and I lost over 80 acres of politicalaffiliation. rice during the 2021 floods My mandate is to speak yet I was denied relief while out against all forms of members of another ethnic injustice against my fellow group, and in some cases, of Guyanese brothers and a different political sisters irrespective of persuasion, managed to whether they are PPP, WPA, secureassistance. Naturally, APNU or whatever other such an unconscionable act groups by which they forced me to shut down identifythemselves. operations.

Sincerely yours, I did seek the intervention of Lelon Saul

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THOMAS SANKARA - A MAN FOR THE PEOPLE -PART 2 OF 3

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Burkina Faso is called “Land of the Incorruptible People.”

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He reduced the pay of public servants. He reduced his own pay.

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Thomas Sankara prosecuted corrupt State officials (President Ali where are you?).

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Sankara promoted women to high national offices.

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He planted 10 million trees. His people loved him.

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Thomas Sankara did what was right by them and for them.

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$161MEarlyChildhoodCentreofExcellencecommissioned

hands of three Vice the feature address said that we can overcome those facility was constructed by

done on the upper level,” he Chancellors and I am Guyana has the highest weakness not only in that Sattaur Mohammed and Excellence was on Monday shared. exceedingly blessed and nursery enrollment rate in individual but whenever we Sons Construction and the com

lucky to be the one that sees the Commonwealth with encounter them at anywhere project was supervised by University of Guyana (UG), Director, there are currently it to its completion to its over 85 percent of children in the country And so this as E&A Consultant Inc. The TurkeyenCampus. 102 learners enrolled at the transition,”sheexpressed. enrolled. a research unit we can make Centre comprises of seven

The Centre is funded by Centre, “26 of whom have The Vice Chancellor As a result, the Minister all the difference in classrooms for early the Government through the additional education needs disclosed that the Centre said that the investment in education in Guyana,” she learners, classrooms for Basic Needs Trust Fund and daily we try to provide a didn’t initially cater to the Centre is fitting since e x p l a i n e d K a r e n adults, a staff room, offices, Guyana (BNTF) and the service that fit their need special needs children has Guyana and its Caribbean Roopchand, a representative kitchen facility, observation Caribbean Development individually ” The Centre opened a special needs sister countries can learn of the Ministry of Finance andconferencerooms,asick Bank (CDB) Dr Lidon has24staffwhichcomprises classroom which caters to from practices that would be said that the Centre was bay and washroom facilities Lashley, Director of the retired teachers, caregivers approximately eight implemented at the designed as a premier place which were also design to Centre said that the aim of andcleaners. children Professor institution. t o p r o v i d e a facilitate persons living with the Centre is to provide Vice Chancellor of UG, Mohamed said it is hoped “Iholdastrongviewthat d e v e l o p m e n t a l l y disabilities Guyana has opportunities for young Professor Paloma Mohamed that the second phase of the the important level of appropriate learning several Early Childhood learners to explore, grow, shared that the Centre has project,establishingaCentre educationinthiscountryisat environment for young Development Centres develop, innovate, innovate, been more than 10 years in of Excellence for Primary the early childhood age, it’s children in the surrounding however the $161M facility inventandcreate. the making and that it helps E d u c a t i o n , w o u l d atthatagewemustfigureout communities and give early is the first Centre of “And we do so in an the university to find materialize in the not too evenfromasearlyasthatage childhood education Excellence. Jamaica is the atmosphere that embraces solutionstothechallengesin distantfuture. where talent lie, where students a venue to gain only other Caribbean the Ministry of Education’s thewayinwhichchildrenare Meanwhile, Minister of strengths lie, what practical experience in the country to have an Early Early Childhood curriculum socializedandraised. E d u c a t i o n , P r i y a weaknesses exist in care and education of Childhood Centre of but also extend it with “It has passed through Manickchand who delivered particular children and how children. The $161,271,131 Excellence.

Scenes from the commissioning of the Centre of Excellence on Monday.

FRIENDSOFTHEGOVERNMENT

Irepeatheretheexact I mentioned on the that their bullying and the position of High P a t t e n s e n , words I uttered on Gildarie- Freddie Kissoon rowdy behavior will affect Commissioner to India and Turkeyen and last Monday’s Show, two examples. One the credibility of the my moral rules would have CummingsLodge.

edition of the relates to the niece of government, an image that prevented me from Buttheyknownow Gildarie Freddie Kissoon America’s Vice President, they should be preserving defending him over his The depravity of the Show When ruling parties Kamala Harris. Ms. Harris ratherthanunderminingit. verbal abuse of a woman in Saturday night/Sunday political leaders in power come into power, it is warned her niece to desist In this country right at India. morning action at the mustknowisthatwhentheir commonsense, nothing else from manufacturing this minute, a judge will get I will not withdraw my carparkofMovieTownehas friends behave badly, it puts but pure commonsense, that sweaters with the words, into serious problem if a son friendship from Charran. I given rise to the opportunity a strain on the people who they instruct friends, “Vice-PresidentAunty.”Ms. goes into Bourda Market wish the incident was just a of governmental leaders and supportthegovernment. relatives and family Harris knew that it could be andmishandlesavendorand bad dream, but what he did, the hierarchy of the PPP to

That is a risk, no ruling members not to do anything food for mischief by the says: “Do what you want; any government would find reflect on how their friends, party wants to take and bullying, unsavoury, illegal RepublicanParty youknowwhomyfatheris.” embarrassing.

relatives and family should not take. If the police inthecountry

The other is about In this country right at The political leaders of members must live in run amok in a village The reason is so simple President Macron of France. this minute, a minister government here are well society demanding bribes, then if for these friends, relatives He suffered national would get into boiling water aware that there are The essential point to be notstopped,itwillaffectthat and family members to criticism when one of his if his son tells a traffic cop poisonous minds out there driven home to these people village’s support for the understand. The fallout will bodyguards was filmed who intercepted him for waiting to pounce on any is that their bad behaviour government. affect the government beating up strikers The illegal action of the mistake no matter how will reflect on the If a supporter uses his Citizens that support the press made it into national roadway: “ Go to hell, you infinitesimal. government and it drops contactstocreateloudmusic government will say: “He headlines with unsavoury knowwhoismyfarther.” Armed with this ammunition unto the lap of from morning to daybreak could do it because he is rumours generated that The judge’s son and the awareness, they have to be the opposition and than it will break the faith close to the government.” Macron and the male minister’s son must know on guard when it comes to government detractors. That people have in their This reaction is automatic in bodyguardwerelovers. what the important roles and the attitudes of their friends. mother and her son used the government. Commonsense anycountry Macronfiredhim. the serious positions their Ihonestlydonotbelieveany words referred to above for will teach you that (The This is what I heard on The niece of Harris and parents have in society that p o l i t i c a l l e a d e r i n metohear views expressed in this Saturday night from a the bodyguard of Macron they will damage the government knew that one Theywantedmetoknow article are those of the motherandhersonwhenwe had to know that both the reputation of their parents if of the government’s friends that it was a friend of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t were discussing the loud press and citizens would theymisbehave. would have held an open air government that had the necessarily reflect the noise from the MovieTowne point to their relationship CharrandassPersaudhas concert at the Movie Towne power to abuse their rights. opinions and beliefs of this car park dance These with power Friends, been a long-standing friend car park and take it until day The son had a baby in his n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s people’s house is literally a relatives and family of mine but I support the break affecting the mental handthatwascrying. affiliates.) fewyardsfromthecarpark. members must understand decisiontoremovehimfrom comfort of folks living in The priceless lesson

Frederick Kissoon

Guyanese jailed for stealing US$287,312 in saving bonds from elderly US woman

A United States-based imprisonment for stealing Campbell, also known as 2021. At the time of Singh’s proceedings when she personalized support to Guyanese woman has been hundreds of thousands of “Nick,” who enlisted the and Campbell’s arrests, the completesherprisonterm. callers Case managers sentenced to 57 months in dollars in U S Savings help of another individual to value of the bonds they had This matter has been assist callers with reporting prison for stealing U S Bonds from an elderly redeem the stolen bonds at a delivered during the investigated by the Federal the suspected fraud to Savings Bonds from an woman who had purchased financial institution and undercover investigation Bureau of Investigation and relevant agencies and by elderlywoman. t h e b o n d s f o r h e r provide Singh and Campbell wasUS$287,312.39. the Drug Enforcement providing resources and A c c o r d i n g t o a grandchildren and other with a portion of the In June and July 2021, Administration. The case is referrals to other appropriate Department of Justice press familymembers. proceeds. Between October Singh attempted to obstruct being prosecuted by services as needed. When release, Vanessa Roberts According to court 2020 and January 2021, as the investigation and Assistant U S Attorneys applicable, case managers Avery, United States documents and statements part of an undercover prosecution of this matter by Tara E. Levens, Michael S. will complete a complaint Attorney for the District of made in court, Singh stole i n v e s t i g a t i o n , l a w offeringtopayawitnessifhe McGarryandRobertS.Ruff. form with the Federal Connecticut, announced that hundreds of thousands of enforcement coordinated the agreed to lie and provide According to the press Bureau of Investigation JHANANNIE SINGH, also dollars in U S Savings purchase of more than 100 false testimony Singh has release, Justice Department Internet Crime Complaint known as “Jasmine” and Bonds from an elderly savings bonds, with face been detained since August said it has established a Center (IC3) for Internet“Sharmala Persaud,” 52, a woman for whom she values ranging from US$50 4, 2021. On August 19, National Elder Fraud facilitatedcrimesandsubmit citizen of Guyana last provided home health to US$1,000, from Singh 2022, she pleaded guilty to Hotline to provide services a consumer complaint to the residing in Queens, New services. The victim had and Campbell. Campbell one count of conspiracy to seniors who may be Federal Trade Commission York, was sentenced on purchased the bonds for her traveled to Connecticut to Campbell pleaded guilty to victims of financial fraud. on behalf of the caller The Tuesday by U.S. District grandchildren and other completethetransactions. the same charge on June 15, The Hotline is staffed by Hotline’s toll-free number is Judge Kari A. Dooley in relatives. After the victim Singh and Campbell 2022,andawaitssentencing. experienced case managers 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372Bridgeport to 57 months of died, Singh contacted Glen were arrested on January 29, Singh faces immigration w h o c a n p r o v i d e 8311).

Niececonfessedtobeingpartofelderlyaunt’smurder

…Cops hunt neighbour

Roshanie Basdeo, the niece of 85 year old Sumintra Sawh who was brutally murdered on Monday, has confessed to colluding with Sawh's neighbour to rob and kill the elderly woman for her savingsandhouse.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understandsthatthe37-year old woman confessed on Monday night while in police custody Investigators are currently on the hunt for theneighbour Sawh, known as 'Aunty Betty' of Lot 131 Section 'B' Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice (WCB) was found laying face up on her bed with blood stains about her body Investigations revealedthatthewomanwas stabled six times: once each to both sides of the temple, threetotheforeheadandone tothebackofthehead.

Kaieteur News was reliably informed that Basdeo and Sawh's neighbour agreed that he would take the woman's savings amounting to $350,000 and purchase a motor scooter while she would by virtue of her relationshipwiththewoman, covetthehouse.

Basdeo, who was Sawh's caretaker, told law investigators that she left Sawh's door open so that he can gain entry to execute

their plan Sawh was sleeping when the man entered the upper flat of the house and Basdeo led him to the woman's room and showed him her handbag which contained the money she was saving to build her fence.

The 37-year-old woman told police that the neighbour beat the elderly woman with an object. She claimed that she begged him to stop but he continued to pound the woman After

brutally killing Sawh, the neighbour left her room with the bag containing the money and reportedly scrambled Basdeo by the neckandcutherlefthand.

Basdeo told police that themanthreatenedtokillher and the rest of her family if she revealed their plan to anyone.

However, the woman had initially told police that she arrived at the deceased's home at about 16:45h on Sunday and at about 19:00h, she and Sawh retired to bed. She told police that Sawh slept in the front bedroom while she slept in the back bedroom of the two-storey woodenandconcretehouse.

She claimed that she was awakenedbyanunidentified male,whoheldaknifetoher throat and demanded money at about 03:00h on Monday Basdeo said the man removed her from the bedroom she was sleeping in. While outside, she said she noticed another man with Sawh in the front bedroom. The woman said she was taken to the lower flat of the house and tied to a chair with a sling. While there she said, she heard Sawh yelling, “Don't kill me granddaughter”.

Shortly thereafter, the unidentified man who was with Sawh appeared in the lower flat and both men

Alleged “cop beater” slapped with 13 charges

and they decided to stop it.

Corporal Singh reportedly asked the driver to hand over his driver's licence and he complied.

searched the flat before makinggoodtheirescape.

After their exit, Basdeo said she untied herself and ran to the upper flat of the house and saw Sawh laying

motionless on her bed in a poolofblood.

The woman told police that Sawh's handbag where she kept all her money, pension book and other

important documents was missingfromthebedroom.

Sawh's body is presently at the Bailey's Funeral Parlour awaiting a post mortemexamination.

the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Harry was slapped with: failuretowearaseatbelt(two charges), failure to carry a conductor, having tinted glass on his minibus, failure to behave in a civil and orderly manner, two charges of assault of a peace officer, damage to property, use of i n d e c e n t l a n g u a g e , disorderly behaviour, careless driving and failure to comply with police directions.

Harry pleaded not guilty tothechargesandwasplaced on $150,000 bail by the Magistrate, even as the prosecutor objected to bail

beinggranted. He is expected to return to court on December 19, 2022. According to reports, Lance Corporal Singh and Constable Dorris were on Saturday performing duties along the Montrose East Coast Demerara (ECD) public road when their speed gun had captured a speeding minibus approaching them

However, while the traffic rank was writing up a speeding ticket, the driver allegedly tried to take back his driver's licence but Corporal Singh refused to returnit.

Thebusdriverdecidedto take the licence by force. Passengers of the minibus had recorded videos of the assaultwiththeircellphones. In one of the videos, the bus driver was seen punching, slapping and wrestling the coptotheground.

A female traffic officer attempted to rescue her c o l l e a g u e b u t w a s unsuccessful.

The police said two days before the incident, Harry waspulledasideforfailureto wear a seatbelt and he drove awayfromthoseofficers.

Sumitra Sawh known as 'Aunty Betty'

Okemi Omali Harry the minibus driver caught on camera assaulting two traffic officerslastSaturday,wason Tuesday slapped with 13 charges, when he appeared before Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool at

Alleged cop beater, Okemi Harry.

OP:ED

By GHK Lall

Oil: the latest casualty of Guyana’s wars

its demographics to some flowed.Oil. Thereisenough imperfect degree, have for all to get something of become a bed of nails: meaning,adifference-maker d i s a g r e e m e n t a n d in their existence. Smaller, distancing. Who is for the unattached minds like mine PPP and who is PNC, and thinkso. Exceptthatitisnot this is in houses of worship. to be It is elections, If there can’t be some governance, politics all over maturity, the needed fidelity again, and taking control of to things of a higher nature us with their madness, and calling in believed making us run uncaringly, spiritual places, then it is uncontrollably along folly to think, to hope, that Indian and Black Guyanese there can be oneness in our converted to helpless pawns uyana’s oil is on a g i t a t e d s e c u l a r in the hands of political thelipsofalmost environment. m a s t e r s , r e a c t i n g

Geverybody But Our elections are instinctivelytotheirdictates, it is not on the lips of more battlefields that bring out the even when their own than a few Guyanese worseinus,pitthetwomajor interestsaremenaced. Guyana’s enormous oil groups against each other, In brief: the wealth from finds, mouthwatering and suck in those insensible our rich oil endowments is wealth, are on the minds of enoughtodrawnear sacrificed at the altar of local countless many globally There is nothing new politics. Better to present But it is out there, and that is about this, but regardless of thiswithlessrefinement. all there is to its presence for how often it is said, written, ForthePPPrank-and-file the bulk of Guyanese repeated, there is a certain partisans, some people who Guyanese do think of oil and grimness and shrinking that are in need, it is if the whatitcouldmean,butthere emerges, as though learning President and Vice President isaproblem. for the first time. It takes a say so about this oil, then

It is a big one, and special stomach to absorb that’s all we need to know, because of that what we this kind of Guyana, a rare good enough for us. From should get as our fair share kind of mindset to ever be across the divide in the PNC goes up in smoke. From my comfortable with where and camp, if the Opposition perspective, this fabled oil how we are. It could be Leaderdoesnotmakeoilone wealth, this grandest of national elections or local of his signature issues, his natural resource prize, is the government ones, and the burning passion, then let it latest casualty of Guyana’s brutal fights, slights, and be, for that relays to us all politics and racial wars spites resulting wound all. that we should be about, Those wars have been ugly Even the winners, but still where this oil is concerned. and self-defeating. Worse there is persisting with what Exxon and other foreigners still,ourpoliticsleadustono devastates,whathasfailed. prosper at the expense of all otherplace. Our governance is only Guyanese.

E v e r y e s s e n t i a l about politics. There is T h e s u m o f o u r component of Guyanese life nothing else, positive or handicaps is that our politics narrows down to this negative, that can wrap it and prejudices are more blocked roadway: PPP and more tightly, more pleasing and profitable than PNC, Indian and Black meaningfully the American billions Even for something as Because politics is about represented by this oil; ground-breakingasoil. Woe race, and the racial divide, whether our rightful share to those, who stand at the and racial rages, bitterness, comes to us really doesn’t side, or get caught in the and animosities, then it is mean that much. Politics middle. backtoPPPandPNC,Indian suppressing commonsense.

There is no space, not a andBlack. Itisaboutwhatis O i l c o m p a n i e s a r e crevice, for independents or channeled to whom, who is victorious. centrists, who are compelled channeled along a certain Guyanese are happy to to break their own ground, line, and where all end up: in grovel in the dust under the and blaze their own trail. I minefields and behind boot of foreigner calling the provide a handful of simple barbedwires. shots here. Meanwhile our ingredients of national life, This is where Guyana’s wars continue to rage. Oil is and these should confirm governance (and politics) thefirstcitizenshot. where this country is mired, has led all citizens, willingly (The views expressed in and what they mean for the or not, cleverly and this article are those of the oil riches that are ours to powerfully. a u t h o r a n d d o n o t command and control, From this incendiary, necessarily reflect the savouritsblessings. heaving pond, the biggest opinions and beliefs of this

Our churches that reflect blessingthatGuyanesecould n e w s p a p e r a n d i t s the plurality of this society, ever have dreamed of has affiliates.)

Berbice to get oil and gas support base in late-2023

In s u p p o r t o f t h e

government's efforts to accommodate increased vessel activity in Guyana, in-river construction works have been accelerated for the Berbice Deepwater Port In fact, construction has commenced for a 50 x 12 metre access trestle from the port's quayside yard westward intotheBerbiceriver

This latest development was revealed by CGX Energy Inc. this week. The Canadian oil company with deep Guyanese roots is pursuing the port through its subsidiary,GrandCanal.

CGX said construction of the wharf, perpendicular to the trestle, will follow after the necessary dredginghasbeencompleted.

It said too that the cargo terminal aspects of the deepwater port are targeted to commence in mid 2023 and operation of oil and gas support base to follow in late2023, subject to construction schedulesandsupplychains.

In collaboration with the Government of Guyana, CGX said it has shifted the immediate focus of the port to service expected demand for aggregates and building materials. It was keen to note that Government's infrastructure development in Berbice has increased the need for materials to be imported into the region from elsewhere in the countryandoffshore,henceitsport

wouldbecriticalinreducingcosts.

With exploration activity progressing in Suriname coupled with the ongoing exploration and production activities on the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, , the demand for ports servicing theseoperationshavegrownalmost exponentially

Currently,morethan75%ofthe port business servicing offshore oil and gas operations in Guyana and Suriname are provided by Trinidadianports.

Howevertherearecost,fueland carbon footprint concerns for companies operating in Guyana and Suriname, as the sailing time from Trinidad ports to the fields offshore Guyana and Suriname

require approximately 48 hours of sailing one way, as opposed to between 12 and 14 hours from the Berbice river location for the CGX Port.

This means that significantly more fuel is consumed for services from Trinidad based ports, leading to increased carbon emissions and escalation of costs related to fuel consumption, equipment rental, wear and tear and complicated logistics.

Importantly, this presents an opportunity not only for CGX, but also for Guyanese seeking to capitalize on the emerging jobs in the oil and gas industry For Berbice, CGX has said that the port would be a game changer, and

oneofthemoreelegantsolutionsto theacuteemploymentcrisiscreated whenthesugarestateswereclosed. Even as the sugar estates are in the process of being re-configured, unemployment in the Ancient Countyisstillveryhigh.Giventhat CGXhasindicatedthattheportwill also service the agricultural sector, it is expected that the port will also boost the competitiveness of sugar andricegrowninRegionsFiveand Six, as these commodities incur approximately 20% additional in costs to be transported to Port Georgetown for shipping This,inturn,shouldseeanupswing in the number of Berbicians engaged in agriculture and agroprocessing.

With the expected increase in personnel servicing the offshore operations coming through the port, hospitality services and other businesses in New Amsterdam, which have been depressed for some time, are expected to see a significantboostindemand.

A few months ago, officials attached to Suriname's national oil company, Staatsolie, highlighted the need for a deepwater port facility to service both countries' offshore exploration and production activities. Given the position of CGX's facility, it would be well placed to offer services to companies in the oil and gas sector frombothcountries.

CGX officials have also indicated in the past that the company was very excited about thepotentialincreaseincommodity goods coming through Guyana to the Port from Brazil, and also Suriname, as linkages to those countries being worked on are realizedinthenextfewyears.

This includes the proposed bridge over the Corentyne River, and the proposed road to the State o f R o r a i m a i n B r a z i l With the CGX Grand Canal Industrial Estates Berbice Deep Water Port back on track, Berbiciansaresettotakeadvantage of what is likely to place Berbice at the focal point of a Guyana Suriname Energy and Commerce Corridor

Works being executed for the deepwater port

Welding near foam mattress caused ECD hardware bond fire - GFS

The fire which ravaged Zaid Mohamed and Sons Hardware Store located at Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Monday was caused by flying embers from welding activities near to a foam mattress, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) saidTuesday

Inapressrelease,theGFS said that “welding was being done in close proximity to a foam mattress” and the flying embers, according to their investigation, “came into contact with the mattress and ignited”.

Thefirereportedlystarted around 16:35hrs on Monday and firefighters from the

Central, West Ruimveldt, Alberttown, Campbellville, and Melanie fire stations, along with two ambulances and Emergency Medical

Te c h n i c i a n s , w e r e immediately dispatched to the location but had difficulty arriving at the location due to rush hour traffic and vehicle blockages at the site. The teams arrived at about 16:51h.

Fire fighters reportedly managed to get the blaze under control around 18:00hrs using original tank supply and foam. The GFS reported that during the ordeal,therewereseveral (Continued on page 19)

Firefighters on Monday battling the blaze.

Guyana must conduct thorough audits of ExxonMobil's bills

As Guyana awaits the completion of a US$7.3B cost recovery audit of ExxonMobil's expenses between the years 2018 to 2020, some stakeholders are not very confident that this process will bear much fruit forthecountry

Economist Ramon Gaskin, who spent several years of his professional career conducting audits, in an exclusive interview with this newspaper on Tuesday said what the country needs is a thorough audit, rather than a team to check the bills it received from the US oil giant,ExxonMobil.

“What we need is a proper audit, a serious audit of the affairs of Exxon. Not what they call checking the bills. No, they need a more serious comprehensive audit ofthesituationandIdon'tget the impression that that's what we're getting. What Guyana stands to lose is that you are not going to get a professional audit done and if you do not get a professionally proper audit, Guyana will lose because you won't get proper results,”Gaskinexplained.

His comments come on the heels of a revelation

made by Financial Analyst and Certified Accountant, Floyd Haynes who is part of the team conducting the audit on behalf of Guyana. He recently sought to assure the public that a forensic audit or a witch-hunt is not being conducted He explained that, “A forensic audit is with the aim of identifying fraud and embezzlement with the goal of gathering evidence to be usedinacourt.”

Contrarily, a cost recovery audit is being done pursuanttotheparametersof the 2016 Production Share Agreement(PSA)governing the Stabroek Block. “The goal is to verify the accuracy or rather the legitimacy and v a l i d i t y o f c o s t s claimed…There is a huge difference so I wanted to clearthatup,”hesaid.

To this end, Ramon Gaskin told this newspaper the report will not be in the bestinterestofthecountry

He said, “The people who are doing the audit will not be able to produce a professional report in the best interest of the country…I have been doing auditing for many years, I know what audits are all

Thief raids Parfaite Harmony home while family sleeps

Aloneintruderbrokeinto a La Parfaite Harmony, West Bank Demerara (WBD) homeonNovember23,2022 and stole a number of items and cash, while the family of three was fast asleep, after retiringtobedat22:00hrs.

The perpetrator was seen on security footage breaking into the house in the wee hours of November 23 but because the quality of the video was poor, the person couldnotbeidentified.

Maria Persaud, who resides at the 2311, Onderneeming La Parfaite Harmony home, told Kaietuer News that the perpetrator had been seen on camera circling her house twice before entering the yard, walking up to a louvers window and removing eight panes.

The woman explained that the perpetrator, whom appears to be a man, entered thehousethroughtheopened window with all the

occupants present except Persaud's husband, who was workinglateatthetime.

She related that the next day when she awoke, the house was tumbled and in a ransacked state, and that the burglarmadeoffwithapurse containing $30,000 cash, a smartphone and a bicycle thatwasintheyard.

She also reported that the intruder while looting the place had thrown a quantity of documents into the yard, causing them to become wet from rain Among the documents were birth certificates, passports and land papers. She noted that while some documents were recoverable, others were destroyed.

Persaud said this is the second time their home has beenburglarised.

Areport was made to the La Parfaite Harmony Police Station. Ranks visited the scene and investigations are ongoing.

about and… you ain't gonna get no proper audit.The type of audit that is being done is the type of audit that the Production Sharing Agreement allows and checking bills is not an audit really Anybody can check a bill You don't need professional auditors to check bills but that is what is happeningnow.”

Gaskin was keen to point out that the review process demands more than checking the expenses. He reasoned that it requires a competent team, expertise and knowledge, especially since the audit is intended to confirm some US$7.3B in

expenses the country will payfor

Thetransparencyactivist posited, “This is not something you can just rush because you got to go through the thing, the financial affairs carefully and cautiously so you could actually verify those numbers.An audit is really a verification process that is what it means- verifying whattheyaresaying.”

He is of the view that the People's Progressive Party (PPP) government is not serious about verifying the costs that Exxon claims to have spent, since the four months deadline given to

complete the process would notbesufficient.

Back in May of this year, Government signed a four month contract with VHE Consulting which is a registered partnership between Ramdihal & Haynes Inc; Eclisar Financial; and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy I n c a l o n g w i t h international firms SGS and Martindale Consultants for the'CostRecoveryAuditand Va l i d a t i o n o f t h e Government of Guyana's ProfitOilShare'.

This includes costs incurredfortheLizaOneand Liza Two Projects which are

currently producing over 360,000 barrels of oil per day Importantly, the audit will cost Guyanese some US$751,000.

Economist, Ramon Gaskin

Canadian firms to take deep dive for opportunities in Guyana's energy market

A Canadian Trade

Mission currently here until December 2, 2022 , is set to take a deep dive for opportunities and critical partnerships that abound in Guyana's growing energy market.

C a n a d i a n H i g h Commissioner to Guyana Mark Berman on Monday w e l c o m e d t h e

Newfoundland companies that are part of the Trade Missionathisresidence.

The envoy pointed out for example that BMS North America is on the verge of executing a contract with an internationallybrandedhotel being constructed in Guyana for its "all-in-one" packaged sewagetreatmentplant.With the boom in commercial and residential construction in Guyana, Berman said he expects that this is just the beginning for BMS North America in Guyana and the Region.

Berman also noted that K&D Pratt Group Inc. has joined Industrial Safety S u p p l i e s I n c o f Georgetown, Guyana to create a joint venture company, Meridian 60 Offshore Inc (M60) Berman said M60 recently signed a contract with SBM Offshore to provide fire and safety services. He said the

contract includes the inspection, commissioning, installation, repairing, maintenance, and servicing of a variety of fire protection and life safety products and systems.

A Canadian logistics success story, Ryan Burrowes is also geared to increase its presence here.

Berman said his firm WTG Canada has established a Guyana subsidiary and recently opened an office in Georgetown. Berman said they have been partnering with other Canadian companies including those from Atlantic Provinces, to meet Guyana's logistic and procurementneeds.

Additionally, Berman saidOPASMobileandNorth Star Associates, industry l e a d e r s i n p r o j e c t management, are here to offer an intelligent operationsplatform.

The Shield Group of Companies which includes ShieldGuyanaoffersaccess, insulation and custom manufacturing is also keep on increasing its presence here. From sanitization to bespokesolutions,theShield Group is already a key partnerforGuyana.

Net Benefit Software, a member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal

Business, is here and hopes to showcase its cloud-based software platforms that allow organizations to manage, digitize, and improve the socio-economic impact of a company's operations.Especiallyuseful in tracking of local content metrics,Bermansaidthisisa great time to introduce this product to the Guyanese market.

Radient360Solutions,an established entity that provides digital real time workflow management tools for the oil and gas sector is also on the hunt for opportunities.

DyTech Offshore Project ManagementInc.isalsopart of the visiting team. Berman said the company has 25+ years of experience in offshore engineering modifications, campaign, maintenance, and integrity w o r k f o r f l o a t i n g , production, storage and offloading vessels and drill rigs.

The Canadian Envoy was keen to note that the Blue Water Group which specializes in supply chain logistics, ship services and lubricants is exploring all sorts of partnerships with localfirms.

In terms of key recent Canadian successes, the

High Commissioner highlighted that Instream Energy Systems and Iwokrama recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide hydrokinetic energy to support conservation and sustainable use of Guyana's naturalresources.

Berman was keen to note that Instream provides fieldproven and globally patented Hydrokinetic Power Generation Systems for tidal marine and inland waterways. The envoy said their modular system can be scaled for small remote communities or large urban centers and holds much promise as Guyana continues to develop both its coastal and hinterland communities.

Most recently, Instream embarked on a feasibility study with Reunion Gold to bring its technology to its

Hot off the press, Berman said the Beharry Group through its subsidiary Beharry Energy Holdings announced its partnership

Atlantic XL out of NewfoundlandandLabrador Atlantic XL currently manages a wide range of bespoke projects for the oil and gas industry throughout Canadaandbeyond.

The High Commissioner s a i d t h e f o r e g o i n g demonstrates that Canada stands ready to partner with Guyana with innovative solutions, including technologies that maximize the energy potential of Guyana while reducing its environmentalfootprint.

“As I have said before, our commercial relationship with Guyana is growing and will continue to grow because we are natural partners, similarly, blessed withanabundanceofnatural resources, sharing many values, and enjoying strong people to people ties stemming from our sizeable Guyanese Diaspora in CanadaandmanyCanadians living in Guyana,” the High Commissionersaid.

The Envoy added, “I truly believe that the Canada – Guyana relationship is one of friendship, and mutual respect. Canada has had a presence in Guyana for a very long time and we will remain close for a long time tocome.”

He said Canadian companies don't arrive in

private jets or make a lot of fan fare. He said Canadian businesses are here in numbers and are committed towin-winscenarios.

To further strengthen the relationship, he recalled that inAprilofthisyear,Canada's Minister of International Trade, Mary Ng, travelled to Guyana leading the CanadaCaribbean Trade Mission and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Senior Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on behalf of the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) This was done to facilitate cooperationandexchangeof information and proposals relatedtotheprocurementof Canadian goods and services.

Berman categorically stated that the Canadian private sector has a lot to offer, with world class technologies, a wealth of expertise and a sound track record in oil and gas, infrastructure development, renewablesandcleantech.

He said, “The Guyana government has strongly signalled that Guyana will not exclusively be an oil and gas economy Much like Canada, Guyana recognises that diversification of its economyiskey.”

The High Commissioner said Canada is therefore keen on helping Guyana achieve its objective to have a diversified economy with sustainable growth by leveraging the knowledge and modern technologies of itsexperiencedcompanies.

35-year-oldwife.

A search was conducted during the intelligence-led operation and the gun, along withtheammunition,wasfoundhiddeninan electrictoycar

Police

The duo was told of the offence, cautioned and arrested. They were taken to the Albion Police Station where they remain incustodypendingcharges.

mining site in Guyana's interior

Canada's

Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman

Welding near foam mattress caused ECD hardware bond...

From page 16

explosions of flammable compounds (oils, thinners,sheetracks,ply-boardetc.).

The flammable compounds presented a clear danger to firefighters and due to the magnitude of the fire, two firefighters suffered smoke inhalation. The firefighters were transported to the hospital where they received medical treatment. Notably, there

were no other injuries reported. During the firefighters'questtogetthefireundercontrol, explosions were heard coming from inside thewarehouse.

The Fire Service was unable to save the building and the contents therein. The Fire Service said that there were no fire suppressants (extinguishers, smoke detectors) within the building and that the

correct safety measures were not being followed.“The Guyana Fire Service would like to advise citizens to be mindful of fire prevention methods, get equipped with fire suppressants, and exercise caution within homes and businesses. The GFS would also like to thank the Guyana Police Force for their support and assistance during the ordeal,” the Fire Service said. Meanwhile,

BusinessmanZaidMohammedtoldreporters thathewasinhisoffice,locatedtothefrontof thehardwarebond,whenhereceivedaphone call around 16:30hours informing him about the fire Mohammed stated that he immediately contacted the fire department whorespondedtotheemergencycall.Hesaid that at the time of the fire none of his six employeeswasatthewarehouse.

Keith George accredited as Guyana's new High Commissioner to Canada

Guyanese diplomat Keith George was recently accredited as Guyana's High Commissioner to the Canada, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday

George presented his Letters of Credence to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary J. May Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Canada, on November 23, 2022 during a ceremony at her Residence at the Citadelle of Québec,QuebécCity

HighCommissionerGeorgehas

anextensiveForeignServicecareer spanning twenty nine years, including his recent ten-year tenure as the Ambassador of Guyana to Suriname High Commissioner George is also the recipient of Guyana's third highest National Award, the Cacique's Crown of Honour(C.C.H).

Following his accreditation ceremony, High Commissioner George met with the Canadian Governor General for a tête-à-tête during which the cordial relations between Guyana and Canada and shared values of democracy were

noted. High Commissioner George and the Governor General also discussed issues relating to combating climate change and building climate change resilience, Indigenous peoples' welfare, food security and the importance of agriculture and general economic and social matters of mutual bilateralinterest.

High Commissioner George was accompanied to the ceremony by his spouse, Ms. Anita Kapildeo and Ms. Cindy Sauers, Counsellor, Guyana High Commission in Ottawa,Canada.

Newly accredited High Commissioner of Guyana to Canada Keith George with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary J. May Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Canada (DPI)

Ferguson

Guyana yet to adopt transparency, good Governance counsel it received during oil conference

The Government of Guyana is yet to adopt the counsel it received from key leaders intheoilandgassector,itwas conferred with while hosting the inaugural International EnergyConferenceandExpo inFebruaryofthisyear

Be that as it may, the c o u n t r y i s m a k i n g preparations to host a second event next year, even though Guyanese have no reason to celebrate since the initial conference.Thisisaccording to former Minister under the Coalition administration, AnnetteFerguson.

Ferguson, who presently serves as an Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) said in a public letter that World Leaders inclusive of the Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi and President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo had offered advice on how the sector shouldbemanaged.

“Prime Minister Mia Mottley was very clear that Guyanese ought not to be treated as “tenants” in their own country,” Ferguson said while adding that President Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo during his presentation

said, “To ensure energy sustainability, it is critical that we balance carefully social, economic and environmental benefits in a continuously changing world”.

The MP pointed out a specific quote from the Ghanaian leader who added, “no energy project therefore, no matter how high its return in value, is worth it if the interests of some or majority of the stakeholders are not properly represented, and they are left impoverished anddissatisfied.”

To this end, she reasoned that if one were to reflect on the concerns and advice of these presenters, it would be realized that “nothing significant” has been done to-date by the government to ensure that Guyanese become the greatest beneficiary from the country'soilandgaswealth.

According to her, “There are many questions the PPP/C regime must provide answersfor It is approximately 10 months since the first Conference in February 2022, what is there for Guyanese to celebrate? Where is the transparency and accountability of the

resourcesfromthissector?”

Fergusonalsopointedout her strong belief that the amendments made to the 2019 Natural Resource Fund is highly flawed For instance, the former Minister argued that the 22 member body, which was installed to provide oversight functions of the funds from the sector, was downsized, while the new Committee is yet to present its plans regarding “national developmental projects” and other expenditure to be funded by the proceeds from oil revenue.

S h e s a i d , “ W h a t Guyanese have witnessed, over the last year, is the total mismanagement of the oil resources, discrimination and victimization faced by some ethnic groups and vulnerable segments of the society, in the distribution of cash grants and awarding of contracts.”

As such, Ferguson contended that the February 2023 Conference will be no different.

“Rather it will be another event full of presentations by well intentioned eminent guest speakers, propaganda and empty promises by the PPP/C Government and its

partisan collaborators,” she said.

G u y a n a ' s s e c o n d International Energy Conference and Expo will be held from February 14, 2023 andconcludeonFebruary17, 2023.

The forum will be hosted under the theme 'Harnessing EnergyforDevelopment'.

T h e i n a u g u r a l Conference was held earlier this year at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston between February 15 and 18 and was themed 'Charting a Sustainable Energy Future'.

Speakers and other participants primarily focused on renewable energy and the importance of the sector not negatively affectingthecitizens.

Speakers confirmed for next year's event from the oil and gas sector include Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess andPresidentofExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions Company,DanAmmann.

Locally, President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat,

Head of the Gas to Energy and Amaila Falls Hydro p r o j e c t s , W i n s t o n Brassington, Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahendar Sharma, Head of the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab and Executive D i r e c t o r o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kemraj Parsram are confirmed participants for next year's conference.

The conference is being hosted to allow energy professionals around the world to connect in Guyana to facilitate exchange of ideas,propositions,andplans for fundamental advances in thesector

Participating companies at the conference will tackle important concerns affecting the energy sector, as well as challenges of climate change mitigation and maximizing the benefits of local content development in Guyana and theRegion.

A few of the sponsors of the upcoming conference include GTT Business Solutions, Hess Corporation, the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI), Technip FMC, Premier Insurance and Weatherford.

Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. moves closer to construction of artificial island for terminal

… as largest dredge to operate in Demerara River arrives

Vreed en Hoop

Base Inc. (VESHI) is gearing for the reclamation phase of its massive US$300M project which is set to directly support the operations of ExxonMobil subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) in its offshoreStabroekBlockproject.

Astatement from the Guyanese lead joint-venture said that the largest Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger has arrived in Guyana as the Vreed en Hoop shore base prepares for the upcoming process. The M.V Galileo Galilei, owned and operated by the Jan De Nul Group, NRG Holdings' joint venture partner, docked in Port Georgetownandhasbeendeployed to the project site, the statement said.

“The vessel's arrival marks the beginning of the sand key reclamation phase of the project. During this phase, the dredger will cleartheexistingareaandbeginthe process of adding reclaimed material for the creation of an artificial island on which the

construction of the new terminal will be situated.” This project in its first phase is expected to add more than44acrestoGuyana'scoastline, theagencydeclared.

It said that the M.V Galileo Galilei is one of the largest trailing suction hopper dredges in Guyanese waters. It has worked on projects such as the recent beach

expansion project in Brazil and other port projects A special feature of this vessel is that it has two separated hoppers on board. This allows the dredged material to bespreadevenlyoverbothhoppers, thus optimally controlling the load andthedraught.

The Vreed-en-Hoop project startedthefirststeplastJune,which

entailed the dredging of the access channels in the Demerara River including the deepening/widening of the existing nautical channel, berthpockets,andturningbasin.

“This phase has been hailed a success by the project managers and the upgraded channel will be handed over to the maritime administration department in the

near future,” the press release stated.

Vreed-en-HoopShoreBaseInc. (VESHI) forms part of the port of Vreed-en-Hoop. “Phase one of the project is meant to be the special purpose vehicle to serve as a SURF (Subsea Umbilicals, Flowlines and Riser) Shorebase for Esso Exploration and Production GuyanaLimited(EEPGL)projects.

VESHI said it is currently the largest Guyanese private sector investment in the oil and gas sector and is expected to cost over US$300 million. According to the project directors, “the support and encouragement given by the Government of Guyana has been reassuring and augurs well for additional investment and the futureofGuyana.”

The Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc.isajointventurebetweenNRG Holdings Inc a 100 percent Guyanese-owned consortium that is the majority shareholder –and JanDeNul,aBelgiuminternational maritime infrastructure company

The VESHI project is expected to becomeoperationalin2023.

Opposition MP, Annette Ferguson

-

Shore

The M.V Galileo Galilei in the Demerara River

WANTED

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

Live-in domestic/ maid and canter driver to work in the Interior. Call: 614-1819.

Carpenters, masons & labourers required. Call: 645-9805.

Motor Lorry drivers needed and Porters. Tel: 627-1835/ 626-4691.

Labourers to work on Cash Crop Farm, salary $5000. Call: 695-6139,679-7552.

Bar girls needed to work in the Interior, ages 20-30 years. Call: 687-7638/ 6913942.

Able-bodied Porter needed. Ages between 18-25 years, $4,000 per day. Call: 2239677.

Live in Cook, must know to cook Indian dishes, 3040yrs. Weekly waitress for Ogle area, $22000 weekly. Call: 610-3974.

VACANCY

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

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.

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

Room attendant and laundry attendant, 25-50 years old at South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-2304.

Data Entry clerk needed. Apply to: Essential Care Pharmacy & Supercentre , Block X Mandela Avenue or G3 Building Diamond East Bank Demerara Or Via E-mail - essentialcarepharmacy@ yahoo.com

The owner of fuel tanker denies liability for damage to Harbour Bridge

Owner of the MT Tradewind Passion - the fuel tanker that slammed into the Demerara Harbour Bridge on October 8 rendering it inoperable for approximately 48 hours, is denying liability for any of the damages caused.

The owner of the vessel which is said to be registered in Panama claims instead that the accident was as a result of “abnormally high tides,”

negligence of the Harbour Bridge staffers.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) is locked in a lawsuit with the owner of the Panamanian registered vessel for damages to the bridge.

The DHBC is seeking in excess of $1.050B in damages. Despite several oral demands for the sum, the company has refused to pay it and has instead brought a counter claim against the DHBC for the damages it experienced as a result of the incident.

international standards for bridge navigation lights.

Consequently, he said, “The vessel was caught by the current on its approach to the retractor section of the Bridge.”

FOR RENT

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

Brickdam property for 70 staff with parking (8000 sq ft) Brickdam bottom flat 1000 sq ft. Contact: Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

One 5 bedrooms house for rent (furnished) located on South Road, for business or residence. Call: 614-0495.

Two bedroom house for rent in Parfaite Harmonie,West Bank Demerara. Call: 6840159.

Pharmacist & Pharmacy Technician needed. Apply to: Essential Care Pharmacy & Supercentre, Block X Mandela Avenue or G3 Building Diamond East Bank Demerara or E-mailessentialcarepharmacy@ yahoo.com

Vacancy exist for male labourers between ages 2035. Interested persons whatsapp only # 691-5777.

Cook needed at lot 36, Fort Street Kingston. Call: 6988955.

Sales Rep and driver for car & van needed. Must be knowledgeable of CAT SYS and 30 years & above. Email: agriparts2022 @gmail.com

VACANCY

Kitchen manager needed, 3 years culinary management experience and team player. Send applications to : ateeyyeaali@gmail.com, mandaitwaru@gmail.com, Address: 127 Quamina Street, Georgetown. Call: 225-9409, 502-9466

In the counter claim, the owner of the vessel who is listed as the defendant in the matter has asked that the Court grant the company in excess of $200 million to compensate for the damages done to the vessel as a result of the collision to the bridge on October 8 last. In a written defence to support the claim, the lawyer for the defendants, Kamal Ramkarran set out the series of events which led to the vessel being damaged in the collision.

Further, the attorney noted that the Claimant (the DHBC) failed to advise the vessel that it was on a collision course with the Bridge, but only that the vessel was on a course “close to the cluster piles”. He said that there was no indication or direction that the vessel was required to change course at this time.

SERVICES

Visa application: Canada and UK & U.S.A. Graphics design & advertisements.

Wedding decorations & elderly grooming: hair, nail etc. Call: 626-7040.

Office Manager needed. Degree in Business administration or equivalent. Email: ateeyyeaali@gmail.com, mandaitwaru@gmail.com, Address: 127 Quamina Street, Georgetown. Call: 225-9409, 502-9466

PEN PAL

Male seeking a female pen friend, ages 40 years and older. Call: 684-6551.

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.

DAF CF85 Double Axle Twin Steer Dump Trucks for sale. $9 Mil each negotiable. Call 658-9008 for inquiries.

2014 Nissan X-Trail $4.5 Mil negotiable. Excellent condition, dark blue colour & black interior. Call 658-9008.

He explained that on October 8, 2022, the vessel was at all times proceeding in accordance with good seamanship and applicable regulations, and under the advice of Pilot Kenneth Cort. He said that the incident occurred without fault on the part of the master, crew or the vessel.

The lawyer explained in the document that as the vessel approached the bridge, it was caught in an extraordinary combination of circumstances. It encountered “irresistible and unpredictable natural forces or force majeure.” According to the lawyer, “The period from 7th to 13th October 2022 was a period of abnormally high tides. High tide on the 8th October 2022 was a height of 3.08m, being above the monthly average of 2.71m.”

“…The claimant apparently realized its mistake in inviting the vessel to transit the bridge under the particular prevailing conditions and directed the vessel to ‘turn around, demonstrating a striking lack of familiarity for an experienced bridge operator accustomed to inviting and directing vessels to transit the bridge with the capabilities of vessels underway to manoeuvre in restricted waters, in particular, when subject to strong tidal conditions and/or caught in a fast-moving current,” Ramkarran said

Added to this, the lawyer spells out in the document that the construction of the bridge interfered with the safe navigation of the vessel resulting in the collision. “…The increasingly strong current together with the way which the bridge was constructed made transit navigation of the Vessel subject to force majeure.”

leave pending an investigation after the vessel left Guyana without paying up. Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill on Saturday confirmed that the staff was sent on leave. The vessel was detained to facilitate an investigation and subsequently released as a result of a court order failed to lodge $247.4M. The vessel was detained after the collision caused extensive damage to critical components of the DHB, which not only left it inoperable but resulted in thousands of passengers and tons of agricultural produce stranded on both sides of the Demerara River. However, Justice Fidela Corbin Lincoln had ordered that the vessel be released after the owners agreed to lodge some $247.4M at the Court.

On November 11, 2022, the High Court ruled that the Canama Trading S De RL Company is entitled to constitute a limitation fund under Section 414 (1) of the Shipping Act by paying or lodging with the Court, as security, $245,567,288.01 in keeping with an agreement it has with the DHBC.

According to the Statement of Claim (SoC) filed at the High Court, the DHBC said that the collision caused $1B and counting in damages and that there has been no compensation despite several oral requests demanding payment of the sum.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Campbellville, Subryanville, Bel Air, Diamond, Middle road, La Penitence, Peter's Hall & Parfaite Harmonie.

Contact: Ray's Realty: 6279685.

Ramkarran went on to state that at about 01:00 hours, the flood tide at the retractable span of the Bridge was unusually strong and was not predictable to the highly experienced Master of the Vessel, Captain Freddy Mendoza and Pilot Cort.

He said too that, “No warning was given by the bridge to the vessel during its approach of the unusual effect of the current at the time and on the night in question.”

As such, the lawyer of the DHBC is put to strictly prove that there was negligence by the Master, crew and the vessel. On those grounds, defendant counterclaims for damages arising from the incident in excess of GYD100,000,000 arising in respect of damage suffered by the vessel as a result of the incident; loss of use of the vessel, damages for detention of the vessel; damages for wrongful imprisonment of the vessel; such further or other losses or amounts as the Court deems just.

As such, the Corporation claimed $1B for special damages and $50M in damages for negligence since the master of the vessel owned by the Panamanian company was negligent and failed to exercise the relevant international safety conventions for safety at sea.

However, on Saturday, Minister Edghill said, “It must be noted that there was no actual payment of monies into the Court.” Edghill noted that the Vessel sailed out of Guyana’s waters without notifying the General Manager of the DHB.

LAND FOR SALE

Seafort Street Campbellville, Carmichael Street. Contact: Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

Additionally, Ramkarran said in the pleading that the lights displayed on the bridge at the material time were misleading and/or not in compliance with requirements, regulations or

The defendant also claimed damages for the wrongful detention of the vessel. The operator of the fuel tanker claimed to have suffered loss and damage in excess of GYD100, 000,000 for the detention of the ship, which has since been released.

Vessel escapes Meanwhile, only on Sunday this newspaper reported that three workers of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) have been sent on

The Minister said that Guyana, through its regulatory agencies, has no control over its waters and marine traffic so there was nothing could be done to stop the vessel from leaving. “All of Guyana can be assured that this Government will continue to vigorously pursue its claims in this matter to ensure that the Demerara Harbour Bridge is justly compensated for the damages caused by the Tradewind Passion,” the Minister assured.

- says abnormal high tide, negligence of DHB staffers resulted in the collision - wants over $200M in compensation and

Govt. awaits procurement of Paxlovid tablets to treat COVID-19 patients

The Government of Thisencouragestheneed Guyana continues to work for everyone five years and with the United Nations older to get vaccinated International Children’s against COVID-19; the need Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for everyone to get a toprocurePaxlovidtabletsat COVID 19 booster dose a reduced cost to treat after completing the primary COVID-19patients. vaccination series; the need

“We have been working forcorrectandconsistentuse with UNICEF They have a of a face mask when leaving globalagreementwithPfizer your home; the importance and through that agreement; of maintaining a safe we were hoping to get distance of six feet from Paxlovid at a much others and; good hand discounted rate,” Minister of hygiene to help reduce the Health, Dr Frank Anthony spreadofCOVID-19. said on Monday during a Additionally, Dr broadcast of his COVID-19 Anthony is urging parents update. with young children to be on

HedisclosedthatGuyana high alert for influenza and

Govt. to spend another $91M for works at Wales & Ogle fire stations

continues to record new other types of respiratory COVID-19 cases daily He viruses that can lead to said that there are currently hospitalization and even more than 120 new death. infections.

The Minister noted that “So far, I don’t think the medical records from UNICEF has been able to various health facilities source any of the Paxlovid across the country are but we remain optimistic,” showing children presenting Dr Anthonyadded. with Respiratory Syncytial Paxlovid is a highly Virus (RSV), a common effectiveoralantiviralforthe respiratory virus that usually treatment of COVID 19 causes mild, cold like Developed by US drug symptoms and Influenza company Pfizer, it was and,insomecases,COVID approved by the US Food 19. and Drug Administration in “RSV is a virus that December 2021 and is would normally infect recommended to be given to people. Generally, it’s mild. persons as soon as they are However, what we have diagnosed with COVID-19 noticed over the last couple and within five days of them ofmonthsisthatRSVnowis developing symptoms of the in combination with COVID disease. and it is presenting a lot of

On Tuesday, Guyana problems for small children recorded 19 new cases below the age of two,” he Threepersonswereadmitted stated. to the Intensive Care Unit Dr Anthony noted that (ICU). Guyana has recorded while most people recover in 71, 603 COVID-19 cases a week or two, but cautioned with1285deaths. that RSV can be serious, In the meantime, especially for infants and Guyana’s health authorities olderadults. areurginganyonedisplaying “We are on the lookout any of the symptoms for that, we haven’t seen associated with COVID-19 manycasesofthishappening or need any additional but we are on the lookout for information, to contact the it…If parents notice their COVID-19 Hotline at 231- children are having 1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 breathing problems, they immediately or visit should bring them to the www.health.gov.gy hospital for an examination Additionally, all and treatment. Generally, it Guyanese are being is symptomatic. Depending encouraged to continue on what symptoms the child observing the public health presents with, the doctor measures set out by the would be able to treat,” the HealthMinistry. MinisterofHealthsaid.

With the ongoing cost $64 million, which 19 $69,080,354. gas-to-shore project and the construction of the $69 contractors have bid for, The new fire Station resulting manufacturing and million Wales Fire Station whiletheworksatWalesFire when completed will power engineering projects andthe$76millionOgleFire Station is estimated to cost facilitate the expansion of whichwillbeatthefootprint, Station, the Ministry of some $27 million which 16 the Emergency Medical so we want to be ahead of Home Affairs is looking to contractorsarevyingfor Service (EMS) to the West Wales.” spendanother$91millionon Kaieteur News had Bankareaandwillhousetwo As it relates to the fire infrastructuralworksatthese reported that the new fire fire tenders and one EMS station at Ogle, this is being twonewfacilities. station which will benefit ambulance During the reconstructed by Singh and During the recent residents of Wales on the contract signing back in Sons Construction to the opening of tenders, it was West Bank of Demerara and June, Minister of Home tune of $76 million. Upon r e v e a l e d t h a t t h e surrounding communities is Affairs, Robeson Benn had completion of this project, infrastructural works at Ogle being constructed by AYN noted the importance of the t h e f a c i l i t y w i l l Fire Station is estimated to Construction to the tune of fire station at Wales. He had accommodate two fire explained that “Other than tenders and one EMS paying attention to some of ambulance. the needs at Wales itself, we B e l o w a r e t h e are cognizant of the companiesandtheirbidsat impending construction of the recent opening of an industrial estate there, the tenders:

Infrastructure works at Ogle Fire Station Region Four

Overseers, Town Clerks and Treasurers fired for corrupt practices

- Local Govt. Minister

Infrastructure works at Wales Fire Station in Region Three.

Reconstruction of Leonora Fire Station.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

S

disclosed that some of the infractionswereasaresultof procedures not being followed while others resulted from persons being “plaincorrupt”.Hedisclosed that cases requiring criminal prosecutionsareunderway

“We are committed to ensuring that we continue to work with NDCs and municipalities to provide training and development, c a p a c i t y b u i l d i n g , institutional support to all 70 NDCsand10municipalities, justsothattherecanbebetter administration,”theMinister said on the sidelines of a everal Overseers, Town recentevent.

Clerks, and Treasurers have

Dharamlall said his b e e n f i r e d f r o m Ministry supported the Neighbourhood Democratic recommendations made by Councils (NDCs) and the Local Government Municipalities across the Commission to dismiss the country, due to evidence of corruptofficials. corruption, the Department

“So, as we move of Public Information (DPI) forward, we will continue to hasreported. work towards strengthening

Construction of two poultry unit at Mazaruni Prison.

Construction of Mazaruni Prison boundary fence and watch tower

The firing of the officials the work of local democratic follows multiple reports of organs, and the staff should financial infractions at the findafriendinme,inmaking NDCs and Municipalities, sure that they manage well, the completion of audits and and an enemy in me if they recommendations by the are corrupt,” the minister L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t asserted.

Commission.

Local Government

Local Government and Elections (LGE) will be held Regional Development onMarch13,2023.

Minister, Nigel Dharamlall,

Construction of fence at Mazaruni Phase Two.

PPP policies weakening competition, ‘growth in business, other sectors

The windfall from oil royalties and profit oil is fueling a bonanza of monies to one group of Guyanese, while economic genocide is

immersed in the policies of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) toward other sections of the society This is the position of accountant

and activist Nigel Hinds as he pointed to what he believes is a clear imbalance of wealth and opportunity distributioninthecountry

Hinds, is among several stakeholders and concerned citizensalleginganalarming trend by the government where supporters and close associates of the party are benefitting heavily from the country's resources. Hinds more recently insisted that Guyana is already losing heavily from its oil wealth, since the country's two main political parties “are too caught up in their ways rather than coming together forthebenefitofthenation.”

With the little revenue the country is receiving, along with new opportunities, the PPP-government is ensuring t h a t o n e g r o u p i s empowered,Hindsclaimed.

He told this newspaper thathiscommentscarryeven more weight following the release of information that revealwhowouldhavemore r e c e n t l y r e c e i v e d government contracts, licences and certain access within the oil and gas sector

The document, “Economy and Justice in Guyana” was compiledbyAttorney-at-law Nigel Hughes and shared with the media. Hinds said that this information, regarding those receiving government contracts and resourceshasbeenrequested from the government by various stakeholders, but to no avail. He said he too has written letters, about the distribution of government contracts, even asking the government to reveal their plans on ensuring shared opportunitiesforallcitizens.

Hinds credited Hughes for the “credible” job he did incompilingtheinformation as the government has rubbished claims of economic discrimination and has insisted that the evidence be provided to provesame. “Hughesdidan

exceptional job in providing information that over 90 percent of the monetary value of government contracts went to one group of Guyanese. Information thatAshniSingh,Ministerof Finance was unwilling to provide,” Hinds included. He said that in one case, it shows that gold licences issued, represented 82 percentofthosegoingtoone ethnic group. Where quarry licenses, major road and other infrastructural projects are concerned, the same is occurring, Hinds said in referencetothereport.

T h i s s i t u a t i o n “undermines the necessary balanceneededforthemultiracial democracy,” Hinds told the newspaper “The private sector does not reflectanyproportionalityin relation to the demographics of Guyana's population, especially at the Banks and Insurance companies ” In relation to budgetary resources, Hinds continued that, “failure to allocate the budgetary resources evenhandedlyacrossthedifferent r a c i a l g r o u p s a n d proportionately across the region highlights a prejudiced and pernicious approach taken by the PPP administration.” Ultimately, Hinds opined, Guyana will continue to experience an unhealthy situation not only among its people but in the growth and development of itsresourcesandeconomy Nigel Hughes' report claims that of the 22 quarry licensesissued;onlyonewas issued to an African Guyaneseentity.Hesaidthat in the construction boom which Guyana is currently enjoying, sand and stone quarries are critical to a country's development However, 4 5 percent

Accountant, Nigel Hinds

represents the quarry licenses issued to anAfrican Guyanese entity That business is RMC Silica Other recipients include Black Jaguar Investment Group Inc Vishwan Baichan, Elichia Investment andConstructionInc.,Hadi's World, Metallica CC Guyana Inc , Southern Canton International Trading Inc said to be owned by Chinese National Su Zhi Rong. Guang Zhao and Jian Ping Che, Tri Country Inc , Baracara Quarries Ltd., BK Quarries, Toolsie Persaud Quarries Ltd and Prabhudyal Ramdial also received quarrylicences.

On the issue of gold licences,Hughesallegedthat 11licencesweregrantedand two were issued to African Guyanese. He claimed that for this year, another 11 licenceswereissuedbutonly one was issued to anAfrican Guyanese. In relation to oil blocks and oil related projects such as a shore bases, there are no African Guyanese involved, despite other groups and foreigners owningtheresource.Hughes said, “No African Guyanese nor African Guyanese entity has ever been awarded an offshore block in Guyana.” They said too that there was noadvertisementoftheoffer for the sale of any offshore oilblocks.

Guyana sweet talking Canada for visa-free travel

C a n a d i a n H i g h Commissioner to Guyana, MarkBermanhasconfirmed that Guyanese authorities have signaled their interest inhavingvisa-freetalks.

During his brief e n g a g e m e n t w i t h members of the media on Monday at his residence, Berman said the Guyana Government has related its interest on this matter, adding that authorities in Canadahavebeennotified.

While Guyana has alreadyseenavisawaiverby the United Kingdom to promote business relations,

Berman said the Canadian visapolicyisdifferent.

The High Commissioner stressed that his country's visa requirements are premised on different issues which he did not disclose at thetime.

The official said, “Guyana is one of several countries which we have visarequirementsforbutitis something we are looking at and we will make a determination.”

While that matter r e m a i n s u n d e r

consideration, the High Commissioner was keen to

note that there is a need for more direct flights. Berman said carriers such as Air Canada and WestJet have been engaged in discussions about the opportunities that existwithintheseshores.

“...I am not in the airline industryandIdon'tknowthe factors they would have to take into consideration but we have been trying to give themasmuchinformationas possibleonthesematters.

They are looking at it nonetheless and we will see what their decision will be,” the High Commissioner stated.

Guyana receives US$200,000 cash grant from China to procure medical supplies

The Ministry of Medical Brigade that would from equipment…so that that the embassy will donate H e a l t h o n visit Guyana to work at the we can do the diagnostics medical supplies worth Tuesday received Georgetown Public Hospital for COVID. This grant aboutUS$20,000toGuyana.

US$200,000 cash Corporation (GPHC) and falls within that realm and “Those countries that grant from China to procure Linden Hospital The certainly, we will use it to attach great importance to medicalsupplies. Medical Brigade has catered increase our preparedness people’s health, we regard it The cash granted was to more than 1000 Guyanese for COVID 19. We are as an important part in handed over to Health who benefitted from extremely grateful to…the p e o p l e c e n t e r e d Minister, Dr. FrankAnthony surgeries and other medical embassy,andofcourse,the development. Our president by China’s Ambassador to interventionsovertheyears. GovernmentofChina,”the [XiJinping]emphasisedthat are striving to improve our medical teams’ service in Guyana, Guo Haiyan, on Further,Dr.Anthonysaid HealthMinistersaid. people’s health is an healthcare, we are trying Guyana. Tuesday at the Ministry’s that many Guyanese have Meanwhile,Ambassador important indicator of a within our capacity to We look forward to headoffice,Brickdam. benefittedfromthesupplyof Haiyan said that the Chinese prosperous country,” she support Guyana,” she taking this opportunity to Dr. Anthony thanked the Sinopharm vaccines used to State Counsellor and the said. asserted. jointly make plans, to Chinese Government for its fightCOVID-19. Foreign Affairs Minister, The Ambassador said She added that China implement them, and to continuedsupporttoGuyana “I think it has assisted Wang Yi announced that in China remains committed to will continue to strengthen strengthen our cooperation while noting the two in preventing people from addition to the Caribbean working with Guyana to thecooperationinhealthcare in this field,” Ambassador countries’ relationship getting sick and also, countries China has improve the healthcare and a framework of global Haiyanstated. especially in the area of possibly dying from diplomatic relations, sector development initiatives and This year, Guyana and health. COVID During that Guyana will also benefit “ H e a l t h c a r e Guyana China’s health China celebrated 50 years of The Health Minister said period, when we were from donations of medical development is a common communities. b i l a t e r a l r e l a t i o n s . over the years, Guyana has struggling to be able to get supplies.

pursuit of your country So, “Next year will mark the (Department of Public benefitted from the Chinese diagnostics, we benefitted In addition, she noted China is trying and when we 30th anniversary of China’s Information)

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony and China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan at the signing ceremony. (DPI)

Kellman close to returning to Sporting Kansas City

Major League

Soccer (MLS) club, Sporting Kansas City, announced that they're in talks with Guyana's Curtez Kellman that would see him returning to the club to be partoftheir2023roster.

Last Monday, Sporting Kansas City and its MLS Next Pro outfit announced several rosters moves ahead of the 2023season.

Kellman only recently returned to Guyana after a stellar showing with the club in theMLSNextProLeague.

The 24-year-old Kellman had an exceptional collegiate career with Eastern Florida State College and Daytona

Wednesday November 30, 2022

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19

It would seem that your sensitivityisinslightconflict with your actions,Aries.You continue to go through the motions and do what you planned to do, but it seems like your heart isn't in it anymore.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

You may have been spending or saving too much money, Taurus. It's clear that a rebalancing is in order if you're to find pleasure rather thaneternalfrustration.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You've been stamping the ground impatiently You're waiting for the moment to jump into new adventures withrenewedvigorafteryour meditation of the last few months.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

If you find yourself tired and irritable now, Cancer, you should know that this is normal.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

This is going to be a good moment to look elsewhere, Leo.Youshoulddojustasthe artist does when he has worked on a painting for too long, which is take a step back.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

This is the right moment to extricate yourself from relationships that have seen their day, Virgo. This won't beeasy,butyoumust.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Ÿ You took off like a bullet a few days ago, Libra, making great progress in a short amount of time. But now you're grappling with doubts that are undermining allyourenergy

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

There is some likelihood thatthoughtsofyourlovelife will haunt you today, Scorpio Perhaps you're intrigued by the idea of exploring certain realms of yourrelationship.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Today more than ever youwillyearntoescapefrom the daily routine You're thirsty for new sights and sounds,newfacesandplaces.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Finally, you're on the mend, Capricorn. The minor ailments that have been dragging you down lately are beginning to disappear, and you'reabouttoregainallofyour physicalenergy

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

Do you feel a little under the weather, Aquarius? It's possible, considering all the emotional turmoil you've beenthroughlately

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

There is some likelihood that the mood at home is fraught with tension, Pisces. Didyoudaretoexpresssome contrary intellectual opinion?

State College, where he made the All American selection e a c h s e a s o n f o r h i s performances in the midfield. Hewasalsotheteam'scaptain. Though having outstanding performances at College and club levels, Kellman has only made one appearance for the Golden Jaguars (Guyana's National team), dating back to 2017 in Indonesia under Coach WayneDover

Locally, Kellman came through the school's football system with Chase Academy, and also suited up for the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and Western Tigers (Rawle Toney)

Christian Pulisic's...

From page 32 frustrating, until Pulisic appeared out of nowhere to changethenarrative.

He suffered a painful injury on the play, and had to be withdrawn at halftime. But the U.S. no longer needed a goal; it just needed to hang on, and it did. Tim Ream and Cameron Carter Vickers, starting together for the very first time as a center back pairing, were immense. Yunus Musah was active and explosive. Tyler Adams, as always,waseverywhere.

Iran piled on pressure as the game wore on. The USMNT's biggest challenge was that Team Melli was, simply, a very stiff soccer challenge.ButtheU.S.warded it off. It weathered two injuries, to Pulisic and Josh Sargent. McKennie also came off in the second half, and seemed to be nursing his right upper-leg.

But what mattered was the result. It is what they all had worked four years for It's why they journeyed throughout Central America, and sacrificed so much family time,pushedsohard.

It sets up a Saturday date with the Dutch, who'll be favored, but who are beatable. Another win there, at 10 a.m. ET at the Khalifa Stadium, would take theAmericans to a quarterfinal that could feature Argentina,butalsocouldyield a far weaker foe like Poland, DenmarkorAustralia.

So it is time to celebrate, and then to dream. The first of two tournaments within the tournament, as Berhalter has always framed it, has been won.The second, a four-round knockout gauntlet, presents endlesspossibilities.

Curtez Kellman in action for Sporting Kansas City in the MLS Next Pro League.

Esther Marks set new U20 Javelin record; District 10 in control

By Rawle Toney

De f e n d i n g

NationalSchools Championship

overall title holders, Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (District) 10, are off to a flying start in their quest to add this year's trophy to an alreadypackedtrophycase.

After taking the cycling championship and placing secondinswimming,District 10 is keen on repeating as champions in track and field, andsofar,sogood.

According to press time results, District 10 amassed 25points.

District 2 (Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon) and District 6 (Corentyne) were tied on 18 points each, while District 4 (East Coast

Demerara) had 14 points. D i s t r i c t 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), with 10 points, rounded off the top five.

MARKS NEW RECORD

The competition, which started on Sunday, will now turn to track and field, and yesterday, some of the country's budding starts didn't disappoint, turning in some record setting performances.

In the girls U20 Javelin, Esther Marks of District 10 s h a t t e r e d P r u d e n c e Codrington's 2018 record of 35.38m, replacing it with a distanceof39.96m. Sheniah Joseph of District 1 (North West) was second (22 99m), and District 6 Preya Yhap was

third(19.22m).

Sean Hunte of District 15 (New Amsterdam/Canje) won the Boys Javelin (46.31m) ahead of Quincy Sampson of District 2 (44.27m) and District 1's BruceVincent(41.41m).

This year's CARIFTA Games athlete, Keliza Smith, won gold in the Girls U20 Long Jump, leaping a distanceof5.60mforDistrict 3(WestDemerara).

District6(Corentyne)got second through Amrist Hector (5.09m), and Kyla Bamfield from District 11 (North Georgetown) was third(4.49m).

Josiah East George (District 4) won the boy's U12 category of the discus competition with a throw of 21.12m. Michael Mohamed

of West Demerara (19.38m) was second, and Hamilton Fraser (18 56m) from EssequiboCoastwasthird.

Athalia Simmons of Bartica (16.67m) won the girl's equivalent, beating Shelza Boston (Essequibo Coast) into second (16.13m), and Rihanna Duncan of the East Coast Demerara (15.33m)wasthird.

Shariq Allicock handed Upper Dem Kwakwani a win in the boys 13 and under High Jump, scaling the bar at (1 55m) Courtney Haynes of District 6 was second, and theRupununi'sJavanFrancis wasthird.

After several Heats, particularly in the 400m, a heavy downpour brought an endtotheday'sproceedings.

National athlete, Keliza Smith, representing District 3, won the girls U20 Long Jump (Rawle Toney photo)

Ecuador 1-2 Senegal: Koulibaly seals Lions of Teranga's last-16 place

SportsMax Senegal progressed to the World Cup knockout stage at the expense of Ecuador after Kalidou Koulibaly's strike sealed a 2-1 win at the Khalifa International Stadiumyesterday

Aliou Cisse's side went intothegameapointadriftof their opponents, but a deserved victory saw them secure second spot in Group A behind the Netherlands, who beat hosts Qatar in the group'sothergame.

Senegal were brightest from the outset and went ahead in the 44th minute when Watford winger IsmailaSarrcoollyslidhome

Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates.

(REUTERS/Issei Kato)

fromthepenaltyspotafterhe hadbeenfouled.

Moises Caicedo pulled Ecuador level midway through the second half, but Chelsea defender Koulibaly poppedupinthe70thminute to restore Senegal's lead and sendthemintothelast16.

Senegal squandered two glorious chances inside the opening 10 minutes, Idrissa Gueye and Boulaye Dia flashing efforts just wide frominsidethepenaltyarea.

Sarr went close with a whippedeffortfromdistance midway through the first half, before Pathe Ciss loopedaheaderontotheroof of the net Senegal's

dominance was rewarded a minute before the interval whenSarrslottedhomefrom the spot after he had been brought down in the area by PieroHincapie.

Ecuador were much improved after the break and they drew level in the 67th minutewhenCaicedotapped home at the back post after Felix Torres had flicked a corner on Their joy was short lived, however, as K o u l i b a l y b o o k e d Senegal's last 16 spot just three minutes later with a side footed volley from six yards after a free kick had been diverted into his path byanEcuadordefender

Table tennis boost for BV Community as overseas based foundation assist youth group activity

Youths and other villagers alike of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara Community, were given an opportunity to be more gainfully occupied when they were presented with a setoftabletennisequipment.

The equipment was recently donated to members of the Youth Empowerment Police Youth Group by overseas based Guyanese Mr Beveny of the Beveny Foundation.

Before handing over the

equipmenttomembersofthe group, the overseas based Guyanese who has been assisting those at home on regular basis held an interactivesessionwiththose in attendance which comprisedmostlyofyouths.

Amongtheitemsdonated wereanumberoftabletennis Racquets,netsandballs.

After handing over the equipment the donor stated that it is all in keeping with his commitment to help the youths develop their

personalskills.

Beveny also promised to continue to assist as much as he urged the recipients to take good care of the items donated.

The recipients were loud in praised as they thanked Beveny for his love and support.

They spoke how timely and worthy the contributions were and applauded the donorashebroughtsmilesto faces of the children in attendance. (Samuel Whyte)

Some of the participants in attendance receiving Table Tennis Equipment for Mr Beveny

IBA and WBA sign collaboration agreement

Presidents of two boxing organizations, Umar Kremlev from the IBA side and Gilberto Jesús Mendoza from the WBA side, have agreed on future cooperation between the organizations and the development of a roadmap of mutual work across complete interests during their meeting in MexicoCity

The agreement includes c o o p e r a t i o n i n t h e development of amateur athletes and their integration into professional boxing t h r o u g h s p e c i f i c programmes.

The parties aim to create single regulations for amateur and professional boxing including boxers' medical safety and wellbeing management, coaches' d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d accordance with technical andcompetitionrules.

“Within IBA, we are building a Global home of boxing The cooperation between IBA and WBA can provide the future of boxing asasport,ourgoalistobuild the bridge between the two organizations and give more opportunities to all boxers worldwide, ” the IBA Presidentsaid.

“This agreement with IBA is something that will bring many benefits to boxing. I have always had thesloganthatBoxingisOne and being able to bring the most important entity of professionalboxingcloserto the most outstanding of amateur boxing is a huge step towards achieving our goals and integrating this great sport,” Gilberto Jesús Mendoza said during the meeting.

The agreement also foresees the development of

a joint Academy and the integration of WBA/IBA boxers into respective tournaments Both sides agreed to work on possible new competition concepts andjointevents.

Moreover, the strategy will be studied to implement the World Boxing Tour programme, in which the WBAwillprovidesupportto the IBA and which will consist of a series of events that will award points to the fighters for the IBA world ranking.

Police Force embarks on initiative to engage youths, sports teams

As promised by a c t i n g Commissioner ofPoliceMr CliftonHicken, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to forge forward in its efforts to bridge the gap with communities across the country. In trying to achieving the objective the GPF is engaging youths through sports and other community activities in an effort to get them off of Social ills and other illicit activities.

RecentlytheGPFtookits campaigntotheEastBankof Demerara where meetings were held with members of various communities A

quantity of sports gear, including football and cricketgear,weredistributed to about 19 sports teams in theareaincludingthosefrom AgricolatoSoesdyke.

The initiative was spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner 'Operations' (ag.), Ravindradat Budhram, who deputized for Mr. Hicken.

Assisting the police in their efforts were members of the Grove/Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the Corporate Sector

The gear, which included footballs and cricket balls and bats, were handed over to the various teams at a

gathering held at the Golden GroveHousingScheme.

Budhram, in brief remarks,statedthatwhilethe aim of the initiative is to bringthecommunitiescloser with the police, it will also center on keeping the youths activeandhealthy

He said that, "The aim behind the project as well is to ensure we have a healthy lifestyleandwekeepfit.”

Also present were Commander of Regional Division 4'B', East Bank D e m e r a r a , S e n i o r Superintendent Mahendra Singh and other senior officers of the GPF and members of the business sector (Samuel Whyte)

District 10 wins 'Nationals'...

From page 333 U16), Tandeia Noel (800m Girls U14), JeroneGhanie(3000m,1000m,2000mBoys U14), Maliah Dos Santos (1000m Girls U14), Zinedine Dos Santos (2000m Boys Open), Razaiha Robertson (2000m Girls U16)andAnthonyKing(1500mBoysU14).

District 7 also had several second and third-place finishes, but their performance in the Road Race cost them a historic upset at the Schools Championships since, over the years, the cycling spoils, were shared betweenDistrict10andDistrict6.

Having won the cycling championship and placing second in the swimming event,

District 10 will head into theTrack and Field championshipingoodpositiontoretaintheir overalltitleattheevent's60thedition.

District 10 is chasing their 19th overall title, the most than any other of the 15 districts.

Champion Boys and Girls National Schools'CyclingChampionshipFinals2022

Under 14 Boys: Meshack Sutton (District 10), Under-14 Girls: Savannah Hyles (District 10), Under-16 Boys: Rigby Nehum (District 5), Under-16 Girls: Clivena Spencer (District 10), Open Boys: Sherwin Sampson (District 12), Open Girls: Clivecia Spencer(District10).

Members of the Guyana Police Force assisting with the distribution of sports gear.

A quantity of sports gear including cricket and football were handed out to residents.

Umar Kremlev (left) from the IBA and Gilberto Jesús Mendoza from the WBA shake hands after signing the agreement.

Luminous A&M supports MVP Sports Futsal Tournament

- Donates two bikes for MVP & lucky fan

Luminious Automotive andMotorsbecamethelatest entity to support the Petra organised MVP Sports Futsal Tournament with the handing over of two motorbikes, yesterday, at one of the company's locationsonNorthRoad.

CEO of Luminous, Eron Baptiste, stated that his company was very pleased to donate the two bikes toward the tournament. He revealedthattheshipmentof bikesarrivedonMondayand his team has worked audaciously to assemble themtopresentthemtoPetra yesterday

Petra'sCo-Director,Troy Mendonca, said his organisation is very appreciative of the gesture from Luminous A&M, and assured Baptiste that his contribution will go a long way, adding that the Male

MVP and a Lucky Fan will be pleased when the acquire themachines.

Meanwhile, when the tournamentresumeswiththe semifinal stage on Saturday, December 3, the National Gymnasium will see the final four in both the Men's and Women's Divisions collide to decide who enters thefinale.

The female division will kick off proceedings at what is expected to be a minted venue as Fruta Conquerors go head to head with GT Panthers in the first semifinal, while Police tackle Tiger Bay to decide theotherfinalist.

Afterthat,themenspring into action with the first semifinal that features giant killing teams, Stabroek BallersandFutureStars.The winner of this match faces the victor of the Gold is

Money versus Bent Streetencounter

Atstakeforthemen–the Championship prize of $500,000, while the runner up will have to settle for $300,000, third place carts off with $200,000 and the fourth place finisher walks awaywith$100,000.

Additionally, the winner of each of the six groups in the male division will received $50,000 while second place took home $30,000, third pocketed $20,000 and fourth received $10,000.

In the Women's division, the Tournament winner pockets $200,000, second place bags $100,000 while third and fourth incentives amount to $50,000 and $25,000, respectively The Most Valuable Player (MVP)awardwillalsobeup forgrabsinbothdivisions.

Rashford double downs Wales and sends England into last 16

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, (Reuters) - Marcus Rashford's second-half double propelled England to a 3-0 win over neighbours Wales yesterday that sent them into the World Cup last 16 as Group B winners and ended Welsh hopesofreachingtheknockoutstage.

The encounter came to life when Rashford curled home a free kick from the edgeoftheareainthe50thminutebeforePhil Foden arrived unmarked at the far post to sidefoot Harry Kane's cross into the net a

minutelater

Rashfordtheninflictedafinalblowwhen he cut inside and somehow managed to find the net with a shot that went through the legs ofgoalkeeperDannyWardinthe68th.

The win moved England to seven points and set up a tie against Senegal in the next round, whileWales finished bottom with one point as their first World Cup in 64 years ended without a victory and only one goal scoredinthreegames.

Netherlands beat Qatar 2-0 to top World Cup Group A

AL KHOR, Qatar, (Reuters) - Cody Gakpo continued his prolific run with a thirdgoalinasmanygamesandFrenkiede Jong also scored as the Netherlands beat hosts Qatar 2-0 yesterday to finish top of WorldCupGroupA.

Gakpo's powerful 26th-minute strike

and

The Dutch,

came after passes from Memphis Depay

DavyKlaassen,andDeJongwasquickestto reactinthe50thminutewhenDepay'sshotfrom point-blank range was well saved by Qatar goalkeeperMeshaalBarsham.

who finished on seven points, await the outcome of the Group B matches later on yesterday to discover the identity of their last-16opponentsonSaturday

Netherlands' Cody Gakpo scores their first goal.

(REUTERS/Albert Gea)

England's Marcus Rashford scores their third goal.

(REUTERS/Marko Djurica)

Christian Pulisic's heroic goal downs Iran, propels USMNT into Round of 16

D O H A , Q a t a r “Captain America” began his dart away from unbearable pressure into the Promised Land at 10:37 p.m., from out of Iran's view and toward the World Cup knockout rounds. He burst through deafening Iranian noise, away from the specter of elimination and into the penaltybox.Andhere,onthe biggest stage of all, a splitsecond before clattering into a goalkeeper, Christian Pulisicarrived.

He simultaneously shaped his foot and flung his body into harm's way, and scored an elusive goal that gave the U.S. men's national team a 1-0 victory over Iran yesterday

ItclinchedtheUSMNTa Saturday Round of 16 date with the Netherlands, and

ended an agonizing wait. The U.S. had spent over 200 minutes here in Qatar bossing games and rising to occasions. For what seemed like ages, though, since the first half of its opener, it couldn'tfindagoal.

But then Weston McKennie lifted his head, and Sergiño Dest got on his horse. McKennie picked out Dest, and as he did, Pulisic began the killer run, from 30 yards out right through the heart of the Iran defense. Dest headed a floating ball into his path, and Pulisic, with a leap that would cost him his health and the second half of the match, brokethedeadlock.

For Pulisic, it was a moment years and perhaps a lifetime in the making, made in Hershey, Pennsylvania,

and then amid all sorts of stress in Dortmund and London. It was a moment he longed for, especially after the USMNT's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, which brought him to inconsolabletears.

But in the interim, an exuberant team grew around him. Molded by a youth development overhaul, and then by a new head coach, Gregg Berhalter; and fueled byabevyofyoungtalent,the USMNT arrived at this World Cup ready to show that they were a program reborn.

Prior to yesterday, through two matches, they'd been impressive but wasteful. They squandered o p p o r t u n i t y a f t e r opportunity to put Wales away in their opener, and

Gareth Bale made them pay TheyoutplayedEngland,but missed chances and incisive passes in a 0-0 draw “It's hard to come by goals, and that's what we've found,” Berhalteradmitted.

H e a n d p l a y e r s maintained faith that the goals would come, though, in a win-or-go-home versus Iran.For over a half-hour, their story remained the

same. They domineered the ball, and got into semidangerous positions, but couldn'tfindabreakthrough.

Pulisic tried to knife through the middle of a compact Iraniandefense,butcouldn't.

Dest flashed a cross across the face of goal, but nobody attacked it. Weah saw the ball looping into his lap, at the heart of the penalty area, butdidn'trealizehehadtime

tobringitdown.

With every passing m i n u t e , a n d e v e r y crescendoing chant from an overwhelmingly pro-Iranian crowd, tension grew Weah couldn't quite find Pulisic with a cut-back. Dest beat two men, but had his leftfooted shot from the top of theboxblocked.

Itallfelttoofamiliarand

(Continued on page 27)

Christian Pulisic breaks free to score the USMNT's only goal in a 1-0 win over Iran on Tuesday in Qatar. (Photo by Marvin Ibo GuengoerGES Sportfoto/ Getty Images)

- Impressive' Bartica finished second District10wins'Nationals'CyclingC/Chip

By Rawle Toney

D i s t r i c t 1 0 ( U p p e r Demerara/Kwakwani) was able to hold off an impressive District Seven (Cuyuni Mazaruni) contingent to win this year's National Schools Championshipcyclingtitle.

It was a close finish between District 10 and the surprise this year, District 7, but in the end, the Championships' defending overall title holders scored a total of 245 points; just 17 more than the competition from Bartica (228 points).

District 6 (204 points), District 13 (133 points) and District 11 (97 points)roundedoffthetopfive.

Other results: District 4 (81 points), District 5 (75 points), District 12 (70 points), District 3 (52 points), District 15 (50 points), District 14 (39 points), District 2 (27 points), District 8 (15 points), District 1 (0), and District9(0).

Michael Dos Santos, principal of the St. Michael's Private School in Mongrippa Hill, told Kaieteur Sport that most of the athletes from District 7 are members of his institution's cyclingclub.

Headdedthatthe13cyclistsatthe Schools Championships were all using three cycles, which he said cost approximately$1.5Mintotal.

It's an investment Dos Santos said they were happy to make, especially after their eye-catching performance intheNationalParkonMonday

Clivecia Spencer (District 10) and Sherwin Sampson (District 12) ruled the roost in Sunday's Road Race. District 10 had a '1-2' finish after Savannah Hyles tooksecondplace.

B u t i n t h e National Park it was a battle between the c y c l i s t s f r o m Bartica, their three bikes and the rest of thecompetition.

CliveciaSpencer was unstoppable in the Girls Open 3000m, 2000m and 400m Sampson won the Boys Open 2000mand400m.

S h e r w i n S a m p s o n a n d Clivecia Spencer

were named Champion cyclists in the open category.Clivena Spencer, sister of Clivecia Spencer, featured in her first National Schools Championship andhadaperformanceworthyenough of her returning to Linden with the GirlsU16ChampionGirltrophy

Clivena won the girls' 400m and 1000mandwassecondinthe800m.

District 7 had victories from AleciaChan(800m,1500mGirls (Continued on page 30)

National Youth Cyclist Ajani Cutting was also on show, winning the Boys U16 2000m and 3000m races at the National Schools Championship.

Michael Dos Santos and his cyclist Tandeia Noel, after she won the Girls U14 800m race. (Rawle Toney photo)

Michael

District 10's Clivecia Spencer powering home alone in the National Park.

(Rawle Toney Photo)

(Rawle Toney T photo)

Luminous Automotive & Motors' CEO, Eron Baptiste (right), hands over the keys to the bike to Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca.

Upper Demerara's Esther Marks during her record-setting throw in the Girls U20 Javelin competition. (Rawle Toney photo)